SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism at a park in Derby.

The restroom at Hand Park, 633, South Lakeview Drive in Derby is&nbsp; "victim to some overzealous Fourth of July celebrations." the city parks department shared on social media." 

"It seems someone mistook our facilities for a fireworks launchpad, and while we appreciate the spirit, the bathroom didn't quite survive the festivities."

All park restrooms in Derby will be closed from July 3 at 3 p.m. until Friday morning, July 5th. This will not include High Park restrooms which will be open for the City of Derby Fireworks in the Park. "Please remember to practice firework safety."

In addition to Derby, the city of Haysville reported last week 600 feet of wire was stolen from the underground conduit that powered the antique lights along Meridian, and fixtures were removed from the restroom at Plagens Carpenter Park,&nbsp;6545 Mabel Street.

"This continues a string of senseless vandalism and theft we have seen in our parks, the city reported on social media. "Numerous park restrooms have had sinks and plumbing fixtures damaged and stolen. Sometimes the very next day after the repairs were made."

"When damages are incurred facilities are being temporarily closed until repairs are made and are not available for public use.  The City of Haysville is pleading with the public to help stop the vandalism happening in our community."

"If you see something happening call 911 to report it. If you have information on something or saw something happen you can call the police department, or Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers tips are anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward! You can call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 or submit tips at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fstopcrime316.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2BOohvzoZg4YzoEEmcd6g86JhpyN9z7Ws4bN5C_7I1aC76AEVQFw4Etko_aem_zOzuvVzVWZ8Uz6SWg2-3iQ&amp;h=AT2JJvOXBrQtOESSiMM18Frmw1h4ptQ7tfiPSqGL61TDZlA9zjGyMbQnpwAzf4IW5xqPgM_T8V5SJGb5WcIHC-Druhn9DUxTO3eDlpzoeJNZODlqcGCg9NcvD7BgsUCiNeETGVk&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1Umxs6r3vzc4YfCoVdPpqr6ZO8NtGgVOGkgYfqAGLdqyvukYvLXuiOtd2147uNyI_cT5vAY3rNOHTsuN98cmII1en-w5WVo6NO7lpUmBjSnKoE_j0dNctaDGIq9uQzcJTIyBPEsd021QqZgNh6Fhy3NzpdbVxJ1zOFN_BXhj7oHyTPqOxGmrtJSWMRBY6Ro0PfXb9kwA" target="_blank">stopcrime316.com.</a> If you see something, say something."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720010060246.png" alt="Photo city of Derby" />
 <figcaption>Photo city of Derby</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism at a park in Derby.The restroom at Hand Park, 633, South Lakeview Drive in Derby is&nbsp; "victim to some overzealous Fourth of July celebrations." the city parks department shared on social media." "It seems someone mistook our facilities for a fireworks launchpad, and while we appreciate the spirit, the bathroom didn't quite survive the festivities."All park restrooms in Derby will be closed from July 3 at 3 p.m. until Friday morning, July 5th. This will not include High Park restrooms which will be open for the City of Derby Fireworks in the Park. "Please remember to practice firework safety."In addition to Derby, the city of Haysville reported last week 600 feet of wire was stolen from the underground conduit that powered the antique lights along Meridian, and fixtures were removed from the restroom at Plagens Carpenter Park,&nbsp;6545 Mabel Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720010224987.png" alt="Photo city of Haysville" />
 <figcaption>Photo city of Haysville</figcaption>
 </figure>"This continues a string of senseless vandalism and theft we have seen in our parks, the city reported on social media. "Numerous park restrooms have had sinks and plumbing fixtures damaged and stolen. Sometimes the very next day after the repairs were made.""When damages are incurred facilities are being temporarily closed until repairs are made and are not available for public use. The City of Haysville is pleading with the public to help stop the vandalism happening in our community.""If you see something happening call 911 to report it. If you have information on something or saw something happen you can call the police department, or Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers tips are anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward! You can call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 or submit tips at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fstopcrime316.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2BOohvzoZg4YzoEEmcd6g86JhpyN9z7Ws4bN5C_7I1aC76AEVQFw4Etko_aem_zOzuvVzVWZ8Uz6SWg2-3iQ&amp;h=AT2JJvOXBrQtOESSiMM18Frmw1h4ptQ7tfiPSqGL61TDZlA9zjGyMbQnpwAzf4IW5xqPgM_T8V5SJGb5WcIHC-Druhn9DUxTO3eDlpzoeJNZODlqcGCg9NcvD7BgsUCiNeETGVk&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1Umxs6r3vzc4YfCoVdPpqr6ZO8NtGgVOGkgYfqAGLdqyvukYvLXuiOtd2147uNyI_cT5vAY3rNOHTsuN98cmII1en-w5WVo6NO7lpUmBjSnKoE_j0dNctaDGIq9uQzcJTIyBPEsd021QqZgNh6Fhy3NzpdbVxJ1zOFN_BXhj7oHyTPqOxGmrtJSWMRBY6Ro0PfXb9kwA" target="_blank">stopcrime316.com.</a> If you see something, say something."

Fireworks destroyed Kansas park restroom

BARBER COUNTY —The Kansas Department of Transportation opened Kansas Highway 2 on Wednesday afternoon, according to Barber County Emergency Management.

The road was closed for cleanup from a large oil spill.

BARBER COUNTY —&nbsp;Environmental services started the clean up on Kansas 2 after a large oil spill in Barber County.&nbsp; 

Kansas Highway 2 west of Kiowa from Northstar to Highway 281 is shut down due to the oil well blowing out across the highway, according to the Barber County Sheriff.

