HARVEY COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just before 2p.m. Saturday in Harvey County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Lincoln MKZ driven by Denice K. Bina, 65, Marion was southbound on Interstate 135 two miles south of Newton.

The car left the roadway, traveled into the median and came back onto the roadway. The driver overcorrected and the car traveled across the median and into the northbound lanes.&nbsp; A 2019 Freightliner semi driven by Evan Matthew Newman, 25, Udall struck the Lincoln.

Bina and a passenger Raymond C. Bina, 71, Marion, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to the&nbsp; Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center.

Newman was not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626576396845.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal Saturday crash -photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal Saturday crash -photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just before 2p.m. Saturday in Harvey County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Lincoln MKZ driven by Denice K. Bina, 65, Marion was southbound on Interstate 135 two miles south of Newton.The car left the roadway, traveled into the median and came back onto the roadway. The driver overcorrected and the car traveled across the median and into the northbound lanes.&nbsp; A 2019 Freightliner semi driven by Evan Matthew Newman, 25, Udall struck the Lincoln.Bina and a passenger Raymond C. Bina, 71, Marion, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to the&nbsp; Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center.Newman was not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kan. couple killed after wrong-way I-135 crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a second suspect in just over a week for allegedly using a GPS device to track a woman.

On July 13, the Wichita Police Department Domestic Intervention and Violence Reduction Team (DIVRT)  worked to track down a suspect identified as 27-year-old Kanneth Battle of Wichita who had been stalking a victim and placing GPS trackers on her vehicle, according to Officer Charley Davidson. 

On Monday, the DIVRT team served Battle with a Protection from Stalking order. Tuesday morning, he was seen on video placing a GPS tracker on a vehicle that the victim had access to.

The DIVRT team worked with patrol to recover the GPS devices and locate Battle.&nbsp; He was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick county Adult Detention Facility on requested charges of stalking, two counts of tampering with an automobile, violation of a protection order and criminal use of weapons.

On July 6, police arrested 57-year-old Ed Harrington of Wichita after&nbsp;a female victim reported that in May a suspect identified as Harrington – a person known to her –had placed a GPS tracking device on her vehicle, according to Wichita Police Officer Trevor Macy.

 She had taken it to a local automotive shop, where they were able to locate and remove it.

&nbsp;After interviews, Harrington was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of Stalking, Burglary to Auto, Theft, and Violation of a protection order.

&nbsp;If you or someone you know is involved in a domestic violence relationship, don't hesitate to reach out - police can connect you with resources to help.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626281066344.png" alt="Battle photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Battle photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a second suspect in just over a week for allegedly using a GPS device to track a woman.On July 13, the Wichita Police Department Domestic Intervention and Violence Reduction Team (DIVRT) worked to track down a suspect identified as 27-year-old Kanneth Battle of Wichita who had been stalking a victim and placing GPS trackers on her vehicle, according to Officer Charley Davidson. On Monday, the DIVRT team served Battle with a Protection from Stalking order. Tuesday morning, he was seen on video placing a GPS tracker on a vehicle that the victim had access to.The DIVRT team worked with patrol to recover the GPS devices and locate Battle.&nbsp; He was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick county Adult Detention Facility on requested charges of stalking, two counts of tampering with an automobile, violation of a protection order and criminal use of weapons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625666476262.png" alt="Harrington photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Harrington photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On July 6, police arrested 57-year-old Ed Harrington of Wichita after&nbsp;a female victim reported that in May a suspect identified as Harrington – a person known to her –had placed a GPS tracking device on her vehicle, according to Wichita Police Officer Trevor Macy. She had taken it to a local automotive shop, where they were able to locate and remove it.&nbsp;After interviews, Harrington was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of Stalking, Burglary to Auto, Theft, and Violation of a protection order.&nbsp;If you or someone you know is involved in a domestic violence relationship, don't hesitate to reach out - police can connect you with resources to help.

Another Kan. man  accused of using GPS device to track woman

SALINE COUNTY —Investigations by the I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force helped officers make several recent arrests, seize multiple drug-related items and cash.

Since February, the task force has been conducting drug distribution investigations of individuals in Salina, according to a media release.

During the course of the investigations, the Task Force identified three individuals who were conducting ongoing drug distribution from residences in Salina.

Through information uncovered during the investigations, the task force was able to secure search warrants for three locations in Salina.

On July 8, the task force served a search warrant at a residence in the 1100 block of N. Ninth Street in Salina and seized more than five ounces of cocaine, More than three grams of psilocybin mushroom, More than $21,000 in cash, A .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun and more than 20 grams of marijuana and THC gummies

According to information from the task force, arrests are pending in this investigation.

On Tuesday, the task force served a search warrant at 924 E. Kirwin Avenue and seized more than one pound of THC wax, more than $1,300 in cash, An AR-15 rifle, a 2005 BMW 325i and More than a pound of marijuana

Two people were arrested in connection to this search warrant, the task force noted.

Oscar Lopez-Garcia, 21, of Salina was arrested on requested charges that include Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, Felony possession of drug paraphernalia, Drug tax stamp violation, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Criminal possession of a firearm.

Antonio Lopez, 22, of Salina was arrested on requested charges that include Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, Felony possession of drug paraphernalia, Drug tax stamp violation, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of drug proceeds.

On Thursday, the Salina Police Department served a search warrant at 627 Washington Street in Salina for the task force.&nbsp; and seized More than three grams of psilocybin mushrooms, More than $15,000 in cash, A Glock 9mm handgun with three magazines (two 33-round extended) and More than two pounds of marijuana

Zachary D. Swarts, 18, was arrested in connection to that search warrant on&nbsp; requested charges of Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, Felony possession of drug paraphernalia, Drug tax stamp violation, Possession of drug paraphernalia Possession of drug proceeds and Possession of marijuana.

SALINE COUNTY —Investigations by the I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force helped officers make several recent arrests, seize multiple drug-related items and cash.Since February, the task force has been conducting drug distribution investigations of individuals in Salina, according to a media release.During the course of the investigations, the Task Force identified three individuals who were conducting ongoing drug distribution from residences in Salina.Through information uncovered during the investigations, the task force was able to secure search warrants for three locations in Salina.On July 8, the task force served a search warrant at a residence in the 1100 block of N. Ninth Street in Salina and seized more than five ounces of cocaine, More than three grams of psilocybin mushroom, More than $21,000 in cash, A .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun and more than 20 grams of marijuana and THC gummies<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626458455519.png" alt="Items seized at the first house. Photos courtesy&nbsp;I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force" />
 <figcaption>Items seized at the first house. Photos courtesy&nbsp;I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force</figcaption>
 </figure>According to information from the task force, arrests are pending in this investigation.On Tuesday, the task force served a search warrant at 924 E. Kirwin Avenue and seized more than one pound of THC wax, more than $1,300 in cash, An AR-15 rifle, a 2005 BMW 325i and More than a pound of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626458542721.png" alt="Items seized at the second house" />
 <figcaption>Items seized at the second house</figcaption>
 </figure>Two people were arrested in connection to this search warrant, the task force noted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626269118486.jpeg" alt="Oscar Lopez-Garcia Photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Oscar Lopez-Garcia Photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Oscar Lopez-Garcia, 21, of Salina was arrested on requested charges that include Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, Felony possession of drug paraphernalia, Drug tax stamp violation, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Criminal possession of a firearm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626269000252.jpeg" alt="Antonio Lopez photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Antonio Lopez photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Antonio Lopez, 22, of Salina was arrested on requested charges that include Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, Felony possession of drug paraphernalia, Drug tax stamp violation, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of drug proceeds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626458750073.png" alt="Items seized at third house. Photo Saline Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Items seized at third house. Photo Saline Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, the Salina Police Department served a search warrant at 627 Washington Street in Salina for the task force.&nbsp; and seized More than three grams of psilocybin mushrooms, More than $15,000 in cash, A Glock 9mm handgun with three magazines (two 33-round extended) and More than two pounds of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626436843243.jpeg" alt="Zachary Swarts. Photos Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Zachary Swarts. Photos Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Zachary D. Swarts, 18, was arrested in connection to that search warrant on&nbsp; requested charges of Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, Felony possession of drug paraphernalia, Drug tax stamp violation, Possession of drug paraphernalia Possession of drug proceeds and Possession of marijuana.

