HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana became the first state in the U.S. to completely ban TikTok on Wednesday when Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a measure that's more sweeping than any other state's attempts to curtail the social media app.

The measure is expected to be challenged legally and will serve as a testing ground for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-ceo-congressional-hearing-bytedance-china-44d948c5b0ba18e2a714e0fa62d52779">TikTok-free America that many national lawmakers have envisioned.</a>

“Today, Montana takes the most decisive action of any state to protect Montanans’ private data and sensitive personal information from being harvested by the Chinese Communist Party,” Gianforte said in a statement.

TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but has said it will fight for Montana residents to be able to use the app.

Some lawmakers, the FBI and officials at other agencies are concerned the video-sharing app, owned by the Chinese tech company ByteDance,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-bytedance-shou-zi-chew-8d8a6a9694357040d484670b7f4833be">could be used to allow the Chinese government to access information on American citizens</a>&nbsp;or push pro-Beijing misinformation that could influence the public.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-congress-hearing-bytedance-china-biden-ceo-a92f048762d6657f291affb7a0ce6386">TikTok says none of this has ever happened</a>.

When Montana banned the app on government-owned devices in late December, Gianforte said TikTok posed a “significant risk” to sensitive state data.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-is-tiktok-being-banned-7d2de01d3ac5ab2b8ec2239dc7f2b20d">More than half of U.S. states and the federal government</a>&nbsp;have a similar ban.

On Wednesday, Gianforte also announced he was prohibiting the use of all social media applications tied to foreign adversaries on state equipment and for state businesses in Montana effective on June 1. Among the apps he listed are WeChat, whose parent company is headquartered in China; and Telegram Messenger, which was founded in Russia.

The legislation, drafted by the attorney general’s office, easily passed through Montana’s GOP-controlled Legislature.

Gianforte&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-bytedance-b735350b367c3f3a0076eaf1267dab18">had wanted to expand the TikTok bill</a>&nbsp;to include apps tied to foreign adversaries, but the legislature did not send the bill to him until after the session ended, preventing him from offering any amendments.

Montana's new law prohibits downloads of TikTok in the state and would fine any “entity” — an app store or TikTok — $10,000 per day for each time someone “is offered the ability” to access the social media platform or download the app. The penalties would not apply to users.

Opponents argue this is government overreach and say Montana residents could easily circumvent the ban by using a virtual private network, a service that shields internet users by encrypting their data traffic, preventing others from observing their web browsing and other activities. Montana state officials say geofencing technology is used with online sports gambling apps, which are deactivated in states where online gambling is illegal.

TikTok,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-china-biden-bytedance-data-misinformation-02b59e4a6611ce97c775da19de31d7ad">which has said it has a plan to protect U.S. users</a>, has vowed to fight back against the ban, along with small business owners who said they use the app for advertising to help grow their businesses and reach more customers. The ACLU of Montana opposed the bill, arguing it was an unconstitutional restriction of free speech.

The app's fun, goofy videos and ease of use has made it immensely popular, and U.S. tech giants like Snapchat and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, see it as a competitive threat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679065552021.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana became the first state in the U.S. to completely ban TikTok on Wednesday when Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a measure that's more sweeping than any other state's attempts to curtail the social media app.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovGianforte%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0t7LJY3cGuSLPNQxqJ8mmyHQ7DkudvR8K2kxkCUTURnrT4uLoX7zNnptzfa2BAiiKl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="170" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The measure is expected to be challenged legally and will serve as a testing ground for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-ceo-congressional-hearing-bytedance-china-44d948c5b0ba18e2a714e0fa62d52779">TikTok-free America that many national lawmakers have envisioned.</a>“Today, Montana takes the most decisive action of any state to protect Montanans’ private data and sensitive personal information from being harvested by the Chinese Communist Party,” Gianforte said in a statement.TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but has said it will fight for Montana residents to be able to use the app.Some lawmakers, the FBI and officials at other agencies are concerned the video-sharing app, owned by the Chinese tech company ByteDance,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-bytedance-shou-zi-chew-8d8a6a9694357040d484670b7f4833be">could be used to allow the Chinese government to access information on American citizens</a>&nbsp;or push pro-Beijing misinformation that could influence the public.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-congress-hearing-bytedance-china-biden-ceo-a92f048762d6657f291affb7a0ce6386">TikTok says none of this has ever happened</a>.When Montana banned the app on government-owned devices in late December, Gianforte said TikTok posed a “significant risk” to sensitive state data.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-is-tiktok-being-banned-7d2de01d3ac5ab2b8ec2239dc7f2b20d">More than half of U.S. states and the federal government</a>&nbsp;have a similar ban.On Wednesday, Gianforte also announced he was prohibiting the use of all social media applications tied to foreign adversaries on state equipment and for state businesses in Montana effective on June 1. Among the apps he listed are WeChat, whose parent company is headquartered in China; and Telegram Messenger, which was founded in Russia.The legislation, drafted by the attorney general’s office, easily passed through Montana’s GOP-controlled Legislature.Gianforte&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-bytedance-b735350b367c3f3a0076eaf1267dab18">had wanted to expand the TikTok bill</a>&nbsp;to include apps tied to foreign adversaries, but the legislature did not send the bill to him until after the session ended, preventing him from offering any amendments.Montana's new law prohibits downloads of TikTok in the state and would fine any “entity” — an app store or TikTok — $10,000 per day for each time someone “is offered the ability” to access the social media platform or download the app. The penalties would not apply to users.Opponents argue this is government overreach and say Montana residents could easily circumvent the ban by using a virtual private network, a service that shields internet users by encrypting their data traffic, preventing others from observing their web browsing and other activities. Montana state officials say geofencing technology is used with online sports gambling apps, which are deactivated in states where online gambling is illegal.TikTok,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-china-biden-bytedance-data-misinformation-02b59e4a6611ce97c775da19de31d7ad">which has said it has a plan to protect U.S. users</a>, has vowed to fight back against the ban, along with small business owners who said they use the app for advertising to help grow their businesses and reach more customers. The ACLU of Montana opposed the bill, arguing it was an unconstitutional restriction of free speech.The app's fun, goofy videos and ease of use has made it immensely popular, and U.S. tech giants like Snapchat and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, see it as a competitive threat.

First state in the U.S. completely bans TikTok 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Mark Gietzen, a longtime conservative Republican and pro-life activist in Kansas who forced a recount of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">the state's decisive vote</a>&nbsp;affirming abortion rights last year has died in a plane crash. He was 69.

The Kansas Republican Party said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansasrepublicanparty/posts/pfbid02SH5YNRW1AkCJivuWDpUS2a6YjZi6jCo9ghM5w6ZKRFhpGQUgPfBwZsGsTEcnqpmsl">a Facebook post</a>&nbsp;that Gietzen, of Wichita, died Tuesday evening in Nebraska.

He was flying a single-engine Cessna 172 Skyhawk when it crashed in a field near O'Neill, Nebraska, about 190 miles (306 kilometers) northwest of Omaha, according to the Federal Aviation Administration's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asias.faa.gov/apex/f?p=100:96:8198846005313::::P96_ENTRY_DATE,P96_FATAL_FLG:17-MAY-23,YES">crash log.</a>&nbsp;Gietzen was the only person on board and the log said the plane crashed “in unknown circumstances.”

Jim Howell, a county commissioner in Sedgwick County, Kansas, which includes Wichita,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/news-local-obituaries/article275501041.html">told The Wichita Eagle</a>&nbsp;that Gietzen had flown to Nebraska to visit his mother.

Gietzen grew up in the Bismarck, North Dakota, area and served in the U.S. Marines before coming to Kansas in the late 1970s to work for aircraft manufacturer Boeing Corp. He became chair of Sedgwick County GOP after “Summer of Mercy” anti-abortion protests in Wichita in 1991 and recruited anti-abortion activists into the party.

A fellow anti-abortion activist, Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, described Gietzen as “irreplaceable.”

Newman told The Eagle: "He was the hardest-working guy I know in the pro-life movement.”

In August 2022, voters statewide rejected Republicans' proposed amendment to the state constitution to declare that it doesn't protect abortion rights, which would have allowed the GOP-controlled Legislature to ban abortion.

When a handful of anti-abortion activists demanded a hand recount of ballots in nine counties that accounted for more than half the vote, Gietzen used credit cards to cover most of the $120,000 cost so that it could proceed.

