SALINE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Salina man Friday connected to a 2011 murder, according to a media release from the agency.

In March of 2019, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance to further investigate the February 17, 2011 death of 39-year-old Carol S. Williams that occurred in New Cambria, Kansas. KBI agents initiated an investigation.

Just after 11a.m. Friday, KBI agents arrested Steven Couch, Jr., 51, of Salina, at the Salina Municipal Court, 255 N. 10th Street in Salina. 

Couch was arrested for on requested charges of second-degree murder&nbsp; in the death of Carol Williams. She was his girlfriend at the time of her death.

Following the arrest, Couch was booked into the Saline County Jail. Bond was set at $1 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660961335137.png" alt="Couch-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Couch-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Salina man Friday connected to a 2011 murder, according to a media release from the agency.In March of 2019, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance to further investigate the February 17, 2011 death of 39-year-old Carol S. Williams that occurred in New Cambria, Kansas. KBI agents initiated an investigation.Just after 11a.m. Friday, KBI agents arrested Steven Couch, Jr., 51, of Salina, at the Salina Municipal Court, 255 N. 10th Street in Salina. Couch was arrested for on requested charges of second-degree murder&nbsp; in the death of Carol Williams. She was his girlfriend at the time of her death.Following the arrest, Couch was booked into the Saline County Jail. Bond was set at $1 million.

KBI: Kansas man jailed for the 2011 murder of his girlfriend

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home burglary and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 7 a.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; police were called to the 400 block of NE Arter on a burglary to a residence, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.

Officers were provided a brief description of a suspect and arrived to find him in the area. Officers detained the individual identified as 33-year-old Luke Terwillinger of Topeka while they investigated further. 

As officers were gathering information and speaking to several people, the Terwillinger ran from police bu was apprehended a short distance away.

As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the he had burglarized several residences in the area and had burglarized several work trucks. Police transported Terwillinger to the Shawnee County Department of corrections on requested charges of Burglary, theft of from Motor Vehicle, and interference with law enforcement office as result of Terwillinger giving the offices a false name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660737177827.png" alt="Terwilliger-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Terwilliger-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home burglary and have a suspect in custody.Just after 7 a.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; police were called to the 400 block of NE Arter on a burglary to a residence, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.Officers were provided a brief description of a suspect and arrived to find him in the area. Officers detained the individual identified as 33-year-old Luke Terwillinger of Topeka while they investigated further. As officers were gathering information and speaking to several people, the Terwillinger ran from police bu was apprehended a short distance away.As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the he had burglarized several residences in the area and had burglarized several work trucks. Police transported Terwillinger to the Shawnee County Department of corrections on requested charges of Burglary, theft of from Motor Vehicle, and interference with law enforcement office as result of Terwillinger giving the offices a false name.

Kansas home burglary suspect gave police a fake name

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Federal health officials confirmed Friday that a Nebraska child died from a rare infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba after swimming in a river near Omaha.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the presence of the naegleria fowleri amoeba in the child, according to the Douglas County Department of Health in Omaha.

Health officials believe the child became infected while swimming Sunday in the Elkhorn River, a few miles west of Omaha. Authorities have not released the child's name.

People are usually infected when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose while swimming in or diving into lakes and rivers. Other sources have been documented, including tainted tap water in a Houston-area city in 2020.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-nebraska-missouri-omaha-13fd392ffcda760e3dbabeaf66da12e6">It is the second death in the Midwest</a>&nbsp;this summer from primary amebic meningoencephalitis, an infection caused by the amoeba that has proved fatal in 97% of reported cases.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakes-iowa-kansas-city-missouri-1571504deedeaca56c0418e460a94a19">A Missouri resident died</a>&nbsp;of the infection in July after swimming at Lake of Three Fires in southwestern Iowa, health officials have said.

Symptoms of the infection include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, progressing to a stiff neck, loss of balance, hallucinations and seizures.

The CDC says naegleria fowleri infections are rare, with about three cases in the United States every year. There were 154 cases reported between 1962 and 2021 in the U.S., with only four survivors. Only about 430 cases have ever been documented globally.

In the U.S., infections from the amoeba typically occur in southern states because the amoeba thrives in waters that are warmer than 86 degrees Fahrenheit. But infections have migrated north in recent years, including two cases in Minnesota since 2010.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657393056107.png" alt="Naegleria fowleri amoeba- image CDC" />
 <figcaption>Naegleria fowleri amoeba- image CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Federal health officials confirmed Friday that a Nebraska child died from a rare infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba after swimming in a river near Omaha.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the presence of the naegleria fowleri amoeba in the child, according to the Douglas County Department of Health in Omaha.Health officials believe the child became infected while swimming Sunday in the Elkhorn River, a few miles west of Omaha. Authorities have not released the child's name.People are usually infected when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose while swimming in or diving into lakes and rivers. Other sources have been documented, including tainted tap water in a Houston-area city in 2020.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-nebraska-missouri-omaha-13fd392ffcda760e3dbabeaf66da12e6">It is the second death in the Midwest</a>&nbsp;this summer from primary amebic meningoencephalitis, an infection caused by the amoeba that has proved fatal in 97% of reported cases.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakes-iowa-kansas-city-missouri-1571504deedeaca56c0418e460a94a19">A Missouri resident died</a>&nbsp;of the infection in July after swimming at Lake of Three Fires in southwestern Iowa, health officials have said.Symptoms of the infection include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, progressing to a stiff neck, loss of balance, hallucinations and seizures.The CDC says naegleria fowleri infections are rare, with about three cases in the United States every year. There were 154 cases reported between 1962 and 2021 in the U.S., with only four survivors. Only about 430 cases have ever been documented globally.In the U.S., infections from the amoeba typically occur in southern states because the amoeba thrives in waters that are warmer than 86 degrees Fahrenheit. But infections have migrated north in recent years, including two cases in Minnesota since 2010.

Brain-eating amoeba confirmed in 2nd Midwest death

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A 2-year-old boy has drowned at a home in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

The child was found in a backyard in-ground pool in&nbsp;1900 Block of Siefkin just before 2p.m. Friday. EMS and Fire arrived and performed life saving efforts.&nbsp; The child was pronounced deceased on scene, according to Ditch.

Police released no additional details as the investigation continues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660940908336.png" alt="First responders on the scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A 2-year-old boy has drowned at a home in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.The child was found in a backyard in-ground pool in&nbsp;1900 Block of Siefkin just before 2p.m. Friday. EMS and Fire arrived and performed life saving efforts.&nbsp; The child was pronounced deceased on scene, according to Ditch.Police released no additional details as the investigation continues.

Police: 2-year-old boy drowns in pool at Kansas home

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After weeks in the hospital, Amy and Ava Jones&nbsp; returned home late Thursday night from Louisville, Kentucky.

On July 5, Amy and Ava, along with Trey and Creek Jones, were the victims of an accident in Louisville, Kentucky where they were struck by a car driven by&nbsp;33-year-old Michael Hurley of Lexington, Ind. The Jones family were pedestrians.

Trey Jones died from his injuries in the accident. Ava Jones and her family were in Louisville for an AAU basketball tournament with Wheat State Elite.

Amy Jones, a standout player at Nickerson High School, had signed a letter of intent to play basketball at University of Iowa.&nbsp; The Hawkeyes say she will keep her scholarship whether she is ever able to play for them or not.

Hurley's case went before a grand jury earlier this month.&nbsp; He has been charged with murder in the death of Trey Jones, two counts of first-degree aggravated assault and one count of fourth-degree aggravated assault. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660247623254.jpeg" alt="Trey, Ava and Amy Jones" />
 <figcaption>Trey, Ava and Amy Jones</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After weeks in the hospital, Amy and Ava Jones&nbsp; returned home late Thursday night from Louisville, Kentucky.On July 5, Amy and Ava, along with Trey and Creek Jones, were the victims of an accident in Louisville, Kentucky where they were struck by a car driven by&nbsp;33-year-old Michael Hurley of Lexington, Ind. The Jones family were pedestrians.Trey Jones died from his injuries in the accident. Ava Jones and her family were in Louisville for an AAU basketball tournament with Wheat State Elite.Amy Jones, a standout player at Nickerson High School, had signed a letter of intent to play basketball at University of Iowa.&nbsp; The Hawkeyes say she will keep her scholarship whether she is ever able to play for them or not.Hurley's case went before a grand jury earlier this month.&nbsp; He has been charged with murder in the death of Trey Jones, two counts of first-degree aggravated assault and one count of fourth-degree aggravated assault.

Kansas family in fatal DUI accident is home from Kentucky

SALINE COUNTY — The trailer of a northbound semi collapsed and buckled in half on Interstate 135 in Saline County on Friday morning.

A social media report from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansashighwaypatrol.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp;</a>Trooper Ben Gardner said authorities worked the unique incident just south of Interstate 70.

According to officials on the scene, the trailer of a northbound semi-truck collapsed and buckled in half.

According to Gardner, there were no traffic delays. The semi truck continued into a closed portion of a construction zone. There were no injuries reported.

Gardner also urged drivers to slow down for first responders assisting and working to clear the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660937480183.png" alt="Photos Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photos Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY — The trailer of a northbound semi collapsed and buckled in half on Interstate 135 in Saline County on Friday morning.A social media report from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansashighwaypatrol.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp;</a>Trooper Ben Gardner said authorities worked the unique incident just south of Interstate 70.According to officials on the scene, the trailer of a northbound semi-truck collapsed and buckled in half.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660937813448.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to Gardner, there were no traffic delays. The semi truck continued into a closed portion of a construction zone. There were no injuries reported.Gardner also urged drivers to slow down for first responders assisting and working to clear the scene.

