SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.

Just before 5:30p.m. Monday, deputies were sent to a disturbance call involving a weapon in the 4500 block of south Meadowview in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

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

EMS transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries.&nbsp; The suspect identified as 62-year-old Phoukhong Khamvongsa&nbsp; of Wichita, was arrested at the residence <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=142445">and booked </a>into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on requested charges of Aggravated Battery.

The victim and suspect are family members, according to Blick.

Detectives are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650989518111.png" alt="Khamvongsa-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Khamvongsa-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.Just before 5:30p.m. Monday, deputies were sent to a disturbance call involving a weapon in the 4500 block of south Meadowview in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.When deputies arrived, they located a 55-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the backyard of a residence. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries.&nbsp; The suspect identified as 62-year-old Phoukhong Khamvongsa&nbsp; of Wichita, was arrested at the residence <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=142445">and booked </a>into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on requested charges of Aggravated Battery.The victim and suspect are family members, according to Blick.Detectives are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Sheriff: Kan. man shot family member in backyard of home

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Fire crews that took advantage of a break in the weather in their battle to contain large fires in the West and Plains states fear the return of stronger winds could spread the flames further. Officials say a southwestern Nebraska wildfire that killed a former volunteer fire chief last week and destroyed several homes is about half contained. 

After a break in the weather Monday, a red flag warning was issued for the area Tuesday, with temperatures expected to be warmer, humidity dropping to as low at 15% and winds gusting up to 35 mph. Crews in the West continue working to corral blazes in northern New Mexico that have charred a combined 225 square miles over recent days. Several small villages are threatened and evacuations remain in place.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Firefighters across the country are battling multiple wildfires as tinder-dry conditions and high winds whip up flames from Arizona to Florida — including a prairie fire in rural southwestern Nebraska that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-nebraska-emergency-management-5fbf79a71c25690f7f979e29f80e27a2">killed one person</a>, injured at least 15 firefighters and destroyed at least six homes.

A break in the weather in parts of the Midwest and West allowed crews to make progress Monday on some of the nearly dozen new large fires that were reported in recent days across the nation — four in New Mexico, three in Colorado and one each in Florida, Nebraska, South Dakota and Texas.

With more than 1,350 square miles burned so far this year, officials at the National Interagency Fire Center said the amount of land singed to date is outpacing the 10-year average by about 30%.

Hotter, drier weather has combined with a persistent drought to worsen fire danger across many parts of the West, where decades of fire suppression have resulted in overgrown and unhealthy forests and increasing development have put more communities at risk.

About 160 firefighters, emergency management personnel and others — twice as many as the day before — were helping fight the fire in Nebraska by Monday evening.

Known as the Road 702 Fire, it has destroyed at least six homes and threatened 660 others, along with 50 commercial or farm buildings, Ashford said.

A retired Cambridge, Nebraska, fire chief who was helping as a fire spotter in Red Willow County died Friday night after his truck went off the road in a blinding haze of smoke and dust. The body of John Trumble, 66, of Arapahoe, was recovered around early Saturday.

Trumble was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-nebraska-accidents-evacuations-4dfcdda44fa895a7079cae8d9f61fcce">second person in a month to die while fighting a wildfire in southwest Nebraska</a>. Elwood Volunteer Fire Chief Darren Krull, 54, was killed in a collision with a water tanker on April 7 in Furnas County as smoke cut visibility to zero.

Nebraska remains critically dry, said Ashford, who urged residents to use caution when doing anything that could spark a fire.

“The last thing we need is to have another fire started that we have to then fight,” he said.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Fire crews that took advantage of a break in the weather in their battle to contain large fires in the West and Plains states fear the return of stronger winds could spread the flames further. Officials say a southwestern Nebraska wildfire that killed a former volunteer fire chief last week and destroyed several homes is about half contained. <div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MIMpCPXN8fE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>After a break in the weather Monday, a red flag warning was issued for the area Tuesday, with temperatures expected to be warmer, humidity dropping to as low at 15% and winds gusting up to 35 mph. Crews in the West continue working to corral blazes in northern New Mexico that have charred a combined 225 square miles over recent days. Several small villages are threatened and evacuations remain in place.------OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Firefighters across the country are battling multiple wildfires as tinder-dry conditions and high winds whip up flames from Arizona to Florida — including a prairie fire in rural southwestern Nebraska that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-nebraska-emergency-management-5fbf79a71c25690f7f979e29f80e27a2">killed one person</a>, injured at least 15 firefighters and destroyed at least six homes.A break in the weather in parts of the Midwest and West allowed crews to make progress Monday on some of the nearly dozen new large fires that were reported in recent days across the nation — four in New Mexico, three in Colorado and one each in Florida, Nebraska, South Dakota and Texas.With more than 1,350 square miles burned so far this year, officials at the National Interagency Fire Center said the amount of land singed to date is outpacing the 10-year average by about 30%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650904932989.jpeg" alt="The Nebraska State patrol troopers and drone pilots captured the videos and photos of the 'Road 702 Fire" near Cambridge in southwest Nebraska." />
 <figcaption>The Nebraska State patrol troopers and drone pilots captured the videos and photos of the 'Road 702 Fire" near Cambridge in southwest Nebraska.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hotter, drier weather has combined with a persistent drought to worsen fire danger across many parts of the West, where decades of fire suppression have resulted in overgrown and unhealthy forests and increasing development have put more communities at risk.About 160 firefighters, emergency management personnel and others — twice as many as the day before — were helping fight the fire in Nebraska by Monday evening.Known as the Road 702 Fire, it has destroyed at least six homes and threatened 660 others, along with 50 commercial or farm buildings, Ashford said.A retired Cambridge, Nebraska, fire chief who was helping as a fire spotter in Red Willow County died Friday night after his truck went off the road in a blinding haze of smoke and dust. The body of John Trumble, 66, of Arapahoe, was recovered around early Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650904966461.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trumble was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-fires-nebraska-accidents-evacuations-4dfcdda44fa895a7079cae8d9f61fcce">second person in a month to die while fighting a wildfire in southwest Nebraska</a>. Elwood Volunteer Fire Chief Darren Krull, 54, was killed in a collision with a water tanker on April 7 in Furnas County as smoke cut visibility to zero.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650904981267.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska remains critically dry, said Ashford, who urged residents to use caution when doing anything that could spark a fire.“The last thing we need is to have another fire started that we have to then fight,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650905001558.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

 🎥 Progress made on deadly wildfires; high winds threaten efforts

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, the White House announced, underscoring the persistence of the highly contagious virus even as the U.S. eases restrictions in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-business-health-medication-a5adf6c2e7894e479e795b5a6d1aeb84">a bid to return to pre-pandemic normalcy.</a>

Harris press secretary Kirsten Allen said neither President Joe Biden nor first lady Jill Biden was considered a “close contact” of Harris in recent days. Harris had been scheduled to attend Biden’s Tuesday morning Presidential Daily Brief but was not present, the White House said. Because of their travel schedules, the last time Harris saw Biden was Monday, April 18.

The vice president returned on Monday from a weeklong trip to the West Coast.

Harris tested positive on both rapid and PCR tests but “has exhibited no symptoms,” the White House said. She will isolate at her residence but continue to work remotely, and will return to the White House only when she tests negative for the virus.

Harris, 57, received her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine weeks before taking office and a second dose just days after Inauguration Day in 2021. She received a booster shot in late October and an additional booster on April 1. Fully vaccinated and boosted people have a high degree of protection against serious illness and death from COVID-19, particularly from the most common and highly transmissible omicron variant.

Harris’ diagnosis comes a month after her husband, Doug Emhoff, recovered from the virus, as a wave of cases of the highly transmissible omicron subvariant has spread through Washington’s political class, infecting Cabinet members, White House staffers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-oregon-kamala-harris-ron-wyden-4635e36e760f07ca2451d9937ca38005">and lawmakers</a>&nbsp;including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., tested positive on Tuesday, his office said.

