Reports to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>&nbsp;indicate
 scammers are still using Powerball Winner Manuel Franco’s name to send 
out text messages, social media messages, phone calls or emails 
informing people they’ve “been chosen” to receive free money from 
Franco.

Lottery scams like this make it seem as if you are about to receive a
 sudden financial windfall. But, instead, the people sending the 
messages are just phishing for your personal information or may even be 
after&nbsp;your&nbsp;money.

You may recall, Wisconsin resident Manuel Franco came forward in 
April 2019 to claim a $768 million lottery jackpot. Prior to winning the
 lottery, he was working at a Target store. After winning, he was known 
to personally hand out some gift cards to random shoppers.

“This scam involves impersonators attempting to lure in victims to 
steal their personal information”, said Jim Temmer, BBB Serving 
Wisconsin CEO/president. “This is dangerous. We’ve seen this before, and
 it will likely continue because con artists do what works for them.”

There has been an uptick in this scam being reported;&nbsp;188 reports 
have been submitted to BBB Scam Tracker from consumers across the United
 States since 2019. In 2021 alone, there have been 175 submissions to 
date, an increase from the previous year (2020) of 733%. Total losses 
reported in this scam are more than $13,000.

L.M. of New Berlin reported to BBB Scam Tracker, “I was sent a 
message saying I was to receive $50,000 from Manuel Franco. I was 
tricked into giving my driver’s license number and SSN. I fell for this 
and I am really worried about what they might do.”

P.S. of Alabama reported, “I received a text saying ‘I’m Mr. Manuel 
Franco, the Powerball winner in the Powerball Millions Jackpot. Click 
here to see my winning interview. I’m donating to 1000 random 
individuals. If you get this message then your number was selected’…To 
verify your winners send a text to this number…and fill out some 
information so we can proceed immediately.”

A consumer from Colorado informed BBB that he lost $3,200 when he 
sent $200 to “activate his winnings”, and $3000 for the I.R.S” as 
instructed in order to collect his winnings. He said he believed it, 
“Because of COVID I was desperate for money.”

BBB reminds people to protect themselves from impostor scams:

For more information or further inquiries, contact <a href="https://www.bbb.org/wisconsin" target="_blank">BBB Serving Wisconsin</a>, 414-847-6000&nbsp;or 1-800-273-1002.&nbsp;Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following BBB Serving Wisconsin on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WisconsinBBB" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twitter.com/WisconsinBBB" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bbbwisconsin" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCABiH4MFtftfPtYiN8X1sUg" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Better Business BureauReports to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>&nbsp;indicate
 scammers are still using Powerball Winner Manuel Franco’s name to send 
out text messages, social media messages, phone calls or emails 
informing people they’ve “been chosen” to receive free money from 
Franco.Lottery scams like this make it seem as if you are about to receive a
 sudden financial windfall. But, instead, the people sending the 
messages are just phishing for your personal information or may even be 
after&nbsp;your&nbsp;money.You may recall, Wisconsin resident Manuel Franco came forward in 
April 2019 to claim a $768 million lottery jackpot. Prior to winning the
 lottery, he was working at a Target store. After winning, he was known 
to personally hand out some gift cards to random shoppers.“This scam involves impersonators attempting to lure in victims to 
steal their personal information”, said Jim Temmer, BBB Serving 
Wisconsin CEO/president. “This is dangerous. We’ve seen this before, and
 it will likely continue because con artists do what works for them.”There has been an uptick in this scam being reported;&nbsp;188 reports 
have been submitted to BBB Scam Tracker from consumers across the United
 States since 2019. In 2021 alone, there have been 175 submissions to 
date, an increase from the previous year (2020) of 733%. Total losses 
reported in this scam are more than $13,000.L.M. of New Berlin reported to BBB Scam Tracker, “I was sent a 
message saying I was to receive $50,000 from Manuel Franco. I was 
tricked into giving my driver’s license number and SSN. I fell for this 
and I am really worried about what they might do.”P.S. of Alabama reported, “I received a text saying ‘I’m Mr. Manuel 
Franco, the Powerball winner in the Powerball Millions Jackpot. Click 
here to see my winning interview. I’m donating to 1000 random 
individuals. If you get this message then your number was selected’…To 
verify your winners send a text to this number…and fill out some 
information so we can proceed immediately.”A consumer from Colorado informed BBB that he lost $3,200 when he 
sent $200 to “activate his winnings”, and $3000 for the I.R.S” as 
instructed in order to collect his winnings. He said he believed it, 
“Because of COVID I was desperate for money.”BBB reminds people to protect themselves from impostor scams:<ul>
 <li>Be suspicious of irregular communications, especially via text, email or phone.</li><li>Don’t provide money or information to people that you don’t know or 
that promise you money in exchange. You will never have to pay upfront 
fees to claim a prize.</li><li>If you are asked to prove your identity, it’s a scam.</li><li>Always report scams to law enforcement or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>.</li>
 </ul>For more information or further inquiries, contact <a href="https://www.bbb.org/wisconsin" target="_blank">BBB Serving Wisconsin</a>, 414-847-6000&nbsp;or 1-800-273-1002.&nbsp;Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following BBB Serving Wisconsin on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WisconsinBBB" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twitter.com/WisconsinBBB" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bbbwisconsin" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCABiH4MFtftfPtYiN8X1sUg" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

It's not free money: Powerball scam continues to dupe victims

SALINE COUNTY —Another earthquake shook Saline County Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Just after 4p.m., a quake that measured a magnitude 2.9, struck southeast of Salina, near Gypsum, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The agency reported a 2.2 magnitude quake in Saline County on Monday.

There are no reports of damage or injury. The Kansas Geological Survey initially reported Wednesdays quake measured a magnitude 3.3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636021331344.png" alt="Location of Wednesday's quake -U.S.G.S. Image" />
 <figcaption>Location of Wednesday's quake -U.S.G.S. Image</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Another earthquake shook Saline County Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Just after 4p.m., a quake that measured a magnitude 2.9, struck southeast of Salina, near Gypsum, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The agency reported a 2.2 magnitude quake in Saline County on Monday.There are no reports of damage or injury. The Kansas Geological Survey initially reported Wednesdays quake measured a magnitude 3.3.

Second earthquake this week shakes Saline County

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday approved an application from The Boeing Company for a license to construct, deploy, and operate a satellite constellation.  As detailed in its FCC application, Boeing plans to provide broadband and communications services for residential, commercial, institutional, governmental, and professional users in the United States and globally.  

“Advanced satellite broadband services have an important role to play in connecting hard-to-serve communities,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  “We are committed to a careful and detailed review of all such applications and I thank the International Bureau team for their work completing this first round of NGSO applications.”

Today’s Order approves Boeing’s application for non-geostationary orbit fixed-satellite service system using frequencies in portions of the V-band (the 37.5-40, 40-42, 47.2-50.2 and 50.4-51.4 GHz bands), and to operate inter-satellite links (ISLs) using frequencies in portions of the V-band (65-71 GHz band).  It also dismisses Boeing’s request to operate ISLs in certain frequency bands that are not allocated internationally for operations of the FSS in the space-to-space direction in the ITU Radio Regulations.

