SEDGWICK COUNTY—&nbsp; A Kansas felon involved in a incident that sent a police officer to the hospital went before a judge on August 30.

Nicholas Shugart, 41 of Wichita, was charged with battery against a law enforcement officer, 2 counts of fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of paraphernalia for use, driving under the influence and driving while license is suspended or canceled, according to the Sedgwick Co. District Attorney's office.

Just after 7a.m. August 24, police were dispatched to a welfare check in the area of 600 W. 30th Street South in Wichita regarding two individuals slumped over in a white Chevy Silverado, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

A Wichita Traffic Motor Officer arrived on the scene and contacted the driver, later identified as Nichilas Grady Shugart, 41, of Wichita, who then accelerated and drove away, striking and running over the officer’s lower leg.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Wichita Police were in pursuit of a Silverado driven by<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=285885">&nbsp;Shugart</a>&nbsp;westbound in the 2400 Block of 15th Street.

The Silverado ran the stop sign at North Meridan and struck a northbound 2000 Dodge Caravan driven by Alicia Reico, 51, Wichita, on the the right front quarter panel.

EMS transported the Wichita Traffic Motor officer and Reico to a local hospital. Both had non-life-threatening injuries. The officer is being released from the hospital, according to Gupilan.

Police arrested Shugart and a passenger in the pickup 27-year-old Odessa Silcott of Wichita. He&nbsp;remains in custody on a $150,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692900399480.png" alt="Police on the scene of the crash investigation -photo courtesy&nbsp; KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the crash investigation -photo courtesy&nbsp; KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—&nbsp; A Kansas felon involved in a incident that sent a police officer to the hospital went before a judge on August 30.Nicholas Shugart, 41 of Wichita, was charged with battery against a law enforcement officer, 2 counts of fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of paraphernalia for use, driving under the influence and driving while license is suspended or canceled, according to the Sedgwick Co. District Attorney's office.Just after 7a.m. August 24, police were dispatched to a welfare check in the area of 600 W. 30th Street South in Wichita regarding two individuals slumped over in a white Chevy Silverado, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.A Wichita Traffic Motor Officer arrived on the scene and contacted the driver, later identified as Nichilas Grady Shugart, 41, of Wichita, who then accelerated and drove away, striking and running over the officer’s lower leg.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Wichita Police were in pursuit of a Silverado driven by<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=285885">&nbsp;Shugart</a>&nbsp;westbound in the 2400 Block of 15th Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692920657940.png" alt="Shugart-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Shugart-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Silverado ran the stop sign at North Meridan and struck a northbound 2000 Dodge Caravan driven by Alicia Reico, 51, Wichita, on the the right front quarter panel.EMS transported the Wichita Traffic Motor officer and Reico to a local hospital. Both had non-life-threatening injuries. The officer is being released from the hospital, according to Gupilan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692923986306.png" alt="Silcott-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Silcott-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police arrested Shugart and a passenger in the pickup 27-year-old Odessa Silcott of Wichita. He&nbsp;remains in custody on a $150,000 bond.

Kan. felon charged for driving over police officer's legs

SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement and Occupational Safety and Health authorities are investigating a tanker trailer incident in Seward County.

Just before 9a.m. Friday, police responded to an EMS call at the the Red Barn Truck Wash,&nbsp; 1200 East Pancake in Liberal, according to a media release.

First responders found 3 men unconscious in a tanker trailer. EMS transported the men to Southwest Medical Center. One of the men died and another was transferred to a Wichita Hospital. The third victim remains hospitalized in Liberal.

Police released no additional details Friday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693596984353.png" alt="OSHA is investigation -Google image" />
 <figcaption>OSHA is investigation -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement and Occupational Safety and Health authorities are investigating a tanker trailer incident in Seward County.Just before 9a.m. Friday, police responded to an EMS call at the the Red Barn Truck Wash,&nbsp; 1200 East Pancake in Liberal, according to a media release.First responders found 3 men unconscious in a tanker trailer. EMS transported the men to Southwest Medical Center. One of the men died and another was transferred to a Wichita Hospital. The third victim remains hospitalized in Liberal.Police released no additional details Friday afternoon.

OSHA investigation: Man dies after found in tanker at Kan. truck wash

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Missouri Republican on Wednesday proposed constitutional amendments that would allow exceptions to the state's near-total abortion ban in cases of rape, incest and fatal abnormalities.

Suburban St. Louis resident Jamie Corley, 36, proposed the constitutional amendments to allow those exceptions up until viability, which typically is around 24 weeks. The exception for rape would only apply if the assault is reported to a crisis hotline.

Another proposal Corley filed would allow abortions for any reason up to 12 weeks into pregnancy.

All of her proposals would shield those seeking abortions and health care providers from criminal prosecution and civil penalties.

Missouri now bans almost all abortions, which Corley said is “completely out of line with voters.” The only exception is for medical emergencies.

“People are appalled that the current law doesn’t have exceptions and doesn’t protect women and health care providers from prosecution," she said.

Another group of activists has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitution-voters-election-0d2fdde552c2478b283937a6fab78cfc">campaigning</a>&nbsp;to enshrine abortion rights in the Missouri Constitution, with limited room for lawmakers to regulate the procedure after viability.

But the competing abortion-rights campaign has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-97205f3b12293bdd82622ff564be3d4e">tied up in court battles</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-attorney-general-auditor-fbe60ab843041b3509c5275e8a703207">fights with the Republican attorney general</a>&nbsp;and secretary of state.

Corley said she wanted an alternative that is “actually passable” in Missouri, where there is “elasticity with what it means to be pro-life." She said while one may generally be opposed to abortion, they "don’t agree that completely banning it is the most rational or compassionate policy.”

Both of Missouri's Republican U.S. senators&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/josh-hawley-defers-to-voters-on-abortion-eric-schmitt-calls-missouri-referendum-inevitable/article_7dc885b2-3dcc-11ee-8b5e-4bbc713f7fea.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">have said</a>&nbsp;they support abortion in cases of rape and incest.

An Associated Press request for comment Wednesday to Missouri Right to Life was not immediately returned.

Some abortion-rights supporters are wary of Corley's proposal. Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri President and CEO Yamelsie Rodríguez said “exceptions have never provided meaningful access.”

“While some are proposing ballot measures that will continue to harm Missourians, we will continue to fight for the meaningful access that Missourians need," she said in a statement.

Missouri is among many states turning to voters after the U.S. Supreme Court last year reversed Roe v. Wade and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">took away a nationwide right to abortion</a>.

Since then, the issue appeared on the ballot in six states. In all of them, including generally conservative Kansas and Kentucky,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-voting-rights-health-kentucky-fabb3a40797c5491e9b2a3a696435161">the abortion rights side prevailed</a>.

A measure to ensure abortion access is on the November ballot in Ohio after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-rights-ohio-ballot-constitutional-amendment-e921f46d04a1f3367cf0e42917485335">withstanding legal challenges</a>&nbsp;from opponents. That state’s voters in August&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-rights-constitutional-amendment-special-election-227cde039f8d51723612878525164f1a">rejected a measure</a>&nbsp;that would have required at least 60% of the vote to amend the state constitution, an approach supported by abortion opponents that would have made it harder to adopt the November ballot question.

