TOPEKA— Authorities with the Kansas Turnpike Authorities are alerting the public of a new scam.

This new smishing text campaign using DriveKS images surfaced Tuesday, according to the Kansas Turpike Authority.

 If you receive a text like this image do not click link or respond in any way. Remember, the Kansas Turnpike Authority does not send unsolicited text messages and does not charge fees like those mentioned in the image.

In July, the Kansas Turnpike converted to cashless tolling. Those fees are collected by mail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726663482830.png" alt="Text scam image from the KTA" />
 <figcaption>Text scam image from the KTA</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA— Authorities with the Kansas Turnpike Authorities are alerting the public of a new scam.This new smishing text campaign using DriveKS images surfaced Tuesday, according to the Kansas Turpike Authority. If you receive a text like this image do not click link or respond in any way. Remember, the Kansas Turnpike Authority does not send unsolicited text messages and does not charge fees like those mentioned in the image.In July, the Kansas Turnpike converted to cashless tolling. Those fees are collected by mail.

New scam targets those drivers who use the Kansas Turnpike 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair announced Wednesday that this year's event attracted 328,714 attendees over ten days, highlighting its continued success in celebrating Kansas culture, agriculture, and entertainment. The number of gate scans was slightly below the 2023 total of 330,044.

The first Saturday saw an impressive turnout of more than 51,000 visitors, the highest in six years, followed by over 56,000 on the second Saturday. This solid attendance reflects the fair’s enduring appeal, bringing in visitors from across Kansas and beyond to enjoy the diverse activities, exhibits, and food.

"I think the vibe at the Fair was phenomenal," said General Manager Bryan Schulz. "The weather was amazing. People seemed very happy. There really wasn't any major issues on the grounds. Overall, I think everything went fantastic."

This year’s Nex-Tech Grandstand concert series also saw its highest attendance since 2015, featuring acts including Wynonna Judd, Goo Goo Dolls, Casting Crowns, Riley Green, and The Oak Ridge Boys. The Demo Derby set a new attendance record with 2,947 fans. The Riley Green concert alone brought around 8,000 to the Grandstand.

The 2024 fair offered a wide array of attractions, including the 25th anniversary of the Grand Drive Junior Livestock Show, live free stage music, midway rides, and a variety of food and commercial vendors. Guests explored Kansas' history through agricultural displays and educational exhibits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725972052496.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Fair Midway-Photo by Pat James" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Fair Midway-Photo by Pat James</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair announced Wednesday that this year's event attracted 328,714 attendees over ten days, highlighting its continued success in celebrating Kansas culture, agriculture, and entertainment. The number of gate scans was slightly below the 2023 total of 330,044.The first Saturday saw an impressive turnout of more than 51,000 visitors, the highest in six years, followed by over 56,000 on the second Saturday. This solid attendance reflects the fair’s enduring appeal, bringing in visitors from across Kansas and beyond to enjoy the diverse activities, exhibits, and food."I think the vibe at the Fair was phenomenal," said General Manager Bryan Schulz. "The weather was amazing. People seemed very happy. There really wasn't any major issues on the grounds. Overall, I think everything went fantastic."This year’s Nex-Tech Grandstand concert series also saw its highest attendance since 2015, featuring acts including Wynonna Judd, Goo Goo Dolls, Casting Crowns, Riley Green, and The Oak Ridge Boys. The Demo Derby set a new attendance record with 2,947 fans. The Riley Green concert alone brought around 8,000 to the Grandstand.The 2024 fair offered a wide array of attractions, including the 25th anniversary of the Grand Drive Junior Livestock Show, live free stage music, midway rides, and a variety of food and commercial vendors. Guests explored Kansas' history through agricultural displays and educational exhibits.

Kansas State Fair attendance down slightly in 2024

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that left one person dead in Wyandotte County.

Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, Kansas City, Kansas&nbsp; officers were dispatched to the area of N. 7h Street and Parallel Parkway on reports of a person lying in the street. 

First responders discovered a man, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene. Police have not released the name of the victim or reported an arrest.

 This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that left one person dead in Wyandotte County.Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, Kansas City, Kansas&nbsp; officers were dispatched to the area of N. 7h Street and Parallel Parkway on reports of a person lying in the street. First responders discovered a man, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene. Police have not released the name of the victim or reported an arrest. This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward

Homicide: Kansas man found lying in the street

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a violent attack on a&nbsp;25-year-old babysitter at a park in Lawrence on Tuesday.

Just after 12:30p.m. the woman was attacked at Centennial Park, 2124 W 9th Street in Lawrence, while she was holding a 4-year-old child. 

Witnesses told police that a woman, who is believed to be living in the park, angrily approached a small group of people supervising children on the playground. 

The victim, worried for the safety of the child, picked her up and attempted to get away from the 33-year-old suspect, but the suspect allegedly struck the victim in the back with a dumbbell multiple times. 

The victim was able to run away from the suspect, get into her vehicle with the child, and leave the area while calling police. 

The suspect was located in the park and arrested on a requested charge of aggravated battery and child endangerment. 

The victim declined medical treatment at the scene and will be physically ok, but was clearly shaken. Officers were unable to determine a motive for the attack but said the suspect's behavior with them was very erratic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726654684422.png" alt="Centennial Park, 2124 W 9th Street in Lawrence-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Centennial Park, 2124 W 9th Street in Lawrence-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a violent attack on a&nbsp;25-year-old babysitter at a park in Lawrence on Tuesday.Just after 12:30p.m. the woman was attacked at Centennial Park, 2124 W 9th Street in Lawrence, while she was holding a 4-year-old child. Witnesses told police that a woman, who is believed to be living in the park, angrily approached a small group of people supervising children on the playground. The victim, worried for the safety of the child, picked her up and attempted to get away from the 33-year-old suspect, but the suspect allegedly struck the victim in the back with a dumbbell multiple times. The victim was able to run away from the suspect, get into her vehicle with the child, and leave the area while calling police. The suspect was located in the park and arrested on a requested charge of aggravated battery and child endangerment. The victim declined medical treatment at the scene and will be physically ok, but was clearly shaken. Officers were unable to determine a motive for the attack but said the suspect's behavior with them was very erratic.

Babysitter attacked with dumbbell while caring for child at Kan. park

NEOSHO COUNTY —Law enforcement and school districts across Kansas are investigating school threats and several individuals have been taken into custody.

On Tuesday, the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a social media post that mentions St. Paul school along with a couple of other schools outside of Neosho County as being on an alleged list, according to a media release.&nbsp; Law Enforcement in those jurisdictions have been notified and Neosho County investigators are currently following&nbsp; leads as the post is being treated as a criminal threat.

On Tuesday,&nbsp;The Dodge City Police Department reported they were aware of two circulating Snapchat messages that contain threats to Comanche Middle School and Dodge City Middle School, according to a media release. "We are actively working to identify the individuals responsible, and officers are increasing patrols around the schools to ensure student safety."

The Liberal Police Department reported they were also aware of a recent threat regarding a potential school shooting. After following several leads, the police department determined that the threat is non-credible.

Law enforcement are investigating a surge of reports of a vague school shooting threat circulating online about the USD 230 Spring Hill school district, according to a statement from the Johnson County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;To be proactive, the sheriff's office has increased their presence at schools in Spring Hill and adjacent districts in Johnson and Miami counties.

Junction City Police and Geary USD 475 investigated school&nbsp;threats made on TikTok against Junction City Middle School.

On Friday, September 13th, officers in Junction City were alerted to additional social media activity, which included a list of names of students and staff from USD 475 posted on Snapchat. On Tuesday, the Junction City Police Department identified a juvenile believed to be responsible for the post. Police arrested the juvenile, charged them with Aggravated Criminal Threat, a Level 5-person felony, and later released them to their parents.

In Hays, police&nbsp;received a report of a written threat of a bomb inside Hays Middle School, 201 W 29th Street, Hays,  according to a statement from Police Chief Don Scheibler.

The Hays Police Department worked with members of the USD 489 staff to fully investigate the reported threat. The school and the grounds were searched by members of the Hays Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol Emergency Service Unit (canines), Scheibler said.

During the investigation, the Hays Police Department also identified and located the person who made all the threats against Hays Middle School, Scheibler said.

