SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a Kansas house fire that left several pets dead.

Just after&nbsp;4p.m. Wednesday, a fire was discovered in a home at 310 NW Fairchild Street in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

Crews found fire and smoke was showing from the rear of the house.&nbsp; A search of the house revealed occupants were not home at the time of the incident. They returned home shortly after being notified by neighbors and spoke with investigators.

Fire crews found and rescued several cats in the residence. Several other cats perished as a result of the fire, according to Harrison. The estimated total damage is $15,000: $10,000 is associated with structural damage and $5000 content loss. Investigators found no working smoke detectors in the home, according to Harrison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636646012819.png" alt="Crews at the scene of Wednesday's house fire -photo courtesy WIBW-TV" />
 <figcaption>Crews at the scene of Wednesday's house fire -photo courtesy WIBW-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a Kansas house fire that left several pets dead.Just after&nbsp;4p.m. Wednesday, a fire was discovered in a home at 310 NW Fairchild Street in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.Crews found fire and smoke was showing from the rear of the house.&nbsp; A search of the house revealed occupants were not home at the time of the incident. They returned home shortly after being notified by neighbors and spoke with investigators.Fire crews found and rescued several cats in the residence. Several other cats perished as a result of the fire, according to Harrison. The estimated total damage is $15,000: $10,000 is associated with structural damage and $5000 content loss. Investigators found no working smoke detectors in the home, according to Harrison.

Fire Marshal: Several pets die after fire at Kansas home

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday ordered a halt to the enforcement of Texas' ban on mask mandates in the state's schools.

U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel ruled in Austin that the ban ordered by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott violated a federal law protecting disabled students’ access to public education. The nonprofit advocacy group Disabled Rights Texas argued that Abbott’s ban prohibited accommodations for disabled children particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.

Yeakel prohibited Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from suing school districts that require students to wear masks as a safety measure. Paxton already had sued 15 school districts to overturn those local mask mandates.

“Governor Abbott’s executive order clearly violates federal law, and Attorney General Paxton’s enforcement of the order against school districts is now stopped," Kym Davis Johnson of Disability Rights Texas said in a statement. “As the court found, Texas is not above federal law, and state officials cannot prevent school districts from providing accommodations to students who are especially vulnerable to the risks of COVID-19.”

Messages seeking comment from Abbott's and Paxton's offices were not immediately returned Wednesday.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday ordered a halt to the enforcement of Texas' ban on mask mandates in the state's schools.U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel ruled in Austin that the ban ordered by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott violated a federal law protecting disabled students’ access to public education. The nonprofit advocacy group Disabled Rights Texas argued that Abbott’s ban prohibited accommodations for disabled children particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.Yeakel prohibited Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from suing school districts that require students to wear masks as a safety measure. Paxton already had sued 15 school districts to overturn those local mask mandates.“Governor Abbott’s executive order clearly violates federal law, and Attorney General Paxton’s enforcement of the order against school districts is now stopped," Kym Davis Johnson of Disability Rights Texas said in a statement. “As the court found, Texas is not above federal law, and state officials cannot prevent school districts from providing accommodations to students who are especially vulnerable to the risks of COVID-19.”Messages seeking comment from Abbott's and Paxton's offices were not immediately returned Wednesday.

Federal judge: School mask ban violates Americans with Disabilities Act

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — The Goddard school district reversed its 
decision to remove nearly 30 books from circulation in its libraries 
after receiving national pushback from authors and free speech 
advocates.

An email sent to families Wednesday said all library 
books are once again available for students to check out while the 
district reviews its vetting process for library materials.

The district had <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-09/goddard-school-district-orders-29-books-removed-from-circulation" target="_blank">removed more than two dozen books from circulation</a> earlier this week after a parent complained.

The
 list of books initially barred from checkout included classics such as 
“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Fences” and “The Bluest Eye,” as well as 
contemporary bestsellers such as “The Hate U Give.”

The decision was widely criticized on social media, including by several authors.

“When you’re banning books, you’re on the wrong side of history,” <a href="https://twitter.com/bradmeltzer/status/1458433866742603786" target="_blank">tweeted author Brad Meltzer</a>.

The
 email to Goddard families on Wednesday said a parent “had questions 
about language and graphics from a specific book” their child had 
checked out in September. The parent then submitted a list of 28 books, 
met with the building principal and filled out a “request for review” 
form with the school, the email said.

“When this list came to our 
attention, we checked with multiple school librarians regarding the 
national push to challenge these books,” the email said.

Officials decided to form a committee to examine the vetting process of library materials and the review process for parents.

“At
 that point, the decision was made to hold these books until the 
committee could begin meeting and collect feedback from all principals 
and librarians,” the email said.

The group was set to assemble next week but met Wednesday afternoon instead.

Principals
 and librarians decided to put the challenged books back into 
circulation, the email said. Some of the books on the list are not part 
of the district’s library collection.

Goddard parents have access 
to a database of books their children check out and can receive 
notifications when their children check out a book. In addition, <a href="http://library.goddardusd.com/" target="_blank">library catalogs for all Goddard schools</a> are available on the district’s website.

“Parents are encouraged to always contact their building principal or librarian with concerns,” the email said.

The
 majority of books on Goddard’s list are written by people of color or 
feature characters from diverse backgrounds. Many deal with issues of 
race, gender or sexuality.

Authors and free speech advocates said 
the case is part of a national trend that has school boards trying to 
balance parental outrage with students’ access to diverse books.

The American Library Association said book challenges are up about 60% over the same time last year.

In recent months, many books have been challenged by parents and community members under the guise that they’re <a href="https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/calls-to-ban-books-by-black-authors-are-increasing-amid-critical-race-theory-debates/2021/09" target="_blank">promoting critical race theory</a>.

Last month, a Texas lawmaker <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/28/1050013664/texas-lawmaker-matt-krause-launches-inquiry-into-850-books" target="_blank">circulated a list of about 850 books</a> and asked schools statewide to tell him whether they have any books on the list and how much money was spent on them.

Jonathan
 Friedman, director of free expression and education for PEN America, 
said the Goddard case was especially troubling because books were pulled
 out of circulation without a review.

“You have a single parent . .
 . produce a list of books, and the district says, ‘Sure, no problem. We
 won’t let anybody read those books because one parent complained,’” 
Friedman said.

“That's very concerning, considering the importance
 of individual liberties and the importance of the freedom to read in a 
democratic society.”

Amanda Hope Perez, author of “Out of 
Darkness” and a former high school English teacher, said public book 
challenges are troubling. But she’s more concerned about what may be 
happening behind the scenes.

“I've heard from librarians (that) 
folks are being quietly asked to pull materials preemptively. And I 
think that’s even more alarming – the chilling effect,” Perez said.

“It's much harder to respond to that kind of softer censorship that’s occurring.”

Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636644419064.png" alt="Authors and free speech advocates say book challenges are increasing, and more school boards are trying to balance parental outrage with students’ access to diverse books. Suzanne Perez / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>Authors and free speech advocates say book challenges are increasing, and more school boards are trying to balance parental outrage with students’ access to diverse books. Suzanne Perez / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-10/goddard-school-district-reverses-decision-to-pull-library-books">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — The Goddard school district reversed its 
decision to remove nearly 30 books from circulation in its libraries 
after receiving national pushback from authors and free speech 
advocates.An email sent to families Wednesday said all library 
books are once again available for students to check out while the 
district reviews its vetting process for library materials.The district had <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-09/goddard-school-district-orders-29-books-removed-from-circulation" target="_blank">removed more than two dozen books from circulation</a> earlier this week after a parent complained.The
 list of books initially barred from checkout included classics such as 
“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Fences” and “The Bluest Eye,” as well as 
contemporary bestsellers such as “The Hate U Give.”The decision was widely criticized on social media, including by several authors.“When you’re banning books, you’re on the wrong side of history,” <a href="https://twitter.com/bradmeltzer/status/1458433866742603786" target="_blank">tweeted author Brad Meltzer</a>.The
 email to Goddard families on Wednesday said a parent “had questions 
about language and graphics from a specific book” their child had 
checked out in September. The parent then submitted a list of 28 books, 
met with the building principal and filled out a “request for review” 
form with the school, the email said.“When this list came to our 
attention, we checked with multiple school librarians regarding the 
national push to challenge these books,” the email said.Officials decided to form a committee to examine the vetting process of library materials and the review process for parents.“At
 that point, the decision was made to hold these books until the 
committee could begin meeting and collect feedback from all principals 
and librarians,” the email said.The group was set to assemble next week but met Wednesday afternoon instead.Principals
 and librarians decided to put the challenged books back into 
circulation, the email said. Some of the books on the list are not part 
of the district’s library collection.Goddard parents have access 
to a database of books their children check out and can receive 
notifications when their children check out a book. In addition, <a href="http://library.goddardusd.com/" target="_blank">library catalogs for all Goddard schools</a> are available on the district’s website.“Parents are encouraged to always contact their building principal or librarian with concerns,” the email said.The
 majority of books on Goddard’s list are written by people of color or 
feature characters from diverse backgrounds. Many deal with issues of 
race, gender or sexuality.Authors and free speech advocates said 
the case is part of a national trend that has school boards trying to 
balance parental outrage with students’ access to diverse books.The American Library Association said book challenges are up about 60% over the same time last year.In recent months, many books have been challenged by parents and community members under the guise that they’re <a href="https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/calls-to-ban-books-by-black-authors-are-increasing-amid-critical-race-theory-debates/2021/09" target="_blank">promoting critical race theory</a>.Last month, a Texas lawmaker <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/28/1050013664/texas-lawmaker-matt-krause-launches-inquiry-into-850-books" target="_blank">circulated a list of about 850 books</a> and asked schools statewide to tell him whether they have any books on the list and how much money was spent on them.Jonathan
 Friedman, director of free expression and education for PEN America, 
said the Goddard case was especially troubling because books were pulled
 out of circulation without a review.“You have a single parent . .
 . produce a list of books, and the district says, ‘Sure, no problem. We
 won’t let anybody read those books because one parent complained,’” 
Friedman said.“That's very concerning, considering the importance
 of individual liberties and the importance of the freedom to read in a 
democratic society.”Amanda Hope Perez, author of “Out of 
Darkness” and a former high school English teacher, said public book 
challenges are troubling. But she’s more concerned about what may be 
happening behind the scenes.“I've heard from librarians (that) 
folks are being quietly asked to pull materials preemptively. And I 
think that’s even more alarming – the chilling effect,” Perez said.“It's much harder to respond to that kind of softer censorship that’s occurring.”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

