SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a gunfight and have two suspects in custody.&nbsp;

Just after 2 a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of SE Indiana in Topeka on a report of a two vehicle accident that involved shots being fired, according to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz.

Upon arrival, officers located both vehicles involved in the accident and both vehicles had been abandoned. 

Officers spoke with several witnesses who provided very detailed description of two individuals. Officers were able to locate both of the individuals near the accident scene.

As a result of the investigation, two juveniles were taken into custody and transported to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated Assault, Possession of Stolen Property and Discharge of a Firearm within the city limits. Police reported two injuries.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a gunfight and have two suspects in custody.&nbsp;Just after 2 a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of SE Indiana in Topeka on a report of a two vehicle accident that involved shots being fired, according to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz.Upon arrival, officers located both vehicles involved in the accident and both vehicles had been abandoned. Officers spoke with several witnesses who provided very detailed description of two individuals. Officers were able to locate both of the individuals near the accident scene.As a result of the investigation, two juveniles were taken into custody and transported to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated Assault, Possession of Stolen Property and Discharge of a Firearm within the city limits. Police reported two injuries.

Police arrest 2 Kan. juveniles for gunfight after 2-vehicle crash

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday signed into law the nation’s strictest abortion ban, making the state the first in the nation to effectively end availability of the procedure.

State lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a43f7f21c1b8e07a383b120d1bdbc695">approved</a>&nbsp;the ban enforced by civil lawsuits rather than criminal prosecution, similar to a Texas law that was passed last year. The law takes effect immediately upon Stitt’s signature and prohibits all abortions with few exceptions. Abortion providers have said they will stop performing the procedure as soon as the bill is signed.

“I promised Oklahomans that as governor I would sign every piece of pro-life legislation that came across my desk and I am proud to keep that promise today,” the first-term Republican said in a statement. “From the moment life begins at conception is when we have a responsibility as human beings to do everything we can to protect that baby’s life and the life of the mother. That is what I believe and that is what the majority of Oklahomans believe.”

Abortion providers across the country have been bracing for the possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court’s new conservative majority&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-wade-supreme-court-state-fight-e53b2b46d9606dc9468b8044a0b42ed0">might further restrict the practice,</a>&nbsp;and that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-texas-oklahoma-0e1686a889006ae87389718fff699eda">has especially been the case in Oklahoma and Texas.</a>

“The impact will be disastrous for Oklahomans,” said Elizabeth Nash, a state policy analyst for the abortion-rights supporting Guttmacher Institute. “It will also have severe ripple effects, especially for Texas patients who had been traveling to Oklahoma in large numbers after the Texas six-week abortion ban went into effect in September.”

The bills are part of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-arizona-mississippi-d88d5a28973039a3fedadaaf3d086b1c">aggressive push in Republican-led states</a>&nbsp;to scale back abortion rights. It comes on the heels of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-wade-supreme-court-state-fight-e53b2b46d9606dc9468b8044a0b42ed0">leaked draft opinion</a>&nbsp;from the nation’s high court that suggests justices are considering weakening or overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nearly 50 years ago.

The only exceptions in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB4327&amp;Session=2200" target="_blank">the Oklahoma law</a>&nbsp;are to save the life of a pregnant woman or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest that has been reported to law enforcement.

The bill specifically authorizes doctors to remove a “dead unborn child caused by spontaneous abortion,” or miscarriage, or to remove an ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening emergency that occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube and early in pregnancy.

The law also does not apply to the use of morning-after pills such as Plan B or any type of contraception.

Two of Oklahoma’s four abortion clinics already stopped providing abortions after the governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-texas-oklahoma-528aede70223d68dd5ed09160098445f">signed a six-week ban</a>&nbsp;earlier this month.

With the state’s two remaining abortion clinics expected to stop offering services, it is unclear&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-legislature-sexual-assault-6441b51fb0945cd6a6435d1d441f6bb9">what will happen to women who qualify under one of the exceptions</a>. The law’s author, State Rep. Wendi Stearman, says doctors will be empowered to decide which women qualify and that those abortions will be performed in hospitals. But providers and abortion-rights activists warn that trying to prove qualification could prove difficult and even dangerous in some circumstances.

In addition to the Texas-style bill already signed into law, the measure is one of at least three anti-abortion bills sent this year to Stitt.

Oklahoma’s law is styled after a first-of-its-kind Texas law that the U.S. Supreme Court has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-texas-0b4ed1808ed44d176bf6c86e6646a718">allowed to remain in place</a>&nbsp;that allows private citizens to sue abortion providers or anyone who helps a woman obtain an abortion. Other Republican-led states sought to copy Texas’ ban.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-abortion-ban-law-6eec10650b51c2b9dc98607d13cd8f40">Idaho’s governor</a>&nbsp;signed the first copycat measure in March, although it has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-business-texas-idaho-87992ce80b3c9e55100444e34bdcb173">temporarily blocked</a>&nbsp;by the state’s Supreme Court

The third Oklahoma bill is to take effect this summer and would make it a felony to perform an abortion, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. That bill contains no exceptions for rape or incest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649779268364.png" alt="The law takes effect immediately- Gov. Kevin Stitt during a signing ceremony in April.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The law takes effect immediately- Gov. Kevin Stitt during a signing ceremony in April.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday signed into law the nation’s strictest abortion ban, making the state the first in the nation to effectively end availability of the procedure.State lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a43f7f21c1b8e07a383b120d1bdbc695">approved</a>&nbsp;the ban enforced by civil lawsuits rather than criminal prosecution, similar to a Texas law that was passed last year. The law takes effect immediately upon Stitt’s signature and prohibits all abortions with few exceptions. Abortion providers have said they will stop performing the procedure as soon as the bill is signed.“I promised Oklahomans that as governor I would sign every piece of pro-life legislation that came across my desk and I am proud to keep that promise today,” the first-term Republican said in a statement. “From the moment life begins at conception is when we have a responsibility as human beings to do everything we can to protect that baby’s life and the life of the mother. That is what I believe and that is what the majority of Oklahomans believe.”Abortion providers across the country have been bracing for the possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court’s new conservative majority&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-wade-supreme-court-state-fight-e53b2b46d9606dc9468b8044a0b42ed0">might further restrict the practice,</a>&nbsp;and that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-texas-oklahoma-0e1686a889006ae87389718fff699eda">has especially been the case in Oklahoma and Texas.</a>“The impact will be disastrous for Oklahomans,” said Elizabeth Nash, a state policy analyst for the abortion-rights supporting Guttmacher Institute. “It will also have severe ripple effects, especially for Texas patients who had been traveling to Oklahoma in large numbers after the Texas six-week abortion ban went into effect in September.”The bills are part of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-arizona-mississippi-d88d5a28973039a3fedadaaf3d086b1c">aggressive push in Republican-led states</a>&nbsp;to scale back abortion rights. It comes on the heels of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-wade-supreme-court-state-fight-e53b2b46d9606dc9468b8044a0b42ed0">leaked draft opinion</a>&nbsp;from the nation’s high court that suggests justices are considering weakening or overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nearly 50 years ago.The only exceptions in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB4327&amp;Session=2200" target="_blank">the Oklahoma law</a>&nbsp;are to save the life of a pregnant woman or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest that has been reported to law enforcement.The bill specifically authorizes doctors to remove a “dead unborn child caused by spontaneous abortion,” or miscarriage, or to remove an ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening emergency that occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube and early in pregnancy.The law also does not apply to the use of morning-after pills such as Plan B or any type of contraception.Two of Oklahoma’s four abortion clinics already stopped providing abortions after the governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-texas-oklahoma-528aede70223d68dd5ed09160098445f">signed a six-week ban</a>&nbsp;earlier this month.With the state’s two remaining abortion clinics expected to stop offering services, it is unclear&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-legislature-sexual-assault-6441b51fb0945cd6a6435d1d441f6bb9">what will happen to women who qualify under one of the exceptions</a>. The law’s author, State Rep. Wendi Stearman, says doctors will be empowered to decide which women qualify and that those abortions will be performed in hospitals. But providers and abortion-rights activists warn that trying to prove qualification could prove difficult and even dangerous in some circumstances.In addition to the Texas-style bill already signed into law, the measure is one of at least three anti-abortion bills sent this year to Stitt.Oklahoma’s law is styled after a first-of-its-kind Texas law that the U.S. Supreme Court has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-texas-0b4ed1808ed44d176bf6c86e6646a718">allowed to remain in place</a>&nbsp;that allows private citizens to sue abortion providers or anyone who helps a woman obtain an abortion. Other Republican-led states sought to copy Texas’ ban.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-abortion-ban-law-6eec10650b51c2b9dc98607d13cd8f40">Idaho’s governor</a>&nbsp;signed the first copycat measure in March, although it has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-business-texas-idaho-87992ce80b3c9e55100444e34bdcb173">temporarily blocked</a>&nbsp;by the state’s Supreme CourtThe third Oklahoma bill is to take effect this summer and would make it a felony to perform an abortion, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. That bill contains no exceptions for rape or incest.