A 37-year-old Salina man was arrested September 13, after he allegedly made alarming statements about plans to "shoot up a school" while standing in line at a local Casey's convenience store.

Police recommend that parents talk with their children about the consequences of making threats. We would also ask that parents educate children not to re-share social media posts but rather contact law enforcement immediately.

NEOSHO COUNTY —Law enforcement and school districts across Kansas are investigating school threats and several individuals have been taken into custody.On Tuesday, the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a social media post that mentions St. Paul school along with a couple of other schools outside of Neosho County as being on an alleged list, according to a media release.&nbsp; Law Enforcement in those jurisdictions have been notified and Neosho County investigators are currently following&nbsp; leads as the post is being treated as a criminal threat.On Tuesday,&nbsp;The Dodge City Police Department reported they were aware of two circulating Snapchat messages that contain threats to Comanche Middle School and Dodge City Middle School, according to a media release. "We are actively working to identify the individuals responsible, and officers are increasing patrols around the schools to ensure student safety."The Liberal Police Department reported they were also aware of a recent threat regarding a potential school shooting. After following several leads, the police department determined that the threat is non-credible.Law enforcement are investigating a surge of reports of a vague school shooting threat circulating online about the USD 230 Spring Hill school district, according to a statement from the Johnson County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;To be proactive, the sheriff's office has increased their presence at schools in Spring Hill and adjacent districts in Johnson and Miami counties.Junction City Police and Geary USD 475 investigated school&nbsp;threats made on TikTok against Junction City Middle School.On Friday, September 13th, officers in Junction City were alerted to additional social media activity, which included a list of names of students and staff from USD 475 posted on Snapchat. On Tuesday, the Junction City Police Department identified a juvenile believed to be responsible for the post. Police arrested the juvenile, charged them with Aggravated Criminal Threat, a Level 5-person felony, and later released them to their parents.In Hays, police&nbsp;received a report of a written threat of a bomb inside Hays Middle School, 201 W 29th Street, Hays, according to a statement from Police Chief Don Scheibler.The Hays Police Department worked with members of the USD 489 staff to fully investigate the reported threat. The school and the grounds were searched by members of the Hays Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol Emergency Service Unit (canines), Scheibler said.The school was determined to be safe.During the investigation, the Hays Police Department also identified and located the person who made all the threats against Hays Middle School, Scheibler said.A 37-year-old Salina man was arrested September 13, after he allegedly made alarming statements about plans to "shoot up a school" while standing in line at a local Casey's convenience store.Police recommend that parents talk with their children about the consequences of making threats. We would also ask that parents educate children not to re-share social media posts but rather contact law enforcement immediately.

Police, school districts across Kansas investigating threats

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> State's Newsroom

WASHINGTON — The closely divided U.S. Senate gridlocked Tuesday over the best way to provide nationwide protections for in vitro fertilization, despite lawmakers from both political parties maintaining they want to do so.

Republicans voted against advancing a Democratic bill that could have prevented states from enacting “harmful or unwarranted limitations” on the procedure and bolstered access for military members and veterans. Two Republicans voted with Democrats — Maine’s Susan Collins and Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski.

That came just a short time after Senate Democrats — who narrowly control the chamber — in a procedural move blocked a GOP bill from Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Katie Britt of Alabama that would have barred Medicaid funding from going to any state that bans IVF.

The 51-44 vote that prevented Democrats’ legislation from moving toward a final vote followed numerous floor speeches and press conferences, including by the Harris-Walz presidential campaign, that sought to elevate the issue ahead of the November elections. The measure needed 60 votes to advance.

“This is a chance for my colleagues across the aisle to put their votes where their mouths have been,” said Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth, the bill’s sponsor and a mom of two children born as a result of IVF. “They say they support IVF. Here you go — vote on this.”

Duckworth said the legislation would provide critical IVF services to U.S. military members and veterans, many of whom experience infertility or experience difficulty having children due to their service.

“It allows our military men and women, prior to a deployment into a combat zone, to preserve and freeze their genetic material; so that should they come home with injuries that result in them becoming infertile, they will have already preserved their genetic material so that they can, themselves, start those beautiful families they wanted,” Duckworth said.

Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris released a written statement following the vote rebuking GOP senators for blocking the bill.

“Every woman in every state must have reproductive freedom,” Harris wrote. “Yet, Republicans in Congress have once again made clear that they will not protect access to the fertility treatments many couples need to fulfill their dream of having a child.”

Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-republicans-reject-democrats-bill-ivf-protections" target="_blank">blocked Democrats’ bill earlier this year</a>. But Senate leadership scheduled another vote after Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-says-wants-make-ivf-treatments-paid-government-insurance-compani-rcna168804" target="_blank">reignited the issue</a>&nbsp;in August when he said his administration would mandate health insurance companies pay for IVF — a significant break with how the GOP has approached the issue.

“We are going to be, under the Trump administration, we are going to be paying for that treatment,” Trump said during an interview with NBC News. “We’re going to be mandating that the insurance company pay.”

Democrats began speaking at length about preserving access to IVF earlier this year after the Alabama state Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://alabamareflector.com/2024/02/19/alabama-supreme-court-ruling-could-end-ivf-treatments-in-state/" target="_blank">issued an opinion</a>&nbsp;in February that frozen embryos constitute children under state law.

That ruling forced all the state’s IVF clinics to halt their work until the state legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://alabamareflector.com/2024/03/06/alabama-legislature-gives-final-approval-to-in-vitro-fertilization-bill/" target="_blank">passed a bill</a>&nbsp;providing criminal and civil protections for those clinics.

Democrats have since argued that legislating the belief life begins at conception, which is championed by most conservative Republicans, is at odds with access to IVF, which typically freezes more embryos than would be implanted.

Those frozen embryos can be preserved or discarded, depending on the patient’s wishes, the clinic’s policies and state law. Some conservatives believe that discarding shouldn’t be legal or are opposed to the process altogether.

The Southern Baptist Convention, for example,<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2024/06/12/republican-ivf-bill-fails-in-u-s-senate/" target="_blank">&nbsp;voted earlier this year to oppose IVF</a>, writing in a resolution that couples should consider adoption and that the process “engages in dehumanizing methods for determining suitability for life.”

“We grieve alongside couples who have been diagnosed with infertility or are currently struggling to conceive, affirm their godly desire for children, and encourage them to consider the ethical implications of assisted reproductive technologies as they look to God for hope, grace, and wisdom amid suffering,” it stated.

Senate Democrats’ press for IVF protections has gone hand-in-hand with their efforts to bolster other reproductive rights, like access to birth control and abortion.

The issues could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the presidential election this November as well which political party controls the House and Senate.

Republican vice presidential nominee and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance missed Tuesday’s vote, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1182/vote_118_2_00197.htm" target="_blank">voted against advancing Democrats’ IVF bill</a>&nbsp;when it was on the floor in June.

Before the Senate held a vote on Democrats’ bill, Cruz asked for quick approval of an IVF bill he and Britt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-sen-katie-britt-introduces-bill-end-states-medicaid-funding-if-it-blocks-ivf" target="_blank">introduced earlier this year</a>.

Washington state Democratic Sen. Patty Murray blocked his unanimous consent request.

During debate on that bill, Britt questioned why Democrats haven’t scheduled a recorded vote on her legislation, saying it could get the 60 votes needed to advance toward final passage.

“Today, we have an opportunity to act quickly and overwhelmingly to protect continued nationwide IVF access for loving American families,” Britt said. “Our bill is the only bill that protects IVF access while safeguarding religious liberty.”

The Britt-Cruz legislation has three co-sponsors, including Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis, Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall and Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker.

Murray said the Britt-Cruz bill didn’t address what would happen in states that legislate fetal personhood, which she called “the biggest threat to IVF.”

“It is silent on whether states can demand that an embryo be treated the same as a living, breathing person,” Murray said. “Or whether parents should be allowed to have clinics dispose of unused embryos, something that is a common, necessary part of the IVF process.”

Cruz tried to pass his legislation through the unanimous consent process, which allows any one senator to ask for approval. Any one senator can then block that request from moving forward — as Murray did. There is no recorded vote as part of the UC process.

