KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities reported making a large meth bust in the Kansas City-area last week.

Just before 1p.m. July 21, a trooper stopped a westbound Dodge minivan for an alleged traffic violation on Interstate 70 in Lafayette County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol in a social media report Wednesday.

During the stop the patrol's K9 Zsolti alerted troopers and after further investigation, they located 90 pounds of meth in a false compartment.

The patrol did not release the suspect's name or possible charges in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658948014552.png" alt="Photos Missouri State Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photos Missouri State Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities reported making a large meth bust in the Kansas City-area last week.Just before 1p.m. July 21, a trooper stopped a westbound Dodge minivan for an alleged traffic violation on Interstate 70 in Lafayette County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol in a social media report Wednesday.During the stop the patrol's K9 Zsolti alerted troopers and after further investigation, they located 90 pounds of meth in a false compartment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658947884089.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The patrol did not release the suspect's name or possible charges in the case.

Troopers make large meth bust on I-70

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run accident and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 7:30p.m. Saturday, police in Wichita arrested 25-year old Hunter Lee Gilbert on a warrant out of Manhattan, according to the Sedgwick County booking report.

The warrant is in connection to a January 24, 2022 hit-and-run crash, where Gilbert allegedly rear-ended two vehicles at the intersection of Fort Riley Boulevard and Richards Drive and and left the scene.

In Wichita, police also arrested Gilbert for alleged interference with law enforcement, falsely reporting a crime and possession of a controlled substance.

In Riley County, he faces requested charges that include "Duty of driver to report accident with an unattended vehicle/property; 1st conv; Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required; Vehicles; Unlawful Acts; e.g., registration; Improper driving on laned roadway; Ignition interlock device; Tamper to render it inaccurate or inoperative and a probation violation, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report. He no longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658941135145.png" alt="Gilbert-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Gilbert-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run accident and have a suspect in custody.Just before 7:30p.m. Saturday, police in Wichita arrested 25-year old Hunter Lee Gilbert on a warrant out of Manhattan, according to the Sedgwick County booking report.The warrant is in connection to a January 24, 2022 hit-and-run crash, where Gilbert allegedly rear-ended two vehicles at the intersection of Fort Riley Boulevard and Richards Drive and and left the scene.In Wichita, police also arrested Gilbert for alleged interference with law enforcement, falsely reporting a crime and possession of a controlled substance.In Riley County, he faces requested charges that include "Duty of driver to report accident with an unattended vehicle/property; 1st conv; Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required; Vehicles; Unlawful Acts; e.g., registration; Improper driving on laned roadway; Ignition interlock device; Tamper to render it inaccurate or inoperative and a probation violation, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report. He no longer in custody.

Suspect in Kansas hit-and-run captured

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has offered a deal to Russia aimed at bringing home WNBA star&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/brittney-griner">Brittney Griner</a>&nbsp;and another jailed American,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-whelan">Paul Whelan,</a>&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday. In a sharp reversal of previous policy, Blinken also said he expects to speak with his Kremlin counterpart for the first time since before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>&nbsp;to discuss the deal and other matters.

Blinken's comments marked the first time the U.S. government has publicly revealed any concrete action it has taken to secure the release of Griner, who was arrested on drug-related charges at a Moscow airport in February and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-entertainment-sports-health-basketball-ae4138729642041aebbabeafa914706f">testified Wednesday at her trial</a>. Though it is unclear if the proposal will be enough for Russia to release the Americans, the public acknowledgment of the offer at a time when the U.S. has otherwise shunned Russia reflects the mounting pressure on the administration over Griner and Whelan and its determination to get them home.

“We put a substantial proposal on the table weeks ago to facilitate their release. Our governments have communicated repeatedly and directly on that proposal, and I'll use the conversation to follow up personally and, I hope, to move us toward a resolution," Blinken said.

Blinken did not offer details on the proposed deal outlined to the Russians, but U.S. officials suggested it is similar to the prisoner swap that secured the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-united-states-prisoner-exchange-8fd1e58e690350019c7aab55af41bbbf">Marine veteran Trevor Reed</a>&nbsp;in April. Russia has made no secret of its desire for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-moscow-paul-whelan-prisoner-exchange-054f3cc0a8895e1ce1d7c632b46f2fe9">convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout</a>&nbsp;to be freed from U.S. prison and the officials would not rule out that Bout’s release is on the table.

President Joe Biden, who authorized the Reed prisoner swap after meeting with his parents, signed off on the deal the U.S. offered in this case, officials said.

“The president and his team are willing to take extraordinary steps to bring them home," John Kirby, a White House national security spokesman, told reporters.

Should the call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov take place, it would be the first conversation that the men have held since Feb. 15, about a week before Russia invaded Ukraine. U.S. officials said the desire for an answer on the prisoner offer was the primary, but not only, reason that the U.S. on Wednesday requested a new call with Lavrov.

Blinken said he would also be speaking to Lavrov about the importance of Russia complying with a U.N.-brokered deal to free multiple tons of Ukrainian grain from storage and warning him about the dangers of possible Russian attempts to annex portions of eastern and southern Ukraine.

“There is utility to conveying clear, direct messages to the Russians on key priorities for us,” including the release of Griner and Whelan, he said. They also include “what we’re seeing and hearing around the world is a desperate need for the foods, the desperate need for prices to decrease.”

Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan, was sentenced in 2020 to 16 years in prison on espionage charges. He and his family have vigorously asserted his innocence. The U.S. government has denounced the charges as false.

Griner, in Russian custody for the last five months, acknowledged in court that she had vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage when she arrived in Moscow in February but contends she had no criminal intent and packed the cartridges inadvertently.

At her trial Wednesday, Griner said she did not know how the cannabis oil ended up in her bag but explained she had a doctor’s recommendation for it and had packed in haste. She said she was pulled aside at the airport after inspectors found the cartridges, but that a language interpreter translated only a fraction of what was said during her questioning and that officials instructed her to sign documents without providing an explanation.

Griner faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs.

The U.S. government has long resisted prisoner swaps out of concern that it could encourage additional hostage-taking and promote false equivalency between a wrongfully detained American and a foreign national regarded as justly convicted. But an earlier deal in April, in which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-texas-united-states-prisoner-exchange-dc15cd07b46fd70b4727f5252bf679f1">Reed was traded for jailed Russian pilot,</a>&nbsp;Konstantin Yaroshenko, appeared to open the door to similar resolutions in the future and the Biden administration has been hounded with political pressure to bring home Griner and other Americans designated as unjustly detained.

Russia has for years expressed interest in the release of Bout, a Russian arms dealer once labeled the “Merchant of Death,” who was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012 on charges that he schemed to illegally sell millions of dollars in weapons.

There was no indication that Blinken and Lavrov had communicated to secure Reed’s release. Their last publicly recognized contact was Feb. 22, when Blinken wrote to Lavrov to cancel a meeting they had planned as a last-ditch effort to avert the Russian invasion, saying Moscow had shown no interest in serious diplomacy on the matter. The State Department said later that Russia’s diplomacy was “Kabuki Theater” — all show and no substance.

The two last met in person in Geneva in January to discuss what was then Russia’s massive military build-up along Ukraine’s border and Russian demands for NATO to reduce its presence in eastern Europe and permanently deny Ukraine membership. The U.S. rejected the Russian demands.

Blinken and Lavrov avoided each other earlier this month at the next time they were in the same place at the same time: at a meeting of foreign ministers from the Group of 20 nations in Bali, Indonesia.

