TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas lawmaker who was convicted of 12 felonies for lying on applications for federal COVID-19 relief was sentenced Thursday to two years and three months in prison, according to online court records.

An attorney for former Republican state Rep. Michael Capps argued for probation in court documents, citing Capps’ Air Force service in a combat zone. But prosecutors asked for a sentence of four years and three months in prison, arguing in court documents that he “continues to show neither remorse nor contrition" over stealing nearly $500,000 in funds meant to help businesses remain afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to the prison time, U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren sentenced Capps to two years of supervised release, and he ordered him to pay more than a half-million dollars in restitution and the forfeiture of illegal proceeds, The Wichita Eagle reported.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-fraud-fc1c773c3abcc88eac1fe4a6f2f410aa">A jury convicted</a>&nbsp;the 45-year-old former lawmaker in December of four counts of wire fraud, four counts of money laundering, three counts of making false statements on loan applications and one count of bank fraud. The jury acquitted him of six charges, and another charge was dismissed before his trial.

Capps served a single term in the Kansas House in 2019-20 and lost his 2020 Republican primary race.

Prosecutors said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-small-business-kansas-wichita-fded927c30985c9c0b8c8a586d66423a">Capps filed forms inflating</a>&nbsp;the number of employees he had at two businesses and a sports foundation, then applied for loans to pay the nonexistent employees.

In a court filing ahead of Thursday's hearing, Capps' attorney Kurt Kerns described Capps as a “single father and disabled American veteran who has no criminal history” and called for a sentence of five years of probation.

Capps served in the Air Force in Afghanistan and Pakistan for nearly seven months in 2001-02 under “harsh and dangerous combat conditions” and received multiple decorations, the defense filing said. Capps was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in 2018, the filing said, and the condition makes people more likely to engage in risky behavior.

The defense filing also said Capps suffers from medical problems such as high blood pressure and would be “at a higher risk of death or serious illness” if he contracts COVID-19, which is more likely in prison.

But Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon argued in the prosecutors' sentencing memo that Capps had engaged in “goal-oriented deceit," using fake payroll numbers, employment data and revenue figures in filling out loan applications.

“This Court should reject the defendant's continued efforts to avoid responsibility, which signal his likelihood to persist in similar conduct in the future,” Gordon wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581011016098.png" alt="Rep. Michael Capps" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Michael Capps</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas lawmaker who was convicted of 12 felonies for lying on applications for federal COVID-19 relief was sentenced Thursday to two years and three months in prison, according to online court records.An attorney for former Republican state Rep. Michael Capps argued for probation in court documents, citing Capps’ Air Force service in a combat zone. But prosecutors asked for a sentence of four years and three months in prison, arguing in court documents that he “continues to show neither remorse nor contrition" over stealing nearly $500,000 in funds meant to help businesses remain afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.In addition to the prison time, U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren sentenced Capps to two years of supervised release, and he ordered him to pay more than a half-million dollars in restitution and the forfeiture of illegal proceeds, The Wichita Eagle reported.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-fraud-fc1c773c3abcc88eac1fe4a6f2f410aa">A jury convicted</a>&nbsp;the 45-year-old former lawmaker in December of four counts of wire fraud, four counts of money laundering, three counts of making false statements on loan applications and one count of bank fraud. The jury acquitted him of six charges, and another charge was dismissed before his trial.Capps served a single term in the Kansas House in 2019-20 and lost his 2020 Republican primary race.Prosecutors said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-small-business-kansas-wichita-fded927c30985c9c0b8c8a586d66423a">Capps filed forms inflating</a>&nbsp;the number of employees he had at two businesses and a sports foundation, then applied for loans to pay the nonexistent employees.In a court filing ahead of Thursday's hearing, Capps' attorney Kurt Kerns described Capps as a “single father and disabled American veteran who has no criminal history” and called for a sentence of five years of probation.Capps served in the Air Force in Afghanistan and Pakistan for nearly seven months in 2001-02 under “harsh and dangerous combat conditions” and received multiple decorations, the defense filing said. Capps was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in 2018, the filing said, and the condition makes people more likely to engage in risky behavior.The defense filing also said Capps suffers from medical problems such as high blood pressure and would be “at a higher risk of death or serious illness” if he contracts COVID-19, which is more likely in prison.But Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon argued in the prosecutors' sentencing memo that Capps had engaged in “goal-oriented deceit," using fake payroll numbers, employment data and revenue figures in filling out loan applications.“This Court should reject the defendant's continued efforts to avoid responsibility, which signal his likelihood to persist in similar conduct in the future,” Gordon wrote.

Ex-Kan. legislator going to prison for COVID relief fraud 

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of auto thefts&nbsp; and have made an arrest.

Just after 10:30 p.m., May 7, police were dispatched to 4101 E. Highway 50 in Garden City for an auto theft that just occurred. The reporting party told officers they were followed home by a pickup, and an occupant of the pickup stole their vehicle.

On Tuesday, police located the stolen vehicle in the 500 block of Chesterfield Drive in Garden City. Investigators checked the area and located the pickup involved in the auto theft the night before. 

Investigators learned the pickup was also stolen and identified 21-year-old Jose Razo as the suspect. Police later found Razo hiding in a garage in the 500 block of Eugene Place. 

After a brief struggle, Razo was taken into custody. He is being held on requested charges of Auto Theft, Five Counts of Auto Burglary,&nbsp; Possession of Stolen Property, Interference LEO, Criminal Trespass. The Finney County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol assisted in the arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683726114701.png" alt="Razo-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Razo-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of auto thefts&nbsp; and have made an arrest.Just after 10:30 p.m., May 7, police were dispatched to 4101 E. Highway 50 in Garden City for an auto theft that just occurred. The reporting party told officers they were followed home by a pickup, and an occupant of the pickup stole their vehicle.On Tuesday, police located the stolen vehicle in the 500 block of Chesterfield Drive in Garden City. Investigators checked the area and located the pickup involved in the auto theft the night before. Investigators learned the pickup was also stolen and identified 21-year-old Jose Razo as the suspect. Police later found Razo hiding in a garage in the 500 block of Eugene Place. After a brief struggle, Razo was taken into custody. He is being held on requested charges of Auto Theft, Five Counts of Auto Burglary,&nbsp; Possession of Stolen Property, Interference LEO, Criminal Trespass. The Finney County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol assisted in the arrest.

Police find alleged SW Kansas auto theft suspect hiding in garage

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest with the help of citizens near the scene.

Just 7:00 pm. on Wednesday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the area of Rutan and Sunnybrook in Wichita, according to Officer&nbsp;Kristopher Gupilan.

First responders located 31-year-old Chance Martin who had suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body. Officers began life saving measures. Martin was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased, according to Gupilan.

The investigation revealed that 24-year-old Angel Lara and another individual had an altercation with Martin which led to Lara brandishing a gun and shooting Martin. Witnesses on scene provided information on Lara’s vehicle.&nbsp; The information and the&nbsp;FLOCK system, allowed police to locate Lara's vehicle in the 900 block of W. 47th Street South in Wichita.

Officers took him into custody without incident. He is being held on a requested charge of 2nd degree murder.

This investigation would not have been solved so quickly without the help of the vigilant citizens on scene, according to Gupilan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683821359235.png" alt="This blurry booking photo is the only one available early Thursday from Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>This blurry booking photo is the only one available early Thursday from Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest with the help of citizens near the scene.Just 7:00 pm. on Wednesday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the area of Rutan and Sunnybrook in Wichita, according to Officer&nbsp;Kristopher Gupilan.First responders located 31-year-old Chance Martin who had suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body. Officers began life saving measures. Martin was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased, according to Gupilan.The investigation revealed that 24-year-old Angel Lara and another individual had an altercation with Martin which led to Lara brandishing a gun and shooting Martin. Witnesses on scene provided information on Lara’s vehicle.&nbsp; The information and the&nbsp;FLOCK system, allowed police to locate Lara's vehicle in the 900 block of W. 47th Street South in Wichita.Officers took him into custody without incident. He is being held on a requested charge of 2nd degree murder.This investigation would not have been solved so quickly without the help of the vigilant citizens on scene, according to Gupilan.

Police: Witnesses on scene led to Kansas murder arrest

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans passed a sweeping bill Thursday to build more U.S.-Mexico border wall and impose new restrictions on asylum seekers, creating a hard-line counter to President Joe Biden's policies just as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-8c239766c2cb6e257c0220413b8e9cf9">migrants are amassing along the border</a>&nbsp;with the end of coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

The bill has virtually no chance of becoming law. Democrats, who have a narrow hold on the Senate, have decried the aggressive measures in the bill as “cruel” and “anti-immigrant," and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-security-immigration-biden-d62168665ba1581fc75651abc0409071">Biden has already promised</a>&nbsp;he would veto it.

The legislation passed 219-213, with all present Democrats and two Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and John Duarte of California, voting against it.