Cruz previously&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/republican-ivf-bill-fails-us-senate" target="_blank">asked for unanimous consent to pass the bill in June</a>, but was blocked then as well.

Democrats’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4445/text" target="_blank">64-page bill</a>&nbsp;would have provided legal protections for anyone seeking fertility treatment, including IVF, and for the health care professionals providing that type of care.

It would have barred state and federal governments from “enacting harmful or unwarranted limitations or requirements” on IVF access.

The legislation would have bolstered fertility treatment coverage for members of the military and veterans, as well as their spouses, partners, or gestational surrogates.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine supports Democrats’ legislation. Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer Sean Tipton wrote in a statement released this week that Democrats’ IVF bill would “protect the rights of Americans to seek the medical services they may need to have children and ensure no healthcare provider faces legal consequences for trying to help their patients as they seek to build their families.”

“This legislation also increases access to IVF treatments for all Americans by mandating that employer-sponsored insurance plans and other public insurance plans cover fertility treatment,” Tipton wrote. “Significantly, it would ensure the federal government does right by its own employees by providing coverage for active-duty military, veterans, and civilian staff.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726604617334.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (center) casting his no vote on Tuesday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (center) casting his no vote on Tuesday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> State's NewsroomWASHINGTON — The closely divided U.S. Senate gridlocked Tuesday over the best way to provide nationwide protections for in vitro fertilization, despite lawmakers from both political parties maintaining they want to do so.Republicans voted against advancing a Democratic bill that could have prevented states from enacting “harmful or unwarranted limitations” on the procedure and bolstered access for military members and veterans. Two Republicans voted with Democrats — Maine’s Susan Collins and Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski.That came just a short time after Senate Democrats — who narrowly control the chamber — in a procedural move blocked a GOP bill from Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Katie Britt of Alabama that would have barred Medicaid funding from going to any state that bans IVF.The 51-44 vote that prevented Democrats’ legislation from moving toward a final vote followed numerous floor speeches and press conferences, including by the Harris-Walz presidential campaign, that sought to elevate the issue ahead of the November elections. The measure needed 60 votes to advance.“This is a chance for my colleagues across the aisle to put their votes where their mouths have been,” said Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth, the bill’s sponsor and a mom of two children born as a result of IVF. “They say they support IVF. Here you go — vote on this.”Duckworth said the legislation would provide critical IVF services to U.S. military members and veterans, many of whom experience infertility or experience difficulty having children due to their service.“It allows our military men and women, prior to a deployment into a combat zone, to preserve and freeze their genetic material; so that should they come home with injuries that result in them becoming infertile, they will have already preserved their genetic material so that they can, themselves, start those beautiful families they wanted,” Duckworth said.Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris released a written statement following the vote rebuking GOP senators for blocking the bill.“Every woman in every state must have reproductive freedom,” Harris wrote. “Yet, Republicans in Congress have once again made clear that they will not protect access to the fertility treatments many couples need to fulfill their dream of having a child.”Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-republicans-reject-democrats-bill-ivf-protections" target="_blank">blocked Democrats’ bill earlier this year</a>. But Senate leadership scheduled another vote after Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-says-wants-make-ivf-treatments-paid-government-insurance-compani-rcna168804" target="_blank">reignited the issue</a>&nbsp;in August when he said his administration would mandate health insurance companies pay for IVF — a significant break with how the GOP has approached the issue.“We are going to be, under the Trump administration, we are going to be paying for that treatment,” Trump said during an interview with NBC News. “We’re going to be mandating that the insurance company pay.”<h2>Alabama ruling</h2>Democrats began speaking at length about preserving access to IVF earlier this year after the Alabama state Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://alabamareflector.com/2024/02/19/alabama-supreme-court-ruling-could-end-ivf-treatments-in-state/" target="_blank">issued an opinion</a>&nbsp;in February that frozen embryos constitute children under state law.That ruling forced all the state’s IVF clinics to halt their work until the state legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://alabamareflector.com/2024/03/06/alabama-legislature-gives-final-approval-to-in-vitro-fertilization-bill/" target="_blank">passed a bill</a>&nbsp;providing criminal and civil protections for those clinics.Democrats have since argued that legislating the belief life begins at conception, which is championed by most conservative Republicans, is at odds with access to IVF, which typically freezes more embryos than would be implanted.Those frozen embryos can be preserved or discarded, depending on the patient’s wishes, the clinic’s policies and state law. Some conservatives believe that discarding shouldn’t be legal or are opposed to the process altogether.The Southern Baptist Convention, for example,<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2024/06/12/republican-ivf-bill-fails-in-u-s-senate/" target="_blank">&nbsp;voted earlier this year to oppose IVF</a>, writing in a resolution that couples should consider adoption and that the process “engages in dehumanizing methods for determining suitability for life.”“We grieve alongside couples who have been diagnosed with infertility or are currently struggling to conceive, affirm their godly desire for children, and encourage them to consider the ethical implications of assisted reproductive technologies as they look to God for hope, grace, and wisdom amid suffering,” it stated.Senate Democrats’ press for IVF protections has gone hand-in-hand with their efforts to bolster other reproductive rights, like access to birth control and abortion.The issues could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the presidential election this November as well which political party controls the House and Senate.Republican vice presidential nominee and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance missed Tuesday’s vote, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1182/vote_118_2_00197.htm" target="_blank">voted against advancing Democrats’ IVF bill</a>&nbsp;when it was on the floor in June.<h2>IVF bill from Cruz, Britt</h2>Before the Senate held a vote on Democrats’ bill, Cruz asked for quick approval of an IVF bill he and Britt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-sen-katie-britt-introduces-bill-end-states-medicaid-funding-if-it-blocks-ivf" target="_blank">introduced earlier this year</a>.Washington state Democratic Sen. Patty Murray blocked his unanimous consent request.During debate on that bill, Britt questioned why Democrats haven’t scheduled a recorded vote on her legislation, saying it could get the 60 votes needed to advance toward final passage.“Today, we have an opportunity to act quickly and overwhelmingly to protect continued nationwide IVF access for loving American families,” Britt said. “Our bill is the only bill that protects IVF access while safeguarding religious liberty.”The Britt-Cruz legislation has three co-sponsors, including Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis, Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall and Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker.Murray said the Britt-Cruz bill didn’t address what would happen in states that legislate fetal personhood, which she called “the biggest threat to IVF.”“It is silent on whether states can demand that an embryo be treated the same as a living, breathing person,” Murray said. “Or whether parents should be allowed to have clinics dispose of unused embryos, something that is a common, necessary part of the IVF process.”Cruz tried to pass his legislation through the unanimous consent process, which allows any one senator to ask for approval. Any one senator can then block that request from moving forward — as Murray did. There is no recorded vote as part of the UC process.Cruz previously&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/republican-ivf-bill-fails-us-senate" target="_blank">asked for unanimous consent to pass the bill in June</a>, but was blocked then as well.<h2>Legal protections</h2>Democrats’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4445/text" target="_blank">64-page bill</a>&nbsp;would have provided legal protections for anyone seeking fertility treatment, including IVF, and for the health care professionals providing that type of care.It would have barred state and federal governments from “enacting harmful or unwarranted limitations or requirements” on IVF access.The legislation would have bolstered fertility treatment coverage for members of the military and veterans, as well as their spouses, partners, or gestational surrogates.The American Society for Reproductive Medicine supports Democrats’ legislation. Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer Sean Tipton wrote in a statement released this week that Democrats’ IVF bill would “protect the rights of Americans to seek the medical services they may need to have children and ensure no healthcare provider faces legal consequences for trying to help their patients as they seek to build their families.”“This legislation also increases access to IVF treatments for all Americans by mandating that employer-sponsored insurance plans and other public insurance plans cover fertility treatment,” Tipton wrote. “Significantly, it would ensure the federal government does right by its own employees by providing coverage for active-duty military, veterans, and civilian staff.”

In vitro fertilization bills from both Democrats and GOP blocked in U.S. Senate

KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City Fire Department firefighter-paramedic&nbsp; died Tuesday during a training exercise, according to the city.

Just before noon,&nbsp;KCFD crews conducted a training exercise when a member of the fire department experienced a medical emergency.