Click <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-authorizes-boeing-broadband-satellite-constellation">HERE</a> for more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday approved an application from The Boeing Company for a license to construct, deploy, and operate a satellite constellation. As detailed in its FCC application, Boeing plans to provide broadband and communications services for residential, commercial, institutional, governmental, and professional users in the United States and globally. “Advanced satellite broadband services have an important role to play in connecting hard-to-serve communities,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “We are committed to a careful and detailed review of all such applications and I thank the International Bureau team for their work completing this first round of NGSO applications.”Today’s Order approves Boeing’s application for non-geostationary orbit fixed-satellite service system using frequencies in portions of the V-band (the 37.5-40, 40-42, 47.2-50.2 and 50.4-51.4 GHz bands), and to operate inter-satellite links (ISLs) using frequencies in portions of the V-band (65-71 GHz band). It also dismisses Boeing’s request to operate ISLs in certain frequency bands that are not allocated internationally for operations of the FSS in the space-to-space direction in the ITU Radio Regulations.Click <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-authorizes-boeing-broadband-satellite-constellation">HERE</a> for more.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

FCC gives OK to Boeing satellite broadband constellation

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman who drowned her 8-year-old son in a bathtub and tried to suffocate a second child before jumping off a bridge in Kansas City was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison.

Aushena Warren, 34, of Kansas City pleaded guilty in August to second-degree murder and first-degree assault.

Investigators said Warren drowned her 8-year-old son on June 17, 2017, and tried to smother her 6-year-old son. The children's father was at work at the time and came home after receiving a FaceTime call from the 6-year-old, prosecutors said.

Warren jumped from the Kit Bond bridge later that day but was rescued by Kansas City fire personnel who were conducting rescue training near the bridge,'

Warren left a note apologizing and blaming her actions on the family's financial situation, which she feared would force she and her husband to give the children to family or “the system.”

Warren’s attorney argued for probation, saying that she had mental health issues.

Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd urged the court to impose a life sentence.

Warren was sentenced to life for the 8-year-old's death and 15 years in prison for assault of the 6-year-old child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635945595219.png" alt="Warren photo Platte Co." />
 <figcaption>Warren photo Platte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman who drowned her 8-year-old son in a bathtub and tried to suffocate a second child before jumping off a bridge in Kansas City was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison.Aushena Warren, 34, of Kansas City pleaded guilty in August to second-degree murder and first-degree assault.Investigators said Warren drowned her 8-year-old son on June 17, 2017, and tried to smother her 6-year-old son. The children's father was at work at the time and came home after receiving a FaceTime call from the 6-year-old, prosecutors said.Warren jumped from the Kit Bond bridge later that day but was rescued by Kansas City fire personnel who were conducting rescue training near the bridge,'Warren left a note apologizing and blaming her actions on the family's financial situation, which she feared would force she and her husband to give the children to family or “the system.”Warren’s attorney argued for probation, saying that she had mental health issues.Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd urged the court to impose a life sentence.Warren was sentenced to life for the 8-year-old's death and 15 years in prison for assault of the 6-year-old child.

Kansas City woman who drowned son in bathtub sentenced

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a high-speed pursuit.

Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's deputy observed a white 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser near SW 77th Street and SW Auburn Road. That vehicle was believed to be associated with a recent incident within the City of Topeka and stolen. That officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver later identified as 29-year-old Mark A. O’Brien failed to stop and initiated a pursuit.

He drove through the City of Auburn, west on SW 89th Street, south on SW Davis Road and stopped near SW 101st Street before fleeing the scene on foot. 

Multiple law enforcement officers, K9 units and air support arrived to assist. The Sheriff’s Office located O'Brien and placed him into custody on requested charges of felony flee and elude, reckless driving, possession of a stolen vehicle, interference with law enforcement, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, passing in a no passing zone, failure to maintain a single lane and speeding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635939675929.png" alt="O'Brien photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>O'Brien photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a high-speed pursuit.Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's deputy observed a white 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser near SW 77th Street and SW Auburn Road. That vehicle was believed to be associated with a recent incident within the City of Topeka and stolen. That officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver later identified as 29-year-old Mark A. O’Brien failed to stop and initiated a pursuit.He drove through the City of Auburn, west on SW 89th Street, south on SW Davis Road and stopped near SW 101st Street before fleeing the scene on foot. Multiple law enforcement officers, K9 units and air support arrived to assist. The Sheriff’s Office located O'Brien and placed him into custody on requested charges of felony flee and elude, reckless driving, possession of a stolen vehicle, interference with law enforcement, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, passing in a no passing zone, failure to maintain a single lane and speeding.

Kansas man jailed after chase in reported stolen vehicle

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged fraud in Manhattan.

On Tuesday, officers filed a report for forgery, making false information, computer unlawful acts and theft by deception in the 600 block of McCall Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;K-State Federal Credit Union reported a 35-year-old male suspect altered a loan payout check for a vehicle he was purchasing. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $35,248. The vehicle was later returned after the fraudulent purchase, according to the RCPD.

Authorities released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged fraud in Manhattan.On Tuesday, officers filed a report for forgery, making false information, computer unlawful acts and theft by deception in the 600 block of McCall Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;K-State Federal Credit Union reported a 35-year-old male suspect altered a loan payout check for a vehicle he was purchasing. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $35,248. The vehicle was later returned after the fraudulent purchase, according to the RCPD.Authorities released no additional details.

Police: Kan. man altered check to purchase $35,000 vehicle

WASHINGTON —On Thursday morning, Members of the U.S. Senate officially launched a challenge against President Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses.

These Senators agreed the rule is a vast overstep of authority by the federal government of what should be a personal medical decision for every American.

Senator Moran said, "No one would think it's the best result to have someone in Washington DC dictate whether you or a member of your family must be vaccinated. No one would think the decision should be taken away from Wichita, Kansas and decided in Washington in order to come to work you have to be vaccinated."

Senator Marshall said, " I support the vaccine but not the mandate. We are going to do everything we can to stop President Biden's unlawful, unconstitutional vaccine mandate."

Wednesday, November 3, is the deadline for aircraft workers at Textron and Spirt AeroSystems in Wichita to get their first COVID vaccinations or lose their jobs.

WASHINGTON —On Thursday morning, Members of the U.S. Senate officially launched a challenge against President Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The choice to be vaccinated or not is a matter of personal freedom. I joined <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorBraun?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorBraun</a> in introducing a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to overturn President Biden’s intrusive vaccine mandate on private businesses. <a href="https://t.co/hYIdaJgUiu">pic.twitter.com/hYIdaJgUiu</a>&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1455962447186178052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>These Senators agreed the rule is a vast overstep of authority by the federal government of what should be a personal medical decision for every American.Senator Moran said, "No one would think it's the best result to have someone in Washington DC dictate whether you or a member of your family must be vaccinated. No one would think the decision should be taken away from Wichita, Kansas and decided in Washington in order to come to work you have to be vaccinated."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">No more jab or job. Going to use every tool in toolbox to stop Biden’s vaccine mandate including if we have to, holding up cloture on funding bills unless they include language to block gov&#39;t from implementing the mandate on private companies, which harms hardworking Americans. <a href="https://t.co/mzurKqdDPi">pic.twitter.com/mzurKqdDPi</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1455938098857234432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Senator Marshall said, " I support the vaccine but not the mandate. We are going to do everything we can to stop President Biden's unlawful, unconstitutional vaccine mandate."Wednesday, November 3, is the deadline for aircraft workers at Textron and Spirt AeroSystems in Wichita to get their first COVID vaccinations or lose their jobs.

🎥Moran, Marshall stand up against Biden vaccine mandate

MANHATTAN —Riley County Commission Chairman John Ford has tested positive for COVID-19 just after getting a COVID booster shot.

