BEDFORD, Iowa (AP) — A Missouri resident is hospitalized in intensive care after being infected with a rare brain-eating amoeba that likely happened after swimming in a southeastern Iowa lake, health officials said Friday.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has shut down the beach at Lake of Three Fires State Park in Taylor County after the person was diagnosed with primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and usually fatal infection caused by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/">naegleria fowleri ameba.</a>

Iowa state health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are testing to confirm the presence of the infection in the lake, which could take several days to complete.

People are infected when water containing the ameba enters the body through the nose, usually while victims are swimming or diving in lakes and rivers. The fatality rate is over 97%, according to CDC statistics. Only four people out of 154 known infected individuals in the United States from 1962 to 2021 have survived.

“It’s the worst parasite in the world that we know of because it causes such devastating pathology,” said Christopher Rice, a research scientist in the Center for Drug Discovery at the University of Georgia. He added that the brain infection is difficult to diagnose because it requires a sample of cerebral spinal fluid.

It is believed to be the first case discovered in Iowa. Neighboring states Kansas, Missouri and Minnesota have all reported infections, which have primarily occurred in southern-tier states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657393056107.png" alt="Naegleria fowleri ameba or brain-eating amoeba- image CDC" />
 <figcaption>Naegleria fowleri ameba or brain-eating amoeba- image CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>BEDFORD, Iowa (AP) — A Missouri resident is hospitalized in intensive care after being infected with a rare brain-eating amoeba that likely happened after swimming in a southeastern Iowa lake, health officials said Friday.The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has shut down the beach at Lake of Three Fires State Park in Taylor County after the person was diagnosed with primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and usually fatal infection caused by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/">naegleria fowleri ameba.</a>Iowa state health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are testing to confirm the presence of the infection in the lake, which could take several days to complete.People are infected when water containing the ameba enters the body through the nose, usually while victims are swimming or diving in lakes and rivers. The fatality rate is over 97%, according to CDC statistics. Only four people out of 154 known infected individuals in the United States from 1962 to 2021 have survived.“It’s the worst parasite in the world that we know of because it causes such devastating pathology,” said Christopher Rice, a research scientist in the Center for Drug Discovery at the University of Georgia. He added that the brain infection is difficult to diagnose because it requires a sample of cerebral spinal fluid.It is believed to be the first case discovered in Iowa. Neighboring states Kansas, Missouri and Minnesota have all reported infections, which have primarily occurred in southern-tier states.

Swimmer infected with brain-eating amoeba also reported in Kansas

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/08/kansas-report-on-evictions-highlights-ignorance-of-legal-system-confusion-over-rent-assistance/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A new judicial committee <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kscourts.org/kscourts/media/kscourts/court%20administration/Committees/eviction/best-practices-eviction-proceedings.pdf">report on evictions</a> in Kansas points to multiple problems with a complex, fast-paced legal system for ousting tenants who fail to pay their rent.

Three-fourths of eviction filings are resolved through procedural 
errors, an indicator of the ignorance tenants and landlords have with 
the legal process, the report found.&nbsp;Under the strain of the pandemic, 
courts failed to mitigate widespread confusion and misunderstanding 
about the availability of $300 million in federal aid administered by 
the state, half of which went unused.

The report recommended judges tell tenants early in the process that 
they can fight their eviction and that rental aid may be available to 
them. Other recommendations include targeting high schoolers with 
programs designed to educate them about the landlord-tenant relationship
 before they sign their first lease.

The committee also applied for a grant to install a program in 
Sedgwick County, which accounts for one-third of the state’s eviction 
filings, where an evictions facilitator could try to resolve disputes 
outside of the legal system.

The Kansas Supreme Court established the committee to examine best practices in anticipation of a spike in evictions after <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/28/legislative-leadership-extends-disaster-declaration-through-june-15-ends-block-on-evictions/">state</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/biden-urges-state-and-local-leaders-to-postpone-evictions-while-rental-aid-is-distributed/">federal</a>
 moratoriums expired in October 2021. Judge Sarah Warner, of the Kansas 
Court of Appeals, led the committee, which included judges, trial 
clerks, attorneys who routinely represent tenants and property owners, 
and representatives of landlords in Wichita and Hays. The 29-page 
report, dated April 20, was released on Wednesday.

The committee examined the evictions process and court filings going 
back to the 12-month fiscal year that ended in June 2017. The panel 
found that tenants didn’t respond to half the filings, resulting in an 
automatic judgment for the landlords. A quarter of the cases were 
dismissed because property owners had not provided a three-day notice 
required under state law for a tenant to come up with overdue rent.

Courts reported about 14,500 eviction filings per year in the three 
years before the pandemic, but no more than 150 cases went to trial in 
any of those years.

“The committee questions the wisdom and equity of this judicial 
model, which relies, at least in part, on litigants’ ignorance to stay 
afloat,” the report said.

Vince Munoz, of Rent Zero Kansas, a coalition that advocates for 
tenants,&nbsp;questioned the findings and recommendations of the committee 
because its members didn’t include a tenant, or anybody who has been 
evicted.

“It’s really hard to understate how significant of an oversight that 
is,” Munoz said. “For people who experience an eviction, when the court 
case is done, that’s when the impact starts on their life. For all the 
attorneys involved, it’s all over when the judge bangs the gavel or 
releases the opinion.”

He also said the report misses a broader point about the number of 
informal evictions that happen in Kansas by landlords who disconnect 
utilities or otherwise harass tenants into leaving. Many landlords 
declined to renew leases as they expired during the pandemic, or refused
 to accept federal aid — loopholes in state and federal orders banning 
evictions, Munoz said. Those factors could help explain why most of 
Kansas didn’t see a spike in eviction filings after the moratoriums 
expired.

The data presented in the committee’s report also shows that Kansas 
courts continued to handle thousands of eviction cases while the 
moratoriums were in place.

“The courts don’t really serve tenants’ interests,” Munoz said. “They
 serve those who are already powerful in the situation, and they just 
kind of sanitize and formalize landlord power over tenants.”

The judicial committee report, however, is critical of how some 
courts handle evictions and sympathetic to the challenges presented to 
tenants throughout a legal process that is designed to last no more than
 six weeks.

After a landlord provides a three-day notice for overdue rent, and 
the three days lapse without payment, the landlord can file an eviction 
petition in district court. The tenant has 14 days to respond. If the 
tenant disputes the allegation, a trial is set within 14 days. If the 
property owner prevails at trial, the court will order the tenant to be 
removed within 14 days.

Tenants may choose not to contest an eviction because they know they 
are unable to pay rent, the report found, or because they feel 
overwhelmed and don’t understand that they have the right to contest the
 eviction.

Tenants also didn’t know the rental assistance was available, or that
 it could be used even after the landlord had filed an eviction. Some 
judges asked the parties at trial if they had considered trying to get 
rental aid, but attorneys said that information needed to be presented 
early in the process — especially since so few cases reach trial.

One judge balked at the idea of notifying parties that funds were 
available, because it could be viewed as providing legal advice. Others 
on the committee rejected the concern.

The committee took interest in a program in Monroe County, Indiana, 
where the district court employs an evictions facilitator who answers 
questions for property owners and tenants, provides information about 
federal aid, and is available to act as a mediator if the two sides are 
willing to resolve the case outside of court.

“As one committee member who manages rental properties observed, it 
is in everyone’s best interest if a tenant continues to live in the 
property and a property owner continues to be paid under the lease,” the
 report said.

The committee applied for grant through National Center for State 
Courts to establish a similar program in Sedgwick County that could 
serve as a toolkit across the state.

Unlike other areas of the state, eviction filings significantly 
increased in Sedgwick County after moratoriums were lifted. While the 
rest of the state saw filings last fall merely return to pre-pandemic 
levels, there was a 25% increase from pre-pandemic eviction cases in 
Sedgwick County. More cases in Sedgwick County result in default 
judgment for the property owner, and fewer cases go to trial.

Munoz said Sedgwick County established its own rental assistance 
program with federal aid, while the rest of the state was served by 
the&nbsp;Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.

Under the KHRC program, tenants and landlords <a target="_blank" href="http://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance">can apply</a>
 jointly for up to 18 months of assistance. Eligible households also may
 receive a lump sum of $900 in past-due or future internet assistance.

The organization’s general counsel served on the committee, and a 
spokeswoman said KHRC has now dispersed $196 million in rental aid.

