By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A 27-year-old Hays man has been charged with killing his wife in the early morning hours of Oct. 31, 2019.

According to a press release from the Ellis County Attorney’s Office, Colby Alan Trickle, 27, Hays, was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder in the October 2019 shooting death of his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Kristen-Trickle">Kristen Trickle</a>, 26, Hays.

Colby Trickle, who was arrested Thursday, is alleged to have, “feloniously, and intentionally with premeditation” shot Kristen Trickle in the head with a revolver on Oct. 31, 2019.

Premediated first-degree murder in Kansas is an off-grid person felony, and anyone convicted of first degree faces life in prison. The mandatory minimum is 25 years in prison with the possibility of post-release supervision.

Colby Trickle was also charged with two counts of interference with law enforcement. Prosecutors allege Trickle reported false information to law enforcement officials on two separate occasions in an effort to obstruct an investigation.

Trickle is being held on $1.5 million bond. His next court appearance is Friday in Ellis County District Court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626522324942.png" alt="Trickle" />
 <figcaption>Trickle</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA 27-year-old Hays man has been charged with killing his wife in the early morning hours of Oct. 31, 2019.According to a press release from the Ellis County Attorney’s Office, Colby Alan Trickle, 27, Hays, was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder in the October 2019 shooting death of his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Kristen-Trickle">Kristen Trickle</a>, 26, Hays.Colby Trickle, who was arrested Thursday, is alleged to have, “feloniously, and intentionally with premeditation” shot Kristen Trickle in the head with a revolver on Oct. 31, 2019.Premediated first-degree murder in Kansas is an off-grid person felony, and anyone convicted of first degree faces life in prison. The mandatory minimum is 25 years in prison with the possibility of post-release supervision.Colby Trickle was also charged with two counts of interference with law enforcement. Prosecutors allege Trickle reported false information to law enforcement officials on two separate occasions in an effort to obstruct an investigation.Trickle is being held on $1.5 million bond. His next court appearance is Friday in Ellis County District Court.

Hays man accused of wife's 2019 shooting death

Johnson &amp; Johnson announced that <a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sunscreen-recall.html">it is recalling five </a>of its sunscreen products after some samples were found to contain low levels of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer with repeated exposure.

The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.

The recall includes all can sizes and all levels of sun protection factor, or SPF. The products were distributed nationwide through retailers.

The health care giant said the benzene was found after testing by the company and an independent laboratory. It is investigating how the chemical got into the products.

J&amp;J said it’s working to get all lots of the five products removed from store shelves. It urged consumers to stop using the sunscreens immediately and said customers can get a refund by calling J&amp;J’s Consumer Care Center at 1-800-458-1673. More information is available at the websites for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sun" target="_blank">Neutrogena</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aveeno.com/sun" target="_blank">Aveeno</a>.

J&amp;J said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-consumer-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-of-specific-neutrogena-and-aveeno-aerosol-sunscreen-products-due-to-the-presence-of-benzene" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that “use of these products would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences” and that it voluntarily decided to recall them “out of an abundance of caution.” The statement added that people should use an alternate sunscreen to protect themselves from the skin cancer melanoma.

Benzene is a highly flammable, widely used chemical that’s present throughout the environment. It can cause cancer with repeated exposure at high enough levels. It also can damage the immune system and prevent cells from functioning properly, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp" target="_blank">U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.

The chemical’s effects vary by whether a person accidentally inhales or ingests it or gets it on skin and clothing. Symptoms range from dizziness and irregular heartbeat to convulsions and, at very high levels, death.

J&amp;J, which is based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, said it has notified the Food and Drug Administration of the recall.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626370924607.png" alt="The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.-photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.-photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson &amp; Johnson announced that <a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sunscreen-recall.html">it is recalling five </a>of its sunscreen products after some samples were found to contain low levels of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer with repeated exposure.The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.The recall includes all can sizes and all levels of sun protection factor, or SPF. The products were distributed nationwide through retailers.The health care giant said the benzene was found after testing by the company and an independent laboratory. It is investigating how the chemical got into the products.J&amp;J said it’s working to get all lots of the five products removed from store shelves. It urged consumers to stop using the sunscreens immediately and said customers can get a refund by calling J&amp;J’s Consumer Care Center at 1-800-458-1673. More information is available at the websites for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.neutrogena.com/sun" target="_blank">Neutrogena</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aveeno.com/sun" target="_blank">Aveeno</a>.J&amp;J said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-consumer-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-of-specific-neutrogena-and-aveeno-aerosol-sunscreen-products-due-to-the-presence-of-benzene" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that “use of these products would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences” and that it voluntarily decided to recall them “out of an abundance of caution.” The statement added that people should use an alternate sunscreen to protect themselves from the skin cancer melanoma.Benzene is a highly flammable, widely used chemical that’s present throughout the environment. It can cause cancer with repeated exposure at high enough levels. It also can damage the immune system and prevent cells from functioning properly, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp" target="_blank">U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.The chemical’s effects vary by whether a person accidentally inhales or ingests it or gets it on skin and clothing. Symptoms range from dizziness and irregular heartbeat to convulsions and, at very high levels, death.J&amp;J, which is based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, said it has notified the Food and Drug Administration of the recall.Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.<ul>
 <li>Complete and submit the report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program/reporting-serious-problems-fda">Online</a></li><li>Regular Mail or Fax:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/medwatch-forms-fda-safety-reporting">Download form</a>&nbsp;or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178</li>
 </ul>This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.___

5 sunscreens recalled due to benzene traces

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Only about 10% of the nursing homes in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;regulated by the federal government have met the industry's goal for vaccinating their workers against COVID-19, according to government data.

The industry's aim is to have 75% of the homes' staff vaccinated. But the U.S. Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services says that as of late June, 34 of the 324 federally licensed homes in Kansas had met that goal.

The new data about nursing homes comes with state officials worry about the growing presence of the faster-spreading delta variant. The state Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported a 7.7% increase in confirmed delta variant cases, up 51 since Monday to 710.

The state health department also reported that as of Wednesday, there were nine active clusters of COVID cases at long-term care facilities tied to 51 cases, nine hospitalizations and three deaths.

The federally regulated homes are among more than 800 long-term care facilities, including 476 that are state-licensed only, according to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. The agency didn't have vaccination data for those facilities.

With the federally regulated homes, an average of 55% of workers have been vaccinated, according to CMS data.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Only about 10% of the nursing homes in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;regulated by the federal government have met the industry's goal for vaccinating their workers against COVID-19, according to government data.The industry's aim is to have 75% of the homes' staff vaccinated. But the U.S. Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services says that as of late June, 34 of the 324 federally licensed homes in Kansas had met that goal.The new data about nursing homes comes with state officials worry about the growing presence of the faster-spreading delta variant. The state Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported a 7.7% increase in confirmed delta variant cases, up 51 since Monday to 710.The state health department also reported that as of Wednesday, there were nine active clusters of COVID cases at long-term care facilities tied to 51 cases, nine hospitalizations and three deaths.The federally regulated homes are among more than 800 long-term care facilities, including 476 that are state-licensed only, according to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. The agency didn't have vaccination data for those facilities.With the federally regulated homes, an average of 55% of workers have been vaccinated, according to CMS data.

Many Kansas nursing homes miss goal for vaccinating workers

MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) — Two people from Missouri died when a small plane crashed into a cornfield in eastern Iowa’s Muscatine County, authorities said.

The single-engine Piper went down Wednesday afternoon about 4 miles north of Muscatine, Sheriff Quinn Riess said.

Daniel Slack, 68, and Sharon Slack, 69, of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, died in the crash. Daniel Slack was superintendent of schools in Deerfield, Kansas, from 2015 until he retired last year, KSNW-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/local/former-deerfield-superintendent-dies-in-plane-crash/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

A preliminary investigation determined the plane took off from Ford Airport near Iron Mountain, Michigan, to fly back to Missouri, Riess said.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were investigating the cause of the crash.

MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) — Eastern Iowa authorities say two people are dead after their plane crashed in a cornfield, in Muscatine County. The Muscatine Journal reports the crash happened Wednesday, July 14, about four miles north of Muscatine.

Sheriff Quinn Riess says they were contacted around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, by Quad City Air Traffic Control, on a report that they had lost contact with an airplane in the area. Riess said deputies and police officers from Muscatine and Wilton launched a search on the ground and soon found the wreckage.

The names of the people killed haven’t been released yet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626351052071.png" alt="First responders on the scene Wednesday photo courtesy KWQC TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene Wednesday photo courtesy KWQC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) — Two people from Missouri died when a small plane crashed into a cornfield in eastern Iowa’s Muscatine County, authorities said.The single-engine Piper went down Wednesday afternoon about 4 miles north of Muscatine, Sheriff Quinn Riess said.Daniel Slack, 68, and Sharon Slack, 69, of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, died in the crash. Daniel Slack was superintendent of schools in Deerfield, Kansas, from 2015 until he retired last year, KSNW-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/local/former-deerfield-superintendent-dies-in-plane-crash/" target="_blank">reported</a>.A preliminary investigation determined the plane took off from Ford Airport near Iron Mountain, Michigan, to fly back to Missouri, Riess said.The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were investigating the cause of the crash.------MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) — Eastern Iowa authorities say two people are dead after their plane crashed in a cornfield, in Muscatine County. The Muscatine Journal reports the crash happened Wednesday, July 14, about four miles north of Muscatine.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NTSB is investigating the July 14, 2021, crash of a Piper PA-28-180 near Muscatine, Iowa.&mdash; NTSB_Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) <a href="https://twitter.com/NTSB_Newsroom/status/1415424746804686851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sheriff Quinn Riess says they were contacted around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, by Quad City Air Traffic Control, on a report that they had lost contact with an airplane in the area. Riess said deputies and police officers from Muscatine and Wilton launched a search on the ground and soon found the wreckage.The names of the people killed haven’t been released yet.

Former Kan. school superintendent, wife die in plane crash

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today that millions of American families have started 
receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments as direct deposits begin 
posting in bank accounts and checks arrive in mailboxes.

This first batch of advance monthly payments worth roughly $15 
billion reached about 35 million families today across the 
country.&nbsp;About 86% were sent by direct deposit.

The payments will continue each month. The IRS urged people who 
normally aren't required to file a tax return to explore the tools 
available on IRS.gov. These tools can help determine eligibility for the
 advance Child Tax Credit or help people file a simplified tax return to
 sign up for these payments as well as Economic Impact Payments, and 
other credits you may be eligible to receive.

Under the American Rescue Plan, each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month 
for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6
 through 17. Normally, anyone who receives a payment this month will 
also receive a payment each month for the rest of 2021 unless they 
unenroll. Besides the July 15 payment, payment dates are: Aug. 13, Sept.
 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15 and Dec. 15.

Here are further details on these payments:

Additional information is available on a special <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page</a>, designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and the advance payments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today that millions of American families have started 
receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments as direct deposits begin 
posting in bank accounts and checks arrive in mailboxes.This first batch of advance monthly payments worth roughly $15 
billion reached about 35 million families today across the 
country.&nbsp;About 86% were sent by direct deposit.The payments will continue each month. The IRS urged people who 
normally aren't required to file a tax return to explore the tools 
available on IRS.gov. These tools can help determine eligibility for the
 advance Child Tax Credit or help people file a simplified tax return to
 sign up for these payments as well as Economic Impact Payments, and 
other credits you may be eligible to receive.Under the American Rescue Plan, each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month 
for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6
 through 17. Normally, anyone who receives a payment this month will 
also receive a payment each month for the rest of 2021 unless they 
unenroll. Besides the July 15 payment, payment dates are: Aug. 13, Sept.
 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15 and Dec. 15.Here are further details on these payments:<ul>
 <li>Families will see the direct deposit payments in their accounts 
starting today, July 15. For those receiving payment by paper check, 
they should remember to take into consideration the time it takes to 
receive it by mail.</li><li>Payments went to eligible families who filed 2019 or 2020 income tax returns.</li><li>Tax returns&nbsp;processed by June 28 are reflected in these payments. 
This includes people who don't typically file a return, but during 2020 
successfully registered for Economic Impact Payments using the IRS 
Non-Filers tool or in 2021 successfully used the Non-filer Sign-up Tool 
for Advance CTC, also on IRS.gov.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Payments are automatic. Aside from filing a tax return, 
including a simplified return from the Non-Filer Sign-Up tool, families 
don't have to do anything if they are eligible to receive monthly 
payments.</li>
 </ul>Additional information is available on a special <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page</a>, designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and the advance payments.

IRS: Monthly Child Tax Credit payments begin for millions of US families

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two people killed in a house fire in northwest Kansas City were children under the age of 11, police confirmed Thursday in a news release.

Two others injured in the Wednesday fire remained in critical condition and a third injured person suffered injuries not believed to be life-threatening, police said.

Officials had not released the identities of the five victims of the fire by Thursday afternoon. In the aftermath of the fire Wednesday, fire officials said three children and one adult had been taken to local hospitals.

Officials have not given the cause of the fire, saying it’s under investigation.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two people were killed and three others injured after a house fire Wednesday in northwest Kansas City, Missouri, police said.

Police spokeswoman Donna Drake confirmed the two deaths and said two of the other victims suffered critical injuries.

The victims' names and ages were not immediately available.

Earlier in the day, fire officials said three children and one adult had been taken to local hospitals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626295203087.png" alt="Wednesday fatal fire in Kansas City -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday fatal fire in Kansas City -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two people killed in a house fire in northwest Kansas City were children under the age of 11, police confirmed Thursday in a news release.Two others injured in the Wednesday fire remained in critical condition and a third injured person suffered injuries not believed to be life-threatening, police said.Officials had not released the identities of the five victims of the fire by Thursday afternoon. In the aftermath of the fire Wednesday, fire officials said three children and one adult had been taken to local hospitals.Officials have not given the cause of the fire, saying it’s under investigation.--------KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two people were killed and three others injured after a house fire Wednesday in northwest Kansas City, Missouri, police said.Police spokeswoman Donna Drake confirmed the two deaths and said two of the other victims suffered critical injuries.The victims' names and ages were not immediately available.Earlier in the day, fire officials said three children and one adult had been taken to local hospitals.

Police: 2 killed in Kansas City house fire were children

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate's top Democrat is backing a bill that would strike down a longstanding federal prohibition on marijuana, embracing a proposal that has slim chance of becoming law yet demonstrates growing public support for decriminalizing the drug.

Proposals to legalize marijuana are nothing new. But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is a sponsor of the effort unveiled Wednesday, underscoring how a once-fringe idea is increasingly mainstream. The measure would erode a central pillar of the decades-long war on drugs, which has disproportionately affected communities of color in the United States.

“I will use my clout as majority leader to make this a priority in the Senate,” said Schumer, of New York, who is the first Senate leader to support such an effort. “It's not just an idea whose time has come, it's long overdue.”

The bill would treat marijuana much like alcohol or tobacco, allowing it to be taxed and regulated. States could still outlaw its use. And those under the age of 21 couldn't purchase it. It would remain illegal to sell significant quantities without proper licensing and authorization, much like bootlegging alcohol. It would also clear the path for additional cannabis medical research.

But besides clearing obstacles to recreational use, advocates say the bill would help the poor and those from communities of color who have disproportionately been arrested, charged and jailed for marijuana crimes.

