SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a woman in Topeka.

Just after 7p.m. Tuesday officers were dispatched to a Topeka hospital in regards to an adult woman with a gunshot wound, according to Lt. Ron Ekis. 

A private vehicle brought to the hospital. Her injuries are considered non-life threatening. Police released no additional details late Tuesday.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a woman in Topeka.Just after 7p.m. Tuesday officers were dispatched to a Topeka hospital in regards to an adult woman with a gunshot wound, according to Lt. Ron Ekis. A private vehicle brought to the hospital. Her injuries are considered non-life threatening. Police released no additional details late Tuesday.

Police: Kansas woman arrives at hospital with gunshot wounds

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday in Leavenworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; 2002 Jeep Liberty driven by Chelsie Faith Randel, 19, Topeka was westbound on Interstate 70 in Leavenworth County.

The Jeep traveled onto the outside shoulder, collided with the outside guardrail, traveled across all westbound lanes, collided with the inside barrier wall, rolled and the driver was ejected.

Randel was pronounced dead at the scene. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday in Leavenworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; 2002 Jeep Liberty driven by Chelsie Faith Randel, 19, Topeka was westbound on Interstate 70 in Leavenworth County.The Jeep traveled onto the outside shoulder, collided with the outside guardrail, traveled across all westbound lanes, collided with the inside barrier wall, rolled and the driver was ejected.Randel was pronounced dead at the scene. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

Kansas teen dies after ejected in rollover crash

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker is asking that a special prosecutor be appointed to investigate the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-kansas-police-shootings-07c9ee2bca9013d73d8751a263932aa5">fatal police shooting of a Kansas City man that has been criticized by some area clergy and civil rights activists.</a>

Peters Baker asked in a court filing that an assistant prosecutor from St. Louis County determine if the police shooting of Malcolm Johnson, 31, was justified, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article253681523.html">reported.</a>

Peters Baker said her office's prosecutions of Johnson in prior criminal cases could be seen as a conflict of interest during the shooting investigation. Baker's office charged Johnson in 2014 in a fatal shooting, and he later pleaded to reduced charges of involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action.

Johnson was shot and killed by police on March 25 inside a Kansas City convenience store.

Police had identified him as a suspect in a non-fatal shooting when they approached him in the store. Police said Johnson shot an officer during an altercation while he was being arrested.

But videos of the shooting raised questions about the police version, and the leader of a group of clergy who questioned the circumstances called Johnson's death “an execution.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629842376168.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker is asking that a special prosecutor be appointed to investigate the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-kansas-police-shootings-07c9ee2bca9013d73d8751a263932aa5">fatal police shooting of a Kansas City man that has been criticized by some area clergy and civil rights activists.</a>Peters Baker asked in a court filing that an assistant prosecutor from St. Louis County determine if the police shooting of Malcolm Johnson, 31, was justified, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article253681523.html">reported.</a>Peters Baker said her office's prosecutions of Johnson in prior criminal cases could be seen as a conflict of interest during the shooting investigation. Baker's office charged Johnson in 2014 in a fatal shooting, and he later pleaded to reduced charges of involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action.Johnson was shot and killed by police on March 25 inside a Kansas City convenience store.Police had identified him as a suspect in a non-fatal shooting when they approached him in the store. Police said Johnson shot an officer during an altercation while he was being arrested.But videos of the shooting raised questions about the police version, and the leader of a group of clergy who questioned the circumstances called Johnson's death “an execution.”

Special prosecutor sought for Kansas City police shooting

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A pickup reported stolen Monday afternoon in Salina was later found across town with two 13-year-old occupants.

A 62-year-old Salina man told police that sometime between 2-2:15 p.m. Monday, someone stole his 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 from where it was parked in front of his residence in the 700 block of State Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The pickup was valued at $1,500.

While officers were at the call, a citizen reported the same pickup driving recklessly in the 2600 block of S. Ohio Street in Salina.

A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper who was in the area located and stopped the pickup in the 1300 block of Meyer Drive. The pickup had struck a mailbox, Forrester said.

A 13-year-old boy had been driving, he said. The passenger in the pickup was a 13-year-old girl.

Police arrested the boy was arrested on requested charges&nbsp; of Felony possession of stolen property, no driver's license, Possession of tobacco, Duty upon striking other property and Reckless driving. He is being held at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA pickup reported stolen Monday afternoon in Salina was later found across town with two 13-year-old occupants.A 62-year-old Salina man told police that sometime between 2-2:15 p.m. Monday, someone stole his 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 from where it was parked in front of his residence in the 700 block of State Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The pickup was valued at $1,500.While officers were at the call, a citizen reported the same pickup driving recklessly in the 2600 block of S. Ohio Street in Salina.A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper who was in the area located and stopped the pickup in the 1300 block of Meyer Drive. The pickup had struck a mailbox, Forrester said.A 13-year-old boy had been driving, he said. The passenger in the pickup was a 13-year-old girl.Police arrested the boy was arrested on requested charges&nbsp; of Felony possession of stolen property, no driver's license, Possession of tobacco, Duty upon striking other property and Reckless driving. He is being held at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City.

13-year-old caught driving stolen pickup

PAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man was sentenced to prison Thursday for a December shooting that injured two men in Burdett.

District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced&nbsp;Thomas R. Jones, III, aka Tre Jones, 22 of Larned, to just over three years in prison, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

He was also ordered to pay restitution and be subject to registration as a Violent Offender for a period of 15 years upon his release from prison

In June, Jones plead guilty to two counts of intentional aggravated battery with a firearm resulting in great bodily harm.

On Dec. 11, Pawnee County Communications received a 911 call after a man was shot at a house at&nbsp;701 Elm in&nbsp;Burdett. Deputies from the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office and EMS from both Burdett and Larned responded to the scene.

Before deputies arrived, dispatch was advised through another emergency call, that a second male shooting victim was identified at a house a block away from the first call.&nbsp;

Investigators believe both victims were together when they were shot outside the house at 701 Elm. The second man was able to run to a house northwest of the area to get help.

The first victim was a 51-year-old man from Burdett, who was treated for several gunshot wounds and was transported by EMS to a Wichita hospital.&nbsp;

The second victim, a 30-year-old man from Burdett, was taken to Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Larned.&nbsp;

In support of the plea,&nbsp; McNett advised the Court the evidence would show that during the earlier morning hours of Dec. 11, Jones, along with Tristian Scott, 18, and two juveniles, travelled to Burdett with the intention of robbing an individual the group perceived had wronged them. Once they encountered the intended victim, Jones without warning opened fire with a shotgun striking both the intended target and another individual outside the residence.

The four suspects were arrested on Dec. 23 by Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents without incident.

On June 30, 2021, co-defendant Tristan Scott plead No Contest to Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Robbery. His Sentencing is scheduled for August 23, according to McNett.

