WICHITA — A ransomware attack on the Ascension health system operating in Kansas and 18 other states across the U.S. forced some of its 140 hospitals to divert ambulances, caused patients to postpone medical tests and blocked online access to patient records.

&nbsp;Ascension, with the support of leading cybersecurity experts, worked around the clock over the weekend and on Monday to respond to the ransomware incident, according to an Ascension spokesperson.

The hospital system is focused on restoring systems safely and is making progress, however, it will take time to return to normal operations. 

"All Ascension Via Christi hospitals, physician offices, and care sites across Kansas remain open and operational.&nbsp;Despite the challenges posed by the recent ransomware incident, patient safety continues to be our utmost priority. Our dedicated doctors, nurses, and care teams are demonstrating incredible thoughtfulness and resilience as we use manual and paper based systems during the ongoing disruption to normal systems."

"We thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unexpected situation. Rest assured, our commitment to the health and safety of our community remains our highest priority."

Can I go to my doctor’s appointment?

Ascension Via Christi Medical Partners doctor’s offices and care sites are operating with normal business hours, and all scheduled appointments are proceeding as planned.

Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help expedite processes, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles. In the event that appointments need to be rescheduled, an Ascension associate will contact patients directly.

Ascension Rx retail pharmacies in Kansas&nbsp;cannot fill your prescription at this time.&nbsp;If a prescription was filled prior to May 8, 2024, and is awaiting pickup, that is available for the patient. If a patient needs a refill, they need to contact their prescriber and get a new prescription sent to a pharmacy outside of Ascension Rx.

Is Via Christi Immediate Care on Murdock open?

At this time, the Via Christi Immediate Care on Murdock is fully operating. Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation and care at certain centers, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays.

Are Ascension’s emergency rooms open?

All Via Christi emergency rooms remain open.&nbsp;If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911, and local emergency services will transport you to the most appropriate hospital emergency room.

Patients with upcoming scheduled elective surgeries should plan to arrive as planned unless otherwise notified. Should any rescheduling be necessary, a member of our care team will contact you directly.

Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help expedite processes, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles.

Will I be able to get my diagnostic imaging, other tests, and treatments?Imaging, testing, and treatment are being offered at this time. Patients may experience delays, we are grateful for your patience. Should any rescheduling be necessary, a member of our care team will contact you directly.

"Commitment to Quality Care:Our care teams are well versed on dynamic situations and are appropriately trained to maintain high quality care during downtime. Our leadership, physicians, care teams, and associates are working to ensure patient care continues with minimal to no interruption. We appreciate our community's patience and understanding."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715251297400.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA — A ransomware attack on the Ascension health system operating in Kansas and 18 other states across the U.S. forced some of its 140 hospitals to divert ambulances, caused patients to postpone medical tests and blocked online access to patient records.&nbsp;Ascension, with the support of leading cybersecurity experts, worked around the clock over the weekend and on Monday to respond to the ransomware incident, according to an Ascension spokesperson.The hospital system is focused on restoring systems safely and is making progress, however, it will take time to return to normal operations. "All Ascension Via Christi hospitals, physician offices, and care sites across Kansas remain open and operational.&nbsp;Despite the challenges posed by the recent ransomware incident, patient safety continues to be our utmost priority. Our dedicated doctors, nurses, and care teams are demonstrating incredible thoughtfulness and resilience as we use manual and paper based systems during the ongoing disruption to normal systems.""We thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unexpected situation. Rest assured, our commitment to the health and safety of our community remains our highest priority."Can I go to my doctor’s appointment?Ascension Via Christi Medical Partners doctor’s offices and care sites are operating with normal business hours, and all scheduled appointments are proceeding as planned.Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help expedite processes, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles. In the event that appointments need to be rescheduled, an Ascension associate will contact patients directly.Can I get my prescription filled?Ascension Rx retail pharmacies in Kansas&nbsp;cannot fill your prescription at this time.&nbsp;If a prescription was filled prior to May 8, 2024, and is awaiting pickup, that is available for the patient. If a patient needs a refill, they need to contact their prescriber and get a new prescription sent to a pharmacy outside of Ascension Rx.Is Via Christi Immediate Care on Murdock open?At this time, the Via Christi Immediate Care on Murdock is fully operating. Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation and care at certain centers, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays.Are Ascension’s emergency rooms open?All Via Christi emergency rooms remain open.&nbsp;If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911, and local emergency services will transport you to the most appropriate hospital emergency room.Can I still have my surgery?Patients with upcoming scheduled elective surgeries should plan to arrive as planned unless otherwise notified. Should any rescheduling be necessary, a member of our care team will contact you directly.Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help expedite processes, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles.Will I be able to get my diagnostic imaging, other tests, and treatments?Imaging, testing, and treatment are being offered at this time. Patients may experience delays, we are grateful for your patience. Should any rescheduling be necessary, a member of our care team will contact you directly."Commitment to Quality Care:Our care teams are well versed on dynamic situations and are appropriately trained to maintain high quality care during downtime. Our leadership, physicians, care teams, and associates are working to ensure patient care continues with minimal to no interruption. We appreciate our community's patience and understanding."

Ascension hospitals continue ransomware attack recovery 

JERUSALEM—U.S. forces faced another series of attacks in the Red Sea Monday.

Just before 6p.m., USS Mason (DDG 87) successfully engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile launched by Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen over the Red Sea, according to the U.S. Central Command.

Additionally, US forces destroyed one drone launched by Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen over the Red Sea and earlier in the day forces successfully destroyed a drone an Iranian-backed Houthi controlled area of Yemen.&nbsp;&nbsp;


There were no injuries or damages reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;&nbsp;White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday that the U.S. administration has expressed concerns to Israeli officials about becoming “mired in a counterinsurgency campaign that never ends” as Israel's War Cabinet remains focused on carrying out a major operation the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

The comments from a top adviser to President Joe Biden came a day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned that Israel could be left “holding the bag” on an enduring insurgency in post-war Gaza.

“Look, we have painful experience in counterinsurgency campaigns fighting terrorists in urban environments, in populated areas,” said Sullivan, referring to long U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “And we know that it is not as simple as executing a military operation and calling it a day.”

Sullivan added that, “One of the risks of engaging in any kind of counterinsurgency campaign is the ability of the terrorist group to attract more recruits and more followers as time goes on.”

Sullivan said he spoke to his Israeli and Egyptian counterparts on Sunday about redoubling diplomatic efforts on a hostage-for-truce negotiations, and that U.S. officials would have further conversations with the Israelis in the coming days about how Israel can refine its plan to go after Hamas militants in Rafah while lessening the risk to Palestinian civilians.

He also pushed back against growing criticism from around the globe — as well as American critics of Israel’s prosecution of the war — who say Israeli forces are committing a genocide against the Palestinians.

Egypt, a key U.S. ally, said it would join South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention.

