By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-05/kansas-wind-energy-just-turned-20-and-now-its-bracing-for-a-quarter-life-crisis">Kansas News Service</a>

MINEOLA&nbsp;— The wind farm business in Kansas has hit its
 awkward adolescence. It’s still growing 20 years in, but unsure what 
the near future might hold.

If it wants to get through those tough
 years and continue to grow, it needs to find more workers, to figure 
out what to do with the dated-but-not-obsolete turbines erected two 
decades ago and to sort out a way to carry all that wind-harvesting 
muscle beyond the state's borders.

Consider the burly, newest version of wind farming at the <a href="https://www.enelgreenpower.com/our-projects/operating/cimarron-bend-wind-project" target="_blank">Cimarron Bend wind farm</a> south of Dodge City.

“We
 just watch and listen to the towers,” said project supervisor Dewain 
Pfaff, who’s responsible for keeping about 300 turbines up and running. 
“If you can hear a noise we want to mitigate those issues as soon as 
possible.”

Standing at the base of one of the newest turbines on 
the site, he’s dwarfed by the tower that rises 300 feet into the air. 
That’s almost as tall as the Kansas State Capitol. Add in the blade when
 pointing straight up and it’s taller than the tallest building in the 
state.

That mammoth size is one way wind turbines have changed 
over the past 20 years. While the turbine is nearly 300 feet tall, the 
turbines at the very first large-scale wind farm in the state stretched 
only 200 feet above the ground.

Transporting larger towers and blades is trickier, but inevitable.

Wind turbines are relatively simple devices with only a few moving 
parts. But like all machines, they still require maintenance and 
repairs. About 35 people are on site daily at the Cimarron Bend 
projects.

Stand close to one of the turbines and the woosh of the 
blades traveling as fast as 150 mph at the tip is quite loud. Walk a 
half-mile away and you can barely hear one.

Inside the giant 
structures, once the turbines are shut down, technicians can grease 
bearings, patch blades and inspect for other mechanical or electrical 
faults.

Last year, <a href="https://emp.lbl.gov/wind-energy-growth" target="_blank">almost 450 new wind turbines</a> were erected in Kansas. Nearly as many will go up this year.

“It’s
 not just that the industry needs to hire a lot of new technicians,” 
said Kit Thompson, chair of the renewable energy program at Cloud County
 Community College, “they’re offering very, very good pay.”

The<a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm#tab-1" target="_blank"> Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>
 says the median pay for a wind tech in 2020 was $56,000 a year. Wind 
technician is also expected to be one of the fastest-growing jobs over 
the next 10 years.

Part of thinking about the future of the 
industry is figuring out what to do when turbines start to age. Turbines
 are typically built to last 20 to 25 years, but that lifespan can be 
extended by decades through changing out parts and replacing blades. The
 energy company ENEL recently went through the process, known as 
repowering, at its wind farm in Ellsworth County.

ENEL’s head of 
sustainability, Marcus Krembs said about 85% of wind turbine components 
are fully recyclable. The giant blades, however, are not. Krembs said 
the company has committed to make sure old blades don’t end up in 
landfills.

“We’re using a handful of blades from (that project) 
and partnering with an academic consortium to utilize those blades as 
transmission poles,” he said.

Wind turbine and blade manufacturers
 are also working on ways to make the blades easier and cheaper to 
recycle. Siemens Gamesa just launched what it’s calling the <a href="https://www.siemensgamesa.com/en-int/newsroom/2021/09/launch-world-first-recyclable-wind-turbine-blade" target="_blank">world’s first fully recyclable blade</a>. It will be used on turbines being built off the shore of Germany.

But there’s another major obstacle to continued growth in the wind industry.

“There’s one word and it’s transmission,” Krembs said.

Transmission
 cables are the large wires used to transport high-voltage electricity 
from places where energy is produced, like Kansas, to the population 
centers to the east and west where it’s needed.

Alan Anderson is an attorney who helps represent renewable energy 
projects, including the proposed 800-mile-long multi-state transmission 
project known as the <a href="https://grainbeltexpress.com/overview.html" target="_blank">Grain Belt Express</a>.

“Similar
 to corn, beans and wheat, where we export,” he said, “it would be great
 if we could get the same with our renewable resources, that we can 
harvest it and get it to the marketplace to the benefit of Kansans.”

The
 Grain Belt Express has been in the works for more than a decade while 
it’s sought government approval. When completed, Anderson said, it will 
be key to unlocking more of Kansas’ renewable potential by expanding the
 potential list of buyers for the state’s wind energy.

Even with 
more transmission, he said wind energy growth in Kansas will eventually 
slow. Especially as solar and battery storage becomes more affordable.

But
 he said as long as the wind still blows in Kansas, there will be plenty
 of opportunities left to take advantage of one of the state’s most 
desired natural resources.

Brian Grimmett reports on the 
environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the 
Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en" target="_blank">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633450974615.png" alt="Kansas Highway 23 divides the Gray County Wind Farm from the Ensign Wind Farm in Gray County. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Highway 23 divides the Gray County Wind Farm from the Ensign Wind Farm in Gray County. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-05/kansas-wind-energy-just-turned-20-and-now-its-bracing-for-a-quarter-life-crisis">Kansas News Service</a>MINEOLA&nbsp;— The wind farm business in Kansas has hit its
 awkward adolescence. It’s still growing 20 years in, but unsure what 
the near future might hold.If it wants to get through those tough
 years and continue to grow, it needs to find more workers, to figure 
out what to do with the dated-but-not-obsolete turbines erected two 
decades ago and to sort out a way to carry all that wind-harvesting 
muscle beyond the state's borders.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633449003083.png" alt="This is part 2 of a two-part series on the impact of 20 years of harvesting wind energy in Kansas. Crysta Henthorne" />
 <figcaption>This is part 2 of a two-part series on the impact of 20 years of harvesting wind energy in Kansas. Crysta Henthorne</figcaption>
 </figure>Consider the burly, newest version of wind farming at the <a href="https://www.enelgreenpower.com/our-projects/operating/cimarron-bend-wind-project" target="_blank">Cimarron Bend wind farm</a> south of Dodge City.“We
 just watch and listen to the towers,” said project supervisor Dewain 
Pfaff, who’s responsible for keeping about 300 turbines up and running. 
“If you can hear a noise we want to mitigate those issues as soon as 
possible.”Standing at the base of one of the newest turbines on 
the site, he’s dwarfed by the tower that rises 300 feet into the air. 
That’s almost as tall as the Kansas State Capitol. Add in the blade when
 pointing straight up and it’s taller than the tallest building in the 
state.That mammoth size is one way wind turbines have changed 
over the past 20 years. While the turbine is nearly 300 feet tall, the 
turbines at the very first large-scale wind farm in the state stretched 
only 200 feet above the ground.Transporting larger towers and blades is trickier, but inevitable.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633451068751.png" alt="Trucks transport blades for wind turbines in Gray County. Brian Grimmett" />
 <figcaption>Trucks transport blades for wind turbines in Gray County. Brian Grimmett</figcaption>
 </figure>Wind turbines are relatively simple devices with only a few moving 
parts. But like all machines, they still require maintenance and 
repairs. About 35 people are on site daily at the Cimarron Bend 
projects.Stand close to one of the turbines and the woosh of the 
blades traveling as fast as 150 mph at the tip is quite loud. Walk a 
half-mile away and you can barely hear one.Inside the giant 
structures, once the turbines are shut down, technicians can grease 
bearings, patch blades and inspect for other mechanical or electrical 
faults.Last year, <a href="https://emp.lbl.gov/wind-energy-growth" target="_blank">almost 450 new wind turbines</a> were erected in Kansas. Nearly as many will go up this year.“It’s
 not just that the industry needs to hire a lot of new technicians,” 
said Kit Thompson, chair of the renewable energy program at Cloud County
 Community College, “they’re offering very, very good pay.”The<a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm#tab-1" target="_blank"> Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>
 says the median pay for a wind tech in 2020 was $56,000 a year. Wind 
technician is also expected to be one of the fastest-growing jobs over 
the next 10 years.Part of thinking about the future of the 
industry is figuring out what to do when turbines start to age. Turbines
 are typically built to last 20 to 25 years, but that lifespan can be 
extended by decades through changing out parts and replacing blades. The
 energy company ENEL recently went through the process, known as 
repowering, at its wind farm in Ellsworth County.ENEL’s head of 
sustainability, Marcus Krembs said about 85% of wind turbine components 
are fully recyclable. The giant blades, however, are not. Krembs said 
the company has committed to make sure old blades don’t end up in 
landfills.“We’re using a handful of blades from (that project) 
and partnering with an academic consortium to utilize those blades as 
transmission poles,” he said.Wind turbine and blade manufacturers
 are also working on ways to make the blades easier and cheaper to 
recycle. Siemens Gamesa just launched what it’s calling the <a href="https://www.siemensgamesa.com/en-int/newsroom/2021/09/launch-world-first-recyclable-wind-turbine-blade" target="_blank">world’s first fully recyclable blade</a>. It will be used on turbines being built off the shore of Germany.But there’s another major obstacle to continued growth in the wind industry.“There’s one word and it’s transmission,” Krembs said.Transmission
 cables are the large wires used to transport high-voltage electricity 
from places where energy is produced, like Kansas, to the population 
centers to the east and west where it’s needed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633451117772.png" alt="The base of a tower at the Cimarron Bend III wind farm south of Dodge City. Brian Grimmett" />
 <figcaption>The base of a tower at the Cimarron Bend III wind farm south of Dodge City. Brian Grimmett</figcaption>
 </figure>Alan Anderson is an attorney who helps represent renewable energy 
projects, including the proposed 800-mile-long multi-state transmission 
project known as the <a href="https://grainbeltexpress.com/overview.html" target="_blank">Grain Belt Express</a>.“Similar
 to corn, beans and wheat, where we export,” he said, “it would be great
 if we could get the same with our renewable resources, that we can 
harvest it and get it to the marketplace to the benefit of Kansans.”The
 Grain Belt Express has been in the works for more than a decade while 
it’s sought government approval. When completed, Anderson said, it will 
be key to unlocking more of Kansas’ renewable potential by expanding the
 potential list of buyers for the state’s wind energy.Even with 
more transmission, he said wind energy growth in Kansas will eventually 
slow. Especially as solar and battery storage becomes more affordable.But
 he said as long as the wind still blows in Kansas, there will be plenty
 of opportunities left to take advantage of one of the state’s most 
desired natural resources.Brian Grimmett reports on the 
environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the 
Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en" target="_blank">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

