JEFFERSON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 4:30a.m. Saturday in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Elias, Robert D. Elias, 51, Valley Falls, was southbound on westbound Kansas 4 Highway approximately two miles north of Meriden.

The pickup traveled off the roadway onto the west shoulder. The driver overcorrected back to the left. The pickup traveled across K-4 Highway into the east ditch. continued down the embankment, rolled, struck a tree and the driver was ejected.

&nbsp;Elias was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Barnett Family Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

JEFFERSON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 4:30a.m. Saturday in Jefferson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Elias, Robert D. Elias, 51, Valley Falls, was southbound on westbound Kansas 4 Highway approximately two miles north of Meriden.The pickup traveled off the roadway onto the west shoulder. The driver overcorrected back to the left. The pickup traveled across K-4 Highway into the east ditch. continued down the embankment, rolled, struck a tree and the driver was ejected.&nbsp;Elias was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Barnett Family Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after ejected in violent pickup crash

WASHINGTON&nbsp;— Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland joined President Biden as he signed the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park Expansion and Redesignation Act into law today, providing for inclusion of additional related sites in the National Park System to reflect a more complete story of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision outlawing segregation in public schools in 1954, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Interior.

This law, championed by a bipartisan coalition in Congress, redesignates the existing historic site in Topeka, Kansas to Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park. 

The law also adds two school sites in South Carolina to the historical park upon acquisition by the National Park Service (NPS), and designates schools in Delaware, Virginia and the District of Columbia as affiliated areas of the NPS. Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka, Kansas, was originally established as part of the National Park System on October 26, 1992.

“The expansion of Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park to recognize sites in South Carolina, Delaware, Virginia and Washington, D.C. helps us to more fully tell the story of the struggle to end school segregation,” said&nbsp;Secretary Deb Haaland. “The Supreme Court’s finding that racially segregated schools were unconstitutional was unquestionably a pivotal event in our nation’s civil rights struggle and we are honored to serve as stewards to part of that history.” 

“It is our solemn responsibility as caretakers of America’s national treasures to tell the whole, and sometimes difficult, story of our nation’s heritage for the benefit of present and future generations,” said&nbsp;National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “Including these important sites will broaden public understanding of the events that led to the 1954 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown et. al v. Board of Education.”

From single-room shacks labeled “schools,” to student-led strikes with more than 400 participants, the Brown v. Board decision didn't stem from a single case; rather it was a ruling for a bundling of cases that all challenged racial segregation in public schools. With more than 200 total plaintiffs, the cases were filed in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Virginia, South Carolina, and Kansas.&nbsp;

The authorized additions to the park are: 

The newly authorized affiliated areas are:

The NPS will begin efforts to acquire the sites from willing sellers in South Carolina—Summerton High School and Scott’s Branch High School in Clarendon County. While the three affiliated areas will not be managed by the NPS, they will be eligible for NPS technical and financial assistance and be required to be managed in accordance with laws generally applicable to sites in the National Park System. The three new Brown v. Board affiliated areas bring the total number of areas affiliated with the NPS to 30.

To learn more about Brown v. Board National Historical Park, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/brvb/index.htm" target="_blank">Park Service's website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652448051068.png" alt="This law, championed by a bipartisan coalition in Congress, redesignates the existing historic site in Topeka, Kansas to Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>This law, championed by a bipartisan coalition in Congress, redesignates the existing historic site in Topeka, Kansas to Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;— Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland joined President Biden as he signed the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park Expansion and Redesignation Act into law today, providing for inclusion of additional related sites in the National Park System to reflect a more complete story of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision outlawing segregation in public schools in 1954, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Interior.This law, championed by a bipartisan coalition in Congress, redesignates the existing historic site in Topeka, Kansas to Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park. The law also adds two school sites in South Carolina to the historical park upon acquisition by the National Park Service (NPS), and designates schools in Delaware, Virginia and the District of Columbia as affiliated areas of the NPS. Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka, Kansas, was originally established as part of the National Park System on October 26, 1992.“The expansion of Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park to recognize sites in South Carolina, Delaware, Virginia and Washington, D.C. helps us to more fully tell the story of the struggle to end school segregation,” said&nbsp;Secretary Deb Haaland. “The Supreme Court’s finding that racially segregated schools were unconstitutional was unquestionably a pivotal event in our nation’s civil rights struggle and we are honored to serve as stewards to part of that history.” “It is our solemn responsibility as caretakers of America’s national treasures to tell the whole, and sometimes difficult, story of our nation’s heritage for the benefit of present and future generations,” said&nbsp;National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “Including these important sites will broaden public understanding of the events that led to the 1954 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown et. al v. Board of Education.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652448082184.png" alt="President Biden, Vice President Harris celebrate with members after he signed the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park Expansion and Redesignation Act into law." />
 <figcaption>President Biden, Vice President Harris celebrate with members after he signed the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park Expansion and Redesignation Act into law.</figcaption>
 </figure>From single-room shacks labeled “schools,” to student-led strikes with more than 400 participants, the Brown v. Board decision didn't stem from a single case; rather it was a ruling for a bundling of cases that all challenged racial segregation in public schools. With more than 200 total plaintiffs, the cases were filed in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Virginia, South Carolina, and Kansas.&nbsp;The authorized additions to the park are: <ul>
 <li>Summerton High School (Summerton, SC). Built in 1936 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Summerton High School was an all-white school that refused to admit black students prompting the&nbsp;Briggs v. Elliott&nbsp;case. </li><li>Scott’s Branch High School (Summerton, SC). The former “equalization school" was constructed for African American students in 1951 under the guise of providing facilities comparable to those for white students. Today, the former school is now the Community Resource Center owned by Clarendon School District 1.</li>
 </ul>The newly authorized affiliated areas are:<ul>
 <li>Robert Russa Moton School (Farmville, VA). The all-black school was the location of a student-led strike in 1951 that lead to Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County. The former school is a National Historic Landmark, and today serves as the Robert Russa Moton Museum, which is administered by the Moton Museum, Inc., and affiliated with Longwood University.</li><li>Howard High School (Wilmington, DE), Claymont High School (Claymont, DE), and Hockessin Colored School #107 (Hockessin, DE)Howard High School, already a National Historic Landmark, was the first high school for African Americans in the state of Delaware and the school to which the plaintiffs in&nbsp;Belton v. Gebhart&nbsp;were forced to travel. Today, the school is known as Howard High School of Technology and is administered by the New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District.Claymont High School denied admission to the plaintiffs in the&nbsp;Belton v. Gebhart&nbsp;case. Today, the former school is a community center.Hockessin Colored School #107 was an all-Black school one of the plaintiffs in&nbsp;Belton v. Gebhart&nbsp;was required to attend without public transportation. It is now used as a community facility.</li><li>Howard High School, already a National Historic Landmark, was the first high school for African Americans in the state of Delaware and the school to which the plaintiffs in&nbsp;Belton v. Gebhart&nbsp;were forced to travel. Today, the school is known as Howard High School of Technology and is administered by the New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District.</li><li>Claymont High School denied admission to the plaintiffs in the&nbsp;Belton v. Gebhart&nbsp;case. Today, the former school is a community center.</li><li>Hockessin Colored School #107 was an all-Black school one of the plaintiffs in&nbsp;Belton v. Gebhart&nbsp;was required to attend without public transportation. It is now used as a community facility.</li><li>John Philip Sousa Junior High School (Washington, D.C.). Built in 1950 in the Fort Dupont neighborhood, this was an all-white school where 12 African American students were denied admission, spurring the&nbsp;Bolling v. Sharpe&nbsp;case. Today, the school serves as a DC public middle school and was previously designated as a National Historic Landmark.</li>
 </ul>The NPS will begin efforts to acquire the sites from willing sellers in South Carolina—Summerton High School and Scott’s Branch High School in Clarendon County. While the three affiliated areas will not be managed by the NPS, they will be eligible for NPS technical and financial assistance and be required to be managed in accordance with laws generally applicable to sites in the National Park System. The three new Brown v. Board affiliated areas bring the total number of areas affiliated with the NPS to 30.To learn more about Brown v. Board National Historical Park, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/brvb/index.htm" target="_blank">Park Service's website</a>.

