BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/sofia-resnick/">SOFIA RESNICK</a>

The 2024 election results created complicated new realities for reproductive rights in the U.S., with Americans even in a few red states overwhelmingly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/voters-seven-states-restore-reproductive-rights" target="_blank">voting to protect</a>&nbsp;the right to have an abortion while also overwhelmingly electing anti-abortion representatives in state houses, courts, Congress and the White House.

With a Republican trifecta coming to the nation’s capital in January, anti-abortion activist groups are planning for the first potentially friendly presidential administration since the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision overturned Roe v. Wade and eliminated a 50-year federal right to terminate a pregnancy.

They aim to end other federal and state protections while vastly expanding restrictions on reproductive health care.

Though many anti-abortion leaders are skeptical of President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment to their cause, they say they are willing to compromise to maintain influence in his administration. Some groups are strategizing how to end-run Trump’s campaign pledge not to enact any federal abortion bans — by heavily restricting medication abortion or trying to ban a common abortion procedure.

“I don’t think we have a champion here for pro-life causes,” said the Rev. Patrick Mahoney, longtime anti-abortion organizer. “What we have here is someone who will not work against us and try to crush us. We will not see pro-choice federal judges.”

Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition and the chief strategy officer of Stanton Public Policy Center, told States Newsroom that he is not a supporter of Trump and disagrees with his rhetoric on immigrants.

But he is happy Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris lost. The vice president had vowed to try to restore federal abortion rights and throughout her career has advocated for reproductive rights. As California attorney general, she&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-attorney-general-seizes-planned-parenthood-videos-20160405-story.html" target="_blank">prosecuted anti-abortion activists</a>&nbsp;charged with illegally recording abortion providers about a decade ago.

“We can have an opportunity now to begin the second phase after Roe was overturned,” Mahoney said. “We knew overturning Roe was only a starting line, not a finishing line.”

Lila Rose, president of Live Action, was one of the few prominent anti-abortion leaders who called out Trump before the election, after he criticized Florida’s six-week abortion ban and vowed to veto a federal ban. In late August, Rose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/08/29/lila-rose-abortion-trump-interview-00176619" target="_blank">told Politico</a>&nbsp;she would write in a presidential candidate and would encourage her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncregister.com/interview/fighting-for-life-lila-rose-s-mission-to-save-the-unborn" target="_blank">millions of followers</a>&nbsp;to do the same if Trump did not change course.

On her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSgwXPGviUA" target="_blank">podcast</a>, the millennial activist recently revealed that she met with Trump and asked him to say he would vote against Florida’s abortion-rights amendment, which he did. Days before the election, Rose&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LilaGraceRose/status/1852731859815542991" target="_blank">endorsed Trump on X</a>.

Live Action did not respond to an interview request.

Nationally,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/voters-seven-states-restore-reproductive-rights" target="_blank">three out of 10 abortion-rights measures</a>&nbsp;failed: Florida’s proposed amendment had the highest threshold to clear, but got 57% out of the required 60% of the vote. It would have reversed the ban that reproductive rights advocates say has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/reproductive-health-care-southeast-hinges-florida-abortion-rights-ballot-measure-doctors" target="_blank">decimated abortion access in the Southeast</a>.

Another anti-abortion leader willing to compromise with the incoming president and Congress is Steven Aden, general counsel at Americans United for Life, the policy shop behind many state and federal abortion restrictions. Aden said he was disappointed the Republican Party removed from its platform a&nbsp;<a href="https://prod-cdn-static.gop.com/media/documents/DRAFT_12_FINAL%5B1%5D-ben_1468872234.pdf" target="_blank">previous commitment</a>&nbsp;to a federal ban.

However, he said his group was still able to inject critical language into the&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.nucleusfiles.com/be/beb1a388-1d88-4389-a67d-c1e2d7f8bedf/2024-gop-platform-july-7-final.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=ncl_amplify&amp;utm_campaign=240708-2024_gop_platform_make_america_great_again&amp;utm_content=ncl-4NsN8UE5x2&amp;_nlid=4NsN8UE5x2&amp;_nhids=g95bUYd" target="_blank">current platform</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rnc-approves-platform-would-give-rights-fetuses-endangering-abortion-ivf" target="_blank">effectively supports states establishing fetal personhood</a>&nbsp;through the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which grants equal protection under the law. The platform also says Republicans “will oppose Late Term Abortion,” a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/political-rhetoric-about-third-trimester-abortion-misleading-experts-say" target="_blank">political term</a>&nbsp;used to refer to abortions in the second and third trimesters, the rarest but most restricted types of abortions in the U.S.

“We had direct input into the Trump campaign and framing the pro-life language in the party platform,” Aden told States Newsroom. “The platform language was much pared down, but we believe that the pro-life language preserves the essence of the party’s position on the pro-life issue, and we’re proud of that, and look forward to continuing to work with the incoming Trump administration.”

Federal reproductive rights protections in question

Early into his term, Democratic President Joe Biden began reversing blocks on federal funding domestically and globally for reproductive health organizations that also provide or refer for abortions. Leading up to and following the Dobbs decision, the Biden administration loosened restrictions to the medication abortion regimen, a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, which has become the most common way of terminating pregnancy in the U.S. during the first trimester.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed abortion medication to be obtained via telemedicine and dispensed directly at pharmacies.

Nearly half the country has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/see-data-reproductive-rights" target="_blank">partially or fully banned abortions</a>. But abortion numbers have risen since before Dobbs, researchers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/despite-bans-number-abortions-united-states-increased-2023#:~:text=New%20findings%20from%20the%20Monthly,Organization%20overturned%20Roe%20v.%20Wade." target="_blank">have reported</a>, attributing the increase in part to expanded access to telemedicine abortion and to more people using online abortion clinics that mail abortion drugs from states with so-called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/telehealth-abortion-still-rise-especially-states-shield-laws-report-shows" target="_blank">shield laws</a>&nbsp;to those with bans.

Anti-abortion groups&nbsp;<a href="https://sbaprolife.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/win-memo.pdf" target="_blank">Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.studentsforlifeaction.org/roadmap/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=Time%20for%20a%20Pro-Life%20New%20Deal%20%F0%9F%A4%9D&amp;utm_campaign=PLG%3A%202024%20Primary%20Wins%3A%20KJH%20Op-Ed%20Email%20%28Nov%20%20%2024%29#form" target="_blank">Students for Life of America</a>&nbsp;recently unveiled memos asking the Trump administration to pull&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/health-experts-outline-how-trump-administration-could-affect-abortion-contraception-access" target="_blank">regulatory levers</a>&nbsp;that especially target abortion drugs.

