By DAVID SOLL <a href="https://theconversation.com/swelling-grocery-bills-are-pummeling-the-poorest-who-spend-over-a-quarter-of-their-incomes-on-food-186980">The Conversation</a>

The cost of eggs and bread is soaring – a trend that’s particularly punishing for the poorest Americans. 

Average food prices <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm">climbed an annualized rate of 10.4% in June</a>, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on July 13, 2022. The gains were driven primarily by the cost of groceries, which <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUSR0000SAF11#">jumped the most since the 1970s</a>, by 12.2%. Overall inflation was up 9.1% from a year earlier.

These sharp increases <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/06/10/1103995329/inflation-americans-spending-consumer-behavior-prices">have startled consumers</a>, in large part because food costs <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CPIUFDSL">had been rising moderately for decades</a>.

While all Americans have seen their grocery bills swell, many may not
 fully appreciate the enormous burden that rising food costs pose for 
low-income households. The reason is simple: Poor families spend a much 
larger share of their income on food than the median household. 

In 2020, the average middle-income American family <a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/gallery/chart-detail/?chartId=58372">spent roughly 12% of its earnings on food</a>. In sharp contrast, poor households spent 27% on food that year.

What explains this enormous discrepancy? The answer begins with a 
dramatic change in spending patterns among American households during 
the 20th century, which <a href="https://www.uwec.edu/profiles/solld/">I learned</a> while <a href="https://www.uwec.edu/files/7106/David-Soll-Authors-Celebration-2020-Poster.pdf">researching shifts in commuting practices</a>.

In the 1900s, the bare necessities of life, including food, were 
enormously expensive compared with today, leaving little room for 
spending on other goods or services for most Americans, according to a <a href="https://www.bls.gov/cex/csxhistorical.htm">2006 study</a> by the Department of Labor. On average, American families <a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2006/may/wk4/art05.htm">spent over 40% of their income</a> on food in 1901, 23% on housing and 14% on clothing.

But the relative cost of food and clothing decreased steadily over 
the next 100 years. By 2002, the two categories represented only 17.3% 
of a middle-class family’s expenditures and by 2020, the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/consumer-expenditures/2020/home.htm">figure had fallen to 14.2%</a>.

The sharp drop in the cost of food and clothing led to a massive 
reshuffling of family budgets over roughly the past century. As people 
reduced their spending on these items, they spent more on housing, 
transportation and insurance. As the country became wealthier, <a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2016/03/household-expenditures-and-income">discretionary spending increased</a>, too. Most Americans had more room in their budgets for eating out, televisions and entertainment.

This revolution in household spending largely excluded poor 
Americans, who continue to devote most of their income to feeding their 
families and other necessities like shelter. As a result, they are 
particularly vulnerable to spikes in food costs.

Low-income households devote more than twice as large a share of 
their budgets to food as middle-income households. As a result, food 
inflation is around twice as burdensome for families of limited means. 
But this actually understates the burden of high food costs on the poor 
because, <a href="https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/report-americans-cutting-back-on-discretionary-spending-because-of-inflation/article_349326e4-c59c-11ec-a095-57da6f173842.html">unlike middle-class families</a>, they have little discretionary spending they can pare back to free up funds for food.

American households <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/09/consumers-changing-eating-shopping-habits-as-inflation-pushes-up-price.html">are responding to soaring food inflation</a>
 by eating out less frequently, buying generic brands and consuming less
 meat. For many, it may be the first time they’ve ever had to be so 
careful about what they spent on food.

Poor families, however, have long been forced to deploy these tactics to keep food expenditures in check. 

<a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america">An estimated 38 million Americans</a>
 are food-insecure, meaning that they have insufficient means to obtain 
sufficient food. The concern is, with food inflation rising at the rate 
it is, more families will face the prospect of being unsure where their 
next meal is coming from.

David Soll is an Associate Professor of History and Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657824297211.jpg" alt="Courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SOLL <a href="https://theconversation.com/swelling-grocery-bills-are-pummeling-the-poorest-who-spend-over-a-quarter-of-their-incomes-on-food-186980">The Conversation</a>The cost of eggs and bread is soaring – a trend that’s particularly punishing for the poorest Americans. Average food prices <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm">climbed an annualized rate of 10.4% in June</a>, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on July 13, 2022. The gains were driven primarily by the cost of groceries, which <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUSR0000SAF11#">jumped the most since the 1970s</a>, by 12.2%. Overall inflation was up 9.1% from a year earlier. These sharp increases <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/06/10/1103995329/inflation-americans-spending-consumer-behavior-prices">have startled consumers</a>, in large part because food costs <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CPIUFDSL">had been rising moderately for decades</a>.While all Americans have seen their grocery bills swell, many may not
 fully appreciate the enormous burden that rising food costs pose for 
low-income households. The reason is simple: Poor families spend a much 
larger share of their income on food than the median household. In 2020, the average middle-income American family <a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/gallery/chart-detail/?chartId=58372">spent roughly 12% of its earnings on food</a>. In sharp contrast, poor households spent 27% on food that year. What explains this enormous discrepancy? The answer begins with a 
dramatic change in spending patterns among American households during 
the 20th century, which <a href="https://www.uwec.edu/profiles/solld/">I learned</a> while <a href="https://www.uwec.edu/files/7106/David-Soll-Authors-Celebration-2020-Poster.pdf">researching shifts in commuting practices</a>.In the 1900s, the bare necessities of life, including food, were 
enormously expensive compared with today, leaving little room for 
spending on other goods or services for most Americans, according to a <a href="https://www.bls.gov/cex/csxhistorical.htm">2006 study</a> by the Department of Labor. On average, American families <a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2006/may/wk4/art05.htm">spent over 40% of their income</a> on food in 1901, 23% on housing and 14% on clothing.But the relative cost of food and clothing decreased steadily over 
the next 100 years. By 2002, the two categories represented only 17.3% 
of a middle-class family’s expenditures and by 2020, the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/consumer-expenditures/2020/home.htm">figure had fallen to 14.2%</a>.The sharp drop in the cost of food and clothing led to a massive 
reshuffling of family budgets over roughly the past century. As people 
reduced their spending on these items, they spent more on housing, 
transportation and insurance. As the country became wealthier, <a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2016/03/household-expenditures-and-income">discretionary spending increased</a>, too. Most Americans had more room in their budgets for eating out, televisions and entertainment. This revolution in household spending largely excluded poor 
Americans, who continue to devote most of their income to feeding their 
families and other necessities like shelter. As a result, they are 
particularly vulnerable to spikes in food costs.Low-income households devote more than twice as large a share of 
their budgets to food as middle-income households. As a result, food 
inflation is around twice as burdensome for families of limited means. 
But this actually understates the burden of high food costs on the poor 
because, <a href="https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/report-americans-cutting-back-on-discretionary-spending-because-of-inflation/article_349326e4-c59c-11ec-a095-57da6f173842.html">unlike middle-class families</a>, they have little discretionary spending they can pare back to free up funds for food.American households <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/09/consumers-changing-eating-shopping-habits-as-inflation-pushes-up-price.html">are responding to soaring food inflation</a>
 by eating out less frequently, buying generic brands and consuming less
 meat. For many, it may be the first time they’ve ever had to be so 
careful about what they spent on food.Poor families, however, have long been forced to deploy these tactics to keep food expenditures in check. <a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america">An estimated 38 million Americans</a>
 are food-insecure, meaning that they have insufficient means to obtain 
sufficient food. The concern is, with food inflation rising at the rate 
it is, more families will face the prospect of being unsure where their 
next meal is coming from.David Soll is an Associate Professor of History and Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.<div><iframe src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/186980/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" width="1" height="1"></iframe></div>

Food costs pummeling the poor, who spend over a quarter of income on food

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secret Service agents deleted text messages sent and received around the Jan. 6, 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">attack on the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;even after an inspector general requested them as part of an investigation into the insurrection, the government watchdog has found.

The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, in a letter obtained by The Associated Press, said the messages between Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, 2021, were erased “as part of a device-replacement program.” The erasure came after the watchdog office requested records of electronic communications between the agents as part of its probe into events surrounding the Jan. 6 attack, the letter said.