Ballot measures on abortion could also be before voters in 2024 in states including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-arizona-ballot-voters-2024-a7ea711840cbe2103a9c75c4c4dd4ef3">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-protections-maryland-constitution-8457276fd72fbe1367f7f8a99559731b">Maryland</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-politics-womens-rights-new-york-5ae2968ab80098246978af10765ed9ae">New York</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-constitutions-49618de8441cf8813ff64266cccc192d">South Dakota</a>. But in conservative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-tulsa-oklahoma-united-states-government-e9cb92772546e3fd33ef7599e6a07dd1">Oklahoma</a>, an initiative petition to legalize abortion was withdrawn a month after it started.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693425446976.png" alt="Photo Planned Parenthood Action" />
 <figcaption>Photo Planned Parenthood Action</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Missouri Republican on Wednesday proposed constitutional amendments that would allow exceptions to the state's near-total abortion ban in cases of rape, incest and fatal abnormalities.Suburban St. Louis resident Jamie Corley, 36, proposed the constitutional amendments to allow those exceptions up until viability, which typically is around 24 weeks. The exception for rape would only apply if the assault is reported to a crisis hotline.Another proposal Corley filed would allow abortions for any reason up to 12 weeks into pregnancy.All of her proposals would shield those seeking abortions and health care providers from criminal prosecution and civil penalties.Missouri now bans almost all abortions, which Corley said is “completely out of line with voters.” The only exception is for medical emergencies.“People are appalled that the current law doesn’t have exceptions and doesn’t protect women and health care providers from prosecution," she said.Another group of activists has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitution-voters-election-0d2fdde552c2478b283937a6fab78cfc">campaigning</a>&nbsp;to enshrine abortion rights in the Missouri Constitution, with limited room for lawmakers to regulate the procedure after viability.But the competing abortion-rights campaign has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-97205f3b12293bdd82622ff564be3d4e">tied up in court battles</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-attorney-general-auditor-fbe60ab843041b3509c5275e8a703207">fights with the Republican attorney general</a>&nbsp;and secretary of state.Corley said she wanted an alternative that is “actually passable” in Missouri, where there is “elasticity with what it means to be pro-life." She said while one may generally be opposed to abortion, they "don’t agree that completely banning it is the most rational or compassionate policy.”Both of Missouri's Republican U.S. senators&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/josh-hawley-defers-to-voters-on-abortion-eric-schmitt-calls-missouri-referendum-inevitable/article_7dc885b2-3dcc-11ee-8b5e-4bbc713f7fea.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">have said</a>&nbsp;they support abortion in cases of rape and incest.An Associated Press request for comment Wednesday to Missouri Right to Life was not immediately returned.Some abortion-rights supporters are wary of Corley's proposal. Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri President and CEO Yamelsie Rodríguez said “exceptions have never provided meaningful access.”“While some are proposing ballot measures that will continue to harm Missourians, we will continue to fight for the meaningful access that Missourians need," she said in a statement.Missouri is among many states turning to voters after the U.S. Supreme Court last year reversed Roe v. Wade and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">took away a nationwide right to abortion</a>.Since then, the issue appeared on the ballot in six states. In all of them, including generally conservative Kansas and Kentucky,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-voting-rights-health-kentucky-fabb3a40797c5491e9b2a3a696435161">the abortion rights side prevailed</a>.A measure to ensure abortion access is on the November ballot in Ohio after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-rights-ohio-ballot-constitutional-amendment-e921f46d04a1f3367cf0e42917485335">withstanding legal challenges</a>&nbsp;from opponents. That state’s voters in August&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-rights-constitutional-amendment-special-election-227cde039f8d51723612878525164f1a">rejected a measure</a>&nbsp;that would have required at least 60% of the vote to amend the state constitution, an approach supported by abortion opponents that would have made it harder to adopt the November ballot question.Ballot measures on abortion could also be before voters in 2024 in states including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-arizona-ballot-voters-2024-a7ea711840cbe2103a9c75c4c4dd4ef3">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-protections-maryland-constitution-8457276fd72fbe1367f7f8a99559731b">Maryland</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-politics-womens-rights-new-york-5ae2968ab80098246978af10765ed9ae">New York</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-constitutions-49618de8441cf8813ff64266cccc192d">South Dakota</a>. But in conservative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-tulsa-oklahoma-united-states-government-e9cb92772546e3fd33ef7599e6a07dd1">Oklahoma</a>, an initiative petition to legalize abortion was withdrawn a month after it started.

Missouri Republican seeks exceptions to near-total abortion ban

COWLEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 8p.m. Thursday in Cowley County.

According to Sheriff Dave Faletti, a&nbsp; Kawasaki ZH2 driven by Chase Roberts, 20, Arkansas City was northbound from N. Summit and the 26,000 Block of U.S. 77 Highway in the right most lane.

The motorcycle conducted a lane change into the left most lane and began to accelerate rapidly. Witnesses estimated that the motorcycle was traveling approximately 70 mph to 100mph in a 55mph zone. 

The motorcycle struck a 2003 Lexus LS driven by 41-year-old Daniel Garcia of Arkansas City, that had been stopped at the stop sign at the bypass and was crossing the north bound lanes to turn south onto N. Summit towards Arkansas City. 

The driver of the motorcycle was ejected from the vehicle, and it became fully engulfed in flames. Arkansas City Fire/EMS pronounced Roberts dead at the scene.&nbsp; There were no other injuries. The sheriff's office released no additional details.

COWLEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 8p.m. Thursday in Cowley County.According to Sheriff Dave Faletti, a&nbsp; Kawasaki ZH2 driven by Chase Roberts, 20, Arkansas City was northbound from N. Summit and the 26,000 Block of U.S. 77 Highway in the right most lane.The motorcycle conducted a lane change into the left most lane and began to accelerate rapidly. Witnesses estimated that the motorcycle was traveling approximately 70 mph to 100mph in a 55mph zone. The motorcycle struck a 2003 Lexus LS driven by 41-year-old Daniel Garcia of Arkansas City, that had been stopped at the stop sign at the bypass and was crossing the north bound lanes to turn south onto N. Summit towards Arkansas City. The driver of the motorcycle was ejected from the vehicle, and it became fully engulfed in flames. Arkansas City Fire/EMS pronounced Roberts dead at the scene.&nbsp; There were no other injuries. The sheriff's office released no additional details.

Sheriff: Kan. man traveling 100mph in 55mph zone dies in crash

&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

Support for unions is growing amid shifting working conditions and labor disputes around the country, according to Liz Shuler, the president of the largest labor group in the country.

In Shuler’s comments Tuesday at the AFL-CIO’s first State of the Unions event in Washington, she cited polling that showed support for unions cut across party lines. The AFL-CIO commissioned<a target="_blank" href="https://aflcio.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/GBAO%20AFL-CIO%20Labor%20Day%20Poll%20Memo.pdf">&nbsp;a poll</a>&nbsp;by GBAO, a Democratic polling and research firm, that found 91% of Democratic respondents and 52% of Republicans approved of unions, with even higher numbers supporting the right to strike.

United Auto Workers at Detroit’s “Big Three” car companies<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/blog/get-strike-ready-uaw-votes-to-authorize-strike-against-detroit-automakers/">&nbsp;voted overwhelmingly</a>&nbsp;Aug. 25 to authorize a strike if a deal with Ford, General Motors and Stellantis is not reached before their contract expires Sept. 14.

Shuler characterized that vote as part of a trend in stronger union activity in the face of “a systematic attack” on labor, including many state laws that make union organizing more difficult and the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed workers in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying union dues.

“What’s different about this Labor Day is the awakening happening all across this country,” Shuler said. “It’s up in Detroit, where just a few days ago, 97% of our UAW members said they were ready to walk off the job and push back against the Big Three.”

More than 200 strikes comprising 320,000 workers have happened so far this year, she said, noting that was 10 times the number of striking workers than just two years ago.

“It’s been a long time since this country has seen workers united like this,” she said. “A long time.”

Support for unions reflects an uncertain future for many Americans, Shuler said.

The shift toward a gig economy has left workers unsure about their long-term financial security, she said.

Technological advances in artificial intelligence can help workers do their jobs better, she said, but also threaten workers. She urged companies adopting artificial intelligence to listen to labor concerns about the technology.

Concerns felt more broadly across the country also impacted union members, Shuler said, referencing issues that may have appealed more to labor’s traditional Democratic supporters than the bipartisan support shown in polling.

Workers are concerned about climate change and democratic issues such as voting rights, abortion rights and censorship in schools, she said. Unions will work to elect politicians who reflect those values, she said.

“We will not be silent while extremist politicians attack our rights: Our right to vote and have our votes counted, our right to read the books we want to read, our right to think and speak freely on or off the job,” she said. “We will show up and organize and vote.”

Unions would support President Joe Biden in his reelection campaign next year, Shuler said, praising the president’s work to deliver federal infrastructure spending.

Biden campaigned on infrastructure improvements and supported the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-signs-historic-infrastructure-bill">&nbsp;Congress passed in 2021</a>.

The law supports millions of jobs, she said, not only in construction and transportation but in the service industry as well. Every job created by the federal spending should be a union position, Shuler said.