“More than a third of Kansans rent their homes, and many have 
struggled to cover rent and utility bills since the pandemic began,” 
said Ryan Vincent, executive director of KHRC, in a news release in 
March. “The financial repercussions are far from over for our most 
vulnerable families. This crucial assistance is still available to keep 
Kansans safely housed throughout our economic recovery.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657385468684.png" alt="Organizers for Rent Zero Kansas gather April 1, 2021, on the south steps of the Statehouse to warn legislators of potential fallout of inadequate housing policy. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Organizers for Rent Zero Kansas gather April 1, 2021, on the south steps of the Statehouse to warn legislators of potential fallout of inadequate housing policy. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/08/kansas-report-on-evictions-highlights-ignorance-of-legal-system-confusion-over-rent-assistance/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A new judicial committee <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kscourts.org/kscourts/media/kscourts/court%20administration/Committees/eviction/best-practices-eviction-proceedings.pdf">report on evictions</a> in Kansas points to multiple problems with a complex, fast-paced legal system for ousting tenants who fail to pay their rent.Three-fourths of eviction filings are resolved through procedural 
errors, an indicator of the ignorance tenants and landlords have with 
the legal process, the report found.&nbsp;Under the strain of the pandemic, 
courts failed to mitigate widespread confusion and misunderstanding 
about the availability of $300 million in federal aid administered by 
the state, half of which went unused.The report recommended judges tell tenants early in the process that 
they can fight their eviction and that rental aid may be available to 
them. Other recommendations include targeting high schoolers with 
programs designed to educate them about the landlord-tenant relationship
 before they sign their first lease.The committee also applied for a grant to install a program in 
Sedgwick County, which accounts for one-third of the state’s eviction 
filings, where an evictions facilitator could try to resolve disputes 
outside of the legal system.The Kansas Supreme Court established the committee to examine best practices in anticipation of a spike in evictions after <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/28/legislative-leadership-extends-disaster-declaration-through-june-15-ends-block-on-evictions/">state</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/biden-urges-state-and-local-leaders-to-postpone-evictions-while-rental-aid-is-distributed/">federal</a>
 moratoriums expired in October 2021. Judge Sarah Warner, of the Kansas 
Court of Appeals, led the committee, which included judges, trial 
clerks, attorneys who routinely represent tenants and property owners, 
and representatives of landlords in Wichita and Hays. The 29-page 
report, dated April 20, was released on Wednesday.The committee examined the evictions process and court filings going 
back to the 12-month fiscal year that ended in June 2017. The panel 
found that tenants didn’t respond to half the filings, resulting in an 
automatic judgment for the landlords. A quarter of the cases were 
dismissed because property owners had not provided a three-day notice 
required under state law for a tenant to come up with overdue rent.Courts reported about 14,500 eviction filings per year in the three 
years before the pandemic, but no more than 150 cases went to trial in 
any of those years.“The committee questions the wisdom and equity of this judicial 
model, which relies, at least in part, on litigants’ ignorance to stay 
afloat,” the report said.Vince Munoz, of Rent Zero Kansas, a coalition that advocates for 
tenants,&nbsp;questioned the findings and recommendations of the committee 
because its members didn’t include a tenant, or anybody who has been 
evicted.“It’s really hard to understate how significant of an oversight that 
is,” Munoz said. “For people who experience an eviction, when the court 
case is done, that’s when the impact starts on their life. For all the 
attorneys involved, it’s all over when the judge bangs the gavel or 
releases the opinion.”He also said the report misses a broader point about the number of 
informal evictions that happen in Kansas by landlords who disconnect 
utilities or otherwise harass tenants into leaving. Many landlords 
declined to renew leases as they expired during the pandemic, or refused
 to accept federal aid — loopholes in state and federal orders banning 
evictions, Munoz said. Those factors could help explain why most of 
Kansas didn’t see a spike in eviction filings after the moratoriums 
expired.The data presented in the committee’s report also shows that Kansas 
courts continued to handle thousands of eviction cases while the 
moratoriums were in place.“The courts don’t really serve tenants’ interests,” Munoz said. “They
 serve those who are already powerful in the situation, and they just 
kind of sanitize and formalize landlord power over tenants.”The judicial committee report, however, is critical of how some 
courts handle evictions and sympathetic to the challenges presented to 
tenants throughout a legal process that is designed to last no more than
 six weeks.After a landlord provides a three-day notice for overdue rent, and 
the three days lapse without payment, the landlord can file an eviction 
petition in district court. The tenant has 14 days to respond. If the 
tenant disputes the allegation, a trial is set within 14 days. If the 
property owner prevails at trial, the court will order the tenant to be 
removed within 14 days.Tenants may choose not to contest an eviction because they know they 
are unable to pay rent, the report found, or because they feel 
overwhelmed and don’t understand that they have the right to contest the
 eviction.Tenants also didn’t know the rental assistance was available, or that
 it could be used even after the landlord had filed an eviction. Some 
judges asked the parties at trial if they had considered trying to get 
rental aid, but attorneys said that information needed to be presented 
early in the process — especially since so few cases reach trial.One judge balked at the idea of notifying parties that funds were 
available, because it could be viewed as providing legal advice. Others 
on the committee rejected the concern.The committee took interest in a program in Monroe County, Indiana, 
where the district court employs an evictions facilitator who answers 
questions for property owners and tenants, provides information about 
federal aid, and is available to act as a mediator if the two sides are 
willing to resolve the case outside of court.“As one committee member who manages rental properties observed, it 
is in everyone’s best interest if a tenant continues to live in the 
property and a property owner continues to be paid under the lease,” the
 report said.The committee applied for grant through National Center for State 
Courts to establish a similar program in Sedgwick County that could 
serve as a toolkit across the state.Unlike other areas of the state, eviction filings significantly 
increased in Sedgwick County after moratoriums were lifted. While the 
rest of the state saw filings last fall merely return to pre-pandemic 
levels, there was a 25% increase from pre-pandemic eviction cases in 
Sedgwick County. More cases in Sedgwick County result in default 
judgment for the property owner, and fewer cases go to trial.Munoz said Sedgwick County established its own rental assistance 
program with federal aid, while the rest of the state was served by 
the&nbsp;Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615921648040.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Under the KHRC program, tenants and landlords <a target="_blank" href="http://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance">can apply</a>
 jointly for up to 18 months of assistance. Eligible households also may
 receive a lump sum of $900 in past-due or future internet assistance.The organization’s general counsel served on the committee, and a 
spokeswoman said KHRC has now dispersed $196 million in rental aid.“More than a third of Kansans rent their homes, and many have 
struggled to cover rent and utility bills since the pandemic began,” 
said Ryan Vincent, executive director of KHRC, in a news release in 
March. “The financial repercussions are far from over for our most 
vulnerable families. This crucial assistance is still available to keep 
Kansans safely housed throughout our economic recovery.”

Kan. eviction report: Ignorance of legal system, confusion over rent assistance

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. will send another $400 million in military equipment to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine?utm_source=apnewsnav&amp;utm_medium=featured">Ukraine</a>, including four more advanced rocket systems, a senior defense official said Friday, in an effort to bolster Ukrainian efforts to strike deeper behind Russian frontlines in the eastern Donbas region.

The aid comes as Moscow this week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-army-donetsk-89326e201d66191b815971ceb1a1c6b2">claimed full control of Ukraine’s Luhansk province</a>&nbsp;in the Donbas, but Ukrainian officials say their troops still control a small part of the province and fierce fighting continues in several villages.

The defense official said that the eight High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, that were previously sent are still being used by Ukraine forces in the fight. And this will give them four more to help hit Russian command and control nodes, logistics capabilities and other systems that are further back behind the battlefront. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet made public.

Russia in recent days has launched dozens of missiles across Ukraine and pinned down Ukrainian forces with continuous long-range fire for sometimes hours at a time. Ukraine’s leaders have publicly called on Western allies to quickly send more ammunition and advanced systems that will help them narrow the gap in equipment and manpower. The precision weapons can help Ukraine hit Russian weapons that are farther away and are being used to bombard Ukrainian locations.

The latest aid is the 15th package of military weapons and equipment transferred to Ukraine from Defense Department stocks since last August. In addition to the HIMARS, the U.S. will also send 1,000 rounds of 155 millimeter artillery which has an increased precision capability that also will help Ukraine hit specific targets. The package also will include three tactical vehicles, counter battery radar systems, spare parts and other equipment.

Looking ahead to the coming months, the official said that a key goal is to build up Ukraine’s logistics and repair capabilities so troops can maintain its weapons systems and continue the fight into the future.

Overall, the U.S. has sent about $7.3 billion in aid to Ukraine since the war began in late February.

Luhansk is one of two provinces that make up the Donbas, a region of mines and factories where pro-Moscow separatists have fought Ukraine’s army for eight years and declared independent republics that Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized before he sent troops into Ukraine.

Putin on Thursday warned that Kyiv should accept Moscow’s terms or brace for the worst, saying that Russia hasn’t yet “started anything in earnest.”

U.S. and other western officials have said that Russia has been making slow, incremental progress in the Donbas but has not made gains as rapidly as Moscow initially intended. President Joe Biden has said that the U.S. is giving Ukrainians the aid needed to continue to resist Russian aggression.

“I don’t know how it’s going to end, but it will not end with a Russian defeat of Ukraine in Ukraine,” Biden said last week.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. will send another $400 million in military equipment to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine?utm_source=apnewsnav&amp;utm_medium=featured">Ukraine</a>, including four more advanced rocket systems, a senior defense official said Friday, in an effort to bolster Ukrainian efforts to strike deeper behind Russian frontlines in the eastern Donbas region.The aid comes as Moscow this week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-army-donetsk-89326e201d66191b815971ceb1a1c6b2">claimed full control of Ukraine’s Luhansk province</a>&nbsp;in the Donbas, but Ukrainian officials say their troops still control a small part of the province and fierce fighting continues in several villages.The defense official said that the eight High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, that were previously sent are still being used by Ukraine forces in the fight. And this will give them four more to help hit Russian command and control nodes, logistics capabilities and other systems that are further back behind the battlefront. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet made public.Russia in recent days has launched dozens of missiles across Ukraine and pinned down Ukrainian forces with continuous long-range fire for sometimes hours at a time. Ukraine’s leaders have publicly called on Western allies to quickly send more ammunition and advanced systems that will help them narrow the gap in equipment and manpower. The precision weapons can help Ukraine hit Russian weapons that are farther away and are being used to bombard Ukrainian locations.The latest aid is the 15th package of military weapons and equipment transferred to Ukraine from Defense Department stocks since last August. In addition to the HIMARS, the U.S. will also send 1,000 rounds of 155 millimeter artillery which has an increased precision capability that also will help Ukraine hit specific targets. The package also will include three tactical vehicles, counter battery radar systems, spare parts and other equipment.Looking ahead to the coming months, the official said that a key goal is to build up Ukraine’s logistics and repair capabilities so troops can maintain its weapons systems and continue the fight into the future.Overall, the U.S. has sent about $7.3 billion in aid to Ukraine since the war began in late February.Luhansk is one of two provinces that make up the Donbas, a region of mines and factories where pro-Moscow separatists have fought Ukraine’s army for eight years and declared independent republics that Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized before he sent troops into Ukraine.Putin on Thursday warned that Kyiv should accept Moscow’s terms or brace for the worst, saying that Russia hasn’t yet “started anything in earnest.”U.S. and other western officials have said that Russia has been making slow, incremental progress in the Donbas but has not made gains as rapidly as Moscow initially intended. President Joe Biden has said that the U.S. is giving Ukrainians the aid needed to continue to resist Russian aggression.“I don’t know how it’s going to end, but it will not end with a Russian defeat of Ukraine in Ukraine,” Biden said last week.