“I can’t say that it’s helpful to the discussions between Egypt and Israel to try to sort through assistance and access issues,” Sullivan said of the move announced Sunday by Cairo, which along with Qatar is a mediator in the cease-fire talks.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-genocide-court-south-africa-27cf84e16082cde798395a95e9143c06">top United Nations court has concluded</a>&nbsp;there is a “plausible risk of genocide” in Gaza — a charge Israel strongly denies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709685344452.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM—U.S. forces faced another series of attacks in the Red Sea Monday.Just before 6p.m., USS Mason (DDG 87) successfully engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile launched by Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen over the Red Sea, according to the U.S. Central Command.Additionally, US forces destroyed one drone launched by Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen over the Red Sea and earlier in the day forces successfully destroyed a drone an Iranian-backed Houthi controlled area of Yemen.&nbsp;&nbsp;
There were no injuries or damages reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Meanwhile,&nbsp;&nbsp;White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday that the U.S. administration has expressed concerns to Israeli officials about becoming “mired in a counterinsurgency campaign that never ends” as Israel's War Cabinet remains focused on carrying out a major operation the southern Gaza city of Rafah.The comments from a top adviser to President Joe Biden came a day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned that Israel could be left “holding the bag” on an enduring insurgency in post-war Gaza.“Look, we have painful experience in counterinsurgency campaigns fighting terrorists in urban environments, in populated areas,” said Sullivan, referring to long U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “And we know that it is not as simple as executing a military operation and calling it a day.”Sullivan added that, “One of the risks of engaging in any kind of counterinsurgency campaign is the ability of the terrorist group to attract more recruits and more followers as time goes on.”Sullivan said he spoke to his Israeli and Egyptian counterparts on Sunday about redoubling diplomatic efforts on a hostage-for-truce negotiations, and that U.S. officials would have further conversations with the Israelis in the coming days about how Israel can refine its plan to go after Hamas militants in Rafah while lessening the risk to Palestinian civilians.He also pushed back against growing criticism from around the globe — as well as American critics of Israel’s prosecution of the war — who say Israeli forces are committing a genocide against the Palestinians.Egypt, a key U.S. ally, said it would join South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention.“I can’t say that it’s helpful to the discussions between Egypt and Israel to try to sort through assistance and access issues,” Sullivan said of the move announced Sunday by Cairo, which along with Qatar is a mediator in the cease-fire talks.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-genocide-court-south-africa-27cf84e16082cde798395a95e9143c06">top United Nations court has concluded</a>&nbsp;there is a “plausible risk of genocide” in Gaza — a charge Israel strongly denies.

U.S. forces face another  ballistic missile threat in the Red Sea

SUMNER COUNTY —The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office is currently working with the Sumner County Sheriff's Office to recover human remains in the area of 300 North River Road in Belle Plaine, Kansas.

The remains are in the same vicinity as those recovered on May 10,&nbsp;358 N. River Road and are believed to be connected to an ongoing homicide investigation in Sedgwick County, according to a statement from the sheriff's office.

The victims of the homicide were last seen at a residence in the 9500 block South Hydraulic on January 1, 2024.

Investigators are working to confirm&nbsp; the identities of the remains and notify families.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715647370274.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY —The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office is currently working with the Sumner County Sheriff's Office to recover human remains in the area of 300 North River Road in Belle Plaine, Kansas.The remains are in the same vicinity as those recovered on May 10,&nbsp;358 N. River Road and are believed to be connected to an ongoing homicide investigation in Sedgwick County, according to a statement from the sheriff's office.The victims of the homicide were last seen at a residence in the 9500 block South Hydraulic on January 1, 2024.Investigators are working to confirm&nbsp; the identities of the remains and notify families.

Homicide: More human remains found in rural Kansas

Red Lobster in Salina is closed for business.

On Monday, May 13, staff at the seafood restaurant at 2925 S. Ninth Street posted a flyer on the front doors announcing the closure.&nbsp;

Red Lobster's corporate website lists the Salina location as "closed."

The seafood chain also closed restaurants in Olathe and Kansas City, Kansas. In April, Red Lobster reported that the company was experiencing financial difficulties.

Salina Post reached out to Red Lobster's corporate office for comment and will update this post as new information becomes available.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715638363133.jpeg" alt="Red Lobster guests were greeted by a closed sign on May 13. Salina Post has reached out to Red Lobster's corporate office for comment.&nbsp;Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Red Lobster guests were greeted by a closed sign on May 13. Salina Post has reached out to Red Lobster's corporate office for comment.&nbsp;Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTRed Lobster in Salina is closed for business.On Monday, May 13, staff at the seafood restaurant at 2925 S. Ninth Street posted a flyer on the front doors announcing the closure.&nbsp;Red Lobster's corporate website lists the Salina location as "closed."The seafood chain also closed restaurants in Olathe and Kansas City, Kansas. In April, Red Lobster reported that the company was experiencing financial difficulties.Salina Post reached out to Red Lobster's corporate office for comment and will update this post as new information becomes available.&nbsp;

Red Lobster in Salina closes doors for good

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman is in jail <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=748143">on a $250,000 bond </a>for a crash that killed her 4-year-old daughter.

On Thursday, law enforcement booked 33-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=748143">Britnee Costello</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;Douglas, into the Sedgwick County jail on requested charges of Aggravated battery-DUI and involuntary manslaughter. She was charged on Friday, according to the district attorney's office.

In February of 2023, a vehicle driven by Costello was westbound in the 20,000 Block of MacArthur with children in the vehicle, according to Sheriff's Lt. Nathan Gibbs.

A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy and several citizens pulled Costello&nbsp; and the two children from the burning vehicle.

EMS transported Costello, a 4-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy to a local hospital where the girl later died, according to Gibbs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715467052341.png" alt="Costello-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Costello-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman is in jail <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=748143">on a $250,000 bond </a>for a crash that killed her 4-year-old daughter.On Thursday, law enforcement booked 33-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=748143">Britnee Costello</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;Douglas, into the Sedgwick County jail on requested charges of Aggravated battery-DUI and involuntary manslaughter. She was charged on Friday, according to the district attorney's office.In February of 2023, a vehicle driven by Costello was westbound in the 20,000 Block of MacArthur with children in the vehicle, according to Sheriff's Lt. Nathan Gibbs.A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy and several citizens pulled Costello&nbsp; and the two children from the burning vehicle.EMS transported Costello, a 4-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy to a local hospital where the girl later died, according to Gibbs.

Woman charged in Kan. crash that killed 4-year-old daughter

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Advocates for victims of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-education-af080895d108aa6dc0db533c60be2ebc">abuse at Missouri boarding schools</a>&nbsp;on Monday urged the state's attorney general to launch an investigation, work with local prosecutors and take other steps aimed at stemming the tide of abuse.

Three Christian boarding schools in southern Missouri have shut down since 2020 amid wide-ranging abuse allegations levied by current and former students. Several people affiliated with those schools are facing criminal charges. Advocates who worry that more abuse is going unpunished gathered Monday outside Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey's St. Louis office to demand action.

“This is a structural problem,” said David Clohessy, a longtime advocate for abused children and former leader of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. “These are facilities that are remote, independent, private, sometimes for-profit, largely under the radar with little or no scrutiny, state oversight, monitoring or supervision. It’s a recipe for disaster.”

A spokeswoman for Bailey said in an email that the attorney general's office does not have jurisdiction to prosecute criminal cases, except when appointed as special prosecutor by the governor or a court.

“As a former prosecutor, Attorney General Bailey takes crime very seriously,” spokeswoman Madeline Sieren said, adding that Bailey “has taken substantive action to combat human trafficking where the law allows.”

Amanda Householder, now 33, is among the former students who claimed she was abused. Her story was different than most, though: Her parents, Boyd and Stephanie Householder, owned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-fe24ade3e378bfb53796a0af7cd71deb">Circle of Hope Girls Ranch</a>&nbsp;in remote southern Missouri until it closed in 2020 after investigators removed about two dozen girls.

Boyd and Stephanie Householder are scheduled to go to trial in November on a combined 100 charges accusing them of abusing girls at Circle of Hope. Boyd Householder, 74, was charged with 22 counts of having sexual contact, including sexual intercourse, with one girl who was younger than 17 at the time.

Also, 16 former residents said the Householders frequently restrained them with handcuffs, whipped them with belts, taped their mouths shut and struck or punched them for minor offenses such as singing.

Messages were left with attorneys for the Householders. Phones listed as those of the couple have been disconnected.

Amanda Householder sued her parents, accusing them of beating her and forcing her to impose harsh punishments on other girls at Circle of Hope. She announced Monday that the lawsuit was settled but declined to discuss details.

Amanda Householder said she is forming a new nonprofit aimed at helping those victimized at boarding and reform schools.

“We have to be the voices for kids that are going through what we went through years ago,” Householder said.