Additionally, Homeland Security personnel were told they couldn’t provide records to the inspector general and any such records would first have to be reviewed by DHS attorneys.

“This review led to a weeks-long delays in OIG obtaining records and created confusion over whether all records had been produced,” states the letter, which was dated Wednesday and sent to leaders of the House and Senate Homeland Security committees.

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi objected to the letter Thursday night, saying: “The insinuation that the Secret Service maliciously deleted text messages following a request is false. In fact, the Secret Service has been fully cooperating with the OIG in every respect — whether it be interviews, documents, emails, or texts.”

He said the Secret Service had started to reset its mobile devices to factory settings in January 2021 “as part of a pre-planned, three-month system migration.” In that process, some data was lost.

The inspector general has first requested the electronic communications on Feb. 26, “after the migration was well under way,” Guglielmi said.

“The Secret Service notified DHS OIG of the loss of certain phones’ data, but confirmed to OIG that none of the texts it was seeking had been lost in the migration,” he said.

The allegation that officials at the inspector general’s office were not given timely access to the material because of a review by Homeland Security attorneys had been raised by the inspector general before and is also not true, he said.

“DHS has repeatedly and publicly debunked this allegation, including in response to OIG’s last two semi-annual reports to Congress,” Guglielmi added.

The agency said it provided a substantial number of emails and chat messages that included conversations and details related to Jan. 6 to the inspector general and said text messages from the Capitol Police requesting assistance on Jan. 6 were preserved and provided to the inspector general’s office.

The erasure of the messages is sure to raise new questions for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-ivanka-trump-biden-election-2020-elections-83fe7ee399bf9c374f8e90106dc2f93c">House panel</a>&nbsp;investigating the Jan. 6 attack, which has taken a renewed interest in the Secret Service following the dramatic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-elections-donald-trump-government-and-politics-04b8570726ca6ccb8713cf90594afee2">testimony of former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson</a>&nbsp;about former President Donald Trump’s actions the day of the insurrection.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-cassidy-hutchinson-205e494cea6fc8c91b548d83ebd82593">Hutchinson</a>&nbsp;recalled being told about a confrontation between Trump and his Secret Service detail as he angrily demanded to be driven to the Capitol, where his supporters would later breach the building. She also recalled overhearing Trump telling security officials to remove magnetometers for his rally on the Ellipse even though some of his supporters were armed.

That account, however, was quickly disputed by those agents. Robert Engel, the agent who was driving the presidential SUV, and Trump security official Tony Ornato are willing to testify under oath that no agent was assaulted and Trump never lunged for the steering wheel, a person familiar with the matter told the AP. The person would not discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The erasure of the text messages was first reported by&nbsp;<a href="https://theintercept.com/2022/07/14/jan-6-texts-deleted-secret-service/" target="_blank">The Intercept</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654808700580.png" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Secret Service agents deleted text messages sent and received around the Jan. 6, 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">attack on the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;even after an inspector general requested them as part of an investigation into the insurrection, the government watchdog has found.The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, in a letter obtained by The Associated Press, said the messages between Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, 2021, were erased “as part of a device-replacement program.” The erasure came after the watchdog office requested records of electronic communications between the agents as part of its probe into events surrounding the Jan. 6 attack, the letter said.Additionally, Homeland Security personnel were told they couldn’t provide records to the inspector general and any such records would first have to be reviewed by DHS attorneys.“This review led to a weeks-long delays in OIG obtaining records and created confusion over whether all records had been produced,” states the letter, which was dated Wednesday and sent to leaders of the House and Senate Homeland Security committees.Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi objected to the letter Thursday night, saying: “The insinuation that the Secret Service maliciously deleted text messages following a request is false. In fact, the Secret Service has been fully cooperating with the OIG in every respect — whether it be interviews, documents, emails, or texts.”He said the Secret Service had started to reset its mobile devices to factory settings in January 2021 “as part of a pre-planned, three-month system migration.” In that process, some data was lost.The inspector general has first requested the electronic communications on Feb. 26, “after the migration was well under way,” Guglielmi said.“The Secret Service notified DHS OIG of the loss of certain phones’ data, but confirmed to OIG that none of the texts it was seeking had been lost in the migration,” he said.The allegation that officials at the inspector general’s office were not given timely access to the material because of a review by Homeland Security attorneys had been raised by the inspector general before and is also not true, he said.“DHS has repeatedly and publicly debunked this allegation, including in response to OIG’s last two semi-annual reports to Congress,” Guglielmi added.The agency said it provided a substantial number of emails and chat messages that included conversations and details related to Jan. 6 to the inspector general and said text messages from the Capitol Police requesting assistance on Jan. 6 were preserved and provided to the inspector general’s office.The erasure of the messages is sure to raise new questions for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-ivanka-trump-biden-election-2020-elections-83fe7ee399bf9c374f8e90106dc2f93c">House panel</a>&nbsp;investigating the Jan. 6 attack, which has taken a renewed interest in the Secret Service following the dramatic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-elections-donald-trump-government-and-politics-04b8570726ca6ccb8713cf90594afee2">testimony of former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson</a>&nbsp;about former President Donald Trump’s actions the day of the insurrection.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-cassidy-hutchinson-205e494cea6fc8c91b548d83ebd82593">Hutchinson</a>&nbsp;recalled being told about a confrontation between Trump and his Secret Service detail as he angrily demanded to be driven to the Capitol, where his supporters would later breach the building. She also recalled overhearing Trump telling security officials to remove magnetometers for his rally on the Ellipse even though some of his supporters were armed.That account, however, was quickly disputed by those agents. Robert Engel, the agent who was driving the presidential SUV, and Trump security official Tony Ornato are willing to testify under oath that no agent was assaulted and Trump never lunged for the steering wheel, a person familiar with the matter told the AP. The person would not discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.The erasure of the text messages was first reported by&nbsp;<a href="https://theintercept.com/2022/07/14/jan-6-texts-deleted-secret-service/" target="_blank">The Intercept</a>.

Watchdog says Secret Service deleted Jan. 6 text messages

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are making every effort to dispel an online rumor involving a baby being taken from the hospital in Dodge City.

According to the Dodge City Police Facebook page, they have no report of a baby taken from Western Plains Regional Hospital.

According to Garden City police, this has been circulating in Garden City public groups as well and probably has appeared in groups across the country - just another way to cause panic and scam people. Stay vigilant, everyone.

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are making every effort to dispel an online rumor involving a baby being taken from the hospital in Dodge City.According to the Dodge City Police Facebook page, they have no report of a baby taken from Western Plains Regional Hospital.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDodgeCityPD%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0293JjmkGeDJtqzDJbXoySAB4aEh8yDhCymQZAoTxKomygTNMz1ksy5pLtWYGCivQ7l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="590" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>According to Garden City police, this has been circulating in Garden City public groups as well and probably has appeared in groups across the country - just another way to cause panic and scam people. Stay vigilant, everyone.

Police: No report of baby taken from Dodge City hospital

NEMAHA COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 6p.m. Thursday in Nemaha County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Toyota Camry driven by Irene&nbsp;Centeno-Fajarzo, 43, Topeka, was eastbound on 216th Road at Q Road attempting to pass a 2016 Chrysler 300 driven by Charles J.&nbsp;Kuenzi, 20, Sabetha.

Centeno-Fajarzo lost control of the Toyota and the driver's side wheels left the roadway.&nbsp; She overcorrected. The Toyota crossed 216th Road, struck the right rear bumper of the Chrysler, entered the south ditch and struck a wooden power pole.