US spending another $400 million on aid for Ukraine

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), working with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, has identified a presumptive positive case of monkeypox in Kansas based on testing at the Kansas Health and Environment Laboratories, according to a media release from the agency.

 This is the first presumptive positive case in Kansas. The patient is an adult resident in Johnson County, Kansas, who recently traveled out of state. The patient is working with KDHE to identify contacts who may have been exposed.

On June 18, health officials reported the first case of monkeypox in Missouri. It was found in a Kansas City resident who had recently traveled out of state. There are now three cases in Missouri and nine in Colorado, according to the CDC.

“The risk of monkeypox spreading in Kansas remains low,”&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Secretary of KDHE, said.&nbsp;“If you are experiencing symptoms of monkeypox illness, it’s important to stay home and contact your health care provider as soon as possible to avoid spreading the disease to others.”

In typical cases, a person may experience symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion followed by the appearance of a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that may appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body like hands, feet, chest, or genitals. However, it is important to note that not all cases will show symptoms before the onset of a rash, so KDHE strongly recommends anyone experiencing symptoms of a monkeypox-like rash with other risk factors contact their health care provider as soon as possible. Risk factors for monkeypox infection include the following scenarios within 21 days of first symptom onset:

The monkeypox vaccine is available to those with a known exposure to a confirmed monkeypox case; however,&nbsp;with the vaccine supply extremely limited in the United States, residents who have not been contacted by KDHE or clinic partners are not able to be vaccinated at this time.&nbsp;KDHE will expand eligibility as additional doses are available.

The KDHE Phone Bank is available to assist in answering general questions about monkeypox. Individuals can call 1-866-KDHEINF (534-3463) Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. or can&nbsp;<a href="mailto:monkeypox@ks.gov" target="_blank">email their questions</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655678482994.png" alt="Monkeypox Photo Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Diseases Network-CDC" />
 <figcaption>Monkeypox Photo Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Diseases Network-CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), working with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, has identified a presumptive positive case of monkeypox in Kansas based on testing at the Kansas Health and Environment Laboratories, according to a media release from the agency. This is the first presumptive positive case in Kansas. The patient is an adult resident in Johnson County, Kansas, who recently traveled out of state. The patient is working with KDHE to identify contacts who may have been exposed.On June 18, health officials reported the first case of monkeypox in Missouri. It was found in a Kansas City resident who had recently traveled out of state. There are now three cases in Missouri and nine in Colorado, according to the CDC.“The risk of monkeypox spreading in Kansas remains low,”&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Secretary of KDHE, said.&nbsp;“If you are experiencing symptoms of monkeypox illness, it’s important to stay home and contact your health care provider as soon as possible to avoid spreading the disease to others.”In typical cases, a person may experience symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion followed by the appearance of a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that may appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body like hands, feet, chest, or genitals. However, it is important to note that not all cases will show symptoms before the onset of a rash, so KDHE strongly recommends anyone experiencing symptoms of a monkeypox-like rash with other risk factors contact their health care provider as soon as possible. Risk factors for monkeypox infection include the following scenarios within 21 days of first symptom onset:<ul>
 <li>Contact with a person or people with a similar appearing rash or who received a diagnosis of confirmed or probable monkeypox, OR</li><li>Close or intimate in-person contact with individuals in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity including meeting partners through an online website, digital app or social event, OR</li><li>Recent travel outside the US to a country with confirmed cases of monkeypox or where Monkeypox virus is endemic, OR</li><li>Contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that is an African endemic species or used a product derived from such animals (game meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.)</li>
 </ul>The monkeypox vaccine is available to those with a known exposure to a confirmed monkeypox case; however,&nbsp;with the vaccine supply extremely limited in the United States, residents who have not been contacted by KDHE or clinic partners are not able to be vaccinated at this time.&nbsp;KDHE will expand eligibility as additional doses are available.The KDHE Phone Bank is available to assist in answering general questions about monkeypox. Individuals can call 1-866-KDHEINF (534-3463) Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. or can&nbsp;<a href="mailto:monkeypox@ks.gov" target="_blank">email their questions</a>.

KDHE reports first case of monkeypox in Kansas 

Site along I-80 planned for Pinnacle Bank Sports Complex

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/07/09/grand-island-seeking-to-tap-lucrative-youth-sports-market-with-multi-court-facility/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

GRAND 
ISLAND — This central Nebraska city is hoping to join the effort to 
attract regional, youth sports tournaments and the local spending on 
motels and meals that comes with it.

The&nbsp;160,000-square-foot&nbsp;Pinnacle Bank Sports
 Complex is being planned for a site just off Interstate 80 at the U.S. 
Highway 281 interchange. The first phase will feature six indoor courts 
for basketball and volleyball and batting cages for baseball, though 
it’s being designed with expansion in mind.

About $10 million has been raised locally, 
with another $10 million being sought statewide, according to Johnny 
Dorn, vice president of Cresa, a real estate firm working on the 
project, who is a former University of Nebraska-Lincoln baseball player.

The goal of the sports complex is to attract
 regional tournaments to Grand Island and tap into a national market for
 youth sports that has grown to a $19 billion-a-year industry.

“Each time a parent has to travel for their 
child’s sporting event or practice, that money leaves Hall County,” said
 Tino Martinez, president of the board of the nonprofit Pinnacle Bank 
Sports Complex.

“We want to invest here in Hall County to 
keep the kids and the money locally,” said Martinez, who also coaches 
basketball at Grand Island Central Catholic High School.

A state-of-the-art training center for local
 athletes would also allow parents in the area to avoid long drives to 
volleyball and basketball training centers in Lincoln, according to 
Kristin Maser, who drove two daughters back and- forth to the Capital 
City for club volleyball.

“We put a lot of miles on our car over the 
last eight years,” Maser said. “It would just be nice if the kids from 
Grand Island would have the opportunity to have really good training and
 play locally here.”

The Grand Island facility could also be used
 for dance, wrestling, cheerleading, yoga/exercise classes and other 
community events.

Two large, outdoor complexes for youth sports tournaments have broken ground recently in the Omaha area.

The Nebraska Multi-Sports Complex in La 
Vista and the MD West ONE Sports Complex in Valley were major recipients
 recently of state grants through the state’s “shovel-ready” program 
designed to help projects by nonprofit organizations disrupted by the 
COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for the program came from the Biden 
Administration’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The La Vista project received $12.7 million,
 while the Valley complex got $3.8 million. A field house planned by the
 Columbus Community Hospital also got $12.7 million.

That compares to just under $116,000 for the
 Grand Island sports center, forcing backers there to explore other 
sources of funding.

Recently, Grand Island officials, including 
Mayor Roger Steele, toured the UBT Sports Complex in Elkhorn and the 
Iowa West Field House in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to better understand what
 works and what doesn’t in such facilities.

Dorn said they learned that while improving 
practice and tournament facilities for local youth athletes is critical,
 hosting multi-team, regional tournaments is what brings greater 
revenue.

According to Dave Taylor of the Grand Island
 Area Economic Development, the Pinnacle Bank Sports Complex has the 
potential to generate $4 million to $6 million per year in new visitor 
spending, which includes overnight stays and meals.

The mayor said the sports complex will also 
be an ideal “new gateway development” for Grand Island, providing a 
stronger link between I-80 and the city of 51,000.