He was taken to North Kansas City Hospital and was pronounced dead at 1 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was a ten year veteran with KCFD with the Rescue Division at Station 35, according to the city.

The firefighter's name has not been released.

KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City Fire Department firefighter-paramedic&nbsp; died Tuesday during a training exercise, according to the city.Just before noon,&nbsp;KCFD crews conducted a training exercise when a member of the fire department experienced a medical emergency.He was taken to North Kansas City Hospital and was pronounced dead at 1 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was a ten year veteran with KCFD with the Rescue Division at Station 35, according to the city.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mayor Lucas issued the following statement on the passing of a Kansas City Fire Department firefighter-paramedic: <a href="https://t.co/mNZfcjtg9O">pic.twitter.com/mNZfcjtg9O</a>&mdash; Mayor Quinton Lucas (@MayorLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorLucasKC/status/1836136269187027239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The firefighter's name has not been released.

Kansas City firefighter-paramedic dies after training exercise

JOHNSONC OUNTY —A man from Arkansas has admitted his role in a violent knife attack.

Last week, 35-year-old&nbsp;Amanjit Singh pleased no contest to attempted First Degree Murder, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

In June of 2023, police responded to Stonebridge Liquors at W. 67th Street and Nieman Road in the city of Shawnee.&nbsp;&nbsp;The victim told investigators a man walked into the liquor store as she worked and attacked her with a knife.

Court documents say Singh is accused of stabbing the victim multiple times. He is scheduled for sentenceing on October 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726179537432.png" alt="Singh-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Singh-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSONC OUNTY —A man from Arkansas has admitted his role in a violent knife attack.Last week, 35-year-old&nbsp;Amanjit Singh pleased no contest to attempted First Degree Murder, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.In June of 2023, police responded to Stonebridge Liquors at W. 67th Street and Nieman Road in the city of Shawnee.&nbsp;&nbsp;The victim told investigators a man walked into the liquor store as she worked and attacked her with a knife.Court documents say Singh is accused of stabbing the victim multiple times. He is scheduled for sentenceing on October 3.

Man admits to violent knife attack on Kan. liquor store employee

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

A Harley Davidson “Fat Boy” Motorcycle was northbound on Interstate 435, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

At Blue Parkway, the driver failed to negotiate the curvature in the roadway. The motorcycle traveled off the roadway to the left and&nbsp; down the grassy median that separates the northbound lanes of Interstate 435 from the southbound lanes. 

The motorcycle struck the inside portion of the southbound Interstate 435 guardrail and the driver was ejected.

 The operator of the motorcycle who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to DiMartino. Debris from the motorcycle struck a Toyota Camry and a Subaru BRZ that were both traveling southbound on Interstate 435. 

The driver of the Toyota and the driver of the Subaru were not injured in the collision. Multiple lanes of southbound I-435 were closed to traffic for approximately three hours. This is fatality #68 compared to fatality #65 at this time last year, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; The name of the victim has not been released.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.A Harley Davidson “Fat Boy” Motorcycle was northbound on Interstate 435, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.At Blue Parkway, the driver failed to negotiate the curvature in the roadway. The motorcycle traveled off the roadway to the left and&nbsp; down the grassy median that separates the northbound lanes of Interstate 435 from the southbound lanes. The motorcycle struck the inside portion of the southbound Interstate 435 guardrail and the driver was ejected. The operator of the motorcycle who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to DiMartino. Debris from the motorcycle struck a Toyota Camry and a Subaru BRZ that were both traveling southbound on Interstate 435. The driver of the Toyota and the driver of the Subaru were not injured in the collision. Multiple lanes of southbound I-435 were closed to traffic for approximately three hours. This is fatality #68 compared to fatality #65 at this time last year, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; The name of the victim has not been released.

Motorcyclist dies after violent Kansas City crash

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating&nbsp; a Kansas man on multiple allegations after an incident on a Kansas highway.

Just before 4 p.m. Sept. 12, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a traffic complaint of a gray passenger vehicle unable to maintain the driving lane, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies discovered a Kaleb Liam Johnson, 25, of Topeka, allegedly drove reckless swerving in front of another vehicle causing it to almost leave the roadway, engaging in reckless driving, swerving across multiple lanes of traffic. The vehicle was occupied with two children inside.

Johnson was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated child endangerment, reckless driving and driving with an expired registration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726257133879.png" alt="Johnson-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating&nbsp; a Kansas man on multiple allegations after an incident on a Kansas highway.Just before 4 p.m. Sept. 12, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a traffic complaint of a gray passenger vehicle unable to maintain the driving lane, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Deputies discovered a Kaleb Liam Johnson, 25, of Topeka, allegedly drove reckless swerving in front of another vehicle causing it to almost leave the roadway, engaging in reckless driving, swerving across multiple lanes of traffic. The vehicle was occupied with two children inside.Johnson was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated child endangerment, reckless driving and driving with an expired registration.

Kan. man jailed after wild drive with two children in the vehicle

MANHATTAN —A Kansas State University student in Manhattan informed the university of testing positive for tuberculosis on Friday, according to a statement from the university.

The student was undergoing medical treatment and isolating per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a disease caused by a bacterial infection. Not everyone infected with the most common TB-causing bacterium,&nbsp;Mycobacterium tuberculosis, becomes sick and shows symptoms. Only those with active TB disease can transmit the bacteria, which is spread through the air and generally only transmitted to people through prolonged close contact. Casual contact is usually insufficient to transmit the bacteria, and TB cannot be transmitted by contact with skin, clothes, toilets, or other surfaces that an infectious person may contact.

K-State is working closely with the Riley County Health Department to help identify any individuals with prolonged contact who should be tested out of precaution. The health department will contact any identified individuals who may need to be tested with instructions on next steps.

University community members were encouraged to visit the Lafene Health Center website to view a list of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/lafene/requirements/tuberculosis/faq/">frequently asked questions about TB,</a>&nbsp;which includes information about symptoms and testing. Additionally, more information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tb/index.html">Centers for Disease Control's tuberculosis website</a>.

Any student, faculty or staff member with health concerns may contact Lafene Health Center at 785-532-6544 or reach out to their primary health care provider. TB testing is also available at the health department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707492278650.png" alt=" A digitally colorized scan of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which cause tuberculosis in human beings. Although tuberculosis cases have been rising, public health departments say they lack the resources to stop the disease from spreading (Courtesy of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)." />
 <figcaption> A digitally colorized scan of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which cause tuberculosis in human beings. Although tuberculosis cases have been rising, public health departments say they lack the resources to stop the disease from spreading (Courtesy of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases).</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —A Kansas State University student in Manhattan informed the university of testing positive for tuberculosis on Friday, according to a statement from the university.The student was undergoing medical treatment and isolating per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.Tuberculosis, or TB, is a disease caused by a bacterial infection. Not everyone infected with the most common TB-causing bacterium,&nbsp;Mycobacterium tuberculosis, becomes sick and shows symptoms. Only those with active TB disease can transmit the bacteria, which is spread through the air and generally only transmitted to people through prolonged close contact. Casual contact is usually insufficient to transmit the bacteria, and TB cannot be transmitted by contact with skin, clothes, toilets, or other surfaces that an infectious person may contact.K-State is working closely with the Riley County Health Department to help identify any individuals with prolonged contact who should be tested out of precaution. The health department will contact any identified individuals who may need to be tested with instructions on next steps.University community members were encouraged to visit the Lafene Health Center website to view a list of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/lafene/requirements/tuberculosis/faq/">frequently asked questions about TB,</a>&nbsp;which includes information about symptoms and testing. Additionally, more information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tb/index.html">Centers for Disease Control's tuberculosis website</a>.Any student, faculty or staff member with health concerns may contact Lafene Health Center at 785-532-6544 or reach out to their primary health care provider. TB testing is also available at the health department.

K-State student in isolation with reported case of tuberculosis

PRATT COUNTY –Authorities are investigating a fatal fire in Pratt.

Just before 8:30a.m. Monday, fire crews responded to a duplex fire at 601 N. Oak Street in Pratt, according to a media release. 

The Kansas State Fire Marshal (KSFM) Investigation Division was called to assist in the investigations of the fire.

