KANSAS CITY— A minimum-custody inmate&nbsp; who walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility on Tuesday is in custody.

According to Kansas City Police, "a keen-eyed officer spotted 43-year-old Michael Strode walking near 7th and Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas around 9:30 AM Thursday morning. The officer took him into custody a short time later without incident.

Stroede was serving a 111-month sentence for a 2021 drug conviction in Rice County. Stroede has seven prior convictions dating back to 1999 that include theft, burglary, drug distribution and criminal damage to property.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —Minimum-custody inmate Michael Shane Stroede has been placed on escape status after it was reported at 11:05am that he walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.

Stroede, a 43-year-old white male, was reported missing when the offender could not be located at the minimum-security unit. This walkaway does not impact the security or operations of the medium-maximum secure compound.

Stroede is serving a 111-month sentence for a 2021 drug conviction in Rice County. Stroede has seven prior convictions dating back to 1999 that include theft, burglary, drug distribution and criminal damage to property.

Stroede is 5-feet-10 inches tall, 180 pounds with Hazel eyes and shaved head. He has several tattoos across his upper body and arms.

Anyone with information on Stroede can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 913-727-3235 ext. 58224, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.

The&nbsp;walk-away&nbsp;is currently being investigated.&nbsp; New information will be released as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661890578363.png" alt="Stroede has previous convictions for theft, burglary, drug distribution and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Stroede has previous convictions for theft, burglary, drug distribution and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— A minimum-custody inmate&nbsp; who walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility on Tuesday is in custody.According to Kansas City Police, "a keen-eyed officer spotted 43-year-old Michael Strode walking near 7th and Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas around 9:30 AM Thursday morning. The officer took him into custody a short time later without incident.Stroede was serving a 111-month sentence for a 2021 drug conviction in Rice County. Stroede has seven prior convictions dating back to 1999 that include theft, burglary, drug distribution and criminal damage to property.-----------LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —Minimum-custody inmate Michael Shane Stroede has been placed on escape status after it was reported at 11:05am that he walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.Stroede, a 43-year-old white male, was reported missing when the offender could not be located at the minimum-security unit. This walkaway does not impact the security or operations of the medium-maximum secure compound.Stroede is serving a 111-month sentence for a 2021 drug conviction in Rice County. Stroede has seven prior convictions dating back to 1999 that include theft, burglary, drug distribution and criminal damage to property.Stroede is 5-feet-10 inches tall, 180 pounds with Hazel eyes and shaved head. He has several tattoos across his upper body and arms.Anyone with information on Stroede can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 913-727-3235 ext. 58224, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.The&nbsp;walk-away&nbsp;is currently being investigated.&nbsp; New information will be released as it becomes available.

Police capture inmate who walked away from Kansas prison

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling nearly 200,000 large SUVs in the U.S. because the heating and cooling fan motors can fail and catch fire.

The recall covers Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators from the 2015 through 2017 model years.

The Dearborn, Michigan, company says in government documents that it has reports of 25 fires caused by the motors, which are behind the glove box. Thirteen fires were limited to the blower motor area, while 12 involved extensive damage to the SUVs. Three fires damaged structures and one damaged another vehicle.

One person reported injuries to their hand and fingers, and all fire reports indicated that the vehicles were running at the time of the incident, Ford said in documents posted Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The company says it's not telling people to park the SUVs outdoors. It says some customers have reported inoperative fans, burning smells or smoke coming from the vents while the vehicle is on.

Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly at no cost to owners, who will be notified starting Sept. 12.

It’s the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-3bfc3763e22075a14838050925b11f77">second recent recall</a>&nbsp;for the Expedition and Navigator due to problems that can cause fires.

In July, Ford expanded a May recall to 66,000 of the SUVs from the 2021 model year. The company told owners to park them outdoors due to a series of engine fires that could happen while the ignitions are off. Ford traced the cause to printed circuit boards that are susceptible to an electrical short.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661949343734.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling nearly 200,000 large SUVs in the U.S. because the heating and cooling fan motors can fail and catch fire.The recall covers Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators from the 2015 through 2017 model years.The Dearborn, Michigan, company says in government documents that it has reports of 25 fires caused by the motors, which are behind the glove box. Thirteen fires were limited to the blower motor area, while 12 involved extensive damage to the SUVs. Three fires damaged structures and one damaged another vehicle.One person reported injuries to their hand and fingers, and all fire reports indicated that the vehicles were running at the time of the incident, Ford said in documents posted Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.The company says it's not telling people to park the SUVs outdoors. It says some customers have reported inoperative fans, burning smells or smoke coming from the vents while the vehicle is on.Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly at no cost to owners, who will be notified starting Sept. 12.It’s the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-3bfc3763e22075a14838050925b11f77">second recent recall</a>&nbsp;for the Expedition and Navigator due to problems that can cause fires.In July, Ford expanded a May recall to 66,000 of the SUVs from the 2021 model year. The company told owners to park them outdoors due to a series of engine fires that could happen while the ignitions are off. Ford traced the cause to printed circuit boards that are susceptible to an electrical short.

Ford recalls SUVs; heating and cooling fans can catch fire

CRAWFORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 9p.m. Wednesday in Crawford County have identified the victim as 21-year-old Caden M. Anderson of Pittsburg, Kansas.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2001 Chevy Tahoe driven by Anderson was southbound on S. 200th Street one half mile north of E. 570th Avenue. 

The vehicle left the roadway to the right, struck a culvert and overturned.&nbsp; Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

CRAWFORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 9a.m. Wednesday in Crawford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was southbound on S. 200th Street one half mile north of E. 570th Avenue. 

The vehicle left the roadway to the right, struck a culvert and overturned. The KHP released no additional details early Thursday.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

CRAWFORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 9p.m. Wednesday in Crawford County have identified the victim as 21-year-old Caden M. Anderson of Pittsburg, Kansas.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2001 Chevy Tahoe driven by Anderson was southbound on S. 200th Street one half mile north of E. 570th Avenue. The vehicle left the roadway to the right, struck a culvert and overturned.&nbsp; Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.-------------CRAWFORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 9a.m. Wednesday in Crawford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was southbound on S. 200th Street one half mile north of E. 570th Avenue. The vehicle left the roadway to the right, struck a culvert and overturned. The KHP released no additional details early Thursday.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

KHP IDs Kansas man who died after SUV overturns

RENO COUNTY — The Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Moderna and Pfizer Vaccine was updated on August 31, by the FDA, so that means no boosters can be given to ages 12 or over in Kansas for a little while.

"The CDC has recently approved the administration of a bivalent," said Reno County Health Department Director Karla Nichols. "The new making of this new vaccine is a bivalent, meaning two versions of the vaccine, the original COVID strain and then there's another one for the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants. It's like a two variant strain, so it's going to cover better."

But, until they get the new one in, they aren't allowed to give the old one as boosters, but only as primary and secondary doses to those who have never had the COVID-19 vaccine before.

"The ACIP has not met yet and authorized the same thing that the FDA did," Nichols said. "The ACIP is meeting today for that authorization. For us, in the state of Kansas, KDHE cannot authorize the distribution of that bivalent yet, because the ACIP has not met yet."

Nichols anticipates that they will be able to order the new vaccine and get it shortly after the holiday.

"People that want their booster dose, we're not able to give that to them," Nichols said. "The good thing is, probably around Sept. 12, we should be getting a bivalent that's going to cover better for that booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine."

When the new dose comes in, you will only have had to have the original two doses to get the third one, once it is approved and available.

NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostRENO COUNTY — The Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Moderna and Pfizer Vaccine was updated on August 31, by the FDA, so that means no boosters can be given to ages 12 or over in Kansas for a little while."The CDC has recently approved the administration of a bivalent," said Reno County Health Department Director Karla Nichols. "The new making of this new vaccine is a bivalent, meaning two versions of the vaccine, the original COVID strain and then there's another one for the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants. It's like a two variant strain, so it's going to cover better."But, until they get the new one in, they aren't allowed to give the old one as boosters, but only as primary and secondary doses to those who have never had the COVID-19 vaccine before."The ACIP has not met yet and authorized the same thing that the FDA did," Nichols said. "The ACIP is meeting today for that authorization. For us, in the state of Kansas, KDHE cannot authorize the distribution of that bivalent yet, because the ACIP has not met yet."Nichols anticipates that they will be able to order the new vaccine and get it shortly after the holiday."People that want their booster dose, we're not able to give that to them," Nichols said. "The good thing is, probably around Sept. 12, we should be getting a bivalent that's going to cover better for that booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine."When the new dose comes in, you will only have had to have the original two doses to get the third one, once it is approved and available.

Health Department: No COVID boosters until new vaccine arrives

MANHATTAN–&nbsp;&nbsp;After further investigation into a July 28, robbery on Waterway Place in Manhattan, police have identified and arrested a third suspect.

On Wednesday, police arrested Evan Megaw, 19, of Junction City on requested charges of aggravated robbery after it was reported he and two other suspects robbed a 17-year-old at gunpoint.

Just before 2p.m. July 28, a 17-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman reported a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old robbed the 17-year-old victim at gunpoint of his iPhone then shot at the teen and woman in their car as they followed the suspects driving away from the scene.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.&nbsp;

Terriundis Toliver, 15, and Malachi Fielder, 18, both of Manhattan were previously arrested in July and August, respectively, for their roles in the incident.

Megaw remains confined in the Riley County Jail on a total bond of $85,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659795333710.png" alt="On August 5, police in Wichita arrested suspect Malachi Fielder for the alleged robbery." />
 <figcaption>On August 5, police in Wichita arrested suspect Malachi Fielder for the alleged robbery.</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN–&nbsp;&nbsp;After further investigation into a July 28, robbery on Waterway Place in Manhattan, police have identified and arrested a third suspect.On Wednesday, police arrested Evan Megaw, 19, of Junction City on requested charges of aggravated robbery after it was reported he and two other suspects robbed a 17-year-old at gunpoint.Just before 2p.m. July 28, a 17-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman reported a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old robbed the 17-year-old victim at gunpoint of his iPhone then shot at the teen and woman in their car as they followed the suspects driving away from the scene.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.&nbsp;Terriundis Toliver, 15, and Malachi Fielder, 18, both of Manhattan were previously arrested in July and August, respectively, for their roles in the incident.Megaw remains confined in the Riley County Jail on a total bond of $85,000.

Police arrest 3rd suspect for alleged armed robbery in Manhattan

WASHINGTON (AP) — At first, Republicans were highly critical of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">FBI search of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort</a>, but as new details emerge about the more than 100 classified documents the former president haphazardly stashed at his private club Republicans have grown notably silent.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-05541b18c364a484891f2b3076bf1847?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_1">deepening investigation</a>&nbsp;into Trump's handling of sensitive government information has disclosed damaging and unsettling new details. With every court filing there is new information about the cache of documents the former president took with him from the White House and the potential national security concerns. While the unprecedented search has galvanized many Republicans to Trump's defense, others in the party are unwilling to speak up, often wary of crossing him.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell declined to respond Wednesday when asked about the latest developments in the Justice Department's probe.

"I don't have any observations about that," McConnell told reporters in Kentucky.

The silence speaks volumes for a party whose president won the White House after rousing voters in rally chants of “Lock Her Up!” Trump pilloried Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton for using a personal email account and server during her time as Secretary of State. She quickly complied with investigators and was not charged.

The investigation also is posing a new test of Republican loyalty to Trump from lawmakers who are relying on him for their political livelihoods,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">particularly ahead of the midterm elections</a>.

Battle lines among Republicans infighting over Trump quickly emerged Wednesday after the latest court filing, in which Justice Department said that the FBI's Aug. 8 search had produced more than 100 documents with “classified markings” at Mar-a-Lago — twice as many as Trump's team had turned over earlier this summer.

In Tuesday’s late filing, the Justice Department laid out in stark detail how it had developed evidence “that government records were likely concealed and removed” from a storage room at Trump's Mar-a-Lago.

The filing described the lengthy process of trying to retrieve government documents taken when Trump left the White House in early 2021. The Justice Department explained how Trump's legal team had said documents were only been kept in the storage room, but the search also found documents in the former president's office. It said some of the newly found documents were so sensitive that even Justice Department attorneys and FBI counterintelligence personnel required additional clearances before they could review the material.

The Justice Department said “efforts were likely taken to obstruct the government’s investigation.” It produced a photograph of some of the classified documents found, as evidence. The filing said flatly that the government believes “obstructive conduct” has occurred.

Republican Rep. Liz Cheney —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-presidential-iowa-new-hampshire-donald-trump-2b91dc4aa57c9895ebe6bed2cbdc6f6a">one of the former president's fiercest critics, who recently lost her own primary for reelection</a>&nbsp;— tweeted the photo: “Yet more indefensible conduct by Donald Trump revealed this morning.”

But Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, once a rival to Trump for the White House, has saved his criticizing for federal law enforcement as he defended the former president.

“The FBI’s raid was a horrific ‘abuse of power,’” Cruz tweeted just before the Tuesday filing. He said “there needs to be ‘a complete housecleaning’ at FBI.”

He was among several Republican lawmakers and congressional candidates who were fundraising this week off their complaints about the Justice Department. Cruz's office did not respond to a request for fresh comments Wednesday.

The Texas senator is not alone in turning his criticism away from Trump and onto the federal authorities conducting the investigation and search. The Republican Party that once stood for law and order has been cleaved by Trump's actions, some in the starkest, most alarming tones.

In the immediate aftermath of the search, Republicans largely rallied around Trump and demanded more information from the Justice Department. House and Senate Republicans, and some Democrats, sought hearings and briefings.

But as new information emerges, including the court's release last week of the federal affidavit supporting the search and Tuesday's Justice Department filing, it may make it more difficult for Trump's allies to defend the former president and his team's actions.

Some Republican supporters of Trump focused on the photograph of classified documents included as evidence in the Justice Department filing. Though the documents were shielded, the critics suggested if the information was so secret it should not have been publicly released. “You people are so bad at this,” tweeted Trump ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., directing her criticism as much at Democrats and those sharing the image.

The risks of the heated rhetoric against the nation’s law enforcement have been been clear. A police shooting of a man who tried to breach the FBI’s Cincinnati field office showed the danger. FBI Director Christopher Wray criticized those attacking the agency and urged agents to be cautious in public.

Ahead of the midterm elections, Trump’s ability to dominate the political stage is welcomed by House Republicans who are relying on his presence to bolster voter enthusiasm and turnout as they try to win back majority control. Some have encouraged him to swiftly announce his own campaign to run again for the White House.

Senate Republicans, however, are growing concerned that Trump is stealing the focus away from what they would prefer to be an election referendum on President Joe Biden's performance in the White House.

As Biden steps up his own efforts to help his party retain control of Congress, he is focusing on Trump-styled candidates in the Republican ranks, with a more aggressive tone and an emphasis on the risks to democracy that have become a motivating issue for Democrats.

Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California, a former federal prosecutor, said the latest court filing was “devastating” for Trump.

“What is most striking are the facts outlining how the former president and his team knowingly put our national security at risk,” Schiff wrote on Twitter.

