KANSAS CITY —A suspect has been charged with 1st degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of North Kansas City Police Officer Daniel Vasquez. He is being held on a $2 million bond, according to a statement from the Clay County Sheriff's office.

Joshua T. Rocha, 24, is being held on a $2 million bond, according to Clay County Missouri Sheriff.

Just after 10:40a.m., Officer Daniel Vasquez, 32, stopped a Ford Taurus for an expired temporary license plate near 21 Street North and Clay Street, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The driver, later identified as Rocha, exited the vehicle and began firing on the officer causing serious injury, according to the patrol.

EMS transported Vasquez to North Kansas City Hospital and he was later transferred to KU Medical Center where he died.

After the patrol issued a Blue Alert, for when an officer is seriously injured or killed, a search for the suspect's gray Ford Taurus lasted a couple of hours.

Rocha eventually turned himself in, according to the sheriff's department. Kansas City Police is now in charge of the investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658265015795.png" alt="Officer Daniel Vasquez." />
 <figcaption>Officer Daniel Vasquez.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A suspect has been charged with 1st degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of North Kansas City Police Officer Daniel Vasquez. He is being held on a $2 million bond, according to a statement from the Clay County Sheriff's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658339821213.png" alt="Rocha-photo&nbsp; Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Rocha-photo&nbsp; Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Joshua T. Rocha, 24, is being held on a $2 million bond, according to Clay County Missouri Sheriff.Just after 10:40a.m., Officer Daniel Vasquez, 32, stopped a Ford Taurus for an expired temporary license plate near 21 Street North and Clay Street, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.The driver, later identified as Rocha, exited the vehicle and began firing on the officer causing serious injury, according to the patrol.EMS transported Vasquez to North Kansas City Hospital and he was later transferred to KU Medical Center where he died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658250459437.png" alt="Image of the suspect vehicle in the Blue Alert-photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Image of the suspect vehicle in the Blue Alert-photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>After the patrol issued a Blue Alert, for when an officer is seriously injured or killed, a search for the suspect's gray Ford Taurus lasted a couple of hours.Rocha eventually turned himself in, according to the sheriff's department. Kansas City Police is now in charge of the investigation.&nbsp;

Man charged in shooting death of Kansas City police officer

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;7,626&nbsp;new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday July 13 to Wednesday July 20, for a total of&nbsp; 827,301 cases.

Th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;9&nbsp; COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,966.

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

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

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

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

The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;7,626&nbsp;new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday July 13 to Wednesday July 20, for a total of&nbsp; 827,301 cases.Th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;9&nbsp; COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,966.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658336920636.png" alt="Wednesday July 20, 2022 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday July 20, 2022 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE: 9 additional COVID deaths, 7,600 new cases

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect in connection with break in at a salvage yard.

Just before 4a.m. Tuesday, deputies reported a sighting of two men at the salvage yard&nbsp;near 330th and U.S. Highway 75 in  Netawaka, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

  Deputies and other area law enforcement secured the perimeter around the salvage yard.&nbsp;

A Jackson County Sheriff’s Office drone and K-9 were used in the search.  The Jackson County Sheriff’s drone located a subject just east of the salvage yard lying in a field.

 Shortly thereafter, a second man was located by the drone in a soybean field east of the property and east of U.S. Highway 75. 

 Both men were taken into custody and identified as 59-year-old, Ronald Almon Wieland Jr. and 49-year-old Michael Ray Young both of Topeka. 

They&nbsp; are being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges&nbsp; that include burglary, attempted theft and drug charges.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, Kickapoo Police Department, Holton Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the search.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658260080152.png" alt="Wieland-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Wieland-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect in connection with break in at a salvage yard.Just before 4a.m. Tuesday, deputies reported a sighting of two men at the salvage yard&nbsp;near 330th and U.S. Highway 75 in Netawaka, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Deputies and other area law enforcement secured the perimeter around the salvage yard.&nbsp;A Jackson County Sheriff’s Office drone and K-9 were used in the search. The Jackson County Sheriff’s drone located a subject just east of the salvage yard lying in a field.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658260043802.png" alt="Young-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Young-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Shortly thereafter, a second man was located by the drone in a soybean field east of the property and east of U.S. Highway 75. Both men were taken into custody and identified as 59-year-old, Ronald Almon Wieland Jr. and 49-year-old Michael Ray Young both of Topeka. They&nbsp; are being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges&nbsp; that include burglary, attempted theft and drug charges.The Kansas Highway Patrol, Kickapoo Police Department, Holton Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the search.

Sheriff: Drone used to locate, arrest Kansas burglary suspects

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is sending payments
 to 244,745 consumers in the U.S. and abroad who were defrauded by the 
Next-Gen sweepstakes scheme that affected consumers in dozens of 
countries, including the United States and Canada.

In total, the FTC is returning almost $25 million to affected consumers including many seniors. The FTC is sending:

The deadline for 
consumers to cash their checks or claim their PayPal payments is October
 17, 2022. Debit cards have a two-year expiration date and can be 
reissued without charge. Recipients
 who have questions about their refund should contact the refund 
administrator, Rust Consulting, at 1-833-721-2728 or 1-612-509-2644 or 
admin@nextgenrefund.com. The Commission never requires people to pay 
money or provide account information to get a refund.<a></a>

The FTC’s <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/next-gen_amended_complaint_9-25-18.pdf">2018 complaint</a> against <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/172-3133-x180023-next-gen-inc">the Next-Gen defendants</a>, filed jointly with the State of Missouri,
 charged Kevin Brandes, William Graham, C. Floyd Anderson, and 
corporations under their control with sending tens of millions of 
deceptive personalized mailers to consumers around the world since 2013.
 The defendants’ mailers falsely told recipients they had won or were 
likely to win a substantial cash prize, as much as $2 million, in 
exchange for a fee ranging from $9.00 to $139.99. Many consumers, 
including seniors, paid the defendants several times before realizing 
they had been scammed, according to the complaint.

The FTC appreciates the 
support provided in this case by the U.K. National Trading Standards 
Scams Team and our other international partners. Their assistance 
contributed to the success of the FTC’s case and helped ensure that 
victims worldwide benefit from this refund program. The FTC relied on 
key provisions of the U.S. SAFE WEB Act, which allows the FTC to share 
information with foreign counterparts to combat deceptive and unfair 
practices that cross national borders.