Centeno-Fajarzo was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Frontier Forensics.&nbsp; EMS transported passengers in the Toyota&nbsp; Janier&nbsp;Montoya-Anguilar, 26, Topeka, to Stormont Vail and&nbsp; Gilbert&nbsp;Centeno, 19, Topeka, to Sabetha Community Hospital.&nbsp;Kuenzi was not injured.&nbsp;Centeno was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NEMAHA COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 6p.m. Thursday in Nemaha County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Toyota Camry driven by Irene&nbsp;Centeno-Fajarzo, 43, Topeka, was eastbound on 216th Road at Q Road attempting to pass a 2016 Chrysler 300 driven by Charles J.&nbsp;Kuenzi, 20, Sabetha.Centeno-Fajarzo lost control of the Toyota and the driver's side wheels left the roadway.&nbsp; She overcorrected. The Toyota crossed 216th Road, struck the right rear bumper of the Chrysler, entered the south ditch and struck a wooden power pole.Centeno-Fajarzo was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Frontier Forensics.&nbsp; EMS transported passengers in the Toyota&nbsp; Janier&nbsp;Montoya-Anguilar, 26, Topeka, to Stormont Vail and&nbsp; Gilbert&nbsp;Centeno, 19, Topeka, to Sabetha Community Hospital.&nbsp;Kuenzi was not injured.&nbsp;Centeno was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman dead, 2 men injured after car strikes power pole

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Trade 
Commission will sponsor a free webinar designed to help everyone 
recognize and combat tax scams and tax-related identity theft.

The webinar will also explain how any individual taxpayer can receive
 an added layer of identity protection by applying for an Identity 
Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) from the IRS.

The one-hour webinar will take place on Wednesday, July 20, at 2 p.m. 
Eastern Time. Open to all, the webinar will cover the following topics:

The webinar will be closed captioned and feature a question-and-answer session. To register for the webinar, visit the <a href="https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1148/45915">Internal Revenue Service Webinar Registration</a> page on IRS.gov. For questions about the webinar, send an email to <a href="mailto:cl.sl.web.conference.team@irs.gov">cl.sl.web.conference.team@irs.gov</a>.

Whether attending the webinar or not, anyone can get more information about recognizing and combating tax-related ID theft at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">IRS.gov/identitytheft</a>. To apply for an IP PIN or for more information about the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number program, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin">IRS.gov/ippin</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Trade 
Commission will sponsor a free webinar designed to help everyone 
recognize and combat tax scams and tax-related identity theft.The webinar will also explain how any individual taxpayer can receive
 an added layer of identity protection by applying for an Identity 
Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) from the IRS.The one-hour webinar will take place on Wednesday, July 20, at 2 p.m. 
Eastern Time. Open to all, the webinar will cover the following topics:<ul>
 <li>Common consumer and tax-related identity theft scams.</li><li>Methods for reporting and recovering from identity theft.</li><li>How identity thieves trick their victims into providing personally identifiable and financial information.</li><li>IRS's Identity Protection Personal Identification Number Program.</li><li>How to avoid unscrupulous tax return preparers.</li><li>Resources to protect against identity thieves.</li><li>How the Security Summit is working to protect taxpayers.</li>
 </ul>The webinar will be closed captioned and feature a question-and-answer session. To register for the webinar, visit the <a href="https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1148/45915">Internal Revenue Service Webinar Registration</a> page on IRS.gov. For questions about the webinar, send an email to <a href="mailto:cl.sl.web.conference.team@irs.gov">cl.sl.web.conference.team@irs.gov</a>.Whether attending the webinar or not, anyone can get more information about recognizing and combating tax-related ID theft at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">IRS.gov/identitytheft</a>. To apply for an IP PIN or for more information about the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number program, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin">IRS.gov/ippin</a>.

Free IRS/FTC webinar to focus on scams, ID theft and IP PINs

ALLEN COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas&nbsp;woman for methamphetamine-related and weapons charges.

Just after 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation , along with the Humboldt Police Department, and the Allen County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 507 Bridge St., Apt A6 in Humboldt, Kansas, according to the KBI. Officers found methamphetamine and a weapon.

Following the search, Cindy L. Reynolds, 54, of Humboldt, was arrested on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of narcotics with the intent to distribute, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal use of a weapon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657829291113.png" alt="Reynolds-photo Allen County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Reynolds-photo Allen County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>ALLEN COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas&nbsp;woman for methamphetamine-related and weapons charges.Just after 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation , along with the Humboldt Police Department, and the Allen County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 507 Bridge St., Apt A6 in Humboldt, Kansas, according to the KBI. Officers found methamphetamine and a weapon.Following the search, Cindy L. Reynolds, 54, of Humboldt, was arrested on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of narcotics with the intent to distribute, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal use of a weapon.

KBI: 54-year old Kansas woman accused of selling meth

COWLEY COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Thursday in Cowley County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1973 Ford Ranchero driven by Billy D. Watson, Jr, 72, Baxter Springs, was westbound on U.S. 166 in the construction zone. 

The Ford sideswiped a street sweeper, lost control and then struck a road mill.

Watson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home and Crematory. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657850058683.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Thursday in Cowley County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1973 Ford Ranchero driven by Billy D. Watson, Jr, 72, Baxter Springs, was westbound on U.S. 166 in the construction zone. The Ford sideswiped a street sweeper, lost control and then struck a road mill.Watson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home and Crematory. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after construction zone accident

KANSAS CITY (AP) — An elderly Missouri woman who removed her disabled daughter from a nursing home and stabbed her to death at a hotel has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Marjorie Theleman, 81, of Webster Groves, pleaded guilty earlier this month to second-degree murder in the November 2019 killing of 51-year-old Sharon Theleman.

The younger woman was found dead at a Holiday Inn Express in Fenton. Her mother left a note for housekeepers to explain her actions and instruct them to call police, prosecutors said.

Theleman took her daughter, who was mentally disabled, from the nursing home to the hotel and stabbed her with a knife, according to the charges. She also attempted to suffocate herself with a plastic bag, prosecutors said.

Her relatives&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-us-news-ap-top-news-michael-brown-st-louis-bac4cf0dc26d488894798d4b49008f08">said in 2019</a>&nbsp;that Marjorie Theleman believed she had dementia and killed her daughter so her two sons would not have to care for their sister.

Her lawyer, Scott Rosenblum, said his client is eligible for release in about two years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657745798011.png" alt="Theleman photo St. Louis Co. " />
 <figcaption>Theleman photo St. Louis Co. </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — An elderly Missouri woman who removed her disabled daughter from a nursing home and stabbed her to death at a hotel has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.Marjorie Theleman, 81, of Webster Groves, pleaded guilty earlier this month to second-degree murder in the November 2019 killing of 51-year-old Sharon Theleman.The younger woman was found dead at a Holiday Inn Express in Fenton. Her mother left a note for housekeepers to explain her actions and instruct them to call police, prosecutors said.Theleman took her daughter, who was mentally disabled, from the nursing home to the hotel and stabbed her with a knife, according to the charges. She also attempted to suffocate herself with a plastic bag, prosecutors said.Her relatives&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-us-news-ap-top-news-michael-brown-st-louis-bac4cf0dc26d488894798d4b49008f08">said in 2019</a>&nbsp;that Marjorie Theleman believed she had dementia and killed her daughter so her two sons would not have to care for their sister.Her lawyer, Scott Rosenblum, said his client is eligible for release in about two years.

Woman who killed disabled daughter is going to prison

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/14/big-ambitions-high-fives-and-the-ev-revolution-kansas-leaders-celebrate-panasonic-plant/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran was eager get back to Washington, 
D.C., after the announcement Wednesday night that Panasonic would 
partner with Kansas to “power the revolution” of electric vehicles.

He joined Gov. Laura Kelly and other officials who celebrated the 
announcement at the Townsite Tower ballroom in downtown Topeka, where 
they addressed a crowd of more than 200 politicians, lobbyists and 
business leaders.

“I’m anxious to return to Washington, D.C., because I’m going to 
experience a pat on the back, the handshake, the high five,” Moran said.
 “And it’s something I think our state has missed out on too often.”

With an $829.2 million incentive package and bipartisan enthusiasm, <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/13/kansas-wins-panasonic-competition-for-worlds-largest-vehicle-battery-manufacturing-plant/">Kansas persuaded Panasonic to build a $4 billion vehicle battery manufacturing plant in De Soto</a>.
 The facility will employ 4,000 workers with an average hourly wage of 
$30 and create an estimated 4,000 more jobs for suppliers and businesses
 in the region.

“Innovations happening right here in Kansas will accelerate the 
future of electric vehicles on a global scale,” Kelly said. “We will be 
the production epicenter for batteries that will power the increasing 
demand for EVs and a more sustainable world.”