Other Missouri facilities operating as Christian boarding schools also have come under intense scrutiny in recent years.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-stockton-missouri-education-6d4bc69348f4349249e49b3ec7c29172">Agape Boarding School</a>&nbsp;in Stockton closed in 2023 after abuse allegations. In 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-missouri-springfield-89eb20fc1edcba8cf5963abdc69e48c8">Agape’s longtime doctor</a>&nbsp;was charged with child sex crimes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-education-child-abuse-kansas-missouri-a97fcf244d041a1468945b10af5f5f76">five employees were charged</a>&nbsp;with low-level abuse counts.

In March,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-education-af080895d108aa6dc0db533c60be2ebc">ABM Ministries’ Lighthouse Christian Academy</a>&nbsp;in Piedmont shut down after kidnapping charges were filed against the husband-and-wife owners, who were accused of locking a student in a room. A teacher also was charged with abuse for allegedly injuring a 15-year-old boy while boxing.

For decades, Missouri had among the most lax boarding school regulations of any state in the nation. A 1982 state law gave religious boarding schools free rein and the state no way to monitor how kids were educated. Even the state Health Department had no oversight, including for schools that claimed to address mental health, behavioral and addiction issues.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-michael-brown-0377a84c0cdf657eb2173f90cedb0c30">new law was adopted in 2021</a>&nbsp;after extensive reporting from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article247902155.html">The Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;found that several faith-based boarding schools, including Agape, relocated to Missouri after being investigated or shut down for abuse or neglect elsewhere.

The new law sets minimum health and safety requirements for boarding schools, which still don’t have to be licensed. It mandates background checks for employees; requires adequate food, clothing and medical care for students; and says parents must be allowed access to their children at any time without prior notice.

Several students have run away from southern Missouri boarding schools in recent years, often claiming abuse. Two 15-year-olds went missing Saturday at a boarding school near Ava but were found safe Monday at a nearby cabin. Messages were left with the sheriff. A school official said it isn't yet clear what prompted the boys to leave.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632608030678.png" alt="Agape Ranch in southwest Missouri- Google image" />
 <figcaption>Agape Ranch in southwest Missouri- Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Advocates for victims of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-education-af080895d108aa6dc0db533c60be2ebc">abuse at Missouri boarding schools</a>&nbsp;on Monday urged the state's attorney general to launch an investigation, work with local prosecutors and take other steps aimed at stemming the tide of abuse.Three Christian boarding schools in southern Missouri have shut down since 2020 amid wide-ranging abuse allegations levied by current and former students. Several people affiliated with those schools are facing criminal charges. Advocates who worry that more abuse is going unpunished gathered Monday outside Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey's St. Louis office to demand action.“This is a structural problem,” said David Clohessy, a longtime advocate for abused children and former leader of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. “These are facilities that are remote, independent, private, sometimes for-profit, largely under the radar with little or no scrutiny, state oversight, monitoring or supervision. It’s a recipe for disaster.”A spokeswoman for Bailey said in an email that the attorney general's office does not have jurisdiction to prosecute criminal cases, except when appointed as special prosecutor by the governor or a court.“As a former prosecutor, Attorney General Bailey takes crime very seriously,” spokeswoman Madeline Sieren said, adding that Bailey “has taken substantive action to combat human trafficking where the law allows.”Amanda Householder, now 33, is among the former students who claimed she was abused. Her story was different than most, though: Her parents, Boyd and Stephanie Householder, owned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-fe24ade3e378bfb53796a0af7cd71deb">Circle of Hope Girls Ranch</a>&nbsp;in remote southern Missouri until it closed in 2020 after investigators removed about two dozen girls.Boyd and Stephanie Householder are scheduled to go to trial in November on a combined 100 charges accusing them of abusing girls at Circle of Hope. Boyd Householder, 74, was charged with 22 counts of having sexual contact, including sexual intercourse, with one girl who was younger than 17 at the time.Also, 16 former residents said the Householders frequently restrained them with handcuffs, whipped them with belts, taped their mouths shut and struck or punched them for minor offenses such as singing.Messages were left with attorneys for the Householders. Phones listed as those of the couple have been disconnected.Amanda Householder sued her parents, accusing them of beating her and forcing her to impose harsh punishments on other girls at Circle of Hope. She announced Monday that the lawsuit was settled but declined to discuss details.Amanda Householder said she is forming a new nonprofit aimed at helping those victimized at boarding and reform schools.“We have to be the voices for kids that are going through what we went through years ago,” Householder said.Other Missouri facilities operating as Christian boarding schools also have come under intense scrutiny in recent years.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-stockton-missouri-education-6d4bc69348f4349249e49b3ec7c29172">Agape Boarding School</a>&nbsp;in Stockton closed in 2023 after abuse allegations. In 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-missouri-springfield-89eb20fc1edcba8cf5963abdc69e48c8">Agape’s longtime doctor</a>&nbsp;was charged with child sex crimes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-education-child-abuse-kansas-missouri-a97fcf244d041a1468945b10af5f5f76">five employees were charged</a>&nbsp;with low-level abuse counts.In March,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-education-af080895d108aa6dc0db533c60be2ebc">ABM Ministries’ Lighthouse Christian Academy</a>&nbsp;in Piedmont shut down after kidnapping charges were filed against the husband-and-wife owners, who were accused of locking a student in a room. A teacher also was charged with abuse for allegedly injuring a 15-year-old boy while boxing.For decades, Missouri had among the most lax boarding school regulations of any state in the nation. A 1982 state law gave religious boarding schools free rein and the state no way to monitor how kids were educated. Even the state Health Department had no oversight, including for schools that claimed to address mental health, behavioral and addiction issues.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-michael-brown-0377a84c0cdf657eb2173f90cedb0c30">new law was adopted in 2021</a>&nbsp;after extensive reporting from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article247902155.html">The Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;found that several faith-based boarding schools, including Agape, relocated to Missouri after being investigated or shut down for abuse or neglect elsewhere.The new law sets minimum health and safety requirements for boarding schools, which still don’t have to be licensed. It mandates background checks for employees; requires adequate food, clothing and medical care for students; and says parents must be allowed access to their children at any time without prior notice.Several students have run away from southern Missouri boarding schools in recent years, often claiming abuse. Two 15-year-olds went missing Saturday at a boarding school near Ava but were found safe Monday at a nearby cabin. Messages were left with the sheriff. A school official said it isn't yet clear what prompted the boys to leave.

Abuse victim advocates pushing Mo. AG to investigate Christian boarding schools

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before midnight Sunday in Sedgwick County.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff's office reported a 2003 Suzuki motorcycle driven by Remone Fareed Halabi, 16, Haysville, was westbound in the 6800 Block of West 55th Street South.

The motorcycle struck a 2013 Nissan 370z driven by a 26-year-old man as the car began a left turn into a driveway.&nbsp; As the Nissan was turning, Halabi attempted to pass the Nissan and struck the drivers side of the car.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-remones-family-in-tragic-times?cdn-cache=0">Click here to visit an</a> online fundraiser for the family.

When deputies arrived, a bystander was administering CPR to Halibi.&nbsp; EMS arrived on scene and began to administer lifesaving treatment, however, Halabi was pronounced deceased on scene.

Halabi was wearing a helmet.&nbsp; The accident is currently being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office,&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715690369540.png" alt="Remone Halabi photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Remone Halabi photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before midnight Sunday in Sedgwick County.The Sedgwick County Sheriff's office reported a 2003 Suzuki motorcycle driven by Remone Fareed Halabi, 16, Haysville, was westbound in the 6800 Block of West 55th Street South.The motorcycle struck a 2013 Nissan 370z driven by a 26-year-old man as the car began a left turn into a driveway.&nbsp; As the Nissan was turning, Halabi attempted to pass the Nissan and struck the drivers side of the car.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-remones-family-in-tragic-times?cdn-cache=0">Click here to visit an</a> online fundraiser for the family.When deputies arrived, a bystander was administering CPR to Halibi.&nbsp; EMS arrived on scene and began to administer lifesaving treatment, however, Halabi was pronounced deceased on scene.Halabi was wearing a helmet.&nbsp; The accident is currently being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office,&nbsp;

16-year-old Kansas boy dies in motorcycle, car crash

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Kansas City and have identified the victim as 17-year-old&nbsp; Jesus Mendoza, according to&nbsp;KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just after&nbsp; 1a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the area of Truman and Hardesty Avenue on a reported car prowler, according to Gonzalez.