Biden<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/08/16/ahead-of-potential-auto-worker-strike-biden-calls-for-cooperation-in-union-negotiations/">&nbsp;has called for</a>&nbsp;autoworkers and manufacturers to work together to come to an agreement before their contract expires.

Biden said the day of the UAW vote he’d “been talking to” the union and was “concerned” about the prospect of a strike, according to a White House pool report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693566762046.png" alt="UAW members rally for a new contract at the labor organization’s Region 1 headquarters on Aug. 20, 2023 (UAW photo)." />
 <figcaption>UAW members rally for a new contract at the labor organization’s Region 1 headquarters on Aug. 20, 2023 (UAW photo).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACOB FISCHLER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>Support for unions is growing amid shifting working conditions and labor disputes around the country, according to Liz Shuler, the president of the largest labor group in the country.In Shuler’s comments Tuesday at the AFL-CIO’s first State of the Unions event in Washington, she cited polling that showed support for unions cut across party lines. The AFL-CIO commissioned<a target="_blank" href="https://aflcio.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/GBAO%20AFL-CIO%20Labor%20Day%20Poll%20Memo.pdf">&nbsp;a poll</a>&nbsp;by GBAO, a Democratic polling and research firm, that found 91% of Democratic respondents and 52% of Republicans approved of unions, with even higher numbers supporting the right to strike.United Auto Workers at Detroit’s “Big Three” car companies<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/blog/get-strike-ready-uaw-votes-to-authorize-strike-against-detroit-automakers/">&nbsp;voted overwhelmingly</a>&nbsp;Aug. 25 to authorize a strike if a deal with Ford, General Motors and Stellantis is not reached before their contract expires Sept. 14.Shuler characterized that vote as part of a trend in stronger union activity in the face of “a systematic attack” on labor, including many state laws that make union organizing more difficult and the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed workers in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying union dues.“What’s different about this Labor Day is the awakening happening all across this country,” Shuler said. “It’s up in Detroit, where just a few days ago, 97% of our UAW members said they were ready to walk off the job and push back against the Big Three.”More than 200 strikes comprising 320,000 workers have happened so far this year, she said, noting that was 10 times the number of striking workers than just two years ago.“It’s been a long time since this country has seen workers united like this,” she said. “A long time.”Support for unions reflects an uncertain future for many Americans, Shuler said.The shift toward a gig economy has left workers unsure about their long-term financial security, she said.Technological advances in artificial intelligence can help workers do their jobs better, she said, but also threaten workers. She urged companies adopting artificial intelligence to listen to labor concerns about the technology.Concerns felt more broadly across the country also impacted union members, Shuler said, referencing issues that may have appealed more to labor’s traditional Democratic supporters than the bipartisan support shown in polling.Workers are concerned about climate change and democratic issues such as voting rights, abortion rights and censorship in schools, she said. Unions will work to elect politicians who reflect those values, she said.“We will not be silent while extremist politicians attack our rights: Our right to vote and have our votes counted, our right to read the books we want to read, our right to think and speak freely on or off the job,” she said. “We will show up and organize and vote.”Unions would support President Joe Biden in his reelection campaign next year, Shuler said, praising the president’s work to deliver federal infrastructure spending.Biden campaigned on infrastructure improvements and supported the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-signs-historic-infrastructure-bill">&nbsp;Congress passed in 2021</a>.The law supports millions of jobs, she said, not only in construction and transportation but in the service industry as well. Every job created by the federal spending should be a union position, Shuler said.Biden<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/08/16/ahead-of-potential-auto-worker-strike-biden-calls-for-cooperation-in-union-negotiations/">&nbsp;has called for</a>&nbsp;autoworkers and manufacturers to work together to come to an agreement before their contract expires.Biden said the day of the UAW vote he’d “been talking to” the union and was “concerned” about the prospect of a strike, according to a White House pool report.

Labor leader touts union support as possible auto strikes loom

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are crediting two off-duty police officers for helping catch a suspect on vandalism allegations.

Just after 9 p.m. August 28, police responded to SW Westport Drive and SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka after receiving reports of vandalism. 

Two off-duty Topeka officers witnessed the incident and were able to provide dispatch with a good description and direction of travel for the suspect.

Responding officers quickly located the suspect, later identified as Zac D. Bibler, 20, of Topeka, in the 1500 block of SW Westport Drive.&nbsp; Bibler then refused to comply with officers and fled on foot. 

A short while later Bibler was taken into custody, arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000 and felony Interference with Law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693347760903.png" alt="Bibler-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Bibler-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are crediting two off-duty police officers for helping catch a suspect on vandalism allegations.Just after 9 p.m. August 28, police responded to SW Westport Drive and SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka after receiving reports of vandalism. Two off-duty Topeka officers witnessed the incident and were able to provide dispatch with a good description and direction of travel for the suspect.Responding officers quickly located the suspect, later identified as Zac D. Bibler, 20, of Topeka, in the 1500 block of SW Westport Drive.&nbsp; Bibler then refused to comply with officers and fled on foot. A short while later Bibler was taken into custody, arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000 and felony Interference with Law enforcement.

Off-duty Kan. officers help arrest vandalism suspect

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an incident that seriously injured a woman.

Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, police responded&nbsp;&nbsp;to the report of a crash near W. 83rd Street and Woodland Road in Lenexa involving a vehicle that struck two bicyclists. 

One bicyclist, an adult female, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. The other bicyclist, an adult male, did not sustain serious injuries.

The driver of the vehicle, an adult male, was taken into custody on suspicion of impaired driving. The crash is being investigated by the members of the Lenexa Traffic Safety Unit.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an incident that seriously injured a woman.Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, police responded&nbsp;&nbsp;to the report of a crash near W. 83rd Street and Woodland Road in Lenexa involving a vehicle that struck two bicyclists. One bicyclist, an adult female, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. The other bicyclist, an adult male, did not sustain serious injuries.The driver of the vehicle, an adult male, was taken into custody on suspicion of impaired driving. The crash is being investigated by the members of the Lenexa Traffic Safety Unit.

Police: Driver arrested after vehicle struck Kan. bicyclists

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has delivered a recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marijuana-legalization" target="_blank">marijuana policy</a>, and Senate leaders hailed it this week as a first step toward easing federal restrictions on the drug.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said Wednesday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the agency has responded to President Joe Biden's request “to provide a scheduling recommendation for marijuana to the DEA.”

“We’ve worked to ensure that a scientific evaluation be completed and shared expeditiously,” he added.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement that HHS had recommended that marijuana be moved from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance.

“HHS has done the right thing,” Schumer, D-N.Y., said. “DEA should now follow through on this important step to greatly reduce the harm caused by draconian marijuana laws.”

Rescheduling the drug would reduce or potentially eliminate criminal penalties for possession. Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD.

According to the DEA, Schedule I drugs "have no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and a high potential for abuse."

Schedule III drugs “have a potential for abuse less than substances in Schedules I or II and abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.” They currently include ketamine and some anabolic steroids.

Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8" target="_blank">requested the review in October 2022</a>&nbsp;as he pardoned thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued a statement calling for marijuana to be completely descheduled. “However, the recommendation of HHS to reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III drug is not inconsequential," he added. “If HHS’s recommendation is ultimately implemented, it will be a historic step for a nation whose cannabis policies have been out of touch with reality.”

Bloomberg News first reported on the HHS recommendation.