Moran said one of the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic was the need
 for more manufacturing production in the United States. Panasonic’s 
investment is important for the country as well as Kansas, he said.

“This helps make us less dependent upon China,” Moran said. “It 
improves our job capabilities, and increases our national security. But 
to see my colleagues read in the Wall Street Journal, or see in the 
national news, that Kansas was selected, it highlights for me that 
places in this country that have been thought to be the most desirable 
have become a lot less so than Kansas, and we’ve been found.”

Kris Takamoto, the executive vice president of Panasonic’s North 
America division,&nbsp;said the facility in De Soto will expand battery 
production in the U.S. “at a time when the automotive industry is 
reinventing itself, and more batteries for EVs are desperately needed.”

Panasonic, Takamoto said, is “literally powering the revolution in the shift to electric vehicles.”

“With the people of Kansas, we will provide critical production 
capacity to one of the fastest-growing and most exciting industries in 
the world,” Takamoto said.

The investment is also part of the company’s strategy to reduce Co2 
emissions to net zero by 2030 and build products that are more energy 
efficient.

Takamoto said Panasonic emits 2.2 million tons of Co2 annually as a 
result of its business operations. Emissions from the company’s supply 
chain are estimated to be more than 110 million tons, or 1% of the total
 emissions from global electricity consumption, Takamoto said.

“We are proud of our innovations,” Takamoto said. “But those 
technologies will have little opportunity to improve people’s life if we
 don’t also protect our environment.”

Commerce secretary and Lt. Gov. David Toland said the governor 
outlined her vision for economic development when she took office three 
years ago.

“At the highest level, the governor’s directive meant that we would 
ground ourselves in the principle that economic development is about 
people — that young people shouldn’t have to leave our state after 
graduation for better economic opportunities in Dallas or Denver or 
Nashville, that people should know what incentives the state invested in
 the new company that’s coming to their town, that people should see 
real growth, not just companies moving a few blocks or a couple of 
miles.”

The administration’s framework for economic growth focused on quality
 of life, which led to historic investments in broadband and rural main 
streets.

Toland said he rebuilt his agency’s staff with “top-notch” 
professionals from the state and across the country, and reinvested in 
international recruitment.

“We shifted our focus from recruiting companies across a state line 
to recruiting companies across the international dateline,” Toland said.
 “And most importantly, the governor said that in the Kelly 
administration, we will not play small ball.”

The approach helped the state secure billions of dollars in new business investments in addition to the Panasonic deal.

“It’s clear Kansas is no longer an ‘aw shucks,’ humble sort of flyover state,” Toland said. “We can compete with anyone.”

Kelly, who grew up in a military family that moved around the world, 
told the crowd she wanted to share something that might surprise them.

She lived in Japan, she said, when she was very young, and her first language was actually Japanese.

The governor then stumbled through an attempt to deliver a message in
 Japanese — “I was saying this so well,” she said — before introducing 
Takamoto.

“You know, governor, your Japanese was perfect,” Takamoto said.

Kelly praised the cooperation between local governments, legislators,
 higher education institutions, utility partners, the congressional 
delegation and diplomatic teams that helped bring the deal together to 
build a facility big enough to transform	
    



	 the surrounding area, and even the entire state.

The state expects new jobs created as a result of this plant to 
generate $500 million in annual income, “helping more Kansas families 
create better lives for themselves and for their children,” Kelly said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657822171769.png" alt="Kris Takamoto, the executive vice president of Panasonic’s North America division, says the company is proud of its innovations, “but those technologies will have little opportunity to improve people’s life if we don’t also protect our environment.” (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kris Takamoto, the executive vice president of Panasonic’s North America division, says the company is proud of its innovations, “but those technologies will have little opportunity to improve people’s life if we don’t also protect our environment.” (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/14/big-ambitions-high-fives-and-the-ev-revolution-kansas-leaders-celebrate-panasonic-plant/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran was eager get back to Washington, 
D.C., after the announcement Wednesday night that Panasonic would 
partner with Kansas to “power the revolution” of electric vehicles.He joined Gov. Laura Kelly and other officials who celebrated the 
announcement at the Townsite Tower ballroom in downtown Topeka, where 
they addressed a crowd of more than 200 politicians, lobbyists and 
business leaders.“I’m anxious to return to Washington, D.C., because I’m going to 
experience a pat on the back, the handshake, the high five,” Moran said.
 “And it’s something I think our state has missed out on too often.”With an $829.2 million incentive package and bipartisan enthusiasm, <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/13/kansas-wins-panasonic-competition-for-worlds-largest-vehicle-battery-manufacturing-plant/">Kansas persuaded Panasonic to build a $4 billion vehicle battery manufacturing plant in De Soto</a>.
 The facility will employ 4,000 workers with an average hourly wage of 
$30 and create an estimated 4,000 more jobs for suppliers and businesses
 in the region.“Innovations happening right here in Kansas will accelerate the 
future of electric vehicles on a global scale,” Kelly said. “We will be 
the production epicenter for batteries that will power the increasing 
demand for EVs and a more sustainable world.”Moran said one of the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic was the need
 for more manufacturing production in the United States. Panasonic’s 
investment is important for the country as well as Kansas, he said.“This helps make us less dependent upon China,” Moran said. “It 
improves our job capabilities, and increases our national security. But 
to see my colleagues read in the Wall Street Journal, or see in the 
national news, that Kansas was selected, it highlights for me that 
places in this country that have been thought to be the most desirable 
have become a lot less so than Kansas, and we’ve been found.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657822225790.png" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran addresses a crowd gathered in downtown Topeka for the announcement that Panasonic will build a $4 billion vehicle battery plant in De Soto. Moran said the news will bring recognition to Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran addresses a crowd gathered in downtown Topeka for the announcement that Panasonic will build a $4 billion vehicle battery plant in De Soto. Moran said the news will bring recognition to Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘Critical production capacity’</h2>Kris Takamoto, the executive vice president of Panasonic’s North 
America division,&nbsp;said the facility in De Soto will expand battery 
production in the U.S. “at a time when the automotive industry is 
reinventing itself, and more batteries for EVs are desperately needed.”Panasonic, Takamoto said, is “literally powering the revolution in the shift to electric vehicles.”“With the people of Kansas, we will provide critical production 
capacity to one of the fastest-growing and most exciting industries in 
the world,” Takamoto said.The investment is also part of the company’s strategy to reduce Co2 
emissions to net zero by 2030 and build products that are more energy 
efficient.Takamoto said Panasonic emits 2.2 million tons of Co2 annually as a 
result of its business operations. Emissions from the company’s supply 
chain are estimated to be more than 110 million tons, or 1% of the total
 emissions from global electricity consumption, Takamoto said.“We are proud of our innovations,” Takamoto said. “But those 
technologies will have little opportunity to improve people’s life if we
 don’t also protect our environment.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657822263156.png" alt="Lt. Gov. David Toland, who also serves as commerce secretary, says the state has shifted its focus from recruiting companies across a state line to recruiting companies across the international dateline. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Lt. Gov. David Toland, who also serves as commerce secretary, says the state has shifted its focus from recruiting companies across a state line to recruiting companies across the international dateline. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘Compete with anyone’</h2>Commerce secretary and Lt. Gov. David Toland said the governor 
outlined her vision for economic development when she took office three 
years ago.“At the highest level, the governor’s directive meant that we would 
ground ourselves in the principle that economic development is about 
people — that young people shouldn’t have to leave our state after 
graduation for better economic opportunities in Dallas or Denver or 
Nashville, that people should know what incentives the state invested in
 the new company that’s coming to their town, that people should see 
real growth, not just companies moving a few blocks or a couple of 
miles.”The administration’s framework for economic growth focused on quality
 of life, which led to historic investments in broadband and rural main 
streets.Toland said he rebuilt his agency’s staff with “top-notch” 
professionals from the state and across the country, and reinvested in 
international recruitment.“We shifted our focus from recruiting companies across a state line 
to recruiting companies across the international dateline,” Toland said.
 “And most importantly, the governor said that in the Kelly 
administration, we will not play small ball.”The approach helped the state secure billions of dollars in new business investments in addition to the Panasonic deal.“It’s clear Kansas is no longer an ‘aw shucks,’ humble sort of flyover state,” Toland said. “We can compete with anyone.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657822307366.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly answers reporters’ questions following her announcement of the Panasonic deal on July 13, 2022, at the Townsite Tower ballroom in downtown Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly answers reporters’ questions following her announcement of the Panasonic deal on July 13, 2022, at the Townsite Tower ballroom in downtown Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘Create better lives’</h2>Kelly, who grew up in a military family that moved around the world, 
told the crowd she wanted to share something that might surprise them.She lived in Japan, she said, when she was very young, and her first language was actually Japanese.The governor then stumbled through an attempt to deliver a message in
 Japanese — “I was saying this so well,” she said — before introducing 
Takamoto.“You know, governor, your Japanese was perfect,” Takamoto said.Kelly praised the cooperation between local governments, legislators,
 higher education institutions, utility partners, the congressional 
delegation and diplomatic teams that helped bring the deal together to 
build a facility big enough to transform	
 