First responders located a teen later identified as Mendoza suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and unresponsive in a nearby business parking lot. EMS arrived and declared Mendoza deceased. An additional adult male victim was located suffering from apparent, gunshot trauma. 

EMS transported him to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The preliminary investigation is believed there was an interaction between several people that led to gunfire. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded gather evidence and collect witness statements. A department social worker has also responded to the scene to begin assisting with resources for those affected by this incident. Detectives are actively working on identifying a person of interest

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715608119577.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Kansas City and have identified the victim as 17-year-old&nbsp; Jesus Mendoza, according to&nbsp;KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Just after&nbsp; 1a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the area of Truman and Hardesty Avenue on a reported car prowler, according to Gonzalez.First responders located a teen later identified as Mendoza suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and unresponsive in a nearby business parking lot. EMS arrived and declared Mendoza deceased. An additional adult male victim was located suffering from apparent, gunshot trauma. EMS transported him to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The preliminary investigation is believed there was an interaction between several people that led to gunfire. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded gather evidence and collect witness statements. A department social worker has also responded to the scene to begin assisting with resources for those affected by this incident. Detectives are actively working on identifying a person of interest

KCPD: Teen dead, 1 hospitalized after gunfight in parking lot

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas could soon offer up to $5 million in grants for schools to outfit surveillance cameras with artificial intelligence systems that can spot people carrying guns. But the governor needs to approve the expenditures and the schools must meet some very specific criteria.

The AI software must be patented, “designated as qualified anti-terrorism technology,” in compliance with certain security industry standards, already in use in at least 30 states and capable of detecting “three broad firearm classifications with a minimum of 300 subclassifications” and “at least 2,000 permutations,” among other things.

Only one company currently meets all those criteria: the same organization that touted them to Kansas lawmakers crafting the state budget. That company, ZeroEyes, is a rapidly growing firm founded by military veterans after the fatal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/parkland-florida-school-shooting">shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School</a>&nbsp;in Florida.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb387/">The legislation</a>&nbsp;pending before Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly highlights two things. After&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbine-anniversary-survivors-trauma-f27755b01ce9593bc2ac9b59deef91a5">numerous high-profile shootings</a>, school security has become a multibillion-dollar industry. And in state capitols, some companies are successfully persuading policymakers to write their particular corporate solutions into state law.

ZeroEyes also appears to be the only firm qualified for state firearms detection programs under laws enacted last year in Michigan and Utah, bills passed earlier this year in Florida and Iowa and legislation proposed in Colorado, Louisiana and Wisconsin.

On Friday, Missouri became the latest state to pass legislation geared toward ZeroEyes, offering $2.5 million in matching grants for schools to buy firearms detection software designated as “qualified anti-terrorism technology.”

“We’re not paying legislators to write us into their bills," ZeroEyes co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer Sam Alaimo said. But "if they’re doing that, it means I think they’re doing their homework, and they’re making sure they’re getting a vetted technology.”

ZeroEyes uses artificial intelligence with surveillance cameras to identify visible guns, then flashes an alert to an operations center staffed around the clock by former law enforcement officers and military veterans. If verified as a legitimate threat by ZeroEyes personnel, an alert is sent to school officials and local authorities.

The goal is to "get that gun before that trigger’s squeezed, or before that gun gets to the door,” Alaimo said.

Few question the technology. But some do question the legislative tactics.

The super-specific Kansas bill — particularly the requirement that a company have its product in at least 30 states — is “probably the most egregious thing that I have ever read” in legislation, said Jason Stoddard, director of school safety and security for Charles County Public Schools in Maryland.

Stoddard is chairperson of the newly launched National Council of School Safety Directors, which formed to set standards for school safety officials and push back against vendors who are increasingly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-shootings-digital-maps-53d7529be615ab15360b2e6a40b043d3">pitching particular products to lawmakers</a>.

When states allot millions of dollars for certain products, it often leaves less money for other important school safety efforts, such as electronic door locks, shatter-resistant windows, communication systems and security staff, he said.

“The artificial-intelligence-driven weapons detection is absolutely wonderful," Stoddard said. "But it’s probably not the priority that 95% of the schools in the United States need right now.”

The technology also can be costly, which is why some states are establishing grant programs. In Florida, legislation to implement ZeroEyes technology in schools in just two counties cost a total of about $929,000.

ZeroEyes is not the only company using surveillance systems with artificial intelligence to spot guns. One competitor, Omnilert, pivoted from emergency alert systems to firearms detection several years ago and also offers around-the-clock monitoring centers to quickly review AI-detected guns and pass alerts onto local officials.

But Omnilert does not yet have a patent for its technology. And it has not yet been designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as an anti-terrorism technology under a 2002 federal law providing liability protections for companies. It has applied for both.

Though Omnilert is in hundreds of schools, its products aren't in 30 states, said Mark Franken, Omnilert's vice president of marketing. But he said that shouldn't disqualify his company from state grants.

Franken has contacted the Kansas governor's office in hopes she will line-item veto the specific criteria, which he said "create a kind of anti-competitive environment.”

In Iowa, legislation requiring schools to install firearms detection software was amended to give companies providing the technology until July 1, 2025, to receive federal designation as an anti-terrorism technology. But Democratic state Rep. Ross Wilburn said that designation was originally intended as an incentive for companies to develop technology.

“It was not put in place to provide, promote any type of advantage to one particular company or another,” Wilburn said during House debate.

In Kansas, ZeroEyes' chief strategy officer presented an overview of its technology in February to the House K-12 Education Budget Committee. It included a live demonstration of its AI gun detection and numerous actual surveillance photos spotting guns at schools, parking lots and transit stations. The presentation also noted authorities arrested about a dozen people last year directly as a result of ZeroEyes alerts.

Kansas state Rep. Adam Thomas, a Republican, initially proposed to specifically name ZeroEyes in the funding legislation. The final version removed the company's name but kept the criteria that essentially limits it to ZeroEyes.

House K-12 Budget Committee Chair Kristey Williams, a Republican, vigorously defended that provision. She argued during a negotiating meeting with senators that because of student safety, the state couldn't afford the delays of a standard bidding process. She also touted the company’s technology as unique.

”We do not feel that there was another alternative,” Williams said last month.

The $5 million appropriation won't cover every school, but Thomas said the amount could later increase once people see how well ZeroEyes technology works.

“I’m hopeful that it does exactly what we saw it do and prevents gun violence in the schools," Thomas told The Associated Press, "and we can eventually get it in every school.”