Drug task force finds cash, guns and makes 3 arrests

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.

Just after 9a.m. Thursday, deputies responded to an alarm at a business in the 5200 block of SE 29th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp; 

A deputy located an individual nearby that matched the description of the suspect. While deputies were making contact with the suspect later identified as&nbsp;Angelo D. Aldridge, 34, of Topeka &nbsp;he fled on foot. 

He was later located by on officer with Topeka Public Schools Police hiding in the backyard of a residence in the 3900 block of SE Skylark Court and placed him into custody.

Deputies booked Aldridge into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a felony warrant out of Shawnee County as well as requested charges of burglary, theft, criminal trespass, interference with law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626473486813.png" alt="Aldridge photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Aldridge photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.Just after 9a.m. Thursday, deputies responded to an alarm at a business in the 5200 block of SE 29th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp; A deputy located an individual nearby that matched the description of the suspect. While deputies were making contact with the suspect later identified as&nbsp;Angelo D. Aldridge, 34, of Topeka &nbsp;he fled on foot. He was later located by on officer with Topeka Public Schools Police hiding in the backyard of a residence in the 3900 block of SE Skylark Court and placed him into custody.Deputies booked Aldridge into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a felony warrant out of Shawnee County as well as requested charges of burglary, theft, criminal trespass, interference with law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kan. school police officer finds burglary suspect hiding in backyard

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Approvals for companies to drill for oil and gas on U.S. public lands are on pace this year to reach their highest level since George W. Bush was president, underscoring President Joe Biden’s reluctance to more forcefully curb petroleum production in the face of industry and Republican resistance.

The Interior Department approved about 2,500 permits to drill on public and tribal lands in the first six months of the year, according to an Associated Press analysis of government data. That includes more than 2,100 drilling approvals since Biden took office January 20.

New Mexico and Wyoming had the largest number of approvals. Montana, Colorado and Utah also had hundreds each.

Biden campaigned last year on a pledge to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-pennsylvania-fa798602a357d0f4a765739e36f4f82b">end new drilling on federal lands&nbsp;</a>to rein in climate-changing emissions. His pick to oversee those lands, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, was an adamant opponent of drilling on federal lands while in Congress and a co-sponsor of the liberal Green New Deal.

But the steps taken by the administration to date on fossil fuels are more modest, including a temporary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-climate-change-environment-energy-and-the-environment-71001caf45220548deb26343d3889816">suspension on new oil and gas leases</a>&nbsp;on federal lands that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-change-environment-and-nature-business-9751c4909a8b1baba28f3bcff9d5fa6e">a judge blocked last month</a>, blocked petroleum sales in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alaska-arctic-wildlife-refuge-oil-gas-drilling-biden-b9f20088957d42e99b791ff94169198f">the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-alberta-2fbcce48372f5c29c3ae6f6f93907a6d">cancellation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline&nbsp;</a>from Canada.

Because vast fossil fuel reserves already are under lease, those actions did nothing to slow drilling on public lands and waters that account for about a quarter of U.S. oil production.

Further complicating Biden’s climate agenda is a recent rise in gasoline prices to $3 a gallon ($0.79 a liter) or more in many parts of the country. Any attempt to limit petroleum production could push gasoline prices even higher and risk souring economic recovery from the pandemic.

“He’s walking the tightrope,” said energy industry analyst Parker Fawcett with S&amp;P Global Platts, noting that Keystone and ANWR came without huge political costs because they were aimed at future projects.

“Those easy wins don’t necessarily have huge impacts on the market today,” Fawcett said. “He is definitely backing off taking drastic action that would rock the market. ... What you’re going to see is U.S. oil production is going to continue to rebound.”

Haaland has sought to tamp down Republican concern over potential constraints on the industry. She said during a House Natural Resources Committee hearing last month that there was no “plan right now for a permanent ban.”

“Gas and oil production will continue well into the future and we believe that is the reality of our economy and the world we’re living in,” Haaland told Colorado Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn.

Interior officials declined further comment on permits issued under Biden.

Under former President Donald Trump, a staunch industry supporter, the Interior Department reduced the time it takes to review drilling applications from a year or more in some cases, to just a few months.

Companies rushed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-climate-wyoming-coronavirus-pandemic-a917f51126fa2641e0713573424b2b11">lock in drilling rights</a>&nbsp;before the new administration. And in December, Trump’s last full month in office, agency officials approved more than 800 permits — far more than any prior month during his presidency.

The pace dropped when Biden first took office, under a temporary order that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-billings-a3a37acf2fce55449b704b01badc1f67">elevated review of permits to senior administration officials</a>. Approvals have since rebounded to a level that exceeds monthly numbers seen through most of Trump’s presidency.

The data obtained by AP from a government database is subject to change because of delays in transmitting data from Interior field offices to headquarters.

If the recent trends continue, the Interior Department could issue close to 6,000 permits by the end of the year. The last time so many were issued was fiscal year 2008, amid an oil boom driven by crude prices that reached an all-time high of $140 per barrel that June.

Decisions on about 4,700 drilling applications remained pending as of June 1, which means approvals are likely to continue at a heavy pace as officials work through a backlog left over from the Trump administration, said Fawcett, the industry analyst.

Environmentalists who share the administration’s goals on climate have expressed growing frustration in recent weeks as the prospects for a ban on drilling fade. They contend the administration has authority to take executive action that would stop further permits from being issued, but has caved to Republican pressure.

“Every indication is they have no plans of actually fulfilling their campaign promise,” said Mitch Jones, policy director for the environmental group Food &amp; Water Watch. “The result of that will be continued and increasing development of fossil fuels on public lands, which means more climate change.”

The administration’s defenders say that it’s been forced to be pragmatic in the face of a Senate split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans and questions over whether the government could legally stop drilling on leases already sold to companies.

That’s meant forgoing a drilling ban in hopes of getting bipartisan support for a huge infrastructure package that includes clean energy incentives and other measures to address global warming.