BARBER COUNTY —Early Tuesday, crews restored power to customers impacted by the outage as a result of the oil spill, according to Southern Pioneer Electric.

Crews constructed a temporary bypass line that will provide power until the company is able to make permanent repairs. 

Southern Pioneer thanked consumers for their patience while crews worked through the night to restore power to the affected area.

Kansas Highway 2 west of Kiowa from Northstar to Highway 281 is shut down due to the oil well blowing out across the highway, according to the Barber County Sheriff.&nbsp;

BARBER COUNTY —An oil spill is causing power outages and closing a portion of a highway in Barber County, Kansas.

The power is also out in the community of Hardtner and outside Kiowa until officials can get the spill under control, according to Southern Pioneer Electric.&nbsp;Oil from the well near Pioneer infrastructure coated&nbsp; lines and caused them to trip and open.

Overnight, the utility reported "We have a better understanding of the situation but unfortunately do not have a restoration time for those impacted by the outage impacting areas near Hardtner."

"This situation has provided many difficulties, mostly centered around safety risks. The primary concern is the impact of salt water on our infrastructure. Renergizing the line at this time could pose increased risks of arcing or shorts. Additionally, gas fumes are restricting access to the area." 

"We are looking into constructing a temporary line to bypass the impacted area. However, it has its own set of difficulties that we must consider." 

" Ultimately, this is a situation in which we have to weigh various risks and ensure that we are keeping the safety of our consumers and crews in mind. Again, we will work to provide updates to consumers as they become available."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719970852235.png" alt="Photo Barber Co. Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo Barber Co. Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>BARBER COUNTY —The Kansas Department of Transportation opened Kansas Highway 2 on Wednesday afternoon, according to Barber County Emergency Management.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBarberCountyEM%2Fvideos%2F849198383746061%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=1" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The road was closed for cleanup from a large oil spill.-----------------------------BARBER COUNTY —&nbsp;Environmental services started the clean up on Kansas 2 after a large oil spill in Barber County.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719915283583.png" alt="Image from the video of the oil spill" />
 <figcaption>Image from the video of the oil spill</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Highway 2 west of Kiowa from Northstar to Highway 281 is shut down due to the oil well blowing out across the highway, according to the Barber County Sheriff.-----------BARBER COUNTY —Early Tuesday, crews restored power to customers impacted by the outage as a result of the oil spill, according to Southern Pioneer Electric.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBarberCountyEM%2Fvideos%2F849198383746061%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=1" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Crews constructed a temporary bypass line that will provide power until the company is able to make permanent repairs. Southern Pioneer thanked consumers for their patience while crews worked through the night to restore power to the affected area.Kansas Highway 2 west of Kiowa from Northstar to Highway 281 is shut down due to the oil well blowing out across the highway, according to the Barber County Sheriff.&nbsp;----------BARBER COUNTY —An oil spill is causing power outages and closing a portion of a highway in Barber County, Kansas.Kansas Highway 2 west of Kiowa from Northstar to Highway 281 is shut down due to the oil well blowing out across the highway, according to the Barber County Sheriff.&nbsp;The power is also out in the community of Hardtner and outside Kiowa until officials can get the spill under control, according to Southern Pioneer Electric.&nbsp;Oil from the well near Pioneer infrastructure coated&nbsp; lines and caused them to trip and open.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBarberCountyEM%2Fvideos%2F849198383746061%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=1" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Overnight, the utility reported "We have a better understanding of the situation but unfortunately do not have a restoration time for those impacted by the outage impacting areas near Hardtner.""This situation has provided many difficulties, mostly centered around safety risks. The primary concern is the impact of salt water on our infrastructure. Renergizing the line at this time could pose increased risks of arcing or shorts. Additionally, gas fumes are restricting access to the area." "We are looking into constructing a temporary line to bypass the impacted area. However, it has its own set of difficulties that we must consider." " Ultimately, this is a situation in which we have to weigh various risks and ensure that we are keeping the safety of our consumers and crews in mind. Again, we will work to provide updates to consumers as they become available."

🎥Road reopened after cleanup of Kansas oil spill

JOHNSON COUNTY —The Overland Park Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying man in a breach of privacy incident.

The incident occurred March 25 at Nieman and W. 95th Street in Overland Park, according to a statement from police.

Police believe the person of interest may reside in the Chicago, Illinois area.

If you have any information regarding this incident you are asked to contact the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8742 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720034942600.png" alt="Photos Overland Park Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Overland Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —The Overland Park Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying man in a breach of privacy incident.The incident occurred March 25 at Nieman and W. 95th Street in Overland Park, according to a statement from police.Police believe the person of interest may reside in the Chicago, Illinois area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720034855892.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you have any information regarding this incident you are asked to contact the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8742 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Police ask for help to ID man in Kan. "breach of privacy" incident

The Kansas Turnpike is now cashless and tolls are no longer being collected on the roadway. To complete the conversion process, account information is being migrated into the new system, DriveKS. During this time, KTA’s customer service centers are closed and self-service platforms are unavailable. We’ll be ready to help again, beginning July 8.&nbsp;

