HARVEY COUNTY — Newton USD 373 issued a release Tuesday night saying that schools in that district will be closed Wednesday. Late Wednesday, the district confirmed no school on Thursday. "Thank you for your patience as we continue to work through our network-security incident. School is canceled for Thursday, March 30."

"We are expecting school to resume in full Friday, March 31. All scheduled extracurricular athletic games and activities will continue as planned. Lunch will be provided Thursdat to students who want it via sack lunch pickup from 11:30-1pm at Newton High School. 

"Student’s meal account will be charged as normal if they pick up a lunch. We appreciate your understanding as we work through this issue."

"The district is working to solve a network security incident," USD 373 stated in a media release.&nbsp; "We have been working with external information technology experts to conduct a detailed&nbsp;technical investigation into the incident. We have also notified law enforcement. Please&nbsp;remember that our investigation is in its earliest stages and is still ongoing."

The school system continues to work around the clock to resolve any disruption of certain systems and operations, which, out of an abundance of caution, have remained offline until staff is confident&nbsp;that we can safely bring them back into service. So, there will be NO SCHOOL TOMORROW, Wednesday, March 29, 2023. The district will update the community tomorrow regarding whether the school will be opened on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

If you have questions, please call Superintendent Fred Van Ranken at 316-284-6206. Below are questions and answers provided by the district.

What happened? On March 28, 2023, we detected a network security incident affecting certain systems within our network&nbsp;environment. We immediately shut down affected systems, and have engaged third party forensic specialists to investigate the extent of the activity. We have also notified law enforcement. The investigation is in the earliest stages and is currently ongoing.

Why was this called an internet outage at first? That was our initial understanding of the incident. Upon further investigation we discovered it was actually a network security incident.

How did this happen? We are currently working with third party forensic specialists to investigate the extent of the unauthorized activity, which includes the root cause. The investigation is in the earliest stages, and is currently ongoing.

Is my personal / business data involved? We are thoroughly investigating the incident now with third-party forensic specialists. The investigation is in the earliest stages, and we have not yet determined the extent of the unauthorized activity, including whether any personal or confidential information was involved. If individual personal information is involved, we will notify affected individuals in accordance with relevant state and federal laws.

Was this ransomware? To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we are unable to share additional information about the nature of the incident.

Will this affect student class schedules or assignments? We have cancelled school for Wednesday, March 29, 2023. We are still determining whether school will open Thursday, March 30, 2023. Further, during this time there may be a disruption to certain resources, and we are working to mitigate any delays or interruptions. We thank you for your patience during this time. When will the investigation be complete?&nbsp;&nbsp; We cannot offer a definitive timeline at this point as this is a time intensive process. That said, we hope to conclude the investigation in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573673934914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY — Newton USD 373 issued a release Tuesday night saying that schools in that district will be closed Wednesday. Late Wednesday, the district confirmed no school on Thursday. "Thank you for your patience as we continue to work through our network-security incident. School is canceled for Thursday, March 30.""We are expecting school to resume in full Friday, March 31. All scheduled extracurricular athletic games and activities will continue as planned. Lunch will be provided Thursdat to students who want it via sack lunch pickup from 11:30-1pm at Newton High School. "Student’s meal account will be charged as normal if they pick up a lunch. We appreciate your understanding as we work through this issue.""The district is working to solve a network security incident," USD 373 stated in a media release.&nbsp; "We have been working with external information technology experts to conduct a detailed&nbsp;technical investigation into the incident. We have also notified law enforcement. Please&nbsp;remember that our investigation is in its earliest stages and is still ongoing." The school system continues to work around the clock to resolve any disruption of certain systems and operations, which, out of an abundance of caution, have remained offline until staff is confident&nbsp;that we can safely bring them back into service. So, there will be NO SCHOOL TOMORROW, Wednesday, March 29, 2023. The district will update the community tomorrow regarding whether the school will be opened on Thursday, March 30, 2023.If you have questions, please call Superintendent Fred Van Ranken at 316-284-6206. Below are questions and answers provided by the district.What happened? On March 28, 2023, we detected a network security incident affecting certain systems within our network&nbsp;environment. We immediately shut down affected systems, and have engaged third party forensic specialists to investigate the extent of the activity. We have also notified law enforcement. The investigation is in the earliest stages and is currently ongoing.Why was this called an internet outage at first? That was our initial understanding of the incident. Upon further investigation we discovered it was actually a network security incident.How did this happen? We are currently working with third party forensic specialists to investigate the extent of the unauthorized activity, which includes the root cause. The investigation is in the earliest stages, and is currently ongoing.Is my personal / business data involved? We are thoroughly investigating the incident now with third-party forensic specialists. The investigation is in the earliest stages, and we have not yet determined the extent of the unauthorized activity, including whether any personal or confidential information was involved. If individual personal information is involved, we will notify affected individuals in accordance with relevant state and federal laws.Was this ransomware? To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we are unable to share additional information about the nature of the incident.Will this affect student class schedules or assignments? We have cancelled school for Wednesday, March 29, 2023. We are still determining whether school will open Thursday, March 30, 2023. Further, during this time there may be a disruption to certain resources, and we are working to mitigate any delays or interruptions. We thank you for your patience during this time. When will the investigation be complete?&nbsp;&nbsp; We cannot offer a definitive timeline at this point as this is a time intensive process. That said, we hope to conclude the investigation in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

Network Security issue keeps schools closed in Newton

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect involved in high-speed chase on a reported stolen motorcycle.

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police attempted to stop a black motorcycle with a driver and passenger in the city of Great Bend.

The motorcycle fled from the police, leaving Great Bend on NW 10th Ave. The police officer lost the vehicle and terminated the pursuit, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

A few minutes later a Barton County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. located the vehicle approaching NW 30th Road at NW 10th Ave. The operator was traveling at a high rate of speed, at which time the motorcycle turned onto NW 30th Road westbound and accelerated. 

The sergeant attempted to stop the motorcycle but the rider continued to flee. The operator then turned southbound on US 281 Highway and continued into a residential neighborhood in Great Bend committing numerous traffic violations. It was later determined the motorcycle was stolen in Missouri.

The operator lost control near the intersection of 25th and Morton Street in Great Bend crashing near the intersection. The driver of the motorcycle was identified as William Dunn, 29, Kingman. 

EMS transported Dunn to the hospital in Great Bend. He sustained minor injuries. Upon release from the hospital, Dunn was arrested and booked into the Barton County Jail on requested charges of aggravated battery, felony flee and elude, possession of stolen property and reckless driving. He has since posted a $10,000 bond, according to Bellendir.

The passenger identified as 22-year-old Shyanne Huntley of Great Bend was also transported to the hospital. She sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680102861335.jpeg" alt="Dunn-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Dunn-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect involved in high-speed chase on a reported stolen motorcycle.Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police attempted to stop a black motorcycle with a driver and passenger in the city of Great Bend.The motorcycle fled from the police, leaving Great Bend on NW 10th Ave. The police officer lost the vehicle and terminated the pursuit, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.A few minutes later a Barton County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. located the vehicle approaching NW 30th Road at NW 10th Ave. The operator was traveling at a high rate of speed, at which time the motorcycle turned onto NW 30th Road westbound and accelerated. The sergeant attempted to stop the motorcycle but the rider continued to flee. The operator then turned southbound on US 281 Highway and continued into a residential neighborhood in Great Bend committing numerous traffic violations. It was later determined the motorcycle was stolen in Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680104161174.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The operator lost control near the intersection of 25th and Morton Street in Great Bend crashing near the intersection. The driver of the motorcycle was identified as William Dunn, 29, Kingman. EMS transported Dunn to the hospital in Great Bend. He sustained minor injuries. Upon release from the hospital, Dunn was arrested and booked into the Barton County Jail on requested charges of aggravated battery, felony flee and elude, possession of stolen property and reckless driving. He has since posted a $10,000 bond, according to Bellendir.The passenger identified as 22-year-old Shyanne Huntley of Great Bend was also transported to the hospital. She sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Sheriff: Kansas man jailed after crash on stolen motorcycle 

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Senate voted Wednesday to repeal the resolution that gave a green light for the 2003&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-invasion-war-timeline-saddam-hussein-50828061c98e410063753045179bdcfb">invasion of Iraq</a>, an effort to return a basic war power to Congress from the White House 20 years after an authorization many now say was a mistake.