Kansas school district reverses decision to pull library books

JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged drug distribution.

Just after 11:30p.m. Nov. 6,&nbsp; a sheriff’s deputy stopped a Ford Ranger in the 100 Block of W. 2nd Street in the City of Hoyt for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

After an investigation, deputies arrested the passenger, John Bradley Hudson, 46, of Hoyt and booked him into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636641033172.png" alt="Hudson photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hudson photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged drug distribution.Just after 11:30p.m. Nov. 6,&nbsp; a sheriff’s deputy stopped a Ford Ranger in the 100 Block of W. 2nd Street in the City of Hoyt for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.After an investigation, deputies arrested the passenger, John Bradley Hudson, 46, of Hoyt and booked him into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Kansas man had hallucinogenic drugs, was selling meth

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —A Kansas school district will use two snow days this month to give their overwhelmed staff a break.

On Monday, the Lansing USD 469 Board of Education approved two additional days off on November 22 and 23, at the recommendation of Superintendent Dan Wessel.

He recommended the two wellness days based on feedback he has received from school staff. "Districts around the nation are seeing employees&nbsp;getting burnt out like never before, and Lansing is no exception," according to Wessel in a statement from the district.

"We realize our staff has been presented with an overwhelming amount of responsibility this school year amid the ongoing pandemic and feel it is important to recognize the stress they have been put under and feel the time off will allow them time to rest, recharge, and come back ready to tackle the weeks leading up to winter break."

The district told families if the district reaches the maximum number of snow days this year, they will be required to make up the time before the end of the school year.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —A Kansas school district will use two snow days this month to give their overwhelmed staff a break.On Monday, the Lansing USD 469 Board of Education approved two additional days off on November 22 and 23, at the recommendation of Superintendent Dan Wessel.He recommended the two wellness days based on feedback he has received from school staff. "Districts around the nation are seeing employees&nbsp;getting burnt out like never before, and Lansing is no exception," according to Wessel in a statement from the district."We realize our staff has been presented with an overwhelming amount of responsibility this school year amid the ongoing pandemic and feel it is important to recognize the stress they have been put under and feel the time off will allow them time to rest, recharge, and come back ready to tackle the weeks leading up to winter break."The district told families if the district reaches the maximum number of snow days this year, they will be required to make up the time before the end of the school year.

Kan. school district using snow days to give overwhelmed staff a break

BALTIMORE (AP) — President Joe Biden touted his $1 trillion infrastructure plan Wednesday as an eventual fix for the nation’s inflation and supply chain woes -- if Americans just have the patience to wait for the construction to begin.

The president toured the Port of Baltimore at the start of what is likely to be a national tour to showcase his signature legislation that cleared Congress last week and that he intends to sign on Monday. He declared that the spending would improve transportation of products and supplies from overseas and within the U.S. to help lower prices, reduce shortages and add union jobs.

That message is becoming more critical as the government reported Wednesday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-consumer-prices-inflation-economy-prices-10e00ba16f8fb94f45ced724f2ea2e45">consumer prices in October climbed 6.2% from a year ago.</a>&nbsp;Inflation has intensified instead of fading as the economy reopened after the coronavirus pandemic, creating a major challenge for Biden whose administration repeatedly said that the price increases were temporary. During remarks at the port, he acknowledged that consumer prices remained “too high.”

“Everything from a gallon of gas to a loaf of bread costs more,” he said. “We still face challenges and we have to tackle them ... we have to tackle them head on.”

Higher prices have eaten into wages and turned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-health-d14c1764e3967c36d29d93ff7ff4bb72">public sentiment</a>&nbsp;on the economy against Biden in polls. One of the obstacles for reducing inflation has been backlogged ports with ships waiting to dock at major transit hubs, causing shortages and leaving some store shelves depleted ahead of the holiday shopping season.

“Many people remain unsettled about the economy and we all know why,” Biden said.

He offered his infrastructure plan as the solution, albeit one that will take time to manifest. Better infrastructure — whether roads, bridges, ports or whatever — would give more capacity and resiliency for the supply chain. There would be more capacity to unload ships and move goods, which in turn would reduce price pressures and shortages.

Biden said the infrastructure spending would create jobs paying $45 an hour, nearly 50% above the current national average. It would create a wealth of jobs to fix aging pipes, bridges and roads, and boost clean energy and cybersecurity. And most wouldn’t require college degrees.

“This is a once in a generation investment,” he said.

The president pointed to Baltimore’s port as a blueprint on how to reduce shipping bottlenecks that have held back the economic recovery. The facility is adding container cranes as well as a 50-foot berth where ships can be unloaded. Baltimore’s port is also benefiting from grants to upgrade the Howard Street Tunnel, a brick-lined underpass for trains that opened in 1895. The tunnel would be expanded so that shipping containers could be double-stacked on railcars, making it easier to move goods out of the port.

The president, who consulted with the CEOs of Walmart, Target, FedEx and UPS on Tuesday, emphasized that these investments are part of a national effort to relieve supply chain bottlenecks in ways that can aid broader growth.

His administration also announced new investments to reduce congestion at the Port of Savannah in Georgia, nearly a month after the administration helped broker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-los-angeles-health-48ff262b882a37308e4a3f15934b2ee4">a deal for the Port of Los Angeles to operate nonstop</a>.

The president has been trying to explain that the port congestion shows just how strong the economic rebound from the pandemic has been. A forecast by the National Retail Federation suggests a record level of imports this year.

The inflation phenomenon is also global in nature, with Germany and China recently reporting high levels.

The president made his case Wednesday in a city of nearly 600,000 people that supports him. Nearly 90% of voters in Baltimore backed Biden in last year’s election. The president also stopped in the city for a CNN town hall on Oct. 21.

Baltimore embodies the complexities of an increasingly diverse America at a time of heated national politics.

Many Americans have seen a TV version of the city’s poverty, crime, political corruption and vacant row houses on shows such as HBO’s “The Wire.” Unrest following the 2015 death of Freddie Gray from injuries in a police van helped to propel a national movement for respecting the rights and lives of Black Americans.

But Baltimore also contains deep pockets of wealth and prosperity in what is a microcosm of the broader inequality confronting the nation. There are the mansions of the Guilford neighborhood, elite private schools, celebrated restaurants and the prestige of Johns Hopkins University.