“It’s the long game. ... You’ve got to appease some of those oil and gas state senators,” said Jim Lyons, who was deputy assistant Interior secretary under Barack Obama and is now an environmental consultant. “It means jobs back home for thousands of workers. You can’t just pull the plug overnight.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1567081192406.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Approvals for companies to drill for oil and gas on U.S. public lands are on pace this year to reach their highest level since George W. Bush was president, underscoring President Joe Biden’s reluctance to more forcefully curb petroleum production in the face of industry and Republican resistance.The Interior Department approved about 2,500 permits to drill on public and tribal lands in the first six months of the year, according to an Associated Press analysis of government data. That includes more than 2,100 drilling approvals since Biden took office January 20.New Mexico and Wyoming had the largest number of approvals. Montana, Colorado and Utah also had hundreds each.Biden campaigned last year on a pledge to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-pennsylvania-fa798602a357d0f4a765739e36f4f82b">end new drilling on federal lands&nbsp;</a>to rein in climate-changing emissions. His pick to oversee those lands, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, was an adamant opponent of drilling on federal lands while in Congress and a co-sponsor of the liberal Green New Deal.But the steps taken by the administration to date on fossil fuels are more modest, including a temporary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-climate-change-environment-energy-and-the-environment-71001caf45220548deb26343d3889816">suspension on new oil and gas leases</a>&nbsp;on federal lands that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-change-environment-and-nature-business-9751c4909a8b1baba28f3bcff9d5fa6e">a judge blocked last month</a>, blocked petroleum sales in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alaska-arctic-wildlife-refuge-oil-gas-drilling-biden-b9f20088957d42e99b791ff94169198f">the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-alberta-2fbcce48372f5c29c3ae6f6f93907a6d">cancellation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline&nbsp;</a>from Canada.Because vast fossil fuel reserves already are under lease, those actions did nothing to slow drilling on public lands and waters that account for about a quarter of U.S. oil production.Further complicating Biden’s climate agenda is a recent rise in gasoline prices to $3 a gallon ($0.79 a liter) or more in many parts of the country. Any attempt to limit petroleum production could push gasoline prices even higher and risk souring economic recovery from the pandemic.“He’s walking the tightrope,” said energy industry analyst Parker Fawcett with S&amp;P Global Platts, noting that Keystone and ANWR came without huge political costs because they were aimed at future projects.“Those easy wins don’t necessarily have huge impacts on the market today,” Fawcett said. “He is definitely backing off taking drastic action that would rock the market. ... What you’re going to see is U.S. oil production is going to continue to rebound.”Haaland has sought to tamp down Republican concern over potential constraints on the industry. She said during a House Natural Resources Committee hearing last month that there was no “plan right now for a permanent ban.”“Gas and oil production will continue well into the future and we believe that is the reality of our economy and the world we’re living in,” Haaland told Colorado Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn.Interior officials declined further comment on permits issued under Biden.Under former President Donald Trump, a staunch industry supporter, the Interior Department reduced the time it takes to review drilling applications from a year or more in some cases, to just a few months.Companies rushed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-climate-wyoming-coronavirus-pandemic-a917f51126fa2641e0713573424b2b11">lock in drilling rights</a>&nbsp;before the new administration. And in December, Trump’s last full month in office, agency officials approved more than 800 permits — far more than any prior month during his presidency.The pace dropped when Biden first took office, under a temporary order that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-billings-a3a37acf2fce55449b704b01badc1f67">elevated review of permits to senior administration officials</a>. Approvals have since rebounded to a level that exceeds monthly numbers seen through most of Trump’s presidency.The data obtained by AP from a government database is subject to change because of delays in transmitting data from Interior field offices to headquarters.If the recent trends continue, the Interior Department could issue close to 6,000 permits by the end of the year. The last time so many were issued was fiscal year 2008, amid an oil boom driven by crude prices that reached an all-time high of $140 per barrel that June.Decisions on about 4,700 drilling applications remained pending as of June 1, which means approvals are likely to continue at a heavy pace as officials work through a backlog left over from the Trump administration, said Fawcett, the industry analyst.Environmentalists who share the administration’s goals on climate have expressed growing frustration in recent weeks as the prospects for a ban on drilling fade. They contend the administration has authority to take executive action that would stop further permits from being issued, but has caved to Republican pressure.“Every indication is they have no plans of actually fulfilling their campaign promise,” said Mitch Jones, policy director for the environmental group Food &amp; Water Watch. “The result of that will be continued and increasing development of fossil fuels on public lands, which means more climate change.”The administration’s defenders say that it’s been forced to be pragmatic in the face of a Senate split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans and questions over whether the government could legally stop drilling on leases already sold to companies.That’s meant forgoing a drilling ban in hopes of getting bipartisan support for a huge infrastructure package that includes clean energy incentives and other measures to address global warming.“It’s the long game. ... You’ve got to appease some of those oil and gas state senators,” said Jim Lyons, who was deputy assistant Interior secretary under Barack Obama and is now an environmental consultant. “It means jobs back home for thousands of workers. You can’t just pull the plug overnight.”___

US drilling approvals increase despite Biden climate pledge

BUTLER COUNTY —Authorities in Butler County have learned that an individual who attended the county fair on Friday also tested positive for&nbsp; COVID-19 on Saturday, according to a media release from the Butler County Health Department.

The individual was a spectator who attended the lamb and goat show to watch a family member.

Since the event was an open air event, the individual had limited contact with anyone outside of their immediate family, according to release. The risk of other exposure is limited.&nbsp;

However, since there is always a risk, anyone experiencing symptoms who attended the fair on Friday afternoon or evening should get tested.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing"> Click here to find</a> a testing location.

BUTLER COUNTY —Authorities in Butler County have learned that an individual who attended the county fair on Friday also tested positive for&nbsp; COVID-19 on Saturday, according to a media release from the Butler County Health Department.The individual was a spectator who attended the lamb and goat show to watch a family member.Since the event was an open air event, the individual had limited contact with anyone outside of their immediate family, according to release. The risk of other exposure is limited.&nbsp;However, since there is always a risk, anyone experiencing symptoms who attended the fair on Friday afternoon or evening should get tested.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing"> Click here to find</a> a testing location.

Health official: COVID-19 exposure at Butler County Fair

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City are investigating the death of a teenager at an underpass as a homicide.

The victim’s body was found Friday afternoon on the roadway at Blue River Road’s underpass at Bannister Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim was identified Saturday as 18-year-old Robin Strother. Police say the investigation at the scene revealed suspicious circumstances.The homicide was the fourth in Kansas City in a 24-hour period

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City are investigating the death of a teenager at an underpass as a homicide.The victim’s body was found Friday afternoon on the roadway at Blue River Road’s underpass at Bannister Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.The victim was identified Saturday as 18-year-old Robin Strother. Police say the investigation at the scene revealed suspicious circumstances.The homicide was the fourth in Kansas City in a 24-hour period

Homicide: KC police ID teen found dead at underpass


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Miss Kansas 2021 Taylor Clark was crowned last weekend in Pratt. For her, it was really a culmination of years of dreaming about winning the title.

"I am still absolutely on cloud nine, it doesn't quite seem real yet," Clark said. "This was my first time competing at Miss Kansas as a candidate, but, I grew up in St. John, which is about 25 miles north of Pratt and so I grew up involved with the Miss Kansas organization because we were so close and my family has a lot of ties to Pratt, so when I was five, in 2005, was the first year of the Sunflower Princess program, or now it's called the Sunflower Mentoring program. I got to go and be mentored by the contestants and it was just a really fun time for me to get to go on stage and see everyone do their talents and talk about community service, so from that point on, I just knew I wanted to stay involved and compete someday."

Clark won the Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen competition in 2017.

"I had a wonderful experience that year, getting to travel Kansas, go to the national competition and just really get to meet with a lot of people from across the state and serve and talk to a lot of kiddos. I just loved the experience."

Clark won the Miss Augusta competition to qualify for Miss Kansas. She also won a preliminary talent contest award for her drumming. She was named the Pam Matlock Rookie of the Year and won the overall title. Her total scholarship winnings this year thus far are over $10,500. She hopes this year to be able to show the importance of music education, as that is what she is going to school for at Kansas State.

"Percussion and drumming in general is a very male dominated field," Clark said. "I'm one of very few women I know that is competing, not only in this organization, but just playing in general. There are more women now, but even at K-State this last year, I was the only woman in the percussion studio. Being able to share my talent on the Miss Kansas stage, I was the only woman there doing that and perhaps the only woman who has ever done that at the Miss Kansas competition. It was just a huge blessing for me. It's absolutely what I love to do."

