WASHINGTON (AP) — Under fire from parents and politicians, President Joe Biden’s administration announced steps Monday to ease a nationwide shortage of baby formula, including reopening the largest domestic manufacturing plant and increasing imports from overseas.

The Food and Drug Administration said it was streamlining its review process to make it easier for foreign manufacturers to begin shipping more formula into the U.S.

“The FDA expects that the measures and steps it’s taking with infant formula manufacturers and others will mean more and more supply is on the way or on store shelves moving forward,” FDA Commissioner Robert Califf told reporters.

Califf said the U.S. will prioritize companies that can provide the largest shipments and quickly show documentation that their formulas are safe and compatible with U.S. nutrition standards. The policy is structured as a temporary measure lasting six months.

The imports announcement came shortly after regulators said they’d reached a deal to allow Abbott Nutrition to restart its Sturgis, Michigan-based plant, which has been closed since February due to contamination issues. The company must overhaul its safety protocols and procedures before resuming production.

Neither step will have an immediate effect on tight supplies that have left many parents searching for formula online or in food banks.

After getting the FDA’s OK, Abbott said it will take eight to ten weeks before new products begin arriving in stores. The company didn’t set a timeline to restart manufacturing.

Getting imports into the U.S. supply chain will also take several weeks, according to administration officials. Products from Australia, New Zealand and the U.K. are expected to meet the standards needed for importation.

But regulators said national industry data shows most U.S. stores, on average, still have 80% of their formula inventory in stock. They suggested some of the empty shelves seen in recent days may be due to panic buying by parents.

Monday’s announcement was previewed last week by the White House, which has been leaning on the FDA and formula makers to quickly find ways to alleviate the shortage. Outrage over the issue has quickly snowballed and handed Republicans a fresh talking point to use against President Biden ahead of November elections.

The shortage stems from a February recall by Abbott that exacerbated ongoing supply chain disruptions among formula makers, leaving fewer options on stores shelves across much of the country. The shortage has led retailers like CVS and Walgreens to limit how many containers customers can purchase per visit.

Abbott’s voluntary recall was triggered by four illnesses reported in babies who had consumed powdered formula from its plant. All four infants were hospitalized with a rare type of bacterial infection and two died.

After a six-week inspection, FDA investigators published a list of problems in March, including lax safety and sanitary standards and a history of bacterial contamination in several parts of the plant. Under Monday’s agreement, Abbott must regularly consult with an outside safety expert to restart and maintain production.

Chicago-based Abbott has emphasized that its products have not been directly linked to the bacterial infections in children. Samples of the bacteria found at its plant did not match the strains collected from two babies by federal investigators.

But FDA officials pushed back on that reasoning Monday on a call with reporters— their first time publicly addressing the company’s argument. FDA staffers noted they were unable to collect bacterial strains from two of the four patients, limiting their chances of finding a match

“Right from the get-go we were limited in our ability to determine with a causal link whether the product was linked to these four cases because we only had sequences on two,” FDA’s food director Susan Mayne said.

Fixing the violations uncovered at Abbott’s plant takes time, according to former FDA officials. Companies need to exhaustively clean the facility and equipment, retrain staff, repeatedly test and document there is no contamination.

As part of the FDA’s new import policy, regulators said companies would need to provide documentation of their factory’s inspections.

Pediatricians say baby formulas produced in Canada and Europe are roughly equivalent to those in the U.S. But traditionally, 98% of the infant formula supply in the U.S. is made domestically. Companies seeking to enter the U.S. face several major hurdles, including rigorous research and manufacturing standards imposed by the FDA.

San Diego father Steven Hyde has faced heart-wrenching challenges finding formula for his medical fragile daughter, who was on an Abbott formula but has had to switch with the recall and subsequent shortages in other brands.

Zoie Hyde was born 19 months ago with no kidneys, a rare life-threatening condition that requires dialysis and a feeding tube until she weighs enough for a kidney transplant.

Hyde said he used an organic brand from overseas until costs and customs hurdles made that too difficult. Friends and strangers from out of state have sent him other brands, but each time she switches requires more blood tests and monitoring, Davis said.

Despite her challenges, Zoie is walking, talking and “doing pretty good” on other developmental milestones, Davis said.

“She’s a shining light in my life,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652716180802.png" alt="President Biden spoke with retailers and manufacturers last week to discuss ways to do more to help families access infant formula.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden spoke with retailers and manufacturers last week to discuss ways to do more to help families access infant formula.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Under fire from parents and politicians, President Joe Biden’s administration announced steps Monday to ease a nationwide shortage of baby formula, including reopening the largest domestic manufacturing plant and increasing imports from overseas.The Food and Drug Administration said it was streamlining its review process to make it easier for foreign manufacturers to begin shipping more formula into the U.S.“The FDA expects that the measures and steps it’s taking with infant formula manufacturers and others will mean more and more supply is on the way or on store shelves moving forward,” FDA Commissioner Robert Califf told reporters.Califf said the U.S. will prioritize companies that can provide the largest shipments and quickly show documentation that their formulas are safe and compatible with U.S. nutrition standards. The policy is structured as a temporary measure lasting six months.The imports announcement came shortly after regulators said they’d reached a deal to allow Abbott Nutrition to restart its Sturgis, Michigan-based plant, which has been closed since February due to contamination issues. The company must overhaul its safety protocols and procedures before resuming production.Neither step will have an immediate effect on tight supplies that have left many parents searching for formula online or in food banks.After getting the FDA’s OK, Abbott said it will take eight to ten weeks before new products begin arriving in stores. The company didn’t set a timeline to restart manufacturing.Getting imports into the U.S. supply chain will also take several weeks, according to administration officials. Products from Australia, New Zealand and the U.K. are expected to meet the standards needed for importation.But regulators said national industry data shows most U.S. stores, on average, still have 80% of their formula inventory in stock. They suggested some of the empty shelves seen in recent days may be due to panic buying by parents.Monday’s announcement was previewed last week by the White House, which has been leaning on the FDA and formula makers to quickly find ways to alleviate the shortage. Outrage over the issue has quickly snowballed and handed Republicans a fresh talking point to use against President Biden ahead of November elections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648164055231.png" alt="The shortage stems from a February recall by Abbott-FDA photo" />
 <figcaption>The shortage stems from a February recall by Abbott-FDA photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The shortage stems from a February recall by Abbott that exacerbated ongoing supply chain disruptions among formula makers, leaving fewer options on stores shelves across much of the country. The shortage has led retailers like CVS and Walgreens to limit how many containers customers can purchase per visit.Abbott’s voluntary recall was triggered by four illnesses reported in babies who had consumed powdered formula from its plant. All four infants were hospitalized with a rare type of bacterial infection and two died.After a six-week inspection, FDA investigators published a list of problems in March, including lax safety and sanitary standards and a history of bacterial contamination in several parts of the plant. Under Monday’s agreement, Abbott must regularly consult with an outside safety expert to restart and maintain production.Chicago-based Abbott has emphasized that its products have not been directly linked to the bacterial infections in children. Samples of the bacteria found at its plant did not match the strains collected from two babies by federal investigators.But FDA officials pushed back on that reasoning Monday on a call with reporters— their first time publicly addressing the company’s argument. FDA staffers noted they were unable to collect bacterial strains from two of the four patients, limiting their chances of finding a match“Right from the get-go we were limited in our ability to determine with a causal link whether the product was linked to these four cases because we only had sequences on two,” FDA’s food director Susan Mayne said.Fixing the violations uncovered at Abbott’s plant takes time, according to former FDA officials. Companies need to exhaustively clean the facility and equipment, retrain staff, repeatedly test and document there is no contamination.As part of the FDA’s new import policy, regulators said companies would need to provide documentation of their factory’s inspections.Pediatricians say baby formulas produced in Canada and Europe are roughly equivalent to those in the U.S. But traditionally, 98% of the infant formula supply in the U.S. is made domestically. Companies seeking to enter the U.S. face several major hurdles, including rigorous research and manufacturing standards imposed by the FDA.San Diego father Steven Hyde has faced heart-wrenching challenges finding formula for his medical fragile daughter, who was on an Abbott formula but has had to switch with the recall and subsequent shortages in other brands.Zoie Hyde was born 19 months ago with no kidneys, a rare life-threatening condition that requires dialysis and a feeding tube until she weighs enough for a kidney transplant.Hyde said he used an organic brand from overseas until costs and customs hurdles made that too difficult. Friends and strangers from out of state have sent him other brands, but each time she switches requires more blood tests and monitoring, Davis said.Despite her challenges, Zoie is walking, talking and “doing pretty good” on other developmental milestones, Davis said.“She’s a shining light in my life,” he said.