Iraqi deaths are estimated in the hundreds of thousands, and nearly 5,000 U.S. troops were killed in the war after President George W. Bush’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-war-wmds-us-intelligence-f9e21ac59d3a0470d9bfcc83544d706e">falsely claimed</a>&nbsp;that Saddam Hussein was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction.

“This body rushed into a war,” said Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat who has pushed for years to repeal the powers. The war has had “massive consequences,” Kaine said.

Senators voted 66-30 to repeal the 2002 measure and also the 1991 authorization that sanctioned the U.S.-led Gulf War. Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined 16 other Republicans to vote for the measure including Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt.

If passed by the House, the repeal would not be expected to affect any current military deployments. But lawmakers in both parties are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-middle-east-iraq-government-and-politics-184f804c1202c0808f986425fd75341f">increasingly seeking</a>&nbsp;to claw back congressional powers over U.S. military strikes and deployments, and some lawmakers who voted for the Iraq War two decades ago&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2002-iraq-war-vote-senate-authorization-reflection-60989b19ca76a2d9c2e2ff1bad97dc5a">now say</a>&nbsp;that was a mistake.

“Americans want to see an end to endless Middle East wars,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, adding that passing the repeal “is a necessary step to putting these bitter conflicts squarely behind us.”

Supporters, including almost 20 Republican senators, say the repeal is crucial to prevent future abuses and to reinforce that Iraq is now a strategic partner of the United States.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-iraq-war-repeal-senate-64270ec9085831c4f0be423702a7561e">Opponents</a>&nbsp;say the repeal could project weakness as the U.S. still faces conflict in the Middle East.

“Our terrorist enemies aren’t sunsetting their war against us,” said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who is at home&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-fall-concussion-therapy-f7af2c851b96e5fdccb7d2829e869f6a">recovering from a fall</a>&nbsp;earlier this month and missed the vote. “When we deploy our servicemembers in harm’s way, we need to supply them with all the support and legal authorities that we can.”

The repeal’s future is less certain in the House, where 49 Republicans joined with Democrats in supporting a similar bill two years ago. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has suggested he is open to supporting a repeal even though he previously opposed it, but Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has indicated he would like to instead replace it with something else. But it is unclear what that would be.

Kaine and Todd Young, R-Ind., who led the effort together, have said they believe a strong bipartisan vote sends a powerful message to Americans who believe their voices should be heard on matters of war and peace.

President Donald Trump’s administration cited the 2002 Iraq war resolution as part of its legal justification for a 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani, but the two war powers resolutions have otherwise rarely been used as the basis for any presidential action. About 2,500 U.S. troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-war-anniversary-troops-military-d1d9a7e6e83925dec22fce4d2e2c831e">remain in Iraq</a>&nbsp;at the invitation of the Iraqi government and assist and advise local forces.

A separate 2001 authorization for the global war on terror would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-vote-war-powers-iraq-afghanistan-a174a1b97644f2f64994f13b1ff41a20">remain in place</a>&nbsp;under the bill, which President Joe Biden has said he will support.

The October 2002 votes to give Bush broad authority for the Iraq invasion were a defining moment for many members of Congress as the country debated whether a military strike was warranted. The U.S. was already at war then in Afghanistan, the country that hosted the al-Qaida plotters responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, something Iraq played no part in.

The Bush administration had drummed up support among members of Congress and the American public for invading Iraq by promoting what turned out to be false intelligence alleging Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. After the initial March 2003 invasion, American ground forces quickly discovered that the allegations of nuclear or chemical weapons programs were baseless.

The U.S. overthrow of Iraq’s security forces precipitated a brutal sectarian fight and violent campaigns by Islamic extremist groups in Iraq. Car bombings, assassinations, torture and kidnapping became a part of daily life for years.

Some GOP senators opposing the repeal, including McConnell, have raised concerns about recent attacks against U.S. troops in Syria. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-syria-iran-db9ac72843a0a71c995d6ea04392cdbf">drone strike</a>&nbsp;last week killed an American contractor and wounded five troops and another contractor, then a rocket attack wounded another service member. Iranian-backed militants are believed responsible for the attacks.

Biden and his administration have argued that the repeal would not affect any response to Iran. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, both said at a Senate hearing last week that American troops are authorized to protect themselves and respond to attacks, including under Article 2 of the Constitution, which gives the president the authority to protect troops.

The pushback from McConnell comes amid a growing rift in the Republican Party on the U.S. role in the Middle East, with some echoing Trump’s “America First” message to argue against military intervention abroad. Other Republicans are concerned Congress is giving too much leeway to the president in matters of war.

“I think a lot of lessons have been learned over the last 20 years,” said Young, the Indiana senator who is the lead Republican sponsor of the repeal. He said that those supporting the legislation “want to ensure that the American people can hold us accountable, rather than delegating those important authorities to an executive branch and then lamenting the unwitting wisdom of the executive branch if things don’t go well.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680116581911.png" alt="Moran (right) during Wednesday's session in the Senate-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Moran (right) during Wednesday's session in the Senate-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Senate voted Wednesday to repeal the resolution that gave a green light for the 2003&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-invasion-war-timeline-saddam-hussein-50828061c98e410063753045179bdcfb">invasion of Iraq</a>, an effort to return a basic war power to Congress from the White House 20 years after an authorization many now say was a mistake.Iraqi deaths are estimated in the hundreds of thousands, and nearly 5,000 U.S. troops were killed in the war after President George W. Bush’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-war-wmds-us-intelligence-f9e21ac59d3a0470d9bfcc83544d706e">falsely claimed</a>&nbsp;that Saddam Hussein was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction.“This body rushed into a war,” said Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat who has pushed for years to repeal the powers. The war has had “massive consequences,” Kaine said.Senators voted 66-30 to repeal the 2002 measure and also the 1991 authorization that sanctioned the U.S.-led Gulf War. Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined 16 other Republicans to vote for the measure including Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt. If passed by the House, the repeal would not be expected to affect any current military deployments. But lawmakers in both parties are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-middle-east-iraq-government-and-politics-184f804c1202c0808f986425fd75341f">increasingly seeking</a>&nbsp;to claw back congressional powers over U.S. military strikes and deployments, and some lawmakers who voted for the Iraq War two decades ago&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2002-iraq-war-vote-senate-authorization-reflection-60989b19ca76a2d9c2e2ff1bad97dc5a">now say</a>&nbsp;that was a mistake.“Americans want to see an end to endless Middle East wars,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, adding that passing the repeal “is a necessary step to putting these bitter conflicts squarely behind us.”Supporters, including almost 20 Republican senators, say the repeal is crucial to prevent future abuses and to reinforce that Iraq is now a strategic partner of the United States.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-iraq-war-repeal-senate-64270ec9085831c4f0be423702a7561e">Opponents</a>&nbsp;say the repeal could project weakness as the U.S. still faces conflict in the Middle East.“Our terrorist enemies aren’t sunsetting their war against us,” said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who is at home&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-fall-concussion-therapy-f7af2c851b96e5fdccb7d2829e869f6a">recovering from a fall</a>&nbsp;earlier this month and missed the vote. “When we deploy our servicemembers in harm’s way, we need to supply them with all the support and legal authorities that we can.”The repeal’s future is less certain in the House, where 49 Republicans joined with Democrats in supporting a similar bill two years ago. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has suggested he is open to supporting a repeal even though he previously opposed it, but Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has indicated he would like to instead replace it with something else. But it is unclear what that would be.Kaine and Todd Young, R-Ind., who led the effort together, have said they believe a strong bipartisan vote sends a powerful message to Americans who believe their voices should be heard on matters of war and peace.President Donald Trump’s administration cited the 2002 Iraq war resolution as part of its legal justification for a 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani, but the two war powers resolutions have otherwise rarely been used as the basis for any presidential action. About 2,500 U.S. troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-war-anniversary-troops-military-d1d9a7e6e83925dec22fce4d2e2c831e">remain in Iraq</a>&nbsp;at the invitation of the Iraqi government and assist and advise local forces.A separate 2001 authorization for the global war on terror would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-vote-war-powers-iraq-afghanistan-a174a1b97644f2f64994f13b1ff41a20">remain in place</a>&nbsp;under the bill, which President Joe Biden has said he will support.The October 2002 votes to give Bush broad authority for the Iraq invasion were a defining moment for many members of Congress as the country debated whether a military strike was warranted. The U.S. was already at war then in Afghanistan, the country that hosted the al-Qaida plotters responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, something Iraq played no part in.The Bush administration had drummed up support among members of Congress and the American public for invading Iraq by promoting what turned out to be false intelligence alleging Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. After the initial March 2003 invasion, American ground forces quickly discovered that the allegations of nuclear or chemical weapons programs were baseless.The U.S. overthrow of Iraq’s security forces precipitated a brutal sectarian fight and violent campaigns by Islamic extremist groups in Iraq. Car bombings, assassinations, torture and kidnapping became a part of daily life for years.Some GOP senators opposing the repeal, including McConnell, have raised concerns about recent attacks against U.S. troops in Syria. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-syria-iran-db9ac72843a0a71c995d6ea04392cdbf">drone strike</a>&nbsp;last week killed an American contractor and wounded five troops and another contractor, then a rocket attack wounded another service member. Iranian-backed militants are believed responsible for the attacks.Biden and his administration have argued that the repeal would not affect any response to Iran. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, both said at a Senate hearing last week that American troops are authorized to protect themselves and respond to attacks, including under Article 2 of the Constitution, which gives the president the authority to protect troops.The pushback from McConnell comes amid a growing rift in the Republican Party on the U.S. role in the Middle East, with some echoing Trump’s “America First” message to argue against military intervention abroad. Other Republicans are concerned Congress is giving too much leeway to the president in matters of war.“I think a lot of lessons have been learned over the last 20 years,” said Young, the Indiana senator who is the lead Republican sponsor of the repeal. He said that those supporting the legislation “want to ensure that the American people can hold us accountable, rather than delegating those important authorities to an executive branch and then lamenting the unwitting wisdom of the executive branch if things don’t go well.”