Allen said Harris would follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines “and the advice of her physicians.” It was not immediately clear whether she is being prescribed any antiviral treatments.

The White House has put in place strict COVID-19 protocols around the president, vice president and their spouses, including daily testing for those expected to be in close contact with them. Biden is tested regularly on the advice of his physician, the White House has said.

After more than two years and nearly a million deaths in the U.S., the virus is still killing more than 300 people a day in the U.S., according to the CDC. The unvaccinated are at a far greater risk, more than twice as likely to test positive and nine times as likely to die from the virus as those who have received at least a primary dose of the vaccines, according to the public health agency.

Harris’ diagnosis comes as the Biden administration is taking steps to expand availability of the life-saving COVID-19 antiviral treatment Paxlovid, reassuring doctors that there is ample supply for people at high risk of severe illness or death from the virus.

Paxlovid, when administered within five days of symptoms appearing, has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease.

In addition to her husband’s diagnosis, Harris was identified as a “close contact” after her communications director tested positive on April 6.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines “close contact” with an infected person as spending 15 minutes or more with them over a 24-hour period. The CDC says a (person with “close contact” does not need to quarantine if they are up to date on their vaccines but should wear a well-fitting mask around other people for 10 days after the contact.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650996759503.png" alt="Harris, 57, received her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine weeks before taking office and a second dose just days after Inauguration Day in 2021. She received a booster shot in late October and an additional booster on April 1. -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Harris, 57, received her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine weeks before taking office and a second dose just days after Inauguration Day in 2021. She received a booster shot in late October and an additional booster on April 1. -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, the White House announced, underscoring the persistence of the highly contagious virus even as the U.S. eases restrictions in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-business-health-medication-a5adf6c2e7894e479e795b5a6d1aeb84">a bid to return to pre-pandemic normalcy.</a>Harris press secretary Kirsten Allen said neither President Joe Biden nor first lady Jill Biden was considered a “close contact” of Harris in recent days. Harris had been scheduled to attend Biden’s Tuesday morning Presidential Daily Brief but was not present, the White House said. Because of their travel schedules, the last time Harris saw Biden was Monday, April 18.The vice president returned on Monday from a weeklong trip to the West Coast.Harris tested positive on both rapid and PCR tests but “has exhibited no symptoms,” the White House said. She will isolate at her residence but continue to work remotely, and will return to the White House only when she tests negative for the virus.Harris, 57, received her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine weeks before taking office and a second dose just days after Inauguration Day in 2021. She received a booster shot in late October and an additional booster on April 1. Fully vaccinated and boosted people have a high degree of protection against serious illness and death from COVID-19, particularly from the most common and highly transmissible omicron variant.Harris’ diagnosis comes a month after her husband, Doug Emhoff, recovered from the virus, as a wave of cases of the highly transmissible omicron subvariant has spread through Washington’s political class, infecting Cabinet members, White House staffers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-oregon-kamala-harris-ron-wyden-4635e36e760f07ca2451d9937ca38005">and lawmakers</a>&nbsp;including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., tested positive on Tuesday, his office said.Allen said Harris would follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines “and the advice of her physicians.” It was not immediately clear whether she is being prescribed any antiviral treatments.The White House has put in place strict COVID-19 protocols around the president, vice president and their spouses, including daily testing for those expected to be in close contact with them. Biden is tested regularly on the advice of his physician, the White House has said.After more than two years and nearly a million deaths in the U.S., the virus is still killing more than 300 people a day in the U.S., according to the CDC. The unvaccinated are at a far greater risk, more than twice as likely to test positive and nine times as likely to die from the virus as those who have received at least a primary dose of the vaccines, according to the public health agency.Harris’ diagnosis comes as the Biden administration is taking steps to expand availability of the life-saving COVID-19 antiviral treatment Paxlovid, reassuring doctors that there is ample supply for people at high risk of severe illness or death from the virus.Paxlovid, when administered within five days of symptoms appearing, has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease.In addition to her husband’s diagnosis, Harris was identified as a “close contact” after her communications director tested positive on April 6.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines “close contact” with an infected person as spending 15 minutes or more with them over a 24-hour period. The CDC says a (person with “close contact” does not need to quarantine if they are up to date on their vaccines but should wear a well-fitting mask around other people for 10 days after the contact.

Despite 2nd booster this month, vice president positive for COVID

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas state lawmaker has complained publicly about having to share women’s restrooms with a “huge” transgender colleague whom she describes as a potential threat to young children who visit the Statehouse.

Republican state Rep. Cheryl Helmer on Tuesday stood firmly by her comments in an email to a University of Kansas graduate student while defending&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2210_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;she co-sponsored that would make it a felony for doctors to provide hormones or do gender transition surgery for children under 18. She also decried what she called the “in your face” approach to promoting transgender rights by Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Byers, the first elected transgender Kansas lawmaker.

The House speaker called Helmer’s comments “unfortunate” and Democrats condemned them. The state’s most visible LGBTQ rights lobbyist called for the House to censure Helmer.

The Republican-controlled Legislature is trying to override&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/topeka-kansas-legislature-libraries-9ffb07cf3b25faf848dda6d78bff8856">Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto&nbsp;</a>of a ban on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s K-12 and college sports. Supporters have said they want to preserve fair competition and are not attacking transgender girls and women, but LGBTQ rights advocates say Helmer’s comments prove anti-trans bigotry is behind the measure.

“We know this has been going on in offices, and back rooms and conversations since the day I was elected,” Byers said Tuesday. “The shocking part is that it came out, that someone actually said it.”

Helmer, 70, said in an interview that she was in the Statehouse with a mother and her young daughter and Byers a couple of months ago, and that the girl was frightened of Byers.

Helmer also said she tried to make a point when she mistakenly entered a men’s restroom in the House in early 2021. The men, she said, were surprised and upset, so she asked them how they would like it if a woman regularly used their restroom.

Pressed on the issue Monday evening, she said parents shouldn’t be allowed to “change” their child’s gender.

“You can’t lop a penis off and then expect, you know, a little boy to now live his life,” she said. “He’ll be in regret for the rest of his life.”

Meanwhile, the Kansas Senate voted 28-10 Tuesday to override Kelly’s veto of the transgender athletes bill. A House vote will follow, but the timing wasn’t clear.

Republicans in at least 15 states have enacted bans on transgender athletes, and several have outlawed gender-affirming medical care for children. In Michigan, a conservative state senator accused a Democratic colleague of wanting to “groom” and “sexualize” young children, prompting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/media-social-michigan-9651ec94e425db841581562aed6bbcbb">a response</a>&nbsp;that went viral on social media.

Helmer is a retired Wichita school counselor and nursing instructor, a conservative Republican elected in 2018 to represent a district south of the state’s largest city. She participates in rodeo barrel racing and has a sign in her office that says, “My horse is smarter than your honor student.”

Byers, 59, is a retired Wichita high school music teacher and band director who was elected to the House in 2020.

In her email Sunday to 25-year-old University of Kansas graduate student Brenan Riffel, Helmer wrote: “Now, personally I do not appreciate the huge transgender female who is now in our restrooms in the Capitol.” Riffel, who describes themself as trans-feminine and uses the pronouns they/them, released the email to the Kansas Reflector, a nonprofit news provider.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-legislature-kansas-topeka-7139d8bedcc50a1d00e1d4cd8ebed70b">Tom Witt,&nbsp;</a>executive director of Equality Kansas, called on the Kansas House to censure Helmer, something that would take a formal complaint from another lawmaker and a two-thirds majority vote.

“It is a new level of toxic bigotry that I have not seen in this building before,” Witt said.

House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a Kansas City-area Republican, said he hasn’t seen Helmer’s full remarks, but “It’s unfortunate those words were said.”

Byers said several lawmakers have moved away from her in the elevator, and that&nbsp;<a href="https://secureservercdn.net/50.62.88.172/s1c.ac0.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/KSGOP-Platform-Adopted-June-23-2018.pdf" target="_blank">the Kansas Republican Party’s last platform,</a>&nbsp;drafted in 2018, declares that, “We believe God created two genders, male and female.”