The two juveniles have already entered pleas for their involvement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608771834329.png" alt="Thomas Jones photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Thomas Jones photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man was sentenced to prison Thursday for a December shooting that injured two men in Burdett.District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced&nbsp;Thomas R. Jones, III, aka Tre Jones, 22 of Larned, to just over three years in prison, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.He was also ordered to pay restitution and be subject to registration as a Violent Offender for a period of 15 years upon his release from prisonIn June, Jones plead guilty to two counts of intentional aggravated battery with a firearm resulting in great bodily harm.On Dec. 11, Pawnee County Communications received a 911 call after a man was shot at a house at&nbsp;701 Elm in&nbsp;Burdett. Deputies from the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office and EMS from both Burdett and Larned responded to the scene.Before deputies arrived, dispatch was advised through another emergency call, that a second male shooting victim was identified at a house a block away from the first call.&nbsp;Investigators believe both victims were together when they were shot outside the house at 701 Elm. The second man was able to run to a house northwest of the area to get help.The first victim was a 51-year-old man from Burdett, who was treated for several gunshot wounds and was transported by EMS to a Wichita hospital.&nbsp;The second victim, a 30-year-old man from Burdett, was taken to Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Larned.&nbsp;Both victims made full recoveries.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608771797890.png" alt="Tristin Scott photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Tristin Scott photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In support of the plea,&nbsp; McNett advised the Court the evidence would show that during the earlier morning hours of Dec. 11, Jones, along with Tristian Scott, 18, and two juveniles, travelled to Burdett with the intention of robbing an individual the group perceived had wronged them. Once they encountered the intended victim, Jones without warning opened fire with a shotgun striking both the intended target and another individual outside the residence.The four suspects were arrested on Dec. 23 by Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents without incident.On June 30, 2021, co-defendant Tristan Scott plead No Contest to Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Robbery. His Sentencing is scheduled for August 23, according to McNett.The two juveniles have already entered pleas for their involvement.

SW Kansas man sentenced for shooting during robbery

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A woman accused in the stabbing death of a man whose body was found in a Wichita alley made her first court appearance August 20.

Latoya McCurn, 34, was charged with&nbsp; 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

Just after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to what was believed to be a shooting call in the 7800 block of East Harry in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Upon arrival, they located a man in the alley behind a business at that location with apparent trauma to his body. He was pronounced deceased on scene and has been identified as 49-year-old Hung Nguyen of Wichita.

Through the investigation, officers learned that a passerby discovered Nguyen's body and called 911, fearing he had been shot. Officers learned that Nguyen had been seen with a woman earlier in the day. Officers contacted the woman identified as 34-year-old Latoya McCurn, and took her into custody. 

Investigators learned that Nguyen had been stabbed. It’s believed the two were strangers, and McCurn stabbed Nguyen after he upset her.

McCurn has a criminal history for various crimes committed in Texas. She was recently released from prison in Texas on previous arson-related charges.&nbsp;&nbsp;She’s scheduled to return to court on Sept. 2.&nbsp; Her bond is $250,000, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629305498837.png" alt="McCurn photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>McCurn photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A woman accused in the stabbing death of a man whose body was found in a Wichita alley made her first court appearance August 20.Latoya McCurn, 34, was charged with&nbsp; 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.Just after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to what was believed to be a shooting call in the 7800 block of East Harry in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Upon arrival, they located a man in the alley behind a business at that location with apparent trauma to his body. He was pronounced deceased on scene and has been identified as 49-year-old Hung Nguyen of Wichita.Through the investigation, officers learned that a passerby discovered Nguyen's body and called 911, fearing he had been shot. Officers learned that Nguyen had been seen with a woman earlier in the day. Officers contacted the woman identified as 34-year-old Latoya McCurn, and took her into custody. Investigators learned that Nguyen had been stabbed. It’s believed the two were strangers, and McCurn stabbed Nguyen after he upset her.McCurn has a criminal history for various crimes committed in Texas. She was recently released from prison in Texas on previous arson-related charges.&nbsp;&nbsp;She’s scheduled to return to court on Sept. 2.&nbsp; Her bond is $250,000, according to the district attorney's office.

Texas felon charged in Kan. man's stabbing death

SALINA —Police identified the victim of a Monday morning shooting in Salina as 25-year-old Camilo Renaldo Ramirez&nbsp; from Salina, according to a media release. 

He remains in critical condition at a hospital in Wichita.

At the scene of the shooting, Police also found Ramirez’s dog&nbsp; deceased from an apparent gunshot. In addition, a front window at the Fresh Market, 511 E. Iron and City Go bus stop sign sustained damage from bullets fired during the shooting.

Surveillance videos near the shooting scene showed a vehicle circling the area, then stop and two occupants exit and begin shooting, the news release noted.

Through their investigation, Salina Police detectives developed the names of two persons of interest: Jamie Leos, Jr., 24-years old and Juan Doroteo Morales, 34-years old.

On Monday at approximately 8:26 p.m., Jamie Leos, Jr. was contacted by Salina Police on Centennial Road&nbsp;near W. Crawford Street. Jamie Leos, Jr. was subsequently transported to the Salina Police Department for questioning.

At approximately 11 p.m. on Monday, Salina Police detectives went to Jaime Leos, Jr.’s residence in the 100 block of E. Jewell Avenue to secure it for a search warrant. Upon arrival Morales was located and taken to the Salina Police Department for questioning.

After the search warrant was executed, evidence related to the Ramirez shooting was discovered and police seized more than&nbsp;80 grams of methamphetamine.

Both Leos&nbsp; and Morales were subsequently arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail.

Leos is being held on requested charges of Attempted first degree murder, Felony animal cruelty, Felon in possession of a firearm, Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and Other narcotics-related charges

&nbsp;Morales is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Attempted first degree murder, Felony animal cruelty Felon in possession of a firearm

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629837479785.jpeg" alt="Jamie Leos Jr Photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Jamie Leos Jr Photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA —Police identified the victim of a Monday morning shooting in Salina as 25-year-old Camilo Renaldo Ramirez&nbsp; from Salina, according to a media release. He remains in critical condition at a hospital in Wichita.At the scene of the shooting, Police also found Ramirez’s dog&nbsp; deceased from an apparent gunshot. In addition, a front window at the Fresh Market, 511 E. Iron and City Go bus stop sign sustained damage from bullets fired during the shooting.Surveillance videos near the shooting scene showed a vehicle circling the area, then stop and two occupants exit and begin shooting, the news release noted.Through their investigation, Salina Police detectives developed the names of two persons of interest: Jamie Leos, Jr., 24-years old and Juan Doroteo Morales, 34-years old.On Monday at approximately 8:26 p.m., Jamie Leos, Jr. was contacted by Salina Police on Centennial Road&nbsp;near W. Crawford Street. Jamie Leos, Jr. was subsequently transported to the Salina Police Department for questioning.At approximately 11 p.m. on Monday, Salina Police detectives went to Jaime Leos, Jr.’s residence in the 100 block of E. Jewell Avenue to secure it for a search warrant. Upon arrival Morales was located and taken to the Salina Police Department for questioning.After the search warrant was executed, evidence related to the Ramirez shooting was discovered and police seized more than&nbsp;80 grams of methamphetamine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629837534627.jpeg" alt="Juan Doroteo Moralez mugshots.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Juan Doroteo Moralez mugshots.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Both Leos&nbsp; and Morales were subsequently arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail.Leos is being held on requested charges of Attempted first degree murder, Felony animal cruelty, Felon in possession of a firearm, Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and Other narcotics-related charges&nbsp;Morales is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Attempted first degree murder, Felony animal cruelty Felon in possession of a firearm.

Police: Victim in Salina shooting remains in critical condition

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday in Leavenworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 International Dump Truck driven by Brad&nbsp;Mosbrucker, 45, Topeka,&nbsp;exited a controlled construction site and made a U-turn in the intersection of Stone Creek Drive, against a red light. 

An eastbound 2004 Yamaha FZS driven by&nbsp; Guthrie, William Guthrie, 34, Tonganoxie, struck the drivers side of the dump truck. Both vehicles came to rest in the middle of the intersection.