The bill would expunge federal nonviolent convictions and allow for records of them to be sealed. Those currently serving nonviolent marijuana-related sentences could also seek a review hearing and receive an expungement.

“We have our precious resources being used to lock up ... Black and brown people for doing things that presidents, Congress people and senators have done,” said Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who is also a cosponsor of the bill, along with Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden.

A similar bill has passed the House. But the measure faces a virtually nonexistent path in a narrowly divided Senate, where 60 votes are needed to pass most legislation.

Schumer acknowledged that not all Democrats support the bill. That includes President Joe Biden, who has said he supports decriminalizing marijuana but believes the federal prohibition should remain.

“I’ve spoken in the past about the president’s views on marijuana. Nothing has changed and there’s no new endorsements of legislation today,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday.

Republicans and influential law enforcement groups are certain to oppose it, as well.

“I don't understand how Republicans who say they are for ‘states rights’ won't support what my colleagues are talking about," said Wyden. ”What this bill does is we decriminalize at the federal level, but we don't require states to legalize."

Schumer and the other sponsors of the bill say their proposal is a “discussion draft" that's intended to get the conversation started.

Though 18 states have legalized recreational use and 37 allow for some sort of medical marijuana, the remaining federal prohibition has created headaches for the industry in states where it is legal, making it hard for businesses to get banking services and loans.

Those in the marijuana industry called Schumer's support a significant advance.

“It is a big ask and I’m a realist,” said Joe Caltabiano, CEO of Choice Consolidation Corp. and the cofounder of Cresco Labs. “It will take a lot to get this bill through Congress.”

Maritza Perez, of the Drug Policy Alliance, said Congress is finally catching up with where the general public has long been. Meanwhile, those who are convicted of marijuana-related offenses face life-altering consequences, making it hard to get a job or receive public benefits.

Earlier this month, American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson was left off the U.S. team's Olympic roster following a positive test for marijuana, costing her a chance at running on the relay team in Tokyo, in addition to her spot in the 100-meter individual race.

“Today is a historic day in the sense that we have the Senate majority leader introducing a bill to regulate and legalize marijuana. That's huge,” said Perez, who is a director in the office of national affairs for the organization. “For the public, marijuana has become culturally acceptable. But people forget that more than a half-million people are arrested for marijuana possession each year.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626346133308.png" alt="Senator Cory Booker and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer during a Wednesday news conference. Though 18 states have legalized recreational use and 37 allow for some sort of medical marijuana, the remaining federal prohibition has created headaches for the industry in states where it is legal, making it hard for businesses to get banking services and loans.-photo courtesy office of Senator Booker" />
 <figcaption>Senator Cory Booker and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer during a Wednesday news conference. Though 18 states have legalized recreational use and 37 allow for some sort of medical marijuana, the remaining federal prohibition has created headaches for the industry in states where it is legal, making it hard for businesses to get banking services and loans.-photo courtesy office of Senator Booker</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate's top Democrat is backing a bill that would strike down a longstanding federal prohibition on marijuana, embracing a proposal that has slim chance of becoming law yet demonstrates growing public support for decriminalizing the drug.Proposals to legalize marijuana are nothing new. But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is a sponsor of the effort unveiled Wednesday, underscoring how a once-fringe idea is increasingly mainstream. The measure would erode a central pillar of the decades-long war on drugs, which has disproportionately affected communities of color in the United States.“I will use my clout as majority leader to make this a priority in the Senate,” said Schumer, of New York, who is the first Senate leader to support such an effort. “It's not just an idea whose time has come, it's long overdue.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626345994624.png" alt="photo courtesy office of Senator Cory Booker" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy office of Senator Cory Booker</figcaption>
 </figure>The bill would treat marijuana much like alcohol or tobacco, allowing it to be taxed and regulated. States could still outlaw its use. And those under the age of 21 couldn't purchase it. It would remain illegal to sell significant quantities without proper licensing and authorization, much like bootlegging alcohol. It would also clear the path for additional cannabis medical research.But besides clearing obstacles to recreational use, advocates say the bill would help the poor and those from communities of color who have disproportionately been arrested, charged and jailed for marijuana crimes.The bill would expunge federal nonviolent convictions and allow for records of them to be sealed. Those currently serving nonviolent marijuana-related sentences could also seek a review hearing and receive an expungement.“We have our precious resources being used to lock up ... Black and brown people for doing things that presidents, Congress people and senators have done,” said Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who is also a cosponsor of the bill, along with Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden.A similar bill has passed the House. But the measure faces a virtually nonexistent path in a narrowly divided Senate, where 60 votes are needed to pass most legislation.Schumer acknowledged that not all Democrats support the bill. That includes President Joe Biden, who has said he supports decriminalizing marijuana but believes the federal prohibition should remain.“I’ve spoken in the past about the president’s views on marijuana. Nothing has changed and there’s no new endorsements of legislation today,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday.Republicans and influential law enforcement groups are certain to oppose it, as well.“I don't understand how Republicans who say they are for ‘states rights’ won't support what my colleagues are talking about," said Wyden. ”What this bill does is we decriminalize at the federal level, but we don't require states to legalize."Schumer and the other sponsors of the bill say their proposal is a “discussion draft" that's intended to get the conversation started.Though 18 states have legalized recreational use and 37 allow for some sort of medical marijuana, the remaining federal prohibition has created headaches for the industry in states where it is legal, making it hard for businesses to get banking services and loans.Those in the marijuana industry called Schumer's support a significant advance.“It is a big ask and I’m a realist,” said Joe Caltabiano, CEO of Choice Consolidation Corp. and the cofounder of Cresco Labs. “It will take a lot to get this bill through Congress.”Maritza Perez, of the Drug Policy Alliance, said Congress is finally catching up with where the general public has long been. Meanwhile, those who are convicted of marijuana-related offenses face life-altering consequences, making it hard to get a job or receive public benefits.Earlier this month, American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson was left off the U.S. team's Olympic roster following a positive test for marijuana, costing her a chance at running on the relay team in Tokyo, in addition to her spot in the 100-meter individual race.“Today is a historic day in the sense that we have the Senate majority leader introducing a bill to regulate and legalize marijuana. That's huge,” said Perez, who is a director in the office of national affairs for the organization. “For the public, marijuana has become culturally acceptable. But people forget that more than a half-million people are arrested for marijuana possession each year.”

Senators unveil plan to end federal ban on marijuana

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police say they were led to human remains buried on the property of a home in unincorporated Jackson County outside of Kansas City by a teenager who has accused the homeowner of sexual abuse.

The Kansas City Star, citing court records,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article252798953.html">reported&nbsp;</a>that the teenage girl told police the homeowner had told her he killed a woman and hid the body. He also showed her photos of a woman’s dismembered body, the girl told investigators.

Independence police announced Wednesday that they had found human remains on property near Grain Valley amid a missing person investigation. Police have not identified the remains and declined to identify the missing person.

The homeowner, 40-year-old Michael Hendricks, has not been charged in the case of the remains found, but he has been charged and is being held on $500,000 bond on counts accusing him of sexually abusing the girl who reported the body to police.

JACKSON COUNTY (AP) —Authorities have found human remains on a residential property in 4000 block of S. Buckner Tarsney Road, an unincorporated area of Jackson County amid a missing person investigation, according to Independence Police.

Officer John Syme, spokesman for the Independence Police Department, said he could not identify the missing person or release any other details about the remains, which were found near Grain Valley.

“At this time, our detectives have been in contact with family members and they are receiving updates,” Syme said.

“There’s nothing I want to do to hinder that investigation at this point in releasing any premature information,” he said. “There’s a body in the ground. I’m gonna leave it at that for now.”

