A federal judge in Texas on Friday ruled illegal an Obama-era program that prevents the deportation of some immigrants brought into the United States as children, putting new pressure for action on President Joe Biden and Democrats who control Congress for legislation to safeguard the people known as “Dreamers.”

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen ruled in favor of Texas and eight other conservative states that sued to halt the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which provides limited protections to about 650,000 people. People who are already enrolled won’t lose protections, but Hanen is barring the approval of any new applications.

On the decision, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said, “Today’s decision is a victory for the rule of law that reaffirms no president has the unilateral authority to rewrite or suspend our immigration laws. Even President Obama stated this obvious fact on numerous occasions until, capitulating to political pressure, he purported to create DACA by executive action. As I have said many times during the course of this lengthy litigation, DACA recipients are a sympathetic group with significant public support and a compelling argument that their circumstance is unique. But, because of President Obama’s unlawful executive action, for the past decade DACA recipients have lived under the cruel illusion of a program that in fact never could lawfully exist."

Hanen’s decision limits the immediate ability of Biden, who pledged during his campaign to protect DACA, to keep the program or something similar in place. His ruling is the second by a federal judge in Texas stopping Biden’s immigration plans, after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-texas-barack-obama-51688033e490d50867e52ef9c8ec574f">court barred enforcement of Biden’s 100-day stay</a>&nbsp;on most deportations. The program has been challenged in court since former President Barack Obama instituted it in June 2012.

In Friday’s ruling, Hanen wrote that the states proved “the hardship that the continued operation of DACA has inflicted on them.”

He continued: “Furthermore, the government has no legitimate interest in the continuation of an illegally implemented program.”

Biden has already proposed legislation that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-legislation-immigration-border-security-2179887c74cfd8d156bbd293abfc9fb0">provide a pathway to citizenship</a>&nbsp;for the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without authorization. He also ordered agencies to make efforts to preserve the program.

Supporters of DACA, including those who argued before Hanen to save it, have said a law passed by Congress is necessary to provide permanent relief. Hanen has said Congress must act if the U.S. wants to provide the protections in DACA to recipients commonly known as “Dreamers.”

The House approved legislation in March creating a pathway toward citizenship for “Dreamers,” but the measure has been stalled in the Senate. Immigration advocates hope to include a provision opening that citizenship doorway in sweeping budget legislation Democrats want to approve this year, but it’s unclear whether that language will survive.

Hanen’s ruling came after a nearly 3 1/2 hour&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-houston-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-immigration-us-supreme-court-bc19608c6aa54623902c44ded180d005">court hearing</a>&nbsp;Dec. 22 on DACA’s fate.

The states argued that Obama never had the authority in 2012 to create DACA because it circumvented Congress. The states also argued that the program drains their educational and healthcare resources.

Suing alongside Texas were Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, and West Virginia — states that all had Republican governors or state attorneys general.

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, which defended the program on behalf of a group of DACA recipients, argued Obama did have the authority and that the states lacked the standing to sue because they had not suffered any harm due to the program.

Hanen rejected Texas’ request in 2018 to stop the program through a preliminary injunction. But in a foreshadowing of his latest ruling, he said he believed DACA as enacted was likely unconstitutional.

“If the nation truly wants to have a DACA program, it is up to Congress to say so,” Hanen wrote in 2018.

Hanen ruled in 2015 that Obama could not expand DACA protections or institute a program shielding their parents.

While DACA is often described as a program for young immigrants, many recipients have lived in the U.S. for a decade or longer after being brought into the country without permission or overstaying visas. The liberal Center for American Progress says roughly 254,000 children have at least one parent relying on DACA. Some recipients are grandparents.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump’s attempt to end DACA in 2017 was unlawful. A New York judge in December&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-immigration-courts-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-ab070236efdcadce2659800f88b68507">ordered</a>&nbsp;the Trump administration to restore the program as enacted by Obama.

Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, a progressive organization, expressed disappointment at Friday’s ruling, saying in a statement that DACA has been a big success that has transformed many lives.

“Today makes absolutely clear: only a permanent legislative solution passed by Congress will eliminate the fear and uncertainty that DACA recipients have been forced to live with for years. We call on each and every elected office to do everything within their power so that DACA recipients and their families and communities can live free from fear, and continue to build their lives here,” Schulte said.

By ASTRID GALVAN, Associated PressA federal judge in Texas on Friday ruled illegal an Obama-era program that prevents the deportation of some immigrants brought into the United States as children, putting new pressure for action on President Joe Biden and Democrats who control Congress for legislation to safeguard the people known as “Dreamers.”U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen ruled in favor of Texas and eight other conservative states that sued to halt the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which provides limited protections to about 650,000 people. People who are already enrolled won’t lose protections, but Hanen is barring the approval of any new applications.On the decision, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said, “Today’s decision is a victory for the rule of law that reaffirms no president has the unilateral authority to rewrite or suspend our immigration laws. Even President Obama stated this obvious fact on numerous occasions until, capitulating to political pressure, he purported to create DACA by executive action. As I have said many times during the course of this lengthy litigation, DACA recipients are a sympathetic group with significant public support and a compelling argument that their circumstance is unique. But, because of President Obama’s unlawful executive action, for the past decade DACA recipients have lived under the cruel illusion of a program that in fact never could lawfully exist."Hanen’s decision limits the immediate ability of Biden, who pledged during his campaign to protect DACA, to keep the program or something similar in place. His ruling is the second by a federal judge in Texas stopping Biden’s immigration plans, after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-texas-barack-obama-51688033e490d50867e52ef9c8ec574f">court barred enforcement of Biden’s 100-day stay</a>&nbsp;on most deportations. The program has been challenged in court since former President Barack Obama instituted it in June 2012.In Friday’s ruling, Hanen wrote that the states proved “the hardship that the continued operation of DACA has inflicted on them.”He continued: “Furthermore, the government has no legitimate interest in the continuation of an illegally implemented program.”Biden has already proposed legislation that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-legislation-immigration-border-security-2179887c74cfd8d156bbd293abfc9fb0">provide a pathway to citizenship</a>&nbsp;for the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without authorization. He also ordered agencies to make efforts to preserve the program.Supporters of DACA, including those who argued before Hanen to save it, have said a law passed by Congress is necessary to provide permanent relief. Hanen has said Congress must act if the U.S. wants to provide the protections in DACA to recipients commonly known as “Dreamers.”The House approved legislation in March creating a pathway toward citizenship for “Dreamers,” but the measure has been stalled in the Senate. Immigration advocates hope to include a provision opening that citizenship doorway in sweeping budget legislation Democrats want to approve this year, but it’s unclear whether that language will survive.Hanen’s ruling came after a nearly 3 1/2 hour&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-houston-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-immigration-us-supreme-court-bc19608c6aa54623902c44ded180d005">court hearing</a>&nbsp;Dec. 22 on DACA’s fate.The states argued that Obama never had the authority in 2012 to create DACA because it circumvented Congress. The states also argued that the program drains their educational and healthcare resources.Suing alongside Texas were Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, and West Virginia — states that all had Republican governors or state attorneys general.The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, which defended the program on behalf of a group of DACA recipients, argued Obama did have the authority and that the states lacked the standing to sue because they had not suffered any harm due to the program.Hanen rejected Texas’ request in 2018 to stop the program through a preliminary injunction. But in a foreshadowing of his latest ruling, he said he believed DACA as enacted was likely unconstitutional.“If the nation truly wants to have a DACA program, it is up to Congress to say so,” Hanen wrote in 2018.Hanen ruled in 2015 that Obama could not expand DACA protections or institute a program shielding their parents.While DACA is often described as a program for young immigrants, many recipients have lived in the U.S. for a decade or longer after being brought into the country without permission or overstaying visas. The liberal Center for American Progress says roughly 254,000 children have at least one parent relying on DACA. Some recipients are grandparents.The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump’s attempt to end DACA in 2017 was unlawful. A New York judge in December&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-immigration-courts-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-ab070236efdcadce2659800f88b68507">ordered</a>&nbsp;the Trump administration to restore the program as enacted by Obama.Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, a progressive organization, expressed disappointment at Friday’s ruling, saying in a statement that DACA has been a big success that has transformed many lives.“Today makes absolutely clear: only a permanent legislative solution passed by Congress will eliminate the fear and uncertainty that DACA recipients have been forced to live with for years. We call on each and every elected office to do everything within their power so that DACA recipients and their families and communities can live free from fear, and continue to build their lives here,” Schulte said.