In reaction to the Bloomberg report, the nonprofit U.S. Cannabis Council said: “We enthusiastically welcome today’s news. ... Rescheduling will have a broad range of benefits, including signaling to the criminal justice system that cannabis is a lower priority and providing a crucial economic lifeline to the cannabis industry.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has delivered a recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marijuana-legalization" target="_blank">marijuana policy</a>, and Senate leaders hailed it this week as a first step toward easing federal restrictions on the drug.HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said Wednesday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the agency has responded to President Joe Biden's request “to provide a scheduling recommendation for marijuana to the DEA.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I can now share that, following the data and science, <a href="https://twitter.com/HHSGov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HHSGov</a> has responded to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>’ directive to me for the Department to provide a scheduling recommendation for marijuana to the DEA. We’ve worked to ensure that a scientific evaluation be completed and shared expeditiously. <a href="https://t.co/p84x8p07sP">pic.twitter.com/p84x8p07sP</a>&mdash; Secretary Xavier Becerra (@SecBecerra) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBecerra/status/1696981120280084617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We’ve worked to ensure that a scientific evaluation be completed and shared expeditiously,” he added.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement that HHS had recommended that marijuana be moved from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance.“HHS has done the right thing,” Schumer, D-N.Y., said. “DEA should now follow through on this important step to greatly reduce the harm caused by draconian marijuana laws.”Rescheduling the drug would reduce or potentially eliminate criminal penalties for possession. Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD.According to the DEA, Schedule I drugs "have no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and a high potential for abuse."Schedule III drugs “have a potential for abuse less than substances in Schedules I or II and abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.” They currently include ketamine and some anabolic steroids.Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8" target="_blank">requested the review in October 2022</a>&nbsp;as he pardoned thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law.Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued a statement calling for marijuana to be completely descheduled. “However, the recommendation of HHS to reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III drug is not inconsequential," he added. “If HHS’s recommendation is ultimately implemented, it will be a historic step for a nation whose cannabis policies have been out of touch with reality.”Bloomberg News first reported on the HHS recommendation.In reaction to the Bloomberg report, the nonprofit U.S. Cannabis Council said: “We enthusiastically welcome today’s news. ... Rescheduling will have a broad range of benefits, including signaling to the criminal justice system that cannabis is a lower priority and providing a crucial economic lifeline to the cannabis industry.”

Biden Admin. moves to classify marijuana as a lower-risk drug

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating several arson fire in Topeka.

Just before 3a.m. August 25, fire crews responded to a house fire at 1509 NW Logan Street in Topeka, according department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

First arriving crews found smoke and flames coming from a two-story house. Due to the heavy fire involvement, and safety concerns of the stability of the home, crews were forced to battle the fire from the outside. No occupants were inside the house at the time of the fire.

A preliminary investigation determined the cause of the fire as intentionally set. The total estimated loss from this fire was approximately $20,000, associated with structural loss. Content loss is unknown. Police have not reported an arrest in this case but have arrested three others for arson in August.

On August 14, police arrested 28-year-old&nbsp;Shaliqua Hill of Topeka and a 17-year-old girl for allegedly using explosives to start a house fire at 631 SE 35th Street in Topeka.

On August 16, police arrested 62-year-old Rose A. Wilson for alleged aggravated arson for an apartment at 1312 SW Polk Street in Topeka.

On August 1, police arrested 61-year-old&nbsp; Linda Ritchey, 61, for alleged aggravated arson for a fire at a home at 507 SW Taylor Street in Topeka. She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693240273343.png" alt="Four arson fires including the fire that damaged this home in Topeka Aug. 25-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Four arson fires including the fire that damaged this home in Topeka Aug. 25-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating several arson fire in Topeka.Just before 3a.m. August 25, fire crews responded to a house fire at 1509 NW Logan Street in Topeka, according department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.First arriving crews found smoke and flames coming from a two-story house. Due to the heavy fire involvement, and safety concerns of the stability of the home, crews were forced to battle the fire from the outside. No occupants were inside the house at the time of the fire.A preliminary investigation determined the cause of the fire as intentionally set. The total estimated loss from this fire was approximately $20,000, associated with structural loss. Content loss is unknown. Police have not reported an arrest in this case but have arrested three others for arson in August.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692141411419.png" alt="Hill-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hill-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On August 14, police arrested 28-year-old&nbsp;Shaliqua Hill of Topeka and a 17-year-old girl for allegedly using explosives to start a house fire at 631 SE 35th Street in Topeka.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692305589950.png" alt="Wilson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wilson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On August 16, police arrested 62-year-old Rose A. Wilson for alleged aggravated arson for an apartment at 1312 SW Polk Street in Topeka.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690819669630.png" alt="Ritchey-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ritchey-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On August 1, police arrested 61-year-old&nbsp; Linda Ritchey, 61, for alleged aggravated arson for a fire at a home at 507 SW Taylor Street in Topeka. She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Four arson fires at homes in Topeka in August

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge ruled Thursday that Kansas officials are no longer required to change transgender people’s birth certificates so the documents reflect their gender identities, a loss for those who fought for that ability and leaves questions on how the state will respond.

Since 2019, a federal consent agreement required Kansas officials to change a person's gender identity on their birth certificate when asked. But Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach asked the court to stop enforcing that agreement because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-transgender-birth-certificates-f9723de7460ab5fe71b3e80ba7854046">a new state law</a>&nbsp;that defines male and female as the sex assigned at birth.

Judge Daniel Crabtree granted Kobach’s request and changed the federal agreement to remove the requirement. However, Crabtree said it will ultimately be up to a state court to decide whether the new law is constitutional. The new law, which took effect July 1, is among efforts nationwide to roll back trans rights.

Montana, Oklahoma and Tennessee already bar such birth certificate changes. Kansas is for now among a few states that don’t let trans people change their driver’s licenses to reflect their gender identities. That’s because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-drivers-licenses-kansas-87f3c61cc6286aeffec60b36d99ca962">a separate state-court lawsuit</a>&nbsp;Kobach filed last month.

Luc Bensimon, a Topeka trans man who was one of the original plaintiffs who fought to change their birth certificates, said he was having trouble making sense of Thursday's ruling and wonders whether the state will try to forcefully reverse the gender change on his birth certificate.

“I’m not OK with that,” Bensimon said. “And I don’t really have any words right now. ... It’s just -- I’m not okay with that.”

“I’m pretty upset right now. I’m just trying to figure this out,” Bensimon added.

But his lawyer, Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, said he doesn't think the ruling will have any effect on birth certificates that were already changed — only new ones. And he said it's not clear how Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly will respond and what she will tell state agencies to do.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/sb180_enrolled.pdf">The Kansas law</a>&nbsp;defines male and female based on a person’s “biological reproductive system,” applying those definitions to any other state law or regulation. The Republican-controlled Legislature enacted it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-bathroom-law-kansas-b3d068afa2bc02bb15314ee04e8e3899">over Kelly’s veto</a>, but she announced shortly before it took effect that birth certificate changes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-law-transgender-birth-certificates-driver-licenses-d5d3631b6e624f24733d0dbdedc9c35e">would continue</a>, citing opinions from attorneys in her administration that they could.

Kelly’s office didn’t immediately respond to the ruling Thursday.

Gonzalez-Pagan said he believes the state agency could continue changing genders on birth certificates unless Kobach goes back to court and gets a separate order telling officials to stop making those changes.

A state court will ultimately decide if the law defining gender will stand.

“The court has genuine misgivings about inserting itself into the dispute about the meaning of the new Kansas law, SB 180," Crabtree said in his ruling. “Absent some issue arising under federal law, a dispute about the meaning of Kansas law belongs in a Kansas state courthouse.”

Crabtree's ruling removes part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/kansas-to-allow-trans-residents-to-change-birth-certificates-7409799fb2a144bca2fd90cd46b7ea6c">2018 settlement</a>&nbsp;Kelly's administration agreed to with four transgender people who challenged a previous Republican no-changes policy. The settlement came only months after Kelly took office in 2019 and required the state to start changing trans people’s birth certificates.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-identities-attacked-bathroom-laws-kansas-e8fc5f209f03f8d55a7491c071283bfb">More than 900 people</a>&nbsp;have done so since.

“The trans activists in this case attempted to nullify state law,” Kobach said. “The court held that SB 180 means what it says — birth certificates in Kansas must reflect biological sex. As long as I am attorney general, the laws of Kansas will be enforced as written. The Legislature decided that birth certificates must reflect biological reality, and they were quite clear in how they wrote the law."

Transgender Kansas residents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-birth-certificates-kansas-4e096d3e020de4b057f04ef2c72b955c">and Kelly</a>&nbsp;argued that refusing to change birth certificates would violate rights protected by the U.S. Constitution, something Crabtree said in his brief order approving the settlement four years ago. Kobach argued that the settlement represented only the views of the parties and the new state law represents a big enough change to nullify the settlement’s requirements.

In the state-court lawsuit over driver’s licenses,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-drivers-licenses-kansas-3ad43a98dd96a8eb5864f6cdc19beffb">a district judge has blocked ID changes</a>&nbsp;until at least Nov. 1.