The two men will next be in the same city at the same time next week in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where they will both be attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum. It was not immediately clear if the phone call ahead of that meeting, set for Aug. 4-5, would presage an in-person discussion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="&nbsp;Griner, 31, is one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Griner, 31, is one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has offered a deal to Russia aimed at bringing home WNBA star&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/brittney-griner">Brittney Griner</a>&nbsp;and another jailed American,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-whelan">Paul Whelan,</a>&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday. In a sharp reversal of previous policy, Blinken also said he expects to speak with his Kremlin counterpart for the first time since before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>&nbsp;to discuss the deal and other matters.Blinken's comments marked the first time the U.S. government has publicly revealed any concrete action it has taken to secure the release of Griner, who was arrested on drug-related charges at a Moscow airport in February and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-entertainment-sports-health-basketball-ae4138729642041aebbabeafa914706f">testified Wednesday at her trial</a>. Though it is unclear if the proposal will be enough for Russia to release the Americans, the public acknowledgment of the offer at a time when the U.S. has otherwise shunned Russia reflects the mounting pressure on the administration over Griner and Whelan and its determination to get them home.“We put a substantial proposal on the table weeks ago to facilitate their release. Our governments have communicated repeatedly and directly on that proposal, and I'll use the conversation to follow up personally and, I hope, to move us toward a resolution," Blinken said.Blinken did not offer details on the proposed deal outlined to the Russians, but U.S. officials suggested it is similar to the prisoner swap that secured the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-united-states-prisoner-exchange-8fd1e58e690350019c7aab55af41bbbf">Marine veteran Trevor Reed</a>&nbsp;in April. Russia has made no secret of its desire for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-moscow-paul-whelan-prisoner-exchange-054f3cc0a8895e1ce1d7c632b46f2fe9">convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout</a>&nbsp;to be freed from U.S. prison and the officials would not rule out that Bout’s release is on the table.President Joe Biden, who authorized the Reed prisoner swap after meeting with his parents, signed off on the deal the U.S. offered in this case, officials said.“The president and his team are willing to take extraordinary steps to bring them home," John Kirby, a White House national security spokesman, told reporters.Should the call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov take place, it would be the first conversation that the men have held since Feb. 15, about a week before Russia invaded Ukraine. U.S. officials said the desire for an answer on the prisoner offer was the primary, but not only, reason that the U.S. on Wednesday requested a new call with Lavrov.Blinken said he would also be speaking to Lavrov about the importance of Russia complying with a U.N.-brokered deal to free multiple tons of Ukrainian grain from storage and warning him about the dangers of possible Russian attempts to annex portions of eastern and southern Ukraine.“There is utility to conveying clear, direct messages to the Russians on key priorities for us,” including the release of Griner and Whelan, he said. They also include “what we’re seeing and hearing around the world is a desperate need for the foods, the desperate need for prices to decrease.”Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan, was sentenced in 2020 to 16 years in prison on espionage charges. He and his family have vigorously asserted his innocence. The U.S. government has denounced the charges as false.Griner, in Russian custody for the last five months, acknowledged in court that she had vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage when she arrived in Moscow in February but contends she had no criminal intent and packed the cartridges inadvertently.At her trial Wednesday, Griner said she did not know how the cannabis oil ended up in her bag but explained she had a doctor’s recommendation for it and had packed in haste. She said she was pulled aside at the airport after inspectors found the cartridges, but that a language interpreter translated only a fraction of what was said during her questioning and that officials instructed her to sign documents without providing an explanation.Griner faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs.The U.S. government has long resisted prisoner swaps out of concern that it could encourage additional hostage-taking and promote false equivalency between a wrongfully detained American and a foreign national regarded as justly convicted. But an earlier deal in April, in which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-texas-united-states-prisoner-exchange-dc15cd07b46fd70b4727f5252bf679f1">Reed was traded for jailed Russian pilot,</a>&nbsp;Konstantin Yaroshenko, appeared to open the door to similar resolutions in the future and the Biden administration has been hounded with political pressure to bring home Griner and other Americans designated as unjustly detained.Russia has for years expressed interest in the release of Bout, a Russian arms dealer once labeled the “Merchant of Death,” who was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012 on charges that he schemed to illegally sell millions of dollars in weapons.There was no indication that Blinken and Lavrov had communicated to secure Reed’s release. Their last publicly recognized contact was Feb. 22, when Blinken wrote to Lavrov to cancel a meeting they had planned as a last-ditch effort to avert the Russian invasion, saying Moscow had shown no interest in serious diplomacy on the matter. The State Department said later that Russia’s diplomacy was “Kabuki Theater” — all show and no substance.The two last met in person in Geneva in January to discuss what was then Russia’s massive military build-up along Ukraine’s border and Russian demands for NATO to reduce its presence in eastern Europe and permanently deny Ukraine membership. The U.S. rejected the Russian demands.Blinken and Lavrov avoided each other earlier this month at the next time they were in the same place at the same time: at a meeting of foreign ministers from the Group of 20 nations in Bali, Indonesia.The two men will next be in the same city at the same time next week in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where they will both be attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum. It was not immediately clear if the phone call ahead of that meeting, set for Aug. 4-5, would presage an in-person discussion.

Biden offers Putin deal for release of former Big 12 star and Whelan

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tony Dow, who as Wally Cleaver on the sitcom “Leave It to Beaver” and helped create the popular and lasting image of the American teenager of the 1950s and '60s, died Wednesday. He was 77.

Frank Bilotta, who represented Dow in his work as a sculptor, confirmed his death in an email to The Associated Press.

No cause was given, but Dow had been in hospice care and announced in May that he had been diagnosed with prostate and gall bladder cancer.

“Although this is a very sad day, I have comfort and peace that he is in a better place,” Dow’s son Christopher said in a post on his father’s official Facebook page. “He was the best Dad anyone could ask for. He was my coach, my mentor, my voice of reason, my best friend, my best man in my wedding, and my hero.”

A post on Dow’s Facebook page on Tuesday prematurely reported that he had died, but his wife and management team later took down the post and explained that it was announced in error.

Dow’s Wally was an often annoyed but essentially loving big brother who was constantly bailing out the title character, Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver, played by Jerry Mathers, on the show that was synonymous with the sometimes hokey, wholesome image of the 1950s American family.

Dow was born and raised in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles — his mother was a stuntwoman who acted as a double for silent film star Clara Bow — but his parents did not push him into show business.

He had done just a little stage acting and appeared in a pair of pilots. After attending an open casting call, he landed his career-defining role as Wally.

Dow would play the part for six seasons and more than 200 episodes from 1957 to 1963 on primetime on CBS and ABC, then for more than 100 episodes in the 1980s on a syndicated sequel series.

On the show, Wally, sometimes the center of the plot himself, navigated the worlds of junior high and high school — his two-faced best friend Eddie Haskell at his side — with just a little more wisdom than his little brother. The show’s plotlines suggested Wally was bound for great things — he mentions wanting to become an aerospace engineer — and he tended to find himself in moral dilemmas that stemmed from his essential goodness.

Dow’s favorite episode was one in which the always-ready-to-teach father, Ward Cleaver, played by Hugh Beaumont, wants his boys to know what his childhood was like. He takes them into the wilderness, despite their having what they felt was pressing business at home.

“The boys didn’t want to go because ‘Zombies From Outer Space’ was playing in the theater,” Dow said in a 2018 interview with Sidewalks Entertainment at Silicon Valley Comic-Con.

After the trip, at the end of the episode, Ward discovers the boys on a hilltop with binoculars, thinking they’re taking in some nature.

“They were watching Zombies from Outer Space at the drive-in,” Dow said with a laugh.

The show was still popular when it went off the air, but it had naturally run its course with Wally about to go to college and Beaver bound for high school.

Dow’s death leaves Mathers and Rusty Stevens, who played Beaver’s friend Larry Mondello, as the only surviving members of the show’s core cast. Beaumont died in 1982. Barbara Billingsley, who played mother June Cleaver, died in 2010.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-ap-top-news-ca-state-wire-obituaries-entertainment-54b4bea0e3684006caeb89e05e400dea">Ken Osmond, who played Haskell</a>, died in 2020.

Dow would appear as a guest star on other TV series throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s, including “My Three Sons,” “Dr. Kildare,” “Adam-12,” “Emergency,” “Square Pegs” and “Knight Rider.”

He took a break from acting to serve three years in the U.S. National Guard in the late 1960s.

From 1983 to 1989, amid a cultural craze for nostalgia television, Dow reprised the role of Wally in “The New Leave it to Beaver.”

He began writing and directing episodes of that series, and would work as a director in television throughout the 1990s on shows including “The New Lassie,” “Babylon 5,” “Harry and the Hendersons” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”

At a time when such disclosures were rare, Dow went public with his clinical depression in the 1980s and made self-help videos on accepting and dealing with the illness.

Along with appearances in later years at pop culture conventions, often alongside Mather, Dow worked as an artist, gaining a sterling reputation as a sculptor.

One of his bronze pieces was accepted at 2008′s Societe Nationale des Beaux-Arts, a 150-year-old art show staged annually at the Louvre.

<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/tony-dow-former-child-tv-actor-carves-career-203012659.html" target="_blank">Dow told The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;in 2012 that his openings brought out as many people anxious to rub shoulders with the Beaver’s big brother as to see his art.

“I think it’s hard, especially with the Wally image, to be taken seriously at pretty much anything other than that,” he said with a chuckle and a shake of his head.

