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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anonymous donor will pay for new city pool in Pratt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How the climate deal would help farmers aid the environment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KDHE: Reported COVID case numbers down over the past week

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

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

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

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

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

Man jailed for alleged arson in Kan. wanted permanent address

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

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

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

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

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

Police: Kansas man was allegedly selling cocaine near school

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

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

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

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

Coleman received only 321 votes, or 13.1%, while Oropeza won with 1,203 votes, 49.2%, and Faith Rivera received 923 votes, or 37.7% of the vote.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Coleman congratulated Oropeza and thanked his supporters. “I hope this decision is the best for everyone,” he wrote. Coleman did not respond to messages Wednesday seeking further comment.

Samsel, an attorney, was placed on a year of probation after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-media-social-media-kansas-topeka-3c076c31d41d2849b151d27c41775251">he pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in September to three misdemeanor charges of battery after he was accused of angry interactions with two students, ages 15 or 16, while he was working as a substitute teacher at the high school in his hometown of Wellsville.

Barth received 2,769 votes, or 63.4%, to Samsel's 1,599, or 36.6%. Samsel did not return a message Wednesday seeking comment.

Videos shot by students on April 28 and provided by a parent showed Samsel talking about suicide, God and sex in a noisy classroom. He was accused of kicking a boy in the testicles. Samsel said he only “demonstrated a kick” for one boy who had disrupted class but did not kick him, according to a deputy's affidavit.

Samsel said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-stress-4aa77a2a880b0a3b9837e80dd3f3b7d9">in a Facebook post</a>&nbsp;that he was under extreme stress at the time, which caused him to have “an isolated episode of mania with psychotic features” in a classroom. He said he was undergoing mental health treatment and surrendered his state substitute teacher’s license.

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

2 Kansas state lawmakers who faced legal issues ousted

BARTON COUNTY, Missouri —A Kansas teen died in an accident just before 3:30a.m. Wednesday in Barton County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Subaru Outback driven by Austin P. Vander-Meer, 24, Pittsburg, Kansas, was eastbound on SW 6th Road five miles south of Mindenmines, Missouri.

The SUV traveled off the road, struck a tree and overturned

A&nbsp; passenger 19-year-old Tristan R. Davis of Mulberry, Kansas, was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Chappel Funeral Home in Webb City.

Vander-Meer was airlifted to Freeman West in Joplin.&nbsp; EMS transported a second passenger 21-year-old Kameron J. Reece to Via Christi

BARTON COUNTY, Missouri —A Kansas teen died in an accident just before 3:30a.m. Wednesday in Barton County, Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Subaru Outback driven by Austin P. Vander-Meer, 24, Pittsburg, Kansas, was eastbound on SW 6th Road five miles south of Mindenmines, Missouri.The SUV traveled off the road, struck a tree and overturnedA&nbsp; passenger 19-year-old Tristan R. Davis of Mulberry, Kansas, was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Chappel Funeral Home in Webb City.Vander-Meer was airlifted to Freeman West in Joplin.&nbsp; EMS transported a second passenger 21-year-old Kameron J. Reece to Via Christi

Kansas teen dead, 2 hospitalized after SUV strikes a tree

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman arrested July 30 in connection with the death of a 1-year-old boy made her first court appearance Tuesday.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069445">Xjohnna Hannah,</a>&nbsp;25,&nbsp;Wichita, was charged with one count of 1st degree murder, abuse of a child and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On July 30, police responded to a child abuse report at a Wichita area hospital, according to Officer Chad Ditch.&nbsp;

When officers arrived at the hospital, they were told a family member and guardian of 1-year-old Lasiah Williams brought him to the hospital unresponsive. Doctors pronounced the boy deceased.

Investigators learned Lasisah had been with his Father 25-year-old Kentrell Willingham and girlfriend <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069445">Xjohnna Hannah,</a> for a few days. A family member of the child met Kentrell, Thursday in the 1600 hundred block of South Oliver to exchange custody.

The family member left with Lasiah and a short time later would realize the child was unresponsive. The family member and Lasiah’s legal guardian immediately drove to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. 