In her email to Riffel, Helmer wrote, “A doctor can inject meds and dilute but cannot destroy what God has done in the perfection of the HUMAN BEING.”

Riffel said in an interview that they weren’t surprised by Helmer’s response, “considering what it would take” to sponsor the bill banning gender-affirming care for trans youth.

“The rhetoric against the LGBTQ community has been the same for years, that we’re a threat to society; we’re going to hurt people,” said Riffel. “I just want to go about and just be myself.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650925640050.png" alt="Rep. Cheryl Helmer-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Cheryl Helmer-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas state lawmaker has complained publicly about having to share women’s restrooms with a “huge” transgender colleague whom she describes as a potential threat to young children who visit the Statehouse.Republican state Rep. Cheryl Helmer on Tuesday stood firmly by her comments in an email to a University of Kansas graduate student while defending&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2210_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;she co-sponsored that would make it a felony for doctors to provide hormones or do gender transition surgery for children under 18. She also decried what she called the “in your face” approach to promoting transgender rights by Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Byers, the first elected transgender Kansas lawmaker.The House speaker called Helmer’s comments “unfortunate” and Democrats condemned them. The state’s most visible LGBTQ rights lobbyist called for the House to censure Helmer.The Republican-controlled Legislature is trying to override&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/topeka-kansas-legislature-libraries-9ffb07cf3b25faf848dda6d78bff8856">Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto&nbsp;</a>of a ban on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s K-12 and college sports. Supporters have said they want to preserve fair competition and are not attacking transgender girls and women, but LGBTQ rights advocates say Helmer’s comments prove anti-trans bigotry is behind the measure.“We know this has been going on in offices, and back rooms and conversations since the day I was elected,” Byers said Tuesday. “The shocking part is that it came out, that someone actually said it.”Helmer, 70, said in an interview that she was in the Statehouse with a mother and her young daughter and Byers a couple of months ago, and that the girl was frightened of Byers.Helmer also said she tried to make a point when she mistakenly entered a men’s restroom in the House in early 2021. The men, she said, were surprised and upset, so she asked them how they would like it if a woman regularly used their restroom.Pressed on the issue Monday evening, she said parents shouldn’t be allowed to “change” their child’s gender.“You can’t lop a penis off and then expect, you know, a little boy to now live his life,” she said. “He’ll be in regret for the rest of his life.”Meanwhile, the Kansas Senate voted 28-10 Tuesday to override Kelly’s veto of the transgender athletes bill. A House vote will follow, but the timing wasn’t clear.Republicans in at least 15 states have enacted bans on transgender athletes, and several have outlawed gender-affirming medical care for children. In Michigan, a conservative state senator accused a Democratic colleague of wanting to “groom” and “sexualize” young children, prompting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/media-social-michigan-9651ec94e425db841581562aed6bbcbb">a response</a>&nbsp;that went viral on social media.Helmer is a retired Wichita school counselor and nursing instructor, a conservative Republican elected in 2018 to represent a district south of the state’s largest city. She participates in rodeo barrel racing and has a sign in her office that says, “My horse is smarter than your honor student.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612468437256.png" alt="Rep. Stephanie Byers" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Stephanie Byers</figcaption>
 </figure>Byers, 59, is a retired Wichita high school music teacher and band director who was elected to the House in 2020.In her email Sunday to 25-year-old University of Kansas graduate student Brenan Riffel, Helmer wrote: “Now, personally I do not appreciate the huge transgender female who is now in our restrooms in the Capitol.” Riffel, who describes themself as trans-feminine and uses the pronouns they/them, released the email to the Kansas Reflector, a nonprofit news provider.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650634763671.png" alt="Tom Witt, executive director of Equality Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Tom Witt, executive director of Equality Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-legislature-kansas-topeka-7139d8bedcc50a1d00e1d4cd8ebed70b">Tom Witt,&nbsp;</a>executive director of Equality Kansas, called on the Kansas House to censure Helmer, something that would take a formal complaint from another lawmaker and a two-thirds majority vote.“It is a new level of toxic bigotry that I have not seen in this building before,” Witt said.House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a Kansas City-area Republican, said he hasn’t seen Helmer’s full remarks, but “It’s unfortunate those words were said.”Byers said several lawmakers have moved away from her in the elevator, and that&nbsp;<a href="https://secureservercdn.net/50.62.88.172/s1c.ac0.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/KSGOP-Platform-Adopted-June-23-2018.pdf" target="_blank">the Kansas Republican Party’s last platform,</a>&nbsp;drafted in 2018, declares that, “We believe God created two genders, male and female.”In her email to Riffel, Helmer wrote, “A doctor can inject meds and dilute but cannot destroy what God has done in the perfection of the HUMAN BEING.”Riffel said in an interview that they weren’t surprised by Helmer’s response, “considering what it would take” to sponsor the bill banning gender-affirming care for trans youth.“The rhetoric against the LGBTQ community has been the same for years, that we’re a threat to society; we’re going to hurt people,” said Riffel. “I just want to go about and just be myself.”___

Kan. lawmaker doesn't want to share restroom with trans colleague

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspicious death in Shawnee County have identified the victim Joshua R. Kline, 24 of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Just after 5:30 p.m.&nbsp; Friday, police responded to 901 NE River Rd on a report of a body in the river, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.

Topeka Fire Department personnel were requested to the scene to recover the body. Investigators with the Topeka Police Department and Shawnee County Coroner’s Office were also on scene.&nbsp;

The investigation is in its preliminary stages. At this time, foul play is not suspected. An official cause of death will be determined by the Shawnee County Coroner’s Office. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650716166152.png" alt="Investigators on the scene Friday evening -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Investigators on the scene Friday evening -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspicious death in Shawnee County have identified the victim Joshua R. Kline, 24 of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Just after 5:30 p.m.&nbsp; Friday, police responded to 901 NE River Rd on a report of a body in the river, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.Topeka Fire Department personnel were requested to the scene to recover the body. Investigators with the Topeka Police Department and Shawnee County Coroner’s Office were also on scene.&nbsp;The investigation is in its preliminary stages. At this time, foul play is not suspected. An official cause of death will be determined by the Shawnee County Coroner’s Office.

Police ID Kansas man whose body was found in river

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —Police arrested a Kansas man on Monday wanted on multiple Salina Municipal Court warrants after a traffic stop in central Salina.

Just after 8:30a.m. a police officer on patrol in the 200 block of W. Crawford Street noticed a 2005 Ford Escape that had an expired license plate, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The officer was able to stop the vehicle in the 500 block of S. Ninth Street.

The driver allegedly initially identified himself with a false name and date of birth, however, the officer was able to identify him as Dalton Reinbold, 24, of Salina.

Reinbold was known to have seven active Salina Municipal Court warrants for probation violations. In addition to the warrants, Reinbold was arrested on requested charges of Obstruction, Driving while suspended, Driving while a habitual violator, No proof of insurance, Expired registration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650988141361.png" alt="Dalton Reinbold photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Dalton Reinbold photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —Police arrested a Kansas man on Monday wanted on multiple Salina Municipal Court warrants after a traffic stop in central Salina.Just after 8:30a.m. a police officer on patrol in the 200 block of W. Crawford Street noticed a 2005 Ford Escape that had an expired license plate, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The officer was able to stop the vehicle in the 500 block of S. Ninth Street.The driver allegedly initially identified himself with a false name and date of birth, however, the officer was able to identify him as Dalton Reinbold, 24, of Salina.Reinbold was known to have seven active Salina Municipal Court warrants for probation violations. In addition to the warrants, Reinbold was arrested on requested charges of Obstruction, Driving while suspended, Driving while a habitual violator, No proof of insurance, Expired registration.

Police: Wanted Kan. man used false name during traffic stop

MOSCOW(AP) —Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned Monday that Ukraine risks provoking World War III and said the threat of a nuclear conflict “should not be underestimated.”