Dow is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lauren, son Christopher, daughter-in-law Melissa, and brother Dion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658955369765.png" alt="A post on Dow’s Facebook page on Tuesday prematurely reported that he had died, but his wife and management team later took down the post and explained that it was announced in error." />
 <figcaption>A post on Dow’s Facebook page on Tuesday prematurely reported that he had died, but his wife and management team later took down the post and explained that it was announced in error.</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tony Dow, who as Wally Cleaver on the sitcom “Leave It to Beaver” and helped create the popular and lasting image of the American teenager of the 1950s and '60s, died Wednesday. He was 77.Frank Bilotta, who represented Dow in his work as a sculptor, confirmed his death in an email to The Associated Press.No cause was given, but Dow had been in hospice care and announced in May that he had been diagnosed with prostate and gall bladder cancer.“Although this is a very sad day, I have comfort and peace that he is in a better place,” Dow’s son Christopher said in a post on his father’s official Facebook page. “He was the best Dad anyone could ask for. He was my coach, my mentor, my voice of reason, my best friend, my best man in my wedding, and my hero.”A post on Dow’s Facebook page on Tuesday prematurely reported that he had died, but his wife and management team later took down the post and explained that it was announced in error.Dow’s Wally was an often annoyed but essentially loving big brother who was constantly bailing out the title character, Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver, played by Jerry Mathers, on the show that was synonymous with the sometimes hokey, wholesome image of the 1950s American family.Dow was born and raised in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles — his mother was a stuntwoman who acted as a double for silent film star Clara Bow — but his parents did not push him into show business.He had done just a little stage acting and appeared in a pair of pilots. After attending an open casting call, he landed his career-defining role as Wally.Dow would play the part for six seasons and more than 200 episodes from 1957 to 1963 on primetime on CBS and ABC, then for more than 100 episodes in the 1980s on a syndicated sequel series.On the show, Wally, sometimes the center of the plot himself, navigated the worlds of junior high and high school — his two-faced best friend Eddie Haskell at his side — with just a little more wisdom than his little brother. The show’s plotlines suggested Wally was bound for great things — he mentions wanting to become an aerospace engineer — and he tended to find himself in moral dilemmas that stemmed from his essential goodness.Dow’s favorite episode was one in which the always-ready-to-teach father, Ward Cleaver, played by Hugh Beaumont, wants his boys to know what his childhood was like. He takes them into the wilderness, despite their having what they felt was pressing business at home.“The boys didn’t want to go because ‘Zombies From Outer Space’ was playing in the theater,” Dow said in a 2018 interview with Sidewalks Entertainment at Silicon Valley Comic-Con.After the trip, at the end of the episode, Ward discovers the boys on a hilltop with binoculars, thinking they’re taking in some nature.“They were watching Zombies from Outer Space at the drive-in,” Dow said with a laugh.The show was still popular when it went off the air, but it had naturally run its course with Wally about to go to college and Beaver bound for high school.Dow’s death leaves Mathers and Rusty Stevens, who played Beaver’s friend Larry Mondello, as the only surviving members of the show’s core cast. Beaumont died in 1982. Barbara Billingsley, who played mother June Cleaver, died in 2010.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-ap-top-news-ca-state-wire-obituaries-entertainment-54b4bea0e3684006caeb89e05e400dea">Ken Osmond, who played Haskell</a>, died in 2020.Dow would appear as a guest star on other TV series throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s, including “My Three Sons,” “Dr. Kildare,” “Adam-12,” “Emergency,” “Square Pegs” and “Knight Rider.”He took a break from acting to serve three years in the U.S. National Guard in the late 1960s.From 1983 to 1989, amid a cultural craze for nostalgia television, Dow reprised the role of Wally in “The New Leave it to Beaver.”He began writing and directing episodes of that series, and would work as a director in television throughout the 1990s on shows including “The New Lassie,” “Babylon 5,” “Harry and the Hendersons” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”At a time when such disclosures were rare, Dow went public with his clinical depression in the 1980s and made self-help videos on accepting and dealing with the illness.Along with appearances in later years at pop culture conventions, often alongside Mather, Dow worked as an artist, gaining a sterling reputation as a sculptor.One of his bronze pieces was accepted at 2008′s Societe Nationale des Beaux-Arts, a 150-year-old art show staged annually at the Louvre.<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/tony-dow-former-child-tv-actor-carves-career-203012659.html" target="_blank">Dow told The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;in 2012 that his openings brought out as many people anxious to rub shoulders with the Beaver’s big brother as to see his art.“I think it’s hard, especially with the Wally image, to be taken seriously at pretty much anything other than that,” he said with a chuckle and a shake of his head.Dow is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lauren, son Christopher, daughter-in-law Melissa, and brother Dion.

'Leave It to Beaver' star Tony Dow dies at 77

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised its benchmark interest rate by a hefty three-quarters of a point for a second straight time in its most aggressive drive in three decades to tame high inflation.

The Fed’s move will raise its key rate, which affects many consumer and business loans, to a range of 2.25% to 2.5%, its highest level since 2018.

The central bank’s decision follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-consumer-74e1a5c9bced40460e4079f62e980095">a jump in inflation to 9.1%</a>, the fastest annual rate in 41 years, and reflects its strenuous efforts to slow price gains across the economy. By raising borrowing rates, the Fed makes it costlier to take out a mortgage or an auto or business loan. Consumers and businesses then presumably borrow and spend less, cooling the economy and slowing inflation.

The Fed is tightening credit even while the economy has begun to slow, thereby heightening the risk that its rate hikes will cause a recession later this year or next. The surge in inflation and fear of a recession have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-consumer-confidence-540a7e866b29e504f67e1aec2e0ee547">eroded consumer confidence</a>&nbsp;and stirred&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-inflation-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-economy-8702782d77505f711272f5f9d988d73f">public anxiety about the economy,</a>&nbsp;which is sending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-covid-health-prices-fb0d8b84ab2afe6b2c569c02315b7f31">frustratingly mixed signals</a>.

“I do not think the U.S. is currently in a recession,” Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday at a news conference.

With the November midterm elections nearing, Americans’ discontent has diminished&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-b6d1751b2554555f7246f9e914b87c59">President Joe Biden’s public approval ratings</a>&nbsp;and increased the likelihood that the Democrats will lose control of the House and Senate.

The Fed’s moves to sharply tighten credit have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-market-cools-6618d543a9c0ac4ff6562b586cf96c9f">torpedoed the housing market</a>, which is especially sensitive to interest rate changes. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-mortgages-mortgage-rates-195888d890ceb97524eb6fd1d766bd8e">average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage</a>&nbsp;has roughly doubled in the past year, to 5.5%, and home sales have tumbled.

At the same time, consumers are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-doug-mcmillon-607096fa98a6fe0a7c67987401412e4d">showing signs of cutting spending</a>&nbsp;in the face of high prices. And business surveys suggest that sales are slowing.

The central bank is betting that it can slow growth just enough to tame inflation yet not so much as to trigger a recession — a risk that many analysts fear may end badly.

In a statement the Fed issued after its latest policy meeting ended, it acknowledged that while “indicators of spending and production have softened,” “job gains have been robust in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low.” The Fed typically assigns high importance to the pace of hiring and pay growth because when more people earn paychecks, the resulting spending can fuel inflation.

Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics noted that point, saying, “The Fed is not ready — yet — to concede that weaker growth is a reason to slow the pace of tightening,″

On Thursday, when the government estimates the gross domestic product for the April-June period, some economists think it may show that the economy shrank for a second straight quarter. That would meet one longstanding assumption for when a recession has begun.

But economists say that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-covid-health-gross-domestic-product-economy-89cbfc145ad34a91679ffa43e617c896">wouldn’t necessarily mean a recession had started</a>. During those same six months when the overall economy might have contracted, employers added 2.7 million jobs — more than in most entire years before the pandemic. Wages are also rising at a healthy pace, with many employers still struggling to attract and retain enough workers.

Still, slowing growth puts the Fed’s policymakers in a high-risk quandary: How high should they raise borrowing rates if the economy is decelerating? Weaker growth, if it causes layoffs and raises unemployment, often reduces inflation on its own.

That dilemma could become an even more consequential one for the Fed next year, when the economy may be in worse shape and inflation will likely still exceed the central bank’s 2% target.

“How much recession risk are you willing to bear to get (inflation) back to 2%, quickly, versus over the course of several years?” asked Nathan Sheets, a former Fed economist who is global chief economist at Citi. “Those are the kinds of issues they’re going to have to wrestle with.”

Economists at Bank of America foresee a “mild” recession later this year. Goldman Sachs analysts estimate a 50-50 likelihood of a recession within two years.

Among analysts who foresee a recession, most predict that it will prove relatively mild. The unemployment rate, they note, is near a 50-year low, and households are overall in solid financial shape, with more cash and smaller debts than after the housing bubble burst in 2008.

Fed officials have suggested that at its new level, their key short-term rate will neither stimulate growth nor restrict it – what they call a “neutral” level. Powell has said the Fed wants its key rate to reach neutral relatively quickly.

