SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon arrested after his 11-month-old daughter was found in the canal in Wichita earlier this week made his first court appearance in the case Friday.

&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">&nbsp;Vincent Perez&nbsp;</a>, 34, is&nbsp;charged with three counts of aggravated endangering a child and two counts of aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 1p.m. Tueday, police were dispatched to conduct a welfare check in the vicinity of Interstate 135 and Pawnee in Wichita after receiving a report of a child in the canal, according to Officer Kristopher Gupilan.

Officers, with the assistance of the Wichita Fire Department, located the child within the canal. She was safely extracted from the canal and transported to a local hospital for precautionary medical evaluation and later placed into police protective custody, according to Gupilan.&nbsp;

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding how the child ended up in the canal continues.

Police believed Perez had information pertinent to the investigation. On Tuesday night, police asked the public for assistance in locating him for questioning. Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, police booked&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">Perez&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;into the Sedgwick County jail.&nbsp; &nbsp;He remains jailed on a&nbsp;$150,000 bond. His next court appearance is August 5, according to the district attorney's office.

Perez has previous convictions for theft, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, criminal possession of a weapon and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721927142112.png" alt="Perez photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Perez photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon arrested after his 11-month-old daughter was found in the canal in Wichita earlier this week made his first court appearance in the case Friday.&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">&nbsp;Vincent Perez&nbsp;</a>, 34, is&nbsp;charged with three counts of aggravated endangering a child and two counts of aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 1p.m. Tueday, police were dispatched to conduct a welfare check in the vicinity of Interstate 135 and Pawnee in Wichita after receiving a report of a child in the canal, according to Officer Kristopher Gupilan.Officers, with the assistance of the Wichita Fire Department, located the child within the canal. She was safely extracted from the canal and transported to a local hospital for precautionary medical evaluation and later placed into police protective custody, according to Gupilan.&nbsp;The investigation into the circumstances surrounding how the child ended up in the canal continues.Police believed Perez had information pertinent to the investigation. On Tuesday night, police asked the public for assistance in locating him for questioning. Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, police booked&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">Perez&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;into the Sedgwick County jail.&nbsp; &nbsp;He remains jailed on a&nbsp;$150,000 bond. His next court appearance is August 5, according to the district attorney's office.Perez has previous convictions for theft, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, criminal possession of a weapon and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. felon charged after baby daughter rescued from canal

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/people/rose-conlon">Rose Conlon</a> &nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2024-07-18/kansas-women-struggle-to-access-and-afford-health-care-report-finds">Kansas News Service</a>

A study by the Commonwealth Fund ranks Kansas 32nd in the U.S. on women’s health metrics. The state got low marks for health care affordability and access.

Women in Kansas have a harder time accessing and affording health care than in most other states, according to a new report by the Commonwealth Fund.

<a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/scorecard/2024/jul/2024-state-scorecard-womens-health-and-reproductive-care" target="_blank">The report</a>, published Thursday, ranked Kansas 32nd in the U.S. based on how well the state’s health system works for women. It placed sixth out of seven states in the Plains region, ahead of Missouri.

The ranking by the Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit foundation that researches health issues, is the organization’s first report to focus exclusively on how all states and the District of Columbia fare on women’s health and reproductive care outcomes.

Kansas scored worst on issues of health insurance coverage, provider accessibility and health care affordability.

Kansas women in their reproductive years, ages 18-44, were less likely to have health insurance than the same group nationwide. They were more likely to report not visiting a doctor for a routine checkup in the past two years. Women giving birth in Kansas hospitals are nearly twice as likely to have a self-pay insurance payment source than the national average.

Sara Collins, a senior scholar at the Commonwealth Fund and the study’s lead author, said that reflects the state’s failure to expand Medicaid.

Kansas is one of 10 states that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2024-02-28/medicaid-expansion-opposition-kansas-republican-leadership-dan-hawkins" target="_blank">still has not done so</a>, despite consistent pressure by advocates and the state’s Democratic governor. Republican lawmakers have resisted expansion, arguing in part that it would be too costly.

“We see a consistent pattern across these 10 states,” Collins said. “We see much higher rates of people not accessing care due to cost.”

And even though it’s easier for women to qualify for Medicaid once they become pregnant — the program pays for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_welfare_reform_1/documents/testimony/20230316_01.pdf" target="_blank">around 40%</a>&nbsp;of births in the state — Collins said the fact that many women lack insurance before getting pregnant can contribute to adverse maternal and infant health outcomes.

“It means that women enter pregnancy having had less access to health care, particularly if they’re poor or low-income,” she said, “and probably (in a) a poorer health situation than they would be if they’d had health insurance coverage.”

Kansas has among the lowest per-capita rates of maternity care providers in the country, a signal that many women may struggle to find care.

Kansas performed better on other metrics. It has slightly lower rates of maternal and infant mortality than the national average — although the U.S. still performs worse than many other wealthy countries in these areas.

Kansas ranks near the top of U.S. states in early access to prenatal care, defined as within the first three months of pregnancy. Kansans were slightly less likely than women nationally to have cesarean sections for low-risk births, and slightly more likely to receive a postpartum checkup visit.

Despite rising syphilis cases in Kansas and nationally, Kansas women aged 15-44 are significantly much less likely to contract syphilis than Americans overall, and infants are nearly three times less likely to be born with congenital syphilis than the U.S. average.

Kansas women are also more likely to receive certain preventive health services like flu and pneumonia shots.

But the state underperformed on other health outcomes. The mortality rate for women of reproductive age was higher than the national average, 121.7 per 100,000 women compared with 110.3 overall.

Kansas women who recently gave birth were more likely than Americans overall to report having depression before, during and after pregnancy. They were also more likely to experience intimate partner violence before or during pregnancy.

The state’s mammogram rate was slightly under the national average: 74% of women ages 50-74 had received one in the past two years, compared with 77% nationally.

Researchers analyzed data from 2022, the year that the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs&nbsp;decision that allowed states to curtail abortion access. In the two years since,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/us/abortion-laws-roe-v-wade.html" target="_blank">21 states</a>&nbsp;have either banned abortion or restricted it earlier in pregnancy than was previously allowed.

Joseph Betancourt, president of the Commonwealth Fund, said the analysis provides a “baseline” for tracking the impact of new abortion restrictions on women’s health care.

“It also serves as a glaring reminder that where you live matters to your health and health care,” he said. “Many (states) are failing to ensure that women can get and afford the health care they need. This failure is having a disproportionate impact on women of color and women with low incomes.”

The report found that Kansas has a higher ratio of abortion clinics for its population of reproductive-aged women than the U.S. average, emphasizing the state’s increasingly prominent role as an abortion access point.

Many women who now travel to Kansas for abortions come from the South and Southeast, regions that have some of the strictest abortion bans — as well as poorer maternal health outcomes and high rates of maternal mortality.

Since 2022, two new clinics providing abortions have opened in Kansas, and a third is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2024-05-14/planned-parenthood-southeast-kansas-expanding-new-clinic-pittsburg" target="_blank">expected to open</a>&nbsp;this fall. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/report/abortion-clinics-united-states-2020-2024" target="_blank">recent study</a>&nbsp;by the Guttmacher Institute estimates that the number of abortions performed in Kansas rose from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10433/Abortions-in-Kansas-2020-PDF" target="_blank">less than 8,000</a>&nbsp;in 2020 to around 20,000 in 2023, a 152% increase.