Dorn said that it’s possible that ground 
could be broken for the facility yet this year, but spring 2023 is 
probably more realistic. He said no state or county funds are being 
sought for the project but said it is possible that sales taxes 
generated by new development in the immediate area of the Sports Complex
 could be tapped to help finance the facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657385619072.png" alt="Proposed design of the Pinnacle Bank Sports Complex being planned in Grand Island, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Tri-Cities Sports Complex)" />
 <figcaption>Proposed design of the Pinnacle Bank Sports Complex being planned in Grand Island, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Tri-Cities Sports Complex)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Site along I-80 planned for Pinnacle Bank Sports Complex</h2>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/07/09/grand-island-seeking-to-tap-lucrative-youth-sports-market-with-multi-court-facility/">Nebraska Examiner</a>GRAND 
ISLAND — This central Nebraska city is hoping to join the effort to 
attract regional, youth sports tournaments and the local spending on 
motels and meals that comes with it.The&nbsp;160,000-square-foot&nbsp;Pinnacle Bank Sports
 Complex is being planned for a site just off Interstate 80 at the U.S. 
Highway 281 interchange. The first phase will feature six indoor courts 
for basketball and volleyball and batting cages for baseball, though 
it’s being designed with expansion in mind.About $10 million has been raised locally, 
with another $10 million being sought statewide, according to Johnny 
Dorn, vice president of Cresa, a real estate firm working on the 
project, who is a former University of Nebraska-Lincoln baseball player.<h2>Youth sports market</h2>The goal of the sports complex is to attract
 regional tournaments to Grand Island and tap into a national market for
 youth sports that has grown to a $19 billion-a-year industry.“Each time a parent has to travel for their 
child’s sporting event or practice, that money leaves Hall County,” said
 Tino Martinez, president of the board of the nonprofit Pinnacle Bank 
Sports Complex.“We want to invest here in Hall County to 
keep the kids and the money locally,” said Martinez, who also coaches 
basketball at Grand Island Central Catholic High School.A state-of-the-art training center for local
 athletes would also allow parents in the area to avoid long drives to 
volleyball and basketball training centers in Lincoln, according to 
Kristin Maser, who drove two daughters back and- forth to the Capital 
City for club volleyball.“We put a lot of miles on our car over the 
last eight years,” Maser said. “It would just be nice if the kids from 
Grand Island would have the opportunity to have really good training and
 play locally here.”The Grand Island facility could also be used
 for dance, wrestling, cheerleading, yoga/exercise classes and other 
community events.<h2>‘Shovel ready’ funds</h2>Two large, outdoor complexes for youth sports tournaments have broken ground recently in the Omaha area.The Nebraska Multi-Sports Complex in La 
Vista and the MD West ONE Sports Complex in Valley were major recipients
 recently of state grants through the state’s “shovel-ready” program 
designed to help projects by nonprofit organizations disrupted by the 
COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for the program came from the Biden 
Administration’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).The La Vista project received $12.7 million,
 while the Valley complex got $3.8 million. A field house planned by the
 Columbus Community Hospital also got $12.7 million.That compares to just under $116,000 for the
 Grand Island sports center, forcing backers there to explore other 
sources of funding.Recently, Grand Island officials, including 
Mayor Roger Steele, toured the UBT Sports Complex in Elkhorn and the 
Iowa West Field House in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to better understand what
 works and what doesn’t in such facilities.Dorn said they learned that while improving 
practice and tournament facilities for local youth athletes is critical,
 hosting multi-team, regional tournaments is what brings greater 
revenue.<h2>Economic impact</h2>According to Dave Taylor of the Grand Island
 Area Economic Development, the Pinnacle Bank Sports Complex has the 
potential to generate $4 million to $6 million per year in new visitor 
spending, which includes overnight stays and meals.The mayor said the sports complex will also 
be an ideal “new gateway development” for Grand Island, providing a 
stronger link between I-80 and the city of 51,000.Dorn said that it’s possible that ground 
could be broken for the facility yet this year, but spring 2023 is 
probably more realistic. He said no state or county funds are being 
sought for the project but said it is possible that sales taxes 
generated by new development in the immediate area of the Sports Complex
 could be tapped to help finance the facility.

Grand Island seeks to tap youth sports market with new complex

By DYLAN LYSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-07-07/the-end-of-roe-has-yet-to-draw-even-more-women-to-kansas-for-abortions">Kansas News Service</a>

LAWRENCE&nbsp;— Even as an abortion refuge in a region 
where a growing number of states impose ever-tightening restrictions, 
and outright bans, on the procedure, another wave of women coming to 
Kansas for treatment has yet to materialize.

Operators of clinics 
offering abortion in Kansas say Midwestern and Southern states where the
 procedure is no longer available are too far away to make the trip to 
Kansas. The state was already an abortion destination for large numbers 
of women from Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-24/kansas-became-a-battleground-with-the-overturning-of-roe-where-the-decision-was-cheered-and-blasted" target="_blank">before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade</a> last month.

In the past year, Kansas abortion clinics saw a flood of patients from <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-21/women-across-the-midwest-and-south-are-coming-to-kansas-for-abortions-that-could-end-next-year" target="_blank">Texas</a> and <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-04-14/more-women-are-expected-to-come-to-kansas-clinics-because-of-oklahomas-abortion-ban" target="_blank">Oklahoma</a>
 because those states enacted significant bans on abortion. That made 
Kansas, where anti-abortion Republicans control the Legislature, an 
unlikely refuge for abortion care. A trigger law in Missouri kicked in 
after the high court decision, effectively banning abortions in that 
state.

In recent years, the majority of abortions in Kansas were performed on women who do not live in the state.

With
 more states restricting access to abortion, those Kansas clinics were 
braced to see more women searching for services in Kansas.

But 
Zack Gingrich-Gaylord said the Trust Women clinic in Wichita hasn’t yet 
seen a rise in women from out of state since the high court’s ruling.

“A lot of people will not be able to leave their states because it is now simply too far,” he said.

In Kansas, abortion remains legal because it is protected by a <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2019-04-26/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortion" target="_blank">2019 Kansas Supreme Court ruling</a> that found the state’s constitution protects access to abortion.

The
 state currently has four clinics located in the metro areas of Wichita 
and Kansas City. Gingrich-Gaylord said the state’s abortion care was 
already reaching capacity even before the federal ruling.

With 
Missouri joining the states restricting access, the available capacity 
in the Midwest was further reduced. But the amount of women who need 
abortion care has not.

“This really just enforces why people 
deserve local access to abortion care in their own communities,” 
Gingrich-Gaylord said. “People in Kansas deserve more meaningful access 
than they have right now.”

Kansans <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-24/kansas-abortion-laws-constitution-roe-v-wade" target="_blank">will soon vote</a> on an amendment to the state constitution that would say that it does not provide the right to abortion.

Supporters
 of the amendment say the change would put decision making on abortion 
restrictions back in the hands of the state’s lawmakers. Critics say it 
would open the door for the state to pass more restrictive laws, up to a
 total ban on abortion, like other Republican-dominated states.

“That means we really have to defeat that amendment just to keep the local access we have here,” Gingrich-Gaylord said.

The
 vote is Aug. 2 during the state’s primary election. All registered 
voters in Kansas will be able to cast a ballot on the issue, regardless 
of their political affiliation.

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/2022/7/1657216802659.png" alt="The staff at Trust Women clinic in Wichita prepare for a day's patients last year. The clinic has seen a steady influx of patients from Texas and Oklahoma. Abigail Censky / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>The staff at Trust Women clinic in Wichita prepare for a day's patients last year. The clinic has seen a steady influx of patients from Texas and Oklahoma. Abigail Censky / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By DYLAN LYSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-07-07/the-end-of-roe-has-yet-to-draw-even-more-women-to-kansas-for-abortions">Kansas News Service</a>LAWRENCE&nbsp;— Even as an abortion refuge in a region 
where a growing number of states impose ever-tightening restrictions, 
and outright bans, on the procedure, another wave of women coming to 
Kansas for treatment has yet to materialize.Operators of clinics 
offering abortion in Kansas say Midwestern and Southern states where the
 procedure is no longer available are too far away to make the trip to 
Kansas. The state was already an abortion destination for large numbers 
of women from Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-24/kansas-became-a-battleground-with-the-overturning-of-roe-where-the-decision-was-cheered-and-blasted" target="_blank">before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade</a> last month.In the past year, Kansas abortion clinics saw a flood of patients from <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-21/women-across-the-midwest-and-south-are-coming-to-kansas-for-abortions-that-could-end-next-year" target="_blank">Texas</a> and <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-04-14/more-women-are-expected-to-come-to-kansas-clinics-because-of-oklahomas-abortion-ban" target="_blank">Oklahoma</a>
 because those states enacted significant bans on abortion. That made 
Kansas, where anti-abortion Republicans control the Legislature, an 
unlikely refuge for abortion care. A trigger law in Missouri kicked in 
after the high court decision, effectively banning abortions in that 
state.In recent years, the majority of abortions in Kansas were performed on women who do not live in the state.With
 more states restricting access to abortion, those Kansas clinics were 
braced to see more women searching for services in Kansas.But 
Zack Gingrich-Gaylord said the Trust Women clinic in Wichita hasn’t yet 
seen a rise in women from out of state since the high court’s ruling.“A lot of people will not be able to leave their states because it is now simply too far,” he said.<div><iframe title="If Roe v. Wade is overturned, a patchwork of restrictive laws would take effect" aria-label="Map" id="datawrapper-chart-aebuB" src=https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/aebuB/16/ scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="587"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(e){if(void 0!==e.data["datawrapper-height"]){var t=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var a in e.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<t.length;r++){if(t[r].contentWindow===e.source)t[r].style.height=e.data["datawrapper-height"][a]+"px"}}}))}();
</script></div>In Kansas, abortion remains legal because it is protected by a <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2019-04-26/kansas-supreme-court-rules-state-constitution-protects-right-to-abortion" target="_blank">2019 Kansas Supreme Court ruling</a> that found the state’s constitution protects access to abortion.The
 state currently has four clinics located in the metro areas of Wichita 
and Kansas City. Gingrich-Gaylord said the state’s abortion care was 
already reaching capacity even before the federal ruling.With 
Missouri joining the states restricting access, the available capacity 
in the Midwest was further reduced. But the amount of women who need 
abortion care has not.“This really just enforces why people 
deserve local access to abortion care in their own communities,” 
Gingrich-Gaylord said. “People in Kansas deserve more meaningful access 
than they have right now.”Kansans <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-24/kansas-abortion-laws-constitution-roe-v-wade" target="_blank">will soon vote</a> on an amendment to the state constitution that would say that it does not provide the right to abortion.Supporters
 of the amendment say the change would put decision making on abortion 
restrictions back in the hands of the state’s lawmakers. Critics say it 
would open the door for the state to pass more restrictive laws, up to a
 total ban on abortion, like other Republican-dominated states.“That means we really have to defeat that amendment just to keep the local access we have here,” Gingrich-Gaylord said.The
 vote is Aug. 2 during the state’s primary election. All registered 
voters in Kansas will be able to cast a ballot on the issue, regardless 
of their political affiliation.Dylan Lysen reports on politics
 for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanLysen 
or email him at dlysen@kcur.org.

