WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has failed vote in an effort toward enshrining Roe v. Wade abortion access into federal law. Wednesday's 51-49 negative vote almost along party lines provided a stark display of the nation’s partisan divide over the landmark court decision and the limits of legislative action.

Kansas senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran said, " This legislation would have permitted unborn children to be terminated at any point for any reason. Additionally, this legislation would have eliminated conscience protections for health care providers who object to terminating human life and abolished state laws, such as waiting periods or requiring parental consent for minors to obtain an abortion. 

Not only is this legislation immoral, it is far outside the mainstream of American opinion and would have placed the United States alongside China and North Korea as outliers with the world’s most permissive abortion laws.”

 The afternoon roll call promised to be the first of several efforts in Congress to preserve the nearly 50-year-old court ruling. 

“This bill is the most egregious, horrific attack on the lives of unborn children and the health of moms in American history,”&nbsp;Senator Roger Marshall said.&nbsp;

"While the overturning of Roe vs Wade&nbsp;simply returns this emotional issue to the states, to the elected voice of the people, this bill would invalidate any and all state laws that protect the unborn child and the&nbsp;health and well-being of the mom," said Marshall.

President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass legislation that would guarantee the constitutional right to abortion services after the disclosure of a draft Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade. But Democrats in the split Senate lacked the votes to overcome a Republican-led filibuster.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652301407219.png" alt="Senator Roger Marshall spoke prior to the Wednesday afternoon vote-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Senator Roger Marshall spoke prior to the Wednesday afternoon vote-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has failed vote in an effort toward enshrining Roe v. Wade abortion access into federal law. Wednesday's 51-49 negative vote almost along party lines provided a stark display of the nation’s partisan divide over the landmark court decision and the limits of legislative action.Kansas senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran said, " This legislation would have permitted unborn children to be terminated at any point for any reason. Additionally, this legislation would have eliminated conscience protections for health care providers who object to terminating human life and abolished state laws, such as waiting periods or requiring parental consent for minors to obtain an abortion. Not only is this legislation immoral, it is far outside the mainstream of American opinion and would have placed the United States alongside China and North Korea as outliers with the world’s most permissive abortion laws.” The afternoon roll call promised to be the first of several efforts in Congress to preserve the nearly 50-year-old court ruling. “This bill is the most egregious, horrific attack on the lives of unborn children and the health of moms in American history,”&nbsp;Senator Roger Marshall said.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kZ1rTVDANBQ?start=2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>"While the overturning of Roe vs Wade&nbsp;simply returns this emotional issue to the states, to the elected voice of the people, this bill would invalidate any and all state laws that protect the unborn child and the&nbsp;health and well-being of the mom," said Marshall.President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass legislation that would guarantee the constitutional right to abortion services after the disclosure of a draft Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade. But Democrats in the split Senate lacked the votes to overcome a Republican-led filibuster.

🎥Abortion vote: Effort to secure Roe v. Wade falls to filibuster

NEW YORK (AP) — More than 107,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year, setting another tragic record in the nation’s escalating overdose epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated Wednesday.

The provisional 2021 total translates to roughly one U.S. overdose death every 5 minutes. It marked a 15% increase from the previous record, set the year before. The CDC reviews death certificates and then makes an estimate to account for delayed and incomplete reporting.

Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, called the latest numbers “truly staggering.”

The White House issued a statement calling the accelerating pace of overdose deaths “unacceptable” and promoting its recently announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-science-health-medication-congress-e97c2b7ffb5bd8f79a8a1277a6b56588">national drug control strategy</a>. It calls for measures like connecting more people to treatment, disrupting drug trafficking and expanding access to the overdose-reversing medication naloxone.

U.S. overdose deaths have risen most years for more than two decades. The increase began in the 1990s with overdoses involving opioid painkillers, followed by waves of deaths led by other opioids like heroin and — most recently — illicit fentanyl.

Last year, overdoses involving fentanyl and other synthetic opioids surpassed 71,000, up 23% from the year before. There also was a 23% increase in deaths involving cocaine and a 34% increase in deaths involving meth and other stimulants.

Overdose deaths are often attributed to more than one drug. Some people take multiple drugs and inexpensive fentanyl has been increasingly cut into other drugs, often without the buyers’ knowledge, officials say.

“The net effect is that we have many more people, including those who use drugs occasionally and even adolescents, exposed to these potent substances that can cause someone to overdose even with a relatively small exposure,” Volkow said in a statement.

Experts say the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem as lockdowns and other restrictions isolated those with drug addictions and made treatment harder to get.

Overdose death trends are geographically uneven. Alaska saw a 75% increase in 2021 — the largest jump of any state. In Hawaii, overdose deaths fell by 2%.

NEW YORK (AP) — More than 107,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year, setting another tragic record in the nation’s escalating overdose epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated Wednesday.The provisional 2021 total translates to roughly one U.S. overdose death every 5 minutes. It marked a 15% increase from the previous record, set the year before. The CDC reviews death certificates and then makes an estimate to account for delayed and incomplete reporting.Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, called the latest numbers “truly staggering.”The White House issued a statement calling the accelerating pace of overdose deaths “unacceptable” and promoting its recently announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-science-health-medication-congress-e97c2b7ffb5bd8f79a8a1277a6b56588">national drug control strategy</a>. It calls for measures like connecting more people to treatment, disrupting drug trafficking and expanding access to the overdose-reversing medication naloxone.U.S. overdose deaths have risen most years for more than two decades. The increase began in the 1990s with overdoses involving opioid painkillers, followed by waves of deaths led by other opioids like heroin and — most recently — illicit fentanyl.Last year, overdoses involving fentanyl and other synthetic opioids surpassed 71,000, up 23% from the year before. There also was a 23% increase in deaths involving cocaine and a 34% increase in deaths involving meth and other stimulants.Overdose deaths are often attributed to more than one drug. Some people take multiple drugs and inexpensive fentanyl has been increasingly cut into other drugs, often without the buyers’ knowledge, officials say.“The net effect is that we have many more people, including those who use drugs occasionally and even adolescents, exposed to these potent substances that can cause someone to overdose even with a relatively small exposure,” Volkow said in a statement.Experts say the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem as lockdowns and other restrictions isolated those with drug addictions and made treatment harder to get.Overdose death trends are geographically uneven. Alaska saw a 75% increase in 2021 — the largest jump of any state. In Hawaii, overdose deaths fell by 2%.

CDC: US overdose deaths hit record 107,000 last year

DULUTH, Georgia —AGCO, the worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment with facilities at 402 West Lincoln Blvd. in Hesston, Kansas announced that on May 5, it was subject to a ransomware attack that has impacted some of its production facilities. 

According to the company website, AGCO is still investigating the extent of the attack, but it is anticipated that its business operations will be adversely affected for several days and potentially longer to fully resume all services depending upon how quickly the Company is able to repair its systems. 

"Our expectations with regard to resolving the issues are forward-looking statements, and actual results could be materially different due to a number of factors, including our ability to successfully reinstall software and restore IT operations at the effected sites."

The company will provide updates as the situation progresses, according to the company web site.

DULUTH, Georgia —AGCO, the worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment with facilities at 402 West Lincoln Blvd. in Hesston, Kansas announced that on May 5, it was subject to a ransomware attack that has impacted some of its production facilities. According to the company website, AGCO is still investigating the extent of the attack, but it is anticipated that its business operations will be adversely affected for several days and potentially longer to fully resume all services depending upon how quickly the Company is able to repair its systems. "Our expectations with regard to resolving the issues are forward-looking statements, and actual results could be materially different due to a number of factors, including our ability to successfully reinstall software and restore IT operations at the effected sites."The company will provide updates as the situation progresses, according to the company web site.