Republicans in the Kansas Legislature have passed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2024-05-04/kansas-anti-abortion-groups-celebrate-legislative-wins-heres-what-that-means-for-patients" target="_blank">several new laws</a>&nbsp;in recent years aimed at further restricting access to abortion, although a number are tied up in court. Earlier this month, the state’s Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2024-07-05/kansas-supreme-court-reaffirms-that-abortion-rights-are-protected-by-constitution-striking-down-2-laws" target="_blank">reaffirmed its position</a>&nbsp;that abortion is a constitutional right for Kansas women.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722002372686.png" alt="-Rose Conlon / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>-Rose Conlon / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/people/rose-conlon">Rose Conlon</a> &nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2024-07-18/kansas-women-struggle-to-access-and-afford-health-care-report-finds">Kansas News Service</a><h2>A study by the Commonwealth Fund ranks Kansas 32nd in the U.S. on women’s health metrics. The state got low marks for health care affordability and access.</h2>Women in Kansas have a harder time accessing and affording health care than in most other states, according to a new report by the Commonwealth Fund.<a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/scorecard/2024/jul/2024-state-scorecard-womens-health-and-reproductive-care" target="_blank">The report</a>, published Thursday, ranked Kansas 32nd in the U.S. based on how well the state’s health system works for women. It placed sixth out of seven states in the Plains region, ahead of Missouri.The ranking by the Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit foundation that researches health issues, is the organization’s first report to focus exclusively on how all states and the District of Columbia fare on women’s health and reproductive care outcomes.<h2>Access and affordability</h2>Kansas scored worst on issues of health insurance coverage, provider accessibility and health care affordability.Kansas women in their reproductive years, ages 18-44, were less likely to have health insurance than the same group nationwide. They were more likely to report not visiting a doctor for a routine checkup in the past two years. Women giving birth in Kansas hospitals are nearly twice as likely to have a self-pay insurance payment source than the national average.Sara Collins, a senior scholar at the Commonwealth Fund and the study’s lead author, said that reflects the state’s failure to expand Medicaid.Kansas is one of 10 states that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2024-02-28/medicaid-expansion-opposition-kansas-republican-leadership-dan-hawkins" target="_blank">still has not done so</a>, despite consistent pressure by advocates and the state’s Democratic governor. Republican lawmakers have resisted expansion, arguing in part that it would be too costly.“We see a consistent pattern across these 10 states,” Collins said. “We see much higher rates of people not accessing care due to cost.”And even though it’s easier for women to qualify for Medicaid once they become pregnant — the program pays for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_welfare_reform_1/documents/testimony/20230316_01.pdf" target="_blank">around 40%</a>&nbsp;of births in the state — Collins said the fact that many women lack insurance before getting pregnant can contribute to adverse maternal and infant health outcomes.“It means that women enter pregnancy having had less access to health care, particularly if they’re poor or low-income,” she said, “and probably (in a) a poorer health situation than they would be if they’d had health insurance coverage.”Kansas has among the lowest per-capita rates of maternity care providers in the country, a signal that many women may struggle to find care.<h2>Quality and prevention</h2>Kansas performed better on other metrics. It has slightly lower rates of maternal and infant mortality than the national average — although the U.S. still performs worse than many other wealthy countries in these areas.Kansas ranks near the top of U.S. states in early access to prenatal care, defined as within the first three months of pregnancy. Kansans were slightly less likely than women nationally to have cesarean sections for low-risk births, and slightly more likely to receive a postpartum checkup visit.Despite rising syphilis cases in Kansas and nationally, Kansas women aged 15-44 are significantly much less likely to contract syphilis than Americans overall, and infants are nearly three times less likely to be born with congenital syphilis than the U.S. average.Kansas women are also more likely to receive certain preventive health services like flu and pneumonia shots.But the state underperformed on other health outcomes. The mortality rate for women of reproductive age was higher than the national average, 121.7 per 100,000 women compared with 110.3 overall.Kansas women who recently gave birth were more likely than Americans overall to report having depression before, during and after pregnancy. They were also more likely to experience intimate partner violence before or during pregnancy.The state’s mammogram rate was slightly under the national average: 74% of women ages 50-74 had received one in the past two years, compared with 77% nationally.<h2>Reproductive care</h2>Researchers analyzed data from 2022, the year that the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs&nbsp;decision that allowed states to curtail abortion access. In the two years since,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/us/abortion-laws-roe-v-wade.html" target="_blank">21 states</a>&nbsp;have either banned abortion or restricted it earlier in pregnancy than was previously allowed.Joseph Betancourt, president of the Commonwealth Fund, said the analysis provides a “baseline” for tracking the impact of new abortion restrictions on women’s health care.“It also serves as a glaring reminder that where you live matters to your health and health care,” he said. “Many (states) are failing to ensure that women can get and afford the health care they need. This failure is having a disproportionate impact on women of color and women with low incomes.”The report found that Kansas has a higher ratio of abortion clinics for its population of reproductive-aged women than the U.S. average, emphasizing the state’s increasingly prominent role as an abortion access point.Many women who now travel to Kansas for abortions come from the South and Southeast, regions that have some of the strictest abortion bans — as well as poorer maternal health outcomes and high rates of maternal mortality.Since 2022, two new clinics providing abortions have opened in Kansas, and a third is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2024-05-14/planned-parenthood-southeast-kansas-expanding-new-clinic-pittsburg" target="_blank">expected to open</a>&nbsp;this fall. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/report/abortion-clinics-united-states-2020-2024" target="_blank">recent study</a>&nbsp;by the Guttmacher Institute estimates that the number of abortions performed in Kansas rose from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10433/Abortions-in-Kansas-2020-PDF" target="_blank">less than 8,000</a>&nbsp;in 2020 to around 20,000 in 2023, a 152% increase.Republicans in the Kansas Legislature have passed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2024-05-04/kansas-anti-abortion-groups-celebrate-legislative-wins-heres-what-that-means-for-patients" target="_blank">several new laws</a>&nbsp;in recent years aimed at further restricting access to abortion, although a number are tied up in court. Earlier this month, the state’s Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2024-07-05/kansas-supreme-court-reaffirms-that-abortion-rights-are-protected-by-constitution-striking-down-2-laws" target="_blank">reaffirmed its position</a>&nbsp;that abortion is a constitutional right for Kansas women.

Kansas women struggle to access and afford health care, report finds

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 52-year-0ld Anthony Lewis, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchins.&nbsp;

Just before 12:30a.m. Thursday officers were dispatched to a shooting at a&nbsp; house in the 2400 block of Brighton.

First responders located Lewis unresponsive next to the residence there. Officers called for EMS who responded and declared him deceased here at the scene. Preliminary investigation indicates the victim and a suspect had an interaction inside the residence that escalated to shots being fired and Lewis being struck. 

Based on information received by officers at the scene A subject of interest was detained at a separate location for further investigation. Police have not released the name of the suspect or possible charges.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 52-year-0ld Anthony Lewis, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchins.&nbsp;Just before 12:30a.m. Thursday officers were dispatched to a shooting at a&nbsp; house in the 2400 block of Brighton.First responders located Lewis unresponsive next to the residence there. Officers called for EMS who responded and declared him deceased here at the scene. Preliminary investigation indicates the victim and a suspect had an interaction inside the residence that escalated to shots being fired and Lewis being struck. Based on information received by officers at the scene A subject of interest was detained at a separate location for further investigation. Police have not released the name of the suspect or possible charges.

Homicide: Police ID man found dead outside Kansas City home.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

A trio of political action committees supporting either Andrew Bailey or Will Scharf in the Republican primary for Missouri attorney general have raised $4.6 million in large donations this month.

The money has translated into an onslaught of TV ads, mailers and text messages from both sides hoping to win the GOP nomination in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to statewide office since 2018.&nbsp;

Voters head to the polls on Aug. 6, though&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/no-excuse-absentee-voting-has-officially-begun-for-missouris-aug-6-primary/">no-excuse early voting&nbsp;</a>has already opened.&nbsp;

Bailey, who was appointed attorney general by Gov. Mike Parson in 2022 and is seeking a full term, is being supported by Liberty and Justice PAC.&nbsp;

It raised $1.9 million in large donations this month — checks of more than $5,000 that must be immediately reported.&nbsp;

Most of that money came from Rex and Jeanie Sinquefield, Missouri’s most prolific political donors, who have given the PAC more than $1 million in recent weeks. Another $500,000 came from the Kansas law firm of Michael Ketchmark.&nbsp;

So far this year, Liberty and Justice PAC has taken in $3.5 million in large donations.&nbsp;

Scharf, a former assistant U.S. attorney, is being supported by two PACs — Defend Missouri and Club for Growth Action.&nbsp;

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/25/will-scharf-gets-another-2m-for-missouri-ag-campaign-from-group-tied-to-leonard-leo/">Most of Defend Missouri’s money has come from Club for Growth Action</a>, though it did receive a $1.1 million donation this week from the Concord Fund — an advocacy organization bankrolled by groups connected to conservative activist Leonard Leo.

Club for Growth Action has raised $1.9 million this month, with $1.3 million of that coming from its federal PAC and $250,000 coming from Scharf’s father.&nbsp;

So far this year, Club for Growth has taken in $7.6 million in large donations.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722082365978.png" alt="Will Scharf, left, is facing off with Andrew Bailey in the GOP primary for Missouri Attorney General (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Will Scharf, left, is facing off with Andrew Bailey in the GOP primary for Missouri Attorney General (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>A trio of political action committees supporting either Andrew Bailey or Will Scharf in the Republican primary for Missouri attorney general have raised $4.6 million in large donations this month.The money has translated into an onslaught of TV ads, mailers and text messages from both sides hoping to win the GOP nomination in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to statewide office since 2018.&nbsp;Voters head to the polls on Aug. 6, though&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/no-excuse-absentee-voting-has-officially-begun-for-missouris-aug-6-primary/">no-excuse early voting&nbsp;</a>has already opened.&nbsp;Bailey, who was appointed attorney general by Gov. Mike Parson in 2022 and is seeking a full term, is being supported by Liberty and Justice PAC.&nbsp;It raised $1.9 million in large donations this month — checks of more than $5,000 that must be immediately reported.&nbsp;Most of that money came from Rex and Jeanie Sinquefield, Missouri’s most prolific political donors, who have given the PAC more than $1 million in recent weeks. Another $500,000 came from the Kansas law firm of Michael Ketchmark.&nbsp;So far this year, Liberty and Justice PAC has taken in $3.5 million in large donations.&nbsp;Scharf, a former assistant U.S. attorney, is being supported by two PACs — Defend Missouri and Club for Growth Action.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/25/will-scharf-gets-another-2m-for-missouri-ag-campaign-from-group-tied-to-leonard-leo/">Most of Defend Missouri’s money has come from Club for Growth Action</a>, though it did receive a $1.1 million donation this week from the Concord Fund — an advocacy organization bankrolled by groups connected to conservative activist Leonard Leo.Club for Growth Action has raised $1.9 million this month, with $1.3 million of that coming from its federal PAC and $250,000 coming from Scharf’s father.&nbsp;So far this year, Club for Growth has taken in $7.6 million in large donations.&nbsp;

Donors pour $4.6 million into Missouri attorney general GOP primary in final weeks

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a drug-deal death in Kansas.