Guthrie was transported to KU Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Mosbrucker was not injured. Guthrie was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday in Leavenworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 International Dump Truck driven by Brad&nbsp;Mosbrucker, 45, Topeka,&nbsp;exited a controlled construction site and made a U-turn in the intersection of Stone Creek Drive, against a red light. An eastbound 2004 Yamaha FZS driven by&nbsp; Guthrie, William Guthrie, 34, Tonganoxie, struck the drivers side of the dump truck. Both vehicles came to rest in the middle of the intersection.Guthrie was transported to KU Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Mosbrucker was not injured. Guthrie was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Kan.  man dies after motorcycle strikes dump truck

WASHINGTON (AP) — Striking a deal with moderates, House Democratic leaders muscled President Joe Biden’s multitrillion-dollar budget blueprint over a key hurdle Tuesday, ending a risky standoff and putting the party’s domestic infrastructure agenda back on track.

The 220-212 vote was a first step toward drafting Biden’s $3.5 billion rebuilding plan this fall, and the narrow outcome, in the face of stiff Republican opposition, showed the power a few voices have to alter the debate and signaled the challenges ahead still threatening to upend the president’s agenda.

After a turbulent 24 hours that brought House proceedings to a standstill, Speaker Nancy Pelosi told her colleagues before the vote that the legislation would lead to a federal investment on par with the New Deal and the Great Society.

Pelosi brushed aside the delays. “That’s just part of the legislative process,” she said, according to an aide granted anonymity to discuss a closed-door caucus meeting.

“Not only are we building the physical infrastructure of American, we are building the human infrastructure of America,” Pelosi said on the House floor.

Tensions had flared as a band of moderate lawmakers threatened to withhold their votes for the $3.5 trillion plan. They were demanding the House first approve a nearly $1 trillion bipartisan package of other public works projects that’s already passed the Senate.

In brokering the compromise, Pelosi committed to voting on the bipartisan package no later than Sept. 27, an attempt to assure lawmakers it won’t be left on the sidelines. It’s also in keeping with with Pelosi’s insistence that the two bills move together as a more complete collection of Biden’s priorities. Pelosi has set a goal of passing both by Oct. 1.

Easing off the stalemate will shelve, for now, the stark divisions between moderate and progressive lawmakers who make up the Democrats’ so-slim House majority. But as the drama spilled out during what was supposed to be a quick session as lawmakers returned to work for a few days in August, it showcased the party differences that threaten to upend Biden’s ambitious rebuilding agenda.

With Republicans fully opposed to the president’s big plans and arguing that Congress should be focused instead on the crisis in Afghanistan, the Democratic leaders have just a few votes to spare. That gives any band of lawmakers leverage that can be used to make or break a deal, as they are in position to do in the weeks to come as moderates and progressives draft and vote on the broader $3.5 trillion package.

“I think it’s important to those of us who are moderate Democrats to make sure that our voices are heard,” said Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., one of the negotiators.

Challenging their party’s most powerful leaders, nine moderate Democrats signed onto a letter late last week raising their objections to pushing ahead with Biden’s broader infrastructure proposal without first considering the smaller public works plan that has already passed the Senate.

Their ranks grew as other moderates, including Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., a leader of the Blue Dog caucus of centrist Democrats, raised similar concerns.

Progressives were outraged at the moderates, blaming them for potentially jamming Biden’s agenda, which is stocked with hard-fought party goals like child care, paid family leave and Medicare expansion, along with green infrastructure spending.

Outside groups, including Justice Democrats, started running campaign ads and members of Our Revolution, the organization aligned with Bernie Sanders, protested Tuesday outside the New Jersey office of Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a leader of the moderate effort.

“This is a ‘which side are you on‘ moment,’” said Our Revolution executive director Joseph Geevarghese, who promised to “organize like never before to hold Democrats accountable and get this bill over the finish line.”

The budget measure is at the heart of Biden’s “Build Back Better” vision for helping families and combating climate change and is progressives’ top priority, all of it largely financed with tax increases on the rich and big business.

The House committees are already fast at work drafting legislation to fill in the details of the $3.5 trillion package for consideration later this fall.

Progressives signaled early on they wanted the Biden budget priorities first before they agree to the smaller Senate package, worried it would be an insufficient down-payment on his goals.

But the moderates want the opposite, insisting Congress quickly send the smaller, bipartisan infrastructure measure they helped shape with the senators to Biden so he can sign it before the political winds shift.

While the moderates insist they also want to support Biden’s broader package, progressives are skeptical. Senate centrists Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., have said they cannot support a $3.5 trillion package.

In fact, the moderates were also trying to win assurances from Pelosi that whatever version of the broader bill they draft in the House will be the same in the Senate — setting up another showdown between the party’s competing flanks and their vision for the rebuilding priorities.

The compromise structured Tuesday’s vote to include passage of the budget resolution and the commitment for the September vote on the bipartisan package as part of a procedural vote, called the Rule.

So far, the White House has backed Pelosi as she has led her party in a tightly scripted strategy.

Republicans plan to reject the the $3.5 trillion effort as big government spending, and GOP support for the slimmer $1 trillion bipartisan measure is now uncertain.

The conservative House Freedom Caucus said it opposes both the Biden budget and the bipartisan bill.

Republicans blasted Democrats for pursuing their priorities at a time when they said all focus should be on Afghanistan, as thousands of people including Americans are trying to flee the country as the U.S. withdraws its forces.

“We should be doing nothing else on this floor until every single American is home,” said Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House minority leader.

Inserting his own wedge into the politics of the situation, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday on Fox News that he was rooting for the House moderates.