Police arrested Willingham and his girlfriend <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069445">&nbsp;Hannah,</a> both of Wichita. Willingham has bonded out of jail and will appear in court August 15, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;

Hannah remains jailed on a $250,000 bond and will return to court August 15. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659122621318.png" alt="Willingham-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Willingham-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman arrested July 30 in connection with the death of a 1-year-old boy made her first court appearance Tuesday.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069445">Xjohnna Hannah,</a>&nbsp;25,&nbsp;Wichita, was charged with one count of 1st degree murder, abuse of a child and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On July 30, police responded to a child abuse report at a Wichita area hospital, according to Officer Chad Ditch.&nbsp;When officers arrived at the hospital, they were told a family member and guardian of 1-year-old Lasiah Williams brought him to the hospital unresponsive. Doctors pronounced the boy deceased.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659123012533.png" alt="Hannah photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Hannah photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators learned Lasisah had been with his Father 25-year-old Kentrell Willingham and girlfriend <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069445">Xjohnna Hannah,</a> for a few days. A family member of the child met Kentrell, Thursday in the 1600 hundred block of South Oliver to exchange custody. The family member left with Lasiah and a short time later would realize the child was unresponsive. The family member and Lasiah’s legal guardian immediately drove to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Police arrested Willingham and his girlfriend <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069445">&nbsp;Hannah,</a> both of Wichita. Willingham has bonded out of jail and will appear in court August 15, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;Hannah remains jailed on a $250,000 bond and will return to court August 15. &nbsp;

Kan. woman charged in the death of boyfriend's 1-year-old son

SHANNON COUNTY —Authorities recovered the body of a Kansas man who drowned Tuesday in Shannon County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 48-year-old Dee A. Hodges of Wichita went missing while floating on the Current River at Cave Spring.

Authorities located his body just before noon. The Shannon County Coroner pronounced him dead at the scene. The river is approximately 5 hours southeast of Kansas City.

SHANNON COUNTY —Authorities recovered the body of a Kansas man who drowned Tuesday in Shannon County, Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 48-year-old Dee A. Hodges of Wichita went missing while floating on the Current River at Cave Spring.Authorities located his body just before noon. The Shannon County Coroner pronounced him dead at the scene. The river is approximately 5 hours southeast of Kansas City.

Patrol IDs Kansas man who drowned on river trip in Missouri

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —A pursuit that began in Salina early Wednesday ended with stop spikes in Ellsworth County.

Just after 2a.m., an Audi 7 driven by Kaleb Beaugh, 29, of rural Saline County, was northbound on N. College Avenue when he failed to signal a turn west onto W. Ash Street, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.

An officer followed the car, and once it turned south onto N. Broadway Boulevard, another officer attempted to stop the car, but Beaugh took off west on State Street to Kansas Highway 140, then north on N. Halstead Road, and west on State Street.

The car reached speeds of more than 100 mph on K-140, and the officers terminated their pursuit in the 3900 block of State Street because of the excessive speed, according to Forrester.

A short time later, a deputy spotted the car and attempted to stop it in the 8800 block of W. Crawford Street, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan. The Audi took off again, sometimes reaching speeds of up to 130 mph on K-140.

The Audi was finally stopped when stop spikes were deployed on K-140 inside Ellsworth County. Deputies arrested Beaugh and booked him on requested charges of possession of cocaine, meth and marijuana. He also booked on requested charges of possession of a firearm while under the influence, flee and elude, driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and driving while a habitual violator.&nbsp;

Beaugh has previous convictions for theft, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement,  fleeing law enforcement, reckless driving and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He had been out of prison since June of 2019.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650721136802.jpeg" alt="Kaleb Beaugh has previous convictions for theft, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement,&nbsp; fleeing law enforcement, reckless driving and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp;PhotoSaline County&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kaleb Beaugh has previous convictions for theft, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement,&nbsp; fleeing law enforcement, reckless driving and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp;PhotoSaline County&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —A pursuit that began in Salina early Wednesday ended with stop spikes in Ellsworth County.Just after 2a.m., an Audi 7 driven by Kaleb Beaugh, 29, of rural Saline County, was northbound on N. College Avenue when he failed to signal a turn west onto W. Ash Street, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.An officer followed the car, and once it turned south onto N. Broadway Boulevard, another officer attempted to stop the car, but Beaugh took off west on State Street to Kansas Highway 140, then north on N. Halstead Road, and west on State Street.The car reached speeds of more than 100 mph on K-140, and the officers terminated their pursuit in the 3900 block of State Street because of the excessive speed, according to Forrester.A short time later, a deputy spotted the car and attempted to stop it in the 8800 block of W. Crawford Street, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan. The Audi took off again, sometimes reaching speeds of up to 130 mph on K-140.The Audi was finally stopped when stop spikes were deployed on K-140 inside Ellsworth County. Deputies arrested Beaugh and booked him on requested charges of possession of cocaine, meth and marijuana. He also booked on requested charges of possession of a firearm while under the influence, flee and elude, driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and driving while a habitual violator.&nbsp;Beaugh has previous convictions for theft, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement, fleeing law enforcement, reckless driving and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He had been out of prison since June of 2019.