Last week, Judge Thomas J. Ryan sentenced 23-year-old Diego Alessandro Gomez of Kansas City, Kansas, to 16-years in prison for two counts of distributing fentanyl, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

During the investigation, Gomez-Rodriguez possessed over 1600 fentanyl pills, according to the district attorney's office.

"We will continue to work hard with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable these individuals who are dealing death in our community,” according to District Attorney Steve Howe.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721483114192.png" alt="GOMEZ-RODRIGUEZ-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>GOMEZ-RODRIGUEZ-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a drug-deal death in Kansas.Last week, Judge Thomas J. Ryan sentenced 23-year-old Diego Alessandro Gomez of Kansas City, Kansas, to 16-years in prison for two counts of distributing fentanyl, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.During the investigation, Gomez-Rodriguez possessed over 1600 fentanyl pills, according to the district attorney's office."We will continue to work hard with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable these individuals who are dealing death in our community,” according to District Attorney Steve Howe.

Kansas drug dealer caught with over 1,600 fentanyl pills

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police investigating a fire at a home in Topeka have made an arrest.

Just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, crews responded to a reported house fire at 1305 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Firefighters found smoke coming from the home and fire in the basement. Crews were able to extinguish the fire and no occupants were located in the house. No injuries have been reported.

A TFD Investigation Unit responded to this fire and later determined it was intentionally set.&nbsp; As result of the investigation, Michael W. Raines, 27, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Aggravated Arson.

Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721990499470.png" alt="Raines-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Raines-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police investigating a fire at a home in Topeka have made an arrest.Just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, crews responded to a reported house fire at 1305 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Firefighters found smoke coming from the home and fire in the basement. Crews were able to extinguish the fire and no occupants were located in the house. No injuries have been reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721846734905.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>A TFD Investigation Unit responded to this fire and later determined it was intentionally set.&nbsp; As result of the investigation, Michael W. Raines, 27, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Aggravated Arson.Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

Man jailed for starting fire in basement of Kansas home

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator from Missouri Josh Hawley reported Thursday in a letter to Homeland Security Director Alejando Mayorkas,&nbsp; the night before the Butler, Pennsylvania Trump campaign rally, U.S. Secret Service repeatedly denied offers from a local law enforcement partner to utilize drone technology to secure the rally.

As Homeland Security Secretary, Mayorkas is responsible for the Secret Service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720972888448.png" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator from Missouri Josh Hawley reported Thursday in a letter to Homeland Security Director Alejando Mayorkas,&nbsp; the night before the Butler, Pennsylvania Trump campaign rally, U.S. Secret Service repeatedly denied offers from a local law enforcement partner to utilize drone technology to secure the rally.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721930168996.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As Homeland Security Secretary, Mayorkas is responsible for the Secret Service.

Mo. U.S. Senator: Secret Service declined use of drones before Trump rally

KANSAS CITY —Firefighters helped two residents escape from a house fire in Kansas City.

Just after 8p.m. Thursday, crews responded to a reported house fire in the 300 block of Wheeling in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;

First responders reported heavy fire from a two-story home. Upon making entry to the structure crews encountered one occupant who is wheelchair bound. They assisted the individual out of the structure and to the EMS sector for evaluation. She was treated on scene and released. 

A second occupant was found in the rear of the structure near the stairs. She was also assisted out of the structure. Both victims were uninjured. The fire was quickly brought under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD. Red Cross will be ordered for five adults.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721990668977.png" alt="Photo KC Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo KC Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Firefighters helped two residents escape from a house fire in Kansas City.Just after 8p.m. Thursday, crews responded to a reported house fire in the 300 block of Wheeling in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721990633359.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First responders reported heavy fire from a two-story home. Upon making entry to the structure crews encountered one occupant who is wheelchair bound. They assisted the individual out of the structure and to the EMS sector for evaluation. She was treated on scene and released. A second occupant was found in the rear of the structure near the stairs. She was also assisted out of the structure. Both victims were uninjured. The fire was quickly brought under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD. Red Cross will be ordered for five adults.

Kansas City firefighters help two escape house fire

LACLEDE COUNTY —A Missouri teen died in an accident just after 8p.m. Thursday in Laclede County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Jeep Wrangler driven by James L. Richardson, 47, Lebanon, was westbound on Highway 32 ten miles west of Lebanon.

A 14-year-old girl jumped from the Jeep.&nbsp; Mercy Lifeline air ambulance transported her to Mercy Springfield where she was pronounced deceased. The driver was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

LACLEDE COUNTY —A Missouri teen died in an accident just after 8p.m. Thursday in Laclede County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Jeep Wrangler driven by James L. Richardson, 47, Lebanon, was westbound on Highway 32 ten miles west of Lebanon.A 14-year-old girl jumped from the Jeep.&nbsp; Mercy Lifeline air ambulance transported her to Mercy Springfield where she was pronounced deceased. The driver was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen dies after jumping from moving vehicle

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/chase-woodruff/">CHASE WOODRUFF</a>

A Colorado judge has issued an order temporarily blocking the proposed $24.6 billion merger between the nation’s two largest supermarket chains ahead of an antitrust trial in state court set to begin in September.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser in February&nbsp;<a href="https://coag.gov/app/uploads/2024/02/2024-02-14-Complaint-Public.pdf" target="_blank">sued</a>&nbsp;to block the merger between grocery giant Kroger, which operates King Soopers and City Market stores in Colorado, and Albertsons, which operates the Safeway brand. Weiser’s suit alleges that the deal violates state antitrust laws and would have “harmful impacts on consumers, workers, and suppliers.” The U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson have also challenged the merger in court.

Denver District Court Judge Andrew Luxen on Thursday granted Weiser’s request for a preliminary injunction against the merger, barring the two companies from completing their deal before a ruling is issued in the case.

“Based on the evidence presented by the State in its Motion and the Joint Stipulation, the Court finds there is a reasonable probability that the State will prove its claims against Defendants at trial,” Luxen wrote in his order.

Hearings on Weiser’s request for a preliminary injunction was scheduled to begin Aug. 12. The companies agreed to the temporary injunction “to conserve judicial and party resources,” according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://coag.gov/app/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-24-Joint-Stipulated-Order-for-Temporary-Injunctive-Relief.pdf" target="_blank">stipulation</a>&nbsp;filed with the court Wednesday, and the case will instead proceed to trial in the fall.

“I am pleased that Kroger and Albertsons agreed to halt their plans to merge until the court rules on the state’s lawsuit to permanently block the grocery merger,” Weiser said in a statement. “This is great news for shoppers, workers, farmers, and other suppliers, who can rest assured that this megamerger will not go into effect during harvest season and while kids are headed back to school.”

Kroger, based in Ohio, operates more than 2,700 stores and Albertsons, based in Idaho, operates more than 2,200 stores across the country. Kroger’s proposed acquisition of Albertsons, one of the largest retail mergers ever proposed, has been opposed by labor unions and consumer advocates who fear that the consolidation could lead to higher prices and decreased wages and bargaining power for workers.

The companies last month&nbsp;<a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/2024/07/11/colorado-workers-kroger-albertsons-divest-merger/" target="_blank">detailed a divestiture plan</a>&nbsp;in which they propose to sell 579 locations nationwide — including 91 Safeway stores in Colorado — to New Hampshire-based C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers, in a bid to allay antitrust concerns. But critics of the plan paint C&amp;S, a supplier that currently operates just 23 retail locations nationwide, as a struggling company with shaky finances, unequipped to operate 579 newly acquired stores as an “effective competitor” to the merged Kroger-Albertsons behemoth.

“We cannot entrust our grocery stores — which are integral to our communities and our workers — to the untested, inexperienced C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers,” United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 President Kim Cordova, whose union represents more than 23,000 King Soopers and Safeway workers in Colorado and Wyoming, said in a statement earlier this month.

In addition to other antitrust concerns, Weiser’s yearlong investigation into the merger uncovered evidence of alleged collusion between Kroger and Albertsons during a January 2022 strike by UCFW Local 7 workers at Colorado King Soopers stores: “no-poach” and “non-solicitation” deals in which Albertsons agreed not to hire striking King Soopers employees or to attract King Soopers pharmacy customers.

A two-week trial in the Colorado case is scheduled to begin Sept. 30.

“My office looks forward to making the case that this merger will eliminate competition and impact food prices, jobs, and consumer choice,” Weiser said.