Under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, regulations could include:

When asked about stories of alleged&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/women-serious-pregnancy-complications-sue-over-state-abortion-bans-2" target="_blank">denied care</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/texas-woman-died-after-hospital-said-it-would-be-crime-intervene-her-miscarriage" target="_blank">maternal deaths</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/texas-ob-gyns-urge-lawmakers-change-abortion-laws-after-reports-pregnant-womens-deaths" target="_blank">doctor confusion</a>&nbsp;related to state abortion bans, Aden chalked up the problem to a misinterpretation of state laws, which he said should be clarified to address these problems, while noting several times, “I’m not a doctor.” Americans United for Life’s&nbsp;<a href="https://aul.org/2022/11/09/introducing-the-abortion-abolition-amendment/" target="_blank">recommended health-exception language</a>&nbsp;in part says abortion should be allowed “to preserve the life of a pregnant woman or to address a serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.”

“That’s a health exception with teeth,” Aden said. “It doesn’t allow for a free-ranging, quote unquote, ‘mental health’ exception that would swallow the rule.”

Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-picks-dr-oz-run-mammoth-centers-medicare-and-medicaid-services" target="_blank">pick to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services</a>, which manages the country’s largest health programs, is Dr. Mehmet Oz, who&nbsp;<a href="https://19thnews.org/2024/11/trump-picks-dr-oz-celebrity-tv-doctor-medicare-medicaid/" target="_blank">opposes abortion</a>.

The U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs could:

The U.S. Agency for International Development could:

As they brace for the potential impact of Dobbs without a federal safety net, reproductive justice activists are working to expand access and fight anti-abortion laws, while also protecting new state wins. The election results did not change the fact that most people want abortion access, said Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, during a recent media press briefing organized by the progressive Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

“Donald Trump won the election, but so did abortion, and people need to hold this incoming administration to its word that it would not restrict abortion,” Graves said. “We have to square the idea that millions of people in the United States voted for reproductive freedom … but they also will be experiencing a situation that will become even more dire, and that people will feel scared and hopeless in this period.”

Aden said AUL would support a federal “dismemberment” bill, referring to a proposed ban on a common second-trimester abortion procedure known as&nbsp;<a href="https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.dilation-and-evacuation-d-e.tw2462" target="_blank">dilation and evacuation</a>, or D&amp;E. This procedure involves dilating the cervix and removing the contents of the uterus, typically performed beginning around 12 weeks. It would be a way to effectively get a 12- or 15-week ban without calling it that.

Despite its safety and efficacy record, the D&amp;E procedure has been banned in several states, over the objection of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/population-care/ban-standard-de-abortion-procedure-unsafe-unwarranted" target="_blank">American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists</a>. It’s part of an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/political-rhetoric-about-third-trimester-abortion-misleading-experts-say" target="_blank">old anti-abortion playbook</a>, which under Republican President George W. Bush resulted in a federal ban on another later abortion procedure — dilation and extraction, or D&amp;X — by reframing it as “partial-birth” abortion, which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld in 2007’s Gonzales v. Carhart decision.

Abortion foes describe D&amp;Es as a gruesome procedure, or as Aden puts it, “tearing 13-week-old humans apart limb from limb.” Anti-abortion doctors&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/anti-abortion-researchers-back-riskier-procedures-when-pregnancy-termination-needed-experts" target="_blank">recommend more risky and invasive</a>&nbsp;procedures like C-sections, even when the abortion is medically indicated.

If D&amp;Es are banned, there would be fewer options for later abortions, which are sometimes necessary, said reproductive-health legal expert Rachel Rebouché, dean of Temple University School of Law in Philadelphia. She noted that some of the U.S. Supreme Court justices have indicated support for abortion restrictions for reasons of preserving fetal dignity rather than preserving maternal health.

“That litigation, from the anti-abortion perspective, depends on saying the fetus is a person with rights that attach at a certain point, if not from conception,” Rebouché told States Newsroom. “Dobbs opens the door wide open for those kinds of regulations. … But the question is, is there a role for the federal government to enact a nationwide ban that would curtail the rights of states that have not gone the way of Idaho or Texas or others?”

Aden said that for now AUL will be more focused on the incremental approach to abortion restrictions, as well as calling for expanded child and prenatal tax credits and other social supports.

The attorney, who was 11 when Roe was decided in 1973, is expecting another half-century of litigation over abortion with the hopes that one day the U.S. Constitution gives personhood rights to the unborn, regardless of the stage of that pregnancy. Aden said a so-called Human Life Amendment is likely impossible in the near term, needing approval from two-thirds of both houses of Congress. He said U.S. culture is not there yet.

“It would require a cultural sea change in the way that the majority of Americans view human life in the womb,” Aden said. “That’s our second generational goal. Having won our first generational goal of overturning Roe, we’d love to see the day when every life is welcomed and protected in law. And if that’s through a constitutional amendment, then we’re here for that.”

Abortion foes strategize to get Trump to ban some abortions while keeping his pledge

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting during a burglary have&nbsp;&nbsp;identified the victim as 51-year-old Craig L. Scott of Lee’s Summit, according to a statement from police.

The suspect in the investigation has been identified as 31-year-old Keith J. Marshall of Kansas City, MO.  The defendant was charged on Saturday by Jackson County Prosecutors with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, 1st Degree Burglary and unlawful use of a weapon; bond was set at $250,000 cash.

Just after 8a.m. Friday, police responded to a disturbance call in the 2100 block of SW Rutherford Drive.  The 911 caller indicated that a man later identified as Scott had been shot inside of the residence.&nbsp; The caller also indicated that the suspect was a person known to them. As officers entered the home, they located Scott who was deceased.  The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival and surrendered himself to Police a few hours later. Detectives are working to also establish the timeline of events that led up to the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732418783443.png" alt="Marshall-photo Lee's Summit Police" />
 <figcaption>Marshall-photo Lee's Summit Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting during a burglary have&nbsp;&nbsp;identified the victim as 51-year-old Craig L. Scott of Lee’s Summit, according to a statement from police.The suspect in the investigation has been identified as 31-year-old Keith J. Marshall of Kansas City, MO. The defendant was charged on Saturday by Jackson County Prosecutors with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, 1st Degree Burglary and unlawful use of a weapon; bond was set at $250,000 cash.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732419029779.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 8a.m. Friday, police responded to a disturbance call in the 2100 block of SW Rutherford Drive. The 911 caller indicated that a man later identified as Scott had been shot inside of the residence.&nbsp; The caller also indicated that the suspect was a person known to them. As officers entered the home, they located Scott who was deceased. The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival and surrendered himself to Police a few hours later. Detectives are working to also establish the timeline of events that led up to the shooting.

Police ID victim in burglary killing at Kansas City area home

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in hit-and-run incident on Saturday afternoon in Wyandotte County.

According to Kansas City, Kansas police, a woman was walking northbound in the southbound lane crossing the 65th Street Bridge above Interstate 70. A southbound vehicle struck the woman and fled.

EMS transported the woman to an area hospital where she ws pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in hit-and-run incident on Saturday afternoon in Wyandotte County.According to Kansas City, Kansas police, a woman was walking northbound in the southbound lane crossing the 65th Street Bridge above Interstate 70. A southbound vehicle struck the woman and fled.EMS transported the woman to an area hospital where she ws pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

Kan. woman dies after hit-and-run while crossing bridge above I-70

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — After years of fraud, delayed claims and long waits, Kansas’ beleaguered unemployment program has rolled out a new, modernized system.