The new Kansas law was part of a wave of measures rolling back trans rights emerging from Republican-controlled statehouses across the U.S. this year.

The law also declares the state’s interests in protecting people’s privacy, health and safety justifies separate facilities, such as bathrooms and locker rooms, for men and women. Supporters promised that would keep transgender women and girls from using women’s and girls’ facilities — making the law among the nation’s most sweeping bathroom policies — but there is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-bathroom-laws-enforcement-e96e94b8935eb6bd23a42562cdeeec6c">no formal enforcement mechanism</a>.

As for birth certificates, Kobach argued in a recent filing in the federal lawsuit that keeping the full 2019 settlement in place is “explicitly anti-democratic” because it conflicts directly with the new law.

“To hold otherwise would be to render state governments vassals of the federal courts, forever beholden to unchangeable consent agreements entered into by long-gone public officials,” Kobach said.

In 2018, Kelly defeated Kobach, then the Kansas secretary of state, to win her first term as governor. Kobach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-immigration-kansas-topeka-339a45795e1e479b7754e2fc7a8127ed">staged a political comeback</a>&nbsp;by winning the attorney general’s race last year, when Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-donald-trump-kansas-topeka-39afdff811fd2f30a212036d5ec6e3fa">won her second term</a>. Both prevailed by narrow margins.

The transgender Kansas residents who sued the state in 2018 argued that siding with Kobach would allow the state to return to a policy that violated people’s constitutional rights.

In one scathing passage in a recent court filing, their attorneys asked whether Kobach would argue states could ignore the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka ruling in 1954 outlawing racially segregated schools if their lawmakers simply passed a new law ordering segregation.

“The answer is clearly no,” they wrote.

The plaintiffs' attorney, Gonzalez-Pagan, said he's disappointed in the ruling but believes the law will be found unconstitutional.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687829963398.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge ruled Thursday that Kansas officials are no longer required to change transgender people’s birth certificates so the documents reflect their gender identities, a loss for those who fought for that ability and leaves questions on how the state will respond.Since 2019, a federal consent agreement required Kansas officials to change a person's gender identity on their birth certificate when asked. But Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach asked the court to stop enforcing that agreement because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-transgender-birth-certificates-f9723de7460ab5fe71b3e80ba7854046">a new state law</a>&nbsp;that defines male and female as the sex assigned at birth.Judge Daniel Crabtree granted Kobach’s request and changed the federal agreement to remove the requirement. However, Crabtree said it will ultimately be up to a state court to decide whether the new law is constitutional. The new law, which took effect July 1, is among efforts nationwide to roll back trans rights.Montana, Oklahoma and Tennessee already bar such birth certificate changes. Kansas is for now among a few states that don’t let trans people change their driver’s licenses to reflect their gender identities. That’s because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-drivers-licenses-kansas-87f3c61cc6286aeffec60b36d99ca962">a separate state-court lawsuit</a>&nbsp;Kobach filed last month.Luc Bensimon, a Topeka trans man who was one of the original plaintiffs who fought to change their birth certificates, said he was having trouble making sense of Thursday's ruling and wonders whether the state will try to forcefully reverse the gender change on his birth certificate.“I’m not OK with that,” Bensimon said. “And I don’t really have any words right now. ... It’s just -- I’m not okay with that.”“I’m pretty upset right now. I’m just trying to figure this out,” Bensimon added.But his lawyer, Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, said he doesn't think the ruling will have any effect on birth certificates that were already changed — only new ones. And he said it's not clear how Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly will respond and what she will tell state agencies to do.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/sb180_enrolled.pdf">The Kansas law</a>&nbsp;defines male and female based on a person’s “biological reproductive system,” applying those definitions to any other state law or regulation. The Republican-controlled Legislature enacted it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-bathroom-law-kansas-b3d068afa2bc02bb15314ee04e8e3899">over Kelly’s veto</a>, but she announced shortly before it took effect that birth certificate changes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-law-transgender-birth-certificates-driver-licenses-d5d3631b6e624f24733d0dbdedc9c35e">would continue</a>, citing opinions from attorneys in her administration that they could.Kelly’s office didn’t immediately respond to the ruling Thursday.Gonzalez-Pagan said he believes the state agency could continue changing genders on birth certificates unless Kobach goes back to court and gets a separate order telling officials to stop making those changes.A state court will ultimately decide if the law defining gender will stand.“The court has genuine misgivings about inserting itself into the dispute about the meaning of the new Kansas law, SB 180," Crabtree said in his ruling. “Absent some issue arising under federal law, a dispute about the meaning of Kansas law belongs in a Kansas state courthouse.”Crabtree's ruling removes part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/kansas-to-allow-trans-residents-to-change-birth-certificates-7409799fb2a144bca2fd90cd46b7ea6c">2018 settlement</a>&nbsp;Kelly's administration agreed to with four transgender people who challenged a previous Republican no-changes policy. The settlement came only months after Kelly took office in 2019 and required the state to start changing trans people’s birth certificates.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-identities-attacked-bathroom-laws-kansas-e8fc5f209f03f8d55a7491c071283bfb">More than 900 people</a>&nbsp;have done so since.“The trans activists in this case attempted to nullify state law,” Kobach said. “The court held that SB 180 means what it says — birth certificates in Kansas must reflect biological sex. As long as I am attorney general, the laws of Kansas will be enforced as written. The Legislature decided that birth certificates must reflect biological reality, and they were quite clear in how they wrote the law."Transgender Kansas residents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-birth-certificates-kansas-4e096d3e020de4b057f04ef2c72b955c">and Kelly</a>&nbsp;argued that refusing to change birth certificates would violate rights protected by the U.S. Constitution, something Crabtree said in his brief order approving the settlement four years ago. Kobach argued that the settlement represented only the views of the parties and the new state law represents a big enough change to nullify the settlement’s requirements.In the state-court lawsuit over driver’s licenses,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-drivers-licenses-kansas-3ad43a98dd96a8eb5864f6cdc19beffb">a district judge has blocked ID changes</a>&nbsp;until at least Nov. 1.The new Kansas law was part of a wave of measures rolling back trans rights emerging from Republican-controlled statehouses across the U.S. this year.The law also declares the state’s interests in protecting people’s privacy, health and safety justifies separate facilities, such as bathrooms and locker rooms, for men and women. Supporters promised that would keep transgender women and girls from using women’s and girls’ facilities — making the law among the nation’s most sweeping bathroom policies — but there is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-bathroom-laws-enforcement-e96e94b8935eb6bd23a42562cdeeec6c">no formal enforcement mechanism</a>.As for birth certificates, Kobach argued in a recent filing in the federal lawsuit that keeping the full 2019 settlement in place is “explicitly anti-democratic” because it conflicts directly with the new law.“To hold otherwise would be to render state governments vassals of the federal courts, forever beholden to unchangeable consent agreements entered into by long-gone public officials,” Kobach said.In 2018, Kelly defeated Kobach, then the Kansas secretary of state, to win her first term as governor. Kobach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-immigration-kansas-topeka-339a45795e1e479b7754e2fc7a8127ed">staged a political comeback</a>&nbsp;by winning the attorney general’s race last year, when Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-donald-trump-kansas-topeka-39afdff811fd2f30a212036d5ec6e3fa">won her second term</a>. Both prevailed by narrow margins.The transgender Kansas residents who sued the state in 2018 argued that siding with Kobach would allow the state to return to a policy that violated people’s constitutional rights.In one scathing passage in a recent court filing, their attorneys asked whether Kobach would argue states could ignore the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka ruling in 1954 outlawing racially segregated schools if their lawmakers simply passed a new law ordering segregation.“The answer is clearly no,” they wrote.The plaintiffs' attorney, Gonzalez-Pagan, said he's disappointed in the ruling but believes the law will be found unconstitutional.

Judge: Kan. no longer required to change trans people’s birth certificates

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; NICK GOSNELL &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran was at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Thursday afternoon to announce federal funding for a partnership between the healthcare system and Hutchinson Community College.

"A couple of years ago, the Senate and the House changed the rules," Moran said. "There was a period of about 10 years in which, what we used to call earmarks were banned. We didn't reinstate earmarks, but we now have Congressionally Designated Spending. We are utilizing that opportunity, money that would be spent somewhere in the budget someplace in some state or congressional district elsewhere to try to make certain that those dollars find their way to Kansas."