Biden signs bill to expand Topeka’s Brown vs Board historic site

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a crash that fatally injured a 40-year-old motorcyclist near Kellogg and Woodlawn in Wichita.

Just before 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Wichita Accident Follow Up detectives along with the Critical Accident Team were completing work on another fatal collision on Kellogg and were allowing traffic to proceed east, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

A 40-year-old man on a motorcycle was eastbound in the lane for the off ramp to Woodlawn when Kellogg was reopened.

The man changed lanes into the outside lane of rastbound Kellogg, where he collided with a black Chevy pickup truck driven by a 42-year-old woman. The motorcycle struck the passenger side front of the truck. The man was ejected from the motorcycle, went underneath the truck and was then run over.

EMS transported&nbsp; the man to area hospital with critical injuries where he was later pronounced deceased.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a crash that fatally injured a 40-year-old motorcyclist near Kellogg and Woodlawn in Wichita.Just before 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Wichita Accident Follow Up detectives along with the Critical Accident Team were completing work on another fatal collision on Kellogg and were allowing traffic to proceed east, according to Officer Trevor Macy.A 40-year-old man on a motorcycle was eastbound in the lane for the off ramp to Woodlawn when Kellogg was reopened.The man changed lanes into the outside lane of rastbound Kellogg, where he collided with a black Chevy pickup truck driven by a 42-year-old woman. The motorcycle struck the passenger side front of the truck. The man was ejected from the motorcycle, went underneath the truck and was then run over. EMS transported&nbsp; the man to area hospital with critical injuries where he was later pronounced deceased.Police did not release the man's name.

Police: Kansas motorcyclist dies after run over by pickup

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supporters of abortion rights took to the streets across America on Saturday to make clear their anger at the prospect that the Supreme Court will soon strike down the constitutional right to abortion. Cries of “My body, my choice” rang out as activists committed to fighting for what they called reproductive freedom.

Incensed after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-07439f9fc4542f1500ab78dfd34036b1">leaked draft opinion</a>&nbsp;suggested the conservative majority on the court would vote to overturn the landmark&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-roe-v-wade-33c08858dc8b0aa5f0450858b51a648a">Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;ruling, activists rallied to express their outrage and mobilize for the future as Republican-led states are poised to enact tighter restrictions.

In the nation’s capital, thousands gathered at the Washington Monument before marching to the Supreme Court, which is now surrounded by two layers of security fences.

Caitlin Loehr, 34, of Washington, wore a black T-shirt with an image of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s “dissent” collar on it and a necklace that spelled out “vote.”

“I think that women should have the right to choose what to do with their bodies and their lives. And I don’t think banning abortion will stop abortion. It just makes it unsafe and can cost a woman her life,” Loehr said.

From Kansas City, Pittsburgh to Pasadena, California, and Nashville, Tennessee, to Lubbock, Texas, tens of thousands participated in “Bans off our Bodies” events. Organizers expected that among the hundreds of events, the largest would take place in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and other big cities.

“If it’s a fight they want, it’s a fight they’ll get,” Rachel Carmona, executive director of the Women’s March, said before the march.

Polls show that most Americans want to preserve access to abortion — at least in the earlier stages of pregnancy — but the Supreme Court appeared to be poised to let the states have the final say. If that happens, roughly half of states, mostly in the South and Midwest, are expected to quickly ban abortion.

Teisha Kimmons, who traveled 80 miles to attend the Chicago rally, said she fears for women in states that are ready to ban abortion. She said she might not be alive today if she had not had a legal abortion when she was 15.

“I was already starting to self harm and I would have rather died than have a baby,” said Kimmons, a massage therapist from Rockford, Illinois.

At that rally, speaker after speaker told the crowd that if abortion is banned that the rights of immigrants, minorities and others will also be “gutted,” as Amy Eshleman, wife of Chicago Mayor Lori lightfoot put it.

“This has never been just about abortion. It’s about control,” Eshleman told the crowd of thousands. “My marriage is on the menu and we cannot and will not let that happen,” she added.

The upcoming high court ruling in a case from Mississippi stands to energize voters,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-us-supreme-court-business-congress-36b1c6a0fc5aec46fab8ea4d617d1ca4">potentially shaping the upcoming midterm elections.</a>

In Texas, which has a strict law banning many abortions, the challenger to one of the last anti-abortion Democrats in Congress marched in San Antonio.

Jessica Cisneros joined demonstrators just days before early voting begins in her primary runoff against U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar. The race could be one of the first tests over whether the court leak will galvanize voters.

In Chicago, Kjirsten Nyquist, a nurse toting daughters ages 1 and 3, agreed about the need to vote. “As much as federal elections, voting in every small election matters just as much,” she said.

Saturday’s rallies come three days after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-filibusters-congress-759beeba80ac56aa95271711a8e915da">Senate failed to muster enough votes</a>&nbsp;to codify Roe v. Wade. Sponsors included the Women’s March, Move On, Planned Parenthood, UltraViolet, MoveOn, SEIU and other organizations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652547228074.png" alt="'Bans off our bodies' rally in Kansas City-image courtesy Planned Parenthood Action" />
 <figcaption>'Bans off our bodies' rally in Kansas City-image courtesy Planned Parenthood Action</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Supporters of abortion rights took to the streets across America on Saturday to make clear their anger at the prospect that the Supreme Court will soon strike down the constitutional right to abortion. Cries of “My body, my choice” rang out as activists committed to fighting for what they called reproductive freedom.Incensed after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-07439f9fc4542f1500ab78dfd34036b1">leaked draft opinion</a>&nbsp;suggested the conservative majority on the court would vote to overturn the landmark&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-roe-v-wade-33c08858dc8b0aa5f0450858b51a648a">Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;ruling, activists rallied to express their outrage and mobilize for the future as Republican-led states are poised to enact tighter restrictions.In the nation’s capital, thousands gathered at the Washington Monument before marching to the Supreme Court, which is now surrounded by two layers of security fences.Caitlin Loehr, 34, of Washington, wore a black T-shirt with an image of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s “dissent” collar on it and a necklace that spelled out “vote.”“I think that women should have the right to choose what to do with their bodies and their lives. And I don’t think banning abortion will stop abortion. It just makes it unsafe and can cost a woman her life,” Loehr said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Let&#39;s all make our voices heard: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BansOffOurBodies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BansOffOurBodies</a>! <a href="https://t.co/dXbiIyaRTq">pic.twitter.com/dXbiIyaRTq</a>&mdash; Planned Parenthood Action (@PPact) <a href="https://twitter.com/PPact/status/1525554752976654337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>From Kansas City, Pittsburgh to Pasadena, California, and Nashville, Tennessee, to Lubbock, Texas, tens of thousands participated in “Bans off our Bodies” events. Organizers expected that among the hundreds of events, the largest would take place in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and other big cities.“If it’s a fight they want, it’s a fight they’ll get,” Rachel Carmona, executive director of the Women’s March, said before the march.Polls show that most Americans want to preserve access to abortion — at least in the earlier stages of pregnancy — but the Supreme Court appeared to be poised to let the states have the final say. If that happens, roughly half of states, mostly in the South and Midwest, are expected to quickly ban abortion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652558835992.png" alt="Photo courtesy Planned Parenthood Action" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Planned Parenthood Action</figcaption>
 </figure>Teisha Kimmons, who traveled 80 miles to attend the Chicago rally, said she fears for women in states that are ready to ban abortion. She said she might not be alive today if she had not had a legal abortion when she was 15.“I was already starting to self harm and I would have rather died than have a baby,” said Kimmons, a massage therapist from Rockford, Illinois.At that rally, speaker after speaker told the crowd that if abortion is banned that the rights of immigrants, minorities and others will also be “gutted,” as Amy Eshleman, wife of Chicago Mayor Lori lightfoot put it.“This has never been just about abortion. It’s about control,” Eshleman told the crowd of thousands. “My marriage is on the menu and we cannot and will not let that happen,” she added.The upcoming high court ruling in a case from Mississippi stands to energize voters,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-us-supreme-court-business-congress-36b1c6a0fc5aec46fab8ea4d617d1ca4">potentially shaping the upcoming midterm elections.</a>In Texas, which has a strict law banning many abortions, the challenger to one of the last anti-abortion Democrats in Congress marched in San Antonio.Jessica Cisneros joined demonstrators just days before early voting begins in her primary runoff against U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar. The race could be one of the first tests over whether the court leak will galvanize voters.In Chicago, Kjirsten Nyquist, a nurse toting daughters ages 1 and 3, agreed about the need to vote. “As much as federal elections, voting in every small election matters just as much,” she said.Saturday’s rallies come three days after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-filibusters-congress-759beeba80ac56aa95271711a8e915da">Senate failed to muster enough votes</a>&nbsp;to codify Roe v. Wade. Sponsors included the Women’s March, Move On, Planned Parenthood, UltraViolet, MoveOn, SEIU and other organizations.