	 the surrounding area, and even the entire state.The state expects new jobs created as a result of this plant to 
generate $500 million in annual income, “helping more Kansas families 
create better lives for themselves and for their children,” Kelly said.

Kansas leaders celebrate $4 billion Panasonic plant

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Testimony in Jefferson County Court in Louisville, Kentucky, Thursday afternoon told of the horrific accident that involved Trey Jones, his wife, Amy, and their two children, Ava and Creek.

Thirty-three-year-old Michael Hurley is now charged with murder in the death of Trey Jones, two counts of first-degree aggravated assault and one count of fourth-degree aggravated assault.&nbsp;

According to television station WDRB in Louisville, during a pretrial hearing on Thursday, the court heard testimony from Louisville Metro Police Department officer Rondall Carpenter, who provided new information about the extent of the victims' injuries.

Ava Jones suffered a broken back and has undergone several surgeries to relieve a brain bleed. Her mother sustained severe traumatic brain injuries and has undergone several surgeries on her leg. Both women remain in critical condition, according to UofL Health, but according to Hunter Jones, Trey Jones' eldest son who was not involved in the crash, they have regained consciousness and are no longer on ventilators.

Video played during the hearing shows the aftermath of the crash. In the video, Hurley does not get out of the car immediately to check on the victims. The video shows him stepping over a victim several times without checking on her. A bystander takes a shirt from him and appears to use it to try to stop the bleeding. At that point, Hurley opens his trunk to get another shirt and sit on the back of his car.

Carpenter testified Thursday that Hurley told officers he woke up at 3:40 that morning and had his dad drive him to work because he knew he shouldn't drive on Hydrocodone. He arrived home from work at about 4:30 p.m. and took another Hydrocodone at about 5 p.m.

Shortly after that, Hurley said he was driving back to Louisville for another job, but realized he'd be late, so he decided to drive back home — and that's when the crash occurred. A street camera captured him swerving a couple of times before he stopped and was almost rear-ended by another car.

As Hurley approached Third Street, he ran a red light. From there, the video shows him drifting from the third lane, crossing the intersection, jumping the curb and hitting the family. He then drove on the sidewalk for about 30 yards before he came to a stop, according to the video.

Investigators said Thursday there was no alcohol in Hurley's system, but his pupils were pinpoints that would not react to light — an indicator of being under the influence of a narcotic. His arms had several track marks, according to police.

Hurley remains jailed on a bond of $500,000. His next court appearance is tentatively set for Aug. 8.

Our sincere thanks to Christie Battista and WDRB television in Louisville for their assistance in our coverage of this continuing story.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657310781672.jpeg" alt="Trey, Ava and Amy Jones" />
 <figcaption>Trey, Ava and Amy Jones</figcaption>
 </figure>LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Testimony in Jefferson County Court in Louisville, Kentucky, Thursday afternoon told of the horrific accident that involved Trey Jones, his wife, Amy, and their two children, Ava and Creek.Thirty-three-year-old Michael Hurley is now charged with murder in the death of Trey Jones, two counts of first-degree aggravated assault and one count of fourth-degree aggravated assault.&nbsp;According to television station WDRB in Louisville, during a pretrial hearing on Thursday, the court heard testimony from Louisville Metro Police Department officer Rondall Carpenter, who provided new information about the extent of the victims' injuries.Ava Jones suffered a broken back and has undergone several surgeries to relieve a brain bleed. Her mother sustained severe traumatic brain injuries and has undergone several surgeries on her leg. Both women remain in critical condition, according to UofL Health, but according to Hunter Jones, Trey Jones' eldest son who was not involved in the crash, they have regained consciousness and are no longer on ventilators.Video played during the hearing shows the aftermath of the crash. In the video, Hurley does not get out of the car immediately to check on the victims. The video shows him stepping over a victim several times without checking on her. A bystander takes a shirt from him and appears to use it to try to stop the bleeding. At that point, Hurley opens his trunk to get another shirt and sit on the back of his car.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657123638963.jpeg" alt="Michael Hurley-photo Louisville Metro Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Michael Hurley-photo Louisville Metro Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>Carpenter testified Thursday that Hurley told officers he woke up at 3:40 that morning and had his dad drive him to work because he knew he shouldn't drive on Hydrocodone. He arrived home from work at about 4:30 p.m. and took another Hydrocodone at about 5 p.m.Shortly after that, Hurley said he was driving back to Louisville for another job, but realized he'd be late, so he decided to drive back home — and that's when the crash occurred. A street camera captured him swerving a couple of times before he stopped and was almost rear-ended by another car.As Hurley approached Third Street, he ran a red light. From there, the video shows him drifting from the third lane, crossing the intersection, jumping the curb and hitting the family. He then drove on the sidewalk for about 30 yards before he came to a stop, according to the video.Investigators said Thursday there was no alcohol in Hurley's system, but his pupils were pinpoints that would not react to light — an indicator of being under the influence of a narcotic. His arms had several track marks, according to police.Hurley remains jailed on a bond of $500,000. His next court appearance is tentatively set for Aug. 8.Our sincere thanks to Christie Battista and WDRB television in Louisville for their assistance in our coverage of this continuing story.

Testimony gives details of fatal DUI accident involving Kan. family

NEW YORK (AP) — Ivana Trump, the 73-year-old first wife of Donald Trump, has died in New York City, the former president announced on social media Thursday.

“I am very saddened to inform all of those that loved her, of which there are many, that Ivana Trump has passed away at her home in New York City,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “She was a wonderful, beautiful, and amazing woman, who led a great and inspirational life. Her pride and joy were her three children, Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. She was so proud of them, as we were all so proud of her. Rest In Peace, Ivana!”

The Trump family also released a statement. "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Ivana Trump. Our mother was an incredible woman — a force in business, a world-class athlete, a radiant beauty, and caring mother and friend. Ivana Trump was a survivor.

“She fled from communism and embraced this country,” the statement continued. “She taught her children about grit and toughness, compassion and determination. She will be dearly missed by her mother, her three children and ten grandchildren.”

The Trumps were a publicity power couple in New York in the 1980s and 1990s before their equally public, and messy, divorce after Donald Trump met his next wife, Marla Maples. But in recent years, Ivana Trump had been on good terms with her former husband. She wrote in a 2017 book that they spoke about once a week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657828612262.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Ivana Trump, the 73-year-old first wife of Donald Trump, has died in New York City, the former president announced on social media Thursday.“I am very saddened to inform all of those that loved her, of which there are many, that Ivana Trump has passed away at her home in New York City,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “She was a wonderful, beautiful, and amazing woman, who led a great and inspirational life. Her pride and joy were her three children, Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. She was so proud of them, as we were all so proud of her. Rest In Peace, Ivana!”The Trump family also released a statement. "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Ivana Trump. Our mother was an incredible woman — a force in business, a world-class athlete, a radiant beauty, and caring mother and friend. Ivana Trump was a survivor.“She fled from communism and embraced this country,” the statement continued. “She taught her children about grit and toughness, compassion and determination. She will be dearly missed by her mother, her three children and ten grandchildren.”The Trumps were a publicity power couple in New York in the 1980s and 1990s before their equally public, and messy, divorce after Donald Trump met his next wife, Marla Maples. But in recent years, Ivana Trump had been on good terms with her former husband. She wrote in a 2017 book that they spoke about once a week.