US allows more baby formula imports to fight shortage

By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

GREAT BEND — The cost of the new police station in Great Bend has gone up more than
$1 million in the span of just over three months. The Great Bend City Council
voted 6-2 Monday to move forward with the inflation expenses for a facility now
projected to cost more than $9.1 million. 
In early February, the city council approved a conceptual design and budget
estimate for the new police station to be built at the southwest corner of the
12th Street and Baker Avenue intersection. At that time, the cost was more than
$383,000 above budget at $8,083,387. 
Due to rising costs of materials, construction and architect officials told the
city council the estimated price has increased again. Paul Michell, Managing
Vice President with GLMV Architecture, presented options to reduce 3,400 square
feet of the facility. 
"Reducing the quality of things like carpet, paint, ceilings and the 
outside of the building moves the needle on the cost, but not to the 
degree of square footage on the project. That's where you're really 
going to save dollars." 
The proposed 20,100 square-foot police station includes a new municipal courtroom.
Michell presented a plan to eliminate the court room from the design, saving
the city $1.2 million. This would force the courtroom to remain in its current
location, attached to the police station on Williams Street. The council voted
in favor of keeping the new courtroom as part of the construction. 
"We as designers, feel there is a lot of synergy to keeping the police 
and court together," said Michell. "In the event that there's an 
incident at the court, the police station is right there for an easy 
response." 
Citizens voted in favor of a .10% sales tax increase last November to go
towards bond debt for the police station. The city anticipates more than $5.6
million from the bond proceeds over the 20-year sunset. The city will find
savings to make up the difference.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Very early estimates from 
last September projected a cost of $5.8 million for the project. The new
 $9,114,833 figure includes a 2% contingency cost of $178,722.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652798386526.png" alt="The new project cost for the Great Bend police station construction is $9,114,833. The price was just over $8 million in early February." />
 <figcaption>The new project cost for the Great Bend police station construction is $9,114,833. The price was just over $8 million in early February.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — The cost of the new police station in Great Bend has gone up more than
$1 million in the span of just over three months. The Great Bend City Council
voted 6-2 Monday to move forward with the inflation expenses for a facility now
projected to cost more than $9.1 million. 
In early February, the city council approved a conceptual design and budget
estimate for the new police station to be built at the southwest corner of the
12th Street and Baker Avenue intersection. At that time, the cost was more than
$383,000 above budget at $8,083,387. 
Due to rising costs of materials, construction and architect officials told the
city council the estimated price has increased again. Paul Michell, Managing
Vice President with GLMV Architecture, presented options to reduce 3,400 square
feet of the facility. 
"Reducing the quality of things like carpet, paint, ceilings and the 
outside of the building moves the needle on the cost, but not to the 
degree of square footage on the project. That's where you're really 
going to save dollars." 
The proposed 20,100 square-foot police station includes a new municipal courtroom.
Michell presented a plan to eliminate the court room from the design, saving
the city $1.2 million. This would force the courtroom to remain in its current
location, attached to the police station on Williams Street. The council voted
in favor of keeping the new courtroom as part of the construction. 
"We as designers, feel there is a lot of synergy to keeping the police 
and court together," said Michell. "In the event that there's an 
incident at the court, the police station is right there for an easy 
response." 
Citizens voted in favor of a .10% sales tax increase last November to go
towards bond debt for the police station. The city anticipates more than $5.6
million from the bond proceeds over the 20-year sunset. The city will find
savings to make up the difference.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Very early estimates from 
last September projected a cost of $5.8 million for the project. The new
 $9,114,833 figure includes a 2% contingency cost of $178,722.

Cost of new Great Bend police station increases by $1 million 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit and run have identified the victim as 53-year-old Sam Rice of Topeka.

Just before 3:30 a.m., Sunday, police responded to a report of a motorcycle vs passenger vehicle accident at SE 6th Street and SE Chandler Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

Officers arrived on scene and found Sam Rice in the roadway.&nbsp; First responders pronounced him deceased at the scene.

Following an investigation by the Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team, police arrested 23-year-old&nbsp;Geovany Arellano of Topeka, on requested charges of&nbsp;Murder in the 1st Degree, Aggravated Assault and&nbsp;Reckless Driving, according to Monasmith.&nbsp; Police have not released the victim's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652662672522.png" alt="Police arrested 23-year-old Geovany Arellano for his role in the crash -photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Police arrested 23-year-old Geovany Arellano for his role in the crash -photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit and run have identified the victim as 53-year-old Sam Rice of Topeka.Just before 3:30 a.m., Sunday, police responded to a report of a motorcycle vs passenger vehicle accident at SE 6th Street and SE Chandler Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Jerry Monasmith.Officers arrived on scene and found Sam Rice in the roadway.&nbsp; First responders pronounced him deceased at the scene.Following an investigation by the Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team, police arrested 23-year-old&nbsp;Geovany Arellano of Topeka, on requested charges of&nbsp;Murder in the 1st Degree, Aggravated Assault and&nbsp;Reckless Driving, according to Monasmith.&nbsp; Police have not released the victim's name.

Police: 53-year-old Kan. man died in hit-and-run crash

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday she has signed House Bill 2567, which fully funds K-12 education for the fourth consecutive year and guarantees funding through the 2024 fiscal year, according to a statement from her office.

 Signing HB 2567 makes Governor Kelly the first governor in more than 20 years to fulfill Kansas students’ constitutional right to school funding.

"I am pleased to be able to uphold my commitment to fully fund our public schools,"&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"Providing schools with the funding and resources they need will create lifelong learners, which are the foundation of our state’s strong workforce and future economic growth.”

In addition to fully funding education in Kansas, HB 2567 enacts the Governor's Budget Recommendations for the Department of Education and the Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund. These funds represent historic investments in early childhood and K-12 education.&nbsp;

HB 2567 makes the necessary adjustments to enable school districts with many military students to keep federal funding. It also improves how students at Kansas community and technical colleges receive financial aid.

While HB 2567 provides historic constitutional levels of funding, it does not include the additional $30 million in funding to increase the special education services Governor Kelly recommended in April.

"Republicans and Democrats agree funds for special education are vital for our schools to provide quality instruction to special education students. I call on the legislature to swiftly appropriate these funds when they return on May 23rd,"&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;

Governor Kelly also called on the legislature to further review a provision requiring school districts to set policies allowing enrollment of out-of-district students.

“Before taking effect during the 2024-2025 school year, the Legislature must work with educators and administrators to make the necessary modifications to ensure that elected school board members maintain local control,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652792305085.png" alt="On Monday, Governor Laura Kelly filed for reelection-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>On Monday, Governor Laura Kelly filed for reelection-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday she has signed House Bill 2567, which fully funds K-12 education for the fourth consecutive year and guarantees funding through the 2024 fiscal year, according to a statement from her office. Signing HB 2567 makes Governor Kelly the first governor in more than 20 years to fulfill Kansas students’ constitutional right to school funding."I am pleased to be able to uphold my commitment to fully fund our public schools,"&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"Providing schools with the funding and resources they need will create lifelong learners, which are the foundation of our state’s strong workforce and future economic growth.”In addition to fully funding education in Kansas, HB 2567 enacts the Governor's Budget Recommendations for the Department of Education and the Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund. These funds represent historic investments in early childhood and K-12 education.&nbsp;HB 2567 includes:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>$520.4 million for Special Education Services Aid&nbsp;</li><li>$199.6 million to eliminate the Delayed School Payment</li><li>$20.7 million in Children's Initiative Fund grants&nbsp;</li><li>$10.5 million for Mental Health Intervention Teams, which help eliminate barriers for students in need of care</li><li>$8.4 million for the Parents as Teacher program&nbsp;</li><li>$5 million for school safety and security grants</li><li>$4.1 million for the Pre-K Pilot Program&nbsp;</li><li>$4 million for a virtual math program</li><li>$1.8 million for teacher professional development aid</li><li>$1.5 million for student transportation to career and technical education opportunities&nbsp;</li><li>$1.4 million for Early Childhood Infrastructure&nbsp;</li><li>$1.3 million for the Mentor Teacher Program&nbsp;</li><li>$1 million for Computer Science Education Advancement Grants&nbsp;</li><li>$500,000 for the statewide expansion of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library</li><li>$40,000 for a new career and technical education credentialing pilot program&nbsp;</li><li>Full funding for all-day Kindergarten&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>HB 2567 makes the necessary adjustments to enable school districts with many military students to keep federal funding. It also improves how students at Kansas community and technical colleges receive financial aid.While HB 2567 provides historic constitutional levels of funding, it does not include the additional $30 million in funding to increase the special education services Governor Kelly recommended in April."Republicans and Democrats agree funds for special education are vital for our schools to provide quality instruction to special education students. I call on the legislature to swiftly appropriate these funds when they return on May 23rd,"&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;Governor Kelly also called on the legislature to further review a provision requiring school districts to set policies allowing enrollment of out-of-district students.“Before taking effect during the 2024-2025 school year, the Legislature must work with educators and administrators to make the necessary modifications to ensure that elected school board members maintain local control,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.

Governor fully funds Kan. K-12 education 4th consecutive year

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a murder in Lawrence.

Just before 7:30p.m. Monday, police responded to a north-central Lawrence home, according to police spokesperson&nbsp;Kim L. Murphree.

Officers encountered a 26-year-old suspect and a woman with critical injuries. First responders pronounced her deceased at the scene. Police arrested the man on suspicion of murder, according to Murphree.

The man and victim were known to each other.&nbsp; Police have not released names of the suspect or victim.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a murder in Lawrence.Just before 7:30p.m. Monday, police responded to a north-central Lawrence home, according to police spokesperson&nbsp;Kim L. Murphree.Officers encountered a 26-year-old suspect and a woman with critical injuries. First responders pronounced her deceased at the scene. Police arrested the man on suspicion of murder, according to Murphree.The man and victim were known to each other.&nbsp; Police have not released names of the suspect or victim.