As president, Donald Trump slammed the majority Black city on Twitter frequently, calling it “the WORST IN NATION.” But while Trump scorned Baltimore, Biden sees a test case for his agenda that goes beyond the ports. His child tax credits are sending thousands of dollars to families in a city with a child poverty rate north of 30%. Work has begun to renovate and modernize the historic Penn Station, possibly improving rail transit across the Northeast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636579435172.png" alt="“Everything from a gallon of gas to a loaf of bread costs more,” President Biden said during a tour of the&nbsp; Port of Baltimore on Wednesday. “We still face challenges and we have to tackle them ... we have to tackle them head on.”-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>“Everything from a gallon of gas to a loaf of bread costs more,” President Biden said during a tour of the&nbsp; Port of Baltimore on Wednesday. “We still face challenges and we have to tackle them ... we have to tackle them head on.”-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — President Joe Biden touted his $1 trillion infrastructure plan Wednesday as an eventual fix for the nation’s inflation and supply chain woes -- if Americans just have the patience to wait for the construction to begin.The president toured the Port of Baltimore at the start of what is likely to be a national tour to showcase his signature legislation that cleared Congress last week and that he intends to sign on Monday. He declared that the spending would improve transportation of products and supplies from overseas and within the U.S. to help lower prices, reduce shortages and add union jobs.That message is becoming more critical as the government reported Wednesday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-consumer-prices-inflation-economy-prices-10e00ba16f8fb94f45ced724f2ea2e45">consumer prices in October climbed 6.2% from a year ago.</a>&nbsp;Inflation has intensified instead of fading as the economy reopened after the coronavirus pandemic, creating a major challenge for Biden whose administration repeatedly said that the price increases were temporary. During remarks at the port, he acknowledged that consumer prices remained “too high.”“Everything from a gallon of gas to a loaf of bread costs more,” he said. “We still face challenges and we have to tackle them ... we have to tackle them head on.”Higher prices have eaten into wages and turned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-health-d14c1764e3967c36d29d93ff7ff4bb72">public sentiment</a>&nbsp;on the economy against Biden in polls. One of the obstacles for reducing inflation has been backlogged ports with ships waiting to dock at major transit hubs, causing shortages and leaving some store shelves depleted ahead of the holiday shopping season.“Many people remain unsettled about the economy and we all know why,” Biden said.He offered his infrastructure plan as the solution, albeit one that will take time to manifest. Better infrastructure — whether roads, bridges, ports or whatever — would give more capacity and resiliency for the supply chain. There would be more capacity to unload ships and move goods, which in turn would reduce price pressures and shortages.Biden said the infrastructure spending would create jobs paying $45 an hour, nearly 50% above the current national average. It would create a wealth of jobs to fix aging pipes, bridges and roads, and boost clean energy and cybersecurity. And most wouldn’t require college degrees.“This is a once in a generation investment,” he said.The president pointed to Baltimore’s port as a blueprint on how to reduce shipping bottlenecks that have held back the economic recovery. The facility is adding container cranes as well as a 50-foot berth where ships can be unloaded. Baltimore’s port is also benefiting from grants to upgrade the Howard Street Tunnel, a brick-lined underpass for trains that opened in 1895. The tunnel would be expanded so that shipping containers could be double-stacked on railcars, making it easier to move goods out of the port.The president, who consulted with the CEOs of Walmart, Target, FedEx and UPS on Tuesday, emphasized that these investments are part of a national effort to relieve supply chain bottlenecks in ways that can aid broader growth.His administration also announced new investments to reduce congestion at the Port of Savannah in Georgia, nearly a month after the administration helped broker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-los-angeles-health-48ff262b882a37308e4a3f15934b2ee4">a deal for the Port of Los Angeles to operate nonstop</a>.The president has been trying to explain that the port congestion shows just how strong the economic rebound from the pandemic has been. A forecast by the National Retail Federation suggests a record level of imports this year.The inflation phenomenon is also global in nature, with Germany and China recently reporting high levels.The president made his case Wednesday in a city of nearly 600,000 people that supports him. Nearly 90% of voters in Baltimore backed Biden in last year’s election. The president also stopped in the city for a CNN town hall on Oct. 21.Baltimore embodies the complexities of an increasingly diverse America at a time of heated national politics.Many Americans have seen a TV version of the city’s poverty, crime, political corruption and vacant row houses on shows such as HBO’s “The Wire.” Unrest following the 2015 death of Freddie Gray from injuries in a police van helped to propel a national movement for respecting the rights and lives of Black Americans.But Baltimore also contains deep pockets of wealth and prosperity in what is a microcosm of the broader inequality confronting the nation. There are the mansions of the Guilford neighborhood, elite private schools, celebrated restaurants and the prestige of Johns Hopkins University.As president, Donald Trump slammed the majority Black city on Twitter frequently, calling it “the WORST IN NATION.” But while Trump scorned Baltimore, Biden sees a test case for his agenda that goes beyond the ports. His child tax credits are sending thousands of dollars to families in a city with a child poverty rate north of 30%. Work has begun to renovate and modernize the historic Penn Station, possibly improving rail transit across the Northeast.

Biden: My $1.7T infrastructure plan will ease economic woes

RENO COUNTY. — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on sex crime and kidnapping allegations.

Just after 8:30p.m. Monday, deputies were sent to a rural residence northwest of Hutchinson for a domestic disturbance, according to a media release.&nbsp;

 Deputies spoke with a man who stated the caller to 911 had just left the residence.&nbsp;

Tuesday morning, detectives began to review information previously gathered about this case and set up further interviews. In this continued investigation, it is believed that several crimes were possibly committed causing the initial call. 

On Wednesday, deputies arrested 33-year-old Mathew W. Morgan of rural Hutchinson on requested charges of Aggravated Sodomy, Aggravated Domestic Battery and Aggravated Kidnapping. He is being held on a bond of $152,500, according to the release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636628412851.jpeg" alt="Morgan-photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Morgan-photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY. — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on sex crime and kidnapping allegations.Just after 8:30p.m. Monday, deputies were sent to a rural residence northwest of Hutchinson for a domestic disturbance, according to a media release.&nbsp; Deputies spoke with a man who stated the caller to 911 had just left the residence.&nbsp;Tuesday morning, detectives began to review information previously gathered about this case and set up further interviews. In this continued investigation, it is believed that several crimes were possibly committed causing the initial call. On Wednesday, deputies arrested 33-year-old Mathew W. Morgan of rural Hutchinson on requested charges of Aggravated Sodomy, Aggravated Domestic Battery and Aggravated Kidnapping. He is being held on a bond of $152,500, according to the release.

Deputies arrest Kansas man for alleged sex crimes, kidnapping

A recent <a href="https://bbb.org/employmentscams" target="_blank">Better Business Bureau (BBB) report</a>
 shed light on those most impacted by employment scams: military spouses
 and veterans. Military spouses and veterans were both more likely to be
 victimized than non-military consumers, and more notably, the median 
dollar loss was significantly higher – nearly double – than those 
reported by non-military consumers.

Employment scams were the #1 riskiest scam in 2018 and 2019 according
 to the BBB Risk Index, which measures exposure, susceptibility, and 
monetary loss based on reports to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>.
 This was true for both the overall consumer population as well as 
military consumers specifically. When broken out by military 
demographic, employment scams are the most risky scam for military 
spouses and the second most risky scam for veterans. The <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/24536-military-families-and-veterans-more-likely-to-lose-money-to-scams" target="_blank">2020 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report</a>
 indicated veterans reported a median loss of $133, military spouses 
reported a median $132 loss, and active duty service members reported a 
median loss of $269 – all of which were higher than the $115 median loss
 reported across all consumers in 2020.

In the wake of COVID-19, the <a href="https://bbb.org/employmentscams" target="_blank">Employment Scams Report</a>,
 which surveyed 10,670 U.S. and Canadian consumers who reported 
encountering an employment scam in the last three years, found that 
nearly three-quarters of those who lost money had trouble paying their 
monthly bills and more than half were unemployed. The top reason victims
 engaged with the scammer was the ability to work from home – a critical
 need of those balancing family obligations and unpredictable PCOS 
moves. Flexibility was also noted as a top reason for engaging in these 
opportunities.

The 2019 <a href="https://www.bbb.org/militaryreport" target="_blank">Military Consumers and Marketplace Trust</a> report, published with support from the <a href="https://www.ambahq.org/" target="_blank">Association of Military Banks of America</a>,
 highlighted some of the unique challenges and key risk factors faced by
 military and veteran families, especially in regard to employment 
scams. A cumulative look of self-reported data in the Employment Scams 
Report between February 2016 and May 2020 shows that employment scams 
are even riskier than previously reported; 19.2% of military spouse and 
16.6% of veterans encountering the scam reported a financial loss, 
compared with 15.5% for non-military consumers. And for every person 
that reported losing money, at least another worked without pay, and yet
 another lost personal information that could lead to identity theft.&nbsp;

While the largest financial losses were reported by military spouses 
($1,825) and veterans ($1,905), even service members reported much 
higher median losses ($1,680) than non-military consumers ($1,000). This
 likely correlates with the 28% of survey respondents stating that they 
were looking for flexible, “gig” type employment opportunities when they
 encountered the fraudulent job.

The study showed that prevention and intervention methods can reduce 
the likelihood of a financial loss. Those who heard of employment scams 
and tactics prior to the encounter were significantly less likely to 
lose money, which reinforces the need to continue outreach about these 
risky scams. In addition, respondents reported that interventions by 
bank tellers and retail employees were very helpful in convincing them 
to walk away before losing money; 13% of survey respondents said an 
organization, company or agency employee tried to intervene and stop the
 scam – and 69% of the time, they were successful in their efforts.&nbsp;

As soldiers return to civilian life and re-enter the workforce, they 
face unique difficulties. Some veterans find challenges in applying for 
education benefits, navigating disability claims or searching for 
employment. Finding trustworthy sources is the best way to avoid scams. 
BBB recommends beginning with these organizations:

For tips on how to avoid employment scams, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/employmentscams" target="_blank">BBB.org/EmploymentScams</a>.

To read the Military Consumers and Marketplace Trust report, visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/militaryreport" target="_blank">BBB.org/MilitaryReport</a>.

To report a scam, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>.