Ag machinery firm AGCO investigating ransomware attack

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden warned voters unhappy with soaring inflation and his stalled domestic agenda against turning power over to “ultra-MAGA” Republicans in the midterm elections as he increasingly tries to cast former President Donald Trump and his adherents as a political foil.

(Click below to listen to the President's comments)

Speaking at the White House less than six months before the elections, Biden acknowledged that he could “taste” the country’s dissatisfaction with Washington, particularly over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-united-states-economy-layoffs-prices-85ee014b63a7000ed0bd08878d9d4b20">rising prices,</a>&nbsp;but he sought to channel the anger against the GOP.

“Look, I know you’ve got to be frustrated,” he said. “I know, I can taste it. Frustrated by high prices, by gridlock in Congress, by the time it takes to get anything done.

“The MAGA Republicans are counting on you to be as frustrated by the pace of progress, which they’ve done everything they can to slow down, that you will hand power over to them ... so they can enact their extreme agenda,” Biden said.

Biden’s branding of his opposition as “ultra-MAGA Republicans” — a reference to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan — has emerged as a White House trope in recent weeks as the White House hopes for a pre-midterms reset for Democrats, who face stiff headwinds heading into the November elections. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that “it’s the president’s phrase.”

It is a message seemingly aimed directly at the listless and divided base of Biden’s own party, as Democrats struggle to keep their voters motivated, as well as at some moderate voters who still recoil at the memory of Trump’s tumultuous tenure in office.

“Look, I think Biden needs to motivate his base ahead of the midterms. And nothing motivates Democrats like voting against Trump,” said GOP strategist Alex Conant. “Trump’s not on the ballot this fall. But Biden is going to try to convince voters that he is.”

“They’re not going to run on his record. They’re not going to make big, bold policy promises,” he said, so that leaves villainizing the opponent “and the best way to do that is to tie him to Trump.”

For Democrats, who have unified control of Washington, running against the minority party is risky, as even Biden acknowledged that voters tend to blame those in control for the nation’s state of affairs.

But the White House believes Republicans have thrown them a lifeline, in the form of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-florida-donald-trump-congress-46e4862dfe2709e0408f56551c999968">GOP Sen. Rick Scott’s 11-point plan</a>, released in late February, that would impose a modest tax increase on many of the lowest-paid Americans, while opening the door for cutting Social Security and Medicare.

The plan, meant as a draft governing agenda for when the GOP retakes power, has been rejected by many Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. But that is not stopping Biden and Democrats from trying to tie Republicans to it more broadly. Scott, R-Fla., is the chairman of the Senate Republicans’ campaign arm and a member of Senate GOP leadership.

“That’s a plan in writing and he’s in the leadership,” Biden said.

Biden argued that the potential tax hikes would make it even harder for families struggling with inflation to afford food, housing and transportation, as prices rise at the fastest pace in four decades.

“I want every American to know that I’m taking inflation very seriously, and it’s my top domestic priority,” Biden said.

Scott fired back in comments Tuesday, calling on Biden to resign, and deeming him “unfit” for the job.

“I have a plan. I mean, it’s real simple,” he told reporters. “I put out my ideas and how we need to rescue this country. He doesn’t have a plan. And you didn’t hear any ideas today. I mean, he says he was going to come up with his ideas and fix inflation.”

In recent days, the White House has extended the “ultra-MAGA” label to broader criticism of Republicans on other matters, including the push to overturn the constitutional right to an abortion established in the Roe v. Wade decision of the Supreme Court.

Biden believes most general election voters haven’t yet tuned in to the midterms and are missing what it views as “extreme” positions taken by GOP candidates and lawmakers, particularly in primaries, according to two people familiar with the White House’s thinking who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. They said the president’s new branding for Republicans is meant to spotlight candidates and policies that may energize the GOP’s grassroots but that he believes are out of step with the majority of voters, sharpening the choice facing voters this November.

Speaking Monday night at a Democratic fundraiser, Biden tested out the “ultra-MAGA” messaging with donors, referencing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ moves to restrict some textbooks from being used in the classroom and Scott’s plan to require regular congressional reauthorization of social safety net programs.

“This is not your father’s Republican Party,” Biden said. This is a MAGA party. This is the MAGA party. And the head of their Republican campaign committee, Senator Rick Scott, the Ultra-MAGA agenda he put forward, he raises taxes on 70 million people who make well less than $100,000.”

On Capitol Hill, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was echoing Biden’s line as he pushed for Congress to enshrine abortion rights into law.

“Now the MAGA Republicans have taken over,” he said. “If MAGA Republicans get their way, pregnant women can lose their lives because there will be no exception if the life of the mother is at risk.”

John Anzalone, a Democratic pollster who has worked for Biden, said it’s important to draw sharp contrasts with political opponents.”

“Whether you’re in a governor’s race in Michigan or you’re in a Senate race in New Hampshire, those contrasts become really important, because it’s good for voters to know what each side stands for,” he said. “You’re talking to swing voters, without a doubt, because at the end of the day, independents, swing voters, moderates can make or break a cycle for Democrats and Republicans.”