Semi-trailer buckles along Kansas Interstate highway

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/18/kansas-state-president-quickly-plowing-new-ground-to-raise-75-million-in-private-donations/">Kansas Reflector</a>

MANHATTAN — Kansas State 
University president Richard Linton said Thursday success of a campaign 
to raise $75 million in less than one year could transform agriculture 
education at the land-grant institution by modernizing grain, food, 
animal and agronomy research and innovation.

He said the university received a $25 million grant from the Kansas 
Legislature and embarked on an effort to raise $75 million in private 
gifts to qualify for a supplemental 3:1 match from the state, or another
 $25 million. The cash would be used to overhaul the College of 
Agriculture’s presence on campus by renovating two buildings and adding 
another.

The deadline for securing and certifying the $75 million in contributions is March 2023.

“Our challenge is that we’ve got to make this happen,” said Linton, 
who officially started his job at Kansas State in February. “We’re 
working hard. It’s time for agriculture.”

Linton urged 400 participants at the Kansas Governor’s Summit on 
Agricultural Growth to support the campaign by advocating for Kansas 
State and, potentially, by making donations to the special fund. A 
comparable campaign at North Carolina State University, where he 
previously worked, gained traction by collaborating 44 commodity groups 
in that state.

He said Kansas agriculture faced significant business obstacles that 
included the dwindling underground Ogallala aquifer, volatile climate 
conditions and inflation in the cost of fertilizer, equipment, seed, 
fuel and other inputs.

Challenges at Kansas State centered on the 21% student enrollment 
decline — about 4,000 students — in the past eight years, Linton said. 
That lost revenue hurt the university’s budget, weakened opportunity to 
improve faculty and staff compensation and delayed improvements in 
campus facilities, he said.

Linton said Kansas State had placed renewed emphasis on raising more 
money for student scholarships. He said KSU would advance a proposal to 
charge out-of-state students with 3.9 or higher school grade-point 
averages the lower in-state tuition rate. That program would offer a 
discount to nonresident students with 3.25 or higher GPAs.

In addition, he said, Kansas State would more directly engage Kansas 
communities at town halls and through other means to explain the 
university’s place in their lives and explore how the university might 
be more directly beneficial to Kansans. The expected the approach would 
lead to enrollment of 500 to 1,000 more students in fall 2023, he said.

Gov. Laura Kelly, who is seeking reelection against Republican 
nominee Derek Schmidt, said agriculture contributed nearly $70 billion 
to the Kansas economy and fueled nearly 240,000 jobs in 2021. She said 
Kansas exported a record $5.35 billion of agricultural goods in the past
 year.

“The Kansas ag industry is the life blood of this 
state,” Kelly said. “Given we saw record-breaking agricultural exports 
last year, I’ve never been more confident in the agriculture community’s
 ability to lead our state toward continued success.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660916666095.png" alt="Kansas State University president Richard Linton said during the governor’s agriculture conference in Manhattan the land-grant university was working to raise $75 million in private donations by March to qualify for a $25 million grant from the state. It’s part of a $125 million plan to improve facilities to spark development of agriculture research and innovation centers. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University president Richard Linton said during the governor’s agriculture conference in Manhattan the land-grant university was working to raise $75 million in private donations by March to qualify for a $25 million grant from the state. It’s part of a $125 million plan to improve facilities to spark development of agriculture research and innovation centers. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/18/kansas-state-president-quickly-plowing-new-ground-to-raise-75-million-in-private-donations/">Kansas Reflector</a>MANHATTAN — Kansas State 
University president Richard Linton said Thursday success of a campaign 
to raise $75 million in less than one year could transform agriculture 
education at the land-grant institution by modernizing grain, food, 
animal and agronomy research and innovation.He said the university received a $25 million grant from the Kansas 
Legislature and embarked on an effort to raise $75 million in private 
gifts to qualify for a supplemental 3:1 match from the state, or another
 $25 million. The cash would be used to overhaul the College of 
Agriculture’s presence on campus by renovating two buildings and adding 
another.The deadline for securing and certifying the $75 million in contributions is March 2023.“Our challenge is that we’ve got to make this happen,” said Linton, 
who officially started his job at Kansas State in February. “We’re 
working hard. It’s time for agriculture.”Linton urged 400 participants at the Kansas Governor’s Summit on 
Agricultural Growth to support the campaign by advocating for Kansas 
State and, potentially, by making donations to the special fund. A 
comparable campaign at North Carolina State University, where he 
previously worked, gained traction by collaborating 44 commodity groups 
in that state.He said Kansas agriculture faced significant business obstacles that 
included the dwindling underground Ogallala aquifer, volatile climate 
conditions and inflation in the cost of fertilizer, equipment, seed, 
fuel and other inputs.Challenges at Kansas State centered on the 21% student enrollment 
decline — about 4,000 students — in the past eight years, Linton said. 
That lost revenue hurt the university’s budget, weakened opportunity to 
improve faculty and staff compensation and delayed improvements in 
campus facilities, he said.Linton said Kansas State had placed renewed emphasis on raising more 
money for student scholarships. He said KSU would advance a proposal to 
charge out-of-state students with 3.9 or higher school grade-point 
averages the lower in-state tuition rate. That program would offer a 
discount to nonresident students with 3.25 or higher GPAs.In addition, he said, Kansas State would more directly engage Kansas 
communities at town halls and through other means to explain the 
university’s place in their lives and explore how the university might 
be more directly beneficial to Kansans. The expected the approach would 
lead to enrollment of 500 to 1,000 more students in fall 2023, he said.Gov. Laura Kelly, who is seeking reelection against Republican 
nominee Derek Schmidt, said agriculture contributed nearly $70 billion 
to the Kansas economy and fueled nearly 240,000 jobs in 2021. She said 
Kansas exported a record $5.35 billion of agricultural goods in the past
 year.“The Kansas ag industry is the life blood of this 
state,” Kelly said. “Given we saw record-breaking agricultural exports 
last year, I’ve never been more confident in the agriculture community’s
 ability to lead our state toward continued success.”

K-State president plows new ground to raise $75M in donations

Voters cast 431,000 Republican ballots in contest with gap of less than 500

By&nbsp;TIM CARPENTER Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — State Sen. Caryn Tyson conceded the Republican Party’s nomination for state treasurer amid a recount she sought in six counties that barely nudged the needle in an extremely close primary.

Tyson, a GOP senator from Parker in eastern Kansas, sent a message Thursday to supporters of her campaign who provided donations, walked door-to-door, put up yard signs and prayed on her behalf. She lost by less than 500 votes out of 431,000 cast statewide.

“While our campaign is over,” she said, “I will continue to work to protect our freedoms and to make Kansas a shining state in the nation. Over the course of the campaign, I have been blessed to meet and get to know so many amazing Kansans.”

Unofficial returns from the Aug. 2 primary and additional ballots processed by counties during the canvassing showed state Rep. Steven Johnson, of Assaria in central Kansas, with a lead of 475 votes.

Tyson sought a recount in Barton, Cloud, Dickinson, Harvey, McPherson and Ottawa counties. The secretary of state’s office said the recount in four of those counties shaved five votes from Johnson’s lead. The recount in McPherson and Cloud counties remained unofficial, but Johnson’s campaign said results in those two counties wouldn’t flip outcome of the primary.

Johnson has turned his attention to the November contest against Treasurer Lynn Rogers, a Democrat appointed to the position by Gov. Laura Kelly following resignation of Republican Jake LaTurner, who now serves in the U.S. House.

“We didn’t lose any ground while we waited for all the legally cast ballots to be counted,”&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said. “Our team hit the ground running knowing this process could take weeks to complete.”

Johnson raised about $100,000 in days following the primary election, and his campaign manager urged Republicans to unify behind GOP nominee.

“I want to thank my opponent for her willingness to run and for her continued service to this great state,”&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said. “I also want to thank my many volunteers and supporters who have been critical in winning a close race where every voter contact mattered. With our base of support we are well-positioned to win the general election.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660928997241.jpeg" alt="In the Republican Party’s primary for state treasurer, Assaria Rep. Steven Johnson, right, prevailed over Parker Sen. Caryn Tyson. Johnson faces state Treasurer Lynn Rogers, a Democrat, in the November general election. Photos by Tim Carpenter and Sherman Smith courtesy Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>In the Republican Party’s primary for state treasurer, Assaria Rep. Steven Johnson, right, prevailed over Parker Sen. Caryn Tyson. Johnson faces state Treasurer Lynn Rogers, a Democrat, in the November general election. Photos by Tim Carpenter and Sherman Smith courtesy Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Voters cast 431,000 Republican ballots in contest with gap of less than 500</h2>By&nbsp;TIM CARPENTER Kansas ReflectorTOPEKA — State Sen. Caryn Tyson conceded the Republican Party’s nomination for state treasurer amid a recount she sought in six counties that barely nudged the needle in an extremely close primary.Tyson, a GOP senator from Parker in eastern Kansas, sent a message Thursday to supporters of her campaign who provided donations, walked door-to-door, put up yard signs and prayed on her behalf. She lost by less than 500 votes out of 431,000 cast statewide.“While our campaign is over,” she said, “I will continue to work to protect our freedoms and to make Kansas a shining state in the nation. Over the course of the campaign, I have been blessed to meet and get to know so many amazing Kansans.”Unofficial returns from the Aug. 2 primary and additional ballots processed by counties during the canvassing showed state Rep. Steven Johnson, of Assaria in central Kansas, with a lead of 475 votes.Tyson sought a recount in Barton, Cloud, Dickinson, Harvey, McPherson and Ottawa counties. The secretary of state’s office said the recount in four of those counties shaved five votes from Johnson’s lead. The recount in McPherson and Cloud counties remained unofficial, but Johnson’s campaign said results in those two counties wouldn’t flip outcome of the primary.Johnson has turned his attention to the November contest against Treasurer Lynn Rogers, a Democrat appointed to the position by Gov. Laura Kelly following resignation of Republican Jake LaTurner, who now serves in the U.S. House.“We didn’t lose any ground while we waited for all the legally cast ballots to be counted,”&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said. “Our team hit the ground running knowing this process could take weeks to complete.”Johnson raised about $100,000 in days following the primary election, and his campaign manager urged Republicans to unify behind GOP nominee.“I want to thank my opponent for her willingness to run and for her continued service to this great state,”&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said. “I also want to thank my many volunteers and supporters who have been critical in winning a close race where every voter contact mattered. With our base of support we are well-positioned to win the general election.”