Kansas wind energy turns 20, braces for quarter-life crisis

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — A hearing about procedural issues is scheduled for Friday in the case of a Kansas City man who is seeking to be exonerated in a triple murder committed more than 40 years ago.

Judge James Welsh scheduled the hearing Tuesday during his first case management conference after being assigned the case of Kevin Strickland. Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker announced in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-michael-brown-06e726b7ef07be53ba7bdb6088282548">May&nbsp;</a>that new evidence indicated that Strickland did not commit the murders.

The purpose of Friday’s hearing is to determine what evidence can be admitted during a future hearing that will determine if Strickland should be freed. Welsh also will rule on the role the attorney general should play in the case.

Arguments in the case had been expected to begin this week. But last week, the Missouri Supreme Court prohibited all judges from the 16th Judicial District, based in Jackson County, from presiding over the hearing.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt had argued that judges from the district were biased in favor of Strickland. He cited a letter from the circuit’s presiding judge that said he agrees that Strickland was wrongfully convicted.

Welsh, a retired judge, was then assigned to the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620695920927.png" alt="Strickland- photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Strickland- photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — A hearing about procedural issues is scheduled for Friday in the case of a Kansas City man who is seeking to be exonerated in a triple murder committed more than 40 years ago.Judge James Welsh scheduled the hearing Tuesday during his first case management conference after being assigned the case of Kevin Strickland. Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker announced in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-michael-brown-06e726b7ef07be53ba7bdb6088282548">May&nbsp;</a>that new evidence indicated that Strickland did not commit the murders.The purpose of Friday’s hearing is to determine what evidence can be admitted during a future hearing that will determine if Strickland should be freed. Welsh also will rule on the role the attorney general should play in the case.Arguments in the case had been expected to begin this week. But last week, the Missouri Supreme Court prohibited all judges from the 16th Judicial District, based in Jackson County, from presiding over the hearing.Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt had argued that judges from the district were biased in favor of Strickland. He cited a letter from the circuit’s presiding judge that said he agrees that Strickland was wrongfully convicted.Welsh, a retired judge, was then assigned to the case.

Procedural hearing set in 40-year-old Kansas City triple murder

KANSAS CITY— After a stop in Kansas City, Missouri in May, the First Lady will be in Kansas City, Kansas, next week.

According to Dr. Jill Biden’s office, she is scheduled to travel to Kansas Tuesday. For security reasons, her office did not release information on what she will do during the trip.

On May 27, Dr. Biden visited a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Metropolitan Community College. The school offered free class and other incentives for students to get vaccinated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622153299060.png" alt="Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver greet a patient waiting to get vaccinated in May -Photo courtesy Metropolitan Community College" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver greet a patient waiting to get vaccinated in May -Photo courtesy Metropolitan Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— After a stop in Kansas City, Missouri in May, the First Lady will be in Kansas City, Kansas, next week.According to Dr. Jill Biden’s office, she is scheduled to travel to Kansas Tuesday. For security reasons, her office did not release information on what she will do during the trip.On May 27, Dr. Biden visited a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Metropolitan Community College. The school offered free class and other incentives for students to get vaccinated.----------

First Lady Jill Biden coming to Kansas next week

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge ordered Texas to suspend the most restrictive abortion law in the U.S., calling it an “offensive deprivation” of a constitutional right by banning most abortions in the nation’s second-most populous state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-us-supreme-court-32ee7ae7eeec9bdfd1471a848c163321">since September</a>.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21079947-pitman-order" target="_blank">The order</a>&nbsp;Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman is the first legal blow to the Texas law known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-abortion-business-lawsuits-laws-8690c15ea5de5c6ed695003b7a533cb1">Senate Bill 8,</a>&nbsp;which until now had withstood a wave of early challenges. In the weeks since the restrictions took effect, Texas abortion providers say the impact has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-laws-e456aeea9fcd2dd86723cf915429e594">“exactly what we feared.”</a>

In a 113-page opinion, Pitman took Texas to task over the law, saying Republican lawmakers had “contrived an unprecedented and transparent statutory scheme” by leaving enforcement solely in the hands of private citizens, who are entitled to collect $10,000 in damages if they bring successful lawsuits against abortion providers who violate the restrictions.

The law,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May</a>, prohibits abortions once&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-laws-government-and-politics-health-77c9ba98c4f4ab46fdbd5bcc47b5b938">cardiac activity</a>&nbsp;is detected, which is usually around six weeks,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-texas-courts-dallas-ac56b654f88471753b22e19587956c29">before some women even know they are pregnant</a>.

“From the moment S.B. 8 went into effect, women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution,” wrote Pitman, who was appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama.

“That other courts may find a way to avoid this conclusion is theirs to decide; this Court will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right.”

But even with the law on hold, abortion services in Texas may not instantly resume because doctors still fear that they could be sued without a more permanent legal decision. Planned Parenthood said it was hopeful the order would allow clinics to resume abortion services as soon as possible.

Texas officials swiftly told the court of their intention to seek a reversal from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which previously allowed the restrictions to take effect.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-law-court-a7961b629e913e1008f8e929c99fb310">lawsuit was brought by the Biden administration</a>, which has said the restrictions were enacted in defiance of the U.S. Constitution. Attorney General Merrick Garland called the order “a victory for women in Texas and for the rule of law.”

The law had been in effect since Sept. 1.

“For more than a month now, Texans have been deprived of abortion access because of an unconstitutional law that never should have gone into effect. The relief granted by the court today is overdue, and we are grateful that the Department of Justice moved quickly to seek it,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Texas Right to Life, the state’s largest anti-abortion group, said the order was not unexpected.

“This is ultimately the legacy of Roe v. Wade, that you have activist judges bending over backwards, bending precedent, bending the law, in order to cater to the abortion industry,” said Kimberlyn Schwartz, a spokeswoman for the group. “These activist judges will create their conclusion first: that abortion is a so-called constitutional right and then work backwards from there.”