The congressman, who led Trump's first impeachment, urged the Justice Department to continue its probe and “follow the facts.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661941600753.jpeg" alt="This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. (Department of Justice via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. (Department of Justice via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — At first, Republicans were highly critical of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">FBI search of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort</a>, but as new details emerge about the more than 100 classified documents the former president haphazardly stashed at his private club Republicans have grown notably silent.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">These raids and seizures are a fishing expedition and a fascade. The FBI is pretending this is about noncompliance with the Presidential Records Act when we all know it’s about Jan 6. Let’s see the warrant and judge who signed off.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1557138794889068547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-05541b18c364a484891f2b3076bf1847?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_1">deepening investigation</a>&nbsp;into Trump's handling of sensitive government information has disclosed damaging and unsettling new details. With every court filing there is new information about the cache of documents the former president took with him from the White House and the potential national security concerns. While the unprecedented search has galvanized many Republicans to Trump's defense, others in the party are unwilling to speak up, often wary of crossing him.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell declined to respond Wednesday when asked about the latest developments in the Justice Department's probe."I don't have any observations about that," McConnell told reporters in Kentucky.The silence speaks volumes for a party whose president won the White House after rousing voters in rally chants of “Lock Her Up!” Trump pilloried Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton for using a personal email account and server during her time as Secretary of State. She quickly complied with investigators and was not charged.The investigation also is posing a new test of Republican loyalty to Trump from lawmakers who are relying on him for their political livelihoods,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">particularly ahead of the midterm elections</a>.Battle lines among Republicans infighting over Trump quickly emerged Wednesday after the latest court filing, in which Justice Department said that the FBI's Aug. 8 search had produced more than 100 documents with “classified markings” at Mar-a-Lago — twice as many as Trump's team had turned over earlier this summer.In Tuesday’s late filing, the Justice Department laid out in stark detail how it had developed evidence “that government records were likely concealed and removed” from a storage room at Trump's Mar-a-Lago.The filing described the lengthy process of trying to retrieve government documents taken when Trump left the White House in early 2021. The Justice Department explained how Trump's legal team had said documents were only been kept in the storage room, but the search also found documents in the former president's office. It said some of the newly found documents were so sensitive that even Justice Department attorneys and FBI counterintelligence personnel required additional clearances before they could review the material.The Justice Department said “efforts were likely taken to obstruct the government’s investigation.” It produced a photograph of some of the classified documents found, as evidence. The filing said flatly that the government believes “obstructive conduct” has occurred.Republican Rep. Liz Cheney —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-presidential-iowa-new-hampshire-donald-trump-2b91dc4aa57c9895ebe6bed2cbdc6f6a">one of the former president's fiercest critics, who recently lost her own primary for reelection</a>&nbsp;— tweeted the photo: “Yet more indefensible conduct by Donald Trump revealed this morning.”But Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, once a rival to Trump for the White House, has saved his criticizing for federal law enforcement as he defended the former president.“The FBI’s raid was a horrific ‘abuse of power,’” Cruz tweeted just before the Tuesday filing. He said “there needs to be ‘a complete housecleaning’ at FBI.”He was among several Republican lawmakers and congressional candidates who were fundraising this week off their complaints about the Justice Department. Cruz's office did not respond to a request for fresh comments Wednesday.The Texas senator is not alone in turning his criticism away from Trump and onto the federal authorities conducting the investigation and search. The Republican Party that once stood for law and order has been cleaved by Trump's actions, some in the starkest, most alarming tones.In the immediate aftermath of the search, Republicans largely rallied around Trump and demanded more information from the Justice Department. House and Senate Republicans, and some Democrats, sought hearings and briefings.But as new information emerges, including the court's release last week of the federal affidavit supporting the search and Tuesday's Justice Department filing, it may make it more difficult for Trump's allies to defend the former president and his team's actions.Some Republican supporters of Trump focused on the photograph of classified documents included as evidence in the Justice Department filing. Though the documents were shielded, the critics suggested if the information was so secret it should not have been publicly released. “You people are so bad at this,” tweeted Trump ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., directing her criticism as much at Democrats and those sharing the image.The risks of the heated rhetoric against the nation’s law enforcement have been been clear. A police shooting of a man who tried to breach the FBI’s Cincinnati field office showed the danger. FBI Director Christopher Wray criticized those attacking the agency and urged agents to be cautious in public.Ahead of the midterm elections, Trump’s ability to dominate the political stage is welcomed by House Republicans who are relying on his presence to bolster voter enthusiasm and turnout as they try to win back majority control. Some have encouraged him to swiftly announce his own campaign to run again for the White House.Senate Republicans, however, are growing concerned that Trump is stealing the focus away from what they would prefer to be an election referendum on President Joe Biden's performance in the White House.As Biden steps up his own efforts to help his party retain control of Congress, he is focusing on Trump-styled candidates in the Republican ranks, with a more aggressive tone and an emphasis on the risks to democracy that have become a motivating issue for Democrats.Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California, a former federal prosecutor, said the latest court filing was “devastating” for Trump.“What is most striking are the facts outlining how the former president and his team knowingly put our national security at risk,” Schiff wrote on Twitter.The congressman, who led Trump's first impeachment, urged the Justice Department to continue its probe and “follow the facts.”

Republicans notably silent, split as Trump probe deepens

FORT RILEY (AP) —A Kansas school district will pay a former middle school teacher $95,000 to settle a lawsuit she filed after she was disciplined for refusing to use a student's preferred pronouns, her attorneys announced Wednesday.

Pamela Ricard, a former math teacher at Fort Riley Middle School,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-religion-education-lawsuits-kansas-9a6a3353779b49ef2bdb2951685fac33">sued the Geary County School District in March</a>&nbsp;after she was reprimanded and suspended for three days in the spring of 2021. She said the district's policies on preferred pronouns violated her religious beliefs.

Ricard said the district denied her request for a religious exemption to its policy that teachers use students' preferred names and pronouns in school. Teachers also were told to conceal a student's preference by using legal names when addressing parents, if that was the student's wish, according to the lawsuit.

“No school district should ever force teachers to willfully deceive parents or engage in any speech that violates their deeply held religious beliefs,” said Tyson Langhofer, the director of the Alliance Defending Freedom Center for Academic Freedom, which filed the lawsuit along with the Kriegshauser Ney Law Group.

Geary County School District officials declined to comment Wednesday and an attorney for the district did not immediately return messages. The school is in Fort Riley, a U.S. Army base about 130 miles west of Kansas City.

Ricard, who taught at the school since 2005, addressed a student as “miss” to avoid using the student’s preferred first name after Picard was told that the student used he/him pronouns.

Ricard believed addressing the student as “Miss (legal/enrolled last name)” respected the student while also upholding Ricard’s religious convictions, according to the lawsuit.

Ricard believes God assigns gender at birth and any policy requiring her to use language that is different from the student’s biological sex “actively violates Ms. Ricard’s religious beliefs,” the lawsuit says.

Neither the school nor the district had a formal policy on gender pronouns at the time. Ricard was suspended under the district’s bullying and diversity and inclusion policies.

The district’s Board of Education last September approved a policy requiring that students’ preferred names and pronouns be used. At that meeting, the board also voted to deny Ricard’s request for a religious accommodation.

A federal judge in May allowed Ricard's lawsuit to proceed, saying she was likely to prevail on her free exercise of religion claim. The judge granted her motion to halt enforcement of the parental communication part of the policy and allowed her to continue addressing students by their preferred names while avoiding pronouns consistent with their preferences.

After that ruling, the school board voted to revoke the parental communications policy, according to Ricard's attorneys.

The school district did not respond to a question Wednesday about its current policy.

Ricard retired in May, in part because of the dispute and partly to be closer to her family in Oklahoma, where she is now teaching, her attorneys said. As part of the settlement, the district agreed to issue a statement that she was in good standing without any disciplinary actions against her.