Kan. felon transporting drugs caught after 130mph chase

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-offers-free-drawings-for-special-hunts-in-restricted-areas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Former U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp is behind the false text message about the constitutional amendment that enraged Democrats on Monday,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/08/02/kansas-abortion-texts/">the Washington Post reports</a>.

The newspaper traced the unsolicited text messages to a political tech firm called Alliance Forge and identified Huelskamp’s Do Right PAC as the client behind the campaign.

Huelskamp, a Republican who represented the state in Congress from 2011 to 2017, didn’t immediately respond to a phone call and voice message from Kansas Reflector seeking comment for this story.

State officials said the use of voter registration data to deliberately mislead voters doesn’t violate state law because lying is allowed in election advertisements, and unsolicited text messages about ballot questions don’t require senders to reveal their identities.

Twilio, the company whose services were used to send the message, says its fraud team was investigating and taking “appropriate actions” to stop the spread of misinformation.

Democrats were infuriated by the text message they received Monday, which inaccurately said that “voting YES on the amendment will give women a choice.” A yes vote would actually end the right to terminate a pregnancy in Kansas and give the Legislature the authority to pass a total ban on abortion. A no vote would preserve the status quo, in which abortion is heavily regulated and legal through 22 weeks of gestation.

“This is as dirty as you can get,” said Davis Hammet, a voting rights advocate, in a tweet. “The anti-abortion coalition is sending out a last minute mass text to Kansas pro-choice voters blatantly lying about the abortion amendment so they vote the wrong way.”

Bryan Caskey, the state elections director, says the Secretary of State’s Office has fielded dozens of complaints about the text message but that the office doesn’t have the authority under Kansas law to investigate the matter.

Political operatives can purchase the voter registration file from the secretary of state’s office, a public record that includes names, party affiliation and contact information for voters. They can separately purchase a daily update of individuals who have cast advanced ballots.

State law prohibits the use of this information for commercial purposes, but campaigns can use it to encourage select voters to go to the polls.

“The use of voter registration data for this type of communication is not something that we believe violates the law,” Caskey said.

The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission, in a statement responding to complaints about the text, said state law doesn’t require text messages to say who paid for them if the messages are about a ballot question. Additionally, state law specifically allows misleading advertising for elections, the ethics commission said.

In a series of Twitter statements responding to complaints about the false information on the abortion amendment, Twilio said it is “working diligently to ensure this is handled correctly.”

“Spreading misinformation is a direct violation of our Terms of Service so although we don’t have an update to share, we assure you that we take misinformation very seriously,” the company said.

According to the Washington Post, Twilio confirmed the numbers used to send the text messages were leased to Nevada-based Alliance Forge. The CEO for Alliance Forge said the company was notified Monday night of a “possible content violation” and began working with Twilio to identify the source of the text messages. The CEO said the company “did not consult on this message’s messaging strategy or content,” the Washington Post reported.

<a target="_blank" href="https://kssos.org/utilities/cmPdfViewer.aspx?SN=B22207AAAE6.tiff">Campaign finance reports</a>&nbsp;show Huelskamp’s PAC has spent more than $200,000 in support of the amendment, including $26,000 on services from Alliance Forge between June 29 and July 11.