Moran, Marshall vote to repeal 2002 measure that approved Iraq war

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis was hospitalized with a lung infection Wednesday after experiencing difficulty breathing in recent days and will remain in the hospital for several days of treatment, the Vatican said.

The 86-year-old pope doesn't have COVID-19, spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement late Wednesday.

The hospitalization was the first since Francis spent 10 days at the Gemelli in July 2021 to have 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon removed.

It immediately raised questions about Francis' overall health, and his ability to celebrate the busy Holy Week events that are due to begin this weekend with Palm Sunday.

Bruni said Francis had been suffering breathing troubles in recent days and went to the Gemelli hospital for tests.

“The tests showed a respiratory infection (COVID-19 infection excluded) that will require some days of medical therapy,” Bruni's statement said.

Francis appeared in relatively good form during his regularly scheduled general audience earlier Wednesday, though he grimaced strongly while getting in and out of the “popemobile.”

Francis had part of one lung removed when he was a young man due to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-covid-0f2885637be70eece6cee369c420f573">a respiratory infection</a>, and he often speaks in a whisper. But he got through the worst phases of the COVID-19 pandemic without at least any public word of ever testing positive.

Francis had been due to celebrate Palm Sunday this weekend, kicking off the Vatican's Holy Week observances: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and finally Easter Sunday on April 9. He has canceled all audiences through Friday, but it wasn't clear whether he could keep the Holy Week plans.

Francis has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-south-sudan-government-juba-religion-7d055409715f46d5a507c476d64af3ea">used a wheelchair</a>&nbsp;for over a year due to strained ligaments in his right knee and a small knee fracture. He has said the injury was healing and been walking more with a cane of late.

Francis also has said he resisted having surgery for the knee problems because he didn't respond well to general anesthesia during the 2021 intestinal surgery.

He said soon after the surgery that he had recovered fully and could eat normally. But in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-retirement-papacy-dcca464e7c1fd910568d07d6bf4d9994">a Jan. 24 interview</a>&nbsp;with The Associated Press, Francis said his diverticulosis, or bulges in the intestinal wall, had “returned."

VATICAN CITY (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-anniversary-abuse-lgbt-dd062a31ede3e5a4e0aa2a39ad75c20e">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;went to a Rome hospital on Wednesday and canceled his audiences for the next two days to undergo previously scheduled tests, the Vatican said.

The Vatican provided no details, including how long the 86-year-old pope would remain at Gemelli University Hospital, where he underwent surgery in 2021. But his audiences through Friday were canceled, raising questions about Francis' participation during the Vatican's Holy Week activities starting Sunday.

“The Holy Father has been at Gemelli since this afternoon for some previously scheduled checkups,” the Vatican said in a one-line statement from spokesman Matteo Bruni.

Francis appeared in relatively good form during his regularly scheduled general audience Wednesday, though he grimaced strongly while getting into and out of the “popemobile.”

The purpose of the medical tests wasn't immediately clear. Francis had part of one lung removed when he was a young man due to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-covid-0f2885637be70eece6cee369c420f573">a respiratory infection</a>, and he often speaks in a whisper.

He spent 10 days at the Gemelli hospital following the 2021 surgery for an intestinal narrowing, which included the removal of 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon.

Francis is due to celebrate Palm Sunday this weekend, kicking off the Vatican's Holy Week observances: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and finally Easter Sunday on April 9.

He has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-south-sudan-government-juba-religion-7d055409715f46d5a507c476d64af3ea">used a wheelchair</a>&nbsp;for over a year due to strained ligaments in his right knee and a small knee fracture. He has said the injury was healing and been walking more with a cane of late.

He said soon after the surgery that he had recovered fully and could eat normally. But in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-retirement-papacy-dcca464e7c1fd910568d07d6bf4d9994">a Jan. 24 interview</a>&nbsp;with The Associated Press, Francis said his diverticulosis, or bulges in the intestinal wall, had “returned.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615845367722.png" alt="Pope Francis-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Pope Francis-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis was hospitalized with a lung infection Wednesday after experiencing difficulty breathing in recent days and will remain in the hospital for several days of treatment, the Vatican said.The 86-year-old pope doesn't have COVID-19, spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement late Wednesday.The hospitalization was the first since Francis spent 10 days at the Gemelli in July 2021 to have 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon removed.It immediately raised questions about Francis' overall health, and his ability to celebrate the busy Holy Week events that are due to begin this weekend with Palm Sunday.Bruni said Francis had been suffering breathing troubles in recent days and went to the Gemelli hospital for tests.“The tests showed a respiratory infection (COVID-19 infection excluded) that will require some days of medical therapy,” Bruni's statement said.Francis appeared in relatively good form during his regularly scheduled general audience earlier Wednesday, though he grimaced strongly while getting in and out of the “popemobile.”Francis had part of one lung removed when he was a young man due to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-covid-0f2885637be70eece6cee369c420f573">a respiratory infection</a>, and he often speaks in a whisper. But he got through the worst phases of the COVID-19 pandemic without at least any public word of ever testing positive.Francis had been due to celebrate Palm Sunday this weekend, kicking off the Vatican's Holy Week observances: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and finally Easter Sunday on April 9. He has canceled all audiences through Friday, but it wasn't clear whether he could keep the Holy Week plans.Francis has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-south-sudan-government-juba-religion-7d055409715f46d5a507c476d64af3ea">used a wheelchair</a>&nbsp;for over a year due to strained ligaments in his right knee and a small knee fracture. He has said the injury was healing and been walking more with a cane of late.Francis also has said he resisted having surgery for the knee problems because he didn't respond well to general anesthesia during the 2021 intestinal surgery.He said soon after the surgery that he had recovered fully and could eat normally. But in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-retirement-papacy-dcca464e7c1fd910568d07d6bf4d9994">a Jan. 24 interview</a>&nbsp;with The Associated Press, Francis said his diverticulosis, or bulges in the intestinal wall, had “returned."-----------VATICAN CITY (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-anniversary-abuse-lgbt-dd062a31ede3e5a4e0aa2a39ad75c20e">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;went to a Rome hospital on Wednesday and canceled his audiences for the next two days to undergo previously scheduled tests, the Vatican said.The Vatican provided no details, including how long the 86-year-old pope would remain at Gemelli University Hospital, where he underwent surgery in 2021. But his audiences through Friday were canceled, raising questions about Francis' participation during the Vatican's Holy Week activities starting Sunday.“The Holy Father has been at Gemelli since this afternoon for some previously scheduled checkups,” the Vatican said in a one-line statement from spokesman Matteo Bruni.Francis appeared in relatively good form during his regularly scheduled general audience Wednesday, though he grimaced strongly while getting into and out of the “popemobile.”The purpose of the medical tests wasn't immediately clear. Francis had part of one lung removed when he was a young man due to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-covid-0f2885637be70eece6cee369c420f573">a respiratory infection</a>, and he often speaks in a whisper.He spent 10 days at the Gemelli hospital following the 2021 surgery for an intestinal narrowing, which included the removal of 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon.Francis is due to celebrate Palm Sunday this weekend, kicking off the Vatican's Holy Week observances: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and finally Easter Sunday on April 9.He has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-south-sudan-government-juba-religion-7d055409715f46d5a507c476d64af3ea">used a wheelchair</a>&nbsp;for over a year due to strained ligaments in his right knee and a small knee fracture. He has said the injury was healing and been walking more with a cane of late.Francis also has said he resisted having surgery for the knee problems because he didn't respond well to general anesthesia during the 2021 intestinal surgery.He said soon after the surgery that he had recovered fully and could eat normally. But in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-retirement-papacy-dcca464e7c1fd910568d07d6bf4d9994">a Jan. 24 interview</a>&nbsp;with The Associated Press, Francis said his diverticulosis, or bulges in the intestinal wall, had “returned.”