Post-Roe: Kansas was already a destination for women seeking abortions

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a random sword attack have taken the suspect into custody.

Just before 1:30p.m. Tuesday, a suspect observed by security camera attacked an individual in the 700 block of W 2nd Street in Wichita, according to police. 

On Wednesday, police asked the public for help to locate the suspect.&nbsp; On Friday, Wichita police reported they had located and taken the man into custody. They did not identify him or report possible charges.

The victim in this random attack had non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657131373053.png" alt="Photos Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a random sword attack have taken the suspect into custody.Just before 1:30p.m. Tuesday, a suspect observed by security camera attacked an individual in the 700 block of W 2nd Street in Wichita, according to police. On Wednesday, police asked the public for help to locate the suspect.&nbsp; On Friday, Wichita police reported they had located and taken the man into custody. They did not identify him or report possible charges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657131408103.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The victim in this random attack had non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.-----------

Police: Suspect in Kansas sword attack is in custody

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas voters have said no to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kris-kobach">Kris Kobach</a>&nbsp;twice over the past four years. But he is nonetheless betting that this can be the year he makes a political comeback.

His losses, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-ap-top-news-elections-voting-donald-trump-31329feb04b14d4d8203f4424ecaee2e">a 2018 defeat</a>&nbsp;that handed the governor’s office in this Republican-leaning state to a Democrat, might end other political careers. But Kobach, who built a national reputation as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-policy-kris-kobach-ap-top-news-us-news-elections-84a552fa0a464c6d9dae4bc36bb7c1fb">an immigration hard-liner</a>&nbsp;while Kansas secretary of state, is now aiming for the state attorney general’s office.

He faces two Republican opponents who lack his star power. If he wins the Aug. 2 primary, an anticipated GOP tide in November may be enough to lift even wobbly candidates.

So far, the primary race against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ks-state-wire-kansas-campaigns-health-coronavirus-pandemic-f53ff5cf73d0f0568723c3da381f1363">state Sen. Kellie Warren</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-kansas-68a03070b19862e11cba5428a393748a">former federal prosecutor Tony Mattivi</a>&nbsp;has been mostly about the candidates’ backgrounds, their personal styles and whether they have the courtroom chops to win lawsuits against President Joe Biden’s policies on issues such as guns, abortion and regulating businesses.

“I decided to run for attorney general the day that President Biden was sworn into office,” Kobach said in the candidates’ most recent debate, having promised to set up a special unit focused on suing the federal government.

But Warren, Mattivi and their supporters want to make the race about electability, too — even if it seems as though any Democrat would be a weak match for any Republican, given&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/key-inflation-report-highest-level-in-four-decades-c0248c5b5705cd1523d3dab3771983b4">inflation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-are-gas-prices-rising-541819ca1aa4d3dc0a0206271f9f8589">gas prices</a>&nbsp;and anger over COVID-19 restrictions. The Democrats are running&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-kansas-lawrence-82271c404972f5685d5a9f4e73dba543">first-time candidate Chris Mann</a>, an attorney, former police officer and former local prosecutor.

“Why take a risk?” said Alan Cobb, president and CEO of the influential Kansas Chamber of Commerce, which has endorsed Warren in the attorney general’s race. “There are exceptions to waves all the time.”

Kobach’s years of pushing tough immigration and voter ID policies, coupled with a brash persona, turned off independent and moderate GOP voters in the 2018 governor’s race. Prominent Republicans then tagged him as too risky a bet in 2020, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-top-news-religion-kansas-politics-6646c990bce8bd3d93e2722015de87f0">he lost the Senate primary</a>&nbsp;by 14 percentage points to U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, who then won the general election.

Brittany Jones, policy director for Kansas Family Voice, called Kobach “a good man” who undoubtedly would side with the conservative group on issues. But the group endorsed Warren over Kobach.

“He has proven time and time again that he can’t win,” Jones said. Kobach also lost a congressional race in 2004.

Mattivi handled high-profile terrorism cases as a federal prosecutor and has endorsements from dozens of sheriffs and prosecutors, including the district attorney in the state’s most populous county. During the recent debate, he said, “Electability is absolutely an issue.”

But Kobach argued in the most recent debate that he showed he can defeat Democrats in statewide races by winning terms as secretary of state in 2010 and 2014. Republican state Sen. J.R. Claeys, a consultant for Kobach, said the coming “big red wave” washes away any lingering questions about Kobach’s electability.

On primary day, Kansans will vote on adding anti-abortion language to the state Constitution, and Kobach argues the measure’s supporters are most likely to vote for him. But Warren was visible in the legislative push to get it on the ballot.

In Kobach’s first race for secretary of state in 2010, he was better known than his two opponents, thanks to his national profile as a law professor who had ghostwritten tough state and local immigration rules outside Kansas. That November, he unseated a Democratic incumbent appointed to the state’s top elections office only months before.

In his second term, Kobach’s star kept rising. He was the earliest prominent Kansas supporter of Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential bid, advised Trump on immigration issues, served as vice chair of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-us-news-elections-voting-donald-trump-08699e270ceb4dc390ab33ecec3035a9">a short-lived Trump commission on election fraud</a>&nbsp;and was mentioned as a possible Cabinet appointee. He was a regular Fox News Channel guest and a Breitbart columnist.

He promoted the idea that fraud distorts U.S. elections long before much of the GOP embraced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">Trump’s false claims</a>&nbsp;about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">his 2020 presidential election loss to Biden</a>.

Kobach argued in the recent debate that his 2018 bid for governor fell victim to a national midterm “bloodbath” for the GOP.

In Kansas that year, Democrat Sharice Davids ousted a four-term incumbent Republican in a Kansas City-area congressional district, and Gov. Laura Kelly was among seven new Democratic governors who replaced Republicans. Democrats won back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-nancy-pelosi-business-ap-top-news-589730d4b6834a0db0b588f25356f33a">a U.S. House majority</a>.

But Kelly Arnold, the state GOP chair at the time, contends that Kobach’s 2018 fundraising was lackluster. In the attorney general’s race, Kobach lent his campaign $200,000 last year, which was nearly half of the $425,000 he raised.

Arnold also argues that Kobach’s candidacy energized the Democratic political base.

“The one thing that could unify Democrats to come out and vote is Kobach,” Arnold said.

Some Kobach critics still talk about the Jeep lent to him by a supporter in 2018 with a replica machine gun on back. Mandi Hunter, a 46-year-old moderate Republican and Kansas City-area real estate attorney, mentioned it in describing Kobach as “incredibly divisive.”

Kobach rode the Jeep in parades and mocked what he called the resulting “snowflake meltdown.”

“Kobach has chutzpah — extreme self-confidence through all situations,” said Bob Beatty, a Washburn University political scientist. “Many GOP primary voters love that, unless, like in the Senate race, he faces a well-financed opponent who can inform them about his negatives.”

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and James Dobson, the evangelical author, broadcaster and Focus on the Family founder, have endorsed Kobach, as has former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, described by Kobach as a mentor.

GOP voters also might sense that the attorney general’s office suits Kobach better than the other offices he’s sought. Kris Van Meteren, head of a Republican consulting and direct mail firm in the Kansas City area, said Kobach’s campaigns for secretary of state had a “law and order” tone by emphasizing election fraud as an issue.

And, with GOP voters looking for someone to aggressively challenge the Biden administration, Kobach is better known than the other candidates for “being a fighter,” Van Meteren added.

“He’s got the most-established reputation of being somebody who’s willing to take on the left,” Van Meteren said.

Leonard Hall, a 69-year-old Kansas City-area attorney, said he hasn’t decided which candidate to support but thinks Kobach’s past losses are “a nonissue.”