FORT RILEY (AP) —A Kansas school district will pay a former middle school teacher $95,000 to settle a lawsuit she filed after she was disciplined for refusing to use a student's preferred pronouns, her attorneys announced Wednesday.Pamela Ricard, a former math teacher at Fort Riley Middle School,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-religion-education-lawsuits-kansas-9a6a3353779b49ef2bdb2951685fac33">sued the Geary County School District in March</a>&nbsp;after she was reprimanded and suspended for three days in the spring of 2021. She said the district's policies on preferred pronouns violated her religious beliefs.Ricard said the district denied her request for a religious exemption to its policy that teachers use students' preferred names and pronouns in school. Teachers also were told to conceal a student's preference by using legal names when addressing parents, if that was the student's wish, according to the lawsuit.“No school district should ever force teachers to willfully deceive parents or engage in any speech that violates their deeply held religious beliefs,” said Tyson Langhofer, the director of the Alliance Defending Freedom Center for Academic Freedom, which filed the lawsuit along with the Kriegshauser Ney Law Group.Geary County School District officials declined to comment Wednesday and an attorney for the district did not immediately return messages. The school is in Fort Riley, a U.S. Army base about 130 miles west of Kansas City.Ricard, who taught at the school since 2005, addressed a student as “miss” to avoid using the student’s preferred first name after Picard was told that the student used he/him pronouns.Ricard believed addressing the student as “Miss (legal/enrolled last name)” respected the student while also upholding Ricard’s religious convictions, according to the lawsuit.Ricard believes God assigns gender at birth and any policy requiring her to use language that is different from the student’s biological sex “actively violates Ms. Ricard’s religious beliefs,” the lawsuit says.Neither the school nor the district had a formal policy on gender pronouns at the time. Ricard was suspended under the district’s bullying and diversity and inclusion policies.The district’s Board of Education last September approved a policy requiring that students’ preferred names and pronouns be used. At that meeting, the board also voted to deny Ricard’s request for a religious accommodation.A federal judge in May allowed Ricard's lawsuit to proceed, saying she was likely to prevail on her free exercise of religion claim. The judge granted her motion to halt enforcement of the parental communication part of the policy and allowed her to continue addressing students by their preferred names while avoiding pronouns consistent with their preferences.After that ruling, the school board voted to revoke the parental communications policy, according to Ricard's attorneys.The school district did not respond to a question Wednesday about its current policy.Ricard retired in May, in part because of the dispute and partly to be closer to her family in Oklahoma, where she is now teaching, her attorneys said. As part of the settlement, the district agreed to issue a statement that she was in good standing without any disciplinary actions against her.

Kansas school district settles lawsuit over student pronouns

NEW YORK (AP) — Bed Bath &amp; Beyond said Wednesday that it will shutter stores and lay off workers in a bid to turn around its beleaguered business.

The home goods retailer based in Union, New Jersey, <a href="https://bedbathandbeyond.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/bed-bath-beyond-inc-announces-strategic-changes-strengthen-its">said it will close</a> about 150 of its namesakes stores and slash its workforce by 20%. It estimated those cuts would save $250 million in the company’s current fiscal year. It also said it is considering selling more of its stock to shore up its finances and had lined up more than $500 million of new financing.

But it will keep its buybuy Baby chain, which earlier this year it considered selling.

Bed Bath &amp; Beyond’s stock fell more than 21% Wednesday and is down 65% in the last 12 months.

Mired in a prolonged sales slump, the company also announced it will revert to its original strategy of focusing on national brands, instead of pushing its own store labels. That reverses a strategy embraced by its former CEO Mark Tritton,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/33fa91f0e8114f4536dd0d1271ae1d2b">who was ousted in June</a>&nbsp;after less than three years at the helm. It said it would get rid of one-third of its store brands, which had started to be rolled out in the last year or so.

“There’s still an incredible degree of love for Bed Bath &amp; Beyond,” Mara Sirhal, the newly named brand president of Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, told industry analysts Wednesday. “We must get back to our rightful place as the home-category destination, and our goal is to achieve this by leading with the products and brands our customers want.”

As of May, the retailer operated a total of 955 stores, including 769 Bed Bath &amp; Beyond stores, 135 buybuy Baby stores and 51 stores under the names Harmon, Harmon Face Values or Face Values. As of February, it had roughly 32,000 employees.

Time is of the essence for the company heading into the critical holiday shopping season. It said it expects a 26% decline in comparable sales for its fiscal second quarter, which ended Saturday. It burned through $325 million of cash in the quarter.

Sirhal said the retailer wants to get back to being a place where shoppers find innovative items. For example, Bed Bath &amp; Beyond was the first to bring items like the air fryer and the single-serve coffee maker to its customers, she said.

Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail, said he applauds the strategic shift. But he said that task is “easier said than done” and will require much closer relationships with suppliers to secure unique offerings.

“If Bed Bath &amp; Beyond simply stocks the same sort of things as can be found at Target, Walmart, or Amazon, then it will struggle to differentiate and will find margins compressed as it needs to match on price, " he said.

Bed Bath &amp; Beyond has been facing lots of turbulence recently. Its shares made a monstrous run from $5.77 to $23.08 in a little more than two weeks in August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3aa4949f4676b8bad8aa68030370cd38">in trading reminiscent of last year’s meme-stock craze</a>, when out-of-favor companies suddenly became darlings of smaller-pocketed investors.

But the shares fell back to earth after a deep-pocketed investor, activist Ryan Cohen, the billionaire co-founder of online pet-products retailer Chewy Inc.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trending-news-21b91766a67e3aa3edb7b3a633c67e35">sold his entire stake i</a>&nbsp;n the company. In March, Cohen had purchased a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-media-4c5b18fbc03f550e892e085ab1255ba3">nearly 10% stake i</a>&nbsp;n Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, giving investors hope he could turn around the company’s finances.

The stock ended Wednesday down $2.58 at $9.53.

The company said that it is still searching for a permanent CEO. Board member Sue Gove took over as interim CEO, replacing Tritton. Chief Operating Office John Hartmann is leaving the company, and it’s eliminating that position.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661994970208.png" alt="The company did not release a list of the stores scheduled to close-Google image" />
 <figcaption>The company did not release a list of the stores scheduled to close-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Bed Bath &amp; Beyond said Wednesday that it will shutter stores and lay off workers in a bid to turn around its beleaguered business.The home goods retailer based in Union, New Jersey, <a href="https://bedbathandbeyond.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/bed-bath-beyond-inc-announces-strategic-changes-strengthen-its">said it will close</a> about 150 of its namesakes stores and slash its workforce by 20%. It estimated those cuts would save $250 million in the company’s current fiscal year. It also said it is considering selling more of its stock to shore up its finances and had lined up more than $500 million of new financing.But it will keep its buybuy Baby chain, which earlier this year it considered selling.Bed Bath &amp; Beyond’s stock fell more than 21% Wednesday and is down 65% in the last 12 months.Mired in a prolonged sales slump, the company also announced it will revert to its original strategy of focusing on national brands, instead of pushing its own store labels. That reverses a strategy embraced by its former CEO Mark Tritton,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/33fa91f0e8114f4536dd0d1271ae1d2b">who was ousted in June</a>&nbsp;after less than three years at the helm. It said it would get rid of one-third of its store brands, which had started to be rolled out in the last year or so.“There’s still an incredible degree of love for Bed Bath &amp; Beyond,” Mara Sirhal, the newly named brand president of Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, told industry analysts Wednesday. “We must get back to our rightful place as the home-category destination, and our goal is to achieve this by leading with the products and brands our customers want.”As of May, the retailer operated a total of 955 stores, including 769 Bed Bath &amp; Beyond stores, 135 buybuy Baby stores and 51 stores under the names Harmon, Harmon Face Values or Face Values. As of February, it had roughly 32,000 employees.Time is of the essence for the company heading into the critical holiday shopping season. It said it expects a 26% decline in comparable sales for its fiscal second quarter, which ended Saturday. It burned through $325 million of cash in the quarter.Sirhal said the retailer wants to get back to being a place where shoppers find innovative items. For example, Bed Bath &amp; Beyond was the first to bring items like the air fryer and the single-serve coffee maker to its customers, she said.Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail, said he applauds the strategic shift. But he said that task is “easier said than done” and will require much closer relationships with suppliers to secure unique offerings.“If Bed Bath &amp; Beyond simply stocks the same sort of things as can be found at Target, Walmart, or Amazon, then it will struggle to differentiate and will find margins compressed as it needs to match on price, " he said.Bed Bath &amp; Beyond has been facing lots of turbulence recently. Its shares made a monstrous run from $5.77 to $23.08 in a little more than two weeks in August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3aa4949f4676b8bad8aa68030370cd38">in trading reminiscent of last year’s meme-stock craze</a>, when out-of-favor companies suddenly became darlings of smaller-pocketed investors.But the shares fell back to earth after a deep-pocketed investor, activist Ryan Cohen, the billionaire co-founder of online pet-products retailer Chewy Inc.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trending-news-21b91766a67e3aa3edb7b3a633c67e35">sold his entire stake i</a>&nbsp;n the company. In March, Cohen had purchased a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-media-4c5b18fbc03f550e892e085ab1255ba3">nearly 10% stake i</a>&nbsp;n Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, giving investors hope he could turn around the company’s finances.The stock ended Wednesday down $2.58 at $9.53.The company said that it is still searching for a permanent CEO. Board member Sue Gove took over as interim CEO, replacing Tritton. Chief Operating Office John Hartmann is leaving the company, and it’s eliminating that position.