Police arrest 26-year-old man for murder of woman at Kan. home

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Two people have died and two others were injured in two separate accident just after 2a.m. Saturday in Wichita. Police identified the motorcyclist who died as&nbsp;&nbsp;38-year-old Justin Cunningham of Andover, according to Officer Trevor Macy. The Good Samaritan who observed the initial accident and attempted to help the occupants before she was struck by the motorcycle also died on Monday, according to Macy.

The initial 911 call reported a single vehicle had rolled over in the eastbound lanes in the 6600 Block of Kellogg near Armour with two people inside, according to Macy.

As officers arrived on scene, they learned that a second accident involving a motorcycle had occurred just after the first crash.

Officers located the motorcycle driver Justin Cunningham deceased at the scene. They also&nbsp;found three additional people with critical injuries who were all transported to area hospitals. Another person was located uninjured.

Through the investigation, officers learned that a silver SUV was eastbound on Kellogg with two occupants – a 48-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man– when the&nbsp;driver lost control of the vehicle and struck the median, causing the SUV to roll.

An uninvolved person, a woman, witnessed the turned-over SUV and began rendering aid to the occupants.

As she was rendering aid, a motorcycle with two occupants traveled eastbound on Kellogg. The motorcycle struck the 19-year-old Good Samaritan then hit the SUV.

Cunningham, who was driving the motorcycle, was pronounced deceased on scene. EMS&nbsp; transported the female SUV driver, a female motorcycle passenger and the 19-year-old woman struck by the motorcycle to area hospitals for treatment of serious injuries, according to Macy. The Good Samaritan died on Monday. Police have not released her name.

The passenger of the SUV was uninjured.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652552821114.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the crash early Saturday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the crash early Saturday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Two people have died and two others were injured in two separate accident just after 2a.m. Saturday in Wichita. Police identified the motorcyclist who died as&nbsp;&nbsp;38-year-old Justin Cunningham of Andover, according to Officer Trevor Macy. The Good Samaritan who observed the initial accident and attempted to help the occupants before she was struck by the motorcycle also died on Monday, according to Macy.The initial 911 call reported a single vehicle had rolled over in the eastbound lanes in the 6600 Block of Kellogg near Armour with two people inside, according to Macy.As officers arrived on scene, they learned that a second accident involving a motorcycle had occurred just after the first crash.Officers located the motorcycle driver Justin Cunningham deceased at the scene. They also&nbsp;found three additional people with critical injuries who were all transported to area hospitals. Another person was located uninjured.Through the investigation, officers learned that a silver SUV was eastbound on Kellogg with two occupants – a 48-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man– when the&nbsp;driver lost control of the vehicle and struck the median, causing the SUV to roll.An uninvolved person, a woman, witnessed the turned-over SUV and began rendering aid to the occupants.As she was rendering aid, a motorcycle with two occupants traveled eastbound on Kellogg. The motorcycle struck the 19-year-old Good Samaritan then hit the SUV.Cunningham, who was driving the motorcycle, was pronounced deceased on scene. EMS&nbsp; transported the female SUV driver, a female motorcycle passenger and the 19-year-old woman struck by the motorcycle to area hospitals for treatment of serious injuries, according to Macy. The Good Samaritan died on Monday. Police have not released her name.The passenger of the SUV was uninjured.&nbsp;

Good Samaritan struck by motorcycle at Kan. crash scene has died

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden signed an order Monday to redeploy hundreds of U.S. troops to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-elections-presidential-somalia-mohamed-abdullahi-15c69062ac1ba6dfa60c24e173cf72b1">Somalia</a>&nbsp;to counter the Islamic extremist rebel group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-somalia-mogadishu-al-shabab-1f68208d223285db793386bfcbb96263">al-Shabab</a>, an effort that American military leaders said had been hampered by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-counterterrorism-east-africa-africa-somalia-64eb33d761c52c3813e89f3368755834">President Donald Trump’s late-term decision</a>&nbsp;to withdraw forces from the country.

U.S. troops will be repositioned from elsewhere in Africa to train and provide other support to Somali forces in their fight against al-Shabab, which is considered the largest and wealthiest affiliate of the al-Qaida extremist organization.

It’s a reminder that the U.S. remains engaged in the long fight against Islamic extremists around the world, even if the effort has been eclipsed by the war in Ukraine and other matters.

The decision to station forces again in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/somalia">Somalia</a>, rather than rotate them in and out, is intended “to maximize the safety and effectiveness of our forces and enable them to provide more efficient support to our partners,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in announcing the redeployment.

U.S. forces in Somalia will total “under 500” and are not being sent to engage in direct combat, according to a senior Biden administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to brief journalists on the rationale behind the decision.

Instead, the troops will work with Somali forces and provide security to personnel from the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development as they work with the government to emerge from years of turmoil, the official said.

Trump abruptly ordered the withdrawal of approximately 700 troops from Somalia at the end of his term in January 2021, an extension of a broader policy of seeking to pull the U.S. out of what he derisively referred to as “endless wars” around the world.

But military leaders said that came at a cost, wasting time, money and momentum as troops had to rotate in and out of the country.

Gen. Stephen Townsend, head of U.S. Africa Command, told Congress in March that the rotations, which he called “commuting to work,” were not efficient or effective and put American troops at greater risk.

“In my view, we are marching in place at best. We may be backsliding,” Townsend told the Senate Armed Forces Committee.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requested the deployment “to reestablish a persistent U.S. military presence in Somalia to enable a more effective fight against al-Shabaab, which has increased in strength and poses a heightened threat,” said an administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the plan before the White House announcement.

Biden’s decision to sign the order was first reported by The New York Times, which also said the the president had a approved a Pentagon request for standing authority to target about a dozen suspected leaders of al-Shabab.

The group has killed more than a dozen Americans in East Africa, including three in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalia-us-news-ap-top-news-international-news-east-africa-65926ee82091f779d28d6a9644fb739f">January 2020 attack on a base used by U.S. counterterrorism forces&nbsp;</a>in Kenya. Later that year, the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indictments-us-news-united-states-d53d808597763855815d47b3dc917617">charged a Kenyan&nbsp;</a>who had been taking flight lessons in the Philippines with planning a 9/11-style hijacking attack on behalf of al-Shabab.

The rebel group has made territorial gains against Somalia’s federal government in recent months, reversing the gains of African Union peacekeepers who once had pushed the militants into remote areas of the country.

Word of the deployment decision came after Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who served as Somalia’s president between 2012 and 2017, was announced on Sunday as the winner of a protracted election.

Somalia began to fall apart in 1991 when warlords ousted dictator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9fed60a380756a12bf4e227a5054e496">Siad Barre</a>&nbsp;and then turned on each other. Years of conflict and al-Shabab attacks, along with famine, have shattered the country which has a long, strategic coastline by the Indian Ocean.

American soldiers deployed there in 1992 to stave off a national famine on a peacekeeping mission that lasted until their 1994 withdrawal — about five months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/205ae5064bb64ac6a3307916cf6a2c47">the humiliating “Black Hawk Down” debacle&nbsp;</a>in late 1993 when Somali militiamen shot down two U.S. helicopters; 18 servicemen were killed in the crash and subsequent rescue attempt.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden signed an order Monday to redeploy hundreds of U.S. troops to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-elections-presidential-somalia-mohamed-abdullahi-15c69062ac1ba6dfa60c24e173cf72b1">Somalia</a>&nbsp;to counter the Islamic extremist rebel group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-somalia-mogadishu-al-shabab-1f68208d223285db793386bfcbb96263">al-Shabab</a>, an effort that American military leaders said had been hampered by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-counterterrorism-east-africa-africa-somalia-64eb33d761c52c3813e89f3368755834">President Donald Trump’s late-term decision</a>&nbsp;to withdraw forces from the country.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDeptofDefense%2Fvideos%2F370163751742685%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=986" 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>U.S. troops will be repositioned from elsewhere in Africa to train and provide other support to Somali forces in their fight against al-Shabab, which is considered the largest and wealthiest affiliate of the al-Qaida extremist organization.It’s a reminder that the U.S. remains engaged in the long fight against Islamic extremists around the world, even if the effort has been eclipsed by the war in Ukraine and other matters.The decision to station forces again in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/somalia">Somalia</a>, rather than rotate them in and out, is intended “to maximize the safety and effectiveness of our forces and enable them to provide more efficient support to our partners,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in announcing the redeployment.U.S. forces in Somalia will total “under 500” and are not being sent to engage in direct combat, according to a senior Biden administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to brief journalists on the rationale behind the decision.Instead, the troops will work with Somali forces and provide security to personnel from the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development as they work with the government to emerge from years of turmoil, the official said.Trump abruptly ordered the withdrawal of approximately 700 troops from Somalia at the end of his term in January 2021, an extension of a broader policy of seeking to pull the U.S. out of what he derisively referred to as “endless wars” around the world.But military leaders said that came at a cost, wasting time, money and momentum as troops had to rotate in and out of the country.Gen. Stephen Townsend, head of U.S. Africa Command, told Congress in March that the rotations, which he called “commuting to work,” were not efficient or effective and put American troops at greater risk.“In my view, we are marching in place at best. We may be backsliding,” Townsend told the Senate Armed Forces Committee.Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requested the deployment “to reestablish a persistent U.S. military presence in Somalia to enable a more effective fight against al-Shabaab, which has increased in strength and poses a heightened threat,” said an administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the plan before the White House announcement.Biden’s decision to sign the order was first reported by The New York Times, which also said the the president had a approved a Pentagon request for standing authority to target about a dozen suspected leaders of al-Shabab.The group has killed more than a dozen Americans in East Africa, including three in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalia-us-news-ap-top-news-international-news-east-africa-65926ee82091f779d28d6a9644fb739f">January 2020 attack on a base used by U.S. counterterrorism forces&nbsp;</a>in Kenya. Later that year, the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indictments-us-news-united-states-d53d808597763855815d47b3dc917617">charged a Kenyan&nbsp;</a>who had been taking flight lessons in the Philippines with planning a 9/11-style hijacking attack on behalf of al-Shabab.The rebel group has made territorial gains against Somalia’s federal government in recent months, reversing the gains of African Union peacekeepers who once had pushed the militants into remote areas of the country.Word of the deployment decision came after Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who served as Somalia’s president between 2012 and 2017, was announced on Sunday as the winner of a protracted election.Somalia began to fall apart in 1991 when warlords ousted dictator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9fed60a380756a12bf4e227a5054e496">Siad Barre</a>&nbsp;and then turned on each other. Years of conflict and al-Shabab attacks, along with famine, have shattered the country which has a long, strategic coastline by the Indian Ocean.American soldiers deployed there in 1992 to stave off a national famine on a peacekeeping mission that lasted until their 1994 withdrawal — about five months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/205ae5064bb64ac6a3307916cf6a2c47">the humiliating “Black Hawk Down” debacle&nbsp;</a>in late 1993 when Somali militiamen shot down two U.S. helicopters; 18 servicemen were killed in the crash and subsequent rescue attempt.