In an in-depth Russian TV interview, Lavrov blamed Ukraine for stalled talks between the two countries, and accused the United States and Britain of pressuring Kyiv not to reach agreement.

“Everyone is reciting incantations that in no case can we allow World War III,” Lavrov said, and accused Ukrainian leaders of provoking Russia by asking NATO to become involved in the conflict.

By providing weapons, NATO forces are “pouring oil on the fire,” he said, according to a Russian transcript on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website.

Lavrov apparently made the remarks after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the United States wants “to see Russia weakened to the point where it can’t do things like invade Ukraine.”

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told The Associated Press in an interview Monday that only discussions between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin would bring resolution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650881393752.png" alt="U.S. Airmen prepare supply crates containing Stinger anti-aircraft systems, Javelin anti-armor systems, and other equipment bound for Ukraine at Dover Air Force Base in April 2022 -photo U.S.Defense Department" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Airmen prepare supply crates containing Stinger anti-aircraft systems, Javelin anti-armor systems, and other equipment bound for Ukraine at Dover Air Force Base in April 2022 -photo U.S.Defense Department</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW(AP) —Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned Monday that Ukraine risks provoking World War III and said the threat of a nuclear conflict “should not be underestimated.”In an in-depth Russian TV interview, Lavrov blamed Ukraine for stalled talks between the two countries, and accused the United States and Britain of pressuring Kyiv not to reach agreement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650883422666.png" alt="Reporters who accompanied Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin and Sec. of State Anthony Blinken to Poland&nbsp; on their way to meet with the Ukraine President were barred by Pentagon and State Department officials from reporting the Kyiv visit until the two men physically left Ukraine-photo U.S. Defense Department" />
 <figcaption>Reporters who accompanied Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin and Sec. of State Anthony Blinken to Poland&nbsp; on their way to meet with the Ukraine President were barred by Pentagon and State Department officials from reporting the Kyiv visit until the two men physically left Ukraine-photo U.S. Defense Department</figcaption>
 </figure>“Everyone is reciting incantations that in no case can we allow World War III,” Lavrov said, and accused Ukrainian leaders of provoking Russia by asking NATO to become involved in the conflict.By providing weapons, NATO forces are “pouring oil on the fire,” he said, according to a Russian transcript on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website.Lavrov apparently made the remarks after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the United States wants “to see Russia weakened to the point where it can’t do things like invade Ukraine.”Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told The Associated Press in an interview Monday that only discussions between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin would bring resolution.

Russia warns of real nuclear war risk over Ukraine

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal pedestrian accident have identified the victim as 44-year-old Melissa Mertes of Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

Just before 9:30p.m. Monday,&nbsp;a westbound 2011 Chevy Impala driven by an 18-year-old female from Rose Hill struck Mertes in the 12000 block of east 31st Street South in Wichita.

&nbsp;She was walking a dog, westbound on the north edge of the roadway.

Mertes and the dog she was walking were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Blick. The teen driver was not injured.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal pedestrian accident have identified the victim as 44-year-old Melissa Mertes of Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.Just before 9:30p.m. Monday,&nbsp;a westbound 2011 Chevy Impala driven by an 18-year-old female from Rose Hill struck Mertes in the 12000 block of east 31st Street South in Wichita.&nbsp;She was walking a dog, westbound on the north edge of the roadway.Mertes and the dog she was walking were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Blick. The teen driver was not injured.

Sheriff: Teen driver struck, killed Kan. woman walking dog

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt on Monday notified the Wyandotte County District Court he is appealing to the Kansas Supreme Court the ruling that legislation enacted in early February to reapportion Kansas congressional districts violates the Kansas constitution, according to a statement from Schmidt's office.&nbsp; The district court ordered the Legislature to redraw the districts.

Attorney General Schmidt issued the following statement in connection with Monday's actions in court:

“Today’s Wyandotte County District Court decision may be the first redistricting case ever to make use of folk-song lyrics, the Buddha, and personal memories from the judge’s childhood. The state is promptly appealing.”

Click <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/2022-cv-89-decision-final.pdf?sfvrsn=37c9a01a_2">here to read a </a>copy of the Wyandotte County District Court’s decision.&nbsp; Click<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/notice-of-appeal---supreme-court.pdf?sfvrsn=94caa01a_2"> here to read</a> the attorney general’s notice of appeal.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;district court judge on Monday struck down a new Republican-backed congressional map that would likely make it harder for the only Democrat in the state's delegation to win reelection this year.

It was the first time a court has declared that the Kansas Constitution prohibits political gerrymandering. The state is expected to appeal to the Kansas Supreme Court.

The decision from Wyandotte County District Judge Bill Klapper in the Kansas City area came a little more than five weeks before the state's June 1 candidate filing deadline. He ordered legislators to draft a new one.

“How strong are Kansans?” Klepper wrote in his 209-page opinion. “Strong enough to expect nothing more than a level playing field devoid of partisan advantage for one group of Kansans. Strong enough for the merits of the issue to be the deciding factor. Strong enough to make their political decisions based upon the content of a candidate’s character rather than the color of their political party.”

Democrats have criticized the map as political gerrymandering. Lawsuits claimed it violated voting rights and constitutional guarantees of equal rights for all Kansas residents and freedom of speech and assembly. Critics also said the map was unacceptable under the state constitution because it diluted the political power of Black and Hispanic voters in the Kansas City area by splitting them up. The state rejected all of those allegations.

The map moved the northern part of Kansas City, Kansas, out of the 3rd District represented by Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids and into the larger 2nd District of eastern Kansas represented by Republican Rep. Jake LaTurner. Kansas City, Kansas, is among the few Democratic strongholds in GOP-leaning Kansas.

Davids lost territory where she performs well, while the new map added several rural, heavily Republican counties to her district. She has gained national attention for her resume as a lesbian, Native American lawyer who fought mixed-martial arts bouts.

The map also moved the liberal northeast Kansas city of Lawrence — another Democratic stronghold and home to the main University of Kansas campus — out of the 2nd District. The city of 95,000 is now in the already sprawling 1st District of central and western Kansas with small conservative communities, some six hours away by car.

Klapper ruled in three consolidated lawsuits filed by a voting rights group, Loud Light, and 20 voters in the Kansas City and Lawrence areas. Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, the state's top elections official, and local elections officials are the defendants.

The state argued that Davids' district emerged slightly more competitive than it had been. They also said the changes were driven by the need to satisfy past federal court decisions requiring districts to have as equal a number of residents as possible after 10 years of population shifts.

But the state's attorneys also argued that nothing in the Kansas Constitution allows state courts — rather than federal courts — to review congressional maps or to consider political gerrymandering as an issue. Federal judges have decided challenges to congressional redistricting in the past, and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that complaints about partisan gerrymandering are political issues and not for the federal courts to resolve.