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/P8021095-1024x576.jpg" alt="Democrats in Kansas received this unsolicited text message on Monday, which falsely claims that a “yes” vote protects reproductive rights. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democrats in Kansas received this unsolicited text message on Monday, which falsely claims that a “yes” vote protects reproductive rights. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-offers-free-drawings-for-special-hunts-in-restricted-areas/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Former U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp is behind the false text message about the constitutional amendment that enraged Democrats on Monday,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/08/02/kansas-abortion-texts/">the Washington Post reports</a>.The newspaper traced the unsolicited text messages to a political tech firm called Alliance Forge and identified Huelskamp’s Do Right PAC as the client behind the campaign.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659476569320.png" alt="Former Rep. Tim Huelskamp -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former Rep. Tim Huelskamp -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Huelskamp, a Republican who represented the state in Congress from 2011 to 2017, didn’t immediately respond to a phone call and voice message from Kansas Reflector seeking comment for this story.State officials said the use of voter registration data to deliberately mislead voters doesn’t violate state law because lying is allowed in election advertisements, and unsolicited text messages about ballot questions don’t require senders to reveal their identities.Twilio, the company whose services were used to send the message, says its fraud team was investigating and taking “appropriate actions” to stop the spread of misinformation.Democrats were infuriated by the text message they received Monday, which inaccurately said that “voting YES on the amendment will give women a choice.” A yes vote would actually end the right to terminate a pregnancy in Kansas and give the Legislature the authority to pass a total ban on abortion. A no vote would preserve the status quo, in which abortion is heavily regulated and legal through 22 weeks of gestation.“This is as dirty as you can get,” said Davis Hammet, a voting rights advocate, in a tweet. “The anti-abortion coalition is sending out a last minute mass text to Kansas pro-choice voters blatantly lying about the abortion amendment so they vote the wrong way.”Bryan Caskey, the state elections director, says the Secretary of State’s Office has fielded dozens of complaints about the text message but that the office doesn’t have the authority under Kansas law to investigate the matter.Political operatives can purchase the voter registration file from the secretary of state’s office, a public record that includes names, party affiliation and contact information for voters. They can separately purchase a daily update of individuals who have cast advanced ballots.State law prohibits the use of this information for commercial purposes, but campaigns can use it to encourage select voters to go to the polls.“The use of voter registration data for this type of communication is not something that we believe violates the law,” Caskey said.The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission, in a statement responding to complaints about the text, said state law doesn’t require text messages to say who paid for them if the messages are about a ballot question. Additionally, state law specifically allows misleading advertising for elections, the ethics commission said.In a series of Twitter statements responding to complaints about the false information on the abortion amendment, Twilio said it is “working diligently to ensure this is handled correctly.”“Spreading misinformation is a direct violation of our Terms of Service so although we don’t have an update to share, we assure you that we take misinformation very seriously,” the company said.According to the Washington Post, Twilio confirmed the numbers used to send the text messages were leased to Nevada-based Alliance Forge. The CEO for Alliance Forge said the company was notified Monday night of a “possible content violation” and began working with Twilio to identify the source of the text messages. The CEO said the company “did not consult on this message’s messaging strategy or content,” the Washington Post reported.<a target="_blank" href="https://kssos.org/utilities/cmPdfViewer.aspx?SN=B22207AAAE6.tiff">Campaign finance reports</a>&nbsp;show Huelskamp’s PAC has spent more than $200,000 in support of the amendment, including $26,000 on services from Alliance Forge between June 29 and July 11.

Former congressman connected to false text about Kan. abortion amendment

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden still has an occasional “loose cough” as he battles a rebound case of COVID-19, his doctor said Wednesday, though he “continues to feel well.”

White House physician Kevin O’Connor provided the update on the president’s condition as he continues to test positive for the virus. He said Biden “remains fever-free,” and that his temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation “remain entirely normal.”

Still, Biden is required to remain in isolation through at least Thursday under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines — and perhaps longer under tougher White House protocols if he continues to test positive.

Biden’s rebound case — labeled such because he tested positive on Saturday just three days after being cleared from isolation during his initial bout of the virus with two negative tests last Tuesday and Wednesday — has left him eager to return to a normal schedule.

During his first go-around with the virus, Biden, 79, was treated with the antiviral drug Paxlovid, and his primary symptoms were a runny nose, fatigue and a loose cough, his doctor said at the time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659545534855.png" alt="Wednesday morning, President Biden held a secure phone call with his national security team.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday morning, President Biden held a secure phone call with his national security team.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden still has an occasional “loose cough” as he battles a rebound case of COVID-19, his doctor said Wednesday, though he “continues to feel well.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659544974073.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>White House physician Kevin O’Connor provided the update on the president’s condition as he continues to test positive for the virus. He said Biden “remains fever-free,” and that his temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation “remain entirely normal.”Still, Biden is required to remain in isolation through at least Thursday under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines — and perhaps longer under tougher White House protocols if he continues to test positive.Biden’s rebound case — labeled such because he tested positive on Saturday just three days after being cleared from isolation during his initial bout of the virus with two negative tests last Tuesday and Wednesday — has left him eager to return to a normal schedule.During his first go-around with the virus, Biden, 79, was treated with the antiviral drug Paxlovid, and his primary symptoms were a runny nose, fatigue and a loose cough, his doctor said at the time.