Bed Bath & Beyond will close 150 stores, slash workforce

ARGONIA, Kan. — It's not NASA or Space-X, but if you want to see some of the best amateur rocketry in the nation, Argonia is the place to be this Labor Day weekend.

The 28th annual AIRFest will bring flyers from all over the nation to test their rocket-building skills. These are not your typical Estes rockets. Some of these rockets are 15-feet tall or more and fly to 50,000 feet. The Argonia launch facility has been host to LDRS, which is the largest amateur rocket event in the country, and has been featured on the Discovery Channel.

If you are going out, there are a few things you need to know. The launch area is located on 80th Street, about six miles south of Argonia. It is a little remote because of the large rockets launched. The road is a little dirt strip going to the east for about two miles. You’ll want a lawn chair, sunscreen and maybe an umbrella for shade.&nbsp;

There are portable toilets and usually some good food for sale, but you might want to bring your own. There is a convenience store in Argonia where you can get gas, and buy food and drinks.

The flight range opens around 9 a.m. and rockets are flown as long as cloud and wind conditions are favorable, which should be the case this weekend. There is no set schedule, so there will be bursts of activity and then maybe some down time, but usually there is something launching every few minutes. If you have a son or daughter under 18 and they fly smaller model rockets, they are welcome to come down and use the small launch pads and shoot off their rockets too. Launches begin Friday and run through Monday. Argonia is located 50 miles southwest of Wichita.

If you want more information on AIRFest, go to <a href="http://Kloudbusters.org">Kloudbusters.org</a>.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661977539892.jpeg" alt="A high-powered rocket launched during AIRFest in 2015 by Hutch Post's Rod Zook. The rocket hit a respectable 9,000 feet. Photo courtesy of Debbie Zook." />
 <figcaption>A high-powered rocket launched during AIRFest in 2015 by Hutch Post's Rod Zook. The rocket hit a respectable 9,000 feet. Photo courtesy of Debbie Zook.</figcaption>
 </figure>ARGONIA, Kan. — It's not NASA or Space-X, but if you want to see some of the best amateur rocketry in the nation, Argonia is the place to be this Labor Day weekend.The 28th annual AIRFest will bring flyers from all over the nation to test their rocket-building skills. These are not your typical Estes rockets. Some of these rockets are 15-feet tall or more and fly to 50,000 feet. The Argonia launch facility has been host to LDRS, which is the largest amateur rocket event in the country, and has been featured on the Discovery Channel.If you are going out, there are a few things you need to know. The launch area is located on 80th Street, about six miles south of Argonia. It is a little remote because of the large rockets launched. The road is a little dirt strip going to the east for about two miles. You’ll want a lawn chair, sunscreen and maybe an umbrella for shade.&nbsp;There are portable toilets and usually some good food for sale, but you might want to bring your own. There is a convenience store in Argonia where you can get gas, and buy food and drinks.The flight range opens around 9 a.m. and rockets are flown as long as cloud and wind conditions are favorable, which should be the case this weekend. There is no set schedule, so there will be bursts of activity and then maybe some down time, but usually there is something launching every few minutes. If you have a son or daughter under 18 and they fly smaller model rockets, they are welcome to come down and use the small launch pads and shoot off their rockets too. Launches begin Friday and run through Monday. Argonia is located 50 miles southwest of Wichita.If you want more information on AIRFest, go to <a href="http://Kloudbusters.org">Kloudbusters.org</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

AIRFest amateur rocket festival this weekend

The Federal Trade Commission is sending payments totaling more than $1.9 million to 30,172 consumers nationwide who bought Hubble brand contact lenses from Vision Path, Inc. The FTC alleged that the company
 substituted its own brand of lenses for those prescribed by the 
consumers’ eye doctors in violation of the Contact Lens Rule and 
violated the FTC Act by deceiving consumers about whether their doctors 
had approved the substitution, among other things. The average refund 
amount is $63.

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fapp%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%2Fviz%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without"></a>Refund
 checks are being mailed to affected consumers starting today. The 
deadline for cashing the checks is 90 days from the date they are 
issued. Consumers 
who have questions about their refund or who did not get a refund but 
think they may be eligible, should contact the refund administrator, 
Epiq, at 1-855-914-4722. The Commission never requires consumers to pay 
money or provide account information to get a refund.

<a>The FTC’s </a><a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/01/vision-path-inc-online-seller-hubble-lenses-settles-charges-it-violated-contact-lens-rule-ftc-act">January 2022 complaint</a> against Vision Path alleged
 the company violated the Contact Lens Rule in several ways, including 
by failing to obtain prescriptions and to properly verify prescription 
information, and by substituting Hubble lenses for those actually 
prescribed to consumers. The FTC also alleged the company violated the 
FTC Act when it promised consumers it had properly verified their lenses
 with their eye doctors, and when it failed to disclose that many 
reviews of Hubble lenses were written by reviewers who were compensated 
for their reviews, and, in at least one instance, by one of its own 
executives.

&nbsp;The Commission’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTQuNTkzNjY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3B1YmxpYy50YWJsZWF1LmNvbS9wcm9maWxlL2ZlZGVyYWwudHJhZGUuY29tbWlzc2lvbj91dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IyEvdml6aG9tZS9SZWZ1bmRzXzE1Nzk3OTU4NDAyMDIwL1JlZnVuZHNieUNhc2UifQ.HXpVUsDYKKFWNwIvv6u4m3YhvMGo8liqbr6HWCxrQrA%2Fs%2F93858939%2Fbr%2F132927266844-l&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>