Clark will take the year off from her studies to fulfill her Miss Kansas obligations and then return next year to finish her degree. The 100th anniversary Miss America competition will be broadcast live in December 2021 from the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626274623844.jpeg" alt="Taylor Clark-Miss Kansas 2021-Courtesy Linda Werhan Photography" />
 <figcaption>Taylor Clark-Miss Kansas 2021-Courtesy Linda Werhan Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Miss Kansas 2021 Taylor Clark was crowned last weekend in Pratt. For her, it was really a culmination of years of dreaming about winning the title."I am still absolutely on cloud nine, it doesn't quite seem real yet," Clark said. "This was my first time competing at Miss Kansas as a candidate, but, I grew up in St. John, which is about 25 miles north of Pratt and so I grew up involved with the Miss Kansas organization because we were so close and my family has a lot of ties to Pratt, so when I was five, in 2005, was the first year of the Sunflower Princess program, or now it's called the Sunflower Mentoring program. I got to go and be mentored by the contestants and it was just a really fun time for me to get to go on stage and see everyone do their talents and talk about community service, so from that point on, I just knew I wanted to stay involved and compete someday."Clark won the Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen competition in 2017."I had a wonderful experience that year, getting to travel Kansas, go to the national competition and just really get to meet with a lot of people from across the state and serve and talk to a lot of kiddos. I just loved the experience."Clark won the Miss Augusta competition to qualify for Miss Kansas. She also won a preliminary talent contest award for her drumming. She was named the Pam Matlock Rookie of the Year and won the overall title. Her total scholarship winnings this year thus far are over $10,500. She hopes this year to be able to show the importance of music education, as that is what she is going to school for at Kansas State."Percussion and drumming in general is a very male dominated field," Clark said. "I'm one of very few women I know that is competing, not only in this organization, but just playing in general. There are more women now, but even at K-State this last year, I was the only woman in the percussion studio. Being able to share my talent on the Miss Kansas stage, I was the only woman there doing that and perhaps the only woman who has ever done that at the Miss Kansas competition. It was just a huge blessing for me. It's absolutely what I love to do."Clark will take the year off from her studies to fulfill her Miss Kansas obligations and then return next year to finish her degree. The 100th anniversary Miss America competition will be broadcast live in December 2021 from the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

2021 Miss Kansas grew up dreaming, ended up drumming to win

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a child sex crime suspect took his own life following a standoff with police in Wichita.

Just after 11p.m. Thursday, a Sedgwick County deputy stopped a vehicle near Interstate 235 and Central after observing a traffic violation, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

 The deputy made contact with the driver identified as 43-year-old&nbsp;Ramiro A Rosete Jr.&nbsp; and discovered he had an outstanding warrant for Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child. 

When the deputy attempted to arrest the suspect for the outstanding warrant, he fled in his vehicle. The deputy pursued the Rosete for several minutes, but eventually lost sight of him near Seneca and Irving. The vehicle was later located, unoccupied, in an alley near Mead and Bayley.

Through their investigation, deputies learned Rosete had been staying at a motel in the 7300 block of east Kellogg. Deputies went to the motel and made contact with Rosete who had barricaded the door to his room. 

Rosete refused to come out of the room and informed deputies he had a handgun. After considering the current circumstances, the SWAT team was requested to assist.

SWAT negotiators assumed communications with the suspect, which they maintained for several hours. At approximately 8:25a.m., the suspect agreed to surrender. Shortly after this agreement, SWAT members heard one gunshot from the suspect’s room. SWAT members located Rosete in his room with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. SWAT medics provided treatment to the wounded suspect until he was transported by EMS to a local hospital.

Rosete died of his injuries at the hospital, according to Blick.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626460820934.png" alt="Police near the scene of the standoff -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police near the scene of the standoff -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a child sex crime suspect took his own life following a standoff with police in Wichita.Just after 11p.m. Thursday, a Sedgwick County deputy stopped a vehicle near Interstate 235 and Central after observing a traffic violation, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick. The deputy made contact with the driver identified as 43-year-old&nbsp;Ramiro A Rosete Jr.&nbsp; and discovered he had an outstanding warrant for Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child. When the deputy attempted to arrest the suspect for the outstanding warrant, he fled in his vehicle. The deputy pursued the Rosete for several minutes, but eventually lost sight of him near Seneca and Irving. The vehicle was later located, unoccupied, in an alley near Mead and Bayley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626530531031.png" alt="Rosete Jr. photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Rosete Jr. photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Through their investigation, deputies learned Rosete had been staying at a motel in the 7300 block of east Kellogg. Deputies went to the motel and made contact with Rosete who had barricaded the door to his room. Rosete refused to come out of the room and informed deputies he had a handgun. After considering the current circumstances, the SWAT team was requested to assist.SWAT negotiators assumed communications with the suspect, which they maintained for several hours. At approximately 8:25a.m., the suspect agreed to surrender. Shortly after this agreement, SWAT members heard one gunshot from the suspect’s room. SWAT members located Rosete in his room with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. SWAT medics provided treatment to the wounded suspect until he was transported by EMS to a local hospital.Rosete died of his injuries at the hospital, according to Blick.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Kan. sex crime suspect found dead after standoff 

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/15/kansas-earmarks-15m-in-emergency-education-funds-for-early-literacy/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA
 — The Kansas State Department of Education is setting aside $15 million
 in funding for a literacy initiative intended to address learning loss 
during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative will allow Kansas 
teachers to receive specialized training in the science of reading 
through the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling 
program. LETRS is a professional development program that provides 
educators with tools to improve the literacy and language development of
 their students.

Through the program, educators learn to identify and intervene before students suffer from reading failure.

Funds set aside will be drawn from 
the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund and 
spread across three years. The Kansas initiative will focus on pre-K 
through third-grade teachers, English as a second language educators, 
reading specialists, and special education.

“Early literacy is an effort the 
state board has been committed to for many years because it is critical 
to long-term academic success,” said education commissioner Randy 
Watson. “With the learning loss created by the pandemic and the federal 
funds made available to address this loss, this is the right opportunity
 at the right time.”

Amid the pandemic, Kansas classrooms 
saw academic losses in reading, mathematics, social-emotional issues and
 literacy, Watson said. Education officials hope this program, already 
used previously to a lesser degree across the state, can help the 
state’s classrooms recover.

The program will first be available 
to all teachers in the five Kansas counties most impacted academically —
 Douglas, Johnson, Shawnee, Sedgwick and Wyandotte counties. Some 
counties in southeast Kansas also will be included.

KSDE plans to expand services to more rural communities during its second phase.

Besides training in structured 
literacy for every teacher, LETRS will provide professors at higher 
education institutions with better training to prepare future educators,
 said Jim Porter, chairman of the state board of education.

“We can have confidence that those 
people that are dealing with each stage have the capacity and the 
ability to know about the science of reading and what works for our 
students,” Porter said. “We have numerous students who are not 
successful in reading, and we believe that this is going to make a 
tremendous impact on their part.”

Private accredited schools also will 
have access to the same intense training for their teachers. Most of the
 science of reading training will take place virtually, although some 
will be in-person.