For more information about BBB’s Military and Veterans Initiative and consumer resources, visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/military" target="_blank">BBB.org/Military</a>.

BBB Serving the Heart of Texas contributed to this article.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBA recent <a href="https://bbb.org/employmentscams" target="_blank">Better Business Bureau (BBB) report</a>
 shed light on those most impacted by employment scams: military spouses
 and veterans. Military spouses and veterans were both more likely to be
 victimized than non-military consumers, and more notably, the median 
dollar loss was significantly higher – nearly double – than those 
reported by non-military consumers.Employment scams were the #1 riskiest scam in 2018 and 2019 according
 to the BBB Risk Index, which measures exposure, susceptibility, and 
monetary loss based on reports to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>.
 This was true for both the overall consumer population as well as 
military consumers specifically. When broken out by military 
demographic, employment scams are the most risky scam for military 
spouses and the second most risky scam for veterans. The <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/24536-military-families-and-veterans-more-likely-to-lose-money-to-scams" target="_blank">2020 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report</a>
 indicated veterans reported a median loss of $133, military spouses 
reported a median $132 loss, and active duty service members reported a 
median loss of $269 – all of which were higher than the $115 median loss
 reported across all consumers in 2020.In the wake of COVID-19, the <a href="https://bbb.org/employmentscams" target="_blank">Employment Scams Report</a>,
 which surveyed 10,670 U.S. and Canadian consumers who reported 
encountering an employment scam in the last three years, found that 
nearly three-quarters of those who lost money had trouble paying their 
monthly bills and more than half were unemployed. The top reason victims
 engaged with the scammer was the ability to work from home – a critical
 need of those balancing family obligations and unpredictable PCOS 
moves. Flexibility was also noted as a top reason for engaging in these 
opportunities.The 2019 <a href="https://www.bbb.org/militaryreport" target="_blank">Military Consumers and Marketplace Trust</a> report, published with support from the <a href="https://www.ambahq.org/" target="_blank">Association of Military Banks of America</a>,
 highlighted some of the unique challenges and key risk factors faced by
 military and veteran families, especially in regard to employment 
scams. A cumulative look of self-reported data in the Employment Scams 
Report between February 2016 and May 2020 shows that employment scams 
are even riskier than previously reported; 19.2% of military spouse and 
16.6% of veterans encountering the scam reported a financial loss, 
compared with 15.5% for non-military consumers. And for every person 
that reported losing money, at least another worked without pay, and yet
 another lost personal information that could lead to identity theft.&nbsp;While the largest financial losses were reported by military spouses 
($1,825) and veterans ($1,905), even service members reported much 
higher median losses ($1,680) than non-military consumers ($1,000). This
 likely correlates with the 28% of survey respondents stating that they 
were looking for flexible, “gig” type employment opportunities when they
 encountered the fraudulent job.The study showed that prevention and intervention methods can reduce 
the likelihood of a financial loss. Those who heard of employment scams 
and tactics prior to the encounter were significantly less likely to 
lose money, which reinforces the need to continue outreach about these 
risky scams. In addition, respondents reported that interventions by 
bank tellers and retail employees were very helpful in convincing them 
to walk away before losing money; 13% of survey respondents said an 
organization, company or agency employee tried to intervene and stop the
 scam – and 69% of the time, they were successful in their efforts.&nbsp;As soldiers return to civilian life and re-enter the workforce, they 
face unique difficulties. Some veterans find challenges in applying for 
education benefits, navigating disability claims or searching for 
employment. Finding trustworthy sources is the best way to avoid scams. 
BBB recommends beginning with these organizations:<ul>
 <li>BBB Military and Veteran Consumer Information. <a href="https://www.bbbmarketplacetrust.org/military-and-veterans-initiative" target="_blank">BBB Military and Veteran Consumer Information</a> offers free consumer education and financial literacy resources for military families and veterans.</li><li>U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.). <a href="https://www.va.gov/" target="_blank">VA.gov</a>,
 the official website for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is a 
hub for materials on every aspect that may impact the transition to 
civilian life. Information on education benefits, pensions and life 
insurance can all be found on the Veterans Affairs official website.</li><li>Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO). <a href="https://www.vaforvets.va.gov/vaforvets/veso/Pages/default.asp" target="_blank">VESO</a>
 offers career opportunity resources within the Department of Veterans 
Affairs, assisting in the transition from active duty to civilian life.</li><li>USA Military Assistance. Like the V.A., USA 
Military Assistance provides guidance in a wide variety of areas. For 
those on active duty, military tax guidance and free credit monitoring 
can also be found at <a href="https://www.usa.gov/military-assistance" target="_blank">usa.gov/Military-Assistance</a>.</li><li>Veterans Health Administration. An extension of the V.A., <a href="https://www.va.gov/health/" target="_blank">the Veterans Health Administration</a>
 is a health care system specifically for veterans. The administration 
also offers resources for veterans during the COVID-19 crisis.</li><li>Canadian Resources: Services and benefits for members of the Canadian Armed forces can be found <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/benefitsmilitary.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng" target="_blank">Veterans Affairs Canada</a> is a resource for those who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces or Royal Canadian Mounted Police.</li>
 </ul>For tips on how to avoid employment scams, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/employmentscams" target="_blank">BBB.org/EmploymentScams</a>.To read the Military Consumers and Marketplace Trust report, visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/militaryreport" target="_blank">BBB.org/MilitaryReport</a>.To report a scam, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>.For more information about BBB’s Military and Veterans Initiative and consumer resources, visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/military" target="_blank">BBB.org/Military</a>.BBB Serving the Heart of Texas contributed to this article.

Military spouses, veterans report highest losses to employment scams

SALINA—Law enforcement authorities served&nbsp; multiple narcotics-related search warrants Wednesday in the Salina area and made three arrests.&nbsp;

After an investigation that lasted several months, the I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force with assistance from the KBI and KHP served seven narcotics-related search warrants at 2130 E. Crawford No. 211, 1800 S. Broadway A, 703 W. Cloud, 703.5 W. Cloud, 765 Commanche, 620 Jameson and 1601 Gypsum, according to a media release.

Police booked Charles Anthony Adams, 41, 2130 E. Crawford Street #211 on requested charges of Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug proceeds.

Police booked Reginald Treville Benoit Sr., 36, 620 Jameson Avenue on requested charges of Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute

Police booked Angie Marie Allison, 45, 703.5 W. Cloud Street in requested charges of Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and Possession of methamphetamine

During the searches, approximately one ounce of methamphetamine, an ounce of cocaine, one semi-automatic handgun, and more than $15,000 in currency were seized, according to information from the police department. 

SALINA—Law enforcement authorities served&nbsp; multiple narcotics-related search warrants Wednesday in the Salina area and made three arrests.&nbsp;After an investigation that lasted several months, the I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force with assistance from the KBI and KHP served seven narcotics-related search warrants at 2130 E. Crawford No. 211, 1800 S. Broadway A, 703 W. Cloud, 703.5 W. Cloud, 765 Commanche, 620 Jameson and 1601 Gypsum, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636582656617.jpeg" alt="Charles Anthony Adams- photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Charles Anthony Adams- photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police booked Charles Anthony Adams, 41, 2130 E. Crawford Street #211 on requested charges of Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug proceeds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636582720930.jpeg" alt="Reginald Treville Benoit Sr.-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Reginald Treville Benoit Sr.-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police booked Reginald Treville Benoit Sr., 36, 620 Jameson Avenue on requested charges of Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636582768426.jpeg" alt="Angie Marie Allison photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Angie Marie Allison photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police booked Angie Marie Allison, 45, 703.5 W. Cloud Street in requested charges of Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and Possession of methamphetamineDuring the searches, approximately one ounce of methamphetamine, an ounce of cocaine, one semi-automatic handgun, and more than $15,000 in currency were seized, according to information from the police department.

3 jailed in Kansas following drug task force investigation

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The prosecution has finished presenting evidence in the trial of a white Kansas City police officer charged with fatally shooting a Black man in a case that rests on arguments that police planted evidence.

Crime scene technicians and a roommate were among the witnesses to testify Tuesday in the involuntary manslaughter trial of Eric DeValkenaere.

He also is charged with armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb, who was parking a pickup truck in his backyard when he was shot. Officers went to Lamb's home in December 2019 while investigating a report that a pickup was seen chasing a car after a crash.

DeValkenaere said that he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective, Troy Schwalm.

Prosecutors said that before he was shot, Lamb had his left hand on the truck’s steering wheel and his cellphone in his right hand.