The PlanThe Kansas Turnpike will convert to cashless tolling on July 1. Here’s what you need to know:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719937245239.png" alt="View of a digital sign Monday on the Turnpike in Douglas County" />
 <figcaption>View of a digital sign Monday on the Turnpike in Douglas County</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Turnpike is now cashless and tolls are no longer being collected on the roadway. To complete the conversion process, account information is being migrated into the new system, DriveKS. During this time, KTA’s customer service centers are closed and self-service platforms are unavailable. We’ll be ready to help again, beginning July 8.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>We’re busy getting DriveKS, the new toll payment system, ready for cashless tolling. Account information will be unavailable June 29-July 7 as information from myKTAG.com and PayKTA.com is moved to DriveKS.com.</li><li>Any toll statements due during the conversion window can be paid during the month of July without issue.</li><li>Customers who have received a new KTAG can&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-lUxMVZ5rc&amp;t=6s">watch the KTAG installation video here</a>.</li><li>Customer service centers will reopen July 8, ready to help again. When the conversion is complete,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://driveks.com/">DriveKS.com</a>&nbsp;will be the site for all Kansas toll payments or to manage your account.</li><li>At that time, customers will need to delete the old myKTAG app and download the new DriveKS app from the App Store or Google Play.</li>
 </ul>The PlanThe Kansas Turnpike will convert to cashless tolling on July 1. Here’s what you need to know:<ul>
 <li>Beginning June 29, self-service platforms, including paykta.com and myktag website and mobile app will be disabled to prepare for the conversion to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://driveks.com/">DriveKS.com</a>.</li><li>Cash customers traveling on the turnpike overnight on June 30/July 1 should follow the instructions of on-road personnel and signage when exiting.</li><li>While the conversion of the roadway will occur quickly in the early morning hours of July 1, the back-office system, which includes toll payments and account management, will take approximately one week.</li><li>KTA’s three customer service centers will be closed and self-service platforms, including the web sites and mobile app, will be unavailable June 29-July 7. During this week, teams will work to migrate all account information into the new system and there will be no account access – for customers or customer service representatives.</li><li>Customers will be unable to pay for violation or video tolls between June 29-July 7. Any tolls due during this time can be paid during the month of July without issue.</li>
 </ul>

Successful start to cashless tolls on the Kansas Turnpike

KANSAS CITY —A man wounded in a weekend shooting in Kansas City has died.

On Saturday, police responded to a shooting in the 700 block of SW Boulevard in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'. 

 

Officers located a 20-year-old man inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot trauma. On Tuesday, detectives were notified the he died as a result of his injuries.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the victim's name or reported suspect details.

KANSAS CITY —A man wounded in a weekend shooting in Kansas City has died.On Saturday, police responded to a shooting in the 700 block of SW Boulevard in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'. 

Officers located a 20-year-old man inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot trauma. On Tuesday, detectives were notified the he died as a result of his injuries.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the victim's name or reported suspect details.

Sheriff: Man dies 3 days after Kansas City shooting  

WASHINGTON —Following the Supreme Court’s decision in&nbsp;Moyle v. United States, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure sent a letter to hospital and provider associations across the country Tuesday reminding them that it is a hospital’s legal duty to offer necessary stabilizing medical treatment (or transfer, if appropriate) to all patients in Medicare-participating hospitals who are found to have an emergency medical condition, according to the HHS web site. This includes emergency abortions when necessary to save a pregnant woman's health.

 CMS also announced that the investigation of EMTALA complaints would proceed in Idaho while litigation continues in the lower courts.

In the letter, HHS and CMS also announced the launch of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/derechos-de-la-sala-de-emergencias/formulario-de-queja">Spanish-language version</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/priorities/your-patient-rights/emergency-room-rights/complaint-form">Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) complaint form</a>, the latest step taken by the Department to further educate the public about their rights to emergency medical care.

The Spanish-language complaint form builds on new information resources on CMS’ website to help individuals understand their protections under EMTALA and the process for submitting a complaint if they are denied emergency medical care. HHS and CMS also established a dedicated team of experts who are increasing the Department’s capacity to support hospitals in complying with federal requirements under EMTALA. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2022, CMS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-22-22-hospitals.pdf">issued guidance&nbsp;- PDF</a>&nbsp;to reaffirm that EMTALA requires providers offer necessary stabilizing care for patients suffering emergency medical conditions, which might include abortion care in certain situations. Today’s letter reinforces previous letters from Secretary Becerra and Administrator Brooks-LaSure to hospital and provider associations reminding them of their obligations under EMTALA.

Read the full letter to hospital and provider associations below.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week, the Supreme Court issued an order in&nbsp;Moyle v. United States&nbsp;that reinstates the protections of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) for pregnant women experiencing emergency medical conditions in Idaho. Although the Court did not resolve the disputed legal questions in the case, its order means that women in Idaho can once again access the emergency medical care they need.

While this litigation continues in the lower courts, we write to you to reaffirm our view that EMTALA’s protections remain in place — as they have for the last 40 years — and to share that the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) remains committed, to the fullest extent of the law, to ensuring compliance with EMTALA’s protections.

No pregnant woman or her family should have to even begin to worry that she could be denied the treatment she needs to stabilize her emergency medical condition in the emergency room. As health care providers, you know better than anyone how crucial it is for anyone experiencing a medical emergency to receive appropriate care and to receive it quickly. And yet, we have heard story after story describing the experiences of pregnant women presenting to hospital emergency departments with emergency medical conditions and being turned away because medical providers were uncertain about what treatment they were permitted to provide.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn1">1</a>

As the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of CMS, we write to you today to affirm our unwavering commitment to the standards established by EMTALA nearly 40 years ago, and as outlined in CMS’ 2022 memo to states.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn2">2</a>

As we continue to defend our interpretation of EMTALA in court, CMS will investigate complaints from Idaho and other states<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn3">3</a>&nbsp;in accordance with the statute, to promote compliance with federal law. Federal EMTALA requirements have not changed: EMTALA requires that hospitals offer stabilizing treatment, including abortion care (or transfer, if appropriate) when necessary to stabilize the patient’s emergency medical condition and ensure that the patient’s condition does not materially worsen.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn4">4</a>&nbsp;

We have also heard concerns from many physicians regarding their individual liability in states with laws that directly conflict with EMTALA protections. As previously noted,<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn5">5</a>&nbsp;if a pregnant patient presenting at an emergency department, including certain labor and delivery departments, is experiencing an emergency medical condition as defined by EMTALA, and that abortion is the stabilizing treatment necessary to resolve that condition, the provider must offer that treatment.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn6">6</a>&nbsp;And when a state law prohibits abortion and does not include an exception for the life and health of the pregnant individual — or draws the exception more narrowly than EMTALA’s emergency medical condition definition — that state law is preempted.