The recount&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-abortion-vote-recount-e874f56806a9d63b473b24580ad7ea0c">confirmed the results</a>&nbsp;of the election, and Gietzen then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-abortion-vote-statewide-recount-lawsuit-97d1ee1bbc9105e5656d6bad0adf76e6">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;seeking a statewide hand recount, but a judge dismissed it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661435926662.png" alt="Mark Gietzen-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Mark Gietzen-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Mark Gietzen, a longtime conservative Republican and pro-life activist in Kansas who forced a recount of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">the state's decisive vote</a>&nbsp;affirming abortion rights last year has died in a plane crash. He was 69.The Kansas Republican Party said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansasrepublicanparty/posts/pfbid02SH5YNRW1AkCJivuWDpUS2a6YjZi6jCo9ghM5w6ZKRFhpGQUgPfBwZsGsTEcnqpmsl">a Facebook post</a>&nbsp;that Gietzen, of Wichita, died Tuesday evening in Nebraska.He was flying a single-engine Cessna 172 Skyhawk when it crashed in a field near O'Neill, Nebraska, about 190 miles (306 kilometers) northwest of Omaha, according to the Federal Aviation Administration's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asias.faa.gov/apex/f?p=100:96:8198846005313::::P96_ENTRY_DATE,P96_FATAL_FLG:17-MAY-23,YES">crash log.</a>&nbsp;Gietzen was the only person on board and the log said the plane crashed “in unknown circumstances.”Jim Howell, a county commissioner in Sedgwick County, Kansas, which includes Wichita,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/news-local-obituaries/article275501041.html">told The Wichita Eagle</a>&nbsp;that Gietzen had flown to Nebraska to visit his mother.Gietzen grew up in the Bismarck, North Dakota, area and served in the U.S. Marines before coming to Kansas in the late 1970s to work for aircraft manufacturer Boeing Corp. He became chair of Sedgwick County GOP after “Summer of Mercy” anti-abortion protests in Wichita in 1991 and recruited anti-abortion activists into the party.A fellow anti-abortion activist, Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, described Gietzen as “irreplaceable.”Newman told The Eagle: "He was the hardest-working guy I know in the pro-life movement.”In August 2022, voters statewide rejected Republicans' proposed amendment to the state constitution to declare that it doesn't protect abortion rights, which would have allowed the GOP-controlled Legislature to ban abortion.When a handful of anti-abortion activists demanded a hand recount of ballots in nine counties that accounted for more than half the vote, Gietzen used credit cards to cover most of the $120,000 cost so that it could proceed.The recount&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-abortion-vote-recount-e874f56806a9d63b473b24580ad7ea0c">confirmed the results</a>&nbsp;of the election, and Gietzen then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-abortion-vote-statewide-recount-lawsuit-97d1ee1bbc9105e5656d6bad0adf76e6">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;seeking a statewide hand recount, but a judge dismissed it.

Kansas pro-life activist dies in Nebraska plane crash

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Health policy adviser Heather Braum welcomed Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of legislation undercutting influence of public health officials during disease outbreaks and weakening public support for routine vaccination programs beneficial to children in school and child care facilities.

Braum, who works for the nonprofit Kansas Action for Children, said House Bill 2285 passed by slim margins in the House and Senate. It’s unlikely the bill rejected by the Democratic governor could be given new life with a veto override because the Legislature officially adjourned until January 2024. Lawmakers could convene for a special session.

The public health bill drew strength at the Capitol from angst within the anti-vaccination movement about the response of state and county government to the COVID-19 pandemic, which included directives for some businesses to close and for some people to stay home as much as possible.

“The&nbsp;thing&nbsp;is&nbsp;these&nbsp;infectious&nbsp;diseases&nbsp;that&nbsp;would&nbsp;be&nbsp;impacted&nbsp;by&nbsp;some of&nbsp;the&nbsp;proposed&nbsp;legislation&nbsp;are&nbsp;harmful&nbsp;or&nbsp;even&nbsp;deadly&nbsp;to&nbsp;young&nbsp;children,” Braum told the Kansas Reflector podcast. “I&nbsp;get&nbsp;emotional&nbsp;when&nbsp;I&nbsp;talk&nbsp;about&nbsp;it&nbsp;because&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;not&nbsp;easy&nbsp;to&nbsp;sit&nbsp;here&nbsp;and&nbsp;say,&nbsp;‘Decisions&nbsp;made&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;Legislature&nbsp;will&nbsp;kill&nbsp;children.’ ”

The Republican-led Legislature voted to limit the state and county officials to issuing recommendations rather than mandates in terms of limiting mass gatherings or quarantining of individuals. If Kelly’s veto were to stand, the Legislature could revisit the issue next year.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita who supported the bill, said the objective was to restrict the influence of unelected government workers to advisory roles during public health emergencies. He said questions of individual liberty raised in times of crisis ought to be entrusted to people directly elected by Kansas voters, such as members of the House and Senate.

Kansas Action for Children tracked or testified on numerous bills at the statehouse, but paid particular attention to reform tied to child care regulation, food insecurity and vaccination policy.

Daniel Klaassen, education policy advisor with Kansas Action for Children, said the Legislature responded to a shortage of high-quality child care by adopted a bill lowering education standards for staff licensure and raising the caregiver-to-infant ratio.

He said the Legislature’s vote to lower safety standards in House Bill 2344, which was vetoed by Kelly, ignored the necessity to attract more workers to the field by raising compensation while prioritizing safety of children.

“We know that we need to reregulate the industry, not deregulate the industry, because the primary purpose of regulations is to keep children safe,” Klaassen said. “When you are messing with regulations to increase workforce to boost the economy, as we heard several times, that really makes you wonder.”

The Kansas House attempted in the closing week of the session to override the governor’s veto, but fell short of the two-thirds majority required.

Under the bill, training required of child care workers would have been reduced from 16 hours to 12 hours. It would have changed the infant-to-caregiver ratio to four-to-one, rather than three-to-one. At the same time, the definition of infant would have been amended to 12 months or less, a reduction from 18 months or less.

Klaassen said the Legislature didn’t consider subsidies for employee salaries or benefits that would have a substantive influence on willingness of people to work in the field. The median wage of a child care provider in Kansas is $10.90 an hour, which would be below a fast-food wage.

He said other states or local governments had worked with business to subsidize&nbsp;care&nbsp;options so “providers&nbsp;can&nbsp;really&nbsp;make&nbsp;a&nbsp;meaningful&nbsp;living&nbsp;doing&nbsp;this&nbsp;critical&nbsp;work&nbsp;for&nbsp;our&nbsp;state.”

The House and Senate mustered sufficient votes to override Kelly’s veto of a bill establishing barriers to low-income people 50 to 59 years of age seeking to qualify for federal food assistance. The Legislature last year imposed comparable employment and job training restrictions on Kansans 18 to 49 years of age who applied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Enactment of House Bill 2094 could make it more difficult for 7,000 older Kansans to access food assistance, said Erin Melton, food policy advisor at Kansas Action for Children.

Melton said the law withdrew from adults without dependents a benefit providing about $2 per meal. The bill wasn’t flexible enough to take into account people who held down one or more jobs but didn’t consistently meet the 30-hour weekly minimum, she said.

“If&nbsp;they’re&nbsp;not&nbsp;working&nbsp;at&nbsp;least&nbsp;30&nbsp;hours&nbsp;a&nbsp;week,&nbsp;they&nbsp;have&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;assigned&nbsp;to&nbsp;an&nbsp;employment&nbsp;and&nbsp;training&nbsp;program,&nbsp;even&nbsp;if&nbsp;they&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;need&nbsp;it,” Melton said. “The&nbsp;employment&nbsp;and&nbsp;training&nbsp;program&nbsp;was&nbsp;already&nbsp;available&nbsp;to&nbsp;these&nbsp;people&nbsp;voluntarily.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;the&nbsp;people&nbsp;who&nbsp;need&nbsp;help,&nbsp;you&nbsp;know,&nbsp;writing&nbsp;a&nbsp;resume&nbsp;or&nbsp;finding&nbsp;a&nbsp;job&nbsp;or&nbsp;getting&nbsp;some&nbsp;training&nbsp;to&nbsp;get&nbsp;higher&nbsp;paying&nbsp;jobs,&nbsp;they&nbsp;already&nbsp;could&nbsp;do&nbsp;that.”