Pope Francis hospitalized for lung infection

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;Health reported 1,218&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">&nbsp;new</a> <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">coronavirus cases</a> in Kansas from March 22, to March 29, for a total of 941,744 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 1,290 cases the previous week.

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">the state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;23 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on March 22, for a total of 10,135 since the state started reporting COVID illness and deaths.&nbsp;

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

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">Click here</a>&nbsp;for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

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

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

The health department updates data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;Health reported 1,218&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">&nbsp;new</a> <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">coronavirus cases</a> in Kansas from March 22, to March 29, for a total of 941,744 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 1,290 cases the previous week.On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">the state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;23 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on March 22, for a total of 10,135 since the state started reporting COVID illness and deaths.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680107175715.png" alt="March 29, 2023, KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>March 29, 2023, KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">Click here</a>&nbsp;for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas provides fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department updates data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE: Slight drop in COVID cases, 23 more deaths

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

An elderly Saline County man received a letter stating that he could be the beneficiary of a multi-million dollar life insurance policy, but he didn't fall for the scam. Instead, he reported it to the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

The letter was allegedly from an Ontario, Canada, law firm: Charles &amp; Associates. Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes said the 80-year-old man was instructed to contact the firm at a Gmail address for more information about his alleged inheritance.

The letter, a copy of which was provided by the sheriff's office, claims that a client of the firm died of COVID-19 approximately two years ago, and no relatives have come forward to claim an insurance policy worth $11,550,300. If the policy is not claimed in two to three years, it will have to be turned over to "the abandoned property division."

The letter goes on to ask the man to join the letter writer in a partnership to claim the policy "in view of the striking similarity in same last name and nationality with the deceased. If you permit me to add your name to the policy, all proceeds will be processed on your behalf."

The letter then states that the letter writer wants 10 percent of the proceeds from the insurance policy to go to charities, with the remaining 90 percent shared between the Saline County man and the letter writer.

Hughes said a sheriff's office employee called the phone number in the heading of the letter and talked to a person with a heavy foreign accent who, of course, would not provide any information about the operation.

Similar letters, some with differing law firm names and contact persons, have been arriving in mailboxes across the state in recent days.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostAn elderly Saline County man received a letter stating that he could be the beneficiary of a multi-million dollar life insurance policy, but he didn't fall for the scam. Instead, he reported it to the Saline County Sheriff's Office.The letter was allegedly from an Ontario, Canada, law firm: Charles &amp; Associates. Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes said the 80-year-old man was instructed to contact the firm at a Gmail address for more information about his alleged inheritance.The letter, a copy of which was provided by the sheriff's office, claims that a client of the firm died of COVID-19 approximately two years ago, and no relatives have come forward to claim an insurance policy worth $11,550,300. If the policy is not claimed in two to three years, it will have to be turned over to "the abandoned property division."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680105324984.jpeg" alt="A copy of the scam letter courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>A copy of the scam letter courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>The letter goes on to ask the man to join the letter writer in a partnership to claim the policy "in view of the striking similarity in same last name and nationality with the deceased. If you permit me to add your name to the policy, all proceeds will be processed on your behalf."The letter then states that the letter writer wants 10 percent of the proceeds from the insurance policy to go to charities, with the remaining 90 percent shared between the Saline County man and the letter writer.Hughes said a sheriff's office employee called the phone number in the heading of the letter and talked to a person with a heavy foreign accent who, of course, would not provide any information about the operation.Similar letters, some with differing law firm names and contact persons, have been arriving in mailboxes across the state in recent days.

Sheriff: 80-year-old Kan. man reports inheritance scam 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting at a shopping mall made a court appearance in the case Tuesday.

Te’bryis Robinson, 17, Wichita, is charged with 1st degree murder and criminal use of weapons, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

&nbsp;In March of 2022, officers responded to an initial report of an active shooter at Towne East Mall, 7700 E Kellogg Drive in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

 Officers entered the mall and located 14-year-old&nbsp;Trenjvious  Hutton inside who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

The investigation revealed, Hutton was involved in a physical altercation with several individuals known to him stemming from an ongoing dispute. During the altercation a 16-year-old suspect later identified as&nbsp;Te’bryis Robinson pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Hutton. Robinson then fled on foot.

Witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect which allowed arriving officers to quickly locate him in the area and make an arrest.

A 17-year-old boy with the suspect was detained, questioned, and released. Additionally, officers recovered two handguns during the investigation.

Robinson is due back in court on April 6. He is being held on a half-million dollar bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647654687490.png" alt="Police were dispatched to what was originally believed to be an active shooter at the mall -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police were dispatched to what was originally believed to be an active shooter at the mall -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting at a shopping mall made a court appearance in the case Tuesday.Te’bryis Robinson, 17, Wichita, is charged with 1st degree murder and criminal use of weapons, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;In March of 2022, officers responded to an initial report of an active shooter at Towne East Mall, 7700 E Kellogg Drive in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. Officers entered the mall and located 14-year-old&nbsp;Trenjvious Hutton inside who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased on scene.The investigation revealed, Hutton was involved in a physical altercation with several individuals known to him stemming from an ongoing dispute. During the altercation a 16-year-old suspect later identified as&nbsp;Te’bryis Robinson pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Hutton. Robinson then fled on foot.Witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect which allowed arriving officers to quickly locate him in the area and make an arrest.A 17-year-old boy with the suspect was detained, questioned, and released. Additionally, officers recovered two handguns during the investigation.Robinson is due back in court on April 6. He is being held on a half-million dollar bond.-----------------

Teen charged in Kansas shopping mall killing of 14-year-old

WASHINGTON (AP) —The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-medication-opioids-health-38ae986009788501bc418fe108593632">U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday approved selling naloxone without a prescription, setting the overdose-reversing drug on course to become the first opioid treatment drug to be sold over the counter.

It’s a move that some advocates have long sought as a way to improve access to a life-saving drug, though the exact impact will not be clear immediately.

The approved branded nasal spray from Gaithersburg, Maryland-based Emergent BioSolutions is the best-known form of naloxone.

It can reverse overdoses of opioids, including street drugs such as heroin and fentanyl and prescription versions including oxycodone.

Making naloxone available more widely is seen as a key strategy to control the nationwide overdose crisis, which has been linked to more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-covid-opioids-death-rates-ba8af16246240aae4b044238ce19e6b6">100,000 U.S. deaths a year</a>. The majority of those deaths are tied to opioids, primarily potent synthetic versions such as fentanyl that can take multiple doses of naloxone to reverse.

Advocates believe it's important to get naloxone to the people who are most likely to be around overdoses, including people who use drugs and their relatives.

Police and other first responders also often carry it.