Ivana Trump, first wife of former president, has died

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has received $83.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds for projects that are expected to connect more than 21,000 homes and businesses to high-speed internet service, federal officials announced Thursday.

The money for Kansas is part of $10 billion in funds for capital improvement projects for states, territories and Native American tribal governments, the U.S. Treasury Department said. The projects are supposed to allow them to monitor health, work and education.

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, who represents a Kansas district covering much of the Kansas City area, said 173,000 Kansas residents lack home broadband service and 307,000 don't have access to reliable internet service.

“This federal funding will help close the digital gap and keep our communities connected," Davids said in a statement.

The money will be distributed through a competitive grant program overseen by the state Department of Commerce.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611861480540.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has received $83.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds for projects that are expected to connect more than 21,000 homes and businesses to high-speed internet service, federal officials announced Thursday.The money for Kansas is part of $10 billion in funds for capital improvement projects for states, territories and Native American tribal governments, the U.S. Treasury Department said. The projects are supposed to allow them to monitor health, work and education.U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, who represents a Kansas district covering much of the Kansas City area, said 173,000 Kansas residents lack home broadband service and 307,000 don't have access to reliable internet service.“This federal funding will help close the digital gap and keep our communities connected," Davids said in a statement.The money will be distributed through a competitive grant program overseen by the state Department of Commerce.

Kansas receives $83.5M to expand high-speed internet service

WASHINGTON (AP) —<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pharmacies-guidance.pdf">The Biden administration is warning pharmacies</a>&nbsp;not to discriminate against women who may seek reproductive health prescriptions, including some that might be involved in ending a pregnancy.

The Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday that pharmacies receiving federal money from programs such as Medicare and Medicaid cannot discriminate in how they supply medications or advise patients on prescriptions.

The agency noted that discrimination against people based on their pregnancy or related conditions would be a form of sex discrimination.

The announcement comes as the administration seeks to ensure reproductive health services for women following last month’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;that ended a constitutional right to abortion.

On Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-government-and-politics-4221f9306a596904b9af2e0d1fad23b9">the administration told hospitals that they “must” provide abortion services</a>&nbsp;if the life of the mother is at risk. The government said federal law on emergency treatment guidelines preempts state laws in jurisdictions that now ban the procedure without any exceptions. Now, all states provide an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-ruling-states-a767801145ad01617100e57410a0a21d">exception for the life of the mother</a>.

President Joe Biden also has signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-government-and-politics-0e6496122de46f1039cbb2b5145d6d60">executive order</a>&nbsp;to try to protect some access to the procedure, but he also has acknowledged that his administration is limited in what it can do. He noted earlier this month that an act of Congress would be required to restore nationwide access to abortion services, and he has urged Americans angered by the Supreme Court's ruling to vote in November.

Wednesday’s actions, like those outlined Monday, do not reflect new policy. They aim to remind care providers of their existing obligations under federal law.

“We are committed to ensuring that everyone can access health care, free of discrimination,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “This includes access to prescription medications for reproductive health and other types of care.”

The department's guidance to pharmacies outlined several hypothetical examples of potential discrimination. They include a pharmacy that refuses to fill a prescription of mifepristone followed by misoprostol to help manage complications from a miscarriage after a pregnancy loss.

That combination of drugs also is commonly used in medication abortions.

A pharmacy that refuses to fill a prescription of misoprostol prescribed to help deal with severe stomach ulcer complications may be discriminating based on disability, HHS said. The agency noted that the pharmacy also may be discriminating if it refuses to stock the drug based on its alternate use.

HHS also cited as another example of potential discrimination: a pharmacy that refuses to fill a prescription for methotrexate to halt an ectopic pregnancy, which grows outside the womb and is not viable.

The federal agency said people who believe their rights have been violated should visit an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints/index.html">online portal</a>&nbsp;for the Office for Civil Rights to file a complaint.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657297877179.png" alt="President Biden also has signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-government-and-politics-0e6496122de46f1039cbb2b5145d6d60">executive order</a>&nbsp;to try to protect some access to abortion-White House Photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden also has signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-government-and-politics-0e6496122de46f1039cbb2b5145d6d60">executive order</a>&nbsp;to try to protect some access to abortion-White House Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pharmacies-guidance.pdf">The Biden administration is warning pharmacies</a>&nbsp;not to discriminate against women who may seek reproductive health prescriptions, including some that might be involved in ending a pregnancy.The Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday that pharmacies receiving federal money from programs such as Medicare and Medicaid cannot discriminate in how they supply medications or advise patients on prescriptions.The agency noted that discrimination against people based on their pregnancy or related conditions would be a form of sex discrimination.The announcement comes as the administration seeks to ensure reproductive health services for women following last month’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;that ended a constitutional right to abortion.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Under President Biden’s Executive Order on reproductive health care, this Administration is taking action to provide tangible protections for women across the U.S. – regardless of their state’s abortion bans – whose lives or health may depend on receiving emergency abortion care. <a href="https://t.co/rw6Jyo1WXi">pic.twitter.com/rw6Jyo1WXi</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1547385321972719617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-government-and-politics-4221f9306a596904b9af2e0d1fad23b9">the administration told hospitals that they “must” provide abortion services</a>&nbsp;if the life of the mother is at risk. The government said federal law on emergency treatment guidelines preempts state laws in jurisdictions that now ban the procedure without any exceptions. Now, all states provide an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-ruling-states-a767801145ad01617100e57410a0a21d">exception for the life of the mother</a>.President Joe Biden also has signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-government-and-politics-0e6496122de46f1039cbb2b5145d6d60">executive order</a>&nbsp;to try to protect some access to the procedure, but he also has acknowledged that his administration is limited in what it can do. He noted earlier this month that an act of Congress would be required to restore nationwide access to abortion services, and he has urged Americans angered by the Supreme Court's ruling to vote in November.Wednesday’s actions, like those outlined Monday, do not reflect new policy. They aim to remind care providers of their existing obligations under federal law.“We are committed to ensuring that everyone can access health care, free of discrimination,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “This includes access to prescription medications for reproductive health and other types of care.”The department's guidance to pharmacies outlined several hypothetical examples of potential discrimination. They include a pharmacy that refuses to fill a prescription of mifepristone followed by misoprostol to help manage complications from a miscarriage after a pregnancy loss.That combination of drugs also is commonly used in medication abortions.A pharmacy that refuses to fill a prescription of misoprostol prescribed to help deal with severe stomach ulcer complications may be discriminating based on disability, HHS said. The agency noted that the pharmacy also may be discriminating if it refuses to stock the drug based on its alternate use.HHS also cited as another example of potential discrimination: a pharmacy that refuses to fill a prescription for methotrexate to halt an ectopic pregnancy, which grows outside the womb and is not viable.The federal agency said people who believe their rights have been violated should visit an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints/index.html">online portal</a>&nbsp;for the Office for Civil Rights to file a complaint.

Biden admin. warns pharmacies on reproductive health prescriptions

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE —A Kansas man was arrested after a woman's car was burgled early Wednesday morning in north Salina.

The 38-year-old woman told police that at approximately 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, she had gotten into a verbal argument with a man she knew only as "Greg" in a parking lot near the 100 block of N. Wisconsin Street in Salina.

Cameron said that as she was leaving town a bit later, she realized that her Gold Smoke vape pen was missing from her Honda Civic, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

A check of her car revealed that a Razer laptop and a Bluetooth device also were missing. Total loss was estimated at $2,385. Cameron told police that she inadvertently left the car unlocked.

Forrester said a neighbor had surveillance video showing a man entering Cameron's car. An officer was able to identify the man as Gregory Dyrness, 29, of Salina.