Speaking Tuesday, Biden, who ran for office aiming to heal the nation’s divisions, said, “I never expected the ultra-MAGA Republicans who seem to control the Republican Party now to have been able to control the Republican Party. I never anticipated that happening.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden warned voters unhappy with soaring inflation and his stalled domestic agenda against turning power over to “ultra-MAGA” Republicans in the midterm elections as he increasingly tries to cast former President Donald Trump and his adherents as a political foil.(Click below to listen to the President's comments)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1350686248776483%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1237" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Speaking at the White House less than six months before the elections, Biden acknowledged that he could “taste” the country’s dissatisfaction with Washington, particularly over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-united-states-economy-layoffs-prices-85ee014b63a7000ed0bd08878d9d4b20">rising prices,</a>&nbsp;but he sought to channel the anger against the GOP.“Look, I know you’ve got to be frustrated,” he said. “I know, I can taste it. Frustrated by high prices, by gridlock in Congress, by the time it takes to get anything done.“The MAGA Republicans are counting on you to be as frustrated by the pace of progress, which they’ve done everything they can to slow down, that you will hand power over to them ... so they can enact their extreme agenda,” Biden said.Biden’s branding of his opposition as “ultra-MAGA Republicans” — a reference to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan — has emerged as a White House trope in recent weeks as the White House hopes for a pre-midterms reset for Democrats, who face stiff headwinds heading into the November elections. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that “it’s the president’s phrase.”It is a message seemingly aimed directly at the listless and divided base of Biden’s own party, as Democrats struggle to keep their voters motivated, as well as at some moderate voters who still recoil at the memory of Trump’s tumultuous tenure in office.“Look, I think Biden needs to motivate his base ahead of the midterms. And nothing motivates Democrats like voting against Trump,” said GOP strategist Alex Conant. “Trump’s not on the ballot this fall. But Biden is going to try to convince voters that he is.”Biden, Conant argued, has little choice.“They’re not going to run on his record. They’re not going to make big, bold policy promises,” he said, so that leaves villainizing the opponent “and the best way to do that is to tie him to Trump.”<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fposts%2F317494653897995&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="648" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>For Democrats, who have unified control of Washington, running against the minority party is risky, as even Biden acknowledged that voters tend to blame those in control for the nation’s state of affairs.But the White House believes Republicans have thrown them a lifeline, in the form of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-florida-donald-trump-congress-46e4862dfe2709e0408f56551c999968">GOP Sen. Rick Scott’s 11-point plan</a>, released in late February, that would impose a modest tax increase on many of the lowest-paid Americans, while opening the door for cutting Social Security and Medicare.The plan, meant as a draft governing agenda for when the GOP retakes power, has been rejected by many Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. But that is not stopping Biden and Democrats from trying to tie Republicans to it more broadly. Scott, R-Fla., is the chairman of the Senate Republicans’ campaign arm and a member of Senate GOP leadership.“That’s a plan in writing and he’s in the leadership,” Biden said.Biden argued that the potential tax hikes would make it even harder for families struggling with inflation to afford food, housing and transportation, as prices rise at the fastest pace in four decades.“I want every American to know that I’m taking inflation very seriously, and it’s my top domestic priority,” Biden said.Scott fired back in comments Tuesday, calling on Biden to resign, and deeming him “unfit” for the job.“I have a plan. I mean, it’s real simple,” he told reporters. “I put out my ideas and how we need to rescue this country. He doesn’t have a plan. And you didn’t hear any ideas today. I mean, he says he was going to come up with his ideas and fix inflation.”In recent days, the White House has extended the “ultra-MAGA” label to broader criticism of Republicans on other matters, including the push to overturn the constitutional right to an abortion established in the Roe v. Wade decision of the Supreme Court.Biden believes most general election voters haven’t yet tuned in to the midterms and are missing what it views as “extreme” positions taken by GOP candidates and lawmakers, particularly in primaries, according to two people familiar with the White House’s thinking who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. They said the president’s new branding for Republicans is meant to spotlight candidates and policies that may energize the GOP’s grassroots but that he believes are out of step with the majority of voters, sharpening the choice facing voters this November.Speaking Monday night at a Democratic fundraiser, Biden tested out the “ultra-MAGA” messaging with donors, referencing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ moves to restrict some textbooks from being used in the classroom and Scott’s plan to require regular congressional reauthorization of social safety net programs.“This is not your father’s Republican Party,” Biden said. This is a MAGA party. This is the MAGA party. And the head of their Republican campaign committee, Senator Rick Scott, the Ultra-MAGA agenda he put forward, he raises taxes on 70 million people who make well less than $100,000.”On Capitol Hill, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was echoing Biden’s line as he pushed for Congress to enshrine abortion rights into law.“Now the MAGA Republicans have taken over,” he said. “If MAGA Republicans get their way, pregnant women can lose their lives because there will be no exception if the life of the mother is at risk.”John Anzalone, a Democratic pollster who has worked for Biden, said it’s important to draw sharp contrasts with political opponents.”“Whether you’re in a governor’s race in Michigan or you’re in a Senate race in New Hampshire, those contrasts become really important, because it’s good for voters to know what each side stands for,” he said. “You’re talking to swing voters, without a doubt, because at the end of the day, independents, swing voters, moderates can make or break a cycle for Democrats and Republicans.”Speaking Tuesday, Biden, who ran for office aiming to heal the nation’s divisions, said, “I never expected the ultra-MAGA Republicans who seem to control the Republican Party now to have been able to control the Republican Party. I never anticipated that happening.”

🎥Pres. Biden: I know you are frustrated by high prices

FORT RILEY —Maj. Gen. John Meyer III assumed command of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Wednesday. He called this an extra special experience to come home to Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division.&nbsp;

Meyer first served at Fort Riley 24 years ago in the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team,&nbsp; and noted that it was extra special for him to come to the Post and the 1st Infantry Division. He called it "very humbling." Meyer also noted that he looked forward to working with the post and community leaders.

Meyer succeeds Maj. Gen. ( Promotable ) D.A. Sims who will serve with the Joint Staff in Washington D.C.&nbsp; Sims told a change of command audience on the Cavalry Parade Field that in his 31 years in the he had not had any job like this one. "In the past two years we have seen the best of America."

He referred to Fort Riley initiatives that have occurred during his time at the Post including the Year of Honor recognition of 37 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients that have served during the history of the 1st Infantry Division. Sims added that he has also observed during his two years at the installation, the formation of cohesive teams that cannot lose on the field of battle.

Sims referred to Fort Riley's relationship with Kansas State University. "Although we wear camouflage we bleed purple at Fort Riley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652288276239.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Photo by - Kari Crump -Change of Command at Fort Riley " />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Photo by - Kari Crump -Change of Command at Fort Riley </figcaption>
 </figure>FORT RILEY —Maj. Gen. John Meyer III assumed command of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Wednesday. He called this an extra special experience to come home to Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division.&nbsp;Meyer first served at Fort Riley 24 years ago in the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team,&nbsp; and noted that it was extra special for him to come to the Post and the 1st Infantry Division. He called it "very humbling." Meyer also noted that he looked forward to working with the post and community leaders.Meyer succeeds Maj. Gen. ( Promotable ) D.A. Sims who will serve with the Joint Staff in Washington D.C.&nbsp; Sims told a change of command audience on the Cavalry Parade Field that in his 31 years in the he had not had any job like this one. "In the past two years we have seen the best of America."He referred to Fort Riley initiatives that have occurred during his time at the Post including the Year of Honor recognition of 37 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients that have served during the history of the 1st Infantry Division. Sims added that he has also observed during his two years at the installation, the formation of cohesive teams that cannot lose on the field of battle.Sims referred to Fort Riley's relationship with Kansas State University. "Although we wear camouflage we bleed purple at Fort Riley.

New leadership takes command at Fort Riley 

OLATHE, Kan. —Governor Laura Kelly made an appearance at a grocery store in Olathe to sign legislation to axe the food tax in Kansas. 

"This is a huge win for our state and, once fully implemented, will save Kansas families hundreds of dollars a year."

House <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2106/">Bill 2106 </a>will take effect January 1, 2023, reducing the state sales tax on groceries from 6.5% to 4.0%. On January 1, 2024, the rate will reduce to 2.0%, and the state sales tax on groceries will be completely eliminated beginning January 1, 2025.

Kansans pay the second highest state sales&nbsp;tax&nbsp;on groceries at 6.5% driving some families along our border communities to other states for savings. Signing this&nbsp;bill&nbsp;means local grocers and other businesses will begin to see increased revenues by keeping Kansas dollars in Kansas.

The&nbsp; plan&nbsp;would save taxpayers about $740 million over three years, and a family spending $200 a week on groceries would save $208 in 2023.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652291381297.png" alt="Laura Kelly" />
 <figcaption>Laura Kelly</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. —Governor Laura Kelly made an appearance at a grocery store in Olathe to sign legislation to axe the food tax in Kansas. "This is a huge win for our state and, once fully implemented, will save Kansas families hundreds of dollars a year."House <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2106/">Bill 2106 </a>will take effect January 1, 2023, reducing the state sales tax on groceries from 6.5% to 4.0%. On January 1, 2024, the rate will reduce to 2.0%, and the state sales tax on groceries will be completely eliminated beginning January 1, 2025.Kansans pay the second highest state sales&nbsp;tax&nbsp;on groceries at 6.5% driving some families along our border communities to other states for savings. Signing this&nbsp;bill&nbsp;means local grocers and other businesses will begin to see increased revenues by keeping Kansas dollars in Kansas.The&nbsp; plan&nbsp;would save taxpayers about $740 million over three years, and a family spending $200 a week on groceries would save $208 in 2023.&nbsp;

Gov. signs “Axe the Food Tax" legislation at Kan. grocery store

COWLEY COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting in rural south-central Kansas on May 3 that sent four people to the hospital have identified the victims as Cody McLaughlin, 33, Winfield; Bailey Rivers, 24,&nbsp; Elia Rodriguez, 36, and Juan Miguel Martinez, 20, all three of Arkansas City, according to Undersheriff Christina McDonald.

All four were in rural Cowley County when an unknown subject began firing at them.