“I wish the moderates in the House success,” McConnell said. “I’m pulling for them.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629841276488.png" alt="Kansas First District Rep. Tracy Mann joined colleagues Tuesday afternoon to discuss the failures of what they called the&nbsp;#BidenBankruptcyBlueprint" />
 <figcaption>Kansas First District Rep. Tracy Mann joined colleagues Tuesday afternoon to discuss the failures of what they called the&nbsp;#BidenBankruptcyBlueprint</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Striking a deal with moderates, House Democratic leaders muscled President Joe Biden’s multitrillion-dollar budget blueprint over a key hurdle Tuesday, ending a risky standoff and putting the party’s domestic infrastructure agenda back on track.The 220-212 vote was a first step toward drafting Biden’s $3.5 billion rebuilding plan this fall, and the narrow outcome, in the face of stiff Republican opposition, showed the power a few voices have to alter the debate and signaled the challenges ahead still threatening to upend the president’s agenda.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I just voted NO on advancing over $4.5 trillion of government spending proposed by the Democrats. My full statement ⤵ <a href="https://t.co/H65JINZush">pic.twitter.com/H65JINZush</a>&mdash; Rep. Jake LaTurner (@RepLaTurner) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLaTurner/status/1430275903439917056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After a turbulent 24 hours that brought House proceedings to a standstill, Speaker Nancy Pelosi told her colleagues before the vote that the legislation would lead to a federal investment on par with the New Deal and the Great Society.Pelosi brushed aside the delays. “That’s just part of the legislative process,” she said, according to an aide granted anonymity to discuss a closed-door caucus meeting.“Not only are we building the physical infrastructure of American, we are building the human infrastructure of America,” Pelosi said on the House floor.Tensions had flared as a band of moderate lawmakers threatened to withhold their votes for the $3.5 trillion plan. They were demanding the House first approve a nearly $1 trillion bipartisan package of other public works projects that’s already passed the Senate.In brokering the compromise, Pelosi committed to voting on the bipartisan package no later than Sept. 27, an attempt to assure lawmakers it won’t be left on the sidelines. It’s also in keeping with with Pelosi’s insistence that the two bills move together as a more complete collection of Biden’s priorities. Pelosi has set a goal of passing both by Oct. 1.Easing off the stalemate will shelve, for now, the stark divisions between moderate and progressive lawmakers who make up the Democrats’ so-slim House majority. But as the drama spilled out during what was supposed to be a quick session as lawmakers returned to work for a few days in August, it showcased the party differences that threaten to upend Biden’s ambitious rebuilding agenda.With Republicans fully opposed to the president’s big plans and arguing that Congress should be focused instead on the crisis in Afghanistan, the Democratic leaders have just a few votes to spare. That gives any band of lawmakers leverage that can be used to make or break a deal, as they are in position to do in the weeks to come as moderates and progressives draft and vote on the broader $3.5 trillion package.“I think it’s important to those of us who are moderate Democrats to make sure that our voices are heard,” said Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., one of the negotiators.Challenging their party’s most powerful leaders, nine moderate Democrats signed onto a letter late last week raising their objections to pushing ahead with Biden’s broader infrastructure proposal without first considering the smaller public works plan that has already passed the Senate.Their ranks grew as other moderates, including Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., a leader of the Blue Dog caucus of centrist Democrats, raised similar concerns.Progressives were outraged at the moderates, blaming them for potentially jamming Biden’s agenda, which is stocked with hard-fought party goals like child care, paid family leave and Medicare expansion, along with green infrastructure spending.Outside groups, including Justice Democrats, started running campaign ads and members of Our Revolution, the organization aligned with Bernie Sanders, protested Tuesday outside the New Jersey office of Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a leader of the moderate effort.“This is a ‘which side are you on‘ moment,’” said Our Revolution executive director Joseph Geevarghese, who promised to “organize like never before to hold Democrats accountable and get this bill over the finish line.”The budget measure is at the heart of Biden’s “Build Back Better” vision for helping families and combating climate change and is progressives’ top priority, all of it largely financed with tax increases on the rich and big business.The House committees are already fast at work drafting legislation to fill in the details of the $3.5 trillion package for consideration later this fall.Progressives signaled early on they wanted the Biden budget priorities first before they agree to the smaller Senate package, worried it would be an insufficient down-payment on his goals.But the moderates want the opposite, insisting Congress quickly send the smaller, bipartisan infrastructure measure they helped shape with the senators to Biden so he can sign it before the political winds shift.While the moderates insist they also want to support Biden’s broader package, progressives are skeptical. Senate centrists Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., have said they cannot support a $3.5 trillion package.In fact, the moderates were also trying to win assurances from Pelosi that whatever version of the broader bill they draft in the House will be the same in the Senate — setting up another showdown between the party’s competing flanks and their vision for the rebuilding priorities.The compromise structured Tuesday’s vote to include passage of the budget resolution and the commitment for the September vote on the bipartisan package as part of a procedural vote, called the Rule.So far, the White House has backed Pelosi as she has led her party in a tightly scripted strategy.Republicans plan to reject the the $3.5 trillion effort as big government spending, and GOP support for the slimmer $1 trillion bipartisan measure is now uncertain.The conservative House Freedom Caucus said it opposes both the Biden budget and the bipartisan bill.Republicans blasted Democrats for pursuing their priorities at a time when they said all focus should be on Afghanistan, as thousands of people including Americans are trying to flee the country as the U.S. withdraws its forces.“We should be doing nothing else on this floor until every single American is home,” said Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House minority leader.Inserting his own wedge into the politics of the situation, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday on Fox News that he was rooting for the House moderates.“I wish the moderates in the House success,” McConnell said. “I’m pulling for them.”

Kan. GOP Reps vote no: House passes $3.5T budget plan

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A former Ellis County law enforcement officer has pleaded no contest to possessing child pornography and stealing guns from the Hays Police Department.

On Monday, Blaine D. Dryden, Hays, entered no contest pleas in Ellis County District Court to aggravated internet trading of child pornography, sexual exploitation of a child and theft of a firearm. As a result, he was found guilty on all three charges by Chief Judge Glenn Braun.

Under the plea agreement, Dryden faces a minimum of 91 months, or more than seven and a half years in prison.

Dryden was originally charged with aggravated internet trading of child pornography and seven counts of sexual exploitation of a child, with the additional charge of theft of a firearm.

According to information presented at Tuesday’s hearing by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, which is handling the case, in November 2019 the Hays Police Department received a tip about child pornography being shared through Facebook.

The investigation led officers to a location in the 1600 block of West 29th in Hays. After it was determined that Dryden resided at the residence, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation was called to handle the investigation.

Dryden was employed with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office at the time and served as a lieutenant with the department until June 16, 2020. He worked for the sheriff’s department for nearly six and a half years.

The Kansas Attorney General’s office said Dryden uploaded and sent a sexual image of a young girl to a woman in Nebraska.

During the investigation, Dryden admitted to uploading the image to law enforcement officials. They also discovered similar images and several electronic devices at Dryden’s Hays residence.

After the investigation was complete, law enforcement officials served a second search warrant at the same location in the 1600 block of West 29th in April in connection with firearms stolen from the Hays Police Department.

The state attorney general’s office determined that Dryden was in possession of four guns connected to Hays Police Department investigations.

Dryden had falsified paperwork claiming he had destroyed the guns when, in fact, he did not, the attorney general's office said.

Sentencing will be scheduled for later this year, and Dryden was remanded to the Ellis County jail

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617849662382.png" alt="Dryden photo Graham Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Dryden photo Graham Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>DrydenBy JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA former Ellis County law enforcement officer has pleaded no contest to possessing child pornography and stealing guns from the Hays Police Department.On Monday, Blaine D. Dryden, Hays, entered no contest pleas in Ellis County District Court to aggravated internet trading of child pornography, sexual exploitation of a child and theft of a firearm. As a result, he was found guilty on all three charges by Chief Judge Glenn Braun.Under the plea agreement, Dryden faces a minimum of 91 months, or more than seven and a half years in prison.Dryden was originally charged with aggravated internet trading of child pornography and seven counts of sexual exploitation of a child, with the additional charge of theft of a firearm.According to information presented at Tuesday’s hearing by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, which is handling the case, in November 2019 the Hays Police Department received a tip about child pornography being shared through Facebook.The investigation led officers to a location in the 1600 block of West 29th in Hays. After it was determined that Dryden resided at the residence, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation was called to handle the investigation.Dryden was employed with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office at the time and served as a lieutenant with the department until June 16, 2020. He worked for the sheriff’s department for nearly six and a half years.The Kansas Attorney General’s office said Dryden uploaded and sent a sexual image of a young girl to a woman in Nebraska.During the investigation, Dryden admitted to uploading the image to law enforcement officials. They also discovered similar images and several electronic devices at Dryden’s Hays residence.After the investigation was complete, law enforcement officials served a second search warrant at the same location in the 1600 block of West 29th in April in connection with firearms stolen from the Hays Police Department.The state attorney general’s office determined that Dryden was in possession of four guns connected to Hays Police Department investigations.Dryden had falsified paperwork claiming he had destroyed the guns when, in fact, he did not, the attorney general's office said.Sentencing will be scheduled for later this year, and Dryden was remanded to the Ellis County jail

Former Kan. sheriff's Lt. pleads to child porn, gun charges

SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday afternoon shooting that left one person dead.