Should the economy continue to show signs of slowing, the Fed may moderate the size of its rate hikes as soon as its next meeting in September, perhaps to a half-point. Such an increase, followed by possibly quarter-point hikes in November and December, would still raise the Fed’s short-term rate to 3.25% to 3.5% by year’s end -- the highest point since 2008.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586436935167.png" alt="“I do not think the U.S. is currently in a recession,” Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday at a news conference.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>“I do not think the U.S. is currently in a recession,” Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday at a news conference.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised its benchmark interest rate by a hefty three-quarters of a point for a second straight time in its most aggressive drive in three decades to tame high inflation.The Fed’s move will raise its key rate, which affects many consumer and business loans, to a range of 2.25% to 2.5%, its highest level since 2018.The central bank’s decision follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-prices-consumer-74e1a5c9bced40460e4079f62e980095">a jump in inflation to 9.1%</a>, the fastest annual rate in 41 years, and reflects its strenuous efforts to slow price gains across the economy. By raising borrowing rates, the Fed makes it costlier to take out a mortgage or an auto or business loan. Consumers and businesses then presumably borrow and spend less, cooling the economy and slowing inflation.The Fed is tightening credit even while the economy has begun to slow, thereby heightening the risk that its rate hikes will cause a recession later this year or next. The surge in inflation and fear of a recession have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-consumer-confidence-540a7e866b29e504f67e1aec2e0ee547">eroded consumer confidence</a>&nbsp;and stirred&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-inflation-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-economy-8702782d77505f711272f5f9d988d73f">public anxiety about the economy,</a>&nbsp;which is sending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-covid-health-prices-fb0d8b84ab2afe6b2c569c02315b7f31">frustratingly mixed signals</a>.“I do not think the U.S. is currently in a recession,” Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday at a news conference.With the November midterm elections nearing, Americans’ discontent has diminished&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-b6d1751b2554555f7246f9e914b87c59">President Joe Biden’s public approval ratings</a>&nbsp;and increased the likelihood that the Democrats will lose control of the House and Senate.The Fed’s moves to sharply tighten credit have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-market-cools-6618d543a9c0ac4ff6562b586cf96c9f">torpedoed the housing market</a>, which is especially sensitive to interest rate changes. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-mortgages-mortgage-rates-195888d890ceb97524eb6fd1d766bd8e">average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage</a>&nbsp;has roughly doubled in the past year, to 5.5%, and home sales have tumbled.At the same time, consumers are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-doug-mcmillon-607096fa98a6fe0a7c67987401412e4d">showing signs of cutting spending</a>&nbsp;in the face of high prices. And business surveys suggest that sales are slowing.The central bank is betting that it can slow growth just enough to tame inflation yet not so much as to trigger a recession — a risk that many analysts fear may end badly.In a statement the Fed issued after its latest policy meeting ended, it acknowledged that while “indicators of spending and production have softened,” “job gains have been robust in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low.” The Fed typically assigns high importance to the pace of hiring and pay growth because when more people earn paychecks, the resulting spending can fuel inflation.Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics noted that point, saying, “The Fed is not ready — yet — to concede that weaker growth is a reason to slow the pace of tightening,″On Thursday, when the government estimates the gross domestic product for the April-June period, some economists think it may show that the economy shrank for a second straight quarter. That would meet one longstanding assumption for when a recession has begun.But economists say that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-covid-health-gross-domestic-product-economy-89cbfc145ad34a91679ffa43e617c896">wouldn’t necessarily mean a recession had started</a>. During those same six months when the overall economy might have contracted, employers added 2.7 million jobs — more than in most entire years before the pandemic. Wages are also rising at a healthy pace, with many employers still struggling to attract and retain enough workers.Still, slowing growth puts the Fed’s policymakers in a high-risk quandary: How high should they raise borrowing rates if the economy is decelerating? Weaker growth, if it causes layoffs and raises unemployment, often reduces inflation on its own.That dilemma could become an even more consequential one for the Fed next year, when the economy may be in worse shape and inflation will likely still exceed the central bank’s 2% target.“How much recession risk are you willing to bear to get (inflation) back to 2%, quickly, versus over the course of several years?” asked Nathan Sheets, a former Fed economist who is global chief economist at Citi. “Those are the kinds of issues they’re going to have to wrestle with.”Economists at Bank of America foresee a “mild” recession later this year. Goldman Sachs analysts estimate a 50-50 likelihood of a recession within two years.Among analysts who foresee a recession, most predict that it will prove relatively mild. The unemployment rate, they note, is near a 50-year low, and households are overall in solid financial shape, with more cash and smaller debts than after the housing bubble burst in 2008.Fed officials have suggested that at its new level, their key short-term rate will neither stimulate growth nor restrict it – what they call a “neutral” level. Powell has said the Fed wants its key rate to reach neutral relatively quickly.Should the economy continue to show signs of slowing, the Fed may moderate the size of its rate hikes as soon as its next meeting in September, perhaps to a half-point. Such an increase, followed by possibly quarter-point hikes in November and December, would still raise the Fed’s short-term rate to 3.25% to 3.5% by year’s end -- the highest point since 2008.

Another huge interest rate hike in push to tame soaring inflation

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Early voting is surging in Kansas ahead of next week’s statewide abortion vote and the electorate so far is leaning more Democratic than usual.

More than 2½ times as many people had cast early ballots as of Tuesday compared to the same point in the 2018 mid-term primary, the Kansas secretary of state’s office reported. Voters will decide Aug. 2&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-2022-midterm-elections-us-supreme-court-health-government-and-politics-ee885ee70503518fa02f982a7ffff464">whether to amend the Kansas Constitution</a>&nbsp;to allow the Legislature to further restrict or ban abortion.

Polling has suggested that Democrats are far stronger supporters of abortion-rights than Republicans, and Democrats so far make up 42% of the people who have cast ballots early in Kansas, compared to 44% for Republicans. Over the past 10 years, Republicans have typically cast twice as many ballots in a primary election as Democrats. Unaffiliated voters — who can’t participate in a partisan primary unless they pick a party label — have cast nearly 14% of the early votes.

The Kansas vote is the first statewide referendum on abortion policy since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in late June. In Douglas County, among a few Democratic strongholds in Republican-leaning Kansas and home to the liberal main University of Kansas campus, 5,800 people already have cast early in-person ballots. The normal figure for a primary is about 2,200, said County Clerk Jamie Shew, who oversees its elections.

“Very rarely do you see an event that has a clear impact like that,” said Shew, an elected Democrat.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-nancy-pelosi-womens-rights-government-and-politics-c410dbe9a8321b35a4e779b2fb226de5">A poll</a>&nbsp;from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research at the start of July showed that 33% of Democrats interviewed considered abortion and women’s rights a top issue, up from just 3% in 2020.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-election-2020-presidential-elections-9464b25097f501f47f1d104e31ee47e5">An AP-NORC poll in December</a>&nbsp;showed that 69% of Democrats but only 27% of Republicans said an abortion should be possible if a woman does not want to be pregnant. The same poll said 26% of Republicans said first-trimester abortions should always be illegal.

In Kansas, Republicans have long had an advantage in voter numbers. As of July 1, they made up about 44% of the state’s 1.9 million registered voters, compared to 26% for Democrats and 29% for unaffiliated voters. Also, Democrats historically have had fewer competitive primaries than Republicans for statewide and legislative offices, and that’s true this year. Both of those historical trends normally would argue for low Democratic turnout.

The Republican-controlled Legislature put&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hcr5003_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the anti-abortion measure</a>&nbsp;on the ballot to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">a 2019 state Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;declaring access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state constitution.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hcr5003_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">The measure</a>&nbsp;would add language saying the state constitution does not grant a right to abortion, allowing lawmakers to regulate it as they see fit.

Supporters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-constitutions-kansas-general-elections-elections-56b272878ee505c44931b2a1840636b7">wanted the question on the August ballot,</a>&nbsp;arguing that it would get the attention it deserves then instead of getting lost amid Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s difficult race for reelection in the fall.

“We’re glad to see many Kansans engaging in the democratic process and hopeful that they are educating themselves about what the amendment truly is and does,” said Mackenzie Haddix, a spokesperson for the main group supporting the proposed amendment.

Even with a surge in early voting, far fewer people are likely to cast ballots in August than in the November general election. Shew sent postcards to all of his county’s unaffiliated voters, telling them how they can vote on the amendment because they are “just not used to voting in August.”