Doctor: Biden’s COVID symptoms continue, in ‘good spirits’

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

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

First responders found 34-year-old&nbsp; Kirk Sexton suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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

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

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

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

Search continues for Kansas felon wanted for murder 

WASHINGTON — In one of the biggest days of this year's primary campaign season, red-state Kansas rejected a measure that would have made it easier to restrict abortion.

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. – an OBGYN who delivered more than 5,000 babies issued a statement on the result of the Value Them both Amendment outcome.

“Words could never express the sadness and emotion myself and many Kansans are feeling after the Value Them Both amendment was not adopted. This is an enormous blow to efforts to protect the sanctity of life in Kansas."

“Too many times I’ve seen sadness and hurt, without an explanation why — this is one of those moments. While I don’t have an answer, I do know that God works all things for good for those who trust him."

“I want to thank everybody in the pro-life community who worked so hard to get this amendment passed. Tonight, we must still go to bed with faith and hope, for tomorrow we must be as dedicated to the sanctity of life, and to the fight to protect the lives of moms and unborn babies."

“Each of us will have to pray and look in our hearts to see what’s next. However, we must not rest as there is much work to be done to support moms who are contemplating abortion, and decide instead for life. Let us all reach out and give them all the help and hope we can."

“As an OBGYN who delivered more than 5,000 babies and fought each day of my more than 25 year career to protect moms and babies, I remain as dedicated as ever to doing everything in my power as a U.S. Senator to protect life at all costs.”

Kansas may seem like an unlikely place for abortion rights supporters to notch a major victory.

But on Tuesday, voters in the conservative state resoundingly rejected a constitutional amendment that would have allowed the Legislature to ban abortion. It was the first major test of voter sentiment since the Supreme Court ruling in June to rescind the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

The amendment would have allowed the Legislature to overturn a 2019 state Supreme Court decision declaring access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state constitution.

Its failure at the ballot in a state Donald Trump won by nearly 15 points issues a stark warning to Republicans, who have downplayed the political impact of the high court's ruling. It also hands a considerable win to Democrats, who are feeling newly energized heading into what was expected to be a tough&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm election season</a>&nbsp;for them.

Kansas currently allows abortion until the 22nd week of pregnancy. After that, abortion is allowed only to save a patient’s life or to prevent “a substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.”

Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat who supports abortion rights, has warned that the Republican-led Legislature's efforts to ban abortion would hurt the state. On Tuesday it became clear that many voters agree with her.

WASHINGTON — In one of the biggest days of this year's primary campaign season, red-state Kansas rejected a measure that would have made it easier to restrict abortion.U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. – an OBGYN who delivered more than 5,000 babies issued a statement on the result of the Value Them both Amendment outcome.“Words could never express the sadness and emotion myself and many Kansans are feeling after the Value Them Both amendment was not adopted. This is an enormous blow to efforts to protect the sanctity of life in Kansas."“Too many times I’ve seen sadness and hurt, without an explanation why — this is one of those moments. While I don’t have an answer, I do know that God works all things for good for those who trust him."“I want to thank everybody in the pro-life community who worked so hard to get this amendment passed. Tonight, we must still go to bed with faith and hope, for tomorrow we must be as dedicated to the sanctity of life, and to the fight to protect the lives of moms and unborn babies."“Each of us will have to pray and look in our hearts to see what’s next. However, we must not rest as there is much work to be done to support moms who are contemplating abortion, and decide instead for life. Let us all reach out and give them all the help and hope we can."“As an OBGYN who delivered more than 5,000 babies and fought each day of my more than 25 year career to protect moms and babies, I remain as dedicated as ever to doing everything in my power as a U.S. Senator to protect life at all costs.”Kansas may seem like an unlikely place for abortion rights supporters to notch a major victory.But on Tuesday, voters in the conservative state resoundingly rejected a constitutional amendment that would have allowed the Legislature to ban abortion. It was the first major test of voter sentiment since the Supreme Court ruling in June to rescind the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.The amendment would have allowed the Legislature to overturn a 2019 state Supreme Court decision declaring access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state constitution.Its failure at the ballot in a state Donald Trump won by nearly 15 points issues a stark warning to Republicans, who have downplayed the political impact of the high court's ruling. It also hands a considerable win to Democrats, who are feeling newly energized heading into what was expected to be a tough&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm election season</a>&nbsp;for them.Kansas currently allows abortion until the 22nd week of pregnancy. After that, abortion is allowed only to save a patient’s life or to prevent “a substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.”Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat who supports abortion rights, has warned that the Republican-led Legislature's efforts to ban abortion would hurt the state. On Tuesday it became clear that many voters agree with her.