Lamb's roommate testified that the gun found near Lamb's body was normally kept on a staircase. Crime scene technicians also testified they conducted a “cursory” examination of the body at the scene, but did not find two bullets in Lamb’s pocket until after his body was taken later to the medical examiner's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592994941014.png" alt="DeValkenaere photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>DeValkenaere photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The prosecution has finished presenting evidence in the trial of a white Kansas City police officer charged with fatally shooting a Black man in a case that rests on arguments that police planted evidence.Crime scene technicians and a roommate were among the witnesses to testify Tuesday in the involuntary manslaughter trial of Eric DeValkenaere.He also is charged with armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb, who was parking a pickup truck in his backyard when he was shot. Officers went to Lamb's home in December 2019 while investigating a report that a pickup was seen chasing a car after a crash.DeValkenaere said that he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective, Troy Schwalm.Prosecutors said that before he was shot, Lamb had his left hand on the truck’s steering wheel and his cellphone in his right hand.Lamb's roommate testified that the gun found near Lamb's body was normally kept on a staircase. Crime scene technicians also testified they conducted a “cursory” examination of the body at the scene, but did not find two bullets in Lamb’s pocket until after his body was taken later to the medical examiner's office.

Kansas City cop says fatal shooting of Black man saved partner

Updated 5 p.m. Nov. 15&nbsp;to clarify Austin no longer works for the Kansas Health Institute.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Republican candidate for Kansas State Treasurer and economist Michael Austin is pleased to see both parties supporting tax cuts on food, but the discussion shouldn't end there.

"I love seeing bipartisan efforts to lower taxes," Austin said. "Kansas has a history with tax cuts. Largely, it hasn't been positive. With its tendency to always raise the budget, I really think that this time around, we have to make sure that we lower taxes the right way. I think the only way to cut taxes is to find and cut wasteful spending."

Austin's hope is that state government looks deeper than today's bank balance in determining whether tax relief is sustainable.

"With this food sales tax cut, I think there's a current conversation that the state government can use its excess tax revenues as a partial pay for, for this food sales tax reduction," Austin said. "I'm here to say that I think that move is dangerous and I think it risks raising taxes in the future."

It's also important for policymakers not to use federal infrastructure dollars that are one-time use to make this happen.

"A fiscally responsible budget means before you make permanent changes to tax revenue, it has to be supported by permanent changes to spending," Austin said. "In the aftermath of the Great Recession, Kansas government did the exact opposite. Kansas coffers were flush with federal cash, so Democrat Governor Mark Parkinson used that one time money to support permanent budget expenditures. Guess what? When that federal money ended, his administration had to take a hatchet to the budget and then raised sales tax."

Austin has nearly a decade of experience as a free-market economist and scholar. He served as Chief Economist for two Republican Governors.

Updated 5 p.m. Nov. 15&nbsp;to clarify Austin no longer works for the Kansas Health Institute.By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Republican candidate for Kansas State Treasurer and economist Michael Austin is pleased to see both parties supporting tax cuts on food, but the discussion shouldn't end there."I love seeing bipartisan efforts to lower taxes," Austin said. "Kansas has a history with tax cuts. Largely, it hasn't been positive. With its tendency to always raise the budget, I really think that this time around, we have to make sure that we lower taxes the right way. I think the only way to cut taxes is to find and cut wasteful spending."Austin's hope is that state government looks deeper than today's bank balance in determining whether tax relief is sustainable."With this food sales tax cut, I think there's a current conversation that the state government can use its excess tax revenues as a partial pay for, for this food sales tax reduction," Austin said. "I'm here to say that I think that move is dangerous and I think it risks raising taxes in the future."It's also important for policymakers not to use federal infrastructure dollars that are one-time use to make this happen."A fiscally responsible budget means before you make permanent changes to tax revenue, it has to be supported by permanent changes to spending," Austin said. "In the aftermath of the Great Recession, Kansas government did the exact opposite. Kansas coffers were flush with federal cash, so Democrat Governor Mark Parkinson used that one time money to support permanent budget expenditures. Guess what? When that federal money ended, his administration had to take a hatchet to the budget and then raised sales tax."Austin has nearly a decade of experience as a free-market economist and scholar. He served as Chief Economist for two Republican Governors.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Austin: Food sales tax cut should be start of larger discussion

Security camera footage, shell casings and a small but distinctive tattoo played pivotal roles in the arrest of a man suspected in at least six killings over the past two months in the St. Louis and&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City areas.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorney's office on Tuesday charged Perez Deshay Reed in the shooting deaths of two people in the city in September. Reed was charged Saturday in two other fatal shootings in September in St. Louis County. He is also suspected of killing two people in Kansas City, Kansas, and the FBI has labeled him a suspected serial killer.

Reed, who turns 26 years old Wednesday, remained jailed on $2 million bond Tuesday and didn't yet have an attorney.

Surveillance video in Kansas helped lead to Reed's arrest. Images captured by the cameras showed the distinctive crescent moon-shaped tattoo on Reed's forehead. Another key factor was evidence left behind at each of the St. Louis-area shootings.

“The commonality among them were handgun casings,” Rich Quinn, special agent in charge of the FBI office in St. Louis, said. “We knew they came from the same handgun.”

Reed is charged in the St. Louis County killings of 16-year-old Marnay Haynes on Sept. 13 and 40-year-old Lester Robinson on Sept. 26. In the city of St. Louis, he is suspected in the killings of 49-year-old Pamela Abercrombie on Sept. 16 and a 24-year-old man, Carey Ross, on Sept. 19. All four victims were shot in the head.

His capture followed the killing of a man and a woman at a Kansas City, Kansas, apartment complex.

Surveillance video showed Reed entering Damon Irvin's apartment on Oct. 28. Police found Irvin, 35, fatally shot in the apartment on Nov. 1, according to an FBI affidavit.

Reed and 25-year-old Rau'Daja Fairrow entered the same apartment complex on the night of Oct. 29 and Reed left 15 minutes later, according to the affidavit. Fairrow's nude body was found Nov. 2 in her apartment. The FBI said Reed showed his driver's license to enter the building, and the surveillance video showed his forehead tattoo.

Officers began tailing Reed and were watching Friday as he boarded a St. Louis-bound Amtrak train that left Union Station in Kansas City,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri">Missouri</a>.

But instead of riding to St. Louis, Reed got off at the first stop in the Kansas City suburb of Independence, Missouri, the FBI said. Officers conducting surveillance from aboard the train arrested Reed as he boarded a bus. He was allegedly carrying a .40-caliber handgun that investigators believe he used in the St. Louis-area shootings.

During an interview with police, Reed denied that he hurt anyone, according to the affidavit.

Investigators haven’t ruled out the possibility that Reed committed additional crimes. St. Louis County Lt. Craig Longworth said there was no known connection between the victims.

“These seemed to be random acts,” he said.

Reed has connections to the St. Louis and Kansas City areas.

He began living with a cousin in St. Louis County in 2004 when he was 8 years old, and she later became his legal guardian when his parents were deemed “unwilling, unable and unfit” to care for him, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. He was charged with misdemeanor assault in St. Louis County in 2019, though that case hasn't gone to trial. He had no known history of felony charges.

Reed married in Jackson County, which includes some of Kansas City, Missouri, in June of 2019. His wife filed for divorce in July and a hearing in the divorce case is scheduled for Dec. 2.

The Wyandotte County district attorney’s office was awaiting a police report before it would consider charges against Reed, a spokesman said Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636462416961.png" alt="Reed photo St. Louis County District Attorney" />
 <figcaption>Reed photo St. Louis County District Attorney</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM SALTER, Associated PressSecurity camera footage, shell casings and a small but distinctive tattoo played pivotal roles in the arrest of a man suspected in at least six killings over the past two months in the St. Louis and&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City areas.The St. Louis Circuit Attorney's office on Tuesday charged Perez Deshay Reed in the shooting deaths of two people in the city in September. Reed was charged Saturday in two other fatal shootings in September in St. Louis County. He is also suspected of killing two people in Kansas City, Kansas, and the FBI has labeled him a suspected serial killer.Reed, who turns 26 years old Wednesday, remained jailed on $2 million bond Tuesday and didn't yet have an attorney.Surveillance video in Kansas helped lead to Reed's arrest. Images captured by the cameras showed the distinctive crescent moon-shaped tattoo on Reed's forehead. Another key factor was evidence left behind at each of the St. Louis-area shootings.“The commonality among them were handgun casings,” Rich Quinn, special agent in charge of the FBI office in St. Louis, said. “We knew they came from the same handgun.”Reed is charged in the St. Louis County killings of 16-year-old Marnay Haynes on Sept. 13 and 40-year-old Lester Robinson on Sept. 26. In the city of St. Louis, he is suspected in the killings of 49-year-old Pamela Abercrombie on Sept. 16 and a 24-year-old man, Carey Ross, on Sept. 19. All four victims were shot in the head.His capture followed the killing of a man and a woman at a Kansas City, Kansas, apartment complex.Surveillance video showed Reed entering Damon Irvin's apartment on Oct. 28. Police found Irvin, 35, fatally shot in the apartment on Nov. 1, according to an FBI affidavit.Reed and 25-year-old Rau'Daja Fairrow entered the same apartment complex on the night of Oct. 29 and Reed left 15 minutes later, according to the affidavit. Fairrow's nude body was found Nov. 2 in her apartment. The FBI said Reed showed his driver's license to enter the building, and the surveillance video showed his forehead tattoo.Officers began tailing Reed and were watching Friday as he boarded a St. Louis-bound Amtrak train that left Union Station in Kansas City,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri">Missouri</a>.But instead of riding to St. Louis, Reed got off at the first stop in the Kansas City suburb of Independence, Missouri, the FBI said. Officers conducting surveillance from aboard the train arrested Reed as he boarded a bus. He was allegedly carrying a .40-caliber handgun that investigators believe he used in the St. Louis-area shootings.During an interview with police, Reed denied that he hurt anyone, according to the affidavit.Investigators haven’t ruled out the possibility that Reed committed additional crimes. St. Louis County Lt. Craig Longworth said there was no known connection between the victims.“These seemed to be random acts,” he said.Reed has connections to the St. Louis and Kansas City areas.He began living with a cousin in St. Louis County in 2004 when he was 8 years old, and she later became his legal guardian when his parents were deemed “unwilling, unable and unfit” to care for him, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. He was charged with misdemeanor assault in St. Louis County in 2019, though that case hasn't gone to trial. He had no known history of felony charges.Reed married in Jackson County, which includes some of Kansas City, Missouri, in June of 2019. His wife filed for divorce in July and a hearing in the divorce case is scheduled for Dec. 2.The Wyandotte County district attorney’s office was awaiting a police report before it would consider charges against Reed, a spokesman said Tuesday.