Investigators determined the fire originated and contained to the kitchen with smoke damage throughout. The structure is a duplex with the other half suffering light smoke damage. The occupants of the other side of the duplex were able to escape safely without injury.

The victim is identified as Marjorie Meis, 67, the sole occupant. A pet dog also perished in the fire. The fire is still under investigation pending autopsy results.

PRATT COUNTY –Authorities are investigating a fatal fire in Pratt.Just before 8:30a.m. Monday, fire crews responded to a duplex fire at 601 N. Oak Street in Pratt, according to a media release. The Kansas State Fire Marshal (KSFM) Investigation Division was called to assist in the investigations of the fire.Investigators determined the fire originated and contained to the kitchen with smoke damage throughout. The structure is a duplex with the other half suffering light smoke damage. The occupants of the other side of the duplex were able to escape safely without injury.The victim is identified as Marjorie Meis, 67, the sole occupant. A pet dog also perished in the fire. The fire is still under investigation pending autopsy results.

Kansas woman, her pet dog killed in duplex fire

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

TOPEKA — An annual, independent review of Kansas’ foster care system shows it fell short for the third year in a row of improvements to housing instability and mental health care delays.

The progress report, released Monday, put into words the reality foster children across Kansas face everyday. The report said those children are “let down at every turn and left to fend for themselves in a broken system.”

The review is mandated by the terms of a class-action lawsuit settlement agreement, which was reached in 2020 after child advocacy organizations sued the secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families, which oversees the state’s foster care system, and other state departments in 2018 for failures within the state’s foster care system. The Washington, D.C.-based Center for the Study of Social Policy conducts the independent review each year.

The lawsuit exposed the Kansas foster care system’s struggle to adequately house children, rendering them “effectively homeless” while in the state’s custody, said Leecia Welch, the deputy legal director of the New York-based nonprofit Children’s Rights, in a Monday news release.

“Sadly, almost six years later, that grim picture looks much the same,” Welch said.

The state showed progress in 2023 in reducing the number of times a child slept overnight in an office or other non-licensed facility. The state reported that 57 kids spent a total of 68 instances in a non-licensed facility. That was down from 85 kids and 141 instances in 2022.

But early 2024 data shows progress was short-lived. In the first half of the year, there were 141 instances of a child sleeping in a non-licensed foster care environment.

Each progress report evaluates the system based on five performance improvement goals, among other desired outcomes. Those goals include ceasing the practice of children sleeping in non-licensed facilities like offices and hotels, ending night-to-night and short-term placements, ensuring children aren’t overcrowded in their placements, ending housing-related delays in mental health services and providing child-focused crisis services across the state.

The report said despite the state’s “focused efforts,” most performance measures remained or fell below the settlement agreement’s requirements.

On average, foster children moved nearly eight times in a 1,000-day period in 2023. That exceeds the five-move performance benchmark outlined in the agreement, and it’s an increase from both 2022’s report of 7.3 moves and 2021’s 5.8 moves. Children older than 12 and Black children moved at a higher rate than their peers, according to the report.

“I want to put a focus on that cohort of youth to identify ways to get them the individual services they need to find stability and have a positive transition into adulthood,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said in a news release responding to the progress report.

The state highlighted that 69% of youths in DCF custody received timely mental health and trauma screenings, an improvement of 35 percentage points from the 2021 report. However, it’s still below the class-action settlement’s benchmarks, which began at 80% in 2021 and escalated to 90% for 2023.

DCF case reviews discovered that of all children who needed mental health services in 2023, 20% either didn’t receive services or saw a delay because of housing instability, according to the report. That’s an increase from 2022, which showed only 13% of children needing services experienced delays. Of the 52% of cases reviewed for 2023, children had their mental and behavioral needs addressed. That’s a marked drop from previous years. In 2022, 70% had their needs addressed, and in 2021, 65% of cases reviewed had their needs met, according to the report.

DCF contracts with five private organizations to provide foster care services to one or more of the state’s seven geographic areas.

TFI Family Services covers most of southeastern Kansas, including part of the Wichita area. Saint Francis Ministries covers the entire western half of the state, the largest geographic area of the seven. Cornerstones of Care serves the Kansas City, Kansas, area. KVC Kansas serves northeastern Kansas and part of the southern Kansas City area. EmberHope Connections has been providing services in Sedgwick County since July when it formally took over for Saint Francis, which was booted out after investigations revealed&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/11/federal-grand-jury-indicts-former-kansas-foster-care-officials-on-fraud-charges/">alleged criminal behavior among Saint Francis’ leadership</a>&nbsp;and a habit of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/dcf-ditches-st-francis-ministries-for-kansas-foster-care-case-contracts/#:~:text=The%20national%20rate%20of%20entry,they%20frequently%20exceed%20that%20number.">exceeding the state’s required caseload maximums</a>.

DCF requires that its contracted caseworkers maintain caseloads that do not exceed 24-30 cases. The contractors failed to meet that requirement in 2023, according to the report. Two contractors, TFI and Saint Francis, consistently had more than 40% of their caseworkers handling more than 30 cases each.

Lori Burns-Bucklew, an attorney and child welfare law specialist, said in the Monday news release the state and its contractors have failed to fulfill their obligations under the class action settlement agreement.

“The state demanded control, but they have consistently failed to exert oversight,” she said. “The state needs to consider whether or not self-reform can be effective in Kansas.”

Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement the state has made “great progress.” She added, “but there is more work to be done to improve access to mental health services.”

The overall need for foster care services in Kansas has decreased by 24% in the past five years, the state said in the news release. A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/09/11/kansas-audit-examines-impact-of-restricting-access-to-cash-assistance-for-low-income-families/">audit</a>&nbsp;found that spending on foster care and preventative services has increased by $25 million since 2009. Kelly said she was encouraged by the fact that the state has “reduced the need for traditional foster care as more children are living with relatives or kin.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726596055821.png" alt=" Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard speaks to Gov. Laura Kelly May 14, 2024 (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard speaks to Gov. Laura Kelly May 14, 2024 (Sherman Smith/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 — An annual, independent review of Kansas’ foster care system shows it fell short for the third year in a row of improvements to housing instability and mental health care delays.The progress report, released Monday, put into words the reality foster children across Kansas face everyday. The report said those children are “let down at every turn and left to fend for themselves in a broken system.”The review is mandated by the terms of a class-action lawsuit settlement agreement, which was reached in 2020 after child advocacy organizations sued the secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families, which oversees the state’s foster care system, and other state departments in 2018 for failures within the state’s foster care system. The Washington, D.C.-based Center for the Study of Social Policy conducts the independent review each year.The lawsuit exposed the Kansas foster care system’s struggle to adequately house children, rendering them “effectively homeless” while in the state’s custody, said Leecia Welch, the deputy legal director of the New York-based nonprofit Children’s Rights, in a Monday news release.“Sadly, almost six years later, that grim picture looks much the same,” Welch said.The state showed progress in 2023 in reducing the number of times a child slept overnight in an office or other non-licensed facility. The state reported that 57 kids spent a total of 68 instances in a non-licensed facility. That was down from 85 kids and 141 instances in 2022.But early 2024 data shows progress was short-lived. In the first half of the year, there were 141 instances of a child sleeping in a non-licensed foster care environment.Each progress report evaluates the system based on five performance improvement goals, among other desired outcomes. Those goals include ceasing the practice of children sleeping in non-licensed facilities like offices and hotels, ending night-to-night and short-term placements, ensuring children aren’t overcrowded in their placements, ending housing-related delays in mental health services and providing child-focused crisis services across the state.The report said despite the state’s “focused efforts,” most performance measures remained or fell below the settlement agreement’s requirements.On average, foster children moved nearly eight times in a 1,000-day period in 2023. That exceeds the five-move performance benchmark outlined in the agreement, and it’s an increase from both 2022’s report of 7.3 moves and 2021’s 5.8 moves. Children older than 12 and Black children moved at a higher rate than their peers, according to the report.“I want to put a focus on that cohort of youth to identify ways to get them the individual services they need to find stability and have a positive transition into adulthood,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said in a news release responding to the progress report.The state highlighted that 69% of youths in DCF custody received timely mental health and trauma screenings, an improvement of 35 percentage points from the 2021 report. However, it’s still below the class-action settlement’s benchmarks, which began at 80% in 2021 and escalated to 90% for 2023.DCF case reviews discovered that of all children who needed mental health services in 2023, 20% either didn’t receive services or saw a delay because of housing instability, according to the report. That’s an increase from 2022, which showed only 13% of children needing services experienced delays. Of the 52% of cases reviewed for 2023, children had their mental and behavioral needs addressed. That’s a marked drop from previous years. In 2022, 70% had their needs addressed, and in 2021, 65% of cases reviewed had their needs met, according to the report.DCF contracts with five private organizations to provide foster care services to one or more of the state’s seven geographic areas.TFI Family Services covers most of southeastern Kansas, including part of the Wichita area. Saint Francis Ministries covers the entire western half of the state, the largest geographic area of the seven. Cornerstones of Care serves the Kansas City, Kansas, area. KVC Kansas serves northeastern Kansas and part of the southern Kansas City area. EmberHope Connections has been providing services in Sedgwick County since July when it formally took over for Saint Francis, which was booted out after investigations revealed&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/11/federal-grand-jury-indicts-former-kansas-foster-care-officials-on-fraud-charges/">alleged criminal behavior among Saint Francis’ leadership</a>&nbsp;and a habit of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/dcf-ditches-st-francis-ministries-for-kansas-foster-care-case-contracts/#:~:text=The%20national%20rate%20of%20entry,they%20frequently%20exceed%20that%20number.">exceeding the state’s required caseload maximums</a>.DCF requires that its contracted caseworkers maintain caseloads that do not exceed 24-30 cases. The contractors failed to meet that requirement in 2023, according to the report. Two contractors, TFI and Saint Francis, consistently had more than 40% of their caseworkers handling more than 30 cases each.Lori Burns-Bucklew, an attorney and child welfare law specialist, said in the Monday news release the state and its contractors have failed to fulfill their obligations under the class action settlement agreement.“The state demanded control, but they have consistently failed to exert oversight,” she said. “The state needs to consider whether or not self-reform can be effective in Kansas.”Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement the state has made “great progress.” She added, “but there is more work to be done to improve access to mental health services.”The overall need for foster care services in Kansas has decreased by 24% in the past five years, the state said in the news release. A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/09/11/kansas-audit-examines-impact-of-restricting-access-to-cash-assistance-for-low-income-families/">audit</a>&nbsp;found that spending on foster care and preventative services has increased by $25 million since 2009. Kelly said she was encouraged by the fact that the state has “reduced the need for traditional foster care as more children are living with relatives or kin.”