According to a statement from the county, Ford tested positive on Tueseay and now Riley County Health Department is notifying those who are considered close contacts of Commissioner Ford. “I received a booster shot on Friday, and I woke up yesterday morning with severe congestion, headache and loss of smell, and immediately canceled all activities and went to get tested," Ford said. "My symptoms are extremely mild at this point, and I look forward to getting back to full strength and health to do the work I need to do for Riley County." In order to ensure the health and safety of Riley County employees and the community, the commission chambers are being sanitized. Additionally, the County Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 4, is canceled, and Commissioner Ford is in the process of canceling his other in-person engagements.&nbsp; Another Riley County employee in close contact with Commissioner Ford has also tested positive and is currently in quarantine.&nbsp; At this point, no further details will be released with respect to the privacy of individual health information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635948428857.png" alt="John Ford Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>John Ford Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —Riley County Commission Chairman John Ford has tested positive for COVID-19 just after getting a COVID booster shot.According to a statement from the county, Ford tested positive on Tueseay and now Riley County Health Department is notifying those who are considered close contacts of Commissioner Ford. “I received a booster shot on Friday, and I woke up yesterday morning with severe congestion, headache and loss of smell, and immediately canceled all activities and went to get tested," Ford said. "My symptoms are extremely mild at this point, and I look forward to getting back to full strength and health to do the work I need to do for Riley County." In order to ensure the health and safety of Riley County employees and the community, the commission chambers are being sanitized. Additionally, the County Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 4, is canceled, and Commissioner Ford is in the process of canceling his other in-person engagements.&nbsp; Another Riley County employee in close contact with Commissioner Ford has also tested positive and is currently in quarantine.&nbsp; At this point, no further details will be released with respect to the privacy of individual health information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commission chair gets COVID booster, tests positive for virus

By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-11-03/people-lined-up-to-tell-kansas-lawmakers-to-oppose-a-vaccine-mandate-but-it-may-be-a-lost-cause">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA&nbsp;— Many Kansans opposed to COVID-19 vaccine 
mandates want state lawmakers to pick a fight with the federal 
government even if it’s one they can’t win.

“We need leaders who 
aren’t afraid to fail, who are willing to go down swinging,” said Olathe
 resident Grant Campbell in testimony to a special Kansas legislative 
committee looking for ways to block the mandates.

The federal 
vaccine mandate hasn’t yet taken effect, but that hasn’t stopped 
legislative Republican leaders from creating the committee to 
preemptively look for ways to push back. The meeting grew so heated that
 the archived video of the hearing was later edited to remove a 
profanity-laced tirade against a journalist.

Campbell said he will
 lose his job if not granted a religious exemption from a mandate 
requiring federal contractors to see to it that their employees are 
vaccinated by Dec. 8. He wants lawmakers to call an emergency session of
 the entire Legislature.

Dozens of other Kansans made similar pleas to the <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_spc_2021_gov_ovrrch_and_covid19_1/" target="_blank">Special Committee on Government Overreach</a> and COVID-19 Mandates when it met last week for the first time.

“I
 beg you, I plead with you, stop standing with the globalists. Please 
stand with us,” said Amy Siple, a nurse practitioner from Wichita.

Protection
 from federal overreach is the duty of state lawmakers, said Wichita 
resident Denise Oldland. Even, she said, if it means sacrificing federal
 money that helps the state pay for highways, research and Medicaid, the
 health care program for low-income and disabled Kansans.

Laura Klingensmith, an activist who <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article254079423.html" target="_blank">led campaigns against mask mandates</a> in Johnson County schools, criticized lawmakers for failing to <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb308_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">act on a bill last session</a> to prohibit local governments from imposing them.

“You played politics with our lives,” Klingensmith said. “What will it take for you to protect our sovereign rights?”

Many of the people pushing lawmakers to act made arguments based on 
inaccurate information and conspiracy theories circulating on social 
media.

Wichita resident Darwin Petersen said there is “no 
verifiable science” to show that vaccines protect people from the 
coronavirus.

“Yet, there is abundant evidence that COVID-19 is a 
globally coordinated plan and executed terrorist attack on humanity,” he
 said.

Mary Anne Sause, a retired nurse, said the federal government is forcing people to participate in a “medical experiment.”

“Mandates are a form of slavery, a form of communism,” Sause said.

Some
 people who testified went as far as comparing the mandates to policies 
used by the Nazi’s against the Jews during World War II. A few advocated
 violence.

Lawrence resident Justin Spiehs said it was time to “bully” vaccine advocates “out of our lives.”

Spiehs
 then launched into a rant against a journalist who declined to cover 
protests he led against the Lawrence school district’s mask mandate. 
That portion of his remarks is what was later edited out of the meeting 
video posted to the Kansas Legislature’s website.

After the hearing, the chair of the special committee, Republican 
Sen. Renee Erickson, said the Republicans on the panel were still trying
 to figure out “what we can do as a state to protect Kansans’ freedom 
and rights.”

Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes said she doesn’t expect the committee to produce actionable recommendations.

“It’s honestly a waste of taxpayers money. It’s political theatrics,” Sykes said.

State
 lawmakers can’t block the federal mandates, but they aren’t powerless, 
said David Rubenstein, a Washburn University constitutional law 
professor.

They could prohibit Kansas employers from requiring 
workers to get vaccinated in the hope that Republican-led lawsuits 
challenging the mandates succeed in striking them down.

But if the courts allow the mandates to stand, Rubenstein said, “federal law would trump” conflicting state laws.

That
 would include any changes in Kansas law that make it easier for people 
to get religious exemptions from the vaccine mandates, something that 
several members of the committee said they were considering.

Anyone seeking such an exemption, said Republican Senate President Ty Masterson, should not be questioned.

“The assumption should (go) to the person’s individual belief,” Masterson said.

Rep.
 Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, criticized exemption policies at 
the University of Kansas and Kansas State University that in his view 
are too rigorous.

“It appears to me that our universities would 
just as soon fall in line and do what they’re told by (the Biden) 
administration,” Owens said.

Though improbable, state lawmakers 
could also choose to forego billions of dollars by stopping state 
universities from entering into federal research contracts, Rubenstein 
said.

In testimony to the committee, Kansas Board of Regents 
President Blake Flanders said failing to comply with federal vaccine 
mandates would put approximately $1.3 billion in research contracts at 
risk.

“Our state’s economy cannot afford such a blow,” Flanders said.

At least one member of the committee, Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, said the state should consider the trade-off.

The research dollars, Thompson said, aren’t as important as concerns “about our liberties and how they’re being trampled.”

Starting
 well before the COVID-19 pandemic, courts across the country have 
rejected most challenges to local and state vaccine mandates. U.S. 
Supreme Court decisions in 1905 and 1922 affirmed that states and local 
school districts had the authority to impose mandates to prevent the 
spread of smallpox.

Federal mandate authority isn’t so clear cut, according to the Congressional Research Service.

In <a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46745" target="_blank">an April report</a>,
 congressional researchers said the federal government has the power to 
require immigrants and military personnel to be vaccinated, but whether 
it can do more isn’t clear.

“No existing federal law expressly imposes vaccination requirements on the general population,” the report said.

Rubenstein,
 the Washburn law professor, said the Biden administration mandate 
covering federal contractors could be vulnerable to lawsuits filed by 
Republican-led states.

“Anybody who says this is a slam dunk one way or the other is over-simplifying the situation,” Rubenstein said.

Kansas Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt – a candidate for governor – is helping to lead one of those challenges.

“Nothing
 in the U.S. Constitution authorizes this sort of unprecedented 
intrusion by the federal government into the personal health care 
decisions of millions of American workers,” Schmidt said in a statement 
announcing that he had joined in a lawsuit with six other state 
attorneys general.

The case – filed in the U.S. District Court for
 the Southern District of Georgia – may not turn on claims that the 
mandate is an unconstitutional overreach, Rubenstein said. But he said 
arguments that specific agencies exceeded their authority or that they 
violated federal process and procurement rules could be persuasive.

“Those procedural challenges…could be enough to derail the mandate,” he said.