In addition, we will continue to build on our recent actions to educate the public about their rights to emergency medical care and to help support efforts of hospitals and health care professionals to meet their obligations under EMTALA. We have also published new informational resources on CMS’ website to help individuals understand their protections under EMTALA and the process for submitting a complaint if they are denied emergency medical care.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn7">7</a>&nbsp;And we’ve expanded our dedicated team of experts who are increasing the Department’s capacity to support hospitals and health care providers in complying with federal requirements under EMTALA.&nbsp;

The enforcement of EMTALA is a complaint driven process. The investigation of a hospital’s policies and procedures, or the actions of medical personnel, and any subsequent sanctions are initiated by a complaint. To help anyone easily submit an EMTALA complaint, CMS recently launched a new option on CMS.gov to allow individuals to file a complaint directly with CMS.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn8">8</a>&nbsp;And today, we are launching the Spanish-language version of this web form, to expand access to this important resource.

If the results of a complaint investigation indicate that a hospital violated one or more of the provisions of EMTALA, CMS will issue a notice of deficiency and provide the hospital with an opportunity to come into compliance. A hospital that fails to do so may be subject to termination of its Medicare provider agreement or the imposition of civil monetary penalties by the HHS Office of the Inspector General. We remain committed to working directly with hospitals, providers, and community leaders across the country to ensure compliance with EMTALA.

Thank you for all that you do to care for your patients. We will continue to do everything in our power to give you the clarity you need regarding the federal laws that protect you and your patients in emergency medical situations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644446940182.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Following the Supreme Court’s decision in&nbsp;Moyle v. United States, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure sent a letter to hospital and provider associations across the country Tuesday reminding them that it is a hospital’s legal duty to offer necessary stabilizing medical treatment (or transfer, if appropriate) to all patients in Medicare-participating hospitals who are found to have an emergency medical condition, according to the HHS web site. This includes emergency abortions when necessary to save a pregnant woman's health. CMS also announced that the investigation of EMTALA complaints would proceed in Idaho while litigation continues in the lower courts.In the letter, HHS and CMS also announced the launch of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/derechos-de-la-sala-de-emergencias/formulario-de-queja">Spanish-language version</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/priorities/your-patient-rights/emergency-room-rights/complaint-form">Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) complaint form</a>, the latest step taken by the Department to further educate the public about their rights to emergency medical care.The Spanish-language complaint form builds on new information resources on CMS’ website to help individuals understand their protections under EMTALA and the process for submitting a complaint if they are denied emergency medical care. HHS and CMS also established a dedicated team of experts who are increasing the Department’s capacity to support hospitals in complying with federal requirements under EMTALA. &nbsp;&nbsp;In 2022, CMS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-22-22-hospitals.pdf">issued guidance&nbsp;- PDF</a>&nbsp;to reaffirm that EMTALA requires providers offer necessary stabilizing care for patients suffering emergency medical conditions, which might include abortion care in certain situations. Today’s letter reinforces previous letters from Secretary Becerra and Administrator Brooks-LaSure to hospital and provider associations reminding them of their obligations under EMTALA.Read the full letter to hospital and provider associations below.&nbsp;&nbsp;July 2, 2024Dear Hospital and Provider Associations:Last week, the Supreme Court issued an order in&nbsp;Moyle v. United States&nbsp;that reinstates the protections of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) for pregnant women experiencing emergency medical conditions in Idaho. Although the Court did not resolve the disputed legal questions in the case, its order means that women in Idaho can once again access the emergency medical care they need.While this litigation continues in the lower courts, we write to you to reaffirm our view that EMTALA’s protections remain in place — as they have for the last 40 years — and to share that the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) remains committed, to the fullest extent of the law, to ensuring compliance with EMTALA’s protections.No pregnant woman or her family should have to even begin to worry that she could be denied the treatment she needs to stabilize her emergency medical condition in the emergency room. As health care providers, you know better than anyone how crucial it is for anyone experiencing a medical emergency to receive appropriate care and to receive it quickly. And yet, we have heard story after story describing the experiences of pregnant women presenting to hospital emergency departments with emergency medical conditions and being turned away because medical providers were uncertain about what treatment they were permitted to provide.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn1">1</a>As the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of CMS, we write to you today to affirm our unwavering commitment to the standards established by EMTALA nearly 40 years ago, and as outlined in CMS’ 2022 memo to states.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn2">2</a>As we continue to defend our interpretation of EMTALA in court, CMS will investigate complaints from Idaho and other states<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn3">3</a>&nbsp;in accordance with the statute, to promote compliance with federal law. Federal EMTALA requirements have not changed: EMTALA requires that hospitals offer stabilizing treatment, including abortion care (or transfer, if appropriate) when necessary to stabilize the patient’s emergency medical condition and ensure that the patient’s condition does not materially worsen.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn4">4</a>&nbsp;We have also heard concerns from many physicians regarding their individual liability in states with laws that directly conflict with EMTALA protections. As previously noted,<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn5">5</a>&nbsp;if a pregnant patient presenting at an emergency department, including certain labor and delivery departments, is experiencing an emergency medical condition as defined by EMTALA, and that abortion is the stabilizing treatment necessary to resolve that condition, the provider must offer that treatment.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn6">6</a>&nbsp;And when a state law prohibits abortion and does not include an exception for the life and health of the pregnant individual — or draws the exception more narrowly than EMTALA’s emergency medical condition definition — that state law is preempted.In addition, we will continue to build on our recent actions to educate the public about their rights to emergency medical care and to help support efforts of hospitals and health care professionals to meet their obligations under EMTALA. We have also published new informational resources on CMS’ website to help individuals understand their protections under EMTALA and the process for submitting a complaint if they are denied emergency medical care.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn7">7</a>&nbsp;And we’ve expanded our dedicated team of experts who are increasing the Department’s capacity to support hospitals and health care providers in complying with federal requirements under EMTALA.&nbsp;The enforcement of EMTALA is a complaint driven process. The investigation of a hospital’s policies and procedures, or the actions of medical personnel, and any subsequent sanctions are initiated by a complaint. To help anyone easily submit an EMTALA complaint, CMS recently launched a new option on CMS.gov to allow individuals to file a complaint directly with CMS.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/02/biden-harris-administration-reaffirms-commitment-emtala-enforcement.html#_ftn8">8</a>&nbsp;And today, we are launching the Spanish-language version of this web form, to expand access to this important resource.If the results of a complaint investigation indicate that a hospital violated one or more of the provisions of EMTALA, CMS will issue a notice of deficiency and provide the hospital with an opportunity to come into compliance. A hospital that fails to do so may be subject to termination of its Medicare provider agreement or the imposition of civil monetary penalties by the HHS Office of the Inspector General. We remain committed to working directly with hospitals, providers, and community leaders across the country to ensure compliance with EMTALA.Thank you for all that you do to care for your patients. We will continue to do everything in our power to give you the clarity you need regarding the federal laws that protect you and your patients in emergency medical situations.Sincerely,Secretary Xavier BecerraAdministrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure

Biden Admin: Doctors must now provide emergency abortions

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Educators in Kansas’ largest public school district discriminated against Black and disabled students when disciplining them, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, which announced an agreement Tuesday that will have the district revising its policies.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/crt/media/1358976/dl">Click here to read</a> the cover letter sent to Wichita Public Schools

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/crt/media/1358961/dl">Click here to read </a>the settlement agreement between the Department of Justice and Wichita Public Schools.

Changes the Wichita district has agreed to include restraining unruly students less often and ending the practice of putting misbehaving students alone in rooms by Jan. 1, 2025, the DOJ said.

The district also agreed to offer counseling or tutoring to every student who was confined alone in a room during the past three schools years, with the number of hours matching those for which the student was secluded. The department said the district already is writing a new code of conduct for students and has scheduled crisis-prevention training for staff.

The agreement comes amid an ongoing national debate about classroom discipline and whether punishments for minority and disabled students are disproportionately harsh. The Justice Department has previously reached similar agreements with other school districts in the U.S.

The settlement “sends a powerful message to Kansas schools and schools across the nation to ensure that they must no longer alienate or target Black students or students with disabilities,” said Rocky Nichols, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas.

The Department of Justice said in a letter to the Wichita district's attorney that it investigated disciplinary practices for the past three school years and visited the district in March 2023. It concluded that the district disciplined Black students more often and more severely than white students.

The DOJ also said that in the more than 3,000 times over three years that the district restrained or secluded students, 98% of those students were disabled. And it noted that hundreds of the cases involved students in kindergarten, first or second grade. More than 40 students were restrained or secluded more than 20 times each, the DOJ said.

“We substantiated allegations that the District discriminated against Black students in its administration of school discipline and referral of student conduct to law enforcement,” the department said in its letter. "We also found evidence that the District denied students with disabilities equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from its education program.”

The Wichita district has more than 46,000 students, nearly 10% of all students in Kansas. About 64% of the students are Black, Hispanic or have multiple ethnicities, according to State Department of Education figures, and the state considers nearly 78% to be at risk of failing academically.

The DOJ said the district cooperated throughout its investigation and had “expressed a desire to make positive improvements.”

“We can and must create a more equitable school district by changing some of our practices and procedures,” Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld said in an online statement after the Wichita school board approved the agreement. “Safe learning communities — for students and staff — will always be of the utmost importance.”

Disability rights advocates in numerous states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/815cb0a71de34fd8b395941bf03bada8">for years have criticized</a>&nbsp;restraints and seclusion for disabled students, saying the punishments are overused and dangerous.

In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-iowa-des-moines-cedar-rapids-us-department-of-justice-e7eee4ff22ad33732539d9969163fa61">Iowa's second-largest school district</a>&nbsp;promised to end the use of seclusion rooms after the Department of Justice concluded that it had violated the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. In 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-government-us-department-of-justice-alaska-anchorage-education-f3caf723c4adc40d605389388e984128">Alaska's largest district</a>&nbsp;agreed to stop secluding students and to use restraints only when there is a real risk of physical harm to the student or others.

Kansas law already dictates that restraint can be used only when there is an imminent risk that students will seriously harm themselves or others, according to Nichols.

"Wichita public schools should have been following that requirement all along," he said.

In other states,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/teaching-school-boards-district-of-columbia-newport-news-education-124a978f3f76f53f1cb90ae4da21da4a">pressure to do more</a>&nbsp;about unruly students has led officials to go in a different direction.

Arkansas last year expanded its restraint law so that — in addition to teachers — other school staff can restrain students in some cases. Some states still allow corporal punishment: A southwestern Missouri district&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-school-boards-missouri-springfield-cassville-d3f3e3228be5a2209eb9761885795470">reinstituted student spanking</a>&nbsp;in 2022 as a form of discipline, but only in cases where the parents agree.