Abortion rights backers rally in Kansas City, across the nation

By KYLIE CAMERON <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2022-05-11/report-airlines-not-adapting-well-to-increased-passenger-traffic">Kansas News Service</a>

Airlines are struggling with increased passenger volume following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the annual<a href="https://www.wichita.edu/about/wsunews-releases/2022/05-may/aqr_2022_3.php" target="_blank"> Airline Quality Report</a> by Wichita State University.

The
 report found that the number of domestic airline travelers rose by 83% 
in 2021 from 2020. But fewer planes arrived on time last year, more 
flights were overbooked and more bags were lost.

“So anytime the 
system has higher demand or volume, performance goes down,” researcher 
Dean Headley said. “Not illogical, but it's unfortunate.

“So when the system is taxed with volume and demand for passenger opportunity, the airlines just don't really step up.”

The
 report found that complaints dropped dramatically from 2020 but were 
still higher than average, with most complaints concerning refunds or 
flight issues.

“It's not going to be good for several years simply
 because the airlines just can't get back to where they want to be or 
where they were, say in 2018,” Headley said. “ … just not going to 
happen.”

That’s because it’s going to take some time to address 
the main issues airlines are struggling with: staffing and plane 
inventory shortages. The staffing problems include a lack of pilots.

“Say,
 ‘Well, you have this whole regional system, aren’t there a bunch of 
pilots here that want to move up to the big boys, to the major leagues?’
 Well, yeah, but most of them don’t have the hours or the training,” 
Headley said.

“It takes two, three years to get that and train, so
 the problems that we’re having, I don’t see solving for the next two, 
three years.”

The report ranks the nation’s 10 largest airlines 
based on lost bags; on-time performance; involuntary denied boardings, 
and consumer complaints.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652459203138.png" alt="Southwest Airlines was rated first for airline quality in the annual Airline Quality Report. Pieter van Marion / Flickr Creative Commons" />
 <figcaption>Southwest Airlines was rated first for airline quality in the annual Airline Quality Report. Pieter van Marion / Flickr Creative Commons</figcaption>
 </figure>By KYLIE CAMERON <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2022-05-11/report-airlines-not-adapting-well-to-increased-passenger-traffic">Kansas News Service</a>Airlines are struggling with increased passenger volume following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the annual<a href="https://www.wichita.edu/about/wsunews-releases/2022/05-may/aqr_2022_3.php" target="_blank"> Airline Quality Report</a> by Wichita State University.The
 report found that the number of domestic airline travelers rose by 83% 
in 2021 from 2020. But fewer planes arrived on time last year, more 
flights were overbooked and more bags were lost.“So anytime the 
system has higher demand or volume, performance goes down,” researcher 
Dean Headley said. “Not illogical, but it's unfortunate.“So when the system is taxed with volume and demand for passenger opportunity, the airlines just don't really step up.”The
 report found that complaints dropped dramatically from 2020 but were 
still higher than average, with most complaints concerning refunds or 
flight issues.“It's not going to be good for several years simply
 because the airlines just can't get back to where they want to be or 
where they were, say in 2018,” Headley said. “ … just not going to 
happen.”That’s because it’s going to take some time to address 
the main issues airlines are struggling with: staffing and plane 
inventory shortages. The staffing problems include a lack of pilots.“Say,
 ‘Well, you have this whole regional system, aren’t there a bunch of 
pilots here that want to move up to the big boys, to the major leagues?’
 Well, yeah, but most of them don’t have the hours or the training,” 
Headley said.“It takes two, three years to get that and train, so
 the problems that we’re having, I don’t see solving for the next two, 
three years.”The report ranks the nation’s 10 largest airlines 
based on lost bags; on-time performance; involuntary denied boardings, 
and consumer complaints.1. Southwest (1)*2. Hawaiian (9)3. Delta (3)4. Allegiant (2)5. Alaska (4)6. United (8)7. Frontier (10)8. JetBlue (6)9. American (7)10. Spirit (5)*2020 ranking in parentheses

Report: Airlines not adapting well to increased passenger traffic

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died and three others were injured in two separate accident just after 2a.m. Saturday in Wichita

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

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

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

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

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

As she was rendering aid, a motorcycle with two occupants traveled eastbound on Kellogg. The motorcycle struck the woman, then hit the SUV. 

The driver of the motorcycle was pronounced deceased on scene. EMS&nbsp; transported the female SUV driver, a female motorcycle passenger and the woman struck by the motorcycle to area hospitals for treatment of serious injuries, according to Macy. The passenger of the SUV was uninjured.

Police have not released names of the victims or additional details.

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

1 dead, 3 injured after Kan. motorcyclist strikes accident scene

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt asked the U.S. Supreme Court to once again review the legality of the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers, which is causing disruption in the healthcare workforce, particularly in small, rural communities, according to a statement from Schmidt's office.

<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/cmsmandatewritofcertiorari.pdf?sfvrsn=bff7a01a_2">Click here to read a copy</a> of the petition for writ of certiorari in the CMS challenge&nbsp;

Schmidt, together with officials from nine other states, filed a request for the U.S. Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of the federal vaccine mandate for healthcare workers, as well as questions of whether the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) properly followed the rulemaking process in issuing the mandate.

In January, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to temporarily block the healthcare mandate from being implemented, but did not reach all of the statutory or constitutional questions presented in the states’ petition.

Earlier this year, Schmidt sent a letter to Gov. Laura Kelly urging her to seek a waiver from CMS to exempt rural healthcare workers from the federal mandate, as has been sought by governors in other states. CMS responded by reducing the state’s survey and certification funding allocation by $348,723 for Kansas’ failure to enforce the mandate and indicated it would use those funds to pay for direct enforcement by the federal government.