Just before 2 p.m. officers were dispatched to Travelers Inn, 3846 SW Topeka Blvd. on a report of a shooting, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Responding officers located an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries believed to be associated with a shooting. American Medical Response personnel pronounced the man deceased at the scene.

Multiple people were taken into police custody to be interviewed. Police have not released the name of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629838626533.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Tuesday afternoon shooting investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Tuesday afternoon shooting investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday afternoon shooting that left one person dead.Just before 2 p.m. officers were dispatched to Travelers Inn, 3846 SW Topeka Blvd. on a report of a shooting, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Responding officers located an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries believed to be associated with a shooting. American Medical Response personnel pronounced the man deceased at the scene.Multiple people were taken into police custody to be interviewed. Police have not released the name of the victim.

Police: Man dead after Kansas motel shooting

Rising cropland values could both hurt and help Kansas farmers

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/economy/2021-08-24/if-you-think-homes-are-getting-pricey-try-buying-some-kansas-farmland">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA&nbsp;— Soaring prices define the market for land in Kansas farm country.

Farm real estate and cropland values in Kansas <a href="https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/pn89d6567/5m60rq58k/zk51wf530/land0821.pdf" target="_blank">jumped more than 10% this year</a>
 compared to last year. That’s good and bad news for Kansas 
agribusiness, largely depending on whether a farming operation already 
owns land or needs more acres.

“It’s made it more difficult for 
farmers not only to expand, but for those new farmers to get in,” said 
Kansas Farm Bureau Director of Commodities Mark Nelson.

Farm real 
estate is the value of all land and the homes, barns and machine sheds 
on a farm. In Kansas, it increased to about $2,100 an acre, up 11% from 
2020.

Cropland value saw an even higher jump. It increased 14% to nearly $2,400 an acre.

That’s
 a higher percentage increase than any of its neighbors. Missouri 
cropland values increased 7.9%, Oklahoma 7.1% and Colorado 1.6%. 
Nebraska was close, it’s cropland values increased 13.8% to nearly 
$5,000 an acre, which is considerably more expensive per acre than 
cropland in Kansas.

Nelson said the increase can be good news for some farmers. The real 
estate and cropland value increases inflate a farmer's assets. That’s an
 important metric when a farmer needs to get a loan from a bank. It also
 means more profit if someone decides to sell the land.

But increasing land values also come with a fair number of drawbacks.

Nelson
 said rising land values could draw more non-farmer investors interested
 in the land, increasing demand and potentially pushing prices even 
higher. It also makes it more difficult for a farmer wanting to expand 
or for a recent college graduate wanting to get started.

This 
year’s cropland value increase will also mean an increase in the price 
someone pays to lease cropland in a few years. Multi-year leases 
typically delay the time it takes for rents to go up.

“A lot of 
times, if it’s a new farmer or young farmer in the family, they may get a
 decreased lease rate to help them establish,” said Doug Bounds, state 
statistician for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Higher land 
values might not have an immediate impact on a farmer’s annual expenses,
 but higher rent payments will — especially as the majority of farmers 
lease at least some of the land they farm on.

“It’s one more 
pressure that’s going to be tightening margins and increasing those 
break-evens as producers go into 2022,” Nelson said.

He said 
farmers also worry about general price inflation of everyday and 
specialty farm goods. The COVID-19 pandemic is still disrupting the 
supply chains of everything from tractor tires to fertilizer. Nelson 
said in particular, he expects the price of fertilizer to be double the 
price in 2022 than it was in 2020.

So even if farmers get a good 
crop yield and grain prices remain high, the added land and supply costs
 will likely erase any gains.

“Their break-even costs are creeping
 up really close to where they are,” Nelson said. “So 2022 could be a 
tough year for some folks.”

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/2021/8/1629833797517.jpeg" alt="Pixabay photo" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Rising cropland values could both hurt and help Kansas farmers</h2>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/economy/2021-08-24/if-you-think-homes-are-getting-pricey-try-buying-some-kansas-farmland">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA&nbsp;— Soaring prices define the market for land in Kansas farm country.Farm real estate and cropland values in Kansas <a href="https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/pn89d6567/5m60rq58k/zk51wf530/land0821.pdf" target="_blank">jumped more than 10% this year</a>
 compared to last year. That’s good and bad news for Kansas 
agribusiness, largely depending on whether a farming operation already 
owns land or needs more acres.“It’s made it more difficult for 
farmers not only to expand, but for those new farmers to get in,” said 
Kansas Farm Bureau Director of Commodities Mark Nelson.Farm real 
estate is the value of all land and the homes, barns and machine sheds 
on a farm. In Kansas, it increased to about $2,100 an acre, up 11% from 
2020.Cropland value saw an even higher jump. It increased 14% to nearly $2,400 an acre.That’s
 a higher percentage increase than any of its neighbors. Missouri 
cropland values increased 7.9%, Oklahoma 7.1% and Colorado 1.6%. 
Nebraska was close, it’s cropland values increased 13.8% to nearly 
$5,000 an acre, which is considerably more expensive per acre than 
cropland in Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629833880246.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nelson said the increase can be good news for some farmers. The real 
estate and cropland value increases inflate a farmer's assets. That’s an
 important metric when a farmer needs to get a loan from a bank. It also
 means more profit if someone decides to sell the land.But increasing land values also come with a fair number of drawbacks.Nelson
 said rising land values could draw more non-farmer investors interested
 in the land, increasing demand and potentially pushing prices even 
higher. It also makes it more difficult for a farmer wanting to expand 
or for a recent college graduate wanting to get started.This 
year’s cropland value increase will also mean an increase in the price 
someone pays to lease cropland in a few years. Multi-year leases 
typically delay the time it takes for rents to go up.“A lot of 
times, if it’s a new farmer or young farmer in the family, they may get a
 decreased lease rate to help them establish,” said Doug Bounds, state 
statistician for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Higher land 
values might not have an immediate impact on a farmer’s annual expenses,
 but higher rent payments will — especially as the majority of farmers 
lease at least some of the land they farm on.“It’s one more 
pressure that’s going to be tightening margins and increasing those 
break-evens as producers go into 2022,” Nelson said.He said 
farmers also worry about general price inflation of everyday and 
specialty farm goods. The COVID-19 pandemic is still disrupting the 
supply chains of everything from tractor tires to fertilizer. Nelson 
said in particular, he expects the price of fertilizer to be double the 
price in 2022 than it was in 2020.So even if farmers get a good 
crop yield and grain prices remain high, the added land and supply costs
 will likely erase any gains.“Their break-even costs are creeping
 up really close to where they are,” Nelson said. “So 2022 could be a 
tough year for some folks.”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.

Think homes are getting pricey? Try buying Kansas farmland 

KANSAS CITY —Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt Tuesday filed a class action lawsuit against school districts forcing a mask mandate on schoolchildren and teachers, according to a media release from Schmitt's office.

The lawsuit, which is a reverse class action that was filed Tuesday morning, names Columbia Public Schools, the Board of Education for the School District of Columbia and their board members, and the Superintendent for Columbia Public Schools as defendants.“

Forcing schoolchildren to mask all day in school flies in the face of science, especially given children’s low risk of severe illness and death and their low risk of transmission. Additionally, forcing schoolchildren to mask all day could hinder critical development by eliminating facial cues and expressions,” said&nbsp;Attorney General Schmitt. 