They fled the area and ended up at the 7 Clans Casino&nbsp;North of Newkirk, Oklahoma,  to seek help. All four have been released from the hospital in Wichita and or Ponca City where they were receiving care.

&nbsp;Rivers and Martinez are being held in the Cowley County Jail on unrelated charges for Probation Violation Warrants, according to McDonald.

COWLEY COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent four people to the hospital.

On Tuesday, deputies in&nbsp; Cowley County, responded to report of four individuals who were discovered with gunshot wounds at the 7 Clans Casino North of Newkirk, Oklahoma, according to Cowley County Lt. Christina McDonald.

EMS transported two individuals to the Alliance Hospital in Ponca City, Oklahoma and the other two were transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment.&nbsp;One victim has been released from Wesley Medical Center and the other three are still receiving treatment.

Investigators learned the shooting occurred in rural Cowley County.

The Arkansas City Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kay County Sheriff’s Office, Otoe Missouri Tribal Police and the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation assisted with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652219898599.png" alt="Rivers-photo Cowley Co." />
 <figcaption>Rivers-photo Cowley Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting in rural south-central Kansas on May 3 that sent four people to the hospital have identified the victims as Cody McLaughlin, 33, Winfield; Bailey Rivers, 24,&nbsp; Elia Rodriguez, 36, and Juan Miguel Martinez, 20, all three of Arkansas City, according to Undersheriff Christina McDonald.All four were in rural Cowley County when an unknown subject began firing at them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652219950585.png" alt="Martinez-photo Cowley Co." />
 <figcaption>Martinez-photo Cowley Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>They fled the area and ended up at the 7 Clans Casino&nbsp;North of Newkirk, Oklahoma, to seek help. All four have been released from the hospital in Wichita and or Ponca City where they were receiving care.&nbsp;Rivers and Martinez are being held in the Cowley County Jail on unrelated charges for Probation Violation Warrants, according to McDonald.-------COWLEY COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent four people to the hospital.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651675471002.png" alt="The casino is located just south of the Kansas-Oklahoma state line in Newkirk-Google image" />
 <figcaption>The casino is located just south of the Kansas-Oklahoma state line in Newkirk-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, deputies in&nbsp; Cowley County, responded to report of four individuals who were discovered with gunshot wounds at the 7 Clans Casino North of Newkirk, Oklahoma, according to Cowley County Lt. Christina McDonald.EMS transported two individuals to the Alliance Hospital in Ponca City, Oklahoma and the other two were transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment.&nbsp;One victim has been released from Wesley Medical Center and the other three are still receiving treatment.Investigators learned the shooting occurred in rural Cowley County.The Arkansas City Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kay County Sheriff’s Office, Otoe Missouri Tribal Police and the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation assisted with the investigation.

2 Kan. shooting victims found at casino moved from hospital to jail

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating two separate homicides that occurred in Kansas City, Kansas on Mother's Day have identified the victims.

Just before 9p.m. Sunday, police responded to a shooting in the 200 Block of North 27th Street. They found 33-year-old Marcus M. Johnson with gunshot wounds, according to a media release. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he died.

Less than 30 minutes later,&nbsp; police responded to a shooting in the 7300 Block of State Avenue where they found the body of 28-year-old DeMonte Allen. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Both victims are residents of Kansas City, Kansas.

Police released no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating two separate homicides that occurred in Kansas City, Kansas on Mother's Day have identified the victims.Just before 9p.m. Sunday, police responded to a shooting in the 200 Block of North 27th Street. They found 33-year-old Marcus M. Johnson with gunshot wounds, according to a media release. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he died.Less than 30 minutes later,&nbsp; police responded to a shooting in the 7300 Block of State Avenue where they found the body of 28-year-old DeMonte Allen. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Both victims are residents of Kansas City, Kansas.Police released no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

Police ID victims in 2 separate homicides in KC on Mother's Day

TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities investigating a motorcycle crash that critically injured a woman have made an arrest.

Just before&nbsp;10:30 p.m. May 1, police attempted to stop a motorcycle for traffic infractions in the area of the 3500 block of SW 29th Terrace in Topeka, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz. The operator of the motorcycle later identified as 31-year-old Austen T. Burris of Topeka failed to stop and took off at a high rate of speed. 

The officers did not pursue and they lost sight of the motorcyle.

Just before 2a.m. May 2, officers saw the motorcycle again and this time Burris had a passenger. They attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of 17th and SW Western but the Burris again failed to stop and took off at a high rate of speed. Officers did not pursue and they last saw the motorcycle traveling westbound on SW 17th Street, according to Munoz.

. Approximately 10 minutes later, officers were in the area of SW 16th and SW College where they located the motorcycle after it had been involved in an accident.

Officers located a woman who was suffering from life-threating injuries. She was transported to a local hospital where she remains in critical condition. 

On May 9, police arrested Burris&nbsp;at 3513 SW 29th Street in Topeka following an attempt to locate issued by officers of the Accident Reconstruction Unit. Burris&nbsp;was booked into Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Failed to stop at accident; result in Great Bodily Injury, Felony Elude, Reckless Driving and Driving with Suspended Driver's License.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652204688115.png" alt="Burris-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Burris-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities investigating a motorcycle crash that critically injured a woman have made an arrest.Just before&nbsp;10:30 p.m. May 1, police attempted to stop a motorcycle for traffic infractions in the area of the 3500 block of SW 29th Terrace in Topeka, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz. The operator of the motorcycle later identified as 31-year-old Austen T. Burris of Topeka failed to stop and took off at a high rate of speed. The officers did not pursue and they lost sight of the motorcyle.Just before 2a.m. May 2, officers saw the motorcycle again and this time Burris had a passenger. They attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of 17th and SW Western but the Burris again failed to stop and took off at a high rate of speed. Officers did not pursue and they last saw the motorcycle traveling westbound on SW 17th Street, according to Munoz.. Approximately 10 minutes later, officers were in the area of SW 16th and SW College where they located the motorcycle after it had been involved in an accident.Officers located a woman who was suffering from life-threating injuries. She was transported to a local hospital where she remains in critical condition. On May 9, police arrested Burris&nbsp;at 3513 SW 29th Street in Topeka following an attempt to locate issued by officers of the Accident Reconstruction Unit. Burris&nbsp;was booked into Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Failed to stop at accident; result in Great Bodily Injury, Felony Elude, Reckless Driving and Driving with Suspended Driver's License.

Kan. man jailed after motorcycle crash that critically injured woman

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House emphatically approved a fresh $40 billion Ukraine aid package Tuesday as lawmakers beefed up President Joe Biden’s initial request, signaling a magnified, bipartisan commitment to thwart Russian President Vladimir Putin’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-united-nations-evacuations-3a5d2da4927c16ba2a659213fc0f7a42">bloody three-month-old invasion</a>.

The measure sailed to passage by a lopsided 368-57 margin. Two members of the Kansas congressional delegation, First District congressman Tracey Mann and Fourth District congressman Ron Estes voted against the bill.

The measure provides $7 billion more than Biden’s request from April and divides the increase evenly between defense and humanitarian programs.

The bill would give Ukraine military and economic assistance, help regional allies, replenish weapons the Pentagon has shipped overseas and provide $5 billion to address global food shortages caused by the war’s crippling of Ukraine’s normally robust production of many crops.

The measure was backed by every voting Democrat and by nearly 3 out of 4 Republicans. House debate reflected a perspective, shared broadly by both parties, that the U.S. has even more at stake than standing by Ukraine.

“The Ukrainian people, they need us, they are in desperate need of our support,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “Vladimir Putin and his cronies must be held responsible. This bill does that by protecting democracy, limiting Russian aggression and strengthening our own national security.”