Schmidt has aggressively fought back against federal vaccine mandates since Sept. 9, 2021, when President Biden announced his “patience is wearing thin” and began ordering federal vaccine mandates. To date, Schmidt has brought legal challenges to four of the Biden mandates, and three of those four were blocked from implementation in Kansas by federal court orders Schmidt has obtained. The OSHA mandate for private employers was blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court, and later withdrawn by the federal government. The federal contractor mandate that affects defense contractors and research universities is blocked by a federal appeals court, and the Head Start mandate that requires all staff and contractors in Head Start facilities to be vaccinated and requires toddlers age two and older to wear masks is blocked by a federal district court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637784447337.png" alt="In October, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt spoke to the government overreach committee, where he outlined plans to challenge a vaccine mandate for federal contractors. image Kansas Legislature YouTube." />
 <figcaption>In October, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt spoke to the government overreach committee, where he outlined plans to challenge a vaccine mandate for federal contractors. image Kansas Legislature YouTube.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt asked the U.S. Supreme Court to once again review the legality of the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers, which is causing disruption in the healthcare workforce, particularly in small, rural communities, according to a statement from Schmidt's office.<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/cmsmandatewritofcertiorari.pdf?sfvrsn=bff7a01a_2">Click here to read a copy</a> of the petition for writ of certiorari in the CMS challenge&nbsp;Schmidt, together with officials from nine other states, filed a request for the U.S. Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of the federal vaccine mandate for healthcare workers, as well as questions of whether the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) properly followed the rulemaking process in issuing the mandate.In January, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to temporarily block the healthcare mandate from being implemented, but did not reach all of the statutory or constitutional questions presented in the states’ petition.Earlier this year, Schmidt sent a letter to Gov. Laura Kelly urging her to seek a waiver from CMS to exempt rural healthcare workers from the federal mandate, as has been sought by governors in other states. CMS responded by reducing the state’s survey and certification funding allocation by $348,723 for Kansas’ failure to enforce the mandate and indicated it would use those funds to pay for direct enforcement by the federal government.Schmidt has aggressively fought back against federal vaccine mandates since Sept. 9, 2021, when President Biden announced his “patience is wearing thin” and began ordering federal vaccine mandates. To date, Schmidt has brought legal challenges to four of the Biden mandates, and three of those four were blocked from implementation in Kansas by federal court orders Schmidt has obtained. The OSHA mandate for private employers was blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court, and later withdrawn by the federal government. The federal contractor mandate that affects defense contractors and research universities is blocked by a federal appeals court, and the Head Start mandate that requires all staff and contractors in Head Start facilities to be vaccinated and requires toddlers age two and older to wear masks is blocked by a federal district court.

Kan. AG renews request for court to block health worker vaxx mandate

By DYAN LYSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-05-12/legal-sports-betting-is-coming-to-kansas-heres-what-gamblers-need-to-know">Kansas News Service</a>

Legal sports gambling is officially coming to Kansas.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday signed <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb84/" target="_blank">a sports wagering bill</a> into law, setting the stage for fans to place bets on teams like the Chiefs, Royals and Jayhawks as soon as this summer.

It
 will also bring in some money to the state government. The Kansas 
Lottery estimates taxes on legal sports betting would bring in up to $10
 million a year by 2025.

“Legalizing sports betting will bring 
more revenue to our state and grow our economy,” Kelly said in a news 
release. “This is another mechanism that casinos, restaurants and other 
entertainment venues can now utilize to attract Kansans to their 
establishments.”

The law comes as dozens of other states had 
previously made betting on sports legal ever since the U.S. Supreme 
Court in 2018 struck down a federal law banning sports gambling in most 
states.

Kansas lawmakers just narrowly approved the bill this year
 after close, late-night votes in both the House and Senate last month.

Republican Sen. Rob Olson said he was excited to finally legalize it because many Kansans wanted it.

“It’s
 something that Kansans are already doing, and it will bring additional 
tax revenue to our state to help with our needs,” Olson said. “My 
constituents have pushed for this legislation for years, and now, the 
next time we have a significant sporting event in our state, Kansans 
will be able to bet on their hometown team."

However, Kansans 
won’t be able to place bets for some time. Here are some things you may 
may want to know about legal sports gambling:

When can Kansans start placing bets?

The law goes into effect on July 1. However, whether casinos will have their sports books up and running by then is unclear.

The
 law states that the Kansas Lottery will need to create a specific 
process for casinos to apply to offer sports gambling in certain ways, 
such as through a smartphone app. One of the deadlines for creating 
those rules is Sept. 1, 2022.

But it appears the processes all 
need to be in place by the fall — possibly just in time for bettors to 
put some money on the Kansas Chiefs to win their home opener.

Is there an age restriction to place a bet?

How will Kansans be able to place bets?

The
 Kansas Lottery will outsource the sports gambling operations to the 
casinos in Kansas. Those casinos will be allowed to launch online and 
in-person betting operations.

Bettors will need to be within the 
state of Kansas to place a wager. Republican Rep. John Barker, who 
carried the bill in the Kansas House this spring, said at one point that
 the apps will use geo-monitoring, which prohibits bets being placed 
when users cross state lines.

Sports teams and events may also 
allow for gambling at stadiums if they enter a marketing agreement with 
the casinos. Lawmakers specifically noted Sporting Kansas City’s 
Children's Mercy Park and the Kansas Speedway — which are both located 
near Hollywood Casino, one of the four state-approved casinos — as 
candidates.

In her news release, Kelly noted even restaurants would be able to offer sports gambling.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652458916459.png" alt="The law will allow for sports venues, like Sporting Kansas City's Children's Mercy Park, to offer gambling. Dylan Lysen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>The law will allow for sports venues, like Sporting Kansas City's Children's Mercy Park, to offer gambling. Dylan Lysen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By DYAN LYSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-05-12/legal-sports-betting-is-coming-to-kansas-heres-what-gamblers-need-to-know">Kansas News Service</a>Legal sports gambling is officially coming to Kansas.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday signed <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb84/" target="_blank">a sports wagering bill</a> into law, setting the stage for fans to place bets on teams like the Chiefs, Royals and Jayhawks as soon as this summer.It
 will also bring in some money to the state government. The Kansas 
Lottery estimates taxes on legal sports betting would bring in up to $10
 million a year by 2025.“Legalizing sports betting will bring 
more revenue to our state and grow our economy,” Kelly said in a news 
release. “This is another mechanism that casinos, restaurants and other 
entertainment venues can now utilize to attract Kansans to their 
establishments.”The law comes as dozens of other states had 
previously made betting on sports legal ever since the U.S. Supreme 
Court in 2018 struck down a federal law banning sports gambling in most 
states.Kansas lawmakers just narrowly approved the bill this year
 after close, late-night votes in both the House and Senate last month.Republican Sen. Rob Olson said he was excited to finally legalize it because many Kansans wanted it.“It’s
 something that Kansans are already doing, and it will bring additional 
tax revenue to our state to help with our needs,” Olson said. “My 
constituents have pushed for this legislation for years, and now, the 
next time we have a significant sporting event in our state, Kansans 
will be able to bet on their hometown team."However, Kansans 
won’t be able to place bets for some time. Here are some things you may 
may want to know about legal sports gambling:When can Kansans start placing bets?The law goes into effect on July 1. However, whether casinos will have their sports books up and running by then is unclear.The
 law states that the Kansas Lottery will need to create a specific 
process for casinos to apply to offer sports gambling in certain ways, 
such as through a smartphone app. One of the deadlines for creating 
those rules is Sept. 1, 2022.But it appears the processes all 
need to be in place by the fall — possibly just in time for bettors to 
put some money on the Kansas Chiefs to win their home opener.Is there an age restriction to place a bet?Yes, you must be 21 or older to gamble.How will Kansans be able to place bets?The
 Kansas Lottery will outsource the sports gambling operations to the 
casinos in Kansas. Those casinos will be allowed to launch online and 
in-person betting operations.Bettors will need to be within the 
state of Kansas to place a wager. Republican Rep. John Barker, who 
carried the bill in the Kansas House this spring, said at one point that
 the apps will use geo-monitoring, which prohibits bets being placed 
when users cross state lines.Sports teams and events may also 
allow for gambling at stadiums if they enter a marketing agreement with 
the casinos. Lawmakers specifically noted Sporting Kansas City’s 
Children's Mercy Park and the Kansas Speedway — which are both located 
near Hollywood Casino, one of the four state-approved casinos — as 
candidates.In her news release, Kelly noted even restaurants would be able to offer sports gambling.Dylan Lysen reports on politics for the Kansas News Service. You can 
follow him on Twitter @DylanLysen or email him at dlysen@kcur.org.