“This&nbsp;bill&nbsp;is&nbsp;not&nbsp;helping&nbsp;people&nbsp;find&nbsp;jobs,” she said. “What&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;doing&nbsp;is&nbsp;kicking&nbsp;people&nbsp;off&nbsp;who&nbsp;should&nbsp;still&nbsp;be&nbsp;eligible.”

Melton said Kansas was among the nation’s most restrictive states in terms of SNAP eligibility. In 2019, the year for which the most recent statistics were available, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ranked Kansas 48th in terms of access to food assistance.

SNAP funding allocated to Kansas but not appropriated has been either diverted to other state initiatives or gone unspent.

“It’s&nbsp;not&nbsp;like&nbsp;we&nbsp;are ‘saving&nbsp;the&nbsp;money’&nbsp;when&nbsp;people&nbsp;aren’t&nbsp;receiving&nbsp;SNAP,” she said. “And&nbsp;we&nbsp;know&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;employment&nbsp;and&nbsp;training&nbsp;program&nbsp;specifically&nbsp;is&nbsp;really&nbsp;expensive&nbsp;to&nbsp;implement.&nbsp;Those&nbsp;administrative&nbsp;costs&nbsp;we&nbsp;split&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;federal&nbsp;government&nbsp;50-50.&nbsp;We&nbsp;are&nbsp;expanding&nbsp;the&nbsp;state’s&nbsp;spending&nbsp;on&nbsp;this&nbsp;program&nbsp;only&nbsp;to&nbsp;help&nbsp;fewer&nbsp;people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/P5101575-1024x576.jpg" alt="Kansas Action for Children health policy adviser Heather Braum says an anti-vaccination bill vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly would have triggered an irresponsible change in state law placing the life of children in jeopardy. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Action for Children health policy adviser Heather Braum says an anti-vaccination bill vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly would have triggered an irresponsible change in state law placing the life of children in jeopardy. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Health policy adviser Heather Braum welcomed Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of legislation undercutting influence of public health officials during disease outbreaks and weakening public support for routine vaccination programs beneficial to children in school and child care facilities.Braum, who works for the nonprofit Kansas Action for Children, said House Bill 2285 passed by slim margins in the House and Senate. It’s unlikely the bill rejected by the Democratic governor could be given new life with a veto override because the Legislature officially adjourned until January 2024. Lawmakers could convene for a special session.The public health bill drew strength at the Capitol from angst within the anti-vaccination movement about the response of state and county government to the COVID-19 pandemic, which included directives for some businesses to close and for some people to stay home as much as possible.“The&nbsp;thing&nbsp;is&nbsp;these&nbsp;infectious&nbsp;diseases&nbsp;that&nbsp;would&nbsp;be&nbsp;impacted&nbsp;by&nbsp;some of&nbsp;the&nbsp;proposed&nbsp;legislation&nbsp;are&nbsp;harmful&nbsp;or&nbsp;even&nbsp;deadly&nbsp;to&nbsp;young&nbsp;children,” Braum told the Kansas Reflector podcast. “I&nbsp;get&nbsp;emotional&nbsp;when&nbsp;I&nbsp;talk&nbsp;about&nbsp;it&nbsp;because&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;not&nbsp;easy&nbsp;to&nbsp;sit&nbsp;here&nbsp;and&nbsp;say,&nbsp;‘Decisions&nbsp;made&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;Legislature&nbsp;will&nbsp;kill&nbsp;children.’ ”The Republican-led Legislature voted to limit the state and county officials to issuing recommendations rather than mandates in terms of limiting mass gatherings or quarantining of individuals. If Kelly’s veto were to stand, the Legislature could revisit the issue next year.House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita who supported the bill, said the objective was to restrict the influence of unelected government workers to advisory roles during public health emergencies. He said questions of individual liberty raised in times of crisis ought to be entrusted to people directly elected by Kansas voters, such as members of the House and Senate.Kansas Action for Children tracked or testified on numerous bills at the statehouse, but paid particular attention to reform tied to child care regulation, food insecurity and vaccination policy.<h2>Child care standards</h2>Daniel Klaassen, education policy advisor with Kansas Action for Children, said the Legislature responded to a shortage of high-quality child care by adopted a bill lowering education standards for staff licensure and raising the caregiver-to-infant ratio.He said the Legislature’s vote to lower safety standards in House Bill 2344, which was vetoed by Kelly, ignored the necessity to attract more workers to the field by raising compensation while prioritizing safety of children.“We know that we need to reregulate the industry, not deregulate the industry, because the primary purpose of regulations is to keep children safe,” Klaassen said. “When you are messing with regulations to increase workforce to boost the economy, as we heard several times, that really makes you wonder.”The Kansas House attempted in the closing week of the session to override the governor’s veto, but fell short of the two-thirds majority required.Under the bill, training required of child care workers would have been reduced from 16 hours to 12 hours. It would have changed the infant-to-caregiver ratio to four-to-one, rather than three-to-one. At the same time, the definition of infant would have been amended to 12 months or less, a reduction from 18 months or less.Klaassen said the Legislature didn’t consider subsidies for employee salaries or benefits that would have a substantive influence on willingness of people to work in the field. The median wage of a child care provider in Kansas is $10.90 an hour, which would be below a fast-food wage.He said other states or local governments had worked with business to subsidize&nbsp;care&nbsp;options so “providers&nbsp;can&nbsp;really&nbsp;make&nbsp;a&nbsp;meaningful&nbsp;living&nbsp;doing&nbsp;this&nbsp;critical&nbsp;work&nbsp;for&nbsp;our&nbsp;state.”<h2>Politics of food</h2>The House and Senate mustered sufficient votes to override Kelly’s veto of a bill establishing barriers to low-income people 50 to 59 years of age seeking to qualify for federal food assistance. The Legislature last year imposed comparable employment and job training restrictions on Kansans 18 to 49 years of age who applied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.Enactment of House Bill 2094 could make it more difficult for 7,000 older Kansans to access food assistance, said Erin Melton, food policy advisor at Kansas Action for Children.Melton said the law withdrew from adults without dependents a benefit providing about $2 per meal. The bill wasn’t flexible enough to take into account people who held down one or more jobs but didn’t consistently meet the 30-hour weekly minimum, she said.“If&nbsp;they’re&nbsp;not&nbsp;working&nbsp;at&nbsp;least&nbsp;30&nbsp;hours&nbsp;a&nbsp;week,&nbsp;they&nbsp;have&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;assigned&nbsp;to&nbsp;an&nbsp;employment&nbsp;and&nbsp;training&nbsp;program,&nbsp;even&nbsp;if&nbsp;they&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;need&nbsp;it,” Melton said. “The&nbsp;employment&nbsp;and&nbsp;training&nbsp;program&nbsp;was&nbsp;already&nbsp;available&nbsp;to&nbsp;these&nbsp;people&nbsp;voluntarily.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;the&nbsp;people&nbsp;who&nbsp;need&nbsp;help,&nbsp;you&nbsp;know,&nbsp;writing&nbsp;a&nbsp;resume&nbsp;or&nbsp;finding&nbsp;a&nbsp;job&nbsp;or&nbsp;getting&nbsp;some&nbsp;training&nbsp;to&nbsp;get&nbsp;higher&nbsp;paying&nbsp;jobs,&nbsp;they&nbsp;already&nbsp;could&nbsp;do&nbsp;that.”“This&nbsp;bill&nbsp;is&nbsp;not&nbsp;helping&nbsp;people&nbsp;find&nbsp;jobs,” she said. “What&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;doing&nbsp;is&nbsp;kicking&nbsp;people&nbsp;off&nbsp;who&nbsp;should&nbsp;still&nbsp;be&nbsp;eligible.”Melton said Kansas was among the nation’s most restrictive states in terms of SNAP eligibility. In 2019, the year for which the most recent statistics were available, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ranked Kansas 48th in terms of access to food assistance.SNAP funding allocated to Kansas but not appropriated has been either diverted to other state initiatives or gone unspent.“It’s&nbsp;not&nbsp;like&nbsp;we&nbsp;are ‘saving&nbsp;the&nbsp;money’&nbsp;when&nbsp;people&nbsp;aren’t&nbsp;receiving&nbsp;SNAP,” she said. “And&nbsp;we&nbsp;know&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;employment&nbsp;and&nbsp;training&nbsp;program&nbsp;specifically&nbsp;is&nbsp;really&nbsp;expensive&nbsp;to&nbsp;implement.&nbsp;Those&nbsp;administrative&nbsp;costs&nbsp;we&nbsp;split&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;federal&nbsp;government&nbsp;50-50.&nbsp;We&nbsp;are&nbsp;expanding&nbsp;the&nbsp;state’s&nbsp;spending&nbsp;on&nbsp;this&nbsp;program&nbsp;only&nbsp;to&nbsp;help&nbsp;fewer&nbsp;people.”