“We filed this suit today because we fundamentally don’t believe in forced masking, rather that parents and families should have the power to make decisions on masks, based on science and facts. I am committed to fighting back against this kind of government overreach. Americans are free people, not subjects.”The lawsuit, which incorporates three counts argues that the imposition of a mask mandate on schoolchildren is arbitrary and capricious, that the mask mandate is subject to § 67.265, and that the mask mandate is unlawful as to schoolchildren.To support the claims that the mask mandate is arbitrary and capricious, the lawsuit argues that children are at an extremely low risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, that children are at a low risk for spreading COVID-19, that masks fail to provide adequate protection against COVID-19 in children, and that masks are detrimental to the development of young children.Citing Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services data, the lawsuit notes that zero children under the age of 10 have died from COVID-19. Further, the lawsuit notes that children make up less than 1 out of every 100,000 people who are hospitalized in Missouri. Citing a study from the United Kingdom, the lawsuit states, “Data from the United Kingdom regarding fatality rates from the delta variant show the case fatality rate from delta is lower than other variants, and it is near 0.0% for those under fifty years old.”Citing numerous medical studies, the lawsuit also makes the point that children have a low risk of transmitting the virus to other children. A Netherlands study cited by the lawsuit confirms that, “(1) children play a minor role in the spread of the novel coronavirus, (2) the virus is mainly spread between adults and from adult family members to children, and (3) the spread of COVID-19 among children or from children to adults is less common.” The lawsuit, citing another study from the United Kingdom, states, “the author confirmed that there is very little evidence that the virus is transmitted in schools.”Specifically relating to the efficacy of masks themselves, the lawsuit argues, “Mask use by the general population shows, at best, a marginal impact on the spread of COVID-19. And most studies show no distinguishable difference between places with mask mandates and those without them.” The lawsuit continues, “Though the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control advocates for universal public mask use, it has conceded that the evidence of the benefit in wearing a surgical mask was ‘of low to moderate certainty’ and failed to show statistically significant benefits.” Moreover, the lawsuit says, “One study found that ‘[r]ates of infection were consistently higher among those in the cloth mask group than in the medical mask and control groups. ... The poor performance may have been because the masks were not washed frequently enough or because they became moist and contaminated.’”Lastly, the lawsuit argues that masks are a hindrance to development, especially in young children and those with special needs. A study cited by the lawsuit, which surveyed 25,930 schoolchildren, noted that 68% “complained about impairments caused by wearing the masks.” The lawsuit, citing the World Health Organization, states, “The World Health Organization notes that masking young children raises social and communication concerns.&nbsp; Specifically, researchers are concerned that masks may ‘hinder verbal and non-verbal communication.’”The lawsuit also notes that the Columbia school districts continue to impose a mask mandate despite the Columbia City Council’s rejection of a citywide mask mandate.The suit incorporates three counts: Count One: Declaration that the mask mandates are unreasonable, arbitrary, and capriciousCount Two: Declaration that the mask mandate is subject to §&nbsp;67.265 and expires without Board of Education authorizationsCount Three: Declaration that the mask mandate is unlawful as to schoolchildrenThe full complaint can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=d59c1e7b92&amp;e=9a8c31b236__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!WTD4MEkrMfoyuLE4OMa2OgHXQ6mRHjYTEZXQ9YtwyHPG86cfw0BcQE7eG2ACJv4UNsCrhA$">https://ago.mo.gov/docs/default-source/press-releases/2021-08-24---columbia-schools-petition-file-ready.pdf?sfvrsn=b365e116_2</a>

KANSAS CITY —Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt Tuesday filed a class action lawsuit against school districts forcing a mask mandate on schoolchildren and teachers, according to a media release from Schmitt's office.The lawsuit, which is a reverse class action that was filed Tuesday morning, names Columbia Public Schools, the Board of Education for the School District of Columbia and their board members, and the Superintendent for Columbia Public Schools as defendants.“Forcing schoolchildren to mask all day in school flies in the face of science, especially given children’s low risk of severe illness and death and their low risk of transmission. Additionally, forcing schoolchildren to mask all day could hinder critical development by eliminating facial cues and expressions,” said&nbsp;Attorney General Schmitt. “We filed this suit today because we fundamentally don’t believe in forced masking, rather that parents and families should have the power to make decisions on masks, based on science and facts. I am committed to fighting back against this kind of government overreach. Americans are free people, not subjects.”The lawsuit, which incorporates three counts argues that the imposition of a mask mandate on schoolchildren is arbitrary and capricious, that the mask mandate is subject to § 67.265, and that the mask mandate is unlawful as to schoolchildren.To support the claims that the mask mandate is arbitrary and capricious, the lawsuit argues that children are at an extremely low risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, that children are at a low risk for spreading COVID-19, that masks fail to provide adequate protection against COVID-19 in children, and that masks are detrimental to the development of young children.Citing Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services data, the lawsuit notes that zero children under the age of 10 have died from COVID-19. Further, the lawsuit notes that children make up less than 1 out of every 100,000 people who are hospitalized in Missouri. Citing a study from the United Kingdom, the lawsuit states, “Data from the United Kingdom regarding fatality rates from the delta variant show the case fatality rate from delta is lower than other variants, and it is near 0.0% for those under fifty years old.”Citing numerous medical studies, the lawsuit also makes the point that children have a low risk of transmitting the virus to other children. A Netherlands study cited by the lawsuit confirms that, “(1) children play a minor role in the spread of the novel coronavirus, (2) the virus is mainly spread between adults and from adult family members to children, and (3) the spread of COVID-19 among children or from children to adults is less common.” The lawsuit, citing another study from the United Kingdom, states, “the author confirmed that there is very little evidence that the virus is transmitted in schools.”Specifically relating to the efficacy of masks themselves, the lawsuit argues, “Mask use by the general population shows, at best, a marginal impact on the spread of COVID-19. And most studies show no distinguishable difference between places with mask mandates and those without them.” The lawsuit continues, “Though the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control advocates for universal public mask use, it has conceded that the evidence of the benefit in wearing a surgical mask was ‘of low to moderate certainty’ and failed to show statistically significant benefits.” Moreover, the lawsuit says, “One study found that ‘[r]ates of infection were consistently higher among those in the cloth mask group than in the medical mask and control groups. ... The poor performance may have been because the masks were not washed frequently enough or because they became moist and contaminated.’”Lastly, the lawsuit argues that masks are a hindrance to development, especially in young children and those with special needs. A study cited by the lawsuit, which surveyed 25,930 schoolchildren, noted that 68% “complained about impairments caused by wearing the masks.” The lawsuit, citing the World Health Organization, states, “The World Health Organization notes that masking young children raises social and communication concerns.&nbsp; Specifically, researchers are concerned that masks may ‘hinder verbal and non-verbal communication.’”The lawsuit also notes that the Columbia school districts continue to impose a mask mandate despite the Columbia City Council’s rejection of a citywide mask mandate.The suit incorporates three counts: Count One: Declaration that the mask mandates are unreasonable, arbitrary, and capriciousCount Two: Declaration that the mask mandate is subject to §&nbsp;67.265 and expires without Board of Education authorizationsCount Three: Declaration that the mask mandate is unlawful as to schoolchildrenThe full complaint can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=d59c1e7b92&amp;e=9a8c31b236__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!WTD4MEkrMfoyuLE4OMa2OgHXQ6mRHjYTEZXQ9YtwyHPG86cfw0BcQE7eG2ACJv4UNsCrhA$">https://ago.mo.gov/docs/default-source/press-releases/2021-08-24---columbia-schools-petition-file-ready.pdf?sfvrsn=b365e116_2</a>

Missouri AG sues to end mask mandates in schools

Taking over on short notice for a scandal-plagued predecessor in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul began her tenure Tuesday with more than enough challenges for a new administration.