Narcan will become available over-the-counter by late summer, the company said.

Other brands of naloxone and injectable forms will not yet be available over the counter, but they could be soon.

The nonprofit Harm Reduction Therapeutics Inc., which has funding from OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, has an application before the FDA to distribute its version of spray naloxone without a prescription.

Even before the FDA's action, pharmacies could sell naloxone without a prescription because officials in every state have allowed it.

But not every pharmacy carries it. And buyers have to pay for the medication — either with an insurance co-pay or for the full retail price. The cost varies, but two doses of Narcan often go for around $50.

The drug is also distributed by community organizations that serve people who use drugs,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/naloxone-narcan-overdose-availability-ec12f62eef12ebc67de77afdbb6f11b9">though it's not easily accessible</a>&nbsp;to everyone who needs it.

Emergent has not announced its price and it's not clear yet whether insurers will continue to cover it as a prescription drug if it's available over the counter.

DOES MAKING NALOXONE OVER-THE-COUNTER IMPROVE ACCESS?

It clears the way for Narcan to be made available in places without pharmacies — convenience stores, supermarkets and online retailers, for instance.

Jose Benitez, the lead executive officer at Prevention Point Philadelphia, an organization that tries to reduce risk for people who use drugs with services including handing out free naloxone, said it could help a lot for people who don't seek services — or who live in places where they're not available.

Now, he said, some people are concerned about getting naloxone at pharmacies because their insurers will know they're getting it.

“Putting it out of the shelves is going to allows people just to pick it up, not have stigma attached to it and readily access this life-saving drug,” he said.

But it remains to be seen how many stores will carry it and what the prices will be. The U.S. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, which now cover prescription naloxone for people on the government insurance programs, says that coverage of over-the-counter naloxone would depend on the insurance program. The centers have not given any official guidance.

Maya Doe-Simkins, a co-director of Remedy Alliance/For The People, which launched last year to provide low-cost — and sometimes free — naloxone to community organizations, said her group will continue to distribute injectable naloxone.

ARE THERE DRAWBACKS TO OVER-THE-COUNTER SALES?

One concern is whether people who buy Narcan over-the-counter will know how to use it properly, said Keith Humphreys, a Stanford University addiction expert, though the manufacturer is responsible for clear directions and online videos on that.

One benefit of having pharmacists involved, he said, is that they can show buyers how to use it. One key thing people need to be reminded of: Call an ambulance for the person receiving naloxone after it's been administered.

He also said there are fears that if the drug isn't profitable as an over-the-counter option, the drugmaker could stop producing it.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680097865791.png" alt="Narcan-photo FDA" />
 <figcaption>Narcan-photo FDA</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-medication-opioids-health-38ae986009788501bc418fe108593632">U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday approved selling naloxone without a prescription, setting the overdose-reversing drug on course to become the first opioid treatment drug to be sold over the counter.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Proud to see the FDA stepping up to make NARCAN more widely available over-the-counter. I’ve been a huge advocate for making NARCAN more easily accessible for years and proud of this breakthrough. There’s still work to do in the fight against illicit fentanyl - but this is a win. <a href="https://t.co/pIezbdbJLs">https://t.co/pIezbdbJLs</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1641072897295802373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It’s a move that some advocates have long sought as a way to improve access to a life-saving drug, though the exact impact will not be clear immediately.Here’s a look at the issues involved.WHAT IS NARCAN?The approved branded nasal spray from Gaithersburg, Maryland-based Emergent BioSolutions is the best-known form of naloxone.It can reverse overdoses of opioids, including street drugs such as heroin and fentanyl and prescription versions including oxycodone.Making naloxone available more widely is seen as a key strategy to control the nationwide overdose crisis, which has been linked to more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-covid-opioids-death-rates-ba8af16246240aae4b044238ce19e6b6">100,000 U.S. deaths a year</a>. The majority of those deaths are tied to opioids, primarily potent synthetic versions such as fentanyl that can take multiple doses of naloxone to reverse.Advocates believe it's important to get naloxone to the people who are most likely to be around overdoses, including people who use drugs and their relatives.Police and other first responders also often carry it.___WHAT DOES THE FDA APPROVAL MEAN?Narcan will become available over-the-counter by late summer, the company said.Other brands of naloxone and injectable forms will not yet be available over the counter, but they could be soon.The nonprofit Harm Reduction Therapeutics Inc., which has funding from OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, has an application before the FDA to distribute its version of spray naloxone without a prescription.___HOW IS NALOXONE DISTRIBUTED NOW?Even before the FDA's action, pharmacies could sell naloxone without a prescription because officials in every state have allowed it.But not every pharmacy carries it. And buyers have to pay for the medication — either with an insurance co-pay or for the full retail price. The cost varies, but two doses of Narcan often go for around $50.The drug is also distributed by community organizations that serve people who use drugs,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/naloxone-narcan-overdose-availability-ec12f62eef12ebc67de77afdbb6f11b9">though it's not easily accessible</a>&nbsp;to everyone who needs it.Emergent has not announced its price and it's not clear yet whether insurers will continue to cover it as a prescription drug if it's available over the counter.___DOES MAKING NALOXONE OVER-THE-COUNTER IMPROVE ACCESS?It clears the way for Narcan to be made available in places without pharmacies — convenience stores, supermarkets and online retailers, for instance.Jose Benitez, the lead executive officer at Prevention Point Philadelphia, an organization that tries to reduce risk for people who use drugs with services including handing out free naloxone, said it could help a lot for people who don't seek services — or who live in places where they're not available.Now, he said, some people are concerned about getting naloxone at pharmacies because their insurers will know they're getting it.“Putting it out of the shelves is going to allows people just to pick it up, not have stigma attached to it and readily access this life-saving drug,” he said.But it remains to be seen how many stores will carry it and what the prices will be. The U.S. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, which now cover prescription naloxone for people on the government insurance programs, says that coverage of over-the-counter naloxone would depend on the insurance program. The centers have not given any official guidance.Maya Doe-Simkins, a co-director of Remedy Alliance/For The People, which launched last year to provide low-cost — and sometimes free — naloxone to community organizations, said her group will continue to distribute injectable naloxone.___ARE THERE DRAWBACKS TO OVER-THE-COUNTER SALES?One concern is whether people who buy Narcan over-the-counter will know how to use it properly, said Keith Humphreys, a Stanford University addiction expert, though the manufacturer is responsible for clear directions and online videos on that.One benefit of having pharmacists involved, he said, is that they can show buyers how to use it. One key thing people need to be reminded of: Call an ambulance for the person receiving naloxone after it's been administered.He also said there are fears that if the drug isn't profitable as an over-the-counter option, the drugmaker could stop producing it.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

FDA approves over-the-counter Narcan. Here's what it means

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in a fatal crash that killed a Kansas Sheriff's Deputy made a court appearance in the case Tuesday.

Kelvin Burgett, 28, Prescott Valley, Arizona is charged with involuntary manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and&nbsp; driving while suspended, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.

In October, a&nbsp;2016 Dodge Charger driven by Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Sidnee Carter, 22, Bel Aire, was southbound on 135th Street at 29th Street north one mile west of Northwest Wichita and Maize responding to a disturbance, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.

A westbound 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Burgett failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the drivers side of the Dodge Charger, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Deputy Carter was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported Burgett to a local hospital.

Deputy Carter had only worked in the field alone for a week, according to Sheriff Easter. She began field training in the summer of 2022 and completed that training Oct. 1.&nbsp;

Deputy Carter had served the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office for one and a half years in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility before transferring to the Law Enforcement Bureau in February 2022. She graduated the Law Enforcement Academy on July 21, 2022.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665249753989.png" alt="Deputy Sidnee Carter-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Deputy Sidnee Carter-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in a fatal crash that killed a Kansas Sheriff's Deputy made a court appearance in the case Tuesday.Kelvin Burgett, 28, Prescott Valley, Arizona is charged with involuntary manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and&nbsp; driving while suspended, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680091672733.png" alt="Burgett is being held in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility" />
 <figcaption>Burgett is being held in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility</figcaption>
 </figure>In October, a&nbsp;2016 Dodge Charger driven by Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Sidnee Carter, 22, Bel Aire, was southbound on 135th Street at 29th Street north one mile west of Northwest Wichita and Maize responding to a disturbance, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.A westbound 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Burgett failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the drivers side of the Dodge Charger, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.Deputy Carter was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported Burgett to a local hospital.Deputy Carter had only worked in the field alone for a week, according to Sheriff Easter. She began field training in the summer of 2022 and completed that training Oct. 1.&nbsp;Deputy Carter had served the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office for one and a half years in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility before transferring to the Law Enforcement Bureau in February 2022. She graduated the Law Enforcement Academy on July 21, 2022.&nbsp;

Man charged in crash that killed Kan. deputy appears in court

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 497 were&nbsp; investigating a report of a gun at at Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive in Lawrence on Tuesday.