Sports betting is coming to Kansas. What gamblers need to know

CHASE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Chase County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) are investigating shooting that occurred early Friday morning along Kansas Highway 150 in Chase County, according to a media release from the agency.

Just 6:15 a.m., the Chase County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a man reporting that a passenger in their vehicle had been shot. Deputies from the Chase County Sheriff’s Office and KHP troopers responded to mile marker 13 on Highway 150. 

Upon arrival they found a 33-year-old man, from Emporia, suffering from a gunshot wound to his right hip. EMS transported the victim to an Emporia hospital.

KBI agents responded to the scene. After conducting a preliminary investigation it appears that four men were carpooling to work from Emporia, heading west toward McPherson in a grey 2015 Nissan Murano. 

As the SUV’s driver passed a black 2015 Ford Explorer, that appeared broke down on the side of the road, the occupants in the Murano heard loud bangs. Then the rear right passenger realized that he had been shot.

When law enforcement officers examined the Ford Explorer it was unoccupied, so they began searching the pasture areas around the highway. After searching for a while, they found a 38-year-old male suspect, from Milford, Kansas, lying face down and unconscious in a creek. They administered naloxone which revived him. He was then transported to the hospital in Emporia.

Authorities conducted an extensive search of the scene and located a handgun in the water, not far from where the suspect was discovered.

The man who was shot was treated for his injuries and has been released from the hospital. The suspect remains hospitalized. It is not believed that the two men had any prior contact.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596071073754.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CHASE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Chase County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) are investigating shooting that occurred early Friday morning along Kansas Highway 150 in Chase County, according to a media release from the agency.Just 6:15 a.m., the Chase County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a man reporting that a passenger in their vehicle had been shot. Deputies from the Chase County Sheriff’s Office and KHP troopers responded to mile marker 13 on Highway 150. Upon arrival they found a 33-year-old man, from Emporia, suffering from a gunshot wound to his right hip. EMS transported the victim to an Emporia hospital.KBI agents responded to the scene. After conducting a preliminary investigation it appears that four men were carpooling to work from Emporia, heading west toward McPherson in a grey 2015 Nissan Murano. As the SUV’s driver passed a black 2015 Ford Explorer, that appeared broke down on the side of the road, the occupants in the Murano heard loud bangs. Then the rear right passenger realized that he had been shot.When law enforcement officers examined the Ford Explorer it was unoccupied, so they began searching the pasture areas around the highway. After searching for a while, they found a 38-year-old male suspect, from Milford, Kansas, lying face down and unconscious in a creek. They administered naloxone which revived him. He was then transported to the hospital in Emporia.Authorities conducted an extensive search of the scene and located a handgun in the water, not far from where the suspect was discovered.The man who was shot was treated for his injuries and has been released from the hospital. The suspect remains hospitalized. It is not believed that the two men had any prior contact.

KBI: Suspect hospitalized after shooting on Kan. highway

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Friday vetoed a bill that would prohibit government mask mandates in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;and curb the power of state and local health officials during outbreaks of infectious diseases.

The measure was the Republican-controlled Legislature's response to mask mandates and other restrictions that outraged many conservative constituents during the coronavirus pandemic. But the measure split GOP lawmakers enough when it passed last month that supporters were far short of the two-thirds majorities in both chambers needed to override a veto.

The bill would prohibit state and local officials from issuing mandates, except for hospitals, other medical facilities and nursing homes they operate. Officials couldn't require people to show proof of being vaccinated against COVID-19 to use public spaces.

The measure also would prohibit state and local health officials from ordering law enforcement agencies to help them enforce orders aimed at controlling infectious diseases.

Republican lawmakers saw the measure as protecting personal liberties, but Kelly said in her veto message that it would prevent adequate responses to outbreaks of diseases like measles, tuberculosis and even bird flu.

“This bill puts the safety of all Kansans and our economy at risk,” Kelly said in her message.

Lawmakers plan to reconvene May 23 for one or two days of work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619210947266.png" alt="“This bill puts the safety of all Kansans and our economy at risk,” Kelly said in her message." />
 <figcaption>“This bill puts the safety of all Kansans and our economy at risk,” Kelly said in her message.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Friday vetoed a bill that would prohibit government mask mandates in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;and curb the power of state and local health officials during outbreaks of infectious diseases.The measure was the Republican-controlled Legislature's response to mask mandates and other restrictions that outraged many conservative constituents during the coronavirus pandemic. But the measure split GOP lawmakers enough when it passed last month that supporters were far short of the two-thirds majorities in both chambers needed to override a veto.The bill would prohibit state and local officials from issuing mandates, except for hospitals, other medical facilities and nursing homes they operate. Officials couldn't require people to show proof of being vaccinated against COVID-19 to use public spaces.The measure also would prohibit state and local health officials from ordering law enforcement agencies to help them enforce orders aimed at controlling infectious diseases.Republican lawmakers saw the measure as protecting personal liberties, but Kelly said in her veto message that it would prevent adequate responses to outbreaks of diseases like measles, tuberculosis and even bird flu.“This bill puts the safety of all Kansans and our economy at risk,” Kelly said in her message.Lawmakers plan to reconvene May 23 for one or two days of work.

Kansas governor vetoes Republican plan to ban mask mandates

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated assault and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 5a.m. Friday, police responded to report of a stabbing in the 2200 Block of South 50th Street in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

At the scene, police found a boy and an adult with apparent stab wounds. EMS transported both to an area hospital for treatment.

Just after 7:30a.m., police located a person-of-interest in the 2100 Block of South 49th Street and took them into custody.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated assault and have a suspect in custody.Just before 5a.m. Friday, police responded to report of a stabbing in the 2200 Block of South 50th Street in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.At the scene, police found a boy and an adult with apparent stab wounds. EMS transported both to an area hospital for treatment.Just after 7:30a.m., police located a person-of-interest in the 2100 Block of South 49th Street and took them into custody.

KCPD: Child, adult hospitalized after stabbing 

Geary County Sheriff's Department authorities have recovered the remains of a man last seen swimming to shore in Milford Lake on April 30.

With help from Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Parks Division, members of the Geary County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit and Sheriff's Office / Junction City Fire Department dive team recovered&nbsp; the remains of Jesse Paul Sockness, 41, of Lawrence. The recovery occurred after boaters saw his body floating in the water about 300 yards north of where Sockness was suspected of entering the water. The location was in the Curtis Creek area on the west side of Milford Lake.

Deputies had responded to Eagle Ridge Campground in Milford State Park at 3:29 p.m. on April 30 for a woman who had drifted into shoreline in a homemade water vessel.&nbsp;

According to the Sheriff's Department, the woman said at that time that she and a man ( Sockness ) were walking the shoreline near Curtis Creek when they located a water vessel made from 55 gallon drums and 2x4 lumber. The couple entered the water in the vessel when they were caught by the wind and were being pulled toward the main body of the lake. The man jumped into the water to swim to shore to call for help. He was last seen in the water as the woman drifted away in the vessel.