Abortion providers say their fears have become reality in the short time the law has been in effect. Planned Parenthood says the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-lifestyle-health-travel-texas-fbc505c3db4a08af51ba409a91ea161c">number of patients</a>&nbsp;from Texas at its clinics in the state decreased by nearly 80% in the two weeks after the law took effect.

Some providers have said that Texas clinics are now in danger of closing while neighboring states struggle to keep up with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/in-state-wire-abortion-or-state-wire-il-state-wire-mo-state-wire-4ced42150e3348328296e28559c2143b">surge of patients</a>&nbsp;who must drive hundreds of miles. Other women, they say, are being forced to carry pregnancies to term.

Other states, mostly in the South, have passed similar laws that ban abortion within the early weeks of pregnancy, all of which judges have blocked. A 1992 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court prevented states from banning abortion before viability, the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, around 24 weeks of pregnancy.

But Texas’ version had so far outmaneuvered the courts because it leaves enforcement to private citizens to file suits, not prosecutors, which critics say amounts to a bounty.

“This is not some kind of vigilante scheme,” said Will Thompson, counsel for the Texas Attorney General’s Office, while defending the law to Pitman last week. “This is a scheme that uses the normal, lawful process of justice in Texas.”

The Texas law is just one that has set up the biggest test of abortion rights in the U.S. in decades, and it is part of a broader push by Republicans nationwide to impose new restrictions on abortion.

On Monday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21053670-whole-womans-health-v-jackson" target="_blank">U.S. Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;began a new term, which in December will include arguments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-courts-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-b2399021aa925d655be3942c8e2edd2b">in Mississippi’s bid to overturn</a>&nbsp;1973’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing a woman’s right to an abortion.

Last month, the court did not rule on the constitutionality of the Texas law in allowing it to remain in place. But abortion providers took that 5-4 vote as an ominous sign about where the court might be heading on abortion after its conservative majority was fortified with three appointees of former President Donald Trump.

Ahead of the new Supreme Court term, Planned Parenthood on Friday released a report saying that if Roe v. Wade were overturned, 26 states are primed to ban abortion. This year alone, nearly 600 abortion restrictions have been introduced in statehouses nationwide, with more than 90 becoming law, according to Planned Parenthood.

Texas officials argued in court filings that even if the law were put on hold temporarily, providers could still face the threat of litigation over violations that might occur in the time between a permanent ruling.

At least one Texas abortion provider has admitted to violating the law and been sued — but not by abortion opponents. Former attorneys in Illinois and Arkansas say they sued a San Antonio doctor in hopes of getting a judge who would invalidate the law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631271480870.png" alt="Abortion-rights protest rally last month in Kansas City photo courtesy ACLU&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Abortion-rights protest rally last month in Kansas City photo courtesy ACLU&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge ordered Texas to suspend the most restrictive abortion law in the U.S., calling it an “offensive deprivation” of a constitutional right by banning most abortions in the nation’s second-most populous state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-us-supreme-court-32ee7ae7eeec9bdfd1471a848c163321">since September</a>.<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21079947-pitman-order" target="_blank">The order</a>&nbsp;Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman is the first legal blow to the Texas law known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-abortion-business-lawsuits-laws-8690c15ea5de5c6ed695003b7a533cb1">Senate Bill 8,</a>&nbsp;which until now had withstood a wave of early challenges. In the weeks since the restrictions took effect, Texas abortion providers say the impact has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-laws-e456aeea9fcd2dd86723cf915429e594">“exactly what we feared.”</a>In a 113-page opinion, Pitman took Texas to task over the law, saying Republican lawmakers had “contrived an unprecedented and transparent statutory scheme” by leaving enforcement solely in the hands of private citizens, who are entitled to collect $10,000 in damages if they bring successful lawsuits against abortion providers who violate the restrictions.The law,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May</a>, prohibits abortions once&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-laws-government-and-politics-health-77c9ba98c4f4ab46fdbd5bcc47b5b938">cardiac activity</a>&nbsp;is detected, which is usually around six weeks,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-texas-courts-dallas-ac56b654f88471753b22e19587956c29">before some women even know they are pregnant</a>.“From the moment S.B. 8 went into effect, women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution,” wrote Pitman, who was appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama.“That other courts may find a way to avoid this conclusion is theirs to decide; this Court will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right.”But even with the law on hold, abortion services in Texas may not instantly resume because doctors still fear that they could be sued without a more permanent legal decision. Planned Parenthood said it was hopeful the order would allow clinics to resume abortion services as soon as possible.Texas officials swiftly told the court of their intention to seek a reversal from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which previously allowed the restrictions to take effect.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-law-court-a7961b629e913e1008f8e929c99fb310">lawsuit was brought by the Biden administration</a>, which has said the restrictions were enacted in defiance of the U.S. Constitution. Attorney General Merrick Garland called the order “a victory for women in Texas and for the rule of law.”The law had been in effect since Sept. 1.“For more than a month now, Texans have been deprived of abortion access because of an unconstitutional law that never should have gone into effect. The relief granted by the court today is overdue, and we are grateful that the Department of Justice moved quickly to seek it,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.Texas Right to Life, the state’s largest anti-abortion group, said the order was not unexpected.“This is ultimately the legacy of Roe v. Wade, that you have activist judges bending over backwards, bending precedent, bending the law, in order to cater to the abortion industry,” said Kimberlyn Schwartz, a spokeswoman for the group. “These activist judges will create their conclusion first: that abortion is a so-called constitutional right and then work backwards from there.”Abortion providers say their fears have become reality in the short time the law has been in effect. Planned Parenthood says the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-lifestyle-health-travel-texas-fbc505c3db4a08af51ba409a91ea161c">number of patients</a>&nbsp;from Texas at its clinics in the state decreased by nearly 80% in the two weeks after the law took effect.Some providers have said that Texas clinics are now in danger of closing while neighboring states struggle to keep up with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/in-state-wire-abortion-or-state-wire-il-state-wire-mo-state-wire-4ced42150e3348328296e28559c2143b">surge of patients</a>&nbsp;who must drive hundreds of miles. Other women, they say, are being forced to carry pregnancies to term.Other states, mostly in the South, have passed similar laws that ban abortion within the early weeks of pregnancy, all of which judges have blocked. A 1992 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court prevented states from banning abortion before viability, the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, around 24 weeks of pregnancy.But Texas’ version had so far outmaneuvered the courts because it leaves enforcement to private citizens to file suits, not prosecutors, which critics say amounts to a bounty.“This is not some kind of vigilante scheme,” said Will Thompson, counsel for the Texas Attorney General’s Office, while defending the law to Pitman last week. “This is a scheme that uses the normal, lawful process of justice in Texas.”The Texas law is just one that has set up the biggest test of abortion rights in the U.S. in decades, and it is part of a broader push by Republicans nationwide to impose new restrictions on abortion.On Monday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21053670-whole-womans-health-v-jackson" target="_blank">U.S. Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;began a new term, which in December will include arguments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-courts-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-b2399021aa925d655be3942c8e2edd2b">in Mississippi’s bid to overturn</a>&nbsp;1973’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing a woman’s right to an abortion.Last month, the court did not rule on the constitutionality of the Texas law in allowing it to remain in place. But abortion providers took that 5-4 vote as an ominous sign about where the court might be heading on abortion after its conservative majority was fortified with three appointees of former President Donald Trump.Ahead of the new Supreme Court term, Planned Parenthood on Friday released a report saying that if Roe v. Wade were overturned, 26 states are primed to ban abortion. This year alone, nearly 600 abortion restrictions have been introduced in statehouses nationwide, with more than 90 becoming law, according to Planned Parenthood.Texas officials argued in court filings that even if the law were put on hold temporarily, providers could still face the threat of litigation over violations that might occur in the time between a permanent ruling.At least one Texas abortion provider has admitted to violating the law and been sued — but not by abortion opponents. Former attorneys in Illinois and Arkansas say they sued a San Antonio doctor in hopes of getting a judge who would invalidate the law.

Federal Judge ramps up battle over abortion rights 

Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 -- and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks.

Many parents and pediatricians are clamoring for protection for children younger than 12, today’s age cutoff for the vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. Not only can youngsters sometimes get seriously ill, but keeping them in school can be a challenge with the coronavirus still raging in poorly vaccinated communities.

Pfizer announced in a tweet that it had formally filed its application with the Food and Drug Administration.