By DAVID A. LIEB and JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas could soon offer up to $5 million in grants for schools to outfit surveillance cameras with artificial intelligence systems that can spot people carrying guns. But the governor needs to approve the expenditures and the schools must meet some very specific criteria.The AI software must be patented, “designated as qualified anti-terrorism technology,” in compliance with certain security industry standards, already in use in at least 30 states and capable of detecting “three broad firearm classifications with a minimum of 300 subclassifications” and “at least 2,000 permutations,” among other things.Only one company currently meets all those criteria: the same organization that touted them to Kansas lawmakers crafting the state budget. That company, ZeroEyes, is a rapidly growing firm founded by military veterans after the fatal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/parkland-florida-school-shooting">shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School</a>&nbsp;in Florida.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb387/">The legislation</a>&nbsp;pending before Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly highlights two things. After&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbine-anniversary-survivors-trauma-f27755b01ce9593bc2ac9b59deef91a5">numerous high-profile shootings</a>, school security has become a multibillion-dollar industry. And in state capitols, some companies are successfully persuading policymakers to write their particular corporate solutions into state law.ZeroEyes also appears to be the only firm qualified for state firearms detection programs under laws enacted last year in Michigan and Utah, bills passed earlier this year in Florida and Iowa and legislation proposed in Colorado, Louisiana and Wisconsin.On Friday, Missouri became the latest state to pass legislation geared toward ZeroEyes, offering $2.5 million in matching grants for schools to buy firearms detection software designated as “qualified anti-terrorism technology.”“We’re not paying legislators to write us into their bills," ZeroEyes co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer Sam Alaimo said. But "if they’re doing that, it means I think they’re doing their homework, and they’re making sure they’re getting a vetted technology.”ZeroEyes uses artificial intelligence with surveillance cameras to identify visible guns, then flashes an alert to an operations center staffed around the clock by former law enforcement officers and military veterans. If verified as a legitimate threat by ZeroEyes personnel, an alert is sent to school officials and local authorities.The goal is to "get that gun before that trigger’s squeezed, or before that gun gets to the door,” Alaimo said.Few question the technology. But some do question the legislative tactics.The super-specific Kansas bill — particularly the requirement that a company have its product in at least 30 states — is “probably the most egregious thing that I have ever read” in legislation, said Jason Stoddard, director of school safety and security for Charles County Public Schools in Maryland.Stoddard is chairperson of the newly launched National Council of School Safety Directors, which formed to set standards for school safety officials and push back against vendors who are increasingly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-shootings-digital-maps-53d7529be615ab15360b2e6a40b043d3">pitching particular products to lawmakers</a>.When states allot millions of dollars for certain products, it often leaves less money for other important school safety efforts, such as electronic door locks, shatter-resistant windows, communication systems and security staff, he said.“The artificial-intelligence-driven weapons detection is absolutely wonderful," Stoddard said. "But it’s probably not the priority that 95% of the schools in the United States need right now.”The technology also can be costly, which is why some states are establishing grant programs. In Florida, legislation to implement ZeroEyes technology in schools in just two counties cost a total of about $929,000.ZeroEyes is not the only company using surveillance systems with artificial intelligence to spot guns. One competitor, Omnilert, pivoted from emergency alert systems to firearms detection several years ago and also offers around-the-clock monitoring centers to quickly review AI-detected guns and pass alerts onto local officials.But Omnilert does not yet have a patent for its technology. And it has not yet been designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as an anti-terrorism technology under a 2002 federal law providing liability protections for companies. It has applied for both.Though Omnilert is in hundreds of schools, its products aren't in 30 states, said Mark Franken, Omnilert's vice president of marketing. But he said that shouldn't disqualify his company from state grants.Franken has contacted the Kansas governor's office in hopes she will line-item veto the specific criteria, which he said "create a kind of anti-competitive environment.”In Iowa, legislation requiring schools to install firearms detection software was amended to give companies providing the technology until July 1, 2025, to receive federal designation as an anti-terrorism technology. But Democratic state Rep. Ross Wilburn said that designation was originally intended as an incentive for companies to develop technology.“It was not put in place to provide, promote any type of advantage to one particular company or another,” Wilburn said during House debate.In Kansas, ZeroEyes' chief strategy officer presented an overview of its technology in February to the House K-12 Education Budget Committee. It included a live demonstration of its AI gun detection and numerous actual surveillance photos spotting guns at schools, parking lots and transit stations. The presentation also noted authorities arrested about a dozen people last year directly as a result of ZeroEyes alerts.Kansas state Rep. Adam Thomas, a Republican, initially proposed to specifically name ZeroEyes in the funding legislation. The final version removed the company's name but kept the criteria that essentially limits it to ZeroEyes.House K-12 Budget Committee Chair Kristey Williams, a Republican, vigorously defended that provision. She argued during a negotiating meeting with senators that because of student safety, the state couldn't afford the delays of a standard bidding process. She also touted the company’s technology as unique.”We do not feel that there was another alternative,” Williams said last month.The $5 million appropriation won't cover every school, but Thomas said the amount could later increase once people see how well ZeroEyes technology works.“I’m hopeful that it does exactly what we saw it do and prevents gun violence in the schools," Thomas told The Associated Press, "and we can eventually get it in every school.”___

Schools turn to artificial intelligence to spot guns as companies press lawmakers for state funds

Law allows driving to work, church and school, changes fine payment options

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Wichita Democratic Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau said the bill overhauling Kansas law on unpaid traffic fines signed by the governor would reduce suspension of driving privileges and allow people to drive to work on restricted licenses as they attempted to make necessary payments.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb500/">Senate Bill 500</a>, signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly, had many moving parts and took years to refine, but was endorsed 120-0 by the House and 36-1 in the Senate.

“This bill will help those Kansans continue to take care of their responsibilities and contribute to their communities while they work their way through the legal system,” Faust-Goudeau said.

Sen. Rick Wilborn, a McPherson Republican, said he took pleasure in working to bring GOP majorities together with Democrats to “promote solutions for Kansans caught in a loop of mistakes and bad decisions.”

“I’m proud to give eligible drivers a new chance at responsible citizenship,” he said.

Kelly said when announcing signing of the legislation Friday that it was important to reduce red tape for Kansans overwhelmed by hefty fines that blocked reinstatement of a Kansas license.

Under the new law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2025, state courts could restrict individuals’ licenses, rather than suspend them, while offenders kept their job, remained in school and attended church services as they continued to make payments on fees owed.

The statute would limit license reinstatement surcharges to a single fee of $100. Existing law imposed separate $100 reinstatement fees for each charge associated with failure to comply with a traffic citation.

The remodeled law would allow a person who committed the misdemeanor crime of failing to comply with a traffic citation to petition the court to reduce or waive payment of court costs. Current law mandated individuals who failed to comply had to pay fees in full within 30 days. If they didn’t, driving privileges were suspended. The new law would instead require an offender to pay the amount ordered by the court.

Courts would have to consider alternative solutions, including alcohol or drug treatment as well as community service, instead of restriction or suspension of driving privileges. The law would prohibit courts and the Kansas Department of Revenue from considering any conviction for a failure to comply older than five years when making determinations on suspension or restriction of driving privileges.

Rep. Ford Carr, D-Wichita, said the legislation was a tribute to the late Wichita Rep. Gail Finney, who passed away in 2022. She was an advocate for reforming laws that had a disproportionate influence on people with modest incomes and people of color.

“Senate Bill 500, for me, is more than just a great bill for Kansans. It’s more than just the right thing to do. It also serves as a reminder of Gail Finney’s powerful legacy in which my footsteps are entrenched, and that good work continues in her absence,” Ford said.

Meanwhile, the governor also signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2047/">House Bill 2047</a>&nbsp;to reestablish prohibitions on flying drones or aircraft over livestock facilities, field crops and research stations to document allegations of animal mistreatment or environmental damage. The legislation responded to federal court decisions undermining the Farm Animal and Field Crop and Research Facilities Protection Act. The so-called ag-gag statute in Kansas was the oldest law criminalizing undercover videotaping of abusive conduct on agriculture properties.

In 2018, the&nbsp;Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit challenging on First Amendment grounds Kansas’ quarter-century-old law thwarting covert investigations into the treatment of animals and workers at feedlots, slaughterhouses and in crop production zones. Three years ago, the 10th Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals agreed with ALDF’s legal claim and a lower federal court’s decision to strike down provisions of Kansas’ law.

“There are some places that people just shouldn’t go without permission,” said Republican Rep. Lisa Moser, a Wheaton rancher.

The Senate adopted 34-2 the bill designed to discourage environmental whistleblowers, while the House concurred 108-12.

Kelly also signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2530/">House Bill 2530</a>, which was the controversial measure stripping the governor of authority to appoint the seven members of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission. Rural legislators unhappy with the commission’s discussion about ending the bait feeding of deer on private property joined with Topeka GOP Rep. Ken Corbet, who owns and operates the hunting business known as Ravenwood Lodge, to limit governors to four appointments.