Federal judge orders end to DACA immigration program

LAKE OZARK, Mo. (AP) — A confrontation between rival motorcycle gangs in a popular Lake of the Ozarks tourist spot has left one man dead and four people injured.

Dan Field, a spokesperson for the city of Lake Ozark said that authorities can't yet say which motorcycle clubs were involved in Thursday night's confrontation. The victims had not been identified Friday.

The shooting occurred around 7:45 p.m. Thursday near Casablanca, a bar and restaurant on the strip of businesses along the road that runs across the Bagnell Dam. A message Casablanca posted on its Facebook page said Thursday was “bike night.”

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/casablancaloz/posts/4184670098234678">The posting&nbsp;</a>called the shooting “an unfortunate event” and "an isolated incident” and said Casablanca's staff was safe.

Another fatal shooting occurred in the resort community on Memorial Day weekend at the Lazy Gators event venue, which is 7 miles west of the Bagnell strip.

Kansas City-based rapper Vonza Watson was shot in the chest during an altercation. No one has been charged with his killing, but the Camden County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is continuing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626448595488.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting Thursday night -photo courtesy KMIZ TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting Thursday night -photo courtesy KMIZ TV</figcaption>
 </figure>LAKE OZARK, Mo. (AP) — A confrontation between rival motorcycle gangs in a popular Lake of the Ozarks tourist spot has left one man dead and four people injured.Dan Field, a spokesperson for the city of Lake Ozark said that authorities can't yet say which motorcycle clubs were involved in Thursday night's confrontation. The victims had not been identified Friday.The shooting occurred around 7:45 p.m. Thursday near Casablanca, a bar and restaurant on the strip of businesses along the road that runs across the Bagnell Dam. A message Casablanca posted on its Facebook page said Thursday was “bike night.”<a href="https://www.facebook.com/casablancaloz/posts/4184670098234678">The posting&nbsp;</a>called the shooting “an unfortunate event” and "an isolated incident” and said Casablanca's staff was safe.Another fatal shooting occurred in the resort community on Memorial Day weekend at the Lazy Gators event venue, which is 7 miles west of the Bagnell strip.Kansas City-based rapper Vonza Watson was shot in the chest during an altercation. No one has been charged with his killing, but the Camden County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is continuing.--------

Biker gang clash at tourist spot leaves 1 dead, 4 injured

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drowning in Sedgwick County.

Just before 4p.m. Thursday, deputies were dispatched to a drowning involving a child at a residence in the 20200 block of west 21st Street North, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

During the investigation deputies learned the child accessed the above ground pool in the backyard of the residence without the knowledge of his guardians.

The child, 3-year-old Chasson Carver of Las Vegas, Nevada, died at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626469658166.png" alt="First responders on the scene Thursday afternoon in Goddard -photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene Thursday afternoon in Goddard -photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drowning in Sedgwick County.Just before 4p.m. Thursday, deputies were dispatched to a drowning involving a child at a residence in the 20200 block of west 21st Street North, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.During the investigation deputies learned the child accessed the above ground pool in the backyard of the residence without the knowledge of his guardians.The child, 3-year-old Chasson Carver of Las Vegas, Nevada, died at the scene.

Sheriff IDs 3-year-old who drowned in pool at Kan. home

RICE COUNTY—The Northern Natural gas leak has been contained and emergency responders returned to their quarters Friday, afternoon, according to Rice County Emergency Communications. Those displaced due to the incident are now allowed to return to the area.

RICE COUNTY —Officials with Northern Natural gas are investigating a gas leak in Rice County.

Just after 3p.m.&nbsp;Thursday, crews were doing&nbsp; work at an underground storage facility southeast of Lyons when something happened with a valve that caused a release of natural gas, according to&nbsp;Mike Loeffler with Northern Natural Gas.

The company evacuated everyone within a one-mile radius of the area and closed all access to roads.&nbsp; Testing determined no natural gas at the one-mile perimeter or at the city limits of Lyons, according to Loeffler.

Northern Natural hope to begin repairs Friday morning.&nbsp; The public is not in danger, according to Loeffler.

The incident forced Midwest Energy to cut power to roughly 60 homes and buildings east of Lyons, according to a social media report from the utility.&nbsp; On Friday morning, authorities asked Midwest Energy to be prepared to cut power to another 500 meters in Rice Co, east of Lyons.  If required, this outage would come with no notice.&nbsp; The utility thanked residents for their understanding as they help authorities work through this situation.

RICE COUNTY—The Northern Natural gas leak has been contained and emergency responders returned to their quarters Friday, afternoon, according to Rice County Emergency Communications. Those displaced due to the incident are now allowed to return to the area.-------RICE COUNTY —Officials with Northern Natural gas are investigating a gas leak in Rice County.Just after 3p.m.&nbsp;Thursday, crews were doing&nbsp; work at an underground storage facility southeast of Lyons when something happened with a valve that caused a release of natural gas, according to&nbsp;Mike Loeffler with Northern Natural Gas.The company evacuated everyone within a one-mile radius of the area and closed all access to roads.&nbsp; Testing determined no natural gas at the one-mile perimeter or at the city limits of Lyons, according to Loeffler.Northern Natural hope to begin repairs Friday morning.&nbsp; The public is not in danger, according to Loeffler.The incident forced Midwest Energy to cut power to roughly 60 homes and buildings east of Lyons, according to a social media report from the utility.&nbsp; On Friday morning, authorities asked Midwest Energy to be prepared to cut power to another 500 meters in Rice Co, east of Lyons. If required, this outage would come with no notice.&nbsp; The utility thanked residents for their understanding as they help authorities work through this situation.

Update: Rice County natural gas leak contained

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas racial justice panel appointed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has recommended expanding Medicaid, adding another income tax bracket for top-income earners, restoring a food sales tax rebate and banning Native American mascots and team names in public schools.

The 15-member Commission on Racial Justice and Equity created the recommendations after meeting with Kansas Department of Commerce officials, Kansas Department of Health and Environment staff and others, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CREJ-July-2021-Report_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly established the commission last year in response to the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The report comes months after the panel crafted recommendations primarily focused on policing.

Some advocates in Kansas have pushed for Medicaid expansion for a decade. Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-topeka-kansas-medicaid-wichita-84ee115f5ecd92c1e9342fdcf8f3d2b0">promised this year</a>&nbsp;to continue to push to expand Medicaid in Kansas, despite top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature opposing it.

The panel wants to expand Medicaid eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty level. The panel cited&nbsp;<a href="https://files.kff.org/attachment/fact-sheet-medicaid-expansion-KS" target="_blank">an analysis</a>&nbsp;by the Kaiser Family Foundation estimating that about 82,000 uninsured non-elderly adults in the state would become eligible for coverage if Kansas expanded its Medicaid program.

The commission is also proposing to expand an income tax credit for poor families to offset the sales taxes they pay on food, so that it would be available to as many as 400,000 additional households. The current credit was set in 2013, amid former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s experiment in slashing state income tax rates, as a way to offset the cost of those cuts to the state.

The report also recommends for Kansas legislators to pass legislation to create a fourth bracket for families filing jointly with incomes over 100,000 a year to “more equitably distribute the tax burden.”

Lawmakers dropped the number of state income tax brackets to just two in 2012 as part of Brownback’s tax-cutting experiment, and it went back to three brackets in 2017, when most of the experiment was repealed following persistent budget problems.

Earlier this year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-0d2ef74a03cea6b0a2e10bac167ad2b4">Shawnee Mission</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-native-americans-public-opinion-740851f28c91067af895e38cf7377dfa">Atchison</a>&nbsp;school districts dropped Native American mascots. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-mlb-baseball-football-wichita-3cab1dc7ae7d37f0bb50cd1b05840b0b">Wichita school board</a>&nbsp;also voted to eliminate a high school’s Redskins team name.

The panel recommends against mascots with Native American imagery and team names — unless used by tribal educational institutions, such as tribal schools. The report recommends for lawmakers in Kansas to model legislation after a bill Democratic Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nevada-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-government-and-politics-11ad51e5dc82f874b077df54c21a2031">signed into law</a>&nbsp;last month directing local school boards to ban “racially discriminatory” mascots, logos and names.

The recommendations in Kansas were about 50 on a variety of health and education topics. Many of them would require support from a Republican-led state Legislature.