Nation's strictest abortion ban signed into law in Oklahoma

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — The mother of a Joplin High School football player is suing the school district over his death after he suffered breathing problems during a football practice.

<a href="https://www.parkermortuary.com/obituary/kadin-roberts-day">Kadin Roberts-Day, a sophomore, died on Sept. 4</a>, 2019, after suffering a medical emergency during practice, which was held indoors because of high temperatures.

His mother, Lashonda Roberts, alleges in the lawsuit filed earlier this month that several coaches and trainers with the football team watched her son have trouble breathing for 26 minutes and called emergency workers only after he became unconscious, The Joplin Globe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/mother-joplin-coaches-let-player-struggle-to-breathe-didnt-call-911/article_08d97bca-dc58-11ec-a9aa-5f1663d7c30d.html">reported</a>.

Former Jasper County coroner Rob Chappell said Roberts-Day died of cardiac arrest, and that asthma was a contributing factor in the death.

Roberts is asking for a jury trial and is seeking damages in excess of $25,000.

A spokesperson for Joplin Schools said Wednesday the district will not comment on pending litigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653561998632.png" alt="Kadin Roberts-Day-photo courtesy Parker Mortuary" />
 <figcaption>Kadin Roberts-Day-photo courtesy Parker Mortuary</figcaption>
 </figure>JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — The mother of a Joplin High School football player is suing the school district over his death after he suffered breathing problems during a football practice.<a href="https://www.parkermortuary.com/obituary/kadin-roberts-day">Kadin Roberts-Day, a sophomore, died on Sept. 4</a>, 2019, after suffering a medical emergency during practice, which was held indoors because of high temperatures.His mother, Lashonda Roberts, alleges in the lawsuit filed earlier this month that several coaches and trainers with the football team watched her son have trouble breathing for 26 minutes and called emergency workers only after he became unconscious, The Joplin Globe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/mother-joplin-coaches-let-player-struggle-to-breathe-didnt-call-911/article_08d97bca-dc58-11ec-a9aa-5f1663d7c30d.html">reported</a>.Former Jasper County coroner Rob Chappell said Roberts-Day died of cardiac arrest, and that asthma was a contributing factor in the death.Roberts is asking for a jury trial and is seeking damages in excess of $25,000.A spokesperson for Joplin Schools said Wednesday the district will not comment on pending litigation.

Mother of football player who died sues school district

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission this week announced it has received requests for $2,814,736,532 in the third application filing window of the Emergency Connectivity Fund program to fund 5,120,453 connected devices and 4,285,794 broadband connections.  Applications will be prioritized to fund schools and libraries with the greatest need first, with a preference for schools and libraries located in rural areas.  With the estimated $1.5 billion remaining in the program, the Commission expects to be able to fund requests from many of the 7,369 schools and school districts, 628 libraries and library systems, and 133 consortia which applied from across the country.  

“The continued interest in the Emergency Connectivity Fund demonstrates what we’ve known for a long time – far too many kids across the country need off-campus support to get online and keep up with their schoolwork.  This program has been able to help millions of students over the past year and into the coming school year.  I’m proud of that,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  “We received more requests than Congress gave us funds to support for this final round of applications, so we’re prioritizing those with the greatest need.  But the work doesn’t stop there.  We’ll continue to look for ways to close the Homework Gap and ensure no child is left offline.”

During the third, and final, application filing window, the Commission received applications from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

The funding can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework, to ensure

students across the country have the necessary support to keep up with their education. To date, the program has helped over 12.5 million students, and provided schools and libraries with over 10 million connected devices and 5 million broadband connections.  Over $4.8 billion in program funding commitments have been approved to date, with over $4 billion from Window 1 applications and over $815 million in commitments from Window 2 applications.

More details about which schools and libraries have received funding commitments can be found <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission this week announced it has received requests for $2,814,736,532 in the third application filing window of the Emergency Connectivity Fund program to fund 5,120,453 connected devices and 4,285,794 broadband connections. Applications will be prioritized to fund schools and libraries with the greatest need first, with a preference for schools and libraries located in rural areas. With the estimated $1.5 billion remaining in the program, the Commission expects to be able to fund requests from many of the 7,369 schools and school districts, 628 libraries and library systems, and 133 consortia which applied from across the country. “The continued interest in the Emergency Connectivity Fund demonstrates what we’ve known for a long time – far too many kids across the country need off-campus support to get online and keep up with their schoolwork. This program has been able to help millions of students over the past year and into the coming school year. I’m proud of that,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “We received more requests than Congress gave us funds to support for this final round of applications, so we’re prioritizing those with the greatest need. But the work doesn’t stop there. We’ll continue to look for ways to close the Homework Gap and ensure no child is left offline.”During the third, and final, application filing window, the Commission received applications from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.The funding can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework, to ensurestudents across the country have the necessary support to keep up with their education. To date, the program has helped over 12.5 million students, and provided schools and libraries with over 10 million connected devices and 5 million broadband connections. Over $4.8 billion in program funding commitments have been approved to date, with over $4 billion from Window 1 applications and over $815 million in commitments from Window 2 applications.More details about which schools and libraries have received funding commitments can be found <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund">HERE</a>.

$2.8B in funding requests for final emergency broadband window

By DARRELL EHRLICK <a href="https://dailymontanan.com/2022/05/26/thoughts-and-prayers-of-a-different-kind/">Daily Montanan</a>

After the school shooting in 
Texas, I realized that I was about the only columnist in America that 
didn’t talk to my kids about within 24 hours of event.

Sure, I’ll cop to being a mediocre parent, but not for that reason.

Instead, after years – literally decades – of reporting, editing and 
reading stories about guns being used against children, I’m completely 
numb. The trauma barely registers and that’s, at best, tacky to say. 
But, it’s also an urgent indicator of the necessity to do something. 
That I check social media to see which blusterpot politician can talk 
about praying and thinking good thoughts is so cynical, while the 
thought of losing a child to gun violence should consume my attention.

Quite frankly, I am sick and tired of “thoughts and prayers” response.

If anyone was sincerely committed to thoughts and prayers, the 
situation would have been radically changed by now. I say this as a gun 
owner who supports basic checks on our freedom to own guns. Freedom is 
anarchy and chaos without some measure of responsibility. And, our 
unyielding worship of guns borders on pathological.

If politicians were sincere about the “thoughts” part, they’d think 
through the pain of the parents, the loss of innocent lives and devise 
reasonable solutions and safeguards. After all, guns are like 
automobiles, implements that can be used to improve our lives, but 
without reasonable rules and safeguards, they’re killing machines. And 
yet, every time some politician urges that ol’ “thoughts and prayers” 
line, they never oblige us with any kind of meaningful thought, 
discourse or discussion on what they pondered as families planned 
funerals for their grade-schoolers.

Count me in when it comes to wanting to hear more about their 
thoughts in relation to school shootings, and why they seem incapable of
 even the most basic protections.

As far as the prayers portion of the “thoughts-and-prayer” approach, 
might I suggest the problem isn’t with the approach, but the technique?

Here’s what I mean: Maybe politicians are so used to using their 
mouths that even during the personal act of praying, they’re not 
listening. Maybe instead of talking to God, they should listen more.

As much as I would like for politicians not to implicate God in the 
bargain every time they talk about praying, maybe the problem is too 
much talking. And even though it’s dangerous, bordering on blasphemous, 
to assume to know how God may respond in any situation, I would like to 
think if all those politicians were really praying so earnestly and 
fervently that they would hear the unmistakable sound of the holy urging
 them to take action to protect the little children.

After all, it was Jesus who rebuked his disciples saying, “Let the little children come to me; do not harm them.”

For all the biblical ambiguity that exists, Jesus is repeatedly clear on what happens to those who hurt children.

I cannot imagine that even if, in those half-moments of silence as 
politicians are catching their breath while feverishly praying, God 
interjects and says, “Protect the Second Amendment at all costs.” That 
seems incongruent with the same religion that discuses turning swords 
into ploughshares.

Using the phrase “thoughts and prayers” is a disservice to both, 
which are vitally important during this discussion. Yet those clever 
politicians have figured that it is a magical incantation which thwarts 
more substantive questions from the public hungry for action. Because, 
you know, no one would be so brazen as to question a politician’s 
sincerity during a national tragedy. No one would suggest their words 
are hypocritical, pandering or insincere.

I am dismissing and rejecting any politician – Democrat or Republican
 – who offers thoughts and prayers as the antidote to gunning down 
children.

It’s as meaningless and nonsensical as prescribing meditation and scripture for DUI accidents.

Americans get the government they are willing to tolerate, so after 
all these thoughts and prayers, it’s time to demand more. Leaving it to 
God is punting responsibility, shifting the problem of gun violence from
 humans to the supernatural. It has allowed far too many politicians to 
embrace religion and killing, two ideas diametrically opposed to each 
other.

Sadly, I fear God has plenty of other work keeping him occupied right
 now, like welcoming in nearly two dozen children and people who were 
cut down early in the wake of the Texas tragedy. And I just hope for 
them and their families that Jesus’ words about kids are absolutely 
true: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Darrell Ehrlick is the editor-in-chief of the Daily Montanan, after leading his native state’s largest paper, The Billings Gazette.