The law requires the current commission to be dissolved June 30 and for a new commission to take over July 1. The governor would fill four seats, while the others would be the jurisdiction of the Kansas Senate president, Kansas House speaker and the Kansas attorney general.

The new commission would select a chairperson to serve two years in that role. Currently, the governor decides who served as chair and there was no term limit.

Sen. Virgil Peck, a Havana Republican, said the legislation was necessary because the state needed a “good, solid” commission that appreciated the provision in the Kansas Constitution that guaranteed the right to hunt, fish and trap game. He was among legislators concerned that too many park-oriented people were on the commission.

The wildlife commission bill was approved 78-45 in the House and by the minimum required, 21-18, in the Senate.

Under a separate bill signed by Kelly, parental consent would be required before a school could provide a minor with health care services.

For example, a school nurse couldn’t without a parent’s consent dispense or administer prescription or nonprescription drugs to a minor student. Nor could that school nurse conduct ongoing behavioral health treatment or administer a medical test with the minor’s blood or other fluid.

The big-stick portion of the bill — passed 111-0 in the House and 26-10 in the Senate — says violation of the law would lead to disciplinary action by the health care providers professional licensing agency.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb287/">Senate Bill 287</a>‘s school nurse reform was bundled with a measure prohibiting medical facilities from isolating patients receiving end-of-life care from visits by relatives, as routinely occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also included a provision allowing first responders, scientists or technicians, including school nurses, to distribute emergency opioid antagonists such as Narcan. It also permitted EMS staff to&nbsp;distribute nonprescription, over-the-counter medications.

Kelly signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb420/">Senate Bill 420</a>&nbsp;to create opportunities for juvenile offenders to leave a correctional facility to take part in workforce and educational skills programs.

She signed into law&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2531/">House Bill 2531</a>&nbsp;to establish the Kansas Purple Alert Plan, which would be an alert system for missing people with an intellectual disability. It would operate in a manner consistent with programs such as the Amber alert for missing children and the Silver alert for elderly individuals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715619037808.png" alt="Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, D-Wichita, praised signing into law by Gov. Laura Kelly a bipartisan bill overhauling the state’s method of dealing with traffic citations, payment of fees and preserving driving privileges. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, D-Wichita, praised signing into law by Gov. Laura Kelly a bipartisan bill overhauling the state’s method of dealing with traffic citations, payment of fees and preserving driving privileges. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Law allows driving to work, church and school, changes fine payment options</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Wichita Democratic Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau said the bill overhauling Kansas law on unpaid traffic fines signed by the governor would reduce suspension of driving privileges and allow people to drive to work on restricted licenses as they attempted to make necessary payments.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb500/">Senate Bill 500</a>, signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly, had many moving parts and took years to refine, but was endorsed 120-0 by the House and 36-1 in the Senate.“This bill will help those Kansans continue to take care of their responsibilities and contribute to their communities while they work their way through the legal system,” Faust-Goudeau said.Sen. Rick Wilborn, a McPherson Republican, said he took pleasure in working to bring GOP majorities together with Democrats to “promote solutions for Kansans caught in a loop of mistakes and bad decisions.”“I’m proud to give eligible drivers a new chance at responsible citizenship,” he said.Kelly said when announcing signing of the legislation Friday that it was important to reduce red tape for Kansans overwhelmed by hefty fines that blocked reinstatement of a Kansas license.<h2>Reform fine print</h2>Under the new law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2025, state courts could restrict individuals’ licenses, rather than suspend them, while offenders kept their job, remained in school and attended church services as they continued to make payments on fees owed.The statute would limit license reinstatement surcharges to a single fee of $100. Existing law imposed separate $100 reinstatement fees for each charge associated with failure to comply with a traffic citation.The remodeled law would allow a person who committed the misdemeanor crime of failing to comply with a traffic citation to petition the court to reduce or waive payment of court costs. Current law mandated individuals who failed to comply had to pay fees in full within 30 days. If they didn’t, driving privileges were suspended. The new law would instead require an offender to pay the amount ordered by the court.Courts would have to consider alternative solutions, including alcohol or drug treatment as well as community service, instead of restriction or suspension of driving privileges. The law would prohibit courts and the Kansas Department of Revenue from considering any conviction for a failure to comply older than five years when making determinations on suspension or restriction of driving privileges.Rep. Ford Carr, D-Wichita, said the legislation was a tribute to the late Wichita Rep. Gail Finney, who passed away in 2022. She was an advocate for reforming laws that had a disproportionate influence on people with modest incomes and people of color.“Senate Bill 500, for me, is more than just a great bill for Kansans. It’s more than just the right thing to do. It also serves as a reminder of Gail Finney’s powerful legacy in which my footsteps are entrenched, and that good work continues in her absence,” Ford said.<h2>Ag-gag, wildlife</h2>Meanwhile, the governor also signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2047/">House Bill 2047</a>&nbsp;to reestablish prohibitions on flying drones or aircraft over livestock facilities, field crops and research stations to document allegations of animal mistreatment or environmental damage. The legislation responded to federal court decisions undermining the Farm Animal and Field Crop and Research Facilities Protection Act. The so-called ag-gag statute in Kansas was the oldest law criminalizing undercover videotaping of abusive conduct on agriculture properties.In 2018, the&nbsp;Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit challenging on First Amendment grounds Kansas’ quarter-century-old law thwarting covert investigations into the treatment of animals and workers at feedlots, slaughterhouses and in crop production zones. Three years ago, the 10th Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals agreed with ALDF’s legal claim and a lower federal court’s decision to strike down provisions of Kansas’ law.“There are some places that people just shouldn’t go without permission,” said Republican Rep. Lisa Moser, a Wheaton rancher.The Senate adopted 34-2 the bill designed to discourage environmental whistleblowers, while the House concurred 108-12.Kelly also signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2530/">House Bill 2530</a>, which was the controversial measure stripping the governor of authority to appoint the seven members of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission. Rural legislators unhappy with the commission’s discussion about ending the bait feeding of deer on private property joined with Topeka GOP Rep. Ken Corbet, who owns and operates the hunting business known as Ravenwood Lodge, to limit governors to four appointments.The law requires the current commission to be dissolved June 30 and for a new commission to take over July 1. The governor would fill four seats, while the others would be the jurisdiction of the Kansas Senate president, Kansas House speaker and the Kansas attorney general.The new commission would select a chairperson to serve two years in that role. Currently, the governor decides who served as chair and there was no term limit.Sen. Virgil Peck, a Havana Republican, said the legislation was necessary because the state needed a “good, solid” commission that appreciated the provision in the Kansas Constitution that guaranteed the right to hunt, fish and trap game. He was among legislators concerned that too many park-oriented people were on the commission.The wildlife commission bill was approved 78-45 in the House and by the minimum required, 21-18, in the Senate.<h2>Other new laws</h2>Under a separate bill signed by Kelly, parental consent would be required before a school could provide a minor with health care services.For example, a school nurse couldn’t without a parent’s consent dispense or administer prescription or nonprescription drugs to a minor student. Nor could that school nurse conduct ongoing behavioral health treatment or administer a medical test with the minor’s blood or other fluid.The big-stick portion of the bill — passed 111-0 in the House and 26-10 in the Senate — says violation of the law would lead to disciplinary action by the health care providers professional licensing agency.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb287/">Senate Bill 287</a>‘s school nurse reform was bundled with a measure prohibiting medical facilities from isolating patients receiving end-of-life care from visits by relatives, as routinely occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also included a provision allowing first responders, scientists or technicians, including school nurses, to distribute emergency opioid antagonists such as Narcan. It also permitted EMS staff to&nbsp;distribute nonprescription, over-the-counter medications.Kelly signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb420/">Senate Bill 420</a>&nbsp;to create opportunities for juvenile offenders to leave a correctional facility to take part in workforce and educational skills programs.She signed into law&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2531/">House Bill 2531</a>&nbsp;to establish the Kansas Purple Alert Plan, which would be an alert system for missing people with an intellectual disability. It would operate in a manner consistent with programs such as the Amber alert for missing children and the Silver alert for elderly individuals.