🎥Biden signs order to put US troops back in Somalia

FORD COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just before 7p.m. Monday in Ford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Ram driven by Dalton Kuhlman, 24, Dodge City, was southbound on 210 Road one half mile north of A Road.

The pickup traveled left of center and collided head-on with a northbound 2013 Ford Explorer driven by Juan&nbsp;Ramos-Ortiz, 25, Dodge City.

A passenger in the SUV identified as Angelina&nbsp;Perez-Velasquez, 21, Dodge City, was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Beckwith Funeral Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EMS transported Kuhlman, Ramos-Ortiz and 2-year-old boy in the SUV to the hospital in Dodge City.&nbsp;Perez-Velasquez was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

FORD COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just before 7p.m. Monday in Ford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Ram driven by Dalton Kuhlman, 24, Dodge City, was southbound on 210 Road one half mile north of A Road.The pickup traveled left of center and collided head-on with a northbound 2013 Ford Explorer driven by Juan&nbsp;Ramos-Ortiz, 25, Dodge City.A passenger in the SUV identified as Angelina&nbsp;Perez-Velasquez, 21, Dodge City, was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Beckwith Funeral Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported Kuhlman, Ramos-Ortiz and 2-year-old boy in the SUV to the hospital in Dodge City.&nbsp;Perez-Velasquez was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman dead, 2-year-old injured in head-on crash

HAVEN, Kan. — After a public outcry large enough to move the Haven City Council meeting from the normal location to the town's community building and lots of public input, the Haven City Council voted to restore the In God We Trust decals to its police vehicles on Monday.

The controversy began when council member Sandra Williams voiced concerns to Haven Police Chief Stephen Schaffer at the May 2 meeting regarding the “In God We Trust” decals on Haven’s police vehicles and the quoting of scripture on the Haven Police Department Facebook page.

She advised the chief at that meeting that the council did not feel it was the forum to be talking about God.

According to City Clerk Leslie Atherton, the phrase was on the rear of each vehicle. For example, on the trucks, it was across the tailgate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652784193851.png" alt="photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — After a public outcry large enough to move the Haven City Council meeting from the normal location to the town's community building and lots of public input, the Haven City Council voted to restore the In God We Trust decals to its police vehicles on Monday.The controversy began when council member Sandra Williams voiced concerns to Haven Police Chief Stephen Schaffer at the May 2 meeting regarding the “In God We Trust” decals on Haven’s police vehicles and the quoting of scripture on the Haven Police Department Facebook page.She advised the chief at that meeting that the council did not feel it was the forum to be talking about God.According to City Clerk Leslie Atherton, the phrase was on the rear of each vehicle. For example, on the trucks, it was across the tailgate.

"In God We Trust" to return to Haven police vehicles after public outcry

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A top&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;government attorney argued Monday that congressional redistricting is naturally political and that the Kansas Supreme Court shouldn't try to decide when partisanship goes too far, only to be chastised by one of the justices for making a “boys will be boys” argument.

The Supreme Court heard arguments in the state's appeal of a lower court ruling that represented the first time that a Kansas court declared that partisan gerrymandering violates the state constitution. The lower court ruling struck down a Republican congressional redistricting law that would make it harder for the only Democrat in the state's congressional delegation to win reelection this year. The GOP-controlled Legislature enacted it over Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's veto.

Federal judges — not the Kansas courts — have typically reviewed congressional boundaries, but the U.S. Supreme Court declared in 2019 that complaints about partisan gerrymandering are political issues and not for the federal courts to resolve.

Kansas Solicitor General Brant Laue argued that Kansas' top court should take the same position. The Kansas Constitution mentions only legislative redistricting and does not contain any specific provisions prohibiting gerrymandering.

“Congressional redistricting is political by design," Laue said. “The Legislature, and not the state judiciary, is designed and equipped to make the political determinations that cannot be avoided.”

The Supreme Court did not say when it would rule, though both sides are hoping it will be within days, with the state's June 1 candidate filing deadline a little more than two weeks away. Also, the Legislature set to reconvene next week for a day or two of work if the justices reject the new congressional map or new boundaries for legislative districts that the court also reviewed Monday.

During Monday's hearing, the seven-member court wrestled with how to determine when improper political gerrymandering has occurred. Justice Caleb Stegall questioned whether the term can be clearly defined.

“I need to know what my standards are,” added Justice Evelyn Wilson.

Lawsuits over new congressional-district lines have proliferated across the U.S., with Republicans looking to recapture a U.S. House majority in this year’s midterm elections. State courts have issued decisions favoring Democrats in&nbsp;North Carolina,&nbsp;Ohio&nbsp;and&nbsp;Pennsylvania, and a new GOP map in&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;has been invalidated by a state court judge.&nbsp;New York’s highest court recently declared that that state's new districts were gerrymandered to favor Democrats.

In Kansas, 20 Democratic voters and a voting-rights group, Loud Light, filed three lawsuits against the new congressional map. District Judge Bill Klapper in Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area agreed with them that the new lines were too partisan and diluted minority voters' political clout. He ordered lawmakers to draw a new map.

Justice Dan Biles told Laue that he is asking the state Supreme Court to accept that “boys will be boys” when legislators target specific colleagues.

“How is partisan gerrymandering ever a legitimate government interest?” Biles asked.

Laue told Biles that politics is part of the process of drawing new maps and, “It can’t be distilled from the process.”

Republican legislative leaders argued that based on 2020 results, Davids still can win her new district. They said their map was a fair way to rebalance the population in each of the state’s congressional districts to make them as equal as possible after 10 years of demographic shifts. Republicans rejected the argument that they improperly diluted minority voters' clout.

The new Kansas map moved the northern part of Kansas City, Kansas, out of the 3rd District represented by Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids and into the larger 2nd District of eastern Kansas represented by Republican Rep. Jake LaTurner. Kansas City, Kansas, is among the few Democratic strongholds in the GOP-leaning state. Davids lost territory where she performs well, while the new map added several rural, heavily Republican counties to her district.

The map also moved the liberal northeastern Kansas city of Lawrence — another Democratic stronghold and home to the main University of Kansas campus — out of the 2nd District. The city of 95,000 is now in the already sprawling 1st District of central and western Kansas with small conservative communities, some six hours away by car.

Klapper relied heavily on the testimony of a University of&nbsp;Michigan&nbsp;political scientist who used a computer algorithm to produce 1,000 alternative redistricting plans to conclude that the new districts “are extreme pro-Republican partisan outliers."