The House GOP pointedly voted on the bill the same day as the expiration of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-be4e0b15b27adb9bede87b9bbefb798d">Title 42</a>, a public health emergency rule that allowed border authorities to quickly return many migrants who crossed the border illegally. Biden has conceded that the southern border will be “chaotic for a while” as migrants weigh whether to cross and U.S. officials use a new set of policies that aim to clamp down on illegal immigration while offering more legal pathways.

Republicans have sought to slam Biden for the increase in illegal immigration during his tenure. Passing the bill would ensure House GOP lawmakers can say they did their part to deliver on a campaign promise to secure the border.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy called the package “the strongest border security bill this country has ever seen," saying in a speech on the House floor that "meanwhile, we are seeing a very different record from President Biden.”

It took months, however, for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-immigration-house-republicans-border-security-0e19f7f27ef15c6edd73532c3813656a">Republicans to push the bill</a>&nbsp;through the House amid sometimes public feuds between GOP lawmakers over the legislation. Even as the legislation neared final form Wednesday, it had to be amended to appease concerns from the House Freedom Caucus and other lawmakers.

The 213-page bill represents a compromise in the Republican conference between mainstream lawmakers, who wanted to focus on beefing up border enforcement, and hardline conservatives, who want to see drastic changes to U.S. asylum and immigration law.

U.S. and international law give migrants the right to seek asylum from political, religious or racial persecution, but conservatives say many people take advantage of the current system to live and work in the U.S. while they wait for their asylum claim to be processed in court.

The package would return to many of the same&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-politics-f106b3351f6148a98f8f24c536f464ed">policies pursued by former President Donald Trump</a>, such as building walls along the border. It would also restrict asylum by requiring migrants to cross legally, pay a $50 fee and meet more stringent requirements to show in initial interviews that they have a credible fear of persecution in their home country.

“This extreme MAGA Republican piece of legislation will throw out children who are fleeing, in many cases, extreme violence and persecution," Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the top House Democrat, said at a Thursday news conference. “It will build a medieval border wall that is a 14th-century solution to a 21st-century problem.”

The bill would also scrap a program that has allowed U.S. officials to accept or quickly turn away some migrants from Venezuela, Haiti and Nicaragua. The program is a cornerstone of Biden’s immigration efforts, allowing migrants from those countries to apply to come to the U.S. for two years legally and work.

The unwieldy nature of immigration legislation has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-asylum-trump-biden-gang-of-eight-3d8007e72928665b66d8648be0e3e31f">befuddled Congress for decades</a>, but there is a growing conversation in the Senate on the issue.

A small group of House and Senate lawmakers hopes the House bill could give momentum for a separate package in the works that would incorporate aggressive border enforcement with expanding legal immigration through work visas, as well as potentially a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children.

“The bill that we’re getting, I think, is a good starting point,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican. “It, by itself, would not get 60 votes to get out of here.”

Any final bill would need bipartisan support to pass the Senate and agreement from House Republicans on significant changes.

Some House lawmakers were already raising concerns about whether agriculture businesses would be disrupted by the bill's requirement that agriculture businesses verify the immigration status of employees.

In explaining his vote against the bill, Duarte, who represents a district comprised of farmland in California's Central Valley, said in a statement that the bill would “harm many families that work in our Valley and create difficulties for our food producers.”

Massie, the other Republican to oppose the legislation, made a libertarian argument against a system that tracks people's immigration status.

Meanwhile, Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, is introducing legislation that would assist border officials and speed up the asylum application process. And Tillis joined with Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent who accepts committee assignments from Democrats, to push a bill that would resurrect the government's power to quickly expel migrants, without processing their asylum claims, for another two years.

“It’s clear that the Biden administration, while it had two years to prepare for the end of Title 42, failed to do so,” Sinema told reporters. “And in the last several weeks, I’ve had the unfortunate job of communicating on a daily basis, sometimes even hourly basis, with the sheriffs, the Border Patrol agents, mayors and even the governor of Arizona to figure out how we can prepare to deal with this crisis.”

Biden has received countless barbs from Congress, but one Texas Republican key to immigration negotiations, Rep. Tony Gonzales, is already thinking of how to get the president on board.

“Until the president of the United States signs a bill into law, all of this is theater,” said Gonzales, who represents a large swath of border country. “A lot of people are good at political theater. Meanwhile, back in my district, we’re dealing with a real crisis.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671578098154.png" alt="Photo courtesy Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans passed a sweeping bill Thursday to build more U.S.-Mexico border wall and impose new restrictions on asylum seekers, creating a hard-line counter to President Joe Biden's policies just as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-8c239766c2cb6e257c0220413b8e9cf9">migrants are amassing along the border</a>&nbsp;with the end of coronavirus pandemic restrictions.The bill has virtually no chance of becoming law. Democrats, who have a narrow hold on the Senate, have decried the aggressive measures in the bill as “cruel” and “anti-immigrant," and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-security-immigration-biden-d62168665ba1581fc75651abc0409071">Biden has already promised</a>&nbsp;he would veto it.The legislation passed 219-213, with all present Democrats and two Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and John Duarte of California, voting against it.The House GOP pointedly voted on the bill the same day as the expiration of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-be4e0b15b27adb9bede87b9bbefb798d">Title 42</a>, a public health emergency rule that allowed border authorities to quickly return many migrants who crossed the border illegally. Biden has conceded that the southern border will be “chaotic for a while” as migrants weigh whether to cross and U.S. officials use a new set of policies that aim to clamp down on illegal immigration while offering more legal pathways.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecMayorkas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecMayorkas</a>: &quot;Tonight at 11:59pm ET, the pandemic-era Title 42 public health order will end...We are clear-eyed about the challenges we are likely to face in the days and weeks ahead and we are ready to meet them.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/i57aPyNNov">pic.twitter.com/i57aPyNNov</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1656721082739466243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republicans have sought to slam Biden for the increase in illegal immigration during his tenure. Passing the bill would ensure House GOP lawmakers can say they did their part to deliver on a campaign promise to secure the border.House Speaker Kevin McCarthy called the package “the strongest border security bill this country has ever seen," saying in a speech on the House floor that "meanwhile, we are seeing a very different record from President Biden.”It took months, however, for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-immigration-house-republicans-border-security-0e19f7f27ef15c6edd73532c3813656a">Republicans to push the bill</a>&nbsp;through the House amid sometimes public feuds between GOP lawmakers over the legislation. Even as the legislation neared final form Wednesday, it had to be amended to appease concerns from the House Freedom Caucus and other lawmakers.The 213-page bill represents a compromise in the Republican conference between mainstream lawmakers, who wanted to focus on beefing up border enforcement, and hardline conservatives, who want to see drastic changes to U.S. asylum and immigration law.U.S. and international law give migrants the right to seek asylum from political, religious or racial persecution, but conservatives say many people take advantage of the current system to live and work in the U.S. while they wait for their asylum claim to be processed in court.The package would return to many of the same&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-politics-f106b3351f6148a98f8f24c536f464ed">policies pursued by former President Donald Trump</a>, such as building walls along the border. It would also restrict asylum by requiring migrants to cross legally, pay a $50 fee and meet more stringent requirements to show in initial interviews that they have a credible fear of persecution in their home country.“This extreme MAGA Republican piece of legislation will throw out children who are fleeing, in many cases, extreme violence and persecution," Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the top House Democrat, said at a Thursday news conference. “It will build a medieval border wall that is a 14th-century solution to a 21st-century problem.”The bill would also scrap a program that has allowed U.S. officials to accept or quickly turn away some migrants from Venezuela, Haiti and Nicaragua. The program is a cornerstone of Biden’s immigration efforts, allowing migrants from those countries to apply to come to the U.S. for two years legally and work.The unwieldy nature of immigration legislation has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-asylum-trump-biden-gang-of-eight-3d8007e72928665b66d8648be0e3e31f">befuddled Congress for decades</a>, but there is a growing conversation in the Senate on the issue.A small group of House and Senate lawmakers hopes the House bill could give momentum for a separate package in the works that would incorporate aggressive border enforcement with expanding legal immigration through work visas, as well as potentially a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children.“The bill that we’re getting, I think, is a good starting point,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican. “It, by itself, would not get 60 votes to get out of here.”Any final bill would need bipartisan support to pass the Senate and agreement from House Republicans on significant changes.Some House lawmakers were already raising concerns about whether agriculture businesses would be disrupted by the bill's requirement that agriculture businesses verify the immigration status of employees.In explaining his vote against the bill, Duarte, who represents a district comprised of farmland in California's Central Valley, said in a statement that the bill would “harm many families that work in our Valley and create difficulties for our food producers.”Massie, the other Republican to oppose the legislation, made a libertarian argument against a system that tracks people's immigration status.Meanwhile, Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, is introducing legislation that would assist border officials and speed up the asylum application process. And Tillis joined with Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent who accepts committee assignments from Democrats, to push a bill that would resurrect the government's power to quickly expel migrants, without processing their asylum claims, for another two years.“It’s clear that the Biden administration, while it had two years to prepare for the end of Title 42, failed to do so,” Sinema told reporters. “And in the last several weeks, I’ve had the unfortunate job of communicating on a daily basis, sometimes even hourly basis, with the sheriffs, the Border Patrol agents, mayors and even the governor of Arizona to figure out how we can prepare to deal with this crisis.”Biden has received countless barbs from Congress, but one Texas Republican key to immigration negotiations, Rep. Tony Gonzales, is already thinking of how to get the president on board.“Until the president of the United States signs a bill into law, all of this is theater,” said Gonzales, who represents a large swath of border country. “A lot of people are good at political theater. Meanwhile, back in my district, we’re dealing with a real crisis.”----------

House Republicans pass new asylum restrictions as Title 42 ends

SHAWNEE, Ks. (AP) — A Kansas City suburb's rule prohibiting more than three unrelated roommates from living together is being challenged in court.