Meanwhile, the Kansas Supreme Court must review a separate law redrawing Kansas House, Kansas Senate and State Board of Education districts. The state constitution requires a decision by June 5.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643147273216.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt on Monday notified the Wyandotte County District Court he is appealing to the Kansas Supreme Court the ruling that legislation enacted in early February to reapportion Kansas congressional districts violates the Kansas constitution, according to a statement from Schmidt's office.&nbsp; The district court ordered the Legislature to redraw the districts.Attorney General Schmidt issued the following statement in connection with Monday's actions in court:“Today’s Wyandotte County District Court decision may be the first redistricting case ever to make use of folk-song lyrics, the Buddha, and personal memories from the judge’s childhood. The state is promptly appealing.”Click <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/2022-cv-89-decision-final.pdf?sfvrsn=37c9a01a_2">here to read a </a>copy of the Wyandotte County District Court’s decision.&nbsp; Click<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/notice-of-appeal---supreme-court.pdf?sfvrsn=94caa01a_2"> here to read</a> the attorney general’s notice of appeal.-----------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;district court judge on Monday struck down a new Republican-backed congressional map that would likely make it harder for the only Democrat in the state's delegation to win reelection this year.It was the first time a court has declared that the Kansas Constitution prohibits political gerrymandering. The state is expected to appeal to the Kansas Supreme Court.The decision from Wyandotte County District Judge Bill Klapper in the Kansas City area came a little more than five weeks before the state's June 1 candidate filing deadline. He ordered legislators to draft a new one.“How strong are Kansans?” Klepper wrote in his 209-page opinion. “Strong enough to expect nothing more than a level playing field devoid of partisan advantage for one group of Kansans. Strong enough for the merits of the issue to be the deciding factor. Strong enough to make their political decisions based upon the content of a candidate’s character rather than the color of their political party.”Democrats have criticized the map as political gerrymandering. Lawsuits claimed it violated voting rights and constitutional guarantees of equal rights for all Kansas residents and freedom of speech and assembly. Critics also said the map was unacceptable under the state constitution because it diluted the political power of Black and Hispanic voters in the Kansas City area by splitting them up. The state rejected all of those allegations.The map moved the northern part of Kansas City, Kansas, out of the 3rd District represented by Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids and into the larger 2nd District of eastern Kansas represented by Republican Rep. Jake LaTurner. Kansas City, Kansas, is among the few Democratic strongholds in GOP-leaning Kansas.Davids lost territory where she performs well, while the new map added several rural, heavily Republican counties to her district. She has gained national attention for her resume as a lesbian, Native American lawyer who fought mixed-martial arts bouts.The map also moved the liberal northeast Kansas city of Lawrence — another Democratic stronghold and home to the main University of Kansas campus — out of the 2nd District. The city of 95,000 is now in the already sprawling 1st District of central and western Kansas with small conservative communities, some six hours away by car.Klapper ruled in three consolidated lawsuits filed by a voting rights group, Loud Light, and 20 voters in the Kansas City and Lawrence areas. Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, the state's top elections official, and local elections officials are the defendants.The state argued that Davids' district emerged slightly more competitive than it had been. They also said the changes were driven by the need to satisfy past federal court decisions requiring districts to have as equal a number of residents as possible after 10 years of population shifts.But the state's attorneys also argued that nothing in the Kansas Constitution allows state courts — rather than federal courts — to review congressional maps or to consider political gerrymandering as an issue. Federal judges have decided challenges to congressional redistricting in the past, and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that complaints about partisan gerrymandering are political issues and not for the federal courts to resolve.Meanwhile, the Kansas Supreme Court must review a separate law redrawing Kansas House, Kansas Senate and State Board of Education districts. The state constitution requires a decision by June 5.

 AG files appeal after judge rejects Kan. congressional map

WASHINGTON (AP) — For much of the past two years, America has been first in line for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. Now, as drugmakers develop the next generation of therapies, the White House is warning that if Congress doesn’t act urgently the U.S. will have to take a number.

Already the congressional stalemate over virus funding has forced the federal government to curtail free treatment for the uninsured and to ration monoclonal antibody supplies. And Biden administration officials are expressing increasing alarm that the U.S. is also losing out on critical opportunities to secure booster doses and new antiviral pills that could help the country maintain its reemerging sense of normalcy, even in the face of potential new variants and case spikes.

Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Hong Kong&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-business-health-china-beijing-04f6bab983b14f9ff89459d2e3c99fdf">have all placed orders</a>&nbsp;for treatments and vaccine doses that the U.S. can’t yet commit to, according to the White House.

Months ago, the White House began warning that the country had spent through the money in the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that was dedicated directly to COVID-19 response. It requested an additional $22.5 billion for what it called “urgent” needs in both the U.S. and abroad.

The Senate last month closed in on smaller $10 billion package focused on domestic needs. But even that deal fell apart as lawmakers objected to an announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that it would end Trump-era border restrictions related to the pandemic.

The White House this week is mounting a push for doctors to get less stingy about prescribing the antiviral pill Paxlovid, which was initially rationed for those at the highest risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 but is now more widely available. A 20 million-dose order placed last year by the government helped boost manufacturing capacity.

Paxlovid, when administered within five days of symptoms appearing, has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease. Some 314 Americans are now dying each day from the coronavirus, down from more than 2,600 during the height of the omicron wave earlier this year.

The U.S. used similar advance-purchase agreements to boost the domestic supply and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines, through what was known in the Trump administration as “Operation Warp Speed.”

Now, with a new generation of treatments on the horizon, the U.S. is falling behind.

Japan has already placed an initial order for drugmaker Shionogi’s upcoming COVID-19 antiviral pill, which studies have shown to be at least as effective as Pfizer’s treatment and has fewer drug-to-drug interactions and is easier to administer.

Because of the funding delays, officials say, the U.S. has yet to place an advance order, which would help the company scale manufacturing to widely produce the pill.

“We know companies are working on additional, promising life-saving treatments that could protect the American people, and without additional funding from Congress, we risk losing out on accessing these treatments, as well as tests and vaccines, while other countries get in front of us in line,” said White House spokesman Kevin Munoz. “Congress must act urgently upon return from recess to provide the funding needed to secure new treatments for the American people and to avoid this dangerous outcome.”

Complicating matters further are the long lead times to manufacture the antiviral and antibody treatments. Paxlovid takes about six months to produce, and monoclonal antibody treatments used to treat COVID-19 and prevent serious disease in the immunocompromised take similarly long, meaning the U.S. is running out of time to replenish its stockpile before the end of the year.

Last month the White House began cutting back shipments of monoclonal antibody treatments to states to make supplies last longer.

Administration officials declined to discuss specific treatments they are stymied from ordering because of contracting requirements.

The funding debate is also holding up U.S. purchases of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, including an upcoming new generation of vaccines that may better protect against the omicron variant.

Moderna and Pfizer both are testing what scientists call “bivalent” shots — a mix of each company’s original vaccine and an omicron-targeted version — with Moderna announcing last week it hopes to have its version ready this fall.

The Biden administration has said that while the U.S. has enough vaccine doses for children under 5, once they are approved by regulators, and for fourth shots for high-risk people over 50, it doesn’t have the money to order the new generation of doses.

Earlier this month, former White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Hong Kong had already secured future booster doses.

Republicans have shown no signs of backing down from their insistence that before supplying the 10 GOP votes needed for the COVID-19 funding package to pass the Senate, the chamber must vote on their effort to extend the Trump-era Title 42 order. That COVID-linked order, which requires authorities to immediately expel nearly all migrants at the border, is set to be lifted on May 23.

An election-year vote to extend that order would be perilous for Democrats, and many hope no such vote occurs. Many say privately they hope Biden will keep the immigration curbs in place or that a court will postpone the rules’ termination, but Republicans could well force a vote anyway.

“Congress would have to take action in order for the day not to be May 23,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said early this month that he expected legislation this spring that would wrap together funds for COVID-19 and Ukraine. Aid for Ukraine has wide bipartisan support and could help propel such a package through Congress, but Republican opposition has already forced legislators to strip out pandemic response funding once.

There are at least six Democrats, and potentially 10 or more, who would be expected to back the Republican amendment to extend the immigration order, enough to secure its passage.

Such a vote would be dangerous for Democrats from swing districts, who must appeal to pro-immigration core Democratic voters without alienating moderates leery of the increase in migrants that lifting the curbs is expected to prompt.

Republicans haven’t said what language they would embrace, but they could turn to a bipartisan bill by Sens. James Lankford, R-Okla., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz.