Recount: Johnson narrowly defeats Tyson in GOP treasurer’s race

By ERIC THOMAS <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/19/early-signs-and-concerns-of-how-sports-gambling-apps-will-market-to-kansans/">Courtesy Kansas Reflector</a>

Thursday’s announcement that sports betting <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/18/kansas-plans-sept-1-soft-launch-of-sports-wagering-for-start-of-football-season/">will begin Sept. 1</a>
 in Kansas edges the state closer to a brave new world for sports fans, 
whether supporting the Jayhawks, Chiefs, Wildcats, Shockers, Royals or 
Sporting KC.

When the Kansas Legislature <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/12/kansas-governor-signs-law-legalizes-sports-betting/">approved sports gaming</a>
 earlier this year, it triggered a complex multibillion dollar marketing
 and technology machine that is already whirring to life, even in 
advance of the start date. And that machine will certainly change our 
state’s relationship with sports.

Some of these changes will be minor 
and cosmetic. However, other changes will alter how we watch games and, 
most radically, who we root for.

Here are my notes about how sports has already changed with gambling on the scene — along with a forecast of coming changes.

The visual landscape of watching 
sports — or even reading about them — will never be the same. Since the 
U.S. Supreme Court opened the door to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/14/us/politics/supreme-court-sports-betting-new-jersey.html">nationwide sports gambling in 2018</a>, betting odds have invaded every mainstream sports app.

On my phone, ESPN’s app offers a 
PickCenter, providing the run line, money line and over/under for the 
Royals game Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays. You can also get 
“exclusive PickCenter analysis” with a subscription payment. CBS Sports 
and most other apps offer the same wagering details — sometimes on a 
homepage scoreboard that doesn’t require you even to click through to 
read about the game.

Like me, maybe you spent decades 
scanning the daily newspaper and the sports page, with its hundreds of 
lines of agate, displaying scores and betting lines. In most papers, 
betting information was relegated to a box on the outskirts of the page,
 signaling an uneasy yet conjoined relationship between sports 
journalism and gambling.

The paper sought to inform both your 
pure love affair with your favorite team and your begrudging habit of 
making a bet against that same team with a local bookie.

We should expect the same creeping 
presence of sports betting information when watching sports broadcasts 
too. In past NFL seasons, commentators coyly hinted at how a fourth 
quarter field goal might impact a teetering betting line. Those same 
play-by-play personalities, like Al Michaels of NBC, have acknowledged 
their increased liberation to be more direct.

“So what I would do through the years
 is I would come in the back door, sometimes I would come in the side 
door, and now I guess they’re allowing me to come in the front door, 
which is not as much fun as doing it subtly,” Michaels <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-entertainment-nfl-courts-sports-betting-ab511551c44d6bed4c929bfd02eda32a">told the Associated Press last year</a>.

In addition to this shift to verbal 
posture, the networks broadcasting the games will provide more gambling 
information in pregame shows, “<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-entertainment-nfl-courts-sports-betting-ab511551c44d6bed4c929bfd02eda32a">but only to help contextualize game analysis or a broader storyline</a>.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Looking to countries where sports 
betting has had decades to infiltrate the culture suggests how visually 
omnipresent sports gambling brand might become, and how much we might 
regret it eventually.

The English Premier League is arguably the top soccer league in the world in a country that has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/betting-gambling-shirt-sponsorship-soccer-football-cricket-rugby-ban-caytoo/">long allowed sports gambling</a>. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/aug/14/gambling-review-delay-lets-premier-league-football-clubs-strike-sponsorship-deals">Forty percent of teams in the league</a>
 have agreements with sports gambling companies to provide an 
advertising image on the front of the team’s uniform. This summer, the 
league looked <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/voluntary-ban-on-betting-shirt-sponsors-to-be-agreed-by-premier-league-clubs-58nqb9mqz">poised to ban</a> such ads on the front of shirts, but energy for the <a target="_blank" href="https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league-accused-tokenism-ban-gambling-shirt-sponsors-1793534">prohibition</a> has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/aug/14/gambling-review-delay-lets-premier-league-football-clubs-strike-sponsorship-deals">stalled</a>.

More North American sports teams are including advertising on their jerseys, in big or small ways. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usbets.com/sportsbook-advertising-jerseys-america/">Washington Capitals signed a deal</a>
 with Caesars Sportsbook last year to include a 3-by-3.5 inch patch on 
their jerseys. So, don’t be surprised to see a FanDuel logo on the chest
 of your favorite player during an upcoming season.

The tension is clear. How can a 
player try his hardest to win while he wears an ad for a site where 
hundreds of people financially invest in his losing?

The line between journalism and betting advertising

Publications constantly allow 
advertisers to blur the line between advertising from a paid sponsor and
 the journalism from their staff members. That line is particularly hazy
 these days on the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/sports/">sports web page of the Kansas City Star</a>. The most prominent real estate on the page in the top left quadrant is dedicated to a module labeled “Betting.”&nbsp;

The packaging of that content uses the same fonts, story structures and provides <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/profile/257676073">bylines</a> for the writers. However, the content is sponsored.

“We may earn a fee if you make a purchase through one of our links,” <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/betting/article261739482.html">the page explains</a>. “The newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.”

What follows that warning is a 
promotional blitz for each of the companies that will offer sports 
gambling in Kansas: DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, WynnBET, 
FanDuel, BetRivers and PointsBet. While headlines for each post promise a
 “review,” the writer from Gambling.com gushes about the features 
without ever considering a critique.

In the final words of these reviews 
(some of them stretching more than 3,000 words), there is the same 
cut-and-paste warning about “responsible gambling.”

The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/sports/">Wichita Eagle’s sports home page</a>
 does not display the betting content in the same prominent way, 
although the same “reviews” are there for readers. Both publications are
 owned by the same parent company and use the same website template.

Aside from sports media, Kansans 
should prepare for their fellow fans to act differently during games. 
The never-ending buffet of betting options for any particular game might
 create perverse rooting incentives for the fan sitting next to you at 
the bar.

Imagine that you are sitting next to 
your buddy, a rabid Kansas City Chiefs fan decked out in his Patrick 
Mahomes replica jersey as he crushes some chicken wings. By betting on 
the “under” for a game, he will be hoping for a low-scoring game. So, 
don’t be surprised if he is rooting for the Chiefs to take a knee, 
rather than for Mahomes to throw another touchdown pass, if the game is 
already secured for the Chiefs.

Of course, many fans are familiar 
with this from years of fantasy sports and illegal gambling. But 
legalized gambling promises to send many more fans to check their phones
 at the end of the game and consider which is more precious: their $500 
wager or their coveted team.

In the mail this week, I received a 
glitzy brochure from DraftKings VIP, promising “enhanced promotional 
offers,” “invitations to private events” and “a dedicated host.” The 
cover of the advertisement featured a map of Kansas with a clutch of 
sunflowers blooming awkwardly in the northwest corner of the state 
(Hello, St. Francis!).&nbsp;

The message of the black-and-bronze 
advertisement is clear: While gambling will be as easy as downloading an
 app, I can have an exclusive, swanky experience (through the phone?). 
This appeal might be useful for separating DraftKings VIP from the other
 gambling providers. However, the implicit message is that spending more
 (“Qualified Dynasty members”) will bring benefits.

Such marketing creates a slippery 
slope toward irresponsible gambling, even before the start of online 
wagering has been announced.

Of course, all of these dominoes of 
sports, culture, advertising and journalism were long ago set in motion.
 What’s coming into sharper focus now is how it will affect Kansans as 
we cheer from our couches — perhaps with a sports gambling app on the 
phone in our hand.