“As China, Iran and North Korea watch our response, we must show the world that America stands firm with its allies and will do what is necessary to protect our interests abroad,” said Rep. Kay Granger of Texas, top Republican on that committee.

The new legislation would bring American support for the effort to nearly $54 billion, including the $13.6 billion in support Congress enacted in March. That’s about $6 billion more than the U.S. spent on all its foreign and military aid in 2019, according to a January report by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, which studies issues for lawmakers. It’s also around 1% of the entire federal budget.

The measure was released as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-donald-trump-europe-impeachment-50eac41f089dbd618bfd390d11759ad1">Washington has become increasingly assertive</a>&nbsp;about its goals and its willingness to help Ukraine with more sophisticated weapons. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said recently the U.S. wants a “weakened” Russia that can’t quickly restore its capability to attack other countries.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-business-nato-moscow-c8e00f7bbc4f24aa40d70a4ac2d97adb">Russian attacks on Ukraine’s southern port of Odesa</a>&nbsp;have intensified in what seems an attempt to hamper deliveries of Western arms. Those weapons have helped Ukraine hold its own surprisingly well against its more lethal foe, but the grinding war is taking its toll.

Senate approval of Ukrainian aid seems certain, and members of both parties have echoed the need for quick action. “As Putin desperately accelerates his campaign of horror and brutality in Ukraine, time is of the essence,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

But it was unclear when the Senate would act, and changes there were possible, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., insisting that the measure be narrowly focused on the war.

“I think we’re on a path to getting that done,” McConnell told reporters. “It needs to be clean of extraneous matters, directly related to helping the Ukrainians win the war.”

Some Republicans used the election-season debate to accuse Biden of being unclear about his goals.

“Honestly, do we not deserve a plan?” said Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas. He said he agrees that Western countries must help Ukraine stand up to Russia but added, “Does the administration not need to come to us with where we are going with this?”

Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., attended Tuesday’s separate Democratic and Republican Senate lunches and expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said Markarova told them her country has depleted its stockpiles of Soviet-era weapons and said continued NATO support is vital.

Coons said the Ukrainian’s message was: “Thank you, do more. We have a hard fight ahead. With your support, we can win.”

The new measure includes $6 billion to arm and train Ukrainian forces, $8.7 billion to restore American stores of weapons shipped to Ukraine and $3.9 billion for U.S. forces deployed to the area.

There’s also $8.8 billion in economic support for Ukraine, $4 billion to help Ukraine and allies finance arms and equipment purchases and $900 million for housing, education and other help for Ukrainian refugees in the U.S.

To enhance the measure’s chances in Congress, the House bill dropped Biden’s proposal to ease the pathway to legal permanent residency for qualifying Afghans who fled to the U.S. after last summer’s American withdrawal from that country. Some Republicans have expressed concerns about the adequacy of security screenings for applicants.

In their biggest concession, Biden and Democrats abandoned plans Monday to include additional billions of dollars to build up U.S. supplies of medicines, vaccines and tests for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-fb739b968cd8ea674b62fb7949c1a20c">COVID-19</a>. Republican support for more pandemic spending is waning and including that money would have slowed the Ukraine measure in the 50-50 Senate, where at least 10 GOP votes will be needed for passage.

Democrats hope to produce a separate COVID-19 package soon, though its fate is unclear.

Biden met in the White House Situation Room Tuesday with Pelosi and six other House Democrats who traveled recently to Ukraine and Poland. Afterward, Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a member of that delegation and a former Army Ranger, said the Ukrainians need advanced drones and longer-range weapons like artillery, rockets and anti-ship missiles that will help them push back the Russians.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652209735622.png" alt="President Biden signed the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 into law on Monday -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden signed the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 into law on Monday -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House emphatically approved a fresh $40 billion Ukraine aid package Tuesday as lawmakers beefed up President Joe Biden’s initial request, signaling a magnified, bipartisan commitment to thwart Russian President Vladimir Putin’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-united-nations-evacuations-3a5d2da4927c16ba2a659213fc0f7a42">bloody three-month-old invasion</a>.The measure sailed to passage by a lopsided 368-57 margin. Two members of the Kansas congressional delegation, First District congressman Tracey Mann and Fourth District congressman Ron Estes voted against the bill.The measure provides $7 billion more than Biden’s request from April and divides the increase evenly between defense and humanitarian programs.The bill would give Ukraine military and economic assistance, help regional allies, replenish weapons the Pentagon has shipped overseas and provide $5 billion to address global food shortages caused by the war’s crippling of Ukraine’s normally robust production of many crops.The measure was backed by every voting Democrat and by nearly 3 out of 4 Republicans. House debate reflected a perspective, shared broadly by both parties, that the U.S. has even more at stake than standing by Ukraine.“The Ukrainian people, they need us, they are in desperate need of our support,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “Vladimir Putin and his cronies must be held responsible. This bill does that by protecting democracy, limiting Russian aggression and strengthening our own national security.”“As China, Iran and North Korea watch our response, we must show the world that America stands firm with its allies and will do what is necessary to protect our interests abroad,” said Rep. Kay Granger of Texas, top Republican on that committee.The new legislation would bring American support for the effort to nearly $54 billion, including the $13.6 billion in support Congress enacted in March. That’s about $6 billion more than the U.S. spent on all its foreign and military aid in 2019, according to a January report by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, which studies issues for lawmakers. It’s also around 1% of the entire federal budget.The measure was released as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-donald-trump-europe-impeachment-50eac41f089dbd618bfd390d11759ad1">Washington has become increasingly assertive</a>&nbsp;about its goals and its willingness to help Ukraine with more sophisticated weapons. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said recently the U.S. wants a “weakened” Russia that can’t quickly restore its capability to attack other countries.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-business-nato-moscow-c8e00f7bbc4f24aa40d70a4ac2d97adb">Russian attacks on Ukraine’s southern port of Odesa</a>&nbsp;have intensified in what seems an attempt to hamper deliveries of Western arms. Those weapons have helped Ukraine hold its own surprisingly well against its more lethal foe, but the grinding war is taking its toll.Senate approval of Ukrainian aid seems certain, and members of both parties have echoed the need for quick action. “As Putin desperately accelerates his campaign of horror and brutality in Ukraine, time is of the essence,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.But it was unclear when the Senate would act, and changes there were possible, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., insisting that the measure be narrowly focused on the war.“I think we’re on a path to getting that done,” McConnell told reporters. “It needs to be clean of extraneous matters, directly related to helping the Ukrainians win the war.”Some Republicans used the election-season debate to accuse Biden of being unclear about his goals.“Honestly, do we not deserve a plan?” said Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas. He said he agrees that Western countries must help Ukraine stand up to Russia but added, “Does the administration not need to come to us with where we are going with this?”Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., attended Tuesday’s separate Democratic and Republican Senate lunches and expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said Markarova told them her country has depleted its stockpiles of Soviet-era weapons and said continued NATO support is vital.Coons said the Ukrainian’s message was: “Thank you, do more. We have a hard fight ahead. With your support, we can win.”The new measure includes $6 billion to arm and train Ukrainian forces, $8.7 billion to restore American stores of weapons shipped to Ukraine and $3.9 billion for U.S. forces deployed to the area.There’s also $8.8 billion in economic support for Ukraine, $4 billion to help Ukraine and allies finance arms and equipment purchases and $900 million for housing, education and other help for Ukrainian refugees in the U.S.To enhance the measure’s chances in Congress, the House bill dropped Biden’s proposal to ease the pathway to legal permanent residency for qualifying Afghans who fled to the U.S. after last summer’s American withdrawal from that country. Some Republicans have expressed concerns about the adequacy of security screenings for applicants.In their biggest concession, Biden and Democrats abandoned plans Monday to include additional billions of dollars to build up U.S. supplies of medicines, vaccines and tests for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-fb739b968cd8ea674b62fb7949c1a20c">COVID-19</a>. Republican support for more pandemic spending is waning and including that money would have slowed the Ukraine measure in the 50-50 Senate, where at least 10 GOP votes will be needed for passage.Democrats hope to produce a separate COVID-19 package soon, though its fate is unclear.Biden met in the White House Situation Room Tuesday with Pelosi and six other House Democrats who traveled recently to Ukraine and Poland. Afterward, Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a member of that delegation and a former Army Ranger, said the Ukrainians need advanced drones and longer-range weapons like artillery, rockets and anti-ship missiles that will help them push back the Russians.