“I don’t look at him in the past tense,” Hall said after the recent debate. “The mere fact Kobach lost, I don’t think that can be held against him.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655322125125.png" alt="Kris Kobach during last month's candidate debate&nbsp;image courtesy Kansas City PBS" />
 <figcaption>Kris Kobach during last month's candidate debate&nbsp;image courtesy Kansas City PBS</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas voters have said no to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kris-kobach">Kris Kobach</a>&nbsp;twice over the past four years. But he is nonetheless betting that this can be the year he makes a political comeback.His losses, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-ap-top-news-elections-voting-donald-trump-31329feb04b14d4d8203f4424ecaee2e">a 2018 defeat</a>&nbsp;that handed the governor’s office in this Republican-leaning state to a Democrat, might end other political careers. But Kobach, who built a national reputation as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-policy-kris-kobach-ap-top-news-us-news-elections-84a552fa0a464c6d9dae4bc36bb7c1fb">an immigration hard-liner</a>&nbsp;while Kansas secretary of state, is now aiming for the state attorney general’s office.He faces two Republican opponents who lack his star power. If he wins the Aug. 2 primary, an anticipated GOP tide in November may be enough to lift even wobbly candidates.So far, the primary race against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ks-state-wire-kansas-campaigns-health-coronavirus-pandemic-f53ff5cf73d0f0568723c3da381f1363">state Sen. Kellie Warren</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-kansas-68a03070b19862e11cba5428a393748a">former federal prosecutor Tony Mattivi</a>&nbsp;has been mostly about the candidates’ backgrounds, their personal styles and whether they have the courtroom chops to win lawsuits against President Joe Biden’s policies on issues such as guns, abortion and regulating businesses.“I decided to run for attorney general the day that President Biden was sworn into office,” Kobach said in the candidates’ most recent debate, having promised to set up a special unit focused on suing the federal government.But Warren, Mattivi and their supporters want to make the race about electability, too — even if it seems as though any Democrat would be a weak match for any Republican, given&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/key-inflation-report-highest-level-in-four-decades-c0248c5b5705cd1523d3dab3771983b4">inflation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-are-gas-prices-rising-541819ca1aa4d3dc0a0206271f9f8589">gas prices</a>&nbsp;and anger over COVID-19 restrictions. The Democrats are running&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-kansas-lawrence-82271c404972f5685d5a9f4e73dba543">first-time candidate Chris Mann</a>, an attorney, former police officer and former local prosecutor.“Why take a risk?” said Alan Cobb, president and CEO of the influential Kansas Chamber of Commerce, which has endorsed Warren in the attorney general’s race. “There are exceptions to waves all the time.”Kobach’s years of pushing tough immigration and voter ID policies, coupled with a brash persona, turned off independent and moderate GOP voters in the 2018 governor’s race. Prominent Republicans then tagged him as too risky a bet in 2020, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-top-news-religion-kansas-politics-6646c990bce8bd3d93e2722015de87f0">he lost the Senate primary</a>&nbsp;by 14 percentage points to U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, who then won the general election.Brittany Jones, policy director for Kansas Family Voice, called Kobach “a good man” who undoubtedly would side with the conservative group on issues. But the group endorsed Warren over Kobach.“He has proven time and time again that he can’t win,” Jones said. Kobach also lost a congressional race in 2004.Mattivi handled high-profile terrorism cases as a federal prosecutor and has endorsements from dozens of sheriffs and prosecutors, including the district attorney in the state’s most populous county. During the recent debate, he said, “Electability is absolutely an issue.”But Kobach argued in the most recent debate that he showed he can defeat Democrats in statewide races by winning terms as secretary of state in 2010 and 2014. Republican state Sen. J.R. Claeys, a consultant for Kobach, said the coming “big red wave” washes away any lingering questions about Kobach’s electability.On primary day, Kansans will vote on adding anti-abortion language to the state Constitution, and Kobach argues the measure’s supporters are most likely to vote for him. But Warren was visible in the legislative push to get it on the ballot.In Kobach’s first race for secretary of state in 2010, he was better known than his two opponents, thanks to his national profile as a law professor who had ghostwritten tough state and local immigration rules outside Kansas. That November, he unseated a Democratic incumbent appointed to the state’s top elections office only months before.In his second term, Kobach’s star kept rising. He was the earliest prominent Kansas supporter of Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential bid, advised Trump on immigration issues, served as vice chair of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-us-news-elections-voting-donald-trump-08699e270ceb4dc390ab33ecec3035a9">a short-lived Trump commission on election fraud</a>&nbsp;and was mentioned as a possible Cabinet appointee. He was a regular Fox News Channel guest and a Breitbart columnist.He promoted the idea that fraud distorts U.S. elections long before much of the GOP embraced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">Trump’s false claims</a>&nbsp;about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">his 2020 presidential election loss to Biden</a>.Kobach argued in the recent debate that his 2018 bid for governor fell victim to a national midterm “bloodbath” for the GOP.In Kansas that year, Democrat Sharice Davids ousted a four-term incumbent Republican in a Kansas City-area congressional district, and Gov. Laura Kelly was among seven new Democratic governors who replaced Republicans. Democrats won back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-nancy-pelosi-business-ap-top-news-589730d4b6834a0db0b588f25356f33a">a U.S. House majority</a>.But Kelly Arnold, the state GOP chair at the time, contends that Kobach’s 2018 fundraising was lackluster. In the attorney general’s race, Kobach lent his campaign $200,000 last year, which was nearly half of the $425,000 he raised.Arnold also argues that Kobach’s candidacy energized the Democratic political base.“The one thing that could unify Democrats to come out and vote is Kobach,” Arnold said.Some Kobach critics still talk about the Jeep lent to him by a supporter in 2018 with a replica machine gun on back. Mandi Hunter, a 46-year-old moderate Republican and Kansas City-area real estate attorney, mentioned it in describing Kobach as “incredibly divisive.”Kobach rode the Jeep in parades and mocked what he called the resulting “snowflake meltdown.”“Kobach has chutzpah — extreme self-confidence through all situations,” said Bob Beatty, a Washburn University political scientist. “Many GOP primary voters love that, unless, like in the Senate race, he faces a well-financed opponent who can inform them about his negatives.”U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and James Dobson, the evangelical author, broadcaster and Focus on the Family founder, have endorsed Kobach, as has former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, described by Kobach as a mentor.GOP voters also might sense that the attorney general’s office suits Kobach better than the other offices he’s sought. Kris Van Meteren, head of a Republican consulting and direct mail firm in the Kansas City area, said Kobach’s campaigns for secretary of state had a “law and order” tone by emphasizing election fraud as an issue.And, with GOP voters looking for someone to aggressively challenge the Biden administration, Kobach is better known than the other candidates for “being a fighter,” Van Meteren added.“He’s got the most-established reputation of being somebody who’s willing to take on the left,” Van Meteren said.Leonard Hall, a 69-year-old Kansas City-area attorney, said he hasn’t decided which candidate to support but thinks Kobach’s past losses are “a nonissue.”“I don’t look at him in the past tense,” Hall said after the recent debate. “The mere fact Kobach lost, I don’t think that can be held against him.”

Kobach looks for comeback in Kansas after losing 2 big races

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent home invasion robbery and have made an arrest.

Just after 4p.m. July 5, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a home invasion in the 6100 block of SW 40th Terrace, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the incident, a victim was battered and restrained and items were stolen. The investigation led deputies to a residence in the 3600 block of SE 6th Street in Topeka.

After a search warrant was granted, investigators found several of the stolen items were located inside the residence. Deputies arrested 26-year-old Charles T. Higgins and 23-year-old&nbsp; Kayley C. McDaniel both of Topeka.

The are being held on requested charges of&nbsp;of aggravated kidnapping,, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, theft, criminal damage to property, and conspiracy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657308684180.png" alt="Higgins-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Higgins-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent home invasion robbery and have made an arrest.Just after 4p.m. July 5, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a home invasion in the 6100 block of SW 40th Terrace, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the incident, a victim was battered and restrained and items were stolen. The investigation led deputies to a residence in the 3600 block of SE 6th Street in Topeka.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657308736245.png" alt="McDaniel-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>McDaniel-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>After a search warrant was granted, investigators found several of the stolen items were located inside the residence. Deputies arrested 26-year-old Charles T. Higgins and 23-year-old&nbsp; Kayley C. McDaniel both of Topeka.The are being held on requested charges of&nbsp;of aggravated kidnapping,, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, theft, criminal damage to property, and conspiracy.

Suspects accused of violent Kan. home-invasion robbery

By JASON TILLER Saline County Health Officer

Saline County saw 100 reported cases of COVID-19 in May. In June, just under 300 cases were reported. As of this writing, there have already been 130 reported cases thus far in July. It is important to keep in mind that this means the number of actual cases is probably much higher. While the vast majority of cases are being successfully handled at home, Salina Regional is beginning to see a small uptick in hospitalizations. And sadly, at least three people lost their lives to COVID last month.

Vaccines are free, safe, effective, and widely available. Staying up-to-date on your vaccinations provides a significant amount of protection. Those who are up-to-date are less likely to be hospitalized or succumb to the virus, if they do contract COVID-19. Unfortunately, no vaccine is 100 percent guaranteed to prevent COVID.

With that in mind, I urge all residents to stay vigilant. Stay home if you are sick- especially when it comes to COVID. Get tested. Free tests are available at the Health Department and Salina Family Health Care Center. You can also order them online at <a href="http://COVID.gov/tests">COVID.gov/tests</a>.

I will be visiting with Dave Foor on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) tomorrow (Saturday) morning to talk more in-depth about what's been going on with COVID in our county. I will continue to provide these updates on-air each quarter until our situation calls for something else. COVID is not as visible now, to be sure, but it is not over. Now is not the time for complacency.

According to information from the Saline County Health Department, Saline County has moved from a low to medium COVID-19 community level. You can keep track of the county's level <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_state=Kansas&amp;data-type=CommunityLevels&amp;list_select_county=20169&amp;null=CommunityLevels">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657324554133.jpeg" alt="Jason Tiller -photo courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Jason Tiller -photo courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON TILLER Saline County Health OfficerSaline County saw 100 reported cases of COVID-19 in May. In June, just under 300 cases were reported. As of this writing, there have already been 130 reported cases thus far in July. It is important to keep in mind that this means the number of actual cases is probably much higher. While the vast majority of cases are being successfully handled at home, Salina Regional is beginning to see a small uptick in hospitalizations. And sadly, at least three people lost their lives to COVID last month. Vaccines are free, safe, effective, and widely available. Staying up-to-date on your vaccinations provides a significant amount of protection. Those who are up-to-date are less likely to be hospitalized or succumb to the virus, if they do contract COVID-19. Unfortunately, no vaccine is 100 percent guaranteed to prevent COVID. With that in mind, I urge all residents to stay vigilant. Stay home if you are sick- especially when it comes to COVID. Get tested. Free tests are available at the Health Department and Salina Family Health Care Center. You can also order them online at <a href="http://COVID.gov/tests">COVID.gov/tests</a>. I will be visiting with Dave Foor on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) tomorrow (Saturday) morning to talk more in-depth about what's been going on with COVID in our county. I will continue to provide these updates on-air each quarter until our situation calls for something else. COVID is not as visible now, to be sure, but it is not over. Now is not the time for complacency. According to information from the Saline County Health Department, Saline County has moved from a low to medium COVID-19 community level. You can keep track of the county's level <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_state=Kansas&amp;data-type=CommunityLevels&amp;list_select_county=20169&amp;null=CommunityLevels">here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657324149351.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Health officer: COVID-19 cases rising in Saline County; 'stay vigilant'

JEFFERSON COUNTY, KY. — The father of four family members from Nickerson, Kansas hit by an alleged impaired driver in Louisville, Kentucky, earlier this week has died.