Eric Thomas directs the Kansas Scholastic Press Association, a nonprofit that supports student journalism throughout the state. He also teaches visual journalism and photojournalism at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660921289041.png" alt="This mailing from DraftKings, which is arriving at Kansas mailboxes this week, is one sign of the marketing blitzes on the way with the Sept. 1 start of sports gambling in Kansas. (Eric Thomas)" />
 <figcaption>This mailing from DraftKings, which is arriving at Kansas mailboxes this week, is one sign of the marketing blitzes on the way with the Sept. 1 start of sports gambling in Kansas. (Eric Thomas)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ERIC THOMAS <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/19/early-signs-and-concerns-of-how-sports-gambling-apps-will-market-to-kansans/">Courtesy Kansas Reflector</a>Thursday’s announcement that sports betting <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/18/kansas-plans-sept-1-soft-launch-of-sports-wagering-for-start-of-football-season/">will begin Sept. 1</a>
 in Kansas edges the state closer to a brave new world for sports fans, 
whether supporting the Jayhawks, Chiefs, Wildcats, Shockers, Royals or 
Sporting KC.When the Kansas Legislature <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/12/kansas-governor-signs-law-legalizes-sports-betting/">approved sports gaming</a>
 earlier this year, it triggered a complex multibillion dollar marketing
 and technology machine that is already whirring to life, even in 
advance of the start date. And that machine will certainly change our 
state’s relationship with sports.Some of these changes will be minor 
and cosmetic. However, other changes will alter how we watch games and, 
most radically, who we root for.Here are my notes about how sports has already changed with gambling on the scene — along with a forecast of coming changes.<h2>Signs of betting in new places</h2>The visual landscape of watching 
sports — or even reading about them — will never be the same. Since the 
U.S. Supreme Court opened the door to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/14/us/politics/supreme-court-sports-betting-new-jersey.html">nationwide sports gambling in 2018</a>, betting odds have invaded every mainstream sports app.On my phone, ESPN’s app offers a 
PickCenter, providing the run line, money line and over/under for the 
Royals game Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays. You can also get 
“exclusive PickCenter analysis” with a subscription payment. CBS Sports 
and most other apps offer the same wagering details — sometimes on a 
homepage scoreboard that doesn’t require you even to click through to 
read about the game.Like me, maybe you spent decades 
scanning the daily newspaper and the sports page, with its hundreds of 
lines of agate, displaying scores and betting lines. In most papers, 
betting information was relegated to a box on the outskirts of the page,
 signaling an uneasy yet conjoined relationship between sports 
journalism and gambling.The paper sought to inform both your 
pure love affair with your favorite team and your begrudging habit of 
making a bet against that same team with a local bookie.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We should expect the same creeping 
presence of sports betting information when watching sports broadcasts 
too. In past NFL seasons, commentators coyly hinted at how a fourth 
quarter field goal might impact a teetering betting line. Those same 
play-by-play personalities, like Al Michaels of NBC, have acknowledged 
their increased liberation to be more direct.“So what I would do through the years
 is I would come in the back door, sometimes I would come in the side 
door, and now I guess they’re allowing me to come in the front door, 
which is not as much fun as doing it subtly,” Michaels <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-entertainment-nfl-courts-sports-betting-ab511551c44d6bed4c929bfd02eda32a">told the Associated Press last year</a>.In addition to this shift to verbal 
posture, the networks broadcasting the games will provide more gambling 
information in pregame shows, “<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-entertainment-nfl-courts-sports-betting-ab511551c44d6bed4c929bfd02eda32a">but only to help contextualize game analysis or a broader storyline</a>.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Looking to countries where sports 
betting has had decades to infiltrate the culture suggests how visually 
omnipresent sports gambling brand might become, and how much we might 
regret it eventually.The English Premier League is arguably the top soccer league in the world in a country that has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/betting-gambling-shirt-sponsorship-soccer-football-cricket-rugby-ban-caytoo/">long allowed sports gambling</a>. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/aug/14/gambling-review-delay-lets-premier-league-football-clubs-strike-sponsorship-deals">Forty percent of teams in the league</a>
 have agreements with sports gambling companies to provide an 
advertising image on the front of the team’s uniform. This summer, the 
league looked <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/voluntary-ban-on-betting-shirt-sponsors-to-be-agreed-by-premier-league-clubs-58nqb9mqz">poised to ban</a> such ads on the front of shirts, but energy for the <a target="_blank" href="https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league-accused-tokenism-ban-gambling-shirt-sponsors-1793534">prohibition</a> has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/aug/14/gambling-review-delay-lets-premier-league-football-clubs-strike-sponsorship-deals">stalled</a>.More North American sports teams are including advertising on their jerseys, in big or small ways. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usbets.com/sportsbook-advertising-jerseys-america/">Washington Capitals signed a deal</a>
 with Caesars Sportsbook last year to include a 3-by-3.5 inch patch on 
their jerseys. So, don’t be surprised to see a FanDuel logo on the chest
 of your favorite player during an upcoming season.The tension is clear. How can a 
player try his hardest to win while he wears an ad for a site where 
hundreds of people financially invest in his losing?<h2>The line between journalism and betting advertising</h2>Publications constantly allow 
advertisers to blur the line between advertising from a paid sponsor and
 the journalism from their staff members. That line is particularly hazy
 these days on the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/sports/">sports web page of the Kansas City Star</a>. The most prominent real estate on the page in the top left quadrant is dedicated to a module labeled “Betting.”&nbsp;The packaging of that content uses the same fonts, story structures and provides <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/profile/257676073">bylines</a> for the writers. However, the content is sponsored.“We may earn a fee if you make a purchase through one of our links,” <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/betting/article261739482.html">the page explains</a>. “The newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.”What follows that warning is a 
promotional blitz for each of the companies that will offer sports 
gambling in Kansas: DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, WynnBET, 
FanDuel, BetRivers and PointsBet. While headlines for each post promise a
 “review,” the writer from Gambling.com gushes about the features 
without ever considering a critique.In the final words of these reviews 
(some of them stretching more than 3,000 words), there is the same 
cut-and-paste warning about “responsible gambling.”The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/sports/">Wichita Eagle’s sports home page</a>
 does not display the betting content in the same prominent way, 
although the same “reviews” are there for readers. Both publications are
 owned by the same parent company and use the same website template.<h2>Chatter during games</h2>Aside from sports media, Kansans 
should prepare for their fellow fans to act differently during games. 
The never-ending buffet of betting options for any particular game might
 create perverse rooting incentives for the fan sitting next to you at 
the bar.Imagine that you are sitting next to 
your buddy, a rabid Kansas City Chiefs fan decked out in his Patrick 
Mahomes replica jersey as he crushes some chicken wings. By betting on 
the “under” for a game, he will be hoping for a low-scoring game. So, 
don’t be surprised if he is rooting for the Chiefs to take a knee, 
rather than for Mahomes to throw another touchdown pass, if the game is 
already secured for the Chiefs.Sports gambling muddies our fandom.Of course, many fans are familiar 
with this from years of fantasy sports and illegal gambling. But 
legalized gambling promises to send many more fans to check their phones
 at the end of the game and consider which is more precious: their $500 
wager or their coveted team.<h2>Enticing VIP packaging&nbsp;</h2>In the mail this week, I received a 
glitzy brochure from DraftKings VIP, promising “enhanced promotional 
offers,” “invitations to private events” and “a dedicated host.” The 
cover of the advertisement featured a map of Kansas with a clutch of 
sunflowers blooming awkwardly in the northwest corner of the state 
(Hello, St. Francis!).&nbsp;The message of the black-and-bronze 
advertisement is clear: While gambling will be as easy as downloading an
 app, I can have an exclusive, swanky experience (through the phone?). 
This appeal might be useful for separating DraftKings VIP from the other
 gambling providers. However, the implicit message is that spending more
 (“Qualified Dynasty members”) will bring benefits.Such marketing creates a slippery 
slope toward irresponsible gambling, even before the start of online 
wagering has been announced.Of course, all of these dominoes of 
sports, culture, advertising and journalism were long ago set in motion.
 What’s coming into sharper focus now is how it will affect Kansans as 
we cheer from our couches — perhaps with a sports gambling app on the 
phone in our hand.Eric Thomas directs the Kansas Scholastic Press Association, a nonprofit that supports student journalism throughout the state. He also teaches visual journalism and photojournalism at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.&nbsp;

OPINION: Early signs, and concerns, of how sports gambling apps will market to Kansans

MANHATTAN — Governor Laura Kelly kicked off the seventh annual Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth on Thursday, a meeting of more than 400 leaders representing a variety of agricultural interests across the state of Kansas, according to a media release from her office.