House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. said in an email to The Associated Press that he hasn’t read the report yet. Senate President Ty Masterson’s spokesperson, Mike Pirner, said Masterson hasn’t reviewed it either.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594415416015.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly and members of her Commission on Racial Equality during their first meeting in 2020" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly and members of her Commission on Racial Equality during their first meeting in 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANDY TSUBASA FIELDTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas racial justice panel appointed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has recommended expanding Medicaid, adding another income tax bracket for top-income earners, restoring a food sales tax rebate and banning Native American mascots and team names in public schools.The 15-member Commission on Racial Justice and Equity created the recommendations after meeting with Kansas Department of Commerce officials, Kansas Department of Health and Environment staff and others, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CREJ-July-2021-Report_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly established the commission last year in response to the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.The report comes months after the panel crafted recommendations primarily focused on policing.Some advocates in Kansas have pushed for Medicaid expansion for a decade. Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-topeka-kansas-medicaid-wichita-84ee115f5ecd92c1e9342fdcf8f3d2b0">promised this year</a>&nbsp;to continue to push to expand Medicaid in Kansas, despite top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature opposing it.The panel wants to expand Medicaid eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty level. The panel cited&nbsp;<a href="https://files.kff.org/attachment/fact-sheet-medicaid-expansion-KS" target="_blank">an analysis</a>&nbsp;by the Kaiser Family Foundation estimating that about 82,000 uninsured non-elderly adults in the state would become eligible for coverage if Kansas expanded its Medicaid program.The commission is also proposing to expand an income tax credit for poor families to offset the sales taxes they pay on food, so that it would be available to as many as 400,000 additional households. The current credit was set in 2013, amid former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s experiment in slashing state income tax rates, as a way to offset the cost of those cuts to the state.The report also recommends for Kansas legislators to pass legislation to create a fourth bracket for families filing jointly with incomes over 100,000 a year to “more equitably distribute the tax burden.”Lawmakers dropped the number of state income tax brackets to just two in 2012 as part of Brownback’s tax-cutting experiment, and it went back to three brackets in 2017, when most of the experiment was repealed following persistent budget problems.Earlier this year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-0d2ef74a03cea6b0a2e10bac167ad2b4">Shawnee Mission</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-native-americans-public-opinion-740851f28c91067af895e38cf7377dfa">Atchison</a>&nbsp;school districts dropped Native American mascots. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-mlb-baseball-football-wichita-3cab1dc7ae7d37f0bb50cd1b05840b0b">Wichita school board</a>&nbsp;also voted to eliminate a high school’s Redskins team name.The panel recommends against mascots with Native American imagery and team names — unless used by tribal educational institutions, such as tribal schools. The report recommends for lawmakers in Kansas to model legislation after a bill Democratic Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nevada-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-government-and-politics-11ad51e5dc82f874b077df54c21a2031">signed into law</a>&nbsp;last month directing local school boards to ban “racially discriminatory” mascots, logos and names.The recommendations in Kansas were about 50 on a variety of health and education topics. Many of them would require support from a Republican-led state Legislature.House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. said in an email to The Associated Press that he hasn’t read the report yet. Senate President Ty Masterson’s spokesperson, Mike Pirner, said Masterson hasn’t reviewed it either.___

Racial justice panel in Kansas issues recommendations

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1121 to a total of 323,385, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 1 new COVID-19 death for a total of 5197.

<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.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1121 to a total of 323,385, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 1 new COVID-19 death for a total of 5197.<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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626465870482.png" alt="Friday July 16, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday July 16, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

A local prosecutor on Friday filed a total of 63 felony criminal charges against three employees over a July 2018 tourist boat accident on a Missouri lake that killed 17 people.

The charges were filed in Stone County against the captain, the general manager and the manager on duty the day of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-accidents-us-news-ap-top-news-storms-north-america-60b99441d63a48428b5dd79bbc37c75a">the accident</a>&nbsp;for the Ride the Ducks attraction on Table Rock Lake near the tourist mecca of Branson.

The charges against captain Kenneth Scott McKee, of Verona, general manager Curtis Lanham, of Galena, and manager on duty Charles Baltzell, of Kirbyville, came seven months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/branson-michael-brown-a424e3b6697a538067ae9daa5e09eac3">a federal judge dismissed charges</a>&nbsp;filed by federal prosecutors, concluding that they did not have jurisdiction.

McKee faces 29 charges, including 17 charges of first-degree involuntary manslaughter. An affidavit from a Missouri Highway Patrol sergeant accuses him of failing to exercise his duties as a licensed captain by taking his amphibious vehicle onto the lake during a thunderstorm.

“We are reviewing the charges, expect not guilty pleas will be entered and will continue vigorously represent Mr. McKee,” J.R. Hobbs and Marilyn B. Keller, who represent the captain, said in a statement.

Baltzell and Lanham face 17 charges each of first-degree involuntary manslaughter. They are accused of failing communicate weather conditions and failing to cease operations during a severe thunderstorm warning.

Attorneys for Baltzell and Lanham did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.

The charges were announced by County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Selby and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt. Thirty-one people were aboard when the duck boat entered the lake. A storm came up suddenly and the waves swamped the boat before it could make it back to shore.

Fourteen people survived. The dead included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/music-boat-accidents-us-news-ap-top-news-in-state-wire-e9ea37df0760459ba5ace5fff07e8779">nine members of one family</a>&nbsp;from Indianapolis. Other victims were from Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas.

Rides on the lake in modified former World War II vehicle once were a popular draw in the Branson area in southwest Missouri. Ripley Entertainment, which owned the former World War II vehicle,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/420785b69c8f264a7f0048e580bee3bf">settled 31 lawsuits&nbsp;</a>related to the sinking.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573695624494.png" alt="Duck boat photo courtesy NTSB" />
 <figcaption>Duck boat photo courtesy NTSB</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNAA local prosecutor on Friday filed a total of 63 felony criminal charges against three employees over a July 2018 tourist boat accident on a Missouri lake that killed 17 people.The charges were filed in Stone County against the captain, the general manager and the manager on duty the day of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-accidents-us-news-ap-top-news-storms-north-america-60b99441d63a48428b5dd79bbc37c75a">the accident</a>&nbsp;for the Ride the Ducks attraction on Table Rock Lake near the tourist mecca of Branson.The charges against captain Kenneth Scott McKee, of Verona, general manager Curtis Lanham, of Galena, and manager on duty Charles Baltzell, of Kirbyville, came seven months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/branson-michael-brown-a424e3b6697a538067ae9daa5e09eac3">a federal judge dismissed charges</a>&nbsp;filed by federal prosecutors, concluding that they did not have jurisdiction.McKee faces 29 charges, including 17 charges of first-degree involuntary manslaughter. An affidavit from a Missouri Highway Patrol sergeant accuses him of failing to exercise his duties as a licensed captain by taking his amphibious vehicle onto the lake during a thunderstorm.“We are reviewing the charges, expect not guilty pleas will be entered and will continue vigorously represent Mr. McKee,” J.R. Hobbs and Marilyn B. Keller, who represent the captain, said in a statement.Baltzell and Lanham face 17 charges each of first-degree involuntary manslaughter. They are accused of failing communicate weather conditions and failing to cease operations during a severe thunderstorm warning.Attorneys for Baltzell and Lanham did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.The charges were announced by County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Selby and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt. Thirty-one people were aboard when the duck boat entered the lake. A storm came up suddenly and the waves swamped the boat before it could make it back to shore.Fourteen people survived. The dead included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/music-boat-accidents-us-news-ap-top-news-in-state-wire-e9ea37df0760459ba5ace5fff07e8779">nine members of one family</a>&nbsp;from Indianapolis. Other victims were from Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas.Rides on the lake in modified former World War II vehicle once were a popular draw in the Branson area in southwest Missouri. Ripley Entertainment, which owned the former World War II vehicle,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/420785b69c8f264a7f0048e580bee3bf">settled 31 lawsuits&nbsp;</a>related to the sinking.

3 charged over 2018 fatal Branson Duck boat accident

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged child abuse and have made an arrest.

Just after 10a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for aggravated battery and abuse of a child in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department Activity report.

Officers listed a 20-year-old identified as Gerald William Hartman III of Manhattan as the suspect when it was reported he abused an infant. 

The child was transported to Via Christi in stable condition for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. 

Police arrested Hartman&nbsp; on requested charges of abuse of a child and aggravated battery. Hartman is confined in the Riley County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged child abuse and have made an arrest.Just after 10a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for aggravated battery and abuse of a child in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department Activity report.Officers listed a 20-year-old identified as Gerald William Hartman III of Manhattan as the suspect when it was reported he abused an infant. The child was transported to Via Christi in stable condition for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Police arrested Hartman&nbsp; on requested charges of abuse of a child and aggravated battery. Hartman is confined in the Riley County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.