“Each individual should not have their votes relegated to not matter simply because of who they vote for,” said Sharon Brett, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652719984286.png" alt="Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt argues before the Kansas Supreme Court on Monday that the state House and Senate redistricting maps should be affirmed. (Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt argues before the Kansas Supreme Court on Monday that the state House and Senate redistricting maps should be affirmed. (Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A top&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;government attorney argued Monday that congressional redistricting is naturally political and that the Kansas Supreme Court shouldn't try to decide when partisanship goes too far, only to be chastised by one of the justices for making a “boys will be boys” argument.The Supreme Court heard arguments in the state's appeal of a lower court ruling that represented the first time that a Kansas court declared that partisan gerrymandering violates the state constitution. The lower court ruling struck down a Republican congressional redistricting law that would make it harder for the only Democrat in the state's congressional delegation to win reelection this year. The GOP-controlled Legislature enacted it over Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's veto.Federal judges — not the Kansas courts — have typically reviewed congressional boundaries, but the U.S. Supreme Court declared in 2019 that complaints about partisan gerrymandering are political issues and not for the federal courts to resolve.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652739986481.png" alt="Kansas Solicitor General Brant Laue said,“Congressional redistricting is political by design. The Legislature, and not the state judiciary, is designed and equipped to make the political determinations that cannot be avoided.”&nbsp;(Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Solicitor General Brant Laue said,“Congressional redistricting is political by design. The Legislature, and not the state judiciary, is designed and equipped to make the political determinations that cannot be avoided.”&nbsp;(Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Solicitor General Brant Laue argued that Kansas' top court should take the same position. The Kansas Constitution mentions only legislative redistricting and does not contain any specific provisions prohibiting gerrymandering.“Congressional redistricting is political by design," Laue said. “The Legislature, and not the state judiciary, is designed and equipped to make the political determinations that cannot be avoided.”The Supreme Court did not say when it would rule, though both sides are hoping it will be within days, with the state's June 1 candidate filing deadline a little more than two weeks away. Also, the Legislature set to reconvene next week for a day or two of work if the justices reject the new congressional map or new boundaries for legislative districts that the court also reviewed Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652720047067.png" alt="Kansas Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall asks Mark Johnson a question during the Monday arguments. (Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall asks Mark Johnson a question during the Monday arguments. (Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>During Monday's hearing, the seven-member court wrestled with how to determine when improper political gerrymandering has occurred. Justice Caleb Stegall questioned whether the term can be clearly defined.“I need to know what my standards are,” added Justice Evelyn Wilson.Lawsuits over new congressional-district lines have proliferated across the U.S., with Republicans looking to recapture a U.S. House majority in this year’s midterm elections. State courts have issued decisions favoring Democrats in&nbsp;North Carolina,&nbsp;Ohio&nbsp;and&nbsp;Pennsylvania, and a new GOP map in&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;has been invalidated by a state court judge.&nbsp;New York’s highest court recently declared that that state's new districts were gerrymandered to favor Democrats.In Kansas, 20 Democratic voters and a voting-rights group, Loud Light, filed three lawsuits against the new congressional map. District Judge Bill Klapper in Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area agreed with them that the new lines were too partisan and diluted minority voters' political clout. He ordered lawmakers to draw a new map.Justice Dan Biles told Laue that he is asking the state Supreme Court to accept that “boys will be boys” when legislators target specific colleagues.“How is partisan gerrymandering ever a legitimate government interest?” Biles asked.Laue told Biles that politics is part of the process of drawing new maps and, “It can’t be distilled from the process.”Republican legislative leaders argued that based on 2020 results, Davids still can win her new district. They said their map was a fair way to rebalance the population in each of the state’s congressional districts to make them as equal as possible after 10 years of demographic shifts. Republicans rejected the argument that they improperly diluted minority voters' clout.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643147273216.png" alt="The map also moved the liberal northeastern Kansas city of Lawrence — another Democratic stronghold and home to the main University of Kansas campus — out of the 2nd District. " />
 <figcaption>The map also moved the liberal northeastern Kansas city of Lawrence — another Democratic stronghold and home to the main University of Kansas campus — out of the 2nd District. </figcaption>
 </figure>The new Kansas map moved the northern part of Kansas City, Kansas, out of the 3rd District represented by Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids and into the larger 2nd District of eastern Kansas represented by Republican Rep. Jake LaTurner. Kansas City, Kansas, is among the few Democratic strongholds in the GOP-leaning state. Davids lost territory where she performs well, while the new map added several rural, heavily Republican counties to her district.The map also moved the liberal northeastern Kansas city of Lawrence — another Democratic stronghold and home to the main University of Kansas campus — out of the 2nd District. The city of 95,000 is now in the already sprawling 1st District of central and western Kansas with small conservative communities, some six hours away by car.Klapper relied heavily on the testimony of a University of&nbsp;Michigan&nbsp;political scientist who used a computer algorithm to produce 1,000 alternative redistricting plans to conclude that the new districts “are extreme pro-Republican partisan outliers."“Each individual should not have their votes relegated to not matter simply because of who they vote for,” said Sharon Brett, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas.

Kansas court wrestles with barring political gerrymandering

JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple drug charges following an investigation.

Just after 10:30a.m. Saturday, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a 2020 Hyundai Elantra for allegedly failing to display a license plate on the vehicle, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 During the traffic stop, the deputy found hallucinogenic drugs in the vehicle. A subsequent search was conducted by deputies of a room at the Red Roof Inn located in Holton where the driver was believed to be staying. 

 A substance believed to be cocaine was seized with drug paraphernalia. 

The driver, 29-year-old Jeanata Larae Valentine of Holton was arrested and transported to the Jackson County Jail and booked on requested charges that include possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652628171278.png" alt="Valentine-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Valentine-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple drug charges following an investigation.Just after 10:30a.m. Saturday, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a 2020 Hyundai Elantra for allegedly failing to display a license plate on the vehicle, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the traffic stop, the deputy found hallucinogenic drugs in the vehicle. A subsequent search was conducted by deputies of a room at the Red Roof Inn located in Holton where the driver was believed to be staying. A substance believed to be cocaine was seized with drug paraphernalia. The driver, 29-year-old Jeanata Larae Valentine of Holton was arrested and transported to the Jackson County Jail and booked on requested charges that include possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.

Sheriff: Investigators found cocaine in Kansas motel room

FINNEY COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal Sunday accident in Finney County have identified the victim as 41-year-old&nbsp; Amanda Robyn Wurtz, of Plains.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Wurtz was northbound&nbsp; on Pierceville Road at Plymell Road in a 2013 Ford Edge and hit a deer.

The vehicle traveled off the road to the right, rolled and come to rest on its top.

She was pronounced dead at St. Catherines Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

FINNEY COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occurred just before 10p.m. Sunday in Finney County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was northbound on Pierceville Road at Plymell Road and hit a deer. 

The vehicle traveled off the road to the right, rolled and come to rest on its top. The KHP has not released name of the victim or other details.

FINNEY COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal Sunday accident in Finney County have identified the victim as 41-year-old&nbsp; Amanda Robyn Wurtz, of Plains.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Wurtz was northbound&nbsp; on Pierceville Road at Plymell Road in a 2013 Ford Edge and hit a deer.The vehicle traveled off the road to the right, rolled and come to rest on its top.She was pronounced dead at St. Catherines Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.--------FINNEY COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occurred just before 10p.m. Sunday in Finney County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was northbound on Pierceville Road at Plymell Road and hit a deer. The vehicle traveled off the road to the right, rolled and come to rest on its top. The KHP has not released name of the victim or other details.

KHP IDs Kansas woman who died after car struck a deer

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged assault in Manhattan.

Just after 10a.m. Saturday, officers filed a report for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and felony interference with a law enforcement officer in the 400 block of South 5th Street in Manhattan,&nbsp;according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. An RCPD officer was listed as the victim. 

Officers arrested 43-year-old Joseph Stepney of Manhattan in connection with the incident.

 Stepney was issued a total bond of $14,000 and remains in custody, according to the RCPD.&nbsp;

Stepney has a previous first-degree sexual abuse conviction in Alabama, according the KBI Offender Registry. In January, police in Manhattan arrested him for a violation of the offender registration act, according to RCPD booking records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652714709563.png" alt="Joseph Stepney has a previous first-degree sexual abuse conviction in Alabama, according the KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Joseph Stepney has a previous first-degree sexual abuse conviction in Alabama, according the KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged assault in Manhattan.Just after 10a.m. Saturday, officers filed a report for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and felony interference with a law enforcement officer in the 400 block of South 5th Street in Manhattan,&nbsp;according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. An RCPD officer was listed as the victim. Officers arrested 43-year-old Joseph Stepney of Manhattan in connection with the incident. Stepney was issued a total bond of $14,000 and remains in custody, according to the RCPD.&nbsp;Stepney has a previous first-degree sexual abuse conviction in Alabama, according the KBI Offender Registry. In January, police in Manhattan arrested him for a violation of the offender registration act, according to RCPD booking records.

Sex offender jailed for alleged assault on a Kansas officer

HARVEY COUNTY—The driver of a maintenance vehicle injured in an accident on May 9 in Harvey County has died. William Fairbrother 54, of Newton died the following day, according to the Harvey County Sheriff's Office.

The maintenance vehicle turned over on East First Street between Oliver and Woodlawn roads, according to a social media report from the Harvey Sheriff's Department.&nbsp; Fairbrother was found, pinned inside the truck in critical condition.&nbsp; Crews worked diligently for just over an hour to free him cutting away parts of the cab and using hydraulic spreaders and rams to gain access, according to Newton Fire and EMS.

Eagle Med air-lifted him to Wesley Medical Center.

First Street was closed between Oliver and Woodlawn for several hours as maintenance crews worked to get the vehicle upright and cleaning up spilled diesel fuel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652177437197.png" alt="Monday accident in Harvey County-photo Harvey County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Monday accident in Harvey County-photo Harvey County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—The driver of a maintenance vehicle injured in an accident on May 9 in Harvey County has died. William Fairbrother 54, of Newton died the following day, according to the Harvey County Sheriff's Office.The maintenance vehicle turned over on East First Street between Oliver and Woodlawn roads, according to a social media report from the Harvey Sheriff's Department.&nbsp; Fairbrother was found, pinned inside the truck in critical condition.&nbsp; Crews worked diligently for just over an hour to free him cutting away parts of the cab and using hydraulic spreaders and rams to gain access, according to Newton Fire and EMS.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652177722905.png" alt="Photos courtesy Newton Fire and EMS" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Newton Fire and EMS</figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Med air-lifted him to Wesley Medical Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652177909509.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First Street was closed between Oliver and Woodlawn for several hours as maintenance crews worked to get the vehicle upright and cleaning up spilled diesel fuel.