Now the FDA will have to decide if there’s enough evidence that the shots are safe and will work for younger children like they do for teens and adults. An independent expert panel will publicly debate the evidence on Oct. 26.

One big change: Pfizer says its research shows the younger kids should get a third of the dose now given to everyone else. After their second dose, the 5- to 11-year-olds developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as teens and young adults get from regular-strength shots.

While kids are at lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, COVID-19 does sometimes kill children and cases in youngsters have skyrocketed as the extra-contagious delta variant has swept through the country

“It makes me very happy that I am helping other kids get the vaccine,” said Sebastian Prybol, 8, of Raleigh, North Carolina. He is enrolled in Pfizer’s study at Duke University and doesn’t yet know if he received the vaccine or dummy shots.

“We do want to make sure that it is absolutely safe for them,” said Sebastian’s mother, Britni Prybol. But she said she will be “overjoyed” if the FDA clears the vaccine.

Pfizer studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers ages 5 to 11, and has said there were no serious side effects. The study isn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that sometimes occurs after the second dose of the regular-strength vaccine, mostly in young men.

If the FDA authorizes emergency use of the kid-sized doses, there’s another hurdle before vaccinations in this age group can begin. Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether to recommend the shots for youngsters, and the CDC will make a final decision.

By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressPfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 -- and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks.Many parents and pediatricians are clamoring for protection for children younger than 12, today’s age cutoff for the vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. Not only can youngsters sometimes get seriously ill, but keeping them in school can be a challenge with the coronavirus still raging in poorly vaccinated communities.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE: We and <a href="https://twitter.com/BioNTech_Group?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BioNTech_Group</a> officially submitted our request to <a href="https://twitter.com/US_FDA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@US_FDA</a> for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine in children 5 to &lt;12. <a href="https://t.co/72Z2HXlkOx">pic.twitter.com/72Z2HXlkOx</a>&mdash; Pfizer Inc. (@pfizer) <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer/status/1446082946335715334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pfizer announced in a tweet that it had formally filed its application with the Food and Drug Administration.Now the FDA will have to decide if there’s enough evidence that the shots are safe and will work for younger children like they do for teens and adults. An independent expert panel will publicly debate the evidence on Oct. 26.One big change: Pfizer says its research shows the younger kids should get a third of the dose now given to everyone else. After their second dose, the 5- to 11-year-olds developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as teens and young adults get from regular-strength shots.While kids are at lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, COVID-19 does sometimes kill children and cases in youngsters have skyrocketed as the extra-contagious delta variant has swept through the country“It makes me very happy that I am helping other kids get the vaccine,” said Sebastian Prybol, 8, of Raleigh, North Carolina. He is enrolled in Pfizer’s study at Duke University and doesn’t yet know if he received the vaccine or dummy shots.“We do want to make sure that it is absolutely safe for them,” said Sebastian’s mother, Britni Prybol. But she said she will be “overjoyed” if the FDA clears the vaccine.Pfizer studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers ages 5 to 11, and has said there were no serious side effects. The study isn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that sometimes occurs after the second dose of the regular-strength vaccine, mostly in young men.If the FDA authorizes emergency use of the kid-sized doses, there’s another hurdle before vaccinations in this age group can begin. Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether to recommend the shots for youngsters, and the CDC will make a final decision.___

Pfizer asks US to allow COVID shots for kids ages 5 to 11

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican and Democratic leaders edged back from a perilous standoff over lifting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-explained-8c9cbcd3d0c4a8fe989a0110f5159f7c">the nation’s borrowing cap</a>, with Democratic senators signaling they were receptive to an offer from Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell that would allow an emergency extension into December.

McConnell made the offer late Wednesday shortly before Republicans were prepared to block legislation to suspend the debt limit until December of next year and as President Joe Biden and business leaders ramped up their concerns that an unprecedented federal default would disrupt government payments to millions of people and throw the nation into recession.

The emerging agreement sets the stage for a sequel of sorts in December, when Congress will again face pressing deadlines to fund the government and raise the debt limit before heading home for the holidays.

A procedural vote — on the longer extension the Republicans were going to block — was abruptly delayed late Wednesday and the Senate recessed so lawmakers could discuss next steps. Democrats emerged from their meeting more optimistic that a crisis would be averted.

“Basically, I’m glad that Mitch McConnell finally saw the light,” said Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont. The Republicans “have finally done the right thing and at least we now have another couple months in order to get a permanent solution.”

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., added that, assuming final details in the emergency legislation are in order, “for the next three months, we’ll continue to make it clear that we are ready to continue to vote to pay our bills and Republicans aren’t.”

Unsurprisingly, McConnell portrayed it very differently.

“This will moot Democrats’ excuses about the time crunch they created and give the unified Democratic government more than enough time to pass standalone debt limit legislation through reconciliation,” he said.

Congress has just days to act before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-bills-janet-yellen-9d5327bcc4f18bd2cf3349fdbe6d246b">the Oct. 18 deadline</a>&nbsp;when the Treasury Department has warned it would quickly run short of funds to handle the nation’s already accrued debt load.

McConnell and Senate Republicans have insisted that Democrats would have to go it alone to raise the debt ceiling and allow the Treasury to renew its borrowing so that the country could meet its financial obligations. Further, McConnell has insisted that Democrats use the same cumbersome legislative process called reconciliation that they used to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill</a>&nbsp;and have been employing to try to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-business-us-news-ap-top-news-a6e8ed2379857b7aa9c64f6d608bb938">Biden’s $3.5 trillion measure</a>&nbsp;to boost safety net, health and environmental programs.

McConnell said in his offer Wednesday that Republicans would still insist that Democrats use the reconciliation process for a long-term debt limit extension. However, he said Republicans are willing to “assist in expediting” that process, and in the meantime Democrats may use the normal legislative process to pass a short-term debt limit extension with a fixed dollar amount to cover current spending levels into December.

While he continued to blame Democrats, his offer will also allow Republicans to avoid the condemnation they would have gotten from some quarters if a financial crisis were to occur.

Earlier Wednesday, Biden enlisted top business leaders to push for immediately suspending the debt limit, saying the approaching deadline created the risk of a historic default that would be like a “meteor” that could crush the economy and financial markets.

At a White House event, the president shamed Republican senators for threatening to filibuster any suspension of the $28.4 trillion cap on the government’s borrowing authority. He leaned into the credibility of corporate America — a group that has traditionally been aligned with the GOP on tax and regulatory issues — to drive home his point as the heads of Citi, JP Morgan Chase and Nasdaq gathered in person and virtually to say the debt limit must be lifted.

“It’s not right and it’s dangerous,” Biden said of the resistance by Senate Republicans.

His moves came amid talk that Democrats might try to change Senate filibuster rules to get around Republicans. But Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., reiterated his opposition to such a change Wednesday, likely taking it off the table for Democrats.

The business leaders echoed Biden’s points about needing to end the stalemate as soon as possible, though they sidestepped the partisan tensions in doing so. Each portrayed the debt limit as an avoidable crisis.

“We just can’t wait to the last minute to resolve this,” said Jane Fraser, CEO of the bank Citi. “We are, simply put, playing with fire right now, and our country has suffered so greatly over the last few years. The human and the economic cost of the pandemic has been wrenching, and we don’t need a catastrophe of our own making.”

The financial markets have yet to fully register the drama in Washington, though there are signs that they are getting jittery, said Adena Friedman, CEO of the Nasdaq stock exchange.

Stock prices rose after news of McConnell’s offer came out.

Ahead of the White House meeting, the administration warned that if the borrowing limit isn’t extended, it could set off an international financial crisis the United States might not be able to manage.

“A default would send shock waves through global financial markets and would likely cause credit markets worldwide to freeze up and stock markets to plunge,” the White House Council of Economic Advisers said in a new report. “Employers around the world would likely have to begin laying off workers.”

The recession that could be triggered could be worse than the 2008 financial crisis because it would come as many nations are still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the report said. It was first obtained by The New York Times.

To get around the standoff taking place in the Senate, Biden indicated in off-the-cuff comments Tuesday Democrats were weighing a change to Senate rules.

“It’s a real possibility,” Biden told reporters outside the White House.

But Manchin, who has for months resisted pressure from liberal activists to change the filibuster so that Democrats can advance legislation on other issues such as voting rights, appeared unmoved.