<a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/briefs/colorado-judge-blocks-kroger-albertsons/" target="_blank">This story</a>&nbsp;was produced by Colorado Newsline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721996032601.png" alt="Workers and community members form a picket line outside a Denver King Soopers, after United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 began a strike over stalled labor negotiations on Jan. 12, 2021. (Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)" />
 <figcaption>Workers and community members form a picket line outside a Denver King Soopers, after United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 began a strike over stalled labor negotiations on Jan. 12, 2021. (Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/chase-woodruff/">CHASE WOODRUFF</a>A Colorado judge has issued an order temporarily blocking the proposed $24.6 billion merger between the nation’s two largest supermarket chains ahead of an antitrust trial in state court set to begin in September.Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser in February&nbsp;<a href="https://coag.gov/app/uploads/2024/02/2024-02-14-Complaint-Public.pdf" target="_blank">sued</a>&nbsp;to block the merger between grocery giant Kroger, which operates King Soopers and City Market stores in Colorado, and Albertsons, which operates the Safeway brand. Weiser’s suit alleges that the deal violates state antitrust laws and would have “harmful impacts on consumers, workers, and suppliers.” The U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson have also challenged the merger in court.Denver District Court Judge Andrew Luxen on Thursday granted Weiser’s request for a preliminary injunction against the merger, barring the two companies from completing their deal before a ruling is issued in the case.“Based on the evidence presented by the State in its Motion and the Joint Stipulation, the Court finds there is a reasonable probability that the State will prove its claims against Defendants at trial,” Luxen wrote in his order.Hearings on Weiser’s request for a preliminary injunction was scheduled to begin Aug. 12. The companies agreed to the temporary injunction “to conserve judicial and party resources,” according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://coag.gov/app/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-24-Joint-Stipulated-Order-for-Temporary-Injunctive-Relief.pdf" target="_blank">stipulation</a>&nbsp;filed with the court Wednesday, and the case will instead proceed to trial in the fall.“I am pleased that Kroger and Albertsons agreed to halt their plans to merge until the court rules on the state’s lawsuit to permanently block the grocery merger,” Weiser said in a statement. “This is great news for shoppers, workers, farmers, and other suppliers, who can rest assured that this megamerger will not go into effect during harvest season and while kids are headed back to school.”Kroger, based in Ohio, operates more than 2,700 stores and Albertsons, based in Idaho, operates more than 2,200 stores across the country. Kroger’s proposed acquisition of Albertsons, one of the largest retail mergers ever proposed, has been opposed by labor unions and consumer advocates who fear that the consolidation could lead to higher prices and decreased wages and bargaining power for workers.The companies last month&nbsp;<a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/2024/07/11/colorado-workers-kroger-albertsons-divest-merger/" target="_blank">detailed a divestiture plan</a>&nbsp;in which they propose to sell 579 locations nationwide — including 91 Safeway stores in Colorado — to New Hampshire-based C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers, in a bid to allay antitrust concerns. But critics of the plan paint C&amp;S, a supplier that currently operates just 23 retail locations nationwide, as a struggling company with shaky finances, unequipped to operate 579 newly acquired stores as an “effective competitor” to the merged Kroger-Albertsons behemoth.“We cannot entrust our grocery stores — which are integral to our communities and our workers — to the untested, inexperienced C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers,” United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 President Kim Cordova, whose union represents more than 23,000 King Soopers and Safeway workers in Colorado and Wyoming, said in a statement earlier this month.In addition to other antitrust concerns, Weiser’s yearlong investigation into the merger uncovered evidence of alleged collusion between Kroger and Albertsons during a January 2022 strike by UCFW Local 7 workers at Colorado King Soopers stores: “no-poach” and “non-solicitation” deals in which Albertsons agreed not to hire striking King Soopers employees or to attract King Soopers pharmacy customers.A two-week trial in the Colorado case is scheduled to begin Sept. 30.“My office looks forward to making the case that this merger will eliminate competition and impact food prices, jobs, and consumer choice,” Weiser said.<a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/briefs/colorado-judge-blocks-kroger-albertsons/" target="_blank">This story</a>&nbsp;was produced by Colorado Newsline.

Judge temporarily blocks Kroger-Albertsons grocery ‘megamerger’

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a crash that occurred just after 1:30p.m. Thursday in the city of Lawrence.

A driverless semi rolled about 300 feet from 11th and Maine, through a 4-foot retaining wall, over a patio, between two houses, and came to rest against a home’s foundation, according to a social media report from the Lawrence Police Department.&nbsp; &nbsp;Considering the journey, the crash caused little damage and there were no injuries.

 The semi’s driver told police he put the cab and trailer brakes on before leaving it and, once he saw it moving, tried to catch up but didn't.

 The trailer of the semi was empty. Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical was on scene to extinguish a small fire.  The truck came to rest between two houses in the 1000 block of Maine.  One resident was home in the house that was not damaged.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721991127798.png" alt="Photo Douglas County Fire and Medical" />
 <figcaption>Photo Douglas County Fire and Medical</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a crash that occurred just after 1:30p.m. Thursday in the city of Lawrence.A driverless semi rolled about 300 feet from 11th and Maine, through a 4-foot retaining wall, over a patio, between two houses, and came to rest against a home’s foundation, according to a social media report from the Lawrence Police Department.&nbsp; &nbsp;Considering the journey, the crash caused little damage and there were no injuries. The semi’s driver told police he put the cab and trailer brakes on before leaving it and, once he saw it moving, tried to catch up but didn't. The trailer of the semi was empty. Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical was on scene to extinguish a small fire. The truck came to rest between two houses in the 1000 block of Maine. One resident was home in the house that was not damaged.

Semi with no driver crashes between 2 Kansas homes

KANSAS CITY— Crews continued searching Thursday for a man who is missing in the Missouri River in Kansas City.

Just before 9p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;responded to a possible water rescue on the Missouri River, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. 

The police department received a call just before 9:00 p.m. from a third party stating that someone had entered the water nearly six hours earlier and was possible stranded on one of many rock outcroppings along the river.

The fire department deployed their Rescue Division with three boats along with two drones. On arrival crews began searching for the possible victim on the river from the boat ramp at River Front Park and areas east all the way to the city limits and shortly beyond. Using manual search techniques in conjunction with the drones' thermal imaging capabilities the river, both banks, out-croppings, strainers and islands were checked. 

The drones identified multiple areas of interest for boat crews to investigate, but physical searches of those areas came back negative. The KCFD spent just over four hours search the river and surrounding area before ceasing operations just after 1:00 a.m.&nbsp;

Early Thursday, the victim was identified as a 25-year-old man, according to Hopkins.&nbsp; Friends reported he entered the water to swim and could not return to the shore due to the current. The last contact was late afternoon near a rock out cropping offshore from the ramp, according to Hopkins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721952217492.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Crews continued searching Thursday for a man who is missing in the Missouri River in Kansas City.Just before 9p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;responded to a possible water rescue on the Missouri River, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. The police department received a call just before 9:00 p.m. from a third party stating that someone had entered the water nearly six hours earlier and was possible stranded on one of many rock outcroppings along the river.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721952186275.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>The fire department deployed their Rescue Division with three boats along with two drones. On arrival crews began searching for the possible victim on the river from the boat ramp at River Front Park and areas east all the way to the city limits and shortly beyond. Using manual search techniques in conjunction with the drones' thermal imaging capabilities the river, both banks, out-croppings, strainers and islands were checked. The drones identified multiple areas of interest for boat crews to investigate, but physical searches of those areas came back negative. The KCFD spent just over four hours search the river and surrounding area before ceasing operations just after 1:00 a.m.&nbsp;Early Thursday, the victim was identified as a 25-year-old man, according to Hopkins.&nbsp; Friends reported he entered the water to swim and could not return to the shore due to the current. The last contact was late afternoon near a rock out cropping offshore from the ramp, according to Hopkins.

Search continues for man swept away in river near Kansas City

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a deadly DUI crash.

Last week, Judge Thomas K. Ryan sentenced 33-year-old Matthew J. Ryan to almost 10-years in&nbsp; prison, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office. In May, a jury found him guilty of reckless 2nd degree murder in the wrong-way crash death of&nbsp; Karl Wurtenberger, 42, of Independence, Missouri.

In December of 2022, a vehicle driven by Ryan was westbound on Interstate 435 in the eastbound lanes and struck a vehicle.&nbsp;After impact, Ryan's vehicle continued westbound and collided with another vehicle, driven by Wurtenberge, head-on near Quivira Road. Wurtenberger was pronounced dead at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721482163122.png" alt="Ryan photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Ryan photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a deadly DUI crash.Last week, Judge Thomas K. Ryan sentenced 33-year-old Matthew J. Ryan to almost 10-years in&nbsp; prison, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office. In May, a jury found him guilty of reckless 2nd degree murder in the wrong-way crash death of&nbsp; Karl Wurtenberger, 42, of Independence, Missouri.In December of 2022, a vehicle driven by Ryan was westbound on Interstate 435 in the eastbound lanes and struck a vehicle.&nbsp;After impact, Ryan's vehicle continued westbound and collided with another vehicle, driven by Wurtenberge, head-on near Quivira Road. Wurtenberger was pronounced dead at the scene.

Prison for Kansas man in fatal wrong-way interstate crash

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Second District candidates for U.S. House to face off in Aug. 6 primary

TOPEKA — Second District congressional candidate Matt Kleinmann wants to tamp down gun violence by closing legal loopholes that enable private sales without background checks and by repealing a federal law that chilled lawsuits against firearm manufacturers and retailers.

Kleinmann, a Wyandotte County community organizer and former University of Kansas basketball player, said if elected to Kansas’ open U.S. House seat that he would vote to repeal the nearly 20-year-old Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.

“I know that everybody on the Democrat and Republican side believes in the Second Amendment right to own and bear firearms,” he said on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju8gDMS6kxE&amp;t=960s" target="_blank">WIBW-TV’s candidate forum</a>&nbsp;with Democratic opponent Nancy Boyda. “However, it’s not right that only one industry in our entire country, the gun industry, is immune from lawsuits and prosecution. It’s only fair that the gun industry includes safety mechanisms in the products they sell.”

Kleinmann said he understood what it was like to live in a community and hear gunshots at night, and imposing universal background checks on sellers had the potential to disrupt gangs or cartels buying guns illegally.

Boyda, who served one term in the U.S. House after elected to the 2nd District seat in 2006, said guns were the leading cause of death among children.

“It’s not just a factoid. These are our children,” she said.