A property management company that wants to be able to rent homes to several roommates and a homeowner who said that Shawnee's ban made her living arrangement illegal last year because her son's girlfriend was living with the family at the time filed the lawsuit.

The rule that Shawnee passed last year prohibits more than three unrelated people from living together in a single residence. The only exception for more people living together is if they are all related. If even one person in a home isn't related to everyone else in the household, the city considers everyone in the household to be unrelated.

“As Americans, who we choose to live with is none of the government’s business,” David Deerson, attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, said in a news release. “There is a serious housing affordability crisis and Shawnee is making it worse. This unconstitutional ordinance would even outlaw the living arrangement of television’s ‘Golden Girls.’ ”

City officials declined to comment on the lawsuit and said they haven’t yet received a copy of it.

But when Shawnee approved the ban last year, officials said they were trying to eliminate situations where homeowners were treating their homes like apartment buildings and renting rooms to several people.

Critics of the ban said the rule just made it harder for people to afford to live in the upscale suburb.

The company that filed the lawsuit, HomeRoom Inc., said it tries to make housing more affordable by renting homes to people who want to be roommates. After the ban passed, the company said it had to evict some of its tenants at the two homes it owns in Shawnee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683822717022.png" alt="Apartments in the 7400 Block of Flint Street in Shawnee-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Apartments in the 7400 Block of Flint Street in Shawnee-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE, Ks. (AP) — A Kansas City suburb's rule prohibiting more than three unrelated roommates from living together is being challenged in court.A property management company that wants to be able to rent homes to several roommates and a homeowner who said that Shawnee's ban made her living arrangement illegal last year because her son's girlfriend was living with the family at the time filed the lawsuit.The rule that Shawnee passed last year prohibits more than three unrelated people from living together in a single residence. The only exception for more people living together is if they are all related. If even one person in a home isn't related to everyone else in the household, the city considers everyone in the household to be unrelated.“As Americans, who we choose to live with is none of the government’s business,” David Deerson, attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, said in a news release. “There is a serious housing affordability crisis and Shawnee is making it worse. This unconstitutional ordinance would even outlaw the living arrangement of television’s ‘Golden Girls.’ ”City officials declined to comment on the lawsuit and said they haven’t yet received a copy of it.But when Shawnee approved the ban last year, officials said they were trying to eliminate situations where homeowners were treating their homes like apartment buildings and renting rooms to several people.Critics of the ban said the rule just made it harder for people to afford to live in the upscale suburb.The company that filed the lawsuit, HomeRoom Inc., said it tries to make housing more affordable by renting homes to people who want to be roommates. After the ban passed, the company said it had to evict some of its tenants at the two homes it owns in Shawnee.

Kan. community's ban on more than three roommates challenged in court

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

The Salina Police Department has identified the remains found in north Salina Monday morning.

According to a news release from the department issued this afternoon, the remains were those of 40-year-old Jason Hilary Patrick Latham of Salina.

An autopsy was completed and the toxicology results are pending.

As the investigation into Latham's death is ongoing, detectives are asking for the public's assistance regarding information about Latham's whereabouts and activities prior to his death.

"If you know where Mr. Latham has been staying, with whom he has been associating, or with whom he may have had contact after April 18, 2023, please contact Detective Aaron Carswell or Sgt. Kyle Tonniges with the Salina Police Department Detective Division at (785) 826-7210," the department noted in the news release. 

Police dispatch received a call at 10:30 a.m. Monday from a person who reported finding a body in the 1900 block of N. Fifth Street. Officers responded and located the body.

"It was apparent the individual had been dead for several days," the Salina Police Department noted in a news release issued early Tuesday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683826494660.png" alt="Jason Hilary Patrick Latham had previous felony convictions for theft and criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Jason Hilary Patrick Latham had previous felony convictions for theft and criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThe Salina Police Department has identified the remains found in north Salina Monday morning.According to a news release from the department issued this afternoon, the remains were those of 40-year-old Jason Hilary Patrick Latham of Salina.An autopsy was completed and the toxicology results are pending.As the investigation into Latham's death is ongoing, detectives are asking for the public's assistance regarding information about Latham's whereabouts and activities prior to his death."If you know where Mr. Latham has been staying, with whom he has been associating, or with whom he may have had contact after April 18, 2023, please contact Detective Aaron Carswell or Sgt. Kyle Tonniges with the Salina Police Department Detective Division at (785) 826-7210," the department noted in the news release. Police dispatch received a call at 10:30 a.m. Monday from a person who reported finding a body in the 1900 block of N. Fifth Street. Officers responded and located the body."It was apparent the individual had been dead for several days," the Salina Police Department noted in a news release issued early Tuesday afternoon.

Police ID body found as 40-year-old Kansas man

SHAWNEE&nbsp;– On Thursday, Governor Laura Kelly joined legislators and advocates in Shawnee today to sign&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvc2IxNzQvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDUxMS43NjU4NjE5MSJ9.woHvsokzMWVCnMnJZei99ZJZxMu7-JYJQoC0AJtcMGs/s/1303160919/br/186207588728-l" target="_blank">Senate Bill 174</a>, a bipartisan bill that decriminalizes fentanyl test strips. Decriminalizing test strips, which can detect the presence of fentanyl in other substances, will help prevent overdose deaths in Kansas, according to a media release from her office.

“Overdoses caused by fentanyl have devastated communities across Kansas and the nation,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“By decriminalizing fentanyl test strips, we are providing the resources needed to combat the opioid and fentanyl epidemic so that families and loved ones no longer have to feel the pain of a preventable death.”&nbsp;

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100,000 people died in 2021 from a drug overdose, the most ever recorded in a single year in U.S. history.&nbsp;

2023 marks the third year a bill has been introduced in the Kansas Legislature to decriminalize fentanyl test strips. In 2022, the bill passed unanimously in the House but stalled in the Senate. This legislation has continuously had support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.&nbsp;

“Today, with the signing of SB 174, Kansas is putting into action the values of kindness, compassion, and love for our neighbors,”&nbsp;Representative Jason Probst said (D-Hutchinson).&nbsp;“By decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips, we are helping Kansans protect themselves from a deadly poison that has taken far too many lives – including the tragic and profoundly painful loss of far too many teenagers and young adults in our state.”&nbsp;

“The fentanyl epidemic is devastating our communities. Senate Bill 174 represents our first steps in working together to fight this terrible drug,”&nbsp;Rep. Stephen Owens (R-Hesston) said.&nbsp;“I am proud to stand with Governor Kelly as we continue to work together to save lives.”&nbsp;

Governor Kelly has also taken other measures to help prevent drug overdoses in Kansas. She has made historic investments to give law enforcement the resources to seek out criminals pushing illegal drugs on children. She has also given schools the funding the need to have naloxone on hand.&nbsp;