By DARRELL EHRLICK <a href="https://dailymontanan.com/2022/05/26/thoughts-and-prayers-of-a-different-kind/">Daily Montanan</a>After the school shooting in 
Texas, I realized that I was about the only columnist in America that 
didn’t talk to my kids about within 24 hours of event.Sure, I’ll cop to being a mediocre parent, but not for that reason.Instead, after years – literally decades – of reporting, editing and 
reading stories about guns being used against children, I’m completely 
numb. The trauma barely registers and that’s, at best, tacky to say. 
But, it’s also an urgent indicator of the necessity to do something. 
That I check social media to see which blusterpot politician can talk 
about praying and thinking good thoughts is so cynical, while the 
thought of losing a child to gun violence should consume my attention.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Quite frankly, I am sick and tired of “thoughts and prayers” response.To quote kids today: Just stop.If anyone was sincerely committed to thoughts and prayers, the 
situation would have been radically changed by now. I say this as a gun 
owner who supports basic checks on our freedom to own guns. Freedom is 
anarchy and chaos without some measure of responsibility. And, our 
unyielding worship of guns borders on pathological.If politicians were sincere about the “thoughts” part, they’d think 
through the pain of the parents, the loss of innocent lives and devise 
reasonable solutions and safeguards. After all, guns are like 
automobiles, implements that can be used to improve our lives, but 
without reasonable rules and safeguards, they’re killing machines. And 
yet, every time some politician urges that ol’ “thoughts and prayers” 
line, they never oblige us with any kind of meaningful thought, 
discourse or discussion on what they pondered as families planned 
funerals for their grade-schoolers.Count me in when it comes to wanting to hear more about their 
thoughts in relation to school shootings, and why they seem incapable of
 even the most basic protections.As far as the prayers portion of the “thoughts-and-prayer” approach, 
might I suggest the problem isn’t with the approach, but the technique?Here’s what I mean: Maybe politicians are so used to using their 
mouths that even during the personal act of praying, they’re not 
listening. Maybe instead of talking to God, they should listen more.As much as I would like for politicians not to implicate God in the 
bargain every time they talk about praying, maybe the problem is too 
much talking. And even though it’s dangerous, bordering on blasphemous, 
to assume to know how God may respond in any situation, I would like to 
think if all those politicians were really praying so earnestly and 
fervently that they would hear the unmistakable sound of the holy urging
 them to take action to protect the little children.After all, it was Jesus who rebuked his disciples saying, “Let the little children come to me; do not harm them.”For all the biblical ambiguity that exists, Jesus is repeatedly clear on what happens to those who hurt children.I cannot imagine that even if, in those half-moments of silence as 
politicians are catching their breath while feverishly praying, God 
interjects and says, “Protect the Second Amendment at all costs.” That 
seems incongruent with the same religion that discuses turning swords 
into ploughshares.Using the phrase “thoughts and prayers” is a disservice to both, 
which are vitally important during this discussion. Yet those clever 
politicians have figured that it is a magical incantation which thwarts 
more substantive questions from the public hungry for action. Because, 
you know, no one would be so brazen as to question a politician’s 
sincerity during a national tragedy. No one would suggest their words 
are hypocritical, pandering or insincere.Well, almost no one.I am dismissing and rejecting any politician – Democrat or Republican
 – who offers thoughts and prayers as the antidote to gunning down 
children.It’s as meaningless and nonsensical as prescribing meditation and scripture for DUI accidents.Americans get the government they are willing to tolerate, so after 
all these thoughts and prayers, it’s time to demand more. Leaving it to 
God is punting responsibility, shifting the problem of gun violence from
 humans to the supernatural. It has allowed far too many politicians to 
embrace religion and killing, two ideas diametrically opposed to each 
other.Sadly, I fear God has plenty of other work keeping him occupied right
 now, like welcoming in nearly two dozen children and people who were 
cut down early in the wake of the Texas tragedy. And I just hope for 
them and their families that Jesus’ words about kids are absolutely 
true: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Darrell Ehrlick is the editor-in-chief of the Daily Montanan, after leading his native state’s largest paper, The Billings Gazette.

OPINION: Thoughts and prayers of a different kind

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect&nbsp;&nbsp;following a Monday night manhunt south in rural northeast Kansas.

Just before 9p.m. Monday, The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was notified by neighbors of a burglary in progress at 2830 102nd Road south of Delia, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies and KHP troopers arrived where the alleged burglar fled into the woods.  The Kansas Highway Patrol helicopter also responded and assisted with the search. 

 During the search, the suspect managed to return to his pickup truck that was parked on the property and nearly struck a Jackson County Deputy and a Kansas State Trooper. 

 The man sped across a cornfield and ran into a heavily wooded area northwest of the residence. Deputies and troopers used K-9s during the search. The search continued until approximately 4 A.M. Tuesday, which was reduced to deputies patrolling the immediate area.  The Sheriff’s Office issued an alert, warning the public to be alert that this suspect may be in the area on foot, and to lock doors and remove keys from vehicles. 

At approximately 9:45 a.m. Tuesday after receiving a report of a subject approaching a residence near the Shawnee and Jackson County line, Jackson County deputies and detectives located the suspect later identified as 41-year-old Dallas Eugene Harrmon about 1 mile south of the Jackson County line on Capper Road. 

Deputies arrested and transported Harrmon to the Jackson County Jail.  He is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault of law enforcement officers, burglary and theft and fleeing and eluding law enforcement.  Harmon was also wanted on a full-extradition warrant of the State of Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653428867638.png" alt="Harrmon-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Harrmon-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect&nbsp;&nbsp;following a Monday night manhunt south in rural northeast Kansas.Just before 9p.m. Monday, The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was notified by neighbors of a burglary in progress at 2830 102nd Road south of Delia, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Deputies and KHP troopers arrived where the alleged burglar fled into the woods. The Kansas Highway Patrol helicopter also responded and assisted with the search. During the search, the suspect managed to return to his pickup truck that was parked on the property and nearly struck a Jackson County Deputy and a Kansas State Trooper. The man sped across a cornfield and ran into a heavily wooded area northwest of the residence. Deputies and troopers used K-9s during the search. The search continued until approximately 4 A.M. Tuesday, which was reduced to deputies patrolling the immediate area. The Sheriff’s Office issued an alert, warning the public to be alert that this suspect may be in the area on foot, and to lock doors and remove keys from vehicles. At approximately 9:45 a.m. Tuesday after receiving a report of a subject approaching a residence near the Shawnee and Jackson County line, Jackson County deputies and detectives located the suspect later identified as 41-year-old Dallas Eugene Harrmon about 1 mile south of the Jackson County line on Capper Road. Deputies arrested and transported Harrmon to the Jackson County Jail. He is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault of law enforcement officers, burglary and theft and fleeing and eluding law enforcement. Harmon was also wanted on a full-extradition warrant of the State of Colorado.

Sheriff: Man wanted in Colorado captured after manhunt in Kansas

CHANTILLY, Va. (AP) — Jill Biden and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy welcomed the delivery Wednesday of a second shipment of tens of thousands of pounds of baby formula that the Biden administration is importing from Europe to ease&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-robert-califf-cce94aeeb3b53af5617d32086df01410">critical supply shortages</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.

The first lady and the nation’s doctor each sought to empathize with anxious parents nationwide who have been scrambling to find enough formula for their children.

Both said President Joe Biden and his team understand what parents are going through and were working hard to solve the latest domestic crisis to challenge the administration. Biden has come under growing political pressure for not acting more quickly to try to head off the supply crisis.

“As a mom and a Nana, it’s impossible to hear the stories of children suffering and not imagine your own children in the same position,” the first lady said, using her grandchildren’s nickname for her. “Food is the first and most important way we nurture our children.”

Murthy, a father of two young children, said he knows “how important it is to parents that they have confidence in their ability to safely and securely feed their child. And I know how frustrating and scary it can be when that security feels out of reach.”

“That is why we will not rest until every parent has the formula they need for their child,” he pledged.

Biden and Murthy spoke on the tarmac at Dulles International Airport in Virginia in front of a FedEx Express plane that had just delivered 120,000 pounds, or 60 tons, of infant formula from Ramstein Air Base in Germany under the administration’s Operation Fly Formula program.

With Wednesday’s delivery and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-indianapolis-00f39fd46778ecdd543c22f3630d79ba">a shipment of 78000 pounds</a>&nbsp;(35,380 kilograms) of specialty infant formula that was flown by military aircraft to Indianapolis over the weekend, “we now have brought the equivalent of 1.5 million eight-ounce bottles of infant formula to the United States,” Murthy said.

More deliveries are scheduled to arrive soon. The administration has cut the timeframe for deliveries to three days, down from up to four weeks, he said.

Jill Biden said her husband knows there is “more to do” to solve the baby formula shortages.

“I’m here today to say to parents, ‘you aren’t alone,’” she said. “At the highest levels of Joe’s administration, he and his team understand what you’re going through and they are finding solutions. And they won’t stop until all parents can get the formula all their children need.”