She also began with an historic opportunity: Hochul is the first woman to hold one of the most prominent governorships in the U.S.

“New York as a whole has been a tough place for women to break into the highest levels, because there is very much a tight set of powerful gatekeepers," said Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

"And unfortunately — even in 2021 — women are still seen, in effect, as newcomers,” she said.

Hochul, a Democrat, became the ninth woman currently serving as a governor. That ties a record that was set in 2004 and matched in 2007 and 2019, but it's still well shy of gender proportionality.

A century after women gained the right to vote, 19 states still have never been led by a woman. That includes some of the most populous states, such as California, Florida, Pennsylvania and Illinois. Even if it succeeds, California's recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom next month doesn't appear likely to elevate a woman to the state's top job.

Hochul had served as New York's lieutenant governor until succeeding fellow Democrat Andrew Cuomo, who resigned after a decade in office. Cuomo had faced a potential impeachment battle after an attorney general's investigation said he had sexually harassed or inappropriately touched 11 women. Among other things, Cuomo also had faced a legislative investigation into whether he misled the public last year about COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes.

Hochul already has announced she will seek a full four-year term in 2022.

Next year could be a pivotal one for women running for governor. Democratic Gov. Kate Brown of Oregon will be the only female incumbent barred from seeking re-election by term limits. Six male governors also will be term-limited, opening a path to office for fresh candidates from both parties.

In Arizona, where Republican Gov. Doug Ducey can't run again, the field already has several candidates who are women, including Republican state Treasurer Kimberly Yee and Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs. Arizona already holds the record for the most women who have served as governor — four. Kansas has had three.

In Arkansas, which has never had a woman serve as governor, a high-profile Republican primary pits Attorney General Leslie Rutledge against Sarah Sanders, press secretary for former President Donald Trump and daughter of former Gov. Mike Huckabee. The incumbent, Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, will be termed out.

In 2018, women's political advocates also thought they were primed for success with a record number of candidates for governor. But they did not ultimately set a new record for victories.

Women currently hold 18% of governors' offices — significantly less than this year's new records of 27% of U.S. congressional seats and 31% of state legislative seats. In addition, Vice President Kamala Harris also became the first woman in that role this year.

Part of the challenge in electing women as governors is overcoming stereotypes of men as stronger, more decisive leaders, Walsh said.

Another challenge is deepening the pool of women willing to enter politics, said Wendy Doyle, president and CEO of the Kansas City, Missouri-based nonprofit United WE.

The organization is coordinating an effort to get more women appointed to positions on state, county and city boards and commissions. It's working with local officials in California, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania Texas and Washington. The idea is that some women appointed to positions eventually will run for elected offices.

“It’s a long game,” Doyle said. "But we’ve got to build the pipeline; we’ve got to build the bench.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629480605068.png" alt="Arizona holds the record for the most women who have served as governor — four. Kansas has had three. Gov. Laura Kelly answered questions during a Friday Aug. 20, news conference" />
 <figcaption>Arizona holds the record for the most women who have served as governor — four. Kansas has had three. Gov. Laura Kelly answered questions during a Friday Aug. 20, news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID A. LIEB, Associated PressTaking over on short notice for a scandal-plagued predecessor in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul began her tenure Tuesday with more than enough challenges for a new administration.She also began with an historic opportunity: Hochul is the first woman to hold one of the most prominent governorships in the U.S.“New York as a whole has been a tough place for women to break into the highest levels, because there is very much a tight set of powerful gatekeepers," said Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University."And unfortunately — even in 2021 — women are still seen, in effect, as newcomers,” she said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Honored to be officially sworn in as New York&#39;s 57th Governor. Looking forward to the full swearing-in ceremony with my family later this morning, and addressing the people of New York later today. <a href="https://t.co/RUsDtzoW7r">pic.twitter.com/RUsDtzoW7r</a>&mdash; Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovKathyHochul/status/1430027391028633601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Hochul, a Democrat, became the ninth woman currently serving as a governor. That ties a record that was set in 2004 and matched in 2007 and 2019, but it's still well shy of gender proportionality.A century after women gained the right to vote, 19 states still have never been led by a woman. That includes some of the most populous states, such as California, Florida, Pennsylvania and Illinois. Even if it succeeds, California's recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom next month doesn't appear likely to elevate a woman to the state's top job.Hochul had served as New York's lieutenant governor until succeeding fellow Democrat Andrew Cuomo, who resigned after a decade in office. Cuomo had faced a potential impeachment battle after an attorney general's investigation said he had sexually harassed or inappropriately touched 11 women. Among other things, Cuomo also had faced a legislative investigation into whether he misled the public last year about COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes.Hochul already has announced she will seek a full four-year term in 2022.Next year could be a pivotal one for women running for governor. Democratic Gov. Kate Brown of Oregon will be the only female incumbent barred from seeking re-election by term limits. Six male governors also will be term-limited, opening a path to office for fresh candidates from both parties.In Arizona, where Republican Gov. Doug Ducey can't run again, the field already has several candidates who are women, including Republican state Treasurer Kimberly Yee and Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs. Arizona already holds the record for the most women who have served as governor — four. Kansas has had three.In Arkansas, which has never had a woman serve as governor, a high-profile Republican primary pits Attorney General Leslie Rutledge against Sarah Sanders, press secretary for former President Donald Trump and daughter of former Gov. Mike Huckabee. The incumbent, Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, will be termed out.In 2018, women's political advocates also thought they were primed for success with a record number of candidates for governor. But they did not ultimately set a new record for victories.Women currently hold 18% of governors' offices — significantly less than this year's new records of 27% of U.S. congressional seats and 31% of state legislative seats. In addition, Vice President Kamala Harris also became the first woman in that role this year.Part of the challenge in electing women as governors is overcoming stereotypes of men as stronger, more decisive leaders, Walsh said.Another challenge is deepening the pool of women willing to enter politics, said Wendy Doyle, president and CEO of the Kansas City, Missouri-based nonprofit United WE.The organization is coordinating an effort to get more women appointed to positions on state, county and city boards and commissions. It's working with local officials in California, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania Texas and Washington. The idea is that some women appointed to positions eventually will run for elected offices.“It’s a long game,” Doyle said. "But we’ve got to build the pipeline; we’ve got to build the bench.”

9 women now serving as governors in the U.S.

By JILL LAWLESS and GREGORY KATZ Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died at the age of 80. 

Publicist Bernard Doherty said Tuesday that Watts "passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family." 

The self-effacing and unshakeable drummer helped anchor one of rock's greatest rhythm sections for more than half a century and used his "day job" to support his enduring love of jazz. 