In Wichita, the Department of Justice said, the difference in discipline for Black and white girls was “particularly pronounced.” At one middle school, Black girls faced being punished for insubordination 4.5 times as often as white girls and were cited for dress code violations 3.6 times as often, the DOJ letter said. Wichita schools restrained students 1,570 times over three years and put them in seclusion 1,450 times, the letter added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707789312106.png" alt="Screen image from a USD 259 board meeting in 2023" />
 <figcaption>Screen image from a USD 259 board meeting in 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Educators in Kansas’ largest public school district discriminated against Black and disabled students when disciplining them, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, which announced an agreement Tuesday that will have the district revising its policies.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/crt/media/1358976/dl">Click here to read</a> the cover letter sent to Wichita Public Schools<a href="https://www.justice.gov/crt/media/1358961/dl">Click here to read </a>the settlement agreement between the Department of Justice and Wichita Public Schools.Changes the Wichita district has agreed to include restraining unruly students less often and ending the practice of putting misbehaving students alone in rooms by Jan. 1, 2025, the DOJ said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719962108457.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The district also agreed to offer counseling or tutoring to every student who was confined alone in a room during the past three schools years, with the number of hours matching those for which the student was secluded. The department said the district already is writing a new code of conduct for students and has scheduled crisis-prevention training for staff.The agreement comes amid an ongoing national debate about classroom discipline and whether punishments for minority and disabled students are disproportionately harsh. The Justice Department has previously reached similar agreements with other school districts in the U.S.The settlement “sends a powerful message to Kansas schools and schools across the nation to ensure that they must no longer alienate or target Black students or students with disabilities,” said Rocky Nichols, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas.The Department of Justice said in a letter to the Wichita district's attorney that it investigated disciplinary practices for the past three school years and visited the district in March 2023. It concluded that the district disciplined Black students more often and more severely than white students.The DOJ also said that in the more than 3,000 times over three years that the district restrained or secluded students, 98% of those students were disabled. And it noted that hundreds of the cases involved students in kindergarten, first or second grade. More than 40 students were restrained or secluded more than 20 times each, the DOJ said.“We substantiated allegations that the District discriminated against Black students in its administration of school discipline and referral of student conduct to law enforcement,” the department said in its letter. "We also found evidence that the District denied students with disabilities equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from its education program.”The Wichita district has more than 46,000 students, nearly 10% of all students in Kansas. About 64% of the students are Black, Hispanic or have multiple ethnicities, according to State Department of Education figures, and the state considers nearly 78% to be at risk of failing academically.The DOJ said the district cooperated throughout its investigation and had “expressed a desire to make positive improvements.”“We can and must create a more equitable school district by changing some of our practices and procedures,” Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld said in an online statement after the Wichita school board approved the agreement. “Safe learning communities — for students and staff — will always be of the utmost importance.”Disability rights advocates in numerous states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/815cb0a71de34fd8b395941bf03bada8">for years have criticized</a>&nbsp;restraints and seclusion for disabled students, saying the punishments are overused and dangerous.In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-iowa-des-moines-cedar-rapids-us-department-of-justice-e7eee4ff22ad33732539d9969163fa61">Iowa's second-largest school district</a>&nbsp;promised to end the use of seclusion rooms after the Department of Justice concluded that it had violated the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. In 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-government-us-department-of-justice-alaska-anchorage-education-f3caf723c4adc40d605389388e984128">Alaska's largest district</a>&nbsp;agreed to stop secluding students and to use restraints only when there is a real risk of physical harm to the student or others.Kansas law already dictates that restraint can be used only when there is an imminent risk that students will seriously harm themselves or others, according to Nichols."Wichita public schools should have been following that requirement all along," he said.In other states,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/teaching-school-boards-district-of-columbia-newport-news-education-124a978f3f76f53f1cb90ae4da21da4a">pressure to do more</a>&nbsp;about unruly students has led officials to go in a different direction.Arkansas last year expanded its restraint law so that — in addition to teachers — other school staff can restrain students in some cases. Some states still allow corporal punishment: A southwestern Missouri district&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-school-boards-missouri-springfield-cassville-d3f3e3228be5a2209eb9761885795470">reinstituted student spanking</a>&nbsp;in 2022 as a form of discipline, but only in cases where the parents agree.In Wichita, the Department of Justice said, the difference in discipline for Black and white girls was “particularly pronounced.” At one middle school, Black girls faced being punished for insubordination 4.5 times as often as white girls and were cited for dress code violations 3.6 times as often, the DOJ letter said. Wichita schools restrained students 1,570 times over three years and put them in seclusion 1,450 times, the letter added.

Read the settlement: Kan. largest school district discriminated against Black students

DOUGLAS. COUNTY —Police are investigating a bank robbery and&nbsp; asking neighbors in a certain area to check home cameras as the search continues for the suspect.

Just before 9:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to&nbsp;the Bank of America at 900 Ohio Street in Lawrence, after a bank robbery was reported, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.

A person, who said they were inside the bank when the robbery began, ran out to call police. Several people were in the bank doing business when the robbery occurred.&nbsp; Witnesses told police the suspect demanded money and quickly fled south in the alley between Tennessee and Ohio Streets.&nbsp; 

Police can not confirm reliably whether there was or was not a weapon involved. The suspect was wearing a black beanie cap with distinctive lettering and a mask with a design.&nbsp; The suspect got away with an undisclosed amount of cash and nobody was physically hurt.&nbsp;

Police want anyone with home security cameras from 8th&nbsp;Street to 13th&nbsp;between Louisiana and Vermont to check their recordings for anything they may have captured leading up to the event and following.&nbsp; The FBI Kansas City office responded immediately to assist in the investigation.