“It’s still very much an uphill battle for us because of that, but we’re encouraged by the energy and engagement that we’ve seen from voters, not just Democratic voters,” said Ashley All, a spokesperson for the main coalition opposing the measure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658944774351.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Early voting is surging in Kansas ahead of next week’s statewide abortion vote and the electorate so far is leaning more Democratic than usual.More than 2½ times as many people had cast early ballots as of Tuesday compared to the same point in the 2018 mid-term primary, the Kansas secretary of state’s office reported. Voters will decide Aug. 2&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-2022-midterm-elections-us-supreme-court-health-government-and-politics-ee885ee70503518fa02f982a7ffff464">whether to amend the Kansas Constitution</a>&nbsp;to allow the Legislature to further restrict or ban abortion.Polling has suggested that Democrats are far stronger supporters of abortion-rights than Republicans, and Democrats so far make up 42% of the people who have cast ballots early in Kansas, compared to 44% for Republicans. Over the past 10 years, Republicans have typically cast twice as many ballots in a primary election as Democrats. Unaffiliated voters — who can’t participate in a partisan primary unless they pick a party label — have cast nearly 14% of the early votes.The Kansas vote is the first statewide referendum on abortion policy since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in late June. In Douglas County, among a few Democratic strongholds in Republican-leaning Kansas and home to the liberal main University of Kansas campus, 5,800 people already have cast early in-person ballots. The normal figure for a primary is about 2,200, said County Clerk Jamie Shew, who oversees its elections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658944814182.png" alt="ballot vote" />
 <figcaption>ballot vote</figcaption>
 </figure>“Very rarely do you see an event that has a clear impact like that,” said Shew, an elected Democrat.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-nancy-pelosi-womens-rights-government-and-politics-c410dbe9a8321b35a4e779b2fb226de5">A poll</a>&nbsp;from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research at the start of July showed that 33% of Democrats interviewed considered abortion and women’s rights a top issue, up from just 3% in 2020.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-election-2020-presidential-elections-9464b25097f501f47f1d104e31ee47e5">An AP-NORC poll in December</a>&nbsp;showed that 69% of Democrats but only 27% of Republicans said an abortion should be possible if a woman does not want to be pregnant. The same poll said 26% of Republicans said first-trimester abortions should always be illegal.In Kansas, Republicans have long had an advantage in voter numbers. As of July 1, they made up about 44% of the state’s 1.9 million registered voters, compared to 26% for Democrats and 29% for unaffiliated voters. Also, Democrats historically have had fewer competitive primaries than Republicans for statewide and legislative offices, and that’s true this year. Both of those historical trends normally would argue for low Democratic turnout.The Republican-controlled Legislature put&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hcr5003_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">the anti-abortion measure</a>&nbsp;on the ballot to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">a 2019 state Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;declaring access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state constitution.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hcr5003_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">The measure</a>&nbsp;would add language saying the state constitution does not grant a right to abortion, allowing lawmakers to regulate it as they see fit.Supporters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-constitutions-kansas-general-elections-elections-56b272878ee505c44931b2a1840636b7">wanted the question on the August ballot,</a>&nbsp;arguing that it would get the attention it deserves then instead of getting lost amid Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s difficult race for reelection in the fall.“We’re glad to see many Kansans engaging in the democratic process and hopeful that they are educating themselves about what the amendment truly is and does,” said Mackenzie Haddix, a spokesperson for the main group supporting the proposed amendment.Even with a surge in early voting, far fewer people are likely to cast ballots in August than in the November general election. Shew sent postcards to all of his county’s unaffiliated voters, telling them how they can vote on the amendment because they are “just not used to voting in August.”“It’s still very much an uphill battle for us because of that, but we’re encouraged by the energy and engagement that we’ve seen from voters, not just Democratic voters,” said Ashley All, a spokesperson for the main coalition opposing the measure.___

Abortion question boosts early Kansas voting for primary

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;7,519&nbsp;new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday July 20 to Wednesday July 27, for a total of&nbsp; 834,820 cases.

Th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;5&nbsp; COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,971.

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

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

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

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

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;7,519&nbsp;new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday July 20 to Wednesday July 27, for a total of&nbsp; 834,820 cases.Th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;5&nbsp; COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,971.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658941907278.png" alt="Wednesday July 27, 2022" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday July 27, 2022</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE: 5 additional COVID deaths, 7,500 new cases

LABETTE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp; Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for theft, mistreatment of elder persons, and several drugs and weapons charges.

Just before 4p.m. Tuesday, KBI agents arrested Stacy T. Oliver, 55, near 1528 Main St. in Parsons, Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.

Oliver was booked into the Labette County Jail on requested charges that include felony theft, two counts of mistreatment of an elder person, criminal threat, two counts of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of stolen property, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Girard Police Department, the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Parsons Police Department assisted in this investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658939452217.png" alt="Oliver-photo Labette County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Oliver-photo Labette County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>LABETTE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp; Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for theft, mistreatment of elder persons, and several drugs and weapons charges.Just before 4p.m. Tuesday, KBI agents arrested Stacy T. Oliver, 55, near 1528 Main St. in Parsons, Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.Oliver was booked into the Labette County Jail on requested charges that include felony theft, two counts of mistreatment of an elder person, criminal threat, two counts of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of stolen property, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Girard Police Department, the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Parsons Police Department assisted in this investigation.

Kan. man jailed for alleged theft, mistreatment of elders

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday emerged from five days of isolation after contracting the coronavirus, telling Americans that “COVID isn't gone” but saying serious illness can be avoided with vaccines, booster shoots and treatments.

(click below to watch the President's comments)

“You don’t need to be president to get these tools," he said.

Biden had a mild bout with the virus that has killed millions of people around the world and disrupted daily life for more than two years.

“God bless you all, and now I get to go back to the Oval Office,” he said as he finished his remarks in the Rose Garden and returned to the West Wing.

Biden tested negative for the virus on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

“Back to the Oval,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1552296813230710784?s=20&amp;t=LYCxpr5Ew1UUeBgus7GcQw">Biden tweeted</a>&nbsp;after the White House released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/22121894-biden-covid-update-july-27">the latest daily update from his doctor</a>&nbsp;confirming that he was clear to end the isolation period that is required after someone tests positive for the coronavirus.

Biden’s tweet included a photo of a rapid COVID-19 test with the line showing a negative result.

“Thanks to Doc for the good care, and to all of you for your support,” the president’s tweet said.

Biden, 79,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-karine-jean-pierre-government-and-politics-d9dbee6cc390f648396c46dd504c31c3">tested positive</a>&nbsp;last week. He continued to work during isolation, holding meetings virtually and addressing groups through recorded messages.

Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden's physician, wrote in Wednesday's update that the president had completed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-medication-f5f65e7e61d6aa9c7dfa193053e8878a">a five-day course of Paxlovid</a>, an anti-viral drug used to treat COVID-19. Biden remains free of fever and had not used Tylenol in the past 36 hours.

Biden's symptoms were almost “completely resolved,” O'Connor reported.

“Given these reassuring factors, the president will discontinue his strict isolation measures,” the doctor wrote.

Biden plans to wear a “well-fitting” face mask for five more days anytime he is around others.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;is ending his COVID-19 isolation after testing negative for the virus on Tuesday night and again on Wednesday.

That’s according to a letter the White House released Wednesday from Biden’s physician.

Dr. Kevin O’Connor writes that Biden has completed his course of treatment with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-medication-f5f65e7e61d6aa9c7dfa193053e8878a">the drug Paxlovid</a>&nbsp;and remains free of fever. O’Connor says that given those factors and the pair of negative tests, Biden will discontinue his “strict isolation” measures.

In fact, Biden is scheduled to appear in the White House Rose Garden around midday Wednesday.

Biden, 79,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-karine-jean-pierre-government-and-politics-d9dbee6cc390f648396c46dd504c31c3">tested positive</a>&nbsp;for COVID-19 last week.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday emerged from five days of isolation after contracting the coronavirus, telling Americans that “COVID isn't gone” but saying serious illness can be avoided with vaccines, booster shoots and treatments.(click below to watch the President's comments)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/URBPSGL-foU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“You don’t need to be president to get these tools," he said.Biden had a mild bout with the virus that has killed millions of people around the world and disrupted daily life for more than two years.“God bless you all, and now I get to go back to the Oval Office,” he said as he finished his remarks in the Rose Garden and returned to the West Wing.Biden tested negative for the virus on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.“Back to the Oval,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1552296813230710784?s=20&amp;t=LYCxpr5Ew1UUeBgus7GcQw">Biden tweeted</a>&nbsp;after the White House released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/22121894-biden-covid-update-july-27">the latest daily update from his doctor</a>&nbsp;confirming that he was clear to end the isolation period that is required after someone tests positive for the coronavirus.Biden’s tweet included a photo of a rapid COVID-19 test with the line showing a negative result.“Thanks to Doc for the good care, and to all of you for your support,” the president’s tweet said.Biden, 79,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-karine-jean-pierre-government-and-politics-d9dbee6cc390f648396c46dd504c31c3">tested positive</a>&nbsp;last week. He continued to work during isolation, holding meetings virtually and addressing groups through recorded messages.Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden's physician, wrote in Wednesday's update that the president had completed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-medication-f5f65e7e61d6aa9c7dfa193053e8878a">a five-day course of Paxlovid</a>, an anti-viral drug used to treat COVID-19. Biden remains free of fever and had not used Tylenol in the past 36 hours.Biden's symptoms were almost “completely resolved,” O'Connor reported.“Given these reassuring factors, the president will discontinue his strict isolation measures,” the doctor wrote.Biden plans to wear a “well-fitting” face mask for five more days anytime he is around others.---------WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;is ending his COVID-19 isolation after testing negative for the virus on Tuesday night and again on Wednesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Back to the Oval. Thanks to Doc for the good care, and to all of you for your support. <a href="https://t.co/Cfzn1zAKJF">pic.twitter.com/Cfzn1zAKJF</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1552296813230710784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>That’s according to a letter the White House released Wednesday from Biden’s physician.Dr. Kevin O’Connor writes that Biden has completed his course of treatment with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-medication-f5f65e7e61d6aa9c7dfa193053e8878a">the drug Paxlovid</a>&nbsp;and remains free of fever. O’Connor says that given those factors and the pair of negative tests, Biden will discontinue his “strict isolation” measures.In fact, Biden is scheduled to appear in the White House Rose Garden around midday Wednesday.Biden, 79,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-karine-jean-pierre-government-and-politics-d9dbee6cc390f648396c46dd504c31c3">tested positive</a>&nbsp;for COVID-19 last week.