Rather than grapple with Kleinmann’s perspective on background checks and firearm liability, Boyda took aim at former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. He’s the frontrunner in the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/17/kansas-2nd-district-gop-candidate-forum-features-marriage-proposal-devotional-silence/">five-candidate Republican primary in the 2nd District</a>. Boyda objected to positions taken by Schmidt that earned him an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association’s political action committee.

“I believe that is just a radical position that is contrary to what 75% of Kansans believe,” she said. “His double-A rating with the NRA, that’s more important to him than the safety of our children.”

Kleinmann said he entered the race for the congressional seat to be&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/congress-has-taken-a-toll-u-s-rep-jake-laturner-of-kansas-wont-seek-reelection/">vacated by GOP U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner</a>&nbsp;because the state needed an advocate in Washington for working class Kansans seeking affordable housing, access to health care and investments in their quality of life. Kansans want to be represented by elected officials interested in protecting individual rights — including voting, civil and reproductive rights, he said.

“We need a champion in Congress who is going to fight for everyday working Kansans,” Kleinmann said. “I know as Democrats that when we stand together, as a unified party, we can win this race. I mean it. This is a race about our future. I believe I am the best champion to carry that torch forward.”

Boyda, who defeated Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun in 2006, reminded WIBW-TV viewers no other Democrat in the past 30 years had won a campaign in the 2nd District. Indeed, Boyda lost her first campaign in 2004 to Ryun and her 2008 reelection campaign against GOP nominee Lynn Jenkins.

“I’m in the race because I’m deeply concerned about our country,” Boyda said. “I believe Matt is a great guy, but I believe that I’m the only one … who could bring this home in November. The fact is&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/16/fec-reports-reveal-sharice-davids-derek-schmidt-to-be-magnets-for-kansas-campaign-donations/">(Kansas Democratic U.S. Rep.) Sharice Davids</a>&nbsp;and I are the only two who have come out of the Republican buzzsaw and lived to tell about it. Why am I running? I like Matt, but he doesn’t have a chance to come out of the election as a winner.”

Kleinmann and Boyda were asked whether experience in politics — Kleinmann is a first-time candidate, while this is Boyda’s fourth campaign for Congress — should be a consideration among voters.

“Well, experience absolutely does matter,” Boyda said. “I’m the only one who’s been in Congress. I have the widest breadth of experience across so many areas.”

In addition to working on Capitol Hill, she was employed in the pharmaceutical industry, served as a pastor and chaplain, and was appointed deputy assistant secretary of defense in the administration of President Barack Obama. She owns a small farm near Baldwin City.

“It depends on what kind of political experience you’re talking about,” Kleinmann said. “Leadership is an action, not a position. I’ve been a leader in my community for the last 10 years. There are a lot of folks who are running for this office, many of whom are career politicians and bureaucrats. I am not a career politician. I repeat. I am not a career politician.”

“I am running this race so that we can build a movement that restores faith in our democracy and make sure we fight back against extremism,” he said.

Boyda and Kleinmann found common ground on the challenge of gaining control of the U.S. southern border with Mexico. Both said if elected to Congress they would seek to improve security on the border. Boyda, sounding as if she was in a general election campaign instead of the Democratic primary, criticized Schmidt for opposing a requirement that companies use the web-based E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility of job applicants.

“Border security — that’s where it has to start,” Boyda said. “We have to do something about E-Verify. We need to have a path to citizenship once we get the border secure.”

Kleinmann said there was bipartisan consensus on the need for improved border security, but he criticized “extreme politicians” who skuttled a bipartisan immigration bill. In February, hard-right House Republicans spiked an immigration bill at behest of former President Donald Trump.

“That’s because politicians want to have a broken immigration system so they can win elections. I don’t think that’s right,” Kleinmann said. “We need a smart border security system. Not a dumb wall that people can get over with a ladder or underneath with a tunnel. What that’s going to take is more investment in surveillance, border personnel.”

Touching on a flashpoint in the nation’s culture wars, Boyda renewed an objection to transgender women participating in organized sports programs designated for females. She said the debate changed when transgender swimmer Lia Thomas won an NCAA championship in the 500-yard freestyle event. Thomas was later barred from competing in women’s competitions by World Aquatics, the international federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

“When it comes to trans girls in sports, it’s no longer this personal, private decision anymore. In fact, it becomes an issue of fairness,” said Boyda, who accused Kleinmann of asserting she was “anti-gay.”

Kleinmann, who played basketball for the KU Jayhawks from 2005 to 2009, has been endorsed by the LGBTQ+ caucus of the Kansas Democratic Party.

“I certainly believe that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. Full stop,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721938059393.png" alt="Nancy Boyda and Matt Kleinmann, candidates for the Democratic Party’s nomination in the 2nd congressional district, spoke about their views on gun violence, immigration and LGBTQ issues during an appearance on WIBW-TV. The primary election is Aug. 6. (Sherman Smith and Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Nancy Boyda and Matt Kleinmann, candidates for the Democratic Party’s nomination in the 2nd congressional district, spoke about their views on gun violence, immigration and LGBTQ issues during an appearance on WIBW-TV. The primary election is Aug. 6. (Sherman Smith and Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Second District candidates for U.S. House to face off in Aug. 6 primary</h2>TOPEKA — Second District congressional candidate Matt Kleinmann wants to tamp down gun violence by closing legal loopholes that enable private sales without background checks and by repealing a federal law that chilled lawsuits against firearm manufacturers and retailers.Kleinmann, a Wyandotte County community organizer and former University of Kansas basketball player, said if elected to Kansas’ open U.S. House seat that he would vote to repeal the nearly 20-year-old Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.“I know that everybody on the Democrat and Republican side believes in the Second Amendment right to own and bear firearms,” he said on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju8gDMS6kxE&amp;t=960s" target="_blank">WIBW-TV’s candidate forum</a>&nbsp;with Democratic opponent Nancy Boyda. “However, it’s not right that only one industry in our entire country, the gun industry, is immune from lawsuits and prosecution. It’s only fair that the gun industry includes safety mechanisms in the products they sell.”Kleinmann said he understood what it was like to live in a community and hear gunshots at night, and imposing universal background checks on sellers had the potential to disrupt gangs or cartels buying guns illegally.Boyda, who served one term in the U.S. House after elected to the 2nd District seat in 2006, said guns were the leading cause of death among children.“It’s not just a factoid. These are our children,” she said.Rather than grapple with Kleinmann’s perspective on background checks and firearm liability, Boyda took aim at former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. He’s the frontrunner in the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/17/kansas-2nd-district-gop-candidate-forum-features-marriage-proposal-devotional-silence/">five-candidate Republican primary in the 2nd District</a>. Boyda objected to positions taken by Schmidt that earned him an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association’s political action committee.“I believe that is just a radical position that is contrary to what 75% of Kansans believe,” she said. “His double-A rating with the NRA, that’s more important to him than the safety of our children.”<h2>Big question: Why running?</h2>Kleinmann said he entered the race for the congressional seat to be&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/congress-has-taken-a-toll-u-s-rep-jake-laturner-of-kansas-wont-seek-reelection/">vacated by GOP U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner</a>&nbsp;because the state needed an advocate in Washington for working class Kansans seeking affordable housing, access to health care and investments in their quality of life. Kansans want to be represented by elected officials interested in protecting individual rights — including voting, civil and reproductive rights, he said.“We need a champion in Congress who is going to fight for everyday working Kansans,” Kleinmann said. “I know as Democrats that when we stand together, as a unified party, we can win this race. I mean it. This is a race about our future. I believe I am the best champion to carry that torch forward.”Boyda, who defeated Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun in 2006, reminded WIBW-TV viewers no other Democrat in the past 30 years had won a campaign in the 2nd District. Indeed, Boyda lost her first campaign in 2004 to Ryun and her 2008 reelection campaign against GOP nominee Lynn Jenkins.“I’m in the race because I’m deeply concerned about our country,” Boyda said. “I believe Matt is a great guy, but I believe that I’m the only one … who could bring this home in November. The fact is&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/16/fec-reports-reveal-sharice-davids-derek-schmidt-to-be-magnets-for-kansas-campaign-donations/">(Kansas Democratic U.S. Rep.) Sharice Davids</a>&nbsp;and I are the only two who have come out of the Republican buzzsaw and lived to tell about it. Why am I running? I like Matt, but he doesn’t have a chance to come out of the election as a winner.”Kleinmann and Boyda were asked whether experience in politics — Kleinmann is a first-time candidate, while this is Boyda’s fourth campaign for Congress — should be a consideration among voters.“Well, experience absolutely does matter,” Boyda said. “I’m the only one who’s been in Congress. I have the widest breadth of experience across so many areas.”In addition to working on Capitol Hill, she was employed in the pharmaceutical industry, served as a pastor and chaplain, and was appointed deputy assistant secretary of defense in the administration of President Barack Obama. She owns a small farm near Baldwin City.“It depends on what kind of political experience you’re talking about,” Kleinmann said. “Leadership is an action, not a position. I’ve been a leader in my community for the last 10 years. There are a lot of folks who are running for this office, many of whom are career politicians and bureaucrats. I am not a career politician. I repeat. I am not a career politician.”“I am running this race so that we can build a movement that restores faith in our democracy and make sure we fight back against extremism,” he said.<h2>Immigration, LGBTQ+</h2>Boyda and Kleinmann found common ground on the challenge of gaining control of the U.S. southern border with Mexico. Both said if elected to Congress they would seek to improve security on the border. Boyda, sounding as if she was in a general election campaign instead of the Democratic primary, criticized Schmidt for opposing a requirement that companies use the web-based E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility of job applicants.“Border security — that’s where it has to start,” Boyda said. “We have to do something about E-Verify. We need to have a path to citizenship once we get the border secure.”Kleinmann said there was bipartisan consensus on the need for improved border security, but he criticized “extreme politicians” who skuttled a bipartisan immigration bill. In February, hard-right House Republicans spiked an immigration bill at behest of former President Donald Trump.“That’s because politicians want to have a broken immigration system so they can win elections. I don’t think that’s right,” Kleinmann said. “We need a smart border security system. Not a dumb wall that people can get over with a ladder or underneath with a tunnel. What that’s going to take is more investment in surveillance, border personnel.”Touching on a flashpoint in the nation’s culture wars, Boyda renewed an objection to transgender women participating in organized sports programs designated for females. She said the debate changed when transgender swimmer Lia Thomas won an NCAA championship in the 500-yard freestyle event. Thomas was later barred from competing in women’s competitions by World Aquatics, the international federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee.“When it comes to trans girls in sports, it’s no longer this personal, private decision anymore. In fact, it becomes an issue of fairness,” said Boyda, who accused Kleinmann of asserting she was “anti-gay.”Kleinmann, who played basketball for the KU Jayhawks from 2005 to 2009, has been endorsed by the LGBTQ+ caucus of the Kansas Democratic Party.“I certainly believe that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. Full stop,” he said.