The science of reading focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

“This training will enhance and 
support any ongoing efforts to implement structured literacy,” said 
Michelle Dombrosky, who represents District 3 on the board. “LETRS is 
basically the science of reading — the what and the why — and structured
 literacy is the how.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626446719005.png" alt="Kansas education commissioner Randy Watson and the state board of education on Wednesday announced $15 million would be set aside to train Kansas teachers how to best address early literacy. (KSDE)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas education commissioner Randy Watson and the state board of education on Wednesday announced $15 million would be set aside to train Kansas teachers how to best address early literacy. (KSDE)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/15/kansas-earmarks-15m-in-emergency-education-funds-for-early-literacy/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA
 — The Kansas State Department of Education is setting aside $15 million
 in funding for a literacy initiative intended to address learning loss 
during the COVID-19 pandemic.The initiative will allow Kansas 
teachers to receive specialized training in the science of reading 
through the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling 
program. LETRS is a professional development program that provides 
educators with tools to improve the literacy and language development of
 their students.Through the program, educators learn to identify and intervene before students suffer from reading failure.Funds set aside will be drawn from 
the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund and 
spread across three years. The Kansas initiative will focus on pre-K 
through third-grade teachers, English as a second language educators, 
reading specialists, and special education.“Early literacy is an effort the 
state board has been committed to for many years because it is critical 
to long-term academic success,” said education commissioner Randy 
Watson. “With the learning loss created by the pandemic and the federal 
funds made available to address this loss, this is the right opportunity
 at the right time.”Amid the pandemic, Kansas classrooms 
saw academic losses in reading, mathematics, social-emotional issues and
 literacy, Watson said. Education officials hope this program, already 
used previously to a lesser degree across the state, can help the 
state’s classrooms recover.The program will first be available 
to all teachers in the five Kansas counties most impacted academically —
 Douglas, Johnson, Shawnee, Sedgwick and Wyandotte counties. Some 
counties in southeast Kansas also will be included.KSDE plans to expand services to more rural communities during its second phase.Besides training in structured 
literacy for every teacher, LETRS will provide professors at higher 
education institutions with better training to prepare future educators,
 said Jim Porter, chairman of the state board of education.“We can have confidence that those 
people that are dealing with each stage have the capacity and the 
ability to know about the science of reading and what works for our 
students,” Porter said. “We have numerous students who are not 
successful in reading, and we believe that this is going to make a 
tremendous impact on their part.”Private accredited schools also will 
have access to the same intense training for their teachers. Most of the
 science of reading training will take place virtually, although some 
will be in-person.The science of reading focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.“This training will enhance and 
support any ongoing efforts to implement structured literacy,” said 
Michelle Dombrosky, who represents District 3 on the board. “LETRS is 
basically the science of reading — the what and the why — and structured
 literacy is the how.”

Kan. earmarks $15M in emergency education funds for early literacy

WASHINGTON — The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. is becoming “a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”

Speaking during a White House briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky says cases in the U.S. are up about 70% over the last week, hospital admissions are up 36% and deaths rose by 26%. Nearly all hospital admissions and deaths, she says, are among the unvaccinated.

White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients echoed the pandemic is “one that predominantly threatens unvaccinated people.”

He says the Biden administration expects cases to increase in the weeks ahead because of spread in communities with low vaccination rates. Four states accounted for 40% of new cases last week, with one in five coming from Florida.

But Zients says there are signs that increased cases are driving more people in those communities to seek vaccination at rates faster than the national average.

WASHINGTON — The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. is becoming “a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”Speaking during a White House briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky says cases in the U.S. are up about 70% over the last week, hospital admissions are up 36% and deaths rose by 26%. Nearly all hospital admissions and deaths, she says, are among the unvaccinated.White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients echoed the pandemic is “one that predominantly threatens unvaccinated people.”He says the Biden administration expects cases to increase in the weeks ahead because of spread in communities with low vaccination rates. Four states accounted for 40% of new cases last week, with one in five coming from Florida.But Zients says there are signs that increased cases are driving more people in those communities to seek vaccination at rates faster than the national average.___

CDC Director: U.S. becoming pandemic of the unvaccinated

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Police arrested two Salina men after a pursuit&nbsp; that began late Thursday night in north Salina.

At 11:30 p.m. Thursday, an officer observed a blue Oldsmobile Delta 88 that was westbound on W. Decatur Street in Salina. The driver failed to use his turn signal and instead turned on his flashers before turning south in the 600 block of N. Ninth Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled at a high rate of speed, leading the officer on a chase through parts of north Salina at speeds of 70 mph.

The pursuit eventually ended up on E. Iron Avenue, where the car turned into the parking lot at Quail Creek Apartments, 1515 E. Iron Avenue.

The driver, identified as Adrian Richardson, 29, of Salina, fled on foot. A witness told police that Richardson had gone into an apartment in the complex. Police located him in the apartment and he was taken into custody, Forrester said.

None of the four occupants of the apartment knew Richardson and he did not have permission to be there, Forrester added. None of the occupants was injured.

As another officer was pulling up on the scene, he noticed a passenger from the car fleeing on foot as well. The passenger was identified as Anthony Wonder, 33, of Salina. As the officer chased Wonder on foot, Wonder allegedly turned around and punched the officer in the head, Forrester said. Wonder eventually was taken into custody in the 1400 block of E. Iron Avenue. The officer was not seriously injured, Forrester said.

Police arrested Richardson was arrested on requested charges of Felony flee and elude, Felony interference with a law enforcement office, Aggravated burglary, Reckless driving, Multiple traffic infractions, No proof of insurance

Wonder is being held on requested charges of Felony interference with a law enforcement officer, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of paraphernalia, Battery of a law enforcement officer and&nbsp;No drug tax stamp.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice arrested two Salina men after a pursuit&nbsp; that began late Thursday night in north Salina.At 11:30 p.m. Thursday, an officer observed a blue Oldsmobile Delta 88 that was westbound on W. Decatur Street in Salina. The driver failed to use his turn signal and instead turned on his flashers before turning south in the 600 block of N. Ninth Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled at a high rate of speed, leading the officer on a chase through parts of north Salina at speeds of 70 mph.The pursuit eventually ended up on E. Iron Avenue, where the car turned into the parking lot at Quail Creek Apartments, 1515 E. Iron Avenue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626436569605.jpeg" alt="Adrian Richardson. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Adrian Richardson. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, identified as Adrian Richardson, 29, of Salina, fled on foot. A witness told police that Richardson had gone into an apartment in the complex. Police located him in the apartment and he was taken into custody, Forrester said.None of the four occupants of the apartment knew Richardson and he did not have permission to be there, Forrester added. None of the occupants was injured.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626450250116.jpeg" alt="Anthony Wonder. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Anthony Wonder. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>As another officer was pulling up on the scene, he noticed a passenger from the car fleeing on foot as well. The passenger was identified as Anthony Wonder, 33, of Salina. As the officer chased Wonder on foot, Wonder allegedly turned around and punched the officer in the head, Forrester said. Wonder eventually was taken into custody in the 1400 block of E. Iron Avenue. The officer was not seriously injured, Forrester said.Police arrested Richardson was arrested on requested charges of Felony flee and elude, Felony interference with a law enforcement office, Aggravated burglary, Reckless driving, Multiple traffic infractions, No proof of insuranceWonder is being held on requested charges of Felony interference with a law enforcement officer, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of paraphernalia, Battery of a law enforcement officer and&nbsp;No drug tax stamp.

Police: Kan. suspect punches officer in the head after high-speed chase

THOMAS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 3p.m. Friday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by John L. McGuire, 47, Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, was southbound on Kansas 25 two miles north of U.S. 40.

The driver exited on the right while negotiating a curve. The motorcycle collided with Thomas County line sign and rolled an undeterminable amount of times. The motorcycle came to rest in the west ditch.

McGuire was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Baaumann Mortuary. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 3p.m. Friday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by John L. McGuire, 47, Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, was southbound on Kansas 25 two miles north of U.S. 40.The driver exited on the right while negotiating a curve. The motorcycle collided with Thomas County line sign and rolled an undeterminable amount of times. The motorcycle came to rest in the west ditch.McGuire was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Baaumann Mortuary. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Man dies after NW Kansas motorcycle accident

A federal judge in Texas on Friday ruled illegal an Obama-era program that prevents the deportation of some immigrants brought into the United States as children, putting new pressure for action on President Joe Biden and Democrats who control Congress for legislation to safeguard the people known as “Dreamers.”