Surveillance video in Kan. helped in arrest of alleged serial killer

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a pair of armed robberies and have made an arrest.

Lenexa Police reported two&nbsp;armed robberies Tuesday involving Facebook Marketplace sales of electronics. 

The sales took place in the parking lots of a gas station and a grocery store.&nbsp; Police in Olathe arrested one suspect Tuesday night. The suspect is believed to be tied to both cases.&nbsp; According to the Johnson County Police Department booking report, officers arrested 22-year-old Terrell Harris in Olathe Tuesday on a requested charge of aggravated robbery.

"With the holidays approaching, these types of person-to-person sales are likely to increase. Police strongly recommend meeting at a police station to conduct these transactions. For example, the front circle drive, front entrance walkway and even our front lobby of the Lenexa Police are considered good options.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636562894250.png" alt="Police arrested 22-year-old Terrell Harris in Olathe Tuesday on a requested charge of aggravated robbery, according to the Johnson County booking report." />
 <figcaption>Police arrested 22-year-old Terrell Harris in Olathe Tuesday on a requested charge of aggravated robbery, according to the Johnson County booking report.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a pair of armed robberies and have made an arrest.Lenexa Police reported two&nbsp;armed robberies Tuesday involving Facebook Marketplace sales of electronics. The sales took place in the parking lots of a gas station and a grocery store.&nbsp; Police in Olathe arrested one suspect Tuesday night. The suspect is believed to be tied to both cases.&nbsp; According to the Johnson County Police Department booking report, officers arrested 22-year-old Terrell Harris in Olathe Tuesday on a requested charge of aggravated robbery."With the holidays approaching, these types of person-to-person sales are likely to increase. Police strongly recommend meeting at a police station to conduct these transactions. For example, the front circle drive, front entrance walkway and even our front lobby of the Lenexa Police are considered good options.

Police investigate Facebook Marketplace armed robberies in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has dropped plans to take a rapid COVID-19 test even though a lawmaker who attended one of her public events tested positive. Kelly’s office issued a statement Wednesday afternoon saying that she received medical advice that a test wasn’t necessary because she wasn’t showing any symptoms and had not been in close contact with the infected lawmaker. 

Kelly spokesperson Sam Coleman had said earlier that the governor had decided to get tested upon learning that the lawmaker had tested positive after attending a Kelly news conference Monday at a north Topeka grocery. Kelly announced a proposal for eliminating the state’s sales tax on food.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly plans to take a rapid COVID-19 test after a lawmaker who attended one of her public events tested positive. Kelly spokesperson Sam Coleman said the governor planned to take the test Wednesday afternoon even though she’s had no symptoms and likely is not infected. 

Coleman said the governor decided to take the test after learning that the lawmaker who tested positive attended a news conference Monday at a north Topeka grocery. 

Kelly held the event to outline a proposal for eliminating the state’s sales tax on food. Kelly was masked during most of the event and when she was interacting with others.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636561324355.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly shaking hands with those in attendance during her Monday "Axe the Food Tax" press conference at a Topeka grocery store.- image courtesy Governor's office" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly shaking hands with those in attendance during her Monday "Axe the Food Tax" press conference at a Topeka grocery store.- image courtesy Governor's office</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has dropped plans to take a rapid COVID-19 test even though a lawmaker who attended one of her public events tested positive. Kelly’s office issued a statement Wednesday afternoon saying that she received medical advice that a test wasn’t necessary because she wasn’t showing any symptoms and had not been in close contact with the infected lawmaker. Kelly spokesperson Sam Coleman had said earlier that the governor had decided to get tested upon learning that the lawmaker had tested positive after attending a Kelly news conference Monday at a north Topeka grocery. Kelly announced a proposal for eliminating the state’s sales tax on food.---------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly plans to take a rapid COVID-19 test after a lawmaker who attended one of her public events tested positive. Kelly spokesperson Sam Coleman said the governor planned to take the test Wednesday afternoon even though she’s had no symptoms and likely is not infected. Coleman said the governor decided to take the test after learning that the lawmaker who tested positive attended a news conference Monday at a north Topeka grocery. Kelly held the event to outline a proposal for eliminating the state’s sales tax on food. Kelly was masked during most of the event and when she was interacting with others.

Kan. governor drops plans for COVID test after lawmaker is positive

HARVEY COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just before 7a.m. Wednesday in Harvey County.

 The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Honda Pilot driven by Trella Marie Batten, 62, Whitewater, was westbound on Kansas 196 just east of Hillside Road passing two other vehicles.

The Honda struck an eastbound 2008 Hyundai Elantra driven by Sarah Elizabeth&nbsp;Colling, 39, Potwin, head-on.

After the crash, the Honda veered right and struck a westbound 2018 Freightliner semi driven by Joseph Leigh Maske, 43, Salina.&nbsp;

Debris from the head-on crash struck westbound 2016 Chevy driven by Gregg Edward Ewing, 47, Carterville, Missouri. The Hyundai veered right and rolled onto its top in the south ditch.

Colling was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Preferred Mortuary.&nbsp; EMS transported Batten to Wesley Medical Center. Maske and Ewing were not injured. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636574315320.png" alt="A Kansas woman died in a 4-vehicle, head-on crash-Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>A Kansas woman died in a 4-vehicle, head-on crash-Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just before 7a.m. Wednesday in Harvey County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Honda Pilot driven by Trella Marie Batten, 62, Whitewater, was westbound on Kansas 196 just east of Hillside Road passing two other vehicles.The Honda struck an eastbound 2008 Hyundai Elantra driven by Sarah Elizabeth&nbsp;Colling, 39, Potwin, head-on.After the crash, the Honda veered right and struck a westbound 2018 Freightliner semi driven by Joseph Leigh Maske, 43, Salina.&nbsp;Debris from the head-on crash struck westbound 2016 Chevy driven by Gregg Edward Ewing, 47, Carterville, Missouri. The Hyundai veered right and rolled onto its top in the south ditch.Colling was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Preferred Mortuary.&nbsp; EMS transported Batten to Wesley Medical Center. Maske and Ewing were not injured. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

Kansas woman dies in 4-vehicle head-on crash

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Republican State Rep. Paul Waggoner believes there is considerable support for a special legislative session to address specific issues related to vaccine mandates.

"There's two bills that I specifically know about," Waggoner said Wednesday. "There can be additional bills, but there's going to be one that will make sure that religious exemptions are honored and that they're not thwarted by what some of the, either big companies, or even some of our public institutions have been doing. That's been requiring people to fill out like a three or five page, you know, theology thesis on why they want a religious exemption, which is just total overkill. The other thing is, it is true in Kansas law that, if you refuse an order of your employer, it's basically like you're...it's a voluntary suspension, it's like you're quitting on your own accord, which of course is not the case, they're being forced out. If you're quitting on your own accord, you do not get unemployment compensation."

Normally, bringing the legislature into special session is not something they do themselves.

"To have the House and Senate members call for a special session has literally never happened in Kansas history," Waggoner said. "This is kind of a one-off event. Typically the governor is the one who is doing this, but, of course, Governor Kelly is not really of the same persuasion, I think, as the rest of the legislature is on this topic."

Kelly has made a public statement saying that it is 'too late to impose a federal standard' regarding vaccines. Waggoner said there is already a timeline out there for the legislature's return.

"It would be that Monday right before Thanksgiving," Waggoner said. "Typically, this would be about a two-day session, I think, is what they are expecting. We should be able to get some things out of committee officially and debated and voted on relatively quickly."