The Resource Officer at the school learned students were overheard in the bathroom talking about having a gun, according to a report from Lawrence Police.&nbsp; School staff and police contacted the involved students, separated them from their backpacks, and ensured no gun was present.

One student got scared and ran from the building during questioning, but was detained and released. The School Resource Officer determined there was no safety threat and no students were at risk.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 497 were&nbsp; investigating a report of a gun at at Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive in Lawrence on Tuesday.The Resource Officer at the school learned students were overheard in the bathroom talking about having a gun, according to a report from Lawrence Police.&nbsp; School staff and police contacted the involved students, separated them from their backpacks, and ensured no gun was present.One student got scared and ran from the building during questioning, but was detained and released. The School Resource Officer determined there was no safety threat and no students were at risk.

Student ran from Kan. high school during investigation for a gun

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a car jacking.

Just before 10 a.m. Tuesday, police observed a vehicle, near the area of 14th and SW Topeka Blvd. which had been reportedly stolen and involved in an armed carjacking in Lawrence, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, and the driver failed to stop, initiating a vehicle pursuit. The vehicle was eventually stopped near westbound Interstate 470 and Fairlawn Road where the driver later identified as Tashaun L. Jacks-Story, 18, of Topeka was taken into custody without further incident.

Jacks-Story is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges&nbsp; that include Possession of Stolen property, Flee or Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, Driver’s license required and Criminal Damage to Property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680087474305.png" alt="Jacks-Story -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jacks-Story -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a car jacking.Just before 10 a.m. Tuesday, police observed a vehicle, near the area of 14th and SW Topeka Blvd. which had been reportedly stolen and involved in an armed carjacking in Lawrence, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, and the driver failed to stop, initiating a vehicle pursuit. The vehicle was eventually stopped near westbound Interstate 470 and Fairlawn Road where the driver later identified as Tashaun L. Jacks-Story, 18, of Topeka was taken into custody without further incident.Jacks-Story is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges&nbsp; that include Possession of Stolen property, Flee or Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, Driver’s license required and Criminal Damage to Property.

Kansas teen carjacking suspect captured after chase

DOVER, Del. (AP) — A $2.4 billion bankruptcy plan for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/boy-scouts-of-america">Boy Scouts of America</a>&nbsp;has been upheld by a federal judge, clearing an important hurdle in the legal challenge by certain insurance companies and dissenting sex abuse survivors.

The plan would let the Texas-based organization keep operating while it compensates tens of thousands of men who say they were sexually abused as children while involved in Scouting.

The ruling released Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Delaware rejected arguments that the bankruptcy plan wasn't proposed in good faith and improperly strips insurers and survivors of their rights.

More than 80,000 men have filed claims saying they were abused as children by troop leaders around the country. Plan opponents say the staggering number of claims, when combined with other factors, suggest the bankruptcy process was manipulated.

Judge Richard Andrews said he found no fault with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sexual-abuse-boy-scouts-of-america-c52a60cd7b0b3df5b6e9c6247837611c">the plan's initial approval</a>&nbsp;by a federal bankruptcy judge in September, although he agreed with the previous judge that it was “an extraordinary case by any measure.”

“The appellants have failed to put forth evidence that would demonstrate clear error in the bankruptcy court’s careful findings of facts,” the judge wrote.

A spokesperson for lawyers representing several non-settling insurance companies had no immediate comment, but attorneys have previously suggested the case could eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Boy Scouts issued a statement describing the ruling as “a pivotal milestone” that “solidifies a path forward for both survivors and Scouting.”

“We look forward to the organization’s exit from bankruptcy in the near future and firmly believe that the mission of Scouting will be preserved for future generations,” the statement said.

Under the plan — which the Boy Scouts describe as a “carefully calibrated compromise” — the organization itself would contribute less than 10% of the proposed settlement fund. The local Boy Scout councils, which run day-to-day operations for troops, offered to contribute at least $515 million in cash and property, conditioned on certain protections for local troop sponsoring organizations, including religious entities, civic associations and community groups.

The bulk of the compensation fund would come from the Boy Scouts' two largest insurers, Century Indemnity and The Hartford, which reached settlements calling for them to contribute $800 million and $787 million, respectively. Other insurers agreed to contribute about $69 million.

The Boy Scouts' largest insurers negotiated settlements for a fraction of the billions of dollars in potential liability exposure they faced.

Other insurers, many of which provided excess coverage above the liability limits of the underlying primary policies, refused to settle. They argued that the procedures for distributing funds from a proposed compensation trust would violate their contractual rights to contest claims, set a dangerous precedent for mass tort litigation, and result in grossly inflated payments.

They also noted that a plaintiffs’ attorney had acknowledged that some 58,000 claims probably couldn't be pursued in civil lawsuits because of the passage of time.

When it sought bankruptcy protection in February 2020, the Boy Scouts had been named in about 275 lawsuits and told insurers it was aware of another 1,400 claims. According to plan opponents, the huge number of claims filed in the bankruptcy was the result of a nationwide marketing effort by personal injury lawyers working with for-profit claims aggregators to drum up clients.

Insurers opposing the plan contend that Boy Scouts of America is contractually obligated to assist them in investigating, defending and settling claims, as it did before the bankruptcy. They say the organization, desperate to escape bankruptcy, colluded with claimants’ lawyers to inflate both the volume and value of claims in order to pressure insurers for large settlements, then transferred its insurance rights to the settlement trust. The insurers argue that if the Boy Scouts transfers its rights under insurance policies to the settlement trustee, it must also transfer its obligations under those policies.

Under the Boy Scouts' plan, insurance companies, local Scout councils and troop sponsoring organizations would receive broad liability releases protecting them from future sex abuse lawsuits in exchange for contributing to the victims’ compensation fund – or even for just not objecting to the plan.

Some abuse survivors argued that releasing their claims against non-debtor third parties without their consent would violate their due process rights. The U.S. bankruptcy trustee, the government’s “watchdog” in Chapter 11 bankruptcies, argued that such releases are not allowed under the bankruptcy code, and that the scope of the proposed releases in the Boy Scout plan was unprecedented because it potentially extends to tens of thousands of entities.