It would delay any suspension of the immigration limits until at least 60 days after the U.S. surgeon general declares the pandemic emergency to be over. The administration would also have to propose a plan for handling the anticipated increase in migrants crossing the border. Democrats expressing support for keeping the immigration restrictions in place have cited a lack of planning by the administration as their chief concern although the Biden administration has insisted it is preparing for an increase in border crossings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647908095685.png" alt="Biden administration officials are expressing increasing alarm that the U.S. is also losing out on critical opportunities to secure booster doses and new antiviral pills that could help the country maintain its reemerging sense of normalcy, even in the face of potential new variants and case spikes.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Biden administration officials are expressing increasing alarm that the U.S. is also losing out on critical opportunities to secure booster doses and new antiviral pills that could help the country maintain its reemerging sense of normalcy, even in the face of potential new variants and case spikes.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — For much of the past two years, America has been first in line for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. Now, as drugmakers develop the next generation of therapies, the White House is warning that if Congress doesn’t act urgently the U.S. will have to take a number.Already the congressional stalemate over virus funding has forced the federal government to curtail free treatment for the uninsured and to ration monoclonal antibody supplies. And Biden administration officials are expressing increasing alarm that the U.S. is also losing out on critical opportunities to secure booster doses and new antiviral pills that could help the country maintain its reemerging sense of normalcy, even in the face of potential new variants and case spikes.Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Hong Kong&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-business-health-china-beijing-04f6bab983b14f9ff89459d2e3c99fdf">have all placed orders</a>&nbsp;for treatments and vaccine doses that the U.S. can’t yet commit to, according to the White House.Months ago, the White House began warning that the country had spent through the money in the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that was dedicated directly to COVID-19 response. It requested an additional $22.5 billion for what it called “urgent” needs in both the U.S. and abroad.The Senate last month closed in on smaller $10 billion package focused on domestic needs. But even that deal fell apart as lawmakers objected to an announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that it would end Trump-era border restrictions related to the pandemic.The White House this week is mounting a push for doctors to get less stingy about prescribing the antiviral pill Paxlovid, which was initially rationed for those at the highest risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 but is now more widely available. A 20 million-dose order placed last year by the government helped boost manufacturing capacity.Paxlovid, when administered within five days of symptoms appearing, has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease. Some 314 Americans are now dying each day from the coronavirus, down from more than 2,600 during the height of the omicron wave earlier this year.The U.S. used similar advance-purchase agreements to boost the domestic supply and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines, through what was known in the Trump administration as “Operation Warp Speed.”Now, with a new generation of treatments on the horizon, the U.S. is falling behind.Japan has already placed an initial order for drugmaker Shionogi’s upcoming COVID-19 antiviral pill, which studies have shown to be at least as effective as Pfizer’s treatment and has fewer drug-to-drug interactions and is easier to administer.Because of the funding delays, officials say, the U.S. has yet to place an advance order, which would help the company scale manufacturing to widely produce the pill.“We know companies are working on additional, promising life-saving treatments that could protect the American people, and without additional funding from Congress, we risk losing out on accessing these treatments, as well as tests and vaccines, while other countries get in front of us in line,” said White House spokesman Kevin Munoz. “Congress must act urgently upon return from recess to provide the funding needed to secure new treatments for the American people and to avoid this dangerous outcome.”Complicating matters further are the long lead times to manufacture the antiviral and antibody treatments. Paxlovid takes about six months to produce, and monoclonal antibody treatments used to treat COVID-19 and prevent serious disease in the immunocompromised take similarly long, meaning the U.S. is running out of time to replenish its stockpile before the end of the year.Last month the White House began cutting back shipments of monoclonal antibody treatments to states to make supplies last longer.Administration officials declined to discuss specific treatments they are stymied from ordering because of contracting requirements.The funding debate is also holding up U.S. purchases of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, including an upcoming new generation of vaccines that may better protect against the omicron variant.Moderna and Pfizer both are testing what scientists call “bivalent” shots — a mix of each company’s original vaccine and an omicron-targeted version — with Moderna announcing last week it hopes to have its version ready this fall.The Biden administration has said that while the U.S. has enough vaccine doses for children under 5, once they are approved by regulators, and for fourth shots for high-risk people over 50, it doesn’t have the money to order the new generation of doses.Earlier this month, former White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Hong Kong had already secured future booster doses.Republicans have shown no signs of backing down from their insistence that before supplying the 10 GOP votes needed for the COVID-19 funding package to pass the Senate, the chamber must vote on their effort to extend the Trump-era Title 42 order. That COVID-linked order, which requires authorities to immediately expel nearly all migrants at the border, is set to be lifted on May 23.An election-year vote to extend that order would be perilous for Democrats, and many hope no such vote occurs. Many say privately they hope Biden will keep the immigration curbs in place or that a court will postpone the rules’ termination, but Republicans could well force a vote anyway.“Congress would have to take action in order for the day not to be May 23,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said early this month that he expected legislation this spring that would wrap together funds for COVID-19 and Ukraine. Aid for Ukraine has wide bipartisan support and could help propel such a package through Congress, but Republican opposition has already forced legislators to strip out pandemic response funding once.There are at least six Democrats, and potentially 10 or more, who would be expected to back the Republican amendment to extend the immigration order, enough to secure its passage.Such a vote would be dangerous for Democrats from swing districts, who must appeal to pro-immigration core Democratic voters without alienating moderates leery of the increase in migrants that lifting the curbs is expected to prompt.Republicans haven’t said what language they would embrace, but they could turn to a bipartisan bill by Sens. James Lankford, R-Okla., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz.It would delay any suspension of the immigration limits until at least 60 days after the U.S. surgeon general declares the pandemic emergency to be over. The administration would also have to propose a plan for handling the anticipated increase in migrants crossing the border. Democrats expressing support for keeping the immigration restrictions in place have cited a lack of planning by the administration as their chief concern although the Biden administration has insisted it is preparing for an increase in border crossings.

White House: Pass urgent COVID funding or more will die

WOODSON COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Monday in Woodson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Honda ATV driven by&nbsp;Audiss, Tyson J.&nbsp;Audiss, 41, Yates Center, was eastbound on West Skinner Street just west of Main Street.

The ATV left the roadway, struck a tree and the driver was ejected&nbsp; and struck another tree.

EMS transported&nbsp;Audiss to Wesley Medical Center. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

WOODSON COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Monday in Woodson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Honda ATV driven by&nbsp;Audiss, Tyson J.&nbsp;Audiss, 41, Yates Center, was eastbound on West Skinner Street just west of Main Street.The ATV left the roadway, struck a tree and the driver was ejected&nbsp; and struck another tree.EMS transported&nbsp;Audiss to Wesley Medical Center. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Kansas man seriously injured after ATV strikes a tree

LINDSBORG, Kan. (AP) — Bethany College officials are investigating an allegation that someone associated with its baseball program intentionally contaminated the water cooler used by the opposing team. Athletic director Laura Moreno confirmed the investigation and declined further comment. 

Kansas Wesleyan athletic director Steve Wilson said a foreign substance was discovered in the cooler during a doubleheader Sunday. He said it is common practice for the home team, Bethany in this case, to provide water for the visitor. 

Wilson declined further comment, including whether any players, coaches or support staff drank the water or became ill.

LINDSBORG, Kan. (AP) — Bethany College officials are investigating an allegation that someone associated with its baseball program intentionally contaminated the water cooler used by the opposing team. Athletic director Laura Moreno confirmed the investigation and declined further comment. Kansas Wesleyan athletic director Steve Wilson said a foreign substance was discovered in the cooler during a doubleheader Sunday. He said it is common practice for the home team, Bethany in this case, to provide water for the visitor. Wilson declined further comment, including whether any players, coaches or support staff drank the water or became ill.

Kansas college looking into alleged water cooler tampering

HUTCHINSON — Amtrak is now accepting full service reservations for the Southwest Chief for May 23rd and beyond indicating the Chicago to Los Angeles train is going back to its full time schedule. 

The “Chief” is one of four Amtrak long-distance trains currently operating five days per week that will return to daily schedules.

The “Chief” had been reduced to five days per week due to crew shortages. It was thought the rail carrier would go back to full service in late March but continued personnel shortages extended to limited service.

The Southwest Chief serves Dodge City, Garden City, Newton, Hutchinson, Topeka, Lawrence and Kansas City.