The FBI and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office are helping Independence police with the investigation. Investigators would need to conduct a forensic examination to confirm the identity of the remains.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626354604788.png" alt="Police said family has been contacted in the case and are receiving updates from detectives -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police said family has been contacted in the case and are receiving updates from detectives -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police say they were led to human remains buried on the property of a home in unincorporated Jackson County outside of Kansas City by a teenager who has accused the homeowner of sexual abuse.The Kansas City Star, citing court records,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article252798953.html">reported&nbsp;</a>that the teenage girl told police the homeowner had told her he killed a woman and hid the body. He also showed her photos of a woman’s dismembered body, the girl told investigators.Independence police announced Wednesday that they had found human remains on property near Grain Valley amid a missing person investigation. Police have not identified the remains and declined to identify the missing person.The homeowner, 40-year-old Michael Hendricks, has not been charged in the case of the remains found, but he has been charged and is being held on $500,000 bond on counts accusing him of sexually abusing the girl who reported the body to police.----------JACKSON COUNTY (AP) —Authorities have found human remains on a residential property in 4000 block of S. Buckner Tarsney Road, an unincorporated area of Jackson County amid a missing person investigation, according to Independence Police.Officer John Syme, spokesman for the Independence Police Department, said he could not identify the missing person or release any other details about the remains, which were found near Grain Valley.“At this time, our detectives have been in contact with family members and they are receiving updates,” Syme said.“There’s nothing I want to do to hinder that investigation at this point in releasing any premature information,” he said. “There’s a body in the ground. I’m gonna leave it at that for now.”The FBI and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office are helping Independence police with the investigation. Investigators would need to conduct a forensic examination to confirm the identity of the remains.

KC Police: Teen sex abuse victim led officials to body

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY- A rural Saline County residence was damaged by fire Wednesday night.Just before 10:30p.m., Rural Fire District No. 2 personnel and deputies were sent to 11300 S. Old Highway 81 for the report of a house fire, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

Smoke was pouring out of the residence when emergency personnel arrived, however, the fire was contained to the inside of the house, which is located across the highway from Bridgeport in southern Saline County. The house and its contents were valued at $125,000, Soldan said.

The fire was believed to have started in a closest area on the first floor, where an extension cord was attached to a light fixture, he said. The fire spread down the hall and up the stairs before being extinguished. Those inside were able to safely exit the house.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626367763424.jpeg" alt="Firefighters with Rural Fire District No. 2 check the residence after the blaze was extinguished.&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters with Rural Fire District No. 2 check the residence after the blaze was extinguished.&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY- A rural Saline County residence was damaged by fire Wednesday night.Just before 10:30p.m., Rural Fire District No. 2 personnel and deputies were sent to 11300 S. Old Highway 81 for the report of a house fire, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.Smoke was pouring out of the residence when emergency personnel arrived, however, the fire was contained to the inside of the house, which is located across the highway from Bridgeport in southern Saline County. The house and its contents were valued at $125,000, Soldan said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626367890477.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The fire was believed to have started in a closest area on the first floor, where an extension cord was attached to a light fixture, he said. The fire spread down the hall and up the stairs before being extinguished. Those inside were able to safely exit the house.

Sheriff: Fire does extensive damage to rural Kansas home

BARTON COUNTY —District Court Judge Carey Hipp sentenced 31-year-old Lafe Patrick Kern to just over 4-years in the Kansas Department of Corrections after he plead no contest to three counts of aggravated battery in connection with a head-on crash in 2015, according to the Barton County Attorney's office.

KBI testing confirmed the presence of several drugs including Alprazolam in Kern's blood at the time of the two-vehicle head-on collision on U.S. 281 highway, south of Great Bend.

Five people including two children were injured in the crash

A 2005 Ford Explorer driven by then 26-year-old Kern of St. John was southbound on U.S. 281 just south of Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The Ford crossed left of center and struck a northbound a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe driven&nbsp; by 29-year-old  Heather Cash of Pratt. 

There were three other passengers in the Cash vehicle. Candace Lampe, age 52, of Pratt and Cash’s two children ages 3 years and 8 ½ months. 

All three of the adult front seat passengers in both vehicles had to be extracted with the jaws of life, according to Bellendir.

EMS transported the adults to Great Bend Regional Hospital and then they were flown by Eagle Med Helicopters to Wichita.

Both children were properly restrained in child restraint devices and had only minor injuries.

In addition to the prison time, the Court ordered Kern to repay over $20,000 in restitution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626283036810.png" alt="Lafe Kern" />
 <figcaption>Lafe Kern</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —District Court Judge Carey Hipp sentenced 31-year-old Lafe Patrick Kern to just over 4-years in the Kansas Department of Corrections after he plead no contest to three counts of aggravated battery in connection with a head-on crash in 2015, according to the Barton County Attorney's office.KBI testing confirmed the presence of several drugs including Alprazolam in Kern's blood at the time of the two-vehicle head-on collision on U.S. 281 highway, south of Great Bend.Five people including two children were injured in the crashA 2005 Ford Explorer driven by then 26-year-old Kern of St. John was southbound on U.S. 281 just south of Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The Ford crossed left of center and struck a northbound a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe driven&nbsp; by 29-year-old Heather Cash of Pratt. There were three other passengers in the Cash vehicle. Candace Lampe, age 52, of Pratt and Cash’s two children ages 3 years and 8 ½ months. All three of the adult front seat passengers in both vehicles had to be extracted with the jaws of life, according to Bellendir.EMS transported the adults to Great Bend Regional Hospital and then they were flown by Eagle Med Helicopters to Wichita.Both children were properly restrained in child restraint devices and had only minor injuries.In addition to the prison time, the Court ordered Kern to repay over $20,000 in restitution.

Kansas man sentenced for DUI head-on crash 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—There were no injuries after a small plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening in Sedgwick County.

Just after 5:30p.m., Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a call from Eisenhower Airport reporting an emergency landing near 25th Street North and I-235, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

 Deputies located a Piper Sports Cruiser approximately 100 yards east of the property line of 3500 N West Street in the floodway. 

 The pilot and only occupant, 41-year-old man, reported experiencing engine trouble which prompted the emergency landing. 

 The flight originated in Boulder, Colorado and was destined for Augusta, Kansas, according to Blick.&nbsp; There was minimal damage to the plane.  Representatives from the FAA, Eisenhower Airport Authority and the Wichita/Sedgwick County Floodway responded.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626358642410.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the emergency landing photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the emergency landing photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—There were no injuries after a small plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening in Sedgwick County.Just after 5:30p.m., Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a call from Eisenhower Airport reporting an emergency landing near 25th Street North and I-235, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick. Deputies located a Piper Sports Cruiser approximately 100 yards east of the property line of 3500 N West Street in the floodway. The pilot and only occupant, 41-year-old man, reported experiencing engine trouble which prompted the emergency landing. The flight originated in Boulder, Colorado and was destined for Augusta, Kansas, according to Blick.&nbsp; There was minimal damage to the plane. Representatives from the FAA, Eisenhower Airport Authority and the Wichita/Sedgwick County Floodway responded.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Sheriff: Small plane make emergency landing in Kan. field

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Biden administration is beginning to distribute&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-joe-biden-business-health-government-and-politics-24023ed3ffba98e4a65dd6006518da7a">expanded child tax credit payments</a>, giving parents on average $423 this month, with payments continuing through the end of the year.

President Joe Biden increased the size of the tax credit as part of his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, as well as making it fully available to families without any tax obligations. The benefit is set to expire after a year, but Biden is pushing for it to be extended through 2025 and ultimately made permanent.

A closer look at how the payments work and who can receive them:

The credit is $3,600 annually for children under age 6 and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17. But six months of payments will be advanced on a monthly basis through the end of the year. This means eligible families will receive $300 monthly for each child under 6 and $250 per child older than that.