The
 Occupational Safety and Health Administration is expected to issue a 
second mandate this week. It will require private businesses with more 
than 100 employees to get their workers vaccinated or ensure that they 
undergo regular testing.

Schmidt has signaled his intention to challenge that mandate as well.

Jim McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a> or email jim@kcur.org.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635968118769.png" alt="Nearly 100 people opposed to federal vaccine mandates crowded into a recent Kansas legislative hearing held by a committee charged with finding ways to block them. Jim McLean / KCUR" />
 <figcaption>Nearly 100 people opposed to federal vaccine mandates crowded into a recent Kansas legislative hearing held by a committee charged with finding ways to block them. Jim McLean / KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-11-03/people-lined-up-to-tell-kansas-lawmakers-to-oppose-a-vaccine-mandate-but-it-may-be-a-lost-cause">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA&nbsp;— Many Kansans opposed to COVID-19 vaccine 
mandates want state lawmakers to pick a fight with the federal 
government even if it’s one they can’t win.“We need leaders who 
aren’t afraid to fail, who are willing to go down swinging,” said Olathe
 resident Grant Campbell in testimony to a special Kansas legislative 
committee looking for ways to block the mandates.The federal 
vaccine mandate hasn’t yet taken effect, but that hasn’t stopped 
legislative Republican leaders from creating the committee to 
preemptively look for ways to push back. The meeting grew so heated that
 the archived video of the hearing was later edited to remove a 
profanity-laced tirade against a journalist.Campbell said he will
 lose his job if not granted a religious exemption from a mandate 
requiring federal contractors to see to it that their employees are 
vaccinated by Dec. 8. He wants lawmakers to call an emergency session of
 the entire Legislature.Dozens of other Kansans made similar pleas to the <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_spc_2021_gov_ovrrch_and_covid19_1/" target="_blank">Special Committee on Government Overreach</a> and COVID-19 Mandates when it met last week for the first time.“I
 beg you, I plead with you, stop standing with the globalists. Please 
stand with us,” said Amy Siple, a nurse practitioner from Wichita.Protection
 from federal overreach is the duty of state lawmakers, said Wichita 
resident Denise Oldland. Even, she said, if it means sacrificing federal
 money that helps the state pay for highways, research and Medicaid, the
 health care program for low-income and disabled Kansans.Laura Klingensmith, an activist who <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article254079423.html" target="_blank">led campaigns against mask mandates</a> in Johnson County schools, criticized lawmakers for failing to <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb308_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">act on a bill last session</a> to prohibit local governments from imposing them.“You played politics with our lives,” Klingensmith said. “What will it take for you to protect our sovereign rights?”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635968201266.png" alt="An unidentified man stands amid a crowd of people opposed to federal vaccine mandates during a recent Kansas legislative hearing. Jim McLean" />
 <figcaption>An unidentified man stands amid a crowd of people opposed to federal vaccine mandates during a recent Kansas legislative hearing. Jim McLean</figcaption>
 </figure>Many of the people pushing lawmakers to act made arguments based on 
inaccurate information and conspiracy theories circulating on social 
media.Wichita resident Darwin Petersen said there is “no 
verifiable science” to show that vaccines protect people from the 
coronavirus.“Yet, there is abundant evidence that COVID-19 is a 
globally coordinated plan and executed terrorist attack on humanity,” he
 said.Mary Anne Sause, a retired nurse, said the federal government is forcing people to participate in a “medical experiment.”“Mandates are a form of slavery, a form of communism,” Sause said.Some
 people who testified went as far as comparing the mandates to policies 
used by the Nazi’s against the Jews during World War II. A few advocated
 violence.Lawrence resident Justin Spiehs said it was time to “bully” vaccine advocates “out of our lives.”Spiehs
 then launched into a rant against a journalist who declined to cover 
protests he led against the Lawrence school district’s mask mandate. 
That portion of his remarks is what was later edited out of the meeting 
video posted to the Kansas Legislature’s website.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635968245206.png" alt="An unidentified woman sits among a crowd of people opposed to federal vaccine mandates at a recent Kansas legislative hearings. Jim McLean" />
 <figcaption>An unidentified woman sits among a crowd of people opposed to federal vaccine mandates at a recent Kansas legislative hearings. Jim McLean</figcaption>
 </figure>After the hearing, the chair of the special committee, Republican 
Sen. Renee Erickson, said the Republicans on the panel were still trying
 to figure out “what we can do as a state to protect Kansans’ freedom 
and rights.”Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes said she doesn’t expect the committee to produce actionable recommendations.“It’s honestly a waste of taxpayers money. It’s political theatrics,” Sykes said.<h2>Limited options</h2>State
 lawmakers can’t block the federal mandates, but they aren’t powerless, 
said David Rubenstein, a Washburn University constitutional law 
professor.They could prohibit Kansas employers from requiring 
workers to get vaccinated in the hope that Republican-led lawsuits 
challenging the mandates succeed in striking them down.But if the courts allow the mandates to stand, Rubenstein said, “federal law would trump” conflicting state laws.That
 would include any changes in Kansas law that make it easier for people 
to get religious exemptions from the vaccine mandates, something that 
several members of the committee said they were considering.Anyone seeking such an exemption, said Republican Senate President Ty Masterson, should not be questioned.“The assumption should (go) to the person’s individual belief,” Masterson said.Rep.
 Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, criticized exemption policies at 
the University of Kansas and Kansas State University that in his view 
are too rigorous.“It appears to me that our universities would 
just as soon fall in line and do what they’re told by (the Biden) 
administration,” Owens said.Though improbable, state lawmakers 
could also choose to forego billions of dollars by stopping state 
universities from entering into federal research contracts, Rubenstein 
said.In testimony to the committee, Kansas Board of Regents 
President Blake Flanders said failing to comply with federal vaccine 
mandates would put approximately $1.3 billion in research contracts at 
risk.“Our state’s economy cannot afford such a blow,” Flanders said.At least one member of the committee, Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, said the state should consider the trade-off.The research dollars, Thompson said, aren’t as important as concerns “about our liberties and how they’re being trampled.”<h2>Fighting it out in court</h2>Starting
 well before the COVID-19 pandemic, courts across the country have 
rejected most challenges to local and state vaccine mandates. U.S. 
Supreme Court decisions in 1905 and 1922 affirmed that states and local 
school districts had the authority to impose mandates to prevent the 
spread of smallpox.Federal mandate authority isn’t so clear cut, according to the Congressional Research Service.In <a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46745" target="_blank">an April report</a>,
 congressional researchers said the federal government has the power to 
require immigrants and military personnel to be vaccinated, but whether 
it can do more isn’t clear.“No existing federal law expressly imposes vaccination requirements on the general population,” the report said.Rubenstein,
 the Washburn law professor, said the Biden administration mandate 
covering federal contractors could be vulnerable to lawsuits filed by 
Republican-led states.“Anybody who says this is a slam dunk one way or the other is over-simplifying the situation,” Rubenstein said.Kansas Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt – a candidate for governor – is helping to lead one of those challenges.“Nothing
 in the U.S. Constitution authorizes this sort of unprecedented 
intrusion by the federal government into the personal health care 
decisions of millions of American workers,” Schmidt said in a statement 
announcing that he had joined in a lawsuit with six other state 
attorneys general.The case – filed in the U.S. District Court for
 the Southern District of Georgia – may not turn on claims that the 
mandate is an unconstitutional overreach, Rubenstein said. But he said 
arguments that specific agencies exceeded their authority or that they 
violated federal process and procurement rules could be persuasive.“Those procedural challenges…could be enough to derail the mandate,” he said.The
 Occupational Safety and Health Administration is expected to issue a 
second mandate this week. It will require private businesses with more 
than 100 employees to get their workers vaccinated or ensure that they 
undergo regular testing.Schmidt has signaled his intention to challenge that mandate as well.Jim McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a> or email jim@kcur.org.&nbsp;

Kansans lined up to oppose vaccine mandate, but it may be a lost cause

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/11/03/report-allows-kansas-residents-to-see-what-contaminants-are-in-their-drinking-water/">Kansas Reflector</a>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas and 
Missouri residents may be drinking unsafe amounts of arsenic, nitrates 
and other chemicals — even if their provider is meeting federal drinking
 water requirements, according to data published Wednesday by an 
environmental group.