&nbsp;provide
 a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, Commission
 actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers across 
the country, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the 
Commission lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief 
in federal court going forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTQuNTkzNjY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZ0Yy5nb3YvbmV3cy1ldmVudHMvcHJlc3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvMjAyMS8wNC9mdGMtYXNrcy1jb25ncmVzcy1wYXNzLWxlZ2lzbGF0aW9uLXJldml2aW5nLWFnZW5jeXMtYXV0aG9yaXR5P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.jgb4HZaiJ6-s-bHpvT-2Aih_KoMN1AQXaL6AigBXQfw%2Fs%2F93858939%2Fbr%2F132927266844-l&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the Commission’s ability to get money back for consumers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe Federal Trade Commission is sending payments totaling more than $1.9 million to 30,172 consumers nationwide who bought Hubble brand contact lenses from Vision Path, Inc. The FTC alleged that the company
 substituted its own brand of lenses for those prescribed by the 
consumers’ eye doctors in violation of the Contact Lens Rule and 
violated the FTC Act by deceiving consumers about whether their doctors 
had approved the substitution, among other things. The average refund 
amount is $63.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fapp%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%2Fviz%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without"></a>Refund
 checks are being mailed to affected consumers starting today. The 
deadline for cashing the checks is 90 days from the date they are 
issued. Consumers 
who have questions about their refund or who did not get a refund but 
think they may be eligible, should contact the refund administrator, 
Epiq, at 1-855-914-4722. The Commission never requires consumers to pay 
money or provide account information to get a refund.<a>The FTC’s </a><a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/01/vision-path-inc-online-seller-hubble-lenses-settles-charges-it-violated-contact-lens-rule-ftc-act">January 2022 complaint</a> against Vision Path alleged
 the company violated the Contact Lens Rule in several ways, including 
by failing to obtain prescriptions and to properly verify prescription 
information, and by substituting Hubble lenses for those actually 
prescribed to consumers. The FTC also alleged the company violated the 
FTC Act when it promised consumers it had properly verified their lenses
 with their eye doctors, and when it failed to disclose that many 
reviews of Hubble lenses were written by reviewers who were compensated 
for their reviews, and, in at least one instance, by one of its own 
executives.&nbsp;The Commission’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTQuNTkzNjY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3B1YmxpYy50YWJsZWF1LmNvbS9wcm9maWxlL2ZlZGVyYWwudHJhZGUuY29tbWlzc2lvbj91dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IyEvdml6aG9tZS9SZWZ1bmRzXzE1Nzk3OTU4NDAyMDIwL1JlZnVuZHNieUNhc2UifQ.HXpVUsDYKKFWNwIvv6u4m3YhvMGo8liqbr6HWCxrQrA%2Fs%2F93858939%2Fbr%2F132927266844-l&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide
 a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, Commission
 actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers across 
the country, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the 
Commission lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief 
in federal court going forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTQuNTkzNjY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZ0Yy5nb3YvbmV3cy1ldmVudHMvcHJlc3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvMjAyMS8wNC9mdGMtYXNrcy1jb25ncmVzcy1wYXNzLWxlZ2lzbGF0aW9uLXJldml2aW5nLWFnZW5jeXMtYXV0aG9yaXR5P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.jgb4HZaiJ6-s-bHpvT-2Aih_KoMN1AQXaL6AigBXQfw%2Fs%2F93858939%2Fbr%2F132927266844-l&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F09%2Fftc-returning-more-19-million-consumers-nationwide-who-purchased-hubble-contact-lenses-without">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the Commission’s ability to get money back for consumers.

FTC sending $1.9 million in refunds to contact lens buyers

STEVENS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect in connection with the alleged theft of 800 pounds of meat in Southwest Kansas.

The incident started in Morton County when a victim filed a police report regarding packages of processed meat being stolen from a meat locker, according to the Hugoton Police Department.

An investigator received information the stolen meat was at a residence in the 900 Block of South Madison in Hugoton.

Deputies search the residence, located the stolen meat, as well as over 100 grams of Methamphetamine, over 10 doses of controlled substances and drug sales paraphernalia.&nbsp;

At the time the search warrant was executed, two adults and one juvenile were at the residence.

Casey Agraz, 38, of Hugoton, is being held on requested charges of Distribute/possess w/ Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia for illegal use. Distribute opiate narcotic certain stimulant; 100 grams &lt; 1 Kilogram Distribute opiate opium narcotic certain stimulant; 10-100 grams Endangering a child; aggravated endangering a child Possession of stolen property. She has a previous drug conviction in 2018 and had been on community corrections since August 2020, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Troy Johnson, 43, of Moscow, Kansas is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Distribute/possess w/ Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia for illegal use. Distribute opiate narcotic certain stimulant; 100 grams -&lt; 1 Kilogram.

The juvenile male was released to a family member. Authorities returned the stolen meat to the owner and continue to investigate the case for additional drug crimes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661869168506.png" alt="Agraz had a previous drug conviction in 2018, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Agraz had a previous drug conviction in 2018, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>STEVENS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect in connection with the alleged theft of 800 pounds of meat in Southwest Kansas.The incident started in Morton County when a victim filed a police report regarding packages of processed meat being stolen from a meat locker, according to the Hugoton Police Department.An investigator received information the stolen meat was at a residence in the 900 Block of South Madison in Hugoton.Deputies search the residence, located the stolen meat, as well as over 100 grams of Methamphetamine, over 10 doses of controlled substances and drug sales paraphernalia.&nbsp;At the time the search warrant was executed, two adults and one juvenile were at the residence.Casey Agraz, 38, of Hugoton, is being held on requested charges of Distribute/possess w/ Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia for illegal use. Distribute opiate narcotic certain stimulant; 100 grams &lt; 1 Kilogram Distribute opiate opium narcotic certain stimulant; 10-100 grams Endangering a child; aggravated endangering a child Possession of stolen property. She has a previous drug conviction in 2018 and had been on community corrections since August 2020, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Troy Johnson, 43, of Moscow, Kansas is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Distribute/possess w/ Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia for illegal use. Distribute opiate narcotic certain stimulant; 100 grams -&lt; 1 Kilogram.The juvenile male was released to a family member. Authorities returned the stolen meat to the owner and continue to investigate the case for additional drug crimes.

Police recover 800 pounds of meat stolen in SW Kansas

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple requested charges after a stand-off in Junction City.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Junction City Police Department and Geary County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance between neighbors on the 800 block of Skyline Drive, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, an individual, later identified as 35-year-old&nbsp;Curtis Manquil McDaniel&nbsp; barricaded himself within his residence and refused lawful orders given by officers on the scene. 

At this point, local S.W.A.T. teams were deployed. Following an almost 5-hour long standoff, McDaniel gave himself up to officers on the scene without further incident. 

There were no injuries resulting from this incident and police took McDaniell was taken into custody in requested charges of&nbsp;of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Felony Interference with LEO, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Criminal Threat, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661903170694.jpeg" alt="Officers on the scene of the standoff -photo Junction City Police" />
 <figcaption>Officers on the scene of the standoff -photo Junction City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple requested charges after a stand-off in Junction City.On Tuesday afternoon, the Junction City Police Department and Geary County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance between neighbors on the 800 block of Skyline Drive, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661955240463.jpeg" alt="McDaniel -photo Geary County" />
 <figcaption>McDaniel -photo Geary County</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon arrival, an individual, later identified as 35-year-old&nbsp;Curtis Manquil McDaniel&nbsp; barricaded himself within his residence and refused lawful orders given by officers on the scene. At this point, local S.W.A.T. teams were deployed. Following an almost 5-hour long standoff, McDaniel gave himself up to officers on the scene without further incident. There were no injuries resulting from this incident and police took McDaniell was taken into custody in requested charges of&nbsp;of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Felony Interference with LEO, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Criminal Threat, according to online jail records.

Kan. man jailed after disturbance between neighbors, standoff

YORK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects after locating more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine and 9 pounds of fentanyl during a traffic stop.

Just after 1p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a Nissan Rogue traveling with a license plate violation on Interstate 80 just before the Utica exit, according to a media release from the Nebraska State Patrol

 During the traffic stop, a Patrol K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance coming from inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle revealed 101 pounds of methamphetamine and 9 pounds of fentanyl. The substances were concealed in bags in the rear of the vehicle.

The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Jhonny Murillo Martinez, 38, of Hyattsville, Maryland, and passengers Tonny Guevara Chacon, 24, of Lorton, Virginia; Rene Rodriguez Morales, 27, of Falls Church, Virginia; and Marta Rodriguez, 38, of Falls Church, Virginia. 