Police: Kansas man accused of abuse of an infant

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman involved in a double-fatal crash during a police chase in a stolen SUV will make a court appearance Friday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In May of 2019, police reported then 24-year-old Mia Collins led officers on a chase in a stolen BMW sport utility vehicle. After about on mile, the car collided with a car and another SUV at an intersection.

The crash killed 70-year-old Maria Wood and 12-year-old Rosemary McElroy and critically injured 36-year-old Jenny Wood, a popular Wichita musician known for performing with children. She is Wood’s daughter and McElroy’s aunt.

&nbsp;Collins was on probation for stealing a handgun at the time of the crash. A passenger in her car, 38-year-old Christopher English, was on parole. They were not seriously injured in the crash.

She is <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20020842">charged with two counts </a>of first-degree murder and numerous other charges. The trial is scheduled to begin in October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597421975250.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal 2019 crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal 2019 crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman involved in a double-fatal crash during a police chase in a stolen SUV will make a court appearance Friday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In May of 2019, police reported then 24-year-old Mia Collins led officers on a chase in a stolen BMW sport utility vehicle. After about on mile, the car collided with a car and another SUV at an intersection.The crash killed 70-year-old Maria Wood and 12-year-old Rosemary McElroy and critically injured 36-year-old Jenny Wood, a popular Wichita musician known for performing with children. She is Wood’s daughter and McElroy’s aunt.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597432907464.png" alt="Collins photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Collins photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Collins was on probation for stealing a handgun at the time of the crash. A passenger in her car, 38-year-old Christopher English, was on parole. They were not seriously injured in the crash.She is <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20020842">charged with two counts </a>of first-degree murder and numerous other charges. The trial is scheduled to begin in October.---

Kan. woman charged in fatal chase, crash to appear in court

MANHATTAN — Starting in fall 2022, Kansas State University will require incoming Manhattan campus first-year students to live on campus during their first two semesters. K-State is implementing this&nbsp;<a href="https://housing.k-state.edu/living-options/freshmen/index.html" target="_blank">residency requirement</a>&nbsp;to enhance student success. "National research and an analysis of university-specific data both show a statistically significant difference in the first-year retention rate and cumulative first-year grade point average between students who lived on campus versus students who lived off campus," said Thomas Lane, K-State vice president for student life and dean of students. "K-State first-year, full-time students living on campus average higher GPAs, stay in school in higher numbers and graduate faster." Based on data for fall 2018, K-State had an 87.6% retention rate for freshmen who lived on campus compared to a 79.9% rate for freshmen living off campus. For fall 2019, 5% more first-year students who lived on campus stayed in school as compared to first-year students who lived off campus. K-State is not alone in its first-year residency requirement. The university will join all other Kansas Regents institutions, with the exception of the University of Kansas, in requiring freshmen students to live on campus. With this change, K-State will be the seventh of the Big 12 Conference's 10 member schools to require that students live on campus during their first year. Students may apply for an exemption to the policy. Following a review, exemptions may be granted if a student plans to commute from the home of a parent/guardian or close relative who lives within 40 miles of the Manhattan campus or if the student will live in other approved organized student housing, including fraternity/sorority housing, Smith Scholarship House, Wesley House and Alpha of Clovia House. Additional information on eligible exemptions is available on the Housing and Dining Services website,&nbsp;<a href="https://housing.k-state.edu/living-options/freshmen/" target="_blank">housing.k-state.edu/living-options/freshmen</a>, and the exemptions application process will go live in December. Lane said K-State is committed to providing safe, affordable housing to students. The university offers 10 residence halls with academic-focused options. Amenities include tutoring programs, on-site laundry facilities, round-the-clock security, advanced dining centers and more. For students who prefer to be more independent but still live on campus, K-State's Jardine Apartment Complex is available. "Living on campus connects students to services supporting their transition into college life," Lane said. "As part of a university residential community, students will meet and develop supportive relationships with other students, faculty and staff. They'll have the inside track to discover ways to get involved through these support services and the connections they make."&nbsp; &nbsp;

MANHATTAN — Starting in fall 2022, Kansas State University will require incoming Manhattan campus first-year students to live on campus during their first two semesters. K-State is implementing this&nbsp;<a href="https://housing.k-state.edu/living-options/freshmen/index.html" target="_blank">residency requirement</a>&nbsp;to enhance student success. "National research and an analysis of university-specific data both show a statistically significant difference in the first-year retention rate and cumulative first-year grade point average between students who lived on campus versus students who lived off campus," said Thomas Lane, K-State vice president for student life and dean of students. "K-State first-year, full-time students living on campus average higher GPAs, stay in school in higher numbers and graduate faster." Based on data for fall 2018, K-State had an 87.6% retention rate for freshmen who lived on campus compared to a 79.9% rate for freshmen living off campus. For fall 2019, 5% more first-year students who lived on campus stayed in school as compared to first-year students who lived off campus. K-State is not alone in its first-year residency requirement. The university will join all other Kansas Regents institutions, with the exception of the University of Kansas, in requiring freshmen students to live on campus. With this change, K-State will be the seventh of the Big 12 Conference's 10 member schools to require that students live on campus during their first year. Students may apply for an exemption to the policy. Following a review, exemptions may be granted if a student plans to commute from the home of a parent/guardian or close relative who lives within 40 miles of the Manhattan campus or if the student will live in other approved organized student housing, including fraternity/sorority housing, Smith Scholarship House, Wesley House and Alpha of Clovia House. Additional information on eligible exemptions is available on the Housing and Dining Services website,&nbsp;<a href="https://housing.k-state.edu/living-options/freshmen/" target="_blank">housing.k-state.edu/living-options/freshmen</a>, and the exemptions application process will go live in December. Lane said K-State is committed to providing safe, affordable housing to students. The university offers 10 residence halls with academic-focused options. Amenities include tutoring programs, on-site laundry facilities, round-the-clock security, advanced dining centers and more. For students who prefer to be more independent but still live on campus, K-State's Jardine Apartment Complex is available. "Living on campus connects students to services supporting their transition into college life," Lane said. "As part of a university residential community, students will meet and develop supportive relationships with other students, faculty and staff. They'll have the inside track to discover ways to get involved through these support services and the connections they make."&nbsp; &nbsp;

K-State to require first-year Manhattan students to live on campus 

MANHATTAN–&nbsp;&nbsp;A Salina man has been arrested on a warrant stemming from a November 2019 aggravated robbery in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

On November 9, 2019 around 11:35 p.m., officers responded to the report of a robbery in the 400 block of Fremont St. A 31-year-old male victim reported two masked suspects robbed him at gun point.

Lee Dennis Noonan, 30, of Salina was arrested Thursday afternoon on requested charges of two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated kidnapping. Noonan is confined in the Riley County Jail on a $150,000 bond.&nbsp;

Two other suspects have previously been arrested in connection to this case. Aaron Michael Noonan was arrested on September 17, 2020 for two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated kidnapping. Joseph Pail Trevail was arrested on August 26, 2020 for four counts of intimidation and one count of the following – robbery, kidnapping, criminal threat and harassment. Both remain confined in the Riley County Jail on $150,000 bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626445002472.png" alt="Noonan has previous convictions for theft, burglary, robbery and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Noonan has previous convictions for theft, burglary, robbery and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN–&nbsp;&nbsp;A Salina man has been arrested on a warrant stemming from a November 2019 aggravated robbery in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.On November 9, 2019 around 11:35 p.m., officers responded to the report of a robbery in the 400 block of Fremont St. A 31-year-old male victim reported two masked suspects robbed him at gun point.Lee Dennis Noonan, 30, of Salina was arrested Thursday afternoon on requested charges of two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated kidnapping. Noonan is confined in the Riley County Jail on a $150,000 bond.&nbsp;Two other suspects have previously been arrested in connection to this case. Aaron Michael Noonan was arrested on September 17, 2020 for two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated kidnapping. Joseph Pail Trevail was arrested on August 26, 2020 for four counts of intimidation and one count of the following – robbery, kidnapping, criminal threat and harassment. Both remain confined in the Riley County Jail on $150,000 bonds.