Waggoner said in his opinion they can fairly easily get to a majority of the House that is in favor of coming to Topeka, but, unless the Governor acts, they would need two-thirds majorities of both houses to agree just to be allowed to show up.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580315458842.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Republican State Rep. Paul Waggoner believes there is considerable support for a special legislative session to address specific issues related to vaccine mandates."There's two bills that I specifically know about," Waggoner said Wednesday. "There can be additional bills, but there's going to be one that will make sure that religious exemptions are honored and that they're not thwarted by what some of the, either big companies, or even some of our public institutions have been doing. That's been requiring people to fill out like a three or five page, you know, theology thesis on why they want a religious exemption, which is just total overkill. The other thing is, it is true in Kansas law that, if you refuse an order of your employer, it's basically like you're...it's a voluntary suspension, it's like you're quitting on your own accord, which of course is not the case, they're being forced out. If you're quitting on your own accord, you do not get unemployment compensation."Normally, bringing the legislature into special session is not something they do themselves."To have the House and Senate members call for a special session has literally never happened in Kansas history," Waggoner said. "This is kind of a one-off event. Typically the governor is the one who is doing this, but, of course, Governor Kelly is not really of the same persuasion, I think, as the rest of the legislature is on this topic."Kelly has made a public statement saying that it is 'too late to impose a federal standard' regarding vaccines. Waggoner said there is already a timeline out there for the legislature's return."It would be that Monday right before Thanksgiving," Waggoner said. "Typically, this would be about a two-day session, I think, is what they are expecting. We should be able to get some things out of committee officially and debated and voted on relatively quickly."Waggoner said in his opinion they can fairly easily get to a majority of the House that is in favor of coming to Topeka, but, unless the Governor acts, they would need two-thirds majorities of both houses to agree just to be allowed to show up.

Kan. GOP State Rep: Support building for special session 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 45-year-old Monzell Brocks of Wichita.

Just after 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting call at the Denny’s Restaurant, 4024 E. Harry in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

 Upon arrival, officers located Brocks who had been shot.&nbsp; He was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment where he succumbed to his injuries.

The investigation revealed, several men and women arrived at the business and sat at a table.&nbsp; Brocks works at the business and was sitting at their table and associating with the group while they were there.&nbsp; As the group began to leave, Brocks went outside as well and shots were fired striking him and causing his fatal injuries.

Detectives have recovered illegal drugs, two handguns, and shell casings during their investigation, and detectives are still working to learn all the details of what occurred.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636548289424.png" alt="Police at the scene of the fatal shooing in investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the fatal shooing in investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 45-year-old Monzell Brocks of Wichita.Just after 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting call at the Denny’s Restaurant, 4024 E. Harry in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers located Brocks who had been shot.&nbsp; He was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment where he succumbed to his injuries.The investigation revealed, several men and women arrived at the business and sat at a table.&nbsp; Brocks works at the business and was sitting at their table and associating with the group while they were there.&nbsp; As the group began to leave, Brocks went outside as well and shots were fired striking him and causing his fatal injuries.Detectives have recovered illegal drugs, two handguns, and shell casings during their investigation, and detectives are still working to learn all the details of what occurred.

Police: Man shot, killed outside Kan. restaurant where he worked

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A coalition of 10 states sued the federal government on Wednesday to try to block a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for health care workers, marking a new front in the resistance by Republican-led states to the pandemic policies of President Joe Biden's administration.

The lawsuit filed in a federal court in Missouri contends that the vaccine requirement threatens the jobs of millions of health care workers and could “exacerbate an alarming shortage” in health care fields, particularly in rural areas where some health workers have been hesitant to get the shots.

The suit follows similar ones by Republican-led states challenging new Biden administration rules that will require federal contractors to ensure their workers are vaccinated and that businesses with more than 100 employees require their workers to get vaccinated or wear masks and get tested weekly for the coronavirus. All of the mandates are scheduled to take effect Jan. 4.

Biden's administration contends that the federal rules supersede state policies prohibiting vaccine mandates and are essential to slowing the pandemic, which has killed more than 755,000 people in the U.S. But the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals already has temporarily blocked the business vaccine rule, saying it raises “grave statutory and constitutional issues.”

A separate rule issued last week by the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services requires COVID-19 vaccinations for more than 17 million workers in about 76,000 health care facilities and home health care providers that get funding from the government health programs.

The new lawsuit contends that the CMS vaccine requirement is unprecedented and unreasonably broad, affecting even volunteers and staff who don’t typically work with patients.

“The mandate is a blatant attempt to federalize public health issues involving vaccination that belong within the States’ police power,” said the suit filed by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, a Republican who is running for U.S. Senate.

Joining the lawsuit were the attorneys general of Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. All are Republicans except for Democratic Attorney General Tom Miller of Iowa, whose state is led by Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds.

While announcing the rule, CMS said that COVID-19 vaccine requirements by private health systems and previous vaccine mandates by states for other diseases have not led to widespread resignations of health care workers.

But the lawsuit contends that numerous health workers are likely to be fired, retire or quit rather than get vaccinated for COVID-19, which it said “jeopardizes the healthcare interests of rural Americans.”

The lawsuit points to concerns from rural hospital administrators in Missouri and Nebraska. For example, it says that Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska, is able to staff only about 70 of its 116 beds because of workforce shortages and has received notice from a majority of personnel in its behavioral health unit that they would resign rather than be vaccinated.

Workplace vaccine mandates have become more common recently and generally have resulted in significant compliance.

In New York City, more than 90% of city employees had received the vaccine before a Nov. 1 mandate began. But The New York Times reported that about 9,000 were placed on paid leave for not complying and thousands of others sought religious or medical exemptions.

In the private sector, United Airlines recently required 67,000 U.S. employees to get vaccinated or face termination. Only a couple hundred refused to do so, although about 2,000 sought exemptions. In August, Tyson Foods told its 120,000 U.S. workers that they must be vaccinated by Nov. 1. As of last week, the company said more than 96% of its workforce was vaccinated, including 60,500 people who got their shots after the August announcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635437156930.png" alt="Biden's administration contends that the federal rules supersede state policies prohibiting vaccine mandates and are essential to slowing the pandemic, which has killed more than 755,000 people in the U.S." />
 <figcaption>Biden's administration contends that the federal rules supersede state policies prohibiting vaccine mandates and are essential to slowing the pandemic, which has killed more than 755,000 people in the U.S.</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID A. LIEB, Associated PressJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A coalition of 10 states sued the federal government on Wednesday to try to block a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for health care workers, marking a new front in the resistance by Republican-led states to the pandemic policies of President Joe Biden's administration.The lawsuit filed in a federal court in Missouri contends that the vaccine requirement threatens the jobs of millions of health care workers and could “exacerbate an alarming shortage” in health care fields, particularly in rural areas where some health workers have been hesitant to get the shots.The suit follows similar ones by Republican-led states challenging new Biden administration rules that will require federal contractors to ensure their workers are vaccinated and that businesses with more than 100 employees require their workers to get vaccinated or wear masks and get tested weekly for the coronavirus. All of the mandates are scheduled to take effect Jan. 4.Biden's administration contends that the federal rules supersede state policies prohibiting vaccine mandates and are essential to slowing the pandemic, which has killed more than 755,000 people in the U.S. But the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals already has temporarily blocked the business vaccine rule, saying it raises “grave statutory and constitutional issues.”A separate rule issued last week by the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services requires COVID-19 vaccinations for more than 17 million workers in about 76,000 health care facilities and home health care providers that get funding from the government health programs.The new lawsuit contends that the CMS vaccine requirement is unprecedented and unreasonably broad, affecting even volunteers and staff who don’t typically work with patients.“The mandate is a blatant attempt to federalize public health issues involving vaccination that belong within the States’ police power,” said the suit filed by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, a Republican who is running for U.S. Senate.Joining the lawsuit were the attorneys general of Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. All are Republicans except for Democratic Attorney General Tom Miller of Iowa, whose state is led by Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds.While announcing the rule, CMS said that COVID-19 vaccine requirements by private health systems and previous vaccine mandates by states for other diseases have not led to widespread resignations of health care workers.But the lawsuit contends that numerous health workers are likely to be fired, retire or quit rather than get vaccinated for COVID-19, which it said “jeopardizes the healthcare interests of rural Americans.”The lawsuit points to concerns from rural hospital administrators in Missouri and Nebraska. For example, it says that Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska, is able to staff only about 70 of its 116 beds because of workforce shortages and has received notice from a majority of personnel in its behavioral health unit that they would resign rather than be vaccinated.Workplace vaccine mandates have become more common recently and generally have resulted in significant compliance.In New York City, more than 90% of city employees had received the vaccine before a Nov. 1 mandate began. But The New York Times reported that about 9,000 were placed on paid leave for not complying and thousands of others sought religious or medical exemptions.In the private sector, United Airlines recently required 67,000 U.S. employees to get vaccinated or face termination. Only a couple hundred refused to do so, although about 2,000 sought exemptions. In August, Tyson Foods told its 120,000 U.S. workers that they must be vaccinated by Nov. 1. As of last week, the company said more than 96% of its workforce was vaccinated, including 60,500 people who got their shots after the August announcement.

Kan., Mo. AGs sue to stop vaccine mandate for health care workers

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-09/goddard-school-district-orders-29-books-removed-from-circulation">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — The Goddard school district has removed more
 than two dozen books from circulation in the district’s school 
libraries, citing national attention and challenges to the books 
elsewhere.