All four were arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. All four were are being held in the York County Jail. Utica is approximately 150 north of Manhattan, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661973739065.jpeg" alt="Photo Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>YORK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects after locating more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine and 9 pounds of fentanyl during a traffic stop.Just after 1p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a Nissan Rogue traveling with a license plate violation on Interstate 80 just before the Utica exit, according to a media release from the Nebraska State Patrol During the traffic stop, a Patrol K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance coming from inside the vehicle.A search of the vehicle revealed 101 pounds of methamphetamine and 9 pounds of fentanyl. The substances were concealed in bags in the rear of the vehicle.The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Jhonny Murillo Martinez, 38, of Hyattsville, Maryland, and passengers Tonny Guevara Chacon, 24, of Lorton, Virginia; Rene Rodriguez Morales, 27, of Falls Church, Virginia; and Marta Rodriguez, 38, of Falls Church, Virginia. All four were arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. All four were are being held in the York County Jail. Utica is approximately 150 north of Manhattan, Kansas.

Troopers seize 9 pounds of fentanyl, 100 pounds of meth

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident that left 34-year-old Corey Addis&nbsp; dead are asking the public to help identify a vehicle.

Just after 8:30 a.m. August 21, police were dispatched to the alley of the 1800 block of South Spruce in Wichita regarding a dead body found, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

At the scene, officers located Addis who was pronounced deceased. The investigation revealed that Addis was possible run over by a vehicle.

Police would also like to speak to the driver of the white vehicle, seen following the red sedan in this video clip. If you have any information regarding the location of these vehicles or their drivers, pleases contact Detective Kempf at 316-250-3687 or rkempf@wichita.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661873417798.png" alt="Image courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident that left 34-year-old Corey Addis&nbsp; dead are asking the public to help identify a vehicle.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F477616234377009%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=2" 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>Just after 8:30 a.m. August 21, police were dispatched to the alley of the 1800 block of South Spruce in Wichita regarding a dead body found, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.At the scene, officers located Addis who was pronounced deceased. The investigation revealed that Addis was possible run over by a vehicle.Police would also like to speak to the driver of the white vehicle, seen following the red sedan in this video clip. If you have any information regarding the location of these vehicles or their drivers, pleases contact Detective Kempf at 316-250-3687 or rkempf@wichita.gov.

🎥 Police release video of vehicle in fatal Kan. hit-and-run

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/fans-of-cameron-the-capitol-cat-plead-for-return-of-beloved-feline/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The “Caper of the Catnapped Capitol Cat” has been solved.

A few hours after “Cameron
 the Capitol Cat,” a feline fixture at the Nebraska State Capitol, was 
reported missing Wednesday morning, he was found to have been turned in 
at the Capital Humane Society in Lincoln.

Matt Madcharo, executive director of the humane society, said that 
Cameron had been left in an overnight drop-off kennel at the society’s 
Admission and Assessments Center in southwest Lincoln sometime late 
Tuesday or early Wednesday. Whoever dropped him off did not fill out a 
form to indicate where the animal had been found, he said.

“Most likely, someone thought it was a
 loose cat and left it here,” Madchero said. More than 1,000 stray cats 
so far this year have been left at the Lincoln shelter. 

But Cameron has an owner and is quite a celebrity at the State Capitol.

He has his own <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069763209513">Facebook page</a>, Twitter account and fan club, and regularly comments about daily events.

He was&nbsp;reportedly taken away in a 
carrier Tuesday night by two women in their 20s who had picked him up 
from his normal perch, near the south entrance to the State Capitol.

Cameron regularly perches at the 
south entrance, greeting Capitol workers as they arrive in the morning 
and leave at night. He’s a friendly cat, who is often rewarded with treats.&nbsp;

A post Wednesday on Cameron’s 
Facebook page said he is microchipped and has a guardian who adopted him
 from the Capital Humane Society about seven years ago, when he was 
about four months old.

“Cameron has enjoyed spending a lot of time at the Capitol meeting and greeting his friends and fans,” the post stated.

A spokesman with the Nebraska State Patrol confirmed Wednesday that 
Capitol Security had been contacted this morning by Cameron’s owner, who
 confirmed that the cat was missing.

Madcharo said that city ordinance do not allow cats to roam free 
unless they’re wearing a collar and their license, are spayed or 
neutered and are up to date on vaccinations. Cameron is not wearing a 
collar in pictures on his Facebook page.

Any sanctions against Cameron or his owner would be up to Lincoln’s animal control office, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661971219808.png" alt="Cameron the Cat, a fixture at the Nebraska State Capitol, was reported stolen on Tuesday night. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Cameron the Cat, a fixture at the Nebraska State Capitol, was reported stolen on Tuesday night. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/fans-of-cameron-the-capitol-cat-plead-for-return-of-beloved-feline/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The “Caper of the Catnapped Capitol Cat” has been solved.A few hours after “Cameron
 the Capitol Cat,” a feline fixture at the Nebraska State Capitol, was 
reported missing Wednesday morning, he was found to have been turned in 
at the Capital Humane Society in Lincoln.Matt Madcharo, executive director of the humane society, said that 
Cameron had been left in an overnight drop-off kennel at the society’s 
Admission and Assessments Center in southwest Lincoln sometime late 
Tuesday or early Wednesday. Whoever dropped him off did not fill out a 
form to indicate where the animal had been found, he said.“Most likely, someone thought it was a
 loose cat and left it here,” Madchero said. More than 1,000 stray cats 
so far this year have been left at the Lincoln shelter. But Cameron has an owner and is quite a celebrity at the State Capitol.He has his own <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069763209513">Facebook page</a>, Twitter account and fan club, and regularly comments about daily events.He was&nbsp;reportedly taken away in a 
carrier Tuesday night by two women in their 20s who had picked him up 
from his normal perch, near the south entrance to the State Capitol.<h2>Cat greets workers</h2>Cameron regularly perches at the 
south entrance, greeting Capitol workers as they arrive in the morning 
and leave at night. He’s a friendly cat, who is often rewarded with treats.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661971254276.jpeg" alt="Cameron the Capitol Cat (Social media photo)" />
 <figcaption>Cameron the Capitol Cat (Social media photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>A post Wednesday on Cameron’s 
Facebook page said he is microchipped and has a guardian who adopted him
 from the Capital Humane Society about seven years ago, when he was 
about four months old.“Cameron has enjoyed spending a lot of time at the Capitol meeting and greeting his friends and fans,” the post stated.A spokesman with the Nebraska State Patrol confirmed Wednesday that 
Capitol Security had been contacted this morning by Cameron’s owner, who
 confirmed that the cat was missing.<h2>Lincoln police investigated</h2>Cameron might be in a bit of trouble.Madcharo said that city ordinance do not allow cats to roam free 
unless they’re wearing a collar and their license, are spayed or 
neutered and are up to date on vaccinations. Cameron is not wearing a 
collar in pictures on his Facebook page.Any sanctions against Cameron or his owner would be up to Lincoln’s animal control office, he said.

UPDATE: Caper of catnapped ‘Capitol Cat’ solved

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/31/kansas-republican-jake-laturner-defends-40b-aid-package-for-ukraine/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner credits Russian President Vladimir 
Putin with accomplishing something nobody thought was possible.

“He brought the United States Congress together in a bipartisan way,”
 LaTurner said Tuesday during a panel discussion in Wichita organized by
 the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.

The discussion was part of a summit featuring policymakers and 
community leaders in three states talking about the role of “America’s 
heartland” in economic prosperity and national security. Panel 
discussions were held in Minnetonka, Minnesota, in West Lafayette, 
Indiana, and at Cargill headquarters in Wichita.

LaTurner, a Kansas Republican, joined retired Air Force Gen. Victor 
Renuart at the Wichita panel, where they defended U.S. investments in 
diplomacy and humanitarian aid around the world.