The FTC’s <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%23!%2Fvizhome%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F06%2Ffederal-trade-commission-returns-more-54-million-consumers">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide
 country and state level data about refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, 
Commission actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers
 across the country, but these refunds were the result of cases resolved
 before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the Commission lacks 
authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court 
going forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the Commission’s ability to get money back for consumers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe U.S. Federal Trade Commission is sending payments
 to 244,745 consumers in the U.S. and abroad who were defrauded by the 
Next-Gen sweepstakes scheme that affected consumers in dozens of 
countries, including the United States and Canada.In total, the FTC is returning almost $25 million to affected consumers including many seniors. The FTC is sending:<ul>
 <li>221,687 checks totaling $19,180,753 to U.S. and Canadian consumers;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>3,516 prepaid Mastercard debit cards totaling $631,322 to 
consumers in the United Kingdom, which will be hand-delivered by U.K. 
National Trading Standards, a consumer protection and business 
safeguards organization; and</li><li>19,542 letters to consumers in 
more than 50 different countries explaining how they can claim their 
payments via PayPal, which total $4,696,242.</li>
 </ul>The deadline for 
consumers to cash their checks or claim their PayPal payments is October
 17, 2022. Debit cards have a two-year expiration date and can be 
reissued without charge. Recipients
 who have questions about their refund should contact the refund 
administrator, Rust Consulting, at 1-833-721-2728 or 1-612-509-2644 or 
admin@nextgenrefund.com. The Commission never requires people to pay 
money or provide account information to get a refund.<a></a>The FTC’s <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/next-gen_amended_complaint_9-25-18.pdf">2018 complaint</a> against <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/172-3133-x180023-next-gen-inc">the Next-Gen defendants</a>, filed jointly with the State of Missouri,
 charged Kevin Brandes, William Graham, C. Floyd Anderson, and 
corporations under their control with sending tens of millions of 
deceptive personalized mailers to consumers around the world since 2013.
 The defendants’ mailers falsely told recipients they had won or were 
likely to win a substantial cash prize, as much as $2 million, in 
exchange for a fee ranging from $9.00 to $139.99. Many consumers, 
including seniors, paid the defendants several times before realizing 
they had been scammed, according to the complaint.The FTC appreciates the 
support provided in this case by the U.K. National Trading Standards 
Scams Team and our other international partners. Their assistance 
contributed to the success of the FTC’s case and helped ensure that 
victims worldwide benefit from this refund program. The FTC relied on 
key provisions of the U.S. SAFE WEB Act, which allows the FTC to share 
information with foreign counterparts to combat deceptive and unfair 
practices that cross national borders.The FTC’s <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%23!%2Fvizhome%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F06%2Ffederal-trade-commission-returns-more-54-million-consumers">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide
 country and state level data about refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, 
Commission actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers
 across the country, but these refunds were the result of cases resolved
 before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the Commission lacks 
authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court 
going forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the Commission’s ability to get money back for consumers.

FTC: Sweepstakes scheme victims being sent $25M worldwide

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;will announce new actions on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment">climate change</a>&nbsp;that he can take on his own just days after an influential Democratic senator quashed hopes for a sweeping legislative package of new environmental programs this year.

Biden is to unveil the latest efforts during a visit on Wednesday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-environment-charlie-baker-massachusetts-b10a9536314bf09a487f51023c798f0a">a former coal-fired power plant</a>&nbsp;in Somerset, Massachusetts, that is shifting to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-and-environment-government-politics-13e5d01c3f43c899e39f337d478c1179">offshore wind manufacturing</a>. It’s the embodiment of the transition to clean energy that Biden is seeking but has struggled to realize in the first 18 months of his presidency.

Wednesday’s executive actions include new initiatives to bolster the domestic offshore wind industry as well as efforts to help communities cope with soaring temperatures through programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services, according to a White House official.

But the actions that Biden announces on Wednesday will not include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-joe-manchin-and-environment-bed0159741405159639f800aec3b079b">a national emergency declaration</a>&nbsp;to address the climate crisis — something that has been sought by activists and Democratic lawmakers after Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-manchin">Joe Manchin</a>, D-W.Va., last week scuttled talks on a legislative package.

White House officials have said the option remains under consideration. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday declined to outline a timetable for a decision aside from saying no such order would be issued this week.

Gina McCarthy, Biden’s climate adviser, said the president is not “shying away” from treating climate as an emergency. She told CNN on Wednesday that he will be announcing a series of actions “over the next few weeks” to address the threat.

Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/edward-markey">Ed Markey</a>, D-Mass., said he was “confident that the president is ultimately ready to do whatever it takes in order to deal with this crisis.”

“I think that he’s made that clear in his statement last Friday, and I think coming to Massachusetts is a further articulation of that goal,” Markey told reporters on Tuesday.

Biden has come under considerable pressure to issue an emergency declaration on climate, which would allow him to redirect federal resources to bolster renewable energy programs that would help accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

Jean-Pierre declined to detail internal deliberations on such a declaration, which would be similar to the one issued by Biden’s Republican predecessor, Donald Trump, who declared&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-az-state-wire-immigration-5b22a4a54ba046c4815c31bca2c92ae7">a national emergency to build a wall</a>&nbsp;on the southern border when lawmakers refused to allocate money for that effort.

Biden pledged last week to take significant executive actions on climate after monthslong discussions between Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., came to a standstill. The West Virginia senator cited stubbornly high inflation as the reason for his hesitation.

For now, Manchin has said he will only agree to a legislative package that shores up subsidies to help people buy insurance under the 2010 health care law as well as allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices that will ultimately lower the cost of pharmaceuticals for consumers.

The White House has indicated it wants Congress to take that deal, and the president will address the climate issue on his own.

“I’m going to use every power I have as president to continue to fulfill my pledge to move toward dealing with global warming,” Biden told reporters over the weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after the talks between Schumer and Manchin were derailed.

Biden on Wednesday will be visiting the former Brayton Point power plant, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cc5b376c95f9449da344bbfc20ae22fd">closed in 2017</a>&nbsp;after burning coal for more than five decades. The plant will now become an offshore wind manufacturing site.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655936508924.png" alt="But the actions that Biden announces on Wednesday will not include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-joe-manchin-and-environment-bed0159741405159639f800aec3b079b">a national emergency declaration</a>&nbsp;to address the climate crisis —White House photo" />
 <figcaption>But the actions that Biden announces on Wednesday will not include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-joe-manchin-and-environment-bed0159741405159639f800aec3b079b">a national emergency declaration</a>&nbsp;to address the climate crisis —White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;will announce new actions on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment">climate change</a>&nbsp;that he can take on his own just days after an influential Democratic senator quashed hopes for a sweeping legislative package of new environmental programs this year.Biden is to unveil the latest efforts during a visit on Wednesday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-environment-charlie-baker-massachusetts-b10a9536314bf09a487f51023c798f0a">a former coal-fired power plant</a>&nbsp;in Somerset, Massachusetts, that is shifting to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-and-environment-government-politics-13e5d01c3f43c899e39f337d478c1179">offshore wind manufacturing</a>. It’s the embodiment of the transition to clean energy that Biden is seeking but has struggled to realize in the first 18 months of his presidency.Wednesday’s executive actions include new initiatives to bolster the domestic offshore wind industry as well as efforts to help communities cope with soaring temperatures through programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services, according to a White House official.But the actions that Biden announces on Wednesday will not include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-biden-joe-manchin-and-environment-bed0159741405159639f800aec3b079b">a national emergency declaration</a>&nbsp;to address the climate crisis — something that has been sought by activists and Democratic lawmakers after Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-manchin">Joe Manchin</a>, D-W.Va., last week scuttled talks on a legislative package.White House officials have said the option remains under consideration. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday declined to outline a timetable for a decision aside from saying no such order would be issued this week.Gina McCarthy, Biden’s climate adviser, said the president is not “shying away” from treating climate as an emergency. She told CNN on Wednesday that he will be announcing a series of actions “over the next few weeks” to address the threat.Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/edward-markey">Ed Markey</a>, D-Mass., said he was “confident that the president is ultimately ready to do whatever it takes in order to deal with this crisis.”“I think that he’s made that clear in his statement last Friday, and I think coming to Massachusetts is a further articulation of that goal,” Markey told reporters on Tuesday.Biden has come under considerable pressure to issue an emergency declaration on climate, which would allow him to redirect federal resources to bolster renewable energy programs that would help accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.Jean-Pierre declined to detail internal deliberations on such a declaration, which would be similar to the one issued by Biden’s Republican predecessor, Donald Trump, who declared&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-az-state-wire-immigration-5b22a4a54ba046c4815c31bca2c92ae7">a national emergency to build a wall</a>&nbsp;on the southern border when lawmakers refused to allocate money for that effort.Biden pledged last week to take significant executive actions on climate after monthslong discussions between Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., came to a standstill. The West Virginia senator cited stubbornly high inflation as the reason for his hesitation.For now, Manchin has said he will only agree to a legislative package that shores up subsidies to help people buy insurance under the 2010 health care law as well as allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices that will ultimately lower the cost of pharmaceuticals for consumers.The White House has indicated it wants Congress to take that deal, and the president will address the climate issue on his own.“I’m going to use every power I have as president to continue to fulfill my pledge to move toward dealing with global warming,” Biden told reporters over the weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after the talks between Schumer and Manchin were derailed.Biden on Wednesday will be visiting the former Brayton Point power plant, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cc5b376c95f9449da344bbfc20ae22fd">closed in 2017</a>&nbsp;after burning coal for more than five decades. The plant will now become an offshore wind manufacturing site.