SB 174 also increases criminal penalties for manufacturing or distributing fentanyl and for committing battery against a healthcare provider.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansans looking for substance use treatment and recovery services are encouraged to use state services available&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va2RhZHMua3MuZ292L2tkYWRzLWNvbW1pc3Npb25zL2JlaGF2aW9yYWwtaGVhbHRoL3NlcnZpY2VzLWFuZC1wcm9ncmFtcy9zdWJzdGFuY2UtdXNlLWRpc29yZGVyLXRyZWF0bWVudC1zZXJ2aWNlcyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MTEuNzY1ODYxOTEifQ.BNO1JUyWJAX9xLeBWLTHULya483w2-0ZXw1HOdwlMRo/s/1303160919/br/186207588728-l" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683827668959.png" alt="According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100,000 people died in 2021 from a drug overdose, the most ever recorded in a single year in U.S. history.- courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100,000 people died in 2021 from a drug overdose, the most ever recorded in a single year in U.S. history.- courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE&nbsp;– On Thursday, Governor Laura Kelly joined legislators and advocates in Shawnee today to sign&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvc2IxNzQvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDUxMS43NjU4NjE5MSJ9.woHvsokzMWVCnMnJZei99ZJZxMu7-JYJQoC0AJtcMGs/s/1303160919/br/186207588728-l" target="_blank">Senate Bill 174</a>, a bipartisan bill that decriminalizes fentanyl test strips. Decriminalizing test strips, which can detect the presence of fentanyl in other substances, will help prevent overdose deaths in Kansas, according to a media release from her office.“Overdoses caused by fentanyl have devastated communities across Kansas and the nation,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“By decriminalizing fentanyl test strips, we are providing the resources needed to combat the opioid and fentanyl epidemic so that families and loved ones no longer have to feel the pain of a preventable death.”&nbsp;According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100,000 people died in 2021 from a drug overdose, the most ever recorded in a single year in U.S. history.&nbsp;2023 marks the third year a bill has been introduced in the Kansas Legislature to decriminalize fentanyl test strips. In 2022, the bill passed unanimously in the House but stalled in the Senate. This legislation has continuously had support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.&nbsp;“Today, with the signing of SB 174, Kansas is putting into action the values of kindness, compassion, and love for our neighbors,”&nbsp;Representative Jason Probst said (D-Hutchinson).&nbsp;“By decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips, we are helping Kansans protect themselves from a deadly poison that has taken far too many lives – including the tragic and profoundly painful loss of far too many teenagers and young adults in our state.”&nbsp;“The fentanyl epidemic is devastating our communities. Senate Bill 174 represents our first steps in working together to fight this terrible drug,”&nbsp;Rep. Stephen Owens (R-Hesston) said.&nbsp;“I am proud to stand with Governor Kelly as we continue to work together to save lives.”&nbsp;Governor Kelly has also taken other measures to help prevent drug overdoses in Kansas. She has made historic investments to give law enforcement the resources to seek out criminals pushing illegal drugs on children. She has also given schools the funding the need to have naloxone on hand.&nbsp;SB 174 also increases criminal penalties for manufacturing or distributing fentanyl and for committing battery against a healthcare provider.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansans looking for substance use treatment and recovery services are encouraged to use state services available&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va2RhZHMua3MuZ292L2tkYWRzLWNvbW1pc3Npb25zL2JlaGF2aW9yYWwtaGVhbHRoL3NlcnZpY2VzLWFuZC1wcm9ncmFtcy9zdWJzdGFuY2UtdXNlLWRpc29yZGVyLXRyZWF0bWVudC1zZXJ2aWNlcyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MTEuNzY1ODYxOTEifQ.BNO1JUyWJAX9xLeBWLTHULya483w2-0ZXw1HOdwlMRo/s/1303160919/br/186207588728-l" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

Gov. signs bill to decriminalize fentanyl test strips in Kansas

A Salina man was arrested after a stabbing incident at the Central Mall Wednesday night.

Officers were dispatched at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to the Central Mall, 2259 S. Ninth Street, for the report of a stabbing. The officers made contact with a mall security guard who told them she had been approached by several teens who told her of an adult male who was attempting to give them cigarettes and who invited them to his residence, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

One of the teens called his father, Kenneth Brown, 41, of Salina, who showed up a short while later, confronted the man on the east side of Ross Dress for Less and told him to leave the teens alone, Forrester said.

The man, later identified as Michael Lilly, 61, of Salina, took a couple of swings at Brown, who then punched Lilly in the face, knocking him to the ground, Forrester said.

Brown turned to walk away and then realized that when Lilly had swung at him, he had done so with a knife. Brown discovered that he had two stab wounds in his side. Brown was transported to Salina Regional Health Center, where it was discovered that he also was suffering from a punctured lung, Forrester said.

In the meantime, Lilly had walked through Ross Dress for Less and was located in the center part of the mall. Forrester said Lilly was found to be in possession of a large, fixed-blade knife.

Lilly was arrested on a requested charge of aggravated battery, Forrester said.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for aggravated battery and criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683906089628.png" alt="Lilly has previous convictions for aggravated battery and criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Lilly has previous convictions for aggravated battery and criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man was arrested after a stabbing incident at the Central Mall Wednesday night.Officers were dispatched at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to the Central Mall, 2259 S. Ninth Street, for the report of a stabbing. The officers made contact with a mall security guard who told them she had been approached by several teens who told her of an adult male who was attempting to give them cigarettes and who invited them to his residence, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.One of the teens called his father, Kenneth Brown, 41, of Salina, who showed up a short while later, confronted the man on the east side of Ross Dress for Less and told him to leave the teens alone, Forrester said.The man, later identified as Michael Lilly, 61, of Salina, took a couple of swings at Brown, who then punched Lilly in the face, knocking him to the ground, Forrester said.Brown turned to walk away and then realized that when Lilly had swung at him, he had done so with a knife. Brown discovered that he had two stab wounds in his side. Brown was transported to Salina Regional Health Center, where it was discovered that he also was suffering from a punctured lung, Forrester said.In the meantime, Lilly had walked through Ross Dress for Less and was located in the center part of the mall. Forrester said Lilly was found to be in possession of a large, fixed-blade knife.Lilly was arrested on a requested charge of aggravated battery, Forrester said.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for aggravated battery and criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kansas felon accused of stabbing man at Salina Mall

WASHINGTON (AP) —Peloton is recalling more than 2 million of its exercise bikes because the bike’s seat post assembly can break during use, posing fall and injury hazards.

<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Peloton-Recalls-Two-Million-Exercise-Bikes-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards">Click here to read </a>the recall from the CPSC

The recall includes approximately 2.2 million of the Peloton Bikes Model PL01. The bikes were sold from January 2018 through May 2023 for about $1,400. They were sold at Peloton and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores nationwide and online at Amazon, Peloton and Dick's websites.

Peloton has received 35 reports of the seat post breaking and detaching from the bike during use, including 13 reports of injuries including a fractured wrist, lacerations and bruises due to falling from the bike.

Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled exercise bikes and to contact Peloton for a free repair. Peloton is offering a free seat post that can be self-installed.

Peloton can be reached at 866-679-9129 from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, seven days a week or online at www.onepeloton.com. Consumers can click on Product Recalls at the bottom of the Peloton website page for information on how to request the free seat post and instructions for installation.

Peloton has been in the process of a corporate reorganization. In October the company announced it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-peloton-interactive-inc-61dfbe60d797ce293e104fbe2aa4cfce">cutting</a>&nbsp;about 500 jobs. That announcement came after the company said in August that it would cut 784 jobs, close its North America distribution network and shift delivery work to third-party providers.

Peloton experienced incredible sales growth during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The New York-based company’s share price multiplied by more than five times in 2020 amid lockdowns that made its bikes and treadmills popular among customers who pay a monthly fee to participate in its interactive workouts.

But sales began to slow in 2021 as the distribution of vaccines drew many people out of their homes and back into gyms.

Shares of Peloton Interactive Inc. fell more than 6% in Thursday morning trading.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683820965874.png" alt="Peleton -photo Consumer Product Safety Commission" />
 <figcaption>Peleton -photo Consumer Product Safety Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Peloton is recalling more than 2 million of its exercise bikes because the bike’s seat post assembly can break during use, posing fall and injury hazards.<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Peloton-Recalls-Two-Million-Exercise-Bikes-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards">Click here to read </a>the recall from the CPSCThe recall includes approximately 2.2 million of the Peloton Bikes Model PL01. The bikes were sold from January 2018 through May 2023 for about $1,400. They were sold at Peloton and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores nationwide and online at Amazon, Peloton and Dick's websites.Peloton has received 35 reports of the seat post breaking and detaching from the bike during use, including 13 reports of injuries including a fractured wrist, lacerations and bruises due to falling from the bike.Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled exercise bikes and to contact Peloton for a free repair. Peloton is offering a free seat post that can be self-installed.Peloton can be reached at 866-679-9129 from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, seven days a week or online at www.onepeloton.com. Consumers can click on Product Recalls at the bottom of the Peloton website page for information on how to request the free seat post and instructions for installation.Peloton has been in the process of a corporate reorganization. In October the company announced it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-peloton-interactive-inc-61dfbe60d797ce293e104fbe2aa4cfce">cutting</a>&nbsp;about 500 jobs. That announcement came after the company said in August that it would cut 784 jobs, close its North America distribution network and shift delivery work to third-party providers.Peloton experienced incredible sales growth during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The New York-based company’s share price multiplied by more than five times in 2020 amid lockdowns that made its bikes and treadmills popular among customers who pay a monthly fee to participate in its interactive workouts.But sales began to slow in 2021 as the distribution of vaccines drew many people out of their homes and back into gyms.Shares of Peloton Interactive Inc. fell more than 6% in Thursday morning trading.

Peloton is recalling more than 2 million exercise bikes

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health advisers said Wednesday that a decades-old birth control pill should be sold without a prescription, paving the way for a likely U.S. approval of the first over-the-counter contraceptive medication.