A significant amount of those dollars are coming to Hutchinson.

"I am here to announce a Congressionally Designated Spending of $3 million to Hutchinson Community College for purposes of nursing education. President Carter File can describe better than I how the money will be spent, but it is mostly designed to increase the space available and increase the laboratory capabilities of the nursing program. My understanding is that this $3 million, when it's completed, will allow for 20 additional students to participate in nursing education at Hutchinson Community College."

File clarified that it is an additional 20 slots per year in the nursing program at HutchCC.&nbsp;

"There is not a community in Kansas, there's not a hospital in Kansas, there's not a health care provider in Kansas who doesn't wish we had more nurses," Moran said. "This is an opportunity for us to combine a very important institution, Hutchinson Community College, to this community, with another very important institution to this community, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center."

Moran said the money will be available to the college in September to work on the expansion of space at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for students to use for lab work with simulators that can give them the feel of live patients without risk to patients while they are learning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693532718496.jpeg" alt="Jonna Jenkins, Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Chief Nursing Officer for Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and HutchCC President Carter File all spoke at the Thursday press event announcing federal funds to allow for a partnership between the healthcare system and the college. Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>Jonna Jenkins, Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Chief Nursing Officer for Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and HutchCC President Carter File all spoke at the Thursday press event announcing federal funds to allow for a partnership between the healthcare system and the college. Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; NICK GOSNELL &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran was at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Thursday afternoon to announce federal funding for a partnership between the healthcare system and Hutchinson Community College."A couple of years ago, the Senate and the House changed the rules," Moran said. "There was a period of about 10 years in which, what we used to call earmarks were banned. We didn't reinstate earmarks, but we now have Congressionally Designated Spending. We are utilizing that opportunity, money that would be spent somewhere in the budget someplace in some state or congressional district elsewhere to try to make certain that those dollars find their way to Kansas."A significant amount of those dollars are coming to Hutchinson."I am here to announce a Congressionally Designated Spending of $3 million to Hutchinson Community College for purposes of nursing education. President Carter File can describe better than I how the money will be spent, but it is mostly designed to increase the space available and increase the laboratory capabilities of the nursing program. My understanding is that this $3 million, when it's completed, will allow for 20 additional students to participate in nursing education at Hutchinson Community College."File clarified that it is an additional 20 slots per year in the nursing program at HutchCC.&nbsp;"There is not a community in Kansas, there's not a hospital in Kansas, there's not a health care provider in Kansas who doesn't wish we had more nurses," Moran said. "This is an opportunity for us to combine a very important institution, Hutchinson Community College, to this community, with another very important institution to this community, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center."Moran said the money will be available to the college in September to work on the expansion of space at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for students to use for lab work with simulators that can give them the feel of live patients without risk to patients while they are learning.

Moran announces $3 million for Hutch CC nursing program

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas City woman&nbsp; after learning she has been living off her missing father's Social Security and VA benefits.

On August 25, investigators with the Nye County, Nevada Sheriff's office&nbsp; served a Search Warrant at 3891 Peggy in Pahrump, Nevada to search the property for human remains buried on the property.

Investigators learned that 95-year-old Bruce Brown had not been contacted or seen since April of 2023.

Detectives traveled to Kansas City and interviewed 53-year-old Gennice Walker.  Investigators had already established probable cause that Walker was living off of Brown's Social Security and VA Benefits and had received information that she had buried Brown, her father, in the desert.

Walker refused to cooperate and was arrested in Kansas City on an Arrest Warrant for Larceny.

When investigators returned from Kansas City, a Search Warrant was served at the address on Peggy Avenue.&nbsp; After excavating a small portion of the back yard, deputies located human remains of a man in a home-made coffin under the ground.&nbsp; Autopsy later identified the remains as Bruce Brown. 

Gennice Walker remains jailed in Kansas City prior to extradition  to Nevada.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Nye County Sheriff's Office at 775 751-7000.  You can also remain anonymous by calling CRIMESTOPPERS at 702 385-5555.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693304258750.png" alt="Walker-photo&nbsp; Nye Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Walker-photo&nbsp; Nye Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas City woman&nbsp; after learning she has been living off her missing father's Social Security and VA benefits.On August 25, investigators with the Nye County, Nevada Sheriff's office&nbsp; served a Search Warrant at 3891 Peggy in Pahrump, Nevada to search the property for human remains buried on the property.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693304730646.png" alt="3891 Peggy Ave. in Pahrump, Nevada -Google image" />
 <figcaption>3891 Peggy Ave. in Pahrump, Nevada -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators learned that 95-year-old Bruce Brown had not been contacted or seen since April of 2023.Detectives traveled to Kansas City and interviewed 53-year-old Gennice Walker. Investigators had already established probable cause that Walker was living off of Brown's Social Security and VA Benefits and had received information that she had buried Brown, her father, in the desert.Walker refused to cooperate and was arrested in Kansas City on an Arrest Warrant for Larceny.When investigators returned from Kansas City, a Search Warrant was served at the address on Peggy Avenue.&nbsp; After excavating a small portion of the back yard, deputies located human remains of a man in a home-made coffin under the ground.&nbsp; Autopsy later identified the remains as Bruce Brown. Gennice Walker remains jailed in Kansas City prior to extradition to Nevada.Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Nye County Sheriff's Office at 775 751-7000. You can also remain anonymous by calling CRIMESTOPPERS at 702 385-5555.

Sheriff: KC woman buried father in desert, stole his identity

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a fentanyl overdose death in Hutchinson.

On Wednesday, the Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations Division and Reno County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit arrested 32-year-old Cedrick Gardner II of Wichita, on requested charges that include Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute,&nbsp; Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of fentanyl, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of Adderall, Possession of oxycodone, Possession of dilaudid, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Criminal use of a weapon, according to a media release from Hutchinson Police.

Additionally, Gardner was charged with Distribution of a controlled substance causing death and Arranging the sale of a controlled substance using a communication device. Those charges are related to a recent fentanyl overdose that resulted in death in Hutchinson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693509179796.jpeg" alt="Cedrick Gardner II-photo Hutchinson Police" />
 <figcaption>Cedrick Gardner II-photo Hutchinson Police</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a fentanyl overdose death in Hutchinson.On Wednesday, the Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations Division and Reno County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit arrested 32-year-old Cedrick Gardner II of Wichita, on requested charges that include Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute,&nbsp; Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of fentanyl, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of Adderall, Possession of oxycodone, Possession of dilaudid, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Criminal use of a weapon, according to a media release from Hutchinson Police.Additionally, Gardner was charged with Distribution of a controlled substance causing death and Arranging the sale of a controlled substance using a communication device. Those charges are related to a recent fentanyl overdose that resulted in death in Hutchinson.

Kansas man arrested for role in fentanyl overdose death

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri judge ruled Thursday that the 84-year-old white homeowner who shot a Black teenager after he mistakenly went to the man’s house must stand trial.

Clay County Judge Louis Angles issued the ruling after hearing from several witnesses at a preliminary hearing, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-kansas-city-wrong-door-b27aaabdb132fcb1544c97f7161f0027">Ralph Yarl</a>, the teenager who was shot by Andrew Lester on April 13 when Yarl went to the wrong house to pick up his younger brothers.

Lester, a retired aircraft mechanic, is charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. He previously pleaded&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/The%20case%20shocked%20the%20country%20and%20renewed%20national%20debates%20about%20gun%20policies%20and%20race%20in%20America.">not guilty</a>&nbsp;in the shooting that shocked the country and renewed national debates about gun policies and race in America. His next court date is an arraignment, scheduled for Sept. 20.

Yarl spoke softly as he testified that he was sent to pick up his twin siblings but had no phone — he'd lost it at school. The house he intended to go to was just blocks from his own home, but he had the street wrong.

Yarl said he rang the bell and the wait for someone to answer seemed “longer than normal,” he said.

As the inner door opened, Yarl said he reached out to grab the storm door.

“I assume these are my brother's friends' parents,” he said.

Instead, it was Lester who told Yarl, “Don't come here ever again,” Yarl recalled. He said he was shot in the head, the impact knocking him to the ground and was then shot in the arm.