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office says Trey Jones, teacher and track coach at Nickerson USD 309, succumbed to his injuries Thursday night.

Jones, his wife Amy, and daughter Ava, along with the family’s youngest child were all hit by a motorist who drove up onto the sidewalk in the downtown area of Louisville Tuesday evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ava, who just signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Iowa, was improving, according to&nbsp;Nickerson USD 309 Superintendent Curtis Nightingale.&nbsp; Ava's team, Wheat State Elite, is playing in the&nbsp;<a href="https://run4theroses.com/">Run 4 The Roses</a>&nbsp;club basketball tournament in Louisville.

A candlelight vigil will be held at the Nickerson High School football stadium on Sunday at 9 p.m. A&nbsp;fund has been set up at Peoples Bank and Trust to help with the family’s expenses. Donations can be made at the bank to the Jones Family Fund.

Police arrested the suspect, 33-year-old Michael Hurley of Lexington, Indiana. Hurley admitted he had just taken Oxycodone before the accident and failed a field test for narcotics at the scene. According to the Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney's Office, Hurley is now facing an amended charge of murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657310781672.jpeg" alt="Trey, daughter Ava and Amy Jones-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Trey, daughter Ava and Amy Jones-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON COUNTY, KY. — The father of four family members from Nickerson, Kansas hit by an alleged impaired driver in Louisville, Kentucky, earlier this week has died.The Jefferson County Coroner's Office says Trey Jones, teacher and track coach at Nickerson USD 309, succumbed to his injuries Thursday night.Jones, his wife Amy, and daughter Ava, along with the family’s youngest child were all hit by a motorist who drove up onto the sidewalk in the downtown area of Louisville Tuesday evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ava, who just signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Iowa, was improving, according to&nbsp;Nickerson USD 309 Superintendent Curtis Nightingale.&nbsp; Ava's team, Wheat State Elite, is playing in the&nbsp;<a href="https://run4theroses.com/">Run 4 The Roses</a>&nbsp;club basketball tournament in Louisville.A candlelight vigil will be held at the Nickerson High School football stadium on Sunday at 9 p.m. A&nbsp;fund has been set up at Peoples Bank and Trust to help with the family’s expenses. Donations can be made at the bank to the Jones Family Fund.Police arrested the suspect, 33-year-old Michael Hurley of Lexington, Indiana. Hurley admitted he had just taken Oxycodone before the accident and failed a field test for narcotics at the scene. According to the Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney's Office, Hurley is now facing an amended charge of murder.

Father of Kansas family struck by car in Kentucky dies

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism of the pride installment and the pride flag flying outside the United Church of Christ, 205 West 65th Street at Wornall, in Kansas City.

Officials from the church are working with police.

Neighbors, community members and kid immediately came to restore this art installation, according to Justice Horn, Vice Chair of the LGBTQ Commission of Kansas City.

"Hate strikes again - this time at the United Church of Christ, wrote Horn on social media. 

"Homophobia is wrong and must be met with wholehearted resistance from the entire community. LGBTQ+ folks will not be bullied, we will stand strong against hate and prejudice."&nbsp; Horn thanked the community members who came to restore the art to "its former glory."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657293730180.png" alt="Photos courtesy United Church of Christ" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy United Church of Christ</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism of the pride installment and the pride flag flying outside the United Church of Christ, 205 West 65th Street at Wornall, in Kansas City.Officials from the church are working with police.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is disgusting and has no place in Kansas City. <a href="https://t.co/HUDiGwFcZs">https://t.co/HUDiGwFcZs</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1545070898239119360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Neighbors, community members and kid immediately came to restore this art installation, according to Justice Horn, Vice Chair of the LGBTQ Commission of Kansas City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657294356573.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Hate strikes again - this time at the United Church of Christ, wrote Horn on social media. "Homophobia is wrong and must be met with wholehearted resistance from the entire community. LGBTQ+ folks will not be bullied, we will stand strong against hate and prejudice."&nbsp; Horn thanked the community members who came to restore the art to "its former glory."

Volunteers restore vandalized Kansas City church’s pride display 

KIOWA COUNTY–The Kansas Bureau of Investigation arrested Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Davis in Greensburg, Kansas on Friday, according to a media release from the agency.

On August 30, the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI investigate allegations of domestic violence and child abuse. Davis is a part-time deputy for the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office and full-time deputy for the Ford County Sheriff’s Office.

Just before 2p.m. Friday., KBI agents arrested Davis of Grand Island, Nebraska. He voluntarily surrendered himself at the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office. He was arrested on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child and two counts of domestic battery. Davis is being held in Kiowa County Jail, according to the KBI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657312093841.png" alt="Davis-photo Kiowa County" />
 <figcaption>Davis-photo Kiowa County</figcaption>
 </figure>KIOWA COUNTY–The Kansas Bureau of Investigation arrested Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Davis in Greensburg, Kansas on Friday, according to a media release from the agency.On August 30, the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI investigate allegations of domestic violence and child abuse. Davis is a part-time deputy for the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office and full-time deputy for the Ford County Sheriff’s Office.Just before 2p.m. Friday., KBI agents arrested Davis of Grand Island, Nebraska. He voluntarily surrendered himself at the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office. He was arrested on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child and two counts of domestic battery. Davis is being held in Kiowa County Jail, according to the KBI.

KBI: Sheriff's deputy accused of domestic violence, child abuse

FINNEY COUNTY —Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City said farewell to “Ariel,” the 19-year-old, female river otter who passed away suddenly this week, according to a statement from the zoo.

&nbsp;Ariel debuted at the zoo in September of 2003 after arriving from Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri.

 For the last two years, she and the male otter “Brighton” have been playfully entertaining and educating visitors to the Kansas Waters area of the zoo.

Staff are saddened by the loss but will remember Ariel’s antics with a smile.  Keepers will offer additional enrichment to the male to keep him occupied until a new companion can travel to Garden City.  Lee Richardson Zoo will work with the North American River Otter Species Survival Plan to identify an appropriate mate as soon as possible.  The NARO SSP is an AZA committee that collectively manages the animals within the population in human care to keep the population healthy, both genetically and demographically.

Otters are a member of the Mustelid or weasel family.  Other members of the Mustelid family include skunks, badgers, weasels, minks, fishers, ferrets, and wolverines.&nbsp;Necropsy results for Ariel are pending. The median life expectancy for North American river otters is 12.3 years.

 Brighton can be seen in the Kansas Waters habitat next to Cat Canyon.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657309449227.png" alt="Photo courtesy Lee Richardson Zoo" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Lee Richardson Zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City said farewell to “Ariel,” the 19-year-old, female river otter who passed away suddenly this week, according to a statement from the zoo.&nbsp;Ariel debuted at the zoo in September of 2003 after arriving from Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri. For the last two years, she and the male otter “Brighton” have been playfully entertaining and educating visitors to the Kansas Waters area of the zoo.Staff are saddened by the loss but will remember Ariel’s antics with a smile. Keepers will offer additional enrichment to the male to keep him occupied until a new companion can travel to Garden City. Lee Richardson Zoo will work with the North American River Otter Species Survival Plan to identify an appropriate mate as soon as possible. The NARO SSP is an AZA committee that collectively manages the animals within the population in human care to keep the population healthy, both genetically and demographically.Otters are a member of the Mustelid or weasel family. Other members of the Mustelid family include skunks, badgers, weasels, minks, fishers, ferrets, and wolverines.&nbsp;Necropsy results for Ariel are pending. The median life expectancy for North American river otters is 12.3 years. Brighton can be seen in the Kansas Waters habitat next to Cat Canyon.&nbsp;

Popular river otter dies suddenly at Kansas zoo

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Patients and staff were evacuated Friday from a western Missouri hospital following a report of an armed man there, but authorities said no shots were fired and no one was injured.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the report at the Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg around 9 a.m., Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Andrew Bell said. Ambulances were at the ready. But just a couple of hours later, Bell gave the all-clear.

“It was never an active shooter,” he said. “We don’t have any reason to believe there is an active threat.”

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said officers later arrested and jailed a man possibly connected to events at the hospital, though it did not explain how he was involved and said he was not even near the facility.

The state patrol first tweeted that it was investigating a report of an armed man at the medical center at 9:03 a.m. The facility tweeted at 9:18 a.m. that the active shooter report came from the medical center’s main building. The medical center has about 50 beds.

“Police on site, and staff and patients being evacuated now,” the hospital tweeted. “This is not a drill.”

The nation has been on edge because of gun violence. Only four days earlier, a gunman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-july-4-parade-shooting-92b50feb80c19afe7842b9caf08545cb">opened fire during a July Fourth parade</a>&nbsp;in a Chicago suburb, killing at least seven people and wounding more than 30. It was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-shootings-america-list-901b8663c97acbdde2b0bdba51a86b50">the latest high-profile mass shooting,</a>&nbsp;following attacks at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, and a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, in June.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tulsa-oklahoma-shootings-2183a9c1d41085a0fb82b9bae9924db7">vulnerability of health care facilities</a>&nbsp;was highlighted June 1 when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tulsa-oklahoma-texas-school-shootings-61bba0dcf04e2f8dbc34ec4ee7fd02b0">a gunman killed four people and himself</a>&nbsp;at a hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The assailant entered the Saint Francis Hospital with little trouble, just hours after buying an AR-style rifle, authorities said.