The panel of FDA advisers voted unanimously in favor of drugmaker Perrigo’s request to sell its once-a-day medication over the counter. The recommendation came at the close of a two-day meeting focused on whether women could safely and effectively take the pill without professional supervision. A final FDA decision is expected this summer.

If the agency follows the nonbinding recommendation, Perrigo’s drug, Opill, would become the first contraceptive pill to be moved out from behind the pharmacy counter onto store shelves. The company said sales could begin late this year if OK'd.

The outside experts said they were mostly confident that women of all ages could use the drug appropriately without seeing a health provider first.

“In the balance between benefit and risk, we’d have a hard time justifying not taking this action," said Maria Coyle, an Ohio State University pharmacist, who chaired the panel. “The drug is incredibly effective, and I think it will be effective in the over-the-counter realm just as it is in the prescription realm."

The positive vote came despite numerous criticisms from FDA scientists about how Perrigo studied the drug, including questions about whether study participants were able to understand and follow labeling instructions.

“We have an application with many complicated issues and uncertainties, including questionable reliability,” FDA’s Dr. Pamela Horn told panelists on Tuesday.

But the panel largely set those concerns aside, emphasizing the benefits of providing more effective birth control, particularly to young people and lower-income groups, than what’s available over the counter now, like condoms and diaphragms.

Most birth control pills used in the U.S. today contain a combination of progestin and estrogen. Opill is part of an older class of contraceptives that only contain progestin. They generally have fewer side effects and health risks but can be less effective if they’re not taken around the same time daily.

FDA’s decision won’t apply to other birth control pills, only Opill, although advocates hope that an approval decision might push other drugmakers to seek over-the-counter sales. Birth control pills are available without a prescription across much of South America, Asia and Africa.

Nonprescription medicines are usually cheaper, but generally not covered by insurance. Requiring insurers to cover over-the-counter birth control would require a regulatory change by the federal government.

Opill was first approved in the U.S. five decades ago based on data showing it was more than 90% effective in preventing pregnancy when taken daily. But some women should not take it, particularly those with breast cancer, because of the risk that it could accelerate tumor growth. Women who have unusual vaginal bleeding are instructed to speak with a doctor before using it, because bleeding could indicate a serious health issue.

But in reading comprehension studies conducted by Perrigo, 68% of women with unexplained bleeding incorrectly answered they could take the drug. And a few women with breast cancer also told researchers they could use Opill.

Panel members said almost all women with a history of breast cancer would be under the care of a cancer specialist, who would advise them not to take hormonal drugs that could make their condition worse.

“I would think any woman who had a breast cancer diagnosis in the past would be highly aware of that, so I don’t think that’s going to be a concern,” said Dr. Deborah Armstrong of Johns Hopkins University.

Perrigo said its 880-patient study of the drug showed that women will consistently take the pill daily if it’s made available over-the-counter. But the FDA found several problems in the study, including more than 30% of participants who erroneously reported taking more pills than they were actually supplied. FDA reviewers said the problem called into question the company’s overall conclusions about the drug’s use and effectiveness.

FDA regulators also suggested changes in U.S. demographics since the pill was first tested — including increased obesity and other chronic conditions— could reduce the drug’s effectiveness.

Despite those concerns, Opill has the support of dozens of reproductive rights and medical groups that have long pushed for expanded access to birth control.

“Opill over the counter would give us one more option for access and the more options that are available the better,” said Clare Coleman, president of the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association

Coleman was one of more than 25 speakers who supported Perrigo’s application during a public comment session Tuesday.

Catholic groups, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, oppose the move, saying women should be evaluated by a doctor before getting it.

Even if the pill is approved, it’s unclear how popular it might be. Opill has not been marketed in the U.S. since 2005 and was previously owned by Pfizer. Perrigo acquired the drug with its buyout of French drugmaker HRA Pharma last year.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health advisers said Wednesday that a decades-old birth control pill should be sold without a prescription, paving the way for a likely U.S. approval of the first over-the-counter contraceptive medication.The panel of FDA advisers voted unanimously in favor of drugmaker Perrigo’s request to sell its once-a-day medication over the counter. The recommendation came at the close of a two-day meeting focused on whether women could safely and effectively take the pill without professional supervision. A final FDA decision is expected this summer.If the agency follows the nonbinding recommendation, Perrigo’s drug, Opill, would become the first contraceptive pill to be moved out from behind the pharmacy counter onto store shelves. The company said sales could begin late this year if OK'd.The outside experts said they were mostly confident that women of all ages could use the drug appropriately without seeing a health provider first.“In the balance between benefit and risk, we’d have a hard time justifying not taking this action," said Maria Coyle, an Ohio State University pharmacist, who chaired the panel. “The drug is incredibly effective, and I think it will be effective in the over-the-counter realm just as it is in the prescription realm."The positive vote came despite numerous criticisms from FDA scientists about how Perrigo studied the drug, including questions about whether study participants were able to understand and follow labeling instructions.“We have an application with many complicated issues and uncertainties, including questionable reliability,” FDA’s Dr. Pamela Horn told panelists on Tuesday.But the panel largely set those concerns aside, emphasizing the benefits of providing more effective birth control, particularly to young people and lower-income groups, than what’s available over the counter now, like condoms and diaphragms.Most birth control pills used in the U.S. today contain a combination of progestin and estrogen. Opill is part of an older class of contraceptives that only contain progestin. They generally have fewer side effects and health risks but can be less effective if they’re not taken around the same time daily.FDA’s decision won’t apply to other birth control pills, only Opill, although advocates hope that an approval decision might push other drugmakers to seek over-the-counter sales. Birth control pills are available without a prescription across much of South America, Asia and Africa.Nonprescription medicines are usually cheaper, but generally not covered by insurance. Requiring insurers to cover over-the-counter birth control would require a regulatory change by the federal government.Opill was first approved in the U.S. five decades ago based on data showing it was more than 90% effective in preventing pregnancy when taken daily. But some women should not take it, particularly those with breast cancer, because of the risk that it could accelerate tumor growth. Women who have unusual vaginal bleeding are instructed to speak with a doctor before using it, because bleeding could indicate a serious health issue.But in reading comprehension studies conducted by Perrigo, 68% of women with unexplained bleeding incorrectly answered they could take the drug. And a few women with breast cancer also told researchers they could use Opill.Panel members said almost all women with a history of breast cancer would be under the care of a cancer specialist, who would advise them not to take hormonal drugs that could make their condition worse.“I would think any woman who had a breast cancer diagnosis in the past would be highly aware of that, so I don’t think that’s going to be a concern,” said Dr. Deborah Armstrong of Johns Hopkins University.Perrigo said its 880-patient study of the drug showed that women will consistently take the pill daily if it’s made available over-the-counter. But the FDA found several problems in the study, including more than 30% of participants who erroneously reported taking more pills than they were actually supplied. FDA reviewers said the problem called into question the company’s overall conclusions about the drug’s use and effectiveness.FDA regulators also suggested changes in U.S. demographics since the pill was first tested — including increased obesity and other chronic conditions— could reduce the drug’s effectiveness.Despite those concerns, Opill has the support of dozens of reproductive rights and medical groups that have long pushed for expanded access to birth control.“Opill over the counter would give us one more option for access and the more options that are available the better,” said Clare Coleman, president of the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health AssociationColeman was one of more than 25 speakers who supported Perrigo’s application during a public comment session Tuesday.Catholic groups, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, oppose the move, saying women should be evaluated by a doctor before getting it.Even if the pill is approved, it’s unclear how popular it might be. Opill has not been marketed in the U.S. since 2005 and was previously owned by Pfizer. Perrigo acquired the drug with its buyout of French drugmaker HRA Pharma last year.___

FDA panel backs over-the-counter sales of birth control pill

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas lawmaker who was convicted of 12 felonies for lying on applications for federal COVID-19 relief is trying to avoid spending any time in prison, with his attorney citing his Air Force service in a combat zone as one reason.

But prosecutors have asked a federal judge to sentence former Republican state Rep. Michael Capps, of Wichita, to four years and three months in prison. They have argued in court documents that he “continues to show neither remorse nor contrition" over stealing nearly $500,000 in funds meant to help businesses remain afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.

U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren scheduled Capps' sentencing for Thursday in Wichita.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-fraud-fc1c773c3abcc88eac1fe4a6f2f410aa">A jury convicted</a>&nbsp;the 45-year-old former lawmaker in December of four counts of wire fraud, four counts of money laundering, three counts of making false statements on loan applications and one count of bank fraud. The jury acquitted him of six charges, and another charge was dismissed before his trial.

In a court filing ahead of Thursday's hearing, Capps attorney Kurt Kerns described Capps as a “single father and disabled American veteran who has no criminal history” and called for a sentence of five years of probation.

But Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon argued prosecutors' sentencing memo that Capps had engaged in “goal-oriented deceit," using fake payroll numbers, employment data and revenue figures in filling out loan applications.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581011016098.png" alt="Rep. Michael Capps -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Michael Capps -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas lawmaker who was convicted of 12 felonies for lying on applications for federal COVID-19 relief is trying to avoid spending any time in prison, with his attorney citing his Air Force service in a combat zone as one reason.But prosecutors have asked a federal judge to sentence former Republican state Rep. Michael Capps, of Wichita, to four years and three months in prison. They have argued in court documents that he “continues to show neither remorse nor contrition" over stealing nearly $500,000 in funds meant to help businesses remain afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren scheduled Capps' sentencing for Thursday in Wichita.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-fraud-fc1c773c3abcc88eac1fe4a6f2f410aa">A jury convicted</a>&nbsp;the 45-year-old former lawmaker in December of four counts of wire fraud, four counts of money laundering, three counts of making false statements on loan applications and one count of bank fraud. The jury acquitted him of six charges, and another charge was dismissed before his trial.Capps served a single term in the Kansas House in 2019-20 and lost his 2020 Republican primary race.Prosecutors said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-small-business-kansas-wichita-fded927c30985c9c0b8c8a586d66423a">Capps filed forms inflating</a>&nbsp;the number of employees he had at two businesses and a sports foundation, then applied for loans to pay the nonexistent employees.In a court filing ahead of Thursday's hearing, Capps attorney Kurt Kerns described Capps as a “single father and disabled American veteran who has no criminal history” and called for a sentence of five years of probation.Capps served in the Air Force in Afghanistan and Pakistan for nearly seven months in 2001-02 under “harsh and dangerous combat conditions” and received multiple decorations, the defense filing said. Capps was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in 2018, the filing said, and the condition makes people more likely to engage in risky behavior.The defense filing also said Capps suffers from medical problems such as high blood pressure and would be “at a higher risk of death or serious illness” if he contracts COVID-19, which is more likely in prison.But Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon argued prosecutors' sentencing memo that Capps had engaged in “goal-oriented deceit," using fake payroll numbers, employment data and revenue figures in filling out loan applications.“This Court should reject the defendant's continued efforts to avoid responsibility, which signal his likelihood to persist in similar conduct in the future,” Gordon wrote.

Ex-Kan. legislator who committed COVID relief fraud seeks to avoid prison 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Officials in Missouri's largest city are moving to declare it a sanctuary for people seeking or providing gender-affirming care, defying state officials who are intent on banning it for minors and restricting it for adults.

A Kansas City Council committee approved such a resolution Wednesday. The full council will now consider it Thursday. The council members acted as the Republican-controlled Missouri Legislature gave final approval to a bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, sending it to GOP Gov. Mike Parson, who is expected to sign it into law. At least 16 other states have enacted laws restricting or banning such care for minors.

The resolution also comes as a judge considers a proposed emergency rule from Republican state Attorney General Andrew Bailey that would require adults and children to undergo more than a year of therapy and fulfill other requirements before they could receive gender-affirming treatment.

"This resolution is an entrance into a conversation and shows a commitment where trans people's presence in Kansas City is valued," Merrique Jenson, a transgender woman and founder of Transformations KC, a nonprofit that advocates for trans women of color, told the council committee. "It would minimize the legal violence toward trans people in accessing gender-affirming care."

The resolution, approved by the Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee after being proposed by LGTBQ advocates, says the city will not prosecute or fine any person or organization that seeks, provides, receives or helps someone receive gender-affirming care such as as puberty blockers, hormones or surgery.

It also says if the state passes a law or resolution that imposes criminal or civil punishments, fines, or professional sanctions in such cases, personnel in Missouri's largest city will make enforcing those requirements "their lowest priority."

During the committee's debate, council members agreed that Kansas City should be welcoming, but council member Heather Hall questioned whether the issue was "a city conversation," adding, "This is us getting out of our lane."

Council member Melissa Robinson had questions about how being a sanctuary city would "play out" and worried about "the damage that comes back to the city" from the state.

But she backed the resolution after saying, "I do believe in good trouble, and this might just be one of those lines of good trouble."

Kansas City's proposal is coming from a Democratic-leaning city in a state with a Republican governor and GOP-controlled Legislature. In Texas, the state capital of Austin declared last year that it should be considered a sanctuary for transgender youth and their families, and Harris County, home to Houston, declared it wouldn't pursue cases against parents over gender-affirming care.

California,Minnesota and Washington have declared themselves sanctuary states for gender-affirming care, as have the cities of Chicago; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and West Hollywood, California.

Republican state lawmakers across the U.S. who've attacked gender-affirming care as part of a larger effort to roll back LGBTQ+ rights have argued that they're protecting children from decisions they may later regret. But gender-affirming care for minors has been available in the U.S. for more than a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations.

The resolution also says city personnel will not arrest or detain anyone sought by another jurisdiction for seeking gender-affirming care, respond to requests for information from other jurisdictions, or collect any civil penalties in such cases.

Supporters noted that Kansas City's police force is controlled by a state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners and any possible criminal charges in gender-affirming cases would be filed by the county prosecutor rather than city prosecutors — both of which could make enforcing the resolution problematic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683748451184.png" alt="The resolution making Kansas City a sanctuary city for gender-affirming care was unanimously voted out of committee Wednesday. A large crowd attended the meeting. This legislation heads to the full Kansas City Council for a vote Thursday at 3p.m. Photo by Councilwoman Andrea Bough courtesy Justice Horn, chair of the LGBTQ Commission" />
 <figcaption>The resolution making Kansas City a sanctuary city for gender-affirming care was unanimously voted out of committee Wednesday. A large crowd attended the meeting. This legislation heads to the full Kansas City Council for a vote Thursday at 3p.m. Photo by Councilwoman Andrea Bough courtesy Justice Horn, chair of the LGBTQ Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA and MARGARET STAFFORDKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Officials in Missouri's largest city are moving to declare it a sanctuary for people seeking or providing gender-affirming care, defying state officials who are intent on banning it for minors and restricting it for adults.A Kansas City Council committee approved such a resolution Wednesday. The full council will now consider it Thursday. The council members acted as the Republican-controlled Missouri Legislature gave final approval to a bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, sending it to GOP Gov. Mike Parson, who is expected to sign it into law. At least 16 other states have enacted laws restricting or banning such care for minors.The resolution also comes as a judge considers a proposed emergency rule from Republican state Attorney General Andrew Bailey that would require adults and children to undergo more than a year of therapy and fulfill other requirements before they could receive gender-affirming treatment."This resolution is an entrance into a conversation and shows a commitment where trans people's presence in Kansas City is valued," Merrique Jenson, a transgender woman and founder of Transformations KC, a nonprofit that advocates for trans women of color, told the council committee. "It would minimize the legal violence toward trans people in accessing gender-affirming care."The resolution, approved by the Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee after being proposed by LGTBQ advocates, says the city will not prosecute or fine any person or organization that seeks, provides, receives or helps someone receive gender-affirming care such as as puberty blockers, hormones or surgery.It also says if the state passes a law or resolution that imposes criminal or civil punishments, fines, or professional sanctions in such cases, personnel in Missouri's largest city will make enforcing those requirements "their lowest priority."During the committee's debate, council members agreed that Kansas City should be welcoming, but council member Heather Hall questioned whether the issue was "a city conversation," adding, "This is us getting out of our lane."Council member Melissa Robinson had questions about how being a sanctuary city would "play out" and worried about "the damage that comes back to the city" from the state.But she backed the resolution after saying, "I do believe in good trouble, and this might just be one of those lines of good trouble."Kansas City's proposal is coming from a Democratic-leaning city in a state with a Republican governor and GOP-controlled Legislature. In Texas, the state capital of Austin declared last year that it should be considered a sanctuary for transgender youth and their families, and Harris County, home to Houston, declared it wouldn't pursue cases against parents over gender-affirming care.California,Minnesota and Washington have declared themselves sanctuary states for gender-affirming care, as have the cities of Chicago; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and West Hollywood, California.Republican state lawmakers across the U.S. who've attacked gender-affirming care as part of a larger effort to roll back LGBTQ+ rights have argued that they're protecting children from decisions they may later regret. But gender-affirming care for minors has been available in the U.S. for more than a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations.The resolution also says city personnel will not arrest or detain anyone sought by another jurisdiction for seeking gender-affirming care, respond to requests for information from other jurisdictions, or collect any civil penalties in such cases.Supporters noted that Kansas City's police force is controlled by a state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners and any possible criminal charges in gender-affirming cases would be filed by the county prosecutor rather than city prosecutors — both of which could make enforcing the resolution problematic.

KC is 1 vote from becoming sanctuary for gender-affirming care

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department has made an arrest and charges have been filed in connection to the May 3, murder of six-year-old, Sir-Antonio Brown.

Cassandra Sledge,18, a resident of Kansas City, Kansas was charged Wednesday in Wyandotte County with obstructing prosecution in the case. 