Lester’s attorney, Steve Salmon, said in closing arguments that Lester was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-stand-your-ground-69f91b0a09b25f9758219897f5890278">acting in self-defense,</a>&nbsp;terrified by the stranger who knocked on his door as he settled into bed for the night.

“With his age and physical infirmity, he is unable to defend himself," Salmon said, describing Lester as distraught after the shooting.

“A terrible event occurred, but it is not criminal," Salmon said.

District Attorney Zachary Thompson said that although Missouri law offers protections for people defending themselves, "You do not have the right to shoot an unarmed kid through a door.”

Kansas City Officer Larry Dunaway described Lester as “an elderly guy who was scared” after the shooting. Another officer, James Gale, said Lester was clearly worried.

“He said he hoped he didn’t kill anybody," Gale testified.

A handful of people wearing shirts that said “Justice for Ralph” were in the courtroom. Others wore shirts that read: “Ringing a doorbell is not a crime.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-senior-year-e76c013d3458fbfe2fd7df8122119c65">Yarl continues to heal</a>&nbsp;from the traumatic brain injury he suffered but was able to complete an engineering internship this summer and just started his senior year in high school. The 17-year-old is planning to major in engineering when he graduates, with several college visits planned for the fall.

Yarl was supposed to pick up his younger brothers but went to the wrong block and mistakenly ended up at Lester's house. Lester told authorities that he shot Yarl through the door without warning because he was “scared to death” he was about to be robbed.

Initially turned away while seeking help at neighboring homes, Yarl stumbled to the street. Neighbor Carol Conrad testified that she was offering words of comfort through her window — a dispatcher had warned that neighbors should stay inside. At one point, he yelled, “I’ve been shot.”

When Yarl crumpled to the ground, three neighbors rushed to help. Jodi Dovel testified that there was a trail of blood, which pooled under his head. But Yarl was able to talk, telling her he went to ring the doorbell and was shot.

“I thought. ‘Oh no, he went to the wrong house,’” Dovel said.

Lester also called 911. On the recoding played in court he could be heard telling a dispatcher, “I shot him. He was at my door trying to get in and I shot him.”

Missouri is one of about 30 states with “stand your ground” laws that allow people to respond with physical force when they are threatened.

Salmon has said that Lester’s home was egged and spray-painted after the shooting. He said Lester has sought law enforcement assistance when traveling, and his wife had to be moved from her nursing home.

Yarl’s father, Paul Yarl, said after the hearing that he was moved hearing the neighbors testify. Some of the details were new to him. He said his son has mainly recovered physically but still struggles psychologically. He relives the night and has bad dreams.

“It was horrible. Blood. Shooting. Nobody wanted to come until police arrived,” he said.

He said he was not frustrated with the bystanders.

“I’m more frustrated with the shooter," Paul Yarl said. "He started it. He didn’t want to talk to the boy. He just shot the boy. And now he tries to play the fear card and he’s afraid. He should be afraid he is going to kill somebody. Come on, now.”

Support for Yarl and his family poured in over the past few months. A GoFundMe set up on the family’s behalf raised nearly $3.5 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681726215314.png" alt="Ralph Yarl photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Ralph Yarl photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri judge ruled Thursday that the 84-year-old white homeowner who shot a Black teenager after he mistakenly went to the man’s house must stand trial.Clay County Judge Louis Angles issued the ruling after hearing from several witnesses at a preliminary hearing, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-kansas-city-wrong-door-b27aaabdb132fcb1544c97f7161f0027">Ralph Yarl</a>, the teenager who was shot by Andrew Lester on April 13 when Yarl went to the wrong house to pick up his younger brothers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681844207619.png" alt="Lester photo Clay Co." />
 <figcaption>Lester photo Clay Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Lester, a retired aircraft mechanic, is charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. He previously pleaded&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/The%20case%20shocked%20the%20country%20and%20renewed%20national%20debates%20about%20gun%20policies%20and%20race%20in%20America.">not guilty</a>&nbsp;in the shooting that shocked the country and renewed national debates about gun policies and race in America. His next court date is an arraignment, scheduled for Sept. 20.Yarl spoke softly as he testified that he was sent to pick up his twin siblings but had no phone — he'd lost it at school. The house he intended to go to was just blocks from his own home, but he had the street wrong.Yarl said he rang the bell and the wait for someone to answer seemed “longer than normal,” he said.As the inner door opened, Yarl said he reached out to grab the storm door.“I assume these are my brother's friends' parents,” he said.Instead, it was Lester who told Yarl, “Don't come here ever again,” Yarl recalled. He said he was shot in the head, the impact knocking him to the ground and was then shot in the arm.Lester’s attorney, Steve Salmon, said in closing arguments that Lester was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-stand-your-ground-69f91b0a09b25f9758219897f5890278">acting in self-defense,</a>&nbsp;terrified by the stranger who knocked on his door as he settled into bed for the night.“With his age and physical infirmity, he is unable to defend himself," Salmon said, describing Lester as distraught after the shooting.“A terrible event occurred, but it is not criminal," Salmon said.District Attorney Zachary Thompson said that although Missouri law offers protections for people defending themselves, "You do not have the right to shoot an unarmed kid through a door.”Kansas City Officer Larry Dunaway described Lester as “an elderly guy who was scared” after the shooting. Another officer, James Gale, said Lester was clearly worried.“He said he hoped he didn’t kill anybody," Gale testified.A handful of people wearing shirts that said “Justice for Ralph” were in the courtroom. Others wore shirts that read: “Ringing a doorbell is not a crime.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-senior-year-e76c013d3458fbfe2fd7df8122119c65">Yarl continues to heal</a>&nbsp;from the traumatic brain injury he suffered but was able to complete an engineering internship this summer and just started his senior year in high school. The 17-year-old is planning to major in engineering when he graduates, with several college visits planned for the fall.Yarl was supposed to pick up his younger brothers but went to the wrong block and mistakenly ended up at Lester's house. Lester told authorities that he shot Yarl through the door without warning because he was “scared to death” he was about to be robbed.Initially turned away while seeking help at neighboring homes, Yarl stumbled to the street. Neighbor Carol Conrad testified that she was offering words of comfort through her window — a dispatcher had warned that neighbors should stay inside. At one point, he yelled, “I’ve been shot.”When Yarl crumpled to the ground, three neighbors rushed to help. Jodi Dovel testified that there was a trail of blood, which pooled under his head. But Yarl was able to talk, telling her he went to ring the doorbell and was shot.“I thought. ‘Oh no, he went to the wrong house,’” Dovel said.Lester also called 911. On the recoding played in court he could be heard telling a dispatcher, “I shot him. He was at my door trying to get in and I shot him.”Missouri is one of about 30 states with “stand your ground” laws that allow people to respond with physical force when they are threatened.Salmon has said that Lester’s home was egged and spray-painted after the shooting. He said Lester has sought law enforcement assistance when traveling, and his wife had to be moved from her nursing home.Yarl’s father, Paul Yarl, said after the hearing that he was moved hearing the neighbors testify. Some of the details were new to him. He said his son has mainly recovered physically but still struggles psychologically. He relives the night and has bad dreams.“It was horrible. Blood. Shooting. Nobody wanted to come until police arrived,” he said.He said he was not frustrated with the bystanders.“I’m more frustrated with the shooter," Paul Yarl said. "He started it. He didn’t want to talk to the boy. He just shot the boy. And now he tries to play the fear card and he’s afraid. He should be afraid he is going to kill somebody. Come on, now.”Support for Yarl and his family poured in over the past few months. A GoFundMe set up on the family’s behalf raised nearly $3.5 million.___

Judge: 84-year-old homeowner will go to trial for shooting KC teen

GOVE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Thursday in Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Honda Goldwing driven by&nbsp; Steve Alan&nbsp;Ziegler, 69, Goodland was hauling a trailer eastbound on Interstate 70 four miles west of Kansas 23 in the passing lane.

While merging back into the right lane, the driver lost control and veered toward the median. The vehicle and driver overturned and came to a stop in the median.

Zeigler was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Baalmann Mortuary.