The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ewg.org/">Environmental Working Group</a> released its most up to date <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ewg.org/tapwater">tap water database</a>,
 compiling testing information for water utilities across the country so
 residents can access information about the contents of their drinking 
water. The information reported comes from state health agencies and the
 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In many cases, EWG sets far stricter 
standards for what it considers safe than the EPA allows under safe 
drinking water standards. Where hundreds of utilities reported chemicals
 at levels EWG would consider too high for people’s health, only a 
handful were above legal limits.&nbsp;

Find information about your water utility at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ewg.org/tapwater">ewg.org/tapwater</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Among the largest water providers in 
Kansas and Missouri, contaminants like arsenic, nitrates, chloroform and
 atrazine were found at levels EWG considers unsafe. In Kansas, 
nitrates, which seep into water systems from fertilizer runoff, were 
found above levels EWG considers safe in more than 800 out of 870 water 
systems, making it the chemical most commonly found at problematic 
levels.

Other major contaminants in the two 
states include trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, both of which are 
byproducts of drinking water treatment

“A lot people don’t realize that 
there are contaminants in the tap water that they drink. It’s perfectly 
legal, but it’s not necessarily safe,” said Sydney Evans, a science 
analyst for EWG. “There is a pretty big discrepancy with a lot of 
contaminants between what is legal and what is safe.”&nbsp;

In St. Louis, for example, tests 
showed drinking water contained 0.435 micrograms of arsenic per liter of
 water. The legal limit is 10 micrograms, but EWG cites the California 
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, which set a public 
health goal of just 0.004 micrograms per liter for arsenic.

Kansas City’s water had 2.12 milligrams of nitrates per liter of water. The legal limit is 10 micrograms. EWG recommends 0.14.

Nitrates and nitrites, which can 
increase the risk of cancer and harm fetal growth, were found above 
EWG’s guidelines in 543 of the 1,432 water utilities serving 
Missourians. Nitrates were found in nearly all of Kansas’ water systems.
 But only five of them, all in Kansas, broke federal standards.

Topeka’s water had 0.626 micrograms 
of atrazine per liter compared to the legal limit of 3 micrograms. But 
EWG recommends a limit of 0.1 micrograms.&nbsp;

For trihalomethanes and certain 
haloacetic acids, EPA sets a limit of 80 micrograms per liter and 60 
micrograms per liter. But EWG says those chemicals are unsafe beyond 
0.15 micrograms per liter and 0.1 micrograms per liter, based on its own
 peer-reviewed research published last year in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7142415/">International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health</a>.&nbsp;

“Some of these are decades old,” 
Evans said, adding that the limits were based on health data and the 
costs of mitigation at the time they were set.

“That just doesn’t really make sense 
to me that we have such outdated information influencing those legal 
limits when we know that the health consequences are much more severe 
than what we thought they were previously based on all of the research 
that’s been done in the meantime,” Evans said.

Heather Frierson, a spokeswoman for 
the Kansas City Water Department, said in an email that the city meets 
or exceeds all EPA requirements for limiting contaminants in drinking 
water.

Topeka’s spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker noted the city was in full compliance with federal drinking water standards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606239441132.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/11/03/report-allows-kansas-residents-to-see-what-contaminants-are-in-their-drinking-water/">Kansas Reflector</a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas and 
Missouri residents may be drinking unsafe amounts of arsenic, nitrates 
and other chemicals — even if their provider is meeting federal drinking
 water requirements, according to data published Wednesday by an 
environmental group.The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ewg.org/">Environmental Working Group</a> released its most up to date <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ewg.org/tapwater">tap water database</a>,
 compiling testing information for water utilities across the country so
 residents can access information about the contents of their drinking 
water. The information reported comes from state health agencies and the
 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.In many cases, EWG sets far stricter 
standards for what it considers safe than the EPA allows under safe 
drinking water standards. Where hundreds of utilities reported chemicals
 at levels EWG would consider too high for people’s health, only a 
handful were above legal limits.&nbsp;Find information about your water utility at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ewg.org/tapwater">ewg.org/tapwater</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Among the largest water providers in 
Kansas and Missouri, contaminants like arsenic, nitrates, chloroform and
 atrazine were found at levels EWG considers unsafe. In Kansas, 
nitrates, which seep into water systems from fertilizer runoff, were 
found above levels EWG considers safe in more than 800 out of 870 water 
systems, making it the chemical most commonly found at problematic 
levels.Other major contaminants in the two 
states include trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, both of which are 
byproducts of drinking water treatment“A lot people don’t realize that 
there are contaminants in the tap water that they drink. It’s perfectly 
legal, but it’s not necessarily safe,” said Sydney Evans, a science 
analyst for EWG. “There is a pretty big discrepancy with a lot of 
contaminants between what is legal and what is safe.”&nbsp;In St. Louis, for example, tests 
showed drinking water contained 0.435 micrograms of arsenic per liter of
 water. The legal limit is 10 micrograms, but EWG cites the California 
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, which set a public 
health goal of just 0.004 micrograms per liter for arsenic.Kansas City’s water had 2.12 milligrams of nitrates per liter of water. The legal limit is 10 micrograms. EWG recommends 0.14.Nitrates and nitrites, which can 
increase the risk of cancer and harm fetal growth, were found above 
EWG’s guidelines in 543 of the 1,432 water utilities serving 
Missourians. Nitrates were found in nearly all of Kansas’ water systems.
 But only five of them, all in Kansas, broke federal standards.Topeka’s water had 0.626 micrograms 
of atrazine per liter compared to the legal limit of 3 micrograms. But 
EWG recommends a limit of 0.1 micrograms.&nbsp;For trihalomethanes and certain 
haloacetic acids, EPA sets a limit of 80 micrograms per liter and 60 
micrograms per liter. But EWG says those chemicals are unsafe beyond 
0.15 micrograms per liter and 0.1 micrograms per liter, based on its own
 peer-reviewed research published last year in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7142415/">International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health</a>.&nbsp;“Some of these are decades old,” 
Evans said, adding that the limits were based on health data and the 
costs of mitigation at the time they were set.“That just doesn’t really make sense 
to me that we have such outdated information influencing those legal 
limits when we know that the health consequences are much more severe 
than what we thought they were previously based on all of the research 
that’s been done in the meantime,” Evans said.Heather Frierson, a spokeswoman for 
the Kansas City Water Department, said in an email that the city meets 
or exceeds all EPA requirements for limiting contaminants in drinking 
water.Topeka’s spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker noted the city was in full compliance with federal drinking water standards.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Report allows Kan. residents to see their drinking water contaminants

TOPEKA —Governor Kelly discussed Kansas' plan to vaccinate children ages 5-11 years-old at the Safer Classrooms Workgroup virtual meeting Wednesday. It began just after 1p.m.

The state expects to receive nearly 128,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 through 11 next week, and the state also announced Wednesday that all of them will be eligible for shots. 

According to Gov. Kelly, Kansas is following recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccinating children. 