Gov. Laura Kelly and Kansas Department of Labor secretary Amber Shultz announced Friday the launch of the online claim system that has been three years in the making, and more than a decade overdue.&nbsp;

Kelly called it a “complete transformation.”

“Now we’ve unlocked access to a world of new possibilities,” Kelly said. “Modernizing an IT system is about more than just updating old software. It’s about rethinking the entire infrastructure.”

The old system was “slow, inefficient and, frankly, unresponsive, especially when Kansas needed it most,” Kelly told reporters and labor department staff.&nbsp;

Kansas’ aging unemployment system crumbled under the weight of a historic number of unemployment claims filed during the COVID-19 pandemic, of which an estimated hundreds of millions of dollars worth were deemed fraudulent.&nbsp;

Officials&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/08/kansas-legislators-clash-with-labor-secretary-over-report-on-unemployment-fraud-identity-theft/">admitted</a>&nbsp;the system should have been updated years ago.

In 2011, former Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration halted efforts to revamp the system. Kelly had planned to upgrade the 1970s-era mainframe system before the pandemic, but the process didn’t begin until June 2022.&nbsp;

Kelly referenced floppy disks, the Beatles and the Vietnam War when characterizing the time in which the system came to be. Roughly 50 years later, transforming the system was like turning a rotary phone into a smartphone, she said.&nbsp;

Kelly said the overhaul cost more than $40 million, but it would have cost about $27 million if done a decade ago. Continued investment in technology is important, Kelly said, “so we never fall behind the mark again.”

Shultz, who took over as department secretary in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/16/shultz-formally-takes-reins-of-labor-department-plagued-by-challenges/">2021</a>, became emotional while thanking the labor department staff members. The “dark days” of the pandemic, as Kelly dubbed them, involved death threats and law enforcement protection for labor department staff.&nbsp;

“They came into a burning building during the pandemic,” she said.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/27/kansas-labor-department-teams-with-new-federal-office-on-unemployment-modernization/">September 2021</a>&nbsp;state audit found that about 59% of the roughly 1 million unique claims filed during the pandemic were suspected to be fraudulent. That same audit showed the state processed $700 million in fraudulent benefit payments. Half came from federal funds and half from state funds.

A backlog of fraudulent claims still exists, Shultz told the Reflector. However, the department believes every case of fraud has been identified.&nbsp;

The new system, accessible at&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasui.gov/" target="_blank">KansasUI.gov</a>, was launched earlier this week. Some users encountered hiccups with the system’s multi-factor authentication, a process that is meant to add an extra layer of security, but Shultz said those affected have been contacted.

With the new system’s launch, claim filings are at normal levels, Shultz said. Typically, seasonal layoffs bring in about 1,200 initial claims this time of year, while continued claims are at about 7,500. As the new system’s first week comes to a close, volumes remain normal, Shultz said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732417306272.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and Kansas Department of Labor secretary Amber Shultz announce the launch of the state’s new online unemployment system Nov. 22, 2024, at the Statehouse. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and Kansas Department of Labor secretary Amber Shultz announce the launch of the state’s new online unemployment system Nov. 22, 2024, at the Statehouse. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — After years of fraud, delayed claims and long waits, Kansas’ beleaguered unemployment program has rolled out a new, modernized system.Gov. Laura Kelly and Kansas Department of Labor secretary Amber Shultz announced Friday the launch of the online claim system that has been three years in the making, and more than a decade overdue.&nbsp;Kelly called it a “complete transformation.”“Now we’ve unlocked access to a world of new possibilities,” Kelly said. “Modernizing an IT system is about more than just updating old software. It’s about rethinking the entire infrastructure.”The old system was “slow, inefficient and, frankly, unresponsive, especially when Kansas needed it most,” Kelly told reporters and labor department staff.&nbsp;Kansas’ aging unemployment system crumbled under the weight of a historic number of unemployment claims filed during the COVID-19 pandemic, of which an estimated hundreds of millions of dollars worth were deemed fraudulent.&nbsp;Officials&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/08/kansas-legislators-clash-with-labor-secretary-over-report-on-unemployment-fraud-identity-theft/">admitted</a>&nbsp;the system should have been updated years ago.In 2011, former Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration halted efforts to revamp the system. Kelly had planned to upgrade the 1970s-era mainframe system before the pandemic, but the process didn’t begin until June 2022.&nbsp;Kelly referenced floppy disks, the Beatles and the Vietnam War when characterizing the time in which the system came to be. Roughly 50 years later, transforming the system was like turning a rotary phone into a smartphone, she said.&nbsp;Kelly said the overhaul cost more than $40 million, but it would have cost about $27 million if done a decade ago. Continued investment in technology is important, Kelly said, “so we never fall behind the mark again.”Shultz, who took over as department secretary in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/16/shultz-formally-takes-reins-of-labor-department-plagued-by-challenges/">2021</a>, became emotional while thanking the labor department staff members. The “dark days” of the pandemic, as Kelly dubbed them, involved death threats and law enforcement protection for labor department staff.&nbsp;“They came into a burning building during the pandemic,” she said.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/27/kansas-labor-department-teams-with-new-federal-office-on-unemployment-modernization/">September 2021</a>&nbsp;state audit found that about 59% of the roughly 1 million unique claims filed during the pandemic were suspected to be fraudulent. That same audit showed the state processed $700 million in fraudulent benefit payments. Half came from federal funds and half from state funds.A backlog of fraudulent claims still exists, Shultz told the Reflector. However, the department believes every case of fraud has been identified.&nbsp;The new system, accessible at&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasui.gov/" target="_blank">KansasUI.gov</a>, was launched earlier this week. Some users encountered hiccups with the system’s multi-factor authentication, a process that is meant to add an extra layer of security, but Shultz said those affected have been contacted.With the new system’s launch, claim filings are at normal levels, Shultz said. Typically, seasonal layoffs bring in about 1,200 initial claims this time of year, while continued claims are at about 7,500. As the new system’s first week comes to a close, volumes remain normal, Shultz said.

Kansas rolls out new unemployment system, first in nearly 50 years

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Saturday in Kansas City.

A preliminary investigation revealed a&nbsp;Chevrolet Trailblazer was eastbound on 47th Street near Appleton in Kansas City at a very high rate of speed, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

 The Chevrolet traveled off the roadway to the right through a drainage ditch and rolled.

 As the SUV rolled it vaulted up and over a large dirt mound and continued rolling eastbound across Appleton and struck an unoccupied red Ford F150 that was parked in the driveway and an unoccupied residence located at 4701 Appleton.

 The unrestrained driver and sole occupant of the Chevrolet was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; The name of the driver has not been released.&nbsp; This is fatality #85 compared to #90 at this time last year in KCMO, according to DiMartino.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Saturday in Kansas City.A preliminary investigation revealed a&nbsp;Chevrolet Trailblazer was eastbound on 47th Street near Appleton in Kansas City at a very high rate of speed, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino. The Chevrolet traveled off the roadway to the right through a drainage ditch and rolled. As the SUV rolled it vaulted up and over a large dirt mound and continued rolling eastbound across Appleton and struck an unoccupied red Ford F150 that was parked in the driveway and an unoccupied residence located at 4701 Appleton. The unrestrained driver and sole occupant of the Chevrolet was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; The name of the driver has not been released.&nbsp; This is fatality #85 compared to #90 at this time last year in KCMO, according to DiMartino.&nbsp;

KCPD: Driver dies after violent rollover crash into driveway of home

JACKSON COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest following a house fire.