“I think I’ve been very clear,” Manchin told reporters. “Nothing changes.” He implored Schumer and McConnell to work together to resolve the impasse.

Getting rid of the filibuster rule would lower the typical 60-vote threshold for passage to 50. In the split 50-50 Senate, Vice President Kamala Harris could then break a tie, allowing Democrats to push past Republicans. But to succeed in changing the rules, all Democratic senators would need to be on board.

Once a routine matter, raising the debt limit has become politically treacherous over the past decade or more, used by Republicans, in particular, to rail against government spending and the rising debt load.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633363477999.png" alt="On Wednesday, President Biden enlisted top business leaders to push for immediately suspending the debt limit, saying the approaching deadline created the risk of a historic default that would be like a “meteor” that could crush the economy and financial markets.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>On Wednesday, President Biden enlisted top business leaders to push for immediately suspending the debt limit, saying the approaching deadline created the risk of a historic default that would be like a “meteor” that could crush the economy and financial markets.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican and Democratic leaders edged back from a perilous standoff over lifting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-explained-8c9cbcd3d0c4a8fe989a0110f5159f7c">the nation’s borrowing cap</a>, with Democratic senators signaling they were receptive to an offer from Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell that would allow an emergency extension into December.McConnell made the offer late Wednesday shortly before Republicans were prepared to block legislation to suspend the debt limit until December of next year and as President Joe Biden and business leaders ramped up their concerns that an unprecedented federal default would disrupt government payments to millions of people and throw the nation into recession.The emerging agreement sets the stage for a sequel of sorts in December, when Congress will again face pressing deadlines to fund the government and raise the debt limit before heading home for the holidays.A procedural vote — on the longer extension the Republicans were going to block — was abruptly delayed late Wednesday and the Senate recessed so lawmakers could discuss next steps. Democrats emerged from their meeting more optimistic that a crisis would be averted.“Basically, I’m glad that Mitch McConnell finally saw the light,” said Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont. The Republicans “have finally done the right thing and at least we now have another couple months in order to get a permanent solution.”Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., added that, assuming final details in the emergency legislation are in order, “for the next three months, we’ll continue to make it clear that we are ready to continue to vote to pay our bills and Republicans aren’t.”Unsurprisingly, McConnell portrayed it very differently.“This will moot Democrats’ excuses about the time crunch they created and give the unified Democratic government more than enough time to pass standalone debt limit legislation through reconciliation,” he said.Congress has just days to act before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-bills-janet-yellen-9d5327bcc4f18bd2cf3349fdbe6d246b">the Oct. 18 deadline</a>&nbsp;when the Treasury Department has warned it would quickly run short of funds to handle the nation’s already accrued debt load.McConnell and Senate Republicans have insisted that Democrats would have to go it alone to raise the debt ceiling and allow the Treasury to renew its borrowing so that the country could meet its financial obligations. Further, McConnell has insisted that Democrats use the same cumbersome legislative process called reconciliation that they used to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill</a>&nbsp;and have been employing to try to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-business-us-news-ap-top-news-a6e8ed2379857b7aa9c64f6d608bb938">Biden’s $3.5 trillion measure</a>&nbsp;to boost safety net, health and environmental programs.McConnell said in his offer Wednesday that Republicans would still insist that Democrats use the reconciliation process for a long-term debt limit extension. However, he said Republicans are willing to “assist in expediting” that process, and in the meantime Democrats may use the normal legislative process to pass a short-term debt limit extension with a fixed dollar amount to cover current spending levels into December.While he continued to blame Democrats, his offer will also allow Republicans to avoid the condemnation they would have gotten from some quarters if a financial crisis were to occur.Earlier Wednesday, Biden enlisted top business leaders to push for immediately suspending the debt limit, saying the approaching deadline created the risk of a historic default that would be like a “meteor” that could crush the economy and financial markets.At a White House event, the president shamed Republican senators for threatening to filibuster any suspension of the $28.4 trillion cap on the government’s borrowing authority. He leaned into the credibility of corporate America — a group that has traditionally been aligned with the GOP on tax and regulatory issues — to drive home his point as the heads of Citi, JP Morgan Chase and Nasdaq gathered in person and virtually to say the debt limit must be lifted.“It’s not right and it’s dangerous,” Biden said of the resistance by Senate Republicans.His moves came amid talk that Democrats might try to change Senate filibuster rules to get around Republicans. But Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., reiterated his opposition to such a change Wednesday, likely taking it off the table for Democrats.The business leaders echoed Biden’s points about needing to end the stalemate as soon as possible, though they sidestepped the partisan tensions in doing so. Each portrayed the debt limit as an avoidable crisis.“We just can’t wait to the last minute to resolve this,” said Jane Fraser, CEO of the bank Citi. “We are, simply put, playing with fire right now, and our country has suffered so greatly over the last few years. The human and the economic cost of the pandemic has been wrenching, and we don’t need a catastrophe of our own making.”The financial markets have yet to fully register the drama in Washington, though there are signs that they are getting jittery, said Adena Friedman, CEO of the Nasdaq stock exchange.Stock prices rose after news of McConnell’s offer came out.Ahead of the White House meeting, the administration warned that if the borrowing limit isn’t extended, it could set off an international financial crisis the United States might not be able to manage.“A default would send shock waves through global financial markets and would likely cause credit markets worldwide to freeze up and stock markets to plunge,” the White House Council of Economic Advisers said in a new report. “Employers around the world would likely have to begin laying off workers.”The recession that could be triggered could be worse than the 2008 financial crisis because it would come as many nations are still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the report said. It was first obtained by The New York Times.To get around the standoff taking place in the Senate, Biden indicated in off-the-cuff comments Tuesday Democrats were weighing a change to Senate rules.“It’s a real possibility,” Biden told reporters outside the White House.But Manchin, who has for months resisted pressure from liberal activists to change the filibuster so that Democrats can advance legislation on other issues such as voting rights, appeared unmoved.“I think I’ve been very clear,” Manchin told reporters. “Nothing changes.” He implored Schumer and McConnell to work together to resolve the impasse.Getting rid of the filibuster rule would lower the typical 60-vote threshold for passage to 50. In the split 50-50 Senate, Vice President Kamala Harris could then break a tie, allowing Democrats to push past Republicans. But to succeed in changing the rules, all Democratic senators would need to be on board.Once a routine matter, raising the debt limit has become politically treacherous over the past decade or more, used by Republicans, in particular, to rail against government spending and the rising debt load.

 Debt limit standoff: Congress considering another short-term fix 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of business burglaries and have made an arrest.

On October 1 and October 4, police responded to A &amp; A Auto and Truck Parts Inc., 1440 SE Jefferson Street in Topeka, to take reports for two separate burglaries that occurred at the business, according to police department spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

 In each burglary, the suspect took various items.

Throughout the course of the investigation, Curtis D. Callarman, 43 of Topeka was identified as the suspect in the burglaries.

On Tuesday, police arrested Callarman in the 3800 block of SW Topeka Blvd. and later booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charge Burglary and Theft &lt;$1,500 From Building.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633556066077.png" alt="Callarman-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Callarman-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of business burglaries and have made an arrest.On October 1 and October 4, police responded to A &amp; A Auto and Truck Parts Inc., 1440 SE Jefferson Street in Topeka, to take reports for two separate burglaries that occurred at the business, according to police department spokesperson Gretchen Spiker. In each burglary, the suspect took various items.Throughout the course of the investigation, Curtis D. Callarman, 43 of Topeka was identified as the suspect in the burglaries.On Tuesday, police arrested Callarman in the 3800 block of SW Topeka Blvd. and later booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charge Burglary and Theft &lt;$1,500 From Building.

Suspect jailed for series of Kansas business burglaries

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and John Cornyn (R-Texas), along with 36 Senate colleagues asked Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to address&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/haitian-migrants-released-united-states/" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;that thousands of migrants in Del Rio, Texas,&nbsp;were released into the interior of the U.S. instead of facing removal as the administration had previously pledged.

Last month, Sen. Moran&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=82E33B7C-C749-4D69-B5A1-E947C806925C" target="_blank">requested similar information</a>&nbsp;from Secretary Mayorkas regarding the processing of migrants at the border and has received no response.