“The Kansas Ag industry is the life blood of this state, and I’m grateful for the opportunity today to celebrate their accomplishments and the critical goods and services they provide to our communities, our state, and our world,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly.&nbsp;“Given we saw record-breaking agricultural exports last year, I’ve never been more confident in the agriculture community’s ability to lead our state toward continued success.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor Kelly touted the importance of the industry to Kansas: In 2021, agriculture contributed nearly $70 billion to the Kansas economy and fueled nearly 240,000 jobs – 12% of Kansas’ workforce. Earlier this year, she announced that Kansas exported $5.35 billion of agricultural goods – the most in the state’s history.&nbsp;

At the conference, attendees spent their morning attending breakout sessions focused on specific agricultural sectors including traditional agricultural areas like beef, pork, corn, and wheat, as well as sectors such as specialty livestock, agricultural technology, and cotton. Since the first Ag Growth Summit in 2016, these sectors have worked to identify strategies for driving growth in their sectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Many of the initiatives that we have seen realized in recent years were born at previous Kansas Ag Growth Summits,”&nbsp;said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam.&nbsp;“As leaders from across all sectors of agriculture engage in active discussion about how we can move this industry forward, we know that collaboration benefits the entire state of Kansas.”&nbsp;

The afternoon session will include a report on the 2022 Ag Workforce Needs Assessment Survey followed by a panel discussion about how agribusinesses can better recruit and retain employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Secretary Beam will close the conference by recognizing the 2022 Kansas Ag Heroes, with a special tribute to the many individuals and organizations who stepped up to help with the wildfires that devastated many parts of the state this year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/AgGrowthStrategy">Click here for more</a> about the 2022 Kansas Ag Growth Summit and the full Ag Growth Project —including materials shared in the sessions and a full list of the Kansas Ag Heroes —&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660913922849.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — Governor Laura Kelly kicked off the seventh annual Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth on Thursday, a meeting of more than 400 leaders representing a variety of agricultural interests across the state of Kansas, according to a media release from her office.“The Kansas Ag industry is the life blood of this state, and I’m grateful for the opportunity today to celebrate their accomplishments and the critical goods and services they provide to our communities, our state, and our world,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly.&nbsp;“Given we saw record-breaking agricultural exports last year, I’ve never been more confident in the agriculture community’s ability to lead our state toward continued success.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Governor Kelly touted the importance of the industry to Kansas: In 2021, agriculture contributed nearly $70 billion to the Kansas economy and fueled nearly 240,000 jobs – 12% of Kansas’ workforce. Earlier this year, she announced that Kansas exported $5.35 billion of agricultural goods – the most in the state’s history.&nbsp;At the conference, attendees spent their morning attending breakout sessions focused on specific agricultural sectors including traditional agricultural areas like beef, pork, corn, and wheat, as well as sectors such as specialty livestock, agricultural technology, and cotton. Since the first Ag Growth Summit in 2016, these sectors have worked to identify strategies for driving growth in their sectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Many of the initiatives that we have seen realized in recent years were born at previous Kansas Ag Growth Summits,”&nbsp;said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam.&nbsp;“As leaders from across all sectors of agriculture engage in active discussion about how we can move this industry forward, we know that collaboration benefits the entire state of Kansas.”&nbsp;The afternoon session will include a report on the 2022 Ag Workforce Needs Assessment Survey followed by a panel discussion about how agribusinesses can better recruit and retain employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;Secretary Beam will close the conference by recognizing the 2022 Kansas Ag Heroes, with a special tribute to the many individuals and organizations who stepped up to help with the wildfires that devastated many parts of the state this year.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/AgGrowthStrategy">Click here for more</a> about the 2022 Kansas Ag Growth Summit and the full Ag Growth Project —including materials shared in the sessions and a full list of the Kansas Ag Heroes —&nbsp;

Governor kicks off 2022 Kansas Agricultural Growth Summit

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Apple disclosed serious security vulnerabilities for iPhones, iPads and Macs that could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of these devices.

Apple released two&nbsp;<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213412" target="_blank">security</a><a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213413" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;about the issue on Wednesday, although they didn’t receive wide attention outside of tech publications.

Apple’s explanation of the vulnerability means a hacker could get “full admin access” to the device. That would allow intruders to impersonate the device’s owner and subsequently run any software in their name, said Rachel Tobac, CEO of SocialProof Security.

Security experts have advised users to update affected devices — the iPhone6S and later models; several models of the iPad, including the 5th generation and later, all iPad Pro models and the iPad Air 2; and Mac computers running MacOS Monterey. The flaw also affects some iPod models.

Apple did not say in the reports how, where or by whom the vulnerabilities were discovered. In all cases, it cited an anonymous researcher.

Commercial spyware companies such as Israel’s NSO Group are known for identifying and taking advantage of such flaws, exploiting them in malware that surreptitiously infects targets’ smartphones, siphons their contents and surveils the targets in real time.

NSO Group has been blacklisted by the U.S. Commerce Department. Its spyware is known to have been used in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America against journalists, dissidents and human rights activists.

Security researcher Will Strafach said he had seen no technical analysis of the vulnerabilities that Apple has just patched. The company has previously acknowledged similarly serious flaws and, in what Strafach estimated to be perhaps a dozen occasions, has noted that it was aware of reports that such security holes had being exploited.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Apple disclosed serious security vulnerabilities for iPhones, iPads and Macs that could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of these devices.Apple released two&nbsp;<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213412" target="_blank">security</a><a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213413" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;about the issue on Wednesday, although they didn’t receive wide attention outside of tech publications.Apple’s explanation of the vulnerability means a hacker could get “full admin access” to the device. That would allow intruders to impersonate the device’s owner and subsequently run any software in their name, said Rachel Tobac, CEO of SocialProof Security.Security experts have advised users to update affected devices — the iPhone6S and later models; several models of the iPad, including the 5th generation and later, all iPad Pro models and the iPad Air 2; and Mac computers running MacOS Monterey. The flaw also affects some iPod models.Apple did not say in the reports how, where or by whom the vulnerabilities were discovered. In all cases, it cited an anonymous researcher.Commercial spyware companies such as Israel’s NSO Group are known for identifying and taking advantage of such flaws, exploiting them in malware that surreptitiously infects targets’ smartphones, siphons their contents and surveils the targets in real time.NSO Group has been blacklisted by the U.S. Commerce Department. Its spyware is known to have been used in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America against journalists, dissidents and human rights activists.Security researcher Will Strafach said he had seen no technical analysis of the vulnerabilities that Apple has just patched. The company has previously acknowledged similarly serious flaws and, in what Strafach estimated to be perhaps a dozen occasions, has noted that it was aware of reports that such security holes had being exploited.

Apple warns of security flaw for iPhones, iPads and Macs

WASHINGTON —On Thursday, the White House National Monkeypox Response team announced a series of actions the Biden Administration is taking to further accelerate its response to the monkeypox (MPV) outbreak and mitigate the spread of the virus, according to a statement from the White House.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2022/08/18/press-briefing-by-white-house-monkeypox-response-team-and-public-health-officials-2/">Click here to see the transcript</a>&nbsp; of the press briefing by the White House Monkeypox response team and public health officials.

Since the first case was confirmed in the United States, the Administration has led a whole-of-government response to make tests, vaccines, and treatments more widely available to communities across the country and has worked with the LGBTQI+ community to provide information and resources directly to communities most at risk of contracting the virus.

To date, the Biden Administration has delivered nearly 1 million doses of JYNNEOS vaccine to jurisdictions – the largest JYNNEOS MPV vaccine program in the world. Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the Emergency Use Authorization of the JYNNEOS vaccine to be administered intradermally in individuals 18 years of age and older determined to be at high risk of MPV, without compromising the level of immune response achieved or the safety of the vaccine. The action means that each vial of vaccine can be used for up to five doses, since the appropriate dose for intradermal administration is 0.1mL versus 0.5mL required per dose administered subcutaneously. Paired with that announcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a robust set of resources and tools to help jurisdictions train providers and health care professionals on how to administer the vaccine intradermally.

In less than ten days following FDA’s EUA on intradermal administration, some of the country’s largest counties have transitioned completely to intradermal administration of the JYNNEOS vaccine for eligible adults, including Los Angeles County, California, and Fulton County, Georgia. The increased availability of vaccine doses has also enabled more jurisdictions to offer second doses to eligible individuals, as the JYNNEOS vaccine is administered as two doses, four weeks apart for maximum protection The Biden-Harris Administration has also significantly increased availability and convenience of orthopoxvirus tests, expanding capacity of tests from 6,000 tests per week to 80,000 tests per week. Additionally, the Administration has taken a number of steps to make TPOXX, a treatment for MPV, more accessible to prescribe, and today’s announcements build on those actions.

To increase availability of vaccines, tests, and treatments, and protect communities most at risk of contracting the virus:

HHS to make 1.8 million doses of vaccine available for ordering beginning Monday. Earlier this week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) allocated and began distributing another 442,000 doses of vaccine to jurisdictions across the country. The announcement was the first allocation of vaccine following FDA’s EUA allowing for intradermal administration of the JYNNEOS vaccine, so the 442,000 doses reflect the number of total doses that could be available through intradermal administration.

The HHS is announcing that it has accelerated Phase 4 of its National Vaccine Strategy and will be making an additional 1.8 million doses available for ordering starting Monday, August 22. Jurisdictions that are adopting the intradermal administration of vaccine and have used 90% of their current supply of vaccine will be able to order additional doses.

The Administration is making these doses available ahead of schedule to encourage rapid distribution of vaccine to individuals at high risk of contracting the virus, particularly gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. The Administration is also encouraging intradermal administration of vaccine and providing technical assistance, support, and resources to jurisdictions in the process of adopting and expanding intradermal administration.

The Administration is making more vaccines available for jurisdictions hosting large LGBTQI+ events. HHS is launching a pilot program to provide additional vaccine allocations to state and local health departments in jurisdictions that are hosting large events that attract gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in the coming weeks and months. The pilot program is setting aside 50,000 doses of vaccine from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) that jurisdictions can request to order on top of their existing vaccine allocations and supply. The number of additional doses made available to a jurisdiction will be based on the size and nature of the event, and the ability to reach attendees at highest risk for MPV.

In addition to making more vaccine doses available, the CDC is offering assistance and support to jurisdictions to prepare for these large events, including helping develop vaccine and testing strategies to be stood up in and around these events, developing tools for information-gathering from event participants, and providing messaging and communications resources on vaccines, testing, and strategies to reduce one’s risk of contracting the virus. CDC is also working with jurisdictions to quickly adopt the intradermal administration of JYNNEOS vaccine so more doses can be administered at these events to more people.