Kansas Action for Children sounds alarm on anti-vax, food security and child care bills

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;Health reported 278&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 May 10, to May 17, for a total of 946,201 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 485 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;7 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on May 10, for a total of 10,221 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 278&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 May 10, to May 17, for a total of 946,201 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 485 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;7 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on May 10, for a total of 10,221 since the state started reporting COVID illness and deaths.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684345509897.png" alt="May 17, 2023 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>May 17, 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: COVID cases continue to decline; 7 more deaths

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A man who has been convicted of robbing a Hays Dollar General had his sentencing continued Tuesday in Ellis County District Court while he awaits extradition to Kentucky on more robbery charges.

Batalova Senuoke, armed with a handgun, threatened a 27th Street Dollar General employee and forced the employee to give him cash on July 21, 2022.

Senuoke of Columbus, Ohio, Bryan Anthony Parsley, also of Ohio, and a third person fled the scene. They were eventually spotted by a highway patrol trooper in Oakley. They fled an attempted traffic stop on Interstate 70 at a high rate of speed before a trooper performed a tactical vehicle intervention, and both vehicles rolled.

Senuoke faces two counts of first-degree robbery in Kentucky. Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson said he has spoken to the prosecutor in Kentucky, and the prosecutor there estimates Senuoke could face 10 years in prison if convicted in Kentucky.

Senuoke agreed to a plea deal in which he pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated robbery in Kansas and waived his extradition to Kentucky. The sentencing in Kansas was continued.

Anderson has recommended Senuoke be allowed to serve his sentences in Kentucky concurrently with the sentence in Ellis County.

"I am the one who is wrong here. That's the bottom line,"&nbsp;Senuoke said.

He said he wished to go back to Kentucky to take responsibility for what he had done.

"I thought bad of you guys when I first got here, but I just did bad," Senuoke said at his hearing Tuesday.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cc9735a0-e5c1-4f99-ba09-51b7131b9095">Bryan Anthony Parsley pleaded no contest in April&nbsp;and was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery, a level seven-person felony, for his role in the robbery.&nbsp;</a>

Anderson said during Parsley's hearing that Parsley entered the store with Senuoke and helped check to make sure there were no children in the store.

Anderson said Parsley eventually said he did not feel comfortable and left the store, stealing a package of toilet paper.

Parsley is set to be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Ellis County District Court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684338495465.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA man who has been convicted of robbing a Hays Dollar General had his sentencing continued Tuesday in Ellis County District Court while he awaits extradition to Kentucky on more robbery charges.Batalova Senuoke, armed with a handgun, threatened a 27th Street Dollar General employee and forced the employee to give him cash on July 21, 2022.Senuoke of Columbus, Ohio, Bryan Anthony Parsley, also of Ohio, and a third person fled the scene. They were eventually spotted by a highway patrol trooper in Oakley. They fled an attempted traffic stop on Interstate 70 at a high rate of speed before a trooper performed a tactical vehicle intervention, and both vehicles rolled.All three suspects were arrested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681911677608.png" alt="Parsley / Ellis County photo" />
 <figcaption>Parsley / Ellis County photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Senuoke faces two counts of first-degree robbery in Kentucky. Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson said he has spoken to the prosecutor in Kentucky, and the prosecutor there estimates Senuoke could face 10 years in prison if convicted in Kentucky.Senuoke agreed to a plea deal in which he pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated robbery in Kansas and waived his extradition to Kentucky. The sentencing in Kansas was continued.Anderson has recommended Senuoke be allowed to serve his sentences in Kentucky concurrently with the sentence in Ellis County."I am the one who is wrong here. That's the bottom line,"&nbsp;Senuoke said.He said he wished to go back to Kentucky to take responsibility for what he had done."I thought bad of you guys when I first got here, but I just did bad," Senuoke said at his hearing Tuesday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cc9735a0-e5c1-4f99-ba09-51b7131b9095">Bryan Anthony Parsley pleaded no contest in April&nbsp;and was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery, a level seven-person felony, for his role in the robbery.&nbsp;</a>Anderson said during Parsley's hearing that Parsley entered the store with Senuoke and helped check to make sure there were no children in the store.Anderson said Parsley eventually said he did not feel comfortable and left the store, stealing a package of toilet paper.Parsley is set to be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Ellis County District Court.

Man who robbed Dollar General in Kan. awaits extradition to Kentucky

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Tuesday spoke on the Senate Floor to recognize National Police Week and remember Kansas law enforcement who passed away in 2022. National Police Week was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, and this year runs from May 14 – May 20.

“We honor the service and sacrifice of our nation's fallen law enforcement officers, remember those who have departed and acknowledge and express our gratitude for the sacrifices all law enforcement officers make every day they wear the badge,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“During this week, and really every other week of the year, we should and we do honor those we have lost and remember the families they left behind.”

Sen. Moran recognized four members of Kansas law enforcement who passed away in 2022: Deputy Sheriff Sidnee Carter with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Robert Craft with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Officer David Ingle with the Iola Police Department and Sergeant Stacy Murrow with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665249753989.png" alt="Deputy Sidnee Carter died in a crash while on duty in October 2022-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Deputy Sidnee Carter died in a crash while on duty in October 2022-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Tuesday spoke on the Senate Floor to recognize National Police Week and remember Kansas law enforcement who passed away in 2022. National Police Week was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, and this year runs from May 14 – May 20.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jWLpsn6DYOw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“We honor the service and sacrifice of our nation's fallen law enforcement officers, remember those who have departed and acknowledge and express our gratitude for the sacrifices all law enforcement officers make every day they wear the badge,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“During this week, and really every other week of the year, we should and we do honor those we have lost and remember the families they left behind.”Sen. Moran recognized four members of Kansas law enforcement who passed away in 2022: Deputy Sheriff Sidnee Carter with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Robert Craft with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Officer David Ingle with the Iola Police Department and Sergeant Stacy Murrow with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

🎥Moran honors fallen Kansas officers during National Police Week

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 310,000 trucks in the U.S. because the driver’s front air bag may not inflate in a crash.

The recall covers certain F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks from the 2016 model year.

The company says dust can accumulate in a cable inside the steering wheel, interrupting the electrical connection. Ford says it's not aware of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem.

Dealers will replace the steering wheel wiring assembly at no cost to owners, who will be notified starting July 5.

Owners may hear popping or clicking noises inside the steering wheel, or steering wheel switches and the horn might not work. They may also see an air bag warning light notifying them of the problem.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676554712774.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 310,000 trucks in the U.S. because the driver’s front air bag may not inflate in a crash.The recall covers certain F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks from the 2016 model year.The company says dust can accumulate in a cable inside the steering wheel, interrupting the electrical connection. Ford says it's not aware of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem.Dealers will replace the steering wheel wiring assembly at no cost to owners, who will be notified starting July 5.Owners may hear popping or clicking noises inside the steering wheel, or steering wheel switches and the horn might not work. They may also see an air bag warning light notifying them of the problem.

Ford recalls trucks to fix problem with driver's front air bag

By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The lawsuit over access to the abortion pill goes before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans on Wednesday, the next step on a path that will likely end at the U.S. Supreme Court.

The three-judge panel will decide whether to keep, overturn, or alter&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-administration-appeals-judges-ruling-ordering-abortion-pill-us-market">a ruling from U.S. District Court from the Northern District of Texas Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk,</a>&nbsp;who sought to end the prescription medication’s approval in an early April ruling.

More than a dozen medical organizations — including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine — argued in support of access to mifepristone in a brief to the appeals court.

The medical organizations wrote that their “ability to effectively care for patients often requires access to mifepristone, which has undergone rigorous testing and review and has been approved for use in the United States for over 20 years.”