This is a change from last year, when the credit totaled $2,000 per child. Families who did not owe the government income taxes were also unable to claim the credit, a restriction that Biden and Congress lifted.

The payments begin to phase out at incomes of $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for heads of household and $150,000 for married couples. Higher-income families with incomes of $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for married couples can still receive the previous $2,000 credit.

If you filed taxes and the IRS already has your bank account information, the payments should be deposited directly into your account on the 15th of each month. The Treasury Department estimates that 35.2 million families will receive payments in July. But even if you haven’t filed taxes in 2019 or 2020, you might still be eligible for the credit and can apply here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool</a>.

Advocates say the monthly payments can help smooth out an impoverished family’s income, making it easier for them to budget and less dependent on high-interest lenders.

Yes. Some people are used to the child tax credit enabling them to get a refund on their taxes. They might not want the monthly advance and about 1 million people have opted out, according to administration officials. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">Click here to unenroll</a> in the program.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Biden administration is beginning to distribute&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-joe-biden-business-health-government-and-politics-24023ed3ffba98e4a65dd6006518da7a">expanded child tax credit payments</a>, giving parents on average $423 this month, with payments continuing through the end of the year.President Joe Biden increased the size of the tax credit as part of his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, as well as making it fully available to families without any tax obligations. The benefit is set to expire after a year, but Biden is pushing for it to be extended through 2025 and ultimately made permanent.A closer look at how the payments work and who can receive them:HOW BIG ARE THE CREDITS?The credit is $3,600 annually for children under age 6 and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17. But six months of payments will be advanced on a monthly basis through the end of the year. This means eligible families will receive $300 monthly for each child under 6 and $250 per child older than that.This is a change from last year, when the credit totaled $2,000 per child. Families who did not owe the government income taxes were also unable to claim the credit, a restriction that Biden and Congress lifted.ARE THERE LIMITS ON WHO CAN QUALIFY?The payments begin to phase out at incomes of $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for heads of household and $150,000 for married couples. Higher-income families with incomes of $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for married couples can still receive the previous $2,000 credit.HOW CAN YOU APPLY?If you filed taxes and the IRS already has your bank account information, the payments should be deposited directly into your account on the 15th of each month. The Treasury Department estimates that 35.2 million families will receive payments in July. But even if you haven’t filed taxes in 2019 or 2020, you might still be eligible for the credit and can apply here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool</a>.WHY ARE THE PAYMENTS MONTHLYAdvocates say the monthly payments can help smooth out an impoverished family’s income, making it easier for them to budget and less dependent on high-interest lenders.CAN THE MONTHLY PAYMENTS BE STOPPED?Yes. Some people are used to the child tax credit enabling them to get a refund on their taxes. They might not want the monthly advance and about 1 million people have opted out, according to administration officials. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">Click here to unenroll</a> in the program.

Payday: How the expanded child tax credit payments work

Agency charged the company with deceiving loan applicants about hidden fees

Online lender<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/x180028_-_lendingclub_corporation_-_stipulated_order_for_permanent_injunction_and_judgment.pdf"> LendingClub Corporation agreed to pay</a>
 $18 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the company
 deceived consumers about hidden fees that it charged and about whether 
their loan applications were approved.

In
 addition, the settlement bars LendingClub from making 
misrepresentations to loan applicants and requires that the company 
clearly and conspicuously disclose the amount of any prepaid, up-front, 
or origination fee and the total amount of funds that borrowers will 
receive.

“Companies that profit by 
preying on consumers don’t just harm the families they cheated — they 
also harm their competitors that play by the rules. LendingClub fleeced 
consumers looking for a loan online, and will pay $18 million for its 
alleged misconduct,” said Samuel Levine, Acting Director of the FTC’s 
Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Moving forward, when it comes to 
misconduct in the financial services arena, the FTC will bring joint 
actions with state and federal partners to seek penalties that deter 
wrongdoing market-wide, before it can harm consumers.”

The FTC <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/04/ftc-charges-lending-club-deceiving-consumers-0">sued LendingClub in April 2018</a>,
 charging that the company falsely promised loan applicants that they 
would receive a specific loan amount with “no hidden fees,” when in 
reality the company deducted hundreds or even thousands of dollars in 
hidden up-front fees from the loans. The FTC also alleged that 
LendingClub told consumers they were approved for loans when they were 
not, and took money from consumers’ bank accounts without authorization.

In
 an earlier ruling, the court found that LendingClub falsely told loan 
applicants that their loans were “on the way” and “100% Backed” while 
knowing that many of them would never get a loan. And according to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/lending_club_complaint.pdf">the FTC’s complaint</a>,
 the company also withdrew double payments from consumers’ accounts and 
charged those who cancelled automatic payments or paid off their loan, 
which led to overdraft fees and prevented borrowers from making other 
payments.

The Commission vote approving the stipulated
 final order was 4-0-1, with Chair Khan not participating. It was filed 
in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San 
Francisco Division.

NOTE: Stipulated final orders or injunctions, etc. have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Agency charged the company with deceiving loan applicants about hidden fees</h2>FTCOnline lender<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/x180028_-_lendingclub_corporation_-_stipulated_order_for_permanent_injunction_and_judgment.pdf"> LendingClub Corporation agreed to pay</a>
 $18 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the company
 deceived consumers about hidden fees that it charged and about whether 
their loan applications were approved.In
 addition, the settlement bars LendingClub from making 
misrepresentations to loan applicants and requires that the company 
clearly and conspicuously disclose the amount of any prepaid, up-front, 
or origination fee and the total amount of funds that borrowers will 
receive.“Companies that profit by 
preying on consumers don’t just harm the families they cheated — they 
also harm their competitors that play by the rules. LendingClub fleeced 
consumers looking for a loan online, and will pay $18 million for its 
alleged misconduct,” said Samuel Levine, Acting Director of the FTC’s 
Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Moving forward, when it comes to 
misconduct in the financial services arena, the FTC will bring joint 
actions with state and federal partners to seek penalties that deter 
wrongdoing market-wide, before it can harm consumers.”The FTC <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/04/ftc-charges-lending-club-deceiving-consumers-0">sued LendingClub in April 2018</a>,
 charging that the company falsely promised loan applicants that they 
would receive a specific loan amount with “no hidden fees,” when in 
reality the company deducted hundreds or even thousands of dollars in 
hidden up-front fees from the loans. The FTC also alleged that 
LendingClub told consumers they were approved for loans when they were 
not, and took money from consumers’ bank accounts without authorization.In
 an earlier ruling, the court found that LendingClub falsely told loan 
applicants that their loans were “on the way” and “100% Backed” while 
knowing that many of them would never get a loan. And according to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/lending_club_complaint.pdf">the FTC’s complaint</a>,
 the company also withdrew double payments from consumers’ accounts and 
charged those who cancelled automatic payments or paid off their loan, 
which led to overdraft fees and prevented borrowers from making other 
payments.The Commission vote approving the stipulated
 final order was 4-0-1, with Chair Khan not participating. It was filed 
in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San 
Francisco Division.NOTE: Stipulated final orders or injunctions, etc. have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Like the FTC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission">Facebook(link is external)</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/FTC">Twitter(link is external)</a>, get <a href="http://ftc.gov/subscribe">consumer alerts</a>, read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> for the latest FTC news and resources.