Biden to announce new executive actions on climate change

KANSAS CITY —Oceans of Fun is adding a new safety requirement following the death of a young girl who was pulled from the park's Coconut Cove pool on July 5, died.

According to a statement from the park, "the safety of our guests and associates is always our top priority. As part of this commitment, we regularly review all of our health and safety protocols to ensure full compliance with city, state, and industry standards and regulations. All attractions are rigorously inspected and reviewed as part of the safety protocols for daily operation.&nbsp;With Coconut Cove in particular, we have we increased the height requirement for those needing life jackets to 60 inches."

Just before 7p.m. on July 5, a lifeguard responded to a young female guest in distress in the Coconut Cove pool, according to a statement from the park.

The lifeguard pulled her from the water and the park’s EMS began administering CPR.

The Kansas City Fire Department arrived and continued caring for her and transported her to Children's Mercy. She died on July 12.

Law enforcement officials said the girl was younger than 10-years-old, according to KCTV.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657644313184.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the incident July 5-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the incident July 5-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Oceans of Fun is adding a new safety requirement following the death of a young girl who was pulled from the park's Coconut Cove pool on July 5, died.According to a statement from the park, "the safety of our guests and associates is always our top priority. As part of this commitment, we regularly review all of our health and safety protocols to ensure full compliance with city, state, and industry standards and regulations. All attractions are rigorously inspected and reviewed as part of the safety protocols for daily operation.&nbsp;With Coconut Cove in particular, we have we increased the height requirement for those needing life jackets to 60 inches."Just before 7p.m. on July 5, a lifeguard responded to a young female guest in distress in the Coconut Cove pool, according to a statement from the park.The lifeguard pulled her from the water and the park’s EMS began administering CPR.The Kansas City Fire Department arrived and continued caring for her and transported her to Children's Mercy. She died on July 12.Law enforcement officials said the girl was younger than 10-years-old, according to KCTV.------

Oceans of Fun updates safety requirements after girl's death

NEW YORK (AP) — The FBI and Justice Department recently disrupted the activities of a hacking group that was sponsored by the North Korean government and that targeted U.S. hospitals with ransomware, ultimately recovering half a million dollars in ransom payments, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said Tuesday.

Monaco revealed new details of the attacks during a speech in which she encouraged organizations hit by ransomware to report the crime to law enforcement, both so that officials can investigate and so that they can help victim companies try to get ransom payments back.

In this case, Monaco said, a Kansas hospital that paid a ransom last year after being attacked by ransomware also contacted the FBI, which traced the payment and identified China-based money launderers who assisted the North Korean hackers in cashing out the illicit proceeds. The FBI ultimately recovered half a million dollars, including the entire ransom payment from the hospital.

U.S. officials in 2021 scrambled to confront a wave of high-profile ransomware attacks — in which hackers encrypt or lock up a victim's data and demand exorbitant sums to return it —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-government-and-politics-8e7f5b297012333480d5e9153f40bd52">including against a crucial fuel pipeline on the East Coast</a>. Though the pace of such large-scale, front-page attacks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ransomware-attacks-us-russia-biden-putin-fce2ebd29cdffc43737a4243a1f04321">seems to have slowed</a>, smaller targets — such as hospitals — continue to be affected.

This particular variant of ransomware, known as “Maui,” specifically targeted hospitals and public health organizations around the country.

Companies, she said, invariably ask why they should cooperate with law enforcement and what is in it for them.

“The answer is that if you report that attack, if you report the ransom demand and payment, if you work with the FBI, we can take action,” Monaco said at a speech at Fordham Law School. “We can follow the money and get it back; we can help prevent the next attack, the next victim; and we can hold cybercriminals accountable.”

Later Tuesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Gen. Paul Nakasone, the head of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, were expected to speak about election security.

NEW YORK (AP) — The FBI and Justice Department recently disrupted the activities of a hacking group that was sponsored by the North Korean government and that targeted U.S. hospitals with ransomware, ultimately recovering half a million dollars in ransom payments, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said Tuesday.Monaco revealed new details of the attacks during a speech in which she encouraged organizations hit by ransomware to report the crime to law enforcement, both so that officials can investigate and so that they can help victim companies try to get ransom payments back.In this case, Monaco said, a Kansas hospital that paid a ransom last year after being attacked by ransomware also contacted the FBI, which traced the payment and identified China-based money launderers who assisted the North Korean hackers in cashing out the illicit proceeds. The FBI ultimately recovered half a million dollars, including the entire ransom payment from the hospital.U.S. officials in 2021 scrambled to confront a wave of high-profile ransomware attacks — in which hackers encrypt or lock up a victim's data and demand exorbitant sums to return it —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-government-and-politics-8e7f5b297012333480d5e9153f40bd52">including against a crucial fuel pipeline on the East Coast</a>. Though the pace of such large-scale, front-page attacks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ransomware-attacks-us-russia-biden-putin-fce2ebd29cdffc43737a4243a1f04321">seems to have slowed</a>, smaller targets — such as hospitals — continue to be affected.This particular variant of ransomware, known as “Maui,” specifically targeted hospitals and public health organizations around the country.Companies, she said, invariably ask why they should cooperate with law enforcement and what is in it for them.“The answer is that if you report that attack, if you report the ransom demand and payment, if you work with the FBI, we can take action,” Monaco said at a speech at Fordham Law School. “We can follow the money and get it back; we can help prevent the next attack, the next victim; and we can hold cybercriminals accountable.”Later Tuesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Gen. Paul Nakasone, the head of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, were expected to speak about election security.

US disrupts North Korean hacker that targeted Kan. hospital

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Members of the Hays school board requested a change to the Hays elementary and middle school dress codes after a parent complained about a ban on clothing promoting satanism.

A mother of three students in Hays public schools, Mary Turner, spoke during the public comment period of the school board meeting Monday night.

She said she is a longtime member of the Satanic Temple. 

"I raise my children according to the seven tenants of satanism, and while children of other faiths can wear clothing that declares their family's religion," she said, "my family's faith is specifically called out and banned in the school handbook dress code.