Kelly signs law shifting Kansas toward driving license restrictions rather than suspensions

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Saturday in Shawnee County.

An ATV driven by 44-year-old Blake C. Asher of Topeka was southbound in the&nbsp;7900 block of NW 86th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The&nbsp;ATV left the roadway. Moments later, a friend found Asher unresponsive near the ATV and summoned help from a passerby who called 911. 

The friend and later deputies attempted CPR.&nbsp;Fire and medical personnel arrived and continued lifesaving measures. Asher was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; He was not wearing a helmet, according to Christian.

 The accident remains under investigation.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Saturday in Shawnee County.An ATV driven by 44-year-old Blake C. Asher of Topeka was southbound in the&nbsp;7900 block of NW 86th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The&nbsp;ATV left the roadway. Moments later, a friend found Asher unresponsive near the ATV and summoned help from a passerby who called 911. The friend and later deputies attempted CPR.&nbsp;Fire and medical personnel arrived and continued lifesaving measures. Asher was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; He was not wearing a helmet, according to Christian. The accident remains under investigation.

Sheriff IDs Kansas man who died in ATV accident

COWLEY COUNTY —Authorities investigating a weekend drowning in Kansas have identified the victim as 35-year-old Sarah Ouellet, according to Sheriff Dave Faletti.

Just after 3:30p.m. Saturday, sheriff's deputies and EMS were dispatched to the 31000 block of 141st Road for two individuals stranded in the water of Grouse Creek, according to Faletti.

First responders pulled Ouellet &nbsp;from the water and life saving measures were initiated. 

Ouellet’s juvenile son was located downstream holding onto a limb. He was pulled from the water and both he and Sarah were transported to the hospital. Sarah was later pronounced deceased at the hospital, according to Faletti. The child is recovering.

COWLEY COUNTY —A woman drowned over the weekend according to Cowley County Sheriff Dave Faletti.

The drowning occurred Saturday in a creek near the 31000 block of 141st Road east of Arkansas City. According to Faletti, the sheriff's office will release additional on the tragedy later on Monday. 

Check the Post for more information as it is available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715611443517.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Authorities investigating a weekend drowning in Kansas have identified the victim as 35-year-old Sarah Ouellet, according to Sheriff Dave Faletti.Just after 3:30p.m. Saturday, sheriff's deputies and EMS were dispatched to the 31000 block of 141st Road for two individuals stranded in the water of Grouse Creek, according to Faletti.First responders pulled Ouellet &nbsp;from the water and life saving measures were initiated. Ouellet’s juvenile son was located downstream holding onto a limb. He was pulled from the water and both he and Sarah were transported to the hospital. Sarah was later pronounced deceased at the hospital, according to Faletti. The child is recovering.--------------------COWLEY COUNTY —A woman drowned over the weekend according to Cowley County Sheriff Dave Faletti.The drowning occurred Saturday in a creek near the 31000 block of 141st Road east of Arkansas City. According to Faletti, the sheriff's office will release additional on the tragedy later on Monday. Check the Post for more information as it is available.

Sheriff: Mother drowns, child rescued from from Kansas creek

WASHINGTON (AP) — For&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;it was effectively a Day 1 priority.

It's well past time, the newly elected House speaker said in October, to establish a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-debt-congress-commission-social-security-medicare-28f30761a7338e415b9ac4c92a096460">bipartisan commission</a>&nbsp;to tackle the federal government's growing $34.6 trillion in debt. "The consequences if we don’t act now are unbearable,” he said,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mccarthy-debt-social-security-medicare-acc8aa14cb1958581c52efa9fd6cd05f">echoing warnings</a>&nbsp;from his predecessor and other House Republicans.

More than six months later, the proposal appears all but dead, extinguished by vocal opposition from both the right and the left.

The collapse underscores an unyielding dynamic in Washington, with lawmakers in both parties loath to consider the unpopular tradeoffs that would be necessary to stem the nation's swelling tide of red ink — particularly in an election year. Facing the reality that any fiscal commission would almost certainly suggest that Americans pay more or get less from their government, lawmakers have time and again done what they do so well: punt the problem to the next Congress. And they seem poised to do so again.

Many Democrats and left-leaning advocacy groups oppose the commission because they fear it would recommend cuts to Social Security benefits. Some Republicans and right-leaning groups are against it as well, fearing the panel would recommend tax increases. They’ve labeled the commission a “tax trap.”

“I’m disappointed that we haven’t got as much momentum as I thought we would,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington, the Republican chairman of the House Budget Committee. “The speaker supported it, endorsed it from the outset. But I think there are some outside groups that have weighed in, that have said that this is a backdoor way to raise taxes, and it scared some of my Republican colleagues.”

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., sponsor of the debt commission bill in the Senate, was even more pessimistic.

“No one seems to care,” Manchin said. “It’s a shame, $34.6 trillion in debt. No one cares about it.”

The debt commission legislation, modeled after previous efforts, would create a 16-member panel to recommend steps that could be taken to balance the federal budget at the earliest reasonable date and improve the long-term fiscal health of Medicare and Social Security. The commission would have 16 members — 12 from Congress, evenly divided by party, and four outside experts without voting power. The GOP-controlled House Budget Committee advanced the bill in a 22-12 vote.

The fiscal realities that would face any commission are well documented and center to a large extent on Social Security and Medicare, which consume an ever-growing share of the federal budget, and interest payments on the nation's debt.

For Social Security, the reserves for the The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-entitlements-treasury-35a2913a3f21a3b0ff40f2c88cbf9cbc">run out</a>&nbsp;in 2033. At that point, the program will have enough tax revenue coming in to pay about 79% of scheduled benefits. For Medicare, the trust fund covering inpatient hospital stays, hospice care and stays at skilled nursing facilities has sufficient funds to pay full benefits until 2036. At that point, 11% spending cuts would be required to match incoming revenue.

The last fiscal commission over a decade ago — chaired by Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson — recommended $4 trillion in deficit reduction over the course of a decade through a combination of tax increases and painful spending cuts. But the 11-7 vote in favor of the package was not enough to force Congress to consider it back in 2010.

Supporters of a new debt panel noted that they modeled their bill on something that has succeeded in the past — commissions to consolidate the nation's military bases. The new commission would work under a similar structure with the legislation requiring each chamber to vote on its final proposal expeditiously.

Still, Democratic lawmakers and the White House are skeptical of forming a debt commission. Shalanda Young, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, told lawmakers in a recent hearing that the administration was concerned that the one thing on the table for the commission would be Social Security benefit cuts, not asking high-income Americans to pay higher taxes.

“It will be borne on the backs of those who paid into the system and rely on this program to retire in peace,” Young said.

More than 100 Democratic lawmakers also signed onto a letter opposing the commission back in January as powerful groups such as the AFL-CIO and AARP voiced their concerns.

When Republican-aligned groups also came out against the bill, including Americans for Tax Reform and the Club for Growth, prospects for moving ahead dampened considerably. Their opposition weakened GOP leadership’s leverage in attaching the commission to an annual spending bill or other must-pass measure.

“There’s no guarantee about the outcome. I think that’s what scares more people, and this town likes to know what the outcome is,” said the House bill’s author, Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich.

Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, said any mechanism that allows for tax increases undermines former President Donald Trump and other Republicans running for office on a platform of cutting taxes. He said the focus must be strictly on spending reductions, and “tax increases are what politicians do instead of making decisions and hard choices.”

“The modern Republican Party is not going to put tax increases on the table as if they were part of the solution to anything,” Norquist said. “Tax increases solve no problem.”

That approach also makes Democrats such as Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas wary of a commission.

“We cannot solve our problems by cutting entirely. It’s got to be with some additional revenue. Unless revenues are very much on the table, I’m not for anything. It has to be both,” Doggett said.