LendingClub agrees to pay $18 million to settle FTC charges

By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend Post

Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King&nbsp;obtained a search warrant on July 6 to get more information from the Larned State Hospital about the escape&nbsp;last month&nbsp;of&nbsp;John&nbsp;Freeman Colt from the hospital’s&nbsp;Sexual&nbsp;Predator&nbsp;Treatment&nbsp;Program.&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Aging and Disabilities (KDADS) is&nbsp;in charge of the&nbsp;program&nbsp;at the hospital. Pawnee County&nbsp;Attorney Doug McNett told Eagle Radio on Wednesday&nbsp;why Sheriff King made the decision to get a search warrant.&nbsp;

“He did&nbsp;not&nbsp;feel that KDADS was giving him timely access,” McNett said. “They still at that stage hadn’t received the internal videos of the events leading up to&nbsp;his escape as well as some of the documentation that law enforcement had requested.&nbsp;So&nbsp;to expedite that, they&nbsp;went to the District Court and obtained a search warrant.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

McNett said the videos might reveal if someone was helping Colt escape.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Colt&nbsp;walked out of the facility shortly after 7 a.m. on June 30, but the hospital did not notify the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office about the escape until 12:47 p.m.&nbsp;Colt&nbsp;was last seen in Larned at 11:20 a.m. that day.&nbsp;

According to McNett, the delay in contacting the&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office about the escape was caused at least in part by&nbsp;the&nbsp;hospital’s initial search for Colt.&nbsp;

"We never did get a straight&nbsp;answer as to what exactly prompted it,” McNett said. “I got the impression it was something to do with the nursing staff questioning, ‘Hey, there was this extra person on our unit that shouldn’t&nbsp;have been here.’&nbsp;It&nbsp;was determined that was Mr. Colt dressed as a psychologist.&nbsp;So&nbsp;they went and did a security&nbsp;count and that count was wrong. And then they did a second one and then they did a third one.&nbsp;It wasn’t until the fourth time that they called Safety and Security to come over. They went into his room and realized that he had staged it to look like he was sleeping in the bed, and no one had actually verified that someone was in the bed until that fourth count. That’s when they notified law enforcement.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

McNett said Colt has been charged&nbsp;in Pawnee County&nbsp;with aggravated escape from a care&nbsp;and treatment facility. A warrant has been issued which means Colt can be picked up and detained by any law enforcement agency in the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626191603052.jpeg" alt="John Freeman Colt-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>John Freeman Colt-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend PostPawnee County Sheriff Scott King&nbsp;obtained a search warrant on July 6 to get more information from the Larned State Hospital about the escape&nbsp;last month&nbsp;of&nbsp;John&nbsp;Freeman Colt from the hospital’s&nbsp;Sexual&nbsp;Predator&nbsp;Treatment&nbsp;Program.&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Aging and Disabilities (KDADS) is&nbsp;in charge of the&nbsp;program&nbsp;at the hospital. Pawnee County&nbsp;Attorney Doug McNett told Eagle Radio on Wednesday&nbsp;why Sheriff King made the decision to get a search warrant.&nbsp;“He did&nbsp;not&nbsp;feel that KDADS was giving him timely access,” McNett said. “They still at that stage hadn’t received the internal videos of the events leading up to&nbsp;his escape as well as some of the documentation that law enforcement had requested.&nbsp;So&nbsp;to expedite that, they&nbsp;went to the District Court and obtained a search warrant.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;McNett said the videos might reveal if someone was helping Colt escape.&nbsp;&nbsp;Colt&nbsp;walked out of the facility shortly after 7 a.m. on June 30, but the hospital did not notify the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office about the escape until 12:47 p.m.&nbsp;Colt&nbsp;was last seen in Larned at 11:20 a.m. that day.&nbsp;According to McNett, the delay in contacting the&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office about the escape was caused at least in part by&nbsp;the&nbsp;hospital’s initial search for Colt.&nbsp;"We never did get a straight&nbsp;answer as to what exactly prompted it,” McNett said. “I got the impression it was something to do with the nursing staff questioning, ‘Hey, there was this extra person on our unit that shouldn’t&nbsp;have been here.’&nbsp;It&nbsp;was determined that was Mr. Colt dressed as a psychologist.&nbsp;So&nbsp;they went and did a security&nbsp;count and that count was wrong. And then they did a second one and then they did a third one.&nbsp;It wasn’t until the fourth time that they called Safety and Security to come over. They went into his room and realized that he had staged it to look like he was sleeping in the bed, and no one had actually verified that someone was in the bed until that fourth count. That’s when they notified law enforcement.”&nbsp;&nbsp;McNett said Colt has been charged&nbsp;in Pawnee County&nbsp;with aggravated escape from a care&nbsp;and treatment facility. A warrant has been issued which means Colt can be picked up and detained by any law enforcement agency in the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

State hospital served with a search warrant after escape

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said Wednesday the league is doing everything it can to encourage vaccinations for all of its athletes, though the conference won’t mandate shots for the coronavirus.

Those not getting vaccinated, however, will be required to submit to multiple COVID-19 tests weekly, as was the case for all athletes throughout the pandemic-affected 2020-21 school year.

“I think it’s very short-sighted to not get vaccinations. Even if the Delta variant weren’t around, it makes sense to get vaccinated,” Bowlsby said during his introductory remarks at football media days.

“If indeed the Delta variant is as virulent and as infectious as it’s been reported to be, not getting vaccinated, you’re rolling the dice in terms of whether you’ll contract the virus,” he said. “And beyond that, for a student-athlete, you’re also rolling the dice on whether or not you’re going to be able to participate because you’re going to be in a testing protocol if you’re not vaccinated.”

TCU defensive end Ochaun Mathis said Horned Frogs players have not been pressured, but have been given ample opportunities to get the shots. He said he got vaccinated, and likes the additional benefit of not having to wake up early a couple of times a week for testing.

While not providing a specific number, Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said “a significant amount of our team is vaccinated. I think we’re heading in, my opinion, a great direction.”

Riley, whose Sooners are the overwhelming preseason favorite after winning the last six Big 12 titles, said he respects that vaccinations are a personal choice. But there is also the reality of being coaches and teammates together. He said those not vaccinated are going to be held to “a different standard, and you’re going to have the opportunity to lose games and not be available.”

Hundreds of U.S. colleges and universities say they will require students to be vaccinnated to return to campus or live in the dormitories this fall, including&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.nd.edu/vaccination/student-vaccination-requirement/" target="_blank">Notre Dame</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.umich.edu/covid-19-vaccine-to-be-required-for-students-choosing-to-live-on-campus/" target="_blank">Michigan</a>. But many have no such requirements.

Nine of the 12 Pac-12 schools are requiring all students -- including athletes --- to be vaccinated to return to campus in the fall semester. In the Southeastern Conference, Commissioner Greg Sankey discussed the topic recently on the Paul Finebaum Show.

“What we can do is remove our roster numbers from last year -- if you recall, 53 available players, a certain number of offensive linemen, defensive linemen, quarterbacks -- and say, ‘You’re responsible to have a healthy team and be present at the scheduled time on the scheduled date to play,’” he said. “That very clearly says you’re going to have to adjust your thought process, your operations in order to make sure you play.”

Riley said there was an increase in Oklahoma players getting vaccinated after PGA golfer Jon Rahm was removed from the Memorial with a six-stroke lead after the third round because of a positive COVID-19 test. Even though he felt no symptoms, he missed out on the chance for a $1.67 million winner’s check the next day.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ne-state-wire-college-sports-basketball-college-basketball-mens-college-basketball-12ded2672257696c01bf97992ffe54b9">North Carolina State was also dropped from the College World Series</a>&nbsp;because of COVID-19 protocols.