"Your own non-discrimination policies state that you do not discriminate against students based on religion. Your own mission says every student in every classroom every day," Turner said.

The Satanic Temple has been a federally recognized church for many years, Turner said.

"Banning Satanic students from wearing clothing that declares their faith while allowing students of all other faiths to wear similar clothing is an act of discrimination," she said.

"I am here to ask that the school board remove satanism from their dress code policy and they no longer blacklist my family's faith and the faith of other families here in Hays as distracting, unsafe or offensive," Turner said.

Later in the meeting, the school board took up second reading of the student handbooks in question. 

There is no explicit ban on satanic clothing in the Hays High School handbook. It is specifically banned in the elementary and middle school handbooks.

The HHS dress code states: Attire worn in observance of a student’s religion are
 not subject to this policy. Questions should be directed to 
administration.

"I read that and I was very impressed with that dress code, and I thought that would be a very good dress code overall," board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp said of the dress code in the HHS handbook.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said the litmus test for the policy is not about moral judgment, but whether the clothing would be considered disruptive. 

"It is interesting on the previous page, we have a non-discrimination statement," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "We have it up on our wall that we value diversity and we value inclusion and then we specifically say the name of one religion in the no list.

"I would challenge someone to put their own religion in that space and see how it feels," she said.

She added any statement could be disruptive if someone twisted it.

"The disruption is not the clothing," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "The disruption is the person behaving in a disruptive manner."

Board member Curt Vajnar, who also was a longtime teacher for Hays USD 489, said he disagreed.

"As a school teacher in your classroom, it's a distraction," he said. "Some things you can put on a shirt that is a distraction. You're dealing with that and not teaching."

Vajnar gave the example of the "Big Johnson" shirts from several years ago.

Wilson said similar policies date back to the civil unrest during the Vietnam War.

Board member Tammy Wellbrock said she liked the idea of adding the word disruptive to the elementary and middle school policies.

Wilson agreed to take the dress code policies back to the administration and rework them.

The handbooks will come back before the board during their retreat meeting on Friday, Aug. 5. Wilson said the handbooks will need to be finalized then so they can be made available to students before the start of the school year.

The student handbooks will now include the new name of the Learning Center, which is now Hays Virtual Schools. Students no longer have to attend classes in-person at the school's computer lab. It serves students in grades nine and through adults.

Students from anywhere in the state can enroll in the program, but the program focuses highly on attendance whether online or in person.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostMembers of the Hays school board requested a change to the Hays elementary and middle school dress codes after a parent complained about a ban on clothing promoting satanism. A mother of three students in Hays public schools, Mary Turner, spoke during the public comment period of the school board meeting Monday night.She said she is a longtime member of the Satanic Temple. "I raise my children according to the seven tenants of satanism, and while children of other faiths can wear clothing that declares their family's religion," she said, "my family's faith is specifically called out and banned in the school handbook dress code. "Your own non-discrimination policies state that you do not discriminate against students based on religion. Your own mission says every student in every classroom every day," Turner said.The Satanic Temple has been a federally recognized church for many years, Turner said."Banning Satanic students from wearing clothing that declares their faith while allowing students of all other faiths to wear similar clothing is an act of discrimination," she said."I am here to ask that the school board remove satanism from their dress code policy and they no longer blacklist my family's faith and the faith of other families here in Hays as distracting, unsafe or offensive," Turner said.Later in the meeting, the school board took up second reading of the student handbooks in question. There is no explicit ban on satanic clothing in the Hays High School handbook. It is specifically banned in the elementary and middle school handbooks.The HHS dress code states: Attire worn in observance of a student’s religion are
 not subject to this policy. Questions should be directed to 
administration. "I read that and I was very impressed with that dress code, and I thought that would be a very good dress code overall," board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp said of the dress code in the HHS handbook.Superintendent Ron Wilson said the litmus test for the policy is not about moral judgment, but whether the clothing would be considered disruptive. "It is interesting on the previous page, we have a non-discrimination statement," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "We have it up on our wall that we value diversity and we value inclusion and then we specifically say the name of one religion in the no list."I would challenge someone to put their own religion in that space and see how it feels," she said. She added any statement could be disruptive if someone twisted it."The disruption is not the clothing," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "The disruption is the person behaving in a disruptive manner."Board member Curt Vajnar, who also was a longtime teacher for Hays USD 489, said he disagreed."As a school teacher in your classroom, it's a distraction," he said. "Some things you can put on a shirt that is a distraction. You're dealing with that and not teaching."Vajnar gave the example of the "Big Johnson" shirts from several years ago.Wilson said similar policies date back to the civil unrest during the Vietnam War. Board member Tammy Wellbrock said she liked the idea of adding the word disruptive to the elementary and middle school policies.Wilson agreed to take the dress code policies back to the administration and rework them. The handbooks will come back before the board during their retreat meeting on Friday, Aug. 5. Wilson said the handbooks will need to be finalized then so they can be made available to students before the start of the school year. The student handbooks will now include the new name of the Learning Center, which is now Hays Virtual Schools. Students no longer have to attend classes in-person at the school's computer lab. It serves students in grades nine and through adults. Students from anywhere in the state can enroll in the program, but the program focuses highly on attendance whether online or in person.

Parent complaint about satanism ban prompts Kan. district to revisit dress code 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secret Service text messages from around the time of the attack on the U.S. Capitol were deleted despite requests from Congress and federal investigators that they be preserved, the agency confirmed Tuesday in response to a subpoena from the House Jan. 6 committee.

Florida Rep. Stephanie Murphy, a Democratic member of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the Jan 6. panel</a>, said the Secret Service acknowledged the erasure in a letter Tuesday, detailing how agency phones were migrated to a new system in the weeks after the 2021 attack.

Murphy said the agency left it up to individual agents to decide what electronic records to keep and what to delete during the process.

“Nobody along the way stopped and thought, ‘well, maybe we shouldn’t do the migration of data and of the devices until we are able to fulfill these four requests from Congress,’” Murphy said on MSNBC.

The deletion of the messages has raised the prospect of lost evidence that could shed further light on then-President Donald Trump’s actions during the insurrection, particularly after testimony about his confrontation with security as he tried to join supporters at the Capitol.

Murphy said that while the agency has turned over a large number of records and documents, what the committee is still seeking is the electronic communication between agents on the day before the attack and as a mob of rioters breached the Capitol building on Jan. 6.

“What they have also said is that they are going to continue to see if there are other ways in which they can secure the required and subpoenaed text messages that we have asked for,” Murphy said. "My hope certainly is that they do find a way to find those texts and respond to the subpoena.”

The Secret Service’s response to the committee came the same day the National Archives requested that the agency investigate “the potential unauthorized deletion” of the texts.

The agency has been the target of heavy scrutiny following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-technology-government-and-politics-e5ae94aff7544a7dc49b07ad21802d5a">letter sent last week by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General,</a>&nbsp;obtained by The Associated Press, that told lawmakers that Secret Service messages between Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, 2021, were erased “as part of a device-replacement program.”

The Secret Service has said all procedures were followed and pledged “full cooperation” with the Archives' review.

“The United States Secret Service respects and supports the important role of the National Archives and Records Administration in ensuring the preservation of government records,” said agency spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.