DOVER, Del. (AP) — A $2.4 billion bankruptcy plan for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/boy-scouts-of-america">Boy Scouts of America</a>&nbsp;has been upheld by a federal judge, clearing an important hurdle in the legal challenge by certain insurance companies and dissenting sex abuse survivors.The plan would let the Texas-based organization keep operating while it compensates tens of thousands of men who say they were sexually abused as children while involved in Scouting.The ruling released Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Delaware rejected arguments that the bankruptcy plan wasn't proposed in good faith and improperly strips insurers and survivors of their rights.More than 80,000 men have filed claims saying they were abused as children by troop leaders around the country. Plan opponents say the staggering number of claims, when combined with other factors, suggest the bankruptcy process was manipulated.Judge Richard Andrews said he found no fault with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sexual-abuse-boy-scouts-of-america-c52a60cd7b0b3df5b6e9c6247837611c">the plan's initial approval</a>&nbsp;by a federal bankruptcy judge in September, although he agreed with the previous judge that it was “an extraordinary case by any measure.”“The appellants have failed to put forth evidence that would demonstrate clear error in the bankruptcy court’s careful findings of facts,” the judge wrote.A spokesperson for lawyers representing several non-settling insurance companies had no immediate comment, but attorneys have previously suggested the case could eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court.The Boy Scouts issued a statement describing the ruling as “a pivotal milestone” that “solidifies a path forward for both survivors and Scouting.”“We look forward to the organization’s exit from bankruptcy in the near future and firmly believe that the mission of Scouting will be preserved for future generations,” the statement said.Under the plan — which the Boy Scouts describe as a “carefully calibrated compromise” — the organization itself would contribute less than 10% of the proposed settlement fund. The local Boy Scout councils, which run day-to-day operations for troops, offered to contribute at least $515 million in cash and property, conditioned on certain protections for local troop sponsoring organizations, including religious entities, civic associations and community groups.The bulk of the compensation fund would come from the Boy Scouts' two largest insurers, Century Indemnity and The Hartford, which reached settlements calling for them to contribute $800 million and $787 million, respectively. Other insurers agreed to contribute about $69 million.The Boy Scouts' largest insurers negotiated settlements for a fraction of the billions of dollars in potential liability exposure they faced.Other insurers, many of which provided excess coverage above the liability limits of the underlying primary policies, refused to settle. They argued that the procedures for distributing funds from a proposed compensation trust would violate their contractual rights to contest claims, set a dangerous precedent for mass tort litigation, and result in grossly inflated payments.They also noted that a plaintiffs’ attorney had acknowledged that some 58,000 claims probably couldn't be pursued in civil lawsuits because of the passage of time.When it sought bankruptcy protection in February 2020, the Boy Scouts had been named in about 275 lawsuits and told insurers it was aware of another 1,400 claims. According to plan opponents, the huge number of claims filed in the bankruptcy was the result of a nationwide marketing effort by personal injury lawyers working with for-profit claims aggregators to drum up clients.Insurers opposing the plan contend that Boy Scouts of America is contractually obligated to assist them in investigating, defending and settling claims, as it did before the bankruptcy. They say the organization, desperate to escape bankruptcy, colluded with claimants’ lawyers to inflate both the volume and value of claims in order to pressure insurers for large settlements, then transferred its insurance rights to the settlement trust. The insurers argue that if the Boy Scouts transfers its rights under insurance policies to the settlement trustee, it must also transfer its obligations under those policies.Under the Boy Scouts' plan, insurance companies, local Scout councils and troop sponsoring organizations would receive broad liability releases protecting them from future sex abuse lawsuits in exchange for contributing to the victims’ compensation fund – or even for just not objecting to the plan.Some abuse survivors argued that releasing their claims against non-debtor third parties without their consent would violate their due process rights. The U.S. bankruptcy trustee, the government’s “watchdog” in Chapter 11 bankruptcies, argued that such releases are not allowed under the bankruptcy code, and that the scope of the proposed releases in the Boy Scout plan was unprecedented because it potentially extends to tens of thousands of entities.]

Sex abuse settlement: Judge approves Boy Scouts bankruptcy plan 

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man has been sentenced for&nbsp;shooting his brother during a disturbance last year.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=34156">&nbsp;Phoukhong Khamvongsa,</a> 63, Wichita, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In January he pled guilty to aggravated battery in the case.

On April 25, deputies were sent to a disturbance call involving a weapon in the 4500 block of south Meadowview in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

When deputies arrived, they located a 55-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the backyard of a residence.

EMS transported the victim, later determined to be&nbsp;Khamvongsa's brother, to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries.&nbsp; 

Deputies arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=34156">Khamvongsa</a> at the residence&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=142445">and booked&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;him into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility where he has been since.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650989518111.png" alt="Khamvongsa photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Khamvongsa photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man has been sentenced for&nbsp;shooting his brother during a disturbance last year.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=34156">&nbsp;Phoukhong Khamvongsa,</a> 63, Wichita, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In January he pled guilty to aggravated battery in the case.On April 25, deputies were sent to a disturbance call involving a weapon in the 4500 block of south Meadowview in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.When deputies arrived, they located a 55-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the backyard of a residence.EMS transported the victim, later determined to be&nbsp;Khamvongsa's brother, to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries.&nbsp; Deputies arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=34156">Khamvongsa</a> at the residence&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=142445">and booked&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;him into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility where he has been since.

Kansas man going to prison for shooting his brother

A Salina man who allegedly drove his car into the back of a pickup Monday night also faces requested drug charges after police say they found methamphetamine and 155 pills believed to be fentanyl in his possession.

Just before 11p.m. Monday, officers were sent to the 700 block of E. Neal Avenue in Salina after a car struck a parked pickup, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

First responders found a 2006 Lincoln LS driven by Gregory Walburn, 36, of Salina, had rear-ended a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500.

According to police, Walburn appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He also had a felony arrest warrant from Dickinson County.

A search conducted when Walburn was taken into custody allegedly found 155 pills believed to be fentanyl and a plastic bag of a substance believed to be methamphetamine, Forrester said.&nbsp;

Walburn is being held on requested charges of Distribution of a depressant, Possession of a depressant, Possession of methamphetamine, No drug tax stamp, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680008271039.jpeg" alt="Gregory Walburn Photo Salina Co." />
 <figcaption>Gregory Walburn Photo Salina Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man who allegedly drove his car into the back of a pickup Monday night also faces requested drug charges after police say they found methamphetamine and 155 pills believed to be fentanyl in his possession.Just before 11p.m. Monday, officers were sent to the 700 block of E. Neal Avenue in Salina after a car struck a parked pickup, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.First responders found a 2006 Lincoln LS driven by Gregory Walburn, 36, of Salina, had rear-ended a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500.According to police, Walburn appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He also had a felony arrest warrant from Dickinson County.A search conducted when Walburn was taken into custody allegedly found 155 pills believed to be fentanyl and a plastic bag of a substance believed to be methamphetamine, Forrester said.&nbsp;Walburn is being held on requested charges of Distribution of a depressant, Possession of a depressant, Possession of methamphetamine, No drug tax stamp, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Police found 155 fentanyl pills after Kansas crash

BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. (AP) — The family of a toddler who was fatally shot by a police officer during a standoff last year between her father and law enforcement has filed a federal lawsuit over her death.

Kansas authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-kansas-shootings-police-a5a42807451835c84f12756d322064d7">have said</a>&nbsp;that 2-year-old Clesslyn Crawford was shot by a Joplin, Missouri, police officer during a confrontation March 26, 2022, in Baxter Springs.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation had said Crawford's 37-year-old father, Eli Crawford, shot and killed the girl's mother, 27-year-old Taylor Dawn Shutte, and fired at officers for more than three hours before fatally shooting himself.

The girl's family sued the cities of Baxter Springs and Joplin along with Cherokee County and the unnamed officer who fired the shot that killed the toddler. The lawsuit said they were responsible for the girl's death.

Those cities and Cherokee County didn't immediately respond to calls from the newspaper seeking comment on the lawsuit.

Officers from the Joplin police department and Cherokee County sheriff's department responded to the standoff. Joplin is 15 miles (25 kilometers) northeast of Baxter Springs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679949941094.png" alt="Clesslyn Crawford -photo courtesy Knell Mortuary&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Clesslyn Crawford -photo courtesy Knell Mortuary&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. (AP) — The family of a toddler who was fatally shot by a police officer during a standoff last year between her father and law enforcement has filed a federal lawsuit over her death.Kansas authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-kansas-shootings-police-a5a42807451835c84f12756d322064d7">have said</a>&nbsp;that 2-year-old Clesslyn Crawford was shot by a Joplin, Missouri, police officer during a confrontation March 26, 2022, in Baxter Springs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649093710680.png" alt="Taylor Shutte-photo courtesy Knell mortuary" />
 <figcaption>Taylor Shutte-photo courtesy Knell mortuary</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Bureau of Investigation had said Crawford's 37-year-old father, Eli Crawford, shot and killed the girl's mother, 27-year-old Taylor Dawn Shutte, and fired at officers for more than three hours before fatally shooting himself.The girl's family sued the cities of Baxter Springs and Joplin along with Cherokee County and the unnamed officer who fired the shot that killed the toddler. The lawsuit said they were responsible for the girl's death.Those cities and Cherokee County didn't immediately respond to calls from the newspaper seeking comment on the lawsuit.Officers from the Joplin police department and Cherokee County sheriff's department responded to the standoff. Joplin is 15 miles (25 kilometers) northeast of Baxter Springs.