The Administration has already started working with North Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana health departments to prepare for large LGBTQI+ gatherings in those states in the coming days and weeks. For example, the Administration worked with North Carolina to develop a plan to administer vaccines during the Charlotte Pride Festival &amp; Parade on August 20th&nbsp;and 21st. The Administration will support North Carolina with up to 2,000 additional doses by replenishing their stock of vaccine with the number of doses administered during these events. Those doses are in addition to the more than 18,000 doses North Carolina has already received through its existing allocations.

ASPR is making 50,000 courses of TPOXX available to jurisdictions for prepositioning to facilitate timely access to TPOXX for eligible patients. The Biden-Harris Administration will make available 50,000 patient courses of TPOXX to jurisdictions next week – nearly five times more courses than confirmed cases in the United States – to make the treatment more readily available for providers and patients. Jurisdictions will be allocated courses of TPOXX using formula based 75% on the number of cases in their jurisdiction and 25% on the number of individuals who are at the highest risk of contracting the virus, including individuals who are living with HIV or who could benefit from HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis.&nbsp; This allocation is in addition to over 20,000 courses ASPR has already deployed to jurisdictions from the SNS. Since TPOXX was approved under the FDA’s Animal Rule for the treatment of smallpox based on efficacy data in animals and safety data in healthy human volunteers – &nbsp;in the absence of clinical studies in patients with MPV – it is important that this drug be used judiciously in accordance with the Expanded Access protocol and applicable treatment guidelines.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660876110125.png" alt="14,115Total confirmed monkeypox/orthopoxvirus cases as August 18, 2022-CDC image" />
 <figcaption>14,115Total confirmed monkeypox/orthopoxvirus cases as August 18, 2022-CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660876155057.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Thursday, the White House National Monkeypox Response team announced a series of actions the Biden Administration is taking to further accelerate its response to the monkeypox (MPV) outbreak and mitigate the spread of the virus, according to a statement from the White House.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2022/08/18/press-briefing-by-white-house-monkeypox-response-team-and-public-health-officials-2/">Click here to see the transcript</a>&nbsp; of the press briefing by the White House Monkeypox response team and public health officials.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660078962277.png" alt="Monkeypox photo courtesy KTVU-TV" />
 <figcaption>Monkeypox photo courtesy KTVU-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Since the first case was confirmed in the United States, the Administration has led a whole-of-government response to make tests, vaccines, and treatments more widely available to communities across the country and has worked with the LGBTQI+ community to provide information and resources directly to communities most at risk of contracting the virus.To date, the Biden Administration has delivered nearly 1 million doses of JYNNEOS vaccine to jurisdictions – the largest JYNNEOS MPV vaccine program in the world. Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the Emergency Use Authorization of the JYNNEOS vaccine to be administered intradermally in individuals 18 years of age and older determined to be at high risk of MPV, without compromising the level of immune response achieved or the safety of the vaccine. The action means that each vial of vaccine can be used for up to five doses, since the appropriate dose for intradermal administration is 0.1mL versus 0.5mL required per dose administered subcutaneously. Paired with that announcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a robust set of resources and tools to help jurisdictions train providers and health care professionals on how to administer the vaccine intradermally.In less than ten days following FDA’s EUA on intradermal administration, some of the country’s largest counties have transitioned completely to intradermal administration of the JYNNEOS vaccine for eligible adults, including Los Angeles County, California, and Fulton County, Georgia. The increased availability of vaccine doses has also enabled more jurisdictions to offer second doses to eligible individuals, as the JYNNEOS vaccine is administered as two doses, four weeks apart for maximum protection The Biden-Harris Administration has also significantly increased availability and convenience of orthopoxvirus tests, expanding capacity of tests from 6,000 tests per week to 80,000 tests per week. Additionally, the Administration has taken a number of steps to make TPOXX, a treatment for MPV, more accessible to prescribe, and today’s announcements build on those actions.To increase availability of vaccines, tests, and treatments, and protect communities most at risk of contracting the virus:HHS to make 1.8 million doses of vaccine available for ordering beginning Monday. Earlier this week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) allocated and began distributing another 442,000 doses of vaccine to jurisdictions across the country. The announcement was the first allocation of vaccine following FDA’s EUA allowing for intradermal administration of the JYNNEOS vaccine, so the 442,000 doses reflect the number of total doses that could be available through intradermal administration.The HHS is announcing that it has accelerated Phase 4 of its National Vaccine Strategy and will be making an additional 1.8 million doses available for ordering starting Monday, August 22. Jurisdictions that are adopting the intradermal administration of vaccine and have used 90% of their current supply of vaccine will be able to order additional doses.The Administration is making these doses available ahead of schedule to encourage rapid distribution of vaccine to individuals at high risk of contracting the virus, particularly gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. The Administration is also encouraging intradermal administration of vaccine and providing technical assistance, support, and resources to jurisdictions in the process of adopting and expanding intradermal administration.The Administration is making more vaccines available for jurisdictions hosting large LGBTQI+ events. HHS is launching a pilot program to provide additional vaccine allocations to state and local health departments in jurisdictions that are hosting large events that attract gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in the coming weeks and months. The pilot program is setting aside 50,000 doses of vaccine from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) that jurisdictions can request to order on top of their existing vaccine allocations and supply. The number of additional doses made available to a jurisdiction will be based on the size and nature of the event, and the ability to reach attendees at highest risk for MPV.In addition to making more vaccine doses available, the CDC is offering assistance and support to jurisdictions to prepare for these large events, including helping develop vaccine and testing strategies to be stood up in and around these events, developing tools for information-gathering from event participants, and providing messaging and communications resources on vaccines, testing, and strategies to reduce one’s risk of contracting the virus. CDC is also working with jurisdictions to quickly adopt the intradermal administration of JYNNEOS vaccine so more doses can be administered at these events to more people.The Administration has already started working with North Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana health departments to prepare for large LGBTQI+ gatherings in those states in the coming days and weeks. For example, the Administration worked with North Carolina to develop a plan to administer vaccines during the Charlotte Pride Festival &amp; Parade on August 20th&nbsp;and 21st. The Administration will support North Carolina with up to 2,000 additional doses by replenishing their stock of vaccine with the number of doses administered during these events. Those doses are in addition to the more than 18,000 doses North Carolina has already received through its existing allocations.ASPR is making 50,000 courses of TPOXX available to jurisdictions for prepositioning to facilitate timely access to TPOXX for eligible patients. The Biden-Harris Administration will make available 50,000 patient courses of TPOXX to jurisdictions next week – nearly five times more courses than confirmed cases in the United States – to make the treatment more readily available for providers and patients. Jurisdictions will be allocated courses of TPOXX using formula based 75% on the number of cases in their jurisdiction and 25% on the number of individuals who are at the highest risk of contracting the virus, including individuals who are living with HIV or who could benefit from HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis.&nbsp; This allocation is in addition to over 20,000 courses ASPR has already deployed to jurisdictions from the SNS. Since TPOXX was approved under the FDA’s Animal Rule for the treatment of smallpox based on efficacy data in animals and safety data in healthy human volunteers – &nbsp;in the absence of clinical studies in patients with MPV – it is important that this drug be used judiciously in accordance with the Expanded Access protocol and applicable treatment guidelines.

White House announces new actions to combat monkeypox 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City woman has been charged after her 2-year-old son was found dead in a home strewn with apparent drugs and drug paraphernalia, prosecutors announced Thursday.

Michaela Chism, 36, was charged with two felony counts of endangering the welfare of a child, who police found dead on Wednesday, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said.

According to court records, a hospital later found traces of amphetamines in the boy's system. Police said a 3-year-old boy found at the home also tested positive for amphetamines.

A probable cause document said Chism acknowledged that she consumed drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, while living at the home.

She said one evening she noticed her son was not moving and realized he was dead, according to the statement. She moved him from a couch to the bed after police first arrived for a welfare check at the home.

Chism was unable to tell police what day she found the child or when she moved him to the bed, according to the statement.

Prosecutors requested a $150,000 cash bond. The investigation is continuing and further charges are possible.

Online court records do not name an attorney to speak for Chism.

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City woman faces felony charges after one of her children was found lifeless in the residence on Wednesday, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Michaela L. Chism, 36, faces two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child 1st Degree.

According to court records filed Thursday, Kansas City police responded to the 6500 block of The Paseo on reports that a child had died in the residence. 

Kansas City police entered the residence to check on the welfare of the child. They found a deceased 2-year-old and another child, age 3, who was unharmed. Officers also found what appeared to be drugs and drug paraphernalia. The defendant was taken into custody.

The investigation into the child's death continues and additional charges are possible. Prosecutors requested a $150,000 cash bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660845900973.png" alt="Chism-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Chism-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City woman has been charged after her 2-year-old son was found dead in a home strewn with apparent drugs and drug paraphernalia, prosecutors announced Thursday.Michaela Chism, 36, was charged with two felony counts of endangering the welfare of a child, who police found dead on Wednesday, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said.According to court records, a hospital later found traces of amphetamines in the boy's system. Police said a 3-year-old boy found at the home also tested positive for amphetamines.A probable cause document said Chism acknowledged that she consumed drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, while living at the home.She said one evening she noticed her son was not moving and realized he was dead, according to the statement. She moved him from a couch to the bed after police first arrived for a welfare check at the home.Chism was unable to tell police what day she found the child or when she moved him to the bed, according to the statement.Prosecutors requested a $150,000 cash bond. The investigation is continuing and further charges are possible.Online court records do not name an attorney to speak for Chism.-----------------KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City woman faces felony charges after one of her children was found lifeless in the residence on Wednesday, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Michaela L. Chism, 36, faces two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child 1st Degree.According to court records filed Thursday, Kansas City police responded to the 6500 block of The Paseo on reports that a child had died in the residence. Kansas City police entered the residence to check on the welfare of the child. They found a deceased 2-year-old and another child, age 3, who was unharmed. Officers also found what appeared to be drugs and drug paraphernalia. The defendant was taken into custody.The investigation into the child's death continues and additional charges are possible. Prosecutors requested a $150,000 cash bond.