The National Archives, which is in charge of government record-keeping, asked the Secret Service to investigate the possible erasure of the messages and report back within 30 days.

“Through several news sources, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has become aware of the potential unauthorized deletion of United States Secret Service (Secret Service) text messages,” Laurence Brewer, the chief record keeper for the U.S., said in a letter to the Department of Homeland Security.

If it is determined any text messages were deleted, the agency must detail what records were affected, a statement on the reasoning for deletion, plan for establishing safeguards to prevent future loss as well as “details of all agency actions taken to salvage, retrieve, or reconstruct the records,” the letter read.

The Secret Service responded by telling AP that “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,” Secret Service spokesman Guglielmi said.

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 nine-member House Jan. 6 panel has taken a recent, renewed interest in the Secret Service following the dramatic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-government-and-politics-9e7c03bb83f43fb17b4fd90d1360993d">testimony of former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson</a>&nbsp;about Trump’s actions on the day of the insurrection.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secret Service text messages from around the time of the attack on the U.S. Capitol were deleted despite requests from Congress and federal investigators that they be preserved, the agency confirmed Tuesday in response to a subpoena from the House Jan. 6 committee.Florida Rep. Stephanie Murphy, a Democratic member of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the Jan 6. panel</a>, said the Secret Service acknowledged the erasure in a letter Tuesday, detailing how agency phones were migrated to a new system in the weeks after the 2021 attack.Murphy said the agency left it up to individual agents to decide what electronic records to keep and what to delete during the process.“Nobody along the way stopped and thought, ‘well, maybe we shouldn’t do the migration of data and of the devices until we are able to fulfill these four requests from Congress,’” Murphy said on MSNBC.The deletion of the messages has raised the prospect of lost evidence that could shed further light on then-President Donald Trump’s actions during the insurrection, particularly after testimony about his confrontation with security as he tried to join supporters at the Capitol.Murphy said that while the agency has turned over a large number of records and documents, what the committee is still seeking is the electronic communication between agents on the day before the attack and as a mob of rioters breached the Capitol building on Jan. 6.“What they have also said is that they are going to continue to see if there are other ways in which they can secure the required and subpoenaed text messages that we have asked for,” Murphy said. "My hope certainly is that they do find a way to find those texts and respond to the subpoena.”The Secret Service’s response to the committee came the same day the National Archives requested that the agency investigate “the potential unauthorized deletion” of the texts.The agency has been the target of heavy scrutiny following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-technology-government-and-politics-e5ae94aff7544a7dc49b07ad21802d5a">letter sent last week by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General,</a>&nbsp;obtained by The Associated Press, that told lawmakers that Secret Service messages between Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, 2021, were erased “as part of a device-replacement program.”The Secret Service has said all procedures were followed and pledged “full cooperation” with the Archives' review.“The United States Secret Service respects and supports the important role of the National Archives and Records Administration in ensuring the preservation of government records,” said agency spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.The National Archives, which is in charge of government record-keeping, asked the Secret Service to investigate the possible erasure of the messages and report back within 30 days.“Through several news sources, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has become aware of the potential unauthorized deletion of United States Secret Service (Secret Service) text messages,” Laurence Brewer, the chief record keeper for the U.S., said in a letter to the Department of Homeland Security.If it is determined any text messages were deleted, the agency must detail what records were affected, a statement on the reasoning for deletion, plan for establishing safeguards to prevent future loss as well as “details of all agency actions taken to salvage, retrieve, or reconstruct the records,” the letter read.The Secret Service responded by telling AP that “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,” Secret Service spokesman Guglielmi said.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 nine-member House Jan. 6 panel has taken a recent, renewed interest in the Secret Service following the dramatic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-government-and-politics-9e7c03bb83f43fb17b4fd90d1360993d">testimony of former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson</a>&nbsp;about Trump’s actions on the day of the insurrection.___

Secret Service Jan. 6 texts erased despite Congress' request

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. House overwhelmingly approved legislation Tuesday to protect same-sex and interracial marriages amid concerns that the Supreme Court ruling overturning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Roe v. Wade abortion access</a>&nbsp;could jeopardize other rights criticized by many conservatives.

In a robust but lopsided debate, Democrats argued intensely and often personally in favor of enshrining marriage equality in federal law, while Republicans steered clear of openly rejecting gay marriage. Instead leading Republicans portrayed the bill as unnecessary amid other issues facing the nation.

Tuesday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-bills-house-vote-fc24d99f184d7aeec4926a6520311da5">election-year roll call,</a>&nbsp;267-157, was partly political strategy, forcing all House members, Republicans and Democrats, to go on the record. It also reflected the legislative branch pushing back against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-right-to-privacy-6e1d7ee2a6d26bef09392971fd4948b5">an aggressive court that has raised questions about revisiting other apparently settled U.S. laws.</a>

Wary of political fallout, GOP leaders did not press their members to hold the party line against the bill, aides said. In all, 47 Republicans joined all Democrats in voting for passage. No GOP members of the Kansas or Missouri delegation voted in favor of the bill.&nbsp;

“For me, this is personal,” said Rep. Mondaire Jones, D-N.Y., who said he was among the openly gay members of the House.

“Imagine telling the next generation of Americans, my generation, we no longer have the right to marry who we love,” he said. “Congress can't allow that to happen.”

While the Respect for Marriage Act easily passed the House with a Democratic majority, it is likely to stall in the evenly split Senate, where most Republicans would probably join a filibuster to block it. It's one of several bills, including those enshrining abortion access, that Democrats are proposing to confront the court's conservative majority. Another bill, guaranteeing access to contraceptive services, is set for a vote later this week.

House GOP leaders split over the issue, with Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Whip Rep. Steve Scalise voting against the marriage rights bill, but the No. 3 Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York voting in favor.

In a notable silence, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell declined to express his view on the bill, leaving an open question over how strongly his party would fight it, if it should come up for a vote in the upper chamber.

Key Republicans in the House have shifted in recent years on the same-sex marriage issue, including Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, who joined those voting in favor on Tuesday.

Said another Republican, Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, in a statement about her yes vote: “If gay couples want to be as happily or miserably married as straight couples, more power to them.”

Polling shows a majority of Americans favor preserving rights to marry, regardless of sex, gender, race or ethnicity, a long-building shift in modern mores toward inclusion.

A Gallup poll in June showed broad and increasing support for same-sex marriage, with 70% of U.S. adults saying they think such unions should be recognized by law as valid. The poll showed majority support among both Democrats (83%) and Republicans (55%).

Approval of interracial marriage in the U.S. hit a six-decade high at 94% in September, according to Gallup.

Ahead of Tuesday's voting, a number of lawmakers joined protesters demonstrating against the abortion ruling outside the Supreme Court, which sits across from the Capitol and remains fenced off for security during tumultuous political times. Capitol Police said among those arrested were 16 members of Congress.

“The extremist right-wing majority on the Supreme Court has put our country down a perilous path,” said Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., in a floor speech setting Tuesday’s debate in motion.

“It’s time for our colleagues across the aisle to stand up and be counted. Will they vote to protect these fundamental freedoms? Or will they vote to let states take those freedoms away?”

But Republicans insisted the court was only focused on abortion access in June when it struck down the nearly 50-year-old Roe v. Wade ruling, and they argued that same-sex marriage and other rights were not threatened.

In fact, almost none of the Republicans who rose to speak during the debate directly broached the subject of same-sex or interracial marriage.