Kansas foster care report brings ‘grim picture’ of minimal progress into focus

Eagle Produce LLC Scottsdale, Arizona is initiating a recall of 224 cases of whole cantaloupe because they have the potential to be contaminated with&nbsp;Salmonella, according to a statement from the FDA.

Salmonella&nbsp;is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people may experience fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and abdominal pain. In rare cases the organism can get into the bloodstream and produce more severe illness such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The cantaloupe subject to the recall include

The products were distributed between August 13th - 17th in Missouri, Michigan, Ohio, Texas and Virginia and sold in various retail supermarkets. The cantaloupes are identified with a red and white sticker with KANDY across the top and UPC number code, 4050 No other products or lot code dates are affected by this recall.

There have been no reported illnesses attributed to the recalled items to date.

The recall is the result of routine sample testing conducted by the State of Michigan which reveled the presence of&nbsp;Salmonella&nbsp;in cantaloupe sold at retail.

Customers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume the products and should dispose of them. Consumers may contact Eagle Produce LLC for further information at 1-800-627-8674 Monday – Friday 9 AM – 5PM PST. Consumers with concerns about an illness from consumption of this product should contact a health care provider.

The company is cooperating with the FDA regarding this recall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726415960149.png" alt="-FDA image" />
 <figcaption>-FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Produce LLC Scottsdale, Arizona is initiating a recall of 224 cases of whole cantaloupe because they have the potential to be contaminated with&nbsp;Salmonella, according to a statement from the FDA.Salmonella&nbsp;is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people may experience fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and abdominal pain. In rare cases the organism can get into the bloodstream and produce more severe illness such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.The cantaloupe subject to the recall include<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726415779663.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The products were distributed between August 13th - 17th in Missouri, Michigan, Ohio, Texas and Virginia and sold in various retail supermarkets. The cantaloupes are identified with a red and white sticker with KANDY across the top and UPC number code, 4050 No other products or lot code dates are affected by this recall.There have been no reported illnesses attributed to the recalled items to date.The recall is the result of routine sample testing conducted by the State of Michigan which reveled the presence of&nbsp;Salmonella&nbsp;in cantaloupe sold at retail.Customers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume the products and should dispose of them. Consumers may contact Eagle Produce LLC for further information at 1-800-627-8674 Monday – Friday 9 AM – 5PM PST. Consumers with concerns about an illness from consumption of this product should contact a health care provider.The company is cooperating with the FDA regarding this recall.

Cantaloupe brand recalled over possible salmonella contamination

TOPEKA —Following a 26-day trial, a jury in Kansas convicted Kaaba Majeed, 50, Yunus Rassoul, 39, James Staton, 62, Randolph Rodney Hadley, 49, Daniel Aubrey Jenkins, 43, and Dana Peach, 60, of conspiracy to commit forced labor. 

The jury additionally convicted Kaaba Majeed of five counts of forced labor. Two other co-defendants, Etenia Kinard, 48, and Jacelyn Greenwell, 45, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit forced labor.

According to the evidence presented in court during the course of the trial, the defendants were all former high-ranking members of the United Nation of Islam (UNOI), or were wives to the UNOI founder, Royall Jenkins.

“The United Nation of Islam and these defendants held themselves out as a beacon of hope for the community, promising to educate and teach important life skills to members, particularly children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Instead, the defendants betrayed this trust, exploiting young children in the organization by callously compelling their labor. Prosecuting this case is a testament to the Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to hold human traffickers accountable. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute parasitic criminals who target vulnerable victims to finance their lifestyles.”

”The bravery shown by victims of the United Nation of Islam is inspiring, because they spoke up about heinous atrocities committed against them as vulnerable children,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. “In childhood, they suffered physical and emotional abuse, were denied a proper education, and were subject to forced labor. As adults, these victims found the strength and courage to pursue justice and face their abusers.”

“Under the guise of false pretenses and coercion, these victims, some of whom were as young as eight years old, endured inhumane and abhorrent conditions,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “Today’s convictions should serve as a stark warning that forced labor will not be tolerated by the FBI.”

UNOI principles included many rules that members had to follow, required “duty” or unpaid labor and emphasized the negative eternal religious consequences of noncompliance. UNOI operated businesses in various cities around the United States, including Kansas City, Kansas; New York City; Newark, New Jersey; Cincinnati, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; and Atlanta, among other locations.&nbsp;

In their former leadership roles in UNOI, the defendants agreed to compel the labor and services of over a dozen victims, including multiple minors, some of whom were as young as eight years old, between October 2000 and November 2012. The victims worked in UNOI-owned and operated restaurants, bakeries, gas stations, laboratory and a clothing and sewing factory, often up to 16 hours a day. The victims also provided child care and domestic services inside defendants’ homes. None of the victims was ever compensated for the years of work they performed at UNOI businesses or at the behest of the defendants. The victims all lived in deplorable conditions, in overcrowded facilities often overrun with mold, mice and rats. In contrast, the defendants and their immediate families lived comfortably.

The evidence presented in court demonstrated that the defendants used a variety of coercive tactics to compel the victims’ labor and services. In essence, the defendants effectively controlled the victims by manipulating the UNOI rules originally created by the founder.

First, the defendants separated the minor victims from their parents and support network. UNOI enticed parents to send their children to Kansas by promising an education and development of life skills through work at UNOI-operated businesses. However, these promises were false.&nbsp; The minors did not receive an education from an accredited and licensed school but instead worked excessive hours for UNOI’s financial benefit. UNOI’s unlicensed and unaccredited school or “university” was little more than a vehicle for extracting unpaid labor and publicly humiliating victims who violated one of UNOI’s many rules.