They wrote in their 48-page&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145.354.0.pdf">brief</a>&nbsp;that the Texas district judge’s ruling “is rife with medically inappropriate assumptions and terminology.”

“It disregards decades of unambiguous analysis supporting the use of mifepristone in miscarriage and abortion care,” the 13 medical organizations wrote. “It relies on pseudoscience and on speculation, and adopts wholesale and without appropriate judicial inquiry the assertions of a small group of declarants who are ideologically opposed to abortion care and at odds with the overwhelming majority of the medical community and the FDA.”

The appeals panel deciding the case will include Judges Jennifer Walker Elrod, James C. Ho and Cory T. Wilson.

Elrod was nominated by former President George W. Bush in 2007 and confirmed by the Senate on a voice vote. Ho and Wilson were nominated by former President Donald Trump and were confirmed by the Senate on mostly party-line votes.

The case, Alliance Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, began in November when&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-could-decide-soon-february-yank-abortion-pill-nationwide">anti-abortion groups filed&nbsp;</a>a suit challenging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone in 2000.

The anti-abortion organizations called on a federal judge to overturn the approval, removing mifepristone from the market, though they also challenged changes to how the medication is prescribed and used following changes at the federal level in 2016 and 2021.

Alliance Defending Freedom, the anti-abortion legal organization that filed the lawsuit, wrote in its brief to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals that the FDA erred when it approved mifepristone.

ADF attorneys claim that mifepristone is not safe and effective for pregnancy termination, rejecting the scientific studies cited by medical organizations that show otherwise.

ADF’s legal team also opposes changes the FDA made to mifepristone’s use and administration in 2016, including that the medication could be used up to 10 weeks into a pregnancy, an increase from seven weeks.

The 2016 changes reduced the number of in-person visits from three to one, allowed qualified health care providers to prescribe the medication and changed some dosage and timing instructions. Non-fatal adverse incidents no longer had to be reported to the FDA, under the changes.

Then, in 2021, the FDA began allowing mifepristone to be prescribed via telehealth and sent to patients through the mail. The alterations were similarly opposed by ADF in the court filing.

The anti-abortion organizations call on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the Texas district judge’s decision that stayed the FDA’s approval.

“In sum, FDA has eliminated all safeguards that gave abortion providers the opportunity to rule out ectopic pregnancies, verify gestational age, and identify any contraindications to prescribing mifepristone,” ADF wrote in a 90-page&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145.380.0.pdf">brief</a>. “It also eliminated the follow-up care that once allowed doctors to identify complications like sepsis, hemorrhaging, or remaining baby body parts and pregnancy tissue.”

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear arguments in the appeal on Wednesday at 1 p.m. Central. An audio live stream is scheduled to be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://5thcircuit.streamguys1.com/enbanc">here</a>&nbsp;when the hearing begins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="-More than a dozen medical organizations — including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine — argued in support of access to mifepristone in a brief to the appeals court.-photo AP" />
 <figcaption>-More than a dozen medical organizations — including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine — argued in support of access to mifepristone in a brief to the appeals court.-photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a> WASHINGTON — The lawsuit over access to the abortion pill goes before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans on Wednesday, the next step on a path that will likely end at the U.S. Supreme Court.The three-judge panel will decide whether to keep, overturn, or alter&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-administration-appeals-judges-ruling-ordering-abortion-pill-us-market">a ruling from U.S. District Court from the Northern District of Texas Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk,</a>&nbsp;who sought to end the prescription medication’s approval in an early April ruling.More than a dozen medical organizations — including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine — argued in support of access to mifepristone in a brief to the appeals court.The medical organizations wrote that their “ability to effectively care for patients often requires access to mifepristone, which has undergone rigorous testing and review and has been approved for use in the United States for over 20 years.”They wrote in their 48-page&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145.354.0.pdf">brief</a>&nbsp;that the Texas district judge’s ruling “is rife with medically inappropriate assumptions and terminology.”“It disregards decades of unambiguous analysis supporting the use of mifepristone in miscarriage and abortion care,” the 13 medical organizations wrote. “It relies on pseudoscience and on speculation, and adopts wholesale and without appropriate judicial inquiry the assertions of a small group of declarants who are ideologically opposed to abortion care and at odds with the overwhelming majority of the medical community and the FDA.”The appeals panel deciding the case will include Judges Jennifer Walker Elrod, James C. Ho and Cory T. Wilson.Elrod was nominated by former President George W. Bush in 2007 and confirmed by the Senate on a voice vote. Ho and Wilson were nominated by former President Donald Trump and were confirmed by the Senate on mostly party-line votes.The case, Alliance Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, began in November when&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-could-decide-soon-february-yank-abortion-pill-nationwide">anti-abortion groups filed&nbsp;</a>a suit challenging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone in 2000.The anti-abortion organizations called on a federal judge to overturn the approval, removing mifepristone from the market, though they also challenged changes to how the medication is prescribed and used following changes at the federal level in 2016 and 2021.Alliance Defending Freedom, the anti-abortion legal organization that filed the lawsuit, wrote in its brief to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals that the FDA erred when it approved mifepristone.ADF attorneys claim that mifepristone is not safe and effective for pregnancy termination, rejecting the scientific studies cited by medical organizations that show otherwise.ADF’s legal team also opposes changes the FDA made to mifepristone’s use and administration in 2016, including that the medication could be used up to 10 weeks into a pregnancy, an increase from seven weeks.The 2016 changes reduced the number of in-person visits from three to one, allowed qualified health care providers to prescribe the medication and changed some dosage and timing instructions. Non-fatal adverse incidents no longer had to be reported to the FDA, under the changes.Then, in 2021, the FDA began allowing mifepristone to be prescribed via telehealth and sent to patients through the mail. The alterations were similarly opposed by ADF in the court filing.The anti-abortion organizations call on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the Texas district judge’s decision that stayed the FDA’s approval.“In sum, FDA has eliminated all safeguards that gave abortion providers the opportunity to rule out ectopic pregnancies, verify gestational age, and identify any contraindications to prescribing mifepristone,” ADF wrote in a 90-page&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145.380.0.pdf">brief</a>. “It also eliminated the follow-up care that once allowed doctors to identify complications like sepsis, hemorrhaging, or remaining baby body parts and pregnancy tissue.”The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear arguments in the appeal on Wednesday at 1 p.m. Central. An audio live stream is scheduled to be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://5thcircuit.streamguys1.com/enbanc">here</a>&nbsp;when the hearing begins.

Appeals court to hold hearing on availability of abortion pill

NEW YORK (AP) — An infant formula recalled over potential bacteria contamination was distributed to retailers across eight states after the recall began, according to a release published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week.

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/perrigo-announces-voluntary-recall-limited-quantity-gerberr-good-startr-sootheprotm-powdered-infant">Click here to read </a>the recall

Perrigo Co. issued a voluntary March recall of certain lots of its Gerber Good Start SoothePro Powdered Infant Formula “out of an abundance of caution” due to the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii, a germ that can cause serious or deadly infections in infants.

The recall includes Gerber Good Start formula manufactured between Jan. 2 and Jan. 18 at the Perrigo’s Eau Claire, Wisconsin, facility. The recalled formula was sold in three different sizes at retailers nationwide, according to a March 17 recall notice.

Cooperative food wholesaler Associated Wholesale Grocers, however, distributed the 12.4-ounce version of the recalled product to its Nashville Division retailers after Perrigo's initial recall notice was published.

As a result, the recalled product was distributed to supermarkets across Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, according to Associated Wholesale Grocers.

The wholesaler is urging consumers who purchased Gerber Good Start formula at impacted locations to check their products. The recalled formula sold beyond the start of the recall can be identified by its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/associated-wholesale-grocers-inc-releasing-notice-due-recalled-infant-formula-being-distributed-its">lot codes</a>&nbsp;and “use by” dates — which range from July 4, 2024 to July 12, 2024.

“Any consumers who purchased product with matching codes should discontinue use and dispose of the product,” Associated Wholesale Grocers' Saturday notice reads, adding that consumers can request a refund by contacting the Gerber Parent Resource Center on behalf of Perrigo.

In a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday, Perrigo said that the company informed all customers at the time of the March recall.

The company added that “no Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria has been found in any product distributed for sale and no adverse events have been reported.”