House approves $40B in Ukraine aid; 2 Kan. congressmen vote no

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

The Salina Police Department announced Wednesday morning that Dalton Levi Palmer has been taken into custody.

On Saturday, police identified Palmer as a person of interest in a shooting incident early Saturday morning in the 400 block of S. College Avenue that left one person dead and two others injured.

"Dalton Levi Palmer, the person of interest in this shooting investigation, is in custody regarding his unrelated warrants," the Salina Police Department noted in a statement issued this morning.

On Tuesday, the Saline County Sheriff's Office had posted the following on it's Facebook page.

"The Saline County Sheriff's Office is asking for assistance in locating Dalton Levi Palmer. Palmer is currently listed on the 24 Most Wanted for May of 2022 in Saline County, Kansas. Palmer has a Saline County District Court felony fail to appear warrant with charges of: Distribution of Meth, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Para, Criminal Use of Weapons, Interfere w/LEO, Child Endangerment and multiple traffic charges. Palmer was last known to be in Salina, Kansas but is known to have ties to the Delphos, Kansas area."

In regard to the shooting incident, officers were sent to the 400 block of S. College Avenue at approximately 3:20 a.m. Saturday for a report of several gunshots being fired in the area. When they arrived, they located multiple spend ammunition casings in the street. A few minutes later, at 3:23 a.m., they were called to the emergency room of Salina Regional Health Center, 400 S. Santa Fe Avenue, for the report of two gunshot victims there.

One of the shooting victims, identified as Dylan Eugene Garman, 25, of Salina, was pronounced dead at the hospital. The other victim is an 18-year-old female whose identity has not been released.

At approximately 3:34 a.m., officers were sent to the 500 block of E. Cloud Street for the report of a person lying in the front yard of a residence who had been shot multiple times. A 23-year-old man was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, where he underwent emergency surgery before being transfered to a Wichita hospital with serious injuries, police noted at the time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652353052396.png" alt="Palmer-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Palmer-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThe Salina Police Department announced Wednesday morning that Dalton Levi Palmer has been taken into custody.On Saturday, police identified Palmer as a person of interest in a shooting incident early Saturday morning in the 400 block of S. College Avenue that left one person dead and two others injured."Dalton Levi Palmer, the person of interest in this shooting investigation, is in custody regarding his unrelated warrants," the Salina Police Department noted in a statement issued this morning.On Tuesday, the Saline County Sheriff's Office had posted the following on it's Facebook page."The Saline County Sheriff's Office is asking for assistance in locating Dalton Levi Palmer. Palmer is currently listed on the 24 Most Wanted for May of 2022 in Saline County, Kansas. Palmer has a Saline County District Court felony fail to appear warrant with charges of: Distribution of Meth, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Para, Criminal Use of Weapons, Interfere w/LEO, Child Endangerment and multiple traffic charges. Palmer was last known to be in Salina, Kansas but is known to have ties to the Delphos, Kansas area."In regard to the shooting incident, officers were sent to the 400 block of S. College Avenue at approximately 3:20 a.m. Saturday for a report of several gunshots being fired in the area. When they arrived, they located multiple spend ammunition casings in the street. A few minutes later, at 3:23 a.m., they were called to the emergency room of Salina Regional Health Center, 400 S. Santa Fe Avenue, for the report of two gunshot victims there.One of the shooting victims, identified as Dylan Eugene Garman, 25, of Salina, was pronounced dead at the hospital. The other victim is an 18-year-old female whose identity has not been released.At approximately 3:34 a.m., officers were sent to the 500 block of E. Cloud Street for the report of a person lying in the front yard of a residence who had been shot multiple times. A 23-year-old man was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, where he underwent emergency surgery before being transfered to a Wichita hospital with serious injuries, police noted at the time.

Police capture suspect in fatal Salina shooting

WASHINGTON (AP) — Parents in Kansas and across the U.S. are scrambling to find baby formula because supply disruptions and a massive safety recall have swept many leading brands off store shelves.

Months of spot shortages at pharmacies and supermarkets have been exacerbated by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-michigan-sturgis-a44d06262482d776ae465e0d22382d2d">the recall</a>&nbsp;at Abbott, which was forced to shutter its largest U.S. formula manufacturing plant in February due to contamination concerns.

On Monday, White House press secretary Jenn Psaki said the Food and Drug Administration was “working around the clock to address any possible shortages” and will try to expedite imports of foreign baby formula to increase supply.

For now, pediatricians and health workers are urging parents who can’t find formula to contact food banks or doctor’s offices. They warn against watering down formula to stretch supplies or using online DIY recipes.

“For babies who are not being breastfed, this is the only thing they eat,” said Dr. Steven Abrams, of the University of Texas, Austin. “So it has to have all of their nutrition and, furthermore, it needs to be properly prepared so that it’s safe for the smallest infants.”

Laura Stewart, a 52-year-old mother of three who lives just north of Springfield, Missouri, has been struggling for several weeks to find formula for her 10-month-old daughter, Riley.

Riley normally gets a brand of Abbott’s Similac designed for children with sensitive stomachs. Last month, she instead used four different brands.

“She spits up more. She’s just more cranky. She is typically a very happy girl,” Hughes said. “When she has the right formula, she doesn’t spit up. She’s perfectly fine.”

A small can costs $17 to $18 and lasts three to five days, Stewart said.

Like many Americans, Hughes relies on WIC — a federal program similar to food stamps that serves mothers and children — to afford formula for her daughter. Abbott’s recall wiped out many WIC-covered brands, though the program is now allowing substitutions.

Trying to keep formula in stock, retailers including CVS and Walgreens have begun limiting purchases to three containers per customer.

Nationwide about 40% of big box stores are out of stock, up from 31% in mid-April, according to Datasembly, a data analytics firm. More than half of U.S. states are seeing out-of-stock rates between 40% and 50%, according to the firm, which collects data from 11,000 locations.

Baby formula is particularly vulnerable to disruptions because just a handful of companies account for almost the entire U.S. supply.

Industry executives say the constraints began last year as the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in ingredients, labor and transportation. Supplies were further squeezed by parents stockpiling during lockdowns.

Then in February, Abbott recalled several major brands and shut down its Sturgis, Michigan, factory when federal officials concluded four babies suffered bacterial infections after consuming formula from the facility. Two of the infants died.

When FDA inspectors visited the plant in March they found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-michigan-a4205025fc781b1fb902cdd9e1264b41">lax safety protocols&nbsp;</a>and traces of the bacteria on several surfaces. None of the bacterial strains matched those collected from the infants, however, and the FDA hasn’t offered an explanation for how the contamination occurred.

For its part, Abbott says its formula “is not likely the source of infection,” though the FDA says its investigation continues.

The shortages are especially dangerous for infants who require specialty formulas due to food allergies, digestive problems and other conditions.