“While we applaud the administration’s original stated intent to expel the majority of migrants under the CDC’s Title 42 order or to expeditiously remove them, we are concerned that DHS did not actually carry out this plan, deployed resources in a manner that weakened border security, and undermined the deterrent effect of any future statements that the Biden administration will enforce our immigration laws at the border,”&nbsp;the senators wrote.

“DHS has openly admitted that the rapid influx of Haitian migrants into the interior was orchestrated by smuggling organizations, which only makes some aspects of the agency’s response more puzzling,”&nbsp;the senators continued.&nbsp;“The administration’s response to the ongoing border crisis only makes it more likely that we will continue to experience surges like the one in Del Rio.”

The letter was signed by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Thune (R-S.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317716965.png" alt="Thousands of migrants at the Del Rio, Texas border in Sept. - photo Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>Thousands of migrants at the Del Rio, Texas border in Sept. - photo Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and John Cornyn (R-Texas), along with 36 Senate colleagues asked Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to address&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/haitian-migrants-released-united-states/" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;that thousands of migrants in Del Rio, Texas,&nbsp;were released into the interior of the U.S. instead of facing removal as the administration had previously pledged. Last month, Sen. Moran&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=82E33B7C-C749-4D69-B5A1-E947C806925C" target="_blank">requested similar information</a>&nbsp;from Secretary Mayorkas regarding the processing of migrants at the border and has received no response.“While we applaud the administration’s original stated intent to expel the majority of migrants under the CDC’s Title 42 order or to expeditiously remove them, we are concerned that DHS did not actually carry out this plan, deployed resources in a manner that weakened border security, and undermined the deterrent effect of any future statements that the Biden administration will enforce our immigration laws at the border,”&nbsp;the senators wrote.“DHS has openly admitted that the rapid influx of Haitian migrants into the interior was orchestrated by smuggling organizations, which only makes some aspects of the agency’s response more puzzling,”&nbsp;the senators continued.&nbsp;“The administration’s response to the ongoing border crisis only makes it more likely that we will continue to experience surges like the one in Del Rio.”The letter was signed by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Thune (R-S.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

Sen. Moran wants answers on release of Haitian migrants into U.S.

The
 Federal Trade Commission is returning $772,512 to consumers who were 
targeted by a debt collector who unlawfully brokered and collected fake 
debts that the consumers did not owe.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase"></a>

According to the complaint filed by the FTC and the New York Attorney General, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/07/phantom-debt-brokers-collectors-settle-ftc-new-york-ag-charges">Hylan Asset Management, LLC, and its owners, Andrew Shaevel and Jon E. Purizhansky</a>,
 bought, placed for collection, and sold lists of phantom debts, 
including debts that were fake or imposed on consumers without their 
knowledge or consent.

Hylan referred the fake debts to several collection agencies, 
including Worldwide Processing Group, LLC, which then illegally 
collected on them. Hylan continued to buy the portfolios and distribute 
them to third parties for collection even though it was repeatedly 
notified that consumers did not owe many of the debts, the FTC alleged.

The defendants agreed to settle the case in 2019. As part of the 
settlement, they agreed to be banned permanently from the debt 
collection industry and surrendered funds to the FTC. The agency is 
using that money to send checks averaging $539 to 1,432 consumers.

People who receive checks should deposit or cash them within 90 days,
 as indicated on the check. Recipients who have questions about their 
checks should call the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration at
 1-888-691-3554. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide 
account information to cash a refund check.

The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but the United States Supreme Court ruled earlier this year 
that the FTC lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief
 in federal court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a>to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and file a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/complaint">consumer complaint online</a> or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).&nbsp;For the latest news and resources, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> and read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe
 Federal Trade Commission is returning $772,512 to consumers who were 
targeted by a debt collector who unlawfully brokered and collected fake 
debts that the consumers did not owe.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase"></a>According to the complaint filed by the FTC and the New York Attorney General, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/07/phantom-debt-brokers-collectors-settle-ftc-new-york-ag-charges">Hylan Asset Management, LLC, and its owners, Andrew Shaevel and Jon E. Purizhansky</a>,
 bought, placed for collection, and sold lists of phantom debts, 
including debts that were fake or imposed on consumers without their 
knowledge or consent.Hylan referred the fake debts to several collection agencies, 
including Worldwide Processing Group, LLC, which then illegally 
collected on them. Hylan continued to buy the portfolios and distribute 
them to third parties for collection even though it was repeatedly 
notified that consumers did not owe many of the debts, the FTC alleged.The defendants agreed to settle the case in 2019. As part of the 
settlement, they agreed to be banned permanently from the debt 
collection industry and surrendered funds to the FTC. The agency is 
using that money to send checks averaging $539 to 1,432 consumers.People who receive checks should deposit or cash them within 90 days,
 as indicated on the check. Recipients who have questions about their 
checks should call the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration at
 1-888-691-3554. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide 
account information to cash a refund check.The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but the United States Supreme Court ruled earlier this year 
that the FTC lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief
 in federal court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a>to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and file a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/complaint">consumer complaint online</a> or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).&nbsp;For the latest news and resources, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> and read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

FTC returns money to consumers duped by 'phantom debt collector'

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of illegal drug and explosive manufacturing at a Kansas home.

Just after 1:00 a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a shooting call in the 2500 block of S. Roosevelt in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

 At the scene, officers located a 31-year-old man with a severe injury to his hand. Officers learned that the injury occurred due to a butane lighter explosion inside the home. He remains hospitalized, according to Macy.

Officers were allowed inside the residence where the explosion occurred, and they discovered evidence of illegal drug manufacturing and possible homemade explosive manufacturing. 

The home was secured, nearby homes were evacuated, and the WPD Bomb Squad was activated.

The Wichita Police Department and several partner agencies worked&nbsp; to safely remove illegal and illicit substances and energetic materials from the residence.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the man's name.

 At the scene, officers located a 31-year-old man with a severe injury to his hand. Officers learned that the injury occurred due to a butane lighter explosion inside the home.

The Wichita Police Department and several partner agencies worked&nbsp; to safely remove illegal and illicit substances and energetic materials from the residence.&nbsp; Police have not reported an update to the 31-year-old man's condition or any possible arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633543320562.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the investigation Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the investigation Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of illegal drug and explosive manufacturing at a Kansas home.Just after 1:00 a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a shooting call in the 2500 block of S. Roosevelt in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy. At the scene, officers located a 31-year-old man with a severe injury to his hand. Officers learned that the injury occurred due to a butane lighter explosion inside the home. He remains hospitalized, according to Macy.Officers were allowed inside the residence where the explosion occurred, and they discovered evidence of illegal drug manufacturing and possible homemade explosive manufacturing. The home was secured, nearby homes were evacuated, and the WPD Bomb Squad was activated.The Wichita Police Department and several partner agencies worked&nbsp; to safely remove illegal and illicit substances and energetic materials from the residence.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the man's name.-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of illegal drug and explosive manufacturing at a Kansas home.Just after 1:00 a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a shooting call in the 2500 block of S. Roosevelt in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy. At the scene, officers located a 31-year-old man with a severe injury to his hand. Officers learned that the injury occurred due to a butane lighter explosion inside the home.Officers were allowed inside the residence where the explosion occurred, and they discovered evidence of illegal drug manufacturing and possible homemade explosive manufacturing. The home was secured, nearby homes were evacuated, and the WPD Bomb Squad was activated.The Wichita Police Department and several partner agencies worked&nbsp; to safely remove illegal and illicit substances and energetic materials from the residence.&nbsp; Police have not reported an update to the 31-year-old man's condition or any possible arrest.

Drug lab: Bomb squad called after Kan. man injured in butane explosion

BUTLER COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that locked down schools Tuesday in Butler County and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 10a.m. Tuesday, Sheriff's deputies responded report of a shooting at a home near 200th Street just east of SW Butler Road in rural Butler County, according to a media release.

At the scene, deputies found a 43-year-old resident of the home with a gunshot wound to his chest. He remains hospitalized in serious condition at a Wichita hospital, according to the release.

Late Tuesday morning, a 22-year-old suspect identified as Maxwell Adams of Rose Hill turned himself to police.&nbsp; The shooting stemmed from a dispute over money, according to the sheriff's department.