Kansas has about 276,000 children from 5 through 11, and the doses it expects to receive will be enough for 46% of them to get the first of two shots. Federal health authorities gave the final go-ahead Tuesday for a vaccine made by Pfizer for younger children.

TOPEKA —Governor Kelly discussed Kansas' plan to vaccinate children ages 5-11 years-old at the Safer Classrooms Workgroup virtual meeting Wednesday. It began just after 1p.m.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cdn1YlkaONE?start=144" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The state expects to receive nearly 128,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 through 11 next week, and the state also announced Wednesday that all of them will be eligible for shots. According to Gov. Kelly, Kansas is following recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccinating children. Kansas has about 276,000 children from 5 through 11, and the doses it expects to receive will be enough for 46% of them to get the first of two shots. Federal health authorities gave the final go-ahead Tuesday for a vaccine made by Pfizer for younger children.

🎥 Governor on Kansas plan to vaccinate kids age 5-11 

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,263 to a total of 438,196, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 26 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,448.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> 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.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,263 to a total of 438,196, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 26 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,448.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635959487343.png" alt="Wednesday November 4, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday November 4, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> 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.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 2,260 new cases, 26 more COVID deaths

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.

On October 2, police were dispatched to a disturbance with shots fired near 8th and Fillmore in Topeka, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.

 Officers arrived and met with several people in the area and located one subject with an obvious gunshot wound. Through the investigation, a suspect was identified as Quaton Grover, 43 of Topeka.

Just after 3:00 p.m, Tuesday, with the assistance of the United State's Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Grover was located and eventually taken into custody in the 2600 block of SE Adams. 

&nbsp;Grover was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Criminal Discharge of a Firearm stemming from the October 2nd shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635940058125.png" alt="Grover photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Grover photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.On October 2, police were dispatched to a disturbance with shots fired near 8th and Fillmore in Topeka, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson. Officers arrived and met with several people in the area and located one subject with an obvious gunshot wound. Through the investigation, a suspect was identified as Quaton Grover, 43 of Topeka.Just after 3:00 p.m, Tuesday, with the assistance of the United State's Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Grover was located and eventually taken into custody in the 2600 block of SE Adams. &nbsp;Grover was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Criminal Discharge of a Firearm stemming from the October 2nd shooting.

U.S. Marshals help capture Kansas shooting suspect

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is declining to wade into a case involving transgender rights and leaving in place a lower court decision against a Catholic hospital that wouldn’t allow a transgender man to have a hysterectomy there.

The high court turned away the case without comment, as is typical. Three conservative justices — Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch — said they would have heard the case.

Mercy San Juan Medical Center near Sacramento declined to allow the procedure to be performed at its facility saying it was an “elective sterilization” that violated the hospital’s ethical and religious obligations.

The patient, Evan Minton, got the surgery three days later at a different hospital. He sued under a California law that bars discrimination. A trial court agreed with the hospital that a three-day delay in the procedure did not involve a denial of “full and equal” access to health care under California law. An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-lawsuits-california-san-francisco-10b981b960be4a1284af3b66ebe1cab6">appeals court reversed that decision</a>.

The high court’s decision not to step in is the latest win recently for transgender rights groups at the court. In June, the justices declined to weigh in on a different case involving transgender rights.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-courts-supreme-courts-government-and-politics-9b4cabc4e026d96d8f5492e03260985a">In that case,</a>&nbsp;the justices rejected a Virginia school board’s appeal to reinstate its transgender bathroom ban. Transgender rights groups and a former high school student had fought in court for six years to overturn the ban.

In 2020, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-supreme-courts-mi-state-wire-neil-gorsuch-ap-top-news-5a7b0e41a47a3c571dda69194758e7b1">high court ruled that a landmark civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender people from discrimination in employment.</a>&nbsp;The 6-3 decision was a resounding victory for LGBT rights from a conservative court. The court said a key provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 known as Title VII that bars job discrimination because of sex, among other reasons, encompasses bias against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is declining to wade into a case involving transgender rights and leaving in place a lower court decision against a Catholic hospital that wouldn’t allow a transgender man to have a hysterectomy there.The high court turned away the case without comment, as is typical. Three conservative justices — Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch — said they would have heard the case.Mercy San Juan Medical Center near Sacramento declined to allow the procedure to be performed at its facility saying it was an “elective sterilization” that violated the hospital’s ethical and religious obligations.The patient, Evan Minton, got the surgery three days later at a different hospital. He sued under a California law that bars discrimination. A trial court agreed with the hospital that a three-day delay in the procedure did not involve a denial of “full and equal” access to health care under California law. An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-lawsuits-california-san-francisco-10b981b960be4a1284af3b66ebe1cab6">appeals court reversed that decision</a>.The high court’s decision not to step in is the latest win recently for transgender rights groups at the court. In June, the justices declined to weigh in on a different case involving transgender rights.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-courts-supreme-courts-government-and-politics-9b4cabc4e026d96d8f5492e03260985a">In that case,</a>&nbsp;the justices rejected a Virginia school board’s appeal to reinstate its transgender bathroom ban. Transgender rights groups and a former high school student had fought in court for six years to overturn the ban.In 2020, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-supreme-courts-mi-state-wire-neil-gorsuch-ap-top-news-5a7b0e41a47a3c571dda69194758e7b1">high court ruled that a landmark civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender people from discrimination in employment.</a>&nbsp;The 6-3 decision was a resounding victory for LGBT rights from a conservative court. The court said a key provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 known as Title VII that bars job discrimination because of sex, among other reasons, encompasses bias against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Supreme Court won't hear case of trans man wanting hysterectomy

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Kansas Gas Service crews are continuing repairs Wednesday morning on a line that spewed gas in central Salina Tuesday evening.

A spokesperson for Kansas Gas Service told Salina Post this morning that at approximately 6 p.m. Tuesday, Kansas Gas Service crews responded to a hit line damaged by a third party at S. Ninth Street and W. South Street.

Those streets were expected to be reduced to one lane of traffic today as crews complete their work, the spokesperson said. Motorists are encouraged to use caution while driving in the area.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Kansas Gas Service anticipates work will be completed by the end of the day, the spokesperson said.

There were no interruptions to natural gas service to any customers, according to the spokesperson.

An apparent major gas leak shut down part of S. Ninth Street Tuesday evening.

The leak appeared to be near the S. Ninth Street/W. South Street intersection. Shortly before 7 p.m. a strong gas odor could be detected as far north as the City-County Building at 300 W. Ash Street, where workers were preparing for the conclusion of the election in Saline County.

As of approximately 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, crews appeared to still be working near the S. Ninth Street/W. South Street intersection, and a gas odor was still detectable.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635909869048.jpeg" alt="A variety of Kansas Gas Service and other vehicles were in the W. South Street block between S. Ninth Street and S. Eighth Street. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>A variety of Kansas Gas Service and other vehicles were in the W. South Street block between S. Ninth Street and S. Eighth Street. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostKansas Gas Service crews are continuing repairs Wednesday morning on a line that spewed gas in central Salina Tuesday evening.A spokesperson for Kansas Gas Service told Salina Post this morning that at approximately 6 p.m. Tuesday, Kansas Gas Service crews responded to a hit line damaged by a third party at S. Ninth Street and W. South Street.Those streets were expected to be reduced to one lane of traffic today as crews complete their work, the spokesperson said. Motorists are encouraged to use caution while driving in the area.Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Kansas Gas Service anticipates work will be completed by the end of the day, the spokesperson said.There were no interruptions to natural gas service to any customers, according to the spokesperson.An apparent major gas leak shut down part of S. Ninth Street Tuesday evening.The leak appeared to be near the S. Ninth Street/W. South Street intersection. Shortly before 7 p.m. a strong gas odor could be detected as far north as the City-County Building at 300 W. Ash Street, where workers were preparing for the conclusion of the election in Saline County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635909998035.jpeg" alt="Southbound traffic on S. Ninth Street was detoured at W. Mulberry Street. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Southbound traffic on S. Ninth Street was detoured at W. Mulberry Street. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>As of approximately 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, crews appeared to still be working near the S. Ninth Street/W. South Street intersection, and a gas odor was still detectable.