“Unfortunately, many of those very specialized formulas are only made in the United States at the factory that had the recall, and that’s caused a huge problem for a relatively small number of infants,” Abrams said.

After hearing concerns from parents, the FDA said last month that Abbott could begin releasing some specialty formulas not affected by the recalls “on a case-by-case basis.” The company is providing them free of charge, in coordination with physicians and hospitals.

Food safety advocates say the FDA made the right call in releasing the formula, but that parents should talk to their pediatricians before using it.

“There’s still some risk from the formula because we know there are problems at the plant and FDA hasn’t identified a root cause,” said Sarah Sorscher of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. ”But it’s worth releasing because these infants might die without it.”

It’s unclear when the Abbott plant might reopen.

An FDA spokeswoman said the company is still working “to rectify findings related to the processes, procedures, and conditions.” The agency also is working with other manufacturers to consider options for increasing production.

Industry professionals say it will be hard to boost supply quickly, because the FDA requires extensive testing, labeling and inspections.

“It’s a long and rigorous process to bring any new manufacturers into this country,” said Ron Belldegrun, co-founder of ByHeart, a New York-based specialty formula maker that recently launched its first product after four years in development.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648164055231.png" alt="In February Abbott, one of the country’s largest infant formula makers announced a recall of Similac-FDA image" />
 <figcaption>In February Abbott, one of the country’s largest infant formula makers announced a recall of Similac-FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Parents in Kansas and across the U.S. are scrambling to find baby formula because supply disruptions and a massive safety recall have swept many leading brands off store shelves.Months of spot shortages at pharmacies and supermarkets have been exacerbated by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-michigan-sturgis-a44d06262482d776ae465e0d22382d2d">the recall</a>&nbsp;at Abbott, which was forced to shutter its largest U.S. formula manufacturing plant in February due to contamination concerns.On Monday, White House press secretary Jenn Psaki said the Food and Drug Administration was “working around the clock to address any possible shortages” and will try to expedite imports of foreign baby formula to increase supply.For now, pediatricians and health workers are urging parents who can’t find formula to contact food banks or doctor’s offices. They warn against watering down formula to stretch supplies or using online DIY recipes.“For babies who are not being breastfed, this is the only thing they eat,” said Dr. Steven Abrams, of the University of Texas, Austin. “So it has to have all of their nutrition and, furthermore, it needs to be properly prepared so that it’s safe for the smallest infants.”Laura Stewart, a 52-year-old mother of three who lives just north of Springfield, Missouri, has been struggling for several weeks to find formula for her 10-month-old daughter, Riley.Riley normally gets a brand of Abbott’s Similac designed for children with sensitive stomachs. Last month, she instead used four different brands.“She spits up more. She’s just more cranky. She is typically a very happy girl,” Hughes said. “When she has the right formula, she doesn’t spit up. She’s perfectly fine.”A small can costs $17 to $18 and lasts three to five days, Stewart said.Like many Americans, Hughes relies on WIC — a federal program similar to food stamps that serves mothers and children — to afford formula for her daughter. Abbott’s recall wiped out many WIC-covered brands, though the program is now allowing substitutions.Trying to keep formula in stock, retailers including CVS and Walgreens have begun limiting purchases to three containers per customer.Nationwide about 40% of big box stores are out of stock, up from 31% in mid-April, according to Datasembly, a data analytics firm. More than half of U.S. states are seeing out-of-stock rates between 40% and 50%, according to the firm, which collects data from 11,000 locations.Baby formula is particularly vulnerable to disruptions because just a handful of companies account for almost the entire U.S. supply.Industry executives say the constraints began last year as the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in ingredients, labor and transportation. Supplies were further squeezed by parents stockpiling during lockdowns.Then in February, Abbott recalled several major brands and shut down its Sturgis, Michigan, factory when federal officials concluded four babies suffered bacterial infections after consuming formula from the facility. Two of the infants died.When FDA inspectors visited the plant in March they found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-michigan-a4205025fc781b1fb902cdd9e1264b41">lax safety protocols&nbsp;</a>and traces of the bacteria on several surfaces. None of the bacterial strains matched those collected from the infants, however, and the FDA hasn’t offered an explanation for how the contamination occurred.For its part, Abbott says its formula “is not likely the source of infection,” though the FDA says its investigation continues.The shortages are especially dangerous for infants who require specialty formulas due to food allergies, digestive problems and other conditions.“Unfortunately, many of those very specialized formulas are only made in the United States at the factory that had the recall, and that’s caused a huge problem for a relatively small number of infants,” Abrams said.After hearing concerns from parents, the FDA said last month that Abbott could begin releasing some specialty formulas not affected by the recalls “on a case-by-case basis.” The company is providing them free of charge, in coordination with physicians and hospitals.Food safety advocates say the FDA made the right call in releasing the formula, but that parents should talk to their pediatricians before using it.“There’s still some risk from the formula because we know there are problems at the plant and FDA hasn’t identified a root cause,” said Sarah Sorscher of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. ”But it’s worth releasing because these infants might die without it.”It’s unclear when the Abbott plant might reopen.An FDA spokeswoman said the company is still working “to rectify findings related to the processes, procedures, and conditions.” The agency also is working with other manufacturers to consider options for increasing production.Industry professionals say it will be hard to boost supply quickly, because the FDA requires extensive testing, labeling and inspections.“It’s a long and rigorous process to bring any new manufacturers into this country,” said Ron Belldegrun, co-founder of ByHeart, a New York-based specialty formula maker that recently launched its first product after four years in development.

Parents in Kan. hunting for baby formula due to supply shortage 

GRAY COUNTY —Two men died in an accident just after 5p.m. Tuesday in Gray County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Cobalt driven by Paul Robert Rangle, 64, Garden City,&nbsp; was eastbound on U.S. 50 sixteen miles west of Kansas 23.

The car traveled onto the south shoulder. Upon correcting, the car traveled left of center and collided with westbound 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan driven byDonald Louis Woosley, 50, Garden City.

Rangle and&nbsp;Woosley were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp; St. Catherine's Mortuary of Dodge City. Rangle was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

GRAY COUNTY —Two men died in an accident just after 5p.m. Tuesday in Gray County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Cobalt driven by Paul Robert Rangle, 64, Garden City,&nbsp; was eastbound on U.S. 50 sixteen miles west of Kansas 23.The car traveled onto the south shoulder. Upon correcting, the car traveled left of center and collided with westbound 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan driven byDonald Louis Woosley, 50, Garden City.Rangle and&nbsp;Woosley were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp; St. Catherine's Mortuary of Dodge City. Rangle was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Two Kansas men dead after car, van collide 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two Black female police officers allege in separate lawsuits that they were subjected to discrimination, retaliation and a hostile work environment at the Kansas City Police Department.

Officer Rashawnda Williams said in her lawsuit that her male colleagues made misogynistic, racist and sexist comments in her presence. Officer Alexis Bush-Bailey alleges in her lawsuit that a white female supervisor treated her unfairly because of her race, sex and age, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article261299642.html#storylink=cpy">reported.</a>

Both lawsuits name the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners as defendants. The women said the police board, which controls the department, was responsible for how they were treated.

Their attorney, Spencer Webster, said both officers worked in department programs that included outreach to Kansas City youth.

Police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina said the department does not comment on pending litigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650654426505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two Black female police officers allege in separate lawsuits that they were subjected to discrimination, retaliation and a hostile work environment at the Kansas City Police Department.Officer Rashawnda Williams said in her lawsuit that her male colleagues made misogynistic, racist and sexist comments in her presence. Officer Alexis Bush-Bailey alleges in her lawsuit that a white female supervisor treated her unfairly because of her race, sex and age, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article261299642.html#storylink=cpy">reported.</a>Both lawsuits name the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners as defendants. The women said the police board, which controls the department, was responsible for how they were treated.Their attorney, Spencer Webster, said both officers worked in department programs that included outreach to Kansas City youth.Police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina said the department does not comment on pending litigation.