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen ruled in favor of Texas and eight other conservative states that sued to halt the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which provides limited protections to about 650,000 people. People who are already enrolled won’t lose protections, but Hanen is barring the approval of any new applications.

On the decision, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said, “Today’s decision is a victory for the rule of law that reaffirms no president has the unilateral authority to rewrite or suspend our immigration laws. Even President Obama stated this obvious fact on numerous occasions until, capitulating to political pressure, he purported to create DACA by executive action. As I have said many times during the course of this lengthy litigation, DACA recipients are a sympathetic group with significant public support and a compelling argument that their circumstance is unique. But, because of President Obama’s unlawful executive action, for the past decade DACA recipients have lived under the cruel illusion of a program that in fact never could lawfully exist."

Hanen’s decision limits the immediate ability of Biden, who pledged during his campaign to protect DACA, to keep the program or something similar in place. His ruling is the second by a federal judge in Texas stopping Biden’s immigration plans, after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-texas-barack-obama-51688033e490d50867e52ef9c8ec574f">court barred enforcement of Biden’s 100-day stay</a>&nbsp;on most deportations. The program has been challenged in court since former President Barack Obama instituted it in June 2012.

In Friday’s ruling, Hanen wrote that the states proved “the hardship that the continued operation of DACA has inflicted on them.”

He continued: “Furthermore, the government has no legitimate interest in the continuation of an illegally implemented program.”

Biden has already proposed legislation that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-legislation-immigration-border-security-2179887c74cfd8d156bbd293abfc9fb0">provide a pathway to citizenship</a>&nbsp;for the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without authorization. He also ordered agencies to make efforts to preserve the program.

Supporters of DACA, including those who argued before Hanen to save it, have said a law passed by Congress is necessary to provide permanent relief. Hanen has said Congress must act if the U.S. wants to provide the protections in DACA to recipients commonly known as “Dreamers.”

The House approved legislation in March creating a pathway toward citizenship for “Dreamers,” but the measure has been stalled in the Senate. Immigration advocates hope to include a provision opening that citizenship doorway in sweeping budget legislation Democrats want to approve this year, but it’s unclear whether that language will survive.

Hanen’s ruling came after a nearly 3 1/2 hour&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-houston-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-immigration-us-supreme-court-bc19608c6aa54623902c44ded180d005">court hearing</a>&nbsp;Dec. 22 on DACA’s fate.

The states argued that Obama never had the authority in 2012 to create DACA because it circumvented Congress. The states also argued that the program drains their educational and healthcare resources.

Suing alongside Texas were Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, and West Virginia — states that all had Republican governors or state attorneys general.

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, which defended the program on behalf of a group of DACA recipients, argued Obama did have the authority and that the states lacked the standing to sue because they had not suffered any harm due to the program.

Hanen rejected Texas’ request in 2018 to stop the program through a preliminary injunction. But in a foreshadowing of his latest ruling, he said he believed DACA as enacted was likely unconstitutional.

“If the nation truly wants to have a DACA program, it is up to Congress to say so,” Hanen wrote in 2018.

Hanen ruled in 2015 that Obama could not expand DACA protections or institute a program shielding their parents.

While DACA is often described as a program for young immigrants, many recipients have lived in the U.S. for a decade or longer after being brought into the country without permission or overstaying visas. The liberal Center for American Progress says roughly 254,000 children have at least one parent relying on DACA. Some recipients are grandparents.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump’s attempt to end DACA in 2017 was unlawful. A New York judge in December&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-immigration-courts-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-ab070236efdcadce2659800f88b68507">ordered</a>&nbsp;the Trump administration to restore the program as enacted by Obama.

Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, a progressive organization, expressed disappointment at Friday’s ruling, saying in a statement that DACA has been a big success that has transformed many lives.

“Today makes absolutely clear: only a permanent legislative solution passed by Congress will eliminate the fear and uncertainty that DACA recipients have been forced to live with for years. We call on each and every elected office to do everything within their power so that DACA recipients and their families and communities can live free from fear, and continue to build their lives here,” Schulte said.

By ASTRID GALVAN, Associated PressA federal judge in Texas on Friday ruled illegal an Obama-era program that prevents the deportation of some immigrants brought into the United States as children, putting new pressure for action on President Joe Biden and Democrats who control Congress for legislation to safeguard the people known as “Dreamers.”U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen ruled in favor of Texas and eight other conservative states that sued to halt the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which provides limited protections to about 650,000 people. People who are already enrolled won’t lose protections, but Hanen is barring the approval of any new applications.On the decision, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said, “Today’s decision is a victory for the rule of law that reaffirms no president has the unilateral authority to rewrite or suspend our immigration laws. Even President Obama stated this obvious fact on numerous occasions until, capitulating to political pressure, he purported to create DACA by executive action. As I have said many times during the course of this lengthy litigation, DACA recipients are a sympathetic group with significant public support and a compelling argument that their circumstance is unique. But, because of President Obama’s unlawful executive action, for the past decade DACA recipients have lived under the cruel illusion of a program that in fact never could lawfully exist."Hanen’s decision limits the immediate ability of Biden, who pledged during his campaign to protect DACA, to keep the program or something similar in place. His ruling is the second by a federal judge in Texas stopping Biden’s immigration plans, after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-texas-barack-obama-51688033e490d50867e52ef9c8ec574f">court barred enforcement of Biden’s 100-day stay</a>&nbsp;on most deportations. The program has been challenged in court since former President Barack Obama instituted it in June 2012.In Friday’s ruling, Hanen wrote that the states proved “the hardship that the continued operation of DACA has inflicted on them.”He continued: “Furthermore, the government has no legitimate interest in the continuation of an illegally implemented program.”Biden has already proposed legislation that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-legislation-immigration-border-security-2179887c74cfd8d156bbd293abfc9fb0">provide a pathway to citizenship</a>&nbsp;for the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without authorization. He also ordered agencies to make efforts to preserve the program.Supporters of DACA, including those who argued before Hanen to save it, have said a law passed by Congress is necessary to provide permanent relief. Hanen has said Congress must act if the U.S. wants to provide the protections in DACA to recipients commonly known as “Dreamers.”The House approved legislation in March creating a pathway toward citizenship for “Dreamers,” but the measure has been stalled in the Senate. Immigration advocates hope to include a provision opening that citizenship doorway in sweeping budget legislation Democrats want to approve this year, but it’s unclear whether that language will survive.Hanen’s ruling came after a nearly 3 1/2 hour&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-houston-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-immigration-us-supreme-court-bc19608c6aa54623902c44ded180d005">court hearing</a>&nbsp;Dec. 22 on DACA’s fate.The states argued that Obama never had the authority in 2012 to create DACA because it circumvented Congress. The states also argued that the program drains their educational and healthcare resources.Suing alongside Texas were Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, and West Virginia — states that all had Republican governors or state attorneys general.The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, which defended the program on behalf of a group of DACA recipients, argued Obama did have the authority and that the states lacked the standing to sue because they had not suffered any harm due to the program.Hanen rejected Texas’ request in 2018 to stop the program through a preliminary injunction. But in a foreshadowing of his latest ruling, he said he believed DACA as enacted was likely unconstitutional.“If the nation truly wants to have a DACA program, it is up to Congress to say so,” Hanen wrote in 2018.Hanen ruled in 2015 that Obama could not expand DACA protections or institute a program shielding their parents.While DACA is often described as a program for young immigrants, many recipients have lived in the U.S. for a decade or longer after being brought into the country without permission or overstaying visas. The liberal Center for American Progress says roughly 254,000 children have at least one parent relying on DACA. Some recipients are grandparents.The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump’s attempt to end DACA in 2017 was unlawful. A New York judge in December&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-immigration-courts-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-ab070236efdcadce2659800f88b68507">ordered</a>&nbsp;the Trump administration to restore the program as enacted by Obama.Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, a progressive organization, expressed disappointment at Friday’s ruling, saying in a statement that DACA has been a big success that has transformed many lives.“Today makes absolutely clear: only a permanent legislative solution passed by Congress will eliminate the fear and uncertainty that DACA recipients have been forced to live with for years. We call on each and every elected office to do everything within their power so that DACA recipients and their families and communities can live free from fear, and continue to build their lives here,” Schulte said.