Kan. man arrested for 2019 aggravated robbery in Manhattan

The
 owners of a New Jersey-based company that sells septic tank cleaning 
products agreed to a permanent ban on telemarketing and will pay more 
than $1.6 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the 
company and its telemarketer made illegal robocalls to consumers, 
including tens of millions of calls to numbers listed on the agency’s Do
 Not Call Registry. In addition, the defendants will turn over a 
residential property as part of the settlement.

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/complaint_doc._no._1.pdf">According to the FTC’s complaint</a>,
 Environmental Safety International, Inc. or ESI; ESI’s two officers, 
brothers Joseph Carney and Sean Carney; and their other brother Raymond 
Carney, acted together to initiate more than 45 million illegal 
telemarketing calls to consumers nationwide between January 2018 and 
March 2019 to promote ESI’s “Activator 1000” line of septic tank 
cleaning products. The FTC alleges that 31 million of those calls were 
made to numbers on the DNC Registry. The Department of Justice filed the
 complaint and proposed orders on the FTC’s behalf.

According to the complaint, the defendants’ telemarketers falsely 
told consumers they were calling from an unnamed “environmental company”
 to give consumers “free info” on their septic tank cleaning product. 
Despite being told the robocall was “not a sales call or solicitation,” 
consumers who “pressed one” to receive free information instead received
 a sales pitch.

The complaint also alleges that ESI sent letters to consumers who 
agreed to buy their products but had unpaid invoices, falsely claiming 
that they would be referred to a “national collection agency” or to an 
attorney. However, ESI never took either of these actions.

In addition to the bans on telemarketing, the settlement orders 
impose $10.2 million civil penalty judgments against all defendants, 
which will be partially suspended after <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/signed_order_-_esi_jc_sc_doc._no._7.pdf">Joseph and Sean Carney</a> pay $1,646,210 to the U.S. Treasury and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/signed_order_-_rc_doc._no._8.pdf">Raymond Carney</a> pays $15,000 to the Treasury.

In addition, Joseph and Sean Carney are prohibited from making 
material misrepresentations to consumers, including that they would be 
referred to an attorney or collection agency. They are prohibited from 
billing or attempting to collect payments from any consumers in 
connection with the sale of their septic tank cleaning products, and are
 required to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/attachment_a.pdf">notify all ESI customers</a>
 with unpaid balances that they no longer have to pay ESI because their 
balances have been cancelled. Joseph and Sean Carney must also apply for
 ESI’s dissolution within 30 days.

The Commission vote to refer the civil penalty complaint and consent 
orders to the DOJ for filing was 4-0. The DOJ filed the complaint on 
behalf of the FTC in the U.S. District Court for District of New Jersey 
and the settlements have been approved by the Court.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe
 owners of a New Jersey-based company that sells septic tank cleaning 
products agreed to a permanent ban on telemarketing and will pay more 
than $1.6 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the 
company and its telemarketer made illegal robocalls to consumers, 
including tens of millions of calls to numbers listed on the agency’s Do
 Not Call Registry. In addition, the defendants will turn over a 
residential property as part of the settlement.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/complaint_doc._no._1.pdf">According to the FTC’s complaint</a>,
 Environmental Safety International, Inc. or ESI; ESI’s two officers, 
brothers Joseph Carney and Sean Carney; and their other brother Raymond 
Carney, acted together to initiate more than 45 million illegal 
telemarketing calls to consumers nationwide between January 2018 and 
March 2019 to promote ESI’s “Activator 1000” line of septic tank 
cleaning products. The FTC alleges that 31 million of those calls were 
made to numbers on the DNC Registry. The Department of Justice filed the
 complaint and proposed orders on the FTC’s behalf.According to the complaint, the defendants’ telemarketers falsely 
told consumers they were calling from an unnamed “environmental company”
 to give consumers “free info” on their septic tank cleaning product. 
Despite being told the robocall was “not a sales call or solicitation,” 
consumers who “pressed one” to receive free information instead received
 a sales pitch.The complaint also alleges that ESI sent letters to consumers who 
agreed to buy their products but had unpaid invoices, falsely claiming 
that they would be referred to a “national collection agency” or to an 
attorney. However, ESI never took either of these actions.In addition to the bans on telemarketing, the settlement orders 
impose $10.2 million civil penalty judgments against all defendants, 
which will be partially suspended after <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/signed_order_-_esi_jc_sc_doc._no._7.pdf">Joseph and Sean Carney</a> pay $1,646,210 to the U.S. Treasury and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/signed_order_-_rc_doc._no._8.pdf">Raymond Carney</a> pays $15,000 to the Treasury.In addition, Joseph and Sean Carney are prohibited from making 
material misrepresentations to consumers, including that they would be 
referred to an attorney or collection agency. They are prohibited from 
billing or attempting to collect payments from any consumers in 
connection with the sale of their septic tank cleaning products, and are
 required to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/attachment_a.pdf">notify all ESI customers</a>
 with unpaid balances that they no longer have to pay ESI because their 
balances have been cancelled. Joseph and Sean Carney must also apply for
 ESI’s dissolution within 30 days.The Commission vote to refer the civil penalty complaint and consent 
orders to the DOJ for filing was 4-0. The DOJ filed the complaint on 
behalf of the FTC in the U.S. District Court for District of New Jersey 
and the settlements have been approved by the Court.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

FTC: Millions of robocalls will cost septic cleaning company $1.6M

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A judge in Kansas’ most populous county on Thursday struck down as unconstitutional a state law requiring unusually speedy legal hearings and decisions for people challenging mask requirements and other COVID-19 restrictions.

Johnson County District Judge David Hauber’s ruling also struck down limits on state and local officials’ power to impose restrictions on businesses, schools and public gatherings and greater oversight for the Republican-controlled Legislature over Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s actions. Top Republican legislators on June 15&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-ks-state-wire-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-health-7302d46eef675734fe1343f2640236f9">ended a state of emergency</a>&nbsp;in Kansas for the pandemic, canceling many of the law’s provisions, but Hauber said some could apply in future pandemics or disasters.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/summary_sb_40_2021" target="_blank">The law</a>&nbsp;allowed people to file grievances with cities, counties and local school boards if they objected to mask mandates or other restrictions. The law required a hearing within three days and a decision within 10 days. If someone then filed a lawsuit, courts had three days in which to hold a hearing and 10 to issue a ruling. Some local officials said the law set legal standards favoring people who challenged restrictions.

Hauber declared that the law ran afoul of the Kansas Constitution by violating local officials’ right to a fair legal process in settling complaints over their actions. He also said the Legislature overstepped its authority and infringed upon the judicial branch’s by passing the law.

“One can imagine the reaction from legislators if courts routinely demanded that a given legislative committee or chamber enact a law or report a bill out of committee within a certain time frame,” Hauber wrote in his opinion.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office quickly said that he would appeal the decision. Schmidt, a Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-dwight-eisenhower-kansas-legislation-coronavirus-pandemic-87542690cbd10047f1e557f7eb5ff57f">running for governor</a>&nbsp;in 2022, has been critical of Kelly’s handling of the pandemic, particularly in how quickly she shut down businesses and school buildings last spring.

Schmidt argued that the end of state of emergency for the pandemic made the question of the law’s constitutionality moot.

“On its own volition, the district court created a controversy about the statute where none exists now that the state of emergency has ended,” Schmidt spokesperson Clint Blaes said in an email to The Associated Press.

Kelly and Republican lawmakers have been frequently at odds over the response to the pandemic since its outset, with GOP legislators generally favoring looser restrictions. The Legislature forced her to accept increasing limits on her power in exchange for extending the state of emergency. One provision of the law gave top legislative leaders the final say on how long it would last.

Hauber’s ruling came in a lawsuit filed by Kristin Butler and Scott Bozarth, two parents in the Shawnee Mission school district in Johnson County who pushed the district to end a mask mandate just after the end of the most recent school year. The Sunflower State Journal first reported the decision and posted a copy.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, decried the ruling as “judicial activism” that struck down enhanced legal protections for people “in the face of restrictions imposed by bureaucrats.”

The judge wrote that the provisions dealing with the handling of complaints over coronavirus restrictions represented “enforcement” and were “integral” to the entire law so that none of it could stand. He added that the law assumes that any grievance triggers a right to an “immediate decision” without any requirement that a person identify “any fundamental right” at stake.

“It assumes everything related to a complaint about pandemic mitigation effort qualifies,” Hauber wrote. “The burden then shifts to the defendant to show otherwise.”

The judge said the law also gives someone suing government officials “unchallenged relief” and strikes down “carefully calibrated” policies “if the judge does not act quickly enough.”

“The legislative scheme then dangles a default as the ultimate stick,” he wrote.