Police located Dyrness at his apartment in the 100 block of N. Wisconsin Street and arrested him on a requested charge of vehicle burglary, Forrester said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657812444780.jpeg" alt="Dyrness&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Dyrness&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE —A Kansas man was arrested after a woman's car was burgled early Wednesday morning in north Salina.The 38-year-old woman told police that at approximately 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, she had gotten into a verbal argument with a man she knew only as "Greg" in a parking lot near the 100 block of N. Wisconsin Street in Salina.Cameron said that as she was leaving town a bit later, she realized that her Gold Smoke vape pen was missing from her Honda Civic, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.A check of her car revealed that a Razer laptop and a Bluetooth device also were missing. Total loss was estimated at $2,385. Cameron told police that she inadvertently left the car unlocked.Forrester said a neighbor had surveillance video showing a man entering Cameron's car. An officer was able to identify the man as Gregory Dyrness, 29, of Salina.Police located Dyrness at his apartment in the 100 block of N. Wisconsin Street and arrested him on a requested charge of vehicle burglary, Forrester said.

Police: Surveillance video helps catch Kan. car burglary suspect

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a Thursday morning fire that severely damaged a Kansas City-area church.

Just after 12:30 a.m., crews responded to Impact Church, 13129 U.S. 71 Highway in Grandview, according to a media release.

The church was already engulfed in flames and the roof was sagging when fire crews first arrived. There were no injuries reported.

The building the church has as called home for five years was destroyed in the fire, according to a social media report from the church. The NAM Church Plant was on its 5th year <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/church-fire-relocation?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer">when this devastation occurred.</a> "The store front on the South outer road of 71 Highway and everything church related in it is no more."

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657809929091.png" alt="Cause of the fire is under investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Cause of the fire is under investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a Thursday morning fire that severely damaged a Kansas City-area church.Just after 12:30 a.m., crews responded to Impact Church, 13129 U.S. 71 Highway in Grandview, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657814548523.png" alt="GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>The church was already engulfed in flames and the roof was sagging when fire crews first arrived. There were no injuries reported.The building the church has as called home for five years was destroyed in the fire, according to a social media report from the church. The NAM Church Plant was on its 5th year <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/church-fire-relocation?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer">when this devastation occurred.</a> "The store front on the South outer road of 71 Highway and everything church related in it is no more."Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Fire destroys Kansas City-area church 

WICHITA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly joined the Kansas Black Leadership Council and other community leaders on Wednesday at a luncheon in Wichita to recognize them for the work they have done to advocate for Black Kansans, according to a media release from her office.

Governor Kelly spoke to the importance of voting rights, civil rights, and health care – all of which she has continuously championed throughout her time in public service.&nbsp;

“It was a pleasure to join the Kansas Black Leadership Council and Wichita community leaders to discuss why we must continue our work to expand health care, protect&nbsp;civil rights, and keep voting free, fair, and accessible,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly.&nbsp;“I’m looking forward to continuing our partnership as we strive for greater racial justice and equity in Kansas.”&nbsp;

Last year, Governor Kelly announced an agreement between a coalition of civil right agencies and the State of Kansas that Kansans will now have expanded opportunities to register to vote or update their voter&nbsp;registration in compliance with the National Voter Registration Act. In addition, she&nbsp;formed the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice&nbsp;to&nbsp;advance&nbsp;the state&nbsp;in the areas of law enforcement, policing, education, economic systems, and health care.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657741349340.png" alt="&nbsp;Governor Kelly spoke to the importance of voting rights, civil rights, and health care-courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Governor Kelly spoke to the importance of voting rights, civil rights, and health care-courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly joined the Kansas Black Leadership Council and other community leaders on Wednesday at a luncheon in Wichita to recognize them for the work they have done to advocate for Black Kansans, according to a media release from her office.Governor Kelly spoke to the importance of voting rights, civil rights, and health care – all of which she has continuously championed throughout her time in public service.&nbsp;“It was a pleasure to join the Kansas Black Leadership Council and Wichita community leaders to discuss why we must continue our work to expand health care, protect&nbsp;civil rights, and keep voting free, fair, and accessible,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly.&nbsp;“I’m looking forward to continuing our partnership as we strive for greater racial justice and equity in Kansas.”&nbsp;Last year, Governor Kelly announced an agreement between a coalition of civil right agencies and the State of Kansas that Kansans will now have expanded opportunities to register to vote or update their voter&nbsp;registration in compliance with the National Voter Registration Act. In addition, she&nbsp;formed the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice&nbsp;to&nbsp;advance&nbsp;the state&nbsp;in the areas of law enforcement, policing, education, economic systems, and health care.&nbsp;

Kan. Black Leadership Council hears from Gov. on voting rights, health care 

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —A 23-year-old man has pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to a street car stunt incident in the middle of Interstate 70 in June, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Noah D. Miller pleaded guilty to Assault 2nd Degree and Hindering the Prosecution of a Felony. He will serve 30 days shock time and be placed on probation for 5 years. He will also need to comply with&nbsp;special conditions including no involvement with street racing and making restitution to the victim.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to court records, Miller was one of two Kansas City-area men who were doing car stunts on Interstate 70 after 2 a.m. on June 12, 2022. They allegedly confronted the victims in the case, who were trying to pass through the "side show" in order to get their child to a hospital. Miller and a second defendant pursued the victims for several miles.&nbsp;

A second defendant 23-year-old Nicholas Benkowich continues to face charges in the case.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655585443617.png" alt="Miller-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Miller-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —A 23-year-old man has pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to a street car stunt incident in the middle of Interstate 70 in June, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Noah D. Miller pleaded guilty to Assault 2nd Degree and Hindering the Prosecution of a Felony. He will serve 30 days shock time and be placed on probation for 5 years. He will also need to comply with&nbsp;special conditions including no involvement with street racing and making restitution to the victim.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to court records, Miller was one of two Kansas City-area men who were doing car stunts on Interstate 70 after 2 a.m. on June 12, 2022. They allegedly confronted the victims in the case, who were trying to pass through the "side show" in order to get their child to a hospital. Miller and a second defendant pursued the victims for several miles.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655585565881.png" alt="Nicholas Benkowich-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Nicholas Benkowich-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>A second defendant 23-year-old Nicholas Benkowich continues to face charges in the case.&nbsp;

Driver enters plea for Interstate 70 street car stunt 

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-city-va-clinic-opens-doors-services-include-primary-and-behavioral-care/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Paul Mimms said he wants to honor veterans who lost their vision in battle or when they returned home.

Mimms, the vice president of the 
National Blinded Veterans Association, touted a new Veterans Affairs 
outpatient Clinic in Kansas City for doing just that, providing 
dedicated services. At the opening of the clinic, he presented the 
facility with a Bronze Braille Flag.

He said the flag would be a 
teaching lesson for young blind people who have never seen the U.S. flag
 and show commitment to treating those who fought for it.

“We veterans left our comfortable 
homes and our country to serve underneath that flag,” Mimms said. “Some 
of us came back without vision. Some of us came back and got old and 
lost their vision. Doesn’t matter. As we move forward, we want to bring 
those people with us.”

The new facility is about 5,000 
square feet and services include primary care, lab work, pharmacy 
teleconsultation, virtual care and behavioral health services. There are
 plans to introduce physical therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture.

Rudy Klopfer, director of VA 
Eastern Kansas Health Care, said the clinic might not be as big as other
 facilities but will provide critical services tailored to veterans.

“It is a building, yes, but what 
goes on in this building, and I’ll say other buildings because we have a
 great telehealth presence here, is healing and can be healing and 
soothing,” Klopfer said.

The clinic opening comes a year after a 23,000-square-foot clinic opened in Lenexa. Last month,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/29/kansas-veterans-and-legislators-wary-of-proposal-to-close-va-clinics-and-cut-emergency-services/">rural veteran health care advocates gained a key victory</a>&nbsp;in
 maintaining veteran services in eastern Kansas, when a group of 
bipartisan U.S. senators blocked a commission reviewing recommendations 
to overhaul the VA health care system.