“I think some of those real-life things that have happened that we’ve seen have put in perspective for some of these guys,” Riley said. “Also, I think as time goes on and people see that the vaccination has widely been very, very successful. I think it’s opened the door for more and more people to get it, including our guys.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626344343081.png" alt="“If indeed the Delta variant is as virulent and as infectious as it’s been reported to be, not getting vaccinated, you’re rolling the dice in terms of whether you’ll contract the virus,” Bowlsby said. Photo courtesy Big 12 Conference" />
 <figcaption>“If indeed the Delta variant is as virulent and as infectious as it’s been reported to be, not getting vaccinated, you’re rolling the dice in terms of whether you’ll contract the virus,” Bowlsby said. Photo courtesy Big 12 Conference</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said Wednesday the league is doing everything it can to encourage vaccinations for all of its athletes, though the conference won’t mandate shots for the coronavirus.Those not getting vaccinated, however, will be required to submit to multiple COVID-19 tests weekly, as was the case for all athletes throughout the pandemic-affected 2020-21 school year.“I think it’s very short-sighted to not get vaccinations. Even if the Delta variant weren’t around, it makes sense to get vaccinated,” Bowlsby said during his introductory remarks at football media days.“If indeed the Delta variant is as virulent and as infectious as it’s been reported to be, not getting vaccinated, you’re rolling the dice in terms of whether you’ll contract the virus,” he said. “And beyond that, for a student-athlete, you’re also rolling the dice on whether or not you’re going to be able to participate because you’re going to be in a testing protocol if you’re not vaccinated.”TCU defensive end Ochaun Mathis said Horned Frogs players have not been pressured, but have been given ample opportunities to get the shots. He said he got vaccinated, and likes the additional benefit of not having to wake up early a couple of times a week for testing.While not providing a specific number, Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said “a significant amount of our team is vaccinated. I think we’re heading in, my opinion, a great direction.”Riley, whose Sooners are the overwhelming preseason favorite after winning the last six Big 12 titles, said he respects that vaccinations are a personal choice. But there is also the reality of being coaches and teammates together. He said those not vaccinated are going to be held to “a different standard, and you’re going to have the opportunity to lose games and not be available.”Hundreds of U.S. colleges and universities say they will require students to be vaccinnated to return to campus or live in the dormitories this fall, including&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.nd.edu/vaccination/student-vaccination-requirement/" target="_blank">Notre Dame</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.umich.edu/covid-19-vaccine-to-be-required-for-students-choosing-to-live-on-campus/" target="_blank">Michigan</a>. But many have no such requirements.Nine of the 12 Pac-12 schools are requiring all students -- including athletes --- to be vaccinated to return to campus in the fall semester. In the Southeastern Conference, Commissioner Greg Sankey discussed the topic recently on the Paul Finebaum Show.“What we can do is remove our roster numbers from last year -- if you recall, 53 available players, a certain number of offensive linemen, defensive linemen, quarterbacks -- and say, ‘You’re responsible to have a healthy team and be present at the scheduled time on the scheduled date to play,’” he said. “That very clearly says you’re going to have to adjust your thought process, your operations in order to make sure you play.”Riley said there was an increase in Oklahoma players getting vaccinated after PGA golfer Jon Rahm was removed from the Memorial with a six-stroke lead after the third round because of a positive COVID-19 test. Even though he felt no symptoms, he missed out on the chance for a $1.67 million winner’s check the next day.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ne-state-wire-college-sports-basketball-college-basketball-mens-college-basketball-12ded2672257696c01bf97992ffe54b9">North Carolina State was also dropped from the College World Series</a>&nbsp;because of COVID-19 protocols.“I think some of those real-life things that have happened that we’ve seen have put in perspective for some of these guys,” Riley said. “Also, I think as time goes on and people see that the vaccination has widely been very, very successful. I think it’s opened the door for more and more people to get it, including our guys.”

Commissioner: Big 12 won’t mandate shots for coronavirus

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Twenty states including Kansas and Missouri are supporting&nbsp;South Carolina's defense of a new abortion law, arguing in an amicus brief that a federal judge was wrong to pause the entire measure instead of just the provision facing a court challenge.

In a filing Tuesday with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of the states,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alabama">Alabama</a>&nbsp;Attorney General Steve Marshall argued that U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis overstepped her authority when she put the entire abortion law on hold, rather than just the portion being challenged.

The judge's ruling, Marshall wrote, “treads on South Carolina’s sovereign ability to decide for itself the purposes of its legislation” and “aggrandizes the judicial power by treating the court’s injunction of the challenged provision as erasing it entirely so the whole Act collapses.”

The arguments mirror those of South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican who signed the measure into law earlier this year. The state's attorneys wrote in an appellate filing earlier this month that Lewis’ decision to halt the entire measure during litigation “oversteps the bounds of federal judicial power.”

McMaster’s brief asked the appellate judges to lift a lower court’s injunction on the “ South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act.”

The law requires doctors to perform ultrasounds to check for a heartbeat in the fetus, which can typically be detected about six weeks after conception. If cardiac activity is detected, the abortion can only be performed if the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest, or the mother’s life was in danger.

Planned Parenthood attorneys sued immediately, and the entire law has been blocked from taking effect during the lawsuit.

The states filing in support of South Carolina all “have in place laws similar to the South Carolina laws the district court enjoined,” Marshall wrote.

In halting the whole law, Lewis presumed that the sole purpose of other provisions in the law — like requiring an ultrasound to be performed before an abortion — “was to ban abortions of unborn children with heartbeats,” Marshall wrote.

That, he continued, “would be news not only to the South Carolina General Assembly, but to many other state legislatures that have enacted similar ultrasound requirements without South Carolina’s additional regulation.”

The states that signed onto the amicus brief are: Kansas, Missouri, Alabama,&nbsp;Alaska,&nbsp;Arkansas,&nbsp;Georgia,&nbsp;Idaho,&nbsp;Indiana,&nbsp; Kentucky,&nbsp;Louisiana,&nbsp;Mississippi, Montana,&nbsp;Nebraska,&nbsp;North Dakota,&nbsp;Ohio,&nbsp;Oklahoma,&nbsp;Tennessee,&nbsp;Texas,&nbsp;Utah&nbsp;and West&nbsp;Virginia. All but three have Republican governors.

Several other groups have submitted filings in support of South Carolina, including the Southern Baptist Convention and an anti-abortion group of obstetricians and gynecologists.

Attorneys for Planned Parenthood have not responded in court.

Actions by an even higher court could also dictate outcomes in this case. Lewis has said she’s inclined to stay further motions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to take a case from Mississippi — which wants to enforce an abortion ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The court will likely hear that case in the fall, with a decision likely in 2022.

About a dozen other states have passed similar or more restrictive abortion bans, which could take effect if the U.S. Supreme Court were to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 court decision supporting abortion rights. Federal law supersedes state law.