"We are here for a political charade, we are here for political messaging,” said Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee.

That same tack could be expected in the Senate.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said, “The predicate of this is just wrong. I don’t think the Supreme Court is going to overturn any of that stuff.”

As several Democrats spoke of inequalities they said they or their loved ones had faced in same-sex marriages, the Republicans talked about rising gas prices, inflation and crime, including recent threats to justices in connection with the abortion ruling.

For Republicans in Congress the Trump-era confirmation of conservative justices to the Supreme Court has fulfilled a long-term GOP goal of revisiting many social, environmental and regulatory issues the party has been unable to tackle on its own by passing bills that could be signed into law.

The Respect for Marriage Act would repeal a law from the Clinton era that defines marriage as a heterogeneous relationship between a man and a woman. It would also provide legal protections for interracial marriages by prohibiting any state from denying out-of-state marriage licenses and benefits on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.

The 1996 law, the Defense of Marriage Act, had basically been sidelined by Obama-era court rulings, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">Obergefell v. Hodges, which established the rights of same-sex couples to marry nationwide,</a>&nbsp;a landmark case for gay rights.

But last month, writing for the majority in overturning Roe v. Wade, Justice Samuel Alito argued for a more narrow interpretation of the rights guaranteed to Americans, noting that the right to an abortion was not spelled out in the Constitution.

In a concurring opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas went further, saying other rulings similar to Roe, including those around same-sex marriage and the right for couples to use contraception,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-government-and-politics-marriage-a0cee537c6f9f10d29fa71f6e7a4d19d">should be reconsidered</a>.

While Alito insisted in the majority opinion that “this decision concerns the constitutional right to abortion and no other right,” others have taken notice.

“The MAGA radicals that are taking over the Republican Party have made it abundantly clear they are not satisfied with repealing Roe,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., referring to Trump's backers.

He pointed to comments from Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who said over the weekend that the Supreme Court’s decision protecting marriage equality was “clearly wrong” and state legislatures should visit the issue.

But Schumer did not commit to holding a vote on the marriage bill.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. House overwhelmingly approved legislation Tuesday to protect same-sex and interracial marriages amid concerns that the Supreme Court ruling overturning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Roe v. Wade abortion access</a>&nbsp;could jeopardize other rights criticized by many conservatives.In a robust but lopsided debate, Democrats argued intensely and often personally in favor of enshrining marriage equality in federal law, while Republicans steered clear of openly rejecting gay marriage. Instead leading Republicans portrayed the bill as unnecessary amid other issues facing the nation.Tuesday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-bills-house-vote-fc24d99f184d7aeec4926a6520311da5">election-year roll call,</a>&nbsp;267-157, was partly political strategy, forcing all House members, Republicans and Democrats, to go on the record. It also reflected the legislative branch pushing back against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-right-to-privacy-6e1d7ee2a6d26bef09392971fd4948b5">an aggressive court that has raised questions about revisiting other apparently settled U.S. laws.</a>Wary of political fallout, GOP leaders did not press their members to hold the party line against the bill, aides said. In all, 47 Republicans joined all Democrats in voting for passage. No GOP members of the Kansas or Missouri delegation voted in favor of the bill.&nbsp;“For me, this is personal,” said Rep. Mondaire Jones, D-N.Y., who said he was among the openly gay members of the House.“Imagine telling the next generation of Americans, my generation, we no longer have the right to marry who we love,” he said. “Congress can't allow that to happen.”While the Respect for Marriage Act easily passed the House with a Democratic majority, it is likely to stall in the evenly split Senate, where most Republicans would probably join a filibuster to block it. It's one of several bills, including those enshrining abortion access, that Democrats are proposing to confront the court's conservative majority. Another bill, guaranteeing access to contraceptive services, is set for a vote later this week.House GOP leaders split over the issue, with Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Whip Rep. Steve Scalise voting against the marriage rights bill, but the No. 3 Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York voting in favor.In a notable silence, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell declined to express his view on the bill, leaving an open question over how strongly his party would fight it, if it should come up for a vote in the upper chamber.Key Republicans in the House have shifted in recent years on the same-sex marriage issue, including Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, who joined those voting in favor on Tuesday.Said another Republican, Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, in a statement about her yes vote: “If gay couples want to be as happily or miserably married as straight couples, more power to them.”Polling shows a majority of Americans favor preserving rights to marry, regardless of sex, gender, race or ethnicity, a long-building shift in modern mores toward inclusion.A Gallup poll in June showed broad and increasing support for same-sex marriage, with 70% of U.S. adults saying they think such unions should be recognized by law as valid. The poll showed majority support among both Democrats (83%) and Republicans (55%).Approval of interracial marriage in the U.S. hit a six-decade high at 94% in September, according to Gallup.Ahead of Tuesday's voting, a number of lawmakers joined protesters demonstrating against the abortion ruling outside the Supreme Court, which sits across from the Capitol and remains fenced off for security during tumultuous political times. Capitol Police said among those arrested were 16 members of Congress.“The extremist right-wing majority on the Supreme Court has put our country down a perilous path,” said Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., in a floor speech setting Tuesday’s debate in motion.“It’s time for our colleagues across the aisle to stand up and be counted. Will they vote to protect these fundamental freedoms? Or will they vote to let states take those freedoms away?”But Republicans insisted the court was only focused on abortion access in June when it struck down the nearly 50-year-old Roe v. Wade ruling, and they argued that same-sex marriage and other rights were not threatened.In fact, almost none of the Republicans who rose to speak during the debate directly broached the subject of same-sex or interracial marriage."We are here for a political charade, we are here for political messaging,” said Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee.That same tack could be expected in the Senate.Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said, “The predicate of this is just wrong. I don’t think the Supreme Court is going to overturn any of that stuff.”As several Democrats spoke of inequalities they said they or their loved ones had faced in same-sex marriages, the Republicans talked about rising gas prices, inflation and crime, including recent threats to justices in connection with the abortion ruling.For Republicans in Congress the Trump-era confirmation of conservative justices to the Supreme Court has fulfilled a long-term GOP goal of revisiting many social, environmental and regulatory issues the party has been unable to tackle on its own by passing bills that could be signed into law.The Respect for Marriage Act would repeal a law from the Clinton era that defines marriage as a heterogeneous relationship between a man and a woman. It would also provide legal protections for interracial marriages by prohibiting any state from denying out-of-state marriage licenses and benefits on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.The 1996 law, the Defense of Marriage Act, had basically been sidelined by Obama-era court rulings, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">Obergefell v. Hodges, which established the rights of same-sex couples to marry nationwide,</a>&nbsp;a landmark case for gay rights.But last month, writing for the majority in overturning Roe v. Wade, Justice Samuel Alito argued for a more narrow interpretation of the rights guaranteed to Americans, noting that the right to an abortion was not spelled out in the Constitution.In a concurring opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas went further, saying other rulings similar to Roe, including those around same-sex marriage and the right for couples to use contraception,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-government-and-politics-marriage-a0cee537c6f9f10d29fa71f6e7a4d19d">should be reconsidered</a>.While Alito insisted in the majority opinion that “this decision concerns the constitutional right to abortion and no other right,” others have taken notice.“The MAGA radicals that are taking over the Republican Party have made it abundantly clear they are not satisfied with repealing Roe,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., referring to Trump's backers.He pointed to comments from Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who said over the weekend that the Supreme Court’s decision protecting marriage equality was “clearly wrong” and state legislatures should visit the issue.But Schumer did not commit to holding a vote on the marriage bill.