Just after 6p.m. on November 21, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call of a house fire at 510 Washington Avenue in the the city of Delia, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Upon arrival, responders found the residence engulfed with fire.  Fire departments were able to extinguish the fire. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office responded later to the scene.

  The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant on the residence later in the night. All fire units were clear the scene by 10 p.m. Jackson County Deputies and Detectives arrested 44-year-old Denise Elaine Meltz, of Delia. 

Meltz was transported to and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of arson, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

The Delia, Mayetta, Hoyt, PBPN Fire Departments, Jackson County EMS, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist at the scene of the fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732309635376.png" alt="Photo Jackson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Jackson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest following a house fire.Just after 6p.m. on November 21, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call of a house fire at 510 Washington Avenue in the the city of Delia, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732309599192.png" alt="Melz photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Melz photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Upon arrival, responders found the residence engulfed with fire. Fire departments were able to extinguish the fire. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office responded later to the scene. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant on the residence later in the night. All fire units were clear the scene by 10 p.m. Jackson County Deputies and Detectives arrested 44-year-old Denise Elaine Meltz, of Delia. Meltz was transported to and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of arson, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.The Delia, Mayetta, Hoyt, PBPN Fire Departments, Jackson County EMS, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist at the scene of the fire.

Kansas woman jailed for starting house fire and meth possession

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—The death of an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Leavenworth is under investigation.

Just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday, 33-year-old Terrace Shaw was found unresponsive at the prison, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Responding employees initiated life-saving measures. Emergency medical services (EMS) were requested while life-saving efforts continued. EMS transported Shaw to a local hospital and subsequently pronounced deceased by hospital personnel.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was notified.

No employees or other incarcerated individuals were injured and at no time was the public in danger.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shaw was sentenced in the Middle District of Tennessee to an aggregate 168-month sentence for Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, Hobbs Act Robbery, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. He had been in custody at FCI Leavenworth since July 11, 2024. FCI Leavenworth is a medium security facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732199736346.png" alt="Shaw photo Tennessee Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Shaw photo Tennessee Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—The death of an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Leavenworth is under investigation.Just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday, 33-year-old Terrace Shaw was found unresponsive at the prison, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.Responding employees initiated life-saving measures. Emergency medical services (EMS) were requested while life-saving efforts continued. EMS transported Shaw to a local hospital and subsequently pronounced deceased by hospital personnel.The Federal Bureau of Investigation was notified.No employees or other incarcerated individuals were injured and at no time was the public in danger.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shaw was sentenced in the Middle District of Tennessee to an aggregate 168-month sentence for Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, Hobbs Act Robbery, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. He had been in custody at FCI Leavenworth since July 11, 2024. FCI Leavenworth is a medium security facility.

Man serving time for armed robbery dies while in custody in Kansas

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>

WASHINGTON —&nbsp; The 2025-26 form to apply for federal student aid is now available to all students and families, the&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Education</a>&nbsp;said Thursday.

The department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-department-education-begins-testing-new-fafsa-form" target="_blank">used a staggered approach</a>&nbsp;to launch the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid — better known as FAFSA — to address any issues before the form became available to everyone at a later date.

Though the department beat its Dec. 1 full launch deadline by 10 days, the form is fully available roughly two months later than the typical Oct. 1 date.

The department gradually ramped up the number of people able to complete the form since early October through four testing rounds that have featured more than 167,000 FAFSA submissions.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-passes-bill-move-annual-fafsa-release-deadline" target="_blank">a bill to ensure the federal student aid form</a>&nbsp;is available by Oct. 1 annually has passed both the House and Senate with sweeping bipartisan support. It’s now up to President Joe Biden to sign the measure into law.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the bill.

Senior department officials said they do not have a position on the legislation but reiterated that they are on track to launch the 2026-27 FAFSA by Oct. 1, 2025.

The decision for a phased rollout came after the 2024-25 form — which got a makeover after Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act in December 2020 — witnessed its fair share of glitches and errors, which prompted processing delays and left students and families feeling frustrated and confused.

The department worked to fix these errors as well as issues that prevented parents without Social Security numbers from completing the form.

“We recognize that the FAFSA challenge required an overhaul at the (Office of) Federal Student Aid, so we got to work,” U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said on a call with reporters Thursday.

“We made key changes at FSA, including better accountability and an increase in outside technical expertise — we held listening sessions, engaging 300 organizations, and we incorporated the feedback from our students, from parents, schools, software vendors, state agencies and other partners,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727807641728.png" alt=" A sign reminding people to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — better known as FAFSA — appears on a bus near Union Station in Washington, D.C. (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption> A sign reminding people to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — better known as FAFSA — appears on a bus near Union Station in Washington, D.C. (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>WASHINGTON —&nbsp; The 2025-26 form to apply for federal student aid is now available to all students and families, the&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Education</a>&nbsp;said Thursday.The department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-department-education-begins-testing-new-fafsa-form" target="_blank">used a staggered approach</a>&nbsp;to launch the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid — better known as FAFSA — to address any issues before the form became available to everyone at a later date.Though the department beat its Dec. 1 full launch deadline by 10 days, the form is fully available roughly two months later than the typical Oct. 1 date.The department gradually ramped up the number of people able to complete the form since early October through four testing rounds that have featured more than 167,000 FAFSA submissions.Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-passes-bill-move-annual-fafsa-release-deadline" target="_blank">a bill to ensure the federal student aid form</a>&nbsp;is available by Oct. 1 annually has passed both the House and Senate with sweeping bipartisan support. It’s now up to President Joe Biden to sign the measure into law.The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the bill.Senior department officials said they do not have a position on the legislation but reiterated that they are on track to launch the 2026-27 FAFSA by Oct. 1, 2025.<h2>2024-25 FAFSA mishaps</h2>The decision for a phased rollout came after the 2024-25 form — which got a makeover after Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act in December 2020 — witnessed its fair share of glitches and errors, which prompted processing delays and left students and families feeling frustrated and confused.The department worked to fix these errors as well as issues that prevented parents without Social Security numbers from completing the form.“We recognize that the FAFSA challenge required an overhaul at the (Office of) Federal Student Aid, so we got to work,” U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said on a call with reporters Thursday.“We made key changes at FSA, including better accountability and an increase in outside technical expertise — we held listening sessions, engaging 300 organizations, and we incorporated the feedback from our students, from parents, schools, software vendors, state agencies and other partners,” he said.

Feds roll out 2025-26 college financial aid form ahead of planned date

&nbsp;WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 9p.m. Friday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2022 Yamaha motorcycle driven by Jessica Diana&nbsp;Adams, 34, Blue Springs, Missouri, was&nbsp;westbound on Interstate 70 near Washington Avenue to Eastbound Interstate 70 at a high rate of speed. 