Portion of street in Salina closed due to major gas leak

<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>


HUTCHINSON — 
The voters of Reno County approved a special question on the expansion 
of the Board of County Commissioners from three to five members Tuesday.
 The vote was 4,164 for and 3,555 against expansion.

Proponents of the expansion feel that the rural areas of the county will get more representation.

The
 Hutchinson Community Foundation expressed support for the change, as 
did former county commissioner and KWBW newsman Dan Deming in a 
Hutchinson News column prior to election day.

It is the intent of 
the current three commissioners to have the two newly created seats 
filled in the November 2022 general election.&nbsp;

The final election canvass is November 9.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — 
The voters of Reno County approved a special question on the expansion 
of the Board of County Commissioners from three to five members Tuesday.
 The vote was 4,164 for and 3,555 against expansion.Proponents of the expansion feel that the rural areas of the county will get more representation.The
 Hutchinson Community Foundation expressed support for the change, as 
did former county commissioner and KWBW newsman Dan Deming in a 
Hutchinson News column prior to election day.It is the intent of 
the current three commissioners to have the two newly created seats 
filled in the November 2022 general election.&nbsp;The final election canvass is November 9.

Reno County voters approve move from 3 to 5 commissioners

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Six women in the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;House and a former female member are calling on a male lawmaker to resign after being charged with domestic battery and ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation.

The seven Democrats calling for freshman Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City to step down also called on him to resign in December 2020, before he took office.

Coleman, 21, faces the domestic battery charge in Johnson County over a Saturday night disturbance involving his brother at his grandfather’s home. Coleman's attorney entered a not guilty plea for him Monday.

He also was banned last month from the Kansas Department of Labor’s offices over allegations of disruptive behavior. Coleman said he was trying to help constituents.

A legislative committee reprimanded Coleman in writing in February over accusations of abusive behavior toward girls and young women before he took office. He acknowledged some of the behavior and said he'd been a troubled teenager.

The lawmakers calling for his resignation are Reps. Stephanie Byers of Wichita, Linda Featherston of Overland Park, Christina Haswood of Lawrence, Jo Ella Hoye of Lenexa, Mari-Lynn Poskin of Leawood and Lindsay Vaughn of Overland Park. They are joined by former Rep. Jennifer Day, who gave up her seat earlier this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608567337136.png" alt="In 2020, Seven new female Democratic Kansas House members and the party’s leader in the chamber demanded publicly Coleman resign before taking office because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-topeka-elections-fd91a21ee706c19194c7d302a2315d28">issues</a>&nbsp;that included a temporary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-kansas-city-kansas-elections-campaigns-97855c4a3deea46d5cbd8b39489b8af7">anti-stalking court order</a>&nbsp;against him.-Photo courtesy Rep. Stephanie Byers" />
 <figcaption>In 2020, Seven new female Democratic Kansas House members and the party’s leader in the chamber demanded publicly Coleman resign before taking office because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-topeka-elections-fd91a21ee706c19194c7d302a2315d28">issues</a>&nbsp;that included a temporary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-kansas-city-kansas-elections-campaigns-97855c4a3deea46d5cbd8b39489b8af7">anti-stalking court order</a>&nbsp;against him.-Photo courtesy Rep. Stephanie Byers</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Six women in the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;House and a former female member are calling on a male lawmaker to resign after being charged with domestic battery and ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation.The seven Democrats calling for freshman Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City to step down also called on him to resign in December 2020, before he took office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635804497310.png" alt="Coleman from his Saturday booking photo in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Coleman from his Saturday booking photo in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>Coleman, 21, faces the domestic battery charge in Johnson County over a Saturday night disturbance involving his brother at his grandfather’s home. Coleman's attorney entered a not guilty plea for him Monday.He also was banned last month from the Kansas Department of Labor’s offices over allegations of disruptive behavior. Coleman said he was trying to help constituents.A legislative committee reprimanded Coleman in writing in February over accusations of abusive behavior toward girls and young women before he took office. He acknowledged some of the behavior and said he'd been a troubled teenager.The lawmakers calling for his resignation are Reps. Stephanie Byers of Wichita, Linda Featherston of Overland Park, Christina Haswood of Lawrence, Jo Ella Hoye of Lenexa, Mari-Lynn Poskin of Leawood and Lindsay Vaughn of Overland Park. They are joined by former Rep. Jennifer Day, who gave up her seat earlier this year.

Women in Kan. House want charged male lawmaker to resign

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Monday shooting have identified the victim as 22-year-old Braekwon Bennett of Wichita.

At approximately 5:30 p.m, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 300 block of W. 10th St. North in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macey. 

After arriving on scene, they located Bennett with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Officers learned that two male suspects, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old arrived at the apartment and confronted Bennett. There was an altercation that led to multiple shots being fired. The 18-year-old male was also shot during the altercation, and both suspects then left the apartment.

The suspects later arrived at an area hospital, where the 18-year-old was admitted for treatment. The 17-year-old was contacted at the hospital and attempted to run from police but was taken into custody. The 17-year-old was booked into the Juvenile Detention Facility for First-Degree Murder. The 18-year-old remains hospitalized and will be booked upon release, according to Macey.

At this time, there are no suspects/persons of interest outstanding, and it’s believed that the victim and suspects were known to each other. The investigation is ongoing and will be presented to the District Attorney’s office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635868894294.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Monday shooting have identified the victim as 22-year-old Braekwon Bennett of Wichita.At approximately 5:30 p.m, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 300 block of W. 10th St. North in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macey. After arriving on scene, they located Bennett with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.Officers learned that two male suspects, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old arrived at the apartment and confronted Bennett. There was an altercation that led to multiple shots being fired. The 18-year-old male was also shot during the altercation, and both suspects then left the apartment.The suspects later arrived at an area hospital, where the 18-year-old was admitted for treatment. The 17-year-old was contacted at the hospital and attempted to run from police but was taken into custody. The 17-year-old was booked into the Juvenile Detention Facility for First-Degree Murder. The 18-year-old remains hospitalized and will be booked upon release, according to Macey.At this time, there are no suspects/persons of interest outstanding, and it’s believed that the victim and suspects were known to each other. The investigation is ongoing and will be presented to the District Attorney’s office.&nbsp;

Kansas teen ran from police at the hospital, accused of murder

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Several high-profile school board candidates who fought COVID-19 restrictions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-elections-education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-f3e0a8198edae71980f942f2eb5ea172">anti-racism classes</a>&nbsp;lost their election bids Tuesday, while the Republican candidate for Virginia governor won after making education a key part of his campaign.

The defeats in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Connecticut came as voters weighed in on dozens of races that were dominated by debates over masks, vaccines, race and history. Their choices will help decide not just local policies but also whether the education battle has staying power and becomes a rallying issue for Republicans in the 2022 midterms.

Conservatives have eagerly taken up the cause as they look to move past&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and to reframe the discussion on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/racial-injustice">racial injustice in America</a>&nbsp;as a rewriting of history.