47 Republicans join Dems as House votes to protect same-sex marriage

HARPER COUNTY — Authorities are investigating a fatal accident after an oil field explosion on Tuesday in Harper County.

Just after 12:30 p.m. two men were welding at an oil well site approximately seven miles north of Attica, according to a media release from the Harper County Sheriff's offie.

An investigation determined a gas buildup caused an explosion.

Charles Weber, 57, Bushton, was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; A 27-year-old employee was airlifted to the burn unit at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita for treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

HARPER COUNTY — Authorities are investigating a fatal accident after an oil field explosion on Tuesday in Harper County.Just after 12:30 p.m. two men were welding at an oil well site approximately seven miles north of Attica, according to a media release from the Harper County Sheriff's offie.An investigation determined a gas buildup caused an explosion.Charles Weber, 57, Bushton, was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; A 27-year-old employee was airlifted to the burn unit at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita for treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff IDs Kansas man who died in oil field accident

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding the estimated 
19 million taxpayers who requested an extension to file their 2021 tax 
return that they don't have to wait until mid-October to file. If a 
taxpayer has all the necessary information to file an accurate return, 
they can file electronically at any time before the October deadline and
 avoid a last-minute rush to file.

Taxpayers who requested more time to file an accurate return have 
until October 17, 2022. Those who have what they need to file, however, 
should file as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing their 
return.

Taxpayers who have questions can get help with most tax issues online or by phone. The IRS.gov website has free and easy to use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance">online tools and resources</a>
 to help taxpayers get answers 24 hours a day. Voice bots help callers 
navigate interactive voice responses to simple payment or notice 
questions, and quickly get responses to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/faqs">Frequently Asked Questions</a>.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>
 is a tool that provides answers to several tax law questions specific 
to individual circumstances based on input. It can determine if an 
individual must file a tax return, their filing status, if they can 
claim a dependent, if an income type is taxable, and their eligibility 
to claim a credit or deduct certain expenses.

The IRS advises individuals who still need to file a 2021 tax return to&nbsp;file electronically&nbsp;and, if due a refund, to choose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.

Filing electronically is fast, accurate and secure, and when an 
individual chooses direct deposit, their refund goes directly from the 
IRS into their bank or financial account getting them their refund in 
the fastest time possible. If they have a prepaid debit card, they may 
be able to have their refund applied to the card by providing the 
account and routing number to the IRS. The IRS processes most e-filed 
returns and issues direct deposit refunds in less than 21 days.

Eligible individuals can use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File program</a>
 to prepare and file their 2021 federal tax return for free. Taxpayers 
can choose the brand-name tax preparation software company that is best 
for them. Some even offer free state tax return preparation. Those who 
earned more than $73,000 have the option to use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">IRS Free File Fillable Forms</a>.

<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/miltax-software/">MilTax online software</a>&nbsp;is
 also available for members of the military and certain veterans, 
regardless of income. This software is offered through the Department of
 Defense. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to prepare and 
electronically file their federal tax returns and up to three state 
returns for free.

The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free 
basic tax return preparation to people who generally make $58,000 or 
less and people with disabilities or limited English-speaking taxpayers.
 While the majority of these sites are only open through the end of the 
filing season, taxpayers can use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">VITA Site Locator</a> tool to see if there's a community-based site staffed by IRS-trained and certified volunteers still open near them.

There are also various types of tax return preparers who can help, 
including certified public accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys and 
others who don't have a professional credential.

Taxpayers should <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">choose a tax preparer</a> wisely. For individuals who want help with their taxes, the IRS <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">online directory</a> can assist in finding a tax professional in their area.

The IRS sends correspondence to a taxpayer's last known address, 
usually the address from their most recently filed tax return. If the 
taxpayer moves and does not send a change of address to the IRS, they 
may not receive an IRS notice and could miss the deadline to respond.

There's no penalty for not filing a return if due a refund, but 
there's also no statute of limitations for assessing and collecting 
taxes due if no return has been filed.

Interest is charged on any tax not paid by the April due date and 
will accrue until paid in full. Individual taxpayers are charged the 
federal short-term interest rate plus 3 percentage points, currently 5% 
per year, compounded daily. Penalties will accrue for each month tax 
remains unpaid until maxed out at 25% of the unpaid tax.

Submitting a tax return and paying any amount owed as soon as possible can help taxpayers avoid further interest and penalties.

Taxpayers who owe taxes can review all <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">payment options online</a>. These include paying taxes through an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">IRS Direct Pay</a> or paying by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit card, credit card or digital wallet</a>. The IRS has <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-if-i-cant-pay-my-taxes">options for people who can't pay their taxes</a>, including <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">applying for a payment plan</a> on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding the estimated 
19 million taxpayers who requested an extension to file their 2021 tax 
return that they don't have to wait until mid-October to file. If a 
taxpayer has all the necessary information to file an accurate return, 
they can file electronically at any time before the October deadline and
 avoid a last-minute rush to file.Taxpayers who requested more time to file an accurate return have 
until October 17, 2022. Those who have what they need to file, however, 
should file as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing their 
return.Taxpayers who have questions can get help with most tax issues online or by phone. The IRS.gov website has free and easy to use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance">online tools and resources</a>
 to help taxpayers get answers 24 hours a day. Voice bots help callers 
navigate interactive voice responses to simple payment or notice 
questions, and quickly get responses to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/faqs">Frequently Asked Questions</a>.The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>
 is a tool that provides answers to several tax law questions specific 
to individual circumstances based on input. It can determine if an 
individual must file a tax return, their filing status, if they can 
claim a dependent, if an income type is taxable, and their eligibility 
to claim a credit or deduct certain expenses.<h2>Electronic filing options</h2>The IRS advises individuals who still need to file a 2021 tax return to&nbsp;file electronically&nbsp;and, if due a refund, to choose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.Filing electronically is fast, accurate and secure, and when an 
individual chooses direct deposit, their refund goes directly from the 
IRS into their bank or financial account getting them their refund in 
the fastest time possible. If they have a prepaid debit card, they may 
be able to have their refund applied to the card by providing the 
account and routing number to the IRS. The IRS processes most e-filed 
returns and issues direct deposit refunds in less than 21 days.Eligible individuals can use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File program</a>
 to prepare and file their 2021 federal tax return for free. Taxpayers 
can choose the brand-name tax preparation software company that is best 
for them. Some even offer free state tax return preparation. Those who 
earned more than $73,000 have the option to use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">IRS Free File Fillable Forms</a>.<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/miltax-software/">MilTax online software</a>&nbsp;is
 also available for members of the military and certain veterans, 
regardless of income. This software is offered through the Department of
 Defense. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to prepare and 
electronically file their federal tax returns and up to three state 
returns for free.<h2>Volunteer Income Tax Assistance</h2>The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free 
basic tax return preparation to people who generally make $58,000 or 
less and people with disabilities or limited English-speaking taxpayers.
 While the majority of these sites are only open through the end of the 
filing season, taxpayers can use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">VITA Site Locator</a> tool to see if there's a community-based site staffed by IRS-trained and certified volunteers still open near them.<h2>Tax professionals</h2>There are also various types of tax return preparers who can help, 
including certified public accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys and 
others who don't have a professional credential.Taxpayers should <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">choose a tax preparer</a> wisely. For individuals who want help with their taxes, the IRS <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">online directory</a> can assist in finding a tax professional in their area.<h2>Get current on taxes</h2>The IRS sends correspondence to a taxpayer's last known address, 
usually the address from their most recently filed tax return. If the 
taxpayer moves and does not send a change of address to the IRS, they 
may not receive an IRS notice and could miss the deadline to respond.There's no penalty for not filing a return if due a refund, but 
there's also no statute of limitations for assessing and collecting 
taxes due if no return has been filed.Interest is charged on any tax not paid by the April due date and 
will accrue until paid in full. Individual taxpayers are charged the 
federal short-term interest rate plus 3 percentage points, currently 5% 
per year, compounded daily. Penalties will accrue for each month tax 
remains unpaid until maxed out at 25% of the unpaid tax.Submitting a tax return and paying any amount owed as soon as possible can help taxpayers avoid further interest and penalties.Taxpayers who owe taxes can review all <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">payment options online</a>. These include paying taxes through an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">IRS Direct Pay</a> or paying by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit card, credit card or digital wallet</a>. The IRS has <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-if-i-cant-pay-my-taxes">options for people who can't pay their taxes</a>, including <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">applying for a payment plan</a> on IRS.gov.