2 black female police officers sue Kansas City Police Department

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. (AP) — A former respiratory therapist who worked at a northern Missouri hospital where nine people died under suspicious circumstances 20 years ago has been charged in one of the deaths.

Jennifer Anne Hall, 41, was charged last week with first-degree murder in the 2002 death of Fern Franco, who was one of nine people who died of cardiac collapse between Dec. 16, 2001, and May 18, 2002, at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe, Missouri, KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-05-09/woman-charged-with-murder-20-years-after-mysterious-deaths-at-missouri-hospital">reported.</a>

The Livingston County Sheriff's office said Tuesday authorities continue to search for Hall, who might be using the name Semaboye.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652204964045.png" alt="photo Livingston Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>photo Livingston Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CHILLICOTHE, Mo. (AP) — A former respiratory therapist who worked at a northern Missouri hospital where nine people died under suspicious circumstances 20 years ago has been charged in one of the deaths.Jennifer Anne Hall, 41, was charged last week with first-degree murder in the 2002 death of Fern Franco, who was one of nine people who died of cardiac collapse between Dec. 16, 2001, and May 18, 2002, at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe, Missouri, KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-05-09/woman-charged-with-murder-20-years-after-mysterious-deaths-at-missouri-hospital">reported.</a>The Livingston County Sheriff's office said Tuesday authorities continue to search for Hall, who might be using the name Semaboye.Hall worked as a respiratory therapist at the 49-bed hospital when the patients died. Doctors and nurses at the hospital viewed the numbers of deaths as “medically suspicious,” according to a law enforcement record supporting the probable cause for her arrest.The case was revived after an analysis of Franco’s tissue samples found succinylcholine and morphine, which were not prescribed or ordered for her by her doctors, according to a probable cause statement by Chillicothe Police Officer Brian Schmidt.Some staff at the hospital&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-missouri-eb1f83b41c6749218dc02ecad99a295a">believed Hall was responsible&nbsp;</a>because of her proximity to the stricken patients, her access to deadly pharmaceuticals, and because she notified staff of every patient's cardiac emergency, according to the probable cause.She was placed on administrative leave on May 21, 2002, three days after Franco’s death.An overdose of succinylcholine causes slow suffocation. At least nine suspicious deaths and 18 suspicious medical emergencies at Hedrick Medical Center during that time period were suspected overdoses of succinylcholine or other drugs.Hall denied involvement in the deaths during an interview with the Kansas City Star in 2015.Matthew O’Connor, a Kansas City attorney who represented Hall in the past, said the murder charge was based on “conjecture and speculation.”“This isn’t lawyer talk — there aren’t facts in support of it because Ms. Hall did not commit these acts,” he said.Before she worked at Hedrick Medical Center, Hall was convicted of setting fire to Cass Medical Center in Harrisonville, Missouri, where she was hired as a respiratory therapist. She spent a year in prison before an appeals court vacated her conviction because she received ineffective counsel at trial. A jury acquitted her at a subsequent retrial.The families of five of the nine patients who died during that period filed wrongful death lawsuits against the hospital in 2010, claiming the hospital covered up possible foul play in their relatives' deaths. An appeal filed in 2013 alleged that employees at the hospital believed they would be fired if they raised suspicions about the deaths.In 2019, the Missouri Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/statutes-missouri-b55d384d0cac46919c3734c855354da6">threw out the lawsuits</a>, ruling that the families had filed their actions after the statute of limitations had run out.

Woman who was living in Kan. charged with hospital death in 2002

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a weekend traffic stop.

Just after before 2a.m. Saturday,&nbsp; a K9 Unit conducted a traffic stop on a tan 2001 Ford F150 pickup truck near NW US 24 Highway and NW Topeka Boulevard for making an improper turn, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics. Two backseat passengers, Donald A. Martin, 37,&nbsp; and Kenneth J. Martin, 39, both of Caney, Kan., were arrested.

Both Donald Martin and Kenneth Martin were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652133980158.png" alt="Kenneth Martin-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kenneth Martin-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a weekend traffic stop.Just after before 2a.m. Saturday,&nbsp; a K9 Unit conducted a traffic stop on a tan 2001 Ford F150 pickup truck near NW US 24 Highway and NW Topeka Boulevard for making an improper turn, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics. Two backseat passengers, Donald A. Martin, 37,&nbsp; and Kenneth J. Martin, 39, both of Caney, Kan., were arrested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652133923094.png" alt="Donald Martin-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Donald Martin-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both Donald Martin and Kenneth Martin were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kan. sheriff's K9 unit: Backseat passengers were hiding drugs

By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph Post

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall has expressed deep disappointment in how the Biden administration has handled agricultural policy.

“To some extent, this White House has declared war on agriculture and American energy,” Marshall told farm broadcasters during a meeting in Washington.

The Republican criticized President Biden for prohibiting drilling on federal land and for opposing permits for new oil pipelines.

He’s also isn’t pleased with the Biden Administration 30-30 plan, a proposal to place 30% of the country into conservation programs by the year 2030.

“First and only meeting I’ve had with our Secretary of Agriculture that was what the discussion was about is what does 30-30 mean to him? And he said, don’t worry, it just means more CRP,” Marshall said. “And I said, Mr. Secretary, wait a second, if we put all the corn land in Iowa into CRP what would that do to those small, rural communities?”

Marshall also opposes the Biden Administration resurrection of the Waters of the United States rule that is strongly opposed by agricultural groups.

By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph PostU.S. Sen. Roger Marshall has expressed deep disappointment in how the Biden administration has handled agricultural policy.“To some extent, this White House has declared war on agriculture and American energy,” Marshall told farm broadcasters during a meeting in Washington.The Republican criticized President Biden for prohibiting drilling on federal land and for opposing permits for new oil pipelines.He’s also isn’t pleased with the Biden Administration 30-30 plan, a proposal to place 30% of the country into conservation programs by the year 2030.“First and only meeting I’ve had with our Secretary of Agriculture that was what the discussion was about is what does 30-30 mean to him? And he said, don’t worry, it just means more CRP,” Marshall said. “And I said, Mr. Secretary, wait a second, if we put all the corn land in Iowa into CRP what would that do to those small, rural communities?”Marshall also opposes the Biden Administration resurrection of the Waters of the United States rule that is strongly opposed by agricultural groups.Marshall said the immigration system is broken and that has had a negative impact on Kansas manufacturing and agriculture.“Long before COVID, the number one concern for the Kansas economy was a lack of the people for the jobs that we had and not the proper education for the jobs that we had as well,” according to Marshall. “Though I am committed to securing the border, I’m also committed to a reasonable fix to the agriculture immigration issues as well.”Marshall said a comprehensive immigration policy would secure the border to reduce illegal immigration, but also pave the way for legal immigration to supply needed workers.Trade also is an issue, according to Marshall, who says leadership is lacking on trade, especially in the United States Department of Agriculture.“I think the silence is deafening out of this administration out of USDA when it comes to trade,” Marshall said. “I can’t tell you the last time I saw a positive trade article when it comes to agriculture. Agriculture’s not a priority. They’re going to throw us under the bus is what they’re going to do.”Marshall worried the Biden administration will cut a deal with the European Union that will be unfavorable for United States agriculture.Marshall says Biden has yet to appoint a trade representative for agriculture and that trade reps for the United Kingdom, India and the European Union have yet to be appointed.KFEQ Agriculture Director Dionne Bertling contributed to this article.