The motorcycle struck and rode the bridge wall. The driver was ejected and struck the ground approximately 60 feet below Interstate 70.

Adams was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to First Call. She was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

&nbsp;WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 9p.m. Friday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2022 Yamaha motorcycle driven by Jessica Diana&nbsp;Adams, 34, Blue Springs, Missouri, was&nbsp;westbound on Interstate 70 near Washington Avenue to Eastbound Interstate 70 at a high rate of speed. The motorcycle struck and rode the bridge wall. The driver was ejected and struck the ground approximately 60 feet below Interstate 70.Adams was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to First Call. She was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Motorcyclist dies after falling 60 feet off I-70 bridge 

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that she granted pardons to two individuals who show strong signs of rehabilitation. The decision to grant the pardons was made following independent reviews by the Prison Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.&nbsp;

“The decision to grant these pardons comes after a meticulous and thorough review process,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“One of the largest factors taken into consideration is a person’s commitment to rehabilitation, making amends, and positively contributing to society. Granting these pardons will give a second chance to two individuals who have taken responsibility for their actions and are working to move on with their lives."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor Kelly took into consideration numerous factors to determine if the pardons were warranted, including but not limited to: the nature of the offense, impact of the crime on victims or survivors, demonstration of rehabilitation, criminal history, absence of disciplinary issues in prison, positive achievements and growth while incarcerated, and the ability to contribute to society.&nbsp;

Article 1, Section 7 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 22-3701 grants the governor’s authority to grant clemency. 

The two individuals receiving pardons are&nbsp;Anthony Mitchell who was serving time for drug convictions and Richard McMichael, 29, who had two previous drug convictions and another for&nbsp;Aggravated Battery - Bodily Harm with a Deadly Weapon/Manner, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was released from prison on March 13.

Review of clemency applications by the Governor is ongoing, and there is no set timeline for review. By law, clemency applications in Kansas must be submitted to the Prisoner Review Board and notice of an individual’s application for clemency must be published in the county newspaper where the crime was committed. The Board reviews all applications before forwarding them for further review. Additional information about the process can be found at the Board’s website:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.doc.ks.gov%2Fprb/1/01010193558b34dd-3ec09504-e403-4522-b3d0-54d4757dc546-000000/wV4_KQF6jrnMKeoHFrlajkPyo8xFiteGYr7JxwYt31I=380">https://www.doc.ks.gov/prb</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Governor’s Office encourages victims and survivors to reach out to the Office of Victim Services, which provides confidential support and information to victims, survivors, or witnesses of a crime. Information can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.doc.ks.gov%252Fvictim-services%26data=05%257C02%257CAna.Nixon%2540ks.gov%257C54a18c945bc94c7cef9908dcccec3705%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638610562106773667%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata=U8P6Gp2OXirlUshsbmG9dMZipun41jt6bVsZ%252BBaNpWQ%253D%26reserved=0/1/010101930398843c-81bda5a1-97ce-4c26-8db0-0cab921a3c6a-000000/g7dMgAYoHSriIhKRASAhNHNkYXj0zlXgaBSh8_RcUts=378">here</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 866-404-6732.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732311722319.png" alt="McMichael-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>McMichael-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that she granted pardons to two individuals who show strong signs of rehabilitation. The decision to grant the pardons was made following independent reviews by the Prison Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.&nbsp;“The decision to grant these pardons comes after a meticulous and thorough review process,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“One of the largest factors taken into consideration is a person’s commitment to rehabilitation, making amends, and positively contributing to society. Granting these pardons will give a second chance to two individuals who have taken responsibility for their actions and are working to move on with their lives."&nbsp;&nbsp;Governor Kelly took into consideration numerous factors to determine if the pardons were warranted, including but not limited to: the nature of the offense, impact of the crime on victims or survivors, demonstration of rehabilitation, criminal history, absence of disciplinary issues in prison, positive achievements and growth while incarcerated, and the ability to contribute to society.&nbsp;Article 1, Section 7 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 22-3701 grants the governor’s authority to grant clemency. The two individuals receiving pardons are&nbsp;Anthony Mitchell who was serving time for drug convictions and Richard McMichael, 29, who had two previous drug convictions and another for&nbsp;Aggravated Battery - Bodily Harm with a Deadly Weapon/Manner, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was released from prison on March 13.Review of clemency applications by the Governor is ongoing, and there is no set timeline for review. By law, clemency applications in Kansas must be submitted to the Prisoner Review Board and notice of an individual’s application for clemency must be published in the county newspaper where the crime was committed. The Board reviews all applications before forwarding them for further review. Additional information about the process can be found at the Board’s website:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.doc.ks.gov%2Fprb/1/01010193558b34dd-3ec09504-e403-4522-b3d0-54d4757dc546-000000/wV4_KQF6jrnMKeoHFrlajkPyo8xFiteGYr7JxwYt31I=380">https://www.doc.ks.gov/prb</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The Governor’s Office encourages victims and survivors to reach out to the Office of Victim Services, which provides confidential support and information to victims, survivors, or witnesses of a crime. Information can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.doc.ks.gov%252Fvictim-services%26data=05%257C02%257CAna.Nixon%2540ks.gov%257C54a18c945bc94c7cef9908dcccec3705%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638610562106773667%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata=U8P6Gp2OXirlUshsbmG9dMZipun41jt6bVsZ%252BBaNpWQ%253D%26reserved=0/1/010101930398843c-81bda5a1-97ce-4c26-8db0-0cab921a3c6a-000000/g7dMgAYoHSriIhKRASAhNHNkYXj0zlXgaBSh8_RcUts=378">here</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 866-404-6732.

Kansas governor pardons two just before the holidays

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement observed a&nbsp;very expired "WINNER" license plate on a truck at about 12:30 a.m. Thursday, according to a social media report from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.

The deputies stopped the driver who gave a fake name. The deputy also learned the truck was stolen and the driver had&nbsp; meth in the seat beside him.

Deputies figured out the driver's real identification and continue to investigate.&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not report an arrest or possible charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732279201584.png" alt="Photo Clay County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement observed a&nbsp;very expired "WINNER" license plate on a truck at about 12:30 a.m. Thursday, according to a social media report from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.The deputies stopped the driver who gave a fake name. The deputy also learned the truck was stolen and the driver had&nbsp; meth in the seat beside him.Deputies figured out the driver's real identification and continue to investigate.&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not report an arrest or possible charges.

KC area suspect with expired 'WINNER' license plate caught with meth 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A former <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/01/gop-candidate-in-2nd-district-fighting-for-enrichment-of-american-exceptionalism/">candidate for</a> Kansas 2nd District congressional seat in 2024 is in jail on multiple allegations following an investigation into interference with the judicial process.

On November 21, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division received information that a male subject in Topeka had engaged in the harassment of a Shawnee County District Court Official on multiple occasions, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies arrested 44-year-old Michael A. Ogle of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges, interference with the judicial process and Harassment by telecommunications device.