Charges are based on the fact that Sledge, who owns the vehicle suspects used to commit the murder, knowingly provided false statements to law enforcement to obstruct prosecution of the suspects. 

Sledge is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $40,000 bond.

“There is something seriously wrong with society when an individual will say or do anything to protect the killers of a six-year-old child,” Chief Karl Oakman, Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, said. 

“This can never be accepted in our community or any other place in America. We all need to examine our hearts and understand that this can no longer the norm."

"Others out there know who these individuals are. Little Sir-Antonio has all the support and resources from the KCKPD and our federal partners to bring these killers to justice.”

WYANDOTTE —The search continues for a suspect in the shooting May 3, in the 3100 block of Greeley Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas that took the life of a 6-year-old Sir'Antonio Brown who was playing in his front yard.

On May 4, police confirmed they had located the vehicle involved.

The attack, when it was still daylight, doesn't appear to have been a “random act,” police Maj. Violeta Magee told reporters at the scene.&nbsp;

Officers found the wounded boy in the front yard. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Magee said. Police found more than 30 shell casings at the scene.&nbsp;

Police haven't said whether they think more than one person was involved in the attack, or whether the intended target was the boy or the adult he was with.&nbsp;

 Anyone with info should call  TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683755832986.png" alt="Sledge-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Sledge-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department has made an arrest and charges have been filed in connection to the May 3, murder of six-year-old, Sir-Antonio Brown.Cassandra Sledge,18, a resident of Kansas City, Kansas was charged Wednesday in Wyandotte County with obstructing prosecution in the case. Charges are based on the fact that Sledge, who owns the vehicle suspects used to commit the murder, knowingly provided false statements to law enforcement to obstruct prosecution of the suspects. Sledge is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $40,000 bond.“There is something seriously wrong with society when an individual will say or do anything to protect the killers of a six-year-old child,” Chief Karl Oakman, Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, said. “This can never be accepted in our community or any other place in America. We all need to examine our hearts and understand that this can no longer the norm."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683336213432.png" alt="Sir-Antonio Brown- photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Sir-Antonio Brown- photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>"Others out there know who these individuals are. Little Sir-Antonio has all the support and resources from the KCKPD and our federal partners to bring these killers to justice.”---------WYANDOTTE —The search continues for a suspect in the shooting May 3, in the 3100 block of Greeley Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas that took the life of a 6-year-old Sir'Antonio Brown who was playing in his front yard.On May 4, police confirmed they had located the vehicle involved.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683195620849.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>The attack, when it was still daylight, doesn't appear to have been a “random act,” police Maj. Violeta Magee told reporters at the scene.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683195327042.png" alt="Photo KCK Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCK Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers found the wounded boy in the front yard. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Magee said. Police found more than 30 shell casings at the scene.&nbsp;Police haven't said whether they think more than one person was involved in the attack, or whether the intended target was the boy or the adult he was with.&nbsp; Anyone with info should call TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).--------

Woman jailed in connection with Kan. boy shot playing in front yard

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) — The Biden administration on Thursday will begin denying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/title-42-immigration-asylum-border-migrants-biden-f3a27b93a8082566b859ee34e92270e7">asylum to migrants</a>&nbsp;who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border without first applying online or seeking protection in a country they passed through. It marks a fundamental shift in immigration policy as the U.S. readies for the end of a key pandemic restriction.

Asylum seekers have been showing up at the border in huge numbers in anticipation of this week’s end of the use of a restriction&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-be4e0b15b27adb9bede87b9bbefb798d">known as Title 42.</a>&nbsp;That rule has allowed the government to quickly expel migrants to Mexico. U.S. officials warned of difficult days ahead as the program tied to the COVID-19 pandemic expires this week.

The rule announced Wednesday is part of new measures meant to crack down on illegal border crossings while creating new legal pathways. Families who cross the border will face curfews and monitoring; the head of household will wear an ankle bracelet as their cases are heard within 30 days.

But there’s also a plan to open 100 regional migration hubs across the Western Hemisphere and granting humanitarian parole to 30,000 people a month to enter the country from four countries. U.S. officials have detailed steps they’ve taken, including increasing deportation flights, as they prepare for what many are expecting to be a substantial increase in migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

“Our plan will deliver results, but it will take time for those results to be fully realized,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warned.

Many migrants, spurred by concerns that it may soon become harder to stay in the U.S., were trying to cross before Title 42 expires and the new rule takes effect at the end of the day Thursday.

Under Title 42, border officials have quickly returned people — and they did so 2.8 million times since March 2020. But after the restrictions expire Thursday, migrants caught crossing illegally will not be allowed to return for five years. They can face criminal prosecution if they do.

At the Rio Grande in Matamoros on Wednesday, migrants arrived steadily. Many stripped down before descending the steep riverbank grasping plastic bags filled with clothes. They slowly waded into the river as more migrants arrived, some crossing themselves before following the line across the flowing border. One family swaddled a tiny baby inside an open suitcase. A man held it atop his head while another waded beside him as a precaution. Other children rode on shoulders. On the U.S. side they scrambled up the bank, pausing to put on dry clothing, before carefully picking their way through the rows of concertina wire.

In Ciudad Juarez, migrants arrived this week in small groups by train or bus, leaving daily to surrender to the U.S. authorities.

Fran Tovar, a 30-year-old electrician from Venezuela who left two children behind to try to reach the U.S., was expelled from the U.S. on his first attempt. He was trying again 24 hours later, with the goal of crossing before Title 42’s use expires.

“There is fear and anguish,” Tovar said Wednesday, adding that he has spent three months in Juarez trying to get an appointment through an app the U.S. has encouraged migrants to use to present themselves at a border entry point and seek admission.

Roughly 10,000 people were apprehended by Border Patrol on Tuesday, among the largest apprehensions in a single day, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. More than 27,000 people were in custody. Custody numbers vary as migrants are released or deported, but in March 8,600 people were in Border Patrol custody.

Miguel Meza, the head of migrant programs for Catholic Relief Services, which has 26 migrant shelters across Mexico, estimated that about 55,000 migrants were in the border cities across from the U.S. on Wednesday. The shelter space is “saturated," he said, and migrants were spilling into areas around them.

The measure announced Wednesday is a key part of the U.S. strategy to address border crossings that rose to all-time highs even with Title 42 in effect. While stopping short of a total ban, it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-mexico-costa-rica-donald-trump-1a5a89459fb0b61f04f8500789b9b221">imposes severe limitations on asylum</a>&nbsp;for those crossing illegally who didn't first seek a legal pathway. It includes room for exceptions and does not apply to children traveling alone. It was first announced in February.

A federal appeals court prevented&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-ap-top-news-international-news-politics-latin-america-6bef9ed6c48b4c2ea203cbbea3ccacad">similar but stricter measures</a>&nbsp;pursued by then-President Donald Trump in 2019 from taking effect.

Human rights groups said they plan to sue quickly.

“This rule will subject people to grave harm,” said American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Katrina Eiland.

She said it would result in migrants stranded in northern Mexico. She said the rule was predicated on the idea migrants can get protection in another country or get an appointment online to seek asylum in the U.S. She said there are serious problems with both those options.

U.S. officials also said they planned to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-biden-asylum-75d8c0e67d5521fb48ac04f6bf017a49">open regional hubs around the hemisphere</a>, where migrants could apply to go to the U.S., Canada or Spain. Two hubs were previously announced in Guatemala and Colombia. It's unclear where the other locations would be. The administration officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing border plans that were not yet public.

Most of the people going to the U.S.-Mexico border are fleeing persecution or poverty in their home countries. Migrants and groups who work with them noted the swirl of rumors and disinformation from smugglers that makes it hard for migrants to understand what to do.

In Matamoros, Carmen Josefina Characo Lopez said she arrived over a month ago and had been trying to use the U.S. government's app to schedule an appointment to seek asylum.