If you have any information, please call dispatch at (785) 832-7509 or&nbsp;Douglas County Crime Stoppers (785) 843-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719968756971.png" alt="Photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS. COUNTY —Police are investigating a bank robbery and&nbsp; asking neighbors in a certain area to check home cameras as the search continues for the suspect.Just before 9:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to&nbsp;the Bank of America at 900 Ohio Street in Lawrence, after a bank robbery was reported, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.A person, who said they were inside the bank when the robbery began, ran out to call police. Several people were in the bank doing business when the robbery occurred.&nbsp; Witnesses told police the suspect demanded money and quickly fled south in the alley between Tennessee and Ohio Streets.&nbsp; Police can not confirm reliably whether there was or was not a weapon involved. The suspect was wearing a black beanie cap with distinctive lettering and a mask with a design.&nbsp; The suspect got away with an undisclosed amount of cash and nobody was physically hurt.&nbsp;Police want anyone with home security cameras from 8th&nbsp;Street to 13th&nbsp;between Louisiana and Vermont to check their recordings for anything they may have captured leading up to the event and following.&nbsp; The FBI Kansas City office responded immediately to assist in the investigation.If you have any information, please call dispatch at (785) 832-7509 or&nbsp;Douglas County Crime Stoppers (785) 843-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.

Police ask for home camera video to catch Kan. bank robbery suspect

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that June's total tax collections were $1.03 billion. That is $24.1 million, or 2.4%, more than the estimate. Total tax collections are up 3.9% from June 2023, according to a statement from the Kansas Department of Revenue.

The state ended May with total tax collections at $658.9 million, 22.7%, below the estimate.&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vY29udGVudC5nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeS5jb20vYXR0YWNobWVudHMvS1NPRy8yMDI0LzA3LzAyL2ZpbGVfYXR0YWNobWVudHMvMjkyNjQxNS8xMl9KdW5lX1JldmVudWVfRlkyMDI0XzA3LTAyLTIwMjRfRmluYWwucGRmIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDcwMi45NzA5NDY5MSJ9.4RWHnEXs6E9Spkdo0xVnRKNzXj8vWg_ft6SxHxufW-w/s/1303160919/br/245164441867-l">here</a>&nbsp;to view the June 2024 revenue numbers.

“While the tax revenue collected for June is encouraging, we must remain committed to fiscal responsibility,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “By continuing our work to put our state on solid fiscal ground, we can ensure Kansans have the services and quality of life they deserve.”

Individual income tax collections were $452.4 million. That is $82.4 million, or 22.3% more than the estimate, and up 19.4% from June 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $193.1 million. That is $53.9 million, or 21.8% less than the estimate, and down 14.6% from June 2023.

“Individual income tax receipts exceeded the June estimate because of higher-than-expected withholding tax and individual estimated payments and the fact that fewer refunds were paid than in June 2023,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “Withholding tax receipts are 17.0% greater than in June 2023, and that source continues to be the State’s most reliable revenue stream.”

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $292.1 million. That is $2.2 million, or 0.7% more than the estimate, but down $11.4 million, or 3.8%, from June 2023.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that June's total tax collections were $1.03 billion. That is $24.1 million, or 2.4%, more than the estimate. Total tax collections are up 3.9% from June 2023, according to a statement from the Kansas Department of Revenue.The state ended May with total tax collections at $658.9 million, 22.7%, below the estimate.&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vY29udGVudC5nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeS5jb20vYXR0YWNobWVudHMvS1NPRy8yMDI0LzA3LzAyL2ZpbGVfYXR0YWNobWVudHMvMjkyNjQxNS8xMl9KdW5lX1JldmVudWVfRlkyMDI0XzA3LTAyLTIwMjRfRmluYWwucGRmIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDcwMi45NzA5NDY5MSJ9.4RWHnEXs6E9Spkdo0xVnRKNzXj8vWg_ft6SxHxufW-w/s/1303160919/br/245164441867-l">here</a>&nbsp;to view the June 2024 revenue numbers.“While the tax revenue collected for June is encouraging, we must remain committed to fiscal responsibility,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “By continuing our work to put our state on solid fiscal ground, we can ensure Kansans have the services and quality of life they deserve.”Individual income tax collections were $452.4 million. That is $82.4 million, or 22.3% more than the estimate, and up 19.4% from June 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $193.1 million. That is $53.9 million, or 21.8% less than the estimate, and down 14.6% from June 2023.“Individual income tax receipts exceeded the June estimate because of higher-than-expected withholding tax and individual estimated payments and the fact that fewer refunds were paid than in June 2023,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “Withholding tax receipts are 17.0% greater than in June 2023, and that source continues to be the State’s most reliable revenue stream.”Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $292.1 million. That is $2.2 million, or 0.7% more than the estimate, but down $11.4 million, or 3.8%, from June 2023.

Kansas total tax collections back up in June

KANSAS CITY—Authorities&nbsp; investigating the drowning death of a two-year old at home near Kansas City have identified the child&nbsp;Carson Bryant-Ferrantell.

Just before noon June 28, deputies were dispatched to a home in the 38600 block of E. Parrent Road, Oak Grove,&nbsp;according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp; First responders found the toddler had drowned.

The sheriff's office released no additional details.

KANSAS CITY—Authorities&nbsp; investigating the drowning death of a two-year old at home near Kansas City have identified the child&nbsp;Carson Bryant-Ferrantell.Just before noon June 28, deputies were dispatched to a home in the 38600 block of E. Parrent Road, Oak Grove,&nbsp;according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp; First responders found the toddler had drowned.The sheriff's office released no additional details.