Kansas man airlifted to hospital after May 9 crash died

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit and run accident believe they have located a vehicle in the Kansas City area they suspect to be the transit van involved in the crash, according to a media release from the Douglas County Sheriff's office.

Investigators are working to identify the driver of the vehicle and asking anyone who might have information to contact law enforcement. The vehicle would have been eastbound on Kansas 10 highway just after 5p.m. on Saturday.

Brooklyn Brouhard, 9, of Eudora later died from injuries suffered in the crash. She was passenger on a motorcycle driven by her grandfather 54-year-old Barry Larson who was also injured.

Larson was driving a motorcycle northbound on East 1900 Road with Brooklyn as a passenger. As the motorcycle approached the overpass, the transit van moved forward from the stop sign and the top of the eastbound off ramp from K-10 and into the intersection and struck the motorcycle.

Witnesses reported that after the collision, the driver of the white van proceeded down the ramp leaving its black front bumper cover behind and returned to eastbound K-10.&nbsp;

EMS transported Larson and his granddaughter to an area hospital.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal hit and run accident and asking the public for help to locate a van and driver that fled the scene.

Just after 5p.m. Saturday, police responded to a two-vehicle crash in the 1300 Block of East 1900 Road on the ramp over Kansas 10 Highway between Lawrence and Eudora, according to the Douglas County Sheriff.

According to a preliminary investigation, a 54-year-old man was driving a motorcycle northbound on East 1900 Road with a 9-year-old girl as passenger. As the approached the overpass, an unknown possibly a 2013-19 white Ford Transit van moved forward from the stop sign and the top of the eastbound off ramp from K-10 and into the intersection.

The van struck the motorcycle which overturned. EMS transported the man and the girl to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. He had serious but non life threatening injuries. The girl, who was wearing a helmet suffered critical injuries and died Sunday morning, according the sheriff's department.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Douglas Co. Sheriff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652731134056.png" alt="Image Douglas Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Image Douglas Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit and run accident believe they have located a vehicle in the Kansas City area they suspect to be the transit van involved in the crash, according to a media release from the Douglas County Sheriff's office.Investigators are working to identify the driver of the vehicle and asking anyone who might have information to contact law enforcement. The vehicle would have been eastbound on Kansas 10 highway just after 5p.m. on Saturday.Brooklyn Brouhard, 9, of Eudora later died from injuries suffered in the crash. She was passenger on a motorcycle driven by her grandfather 54-year-old Barry Larson who was also injured.Larson was driving a motorcycle northbound on East 1900 Road with Brooklyn as a passenger. As the motorcycle approached the overpass, the transit van moved forward from the stop sign and the top of the eastbound off ramp from K-10 and into the intersection and struck the motorcycle.Witnesses reported that after the collision, the driver of the white van proceeded down the ramp leaving its black front bumper cover behind and returned to eastbound K-10.&nbsp;EMS transported Larson and his granddaughter to an area hospital.-------------DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal hit and run accident and asking the public for help to locate a van and driver that fled the scene.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">EAST 1900 Road Fatality Accident After further investigation, Sheriff&#39;s Office detectives now believe the vehicle that left the scene yesterday was a Ford Transit Connect XL Model 2013-2019, more likely a 2018-19. Anyone with info is asked to call the DGSO, 785-843-0250. <a href="https://t.co/NazzZWkS2O">pic.twitter.com/NazzZWkS2O</a>&mdash; Douglas Co. Sheriff (@DGSOSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/DGSOSheriff/status/1525963802629505037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Just after 5p.m. Saturday, police responded to a two-vehicle crash in the 1300 Block of East 1900 Road on the ramp over Kansas 10 Highway between Lawrence and Eudora, according to the Douglas County Sheriff.According to a preliminary investigation, a 54-year-old man was driving a motorcycle northbound on East 1900 Road with a 9-year-old girl as passenger. As the approached the overpass, an unknown possibly a 2013-19 white Ford Transit van moved forward from the stop sign and the top of the eastbound off ramp from K-10 and into the intersection.The van struck the motorcycle which overturned. EMS transported the man and the girl to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. He had serious but non life threatening injuries. The girl, who was wearing a helmet suffered critical injuries and died Sunday morning, according the sheriff's department.Witnesses reported that after the collision, the driver of the white van proceeded down the ramp leaving its black front bumper cover behind and returned to eastbound K-10.&nbsp;Anyone with information is asked to contact the Douglas Co. Sheriff.

Van involved in crash that killed 9-year-old Kan. girl found

Summer’s just around the corner, which means you might be thinking about one of my favorite things ever: vacation! In fact, I always joke that vacation planning is basically one of my spiritual gifts. But we all know vacations can get expensive real fast, which makes them a lot less fun than they should be. So, here are a few tips that will help you plan an amazing vacation without hurting your budget:

No matter what Baby Step you’re on, you don’t have to deprive yourself of having fun this summer. But it&nbsp;is&nbsp;important to plan in a way that makes sense for your finances. If you’re on Baby Step 1 or 2 (saving a $1,000 emergency fund and getting out of debt), you’ll want to find some creative ways to have a great time without spending money. You could do a staycation and use a couple days of your paid time off to relax with your family and explore free events in your own city. You could also go camping—even if it’s just in your backyard—or stay with close friends or family. Don’t lose sight of your financial goals right now, because if you stay gazelle intense, you’ll be able to take your dream vacation a lot sooner than you might think!

If you’re on Baby Step 3 (saving 3 to 6 months of expenses in a fully funded emergency fund), you could do a smaller-scale trip like a couple nights or a long weekend away. This still isn’t the time to splurge, so take a look at some less popular (but fun) destinations like a cabin in the mountains. There can be more vacation flexibility on Baby Steps 4, 5, 6 and 7, but you should still plan to cash flow something that works with your budget and other financial goals.

Doing your research to find the best rates on hotels, flights, attractions, etc. will seriously pay off. Always compare airfare rates on sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner and Scott’s Cheap Flights, and book your tickets as far in advance as you can. And check out Groupon for deals on attractions and events. Rumor has it that if you call a hotel and ask them to price match a rate you found at a similar hotel, you could knock some money off your total bill.

Speaking of price matching, when you’re shopping around for the best deals, don’t be afraid to use the power of negotiation. I know it can feel uncomfortable in the moment, but simply asking for a discount, family rate or any promotions they might be offering can save you a ton of money. I’ve done this myself. One time, my husband and I were planning an end-of-summer trip a few weeks before the fall rates were supposed to kick in, so I asked if we could have the off-season rates a little early. And they let us! We ended up saving a lot on that trip, so I’d recommend asking. The worst they can say is no, right?

You might be tempted to get a credit card just for those airline miles and reward points, but trust me: It’s not worth it! By the time you’ve put enough stuff on a credit card to&nbsp;maybe&nbsp;rack up enough miles for a one-way flight, you’ll be deeper in debt and further away from actually being able to cash flow a vacation.

And if you’re worried about not being able to use a debit card on your trip, I promise you can do everything with a debit card that you can with a credit card—renting a car, booking a hotel, you name it. Depending on the location, you might have to ask around at a few different places to find one that accepts debit cards (my husband and I have had to do this with rental car companies), but you’ll find one. And it will be worth it to know you steered clear of debt in the process!

We’ve all heard the famous quote about comparison being the thief of joy, but you guys, it’s so true—especially when it comes to vacations. You might even want to take a break from social media for a while if you know you won’t be able to scroll without feeling jealous of your neighbors’ tropical vacation and comparing it to the trip you took (or weren’t able to take). And when you spend less time comparing, you’ll be less tempted to overspend on your own vacation.

Remember, social media doesn’t give you the full picture of reality. And at the end of the day, no matter what kind of vacation or staycation you do, you still get to take a break and spend time with the people you love. That’s something worth celebrating!

For more tips and travel hacks that will help you save on your next vacation, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/cheapest-places-to-travel?utm_source=cnl&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=5.1_cnl_blog_1_ramseyplus_personalities_rachel_cruze&amp;utm_term=rplus_bu&amp;utm_campaign=cnl_newsletter&amp;utm_id=cnl_newsletter&amp;cd17=RSCOM-11309_CNL-Eng&amp;_kx=23KkAjsdLRn5R6eB28Hw3V-eG_jHG8rCpuRtXk9NB5Otl8qPb2-qc9TsGz0BsKk4.RzHn5B">this article</a>.