Associated Wholesale Grocers did not return calls for comment.

Infections caused by Cronobacter sakazakii are rare, but they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infant-formula-cronobacter-breast-pump-1f58e60535817837ff04435c065cfdfb">can be life-threatening for newborns</a>, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention writes — noting that the bacteria can cause sepsis and meningitis.

Cronobacter sakazakii was same germ that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-michigan-sturgis-a44d06262482d776ae465e0d22382d2d">sparked Abbott Nutrition’s recall</a>&nbsp;and following nationwide shortage of powdered infant formula last year. According to the FDA and CDC, Cronobacter sakazkii is found naturally in the environment and is “particularly good” at surviving in dry foods like infant formula — which can get contaminated at home or in processing facilities.

“There are steps that people can take to prevent infections,” Dr. Julia Haston, a CDC expert in pediatric infectious diseases,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-income-tax-free-electronic-filing-option-700e54251a39791091966bc0b356d342">previosuly told The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;— including thoroughly washing, sanitizing and drying hands, equipment and all surfaces before feeding a baby.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684272100029.png" alt="Photo FDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo FDA</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — An infant formula recalled over potential bacteria contamination was distributed to retailers across eight states after the recall began, according to a release published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week.<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/perrigo-announces-voluntary-recall-limited-quantity-gerberr-good-startr-sootheprotm-powdered-infant">Click here to read </a>the recallPerrigo Co. issued a voluntary March recall of certain lots of its Gerber Good Start SoothePro Powdered Infant Formula “out of an abundance of caution” due to the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii, a germ that can cause serious or deadly infections in infants.The recall includes Gerber Good Start formula manufactured between Jan. 2 and Jan. 18 at the Perrigo’s Eau Claire, Wisconsin, facility. The recalled formula was sold in three different sizes at retailers nationwide, according to a March 17 recall notice.Cooperative food wholesaler Associated Wholesale Grocers, however, distributed the 12.4-ounce version of the recalled product to its Nashville Division retailers after Perrigo's initial recall notice was published.As a result, the recalled product was distributed to supermarkets across Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, according to Associated Wholesale Grocers.The wholesaler is urging consumers who purchased Gerber Good Start formula at impacted locations to check their products. The recalled formula sold beyond the start of the recall can be identified by its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/associated-wholesale-grocers-inc-releasing-notice-due-recalled-infant-formula-being-distributed-its">lot codes</a>&nbsp;and “use by” dates — which range from July 4, 2024 to July 12, 2024.“Any consumers who purchased product with matching codes should discontinue use and dispose of the product,” Associated Wholesale Grocers' Saturday notice reads, adding that consumers can request a refund by contacting the Gerber Parent Resource Center on behalf of Perrigo.In a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday, Perrigo said that the company informed all customers at the time of the March recall.The company added that “no Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria has been found in any product distributed for sale and no adverse events have been reported.”Associated Wholesale Grocers did not return calls for comment.Infections caused by Cronobacter sakazakii are rare, but they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infant-formula-cronobacter-breast-pump-1f58e60535817837ff04435c065cfdfb">can be life-threatening for newborns</a>, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention writes — noting that the bacteria can cause sepsis and meningitis.Cronobacter sakazakii was same germ that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-michigan-sturgis-a44d06262482d776ae465e0d22382d2d">sparked Abbott Nutrition’s recall</a>&nbsp;and following nationwide shortage of powdered infant formula last year. According to the FDA and CDC, Cronobacter sakazkii is found naturally in the environment and is “particularly good” at surviving in dry foods like infant formula — which can get contaminated at home or in processing facilities.“There are steps that people can take to prevent infections,” Dr. Julia Haston, a CDC expert in pediatric infectious diseases,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-income-tax-free-electronic-filing-option-700e54251a39791091966bc0b356d342">previosuly told The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;— including thoroughly washing, sanitizing and drying hands, equipment and all surfaces before feeding a baby.

Recalled Gerber baby formula was sent to US retailers after recall began

RENO COUNTY — Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 will get several upgrades to its facilities after passing a&nbsp;9 year, $7.6 million bond on Tuesday.

According to Reno County Deputy Elections Clerk Jenna Fager, the preliminary vote count is 381 Yes-301 No, with turnout just over 13% for the special election.

According to the district's&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTNcvr5J1EibnPbbMRbWCDZ8nZqtoYv9r8RqMp0Y_3qxsKuwpRGgngN_OWw0-IXAL0qoQCM5bbrn9yg/pub">bond project FAQ</a>, there are several items to address.

Many of the current roofs have passed their lifespan and some are beginning to leak. The district plans to commit the necessary resources to get back to a manageable maintenance position on all the roofs to begin a systematic renovation or replacement on a fiscal timeline versus responding out of necessity each year.

The district has already begun the process of renovating the existing science rooms and prep areas at Nickerson High School using Capital Outlay funds. This process may include a series of phases to complete the renovation over the course of three years. With the passage of the bond, the project could be completed all at once.

School security has become a critical issue in recent years. Beyond the obvious need to keep students and staff safe, the negative impact this can have on student learning, staff morale, and the public perception of a district when not addressed is of paramount importance.

The district plans to focus on specific areas:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96x2tO9Xuxw">Applying 3M Security Film to all perimeter doors at each facility.&nbsp;</a>

The construction of an additional set of vestibule doors at three of the campuses will provide another layer of security to district buildings. This will allow staff to further determine the reason for the visit. The fourth campus will have its main entry relocated to provide a more visible entry to office staff.

Currently, once buzzed into the building, visitors have free-run. Staff has no way to control their movement. The secondary set of vestibule doors, creating a vestibule, can help to control this.

Secure Entrance - Construct a secondary set of doors to close off the current entryway in front of the office to control building access upon entry.

Renovate/Upgrade Restrooms - Renovating the two restrooms adjacent to the auditorium will give the district the opportunity to upgrade them for ADA accessibility, while also improving public access during events in the building.

Enlarge Auditorium Lobby - Extend the current auditorium lobby out under the existing overhang to provide more space for gathering following performances and events.

Auditorium and Stage Renovations - Not having had a renovation in decades, the auditorium is in need of work. The plan is to expand the usable space on the stage, update and improve curtains, lighting, and sound, update auditorium seating to include ADA-accessible seats, and add a chair lift to the stage, as well as other aesthetic improvements such as paint, carpet, and window treatments.

Secure Entrance - Move the existing entrance over to the line of sight of the front office, closing off the existing one.

Renovate ADA Restrooms in the K/PreK - The current facilities are not adequate in space or type. This would allow students and staff to use those facilities as intended without having to seek out a different restroom in another part of the building.

Renovate Existing Restrooms to ADA Compliance - Student restrooms on either end of the building will be brought up to current ADA accessibility requirements.

Replace Exterior Windows on the North and West Sides - Replace drafty and leaking windows with energy-efficient windows.

South Hutchinson Elementary School

Secure Entrance - Construct a secondary set of doors to close off the entryway in front of the office to control building access upon entry.

Two New Classrooms with ADA Accessible Restrooms - The addition of two new classrooms on the east side of the building will provide the ability to move students currently housed outside in the modular buildings into the main building.

The bond will cost an additional $9.99 per month on a $100,000 home.&nbsp;

The canvass of the results will be Tuesday, May 23 at 8 a.m. at the Reno County Annex.