🎥Emerging from isolation, Biden urges Americans to get shots

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders and Kansas officials praised aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart on Wednesday for advancing the cause of women's rights during her barrier-breaking career at a ceremony unveiling her statue in the U.S. Capitol.

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.speaker.gov/live" rel="nofollow">Click</a>&nbsp;below to watch to watch a replay of the ceremony.

Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, joins President Dwight Eisenhower as Kansas icons enshrined in the National Statuary Hall Collection. She is the 11th woman honored with a statue in the collection, where each state is represented by two people of significance.

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas said that while Earhart is best known for flying across the ocean, she was also a military nurse, social worker, author, and a champion for women's advancement.

“Female pilots used to be called ‘ladybirds,’ ‘sweethearts of the air,’ and because of Amelia Earhart, back then, now and into the future, women who fly planes are now called ‘pilots,’" Davids said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi noted that Earhart, who was born and raised in Atchison, Kansas, was the first woman to ever receive the Distinguished Flying Cross from the U.S. Congress.

“Not only was she an outstanding aviator, but she had a strong moral compass as an outspoken champion for gender equality,” Pelosi said. "Amelia envisioned aviation as a great equalizer, and she fought valiantly to close the gender gap.”

The Kansas Legislature voted in 1999 to replace previous statues with those of Eisenhower and Earhart. Eisenhower's statue arrived in 2003 but the bronze statue of Earhart was delayed until the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation raised the funding for it.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said it was fitting that one of the state's most notable pioneering women was being honored.

“Let it be an inspiration for all, particularly our young girls, for generations to come," Kelly said.

Earhart disappeared in July 1937 on a flight over the Pacific Ocean while trying to become the first pilot to circle the globe at the equator. No trace of her or her navigator, Fred Noonan, has ever been found, sparking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-ap-top-news-pacific-ocean-marshall-islands-entertainment-4709595229f547d3b24d47fbed99e04d">numerous theories</a>&nbsp;about what happened to them.

WASHINGTON —The unveiling of the bronze statue of the aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart — the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and influential advocate for women’s equal rights — was held in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/buildings-grounds/capitol-building/house-wing/statuary-hall" rel="nofollow">National Statuary Hall</a>&nbsp;at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Wednesday morning.

Governor Laura Kelly joined Congressional Leadership including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senators Jerry Moran, Roger Marshall, Congresswoman Sharice Davids,  Congressman Jake LaTurner and others.&nbsp;

Amelia Earhart was one of the world’s most celebrated aviators and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.&nbsp;Born and raised in Atchison, Kansas, Earhart received her pilot license in 1923 and subsequently championed the advancement of women in aviation.&nbsp;She was declared lost at sea when she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937.&nbsp;The statue of Amelia Earhart will represent the State of Kansas in the National Statuary Hall Collection.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658934559515.png" alt="The moment of the unveiling." />
 <figcaption>The moment of the unveiling.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders and Kansas officials praised aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart on Wednesday for advancing the cause of women's rights during her barrier-breaking career at a ceremony unveiling her statue in the U.S. Capitol.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.speaker.gov/live" rel="nofollow">Click</a>&nbsp;below to watch to watch a replay of the ceremony.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sUDHAXSGScc?start=544" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, joins President Dwight Eisenhower as Kansas icons enshrined in the National Statuary Hall Collection. She is the 11th woman honored with a statue in the collection, where each state is represented by two people of significance.U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas said that while Earhart is best known for flying across the ocean, she was also a military nurse, social worker, author, and a champion for women's advancement.“Female pilots used to be called ‘ladybirds,’ ‘sweethearts of the air,’ and because of Amelia Earhart, back then, now and into the future, women who fly planes are now called ‘pilots,’" Davids said.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi noted that Earhart, who was born and raised in Atchison, Kansas, was the first woman to ever receive the Distinguished Flying Cross from the U.S. Congress.“Not only was she an outstanding aviator, but she had a strong moral compass as an outspoken champion for gender equality,” Pelosi said. "Amelia envisioned aviation as a great equalizer, and she fought valiantly to close the gender gap.”The Kansas Legislature voted in 1999 to replace previous statues with those of Eisenhower and Earhart. Eisenhower's statue arrived in 2003 but the bronze statue of Earhart was delayed until the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation raised the funding for it.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said it was fitting that one of the state's most notable pioneering women was being honored.“Let it be an inspiration for all, particularly our young girls, for generations to come," Kelly said.Earhart disappeared in July 1937 on a flight over the Pacific Ocean while trying to become the first pilot to circle the globe at the equator. No trace of her or her navigator, Fred Noonan, has ever been found, sparking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-ap-top-news-pacific-ocean-marshall-islands-entertainment-4709595229f547d3b24d47fbed99e04d">numerous theories</a>&nbsp;about what happened to them.---------------WASHINGTON —The unveiling of the bronze statue of the aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart — the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and influential advocate for women’s equal rights — was held in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/buildings-grounds/capitol-building/house-wing/statuary-hall" rel="nofollow">National Statuary Hall</a>&nbsp;at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Wednesday morning.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.speaker.gov/live" rel="nofollow">Click</a>&nbsp;below to watch to watch a replay of the ceremony.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sUDHAXSGScc?start=544" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Governor Laura Kelly joined Congressional Leadership including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senators Jerry Moran, Roger Marshall, Congresswoman Sharice Davids, Congressman Jake LaTurner and others.&nbsp;Amelia Earhart was one of the world’s most celebrated aviators and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.&nbsp;Born and raised in Atchison, Kansas, Earhart received her pilot license in 1923 and subsequently championed the advancement of women in aviation.&nbsp;She was declared lost at sea when she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937.&nbsp;The statue of Amelia Earhart will represent the State of Kansas in the National Statuary Hall Collection.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>The National Statuary Hall Collection consists of 100 statues – two contributed by each state. The statues are placed throughout the U.S. Capitol.</li><li>Kansas first sent marble statues of U.S. Sen. John James Ingalls and Kansas Governor George Washington Glick to the U.S. Capitol.</li><li>The Kansas State Legislature voted in 1999 to replace the two statues with President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Amelia Earhart.</li><li>The bronze statue of Earhart was created by George and Mark Lundeen and will be a twin to an Amelia Earhart statue that will be placed at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison.</li><li>The Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation was formed in 2016 to lead funding for the Earhart statue and to build the new Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum opening in 2023 in Atchison, Earhart’s hometown</li><li>The Amelia Earhart statue will be the 11th woman represented in the 100 statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection.</li>
 </ul>

🎥Amelia Earhart Congressional statue dedication 

KANSAS CITY— The funeral service for Officer Daniel Vasquez is Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Vineyard Church&nbsp; 12300 NW Arrowhead Trafficway in Kansas City.

<a href="https://unionly.io/o/kcfop/honoring-daniel-vasquez?fbclid=IwAR1Eobi2CrXo55694VMKRuuCcjR4ssN2Wuip6brf2XTywjZZP9HTsZ-Di0k">Officer Vasquez</a> was shot and killed during a traffic stop on July 19. He served the North Kansas City community for almost two years, according to the police department.&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly directed flags be flown at half-staff on July 27 in honor of Officer Vasquez.

Members of the public who want to show support to the Vasquez Family, and the North Kansas City Police Department are encouraged to line Armour Road to honor Officer Vasquez. 

It is estimated that the funeral procession will depart the church around 11 a.m. and begin to arrive in North Kansas City shortly after.