By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A judge in Kansas’ most populous county on Thursday struck down as unconstitutional a state law requiring unusually speedy legal hearings and decisions for people challenging mask requirements and other COVID-19 restrictions.Johnson County District Judge David Hauber’s ruling also struck down limits on state and local officials’ power to impose restrictions on businesses, schools and public gatherings and greater oversight for the Republican-controlled Legislature over Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s actions. Top Republican legislators on June 15&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-ks-state-wire-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-health-7302d46eef675734fe1343f2640236f9">ended a state of emergency</a>&nbsp;in Kansas for the pandemic, canceling many of the law’s provisions, but Hauber said some could apply in future pandemics or disasters.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/summary_sb_40_2021" target="_blank">The law</a>&nbsp;allowed people to file grievances with cities, counties and local school boards if they objected to mask mandates or other restrictions. The law required a hearing within three days and a decision within 10 days. If someone then filed a lawsuit, courts had three days in which to hold a hearing and 10 to issue a ruling. Some local officials said the law set legal standards favoring people who challenged restrictions.Hauber declared that the law ran afoul of the Kansas Constitution by violating local officials’ right to a fair legal process in settling complaints over their actions. He also said the Legislature overstepped its authority and infringed upon the judicial branch’s by passing the law.“One can imagine the reaction from legislators if courts routinely demanded that a given legislative committee or chamber enact a law or report a bill out of committee within a certain time frame,” Hauber wrote in his opinion.Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office quickly said that he would appeal the decision. Schmidt, a Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-dwight-eisenhower-kansas-legislation-coronavirus-pandemic-87542690cbd10047f1e557f7eb5ff57f">running for governor</a>&nbsp;in 2022, has been critical of Kelly’s handling of the pandemic, particularly in how quickly she shut down businesses and school buildings last spring.Schmidt argued that the end of state of emergency for the pandemic made the question of the law’s constitutionality moot.“On its own volition, the district court created a controversy about the statute where none exists now that the state of emergency has ended,” Schmidt spokesperson Clint Blaes said in an email to The Associated Press.Kelly and Republican lawmakers have been frequently at odds over the response to the pandemic since its outset, with GOP legislators generally favoring looser restrictions. The Legislature forced her to accept increasing limits on her power in exchange for extending the state of emergency. One provision of the law gave top legislative leaders the final say on how long it would last.Hauber’s ruling came in a lawsuit filed by Kristin Butler and Scott Bozarth, two parents in the Shawnee Mission school district in Johnson County who pushed the district to end a mask mandate just after the end of the most recent school year. The Sunflower State Journal first reported the decision and posted a copy.Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, decried the ruling as “judicial activism” that struck down enhanced legal protections for people “in the face of restrictions imposed by bureaucrats.”The judge wrote that the provisions dealing with the handling of complaints over coronavirus restrictions represented “enforcement” and were “integral” to the entire law so that none of it could stand. He added that the law assumes that any grievance triggers a right to an “immediate decision” without any requirement that a person identify “any fundamental right” at stake.“It assumes everything related to a complaint about pandemic mitigation effort qualifies,” Hauber wrote. “The burden then shifts to the defendant to show otherwise.”The judge said the law also gives someone suing government officials “unchallenged relief” and strikes down “carefully calibrated” policies “if the judge does not act quickly enough.”“The legislative scheme then dangles a default as the ultimate stick,” he wrote.___

Judge strikes down limits on Kansas officials' COVID powers

WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. Surgeon General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-opioids-coronavirus-pandemic-vivek-murthy-barack-obama-2e1643c5f69e2f64ef04a46db60e95d7">Vivek Murthy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday called for a national effort to fight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-entertainment-coronavirus-pandemic-health-8c8345f474db874b1d27806e8d1f5ca1">misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines</a>, urging tech companies, health care workers, journalists and everyday Americans to do more to address an “urgent threat” to public health.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21010078-surgeon-general-confronting-health-misinformation" target="_blank">a 22-page advisory</a>, his first as President Joe Biden’s surgeon general, Murthy wrote that bogus claims have led people to reject vaccines and public health advice on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-understanding-the-outbreak-a87da6ce7831863152f0d904b9d1abe1">masks and social distancing</a>, undermining efforts to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and putting lives at risk.

The warning comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-62342c09ad0a50f77739846fd25850e7">the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations has slowed</a>&nbsp;throughout the U.S., in part because of vaccine opposition fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-869249289558">unsubstantiated claims</a>&nbsp;about the safety of immunizations and despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-600k-deaths-us-1ef14a0b998e6ce99281edf6e996dfbe">the U.S. death toll recently passing 600,000</a>.

Murthy, who also served as surgeon general under President Barack Obama, noted that surgeon general advisories have typically focused on physical threats to health, such as tobacco. Misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization, can be just as deadly, he said.

“Misinformation poses an imminent and insidious threat to our nation’s health,” Murthy said during remarks to reporters Thursday at the White House. “We must confront misinformation as a nation. Lives are depending on it.”

Given the role the internet plays in spreading health misinformation, Murthy said technology companies and social media platforms must make meaningful changes to their products and software to reduce the spread of misinformation while increasing access to authoritative, fact-based sources.

Too often, he said, the platforms are built to encourage, not counter, the spread of misinformation.

“We are asking them to step up,” Murthy said. “We can’t wait longer for them to take aggressive action.”

The criticism is not new, and Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other platforms have defended their work to stem the tide of misinformation. In a response to Murthy, Twitter noted that it has removed more than 40,000 pieces of content that violated its COVID-19 misinformation rules.

“We agree with the surgeon general,” Twitter said in a statement. “Tackling health misinformation takes a whole-of-society approach.”

Murthy’s recommendations went beyond tech firms. Teachers, he said, should expand lessons on media literacy and critical thinking. Journalists, he suggested, should work to responsibly debunk health misinformation without inadvertently spreading it further. And public health professionals, he added, should do a better job answering questions and explaining why public health guidelines sometimes change based on new information.

As for everyday Americans, Murthy urged them to verify questionable health information with trusted sources like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and to exercise critical thinking when exposed to unverified claims. If people have loved ones or friends who believe or spread misinformation, he said, it’s best to engage by listening and asking questions rather than by confronting them.

While some groups that push health misinformation do so for profit or other motives, many Americans may be spreading false information without realizing it, according to the advisory.

“Misinformation hasn’t just harmed our physical health — it has also divided our families, friends, and communities,” Murthy wrote in the advisory. “The only way to address health misinformation is to recognize that all of us, in every sector of society, have a responsibility to act.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626432035246.png" alt="U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy&nbsp; said misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization, can be deadly.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy&nbsp; said misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization, can be deadly.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. Surgeon General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-opioids-coronavirus-pandemic-vivek-murthy-barack-obama-2e1643c5f69e2f64ef04a46db60e95d7">Vivek Murthy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday called for a national effort to fight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-entertainment-coronavirus-pandemic-health-8c8345f474db874b1d27806e8d1f5ca1">misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines</a>, urging tech companies, health care workers, journalists and everyday Americans to do more to address an “urgent threat” to public health.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today I issued a Surgeon General’s Advisory to call our country’s attention to health misinformation – an urgent threat to our health that requires an all-of-society response. <a href="https://t.co/hqJdkLV6RK">https://t.co/hqJdkLV6RK</a> <a href="https://t.co/OyX9vlyTdZ">pic.twitter.com/OyX9vlyTdZ</a>&mdash; Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) <a href="https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1415628833970085889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21010078-surgeon-general-confronting-health-misinformation" target="_blank">a 22-page advisory</a>, his first as President Joe Biden’s surgeon general, Murthy wrote that bogus claims have led people to reject vaccines and public health advice on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-understanding-the-outbreak-a87da6ce7831863152f0d904b9d1abe1">masks and social distancing</a>, undermining efforts to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;and putting lives at risk.The warning comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-62342c09ad0a50f77739846fd25850e7">the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations has slowed</a>&nbsp;throughout the U.S., in part because of vaccine opposition fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-869249289558">unsubstantiated claims</a>&nbsp;about the safety of immunizations and despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-600k-deaths-us-1ef14a0b998e6ce99281edf6e996dfbe">the U.S. death toll recently passing 600,000</a>.Murthy, who also served as surgeon general under President Barack Obama, noted that surgeon general advisories have typically focused on physical threats to health, such as tobacco. Misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization, can be just as deadly, he said.“Misinformation poses an imminent and insidious threat to our nation’s health,” Murthy said during remarks to reporters Thursday at the White House. “We must confront misinformation as a nation. Lives are depending on it.”Given the role the internet plays in spreading health misinformation, Murthy said technology companies and social media platforms must make meaningful changes to their products and software to reduce the spread of misinformation while increasing access to authoritative, fact-based sources.Too often, he said, the platforms are built to encourage, not counter, the spread of misinformation.“We are asking them to step up,” Murthy said. “We can’t wait longer for them to take aggressive action.”The criticism is not new, and Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other platforms have defended their work to stem the tide of misinformation. In a response to Murthy, Twitter noted that it has removed more than 40,000 pieces of content that violated its COVID-19 misinformation rules.“We agree with the surgeon general,” Twitter said in a statement. “Tackling health misinformation takes a whole-of-society approach.”Murthy’s recommendations went beyond tech firms. Teachers, he said, should expand lessons on media literacy and critical thinking. Journalists, he suggested, should work to responsibly debunk health misinformation without inadvertently spreading it further. And public health professionals, he added, should do a better job answering questions and explaining why public health guidelines sometimes change based on new information.As for everyday Americans, Murthy urged them to verify questionable health information with trusted sources like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and to exercise critical thinking when exposed to unverified claims. If people have loved ones or friends who believe or spread misinformation, he said, it’s best to engage by listening and asking questions rather than by confronting them.While some groups that push health misinformation do so for profit or other motives, many Americans may be spreading false information without realizing it, according to the advisory.“Misinformation hasn’t just harmed our physical health — it has also divided our families, friends, and communities,” Murthy wrote in the advisory. “The only way to address health misinformation is to recognize that all of us, in every sector of society, have a responsibility to act.”