In a non-pandemic environment about 6,000 passengers ride Amtrak to and from Hutchinson each year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622746554124.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch PostHUTCHINSON — Amtrak is now accepting full service reservations for the Southwest Chief for May 23rd and beyond indicating the Chicago to Los Angeles train is going back to its full time schedule. The “Chief” is one of four Amtrak long-distance trains currently operating five days per week that will return to daily schedules.The “Chief” had been reduced to five days per week due to crew shortages. It was thought the rail carrier would go back to full service in late March but continued personnel shortages extended to limited service.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609263248923.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Southwest Chief serves Dodge City, Garden City, Newton, Hutchinson, Topeka, Lawrence and Kansas City.In a non-pandemic environment about 6,000 passengers ride Amtrak to and from Hutchinson each year.

Amtrak restoring full service to Southwest Chief across Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas jail deputy who admitted having sex with inmates is going to prison.

Tony LoSavio, 41, of Wichita, was sentenced to just over 2 and one half. years in prison for having unlawful sexual relations with an inmate, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. He also had to register as a sex offender.

In February, LoSavio pleaded guilty to two of eight counts of unlawful sexual relations.&nbsp;&nbsp;On May 4, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office received information that LoSavio was having sexual contact with a female inmate, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The Sheriff’s Office investigated the complaint and determined enough probable cause existed to arrest LoSavio.

He began employment with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2017 and has been placed on an unpaid suspension.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650921365728.png" alt="LoSavio-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>LoSavio-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas jail deputy who admitted having sex with inmates is going to prison.Tony LoSavio, 41, of Wichita, was sentenced to just over 2 and one half. years in prison for having unlawful sexual relations with an inmate, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. He also had to register as a sex offender.In February, LoSavio pleaded guilty to two of eight counts of unlawful sexual relations.&nbsp;&nbsp;On May 4, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office received information that LoSavio was having sexual contact with a female inmate, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.The Sheriff’s Office investigated the complaint and determined enough probable cause existed to arrest LoSavio.He began employment with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2017 and has been placed on an unpaid suspension.----------

Kan.  jail deputy registers as sex offender for sex with inmate

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to her role in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine.

Sonia Ornelas, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Oct. 1, 2018, to Aug. 7, 2019.

A confidential source purchased 500.1 grams of methamphetamine from Ornelas for $3,500 during a controlled purchase on June 25, 2019.

On June 28, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Ornelas’s residence. Detectives found approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine, 11 firearms, two cell phones, a video surveillance recorder, drug paraphernalia, and two drug ledgers. Detectives also found $27,248 in cash, which Ornelas must forfeit to the government ($2,460 of this was from the controlled purchase on June 25, 2019).

Ornelas told investigators she paid $25,000 twice a month since October 2018 for methamphetamine (approximately $450,000 over nine months). At a price of $7,000 per kilogram, this represents at least 65 kilograms of methamphetamine. A confidential source identified Ornelas as a source of methamphetamine from March to August 2019. During this time, the confidential source purchased one or two kilograms of methamphetamine from Ornelas twice a week, for a total of 44 kilograms of methamphetamine, and paid $7,000 per kilogram. The confidential source also traded several firearms for methamphetamine.

Ornelas is the second defendant to plead guilty in this case. Co-defendant Adam L. Ragsdale, 45, of Independence, Mo., was sentenced on Oct. 14, 2021, to 10 years and one month in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy.

Under federal statutes, Ornelas is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to her role in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine.Sonia Ornelas, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Oct. 1, 2018, to Aug. 7, 2019.A confidential source purchased 500.1 grams of methamphetamine from Ornelas for $3,500 during a controlled purchase on June 25, 2019.On June 28, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Ornelas’s residence. Detectives found approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine, 11 firearms, two cell phones, a video surveillance recorder, drug paraphernalia, and two drug ledgers. Detectives also found $27,248 in cash, which Ornelas must forfeit to the government ($2,460 of this was from the controlled purchase on June 25, 2019).Ornelas told investigators she paid $25,000 twice a month since October 2018 for methamphetamine (approximately $450,000 over nine months). At a price of $7,000 per kilogram, this represents at least 65 kilograms of methamphetamine. A confidential source identified Ornelas as a source of methamphetamine from March to August 2019. During this time, the confidential source purchased one or two kilograms of methamphetamine from Ornelas twice a week, for a total of 44 kilograms of methamphetamine, and paid $7,000 per kilogram. The confidential source also traded several firearms for methamphetamine.Ornelas is the second defendant to plead guilty in this case. Co-defendant Adam L. Ragsdale, 45, of Independence, Mo., was sentenced on Oct. 14, 2021, to 10 years and one month in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy.Under federal statutes, Ornelas is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Kansas City woman admits selling large quantities of meth

On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded the approval of the COVID-19 treatment Veklury (remdesivir) to include pediatric patients 28 days of age and older weighing at least&nbsp; 7 pounds with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing, who are:

This action makes <a href="https://www.vekluryhcp.com/dosing-and-admin/">Veklury </a>the first approved COVID-19 treatment for children less than 12 years of age. As a result of today’s approval action, the agency also revoked the emergency use authorization for Veklury that previously covered this pediatric population, according to a statement from the agency.

Before now, Veklury was only approved to treat certain adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older who weigh at least 40 kilograms, which is about 88 pounds) with COVID-19.&nbsp;

“As COVID-19 can cause severe illness in children, some of whom do not currently have a vaccination option, there continues to be a need for safe and effective COVID-19 treatment options for this population,” said Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Today’s approval of the first COVID-19 therapeutic for this population demonstrates the agency’s commitment to that need.”

Veklury is not a substitute for vaccination in individuals for whom COVID-19 vaccination and booster doses are recommended. The FDA has approved two vaccines, and three vaccines are available for emergency use, to prevent COVID-19 and the serious clinical outcomes associated with COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. The FDA urges the public to get vaccinated and receive a booster when eligible. Learn more about FDA-approved and authorized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines">COVID-19 vaccines</a>.

Given the similar course of COVID-19 disease in adults and pediatric patients, today’s approval of Veklury in certain pediatric patients is supported by efficacy results from phase 3 clinical trials in adults. Information on the trials in adults can be found in the FDA-approved drug labeling for Veklury. This approval is also supported by a phase 2/3, single-arm, open-label&nbsp;<a href="https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04431453">clinical study</a>&nbsp;of 53 pediatric patients at least 28 days of age and weighing at least 3 kilograms (about 7 pounds) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and mild, moderate or severe COVID-19. Patients in this pediatric phase 2/3 trial received Veklury for up to 10 days. The safety and pharmacokinetic results from the phase 2/3 study in pediatric subjects were similar to those in adults.

The only approved dosage form is Veklury for injection. &nbsp;

Possible side effects of using Veklury include increased levels of liver enzymes, which may be a sign of liver injury; and allergic reactions, which may include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, low blood oxygen level, fever, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling (e.g., lips, around eyes, under the skin), rash, nausea, sweating or shivering.

The FDA granted approval to Gilead Sciences Inc.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628446595302.jpeg" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded the approval of the COVID-19 treatment Veklury (remdesivir) to include pediatric patients 28 days of age and older weighing at least&nbsp; 7 pounds with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing, who are:<ul>
 <li>Hospitalized, or</li><li>Not hospitalized and have mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>This action makes <a href="https://www.vekluryhcp.com/dosing-and-admin/">Veklury </a>the first approved COVID-19 treatment for children less than 12 years of age. As a result of today’s approval action, the agency also revoked the emergency use authorization for Veklury that previously covered this pediatric population, according to a statement from the agency.Before now, Veklury was only approved to treat certain adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older who weigh at least 40 kilograms, which is about 88 pounds) with COVID-19.&nbsp;“As COVID-19 can cause severe illness in children, some of whom do not currently have a vaccination option, there continues to be a need for safe and effective COVID-19 treatment options for this population,” said Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Today’s approval of the first COVID-19 therapeutic for this population demonstrates the agency’s commitment to that need.”Veklury is not a substitute for vaccination in individuals for whom COVID-19 vaccination and booster doses are recommended. The FDA has approved two vaccines, and three vaccines are available for emergency use, to prevent COVID-19 and the serious clinical outcomes associated with COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. The FDA urges the public to get vaccinated and receive a booster when eligible. Learn more about FDA-approved and authorized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines">COVID-19 vaccines</a>.Given the similar course of COVID-19 disease in adults and pediatric patients, today’s approval of Veklury in certain pediatric patients is supported by efficacy results from phase 3 clinical trials in adults. Information on the trials in adults can be found in the FDA-approved drug labeling for Veklury. This approval is also supported by a phase 2/3, single-arm, open-label&nbsp;<a href="https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04431453">clinical study</a>&nbsp;of 53 pediatric patients at least 28 days of age and weighing at least 3 kilograms (about 7 pounds) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and mild, moderate or severe COVID-19. Patients in this pediatric phase 2/3 trial received Veklury for up to 10 days. The safety and pharmacokinetic results from the phase 2/3 study in pediatric subjects were similar to those in adults.The only approved dosage form is Veklury for injection. &nbsp;Possible side effects of using Veklury include increased levels of liver enzymes, which may be a sign of liver injury; and allergic reactions, which may include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, low blood oxygen level, fever, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling (e.g., lips, around eyes, under the skin), rash, nausea, sweating or shivering.The FDA granted approval to Gilead Sciences Inc.