Kan. Democrats Matt Kleinmann, Nancy Boyda joust on gun violence, immigration, LGBTQ+ issues

KANSAS CIY —A now former Kansas City police officer on Wednesday pleaded guilty to harassment of two citizens and a misdemeanor assault following a December 2023 vehicular encounter in south Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Jason Q. Moran pleaded guilty to Harassment in the 2nd Degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and Assault in the 4th Degree, another Class A misdemeanor. He was placed on probation for 1 year and agreed to special conditions, including his resignation from the Kansas City Police Department, the surrender of his police officer certification and to not contact victims in the case.

According to court records filed this week, on Dec. 5, 2023, three persons flagged down a police officer and reported that a black truck had followed them. The victims reported that the black truck was driving only 10 mph in a 40 mph zone at one point. 

They drove around the truck after it didn't move when a stop light turned green. Then the truck began to follow them. Eventually, the victims told police, the driver of the truck pointed a gun at them and struck one of them with the truck.

Moran, who was not on duty or in uniform, told police he was driving on State Line Road when he started to follow a vehicle that passed him. He followed them into an apartment complex and waited. He told police the citizens approached his truck. He drove away, then returned. One of them struck his vehicle window. He drew his firearm and pointed it at the group, got back in the truck and left again. 

Moran, who has resigned from the police department, called police. Officers observed Moran to be intoxicated. Two victims stated Moran pointed a gun at them, used the "n" word during his verbal confrontation with them and hit one of them with his truck. They added that he smelled like alcohol and his eyes were red. Video cameras in the area captured&nbsp; Moran's vehicle striking the victim.

KANSAS CIY —A now former Kansas City police officer on Wednesday pleaded guilty to harassment of two citizens and a misdemeanor assault following a December 2023 vehicular encounter in south Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Jason Q. Moran pleaded guilty to Harassment in the 2nd Degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and Assault in the 4th Degree, another Class A misdemeanor. He was placed on probation for 1 year and agreed to special conditions, including his resignation from the Kansas City Police Department, the surrender of his police officer certification and to not contact victims in the case.According to court records filed this week, on Dec. 5, 2023, three persons flagged down a police officer and reported that a black truck had followed them. The victims reported that the black truck was driving only 10 mph in a 40 mph zone at one point. They drove around the truck after it didn't move when a stop light turned green. Then the truck began to follow them. Eventually, the victims told police, the driver of the truck pointed a gun at them and struck one of them with the truck.Moran, who was not on duty or in uniform, told police he was driving on State Line Road when he started to follow a vehicle that passed him. He followed them into an apartment complex and waited. He told police the citizens approached his truck. He drove away, then returned. One of them struck his vehicle window. He drew his firearm and pointed it at the group, got back in the truck and left again. Moran, who has resigned from the police department, called police. Officers observed Moran to be intoxicated. Two victims stated Moran pointed a gun at them, used the "n" word during his verbal confrontation with them and hit one of them with his truck. They added that he smelled like alcohol and his eyes were red. Video cameras in the area captured&nbsp; Moran's vehicle striking the victim.

KCPD officer resigns, admits citizen harassment, misdemeanor assault

WASHINGTON — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged in a scathing speech to Congress to achieve “total victory” against Hamas and criticized American opponents of the war in Gaza as “idiots.”

His combative stance comes in a visit the Biden administration hopes can yield progress in negotiations to end the fighting. Netanyahu used the high-profile address on Wednesday to a joint meeting of Congress to emphasize longstanding and close ties between the United States and Israel. But the speech put in sharp relief the divisions in American society stirred by the war, with dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotting the address and thousands of protesters outside the Capitol condemning the war and the humanitarian crisis created by it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721848957734.png" alt="Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu during the address Wednesday-image from the House Speaker's Office video" />
 <figcaption>Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu during the address Wednesday-image from the House Speaker's Office video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged in a scathing speech to Congress to achieve “total victory” against Hamas and criticized American opponents of the war in Gaza as “idiots.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Israel’s existence is non-negotiable, and our shared adversaries must not doubt the resolve of American support. <a href="https://t.co/awkBKuGEzy">pic.twitter.com/awkBKuGEzy</a>&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1816465076255064217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His combative stance comes in a visit the Biden administration hopes can yield progress in negotiations to end the fighting. Netanyahu used the high-profile address on Wednesday to a joint meeting of Congress to emphasize longstanding and close ties between the United States and Israel. But the speech put in sharp relief the divisions in American society stirred by the war, with dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotting the address and thousands of protesters outside the Capitol condemning the war and the humanitarian crisis created by it.

🎥Kan. U.S. Senator responds to Israeli PM's fiery speech to Congress

Ashcroft says he’ll eliminate the income tax by shifting funds dedicated to things like transportation or conservation to general revenue — requiring intense legislative work and statewide votes

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

A&nbsp;<a href="https://mcusercontent.com/db358242620bb5bfd24ec7d05/files/37f31a62-c00a-f6ff-a3e3-0c7d797b3b9a/MO_Statewide_Toplines_Release.pdf" target="_blank">February poll</a>&nbsp;of Republican primary voters showed Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had the most recognizable name in the race for governor.&nbsp;

Ashcroft has held statewide office for eight years, and his father John ran statewide seven times, winning five elections for state attorney general, governor and U.S. senator before becoming U.S. Attorney General under President George W. Bush.

Jay Ashcroft was born the year his father was appointed state auditor in 1973 and spent his teenage years living in the Governor’s Mansion. He learned that everything the family did was news when his mother got his dad in trouble by calling the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-05-16-mn-388-story.html" target="_blank">state librarian on Mother’s Day</a>&nbsp;so his brother could finish a homework assignment.

“When I was a little kid, I made the decision that I wasn’t going to go into politics,” he said in an interview with The Independent&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/06/jay-ashcroft-makes-it-official-hes-running-for-missouri-governor-in-2024/">after announcing his candidacy</a>. “I said, ‘I’m never going to go into politics. I’m never going to be an attorney. I’m going to have a real job.’ Famous last words.”

So first at the Merchant Marine Academy,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/dlippman/status/1747597568652021806" target="_blank">where he did not do well</a>, then later at Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering management, Ashcroft stuck with his vow.

He worked first at a defense contractor and later as a teacher of mechanical engineering and engineering technology at St. Louis Community College.&nbsp;

But he eventually did study law – at St. Louis University – and went to work in the&nbsp;<a href="https://ashcroftlawfirm.com/john-ashcroft/" target="_blank">law firm his father founded</a>&nbsp;after leaving public life.

Then politics beckoned, though just like his father, his first race didn’t go well. His 2014 bid for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2014-11-05/gop-consolidates-hold-over-missouri-legislature-schupp-is-a-democratic-bright-spot" target="_blank">St. Louis County state Senate seat</a>&nbsp;ended in defeat.&nbsp;

He bounced back two years later when he was elected secretary of state, getting the second largest majority of all Republicans on the statewide ballot. He won a second term in 2020.&nbsp;

Now he’s set his sights on following his father into the governor’s mansion. If he wins, he’ll be the first son of a governor elected to the office since John Sappington Marmaduke&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_S._Marmaduke" target="_blank">in 1884</a>.

Locked in a three-way battle for the GOP nomination with Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and state Sen. Bill Eigel, Ashcroft hopes voters see how he has used his power as secretary of state to advance a conservative agenda.&nbsp;

He’s implemented rules requiring libraries to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/16/opposition-growing-to-missouri-secretary-of-state-rule-on-library-materials-for-children/">obtain parental consent</a>&nbsp;for materials their children borrow — or face a loss of state funding.&nbsp;And he’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/jay-ashcroft-seeks-1-2-million-to-defend-anti-esg-investing-rules-in-federal-court/">being sued</a>&nbsp;for imposing rules on financial advisers requiring them to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/09/missouris-secretary-of-state-reins-in-environmentally-minded-investing/">get investor consent</a>&nbsp;for making a company’s stand on climate action or other socially driven issues — also known as ESG for environmental social governance — a factor in an investment decision.