The list of books includes several well-known novels, 
including “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, “The Bluest Eye” by 
Toni Morrison, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas and “The Perks of Being
 a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky.

It also includes “Fences,” a 
play by August Wilson that won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987, and
 “They Called Themselves the K.K.K.,” a historical look at how the white
 supremacist group took root in America.

Julie Cannizzo, assistant
 superintendent for academic affairs in Goddard, sent an email to 
principals and librarians last week with the list of 29 books.

“At
 this time, the district is not in a position to know if the books 
contained on this list meet our educational goals or not,” Cannizzo 
wrote in the email. “Additionally, we need to gain a better 
understanding of the processes utilized to select books for our school 
libraries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636562361011.png" alt="A list of books removed from circulation in Goddard school libraries includes novels by Margaret Atwood and Toni Morrison. Suzanne Perez / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>A list of books removed from circulation in Goddard school libraries includes novels by Margaret Atwood and Toni Morrison. Suzanne Perez / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-11-09/goddard-school-district-orders-29-books-removed-from-circulation">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — The Goddard school district has removed more
 than two dozen books from circulation in the district’s school 
libraries, citing national attention and challenges to the books 
elsewhere.The list of books includes several well-known novels, 
including “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, “The Bluest Eye” by 
Toni Morrison, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas and “The Perks of Being
 a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky.It also includes “Fences,” a 
play by August Wilson that won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987, and
 “They Called Themselves the K.K.K.,” a historical look at how the white
 supremacist group took root in America.Julie Cannizzo, assistant
 superintendent for academic affairs in Goddard, sent an email to 
principals and librarians last week with the list of 29 books.“At
 this time, the district is not in a position to know if the books 
contained on this list meet our educational goals or not,” Cannizzo 
wrote in the email. “Additionally, we need to gain a better 
understanding of the processes utilized to select books for our school 
libraries.“For these reasons, please do not allow any of these 
books to be checked out while we are in the process of gathering more 
information. If a book on this list is currently checked out, please do 
(not) allow it to be checked out again once it's returned.”Cannizzo
 said in the email that the district is assembling a committee to “rate 
the content of the books on the list” and to review the selection 
process. She did not say how long the process is expected to take.Cannizzo
 said Tuesday that one parent objected to language he found offensive in
 “The Hate U Give,” a novel about the aftermath of a police officer 
killing a Black teenager. The parent then submitted a list of books he 
questioned, and district officials agreed to halt checkouts and complete
 a review."We're not banning these books or anything like that as
 a district," she said. "It was just brought to our attention that that 
list of books may have content that's unsuitable for children."Cannizzo
 said she plans to meet with school librarians this week. She wouldn't 
say when or if the books would return to circulation.“We haven’t 
even evaluated these books," she said. "I couldn’t even tell you what 
these books have in them or why someone may find them offensive or not."<a href="http://library.goddardusd.com/" target="_blank">Library catalogs for all 12 Goddard schools</a> are available on the district’s website.A <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/scschoolfiles/236/section_i_-_final_copy_-_2020.pdf" target="_blank">Goddard district policy</a>
 adopted in 2016 spells out procedures for challenging textbooks, 
library books or instructional materials. Anyone with a complaint about a
 book is directed to meet first with the school principal and submit a 
“request for review” form.If a challenge isn’t resolved at the 
school level, it goes to the superintendent and then the school board. 
Board members may forward a complaint to a review committee made up of 
the building principal, media specialist, two subject area specialists 
and two community members.According to the district’s policy, “Challenged materials shall not be removed from use during the review period.”The development comes just days after a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/28/1050013664/texas-lawmaker-matt-krause-launches-inquiry-into-850-books" target="_blank">Texas state lawmaker launched an investigation</a>
 into Texas school districts over the type of books they have, 
particularly if they pertain to race or sexuality or “make students feel
 discomfort.”Goddard’s list includes several books written by 
people of color or featuring characters from diverse backgrounds. Some 
feature LGBTQ protagonists or young people struggling with issues of 
gender or sexuality.Jaime Prothro, Wichita’s director of libraries, said there’s an increase in challenges to library purchases nationwide.“What
 we’re seeing in the publishing world is a lot more marginalized voices —
 LGBTQ, Black experiences,” Prothro said. “These are books that people 
have been yearning to read, and they're being published with more 
frequency.“And when more diverse books are published, that is 
actually going to impact the collection makeup of any library. . . . 
That’s definitely something that’s kind of pushing on a nerve for a 
number of people who are more comfortable with more mainstream 
lifestyles.”“The Hate U Give” is a young adult novel about the 
aftermath of a police officer killing a Black teenager. “Black Girl 
Unlimited” explores issues of poverty, sexual violence, depression and 
racism. “Blended” is about an 11-year-old biracial girl dealing with her
 parents’ divorce.Prothro said she can’t speak specifically to 
issues at play in Goddard or other districts. But she worries that 
current debates over books could limit access to diverse stories and 
experiences.“That one family may choose not to read something 
does not determine whether or not it’s appropriate for another family,” 
she said.“We really do celebrate the freedom of choice. And in a library situation, if that book isn’t for you, just return it.”Here is the list of books ordered to be removed from circulation in Goddard school libraries:<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34521785-murdertrending?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=eUhzvUPTLS&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“#MurderTrending”</a> by Gretchen McNeil<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44280883-all-boys-aren-t-blue?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=i2CuDFYHxR&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“All Boys Aren’t Blue”</a> by George M. Johnson<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36142487-anger-is-a-gift?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=J2u1pJn8TZ&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Anger is a Gift”</a> by Mark Oshiro<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38599259-black-girl-unlimited?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=bnEcc7fJCG&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Black Girl Unlimited”</a> by Echo Brown<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38351370-blended?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=fYMfC3wYTY&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Blended”</a> by Sharon M. Draper<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/270730.Crank?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=ODDNTOMarC&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Crank”</a> by Ellen Hopkins<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/539282.Fences?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=y8a28PHiFF&amp;rank=2" target="_blank">“Fences”</a> by August Wilson<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26135825-fun-home?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=0HqwPpVWCi&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic”</a> by Alison Bechdel<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42837514-gender-queer?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=Z6IDJGaKE8&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Gender Queer”</a> by Maia Kobabe<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29430746-heavy?from_search=true&amp;from_srp=true&amp;qid=6ikbGT68Nm&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Heavy”</a> by Kiese Laymon<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35489159-lawn-boy?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=anpBXcmTMP&amp;rank=2" target="_blank">“Lawn Boy”</a> by Jonathan Evison<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23203257-lily-and-dunkin?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=orTTshzqL5&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Lily and Dunkin”</a> by Donna Gephart<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2954411-living-dead-girl?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=J3Em3CqF0u&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Living Dead Girl”</a> by Elizabeth Scott<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35068534-monday-s-not-coming?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=AOad2xpeyH&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Monday’s Not Coming”</a> by Tiffany D. Jackson<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25256386-out-of-darkness?from_search=true&amp;from_srp=true&amp;qid=R7f8mRv70Y&amp;rank=3" target="_blank">“Out of Darkness”</a> by Ashley Hope Perez<a href="https://www.amazon.com/At-Issue-hardcover-Tamara-Roleff/dp/0737708077" target="_blank">“Satanism”</a> by Tamara L. Roleff<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33155325-the-57-bus?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=7jacyegYWp&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime that Changed Their Lives”</a> by Dashka Slater<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/693208.The_Absolutely_True_Diary_of_a_Part_Time_Indian?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=EdHeX2qKsj&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”</a> by Sherman Alexie<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11337.The_Bluest_Eye?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=MBCTYR23UB&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Bluest Eye”</a> by Toni Morrison<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6449290-the-girl-who-fell-from-the-sky?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=p4kt5K6EXg&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Girl Who Fell From the Sky”</a> by Heidi W. Durrow<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38447.The_Handmaid_s_Tale?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=vGWGRC5r6k&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Handmaid’s Tale”</a> by Margaret Atwood<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40766383-the-handmaid-s-tale?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=p6Ev8vRJra&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel”</a> adapted by Renee Nault<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075671-the-hate-u-give?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=ObWQru6sLx&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Hate U Give”</a> by Angie Thomas<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22628.The_Perks_of_Being_a_Wallflower?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=EUlSZisHmJ&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Perks of Being a Wallflower”</a> by Stephen Chbosky<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42975172-the-testaments?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=A9MpVqtVTR&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“The Testaments”</a> by Margaret Atwood<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7029188-they-called-themselves-the-k-k-k?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=56KXirJkW5&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group”</a> by Susan Campbell Bertoletti<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22074335-this-book-is-gay?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=nC5HI6MPpH&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“This Book is Gay”</a> by James Dawson<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18465566-this-one-summer?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=uvkSDLcblz&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“This One Summer”</a> (graphic novel) by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34609406-trans-mission?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=bsd6YWj63m&amp;rank=1" target="_blank">“Trans Mission: My Quest to a Beard”</a> by Alex BertieSuzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.