The political tracking website Ballotpedia identified 76 school districts in 22 states where candidates took a stance on race in education or critical race theory, which holds that racism is systemic in America’s institutions. The National School Boards Association says it is not taught in K-12 public schools.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, accused the right wing of orchestrating protests to “turn schools into battlegrounds.” She cited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-day-2021-mcauliffe-youngkin-biden-trump-a84bf1d7f2113c77197bca103fd0e81b">Republican Glenn Youngkin, who won the Virginia governor’s race after&nbsp;</a>seizing on conservatives’ frustrations with schools, as an example.

“Families drained by COVID and its effect on their kids were at the center of a political firestorm meant to distract from our shared goals of creating good jobs and an economy that works for all,” she said.

But Tina Descovich, a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, a Melbourne, Florida-based group, whose 142 chapters in 35 states have fought vaccine and mask mandates, said the power of parents was on full display in the race.

“We anticipate seeing the same effects throughout the 2022 midterm cycle,” Descovich said. “Parents are engaged and are seeking elected officials at all levels of government who respect their right to direct the education, upbringing and care of their children.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-michael-pence-virginia-a5100eb9c96250d914e8091d7bc51592">Former Vice President Mike Pence also got into the game</a>, taking a moment during a campaign rally Saturday in Ohio to urge voters to support conservative school board candidates. But conservative-backed candidates for a dozen suburban Cleveland school boards were generally falling behind, unofficial results showed.

In pockets across the country, other school board challenges failed.

In Wisconsin, four members of the Mequon-Thiensville School Board held off a recall challenge that cost anti-critical race theory backers nearly $50,000.

In Minnesota, three conservative candidates failed to win a seat on the board in Wayzata. They ran on a “Vote for Three!” platform that denounces “harmful ideologies like CRT,” political indoctrination and “controversial medical mandates.”

In Connecticut, a slate of five five candidates opposed to critical race theory lost the board of education race in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-elections-education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-f3e0a8198edae71980f942f2eb5ea172">Guilford school system</a>, where a racial reckoning began years ago, first with an episode in which a student wore blackface to a home football game, followed by a fraught debate over the elimination of its mascot, the Indians.

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Several high-profile school board candidates who fought COVID-19 restrictions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-elections-education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-f3e0a8198edae71980f942f2eb5ea172">anti-racism classes</a>&nbsp;lost their election bids Tuesday, while the Republican candidate for Virginia governor won after making education a key part of his campaign.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Andover, thank you for re-electing <a href="https://twitter.com/jawellstrio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jawellstrio</a> to the School Board. Who sits on our local boards impacts our lives, and you are in good hands with Josh.&mdash; Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikepompeo/status/1455736812580843522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The defeats in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Connecticut came as voters weighed in on dozens of races that were dominated by debates over masks, vaccines, race and history. Their choices will help decide not just local policies but also whether the education battle has staying power and becomes a rallying issue for Republicans in the 2022 midterms.Conservatives have eagerly taken up the cause as they look to move past&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and to reframe the discussion on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/racial-injustice">racial injustice in America</a>&nbsp;as a rewriting of history.The political tracking website Ballotpedia identified 76 school districts in 22 states where candidates took a stance on race in education or critical race theory, which holds that racism is systemic in America’s institutions. The National School Boards Association says it is not taught in K-12 public schools.Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, accused the right wing of orchestrating protests to “turn schools into battlegrounds.” She cited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-day-2021-mcauliffe-youngkin-biden-trump-a84bf1d7f2113c77197bca103fd0e81b">Republican Glenn Youngkin, who won the Virginia governor’s race after&nbsp;</a>seizing on conservatives’ frustrations with schools, as an example.“Families drained by COVID and its effect on their kids were at the center of a political firestorm meant to distract from our shared goals of creating good jobs and an economy that works for all,” she said.But Tina Descovich, a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, a Melbourne, Florida-based group, whose 142 chapters in 35 states have fought vaccine and mask mandates, said the power of parents was on full display in the race.“We anticipate seeing the same effects throughout the 2022 midterm cycle,” Descovich said. “Parents are engaged and are seeking elected officials at all levels of government who respect their right to direct the education, upbringing and care of their children.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-michael-pence-virginia-a5100eb9c96250d914e8091d7bc51592">Former Vice President Mike Pence also got into the game</a>, taking a moment during a campaign rally Saturday in Ohio to urge voters to support conservative school board candidates. But conservative-backed candidates for a dozen suburban Cleveland school boards were generally falling behind, unofficial results showed.In pockets across the country, other school board challenges failed.In Wisconsin, four members of the Mequon-Thiensville School Board held off a recall challenge that cost anti-critical race theory backers nearly $50,000.In Minnesota, three conservative candidates failed to win a seat on the board in Wayzata. They ran on a “Vote for Three!” platform that denounces “harmful ideologies like CRT,” political indoctrination and “controversial medical mandates.”In Connecticut, a slate of five five candidates opposed to critical race theory lost the board of education race in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-elections-education-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-f3e0a8198edae71980f942f2eb5ea172">Guilford school system</a>, where a racial reckoning began years ago, first with an episode in which a student wore blackface to a home football game, followed by a fraught debate over the elimination of its mascot, the Indians.Parents for Guilford Students, which backed the losing candidates, posted on Facebook: “Our five republican candidates lost the BOE election.” But, the post said, “those that lost the most are the dear children of Guilford.”In Colorado, early results showed anti-mask candidate Schumé Navarro trailing in her bid for a seat on the Cherry Creek School District. The mother of three went to court last month to win the right to attend a district candidate event without a face mask, arguing that she cannot wear one because of abuse she suffered as a child.“The environment and the culture that it’s creating is just stealing from our kids,” she said of masks.However, the fight against diversity education resonated in the school board race in the Carroll Independent School District in Southlake, Texas, where Andrew Yeager won on Tuesday night. He was backed by a political action committee that opposes a diversity and equality plan created after a video of students chanting a racial slur began circulating online three years ago. A temporary restraining order has blocked the plan.1776 Action, a group inspired by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-media-slavery-cultures-donald-trump-afdfa0b3454d5a7fdf544158ee1f5e1f">former President Donald Trump’s now-disbanded 1776 Commission</a>&nbsp;that played down America’s role in slavery, urged candidates to sign a pledge calling for the restoration of “honest, patriotic education.” At least 300 candidates and elected officials did so, said Adam Waldeck, the group’s president.Waldeck said his group also sent out mailers and targeted text messages in races in Johnston, Iowa, where three candidates have signed the pledge, and in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where law enforcement was called to investigate threats against school board President Chris McCune.The backlash stems from his ordering the removal from a July meeting of a parent who kept demanding information about critical race theory after her two-minute time limit had ended. McCune, who is on track to retain his seat, wrote in a letter to the Daily Local News newspaper in Pennsylvania that it is his duty to “maintain order” and insisted that the district doesn’t even teach critical race theory.“National and local political forces continue to urge residents to rally against local school boards and CRT, even when board members and administrators have offered to meet to share the district’s curriculum to demonstrate that it is simply not what we teach,” McCune said.In Iowa, masking opponent Sarah Barthole won election to the Ankeny School Board in suburban Des Moines after receiving a high-profile endorsement from Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds. Barthole worked with Reynolds last year to reopen schools and is credited with inspiring the state’s now-blocked law prohibiting mask mandates in schools.Laura Zorc, who leads the Washington, D.C.-based conservative group Freedom Works’ education initiative, said she was heartened by the showing in Douglas County, Colorado, where a conservative slate of four candidates appeared poised to unseat incumbents. The board has been under fire for suing the county health department to uphold the district’s mask mandate.“School board races, for way too long, have been overlooked,” Zorc said, adding that the pandemic changed everything. “It really brought a lot of attention to these races, and that’s why I think we’re seeing the sweep that we have.”