Rachel Cruze&nbsp;is a two-time #1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of&nbsp;The Rachel Cruze Show.&nbsp;She has appeared on Good Morning America, TODAY Show and Live! With Kelly &amp; Ryan, among others. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people to avoid debt, save money, budget and how to win with money at any stage in life. Follow Rachel on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/rachelcruze" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelcruze/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rachelramseycruze" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/rachelcruze" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rachelcruze.com/" target="_blank">rachelcruze.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627261014766.jpeg" alt="Cruze" />
 <figcaption>Cruze</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL CRUZESummer’s just around the corner, which means you might be thinking about one of my favorite things ever: vacation! In fact, I always joke that vacation planning is basically one of my spiritual gifts. But we all know vacations can get expensive real fast, which makes them a lot less fun than they should be. So, here are a few tips that will help you plan an amazing vacation without hurting your budget:<ol>
 <li>Base your plans on the Baby Steps</li>
 </ol>No matter what Baby Step you’re on, you don’t have to deprive yourself of having fun this summer. But it&nbsp;is&nbsp;important to plan in a way that makes sense for your finances. If you’re on Baby Step 1 or 2 (saving a $1,000 emergency fund and getting out of debt), you’ll want to find some creative ways to have a great time without spending money. You could do a staycation and use a couple days of your paid time off to relax with your family and explore free events in your own city. You could also go camping—even if it’s just in your backyard—or stay with close friends or family. Don’t lose sight of your financial goals right now, because if you stay gazelle intense, you’ll be able to take your dream vacation a lot sooner than you might think!If you’re on Baby Step 3 (saving 3 to 6 months of expenses in a fully funded emergency fund), you could do a smaller-scale trip like a couple nights or a long weekend away. This still isn’t the time to splurge, so take a look at some less popular (but fun) destinations like a cabin in the mountains. There can be more vacation flexibility on Baby Steps 4, 5, 6 and 7, but you should still plan to cash flow something that works with your budget and other financial goals.<ol>
 <li>Shop around&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Doing your research to find the best rates on hotels, flights, attractions, etc. will seriously pay off. Always compare airfare rates on sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner and Scott’s Cheap Flights, and book your tickets as far in advance as you can. And check out Groupon for deals on attractions and events. Rumor has it that if you call a hotel and ask them to price match a rate you found at a similar hotel, you could knock some money off your total bill.<ol>
 <li>Negotiate&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Speaking of price matching, when you’re shopping around for the best deals, don’t be afraid to use the power of negotiation. I know it can feel uncomfortable in the moment, but simply asking for a discount, family rate or any promotions they might be offering can save you a ton of money. I’ve done this myself. One time, my husband and I were planning an end-of-summer trip a few weeks before the fall rates were supposed to kick in, so I asked if we could have the off-season rates a little early. And they let us! We ended up saving a lot on that trip, so I’d recommend asking. The worst they can say is no, right?<ol>
 <li>Don’t fall for the points and rewards</li>
 </ol>You might be tempted to get a credit card just for those airline miles and reward points, but trust me: It’s not worth it! By the time you’ve put enough stuff on a credit card to&nbsp;maybe&nbsp;rack up enough miles for a one-way flight, you’ll be deeper in debt and further away from actually being able to cash flow a vacation.And if you’re worried about not being able to use a debit card on your trip, I promise you can do everything with a debit card that you can with a credit card—renting a car, booking a hotel, you name it. Depending on the location, you might have to ask around at a few different places to find one that accepts debit cards (my husband and I have had to do this with rental car companies), but you’ll find one. And it will be worth it to know you steered clear of debt in the process!<ol>
 <li>Don’t compare your vacation to anyone else’s</li>
 </ol>We’ve all heard the famous quote about comparison being the thief of joy, but you guys, it’s so true—especially when it comes to vacations. You might even want to take a break from social media for a while if you know you won’t be able to scroll without feeling jealous of your neighbors’ tropical vacation and comparing it to the trip you took (or weren’t able to take). And when you spend less time comparing, you’ll be less tempted to overspend on your own vacation.Remember, social media doesn’t give you the full picture of reality. And at the end of the day, no matter what kind of vacation or staycation you do, you still get to take a break and spend time with the people you love. That’s something worth celebrating!For more tips and travel hacks that will help you save on your next vacation, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/cheapest-places-to-travel?utm_source=cnl&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=5.1_cnl_blog_1_ramseyplus_personalities_rachel_cruze&amp;utm_term=rplus_bu&amp;utm_campaign=cnl_newsletter&amp;utm_id=cnl_newsletter&amp;cd17=RSCOM-11309_CNL-Eng&amp;_kx=23KkAjsdLRn5R6eB28Hw3V-eG_jHG8rCpuRtXk9NB5Otl8qPb2-qc9TsGz0BsKk4.RzHn5B">this article</a>.Rachel Cruze&nbsp;is a two-time #1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of&nbsp;The Rachel Cruze Show.&nbsp;She has appeared on Good Morning America, TODAY Show and Live! With Kelly &amp; Ryan, among others. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people to avoid debt, save money, budget and how to win with money at any stage in life. Follow Rachel on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/rachelcruze" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelcruze/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rachelramseycruze" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/rachelcruze" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rachelcruze.com/" target="_blank">rachelcruze.com</a>.

CRUZE: How to vacation without breaking the budget            

By DYLAN LYSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-05-12/kansas-thinks-maybe-youre-accidently-buying-vegetarian-meat-so-it-passed-a-law">Kansas News Service</a>

The power of the Kansas cattle industry means grocery shoppers in the
 state won't be buying anything called sausage or burger unless it's 
made of animal parts.

Gov. Laura Kelly recently signed a bill into
 law requiring meat substitutes to be sold with labeling that makes 
clear they come from plants, not livestock.

It's part of a 
national effort from the meat industry to stave off competition from a 
range of products cutting into its market share. The Kansas Livestock 
Association <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2020-01-24/the-kansas-cattle-industry-wants-tighter-labeling-guidelines-for-fake-meats" target="_blank">pushed for the law for years</a>, arguing it will spare consumers from confusion.

“It
 became pretty clear they were using deceptive labels to market their 
products,” KLA lobbyist Aaron Popekla said of meat alternative 
producers.

The law had bipartisan support, receiving a unanimous vote in both the Kansas House and Senate.

Similar
 to other states, Kansas law now prohibits the substitute products from 
using terms associated with animal meat unless they also provide a 
this-is-not meat disclaimer — like “meat-free,” “vegan,” or 
“plant-based.”

Plant-based meat products continue to grow in 
popularity. Recent retail data shows plant-based food sales imitating 
animal products have grown 54%, to a total of $7.4 billion, over the 
last three years, <a href="https://gfi.org/2021-market-research-preview/" target="_blank">according to the Good Food Institute</a>.

Many
 meat alternatives sold in Kansas already used disclaimer language on 
packaging, including the big brand names of the meat alternative market —
 Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat.

In fact, the Impossible Foods 
mission is one of the reasons the KLA pursued the legislation. Popelka 
pointed to the Impossible Foods CEO Patrick Brown, who said in 2020 that
 the company wants to replace all animal-based meat products by 2035, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/23/impossible-foods-ceo-meat-industry-will-be-obsolete-within-15-years.html" target="_blank">according to CNBC</a>.

Popelka said he took that to mean fake meat products are marketed to meat eaters, not vegans and vegetarians.

“(We’re) just making sure when consumers go to the grocery store, they know exactly what they are buying,” Popelka said.

The
 Kansas Chamber of Commerce opposed the bill for placing restrictions on
 businesses that sell fake meat products, including the need for 
companies to make labels specific for Kansas.

Dylan Lysen 
reports on politics for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter @DylanLysen or email him at dlysen@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652459067695.png" alt="A new Kansas law requires meat alternative products to include disclaimers showing they are made from plants, not animals. Dylan Lysen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>A new Kansas law requires meat alternative products to include disclaimers showing they are made from plants, not animals. Dylan Lysen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By DYLAN LYSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-05-12/kansas-thinks-maybe-youre-accidently-buying-vegetarian-meat-so-it-passed-a-law">Kansas News Service</a>The power of the Kansas cattle industry means grocery shoppers in the
 state won't be buying anything called sausage or burger unless it's 
made of animal parts.Gov. Laura Kelly recently signed a bill into
 law requiring meat substitutes to be sold with labeling that makes 
clear they come from plants, not livestock.It's part of a 
national effort from the meat industry to stave off competition from a 
range of products cutting into its market share. The Kansas Livestock 
Association <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2020-01-24/the-kansas-cattle-industry-wants-tighter-labeling-guidelines-for-fake-meats" target="_blank">pushed for the law for years</a>, arguing it will spare consumers from confusion.“It
 became pretty clear they were using deceptive labels to market their 
products,” KLA lobbyist Aaron Popekla said of meat alternative 
producers.The law had bipartisan support, receiving a unanimous vote in both the Kansas House and Senate.Similar
 to other states, Kansas law now prohibits the substitute products from 
using terms associated with animal meat unless they also provide a 
this-is-not meat disclaimer — like “meat-free,” “vegan,” or 
“plant-based.”Plant-based meat products continue to grow in 
popularity. Recent retail data shows plant-based food sales imitating 
animal products have grown 54%, to a total of $7.4 billion, over the 
last three years, <a href="https://gfi.org/2021-market-research-preview/" target="_blank">according to the Good Food Institute</a>.Many
 meat alternatives sold in Kansas already used disclaimer language on 
packaging, including the big brand names of the meat alternative market —
 Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat.In fact, the Impossible Foods 
mission is one of the reasons the KLA pursued the legislation. Popelka 
pointed to the Impossible Foods CEO Patrick Brown, who said in 2020 that
 the company wants to replace all animal-based meat products by 2035, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/23/impossible-foods-ceo-meat-industry-will-be-obsolete-within-15-years.html" target="_blank">according to CNBC</a>.Popelka said he took that to mean fake meat products are marketed to meat eaters, not vegans and vegetarians.“(We’re) just making sure when consumers go to the grocery store, they know exactly what they are buying,” Popelka said.The
 Kansas Chamber of Commerce opposed the bill for placing restrictions on
 businesses that sell fake meat products, including the need for 
companies to make labels specific for Kansas.Dylan Lysen 
reports on politics for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter @DylanLysen or email him at dlysen@kcur.org.