Surgeon general urges US fight against COVID misinformation

LANE COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Thursday in Lane County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a John Deere 4440 Tractor&nbsp;towing a 569 Premium round baler and driven by Everette R.&nbsp;Redburn Jr., 59, Dighton, was eastbound on Road 200, just west of Scout Road in Lane County. 

The tractor left the roadway to the south and the driver was ejected from the vehicle while going through the ditch. 

The tractor continued driving uncontrollably through the field, moving in a circular motion just south of the roadway. The tractor came near to the area where the driver was ejected, possibly running over the driver, according to the KHP.

 A witness identified as Aaron R. Dohm, 47, Grainfield, in a 2021 Dodge Ram attempted to stop the unmanned tractor by using his vehicle. The tractor collided with the pickup and continued to the north and then came to rest in the ditch.

EMS transported Redburn Jr. to a Wichita Hospital. Dohm was not injured.

LANE COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Thursday in Lane County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a John Deere 4440 Tractor&nbsp;towing a 569 Premium round baler and driven by Everette R.&nbsp;Redburn Jr., 59, Dighton, was eastbound on Road 200, just west of Scout Road in Lane County. The tractor left the roadway to the south and the driver was ejected from the vehicle while going through the ditch. The tractor continued driving uncontrollably through the field, moving in a circular motion just south of the roadway. The tractor came near to the area where the driver was ejected, possibly running over the driver, according to the KHP. A witness identified as Aaron R. Dohm, 47, Grainfield, in a 2021 Dodge Ram attempted to stop the unmanned tractor by using his vehicle. The tractor collided with the pickup and continued to the north and then came to rest in the ditch.EMS transported Redburn Jr. to a Wichita Hospital. Dohm was not injured.

Kansas man critically injured in farming accident

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.

Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, sheriff's deputies responded to Montgomery County Road 3375 and U.S. Highway 75 near Independence, Kansas after a report of a blue car sitting in a field, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

Deputies found 41-year-old Bradley Hall of Independence fishing in a pond near the car and learned he was trespassing on private property and was wanted on felony warrant in Oklahoma.

Deputies arrested Hall and then found he was in possession of over an ounce of meth, according to Wade. When deputies booked him into the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, investigators asked where he obtained the meth?

Hall told them he was simply fishing in the pond and stepped in muskrat hole. When he pulled his foot out he found the meth in the hole and put it in his boot to sold for profit later, according to Wade.

After 32-year in law enforcement, the sheriff said he'd never heard of finding meth in a muskrat hole. He thanked the caller who notified the sheriff's office of the suspicious vehicle in the field that allowed his deputies to take some meth out of the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626297153746.png" alt="Hall photo Montgomery County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Hall photo Montgomery County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, sheriff's deputies responded to Montgomery County Road 3375 and U.S. Highway 75 near Independence, Kansas after a report of a blue car sitting in a field, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.Deputies found 41-year-old Bradley Hall of Independence fishing in a pond near the car and learned he was trespassing on private property and was wanted on felony warrant in Oklahoma.Deputies arrested Hall and then found he was in possession of over an ounce of meth, according to Wade. When deputies booked him into the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, investigators asked where he obtained the meth?Hall told them he was simply fishing in the pond and stepped in muskrat hole. When he pulled his foot out he found the meth in the hole and put it in his boot to sold for profit later, according to Wade.After 32-year in law enforcement, the sheriff said he'd never heard of finding meth in a muskrat hole. He thanked the caller who notified the sheriff's office of the suspicious vehicle in the field that allowed his deputies to take some meth out of the community.

Sheriff: Kan. man said he found meth in muskrat hole

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accidental shooting involving a 3-year-old girl and her father at a residence in the 2300 Block of East Macarthur in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens.

Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, police responded to home and found a 30-year-old man who woke up in bed with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg. The girl had injured her hand, according to Stephens.

Police are still working to learn how and where the man stored the firearm and how the child gained access to it. He was the only adult in the home at the time of the incident, according to Stephens.

The three other children in the home have been placed into protective custody pending the outcome of the investigation. Stephens did not have details on whether the child was still in the hospital.

If there was any negligence, police will report it to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626365008633.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the accidental shooting Wednesday- photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the accidental shooting Wednesday- photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accidental shooting involving a 3-year-old girl and her father at a residence in the 2300 Block of East Macarthur in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens.Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, police responded to home and found a 30-year-old man who woke up in bed with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg. The girl had injured her hand, according to Stephens.Police are still working to learn how and where the man stored the firearm and how the child gained access to it. He was the only adult in the home at the time of the incident, according to Stephens.The three other children in the home have been placed into protective custody pending the outcome of the investigation. Stephens did not have details on whether the child was still in the hospital.If there was any negligence, police will report it to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

Children in protective custody after dad accidentally shot

Johnson &amp; Johnson announced that <a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sunscreen-recall.html">it is recalling five </a>of its sunscreen products after some samples were found to contain low levels of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer with repeated exposure.

The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.

The recall includes all can sizes and all levels of sun protection factor, or SPF. The products were distributed nationwide through retailers.

The health care giant said the benzene was found after testing by the company and an independent laboratory. It is investigating how the chemical got into the products.

J&amp;J said it’s working to get all lots of the five products removed from store shelves. It urged consumers to stop using the sunscreens immediately and said customers can get a refund by calling J&amp;J’s Consumer Care Center at 1-800-458-1673. More information is available at the websites for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sun" target="_blank">Neutrogena</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aveeno.com/sun" target="_blank">Aveeno</a>.

J&amp;J said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-consumer-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-of-specific-neutrogena-and-aveeno-aerosol-sunscreen-products-due-to-the-presence-of-benzene" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that “use of these products would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences” and that it voluntarily decided to recall them “out of an abundance of caution.” The statement added that people should use an alternate sunscreen to protect themselves from the skin cancer melanoma.

Benzene is a highly flammable, widely used chemical that’s present throughout the environment. It can cause cancer with repeated exposure at high enough levels. It also can damage the immune system and prevent cells from functioning properly, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp" target="_blank">U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.

The chemical’s effects vary by whether a person accidentally inhales or ingests it or gets it on skin and clothing. Symptoms range from dizziness and irregular heartbeat to convulsions and, at very high levels, death.