Perhaps his highest profile official action led to the court battle over ballot language for a proposal to make abortion a state constitutional right. When the language was challenged, Ashcroft took the rare step of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/19/jay-ashcroft-joins-legal-team-defending-his-summary-of-missouri-abortion-amendment/">officially joining the legal team</a>&nbsp;defending it — a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/31/appeals-court-swats-down-ashcroft-arguments-on-missouri-abortion-rights-petitions/">fight he ultimately lost</a>.&nbsp;

It was in the midst of that fight, however, that he won the endorsement of the state’s largest anti-abortion group,&nbsp;<a href="https://newstalkkzrg.com/2023/07/17/missouri-right-to-life-endorses-ashcroft-for-governor/" target="_blank">Missouri Right to Life</a>.

Outside the strict duties of his office, in recent years Ashcroft has been testifying before legislative committees in favor of bills that would ban certain medical treatments for transgender minors and ban foreign ownership of farmland, among others. And he became highly involved in the unsuccessful effort to redraw Missouri’s congressional maps in a way that eliminated a Democratic seat in Kansas City.

In the run up to the Aug. 6 primary, The Independent asked Ashcroft a series of questions with one theme — what would Missouri be like if he becomes governor? Here’s some of what he said:

Like both his major opponents, Ashcroft wants to eliminate the state income tax. And like Eigel, he wants to repeal the 2021 gas tax increase.

The 2021 increase was the first state fuel tax increase since 1992, when John Ashcroft signed a bill adding 4 cents a gallon. The 2021 increase was passed with strong backing from Kehoe.

His plan, Ashcroft said, is to cut spending and reorganize the state tax system so more money from earmarked sources is placed in the general revenue fund.

“I truly think the government’s doing too much,” Ashcroft said. “Looking at COVID, we were spending the same amount of money but the government was seemingly shut down and life went along fine.”

In the eight years since Republicans took control of the governor’s office, the state budget has increased from $27.5 billion, with $9.7 billion coming from general revenue in fiscal 2017, to $51.6 billion and $15.1 billion from general revenue in the current year.

The top income tax rate is currently 4.8% and in the fiscal year that ended June 30, the personal income tax accounted for 65% of general revenue collections. There are future tax cuts, depending on revenue increases, that would drop the top rate to 4.5%.

The other two categories of money funding state operations are federal funds, often requiring a state match, and “other” funds, totaling $12.1 billion, generated by taxes and fees for specialized purposes.

“We want to go back to the people and say you have these designated funds,” Ashcroft said. “We’d like you to allow us to put those into general revenue to spend as the state needs and in return for that will give you an immediate decrease in your income tax for giving us that flexibility.”

If enacted, Ashcroft’s proposal would be the biggest reorganization of state government finances in state history. It would require intense legislative work, followed by one or more statewide votes.

Bringing dedicated funds into general revenue would eliminate earmarked funding&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++43(a)&amp;bid=31865&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">for conservation</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++47(a)&amp;bid=31872&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">state parks and soil conservation</a>. It would also end a 1982 sales tax that provides $1,513 per pupil to school districts and the motor fuel tax fund, which took in $1 billion.

Gambling taxes from casinos and the lottery are worth about $750 million annually, money that is dedicated to education needs.&nbsp;

Putting the money under the control of the governor and lawmakers, Ashcroft said, will lead to greater oversight.

“In the road fund, the way it’s done, there is no accountability for how those funds are spent,” Ashcroft said. “But when you put them in general revenue, then the legislature can have oversight over those and we the people can really be involved in making sure those funds are being spent correctly.”

Through a combination of budget cuts and reorganization, Ashcroft said the income tax can be put on a “glide path” to elimination.

He’s not going to specify any cuts during the campaign, Ashcroft said.

“I’m not gonna roll all of that out right now,” Ashcroft said. “What I have done is shown that it’s eminently possible because of the number of dollars.”

Ashcroft’s proposals involve a multi-pronged approach to crime — more police on the streets, more investment in mental health services and local incarceration for some offenders.

He wants the state to support the hiring of 1,000 new police officers, Ashcroft said. The goal would be to increase the Missouri State Highway Patrol to its&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=43.050&amp;bid=1363&amp;hl=" target="_blank">full strength of 1,064 troopers</a>&nbsp;and help local agencies attract new officers.

“There are a whole lot of other things that we can do to draw people that are officers elsewhere and say, if you’re willing to serve the public, you want to be a public servant, Missouri is the place where you want to do it,” Ashcroft said.

Under the Missouri Constitution, the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=X++++21&amp;bid=51537&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">legislature is prohibited</a>&nbsp;from requiring a “new activity or service or an increase in the level of any activity or service beyond that required by existing law” without paying for it with state funds.

Staffing shortages in local agencies mean they are under strength and the state can help without having to pay the full cost, Ashcroft said.