Second, the defendants controlled (1) what the victims viewed and read; (2) how the victims dressed; (3) how the victims addressed the defendants and others; (4) with whom the victims communicated; (5) where the victims went; and (6) what the victims ate, to ensure that the victims, particularly the females, maintained a certain weight. The defendants restricted and monitored the victims’ communications with their families, members of the opposite sex and others. The defendants required some victims to undergo colonics, which is a procedure designed to cleanse the colon by streaming gallons of water through a tube inserted into the victims’ rectums. At the same time, the defendants rarely permitted victims to receive outside medical attention for illnesses or injuries.&nbsp;

Third, the defendants regularly punished the victims for violating the rules. The defendants withheld food, prohibited victims from speaking to others for over two weeks, locked them in a dark, frightening basement, imposed extra work and beat them, sometimes in front of others to create a climate of fear and intimidation. The defendants even held one victim upside down over train tracks because he would not admit to stealing food when he was hungry. Another victim drank water from a toilet because she was so thirsty after not being permitted to drink.

Finally, the defendants instilled a fear of noncompliance and of leaving the UNOI by depriving victims of any education or development of life skills. The defendants also told victims that they would burn in “eternal hellfire” if they left. Family members who remained at UNOI were required to shun as “detractors” any victim who left, and UNOI claimed credit for any negative consequence that occurred to members who left the organization.&nbsp;

Sentencing hearings are scheduled for Feb. 18, 2025. Kaaba Majeed faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison as well as mandatory restitution. The rest of the defendants each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Kansas City Field Office, with the assistance of the Department of Labor and New York State Department of Labor, investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Huschka for the District of Kansas and Trial Attorneys Kate Alexander, Maryam Zhuravitsky and Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635365692259.png" alt="File photo Royall Jenkins- The defendants were all former high-ranking members of the United Nation of Islam (UNOI), or were wives to the UNOI founder, Royall Jenkins-image from the organization's Youtube page" />
 <figcaption>File photo Royall Jenkins- The defendants were all former high-ranking members of the United Nation of Islam (UNOI), or were wives to the UNOI founder, Royall Jenkins-image from the organization's Youtube page</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Following a 26-day trial, a jury in Kansas convicted Kaaba Majeed, 50, Yunus Rassoul, 39, James Staton, 62, Randolph Rodney Hadley, 49, Daniel Aubrey Jenkins, 43, and Dana Peach, 60, of conspiracy to commit forced labor. The jury additionally convicted Kaaba Majeed of five counts of forced labor. Two other co-defendants, Etenia Kinard, 48, and Jacelyn Greenwell, 45, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit forced labor.According to the evidence presented in court during the course of the trial, the defendants were all former high-ranking members of the United Nation of Islam (UNOI), or were wives to the UNOI founder, Royall Jenkins.“The United Nation of Islam and these defendants held themselves out as a beacon of hope for the community, promising to educate and teach important life skills to members, particularly children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Instead, the defendants betrayed this trust, exploiting young children in the organization by callously compelling their labor. Prosecuting this case is a testament to the Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to hold human traffickers accountable. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute parasitic criminals who target vulnerable victims to finance their lifestyles.””The bravery shown by victims of the United Nation of Islam is inspiring, because they spoke up about heinous atrocities committed against them as vulnerable children,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. “In childhood, they suffered physical and emotional abuse, were denied a proper education, and were subject to forced labor. As adults, these victims found the strength and courage to pursue justice and face their abusers.”“Under the guise of false pretenses and coercion, these victims, some of whom were as young as eight years old, endured inhumane and abhorrent conditions,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “Today’s convictions should serve as a stark warning that forced labor will not be tolerated by the FBI.”UNOI principles included many rules that members had to follow, required “duty” or unpaid labor and emphasized the negative eternal religious consequences of noncompliance. UNOI operated businesses in various cities around the United States, including Kansas City, Kansas; New York City; Newark, New Jersey; Cincinnati, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; and Atlanta, among other locations.&nbsp;In their former leadership roles in UNOI, the defendants agreed to compel the labor and services of over a dozen victims, including multiple minors, some of whom were as young as eight years old, between October 2000 and November 2012. The victims worked in UNOI-owned and operated restaurants, bakeries, gas stations, laboratory and a clothing and sewing factory, often up to 16 hours a day. The victims also provided child care and domestic services inside defendants’ homes. None of the victims was ever compensated for the years of work they performed at UNOI businesses or at the behest of the defendants. The victims all lived in deplorable conditions, in overcrowded facilities often overrun with mold, mice and rats. In contrast, the defendants and their immediate families lived comfortably.The evidence presented in court demonstrated that the defendants used a variety of coercive tactics to compel the victims’ labor and services. In essence, the defendants effectively controlled the victims by manipulating the UNOI rules originally created by the founder.First, the defendants separated the minor victims from their parents and support network. UNOI enticed parents to send their children to Kansas by promising an education and development of life skills through work at UNOI-operated businesses. However, these promises were false.&nbsp; The minors did not receive an education from an accredited and licensed school but instead worked excessive hours for UNOI’s financial benefit. UNOI’s unlicensed and unaccredited school or “university” was little more than a vehicle for extracting unpaid labor and publicly humiliating victims who violated one of UNOI’s many rules.Second, the defendants controlled (1) what the victims viewed and read; (2) how the victims dressed; (3) how the victims addressed the defendants and others; (4) with whom the victims communicated; (5) where the victims went; and (6) what the victims ate, to ensure that the victims, particularly the females, maintained a certain weight. The defendants restricted and monitored the victims’ communications with their families, members of the opposite sex and others. The defendants required some victims to undergo colonics, which is a procedure designed to cleanse the colon by streaming gallons of water through a tube inserted into the victims’ rectums. At the same time, the defendants rarely permitted victims to receive outside medical attention for illnesses or injuries.&nbsp;Third, the defendants regularly punished the victims for violating the rules. The defendants withheld food, prohibited victims from speaking to others for over two weeks, locked them in a dark, frightening basement, imposed extra work and beat them, sometimes in front of others to create a climate of fear and intimidation. The defendants even held one victim upside down over train tracks because he would not admit to stealing food when he was hungry. Another victim drank water from a toilet because she was so thirsty after not being permitted to drink.Finally, the defendants instilled a fear of noncompliance and of leaving the UNOI by depriving victims of any education or development of life skills. The defendants also told victims that they would burn in “eternal hellfire” if they left. Family members who remained at UNOI were required to shun as “detractors” any victim who left, and UNOI claimed credit for any negative consequence that occurred to members who left the organization.&nbsp;Sentencing hearings are scheduled for Feb. 18, 2025. Kaaba Majeed faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison as well as mandatory restitution. The rest of the defendants each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.The FBI Kansas City Field Office, with the assistance of the Department of Labor and New York State Department of Labor, investigated this case.Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Huschka for the District of Kansas and Trial Attorneys Kate Alexander, Maryam Zhuravitsky and Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.

Kan. jury: Former cult members guilty of shocking child abuse 

LINN COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and La Cygne Police Department are conducting an investigation surrounding the death of a 1-year-old, according to a joint statement from the two agencies.

Just after 5p.m. September. 11, the La Cygne Police Department received a call reporting an unresponsive toddler in her home at 502 E Sycamore Street. First responders provided lifesaving measures, and the child was transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center, where she was later pronounced deceased. 

&nbsp;On Friday an autopsy was conducted. The results of autopsy were undetermined, and are pending additional testing and the final autopsy report. Death investigations may be determined to be the result of a homicide, suicide, natural causes, or an accident. Police released no additional details.

LINN COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and La Cygne Police Department are conducting an investigation surrounding the death of a 1-year-old, according to a joint statement from the two agencies.Just after 5p.m. September. 11, the La Cygne Police Department received a call reporting an unresponsive toddler in her home at 502 E Sycamore Street. First responders provided lifesaving measures, and the child was transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center, where she was later pronounced deceased. &nbsp;On Friday an autopsy was conducted. The results of autopsy were undetermined, and are pending additional testing and the final autopsy report. Death investigations may be determined to be the result of a homicide, suicide, natural causes, or an accident. Police released no additional details.

Police: Toddler found unresponsive at Kansas home

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a surge of reports of a vague school shooting threat circulating online about the USD 230 Spring Hill school district, according to a statement from the Johnson County Sheriff's office.