Family of girl killed by police during Kansas standoff sues

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/28/kansas-legislature-on-cusp-of-raising-to-21-minimum-age-to-buy-tobacco-products/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature put an exclamation point on 
opposition to tobacco consumption by young adults Tuesday by sending to 
Gov. Laura Kelly a bill raising the minimum age for buying, possessing 
or consuming tobacco products in the state from 18 to 21.

The legislation was approved by the Kansas Senate on a vote of 28-11, which followed passage of the bill 68-53 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230302115606_550943/">by the Kansas House in early March</a>.
 If signed into law, Kansas could gain $2.1 million in federal funding 
for tobacco enforcement and lose an estimated $7.6 million in state 
sales tax and cigarette stamp revenue.

Sen. Mike Thompson, R-Shawnee, said previous attempts to achieve 
compliance in Kansas with a federal law hoisting the age to 21 failed to
 survive the legislative process at the Capitol. He said <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2269_00_0000.pdf">House Bill 2269 </a>could be different.

“It was packaged in several bills over the last couple of years that 
had various regulations and it just never passed out,” Thompson said.

Legislators, health organization lobbyists and medical professionals 
urged the Legislature to bring Kansas into line with the measure signed 
into law by President Donald Trump in 2019. More than 30 states have 
passed laws setting the age at 21, but neither Kansas nor Missouri has 
done so.

Roy Jensen, director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, said 
nearly all smokers started as children or young adults. During 
adolescent years, he said, experimentation with cigarettes, e-cigarettes
 and other tobacco products could accelerate into a daily habit.

“The adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of a 
powerful addictive agent like nicotine,” he said. “Younger teens also 
benefit from raising the nicotine/tobacco age requirement. About 90% of 
those who provide cigarettes to kids under 18 are themselves under 21. 
As a result, raising the tobacco sales age to 21 has been shown to 
reduce high school smoking by over 50%.”

Opposition in the state House and Senate reflected a belief 
individuals 18 years of age were old enough to make decisions about use 
of tobacco products that research decades ago linked to cancer and other
 medical problems.

Sen. Jeff Pittman, D-Leavenworth, said he understood health benefits 
of the legislation but found it difficult to accept elevating the 
minimum age for tobacco to 21 when younger individuals were viewed as 
adults in so many ways.

“I think about the fact we will throw kids in jail at 15 sometimes 
and charge them as adults,” Pittman said. “We’ll send our soldiers 
overseas to fight our wars for us at 18.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680040212278.png" alt="Sen. Jeff Pittman, D-Leavenworth, said he was opposed to a bill raising the minimum age in Kansas for consumption of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years given existence of laws allowing teenagers to be charged with crimes as adults and the country’s practice of sending 18-year-old soldiers into combat. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) " />
 <figcaption>Sen. Jeff Pittman, D-Leavenworth, said he was opposed to a bill raising the minimum age in Kansas for consumption of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years given existence of laws allowing teenagers to be charged with crimes as adults and the country’s practice of sending 18-year-old soldiers into combat. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) </figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/28/kansas-legislature-on-cusp-of-raising-to-21-minimum-age-to-buy-tobacco-products/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature put an exclamation point on 
opposition to tobacco consumption by young adults Tuesday by sending to 
Gov. Laura Kelly a bill raising the minimum age for buying, possessing 
or consuming tobacco products in the state from 18 to 21.The legislation was approved by the Kansas Senate on a vote of 28-11, which followed passage of the bill 68-53 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230302115606_550943/">by the Kansas House in early March</a>.
 If signed into law, Kansas could gain $2.1 million in federal funding 
for tobacco enforcement and lose an estimated $7.6 million in state 
sales tax and cigarette stamp revenue.Sen. Mike Thompson, R-Shawnee, said previous attempts to achieve 
compliance in Kansas with a federal law hoisting the age to 21 failed to
 survive the legislative process at the Capitol. He said <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2269_00_0000.pdf">House Bill 2269 </a>could be different.“It was packaged in several bills over the last couple of years that 
had various regulations and it just never passed out,” Thompson said.Legislators, health organization lobbyists and medical professionals 
urged the Legislature to bring Kansas into line with the measure signed 
into law by President Donald Trump in 2019. More than 30 states have 
passed laws setting the age at 21, but neither Kansas nor Missouri has 
done so.Roy Jensen, director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, said 
nearly all smokers started as children or young adults. During 
adolescent years, he said, experimentation with cigarettes, e-cigarettes
 and other tobacco products could accelerate into a daily habit.“The adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of a 
powerful addictive agent like nicotine,” he said. “Younger teens also 
benefit from raising the nicotine/tobacco age requirement. About 90% of 
those who provide cigarettes to kids under 18 are themselves under 21. 
As a result, raising the tobacco sales age to 21 has been shown to 
reduce high school smoking by over 50%.”<h2>Age of adulthood</h2>Opposition in the state House and Senate reflected a belief 
individuals 18 years of age were old enough to make decisions about use 
of tobacco products that research decades ago linked to cancer and other
 medical problems.Sen. Jeff Pittman, D-Leavenworth, said he understood health benefits 
of the legislation but found it difficult to accept elevating the 
minimum age for tobacco to 21 when younger individuals were viewed as 
adults in so many ways.“I think about the fact we will throw kids in jail at 15 sometimes 
and charge them as adults,” Pittman said. “We’ll send our soldiers 
overseas to fight our wars for us at 18.”Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita, voted against the tobacco bill in 
the House while objecting to the “serious plague on our society,” the 
tobacco industry’s targeting of children with marketing and tobacco’s 
contribution to premature death across the United States.“I am not in favor of delaying adulthood,” Humphries said. “Today, I 
choose to treat 18-year-olds and above as adults. Adults who can vote 
and join the military. Adults who I strongly encourage not to use 
tobacco but who may make that choice.”<h2>Tax shock absorber</h2>A bipartisan majority in the Kansas Senate rejected a bill crafted to
 set aside $270 million to help city, county and other local units of 
government cope with potential future action by the Legislature to end 
both the state and local sales tax on grocery food purchases. The vote 
in the GOP-dominated chamber was 17-23.The state’s former rate of 6.5% sales tax on food would be phased out
 over three years under a bill signed last year by the Democratic 
governor. The Senate bill anticipated the Legislature would adopt a 
measure later in the session to promptly end the food sales tax at all 
levels of government, which would reduce tax revenue to cities, counties
 and the state by hundreds of millions of dollars annually.Under <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_sb309_01_0000.pdf">Senate Bill 309</a>,
 the state would establish a $220 million fund July 1 known as the 
Fixing Instant Revenue Shock for Taxpayers Fund. It would enable 
appropriations in July 2024 to cities, counties and other local taxing 
districts for documented loss of sales tax revenue due to action by the 
Legislature.Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Salina Republican, said he assumed there would be
 enough in that fund to replace what was lost by cities, counties and 
others, but the bill would only make that cash available for one year. 
To qualify for state replacement dollars, according to the bill, the 
local unit of government would have to be compliant with a state law 
designed to discourage cities and counties from raising property tax 
rates.The bill also would set aside $50 million in the Local Extraordinary 
Needs Fund for the purpose of making grants to cities and counties for 
capital projects that might have been financed through sales tax revenue
 lost due to legislation action. Grant awards would be determined by a 
10-person committee of House and Senate members. The maximum grant under
 the initiative would be $2 million.“There is literally no scenario in which this bill is not good or 
better for local governments,” said Senate President Ty Masterson, 
R-Andover.<h2>Not all on board</h2>Opponents of the “hold harmless” sales tax bill included the Kansas 
Association of Counties, Kansas County Commissioners Association, 
Sedgwick County Commission and the cities of Olathe, Garden City and 
Overland Park.“It’s going to really, really hurt the locals,” said Sen. Ron Ryckman
 Sr., R-Meade. “What’s going to happen next year? Or the next year? Or 
the next year?”Sen. Rob Olson, an Olathe Republican, said he was concerned the 
Senate bill stripped away sales tax revenue the voters of Olathe agreed 
to dedicate to community priorities. He suspected Olathe would end up 
losing sales tax revenue under the scheme and could be forced to turn to
 property tax hikes to meet financial obligations.“Now we’re going to mess with the system that works for locals to 
operate their cash flow,” Olson said. “I think we’re going down the 
wrong path here.”