The incident is being investigated as an accidental drowning, pending autopsy results.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652493453045.png" alt="The incident is being investigated as an accidental drowning, pending autopsy results -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The incident is being investigated as an accidental drowning, pending autopsy results -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Geary County Sheriff's Department authorities have recovered the remains of a man last seen swimming to shore in Milford Lake on April 30.With help from Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Parks Division, members of the Geary County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit and Sheriff's Office / Junction City Fire Department dive team recovered&nbsp; the remains of Jesse Paul Sockness, 41, of Lawrence. The recovery occurred after boaters saw his body floating in the water about 300 yards north of where Sockness was suspected of entering the water. The location was in the Curtis Creek area on the west side of Milford Lake.Deputies had responded to Eagle Ridge Campground in Milford State Park at 3:29 p.m. on April 30 for a woman who had drifted into shoreline in a homemade water vessel.&nbsp;According to the Sheriff's Department, the woman said at that time that she and a man ( Sockness ) were walking the shoreline near Curtis Creek when they located a water vessel made from 55 gallon drums and 2x4 lumber. The couple entered the water in the vessel when they were caught by the wind and were being pulled toward the main body of the lake. The man jumped into the water to swim to shore to call for help. He was last seen in the water as the woman drifted away in the vessel.The incident is being investigated as an accidental drowning, pending autopsy results.

Authorities locate remains of a drowning victim at Kansas lake

FINNEY COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident sometime between 1:30p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Friday in Finney County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Dodge Charger driven by Ralph E.&nbsp;Vanatta, 85, Holcomb, was southbound in the 2400 Block of Holcomb Lane. 

The car traveled left of center and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle left the roadway to the right and overturned.&nbsp;

Vanatta was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Garnand Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

FINNEY COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident sometime between 1:30p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Friday in Finney County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Dodge Charger driven by Ralph E.&nbsp;Vanatta, 85, Holcomb, was southbound in the 2400 Block of Holcomb Lane. The car traveled left of center and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle left the roadway to the right and overturned.&nbsp;Vanatta was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Garnand Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

85-year-old driver dies after car overturns in SW Kansas

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. (AP) — A former respiratory therapist charged with first-degree murder in the death of a patient in Missouri 20 years ago has been arrested in northeastern Kansas, authorities said.

Jennifer Hall, 41, was arrested in Johnson County, Kansas, on Thursday evening under the name Jennifer Semaboye, of Overland Park, Kansas, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office said. The discrepancy in her last name wasn't immediately clear, but a worker with the Johnson County jail said booking documents showed she was divorced and that she also went by the name Jennifer Hall. Online records indicate she is being held without bond.

She was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-franco-missouri-e1b5b5d9b9341349bc921776c169c1ab">charged this month in the 2002 death</a>&nbsp;of Fern Franco — one of nine people who died at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe over several months in 2002 amid a series of “medically suspicious” events at the hospital, according to court documents in Hall’s case.

Hall worked as a respiratory therapist at the hospital when the patients all died from cardiac collapse, officials have said. Matthew O’Connor, who has represented Hall in the past, said earlier this week that no evidence exists to connect Hall to the deaths. Hall has previously denied any involvement.

The case was revived after an analysis of Franco’s tissue samples found morphine and a powerful muscle relaxant used in anesthesia in her system. Neither drug was prescribed or ordered for her by her doctors, investigators said.

Some staff at the hospital&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-missouri-eb1f83b41c6749218dc02ecad99a295a">believed Hall was responsible</a>&nbsp;because of her proximity to the stricken patients, her access to deadly pharmaceuticals, and because she notified staff of every patient’s cardiac emergency, according to court documents.

Hall was placed on administrative leave three days after Franco’s death.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY, Missouri—Law enforcement authorities in Kansas have arrested a former respiratory therapist who worked at a hospital in Missouri where nine people died under suspicions circumstances twenty years ago.

According to a social media report from the Livingston County Sheriff's office, Jennifer Anne Hall, 41, was arrested by authorities in Kansas on a Livingston County arrest warrant for alleged 1st degree Murder. Extradition process will begin at the earliest opportunity, according to the report.

&nbsp;Hall was charged last week with first-degree murder in the 2002 death of Fern Franco, who was one of nine people who died of cardiac collapse between Dec. 16, 2001, and May 18, 2002, at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe, Missouri.

The Livingston County Sheriff's office said Tuesday authorities were&nbsp; searching for Hall, who might be using the name Semaboye.

Hall worked as a respiratory therapist at the 49-bed hospital when the patients died. Doctors and nurses at the hospital viewed the numbers of deaths as “medically suspicious,” according to a law enforcement record supporting the probable cause for her arrest.

The case was revived after an analysis of Franco’s tissue samples found succinylcholine and morphine, which were not prescribed or ordered for her by her doctors, according to a probable cause statement by Chillicothe Police Officer Brian Schmidt.

Some staff at the hospital&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-missouri-eb1f83b41c6749218dc02ecad99a295a">believed Hall was responsible&nbsp;</a>because of her proximity to the stricken patients, her access to deadly pharmaceuticals, and because she notified staff of every patient's cardiac emergency, according to the probable cause.

She was placed on administrative leave on May 21, 2002, three days after Franco’s death.

An overdose of succinylcholine causes slow suffocation. At least nine suspicious deaths and 18 suspicious medical emergencies at Hedrick Medical Center during that time period were suspected overdoses of succinylcholine or other drugs.

Hall denied involvement in the deaths during an interview with the Kansas City Star in 2015.

Matthew O’Connor, a Kansas City attorney who represented Hall in the past, said the murder charge was based on “conjecture and speculation.”

“This isn’t lawyer talk — there aren’t facts in support of it because Ms. Hall did not commit these acts,” he said.

Before she worked at Hedrick Medical Center, Hall was convicted of setting fire to Cass Medical Center in Harrisonville, Missouri, where she was hired as a respiratory therapist. She spent a year in prison before an appeals court vacated her conviction because she received ineffective counsel at trial. A jury acquitted her at a subsequent retrial.

The families of five of the nine patients who died during that period filed wrongful death lawsuits against the hospital in 2010, claiming the hospital covered up possible foul play in their relatives' deaths. An appeal filed in 2013 alleged that employees at the hospital believed they would be fired if they raised suspicions about the deaths.