Police: Toddler in Kansas City dies with drugs in system

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an attempted ATM theft have made one arrest and are asking the public for help to locate a second suspect identified as 43-year-old Michael Frink.

Just after 5a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a burglary alarm at a bank in the 1700 block of North Washington Street in Auburn, Kansas, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies learned there was an attempted theft of an ATM. A K9 Unit located the suspect vehicle that refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle pursuit ended in the 5700 block of Southwest Urish Road and suspects fled.

The Shawnee County Sheriff's office asked residents from SW Fairlawn Road to Southwest Urish Road and Southwest 41st Street to Southwest 77th street, to be aware of any suspicious activity or individuals.

Just after 6p.m. Thursday , the sheriff's office reported they had arrested one suspect.&nbsp; Trimaine Munroe Baker, 35, is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Agg criminal damage &gt;$5K; intent to obtain currency from automated cash dispenser/ATM, theft, burglary and&nbsp; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000, according to online jail records.

"Thanks to assistance from citizens reporting timely information to deputies, the suspect was apprehended near Southwest&nbsp; 53rd Street and Southwest Wanamaker Road, " according to Christian.&nbsp; The sheriff's&nbsp; office K9 units and drone operators assisted in this search, along with the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Aircraft Unit and the Topeka Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660265229824.png" alt="The damaged ATM at Landmark Bank 1741 N. Washington in Auburn, Kansas --photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The damaged ATM at Landmark Bank 1741 N. Washington in Auburn, Kansas --photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an attempted ATM theft have made one arrest and are asking the public for help to locate a second suspect identified as 43-year-old Michael Frink.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660335348360.png" alt="Frink-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Frink-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 5a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a burglary alarm at a bank in the 1700 block of North Washington Street in Auburn, Kansas, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Deputies learned there was an attempted theft of an ATM. A K9 Unit located the suspect vehicle that refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle pursuit ended in the 5700 block of Southwest Urish Road and suspects fled.The Shawnee County Sheriff's office asked residents from SW Fairlawn Road to Southwest Urish Road and Southwest 41st Street to Southwest 77th street, to be aware of any suspicious activity or individuals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660304454814.png" alt="Baker-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Baker-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 6p.m. Thursday , the sheriff's office reported they had arrested one suspect.&nbsp; Trimaine Munroe Baker, 35, is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Agg criminal damage &gt;$5K; intent to obtain currency from automated cash dispenser/ATM, theft, burglary and&nbsp; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000, according to online jail records."Thanks to assistance from citizens reporting timely information to deputies, the suspect was apprehended near Southwest&nbsp; 53rd Street and Southwest Wanamaker Road, " according to Christian.&nbsp; The sheriff's&nbsp; office K9 units and drone operators assisted in this search, along with the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Aircraft Unit and the Topeka Police Department.

Search continues for Kansas ATM theft suspect

The Federal Trade Commission is 
sending 14,521 checks totaling more than $822,000 to borrowers who lost 
money to a student loan debt-relief scheme that operated under the name 
Student Advocates.

Consumers who receive checks should cash them within 90 days, as 
indicated on the check. Recipients who have questions about their refund
 should call the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration, at 
877-540-0989. The Commission never requires people to pay money or 
provide account information to get a refund.

In September 2019, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2019/09/ftc-takes-action-against-operators-student-loan-debt-relief-schemes-financing-company-assisted-them">FTC filed a complaint</a>
 against a student loan debt-relief scheme and the financing company 
that assisted them. The FTC alleged that the operators of Student 
Advocates, assisted by<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/172_3041_mbv_complaint_0.pdf"> Equitable Acceptance Corporation</a>,
 charged illegal upfront fees that they falsely claimed went toward 
consumers’ student loans. The defendants steered customers into 
high-interest loans to pay these fees. The FTC also alleged that the 
defendants made false promises that their services would permanently 
lower or even eliminate consumers’ student loan payments and debt 
balances. None of the money collected by the defendants was paid toward 
consumers’ student loans.

At the time the FTC filed its complaint, it also announced a 
stipulated final order with Equitable Acceptance Corporation that banned
 the company from assisting debt-relief services and violating the 
Telemarketing Sales Rule. The order also prohibited Equitable Acceptance
 from collecting any further payments from consumers who purchased these
 debt-relief services and required the company to pay monetary relief.

After more than a year of litigation, in May 2021, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2021/05/operators-student-loan-debt-relief-scheme-banned-providing-debt-relief-services-part-settlement-ftc">FTC announced a stipulated final order</a>
 with Student Advocates that banned the company from providing debt 
relief service, prohibited them from collecting further payments from 
consumers who purchased their debt relief services, and required them to
 pay additional monetary relief.

The FTC’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%23!%2Fvizhome%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F06%2Ffederal-trade-commission-returns-more-54-million-consumers">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide
 a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, Commission
 actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers across 
the country, but these refunds were the result of cases resolved before 
the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the Commission lacks authority
 under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court going 
forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the Commission’s ability to get money back for consumers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe Federal Trade Commission is 
sending 14,521 checks totaling more than $822,000 to borrowers who lost 
money to a student loan debt-relief scheme that operated under the name 
Student Advocates.Consumers who receive checks should cash them within 90 days, as 
indicated on the check. Recipients who have questions about their refund
 should call the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration, at 
877-540-0989. The Commission never requires people to pay money or 
provide account information to get a refund.In September 2019, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2019/09/ftc-takes-action-against-operators-student-loan-debt-relief-schemes-financing-company-assisted-them">FTC filed a complaint</a>
 against a student loan debt-relief scheme and the financing company 
that assisted them. The FTC alleged that the operators of Student 
Advocates, assisted by<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/172_3041_mbv_complaint_0.pdf"> Equitable Acceptance Corporation</a>,
 charged illegal upfront fees that they falsely claimed went toward 
consumers’ student loans. The defendants steered customers into 
high-interest loans to pay these fees. The FTC also alleged that the 
defendants made false promises that their services would permanently 
lower or even eliminate consumers’ student loan payments and debt 
balances. None of the money collected by the defendants was paid toward 
consumers’ student loans.At the time the FTC filed its complaint, it also announced a 
stipulated final order with Equitable Acceptance Corporation that banned
 the company from assisting debt-relief services and violating the 
Telemarketing Sales Rule. The order also prohibited Equitable Acceptance
 from collecting any further payments from consumers who purchased these
 debt-relief services and required the company to pay monetary relief.After more than a year of litigation, in May 2021, the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2021/05/operators-student-loan-debt-relief-scheme-banned-providing-debt-relief-services-part-settlement-ftc">FTC announced a stipulated final order</a>
 with Student Advocates that banned the company from providing debt 
relief service, prohibited them from collecting further payments from 
consumers who purchased their debt relief services, and required them to
 pay additional monetary relief.The FTC’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%23!%2Fvizhome%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F06%2Ffederal-trade-commission-returns-more-54-million-consumers">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide
 a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, Commission
 actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers across 
the country, but these refunds were the result of cases resolved before 
the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the Commission lacks authority
 under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court going 
forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the Commission’s ability to get money back for consumers.

FTC sends nearly $1M to students deceived by debt relief scam

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — A former police officer was charged Thursday in a series of sexual crimes that occurred between 2012 and 2018 while he worked for the Hutchinson, Kansas, police department, authorities said.

Todd Allen, 51, who was a Hutchinson police officer for about 20 years, was charged with 24 counts, including 17 felonies involving multiple charges including rape, kidnapping and aggravated indecent liberties with a child, The Hutchinson News&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/crime/2022/08/18/former-hutchinson-kansas-police-department-officer-formally-charged-sexual-assault/10354674002/">reported</a>.

Hutchinson Police Chief Jeffrey Hooper and District Attorney Tom Stanton declined to comment on any evidence tying Allen to the crimes. Hooper also declined to say if Allen was in uniform when the alleged sexual assaults occurred.

The criminal complaint listed 10 sexual assault victims and five others who alleged breach of privacy.

Allen was being held on $250,000 bond. Allen said during his first court appearance Thursday that he had begun communicating with an attorney, whose name was not immediately available.

The News reported that Allen was a school resource officer in 11 schools from at least 1996 through 2001.

Hooper said in a news conference Wednesday that a sexual assault occurred in a city park shortly after he became chief in 2018. Officers linked that assault to several others that had occurred earlier and appeared to be tied to one person.

The assaults stopped after Hooper publicized the alleged assaults in 2018, he said.

Allen, who joined the Hutchinson police force in 1994, resigned shortly after the sexual assaults were publicized in 2018.

A break in those cases came this year, when Hutchinson police began investigating a series of complaints about prowling or “window peeping,” Hooper said. Officers were able to determine those calls apparently were linked to the earlier sexual assaults and Allen was arrested on Wednesday, the chief said.