Under Operation Fly Formula, infant formula that meets U.S. health and safety standards is imported from overseas manufacturers and delivered to hospitals and retailers in the United States.

The first shipment arrived Sunday, bringing 132 pallets of Nestle Health Science Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior formula to Indianapolis — enough for 500,000 eight-ounce bottles.

The 114 pallets of Nestle’s Gerber Good Start Extensive HA formula delivered Wednesday will be transported by FedEx to a Nestle distribution facility near Allentown, Pennsylvania, the White House said.

The three formulas are for children who are allergic to cow’s milk protein.

The baby formula shortage stems mostly from Abbott Nutrition’s plant in Sturgis, Michigan, which the FDA closed in February due to contamination issues. Abbott, one of a handful of companies that control the vast majority of the market for infant formula, then announced a massive recall of its product on Feb. 17, which led to the nationwide supply shortage.

Abbott and the Food and Drug Administration recently reached an agreement to reopen the plant next week. But it will take about two months before product is ready for delivery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653517823167.png" alt="The first lady and the nation’s doctor each sought to empathize with anxious parents nationwide who have been scrambling to find enough formula for their children.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The first lady and the nation’s doctor each sought to empathize with anxious parents nationwide who have been scrambling to find enough formula for their children.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>CHANTILLY, Va. (AP) — Jill Biden and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy welcomed the delivery Wednesday of a second shipment of tens of thousands of pounds of baby formula that the Biden administration is importing from Europe to ease&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-robert-califf-cce94aeeb3b53af5617d32086df01410">critical supply shortages</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.The first lady and the nation’s doctor each sought to empathize with anxious parents nationwide who have been scrambling to find enough formula for their children.Both said President Joe Biden and his team understand what parents are going through and were working hard to solve the latest domestic crisis to challenge the administration. Biden has come under growing political pressure for not acting more quickly to try to head off the supply crisis.“As a mom and a Nana, it’s impossible to hear the stories of children suffering and not imagine your own children in the same position,” the first lady said, using her grandchildren’s nickname for her. “Food is the first and most important way we nurture our children.”Murthy, a father of two young children, said he knows “how important it is to parents that they have confidence in their ability to safely and securely feed their child. And I know how frustrating and scary it can be when that security feels out of reach.”“That is why we will not rest until every parent has the formula they need for their child,” he pledged.Biden and Murthy spoke on the tarmac at Dulles International Airport in Virginia in front of a FedEx Express plane that had just delivered 120,000 pounds, or 60 tons, of infant formula from Ramstein Air Base in Germany under the administration’s Operation Fly Formula program.With Wednesday’s delivery and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-indianapolis-00f39fd46778ecdd543c22f3630d79ba">a shipment of 78000 pounds</a>&nbsp;(35,380 kilograms) of specialty infant formula that was flown by military aircraft to Indianapolis over the weekend, “we now have brought the equivalent of 1.5 million eight-ounce bottles of infant formula to the United States,” Murthy said.More deliveries are scheduled to arrive soon. The administration has cut the timeframe for deliveries to three days, down from up to four weeks, he said.Jill Biden said her husband knows there is “more to do” to solve the baby formula shortages.“I’m here today to say to parents, ‘you aren’t alone,’” she said. “At the highest levels of Joe’s administration, he and his team understand what you’re going through and they are finding solutions. And they won’t stop until all parents can get the formula all their children need.”Under Operation Fly Formula, infant formula that meets U.S. health and safety standards is imported from overseas manufacturers and delivered to hospitals and retailers in the United States.The first shipment arrived Sunday, bringing 132 pallets of Nestle Health Science Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior formula to Indianapolis — enough for 500,000 eight-ounce bottles.The 114 pallets of Nestle’s Gerber Good Start Extensive HA formula delivered Wednesday will be transported by FedEx to a Nestle distribution facility near Allentown, Pennsylvania, the White House said.The three formulas are for children who are allergic to cow’s milk protein.The baby formula shortage stems mostly from Abbott Nutrition’s plant in Sturgis, Michigan, which the FDA closed in February due to contamination issues. Abbott, one of a handful of companies that control the vast majority of the market for infant formula, then announced a massive recall of its product on Feb. 17, which led to the nationwide supply shortage.Abbott and the Food and Drug Administration recently reached an agreement to reopen the plant next week. But it will take about two months before product is ready for delivery.

Jill Biden welcomes 2nd mass delivery of baby formula

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer involved shooting.

Just after 1:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the the 500 block of N. Milstead in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

At the scene, officers located a woman and child in front of the residence. The victims told police a 39-year-old suspect, who police later learned had active warrant for aggravated kidnapping, was inside the residence. 

The suspect pointed a firearm and shot at the victims, according to Ditch. At one point, officers&nbsp; witnessed the suspect go back into the house carrying a gun.

The victims also told police there were two other victims inside the home. Those victims left the home a short time later. The Wichita Police SWAT and SWAT negotiators responded to the home.

 Just after 10:30 a.m., the SWAT team entered the home and there was an exchange gunfire, according to Ditch. 

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. None of the other victims or officers were injured. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the investigation, according to Ditch. Police have not released the name of the suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653513804719.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal officer-involved shooting -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal officer-involved shooting -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer involved shooting.Just after 1:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the the 500 block of N. Milstead in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.At the scene, officers located a woman and child in front of the residence. The victims told police a 39-year-old suspect, who police later learned had active warrant for aggravated kidnapping, was inside the residence. The suspect pointed a firearm and shot at the victims, according to Ditch. At one point, officers&nbsp; witnessed the suspect go back into the house carrying a gun.The victims also told police there were two other victims inside the home. Those victims left the home a short time later. The Wichita Police SWAT and SWAT negotiators responded to the home. Just after 10:30 a.m., the SWAT team entered the home and there was an exchange gunfire, according to Ditch. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. None of the other victims or officers were injured. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the investigation, according to Ditch. Police have not released the name of the suspect.

Police: Man wanted for alleged kidnapping dies in Kan. officer shooting

By JAMES DENSLEY and JILLIAN PETERSON <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-we-know-about-mass-school-shootings-in-the-us-and-the-gunmen-who-carry-them-out-183812">The Conversation</a>

When the <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/1990s/columbine-high-school-shootings">Columbine High School massacre took place in 1999</a> it was seen as a watershed moment in the United States – the worst mass shooting at a school in the country’s history.

Now, it ranks fourth. The three school shootings to surpass its death
 toll of 13 – 12 students, one teacher – have all taken place within the
 last decade: 2012’s <a href="https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2012/12/us/sandy-hook-timeline/index.html">Sandy Hook Elementary attack</a>,
 in which a gunman killed 26 children and school staff; the 2018 
shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, 
which <a href="https://theconversation.com/parkland-shooting-one-year-later-congress-still-avoids-action-on-gun-control-111796">claimed the lives of 17 people</a>; and now the <a href="https://theconversation.com/19-children-2-adults-killed-in-texas-elementary-school-shooting-3-essential-reads-on-americas-relentless-gun-violence-183811">Robb Elementary School assault in Uvalde, Texas</a>, where on May 24, 2022, at least 19 children and two adults were murdered.

We <a href="https://www.metrostate.edu/about/directory/james-densley">are criminologists</a> <a href="https://www.hamline.edu/faculty-staff/jillian-peterson/">who study</a> <a href="https://www.theviolenceproject.org/">the life histories</a> of public mass shooters in the U.S. As part of that research, we built <a href="https://www.theviolenceproject.org/mass-shooter-database/">a comprehensive database</a>
 of mass public shootings using public data, with the shooters coded on 
over 200 different variables, including location and racial profile. For
 the purposes of our database, mass public shootings are defined as 
incidents in which four or more victims are murdered with at least one 
of those homicides taking place in a public location and with no 
connection to underlying criminal activity, such as gangs or drugs.

Our database shows that since 1966, when our database timeline 
begins, there have been 13 such shootings at schools across the U.S – 
the first in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/18/us/five-children-killed-as-gunman-attacks-a-california-school.html">Stockton, California</a>, in 1989.

Four of those shootings – including the one at Robb Elementary School
 – involved a killing at another location, always a family member at a 
residence. The most recent perpetrator <a href="https://www.npr.org/live-updates/texas-school-shooting-2022-05-24">shot his grandmother</a> prior to going to the school in Uvalde.

The majority of mass school shootings were carried out by a lone gunman, with just two – Columbine and the <a href="https://www.kait8.com/2022/03/24/24-years-later-remembering-westside-school-shooting-victims/">1988 shooting at Westside School in Jonesboro</a>, Arkansas – carried out by two gunmen. In all, some 146 people were killed in the attacks and at least 182 victims injured.

The choice of “gunmen” to describe the perpetrators is accurate – all of the mass school shootings in our database were <a href="https://www.theviolenceproject.org/mass-shooter-database/">carried out by men or boys</a>. And the average age of those involved in carrying out the attacks was 18.