The procession will leave from Vineyard Church, 12300 NW Arrowhead Trafficway, Kansas City, MO, and proceed down US-169 S to MO-9 S to Armour Road to I29/35 North to Antioch North to 64th St. East to White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

 The public should expect traffic delays if traveling in and around the venues and procession route.

Members of the public who would like to show support to the Vasquez Family, and the North Kansas City Police Department, are encourage to line Armour Road to honor Officer Vasquez. All Professional Law Enforcement Honors will take place at the cemetery.

There will be no parking&nbsp; allowed on Armour Road between Burlington and Ozark Streets. Parking may resume once the funeral procession has commenced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658265015795.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— The funeral service for Officer Daniel Vasquez is Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Vineyard Church&nbsp; 12300 NW Arrowhead Trafficway in Kansas City.<a href="https://unionly.io/o/kcfop/honoring-daniel-vasquez?fbclid=IwAR1Eobi2CrXo55694VMKRuuCcjR4ssN2Wuip6brf2XTywjZZP9HTsZ-Di0k">Officer Vasquez</a> was shot and killed during a traffic stop on July 19. He served the North Kansas City community for almost two years, according to the police department.&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly directed flags be flown at half-staff on July 27 in honor of Officer Vasquez.Members of the public who want to show support to the Vasquez Family, and the North Kansas City Police Department are encouraged to line Armour Road to honor Officer Vasquez. It is estimated that the funeral procession will depart the church around 11 a.m. and begin to arrive in North Kansas City shortly after.The procession will leave from Vineyard Church, 12300 NW Arrowhead Trafficway, Kansas City, MO, and proceed down US-169 S to MO-9 S to Armour Road to I29/35 North to Antioch North to 64th St. East to White Chapel Memorial Gardens. The public should expect traffic delays if traveling in and around the venues and procession route.Members of the public who would like to show support to the Vasquez Family, and the North Kansas City Police Department, are encourage to line Armour Road to honor Officer Vasquez. All Professional Law Enforcement Honors will take place at the cemetery.There will be no parking&nbsp; allowed on Armour Road between Burlington and Ozark Streets. Parking may resume once the funeral procession has commenced.

Funeral service for fallen North KC Officer Daniel Vasquez

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and USD 436 are investigating an alleged threat of school violence.

On Tuesday, a private citizen called the Caney Police to report an individual who had made a threat to shoot employees at the Caney High School, according to a media release. The reporting party stated that the person who had made the threats was still on school property.

Officers with the Caney Police Department immediately responded to the Caney High School and discovered the suspect later identified as John Swalley, 50, Caney, a janitor who was workin in the administration building of the school. As a precautionary measure the administration building was evacuated. 

Officers then contacted Swalley and he was was taken to the Caney Police Department for questioning. Officers also conducted interviews with employees who were present when the alleged threats were made. 

After interviewing Swalley, officers determined there was enough evidence to arrest him on requested charges of Aggravated Criminal Threat,&nbsp;Cause terror evacuation or disruption.&nbsp;

Swalley is being held without bond in Montgomery County.

Charges have been forwarded to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for final review and formal charging. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658916491663.png" alt="Swalley-photo Caney Police" />
 <figcaption>Swalley-photo Caney Police</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and USD 436 are investigating an alleged threat of school violence.On Tuesday, a private citizen called the Caney Police to report an individual who had made a threat to shoot employees at the Caney High School, according to a media release. The reporting party stated that the person who had made the threats was still on school property.Officers with the Caney Police Department immediately responded to the Caney High School and discovered the suspect later identified as John Swalley, 50, Caney, a janitor who was workin in the administration building of the school. As a precautionary measure the administration building was evacuated. Officers then contacted Swalley and he was was taken to the Caney Police Department for questioning. Officers also conducted interviews with employees who were present when the alleged threats were made. After interviewing Swalley, officers determined there was enough evidence to arrest him on requested charges of Aggravated Criminal Threat,&nbsp;Cause terror evacuation or disruption.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658917133791.png" alt="Swalley photo Montgomery County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Swalley photo Montgomery County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Swalley is being held without bond in Montgomery County.Charges have been forwarded to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for final review and formal charging.

Janitor accused of threatening to shoot Kan. school employees

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas toddler was injured during an incident Tuesday at a home daycare.

Just before 1:30p.m. first responders received a&nbsp;the call of a possible drowning at a home in the 9700 block of south Ridge Road, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

&nbsp;A home daycare provider was swimming in an above ground pool with several children when she noticed a 16-month-old face down in the pool. 

She quickly pulled the toddler from the pool, performed CPR and called 911.&nbsp;When deputies arrived girl was conscious and alert. EMS transported the child to a hospital for observation, according to Blick.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629811336047.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas toddler was injured during an incident Tuesday at a home daycare.Just before 1:30p.m. first responders received a&nbsp;the call of a possible drowning at a home in the 9700 block of south Ridge Road, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.&nbsp;A home daycare provider was swimming in an above ground pool with several children when she noticed a 16-month-old face down in the pool. She quickly pulled the toddler from the pool, performed CPR and called 911.&nbsp;When deputies arrived girl was conscious and alert. EMS transported the child to a hospital for observation, according to Blick.

16-month-old pulled from pool at Kansas home day care

By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/07/26/gop-support-for-same-sex-marriage-protections-builds-in-u-s-senate/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate appears 
on track to send President Joe Biden a bill in the coming weeks that 
would guarantee that same-sex and interracial couples can marry, even if
 the Supreme Court overturns the landmark cases that enshrined those 
rights.&nbsp;

“I think we’re very close,” Maine 
Republican Sen. Susan Collins said Tuesday of efforts to get at least 10
 GOP senators on board with the House-passed legislation. Sixty senators
 in the evenly divided Senate would be needed to advance the bill past a
 filibuster and to a final vote.

“I’ve had a number of conversations 
with my colleagues. And this bill is very straightforward,” Collins 
continued. “All it does is put in to federal law the protection for the 
million same-sex marriages that are out there today.”

Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy 
Baldwin, tasked by her party with getting the necessary GOP votes, said 
that the bill is gaining more support each day and that she doesn’t 
expect it would be held over until closer to the election so that 
Democrats could make a political point.&nbsp;

“I don’t want this to be 
politicized,” Baldwin said. “I think that we simply have to codify 
Obergefell because there’s such uncertainty since Roe v. Wade was 
overturned about most people’s marriages. But we’ll do it when we have 
the votes and the time.”

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling 
overturning the nationwide right to an abortion last month included a 
separate opinion from Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, in which he 
wrote the justices “should reconsider all of this Court’s substantive 
due process precedents” that applied the same legal reasoning that was 
used in Roe v. Wade.&nbsp;

Thomas specified three cases he 
believes are ripe to be overturned, including Griswold v. Connecticut, 
which recognized a married couple’s right to use contraception; Lawrence
 v. Texas, which legalized adult private consensual sexual 
relationships; and Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex 
marriage.&nbsp;

The Thomas opinion raised alarm bells
 with women’s rights and LGBTQ groups over how the current 6-3 
conservative-dominated Supreme Court might undo other rights and led 
Democratic lawmakers to bring up legislation that would ensure those 
rights.&nbsp;

Baldwin said on Tuesday the timing of
 the Senate vote on the marriage equality bill might depend less on when
 there’s enough bipartisan support and more on the number of Democrats 
and GOP supporters who are absent due to COVID-19.&nbsp;

Both West Virginia Democratic Sen. 
Joe Manchin III and Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced 
Monday they’d be isolating after testing positive. Murkowski, who<a target="_blank" href="https://alaskabeacon.com/2022/07/22/murkowski-favors-congressional-vote-on-same-sex-marriage-protections-while-sullivan-is-noncommittal/"> told CNN</a> she is in favor of the legislation, has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/senator-lisa-murkowski-endorses-marriage-equality">long supported</a> marriage equality.&nbsp;

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer,
 a New York Democrat, said Tuesday the bill remains a priority, though 
he didn’t say if he’d bring it up before the chamber breaks for its 
August recess at the end of next week.

“The bottom line is that we care very
 much about the marriage equality act,” Schumer said. “We are working 
real hard to get 10 Republican senators. Between that and the illnesses,
 we’re not there yet.”

So far, most Senate Republicans are remaining quiet about how they’d vote on the bill.&nbsp;

North Carolina Republican Sen. 
Richard Burr said Tuesday that he hasn’t decided how he’ll actually 
vote, even though he said last week that he “was leaning in opposition 
to” the bill.&nbsp;

When asked what more he needed to 
know before making a decision, Burr responded: “I don’t even know if 
it’s coming up. Is that too much to ask?”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch 
McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said Tuesday he didn’t want to make 
“an observation” on the bill until it’s actually brought to the floor.

Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines 
came out forcefully against the bill this week, saying he believes 
“marriage is between a man and a woman.”&nbsp;

“I’m opposed to this bill and believe
 it’s another attempt by Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats to distract 
the American people from the inflation crisis, energy crisis and the 
southern border crisis they’ve created,” Daines said in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-democrats-same-sex-marriage-bill-is-just-a-distraction-from-the-crises-caused-by-biden-the-left">statement</a>.

The U.S. House vote on the bill was broadly bipartisan, with 267 members, including 47 Republicans, voting to<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-bipartisan-vote-passes-bill-protecting-right-same-sex-marriage"> approve</a> the measure last week.

The<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8404?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22H.R.+8404%22%2C%22H.R.%22%2C%228404%22%5D%7D&amp;s=3&amp;r=1"> legislation</a>,
 known as the Respect for Marriage Act, would repeal a 1996 federal law 
known as the Defense of Marriage Act that defined marriage as between 
one man and one woman.

The bill would also ensure that if 
the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1967 Loving v. Virginia opinion 
that legalized interracial marriages or the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling 
from 2015 that legalized same-sex marriages, states would have to 
recognize out-of-state marriages from states where same-sex or 
interracial marriages remained legal.&nbsp;

But the bill wouldn’t ensure same-sex
 and interracial couples have the exact same rights that they have under
 the two Supreme Court rulings.&nbsp;

David Stacy, government affairs 
director at the Human Rights Campaign, said while “Congress can’t 
technically codify Obergefell without a constitutional amendment,” the 
marriage equality bill would do three important things.&nbsp;

It would repeal the Defense of 
Marriage Act, it would set a “state of celebration” standard for the 
federal government to recognize same-sex marriages for federal benefits 
such as Social Security, and it would try to get states to recognize 
marriages from other states.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658869695319.png" alt="U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, talks with reporters about the Respect for Marriage Act, on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. (Jennifer Shutt)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, talks with reporters about the Respect for Marriage Act, on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. (Jennifer Shutt)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/07/26/gop-support-for-same-sex-marriage-protections-builds-in-u-s-senate/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate appears 
on track to send President Joe Biden a bill in the coming weeks that 
would guarantee that same-sex and interracial couples can marry, even if
 the Supreme Court overturns the landmark cases that enshrined those 
rights.&nbsp;“I think we’re very close,” Maine 
Republican Sen. Susan Collins said Tuesday of efforts to get at least 10
 GOP senators on board with the House-passed legislation. Sixty senators
 in the evenly divided Senate would be needed to advance the bill past a
 filibuster and to a final vote.“I’ve had a number of conversations 
with my colleagues. And this bill is very straightforward,” Collins 
continued. “All it does is put in to federal law the protection for the 
million same-sex marriages that are out there today.”Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy 
Baldwin, tasked by her party with getting the necessary GOP votes, said 
that the bill is gaining more support each day and that she doesn’t 
expect it would be held over until closer to the election so that 
Democrats could make a political point.&nbsp;“I don’t want this to be 
politicized,” Baldwin said. “I think that we simply have to codify 
Obergefell because there’s such uncertainty since Roe v. Wade was 
overturned about most people’s marriages. But we’ll do it when we have 
the votes and the time.”<h2>Thomas opinion</h2>The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling 
overturning the nationwide right to an abortion last month included a 
separate opinion from Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, in which he 
wrote the justices “should reconsider all of this Court’s substantive 
due process precedents” that applied the same legal reasoning that was 
used in Roe v. Wade.&nbsp;Thomas specified three cases he 
believes are ripe to be overturned, including Griswold v. Connecticut, 
which recognized a married couple’s right to use contraception; Lawrence
 v. Texas, which legalized adult private consensual sexual 
relationships; and Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex 
marriage.&nbsp;The Thomas opinion raised alarm bells
 with women’s rights and LGBTQ groups over how the current 6-3 
conservative-dominated Supreme Court might undo other rights and led 
Democratic lawmakers to bring up legislation that would ensure those 
rights.&nbsp;<h2>Murkowski absent due to COVID-19&nbsp;</h2>Baldwin said on Tuesday the timing of
 the Senate vote on the marriage equality bill might depend less on when
 there’s enough bipartisan support and more on the number of Democrats 
and GOP supporters who are absent due to COVID-19.&nbsp;Both West Virginia Democratic Sen. 
Joe Manchin III and Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced 
Monday they’d be isolating after testing positive. Murkowski, who<a target="_blank" href="https://alaskabeacon.com/2022/07/22/murkowski-favors-congressional-vote-on-same-sex-marriage-protections-while-sullivan-is-noncommittal/"> told CNN</a> she is in favor of the legislation, has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/senator-lisa-murkowski-endorses-marriage-equality">long supported</a> marriage equality.&nbsp;Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer,
 a New York Democrat, said Tuesday the bill remains a priority, though 
he didn’t say if he’d bring it up before the chamber breaks for its 
August recess at the end of next week.“The bottom line is that we care very
 much about the marriage equality act,” Schumer said. “We are working 
real hard to get 10 Republican senators. Between that and the illnesses,
 we’re not there yet.”So far, most Senate Republicans are remaining quiet about how they’d vote on the bill.&nbsp;North Carolina Republican Sen. 
Richard Burr said Tuesday that he hasn’t decided how he’ll actually 
vote, even though he said last week that he “was leaning in opposition 
to” the bill.&nbsp;When asked what more he needed to 
know before making a decision, Burr responded: “I don’t even know if 
it’s coming up. Is that too much to ask?”Senate Minority Leader Mitch 
McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said Tuesday he didn’t want to make 
“an observation” on the bill until it’s actually brought to the floor.Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines 
came out forcefully against the bill this week, saying he believes 
“marriage is between a man and a woman.”&nbsp;“I’m opposed to this bill and believe
 it’s another attempt by Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats to distract 
the American people from the inflation crisis, energy crisis and the 
southern border crisis they’ve created,” Daines said in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-democrats-same-sex-marriage-bill-is-just-a-distraction-from-the-crises-caused-by-biden-the-left">statement</a>.The U.S. House vote on the bill was broadly bipartisan, with 267 members, including 47 Republicans, voting to<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-bipartisan-vote-passes-bill-protecting-right-same-sex-marriage"> approve</a> the measure last week.<h2>States and marriages</h2>The<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8404?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22H.R.+8404%22%2C%22H.R.%22%2C%228404%22%5D%7D&amp;s=3&amp;r=1"> legislation</a>,
 known as the Respect for Marriage Act, would repeal a 1996 federal law 
known as the Defense of Marriage Act that defined marriage as between 
one man and one woman.The bill would also ensure that if 
the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1967 Loving v. Virginia opinion 
that legalized interracial marriages or the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling 
from 2015 that legalized same-sex marriages, states would have to 
recognize out-of-state marriages from states where same-sex or 
interracial marriages remained legal.&nbsp;But the bill wouldn’t ensure same-sex
 and interracial couples have the exact same rights that they have under
 the two Supreme Court rulings.&nbsp;David Stacy, government affairs 
director at the Human Rights Campaign, said while “Congress can’t 
technically codify Obergefell without a constitutional amendment,” the 
marriage equality bill would do three important things.&nbsp;It would repeal the Defense of 
Marriage Act, it would set a “state of celebration” standard for the 
federal government to recognize same-sex marriages for federal benefits 
such as Social Security, and it would try to get states to recognize 
marriages from other states.&nbsp;The state recognition issue, however, might be somewhat tricky.&nbsp;The Full Faith and Credit Clause of 
the Constitution, Stacy said, requires states to recognize judicial 
decisions from other states — but there is a public policy exception.&nbsp;For example, if a state doesn’t allow
 people to legally marry until 18, a couple can travel to another state 
where they can legally marry at 16. But after couples return to their 
home state, the state government can choose not to recognize that 
marriage under the public policy exception, Stacy said.&nbsp;“Obviously, the courts would still 
have to determine whether a state has a valid public policy exception 
reason for this,” Stacy said. “But [the bill] would provide a mechanism 
to get an answer to those questions quickly. And we think ultimately the
 courts would determine that those should be recognized. But obviously 
it’s not an ironclad guarantee.”Same-sex couples, he said, would once
 again be required to travel to get married, if the Supreme Court 
overturned Obergefell and if their home state choses not to allow those 
marriages.&nbsp;“You would have to travel, which is 
obviously suboptimal,” Stacy. “And then, of course, those states would 
not recognize those marriages, presumably for state benefits. So there’s
 lots of obvious benefits that flow from state law, and rights and 
responsibilities that flow from state law. And so we’d be back to a 
patchwork of protections.”Adoptions could also become problematic, he noted.&nbsp;“It would be a really complicated 
legal landscape, and it would depend on the state and what that looks 
like,” Stacy said. “And that’s one of the reasons why marriage equality 
is really so important.”