In 2018, Hooper said all the victims were females, ages 15 to 28, and all the assaults occurred between 9:30 p.m. and the early morning. He said the assailant would approach women sitting in a vehicle, shine a bright light in their face and identify himself as a police officer or park security.

The assailant, who sometimes work a mask, told the victim to get out of the car and assaulted them, Hooper said in 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660773528862.png" alt="Allen -photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Allen -photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — A former police officer was charged Thursday in a series of sexual crimes that occurred between 2012 and 2018 while he worked for the Hutchinson, Kansas, police department, authorities said.Todd Allen, 51, who was a Hutchinson police officer for about 20 years, was charged with 24 counts, including 17 felonies involving multiple charges including rape, kidnapping and aggravated indecent liberties with a child, The Hutchinson News&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/crime/2022/08/18/former-hutchinson-kansas-police-department-officer-formally-charged-sexual-assault/10354674002/">reported</a>.Hutchinson Police Chief Jeffrey Hooper and District Attorney Tom Stanton declined to comment on any evidence tying Allen to the crimes. Hooper also declined to say if Allen was in uniform when the alleged sexual assaults occurred.The criminal complaint listed 10 sexual assault victims and five others who alleged breach of privacy.Allen was being held on $250,000 bond. Allen said during his first court appearance Thursday that he had begun communicating with an attorney, whose name was not immediately available.The News reported that Allen was a school resource officer in 11 schools from at least 1996 through 2001.Hooper said in a news conference Wednesday that a sexual assault occurred in a city park shortly after he became chief in 2018. Officers linked that assault to several others that had occurred earlier and appeared to be tied to one person.The assaults stopped after Hooper publicized the alleged assaults in 2018, he said.Allen, who joined the Hutchinson police force in 1994, resigned shortly after the sexual assaults were publicized in 2018.A break in those cases came this year, when Hutchinson police began investigating a series of complaints about prowling or “window peeping,” Hooper said. Officers were able to determine those calls apparently were linked to the earlier sexual assaults and Allen was arrested on Wednesday, the chief said.In 2018, Hooper said all the victims were females, ages 15 to 28, and all the assaults occurred between 9:30 p.m. and the early morning. He said the assailant would approach women sitting in a vehicle, shine a bright light in their face and identify himself as a police officer or park security.The assailant, who sometimes work a mask, told the victim to get out of the car and assaulted them, Hooper said in 2018.

Former Kan. officer accused of serial sex assault free on bond

WYATT, Mo. (AP) — A 3-year-old Missouri girl has died from injuries sustained in a gas explosion that killed her father and injured her mother, two siblings and five other relatives, authorities said Thursday.

The family's home in the far southern Missouri town of Wyatt erupted in flames on Monday, and the girl was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, for treatment. Wyatt is about 175 miles northwest of Nashville.

Tennessee officials notified the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office in Missouri of the girl’s death on Thursday, said sheriff's Capt. Barry Morgan. He declined to release her name but identified her father as Corey Coleman, who died in the immediate aftermath of the blast.

He said the girl's mother and 6-month-old sister are in critical condition, fighting for their lives. The girl's 1-year-old brother, along with several cousins and an adult relative, also are hospitalized in stable condition.

Morgan said the source of the explosion has been narrowed down to two propane-powered appliances — a stove and a water heater. But he said that the explosion was so bad that investigators haven't been able to narrow down which was to blame.

“It is a pure 100% accident," he said, explaining that foul play and drugs had been ruled out. “Just a freak accident."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660596804720.png" alt="The source of the explosion has been narrowed down to two propane-powered appliances — a stove and a water heater.-photo courtesy KFVS" />
 <figcaption>The source of the explosion has been narrowed down to two propane-powered appliances — a stove and a water heater.-photo courtesy KFVS</figcaption>
 </figure>WYATT, Mo. (AP) — A 3-year-old Missouri girl has died from injuries sustained in a gas explosion that killed her father and injured her mother, two siblings and five other relatives, authorities said Thursday.The family's home in the far southern Missouri town of Wyatt erupted in flames on Monday, and the girl was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, for treatment. Wyatt is about 175 miles northwest of Nashville.Tennessee officials notified the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office in Missouri of the girl’s death on Thursday, said sheriff's Capt. Barry Morgan. He declined to release her name but identified her father as Corey Coleman, who died in the immediate aftermath of the blast.He said the girl's mother and 6-month-old sister are in critical condition, fighting for their lives. The girl's 1-year-old brother, along with several cousins and an adult relative, also are hospitalized in stable condition.Morgan said the source of the explosion has been narrowed down to two propane-powered appliances — a stove and a water heater. But he said that the explosion was so bad that investigators haven't been able to narrow down which was to blame.“It is a pure 100% accident," he said, explaining that foul play and drugs had been ruled out. “Just a freak accident."

3-year-old Mo. Girl, dies days after house explosion that killed father

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A child likely died from a rare infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba after swimming in an eastern Nebraska river, health officials said, making it the second such probable death in the Midwest this summer and raising the question of whether climate change is playing a role.

The Douglas County Department of Health based in Omaha, Nebraska, reported Wednesday that doctors believe the child died of primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a usually fatal infection caused by the naegleria fowleri amoeba. Health officials believe the child came into contact with the amoeba on Sunday while swimming in the Elkhorn River just west of Omaha.

Officials have not released the child's identity.

Last month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakes-iowa-kansas-city-missouri-1571504deedeaca56c0418e460a94a19">a Missouri resident died</a>&nbsp;of the same infection likely caused by the amoeba at Lake of Three Fires in southwestern Iowa. Iowa officials closed the lake's beach as a precaution for nearly three weeks.

People are usually infected when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose while swimming or diving into lakes and rivers. Other sources have been documented, including tainted tap water in a Houston-area city in 2020. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, progressing to a stiff neck, loss of balance, hallucinations and seizures.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says naegleria fowleri infections are rare — there are about three cases in the United States every year — but that those infections are overwhelmingly fatal.

There were 154 cases reported between 1962 and 2021 in the U.S., with only four survivors, according to the CDC. Of those, 71 cases were reported between 2000 and 2021. Texas and Florida recorded the most infections with 39 and 37 cases respectively, and the amoeba is typically found in southern states because it thrives in waters that are warmer than 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

But infections have migrated north in recent years, including two cases in Minnesota since 2010, Douglas County Health Director Dr. Lindsey Huse noted during a news conference Thursday.

“Our regions are becoming warmer,” she said. “As things warm up, the water warms up and water levels drop because of drought, you see that this organism is a lot happier and more typically grows in those situations.”

According to the National Water Information System, the surface water temperature near where the child was swimming was between 86 and 92 degrees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657393056107.png" alt="Naegleria fowleri amoeba- image CDC" />
 <figcaption>Naegleria fowleri amoeba- image CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A child likely died from a rare infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba after swimming in an eastern Nebraska river, health officials said, making it the second such probable death in the Midwest this summer and raising the question of whether climate change is playing a role.The Douglas County Department of Health based in Omaha, Nebraska, reported Wednesday that doctors believe the child died of primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a usually fatal infection caused by the naegleria fowleri amoeba. Health officials believe the child came into contact with the amoeba on Sunday while swimming in the Elkhorn River just west of Omaha.Officials have not released the child's identity.Last month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakes-iowa-kansas-city-missouri-1571504deedeaca56c0418e460a94a19">a Missouri resident died</a>&nbsp;of the same infection likely caused by the amoeba at Lake of Three Fires in southwestern Iowa. Iowa officials closed the lake's beach as a precaution for nearly three weeks.People are usually infected when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose while swimming or diving into lakes and rivers. Other sources have been documented, including tainted tap water in a Houston-area city in 2020. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, progressing to a stiff neck, loss of balance, hallucinations and seizures.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says naegleria fowleri infections are rare — there are about three cases in the United States every year — but that those infections are overwhelmingly fatal.There were 154 cases reported between 1962 and 2021 in the U.S., with only four survivors, according to the CDC. Of those, 71 cases were reported between 2000 and 2021. Texas and Florida recorded the most infections with 39 and 37 cases respectively, and the amoeba is typically found in southern states because it thrives in waters that are warmer than 86 degrees Fahrenheit.But infections have migrated north in recent years, including two cases in Minnesota since 2010, Douglas County Health Director Dr. Lindsey Huse noted during a news conference Thursday.“Our regions are becoming warmer,” she said. “As things warm up, the water warms up and water levels drop because of drought, you see that this organism is a lot happier and more typically grows in those situations.”According to the National Water Information System, the surface water temperature near where the child was swimming was between 86 and 92 degrees.Jacob Lorenzo-Morales, a researcher at the Universidad de La Laguna in the Canary Islands who has studied naegleria fowleri, said Thursday that an increase in infections since 2000 can be blamed on two factors: better knowledge and diagnosis of the disease, and the rising temperature in bodies of water providing “a perfect environment” for the amoeba to thrive.Researcher Sutherland Maciver, who has studied the amoeba at the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at Edinburgh Medical School in Scotland, says not all infections are reported and that the 430 cases that have ever been reported worldwide are almost certainly an undercount. And, he said, scientists cannot say with certainty that the Nebraska case is directly attributable to climate change.The two researchers co-authored a paper titled “Is Naegleria fowleri an Emerging Parasite?” that examined factors behind the increase in reported cases.Health officials recommend that freshwater swimmers plug their noses, avoid putting their heads underwater and avoid activities such as water skiing and tubing, which could force water into the nose, eyes or mouth. You cannot be infected by drinking contaminated water.