RENO COUNTY — Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 will get several upgrades to its facilities after passing a&nbsp;9 year, $7.6 million bond on Tuesday.According to Reno County Deputy Elections Clerk Jenna Fager, the preliminary vote count is 381 Yes-301 No, with turnout just over 13% for the special election.According to the district's&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTNcvr5J1EibnPbbMRbWCDZ8nZqtoYv9r8RqMp0Y_3qxsKuwpRGgngN_OWw0-IXAL0qoQCM5bbrn9yg/pub">bond project FAQ</a>, there are several items to address.RoofingMany of the current roofs have passed their lifespan and some are beginning to leak. The district plans to commit the necessary resources to get back to a manageable maintenance position on all the roofs to begin a systematic renovation or replacement on a fiscal timeline versus responding out of necessity each year.Science RenovationsThe district has already begun the process of renovating the existing science rooms and prep areas at Nickerson High School using Capital Outlay funds. This process may include a series of phases to complete the renovation over the course of three years. With the passage of the bond, the project could be completed all at once.Improving Secured EntrancesSchool security has become a critical issue in recent years. Beyond the obvious need to keep students and staff safe, the negative impact this can have on student learning, staff morale, and the public perception of a district when not addressed is of paramount importance.The district plans to focus on specific areas:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96x2tO9Xuxw">Applying 3M Security Film to all perimeter doors at each facility.&nbsp;</a>The construction of an additional set of vestibule doors at three of the campuses will provide another layer of security to district buildings. This will allow staff to further determine the reason for the visit. The fourth campus will have its main entry relocated to provide a more visible entry to office staff.Currently, once buzzed into the building, visitors have free-run. Staff has no way to control their movement. The secondary set of vestibule doors, creating a vestibule, can help to control this.Nickerson High SchoolSecure Entrance - Construct a secondary set of doors to close off the current entryway in front of the office to control building access upon entry.Renovate/Upgrade Restrooms - Renovating the two restrooms adjacent to the auditorium will give the district the opportunity to upgrade them for ADA accessibility, while also improving public access during events in the building.Enlarge Auditorium Lobby - Extend the current auditorium lobby out under the existing overhang to provide more space for gathering following performances and events.Auditorium and Stage Renovations - Not having had a renovation in decades, the auditorium is in need of work. The plan is to expand the usable space on the stage, update and improve curtains, lighting, and sound, update auditorium seating to include ADA-accessible seats, and add a chair lift to the stage, as well as other aesthetic improvements such as paint, carpet, and window treatments.Nickerson Elementary SchoolSecure Entrance - Move the existing entrance over to the line of sight of the front office, closing off the existing one.Renovate ADA Restrooms in the K/PreK - The current facilities are not adequate in space or type. This would allow students and staff to use those facilities as intended without having to seek out a different restroom in another part of the building.Reno Valley Middle SchoolSecure Entrance - Construct a secondary set of doors to close off the current entryway in front of the office to control building access upon entry.Renovate Existing Restrooms to ADA Compliance - Student restrooms on either end of the building will be brought up to current ADA accessibility requirements.Replace Exterior Windows on the North and West Sides - Replace drafty and leaking windows with energy-efficient windows.South Hutchinson Elementary SchoolSecure Entrance - Construct a secondary set of doors to close off the entryway in front of the office to control building access upon entry.Two New Classrooms with ADA Accessible Restrooms - The addition of two new classrooms on the east side of the building will provide the ability to move students currently housed outside in the modular buildings into the main building.The bond will cost an additional $9.99 per month on a $100,000 home.&nbsp;The canvass of the results will be Tuesday, May 23 at 8 a.m. at the Reno County Annex.

Voters pass $7.6 million bond in Nickerson-South Hutch

WASHINGTON (AP) — An unknown man managed to slip undetected inside the home of White House national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jake-sullivan">Jake Sullivan</a>, according to two people familiar with the incident. The U.S. Secret Service is investigating.

The door was apparently unlocked, and the intruder was able to get inside Sullivan's home around 3 a.m. last month, the people said. Secret Service is investigating whether the person intentionally went into the home or whether it was some kind of accident; the person appeared to be intoxicated, the people said. The people were not authorized to talk about an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Sullivan has round-the-clock security. But the agents stationed outside his home did not know that the unknown male accessed inside the Washington home until the man had already gone. Sullivan came outside and told them, the people said.

Security is always a top concern for high-level government officials, but there's been a more palpable sense of anxiety in recent years&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-san-francisco-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-b8a3fb8b3e6f491fcfb16e155b877427">as threats to lawmakers and officials are on the rise</a>. The husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was attacked and severely beaten with a hammer by an assailant who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paul-pelosi-assaulted-156ece77186eb11b97260af3c5122f67">broke into the couple’s San Francisco in October.</a>

There was no evidence that the person meant to harm Sullivan or even knew him. The Washington Post first reported the breach.

Meanwhile, additional security measures have been put in place outside Sullivan's home as a precaution while a review is conducted.

The U.S. Secret Service said in a statement that it was “examining a security incident that took place at a protectee site.”

“While the protectee was unharmed, we are taking this matter seriously and have opened a comprehensive mission assurance investigation to review all facets of what occurred," according to the statement.

Any deviation from protocol was unacceptable, the Secret Service said.

Certain members of President Joe Biden's administration get a Secret Service security detail which means their homes are guarded and they receive protection as they move throughout their days outside the White House; it depends on a range of factors including the type of job and whether threats have been made.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676938829757.png" alt="In February Jake Sullivan joined President Biden on the train from Kyiv to Poland during the surprise visit -White House pool photo" />
 <figcaption>In February Jake Sullivan joined President Biden on the train from Kyiv to Poland during the surprise visit -White House pool photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — An unknown man managed to slip undetected inside the home of White House national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jake-sullivan">Jake Sullivan</a>, according to two people familiar with the incident. The U.S. Secret Service is investigating.The door was apparently unlocked, and the intruder was able to get inside Sullivan's home around 3 a.m. last month, the people said. Secret Service is investigating whether the person intentionally went into the home or whether it was some kind of accident; the person appeared to be intoxicated, the people said. The people were not authorized to talk about an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.Sullivan has round-the-clock security. But the agents stationed outside his home did not know that the unknown male accessed inside the Washington home until the man had already gone. Sullivan came outside and told them, the people said.Security is always a top concern for high-level government officials, but there's been a more palpable sense of anxiety in recent years&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-san-francisco-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-b8a3fb8b3e6f491fcfb16e155b877427">as threats to lawmakers and officials are on the rise</a>. The husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was attacked and severely beaten with a hammer by an assailant who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paul-pelosi-assaulted-156ece77186eb11b97260af3c5122f67">broke into the couple’s San Francisco in October.</a>There was no evidence that the person meant to harm Sullivan or even knew him. The Washington Post first reported the breach.Meanwhile, additional security measures have been put in place outside Sullivan's home as a precaution while a review is conducted.The U.S. Secret Service said in a statement that it was “examining a security incident that took place at a protectee site.”“While the protectee was unharmed, we are taking this matter seriously and have opened a comprehensive mission assurance investigation to review all facets of what occurred," according to the statement.Any deviation from protocol was unacceptable, the Secret Service said.Certain members of President Joe Biden's administration get a Secret Service security detail which means their homes are guarded and they receive protection as they move throughout their days outside the White House; it depends on a range of factors including the type of job and whether threats have been made.

Secret Service blunder at Biden's national security adviser’s home 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri officials terminated the Republican attorney general’s emergency rule that would have placed limits on transgender care for minors and some adults.

The move was announced Tuesday without explanation on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website. The website says: “This emergency rule terminated effective May 16, 2023.”

The rule would have required adults and children to undergo more than a year of therapy and fulfill other requirements before they could receive gender-affirming treatments such as puberty blockers, hormones and surgery.

Attorney General Andrew Bailey's spokesperson did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Bailey’s move comes less than a week after the Missouri Legislature approved a ban on minors starting care. Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, is expected to sign that law.

The ACLU of Missouri filed a lawsuit in late April seeking to block the rule, which would have made the state one of the first in the country to limit transgender care for adults. The lawsuit alleged the attorney general didn’t have the authority to use the state’s consumer protection law to block access to transgender-affirming care.

A judge later put the rules on hold until July.

Bailey filed his rules with the secretary of state in Apirl. They included a new therapy requirement that created an 18-month waiting period for care.

The rule would have required people to have experienced an “intense pattern” of documented gender dysphoria for three years and to have received at least 15 hourly sessions with a therapist over at least 18 months before they could receive treatment. Prospective patients also would be required to be screened for autism, and any psychiatric symptoms from mental health issues would have to be treated and resolved.