With the help of the school resources officers and sheriff's deputies, the sheriff's office have determine the threats are unsubstantiated.

To be proactive , the sheriff's office has increased their presence at schools in Spring Hill and adjacent districts out of an abundance of caution.&nbsp;Spring Hill is a city in Johnson and Miami counties.

The sheriff's office is working with the school district administrators to ensure and maintain a safe and secure environment for students and staff.

The sheriff's office encourage the public, " if you see something, say something."&nbsp; The sheriff's office also thanked the public for alerting them to to these social media posts circulating online. "We take every report seriously."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697128767642.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a surge of reports of a vague school shooting threat circulating online about the USD 230 Spring Hill school district, according to a statement from the Johnson County Sheriff's office.With the help of the school resources officers and sheriff's deputies, the sheriff's office have determine the threats are unsubstantiated.To be proactive , the sheriff's office has increased their presence at schools in Spring Hill and adjacent districts out of an abundance of caution.&nbsp;Spring Hill is a city in Johnson and Miami counties.The sheriff's office is working with the school district administrators to ensure and maintain a safe and secure environment for students and staff.The sheriff's office encourage the public, " if you see something, say something."&nbsp; The sheriff's office also thanked the public for alerting them to to these social media posts circulating online. "We take every report seriously."

Increased police presence in Kan. school districts due to online threats

Two Missouri OB-GYNs said family planning has become increasingly anxiety-inducing for many patients, especially those with high-risk pregnancies, since abortion was outlawed in 2022

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Dr. Betsy Wickstrom says she’s still lacking clarity on what constitutes a medical emergency under Missouri’s abortion ban, despite the law having been in place for more than two years.&nbsp;

In Missouri, health care providers who perform abortions not deemed necessary emergencies can be charged with a class B felony, which means up to 15 years in prison. Their medical license can also be suspended or revoked.

So Wickstrom, a high-risk obstetrician in Kansas City more than three decades into her career, must first consult a team of lawyers.

“When we have something that looks like it’s skirting the line and there’s a flicker of a heartbeat, but someone is desperately ill, sure I can call up the attorney,” she told reporters Monday. “But they’re not going to put the hospital’s licensure on the line. They’re going to say ‘you know, good thing you live next to Kansas.’”

Dr. Jennifer Smith, an OB-GYN in St. Louis, agreed.&nbsp;

“I don’t think that many hospitals feel comfortable testing this law because the government hasn’t provided us any clarity on it,” Smith said.&nbsp;

Wickstrom and Smith are among more than 500 physicians and more than 300 other medical professionals who signed a letter in support of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/13/missouri-abortion-rights-campaign-doubles-fundraising-fairness-project/">Amendment 3.</a>&nbsp;If approved by a majority of Missourians on Nov. 5, the amendment would overturn Missouri’s near-total abortion ban and legalize the procedure up until the point of fetal viability.&nbsp;

Missouri became<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/24/2-year-anniversary-missouri-abortion-ban/">&nbsp;the first state to enact a trigger law banning abortion&nbsp;</a>except for cases of medical emergencies following the fall of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. There are no exceptions for survivors of rape or incest.

“As a result, Missourians are being denied abortions and forced to continue life-threatening pregnancies, risking their health and lives,” the medical professionals wrote in a letter through the Committee to Protect Health Care. “Doctors can’t treat patients with heartbreaking pregnancy complications until they are on the brink of death. Otherwise, they could be put in jail.”

The situation in Missouri leaves&nbsp;pregnant patients with few options, the group of physicians contend.

“It forces many to leave the state to receive care,” the letter continues, “while others are forced to carry a pregnancy against their will. No one should ever have their health deteriorate or need to flee to receive care, nor should anyone have to carry a pregnancy against their will.”

Between June 2022 and March 2024, 64 abortions were performed in Missouri under the state’s emergency exemption, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Wickstrom said she often has difficult conversations with women about growing their families — conversations made more difficult by the ban.&nbsp;

She has patients diagnosed with cancer who were advised not to start chemotherapy while pregnant. And she has patients with heart disease who might not survive another pregnancy.&nbsp;

“But can I do anything about that in Missouri?” Wickstrom said. “No. These are people that have to find their way out of the state to get life-saving care.”&nbsp;

Smith, who has been an OB-GYN in eastern Missouri for more than 20 years, said the questions she’s hearing from patients now are unlike any she’s heard in the past.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726521462460.png" alt="Dr. Jennifer Smith, an OB-GYN in St. Louis, was among 800 Missouri medical professionals who signed a letter in support of Amendment 3, which would legalize abortion up to the point of fetal viability (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Jennifer Smith, an OB-GYN in St. Louis, was among 800 Missouri medical professionals who signed a letter in support of Amendment 3, which would legalize abortion up to the point of fetal viability (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Two Missouri OB-GYNs said family planning has become increasingly anxiety-inducing for many patients, especially those with high-risk pregnancies, since abortion was outlawed in 2022</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Dr. Betsy Wickstrom says she’s still lacking clarity on what constitutes a medical emergency under Missouri’s abortion ban, despite the law having been in place for more than two years.&nbsp;In Missouri, health care providers who perform abortions not deemed necessary emergencies can be charged with a class B felony, which means up to 15 years in prison. Their medical license can also be suspended or revoked.So Wickstrom, a high-risk obstetrician in Kansas City more than three decades into her career, must first consult a team of lawyers.“When we have something that looks like it’s skirting the line and there’s a flicker of a heartbeat, but someone is desperately ill, sure I can call up the attorney,” she told reporters Monday. “But they’re not going to put the hospital’s licensure on the line. They’re going to say ‘you know, good thing you live next to Kansas.’”Dr. Jennifer Smith, an OB-GYN in St. Louis, agreed.&nbsp;“I don’t think that many hospitals feel comfortable testing this law because the government hasn’t provided us any clarity on it,” Smith said.&nbsp;Wickstrom and Smith are among more than 500 physicians and more than 300 other medical professionals who signed a letter in support of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/13/missouri-abortion-rights-campaign-doubles-fundraising-fairness-project/">Amendment 3.</a>&nbsp;If approved by a majority of Missourians on Nov. 5, the amendment would overturn Missouri’s near-total abortion ban and legalize the procedure up until the point of fetal viability.&nbsp;Missouri became<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/24/2-year-anniversary-missouri-abortion-ban/">&nbsp;the first state to enact a trigger law banning abortion&nbsp;</a>except for cases of medical emergencies following the fall of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. There are no exceptions for survivors of rape or incest.“As a result, Missourians are being denied abortions and forced to continue life-threatening pregnancies, risking their health and lives,” the medical professionals wrote in a letter through the Committee to Protect Health Care. “Doctors can’t treat patients with heartbreaking pregnancy complications until they are on the brink of death. Otherwise, they could be put in jail.”The situation in Missouri leaves&nbsp;pregnant patients with few options, the group of physicians contend.“It forces many to leave the state to receive care,” the letter continues, “while others are forced to carry a pregnancy against their will. No one should ever have their health deteriorate or need to flee to receive care, nor should anyone have to carry a pregnancy against their will.”Between June 2022 and March 2024, 64 abortions were performed in Missouri under the state’s emergency exemption, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.Wickstrom said she often has difficult conversations with women about growing their families — conversations made more difficult by the ban.&nbsp;She has patients diagnosed with cancer who were advised not to start chemotherapy while pregnant. And she has patients with heart disease who might not survive another pregnancy.&nbsp;“But can I do anything about that in Missouri?” Wickstrom said. “No. These are people that have to find their way out of the state to get life-saving care.”&nbsp;Smith, who has been an OB-GYN in eastern Missouri for more than 20 years, said the questions she’s hearing from patients now are unlike any she’s heard in the past.&nbsp;“People are very hesitant to start their families and expand their families in this environment,” she said.&nbsp;In the past two years Smith said she’s had men ask her to promise to save their partner before their baby if something were to go wrong during a wanted pregnancy.&nbsp;Patients planning their families face similar fears.“Do you think that it’s safe to be pregnant here? What if I have an ectopic? What if I have a miscarriage?” Smith said she hears often from patients. “What if something’s wrong with the pregnancy? What if something’s wrong with me?”