Watts had announced he would not tour with the Stones in 2021 because of an undefined health issue. He joined the Stones early in 1963 and ranked just behind Mick Jagger and Keith Richards as the group's longest lasting and most essential member.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629835426049.png" alt="Watts in Lexington, Ky., in 1981 / Photo courtesy Michael Conen, Flickr" />
 <figcaption>Watts in Lexington, Ky., in 1981 / Photo courtesy Michael Conen, Flickr</figcaption>
 </figure>By JILL LAWLESS and GREGORY KATZ Associated PressLONDON (AP) — Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died at the age of 80. Publicist Bernard Doherty said Tuesday that Watts "passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family." The self-effacing and unshakeable drummer helped anchor one of rock's greatest rhythm sections for more than half a century and used his "day job" to support his enduring love of jazz. Watts had announced he would not tour with the Stones in 2021 because of an undefined health issue. He joined the Stones early in 1963 and ranked just behind Mick Jagger and Keith Richards as the group's longest lasting and most essential member.

Drummer Charlie Watts, Rolling Stones backbone, dies at 80

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — People who oppose mask requirements or restrictions on public gatherings imposed by Kansas counties can challenge them in court and obtain a ruling within 10 days because of a decision Tuesday by the state Supreme Court.

<a href="https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/High%20Interest%20Cases/Butler%20Bozarth%20v.%20Shawnee%20Mission/124205OrderGrantStay.pdf?ext=.pdf">Click here to</a> read the ruling

The court said the state for now can enforce a COVID-19-inspired law enacted in March by the Republican-controlled Legislature to restrict the power of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and county officials in emergencies. A judge in Johnson County declared last month that the law violated the state constitution, but GOP state Attorney General Derek Schmidt appealed.

Schmidt also asked the Supreme Court to block the judge’s order while the justices considered the appeal. The Supreme Court’s order said only “granted,” without explanation.

The law allows people to sue specifically over mask mandates, limits on public gatherings and restrictions on business operations or religious gatherings. It requires a hearing within three days and a ruling seven days later.

The law does not apply to school board decisions. A previous version of the law did apply to schools, but those provisions expired when Kansas ended its state of emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic in June. Republican legislative leaders ended it over Kelly’s objections just days before new COVID-19 cases began rising because of the faster-spreading delta variant.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — People who oppose mask requirements or restrictions on public gatherings imposed by Kansas counties can challenge them in court and obtain a ruling within 10 days because of a decision Tuesday by the state Supreme Court.<a href="https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/High%20Interest%20Cases/Butler%20Bozarth%20v.%20Shawnee%20Mission/124205OrderGrantStay.pdf?ext=.pdf">Click here to</a> read the rulingThe court said the state for now can enforce a COVID-19-inspired law enacted in March by the Republican-controlled Legislature to restrict the power of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and county officials in emergencies. A judge in Johnson County declared last month that the law violated the state constitution, but GOP state Attorney General Derek Schmidt appealed.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AG Derek Schmidt statement on Kansas Supreme Court granting stay of lower court ruling in SB 40 appeal <a href="https://t.co/DJbH3lqPez">https://t.co/DJbH3lqPez</a>&mdash; Kansas AG&#39;s Office (@KSAGOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSAGOffice/status/1430186886627221526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Schmidt also asked the Supreme Court to block the judge’s order while the justices considered the appeal. The Supreme Court’s order said only “granted,” without explanation.The law allows people to sue specifically over mask mandates, limits on public gatherings and restrictions on business operations or religious gatherings. It requires a hearing within three days and a ruling seven days later.The law does not apply to school board decisions. A previous version of the law did apply to schools, but those provisions expired when Kansas ended its state of emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic in June. Republican legislative leaders ended it over Kelly’s objections just days before new COVID-19 cases began rising because of the faster-spreading delta variant.

Court: Kansans can sue over mask mandates, other restrictions

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman who was found fatally injured inside a crashed car in Kansas City had been shot, police there said.

Officers were called around 8 p.m. Monday to the Parkview neighborhood for reports of a crash along Independence Avenue, police said in a news release. Arriving officers found the car on its side and a woman inside the car who had been shot.

Paramedics who arrived pronounced the woman dead at the scene. Her name was not immediately released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629810600979.png" alt="Scene of the investigation photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Scene of the investigation photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman who was found fatally injured inside a crashed car in Kansas City had been shot, police there said.Officers were called around 8 p.m. Monday to the Parkview neighborhood for reports of a crash along Independence Avenue, police said in a news release. Arriving officers found the car on its side and a woman inside the car who had been shot.Paramedics who arrived pronounced the woman dead at the scene. Her name was not immediately released.

KCPD: Woman found dead in crash had been shot

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Tuesday urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to immediately call the U.S. Senate back into session to provide support for the evacuation of Americans and the people who worked alongside the U.S. military.

“It is imperative for the Senate to return to Washington D.C. to demand answers from the administration and provide support for the U.S. military, State Department personnel and others tasked with carrying out the withdrawal effort,”&nbsp;wrote Sen. Moran. “

An unknown number of Americans and Afghan allies remain in the country, fearing for their lives. I call on you to quickly bring the Senate back into session so we can get to work to address the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan.”

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f/6/f6ad13a1-e49f-4a02-bf80-41f0b8c67014/B5CABFAA5336CF8EE9C2891DC39EDD7D.-untitled-.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the full letter&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629817206585.png" alt="Afghan families board Air force C-17 Globemaster at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan on Wednesday -photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Afghan families board Air force C-17 Globemaster at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan on Wednesday -photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Tuesday urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to immediately call the U.S. Senate back into session to provide support for the evacuation of Americans and the people who worked alongside the U.S. military.“It is imperative for the Senate to return to Washington D.C. to demand answers from the administration and provide support for the U.S. military, State Department personnel and others tasked with carrying out the withdrawal effort,”&nbsp;wrote Sen. Moran. “<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629817340549.png" alt="Photo U.S. Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>An unknown number of Americans and Afghan allies remain in the country, fearing for their lives. I call on you to quickly bring the Senate back into session so we can get to work to address the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan.”Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f/6/f6ad13a1-e49f-4a02-bf80-41f0b8c67014/B5CABFAA5336CF8EE9C2891DC39EDD7D.-untitled-.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the full letter&nbsp;

Moran calls for Senate to address crisis in Afghanistan

BATES COUNTY—One person died in a small plane crash approximately 50 minutes south of Kansas City.

Just after 11a.m. Monday, Dispatch was advised of a possible plane that had crashed northwest of Adrian, according to the Bates County Sheriff's Department.

The exact location was unknown but it was believed to have been in the middle of a corn field. Another pilot had observed the plane in the field and landed to help direct emergency responders. A deputy on scene was equipped with a search and rescue drone and immediately deployed the drone and located the plane.

A deputy was then able to relay responding emergency personnel to the site through the corn. Additional personnel arrived with UTVs and ATVs to help support the rescue effort.

The plane had a single occupant who did not survive the crash.&nbsp; The case is being investigated as a joint investigation with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, FAA, NTSB, Bates County Sheriff's Office and the Bates County Coroner's Office.

BATES COUNTY—One person died in a small plane crash approximately 50 minutes south of Kansas City.Just after 11a.m. Monday, Dispatch was advised of a possible plane that had crashed northwest of Adrian, according to the Bates County Sheriff's Department.The exact location was unknown but it was believed to have been in the middle of a corn field. Another pilot had observed the plane in the field and landed to help direct emergency responders. A deputy on scene was equipped with a search and rescue drone and immediately deployed the drone and located the plane.A deputy was then able to relay responding emergency personnel to the site through the corn. Additional personnel arrived with UTVs and ATVs to help support the rescue effort.The plane had a single occupant who did not survive the crash.&nbsp; The case is being investigated as a joint investigation with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, FAA, NTSB, Bates County Sheriff's Office and the Bates County Coroner's Office.Authorities have not released the victim's name.