Federal judge orders end to DACA immigration program

LAKE OZARK, Mo. (AP) — A confrontation between rival motorcycle gangs in a popular Lake of the Ozarks tourist spot has left one man dead and four people injured.

Dan Field, a spokesperson for the city of Lake Ozark said that authorities can't yet say which motorcycle clubs were involved in Thursday night's confrontation. The victims had not been identified Friday.

The shooting occurred around 7:45 p.m. Thursday near Casablanca, a bar and restaurant on the strip of businesses along the road that runs across the Bagnell Dam. A message Casablanca posted on its Facebook page said Thursday was “bike night.”

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/casablancaloz/posts/4184670098234678">The posting&nbsp;</a>called the shooting “an unfortunate event” and "an isolated incident” and said Casablanca's staff was safe.

Another fatal shooting occurred in the resort community on Memorial Day weekend at the Lazy Gators event venue, which is 7 miles west of the Bagnell strip.

Kansas City-based rapper Vonza Watson was shot in the chest during an altercation. No one has been charged with his killing, but the Camden County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is continuing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626448595488.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting Thursday night -photo courtesy KMIZ TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting Thursday night -photo courtesy KMIZ TV</figcaption>
 </figure>LAKE OZARK, Mo. (AP) — A confrontation between rival motorcycle gangs in a popular Lake of the Ozarks tourist spot has left one man dead and four people injured.Dan Field, a spokesperson for the city of Lake Ozark said that authorities can't yet say which motorcycle clubs were involved in Thursday night's confrontation. The victims had not been identified Friday.The shooting occurred around 7:45 p.m. Thursday near Casablanca, a bar and restaurant on the strip of businesses along the road that runs across the Bagnell Dam. A message Casablanca posted on its Facebook page said Thursday was “bike night.”<a href="https://www.facebook.com/casablancaloz/posts/4184670098234678">The posting&nbsp;</a>called the shooting “an unfortunate event” and "an isolated incident” and said Casablanca's staff was safe.Another fatal shooting occurred in the resort community on Memorial Day weekend at the Lazy Gators event venue, which is 7 miles west of the Bagnell strip.Kansas City-based rapper Vonza Watson was shot in the chest during an altercation. No one has been charged with his killing, but the Camden County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is continuing.--------

Biker gang clash at tourist spot leaves 1 dead, 4 injured

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drowning in Sedgwick County.

Just before 4p.m. Thursday, deputies were dispatched to a drowning involving a child at a residence in the 20200 block of west 21st Street North, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

During the investigation deputies learned the child accessed the above ground pool in the backyard of the residence without the knowledge of his guardians.

The child, 3-year-old Chasson Carver of Las Vegas, Nevada, died at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626469658166.png" alt="First responders on the scene Thursday afternoon in Goddard -photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene Thursday afternoon in Goddard -photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drowning in Sedgwick County.Just before 4p.m. Thursday, deputies were dispatched to a drowning involving a child at a residence in the 20200 block of west 21st Street North, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.During the investigation deputies learned the child accessed the above ground pool in the backyard of the residence without the knowledge of his guardians.The child, 3-year-old Chasson Carver of Las Vegas, Nevada, died at the scene.

Sheriff IDs 3-year-old who drowned in pool at Kan. home

RICE COUNTY—The Northern Natural gas leak has been contained and emergency responders returned to their quarters Friday, afternoon, according to Rice County Emergency Communications. Those displaced due to the incident are now allowed to return to the area.

RICE COUNTY —Officials with Northern Natural gas are investigating a gas leak in Rice County.

Just after 3p.m.&nbsp;Thursday, crews were doing&nbsp; work at an underground storage facility southeast of Lyons when something happened with a valve that caused a release of natural gas, according to&nbsp;Mike Loeffler with Northern Natural Gas.

The company evacuated everyone within a one-mile radius of the area and closed all access to roads.&nbsp; Testing determined no natural gas at the one-mile perimeter or at the city limits of Lyons, according to Loeffler.

Northern Natural hope to begin repairs Friday morning.&nbsp; The public is not in danger, according to Loeffler.

The incident forced Midwest Energy to cut power to roughly 60 homes and buildings east of Lyons, according to a social media report from the utility.&nbsp; On Friday morning, authorities asked Midwest Energy to be prepared to cut power to another 500 meters in Rice Co, east of Lyons.  If required, this outage would come with no notice.&nbsp; The utility thanked residents for their understanding as they help authorities work through this situation.

RICE COUNTY—The Northern Natural gas leak has been contained and emergency responders returned to their quarters Friday, afternoon, according to Rice County Emergency Communications. Those displaced due to the incident are now allowed to return to the area.-------RICE COUNTY —Officials with Northern Natural gas are investigating a gas leak in Rice County.Just after 3p.m.&nbsp;Thursday, crews were doing&nbsp; work at an underground storage facility southeast of Lyons when something happened with a valve that caused a release of natural gas, according to&nbsp;Mike Loeffler with Northern Natural Gas.The company evacuated everyone within a one-mile radius of the area and closed all access to roads.&nbsp; Testing determined no natural gas at the one-mile perimeter or at the city limits of Lyons, according to Loeffler.Northern Natural hope to begin repairs Friday morning.&nbsp; The public is not in danger, according to Loeffler.The incident forced Midwest Energy to cut power to roughly 60 homes and buildings east of Lyons, according to a social media report from the utility.&nbsp; On Friday morning, authorities asked Midwest Energy to be prepared to cut power to another 500 meters in Rice Co, east of Lyons. If required, this outage would come with no notice.&nbsp; The utility thanked residents for their understanding as they help authorities work through this situation.

Update: Rice County natural gas leak contained

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas racial justice panel appointed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has recommended expanding Medicaid, adding another income tax bracket for top-income earners, restoring a food sales tax rebate and banning Native American mascots and team names in public schools.

The 15-member Commission on Racial Justice and Equity created the recommendations after meeting with Kansas Department of Commerce officials, Kansas Department of Health and Environment staff and others, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CREJ-July-2021-Report_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly established the commission last year in response to the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The report comes months after the panel crafted recommendations primarily focused on policing.

Some advocates in Kansas have pushed for Medicaid expansion for a decade. Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-topeka-kansas-medicaid-wichita-84ee115f5ecd92c1e9342fdcf8f3d2b0">promised this year</a>&nbsp;to continue to push to expand Medicaid in Kansas, despite top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature opposing it.

The panel wants to expand Medicaid eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty level. The panel cited&nbsp;<a href="https://files.kff.org/attachment/fact-sheet-medicaid-expansion-KS" target="_blank">an analysis</a>&nbsp;by the Kaiser Family Foundation estimating that about 82,000 uninsured non-elderly adults in the state would become eligible for coverage if Kansas expanded its Medicaid program.

The commission is also proposing to expand an income tax credit for poor families to offset the sales taxes they pay on food, so that it would be available to as many as 400,000 additional households. The current credit was set in 2013, amid former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s experiment in slashing state income tax rates, as a way to offset the cost of those cuts to the state.

The report also recommends for Kansas legislators to pass legislation to create a fourth bracket for families filing jointly with incomes over 100,000 a year to “more equitably distribute the tax burden.”