In 2019, the Missouri Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/statutes-missouri-b55d384d0cac46919c3734c855354da6">threw out the lawsuits</a>, ruling that the families had filed their actions after the statute of limitations had run out.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652474493585.png" alt="Jennifer Hall, 41, was arrested in Johnson County, Kansas, on Thursday evening under the name Jennifer Semaboye, of Overland Park, Kansas-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Hall, 41, was arrested in Johnson County, Kansas, on Thursday evening under the name Jennifer Semaboye, of Overland Park, Kansas-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>CHILLICOTHE, Mo. (AP) — A former respiratory therapist charged with first-degree murder in the death of a patient in Missouri 20 years ago has been arrested in northeastern Kansas, authorities said.Jennifer Hall, 41, was arrested in Johnson County, Kansas, on Thursday evening under the name Jennifer Semaboye, of Overland Park, Kansas, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office said. The discrepancy in her last name wasn't immediately clear, but a worker with the Johnson County jail said booking documents showed she was divorced and that she also went by the name Jennifer Hall. Online records indicate she is being held without bond.She was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-franco-missouri-e1b5b5d9b9341349bc921776c169c1ab">charged this month in the 2002 death</a>&nbsp;of Fern Franco — one of nine people who died at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe over several months in 2002 amid a series of “medically suspicious” events at the hospital, according to court documents in Hall’s case.Hall worked as a respiratory therapist at the hospital when the patients all died from cardiac collapse, officials have said. Matthew O’Connor, who has represented Hall in the past, said earlier this week that no evidence exists to connect Hall to the deaths. Hall has previously denied any involvement.The case was revived after an analysis of Franco’s tissue samples found morphine and a powerful muscle relaxant used in anesthesia in her system. Neither drug was prescribed or ordered for her by her doctors, investigators said.Some staff at the hospital&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-missouri-eb1f83b41c6749218dc02ecad99a295a">believed Hall was responsible</a>&nbsp;because of her proximity to the stricken patients, her access to deadly pharmaceuticals, and because she notified staff of every patient’s cardiac emergency, according to court documents.Hall was placed on administrative leave three days after Franco’s death.---------LIVINGSTON COUNTY, Missouri—Law enforcement authorities in Kansas have arrested a former respiratory therapist who worked at a hospital in Missouri where nine people died under suspicions circumstances twenty years ago.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652449498878.png" alt="Hall-photo Livingston Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hall-photo Livingston Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>According to a social media report from the Livingston County Sheriff's office, Jennifer Anne Hall, 41, was arrested by authorities in Kansas on a Livingston County arrest warrant for alleged 1st degree Murder. Extradition process will begin at the earliest opportunity, according to the report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652204964045.png" alt="Hall-photo Livingston Co." />
 <figcaption>Hall-photo Livingston Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Hall was charged last week with first-degree murder in the 2002 death of Fern Franco, who was one of nine people who died of cardiac collapse between Dec. 16, 2001, and May 18, 2002, at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe, Missouri.The Livingston County Sheriff's office said Tuesday authorities were&nbsp; searching for Hall, who might be using the name Semaboye.Hall worked as a respiratory therapist at the 49-bed hospital when the patients died. Doctors and nurses at the hospital viewed the numbers of deaths as “medically suspicious,” according to a law enforcement record supporting the probable cause for her arrest.The case was revived after an analysis of Franco’s tissue samples found succinylcholine and morphine, which were not prescribed or ordered for her by her doctors, according to a probable cause statement by Chillicothe Police Officer Brian Schmidt.Some staff at the hospital&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-missouri-eb1f83b41c6749218dc02ecad99a295a">believed Hall was responsible&nbsp;</a>because of her proximity to the stricken patients, her access to deadly pharmaceuticals, and because she notified staff of every patient's cardiac emergency, according to the probable cause.She was placed on administrative leave on May 21, 2002, three days after Franco’s death.An overdose of succinylcholine causes slow suffocation. At least nine suspicious deaths and 18 suspicious medical emergencies at Hedrick Medical Center during that time period were suspected overdoses of succinylcholine or other drugs.Hall denied involvement in the deaths during an interview with the Kansas City Star in 2015.Matthew O’Connor, a Kansas City attorney who represented Hall in the past, said the murder charge was based on “conjecture and speculation.”“This isn’t lawyer talk — there aren’t facts in support of it because Ms. Hall did not commit these acts,” he said.Before she worked at Hedrick Medical Center, Hall was convicted of setting fire to Cass Medical Center in Harrisonville, Missouri, where she was hired as a respiratory therapist. She spent a year in prison before an appeals court vacated her conviction because she received ineffective counsel at trial. A jury acquitted her at a subsequent retrial.The families of five of the nine patients who died during that period filed wrongful death lawsuits against the hospital in 2010, claiming the hospital covered up possible foul play in their relatives' deaths. An appeal filed in 2013 alleged that employees at the hospital believed they would be fired if they raised suspicions about the deaths.In 2019, the Missouri Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/statutes-missouri-b55d384d0cac46919c3734c855354da6">threw out the lawsuits</a>, ruling that the families had filed their actions after the statute of limitations had run out.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Therapist charged in hospital death held without bond in Kansas

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—A Manhattan woman died in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Friday in Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Chevy Malibu driven by&nbsp; Abby&nbsp;Stous, 38, Manhattan, was northbound on Flush Road two miles west of St. George.

The driver failed to yield at the stop sign at U.S. 24. An eastbound 2007 International truck driven by&nbsp;Duncan, Micheal Lynn Duncan, 55, Westmoreland, struck the Chevy on the driver's side.

Stous was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. A private vehicle transported Duncan to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—A Manhattan woman died in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Friday in Pottawatomie County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Chevy Malibu driven by&nbsp; Abby&nbsp;Stous, 38, Manhattan, was northbound on Flush Road two miles west of St. George.The driver failed to yield at the stop sign at U.S. 24. An eastbound 2007 International truck driven by&nbsp;Duncan, Micheal Lynn Duncan, 55, Westmoreland, struck the Chevy on the driver's side.Stous was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. A private vehicle transported Duncan to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dies in 2-vehicle crash

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Police say a man has been charged in a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred last year outside of Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Thomas Weyer, 19, of Kansas City, Missouri, is charged with one count of leaving the scene of a fatal crash in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-kansas-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-72d5a6584b0f292a72e44be0e2b05886">Oct. 10 death of 66-year-old Steven Hickle</a>, of Wichita,&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/man-charged-in-fatal-hit-and-run-outside-arrowhead-stadium/">television station WDAF reported</a>. Investigators have said Hickle left the stadium during a rain delay of a Chiefs game and was crossing a street when he was hit by two vehicles that left the scene.

Court documents say detectives received an anonymous tip nearly two months after the crash regarding a conversation overheard between Weyer and his mother about running over someone outside of Arrowhead Stadium.

Both Weyer and his mother denied having that conversation, police said, and Weyer denied running over anyone. Police said he later admitted hitting Hickle after being told that license plate recognition equipment recorded Weyer’s vehicle at the scene of the fatality at the time of the hit-and-run crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637589620835.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the accident-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the accident-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Police say a man has been charged in a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred last year outside of Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.Thomas Weyer, 19, of Kansas City, Missouri, is charged with one count of leaving the scene of a fatal crash in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-kansas-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-72d5a6584b0f292a72e44be0e2b05886">Oct. 10 death of 66-year-old Steven Hickle</a>, of Wichita,&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/man-charged-in-fatal-hit-and-run-outside-arrowhead-stadium/">television station WDAF reported</a>. Investigators have said Hickle left the stadium during a rain delay of a Chiefs game and was crossing a street when he was hit by two vehicles that left the scene.Court documents say detectives received an anonymous tip nearly two months after the crash regarding a conversation overheard between Weyer and his mother about running over someone outside of Arrowhead Stadium.Both Weyer and his mother denied having that conversation, police said, and Weyer denied running over anyone. Police said he later admitted hitting Hickle after being told that license plate recognition equipment recorded Weyer’s vehicle at the scene of the fatality at the time of the hit-and-run crash.

Man charged in fatal hit-and-run outside Arrowhead Stadium

WASHINGTON (AP) — Many parents are hunting for infant formula because of a combination of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-business-health-d3e32ba9e2381f77c299391e762abe21">short- and long-term problems</a>&nbsp;that has hit most of the biggest U.S. brands.

(Click the video listen watch the White House statement on the formula shortage)

Millions of babies in the U.S. rely on formula, which is the only source of nutrition recommended for infants who aren’t exclusively breastfed.

Here’s a look at what’s behind the problem and what parents can do:

Ongoing supply disruptions have combined with a recent safety recall to leave many pharmacy and supermarket shelves bare.

The problems began last year as the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in labor, transportation and raw materials — economy-wide issues that didn’t spare the formula industry. Inventory was further squeezed by parents stockpiling during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Then in February, Abbott Nutrition&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-michigan-sturgis-a44d06262482d776ae465e0d22382d2d">recalled several major brands</a>&nbsp;of powdered formula and shut down its Sturgis, Michigan, factory when federal officials began investigating four babies who suffered bacterial infections after consuming formula from the facility.

Abbott is one of only a handful of companies that produce the vast majority of the U.S. formula supply, so their recall wiped out a large segment of the market.

Most formulas contain protein from cow’s milk that’s been altered to be easier to digest and enhanced with extra nutrients needed for growth and development. The Food and Drug Administration sets specific nutritional requirements, including minimum amounts of protein, fat, calcium and a number of vitamins. Formula makers achieve those levels by adding various sugars, oils and minerals.

The formulas are designed to mimic breast milk, though studies have repeatedly shown better health outcomes for babies who are breastfed.

WHY CAN’T ALL MOTHERS RELY ON BREAST MILK?

Health professionals recommend exclusively breastfeeding babies until they are 6 months old. But federal figures show that only 1 in 4 are relying solely on breast milk at that age.