This incident is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732310160246.png" alt="Ogle photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ogle photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—A former <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/01/gop-candidate-in-2nd-district-fighting-for-enrichment-of-american-exceptionalism/">candidate for</a> Kansas 2nd District congressional seat in 2024 is in jail on multiple allegations following an investigation into interference with the judicial process.On November 21, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division received information that a male subject in Topeka had engaged in the harassment of a Shawnee County District Court Official on multiple occasions, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Deputies arrested 44-year-old Michael A. Ogle of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges, interference with the judicial process and Harassment by telecommunications device.This incident is still under investigation.

Kan. man who ran for Congress accused of phone harassment of court official

KANSAS CITY —A small fire did not ruin the holiday activities on Friday at Union Station in Kansas City.

Just before 8a.m. Friday, crews responded to a reported building fire at 30 W. Pershing Road, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

&nbsp;The calling party stated black smoke from the lower levels and out of the HVAC system.

Companies were able to find, isolate and extinguish a fire in an air handling unit. Companies remained on scene attempting to evacuate the smoke. Maintenance shut down the air handling system to prevent further smoke movement. The fire was in a unit on the roof of Science City.&nbsp;

KCFD continued working to remove smoke from Union Station. Due to the size of the structure this is an enormous undertaking, according to Hopkins.&nbsp; Building maintenance has removed a window on an upper floor and was using high powered fans to create positive pressure and remove the smoke.&nbsp; There were no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732307786791.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A small fire did not ruin the holiday activities on Friday at Union Station in Kansas City.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Important Update: Extreme Screen showtimes of Christmas Vacation at 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm today have been canceled to allow for the Extreme Screen&#39;s interior lobby and back-of-house areas to be cleared from a small and unexpected water intrusion. Our current plan is to reopen in… <a href="https://t.co/sZHkRFBZqY">https://t.co/sZHkRFBZqY</a>&mdash; Union Station KC (@UnionStationKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnionStationKC/status/1860021776350134425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> Just before 8a.m. Friday, crews responded to a reported building fire at 30 W. Pershing Road, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;The calling party stated black smoke from the lower levels and out of the HVAC system.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732307499074.png" alt="Fire crews inside Union Station on Friday photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Fire crews inside Union Station on Friday photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Companies were able to find, isolate and extinguish a fire in an air handling unit. Companies remained on scene attempting to evacuate the smoke. Maintenance shut down the air handling system to prevent further smoke movement. The fire was in a unit on the roof of Science City.&nbsp;KCFD continued working to remove smoke from Union Station. Due to the size of the structure this is an enormous undertaking, according to Hopkins.&nbsp; Building maintenance has removed a window on an upper floor and was using high powered fans to create positive pressure and remove the smoke.&nbsp; There were no injuries.

KCFD crews cleared smoke from Union Station after fire at Science City

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a wanted suspect on new allegations after a 2-hour standoff.

Just&nbsp;before 7:30 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a home in the 1900 block of SE Adams in Topeka after report of domestic disturbance, according to Police Lt. Matt Danielson. 

The suspect in the case, later identified as Benjamin Alfano, 38, of Topeka, was wanted on a previous case of Aggravated Domestic Battery. 

At approximately 9:30 a.m., officers were able to deescalate the situation and take the Alfano into custody on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Domestic Battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732221236351.png" alt="Alfano photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Alfano photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a wanted suspect on new allegations after a 2-hour standoff.Just&nbsp;before 7:30 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a home in the 1900 block of SE Adams in Topeka after report of domestic disturbance, according to Police Lt. Matt Danielson. The suspect in the case, later identified as Benjamin Alfano, 38, of Topeka, was wanted on a previous case of Aggravated Domestic Battery. At approximately 9:30 a.m., officers were able to deescalate the situation and take the Alfano into custody on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Domestic Battery.

Police capture suspect wanted for violence at Kansas home

RAY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two illegal immigrants from Venezuela on multiple allegations involving an ATM skimming theft ring. 

Just after 4p.m. November 15,&nbsp; Venezuelan Nationals, Darwin G. Moreno-Conde, 24, and Yorbin Y. Allen-Hernandez, 44, were arrested in Kirkwood, Missouri after a large area search spanning from the Kansas City Metro area to the St. Louis Metro area for the duo, according to a media release from the Richmond Police Department.

 Both were subsequently booked into the Ray County Jail on a twenty-four (24) hour investigative hold. On November 13, the Richmond Police Department investigated an incident in which a skimming device had been placed on a local Automated Teller Machine (ATM) resulting in a large number of accounts being compromised. 

As a result of the investigative efforts of the Richmond Police Department, the use of Flock cameras and the collaborative efforts of&nbsp; Metro Area law enforcement, MOCIC, MIAC, and the Kirkwood Police Department, the suspects were identified and apprehended in less than fifty-four (54) hours after the reported commission of the crime.

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Venezuelan Nationals, Darwin G. Moreno-Conde and Yorbin Y. Allen-Hernandez were each charged in the 8th Judicial Circuit of Ray County, Missouri, with one felony count of 1st Degree Property Damage and one felony count of Stealing.Currently, both individuals remain in the Ray County Jail on $250,000 cash only bonds.  The investigation is on-going and further charges are expected in the near future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732241624193.png" alt="Allen-Hernandez-photo Richmond PD" />
 <figcaption>Allen-Hernandez-photo Richmond PD</figcaption>
 </figure>RAY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two illegal immigrants from Venezuela on multiple allegations involving an ATM skimming theft ring. Just after 4p.m. November 15,&nbsp; Venezuelan Nationals, Darwin G. Moreno-Conde, 24, and Yorbin Y. Allen-Hernandez, 44, were arrested in Kirkwood, Missouri after a large area search spanning from the Kansas City Metro area to the St. Louis Metro area for the duo, according to a media release from the Richmond Police Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732241561839.png" alt="Conde photo Richmond PD" />
 <figcaption>Conde photo Richmond PD</figcaption>
 </figure> Both were subsequently booked into the Ray County Jail on a twenty-four (24) hour investigative hold. On November 13, the Richmond Police Department investigated an incident in which a skimming device had been placed on a local Automated Teller Machine (ATM) resulting in a large number of accounts being compromised. As a result of the investigative efforts of the Richmond Police Department, the use of Flock cameras and the collaborative efforts of&nbsp; Metro Area law enforcement, MOCIC, MIAC, and the Kirkwood Police Department, the suspects were identified and apprehended in less than fifty-four (54) hours after the reported commission of the crime.On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Venezuelan Nationals, Darwin G. Moreno-Conde and Yorbin Y. Allen-Hernandez were each charged in the 8th Judicial Circuit of Ray County, Missouri, with one felony count of 1st Degree Property Damage and one felony count of Stealing.Currently, both individuals remain in the Ray County Jail on $250,000 cash only bonds. The investigation is on-going and further charges are expected in the near future.

Illegal immigrants jailed for ATM skimming in Missouri, Kansas

WASHINGTON— Tons of ground beef have been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/wolverine-packing-co--recalls-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e--coli-o157h7">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;(USDA).

Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,277 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Thursday. The product was shipped to restaurants across the nation.

The fresh products have a “use by” date of 11/14/2024 and the frozen products are labeled with production date 10 22 24. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/Recall-031-2024-Product-List.pdf">here to view full product list</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2024-11/Recall-031-2024-Labels.pdf">Click here to view labels</a>.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to restaurant locations nationwide.&nbsp;

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of a group of ill persons who had reported that they consumed ground beef prior to their illness.

FSIS was notified of illnesses on November 13, 2024, and working in conjunction with Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health, FSIS determined that there was a link between the ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. and this illness cluster. On November 20, 2024, a ground beef sample collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as part of an outbreak investigation tested positive for&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157. To date, 15 case-patients have been identified in one state with illness onset dates ranging from November 2, 2024, to November 10, 2024. FSIS continues to work with the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health on this investigation.

Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. Restaurants are urged not to serve these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their&nbsp;customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart">https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart</a>.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Don Tanner, company representative at 248-762-1533.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732280999875.png" alt="USDA image" />
 <figcaption>USDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON— Tons of ground beef have been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/wolverine-packing-co--recalls-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e--coli-o157h7">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;(USDA).Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,277 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Thursday. The product was shipped to restaurants across the nation.The fresh products have a “use by” date of 11/14/2024 and the frozen products are labeled with production date 10 22 24. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/Recall-031-2024-Product-List.pdf">here to view full product list</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2024-11/Recall-031-2024-Labels.pdf">Click here to view labels</a>.The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to restaurant locations nationwide.&nbsp;The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of a group of ill persons who had reported that they consumed ground beef prior to their illness.FSIS was notified of illnesses on November 13, 2024, and working in conjunction with Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health, FSIS determined that there was a link between the ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. and this illness cluster. On November 20, 2024, a ground beef sample collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as part of an outbreak investigation tested positive for&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157. To date, 15 case-patients have been identified in one state with illness onset dates ranging from November 2, 2024, to November 10, 2024. FSIS continues to work with the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health on this investigation.Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.FSIS is concerned that some product may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. Restaurants are urged not to serve these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their&nbsp;customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart">https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart</a>.Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Don Tanner, company representative at 248-762-1533.

USDA: 160,000 pounds of ground beef recalled due to E. coli risk

The Missouri State Tax Commission sought a court order to force Jackson County to roll back property assessment hikes, but a judge dismissed the case Wednesday

By ALLISON KITE&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

State officials’ hopes of rolling back Jackson County property assessment increases are floundering after a circuit court judge dismissed a lawsuit by the State Tax Commission on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The commission in August ordered Jackson County to reverse most of its 2023 property valuations, arguing they had been performed illegally and resulted in huge increases in property values.

Jackson County officials&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/12/jackson-county-claims-property-tax-order-was-meant-to-shield-missouri-ag-from-deposition/">called the State Tax Commission’s August order “unconstitutional”</a>&nbsp;and “unprecedented” and said it only took action to cover for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/andrew-bailey/">Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey</a>’s failures in his own efforts to undo the property assessments.

The State Tax Commission then sought a court order to force the county to cap property assessments to a 15% increase since the last assessment —&nbsp;unless new construction or building improvements increased the value. That effort was dismissed Wednesday.

Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. thanked county residents in a statement Wednesday “for their patience and understanding as we’ve worked to address problems that have been decades in the making.”&nbsp;

“Our goal remains ensuring that every property owner is treated fairly under the law,” White said.&nbsp;

Gregory Allsberry, chief counsel for the State Tax Commission, said in an email that the judge did not find the commission’s order invalid.

“The commission’s order is still a valid order, despite Jackson County’s refusal to comply, and the Commission will continue to do all within its power to enforce the order,” Allsberry said. “It will also do everything within its power to ensure that Jackson county’s assessing officials don’t commit the violations of state law in 2025 that they did during the 2023 reassessment cycle.”&nbsp;

Neither Bailey’s office nor the State Tax Commission immediately returned requests for comment.

Jackson County’s property valuation process has been in near-constant litigation since Bailey and the State Tax Commission first sued the county in December.&nbsp;

According to that lawsuit, the county’s 2023 reassessment process resulted in an average 30% increase in value across hundreds of thousands of properties in the county. The lawsuit says more than 90% of residential properties saw an increase in value, and values increased by at least 15% for three-quarters of properties in the county.

The increase in property values means an increase in property taxes for some owners.&nbsp;

Bailey and the State Tax Commission accused Jackson County of failing to follow proper procedures in the valuation process, including performing physical inspections, before increasing property values by more than 15%.&nbsp;

During the litigation, Bailey and a deputy came&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/25/judge-hears-arguments-over-whether-missouri-ag-andrew-bailey-should-be-questioned-under-oath/">under fire for meeting with a Jackson County official</a>&nbsp;without notifying the county’s attorneys. Under Missouri Supreme Court rules, attorneys are not to communicate about a lawsuit with individuals represented in the case by another lawyer without the consent of the other lawyer.

Bailey maintained that his meeting with the official, Sean Smith, was nothing more than a campaign meeting. At the time, Smith, a member of the Jackson County Legislature, was running for the U.S. House of Representatives against incumbent U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II, who won with 60% of the vote earlier this month.

Jackson County’s attorneys were granted permission by the judge in the case to question Bailey under oath about his meetings with Smith. But in August, a day before Bailey was scheduled to sit for the deposition, the State Tax Commission issued its order and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/07/missouri-attorney-general-asks-to-dismiss-lawsuit-a-day-before-scheduled-deposition/">Bailey’s office had the case dismissed</a>.

At the time, Bailey’s spokeswoman, Madeline Sieren, said the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-dismisses-lawsuit-before-missouri-attorney-general-could-be-questioned-under-oath/">state dismissed the lawsuit because of the State Tax Commission’s order</a>.

“Pushing the lawsuit forward could have jeopardized the much needed relief offered in the Tax Commission’s order and would be counterproductive for Jackson County taxpayers,” Sieren said in an August email.

The county said at the time that the State Tax Commission was “being used as a shield for…Bailey, who is trying to escape accountability after lying and realizing he was losing the case.”&nbsp;

When the county didn’t comply with the August order, the State Tax Commission sought a court order to force the issue.

In response, the county said in a filing that the State Tax Commission was attempting to bring the same legal claims a second time. That was impermissible, the county argued, because the original lawsuit was dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning the case couldn’t be brought again.