This fits with the picture that has emerged of the <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/robb-elementary-school-gunman-salvador-ramos-bought-two-rifles-on-his-18th-birthday-texas-officials-say">shooter in the Robb Elementary School attack</a>. He turned 18 just days ago and reportedly <a href="https://www.star-telegram.com/news/state/texas/article261766762.html">purchased two military-style weapons</a>. It is believed that the shooter used one miltary-style weapon in the attack, authorities said May 25, 2022.

Police have <a href="https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-05-24/texas-elementary-school-shooting">yet to release key information</a>
 on the shooter, including what motivated him to kill the children and 
adults at Robb Elementary School. The picture of the shooter that has 
emerged conforms to the profile we have built up from past perpetrators 
in some ways, but diverges in others.

We know that most school shooters have a connection to the school 
they target. Twelve of the 14 school shooters in our database prior to 
the most recent attack in Texas were either current or former students 
of the school. Any prior connection between the latest shooter and Robb 
Elementary School has not been released to the public.

Our research and <a href="https://www.theviolenceproject.org/about-us/our-book/">dozens of interviews with incarcerated perpetrators of mass shootings</a>
 suggests that for most perpetrators, the mass shooting event is 
intended to be a final act. The majority of school mass shooters die in 
the attack. Of the 15 mass school shooters in our database, just seven 
were apprehended. The rest died on the scene, nearly all by suicide – 
the lone exception being the Robb Elementary shooter, who was shot dead 
by police.

And school shooters tend to preempt their attacks by leaving posts, messages or videos warning of their intent. 

Inspired by past school shooters, some perpetrators are <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-quest-for-significance-gone-horribly-wrong-how-mass-shooters-pervert-a-universal-desire-to-make-a-difference-in-the-world-183199">seeking fame and notoriety</a>.
 However, most school shooters are motivated by a generalized anger. 
Their path to violence involves self-hate and despair turned outward at 
the world, and our research finds they often communicate their intent to
 do harm in advance as a final, desperate <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2785799">cry for help</a>. The key to stopping these tragedies is for society to be <a href="https://theconversation.com/accused-buffalo-mass-shooter-had-threatened-a-shooting-while-in-high-school-could-more-have-been-done-to-avert-the-tragedy-183455">alert to these warning signs</a> and act on them immediately.

James Densley is a Professor of Criminal Justice at Metropolitan State University. Jillian Peterson is a Professor of Criminal Justice at Hamline University.

<div><iframe src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/183812/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" width="1" height="1"></iframe></div>By JAMES DENSLEY and JILLIAN PETERSON <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-we-know-about-mass-school-shootings-in-the-us-and-the-gunmen-who-carry-them-out-183812">The Conversation</a>When the <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/1990s/columbine-high-school-shootings">Columbine High School massacre took place in 1999</a> it was seen as a watershed moment in the United States – the worst mass shooting at a school in the country’s history.Now, it ranks fourth. The three school shootings to surpass its death
 toll of 13 – 12 students, one teacher – have all taken place within the
 last decade: 2012’s <a href="https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2012/12/us/sandy-hook-timeline/index.html">Sandy Hook Elementary attack</a>,
 in which a gunman killed 26 children and school staff; the 2018 
shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, 
which <a href="https://theconversation.com/parkland-shooting-one-year-later-congress-still-avoids-action-on-gun-control-111796">claimed the lives of 17 people</a>; and now the <a href="https://theconversation.com/19-children-2-adults-killed-in-texas-elementary-school-shooting-3-essential-reads-on-americas-relentless-gun-violence-183811">Robb Elementary School assault in Uvalde, Texas</a>, where on May 24, 2022, at least 19 children and two adults were murdered.We <a href="https://www.metrostate.edu/about/directory/james-densley">are criminologists</a> <a href="https://www.hamline.edu/faculty-staff/jillian-peterson/">who study</a> <a href="https://www.theviolenceproject.org/">the life histories</a> of public mass shooters in the U.S. As part of that research, we built <a href="https://www.theviolenceproject.org/mass-shooter-database/">a comprehensive database</a>
 of mass public shootings using public data, with the shooters coded on 
over 200 different variables, including location and racial profile. For
 the purposes of our database, mass public shootings are defined as 
incidents in which four or more victims are murdered with at least one 
of those homicides taking place in a public location and with no 
connection to underlying criminal activity, such as gangs or drugs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653505039759.png" alt="Mass shootings are defined here as events in which four or more people are killed with firearms in a public place, with the murders not being attributed to any other underlying criminal activity. Map: The Conversation, CC-BY-ND Source: The Violence Project Database " />
 <figcaption>Mass shootings are defined here as events in which four or more people are killed with firearms in a public place, with the murders not being attributed to any other underlying criminal activity. Map: The Conversation, CC-BY-ND Source: The Violence Project Database </figcaption>
 </figure>Our database shows that since 1966, when our database timeline 
begins, there have been 13 such shootings at schools across the U.S – 
the first in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/18/us/five-children-killed-as-gunman-attacks-a-california-school.html">Stockton, California</a>, in 1989.Four of those shootings – including the one at Robb Elementary School
 – involved a killing at another location, always a family member at a 
residence. The most recent perpetrator <a href="https://www.npr.org/live-updates/texas-school-shooting-2022-05-24">shot his grandmother</a> prior to going to the school in Uvalde.The majority of mass school shootings were carried out by a lone gunman, with just two – Columbine and the <a href="https://www.kait8.com/2022/03/24/24-years-later-remembering-westside-school-shooting-victims/">1988 shooting at Westside School in Jonesboro</a>, Arkansas – carried out by two gunmen. In all, some 146 people were killed in the attacks and at least 182 victims injured.The choice of “gunmen” to describe the perpetrators is accurate – all of the mass school shootings in our database were <a href="https://www.theviolenceproject.org/mass-shooter-database/">carried out by men or boys</a>. And the average age of those involved in carrying out the attacks was 18. This fits with the picture that has emerged of the <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/robb-elementary-school-gunman-salvador-ramos-bought-two-rifles-on-his-18th-birthday-texas-officials-say">shooter in the Robb Elementary School attack</a>. He turned 18 just days ago and reportedly <a href="https://www.star-telegram.com/news/state/texas/article261766762.html">purchased two military-style weapons</a>. It is believed that the shooter used one miltary-style weapon in the attack, authorities said May 25, 2022.Police have <a href="https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-05-24/texas-elementary-school-shooting">yet to release key information</a>
 on the shooter, including what motivated him to kill the children and 
adults at Robb Elementary School. The picture of the shooter that has 
emerged conforms to the profile we have built up from past perpetrators 
in some ways, but diverges in others.We know that most school shooters have a connection to the school 
they target. Twelve of the 14 school shooters in our database prior to 
the most recent attack in Texas were either current or former students 
of the school. Any prior connection between the latest shooter and Robb 
Elementary School has not been released to the public.Our research and <a href="https://www.theviolenceproject.org/about-us/our-book/">dozens of interviews with incarcerated perpetrators of mass shootings</a>
 suggests that for most perpetrators, the mass shooting event is 
intended to be a final act. The majority of school mass shooters die in 
the attack. Of the 15 mass school shooters in our database, just seven 
were apprehended. The rest died on the scene, nearly all by suicide – 
the lone exception being the Robb Elementary shooter, who was shot dead 
by police.And school shooters tend to preempt their attacks by leaving posts, messages or videos warning of their intent. Inspired by past school shooters, some perpetrators are <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-quest-for-significance-gone-horribly-wrong-how-mass-shooters-pervert-a-universal-desire-to-make-a-difference-in-the-world-183199">seeking fame and notoriety</a>.
 However, most school shooters are motivated by a generalized anger. 
Their path to violence involves self-hate and despair turned outward at 
the world, and our research finds they often communicate their intent to
 do harm in advance as a final, desperate <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2785799">cry for help</a>. The key to stopping these tragedies is for society to be <a href="https://theconversation.com/accused-buffalo-mass-shooter-had-threatened-a-shooting-while-in-high-school-could-more-have-been-done-to-avert-the-tragedy-183455">alert to these warning signs</a> and act on them immediately.James Densley is a Professor of Criminal Justice at Metropolitan State University. Jillian Peterson is a Professor of Criminal Justice at Hamline University.

What we know about mass school shootings, gunmen who carry them out

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A&nbsp; man will be laid to rest on Saturday, more than 80 years after he died in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

The U.S. Navy returned the remains of Seaman 1st Class <a href="https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000Xe0PEAS">Wilbur Francis Newton</a> to Kansas City International Airport on Tuesday.

Newton was among more than 400 crewman killed on the USS Oklahoma during the Pearl Harbor attack.

His remains were identified as part of a project by the Department of Defense agency known as The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).

Researchers needed maternal DNA to get a match, and reached the last living relative on Newton’s mother’s side before she died in 2012.

Robin Deeds, a child of one of Newton's cousins, said Newton will be buried Saturday at Mount Hope Cemetery in Mound City. He said more than 50 cousins plan to attend the service, KCTV-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kctv5.com/2022/05/25/missouri-mans-remains-come-home-81-years-after-his-death-pearl-harbor/">reported</a>.