File a federal tax extension? Don't wait until Oct. 17, IRS urges

FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal stabbing continue asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

Just after 8a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a stabbing in the 2800 block of 6th Avenue in Dodge City, according to a media release.

When officers arrived they located 24-year-old Christian Zamora of Dodge City suffering from multiple stab wounds. 

EMS transported Zamora to St. Catherine’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police are asking the public for help in locating 27-year-old Aaron Andres Arreola, for questioning. On Tuesday, police reported they located the black 2013 Cadillac CTS bearing Kansas tag DEDPULL, Arreola was driving.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658141137352.png" alt=" Arreola-photo Dodge City Police" />
 <figcaption> Arreola-photo Dodge City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal stabbing continue asking the public for help to locate a suspect.Just after 8a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a stabbing in the 2800 block of 6th Avenue in Dodge City, according to a media release.When officers arrived they located 24-year-old Christian Zamora of Dodge City suffering from multiple stab wounds. EMS transported Zamora to St. Catherine’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead.Police are asking the public for help in locating 27-year-old Aaron Andres Arreola, for questioning. On Tuesday, police reported they located the black 2013 Cadillac CTS bearing Kansas tag DEDPULL, Arreola was driving.

Search continues for suspect in deadly SW Kansas stabbing

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on child sex allegations.

On July 7, employees of the City of Garden City received information that an individual live streamed children to the internet while at Garden Rapids at the Big Pool, according to a media release from police.

Officials with the pool reported the information to police. During the investigation, police identified 57-year-old William Joe Bolin of Garden City as the suspect. 

On July 18, 2022, the Garden City Police Department, with assistance from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), served a search warrant at Bolin’s residence at 1106 N. 12th Street in Garden City.

Inside the residence, police seized several electronic and computer-related items, suspected methamphetamine and marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. A preliminary search of the electronic items resulted in the location of numerous items of child pornography. 

Police arrested Bolin was while he was reporting to his probation officer. 

Bolin is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658246896225.png" alt="Bolin-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Bolin-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on child sex allegations.On July 7, employees of the City of Garden City received information that an individual live streamed children to the internet while at Garden Rapids at the Big Pool, according to a media release from police.Officials with the pool reported the information to police. During the investigation, police identified 57-year-old William Joe Bolin of Garden City as the suspect. On July 18, 2022, the Garden City Police Department, with assistance from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), served a search warrant at Bolin’s residence at 1106 N. 12th Street in Garden City.Inside the residence, police seized several electronic and computer-related items, suspected methamphetamine and marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. A preliminary search of the electronic items resulted in the location of numerous items of child pornography. Police arrested Bolin was while he was reporting to his probation officer. Bolin is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Police: Man sent live video of kids at Kansas pool to internet

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just before midnight Saturday, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop near 125th and Jordan Road in Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, the deputy found illegal narcotics.

The driver of the vehicle, Austin E. Langley, 24, of Overbrook, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of cocaine, driving while intoxicated, and driving while license is suspended.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658181325087.png" alt="Langley-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Langley-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just before midnight Saturday, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop near 125th and Jordan Road in Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, the deputy found illegal narcotics.The driver of the vehicle, Austin E. Langley, 24, of Overbrook, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of cocaine, driving while intoxicated, and driving while license is suspended.

Kansas deputy found cocaine during traffic stop

By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph Post

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Missouri Agriculture Director Chris Chinn says the state farm
economy faces many challenges even as it weathers a long, dry summer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658350080939.jpeg" alt="Missouri Agriculture Dir. Chris Chinn speaks at the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri 11th annual event. Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Agriculture Dir. Chris Chinn speaks at the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri 11th annual event. Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph PostST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Missouri Agriculture Director Chris Chinn says the state farm
economy faces many challenges even as it weathers a long, dry summer.Chinn addressed the 11th annual event of the Community
Foundation of Northwest Missouri meeting on the Missouri Western State
University campus in St. Joseph Wednesday.Chinn says inflation is having a big impact on farmers and
ranchers.“When you look at livestock, the price of feed has gone up
immensely in this last year; fuel prices, fertilizer prices. And farmers are
facing a lot of higher input costs,” Chinn tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an
interview after her speech. “Now, while their commodity prices might be up and
it looks like they’re doing well, they’re expenses are also up to match it. So,
it’s a challenging time.”A rise in interest rates will make borrowing more expensive.“When they go to renew their operating lines of credit, they’re
going to have a higher interest rate,” Chinn says. “So that means they’re going
to have to produce more to make sure that they are able to meet that need. And so,
it’s going to be a challenge, because the one thing farmers can’t control is the
weather and the market. They’re price takers. It’s a challenge. They’ll find a
way to make it through. They always do, but there’ll be some tough decisions made
along the way.”Disruptions in the nation’s supply chain are having a very
real impact on farmers and ranchers.Chinn says some farmers are still waiting on parts to repair
equipment that broke down during harvest last fall. Row crop farmers aren’t the
only ones affected.“I had a farmer the other day tell me that he had a breakdown
on his bailer,” Chinn says. &nbsp;“There was one
part in the state of Missouri that he could go get and he had to travel six
hours to go pick up that part to fix his bailer to be able to continue to make
hay. That’s not something that we’ve seen in years past, not on new equipment
especially.”Drought conditions have greatly affected farming operations in
Nebraska and Iowa. Northern Missouri has been, for the most part, spared. Not
so in other parts of the state. Hot dry weather in southern Missouri is
creeping northward, spreading into south-central Missouri.“We’re very alarmed about that,” Chinn says. “We want to make
sure that we’re doing everything we can to help support them. But, in the end,
we just need a good rain.”Chinn says the governor has revived a drought task force. Missouri
can open state land for grazing and haying. Steps also can be taken to get
water to ranches suffering from drought.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658350135016.jpeg" alt="Chinn speaks with former Missouri Agriculture Director John Saunders of St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Chinn speaks with former Missouri Agriculture Director John Saunders of St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>