That includes a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine, which Congress passed in May by <a target="_blank" href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2022145">a 368-57 vote</a>.
 LaTurner was the lone Republican in the Kansas delegation to vote in 
favor of the package. Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids also supported the 
package, while Republican Reps. Ron Estes and Tracey Mann voted against 
it.

The aid was a response to Russia’s unprovoked invasion in March. On 
Tuesday, LaTurner said the war had affected global markets, jeopardizing
 the livelihoods of Kansas agriculture producers whose annual exports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usglc.org/media/states/Kansas.pdf">bring $5.7 billion to the state’s economy</a>.

“It is without question in our national security interest to make sure that we are successful in Ukraine,” LaTurner said.

Renuart, who oversaw the planning of allied combat, humanitarian and 
reconstruction efforts in Iraq, said the invasion of Ukraine presented 
an opportunity for the U.S. to lead again on a global stage, and 
solidified relationships with NATO members. America’s friends and allies
 are “playing a more active role” now, the general said.

Investments in diplomacy and humanitarian aid, Renuart said, can help the U.S. avoid direct military combat.

“We’ve got to really be much more forward-leaning in our noncombat 
investments, our international aid and development, to preclude the cost
 of human treasure in the future,” Renuart said.

Tuesday’s summit began with opening remarks from former U.S. Rep. Dan
 Glickman, a Kansas Democrat who also served as agriculture secretary 
under President Bill Clinton, about the importance of a strong America.

“We are clearly at a crossroads,” Glickman said. “We all need to work
 together to make good things happen. These are not Democrat or 
Republican issues.”

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly announced a proclamation declaring August to be “U.S. Heartland Global Leadership Month.”

State Sen. Brenda Dietrich, a Topeka Republican, introduced the panel.

“There’s no question that the world that we live in today is more 
complex, more interconnected, and more challenging than any time in 
recent history,” Dietrich said. “And you’ve heard, there’s no shortage 
of threats — from Russia to China to Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa. 
But there’s also an important economic link to consider.”

LaTurner said the money the U.S. spends on diplomacy and humanitarian
 aid around the world is a worthwhile investment that amounts to just 1%
 of the U.S. budget.

In exchange for the investment, LaTurner said, the U.S. expects countries to reform and hold free and fair elections.

“It is a lot cheaper than war,” LaTurner said. “And so I think it is 
important that we continue to do this. It’s important that we remain the
 global superpower.”

LaTurner said it is also important to create new markets for U.S. 
exports, especially since China is aggressively working to expand 
markets. He said he believes in free and fair trade, and that this 
should be a bipartisan issue.

“I think it’s really critical that at least on a couple of issues, we
 can put down our pitchforks and work together,” LaTurner said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661960824613.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner participates in a panel discussion Tuesday in Wichita as part of a summit organized by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from USGLC video)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner participates in a panel discussion Tuesday in Wichita as part of a summit organized by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from USGLC video)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/31/kansas-republican-jake-laturner-defends-40b-aid-package-for-ukraine/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner credits Russian President Vladimir 
Putin with accomplishing something nobody thought was possible.“He brought the United States Congress together in a bipartisan way,”
 LaTurner said Tuesday during a panel discussion in Wichita organized by
 the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.The discussion was part of a summit featuring policymakers and 
community leaders in three states talking about the role of “America’s 
heartland” in economic prosperity and national security. Panel 
discussions were held in Minnetonka, Minnesota, in West Lafayette, 
Indiana, and at Cargill headquarters in Wichita.LaTurner, a Kansas Republican, joined retired Air Force Gen. Victor 
Renuart at the Wichita panel, where they defended U.S. investments in 
diplomacy and humanitarian aid around the world.That includes a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine, which Congress passed in May by <a target="_blank" href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2022145">a 368-57 vote</a>.
 LaTurner was the lone Republican in the Kansas delegation to vote in 
favor of the package. Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids also supported the 
package, while Republican Reps. Ron Estes and Tracey Mann voted against 
it.The aid was a response to Russia’s unprovoked invasion in March. On 
Tuesday, LaTurner said the war had affected global markets, jeopardizing
 the livelihoods of Kansas agriculture producers whose annual exports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usglc.org/media/states/Kansas.pdf">bring $5.7 billion to the state’s economy</a>.“It is without question in our national security interest to make sure that we are successful in Ukraine,” LaTurner said.Renuart, who oversaw the planning of allied combat, humanitarian and 
reconstruction efforts in Iraq, said the invasion of Ukraine presented 
an opportunity for the U.S. to lead again on a global stage, and 
solidified relationships with NATO members. America’s friends and allies
 are “playing a more active role” now, the general said.Investments in diplomacy and humanitarian aid, Renuart said, can help the U.S. avoid direct military combat.“We’ve got to really be much more forward-leaning in our noncombat 
investments, our international aid and development, to preclude the cost
 of human treasure in the future,” Renuart said.Tuesday’s summit began with opening remarks from former U.S. Rep. Dan
 Glickman, a Kansas Democrat who also served as agriculture secretary 
under President Bill Clinton, about the importance of a strong America.“We are clearly at a crossroads,” Glickman said. “We all need to work
 together to make good things happen. These are not Democrat or 
Republican issues.”Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly announced a proclamation declaring August to be “U.S. Heartland Global Leadership Month.”State Sen. Brenda Dietrich, a Topeka Republican, introduced the panel.“There’s no question that the world that we live in today is more 
complex, more interconnected, and more challenging than any time in 
recent history,” Dietrich said. “And you’ve heard, there’s no shortage 
of threats — from Russia to China to Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa. 
But there’s also an important economic link to consider.”LaTurner said the money the U.S. spends on diplomacy and humanitarian
 aid around the world is a worthwhile investment that amounts to just 1%
 of the U.S. budget.In exchange for the investment, LaTurner said, the U.S. expects countries to reform and hold free and fair elections.“It is a lot cheaper than war,” LaTurner said. “And so I think it is 
important that we continue to do this. It’s important that we remain the
 global superpower.”LaTurner said it is also important to create new markets for U.S. 
exports, especially since China is aggressively working to expand 
markets. He said he believes in free and fair trade, and that this 
should be a bipartisan issue.“I think it’s really critical that at least on a couple of issues, we
 can put down our pitchforks and work together,” LaTurner said.

Kansas rep LaTurner defends $40B aid package for Ukraine

SUMNER COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal Kansas crash that occurred just before 5p.m. Tuesday have identified the victim as 61-year-old Carl David Oldridge, 61 of Enid Oklahoma.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp;Oldridge was southbound in the 1200 Block of South Caldwell Road.&nbsp;

The truck tractor left the roadway and entered the west ditch. Once the trailer entered the ditch, the vehicle rolled and came to rest after striking a utility pole.

Oldridge was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Schaefer Mortuary. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SUMNER COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Sumner County.

The agency reported a semi was southbound in 1200 block of South Caldwell Road. The truck tractor left the roadway and entered the west ditch.

Once the trailer entered the ditch, the vehicle rolled and came to rest after striking a utility pole.

The KHP released no additional details early Tuesday.

SUMNER COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal Kansas crash that occurred just before 5p.m. Tuesday have identified the victim as 61-year-old Carl David Oldridge, 61 of Enid Oklahoma.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp;Oldridge was southbound in the 1200 Block of South Caldwell Road.&nbsp;The truck tractor left the roadway and entered the west ditch. Once the trailer entered the ditch, the vehicle rolled and came to rest after striking a utility pole.Oldridge was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Schaefer Mortuary. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.--------SUMNER COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Sumner County.The agency reported a semi was southbound in 1200 block of South Caldwell Road. The truck tractor left the roadway and entered the west ditch.Once the trailer entered the ditch, the vehicle rolled and came to rest after striking a utility pole.The KHP released no additional details early Tuesday.