Schools in USD 394 were placed on lockdown until authorities located the suspect.&nbsp;

BUTLER COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in Butler County that sent one person to the hospital and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 11a.m. Tuesday, all of Rose Hill Schools were locked down due to a  reported shooting south of town, according to a social media report from USD 394.&nbsp;

Students were not allowed outside and the school day continued as usual inside the building.&nbsp; Just before noon, the school district reported a suspect was in custody.

The school removed the precautionary lockdown that had been put in place for student safety. The sheriff's office is expected to release additional details as they&nbsp; become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633543845092.png" alt="Adams remains jailed in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Adams remains jailed in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that locked down schools Tuesday in Butler County and have a suspect in custody.Just after 10a.m. Tuesday, Sheriff's deputies responded report of a shooting at a home near 200th Street just east of SW Butler Road in rural Butler County, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633456097489.png" alt="Deputies on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Deputies on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>At the scene, deputies found a 43-year-old resident of the home with a gunshot wound to his chest. He remains hospitalized in serious condition at a Wichita hospital, according to the release.Late Tuesday morning, a 22-year-old suspect identified as Maxwell Adams of Rose Hill turned himself to police.&nbsp; The shooting stemmed from a dispute over money, according to the sheriff's department.Schools in USD 394 were placed on lockdown until authorities located the suspect.&nbsp;-----------BUTLER COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in Butler County that sent one person to the hospital and have a suspect in custody.Just before 11a.m. Tuesday, all of Rose Hill Schools were locked down due to a reported shooting south of town, according to a social media report from USD 394.&nbsp;Students were not allowed outside and the school day continued as usual inside the building.&nbsp; Just before noon, the school district reported a suspect was in custody.The school removed the precautionary lockdown that had been put in place for student safety. The sheriff's office is expected to release additional details as they&nbsp; become available.

Kan. man turns himself in after shooting in dispute over money

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas, man has been charged with murder and domestic battery in the shooting death of his older brother. 

Police say 34-year-old Ricky Salazar was arrested last week and charged with second-degree murder in the death of 38-year-old Ricardo Salazar. He also faces separate charges of aggravated robbery, being a criminal in possession of a weapon and cocaine possession. 

Police say the older brother was shot on Aug. 15 in an area along State Avenue and died of his injuries on Sept. 23.&nbsp; Ricky Salazar was being held Tuesday in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633459437445.png" alt="Salazar photo Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Salazar photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas, man has been charged with murder and domestic battery in the shooting death of his older brother. Police say 34-year-old Ricky Salazar was arrested last week and charged with second-degree murder in the death of 38-year-old Ricardo Salazar. He also faces separate charges of aggravated robbery, being a criminal in possession of a weapon and cocaine possession. Police say the older brother was shot on Aug. 15 in an area along State Avenue and died of his injuries on Sept. 23.&nbsp; Ricky Salazar was being held Tuesday in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

Kansas man charged for the alleged killing of his brother

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Health officials are recommending that Kansas City extend its mask mandate for at least a little bit longer.

Frank Thompson, interim health director, told the Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee on Wednesday that cases have seen a downward trend since the mask order was implemented in August and that the city is in a “much better" place than it was a month ago.

But the health department recommended the city maintain the mask order until it no longer is in the high risk threshold defined by the Centers for Disease Control. The mandate applies to those over the age of 5 in indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status, with some exemptions.

Thompson said Kansas City still has a “long way to go” in vaccinating residents. Areas with the highest case rates continue to be those that also have the lowest vaccination rates, he said. He added that just about every COVID-19 hospitalization is preventable with the protection offered by vaccines.

The City Council will meet and vote on whether to extend the mandate Thursday. Due to new Missouri law, public health restrictions are required to be reviewed by the council every 30 days.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Health officials are recommending that Kansas City extend its mask mandate for at least a little bit longer.Frank Thompson, interim health director, told the Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee on Wednesday that cases have seen a downward trend since the mask order was implemented in August and that the city is in a “much better" place than it was a month ago.But the health department recommended the city maintain the mask order until it no longer is in the high risk threshold defined by the Centers for Disease Control. The mandate applies to those over the age of 5 in indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status, with some exemptions.Thompson said Kansas City still has a “long way to go” in vaccinating residents. Areas with the highest case rates continue to be those that also have the lowest vaccination rates, he said. He added that just about every COVID-19 hospitalization is preventable with the protection offered by vaccines.The City Council will meet and vote on whether to extend the mandate Thursday. Due to new Missouri law, public health restrictions are required to be reviewed by the council every 30 days.

Health officials: Kansas City mask mandate should continue

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal September 8, shooting in Lawrance have located and arrested 19-year-old Andrel Darnell Spates, Jr. of Lawrence. United States Marshals took him into custody Wednesday in Tennessee, according to police

Spates is a suspect in the killing of 21-year-old Christian Willis of Wichita in the 1500 block of Kentucky Street in Lawrence on Sept. 8, according to police department spokesperson Patrick Compton.

On Sept. 17, Lawrence Police, with assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 18-year-old Javier Isidro Romero on a requested charge of first-degree murder in connection with shooting.

Spates will be transported to the Douglas County Jail pending an extradition hearing. He is being held on a requested charge of first-degree murder.

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting continue asking the public for help to locate a second suspect identified as 19-year-old Andrel Darnell Spates, Jr. of Lawrence 

He is a suspect in the killing of 21-year-old Christian Willis of Wichita in the 1500 block of Kentucky Street in Lawrence on Sept. 15, according to police department spokesperson Patrick Compton.

Spates is 6-foot tall, 165 pounds and is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on Spates is encouraged to call the Lawrence Kansas Police Department at 785-832-7509 or Crime Stoppers of Douglas County at 785-843-7477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards and tips can be anonymous.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633554885919.png" alt="Spates is being held in Madison County" />
 <figcaption>Spates is being held in Madison County</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal September 8, shooting in Lawrance have located and arrested 19-year-old Andrel Darnell Spates, Jr. of Lawrence. United States Marshals took him into custody Wednesday in Tennessee, according to policeSpates is a suspect in the killing of 21-year-old Christian Willis of Wichita in the 1500 block of Kentucky Street in Lawrence on Sept. 8, according to police department spokesperson Patrick Compton.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631932120397.png" alt="Romero photo Douglas County" />
 <figcaption>Romero photo Douglas County</figcaption>
 </figure>On Sept. 17, Lawrence Police, with assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 18-year-old Javier Isidro Romero on a requested charge of first-degree murder in connection with shooting.Spates will be transported to the Douglas County Jail pending an extradition hearing. He is being held on a requested charge of first-degree murder.-----------DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting continue asking the public for help to locate a second suspect identified as 19-year-old Andrel Darnell Spates, Jr. of Lawrence He is a suspect in the killing of 21-year-old Christian Willis of Wichita in the 1500 block of Kentucky Street in Lawrence on Sept. 15, according to police department spokesperson Patrick Compton.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631932120397.png" alt="Romero photo Douglas County" />
 <figcaption>Romero photo Douglas County</figcaption>
 </figure>On Sept. 17, Lawrence Police, with assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 18-year-old Javier Isidro Romero on a requested charge of first-degree murder in connection with shooting.Spates is 6-foot tall, 165 pounds and is considered armed and dangerous.Anyone with information on Spates is encouraged to call the Lawrence Kansas Police Department at 785-832-7509 or Crime Stoppers of Douglas County at 785-843-7477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards and tips can be anonymous.

U.S. Marshals catch Kan. murder suspect in Tennessee

Kansas City —(AP) — Students gathered Tuesday at college campuses in Kansas and Missouri to protest sexual assaults.

A demonstration at the University of Missouri's flagship campus in Columbia drew a crowd of at least 100 people. Another 40 protested at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

In Kansas, about two dozen people gathered outside of Strong Hall at the University of Kansas. The demonstration, which was organized by a group called Strip Your Letters, was the fourth held at the school since a woman told Lawrence police last month she’d been raped at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house during a party.

One of the protest group's founders, 23-year-old Grace Reading, said she hoped that it would put pressure on administrators at different campuses to do more to protect students and support survivors.