Mothers face a number of challenges to long-term breastfeeding, including returning to work and finding the time and equipment needed to pump breast milk. About 60% of mothers stop breastfeeding sooner than they had planned, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/breastfeeding-cdcs-work-508.pdf" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</a>

State and federal laws have been enacted to encourage breastfeeding by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/supporting-nursing-moms-work/what-law-says-about-breastfeeding-and-work" target="_blank">requiring&nbsp;</a>break time and accommodations for mothers of infants.

Rates of breastfeeding have consistently been lower among Black babies than other groups. About three quarters of Black babies are breast fed in infancy, below the national average of 84%, according to the CDC.

WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO IF THEY ARE HAVING TROUBLE FINDING FORMULA?

Talk with your pediatrician or call a local food bank to see if they can help locate some options. Experts also recommend checking with smaller stores and pharmacies, which may still have supplies when larger stores run out.

Most regular baby formulas contain the same basic ingredients and nutrients, so parents shouldn’t hesitate to buy a different brand if they’re having trouble finding their regular one.

Some infants require specialty formulas due to allergies, digestive problems and other medical conditions. Parents should talk to their doctor if they can’t find those products, which manufacturers usually distribute through pharmacies and clinics.

Families that qualify for WIC — a federal program similar to food stamps that pays for about half the formula used in the U.S. — can also contact their local agency.

Health officials also warn against buying formula via social media websites or outside of conventional retailers because they could be counterfeit.

WHY ARE PARENTS TOLD NOT TO USE MAKE-YOUR-OWN FORMULA RECIPES ONLINE?

Many do-it-yourself formula recipes are made from cow’s milk and granular sugar that may be difficult for young babies to digest. They also lack the specific vitamins and proteins found in breastmilk and FDA-approved formulas that are needed for basic nutrition.

“Particularly for small babies, many of these formulas and mixtures that are found online don’t contain even the most basic nutrient mixes that babies need to survive,” said Dr. Steven Abrams, a pediatrician at the University of Texas, Austin.

Abrams also stressed that parents should never dilute infant formula.

WHAT ARE RETAILERS DOING TO KEEP FORMULA IN STOCK?

Several national chains have limited the number of containers customers can purchase in stores and online. For CVS and Walgreens, the limit is three per customer. Target limits purchases to four per person when buying online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652447550275.png" alt="&nbsp;On Thursday, President Biden spoke with retailers and manufacturers to discuss ways we can all work together to do more to help families access infant formula." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;On Thursday, President Biden spoke with retailers and manufacturers to discuss ways we can all work together to do more to help families access infant formula.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Many parents are hunting for infant formula because of a combination of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-business-health-d3e32ba9e2381f77c299391e762abe21">short- and long-term problems</a>&nbsp;that has hit most of the biggest U.S. brands.(Click the video listen watch the White House statement on the formula shortage)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1514977988918412%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=2" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Millions of babies in the U.S. rely on formula, which is the only source of nutrition recommended for infants who aren’t exclusively breastfed.Here’s a look at what’s behind the problem and what parents can do:WHY IS THERE A SHORTAGE?Ongoing supply disruptions have combined with a recent safety recall to leave many pharmacy and supermarket shelves bare.The problems began last year as the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in labor, transportation and raw materials — economy-wide issues that didn’t spare the formula industry. Inventory was further squeezed by parents stockpiling during COVID-19 lockdowns.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648164055231.png" alt="In February Abbott, one of the country’s largest infant formula makers announced a recall of Similac-FDA image" />
 <figcaption>In February Abbott, one of the country’s largest infant formula makers announced a recall of Similac-FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>Then in February, Abbott Nutrition&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-michigan-sturgis-a44d06262482d776ae465e0d22382d2d">recalled several major brands</a>&nbsp;of powdered formula and shut down its Sturgis, Michigan, factory when federal officials began investigating four babies who suffered bacterial infections after consuming formula from the facility.Abbott is one of only a handful of companies that produce the vast majority of the U.S. formula supply, so their recall wiped out a large segment of the market.WHAT IS IN BABY FORMULA?Most formulas contain protein from cow’s milk that’s been altered to be easier to digest and enhanced with extra nutrients needed for growth and development. The Food and Drug Administration sets specific nutritional requirements, including minimum amounts of protein, fat, calcium and a number of vitamins. Formula makers achieve those levels by adding various sugars, oils and minerals.The formulas are designed to mimic breast milk, though studies have repeatedly shown better health outcomes for babies who are breastfed.WHY CAN’T ALL MOTHERS RELY ON BREAST MILK?Health professionals recommend exclusively breastfeeding babies until they are 6 months old. But federal figures show that only 1 in 4 are relying solely on breast milk at that age.Mothers face a number of challenges to long-term breastfeeding, including returning to work and finding the time and equipment needed to pump breast milk. About 60% of mothers stop breastfeeding sooner than they had planned, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/breastfeeding-cdcs-work-508.pdf" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</a>State and federal laws have been enacted to encourage breastfeeding by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/supporting-nursing-moms-work/what-law-says-about-breastfeeding-and-work" target="_blank">requiring&nbsp;</a>break time and accommodations for mothers of infants.Rates of breastfeeding have consistently been lower among Black babies than other groups. About three quarters of Black babies are breast fed in infancy, below the national average of 84%, according to the CDC.WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO IF THEY ARE HAVING TROUBLE FINDING FORMULA?Talk with your pediatrician or call a local food bank to see if they can help locate some options. Experts also recommend checking with smaller stores and pharmacies, which may still have supplies when larger stores run out.Most regular baby formulas contain the same basic ingredients and nutrients, so parents shouldn’t hesitate to buy a different brand if they’re having trouble finding their regular one.Some infants require specialty formulas due to allergies, digestive problems and other medical conditions. Parents should talk to their doctor if they can’t find those products, which manufacturers usually distribute through pharmacies and clinics.Families that qualify for WIC — a federal program similar to food stamps that pays for about half the formula used in the U.S. — can also contact their local agency.Health officials also warn against buying formula via social media websites or outside of conventional retailers because they could be counterfeit.WHY ARE PARENTS TOLD NOT TO USE MAKE-YOUR-OWN FORMULA RECIPES ONLINE?Many do-it-yourself formula recipes are made from cow’s milk and granular sugar that may be difficult for young babies to digest. They also lack the specific vitamins and proteins found in breastmilk and FDA-approved formulas that are needed for basic nutrition.“Particularly for small babies, many of these formulas and mixtures that are found online don’t contain even the most basic nutrient mixes that babies need to survive,” said Dr. Steven Abrams, a pediatrician at the University of Texas, Austin.Abrams also stressed that parents should never dilute infant formula.WHAT ARE RETAILERS DOING TO KEEP FORMULA IN STOCK?Several national chains have limited the number of containers customers can purchase in stores and online. For CVS and Walgreens, the limit is three per customer. Target limits purchases to four per person when buying online.Amazon said Thursday it is working to keep the products available on its website and monitoring third-party sellers for price-gouging.“If we identify a price that violates our policy, we remove the offer and take appropriate action with the seller,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.WHEN ARE SUPPLIES LIKELY TO IMPROVE?Health regulators recently announced several steps designed to boost supply, including allowing faster importation of formula made overseas. Typically, 98% of baby formula consumed in the U.S. is made domestically, according to federal officials.The FDA is working with Abbott to fix the violations that triggered the shutdown of its Michigan plant, which produces Similac, EleCare and several other leading powdered formulas.The company says its products have not been directly linked to the bacterial infections in children, pointing out that genetic samples collected from its factory did not match those found in several infants who got sick.The Chicago-based company said this week that, pending FDA approval, it could restart manufacturing at its plant within two weeks. After that it would take another six to eight weeks before new products hit store shelves.But even then, experts caution that many of the industrywide issues will continue to restrain supplies.“This is going to be a problem and it’s not going away for at least a period of several months,” Abrams said.