Senior Judge Jacqueline Cook, who handled the case because the circuit judges in Jackson County recused themselves, dismissed the case with prejudice Wednesday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732279575729.png" alt="Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, right, testifies to the House Budget Committee in February. Bailey sued Jackson County over its property assessment process but had the case dismissed. Now a court has also dismissed the State Tax Commission's attempt to enforce its order against Jackson County. (Rudi Keller/MIssouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, right, testifies to the House Budget Committee in February. Bailey sued Jackson County over its property assessment process but had the case dismissed. Now a court has also dismissed the State Tax Commission's attempt to enforce its order against Jackson County. (Rudi Keller/MIssouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Missouri State Tax Commission sought a court order to force Jackson County to roll back property assessment hikes, but a judge dismissed the case Wednesday</h2>By ALLISON KITE&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>State officials’ hopes of rolling back Jackson County property assessment increases are floundering after a circuit court judge dismissed a lawsuit by the State Tax Commission on Wednesday.&nbsp;The commission in August ordered Jackson County to reverse most of its 2023 property valuations, arguing they had been performed illegally and resulted in huge increases in property values.But the county didn’t comply.Jackson County officials&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/12/jackson-county-claims-property-tax-order-was-meant-to-shield-missouri-ag-from-deposition/">called the State Tax Commission’s August order “unconstitutional”</a>&nbsp;and “unprecedented” and said it only took action to cover for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/andrew-bailey/">Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey</a>’s failures in his own efforts to undo the property assessments.The State Tax Commission then sought a court order to force the county to cap property assessments to a 15% increase since the last assessment —&nbsp;unless new construction or building improvements increased the value. That effort was dismissed Wednesday.Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. thanked county residents in a statement Wednesday “for their patience and understanding as we’ve worked to address problems that have been decades in the making.”&nbsp;“Our goal remains ensuring that every property owner is treated fairly under the law,” White said.&nbsp;Gregory Allsberry, chief counsel for the State Tax Commission, said in an email that the judge did not find the commission’s order invalid.“The commission’s order is still a valid order, despite Jackson County’s refusal to comply, and the Commission will continue to do all within its power to enforce the order,” Allsberry said. “It will also do everything within its power to ensure that Jackson county’s assessing officials don’t commit the violations of state law in 2025 that they did during the 2023 reassessment cycle.”&nbsp;Neither Bailey’s office nor the State Tax Commission immediately returned requests for comment.Jackson County’s property valuation process has been in near-constant litigation since Bailey and the State Tax Commission first sued the county in December.&nbsp;According to that lawsuit, the county’s 2023 reassessment process resulted in an average 30% increase in value across hundreds of thousands of properties in the county. The lawsuit says more than 90% of residential properties saw an increase in value, and values increased by at least 15% for three-quarters of properties in the county.The increase in property values means an increase in property taxes for some owners.&nbsp;Bailey and the State Tax Commission accused Jackson County of failing to follow proper procedures in the valuation process, including performing physical inspections, before increasing property values by more than 15%.&nbsp;During the litigation, Bailey and a deputy came&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/25/judge-hears-arguments-over-whether-missouri-ag-andrew-bailey-should-be-questioned-under-oath/">under fire for meeting with a Jackson County official</a>&nbsp;without notifying the county’s attorneys. Under Missouri Supreme Court rules, attorneys are not to communicate about a lawsuit with individuals represented in the case by another lawyer without the consent of the other lawyer.Bailey maintained that his meeting with the official, Sean Smith, was nothing more than a campaign meeting. At the time, Smith, a member of the Jackson County Legislature, was running for the U.S. House of Representatives against incumbent U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II, who won with 60% of the vote earlier this month.Jackson County’s attorneys were granted permission by the judge in the case to question Bailey under oath about his meetings with Smith. But in August, a day before Bailey was scheduled to sit for the deposition, the State Tax Commission issued its order and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/07/missouri-attorney-general-asks-to-dismiss-lawsuit-a-day-before-scheduled-deposition/">Bailey’s office had the case dismissed</a>.At the time, Bailey’s spokeswoman, Madeline Sieren, said the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-dismisses-lawsuit-before-missouri-attorney-general-could-be-questioned-under-oath/">state dismissed the lawsuit because of the State Tax Commission’s order</a>.“Pushing the lawsuit forward could have jeopardized the much needed relief offered in the Tax Commission’s order and would be counterproductive for Jackson County taxpayers,” Sieren said in an August email.The county said at the time that the State Tax Commission was “being used as a shield for…Bailey, who is trying to escape accountability after lying and realizing he was losing the case.”&nbsp;When the county didn’t comply with the August order, the State Tax Commission sought a court order to force the issue.In response, the county said in a filing that the State Tax Commission was attempting to bring the same legal claims a second time. That was impermissible, the county argued, because the original lawsuit was dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning the case couldn’t be brought again.Senior Judge Jacqueline Cook, who handled the case because the circuit judges in Jackson County recused themselves, dismissed the case with prejudice Wednesday.&nbsp;

Missouri AG’s efforts to undo Jackson Co. property assessments dealt another blow

KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a Thursday afternoon fire at a carriage house in the Kansas City area.

Just after 2p.m. crews responded to a fire in a carriage house in the 7800 block of 67th Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

The fire was spotted by a KCFD company returning to their fire station from another call. The fire quickly spread through the small house. Multiple handlines were used to get the fire under control. The fire was contained to the carriage house and did not spread to the main house. Searches of the structure came back all clear. No injuries were reported at this incident, according to Hopins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732227435950.png" alt="Photos KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a Thursday afternoon fire at a carriage house in the Kansas City area.Just after 2p.m. crews responded to a fire in a carriage house in the 7800 block of 67th Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732227417053.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The fire was spotted by a KCFD company returning to their fire station from another call. The fire quickly spread through the small house. Multiple handlines were used to get the fire under control. The fire was contained to the carriage house and did not spread to the main house. Searches of the structure came back all clear. No injuries were reported at this incident, according to Hopins.

Cause of Kansas City area carriage house fire under investigation

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 2:30p.m.&nbsp;November 18, a Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 Highway for a traffic violation, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.

Daniel L. Bigenwalt, 59, of Topeka was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Driving while license suspended and an Osage County arrest warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732118647317.png" alt="Bigenwalt photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Bigenwalt photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 2:30p.m.&nbsp;November 18, a Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 Highway for a traffic violation, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.Daniel L. Bigenwalt, 59, of Topeka was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Driving while license suspended and an Osage County arrest warrant.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of selling meth

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged fentanyl overdose death and have made an arrest.

Just after noon Wednesday police arrested 23-year-old Caziah Self of Ellsworth in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The arrested is in connection with an incident that occurred in June of 2023 where law enforcement officers investigated the overdose death of a 25-year-old individual in Manhattan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732204540054.png" alt="Self -photo Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Self -photo Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged fentanyl overdose death and have made an arrest.Just after noon Wednesday police arrested 23-year-old Caziah Self of Ellsworth in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The arrested is in connection with an incident that occurred in June of 2023 where law enforcement officers investigated the overdose death of a 25-year-old individual in Manhattan.Self is being held on a $100,000 bond on requested charges of&nbsp; distribution of a controlled substance causing death, use of a communication facility in the commission of a felony drug violation, and distribution of opiate/opium/stimulant/heroin dosage &lt; 10 units.Self has four previous drug convictions and another for criminal possession of a weapon, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Anyone with relevant information on this case is urged to come forward, according to the RCPD. The investigation into this and all other Fentanyl-related overdoses remain active and ongoing. Any individuals possessing pertinent information are urged to come forward and assist law enforcement authorities.