As bleak as things look for the bill now, Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., said getting legislation through Congress is often a long game. Getting a House committee to approve the commission was an important step, he said. “We’re as far along as we’ve ever been.”

Supporters said they will continue pushing for getting a commission approved by the end of this Congress. Manchin mentioned the possibility of attaching it to legislation in a lame-duck session after the election and before the new Congress is sworn into office.

“We’re in that classic position where everybody hates us,” said Peters, one of three Democrats who voted for the bill in committee and is a co-sponsor. “We must be doing the right thing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712802529718.png" alt="File photo House Speaker Mike Johnson -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo House Speaker Mike Johnson -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — For&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;it was effectively a Day 1 priority.It's well past time, the newly elected House speaker said in October, to establish a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-debt-congress-commission-social-security-medicare-28f30761a7338e415b9ac4c92a096460">bipartisan commission</a>&nbsp;to tackle the federal government's growing $34.6 trillion in debt. "The consequences if we don’t act now are unbearable,” he said,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mccarthy-debt-social-security-medicare-acc8aa14cb1958581c52efa9fd6cd05f">echoing warnings</a>&nbsp;from his predecessor and other House Republicans.More than six months later, the proposal appears all but dead, extinguished by vocal opposition from both the right and the left.The collapse underscores an unyielding dynamic in Washington, with lawmakers in both parties loath to consider the unpopular tradeoffs that would be necessary to stem the nation's swelling tide of red ink — particularly in an election year. Facing the reality that any fiscal commission would almost certainly suggest that Americans pay more or get less from their government, lawmakers have time and again done what they do so well: punt the problem to the next Congress. And they seem poised to do so again.Many Democrats and left-leaning advocacy groups oppose the commission because they fear it would recommend cuts to Social Security benefits. Some Republicans and right-leaning groups are against it as well, fearing the panel would recommend tax increases. They’ve labeled the commission a “tax trap.”“I’m disappointed that we haven’t got as much momentum as I thought we would,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington, the Republican chairman of the House Budget Committee. “The speaker supported it, endorsed it from the outset. But I think there are some outside groups that have weighed in, that have said that this is a backdoor way to raise taxes, and it scared some of my Republican colleagues.”Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., sponsor of the debt commission bill in the Senate, was even more pessimistic.“No one seems to care,” Manchin said. “It’s a shame, $34.6 trillion in debt. No one cares about it.”The debt commission legislation, modeled after previous efforts, would create a 16-member panel to recommend steps that could be taken to balance the federal budget at the earliest reasonable date and improve the long-term fiscal health of Medicare and Social Security. The commission would have 16 members — 12 from Congress, evenly divided by party, and four outside experts without voting power. The GOP-controlled House Budget Committee advanced the bill in a 22-12 vote.The fiscal realities that would face any commission are well documented and center to a large extent on Social Security and Medicare, which consume an ever-growing share of the federal budget, and interest payments on the nation's debt.For Social Security, the reserves for the The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-entitlements-treasury-35a2913a3f21a3b0ff40f2c88cbf9cbc">run out</a>&nbsp;in 2033. At that point, the program will have enough tax revenue coming in to pay about 79% of scheduled benefits. For Medicare, the trust fund covering inpatient hospital stays, hospice care and stays at skilled nursing facilities has sufficient funds to pay full benefits until 2036. At that point, 11% spending cuts would be required to match incoming revenue.The last fiscal commission over a decade ago — chaired by Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson — recommended $4 trillion in deficit reduction over the course of a decade through a combination of tax increases and painful spending cuts. But the 11-7 vote in favor of the package was not enough to force Congress to consider it back in 2010.Supporters of a new debt panel noted that they modeled their bill on something that has succeeded in the past — commissions to consolidate the nation's military bases. The new commission would work under a similar structure with the legislation requiring each chamber to vote on its final proposal expeditiously.Still, Democratic lawmakers and the White House are skeptical of forming a debt commission. Shalanda Young, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, told lawmakers in a recent hearing that the administration was concerned that the one thing on the table for the commission would be Social Security benefit cuts, not asking high-income Americans to pay higher taxes.“It will be borne on the backs of those who paid into the system and rely on this program to retire in peace,” Young said.More than 100 Democratic lawmakers also signed onto a letter opposing the commission back in January as powerful groups such as the AFL-CIO and AARP voiced their concerns.When Republican-aligned groups also came out against the bill, including Americans for Tax Reform and the Club for Growth, prospects for moving ahead dampened considerably. Their opposition weakened GOP leadership’s leverage in attaching the commission to an annual spending bill or other must-pass measure.“There’s no guarantee about the outcome. I think that’s what scares more people, and this town likes to know what the outcome is,” said the House bill’s author, Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich.Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, said any mechanism that allows for tax increases undermines former President Donald Trump and other Republicans running for office on a platform of cutting taxes. He said the focus must be strictly on spending reductions, and “tax increases are what politicians do instead of making decisions and hard choices.”“The modern Republican Party is not going to put tax increases on the table as if they were part of the solution to anything,” Norquist said. “Tax increases solve no problem.”That approach also makes Democrats such as Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas wary of a commission.“We cannot solve our problems by cutting entirely. It’s got to be with some additional revenue. Unless revenues are very much on the table, I’m not for anything. It has to be both,” Doggett said.As bleak as things look for the bill now, Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., said getting legislation through Congress is often a long game. Getting a House committee to approve the commission was an important step, he said. “We’re as far along as we’ve ever been.”Supporters said they will continue pushing for getting a commission approved by the end of this Congress. Manchin mentioned the possibility of attaching it to legislation in a lame-duck session after the election and before the new Congress is sworn into office.“We’re in that classic position where everybody hates us,” said Peters, one of three Democrats who voted for the bill in committee and is a co-sponsor. “We must be doing the right thing.”

Senator: America's debt tops $34 trillion and no one seems to care

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 2a.m. May 6, police responded to a report of gunshots in the&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2800 block of East Douglas in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aarom Moses.&nbsp; First responders located a vehicle with the victim later identified as 35-year-old Isaiah Gails, who was driving a dark-colored four-door car.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Saturday Wichita Police Officer Kris Gupilan reported the arrest of a 32-year-old suspect identified as <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=393807">Victor Baxter,</a> according to Sedgwick County arrest records. He is being held on requested charges of First Degree Murder, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle, and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715559573377.png" alt="Baxter-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Baxter-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting and have a suspect in custody.Just after 2a.m. May 6, police responded to a report of gunshots in the&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2800 block of East Douglas in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aarom Moses.&nbsp; First responders located a vehicle with the victim later identified as 35-year-old Isaiah Gails, who was driving a dark-colored four-door car.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Saturday Wichita Police Officer Kris Gupilan reported the arrest of a 32-year-old suspect identified as <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=393807">Victor Baxter,</a> according to Sedgwick County arrest records. He is being held on requested charges of First Degree Murder, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle, and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.

Police arrest suspect in Kansas murder investigation

KANSAS CITY —A pedestrian was injured in an accident just after 4p.m.&nbsp; Saturday in Kansas City.

The pedestrian and a friend were attempting to start the pedestrian's vehicle at&nbsp;10511 Blue Ridge Boulevard, according Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

After jump starting the vehicle, which had been left in gear, the vehicle lurched forward striking the pedestrian and knocking him down. The left front wheel ran over the pedestrian. 

EMS transported the pedestrian to an area hospital with serious injuries, according Gonzalez.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the pedestrian or additional details.

KANSAS CITY —A pedestrian was injured in an accident just after 4p.m.&nbsp; Saturday in Kansas City.The pedestrian and a friend were attempting to start the pedestrian's vehicle at&nbsp;10511 Blue Ridge Boulevard, according Officer Alayna Gonzalez.After jump starting the vehicle, which had been left in gear, the vehicle lurched forward striking the pedestrian and knocking him down. The left front wheel ran over the pedestrian. EMS transported the pedestrian to an area hospital with serious injuries, according Gonzalez.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the pedestrian or additional details.