Newton will be laid to rest in a burial plot with a grave marker that his parents bought for him before they died in the late 1940s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653508433984.png" alt="Wilbur Francis Newton will be laid to rest in a burial plot with a grave marker that his parents bought for him before they died in the late 1940s-photo courtesy Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Wilbur Francis Newton will be laid to rest in a burial plot with a grave marker that his parents bought for him before they died in the late 1940s-photo courtesy Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A&nbsp; man will be laid to rest on Saturday, more than 80 years after he died in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.The U.S. Navy returned the remains of Seaman 1st Class <a href="https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000Xe0PEAS">Wilbur Francis Newton</a> to Kansas City International Airport on Tuesday.Newton was among more than 400 crewman killed on the USS Oklahoma during the Pearl Harbor attack.His remains were identified as part of a project by the Department of Defense agency known as The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).Researchers needed maternal DNA to get a match, and reached the last living relative on Newton’s mother’s side before she died in 2012.Robin Deeds, a child of one of Newton's cousins, said Newton will be buried Saturday at Mount Hope Cemetery in Mound City. He said more than 50 cousins plan to attend the service, KCTV-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kctv5.com/2022/05/25/missouri-mans-remains-come-home-81-years-after-his-death-pearl-harbor/">reported</a>.Newton will be laid to rest in a burial plot with a grave marker that his parents bought for him before they died in the late 1940s.

Remains of man killed at Pearl Harbor arrive in Kansas City

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/omaha-construction-company-responds-to-inflation-hands-out-extra-check-to-workers-at-the-job-site/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

An
 Omaha-based construction company is responding to recent cost inflation
 by putting something extra in employee wallets, in time for the holiday
 weekend.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hawkins1.com/?utm_source=SK-PR&amp;utm_medium=InflationProtectionRelease&amp;utm_campaign=SK-PR&amp;utm_id=SK-PR">Hawkins Construction,</a>
 a regional contractor that employs about 400 people, has created an 
“inflation protection fund” and plans to disburse up to $2,000 to each 
hourly worker this year. CEO and president Chris Hawkins is visiting job
 sites Wednesday to pass out the first round of $1,000 checks.

“We
 see rising costs across the supply chain and recognize this volatility 
is affecting our employees’ bottom lines as well,” said Hawkins. 
“Through this fund, we aim to cover the unavoidable gaps created by 
increased prices at the gas pump, grocery store and other bills.”

The
 calculation was made based on the company’s estimate that the average 
cost of basic household expenses was increasing by about $2,000 due to 
year-over-year inflation. The fund and related checks are in addition to
 regular wages and performance bonuses.

Hawkins
 said he recognizes that rising costs are an “acute pain point” for 
employees and his team recognized it as “something we have to address 
right now.”

As
 the Memorial Day weekend approaches, he said, he hopes the financial 
boost could also help add a bit more variety to the family picnic menu.

“When our people are happy, it makes me happy,” he said.

This
 latest move follows a recent announcement of a pilot program that 
provides Hawkins employees free English-as-second-language classes. The 
company said it also recently gave hourly wage increases ranging from 5%
 to 12%.&nbsp;

Hawkins
 is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated construction 
contractor that builds transportation civil infrastructure, water and 
wastewater and industrial projects.

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/omaha-construction-company-responds-to-inflation-hands-out-extra-check-to-workers-at-the-job-site/">Nebraska Examiner</a>An
 Omaha-based construction company is responding to recent cost inflation
 by putting something extra in employee wallets, in time for the holiday
 weekend.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hawkins1.com/?utm_source=SK-PR&amp;utm_medium=InflationProtectionRelease&amp;utm_campaign=SK-PR&amp;utm_id=SK-PR">Hawkins Construction,</a>
 a regional contractor that employs about 400 people, has created an 
“inflation protection fund” and plans to disburse up to $2,000 to each 
hourly worker this year. CEO and president Chris Hawkins is visiting job
 sites Wednesday to pass out the first round of $1,000 checks.“We
 see rising costs across the supply chain and recognize this volatility 
is affecting our employees’ bottom lines as well,” said Hawkins. 
“Through this fund, we aim to cover the unavoidable gaps created by 
increased prices at the gas pump, grocery store and other bills.”The
 calculation was made based on the company’s estimate that the average 
cost of basic household expenses was increasing by about $2,000 due to 
year-over-year inflation. The fund and related checks are in addition to
 regular wages and performance bonuses.Hawkins
 said he recognizes that rising costs are an “acute pain point” for 
employees and his team recognized it as “something we have to address 
right now.”As
 the Memorial Day weekend approaches, he said, he hopes the financial 
boost could also help add a bit more variety to the family picnic menu.“When our people are happy, it makes me happy,” he said.This
 latest move follows a recent announcement of a pilot program that 
provides Hawkins employees free English-as-second-language classes. The 
company said it also recently gave hourly wage increases ranging from 5%
 to 12%.&nbsp;Hawkins
 is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated construction 
contractor that builds transportation civil infrastructure, water and 
wastewater and industrial projects.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Neb. company responds to inflation, hands out extra check at job site

KANSAS CITY (AP) — With a staunch anti-abortion Republican governor and large GOP legislative majorities, Iowa would seem poised to ban abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-roe-v-wade-33c08858dc8b0aa5f0450858b51a648a">Roe v. Wade.</a>

There’s just one catch: a 2018 Iowa Supreme Court ruling that established the right to abortion under the state constitution.

“I don’t know if the people of Iowa know that things aren’t going to change immediately if Roe. v. Wade is overturned,” said state Rep. Sandy Salmon, a Republican and farm manager from northeast Iowa who has made abortion restrictions a cornerstone of her five legislative terms.

Supreme courts in a handful of states, including others controlled by Republicans, have recognized the right to abortion. But in no state is the issue more immediate than Iowa, where Republicans are calling for a state high court with new, conservative justices to reverse a decision made just four years ago.

The Iowa court’s decision, due within weeks, is an example of the complexities that loom in states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-07439f9fc4542f1500ab78dfd34036b1">should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn its 1973 decision</a>&nbsp;that legalized abortion nationwide. Specifically, it highlights the inevitable confrontation between new abortion bans being prepared in anticipation of Roe’s reversal and state constitutions.

“There are states where this is to some extent unknown and an issue that state courts will likely have to confront,” said Helene Krasnof, vice president of public policy, litigation and law for abortion rights advocates Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “But this is an issue that’s present in Iowa in this very moment.”

The Iowa Supreme Court decision that’s under consideration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/882e886e3a504e34b6586aa5b882f77f">struck down a 2017 law</a>&nbsp;signed by then-Gov. Terry Branstad requiring a woman to wait 72 hours before receiving an abortion. The court ruled 5-2 that an abortion is a fundamental right protected by the state constitution’s guarantee of liberty.

“Autonomy and dominion over one’s body go to the very heart of what it means to be free,” wrote then-Chief Justice Mark Cady, who died in 2019. “Implicit in the concept of ordered liberty is the ability to decide whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy.”

Since that decision, Branstad’s successor, Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, has signed other restrictions, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-des-moines-47954c73f5be430f842fe8bfe1b2b9bb">outlawing abortion once cardiac activity is detected in the embryo</a>&nbsp;and requiring a 24-hour waiting period. Both measures were struck down in state district court. Reynolds appealed the waiting-period decision to the Iowa Supreme Court last year.

In the years since Cady’s opinion, Reynolds has appointed four of the court’s seven members. The Republican-controlled Legislature also gave her more control over the process of selecting the panel that recommends potential nominees.

Drake University Law School professor Sally Frank said if the court were to overturn a right established only four years ago, it “would give an even more political look to a decision here than the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Yet abortion opponents argued that court rulings in a half-dozen states, including Iowa, are examples of laws inappropriately established by judges rather than elected officials.

“This case presents the opportunity for the Iowa Supreme Court to return the issue back to the people to decide through their elected representatives in the Legislature,” said Mallory Carroll, a spokeswoman for the anti-abortion Susan B. Anthony List.

Polls indicate support for keeping abortion legal. The Des Moines Register Iowa Poll found in September that 57% supported keeping abortion legal in most or all cases, compared with 38% who said it should be illegal in most or all cases. According to AP VoteCast, a 2020 survey of the electorate, 65% of Iowa voters said the U.S. Supreme Court should leave Roe v. Wade as it is, while a third said it should be overturned.

Reynolds has said she is “proud of the legislation she signed in 2018,” including the ban on abortions once cardiac activity is detected, as early as six weeks and before many women know they are pregnant. While the measure included exceptions to protect the life of the mother and for pregnancies that are the result of incest or rape, Reynolds recently declined to endorse any exceptions.

“I’m not going to set any parameters,” she told reporters last week. “We have a ruling before the Iowa Supreme Court and we’re going to wait and see what they do, and that actually will affect what our next steps are moving forward.”

Supreme courts in Alaska, Florida, Kansas, Montana and Minnesota have ruled that their constitutions protect the right to abortion. Among them, Republicans hold legislative majorities and the governorships in Florida and Montana.