“There probably will be some financial support from the state but you also have to understand there are other things the state needs to do,” Ashcroft said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721930397875.png" alt=" Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft speaks to reporters Dec. 20 about the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to bar former president Donald Trump from the Colorado ballot (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft speaks to reporters Dec. 20 about the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to bar former president Donald Trump from the Colorado ballot (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Ashcroft says he’ll eliminate the income tax by shifting funds dedicated to things like transportation or conservation to general revenue — requiring intense legislative work and statewide votes</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>A&nbsp;<a href="https://mcusercontent.com/db358242620bb5bfd24ec7d05/files/37f31a62-c00a-f6ff-a3e3-0c7d797b3b9a/MO_Statewide_Toplines_Release.pdf" target="_blank">February poll</a>&nbsp;of Republican primary voters showed Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had the most recognizable name in the race for governor.&nbsp;That shouldn’t be surprising.&nbsp;Ashcroft has held statewide office for eight years, and his father John ran statewide seven times, winning five elections for state attorney general, governor and U.S. senator before becoming U.S. Attorney General under President George W. Bush.Jay Ashcroft was born the year his father was appointed state auditor in 1973 and spent his teenage years living in the Governor’s Mansion. He learned that everything the family did was news when his mother got his dad in trouble by calling the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-05-16-mn-388-story.html" target="_blank">state librarian on Mother’s Day</a>&nbsp;so his brother could finish a homework assignment.“When I was a little kid, I made the decision that I wasn’t going to go into politics,” he said in an interview with The Independent&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/06/jay-ashcroft-makes-it-official-hes-running-for-missouri-governor-in-2024/">after announcing his candidacy</a>. “I said, ‘I’m never going to go into politics. I’m never going to be an attorney. I’m going to have a real job.’ Famous last words.”So first at the Merchant Marine Academy,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/dlippman/status/1747597568652021806" target="_blank">where he did not do well</a>, then later at Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering management, Ashcroft stuck with his vow.He worked first at a defense contractor and later as a teacher of mechanical engineering and engineering technology at St. Louis Community College.&nbsp;But he eventually did study law – at St. Louis University – and went to work in the&nbsp;<a href="https://ashcroftlawfirm.com/john-ashcroft/" target="_blank">law firm his father founded</a>&nbsp;after leaving public life.Then politics beckoned, though just like his father, his first race didn’t go well. His 2014 bid for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2014-11-05/gop-consolidates-hold-over-missouri-legislature-schupp-is-a-democratic-bright-spot" target="_blank">St. Louis County state Senate seat</a>&nbsp;ended in defeat.&nbsp;He bounced back two years later when he was elected secretary of state, getting the second largest majority of all Republicans on the statewide ballot. He won a second term in 2020.&nbsp;Now he’s set his sights on following his father into the governor’s mansion. If he wins, he’ll be the first son of a governor elected to the office since John Sappington Marmaduke&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_S._Marmaduke" target="_blank">in 1884</a>.Locked in a three-way battle for the GOP nomination with Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and state Sen. Bill Eigel, Ashcroft hopes voters see how he has used his power as secretary of state to advance a conservative agenda.&nbsp;He’s implemented rules requiring libraries to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/16/opposition-growing-to-missouri-secretary-of-state-rule-on-library-materials-for-children/">obtain parental consent</a>&nbsp;for materials their children borrow — or face a loss of state funding.&nbsp;And he’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/jay-ashcroft-seeks-1-2-million-to-defend-anti-esg-investing-rules-in-federal-court/">being sued</a>&nbsp;for imposing rules on financial advisers requiring them to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/09/missouris-secretary-of-state-reins-in-environmentally-minded-investing/">get investor consent</a>&nbsp;for making a company’s stand on climate action or other socially driven issues — also known as ESG for environmental social governance — a factor in an investment decision.Perhaps his highest profile official action led to the court battle over ballot language for a proposal to make abortion a state constitutional right. When the language was challenged, Ashcroft took the rare step of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/19/jay-ashcroft-joins-legal-team-defending-his-summary-of-missouri-abortion-amendment/">officially joining the legal team</a>&nbsp;defending it — a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/31/appeals-court-swats-down-ashcroft-arguments-on-missouri-abortion-rights-petitions/">fight he ultimately lost</a>.&nbsp;It was in the midst of that fight, however, that he won the endorsement of the state’s largest anti-abortion group,&nbsp;<a href="https://newstalkkzrg.com/2023/07/17/missouri-right-to-life-endorses-ashcroft-for-governor/" target="_blank">Missouri Right to Life</a>.Outside the strict duties of his office, in recent years Ashcroft has been testifying before legislative committees in favor of bills that would ban certain medical treatments for transgender minors and ban foreign ownership of farmland, among others. And he became highly involved in the unsuccessful effort to redraw Missouri’s congressional maps in a way that eliminated a Democratic seat in Kansas City.In the run up to the Aug. 6 primary, The Independent asked Ashcroft a series of questions with one theme — what would Missouri be like if he becomes governor? Here’s some of what he said:<h2>Budget and taxes</h2>Like both his major opponents, Ashcroft wants to eliminate the state income tax. And like Eigel, he wants to repeal the 2021 gas tax increase.The 2021 increase was the first state fuel tax increase since 1992, when John Ashcroft signed a bill adding 4 cents a gallon. The 2021 increase was passed with strong backing from Kehoe.His plan, Ashcroft said, is to cut spending and reorganize the state tax system so more money from earmarked sources is placed in the general revenue fund.“I truly think the government’s doing too much,” Ashcroft said. “Looking at COVID, we were spending the same amount of money but the government was seemingly shut down and life went along fine.”In the eight years since Republicans took control of the governor’s office, the state budget has increased from $27.5 billion, with $9.7 billion coming from general revenue in fiscal 2017, to $51.6 billion and $15.1 billion from general revenue in the current year.The top income tax rate is currently 4.8% and in the fiscal year that ended June 30, the personal income tax accounted for 65% of general revenue collections. There are future tax cuts, depending on revenue increases, that would drop the top rate to 4.5%.The other two categories of money funding state operations are federal funds, often requiring a state match, and “other” funds, totaling $12.1 billion, generated by taxes and fees for specialized purposes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721930569678.png" alt=" Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, center, listens during a community meeting on electric rates July 8 in Republic. Joining Ashcroft, from left, are state Reps. Bill Owen, R-Springfield, Alex Riley, R-Springfield, First Assistant Attorney General Jay Atkins and state Reps. Brad Hudson, R-Cape Fair, and Melanie Stinnett (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, center, listens during a community meeting on electric rates July 8 in Republic. Joining Ashcroft, from left, are state Reps. Bill Owen, R-Springfield, Alex Riley, R-Springfield, First Assistant Attorney General Jay Atkins and state Reps. Brad Hudson, R-Cape Fair, and Melanie Stinnett (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>“We want to go back to the people and say you have these designated funds,” Ashcroft said. “We’d like you to allow us to put those into general revenue to spend as the state needs and in return for that will give you an immediate decrease in your income tax for giving us that flexibility.”If enacted, Ashcroft’s proposal would be the biggest reorganization of state government finances in state history. It would require intense legislative work, followed by one or more statewide votes.Bringing dedicated funds into general revenue would eliminate earmarked funding&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++43(a)&amp;bid=31865&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">for conservation</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++47(a)&amp;bid=31872&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">state parks and soil conservation</a>. It would also end a 1982 sales tax that provides $1,513 per pupil to school districts and the motor fuel tax fund, which took in $1 billion.Gambling taxes from casinos and the lottery are worth about $750 million annually, money that is dedicated to education needs.&nbsp;Putting the money under the control of the governor and lawmakers, Ashcroft said, will lead to greater oversight.“In the road fund, the way it’s done, there is no accountability for how those funds are spent,” Ashcroft said. “But when you put them in general revenue, then the legislature can have oversight over those and we the people can really be involved in making sure those funds are being spent correctly.”Through a combination of budget cuts and reorganization, Ashcroft said the income tax can be put on a “glide path” to elimination.He’s not going to specify any cuts during the campaign, Ashcroft said.“I’m not gonna roll all of that out right now,” Ashcroft said. “What I have done is shown that it’s eminently possible because of the number of dollars.”<h2>Crime</h2>Ashcroft’s proposals involve a multi-pronged approach to crime — more police on the streets, more investment in mental health services and local incarceration for some offenders.He wants the state to support the hiring of 1,000 new police officers, Ashcroft said. The goal would be to increase the Missouri State Highway Patrol to its&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=43.050&amp;bid=1363&amp;hl=" target="_blank">full strength of 1,064 troopers</a>&nbsp;and help local agencies attract new officers.“There are a whole lot of other things that we can do to draw people that are officers elsewhere and say, if you’re willing to serve the public, you want to be a public servant, Missouri is the place where you want to do it,” Ashcroft said.Under the Missouri Constitution, the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=X++++21&amp;bid=51537&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">legislature is prohibited</a>&nbsp;from requiring a “new activity or service or an increase in the level of any activity or service beyond that required by existing law” without paying for it with state funds.Staffing shortages in local agencies mean they are under strength and the state can help without having to pay the full cost, Ashcroft said.“There probably will be some financial support from the state but you also have to understand there are other things the state needs to do,” Ashcroft said.Statewide, Missouri State Highway Patrol statistics show that both violent crimes and property crimes declined in 2023 compared to 2022. FBI data, however, shows&nbsp;<a href="https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/crime-trend" target="_blank">both violent and property crime rates</a>&nbsp;in Missouri have been higher than the national average for the past decade.In addition to increasing the number of police patrolling Missouri’s streets and highways, Ashcroft said he wants to address mental health issues that lead to arrests. In February there were approximately&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/07/missouri-chief-justice-calls-for-action-as-hundreds-wait-in-jails-for-mental-health-services/">300 people in county jails</a>&nbsp;awaiting a bed in a state mental health facility and state mental health officials forecast it will be 500 by the end of the year.The Department of Mental Health faces major staffing shortages with more than one-third licensed practical nurse slots unfilled, two out of every five jobs for psychiatrists unfilled and fewer than one-third of licensed clinical social worker slots filled.Missouri should invest more in community mental health programs that can provide help before people are in crisis, Ashcroft said.“We’re already incurring a cost for these people, but we’re incurring it in such a way that we don’t incentivize the reduction of the costs or getting these people help,” he said.Over the past decade, the number of people in state custody has gone down by about one-third, from an average of 31,442 in 2012 to 2014 to an average of 23,409 in the 2020-2022 period. Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-424dacf3797e4daa8585b1de5836b492" target="_blank">closed a prison in 2019</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2020/oct/1/missouri-downsizing-prisons-save-cash/" target="_blank">housing units</a>&nbsp;in others during 2020&nbsp; to save money on partially used facilities.Despite that reduction, deaths in state prisons have increased from an average of 89 per year to 122 per year, with 135 deaths in 2023. Four corrections officers are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/28/missouri-corrections-officers-charged-with-murder-in-death-of-inmate-in-restraints/">charged with murder</a>&nbsp;of an inmate at Jefferson City Correctional Center in December and the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/17/warden-of-missouri-prison-replaced-after-investigation-of-inmate-death/">warden was fired</a>.One issue for the state is staffing shortages, Ashcroft said. Many prisons are in rural areas where there is a limited ability to recruit correction officers.His solution, he said, is to house some offenders in local facilities. Federal agencies house their prisoners in county jails and the payments help defer local costs, he said.“They don’t want to do that for the state right now because the state doesn’t pay what it costs to house those individuals,” Ashcroft said.The state could pay more, and support regional facilities, he said.There would also be a benefit for the families of people who are incarcerated, Ashcroft said.“That might be better if their families are there,” he said. “Does that mean that you see your children more?”<h2>Family legacy</h2>The Ashcroft name means a lot in southwest Missouri, where John Ashcroft began his political career and Robert Ashcroft, Jay’s grandfather, was the first president of Evangel College, said state Rep. Bill Owen of Springfield.The family still owns land near Willard.Ashcroft’s father hasn’t taken a major role in the campaign, but he did&nbsp;<a href="https://ashcroftformissouri.com/kehoelieschina" target="_blank">make a video</a>&nbsp;attacking Kehoe over land ownership by Chinese companies. And he shows up in campaign photos on occasion.“The family is so ingrained in the community and in the area, people just feel really comfortable with him down here,” Owen said.On the campaign trail, Ashcroft’s foes have accused him of running mainly on his famous name.&nbsp;After Ashcroft said at a recent debate that his father wasn’t happy about his opposition to public funding of professional sports stadiums, Eigel was ready with a rejoinder: “Jay, be a little easy on your dad, you need that last name.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721930495021.png" alt=" Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joined the Midwest March for Life on May 1 at the Missouri State Capitol. “I think regardless of what the legislature does, the people of this state – with hard work – can protect all life in this state,” Ashcroft said (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joined the Midwest March for Life on May 1 at the Missouri State Capitol. “I think regardless of what the legislature does, the people of this state – with hard work – can protect all life in this state,” Ashcroft said (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Jay Ashcroft has created his own identity, separate from his family, Owen added.“Some people would be swallowed up by the shadow,” he said. “And I don’t think he has been. On his own merits, he’s been able to stand out on his own.”In 1998, as he considered a White House bid, John Ashcroft wrote a book he titled “<a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Lessons_from_a_Father_to_His_Son.html?id=7ax72lA12woC&amp;source=kp_book_description" target="_blank">Lessons from a Father to his Son</a>.”&nbsp;The biggest lesson he learned from his father, Jay Ashcroft said, is the honor in public service.“It was ordained by God before time began the fact that public service is one of the, if not the, greatest things you can do in life because you spend your time making life better for others instead of just elevating yourself,” Ashcroft said. “And the idea of integrity of character, and how valuable it is to have a good name, and no matter what you do, to protect them.”