The Warrensburg hospital's spokesperson has not returned a telephone message seeking comment Friday.

The town of Warrensburg has a population of about 20,000 people, and is 60 miles southeast of Kansas City, Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657303270996.png" alt="The Missouri State Highway Patrol said officers later arrested and jailed a man possibly connected to events at the hospital, though it did not explain how he was involved and said he was not even near the facility-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The Missouri State Highway Patrol said officers later arrested and jailed a man possibly connected to events at the hospital, though it did not explain how he was involved and said he was not even near the facility-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Patients and staff were evacuated Friday from a western Missouri hospital following a report of an armed man there, but authorities said no shots were fired and no one was injured.Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the report at the Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg around 9 a.m., Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Andrew Bell said. Ambulances were at the ready. But just a couple of hours later, Bell gave the all-clear.“It was never an active shooter,” he said. “We don’t have any reason to believe there is an active threat.”The Missouri State Highway Patrol said officers later arrested and jailed a man possibly connected to events at the hospital, though it did not explain how he was involved and said he was not even near the facility.The state patrol first tweeted that it was investigating a report of an armed man at the medical center at 9:03 a.m. The facility tweeted at 9:18 a.m. that the active shooter report came from the medical center’s main building. The medical center has about 50 beds.“Police on site, and staff and patients being evacuated now,” the hospital tweeted. “This is not a drill.”The nation has been on edge because of gun violence. Only four days earlier, a gunman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-july-4-parade-shooting-92b50feb80c19afe7842b9caf08545cb">opened fire during a July Fourth parade</a>&nbsp;in a Chicago suburb, killing at least seven people and wounding more than 30. It was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-shootings-america-list-901b8663c97acbdde2b0bdba51a86b50">the latest high-profile mass shooting,</a>&nbsp;following attacks at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, and a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, in June.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tulsa-oklahoma-shootings-2183a9c1d41085a0fb82b9bae9924db7">vulnerability of health care facilities</a>&nbsp;was highlighted June 1 when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tulsa-oklahoma-texas-school-shootings-61bba0dcf04e2f8dbc34ec4ee7fd02b0">a gunman killed four people and himself</a>&nbsp;at a hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The assailant entered the Saint Francis Hospital with little trouble, just hours after buying an AR-style rifle, authorities said.The Warrensburg hospital's spokesperson has not returned a telephone message seeking comment Friday.The town of Warrensburg has a population of about 20,000 people, and is 60 miles southeast of Kansas City, Missouri.

Patrol: No shots, no injuries at evacuated KC-area hospital

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden signed an executive order Friday to protect access to abortion as he faced mounting pressure from fellow Democrats to be more forceful on the subject after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the Supreme Court ended a constitutional right to the procedure</a>&nbsp;two weeks ago.

(click to watch the President's statement and signing ceremony)

The actions he outlined are intended to mitigate some potential penalties women seeking abortion may face after the ruling but are limited in their ability to safeguard access to abortion nationwide. Biden acknowledged the limitations facing his office, saying it would require an act of Congress to restore access to abortion in the more than a dozen states where strict limits or total bans have gone into effect in the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling. About a dozen more states are set to impose additional restrictions in the coming weeks and months.

“The fastest way to restore Roe is to pass a national law,” Biden said. ““The challenge is go out and vote. For God’s sake there is an election in November. Vote. Vote. Vote. Vote!"

Biden formalized instructions to the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to push back on efforts to limit the ability of women to access federally approved abortion medication or to travel across state lines to access clinical&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion services</a>. He was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, HHS secretary Xavier Becerra and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in the Roosevelt Room as he signed the order.

His executive order also directs agencies to work to educate medical providers and insurers about how and when they are required to share privileged patient information with authorities — an effort to protect women who seek or utilize abortion services. He is also asking the Federal Trade Commission to take steps to protect the privacy of those seeking information about reproductive care online and establish an interagency task force to coordinate federal efforts to safeguard access to abortion.

Biden is also directing his staff to convene volunteer lawyers to provide women and providers with pro bono legal assistance to help them navigate new state restrictions after the Supreme Court ruling.

The order, after the high court’s June 24 ruling that ended the nationwide right to abortion and left it to states to determine whether or how to allow the procedure, comes as Biden has faced criticism from some in his own party for not acting with more urgency to protect women’s access to abortion. The decision in the case known as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/19-1392_6j37.pdf">Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization</a>&nbsp;overturned the court’s landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657297877179.png" alt="President Biden&nbsp;was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, HHS secretary Xavier Becerra and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in the Roosevelt Room as he signed the order.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden&nbsp;was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, HHS secretary Xavier Becerra and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in the Roosevelt Room as he signed the order.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden signed an executive order Friday to protect access to abortion as he faced mounting pressure from fellow Democrats to be more forceful on the subject after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the Supreme Court ended a constitutional right to the procedure</a>&nbsp;two weeks ago.(click to watch the President's statement and signing ceremony)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1466732500453144%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=496" 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>The actions he outlined are intended to mitigate some potential penalties women seeking abortion may face after the ruling but are limited in their ability to safeguard access to abortion nationwide. Biden acknowledged the limitations facing his office, saying it would require an act of Congress to restore access to abortion in the more than a dozen states where strict limits or total bans have gone into effect in the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling. About a dozen more states are set to impose additional restrictions in the coming weeks and months.“The fastest way to restore Roe is to pass a national law,” Biden said. ““The challenge is go out and vote. For God’s sake there is an election in November. Vote. Vote. Vote. Vote!"Biden formalized instructions to the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to push back on efforts to limit the ability of women to access federally approved abortion medication or to travel across state lines to access clinical&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion services</a>. He was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, HHS secretary Xavier Becerra and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in the Roosevelt Room as he signed the order.His executive order also directs agencies to work to educate medical providers and insurers about how and when they are required to share privileged patient information with authorities — an effort to protect women who seek or utilize abortion services. He is also asking the Federal Trade Commission to take steps to protect the privacy of those seeking information about reproductive care online and establish an interagency task force to coordinate federal efforts to safeguard access to abortion.Biden is also directing his staff to convene volunteer lawyers to provide women and providers with pro bono legal assistance to help them navigate new state restrictions after the Supreme Court ruling.The order, after the high court’s June 24 ruling that ended the nationwide right to abortion and left it to states to determine whether or how to allow the procedure, comes as Biden has faced criticism from some in his own party for not acting with more urgency to protect women’s access to abortion. The decision in the case known as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/19-1392_6j37.pdf">Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization</a>&nbsp;overturned the court’s landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling.Since the decision, Biden has stressed that his ability to protect abortion rights by executive action is limited without congressional action, and stressed that Democrats do not have the votes in the current Congress to do so.“We need two additional pro-choice senators and a pro-choice house to codify Roe," he said. "Your vote can make that a reality.”He predicted that women would turn out in “record numbers” in frustration over the court's decision, and said he expected "millions and millions of men will be taking up the fight beside them.”On Friday, he repeated his sharp criticism of the Supreme Court's reasoning in striking down what had been a half-century constitutional right to abortion.“Let’s be clear about something from the very start, this was not a decision driven by the Constitution," Biden said, accusing the court's majority of “playing fast and loose with the facts."“Ultimately, Congress is going to have to act to codify Roe into federal law,” Biden said last week during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-health-filibusters-joe-manchin-1350946adeb5dbd4febc62fb231b1f66">a virtual meeting with Democratic governors</a>.The tasking to the Justice Department and HHS pushes the agencies to fight in court to protect women, but it conveys no guarantees that the judicial system will take their side against potential prosecution by states that have moved to outlaw abortion.“President Biden has made clear that the only way to secure a woman’s right to choose is for Congress to restore the protections of Roe as federal law,” the White House said. “Until then, he has committed to doing everything in his power to defend reproductive rights and protect access to safe and legal abortion.”NARAL Pro-Choice America president Mini Timmaraju called Biden's order "an important first step in restoring the rights taken from millions of Americans by the Supreme Court.”But Lawrence Gostin, who runs the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health at Georgetown Law, described Biden’s plans as “underwhelming.”“There’s nothing that I saw that would affect the lives of ordinary poor women living in red states," he said.Gostin encouraged Biden to take a more forceful approach toward ensuring access to medication abortion across the country and said Medicaid should consider covering transportation to other states for the purposes of getting abortions.Gostin said, “We basically have two Americas.” There’s one where people have access to a full range of healthcare, and “another where citizens don’t have the same rights to the safe and effective treatments as the rest of the country.”Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, told the AP that the agency was looking at how Medicaid could cover travel for abortions, along with a range of other proposals, but acknowledged that “Medicaid’s coverage of abortion is extremely limited.”Biden’s move was the latest scramble to protect the data privacy of those contemplating or seeking abortion, as regulators and lawmakers reckon with the aftermath of the Supreme Court ruling.The decision by the court is expected to make abortion illegal in over a dozen states and severely restricted in others. Privacy experts say that could make women vulnerable because their personal data could be used to surveil pregnancies and shared with police or sold to vigilantes. Online searches, location data, text messages and emails, and even apps that track periods could be used to prosecute people who seek an abortion — or medical care for a miscarriage — as well as those who assist them, experts say.Privacy advocates are watching for possible new moves by law enforcement agencies in affected states — serving subpoenas, for example, on tech companies such as Google, Apple, Bing, Facebook’s Messenger and WhatsApp, services like Uber and Lyft, and internet service providers including AT&amp;T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Comcast. Local prosecutors may go before sympathetic judges to obtain search warrants for users’ data.Last month four Democratic lawmakers asked the FTC to investigate Apple and Google for allegedly deceiving millions of mobile phone users by enabling the collection and sale of their personal data to third parties.