In Montana and Florida, challenges to abortion restrictions are before those states’ supreme courts.

Majority Republicans in the Kansas Legislature are seeking to invalidate a 2019 state Supreme Court decision that declared access to abortion a “fundamental right” with a referendum on the August primary ballot to amend the state constitution.

Iowa Republicans also are pursuing a constitutional amendment that specifies the state constitution does not recognize, grant, or secure a right to abortion. The amendment could not stop the Legislature from enacting a statutory right to abortion, but would present an obstacle to any court weighing what the state would be required to enforce.

The measure needs a second approval in the Legislature and will likely come up next year, Salmon, the GOP state lawmaker, said. If approved it would go before voters, probably in 2024.

It’s the removal of the abortion guarantee in the 2018 court ruling that would clear the way for lawmakers to ban the procedure, Salmon’s ultimate goal.

“That means that abortion would not be a service offered in this state,” Salmon said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652558835992.png" alt="Abortion protesters in Kansas City -photo Planned Parenthood&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Abortion protesters in Kansas City -photo Planned Parenthood&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — With a staunch anti-abortion Republican governor and large GOP legislative majorities, Iowa would seem poised to ban abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-roe-v-wade-33c08858dc8b0aa5f0450858b51a648a">Roe v. Wade.</a>There’s just one catch: a 2018 Iowa Supreme Court ruling that established the right to abortion under the state constitution.“I don’t know if the people of Iowa know that things aren’t going to change immediately if Roe. v. Wade is overturned,” said state Rep. Sandy Salmon, a Republican and farm manager from northeast Iowa who has made abortion restrictions a cornerstone of her five legislative terms.Supreme courts in a handful of states, including others controlled by Republicans, have recognized the right to abortion. But in no state is the issue more immediate than Iowa, where Republicans are calling for a state high court with new, conservative justices to reverse a decision made just four years ago.The Iowa court’s decision, due within weeks, is an example of the complexities that loom in states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-07439f9fc4542f1500ab78dfd34036b1">should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn its 1973 decision</a>&nbsp;that legalized abortion nationwide. Specifically, it highlights the inevitable confrontation between new abortion bans being prepared in anticipation of Roe’s reversal and state constitutions.“There are states where this is to some extent unknown and an issue that state courts will likely have to confront,” said Helene Krasnof, vice president of public policy, litigation and law for abortion rights advocates Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “But this is an issue that’s present in Iowa in this very moment.”The Iowa Supreme Court decision that’s under consideration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/882e886e3a504e34b6586aa5b882f77f">struck down a 2017 law</a>&nbsp;signed by then-Gov. Terry Branstad requiring a woman to wait 72 hours before receiving an abortion. The court ruled 5-2 that an abortion is a fundamental right protected by the state constitution’s guarantee of liberty.“Autonomy and dominion over one’s body go to the very heart of what it means to be free,” wrote then-Chief Justice Mark Cady, who died in 2019. “Implicit in the concept of ordered liberty is the ability to decide whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy.”Since that decision, Branstad’s successor, Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, has signed other restrictions, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-des-moines-47954c73f5be430f842fe8bfe1b2b9bb">outlawing abortion once cardiac activity is detected in the embryo</a>&nbsp;and requiring a 24-hour waiting period. Both measures were struck down in state district court. Reynolds appealed the waiting-period decision to the Iowa Supreme Court last year.In the years since Cady’s opinion, Reynolds has appointed four of the court’s seven members. The Republican-controlled Legislature also gave her more control over the process of selecting the panel that recommends potential nominees.Drake University Law School professor Sally Frank said if the court were to overturn a right established only four years ago, it “would give an even more political look to a decision here than the U.S. Supreme Court.”Yet abortion opponents argued that court rulings in a half-dozen states, including Iowa, are examples of laws inappropriately established by judges rather than elected officials.“This case presents the opportunity for the Iowa Supreme Court to return the issue back to the people to decide through their elected representatives in the Legislature,” said Mallory Carroll, a spokeswoman for the anti-abortion Susan B. Anthony List.Polls indicate support for keeping abortion legal. The Des Moines Register Iowa Poll found in September that 57% supported keeping abortion legal in most or all cases, compared with 38% who said it should be illegal in most or all cases. According to AP VoteCast, a 2020 survey of the electorate, 65% of Iowa voters said the U.S. Supreme Court should leave Roe v. Wade as it is, while a third said it should be overturned.Reynolds has said she is “proud of the legislation she signed in 2018,” including the ban on abortions once cardiac activity is detected, as early as six weeks and before many women know they are pregnant. While the measure included exceptions to protect the life of the mother and for pregnancies that are the result of incest or rape, Reynolds recently declined to endorse any exceptions.“I’m not going to set any parameters,” she told reporters last week. “We have a ruling before the Iowa Supreme Court and we’re going to wait and see what they do, and that actually will affect what our next steps are moving forward.”Supreme courts in Alaska, Florida, Kansas, Montana and Minnesota have ruled that their constitutions protect the right to abortion. Among them, Republicans hold legislative majorities and the governorships in Florida and Montana.In Montana and Florida, challenges to abortion restrictions are before those states’ supreme courts.Majority Republicans in the Kansas Legislature are seeking to invalidate a 2019 state Supreme Court decision that declared access to abortion a “fundamental right” with a referendum on the August primary ballot to amend the state constitution.Iowa Republicans also are pursuing a constitutional amendment that specifies the state constitution does not recognize, grant, or secure a right to abortion. The amendment could not stop the Legislature from enacting a statutory right to abortion, but would present an obstacle to any court weighing what the state would be required to enforce.The measure needs a second approval in the Legislature and will likely come up next year, Salmon, the GOP state lawmaker, said. If approved it would go before voters, probably in 2024.It’s the removal of the abortion guarantee in the 2018 court ruling that would clear the way for lawmakers to ban the procedure, Salmon’s ultimate goal.“That means that abortion would not be a service offered in this state,” Salmon said.___

Courts stymie abortion bans in GOP-led states

By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/commission-recommends-new-names-for-9-army-bases-to-end-ties-to-confederacy/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The group in charge 
of renaming military installations that have continued to honor 
Confederates released its recommendations for nine bases on Tuesday.

The Naming Commission, created by Congress in a defense authorization
 bill, is set to give its final report to the U.S. House and Senate 
Armed Services committees before Oct. 1, though its recommendations this
 week show where changes are likely to occur.

The group, made up of eight individuals including retired military 
officers, proposed changing the names of three Virginia installations, 
two Georgia bases, and one facility each in Alabama, Louisiana, North 
Carolina and Texas.

​​“This was an exhaustive process that entailed hundreds of hours of 
research, community engagement and internal deliberations,” retired Navy
 Adm. Michelle Howard, chair of the Naming Commission, said in a 
statement.

“This recommendation list includes American heroes whose stories 
deserve to be told and remembered; people who fought and sacrificed 
greatly on behalf of our nation.”

In Georgia, ​​Fort Benning would be renamed Fort Moore after Lt. Gen.
 Hal and Julia Moore, and Fort Gordon would be renamed Fort Eisenhower 
after General of the Army Dwight Eisenhower.

Hal Moore had a 32-year career in the U.S. Army that spanned from 
1945 to 1977, including deployments in Japan, Korea, Norway and Vietnam.

During the Vietnam War, while he was deployed, Julia worked to change
 the way the U.S. military handled death notifications, which at the 
time were delivered by cabbies carrying a telegram.

“Her complaints to the Pentagon led to the creation of casualty 
notification teams (as well as survivor support networks) that still 
carry out this difficult task today,” the commission writes.

Eisenhower, who began his education at West Point in 1911, would go 
on to become the Supreme Commander of Allied Expeditionary Forces 
throughout Europe during World War II. He was also the first Supreme 
Allied Commander Europe for NATO before he was elected as U.S. president
 in 1952 and re-elected in 1956.

In North Carolina, Fort Bragg would be renamed Fort Liberty. The 
commission wrote: “At the greatest moments of its history, the United 
States Army and its soldiers have earned our nation’s liberty, secured 
it for all Americans, and expanded it internationally.”

Louisiana’s Fort Polk would be renamed Fort Johnson after Sgt. 
William Henry Johnson, a Black soldier who enlisted in the segregated 
military and during World War I became “the United States’ first hero of
 the Great War, immediately receiving the French Croix de Guerre for his
 actions.”

“Upon returning to Jim Crow America, he was not awarded equal 
benefits as white soldiers,” the commission writes. “Unable to 
effectively work as a result of his wounds and lacking appropriate 
treatment for them, he died destitute in 1929. Though buried with 
military honors in Arlington National Cemetery, he faded from major 
memory for most of a century. Indeed, even his resting place was unknown
 for most of that time.”

Johnson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in 1996 and the Distinguished Service Cross in 2002.

In Texas, Fort Hood would be named Fort Cavazos for Gen. Richard 
Cavazos, who enrolled in the ROTC program at Texas Technical University 
and was commissioned into the Army right after graduation in 1951.

His actions during the Korean and Vietnam wars would earn him the 
Distinguished Service Cross, two Legions of Merit, a Silver Star, five 
Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and many other medals.