More than 90% of abortions take place in the first 13 weeks of a woman’s pregnancy, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Opponents have argued many women do not know they are pregnant at six weeks, especially if they are not trying to conceive. And, they argue, with such an early deadline, the law gives women little time to consider whether to have an abortion.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Twenty states including Kansas and Missouri are supporting&nbsp;South Carolina's defense of a new abortion law, arguing in an amicus brief that a federal judge was wrong to pause the entire measure instead of just the provision facing a court challenge.In a filing Tuesday with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of the states,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alabama">Alabama</a>&nbsp;Attorney General Steve Marshall argued that U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis overstepped her authority when she put the entire abortion law on hold, rather than just the portion being challenged.The judge's ruling, Marshall wrote, “treads on South Carolina’s sovereign ability to decide for itself the purposes of its legislation” and “aggrandizes the judicial power by treating the court’s injunction of the challenged provision as erasing it entirely so the whole Act collapses.”The arguments mirror those of South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican who signed the measure into law earlier this year. The state's attorneys wrote in an appellate filing earlier this month that Lewis’ decision to halt the entire measure during litigation “oversteps the bounds of federal judicial power.”McMaster’s brief asked the appellate judges to lift a lower court’s injunction on the “ South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act.”The law requires doctors to perform ultrasounds to check for a heartbeat in the fetus, which can typically be detected about six weeks after conception. If cardiac activity is detected, the abortion can only be performed if the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest, or the mother’s life was in danger.Planned Parenthood attorneys sued immediately, and the entire law has been blocked from taking effect during the lawsuit.The states filing in support of South Carolina all “have in place laws similar to the South Carolina laws the district court enjoined,” Marshall wrote.In halting the whole law, Lewis presumed that the sole purpose of other provisions in the law — like requiring an ultrasound to be performed before an abortion — “was to ban abortions of unborn children with heartbeats,” Marshall wrote.That, he continued, “would be news not only to the South Carolina General Assembly, but to many other state legislatures that have enacted similar ultrasound requirements without South Carolina’s additional regulation.”The states that signed onto the amicus brief are: Kansas, Missouri, Alabama,&nbsp;Alaska,&nbsp;Arkansas,&nbsp;Georgia,&nbsp;Idaho,&nbsp;Indiana,&nbsp; Kentucky,&nbsp;Louisiana,&nbsp;Mississippi, Montana,&nbsp;Nebraska,&nbsp;North Dakota,&nbsp;Ohio,&nbsp;Oklahoma,&nbsp;Tennessee,&nbsp;Texas,&nbsp;Utah&nbsp;and West&nbsp;Virginia. All but three have Republican governors.Several other groups have submitted filings in support of South Carolina, including the Southern Baptist Convention and an anti-abortion group of obstetricians and gynecologists.Attorneys for Planned Parenthood have not responded in court.Actions by an even higher court could also dictate outcomes in this case. Lewis has said she’s inclined to stay further motions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to take a case from Mississippi — which wants to enforce an abortion ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The court will likely hear that case in the fall, with a decision likely in 2022.About a dozen other states have passed similar or more restrictive abortion bans, which could take effect if the U.S. Supreme Court were to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 court decision supporting abortion rights. Federal law supersedes state law.More than 90% of abortions take place in the first 13 weeks of a woman’s pregnancy, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Opponents have argued many women do not know they are pregnant at six weeks, especially if they are not trying to conceive. And, they argue, with such an early deadline, the law gives women little time to consider whether to have an abortion.___

Kan., Mo., support South Carolina in abortion lawsuit

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

On Tuesday, police responded to to a convenience store at 746 NE Wabash in Topeka on a report of a shooting, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.

Upon arrival, officers located a victim suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Officers later locate the suspect, Michael Gene Moore, 54, who was arrested and transported to the Shawnee County Department of corrections. He was booked on a requested charge of Aggravated Battery and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626345384629.png" alt="Moore photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Moore photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.On Tuesday, police responded to to a convenience store at 746 NE Wabash in Topeka on a report of a shooting, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.Upon arrival, officers located a victim suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.Officers later locate the suspect, Michael Gene Moore, 54, who was arrested and transported to the Shawnee County Department of corrections. He was booked on a requested charge of Aggravated Battery and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Kan. man arrested after convenience store shooting

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a man and a 3-year-old girl were wounded in a shooting in south Wichita. Television station KAKE reports that the shooting happened around 7 p.m. Wednesday at a mobile home park. 

Investigators say the 38-year-old man who was shot called 911, and arriving officers found him, the wounded 3-year-old girl and another young child at the scene described as “panicked.” 

Police say they believe the shooting was accidental, but did not immediately give details about how the shooting occurred. Police did, however, admonish parents to keep guns away from children. Police say the man and injured child were taken in serious condition to a hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626365008633.png" alt="Police said they believed the shooting was accidental- photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Police said they believed the shooting was accidental- photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a man and a 3-year-old girl were wounded in a shooting in south Wichita. Television station KAKE reports that the shooting happened around 7 p.m. Wednesday at a mobile home park. Investigators say the 38-year-old man who was shot called 911, and arriving officers found him, the wounded 3-year-old girl and another young child at the scene described as “panicked.” Police say they believe the shooting was accidental, but did not immediately give details about how the shooting occurred. Police did, however, admonish parents to keep guns away from children. Police say the man and injured child were taken in serious condition to a hospital.

Kan. man, 3-year-old wounded in accidental shooting

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Missouri, have agreed as part of a lawsuit settlement to stop banning protesters from returning to areas in the city where the protests were held, civil rights groups said Wednesday.

The ACLU of Missouri and the MacArthur Justice Center sued Kansas City, Missouri, police commissioners last year challenging what they called an unconstitutional&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-lawsuits-police-brutality-arrests-d048c7889cda55d0c412a912e1240e65">verbal banishment order</a>.

“Now more than ever we must safeguard the right to protest from police overreach and violence — especially where protests are about the police themselves,” said Amy Breihan, co-director at the MacArthur Justice Center.

Police spokeswoman Donna Drake said in an emailed statement that the department is “grateful to have had this opportunity to work with the ACLU on these important First Amendment issues."

“Since the summer of 2020, we have continued to make adjustments and changes to include our new First Amendment policy,” Drake said. “KCPD continues to work hard to support the First Amendment rights of the citizens of Kansas City."

The lawsuit stems from protests against police brutality and racial injustice last year at the Country Club Plaza, a popular dining and shopping district. About 100 people were arrested, including Theresa Taylor. When she was released on bail, police told her that if she returned to the Plaza she would be arrested and held without bail. A municipal charge alleging Taylor failed to comply with a police order to disperse was later dismissed.

The settlement also requires training on free speech and anti-bias and de-escalation practices as well as prohibiting officers from adding conditions of bond release beyond those imposed by the court or prosecutor.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Missouri, have agreed as part of a lawsuit settlement to stop banning protesters from returning to areas in the city where the protests were held, civil rights groups said Wednesday.The ACLU of Missouri and the MacArthur Justice Center sued Kansas City, Missouri, police commissioners last year challenging what they called an unconstitutional&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-lawsuits-police-brutality-arrests-d048c7889cda55d0c412a912e1240e65">verbal banishment order</a>.“Now more than ever we must safeguard the right to protest from police overreach and violence — especially where protests are about the police themselves,” said Amy Breihan, co-director at the MacArthur Justice Center.Police spokeswoman Donna Drake said in an emailed statement that the department is “grateful to have had this opportunity to work with the ACLU on these important First Amendment issues."“Since the summer of 2020, we have continued to make adjustments and changes to include our new First Amendment policy,” Drake said. “KCPD continues to work hard to support the First Amendment rights of the citizens of Kansas City."The lawsuit stems from protests against police brutality and racial injustice last year at the Country Club Plaza, a popular dining and shopping district. About 100 people were arrested, including Theresa Taylor. When she was released on bail, police told her that if she returned to the Plaza she would be arrested and held without bail. A municipal charge alleging Taylor failed to comply with a police order to disperse was later dismissed.The settlement also requires training on free speech and anti-bias and de-escalation practices as well as prohibiting officers from adding conditions of bond release beyond those imposed by the court or prosecutor.

Police, civil rights groups settle Kansas City protester case

ATCHISON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a vehicle theft and have made an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626287419629.png" alt="Smith-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Smith-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a vehicle theft and have made an arrest.Just after 8p.m. Tuesday, Terry Smith Jr. reported the theft of a 2011&nbsp; Volkswagen Passat from the 1500 Block of Main Street in Atchinson, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Smith and the suspect identified as&nbsp;23-year-old Kristina A. Smith of Independence, Mo., know each other and were in the Volkswagen in the 1500 block Main when Smith got out the vehicle to retrieve something left at a nearby car wash.The suspect, Kristina Smith, drove off with the car. At 9:30a.m. Wednesday, police located the suspect and the vehicle at K-7 and 330th Road where the vehicle had run out of gas. Police arrested her and she remains in custody, according to online jail records. Police have not reported requested charges in the case.