Lawmakers dropped the number of state income tax brackets to just two in 2012 as part of Brownback’s tax-cutting experiment, and it went back to three brackets in 2017, when most of the experiment was repealed following persistent budget problems.

Earlier this year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-0d2ef74a03cea6b0a2e10bac167ad2b4">Shawnee Mission</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-native-americans-public-opinion-740851f28c91067af895e38cf7377dfa">Atchison</a>&nbsp;school districts dropped Native American mascots. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-mlb-baseball-football-wichita-3cab1dc7ae7d37f0bb50cd1b05840b0b">Wichita school board</a>&nbsp;also voted to eliminate a high school’s Redskins team name.

The panel recommends against mascots with Native American imagery and team names — unless used by tribal educational institutions, such as tribal schools. The report recommends for lawmakers in Kansas to model legislation after a bill Democratic Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nevada-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-government-and-politics-11ad51e5dc82f874b077df54c21a2031">signed into law</a>&nbsp;last month directing local school boards to ban “racially discriminatory” mascots, logos and names.

The recommendations in Kansas were about 50 on a variety of health and education topics. Many of them would require support from a Republican-led state Legislature.

House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. said in an email to The Associated Press that he hasn’t read the report yet. Senate President Ty Masterson’s spokesperson, Mike Pirner, said Masterson hasn’t reviewed it either.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594415416015.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly and members of her Commission on Racial Equality during their first meeting in 2020" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly and members of her Commission on Racial Equality during their first meeting in 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANDY TSUBASA FIELDTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas racial justice panel appointed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has recommended expanding Medicaid, adding another income tax bracket for top-income earners, restoring a food sales tax rebate and banning Native American mascots and team names in public schools.The 15-member Commission on Racial Justice and Equity created the recommendations after meeting with Kansas Department of Commerce officials, Kansas Department of Health and Environment staff and others, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CREJ-July-2021-Report_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly established the commission last year in response to the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.The report comes months after the panel crafted recommendations primarily focused on policing.Some advocates in Kansas have pushed for Medicaid expansion for a decade. Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-topeka-kansas-medicaid-wichita-84ee115f5ecd92c1e9342fdcf8f3d2b0">promised this year</a>&nbsp;to continue to push to expand Medicaid in Kansas, despite top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature opposing it.The panel wants to expand Medicaid eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty level. The panel cited&nbsp;<a href="https://files.kff.org/attachment/fact-sheet-medicaid-expansion-KS" target="_blank">an analysis</a>&nbsp;by the Kaiser Family Foundation estimating that about 82,000 uninsured non-elderly adults in the state would become eligible for coverage if Kansas expanded its Medicaid program.The commission is also proposing to expand an income tax credit for poor families to offset the sales taxes they pay on food, so that it would be available to as many as 400,000 additional households. The current credit was set in 2013, amid former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s experiment in slashing state income tax rates, as a way to offset the cost of those cuts to the state.The report also recommends for Kansas legislators to pass legislation to create a fourth bracket for families filing jointly with incomes over 100,000 a year to “more equitably distribute the tax burden.”Lawmakers dropped the number of state income tax brackets to just two in 2012 as part of Brownback’s tax-cutting experiment, and it went back to three brackets in 2017, when most of the experiment was repealed following persistent budget problems.Earlier this year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-0d2ef74a03cea6b0a2e10bac167ad2b4">Shawnee Mission</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-native-americans-public-opinion-740851f28c91067af895e38cf7377dfa">Atchison</a>&nbsp;school districts dropped Native American mascots. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-mlb-baseball-football-wichita-3cab1dc7ae7d37f0bb50cd1b05840b0b">Wichita school board</a>&nbsp;also voted to eliminate a high school’s Redskins team name.The panel recommends against mascots with Native American imagery and team names — unless used by tribal educational institutions, such as tribal schools. The report recommends for lawmakers in Kansas to model legislation after a bill Democratic Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nevada-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-government-and-politics-11ad51e5dc82f874b077df54c21a2031">signed into law</a>&nbsp;last month directing local school boards to ban “racially discriminatory” mascots, logos and names.The recommendations in Kansas were about 50 on a variety of health and education topics. Many of them would require support from a Republican-led state Legislature.House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. said in an email to The Associated Press that he hasn’t read the report yet. Senate President Ty Masterson’s spokesperson, Mike Pirner, said Masterson hasn’t reviewed it either.___

Racial justice panel in Kansas issues recommendations

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1121 to a total of 323,385, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 1 new COVID-19 death for a total of 5197.

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1121 to a total of 323,385, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 1 new COVID-19 death for a total of 5197.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626465870482.png" alt="Friday July 16, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday July 16, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

A local prosecutor on Friday filed a total of 63 felony criminal charges against three employees over a July 2018 tourist boat accident on a Missouri lake that killed 17 people.

The charges were filed in Stone County against the captain, the general manager and the manager on duty the day of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-accidents-us-news-ap-top-news-storms-north-america-60b99441d63a48428b5dd79bbc37c75a">the accident</a>&nbsp;for the Ride the Ducks attraction on Table Rock Lake near the tourist mecca of Branson.

The charges against captain Kenneth Scott McKee, of Verona, general manager Curtis Lanham, of Galena, and manager on duty Charles Baltzell, of Kirbyville, came seven months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/branson-michael-brown-a424e3b6697a538067ae9daa5e09eac3">a federal judge dismissed charges</a>&nbsp;filed by federal prosecutors, concluding that they did not have jurisdiction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573695624494.png" alt="Duck boat photo courtesy NTSB" />
 <figcaption>Duck boat photo courtesy NTSB</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNAA local prosecutor on Friday filed a total of 63 felony criminal charges against three employees over a July 2018 tourist boat accident on a Missouri lake that killed 17 people.The charges were filed in Stone County against the captain, the general manager and the manager on duty the day of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-accidents-us-news-ap-top-news-storms-north-america-60b99441d63a48428b5dd79bbc37c75a">the accident</a>&nbsp;for the Ride the Ducks attraction on Table Rock Lake near the tourist mecca of Branson.The charges against captain Kenneth Scott McKee, of Verona, general manager Curtis Lanham, of Galena, and manager on duty Charles Baltzell, of Kirbyville, came seven months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/branson-michael-brown-a424e3b6697a538067ae9daa5e09eac3">a federal judge dismissed charges</a>&nbsp;filed by federal prosecutors, concluding that they did not have jurisdiction.McKee faces 29 charges, including 17 charges of first-degree involuntary manslaughter. An affidavit from a Missouri Highway Patrol sergeant accuses him of failing to exercise his duties as a licensed captain by taking his amphibious vehicle onto the lake during a thunderstorm.“We are reviewing the charges, expect not guilty pleas will be entered and will continue vigorously represent Mr. McKee,” J.R. Hobbs and Marilyn B. Keller, who represent the captain, said in a statement.Baltzell and Lanham face 17 charges each of first-degree involuntary manslaughter. They are accused of failing communicate weather conditions and failing to cease operations during a severe thunderstorm warning.Attorneys for Baltzell and Lanham did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.The charges were announced by County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Selby and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt. Thirty-one people were aboard when the duck boat entered the lake. A storm came up suddenly and the waves swamped the boat before it could make it back to shore.Fourteen people survived. The dead included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/music-boat-accidents-us-news-ap-top-news-in-state-wire-e9ea37df0760459ba5ace5fff07e8779">nine members of one family</a>&nbsp;from Indianapolis. Other victims were from Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas.Rides on the lake in modified former World War II vehicle once were a popular draw in the Branson area in southwest Missouri. Ripley Entertainment, which owned the former World War II vehicle,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/420785b69c8f264a7f0048e580bee3bf">settled 31 lawsuits&nbsp;</a>related to the sinking.