“In 1982, he became the first Hispanic-American to pin on four stars,” the commission wrote.

Alabama’s Fort Rucker would be renamed as Fort Novosel after Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. Novosel, Sr.

Novosel served in World War II in the Army Air Corps, in Korea in the
 Air Force and in Vietnam as an Army warrant officer and helicopter 
pilot.

“Assigned to Vietnam as a ‘Dustoff’ pilot, he flew helicopters 
evacuating combat zone casualties; a dangerous mission in which 
approximately one third of all medevac pilots became casualties 
themselves,” the commission wrote. “In Novosel’s two tours in Vietnam, 
he flew 2,543 extraction missions, rescuing over 5,500 seriously wounded
 soldiers.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/2022/05/24/federal-commission-recommends-new-names-for-military-bases-named-for-confederates/">In Virginia</a>,
 Fort A.P. Hill would be renamed Fort Walker after Dr. Mary Walker, Fort
 Lee would become Fort Gregg-Adams after Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. 
Col. Charity Adams, and Fort Pickett would be renamed Fort Barfoot after
 Tech. Sgt. Van T. Barfoot.

Walker became the first female surgeon in Army history in 1863 and received the Medal of Honor in 1865.

The Commission wrote that “proud of her service and committed to the 
causes of equality for which she served, Mary Walker continued to wear 
the medal everyday thereafter, including through five decades of 
campaigning for women’s equality and women’s rights.”

Adams joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps in 1942 before being 
selected to command the first unit of Black women to serve overseas in 
1944.

“Gender discrimination limited her promotion to lieutenant colonel, 
the highest rank attainable by any woman during the war. But her 
effectiveness was made clear when it took three units of men to replace 
her battalion after they disbanded,” the commission wrote.

Gregg, who would share the base name with Adams, enlisted in the Army
 in 1945 and was a soldier in 1948 when Truman ordered the armed forces 
to desegregate. “Gregg did so with great skill, leading by example and 
embarking on a career of excellence,” the commission wrote.

Barfoot enlisted in the Army in 1940, later receiving the Medal of 
Honor for his actions in May 1944 in Italy while fighting Nazi German 
soldiers. He would stay in the military for 34 years, including tours in
 Korea and Vietnam.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in a statement Tuesday 
that he’s pleased to see the Naming Commission making progress and that 
he looks forward to seeing the completed report later this year.

“Today’s announcement,” Austin said, “highlights the Commission’s 
efforts to propose nine new installation names that reflect the courage,
 values, sacrifices, and diversity of our military men and women.”

By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/commission-recommends-new-names-for-9-army-bases-to-end-ties-to-confederacy/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The group in charge 
of renaming military installations that have continued to honor 
Confederates released its recommendations for nine bases on Tuesday.The Naming Commission, created by Congress in a defense authorization
 bill, is set to give its final report to the U.S. House and Senate 
Armed Services committees before Oct. 1, though its recommendations this
 week show where changes are likely to occur.The group, made up of eight individuals including retired military 
officers, proposed changing the names of three Virginia installations, 
two Georgia bases, and one facility each in Alabama, Louisiana, North 
Carolina and Texas.​​“This was an exhaustive process that entailed hundreds of hours of 
research, community engagement and internal deliberations,” retired Navy
 Adm. Michelle Howard, chair of the Naming Commission, said in a 
statement.“This recommendation list includes American heroes whose stories 
deserve to be told and remembered; people who fought and sacrificed 
greatly on behalf of our nation.”<h2>Georgia bases</h2>In Georgia, ​​Fort Benning would be renamed Fort Moore after Lt. Gen.
 Hal and Julia Moore, and Fort Gordon would be renamed Fort Eisenhower 
after General of the Army Dwight Eisenhower.Hal Moore had a 32-year career in the U.S. Army that spanned from 
1945 to 1977, including deployments in Japan, Korea, Norway and Vietnam.During the Vietnam War, while he was deployed, Julia worked to change
 the way the U.S. military handled death notifications, which at the 
time were delivered by cabbies carrying a telegram.“Her complaints to the Pentagon led to the creation of casualty 
notification teams (as well as survivor support networks) that still 
carry out this difficult task today,” the commission writes.Eisenhower, who began his education at West Point in 1911, would go 
on to become the Supreme Commander of Allied Expeditionary Forces 
throughout Europe during World War II. He was also the first Supreme 
Allied Commander Europe for NATO before he was elected as U.S. president
 in 1952 and re-elected in 1956.<h2>North Carolina, Louisiana</h2>In North Carolina, Fort Bragg would be renamed Fort Liberty. The 
commission wrote: “At the greatest moments of its history, the United 
States Army and its soldiers have earned our nation’s liberty, secured 
it for all Americans, and expanded it internationally.”Louisiana’s Fort Polk would be renamed Fort Johnson after Sgt. 
William Henry Johnson, a Black soldier who enlisted in the segregated 
military and during World War I became “the United States’ first hero of
 the Great War, immediately receiving the French Croix de Guerre for his
 actions.”“Upon returning to Jim Crow America, he was not awarded equal 
benefits as white soldiers,” the commission writes. “Unable to 
effectively work as a result of his wounds and lacking appropriate 
treatment for them, he died destitute in 1929. Though buried with 
military honors in Arlington National Cemetery, he faded from major 
memory for most of a century. Indeed, even his resting place was unknown
 for most of that time.”Johnson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in 1996 and the Distinguished Service Cross in 2002.<h2>Texas, Alabama</h2>In Texas, Fort Hood would be named Fort Cavazos for Gen. Richard 
Cavazos, who enrolled in the ROTC program at Texas Technical University 
and was commissioned into the Army right after graduation in 1951.His actions during the Korean and Vietnam wars would earn him the 
Distinguished Service Cross, two Legions of Merit, a Silver Star, five 
Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and many other medals.“In 1982, he became the first Hispanic-American to pin on four stars,” the commission wrote.Alabama’s Fort Rucker would be renamed as Fort Novosel after Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. Novosel, Sr.Novosel served in World War II in the Army Air Corps, in Korea in the
 Air Force and in Vietnam as an Army warrant officer and helicopter 
pilot.“Assigned to Vietnam as a ‘Dustoff’ pilot, he flew helicopters 
evacuating combat zone casualties; a dangerous mission in which 
approximately one third of all medevac pilots became casualties 
themselves,” the commission wrote. “In Novosel’s two tours in Vietnam, 
he flew 2,543 extraction missions, rescuing over 5,500 seriously wounded
 soldiers.”3 bases in Virginia<a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/2022/05/24/federal-commission-recommends-new-names-for-military-bases-named-for-confederates/">In Virginia</a>,
 Fort A.P. Hill would be renamed Fort Walker after Dr. Mary Walker, Fort
 Lee would become Fort Gregg-Adams after Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. 
Col. Charity Adams, and Fort Pickett would be renamed Fort Barfoot after
 Tech. Sgt. Van T. Barfoot.Walker became the first female surgeon in Army history in 1863 and received the Medal of Honor in 1865.The Commission wrote that “proud of her service and committed to the 
causes of equality for which she served, Mary Walker continued to wear 
the medal everyday thereafter, including through five decades of 
campaigning for women’s equality and women’s rights.”Adams joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps in 1942 before being 
selected to command the first unit of Black women to serve overseas in 
1944.“Gender discrimination limited her promotion to lieutenant colonel, 
the highest rank attainable by any woman during the war. But her 
effectiveness was made clear when it took three units of men to replace 
her battalion after they disbanded,” the commission wrote.Gregg, who would share the base name with Adams, enlisted in the Army
 in 1945 and was a soldier in 1948 when Truman ordered the armed forces 
to desegregate. “Gregg did so with great skill, leading by example and 
embarking on a career of excellence,” the commission wrote.Barfoot enlisted in the Army in 1940, later receiving the Medal of 
Honor for his actions in May 1944 in Italy while fighting Nazi German 
soldiers. He would stay in the military for 34 years, including tours in
 Korea and Vietnam.Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in a statement Tuesday 
that he’s pleased to see the Naming Commission making progress and that 
he looks forward to seeing the completed report later this year.“Today’s announcement,” Austin said, “highlights the Commission’s 
efforts to propose nine new installation names that reflect the courage,
 values, sacrifices, and diversity of our military men and women.”

Name changes for 9 Army bases to end ties to Confederacy recommended

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;3,114 new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday May 18, to Wednesday May 25, for a total of 785,916 cases.

<a href="https://eaglepost.netlify.app/dashboard/littleapple/posts/e934d6dc-37db-451e-8c65-7278e0aa6cf0">The state reported</a> 137 additional COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,939.

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

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

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

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

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;3,114 new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday May 18, to Wednesday May 25, for a total of 785,916 cases.<a href="https://eaglepost.netlify.app/dashboard/littleapple/posts/e934d6dc-37db-451e-8c65-7278e0aa6cf0">The state reported</a> 137 additional COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,939.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653497884452.png" alt="Wednesday May 25, 2022 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday May 25, 2022 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continue to support access to free COVID-19 testing, work to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.