J&amp;J, which is based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, said it has notified the Food and Drug Administration of the recall.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626370924607.png" alt="The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.-photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.-photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson &amp; Johnson announced that <a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sunscreen-recall.html">it is recalling five </a>of its sunscreen products after some samples were found to contain low levels of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer with repeated exposure.The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.The recall includes all can sizes and all levels of sun protection factor, or SPF. The products were distributed nationwide through retailers.The health care giant said the benzene was found after testing by the company and an independent laboratory. It is investigating how the chemical got into the products.J&amp;J said it’s working to get all lots of the five products removed from store shelves. It urged consumers to stop using the sunscreens immediately and said customers can get a refund by calling J&amp;J’s Consumer Care Center at 1-800-458-1673. More information is available at the websites for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sun" target="_blank">Neutrogena</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aveeno.com/sun" target="_blank">Aveeno</a>.J&amp;J said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-consumer-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-of-specific-neutrogena-and-aveeno-aerosol-sunscreen-products-due-to-the-presence-of-benzene" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that “use of these products would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences” and that it voluntarily decided to recall them “out of an abundance of caution.” The statement added that people should use an alternate sunscreen to protect themselves from the skin cancer melanoma.Benzene is a highly flammable, widely used chemical that’s present throughout the environment. It can cause cancer with repeated exposure at high enough levels. It also can damage the immune system and prevent cells from functioning properly, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp" target="_blank">U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.The chemical’s effects vary by whether a person accidentally inhales or ingests it or gets it on skin and clothing. Symptoms range from dizziness and irregular heartbeat to convulsions and, at very high levels, death.J&amp;J, which is based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, said it has notified the Food and Drug Administration of the recall.Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.<ul>
 <li>Complete and submit the report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program/reporting-serious-problems-fda">Online</a></li><li>Regular Mail or Fax:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/medwatch-forms-fda-safety-reporting">Download form</a>&nbsp;or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178</li>
 </ul>This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.___

5 sunscreens recalled due to benzene traces

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Only about 10% of the nursing homes in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;regulated by the federal government have met the industry's goal for vaccinating their workers against COVID-19, according to government data.

The industry's aim is to have 75% of the homes' staff vaccinated. But the U.S. Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services says that as of late June, 34 of the 324 federally licensed homes in Kansas had met that goal.

The new data about nursing homes comes with state officials worry about the growing presence of the faster-spreading delta variant. The state Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported a 7.7% increase in confirmed delta variant cases, up 51 since Monday to 710.

The state health department also reported that as of Wednesday, there were nine active clusters of COVID cases at long-term care facilities tied to 51 cases, nine hospitalizations and three deaths.

The federally regulated homes are among more than 800 long-term care facilities, including 476 that are state-licensed only, according to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. The agency didn't have vaccination data for those facilities.

With the federally regulated homes, an average of 55% of workers have been vaccinated, according to CMS data.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Only about 10% of the nursing homes in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;regulated by the federal government have met the industry's goal for vaccinating their workers against COVID-19, according to government data.The industry's aim is to have 75% of the homes' staff vaccinated. But the U.S. Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services says that as of late June, 34 of the 324 federally licensed homes in Kansas had met that goal.The new data about nursing homes comes with state officials worry about the growing presence of the faster-spreading delta variant. The state Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported a 7.7% increase in confirmed delta variant cases, up 51 since Monday to 710.The state health department also reported that as of Wednesday, there were nine active clusters of COVID cases at long-term care facilities tied to 51 cases, nine hospitalizations and three deaths.The federally regulated homes are among more than 800 long-term care facilities, including 476 that are state-licensed only, according to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. The agency didn't have vaccination data for those facilities.With the federally regulated homes, an average of 55% of workers have been vaccinated, according to CMS data.

Many Kansas nursing homes miss goal for vaccinating workers

MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) — Two people from Missouri died when a small plane crashed into a cornfield in eastern Iowa’s Muscatine County, authorities said.

The single-engine Piper went down Wednesday afternoon about 4 miles north of Muscatine, Sheriff Quinn Riess said.

Daniel Slack, 68, and Sharon Slack, 69, of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, died in the crash. Daniel Slack was superintendent of schools in Deerfield, Kansas, from 2015 until he retired last year, KSNW-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/local/former-deerfield-superintendent-dies-in-plane-crash/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

A preliminary investigation determined the plane took off from Ford Airport near Iron Mountain, Michigan, to fly back to Missouri, Riess said.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were investigating the cause of the crash.

MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) — Eastern Iowa authorities say two people are dead after their plane crashed in a cornfield, in Muscatine County. The Muscatine Journal reports the crash happened Wednesday, July 14, about four miles north of Muscatine.

Sheriff Quinn Riess says they were contacted around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, by Quad City Air Traffic Control, on a report that they had lost contact with an airplane in the area. Riess said deputies and police officers from Muscatine and Wilton launched a search on the ground and soon found the wreckage.

The names of the people killed haven’t been released yet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626351052071.png" alt="First responders on the scene Wednesday photo courtesy KWQC TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene Wednesday photo courtesy KWQC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) — Two people from Missouri died when a small plane crashed into a cornfield in eastern Iowa’s Muscatine County, authorities said.The single-engine Piper went down Wednesday afternoon about 4 miles north of Muscatine, Sheriff Quinn Riess said.Daniel Slack, 68, and Sharon Slack, 69, of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, died in the crash. Daniel Slack was superintendent of schools in Deerfield, Kansas, from 2015 until he retired last year, KSNW-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/local/former-deerfield-superintendent-dies-in-plane-crash/" target="_blank">reported</a>.A preliminary investigation determined the plane took off from Ford Airport near Iron Mountain, Michigan, to fly back to Missouri, Riess said.The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were investigating the cause of the crash.------MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) — Eastern Iowa authorities say two people are dead after their plane crashed in a cornfield, in Muscatine County. The Muscatine Journal reports the crash happened Wednesday, July 14, about four miles north of Muscatine.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NTSB is investigating the July 14, 2021, crash of a Piper PA-28-180 near Muscatine, Iowa.&mdash; NTSB_Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) <a href="https://twitter.com/NTSB_Newsroom/status/1415424746804686851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sheriff Quinn Riess says they were contacted around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, by Quad City Air Traffic Control, on a report that they had lost contact with an airplane in the area. Riess said deputies and police officers from Muscatine and Wilton launched a search on the ground and soon found the wreckage.The names of the people killed haven’t been released yet.

Former Kan. school superintendent, wife die in plane crash

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today that millions of American families have started 
receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments as direct deposits begin 
posting in bank accounts and checks arrive in mailboxes.

This first batch of advance monthly payments worth roughly $15 
billion reached about 35 million families today across the 
country.&nbsp;About 86% were sent by direct deposit.

The payments will continue each month. The IRS urged people who 
normally aren't required to file a tax return to explore the tools 
available on IRS.gov. These tools can help determine eligibility for the
 advance Child Tax Credit or help people file a simplified tax return to
 sign up for these payments as well as Economic Impact Payments, and 
other credits you may be eligible to receive.

Under the American Rescue Plan, each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month 
for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6
 through 17. Normally, anyone who receives a payment this month will 
also receive a payment each month for the rest of 2021 unless they 
unenroll. Besides the July 15 payment, payment dates are: Aug. 13, Sept.
 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15 and Dec. 15.

Here are further details on these payments:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today that millions of American families have started 
receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments as direct deposits begin 
posting in bank accounts and checks arrive in mailboxes.This first batch of advance monthly payments worth roughly $15 
billion reached about 35 million families today across the 
country.&nbsp;About 86% were sent by direct deposit.The payments will continue each month. The IRS urged people who 
normally aren't required to file a tax return to explore the tools 
available on IRS.gov. These tools can help determine eligibility for the
 advance Child Tax Credit or help people file a simplified tax return to
 sign up for these payments as well as Economic Impact Payments, and 
other credits you may be eligible to receive.Under the American Rescue Plan, each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month 
for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6
 through 17. Normally, anyone who receives a payment this month will 
also receive a payment each month for the rest of 2021 unless they 
unenroll. Besides the July 15 payment, payment dates are: Aug. 13, Sept.
 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15 and Dec. 15.Here are further details on these payments:<ul>
 <li>Families will see the direct deposit payments in their accounts 
starting today, July 15. For those receiving payment by paper check, 
they should remember to take into consideration the time it takes to 
receive it by mail.</li><li>Payments went to eligible families who filed 2019 or 2020 income tax returns.</li><li>Tax returns&nbsp;processed by June 28 are reflected in these payments. 
This includes people who don't typically file a return, but during 2020 
successfully registered for Economic Impact Payments using the IRS 
Non-Filers tool or in 2021 successfully used the Non-filer Sign-up Tool 
for Advance CTC, also on IRS.gov.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Payments are automatic. Aside from filing a tax return, 
including a simplified return from the Non-Filer Sign-Up tool, families 
don't have to do anything if they are eligible to receive monthly 
payments.</li>
 </ul>Additional information is available on a special <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page</a>, designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and the advance payments.