The attorney general’s office has said there are 12,400 Missourians who identify as transgender. The office has estimated that 600 to 700 Missourians would begin treatment in the next year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684283615377.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MARGARET STAFFORDKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri officials terminated the Republican attorney general’s emergency rule that would have placed limits on transgender care for minors and some adults.The move was announced Tuesday without explanation on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website. The website says: “This emergency rule terminated effective May 16, 2023.”The rule would have required adults and children to undergo more than a year of therapy and fulfill other requirements before they could receive gender-affirming treatments such as puberty blockers, hormones and surgery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681466878038.png" alt="Missouri AG Andrew Bailey- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Missouri AG Andrew Bailey- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Attorney General Andrew Bailey's spokesperson did not immediately return a message seeking comment.Bailey’s move comes less than a week after the Missouri Legislature approved a ban on minors starting care. Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, is expected to sign that law.The ACLU of Missouri filed a lawsuit in late April seeking to block the rule, which would have made the state one of the first in the country to limit transgender care for adults. The lawsuit alleged the attorney general didn’t have the authority to use the state’s consumer protection law to block access to transgender-affirming care.A judge later put the rules on hold until July.Bailey filed his rules with the secretary of state in Apirl. They included a new therapy requirement that created an 18-month waiting period for care.The rule would have required people to have experienced an “intense pattern” of documented gender dysphoria for three years and to have received at least 15 hourly sessions with a therapist over at least 18 months before they could receive treatment. Prospective patients also would be required to be screened for autism, and any psychiatric symptoms from mental health issues would have to be treated and resolved.The attorney general’s office has said there are 12,400 Missourians who identify as transgender. The office has estimated that 600 to 700 Missourians would begin treatment in the next year.

Missouri terminates emergency rule to limit trans care for minors, some adults

BACA COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp; driver, who was pulled over for speeding and tried to switch places with his dog to avoid arrest.

Just 11:30 p.m. Sunday, police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at 52 miles per hour in a posted 30 mile per hour zone near 7th and Main Street, according to a media release from Springfield Colorado Police.

 The driver attempted to switch places with his dog who was in the passenger seat, as the officer approached and watched the entire process. 

The man then exited the passenger side of the vehicle and claimed he was not driving. The man showed clear signs of intoxication and when asked about his alcohol consumption he ran from the officer. 

The officer apprehended the driver quickly within about 20 yards of the vehicle. It was discovered that he was driving from Las Animas to Pueblo and got lost in Springfield. 

The man also was found to have two active warrants for his arrest out of Pueblo. The Baca County Sheriff's deputies arrived and assisted with the incident and the man party was medically cleared at the hospital and then booked into the Baca County Jail for his warrants and requested charges of Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, Driving while ability impaired, driving under suspension, speeding 20-24 over, and resisting arrest. 

The dog was given to an acquaintance of the driver to take care of while the man was in jail. The police department also reported, "the dog does not face any charges and was let go with just a warning." Springfield is located approximately two hours west of Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

BACA COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp; driver, who was pulled over for speeding and tried to switch places with his dog to avoid arrest.Just 11:30 p.m. Sunday, police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at 52 miles per hour in a posted 30 mile per hour zone near 7th and Main Street, according to a media release from Springfield Colorado Police. The driver attempted to switch places with his dog who was in the passenger seat, as the officer approached and watched the entire process. The man then exited the passenger side of the vehicle and claimed he was not driving. The man showed clear signs of intoxication and when asked about his alcohol consumption he ran from the officer. The officer apprehended the driver quickly within about 20 yards of the vehicle. It was discovered that he was driving from Las Animas to Pueblo and got lost in Springfield. The man also was found to have two active warrants for his arrest out of Pueblo. The Baca County Sheriff's deputies arrived and assisted with the incident and the man party was medically cleared at the hospital and then booked into the Baca County Jail for his warrants and requested charges of Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, Driving while ability impaired, driving under suspension, speeding 20-24 over, and resisting arrest. The dog was given to an acquaintance of the driver to take care of while the man was in jail. The police department also reported, "the dog does not face any charges and was let go with just a warning." Springfield is located approximately two hours west of Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Driver tries to trade places with dog to avoid DUI arrest

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 39-year-old&nbsp;s Brandon M. Drew of Topeka. 

Just after 2 p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting in the 3500 block of SW Kerry Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

First responders found an Drew with a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital to be treated for the injuries.

Late Monday, police reported Drew died.&nbsp; Police have not reported a possible suspect or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684231727746.png" alt="Police tape at the scene -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police tape at the scene -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 39-year-old&nbsp;s Brandon M. Drew of Topeka. Just after 2 p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting in the 3500 block of SW Kerry Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.First responders found an Drew with a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital to be treated for the injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684231703646.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Late Monday, police reported Drew died.&nbsp; Police have not reported a possible suspect or additional details.

Police ID victim who died in shooting at Kansas home

KANSAS CITY (AP)—Jackson Mahomes, the brother of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, grabbed a woman by the neck and kissed her against her will three times earlier this year, according to new information in an affidavit.

Mahomes was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-brother-charges-chiefs-812506d230c0964df8ff7feecf4c359f">charged</a>&nbsp;with three counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of battery after the incident at Aspens Restaurant and Lounge in Overland Park, Kansas, on Feb. 25.

During a brief hearing on Tuesday, a Johnson County judge agreed to Mahomes' request to have his bond agreement modified so he could talk to three of four people listed as witnesses, who are his friends.

Mahomes declined to comment before and after Tuesday's hearing. He has been free after posting $100,000 bond.

The hearing came a day after a redacted affidavit provided more details of the alleged assault on the restaurant's owner, Aspen Vaugh.

Investigators said Mahomes shoved a waiter at the restaurant who tried to come into a room where he was with Vaughn. After the waiter left, Mahomes grabbed her by the throat and forcefully kissed her three different times without her consent, according to the court document.

She told police Mahomes was a friend of her stepdaughter and had caused trouble and been asked to leave the restaurant in the past.

According to the affidavit, two servers in the area did not hear her call for help but later confirmed that she told them about the assault and showed them a bruise on her neck.

Mahomes, who is a social media influencer on TikTok and Instagram, asked Vaughn not to tell anyone what happened and then said he could help her business because he has a “large social media following,” investigators said.

Vaughn's boyfriend came to the restaurant and, after finding out what happened, ordered Mahomes and his friends to leave.

At Tuesday's hearing, Johnson County District Judge Thomas M. Sutherland said Mahomes could not speak to one of the witnesses, who had direct knowledge of the incident. He warned the other three witnesses they could not talk to Mahomes about the case, Kansas City media reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684270297047.png" alt="Mahomes was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-brother-charges-chiefs-812506d230c0964df8ff7feecf4c359f">charged</a>&nbsp;with three counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of battery after the incident at Aspens Restaurant and Lounge in Overland Park, Kansas, on Feb. 25.&nbsp;photo AP" />
 <figcaption>Mahomes was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-brother-charges-chiefs-812506d230c0964df8ff7feecf4c359f">charged</a>&nbsp;with three counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of battery after the incident at Aspens Restaurant and Lounge in Overland Park, Kansas, on Feb. 25.&nbsp;photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP)—Jackson Mahomes, the brother of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, grabbed a woman by the neck and kissed her against her will three times earlier this year, according to new information in an affidavit.Mahomes was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-brother-charges-chiefs-812506d230c0964df8ff7feecf4c359f">charged</a>&nbsp;with three counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of battery after the incident at Aspens Restaurant and Lounge in Overland Park, Kansas, on Feb. 25.During a brief hearing on Tuesday, a Johnson County judge agreed to Mahomes' request to have his bond agreement modified so he could talk to three of four people listed as witnesses, who are his friends.Mahomes declined to comment before and after Tuesday's hearing. He has been free after posting $100,000 bond.The hearing came a day after a redacted affidavit provided more details of the alleged assault on the restaurant's owner, Aspen Vaugh.Investigators said Mahomes shoved a waiter at the restaurant who tried to come into a room where he was with Vaughn. After the waiter left, Mahomes grabbed her by the throat and forcefully kissed her three different times without her consent, according to the court document.She told police Mahomes was a friend of her stepdaughter and had caused trouble and been asked to leave the restaurant in the past.According to the affidavit, two servers in the area did not hear her call for help but later confirmed that she told them about the assault and showed them a bruise on her neck.Mahomes, who is a social media influencer on TikTok and Instagram, asked Vaughn not to tell anyone what happened and then said he could help her business because he has a “large social media following,” investigators said.Vaughn's boyfriend came to the restaurant and, after finding out what happened, ordered Mahomes and his friends to leave.At Tuesday's hearing, Johnson County District Judge Thomas M. Sutherland said Mahomes could not speak to one of the witnesses, who had direct knowledge of the incident. He warned the other three witnesses they could not talk to Mahomes about the case, Kansas City media reported.Mahomes' preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 31.