FDA approves first COVID treatment for children under 12

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A judge postponed a hearing Monday in a felony assault case involving two NFL players and two other men accused of severely beating a man at a Las Vegas strip nightclub the weekend of the Pro Bowl.

Attorneys for Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Lammons, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara and two other defendants, Darrin Young and Percy Harris, asked for more time to review evidence recently turned over by prosecutors.

The four men did not have to appear in court in person while Justice of the Peace Harmony Letizia set a new date Aug. 1. Each man remains free on bond.

Police have said video evidence shows Kamara put his hand on the alleged victim’s chest to stop him stepping toward the elevator early Feb. 5 at the rooftop Drai’s nightclub. The man pushed Kamara’s hand away and Lammons punched the man.

The man fell unconscious on the floor and the defendants allegedly stomped on his face, chest and legs, leaving him with facial fractures and injuries to his head, knees and arms.

Kamara played in the Feb. 6 Pro Bowl before he was arrested. Lammons turned himself in several days later. Young and Harris were arrested Feb. 14.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645182338453.png" alt="Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Lammons-photo Las Vegas Police" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Lammons-photo Las Vegas Police</figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — A judge postponed a hearing Monday in a felony assault case involving two NFL players and two other men accused of severely beating a man at a Las Vegas strip nightclub the weekend of the Pro Bowl.Attorneys for Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Lammons, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara and two other defendants, Darrin Young and Percy Harris, asked for more time to review evidence recently turned over by prosecutors.The four men did not have to appear in court in person while Justice of the Peace Harmony Letizia set a new date Aug. 1. Each man remains free on bond.Police have said video evidence shows Kamara put his hand on the alleged victim’s chest to stop him stepping toward the elevator early Feb. 5 at the rooftop Drai’s nightclub. The man pushed Kamara’s hand away and Lammons punched the man.The man fell unconscious on the floor and the defendants allegedly stomped on his face, chest and legs, leaving him with facial fractures and injuries to his head, knees and arms.Kamara played in the Feb. 6 Pro Bowl before he was arrested. Lammons turned himself in several days later. Young and Harris were arrested Feb. 14.

Hearing postponed for Kansas City Chief in strip club assault case

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly hosted the NCAA Men's Basketball National Champions Kansas Jayhawks at the Statehouse Monday for a special celebration.

The governor greeting the players and coaches and then read a proclamation designating April 25 as the "KU men's basketball national championship victory day."&nbsp;

The official proclamation signed by Governor Kelly can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA0MjUuNTY5NjExOTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjIvMDQvS1UtTWVucy1CYXNrZXRiYWxsLU5hdGlvbmFsLUNoYW1waW9uc2hpcC1WaWN0b3J5LURheS5wZGYifQ.0T-iMX5-_leI7mMpDqcCNT56GzL3bQl0a-L4bTqsCcM/s/1303160919/br/130336748313-l" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Coach Self then presented the governor with a basketball autographed by members of the team.&nbsp;

Following the proclamation, the Governor joined Senate President Masterson and House Speaker Ryckman for a reception honoring the national champions.

On April 4, the Jayhawks pulled off the biggest comeback in national championship history getting a big game from David McCormack, crucial shots from Remy Martin and surviving a tying 3-pointer by North Carolina's Caleb Love that missed everything at the buzzer for a 72-69 victory in the Superdome.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650914589271.png" alt="Head coach Bill Self along with KU Athletic Director Travis Goff listen as Governor Laura Kelly reads the proclamation-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Head coach Bill Self along with KU Athletic Director Travis Goff listen as Governor Laura Kelly reads the proclamation-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly hosted the NCAA Men's Basketball National Champions Kansas Jayhawks at the Statehouse Monday for a special celebration.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650914179296.png" alt="Governor Kelly met all the players including Remy Martin-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly met all the players including Remy Martin-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The governor greeting the players and coaches and then read a proclamation designating April 25 as the "KU men's basketball national championship victory day."&nbsp;The official proclamation signed by Governor Kelly can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA0MjUuNTY5NjExOTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjIvMDQvS1UtTWVucy1CYXNrZXRiYWxsLU5hdGlvbmFsLUNoYW1waW9uc2hpcC1WaWN0b3J5LURheS5wZGYifQ.0T-iMX5-_leI7mMpDqcCNT56GzL3bQl0a-L4bTqsCcM/s/1303160919/br/130336748313-l" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650914563590.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Coach Self then presented the governor with a basketball autographed by members of the team.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650918424328.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following the proclamation, the Governor joined Senate President Masterson and House Speaker Ryckman for a reception honoring the national champions.On April 4, the Jayhawks pulled off the biggest comeback in national championship history getting a big game from David McCormack, crucial shots from Remy Martin and surviving a tying 3-pointer by North Carolina's Caleb Love that missed everything at the buzzer for a 72-69 victory in the Superdome.

Governor honors KU basketball national championship team

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by Kansas to revive a law, earlier struck down by lower courts, that banned secret filming at slaughterhouses and other livestock facilities.

The justices did not comment in leaving in place&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-courts-kansas-1d6b49724d11eb58ce619f33aa7ea32c">a ruling by a federal appeals court panel</a>&nbsp;that the so-called ag-gag law violated the First Amendment by stifling speech critical of animal agriculture.

A three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a split decision ruled that even if deception is used to enter private property, Kansas may not discriminate based on whether the person intends to harm or help the enterprise.

The appellate ruling upheld&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e5a3a2be0e2d6db40cba10ccea52d8e4">a permanent injunction</a>&nbsp;issued by a federal judge in 2020.

The Kansas law made it a crime for anyone to take a picture or video at an animal facility without the owner’s consent or to enter the facility under false pretenses.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund and the Center for Food Safety were among the groups that challenged the ban.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562343189353.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by Kansas to revive a law, earlier struck down by lower courts, that banned secret filming at slaughterhouses and other livestock facilities.The justices did not comment in leaving in place&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-courts-kansas-1d6b49724d11eb58ce619f33aa7ea32c">a ruling by a federal appeals court panel</a>&nbsp;that the so-called ag-gag law violated the First Amendment by stifling speech critical of animal agriculture.A three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a split decision ruled that even if deception is used to enter private property, Kansas may not discriminate based on whether the person intends to harm or help the enterprise.The appellate ruling upheld&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e5a3a2be0e2d6db40cba10ccea52d8e4">a permanent injunction</a>&nbsp;issued by a federal judge in 2020.The Kansas law made it a crime for anyone to take a picture or video at an animal facility without the owner’s consent or to enter the facility under false pretenses.The Animal Legal Defense Fund and the Center for Food Safety were among the groups that challenged the ban.Federal appeals courts considering similar laws&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-iowa-animal-welfare-a6326dc5ea1999118c8147808edb3691">in Iowa</a>&nbsp;and Idaho had split over the issue, raising Kansas’ hope that the high court would step in.