Students also called for change at Kansas State. Multiple organizations participated, included Wildcats Against Sexual Violence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633537867104.png" alt="Photos courtesy KOMU TV" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy KOMU TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City —(AP) — Students gathered Tuesday at college campuses in Kansas and Missouri to protest sexual assaults.A demonstration at the University of Missouri's flagship campus in Columbia drew a crowd of at least 100 people. Another 40 protested at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.In Kansas, about two dozen people gathered outside of Strong Hall at the University of Kansas. The demonstration, which was organized by a group called Strip Your Letters, was the fourth held at the school since a woman told Lawrence police last month she’d been raped at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house during a party.One of the protest group's founders, 23-year-old Grace Reading, said she hoped that it would put pressure on administrators at different campuses to do more to protect students and support survivors.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633537838805.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Students also called for change at Kansas State. Multiple organizations participated, included Wildcats Against Sexual Violence.

Kansas, Missouri college students protest sexual assaults

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/05/republicans-see-kansas-governors-order-creating-child-advocate-as-slap-in-the-face/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly’s independent action to establish an Office
 of the Child Advocate a day ahead of the inaugural meeting of a child 
welfare oversight committee didn’t impress Republican members of the 
panel.

Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, a Galena Republican who serves as chairman 
of the committee, called the governor’s decision to bypass legislators 
through executive order a “slap in the face.”

“Don’t get me wrong, the Office of the Child Advocate is a needed 
position, a position that has been needed for a long time,” Hilderbrand 
said at the start of Tuesday’s meeting. “I just find it very, very 
troublesome that the governor decided on the eve of the first meeting of
 this committee, which one of our tasks was to look at this, they decide
 to issue an executive order forming it.”

The Democratic governor on Monday announced she was forming the 
office and relocating divisions of two state agencies under the 
authority of the Department of Administration. Her allies in the 
Legislature praised the move after years in which efforts to install a 
child advocate failed to gain interest or got tied up in political 
wrangling, as was the case in the 2021 session.

“Everybody is in agreement here that we needed this office,” said 
Rep. Jarrod Ousley, D-Merriam. “This office is going to be good for the 
kids. I applaud the governor’s efforts by taking the reins and 
establishing this office now and not wasting any more time letting it 
get caught up in politics.”

Ousley for five years has pursued legislation to establish a child 
advocate to field complaints about the Kansas foster care system and 
investigate them. He secured bipartisan support for a House bill this 
past session that would have had the advocate report directly to the 
Legislature, but House leadership killed the bill before it received a 
vote.

The Senate passed a competing plan that would have placed the office 
under Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican trying to unseat 
Kelly as governor in next year’s elections.

Child advocates opposed the politically charged Senate plan but have 
long pushed for more accountability of the privatized foster care system
 administered by the Department for Children and Families.

Republicans complained that Kelly’s executive order allows the 
governor to choose a child advocate without legislative approval. They 
also questioned whether the decision to relocate positions through an 
executive order is constitutional. Those moves typically require the 
governor to propose a reorganization, which the Legislature has to 
approve.

By placing the new office within the governor’s administration, said 
Sen. Molly Baumgardner, R-Louisburg, the governor is merely shifting 
complaints from one department to another.

“We will learn about harms and dangers and failures of the system 
when our reporters call us and say, ‘Would you please comment on this?'”
 Baumgardner said. “We’re not going to find out this from the office of 
child advocacy. We’re not going to find out from the secretary of DCF.”

Democrats praised the governor for establishing the office after years of legislative inaction.

“Can we take some joy in the fact that what has been established will
 help save lives of children?” said Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland 
Park. “To me, that’s a very big deal. That’s a huge victory for the kids
 in our state. We’ve been waiting. The kids have been waiting. Advocates
 have been waiting for years for something like this to be established.”

Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, D-Wichita, pointed to the <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/wichita-death-spurs-call-for-alternative-to-incarceration-of-teenagers/">recent death of a 17-year-old who died in police custody</a>. The boy had been placed in a foster home by Saint Francis Ministries, the state’s largest foster care provider.

When the foster father called Saint Francis about the boy’s erratic 
behavior, Faust-Goudeau said, he was told it would be two hours before 
someone could help. Instead, he was taken into custody by police and 
died after an altercation at a juvenile detention facility.

“Had that foster dad been able to talk to someone directly right away, that young man may still be alive,” Faust-Goudeau said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633457915278.png" alt="Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, R-Galena, blasts the governor during a foster care oversight hearing Tuesday for independently forming an Office of the Child Advocate. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, R-Galena, blasts the governor during a foster care oversight hearing Tuesday for independently forming an Office of the Child Advocate. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/05/republicans-see-kansas-governors-order-creating-child-advocate-as-slap-in-the-face/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly’s independent action to establish an Office
 of the Child Advocate a day ahead of the inaugural meeting of a child 
welfare oversight committee didn’t impress Republican members of the 
panel.Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, a Galena Republican who serves as chairman 
of the committee, called the governor’s decision to bypass legislators 
through executive order a “slap in the face.”“Don’t get me wrong, the Office of the Child Advocate is a needed 
position, a position that has been needed for a long time,” Hilderbrand 
said at the start of Tuesday’s meeting. “I just find it very, very 
troublesome that the governor decided on the eve of the first meeting of
 this committee, which one of our tasks was to look at this, they decide
 to issue an executive order forming it.”The Democratic governor on Monday announced she was forming the 
office and relocating divisions of two state agencies under the 
authority of the Department of Administration. Her allies in the 
Legislature praised the move after years in which efforts to install a 
child advocate failed to gain interest or got tied up in political 
wrangling, as was the case in the 2021 session.“Everybody is in agreement here that we needed this office,” said 
Rep. Jarrod Ousley, D-Merriam. “This office is going to be good for the 
kids. I applaud the governor’s efforts by taking the reins and 
establishing this office now and not wasting any more time letting it 
get caught up in politics.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633457990643.png" alt=" Rep. Jarrod Ousley, D-Merriam, praises the governor for taking action after years of political hangups in the Legislature. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Jarrod Ousley, D-Merriam, praises the governor for taking action after years of political hangups in the Legislature. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Ousley for five years has pursued legislation to establish a child 
advocate to field complaints about the Kansas foster care system and 
investigate them. He secured bipartisan support for a House bill this 
past session that would have had the advocate report directly to the 
Legislature, but House leadership killed the bill before it received a 
vote.The Senate passed a competing plan that would have placed the office 
under Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican trying to unseat 
Kelly as governor in next year’s elections.Child advocates opposed the politically charged Senate plan but have 
long pushed for more accountability of the privatized foster care system
 administered by the Department for Children and Families.Republicans complained that Kelly’s executive order allows the 
governor to choose a child advocate without legislative approval. They 
also questioned whether the decision to relocate positions through an 
executive order is constitutional. Those moves typically require the 
governor to propose a reorganization, which the Legislature has to 
approve.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633458024736.png" alt="Sen. Molly Baumgardner, R-Louisburg, says the governor’s decision to place the Office of the Child Advocate within the Department of Administration won’t improve oversight of the foster care system. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Molly Baumgardner, R-Louisburg, says the governor’s decision to place the Office of the Child Advocate within the Department of Administration won’t improve oversight of the foster care system. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By placing the new office within the governor’s administration, said 
Sen. Molly Baumgardner, R-Louisburg, the governor is merely shifting 
complaints from one department to another.“We will learn about harms and dangers and failures of the system 
when our reporters call us and say, ‘Would you please comment on this?'”
 Baumgardner said. “We’re not going to find out this from the office of 
child advocacy. We’re not going to find out from the secretary of DCF.”Democrats praised the governor for establishing the office after years of legislative inaction.“Can we take some joy in the fact that what has been established will
 help save lives of children?” said Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland 
Park. “To me, that’s a very big deal. That’s a huge victory for the kids
 in our state. We’ve been waiting. The kids have been waiting. Advocates
 have been waiting for years for something like this to be established.”Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, D-Wichita, pointed to the <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/wichita-death-spurs-call-for-alternative-to-incarceration-of-teenagers/">recent death of a 17-year-old who died in police custody</a>. The boy had been placed in a foster home by Saint Francis Ministries, the state’s largest foster care provider.When the foster father called Saint Francis about the boy’s erratic 
behavior, Faust-Goudeau said, he was told it would be two hours before 
someone could help. Instead, he was taken into custody by police and 
died after an altercation at a juvenile detention facility.“Had that foster dad been able to talk to someone directly right away, that young man may still be alive,” Faust-Goudeau said.