The clinic will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Kansas Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry 
Moran touted the accessibility this clinic would provide. He said many 
veterans may struggle without a car or access to public transportation.&nbsp;

“Distance matters in Kansas,” 
Moran said. “Distance can be physical. A long way to travel, certainly 
in the part of Kansas where I come from, we have experienced that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657732038009.png" alt="Paul Mimms, vice president of the National Blinded Veterans Association, touted a new Veterans Affairs outpatient Clinic in Kansas City for honoring and providing services to veterans who lost their vision in battle or after their service. (Screen capture of Topeka VA Medical Center Facebook video)" />
 <figcaption>Paul Mimms, vice president of the National Blinded Veterans Association, touted a new Veterans Affairs outpatient Clinic in Kansas City for honoring and providing services to veterans who lost their vision in battle or after their service. (Screen capture of Topeka VA Medical Center Facebook video)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-city-va-clinic-opens-doors-services-include-primary-and-behavioral-care/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Paul Mimms said he wants to honor veterans who lost their vision in battle or when they returned home.Mimms, the vice president of the 
National Blinded Veterans Association, touted a new Veterans Affairs 
outpatient Clinic in Kansas City for doing just that, providing 
dedicated services. At the opening of the clinic, he presented the 
facility with a Bronze Braille Flag.He said the flag would be a 
teaching lesson for young blind people who have never seen the U.S. flag
 and show commitment to treating those who fought for it.“We veterans left our comfortable 
homes and our country to serve underneath that flag,” Mimms said. “Some 
of us came back without vision. Some of us came back and got old and 
lost their vision. Doesn’t matter. As we move forward, we want to bring 
those people with us.”The new facility is about 5,000 
square feet and services include primary care, lab work, pharmacy 
teleconsultation, virtual care and behavioral health services. There are
 plans to introduce physical therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture.Rudy Klopfer, director of VA 
Eastern Kansas Health Care, said the clinic might not be as big as other
 facilities but will provide critical services tailored to veterans.“It is a building, yes, but what 
goes on in this building, and I’ll say other buildings because we have a
 great telehealth presence here, is healing and can be healing and 
soothing,” Klopfer said.The clinic opening comes a year after a 23,000-square-foot clinic opened in Lenexa. Last month,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/29/kansas-veterans-and-legislators-wary-of-proposal-to-close-va-clinics-and-cut-emergency-services/">rural veteran health care advocates gained a key victory</a>&nbsp;in
 maintaining veteran services in eastern Kansas, when a group of 
bipartisan U.S. senators blocked a commission reviewing recommendations 
to overhaul the VA health care system.The clinic will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Kansas Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry 
Moran touted the accessibility this clinic would provide. He said many 
veterans may struggle without a car or access to public transportation.&nbsp;“Distance matters in Kansas,” 
Moran said. “Distance can be physical. A long way to travel, certainly 
in the part of Kansas where I come from, we have experienced that.”

New VA clinic opens doors, offering primary and behavioral care

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals will be without 10 of the 26 players on their active roster for their upcoming trip to Toronto due to Canadian restrictions on travelers who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19.

Manager Mike Matheny said Wednesday the club will be without hitters Andrew Benintendi, Hunter Dozier, Cam Gallagher, Kyle Isbel, MJ Melendez, Whit Merrifield and Michael A. Taylor along with pitchers Dylan Coleman, Brad Keller and Brady Singer.

The team is set to play four games in Toronto. The 10 players will be placed on the restricted list and forfeit four days of pay and major league service time in accordance with the terms of MLB’s collective bargaining agreement.

“It’s an individual choice,” Matheny said. “The organization’s done a real good job bringing in professionals and experts to talk guys through tough conversations and then put it in their hands to make the decisions they believe is best for them and their families.”

Benintendi will lose $186,813, Merrifield $153,846, Keller $106,044 and Dozier and Taylor $98,901 each. Among the others, the lost pay for Gallagher will be $19,451, Singer $15,962, Isbel $15,426, Coleman $15,399 and Melendez $15,385.

The club will name their replacements Thursday, along with an announcement about other staff who won’t be traveling with the club.

“Now what it presents is an opportunity for some young guys to step in who wouldn’t normally be here,” Matheny said. “It will affect what we’re doing rotation-wise and that will be another question that we’ll have to answer later. I’m excited about some guys coming in and getting a chance.”

Players cited personal decisions for themselves and their families behind their reasoning to not be vaccinated.

“It was a choice I made talking with my family, talking with my wife,” Merrifield said. “I didn’t think that the risk was worth it, honestly.

“I don’t feel like COVID is a threat to me,” he added.

The unvaccinated players said they felt teammates supported their decisions.

“We’ve talked to these guys, they’re not judging us at all,” Dozier said. “They have our backs. I don’t think we’ve ever dealt with something like this, where we’re being forced to take a vaccine just to go play over in Toronto. It’s just a weird situation. It’s unfortunate.”

“(The) staff, owner, GM, everybody, it’s been really cool to see how they’re handling it,” Coleman said. “Not like forcing it. I feel like we all have our own opinion, so it’s been really good that the higher-ups respect that.”

Merrifield had the majors’ longest active games played streak at 553 before a foot injury kept him out of action Sunday. He said he might change his mind if a similar circumstance presented itself later in the year.

“That might change down the road,” he said. “If something happens and I happen to get on a team that has a chance to go play in Canada in the postseason, maybe that changes. As we sit here right now, I’m comfortable with my decision.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621778673766.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals will be without 10 of the 26 players on their active roster for their upcoming trip to Toronto due to Canadian restrictions on travelers who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19.Manager Mike Matheny said Wednesday the club will be without hitters Andrew Benintendi, Hunter Dozier, Cam Gallagher, Kyle Isbel, MJ Melendez, Whit Merrifield and Michael A. Taylor along with pitchers Dylan Coleman, Brad Keller and Brady Singer.The team is set to play four games in Toronto. The 10 players will be placed on the restricted list and forfeit four days of pay and major league service time in accordance with the terms of MLB’s collective bargaining agreement.“It’s an individual choice,” Matheny said. “The organization’s done a real good job bringing in professionals and experts to talk guys through tough conversations and then put it in their hands to make the decisions they believe is best for them and their families.”Benintendi will lose $186,813, Merrifield $153,846, Keller $106,044 and Dozier and Taylor $98,901 each. Among the others, the lost pay for Gallagher will be $19,451, Singer $15,962, Isbel $15,426, Coleman $15,399 and Melendez $15,385.The club will name their replacements Thursday, along with an announcement about other staff who won’t be traveling with the club.“Now what it presents is an opportunity for some young guys to step in who wouldn’t normally be here,” Matheny said. “It will affect what we’re doing rotation-wise and that will be another question that we’ll have to answer later. I’m excited about some guys coming in and getting a chance.”Players cited personal decisions for themselves and their families behind their reasoning to not be vaccinated.“It was a choice I made talking with my family, talking with my wife,” Merrifield said. “I didn’t think that the risk was worth it, honestly.“I don’t feel like COVID is a threat to me,” he added.The unvaccinated players said they felt teammates supported their decisions.“We’ve talked to these guys, they’re not judging us at all,” Dozier said. “They have our backs. I don’t think we’ve ever dealt with something like this, where we’re being forced to take a vaccine just to go play over in Toronto. It’s just a weird situation. It’s unfortunate.”“(The) staff, owner, GM, everybody, it’s been really cool to see how they’re handling it,” Coleman said. “Not like forcing it. I feel like we all have our own opinion, so it’s been really good that the higher-ups respect that.”Merrifield had the majors’ longest active games played streak at 553 before a foot injury kept him out of action Sunday. He said he might change his mind if a similar circumstance presented itself later in the year.“That might change down the road,” he said. “If something happens and I happen to get on a team that has a chance to go play in Canada in the postseason, maybe that changes. As we sit here right now, I’m comfortable with my decision.”John Schneider, the Blue Jays’ new manager, said his team won’t take Kansas City lightly.“A little bit surprising, but the rules are the rules. We live by them and the rest of the league lives by them,” Schneider said in Toronto. “Definitely not a series you’re going to take lightly going into the break. You kind of see who they have, you game plan accordingly, and hopefully build off this two-game series (sweep) against the Phillies.”Schneider was promoted from bench coach to interim manager for the remainder of the season when Toronto fired Charlie Montoyo on Wednesday.