Kansas thinks you're accidentally buying vegetarian 'meat,' so it passed a law

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/05/16/still-among-the-lucky-ones-even-after-catching-covid/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — For months on end, I have been among the lucky ones.

I
 followed the advice of the health experts and the governor and kept my 
distance, sang “Happy Birthday” twice while washing my hands, limited my
 travel and wore a mask when out to shop or reporting at the Capitol.&nbsp;

When
 the vaccine came out, I was among the throngs who swept through 
Lincoln’s Pinnacle Bank Arena for two incredibly well-choreographed 
vaccination clinics.

And when the booster was recommended for us “seasoned” Nebraskans, I rolled up my sleeve for another shot last fall.

My main goal was always “don’t give it to someone else.”

So
 when I got even a slightly sore throat or congestion, I went and got 
tested. More than a dozen times I drove through the free, Test Nebraska 
testing sites. When they went away, it meant a trip to a local drug 
store for a test. More recently, it was using a home test.

I
 did not want to be the guy who gave it to someone else, someone who 
really got sick, or had to go to the hospital, or heaven forbid, ended 
up on a ventilator or worse.

Since
 the pandemic arrived in Nebraska in March 2020, I’ve had a front-row 
seat to the pandemic, covering dozens of governor’s press conferences 
while masked and distanced, writing about Nebraska’s first COVID-19 
patient and about small towns struggling through lockdowns and the 
uncertainty.

More
 recently, I’ve covered stories about doctors and nurses, desperately 
trying to save lives of those gasping for breath while dealing with the 
divisions in our world over using masks, taking precautions and trusting
 medical professionals.

After
 all that, I can honestly say that being cautious and taking precautions
 has worked for me. Neighbors got it, friends got it, relatives got it. 
Not me.&nbsp;

My lucky streak ended April 26 when a home test showed positive.&nbsp;

Like
 a lot of people, I’ve let my guard down, put away the N-95 masks and 
tried to live a little in the past couple of months. Case counts were 
down, masking requirements were going away.

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/05/16/still-among-the-lucky-ones-even-after-catching-covid/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — For months on end, I have been among the lucky ones.Never got COVID.&nbsp;I
 followed the advice of the health experts and the governor and kept my 
distance, sang “Happy Birthday” twice while washing my hands, limited my
 travel and wore a mask when out to shop or reporting at the Capitol.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>When
 the vaccine came out, I was among the throngs who swept through 
Lincoln’s Pinnacle Bank Arena for two incredibly well-choreographed 
vaccination clinics.And when the booster was recommended for us “seasoned” Nebraskans, I rolled up my sleeve for another shot last fall.<h2>“Don’t give it to others’</h2>My main goal was always “don’t give it to someone else.”So
 when I got even a slightly sore throat or congestion, I went and got 
tested. More than a dozen times I drove through the free, Test Nebraska 
testing sites. When they went away, it meant a trip to a local drug 
store for a test. More recently, it was using a home test.I
 did not want to be the guy who gave it to someone else, someone who 
really got sick, or had to go to the hospital, or heaven forbid, ended 
up on a ventilator or worse.Since
 the pandemic arrived in Nebraska in March 2020, I’ve had a front-row 
seat to the pandemic, covering dozens of governor’s press conferences 
while masked and distanced, writing about Nebraska’s first COVID-19 
patient and about small towns struggling through lockdowns and the 
uncertainty.More
 recently, I’ve covered stories about doctors and nurses, desperately 
trying to save lives of those gasping for breath while dealing with the 
divisions in our world over using masks, taking precautions and trusting
 medical professionals.After
 all that, I can honestly say that being cautious and taking precautions
 has worked for me. Neighbors got it, friends got it, relatives got it. 
Not me.&nbsp;Until two weeks ago.&nbsp;My lucky streak ended April 26 when a home test showed positive.&nbsp;Where I got it is anyone’s guess.Like
 a lot of people, I’ve let my guard down, put away the N-95 masks and 
tried to live a little in the past couple of months. Case counts were 
down, masking requirements were going away.<h2>A concert and few masks</h2>My
 wife and I went to an Elton John concert recently. It was sold out, and
 few people wore masks. There was a certain novelty, and feeling of 
freedom, for not masking up. And I was fine after the concert.The
 week before I tested positive I covered the final days of the 
Legislature’s session, went to a bill signing at the Capitol Rotunda, 
attended a funeral visitation and drove to central Nebraska’s Calamus 
Lake to visit an old buddy — all without masking.A
 friend had come up to our family farm nine days before I tested 
positive, and he told me later that he’d turned up positive just after 
our visit. But we were mostly outside, seemingly far enough apart.&nbsp;I write this to make a couple of points. The first is that COVID-19 is still out there.&nbsp;As one widely known public health expert said recently, “We may be done with it, but it isn’t done with us.”This
 is a disease that has killed more than 4,200 Nebraskans. Nineteen more 
Nebraskans died last week. And cases, nationwide, are on the rise again,
 according to the New York Times. That’s also according to the health 
director in Lincoln, where I live.Think of it – 4,200 dead. That’s about the 
population of cities like Aurora, Wahoo, Ogallala and Falls City. Pick 
one of those towns. Gone.In
 Lincoln and Lancaster County, cases have increased in each of the past 
five weeks. A surge seen nationwide is showing up here, said Pat Lopez, 
the city-county health director, who said she’s seeing an increase in 
older residents who haven’t gotten their second booster shot yet.About
 1 million Americans have died since March 2020. And for the first time 
since World War I, the life expectancy for Americans has dropped, from 
78.9 years in 2019 to 76.6 years in 2021.<h2>Depressing facts</h2>Those are cold, hard, depressing facts.(And
 we need to consider that the number of people infected with COVID-19 is
 probably a major undercount. That’s because we’re all using home tests 
now. And I have stopped counting the people who told me they probably 
got COVID but never got tested. Wonder if they spread it.)Here’s my second takeaway: I do believe that getting the shots made my symptoms manageable, and mostly mild.&nbsp;Sure,
 the shots didn’t prevent COVID — I got it — but getting vaccinated, 
wearing a mask, etc., might have kept it at bay for me through months of
 continuing to work, continuing to shop at the grocery store and 
elsewhere, and doing things like ushering at church.(One
 note: I did test “positive” in December 2020, but I never had any 
symptoms other than a scratchy nose. And a month later, two tests showed
 I didn’t have any antibodies. So it was a “false positive.”)<h2>Others got it</h2>Meanwhile,
 I’ve heard story after story of friends, relatives and neighbors — some
 vaxed, but several not — getting COVID and dealing with high fevers, 
the loss of taste and smell, and the lingering after-effects, like a 
foggy brain or lack of energy.But
 my symptoms were no worse than a typical flu. I was run down for a day 
or two, had a slight sore throat and was a bit achy. But, except for one
 morning sleeping in, I continued to work from my isolation at home.My ability to taste and smell was impacted, but for only a couple of days, and only for the blandest food.&nbsp;The best news is this: besides my wife, who luckily also had mild symptoms, I didn’t spread it to the wider world.&nbsp;As
 soon as I tested positive, I called everyone I came in contact with to 
let them know. I still haven’t heard from anyone beyond my wife who got 
it, and I am hoping that I didn’t spread it to anyone else.<h2>Tried to do my part</h2>From
 friends, relatives and neighbors, I’ve heard of much more serious 
fights with COVID, of real sickness, trips to the ER, the awful funerals
 and regrets.I’ve
 tried to do my part by trying to avoid getting it and spreading it. 
I’ve urged others to get the shots, but in our world today, some people 
don’t trust what the experts are telling reporters, or what we are 
reporting. I get it. I don’t understand it, but I get it.&nbsp;Still,
 when an unvaccinated buddy got a bad case, I tried to help him track 
down a monoclonal antibody treatment. I even made a mad dash through a 
blizzard to Beatrice to pick up a home test because they were all sold 
out in his town. He needed a test.&nbsp;So
 now I’m among the majority of Americans who have had COVID-19. It 
knocked me down for a day or two, but I got over it, and hopefully I 
didn’t become a super spreader.I still think I’m still among the lucky ones.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652728478329.jpeg" alt="Paul Hammel" />
 <figcaption>Paul Hammel</figcaption>
 </figure>Senior Reporter Paul Hammel has covered the Nebraska Legislature and Nebraska state government for decades. He started his career reporting for the Omaha Sun and was named editor of the Papillion Times in 1982. He later worked as a sports enterprise reporter at the Lincoln Journal-Star. He joined the Omaha World-Herald in 1990, working as a legislative reporter, then roving state reporter and finally Lincoln bureau chief.&nbsp;