“People who just arrive start hearing the stories of others who have been here longer and they start getting alarmed. ‘Oh, you’ve been here for four months. Well, I just got here and I’m going to cross.’ And that’s where the dilemma is,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683770770241.png" alt="National Guard troops installed razor wire along the Texas-Mexico border -photo Texas Gov. Greg Abbott" />
 <figcaption>National Guard troops installed razor wire along the Texas-Mexico border -photo Texas Gov. Greg Abbott</figcaption>
 </figure>CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) — The Biden administration on Thursday will begin denying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/title-42-immigration-asylum-border-migrants-biden-f3a27b93a8082566b859ee34e92270e7">asylum to migrants</a>&nbsp;who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border without first applying online or seeking protection in a country they passed through. It marks a fundamental shift in immigration policy as the U.S. readies for the end of a key pandemic restriction.Asylum seekers have been showing up at the border in huge numbers in anticipation of this week’s end of the use of a restriction&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-be4e0b15b27adb9bede87b9bbefb798d">known as Title 42.</a>&nbsp;That rule has allowed the government to quickly expel migrants to Mexico. U.S. officials warned of difficult days ahead as the program tied to the COVID-19 pandemic expires this week.The rule announced Wednesday is part of new measures meant to crack down on illegal border crossings while creating new legal pathways. Families who cross the border will face curfews and monitoring; the head of household will wear an ankle bracelet as their cases are heard within 30 days.But there’s also a plan to open 100 regional migration hubs across the Western Hemisphere and granting humanitarian parole to 30,000 people a month to enter the country from four countries. U.S. officials have detailed steps they’ve taken, including increasing deportation flights, as they prepare for what many are expecting to be a substantial increase in migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.“Our plan will deliver results, but it will take time for those results to be fully realized,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warned.Many migrants, spurred by concerns that it may soon become harder to stay in the U.S., were trying to cross before Title 42 expires and the new rule takes effect at the end of the day Thursday.Under Title 42, border officials have quickly returned people — and they did so 2.8 million times since March 2020. But after the restrictions expire Thursday, migrants caught crossing illegally will not be allowed to return for five years. They can face criminal prosecution if they do.At the Rio Grande in Matamoros on Wednesday, migrants arrived steadily. Many stripped down before descending the steep riverbank grasping plastic bags filled with clothes. They slowly waded into the river as more migrants arrived, some crossing themselves before following the line across the flowing border. One family swaddled a tiny baby inside an open suitcase. A man held it atop his head while another waded beside him as a precaution. Other children rode on shoulders. On the U.S. side they scrambled up the bank, pausing to put on dry clothing, before carefully picking their way through the rows of concertina wire.In Ciudad Juarez, migrants arrived this week in small groups by train or bus, leaving daily to surrender to the U.S. authorities.Fran Tovar, a 30-year-old electrician from Venezuela who left two children behind to try to reach the U.S., was expelled from the U.S. on his first attempt. He was trying again 24 hours later, with the goal of crossing before Title 42’s use expires.“There is fear and anguish,” Tovar said Wednesday, adding that he has spent three months in Juarez trying to get an appointment through an app the U.S. has encouraged migrants to use to present themselves at a border entry point and seek admission.Roughly 10,000 people were apprehended by Border Patrol on Tuesday, among the largest apprehensions in a single day, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. More than 27,000 people were in custody. Custody numbers vary as migrants are released or deported, but in March 8,600 people were in Border Patrol custody.Miguel Meza, the head of migrant programs for Catholic Relief Services, which has 26 migrant shelters across Mexico, estimated that about 55,000 migrants were in the border cities across from the U.S. on Wednesday. The shelter space is “saturated," he said, and migrants were spilling into areas around them.The measure announced Wednesday is a key part of the U.S. strategy to address border crossings that rose to all-time highs even with Title 42 in effect. While stopping short of a total ban, it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-mexico-costa-rica-donald-trump-1a5a89459fb0b61f04f8500789b9b221">imposes severe limitations on asylum</a>&nbsp;for those crossing illegally who didn't first seek a legal pathway. It includes room for exceptions and does not apply to children traveling alone. It was first announced in February.A federal appeals court prevented&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-ap-top-news-international-news-politics-latin-america-6bef9ed6c48b4c2ea203cbbea3ccacad">similar but stricter measures</a>&nbsp;pursued by then-President Donald Trump in 2019 from taking effect.Human rights groups said they plan to sue quickly.“This rule will subject people to grave harm,” said American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Katrina Eiland.She said it would result in migrants stranded in northern Mexico. She said the rule was predicated on the idea migrants can get protection in another country or get an appointment online to seek asylum in the U.S. She said there are serious problems with both those options.U.S. officials also said they planned to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-biden-asylum-75d8c0e67d5521fb48ac04f6bf017a49">open regional hubs around the hemisphere</a>, where migrants could apply to go to the U.S., Canada or Spain. Two hubs were previously announced in Guatemala and Colombia. It's unclear where the other locations would be. The administration officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing border plans that were not yet public.Most of the people going to the U.S.-Mexico border are fleeing persecution or poverty in their home countries. Migrants and groups who work with them noted the swirl of rumors and disinformation from smugglers that makes it hard for migrants to understand what to do.In Matamoros, Carmen Josefina Characo Lopez said she arrived over a month ago and had been trying to use the U.S. government's app to schedule an appointment to seek asylum.“People who just arrive start hearing the stories of others who have been here longer and they start getting alarmed. ‘Oh, you’ve been here for four months. Well, I just got here and I’m going to cross.’ And that’s where the dilemma is,” she said.___

US to limit asylum at Mexico border as COVID restrictions end

SHERIDAN COUNTY —Despite several tornado warnings, the storms on Wednesday evening in northwest Kansas only produced minor damage, heavy rain and some hail.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The sheriff's department in Sheridan County reported&nbsp;2 miles east of Selden where a tornado was observed by trained storm spotters there were two outer buildings&nbsp; hit and the winds removed the roof off of one and windows from farm machinery and vehicles were broken out. 

At least three irrigation sprinklers were overturned and several road signs were broke off and destroyed. There were no injuries reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;A Flood Watch has been issued for many areas of northwest Kansas for Thursday, May 11. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible, according to the weather service.

SHERIDAN COUNTY —Despite several tornado warnings, the storms on Wednesday evening in northwest Kansas only produced minor damage, heavy rain and some hail.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Torrential rainfall and pea sized hail — at NWS Goodland at 10:05 pm MDT on Wednesday May 10, 2023. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSwx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COwx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NEwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/GoOV6nu8y2">pic.twitter.com/GoOV6nu8y2</a>&mdash; NWS Goodland (@NWSGoodland) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSGoodland/status/1656514330731614209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The sheriff's department in Sheridan County reported&nbsp;2 miles east of Selden where a tornado was observed by trained storm spotters there were two outer buildings&nbsp; hit and the winds removed the roof off of one and windows from farm machinery and vehicles were broken out. At least three irrigation sprinklers were overturned and several road signs were broke off and destroyed. There were no injuries reported.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A Flood Watch has been issued for much of the area (counties shaded in green) for Thursday, May 11th. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. Avoid low lying or flood prone areas. If you encounter flooded roadways, turn around, don&#39;t drown! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COwx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSwx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NEwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/mT7Xa6Uq20">pic.twitter.com/mT7Xa6Uq20</a>&mdash; NWS Goodland (@NWSGoodland) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSGoodland/status/1656538701810499584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;A Flood Watch has been issued for many areas of northwest Kansas for Thursday, May 11. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible, according to the weather service.

Minor storm damage reported and much needed rain in NW Kansas

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —&nbsp; Staff with a wildlife rehabilitation organization in northeast Kansas are mourning the death of a bald eagle.

&nbsp;The eagle was injured in the April 19 tornado in Chase County, according to <a href="https://owl-online.org/">Operation Wildlife</a>.

A skilled surgeon worked several hours to repair a fractured ulna, radius of the right wing. The organization reported the surgery went well but the eagle was "a long ways from being out of the woods. There is infection which we're treating with antibiotics, the inside of the wing looked like hamburger, he was also weak and lost a lot of blood prior to getting to us."

On Wednesday,&nbsp;Diane Johnson RVT Executive Director <a href="https://owl-online.org/">Operation Wildlife</a> Inc., confirmed the eagle died. "When he came the wing was infected because it had been open to the elements for 5 days.&nbsp; He had also lost a lot of blood.&nbsp; &nbsp;We had him on antibiotics to fight the infection but he got septicemia and died."&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://owl-online.org/">&nbsp;Click here for more i</a>nformation on the work of Operation Wildlife.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683734806390.png" alt="Recovered eagle with immobilizer on-Photo Operation Wildlife" />
 <figcaption>Recovered eagle with immobilizer on-Photo Operation Wildlife</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —&nbsp; Staff with a wildlife rehabilitation organization in northeast Kansas are mourning the death of a bald eagle.&nbsp;The eagle was injured in the April 19 tornado in Chase County, according to <a href="https://owl-online.org/">Operation Wildlife</a>. A skilled surgeon worked several hours to repair a fractured ulna, radius of the right wing. The organization reported the surgery went well but the eagle was "a long ways from being out of the woods. There is infection which we're treating with antibiotics, the inside of the wing looked like hamburger, he was also weak and lost a lot of blood prior to getting to us."<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOperationWildlife%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02iQ2HeM2gPCLh8dQqPPrC9BaPNkF9KUFyokqEwXJrrSbVEHnqDF5Ywwt9FD2tYDNol&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>On Wednesday,&nbsp;Diane Johnson RVT Executive Director <a href="https://owl-online.org/">Operation Wildlife</a> Inc., confirmed the eagle died. "When he came the wing was infected because it had been open to the elements for 5 days.&nbsp; He had also lost a lot of blood.&nbsp; &nbsp;We had him on antibiotics to fight the infection but he got septicemia and died."&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://owl-online.org/">&nbsp;Click here for more i</a>nformation on the work of Operation Wildlife.