GOVE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Thursday in Gove County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Honda Goldwing driven by&nbsp; Steve Alan&nbsp;Ziegler, 69, Goodland was hauling a trailer eastbound on Interstate 70 four miles west of Kansas 23 in the passing lane.While merging back into the right lane, the driver lost control and veered toward the median. The vehicle and driver overturned and came to a stop in the median.Zeigler was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Baalmann Mortuary.

Kansas man dies after motorcycle overturns on I-70

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a murder have a suspect in custody.

Just before 11a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in the 2000 block of S. Seneca in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp;

First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;69-year-old James Gibson of Wichita with gunshot wounds inside an apartment. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police reported they arrested 36-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=22921">Jeremy Miles on</a> requested charges of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, assault and a parole violation, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police have not reported the details on the arrest and are asking the public to contact them if any has more information on the crime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693488696173.png" alt="Miles-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Miles-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a murder have a suspect in custody.Just before 11a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in the 2000 block of S. Seneca in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp;First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;69-year-old James Gibson of Wichita with gunshot wounds inside an apartment. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police reported they arrested 36-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=22921">Jeremy Miles on</a> requested charges of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, assault and a parole violation, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police have not reported the details on the arrest and are asking the public to contact them if any has more information on the crime.

Suspect arrested for murder, robbery at Kansas apartment

Mayor Quinton Lucas is alleged to have violated the Missouri Sunshine Law, which allows the public to request government records

By ALLISON KITE,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/epa-estimates-more-than-54000-lead-pipes-remain-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

A Kansas City activist has filed a lawsuit alleging&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/quinton-lucas/">Mayor Quinton Lucas</a>&nbsp;attempted to intimidate her into withdrawing a request for public records from his office.

Lora McDonald, executive director of the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, or MORE2, sued the city earlier this month over alleged violations of the Missouri Sunshine Law. She alleges in her lawsuit that the mayor called her “speaking with a raised, angry voice, asserting his discontent” with a request she filed a week earlier.

“Plaintiff felt Mayor Lucas’s call was an attempt to intimidate, harass and/or coerce because of the tone and demeanor of his voice and because he was suggesting she withdraw the request,” the lawsuit says.

Jazzlyn Johnson, a spokesperson for Lucas, said in an email that the mayor’s office disagreed with the characterization.

“In a decade of public life featuring challenging airport negotiations, protestors at his home, multiple recall efforts, hate mail during the COVID-19 crisis, and a public uprising on the Plaza, the mayor has never been characterized as an ‘angry man,’” Johnson said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693490002784.png" alt=" Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas meets with Missouri Gov. Mike Parson in October 2019. Lucas allegedly raised his voice and urged an activist to withdraw a Missouri Sunshine Law request, a lawsuit claims. (Missouri Governor's Office)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas meets with Missouri Gov. Mike Parson in October 2019. Lucas allegedly raised his voice and urged an activist to withdraw a Missouri Sunshine Law request, a lawsuit claims. (Missouri Governor's Office)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Mayor Quinton Lucas is alleged to have violated the Missouri Sunshine Law, which allows the public to request government records</h2>By ALLISON KITE,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/epa-estimates-more-than-54000-lead-pipes-remain-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>A Kansas City activist has filed a lawsuit alleging&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/quinton-lucas/">Mayor Quinton Lucas</a>&nbsp;attempted to intimidate her into withdrawing a request for public records from his office.Lora McDonald, executive director of the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, or MORE2, sued the city earlier this month over alleged violations of the Missouri Sunshine Law. She alleges in her lawsuit that the mayor called her “speaking with a raised, angry voice, asserting his discontent” with a request she filed a week earlier.“Plaintiff felt Mayor Lucas’s call was an attempt to intimidate, harass and/or coerce because of the tone and demeanor of his voice and because he was suggesting she withdraw the request,” the lawsuit says.Jazzlyn Johnson, a spokesperson for Lucas, said in an email that the mayor’s office disagreed with the characterization.“In a decade of public life featuring challenging airport negotiations, protestors at his home, multiple recall efforts, hate mail during the COVID-19 crisis, and a public uprising on the Plaza, the mayor has never been characterized as an ‘angry man,’” Johnson said.McDonald’s alleged exchange with Lucas —&nbsp;and, later, a city staffer —&nbsp;paints a picture of a city government that resists releasing public information and takes requests for records as an affront. The lawsuit also outlines four instances where City Hall has failed to promptly release records or even respond when McDonald sought an estimate as to when she could expect the request to be fulfilled.“If you didn’t do anything wrong, why are we having this phone call?” McDonald said in an interview about her conversation with Lucas.McDonald’s request sought communications between the mayor and attorneys —&nbsp;both employed by the city and outside counsel —&nbsp;concerning litigation attempting to overturn a state&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/gov-parson-signs-bill-requiring-kansas-city-to-put-more-money-toward-police/">law that requires Kansas City to increase funding to the police department</a>.Kansas City is the only major U.S. city that does not control its police. The Kansas City Police Department is governed by a board appointed by the Missouri governor. But the city funds the department.Last fall, Missouri voters passed a constitutional amendment requiring Kansas City to dedicate 25% of its general revenue to the police department. The Missouri General Assembly passed legislation to force the increase in the spring of 2022, but it required a statewide vote to go into effect.In August of 2022,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/17/kansas-city-mayor-sues-to-block-missouri-law-requiring-higher-police-spending/">Lucas filed a lawsuit against the state</a>&nbsp;alleging that it’s unconstitutional for the state to force Kansas City to spend more on its police unless it appropriates money to the city.He filed the lawsuit as an individual rather than in his official capacity and is represented by a city-employed attorney and private counsel. His case was later combined with a similar, though broader, lawsuit filed by Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Kansas City.After Lucas’ call, McDonald says she didn’t hear anything from City Hall for more than a month despite following up with city staff. Her lawsuit goes on to say that it wasn’t until her attorney sent an email saying he would advise McDonald to sue if they didn’t get a response that Kansas City provided an estimated cost and timeframe for when it would release the records.Just two days before the city had promised it would release records, the lawsuit states that Melesa Johnson, then the mayor’s general counsel and deputy chief of staff, called McDonald’s attorney and texted McDonald, questioning why she filed a request for records given that MORE2, like City Hall, supports local control of the Kansas City police.“As an avid supporter of you and MORE2 who routinely assists with the mayor’s support of your organization, I am trying to understand why we are pitting our respective offices against each other when we share the overall same goal of seeing state control dismantled,” Melesa Johnson said in a text, according to the lawsuit.Bernie Rhodes, a First Amendment attorney with Lathrop GPM who has represented The Independent in the past, said he hears complaints about Kansas City ignoring Sunshine Law requests “virtually every week.”“As long as the city feels that it has other priorities than being responsive to the citizens, these problems will continue,” Rhodes said in an interview.Rhodes said he also frequently hears about government agencies questioning citizens’ motivations in requesting records in an attempt to intimidate them.“That’s why the law is crystal clear that your reason doesn’t matter,” Rhodes said. “You’re entitled to the information because you’re the people who are paying the salary of these folks in office.”Asked about the claim against Lucas, Rhodes said: “I find it troubling anytime anyone in authority attempts to intimidate someone who’s making legitimate Sunshine Law requests.”Jazzlyn Johnson said the mayor considers McDonald a friend and the two share the view that the police department should be controlled locally “even if he disagrees with Ms. McDonald perhaps on the most efficient path to that outcome.”“While the mayor suggested to Ms. McDonald and her counsel that collaboration is a better approach, the mayor shared with Ms. McDonald that she has every right to pursue her requests and the city has responded to all of her requests.”In the case of McDonald’s request for communications about the police funding lawsuits, the city ultimately produced some records but withheld others, citing attorney-client privilege, McDonald said. Her lawsuit challenges that assertion.Steve Leben, a law professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and former Kansas judge, said it appeared the claim of attorney-client privilege was reasonable.However, the lag between when McDonald requested the records and when the city deemed them closed because of attorney-client privilege raised “substantial concerns,” Rhodes said.The Missouri Sunshine Law requires governmental agencies to respond to requests within three business days. If locating or producing the records is expected to take longer than that, the agency is required to explain the delay to the requestor and provide a date at which the agency expects to be able to release the records.The law, Rhodes said, “allows for extra time to make the production but not to decide whether you’re going to give documents or not.”