Sheriff's office IDs 2-year-old who drowned at KC area home

SEDGWICK COUNTY—&nbsp;A man with a previous abuse conviction is scheduled for sentencing Wednesday afternoon for the violent beating death of his 8-year-old daughter.

In March,&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=740792">Thomas Gatewood, </a>52, Wichita, plead no contest to first-degree murder, kidnapping, aggravated battery, abuse of a child, rape, criminal sodomy, aggravated endangering of a child aggravated indecent liberties with a child and aggravated intimidation of a witness, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On May 8, of 2023 police&nbsp;were dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of N. Oliver in Wichita after report of an&nbsp;unresponsive 8-year-old girl, according to Officer&nbsp; Kris Gupilan. The child was pronounced deceased at the scene.

&nbsp;A warrant was issued for Gatewood's arrest for the murder of his 8-year-old daughter

Wichita Police Officers utilized FLOCK technology and Thomas was quickly located and taken into custody within hours of the warrant being issued.&nbsp;

The Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit and Homicide detectives investigated the incident and presented a case to the District Attorney’s office. Prosecutors say Gatewood had repeatedly beaten and even stomped on the 8-year-old and an autopsy revealed that her heart had ruptured. Another child in the house was also abused.

Court documents show he was previously charged with child abuse in Oklahoma in 2009.&nbsp;

Gatewood was scheduled to face a trial in the case March 11.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687976261144.png" alt="Gatewood photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Gatewood photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—&nbsp;A man with a previous abuse conviction is scheduled for sentencing Wednesday afternoon for the violent beating death of his 8-year-old daughter.In March,&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=740792">Thomas Gatewood, </a>52, Wichita, plead no contest to first-degree murder, kidnapping, aggravated battery, abuse of a child, rape, criminal sodomy, aggravated endangering of a child aggravated indecent liberties with a child and aggravated intimidation of a witness, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On May 8, of 2023 police&nbsp;were dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of N. Oliver in Wichita after report of an&nbsp;unresponsive 8-year-old girl, according to Officer&nbsp; Kris Gupilan. The child was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;A warrant was issued for Gatewood's arrest for the murder of his 8-year-old daughterWichita Police Officers utilized FLOCK technology and Thomas was quickly located and taken into custody within hours of the warrant being issued.&nbsp;The Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit and Homicide detectives investigated the incident and presented a case to the District Attorney’s office. Prosecutors say Gatewood had repeatedly beaten and even stomped on the 8-year-old and an autopsy revealed that her heart had ruptured. Another child in the house was also abused.Court documents show he was previously charged with child abuse in Oklahoma in 2009.&nbsp;Gatewood was scheduled to face a trial in the case March 11.&nbsp;-The AP contributed to this report.

Kan. man who killed 8-year-old daughter will learn his fate

JOHNSON COUNTY—A man who worked for over two dozen years in a Kansas school district is in jail on child sex crime allegations.

On June 26,&nbsp; police arrested 43-year-old Jason Barrett on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties and furnishing alcohol to a minor for illicit purposes. The victim was under the age of 16 but over than 14, according to court records.

He worked as a paraprofessional in USD 233 Olathe starting in 2009, according to online records. He remains jailed on a&nbsp;$250,000 bond and is due back in court July 10, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719776149678.png" alt="Barrett-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Barrett-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—A man who worked for over two dozen years in a Kansas school district is in jail on child sex crime allegations.On June 26,&nbsp; police arrested 43-year-old Jason Barrett on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties and furnishing alcohol to a minor for illicit purposes. The victim was under the age of 16 but over than 14, according to court records.He worked as a paraprofessional in USD 233 Olathe starting in 2009, according to online records. He remains jailed on a&nbsp;$250,000 bond and is due back in court July 10, according to online jail records.

Former Kan. school employee accused of child sex crimes

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting in Wichita have arrested a man and his father.

Just after 11a.m. Monday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a call reporting a shooting at the&nbsp;Rockborough apartment complex, 202 N Rock Road in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.

First responders located 25-year-old Sebastian Crawford of Wichita with a single gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Multiple other individuals, including two juveniles, were located inside the apartment. EMS transported a woman to an area hospital to be evaluated for a condition apparently unrelated to the shooting.&nbsp;No other injuries were reported.

Homicide investigators responded to the scene and worked with patrol officers to understand what led up to the shooting. According to Sedgwick County booking records, police arrested 22-year-old Peter McKinney on a requested charge of Second-Degree Reckless Murder and 50-year-old Jeffrey McKinney on a requested charge of Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Jeffrey McKinney is Peter's father, according to Ford.

At this time, police believe that Crawford and the suspect knew each other and were involved in an argument before the shooting.

The facts of this case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration. This is the 18th criminal homicide in Wichita this year, according to Ford.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719921077048.png" alt="Peter McKinney-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Peter McKinney-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting in Wichita have arrested a man and his father.Just after 11a.m. Monday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a call reporting a shooting at the&nbsp;Rockborough apartment complex, 202 N Rock Road in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719885319829.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located 25-year-old Sebastian Crawford of Wichita with a single gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased on the scene.Multiple other individuals, including two juveniles, were located inside the apartment. EMS transported a woman to an area hospital to be evaluated for a condition apparently unrelated to the shooting.&nbsp;No other injuries were reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719921323757.png" alt="Jeffrey McKinney-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey McKinney-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Homicide investigators responded to the scene and worked with patrol officers to understand what led up to the shooting. According to Sedgwick County booking records, police arrested 22-year-old Peter McKinney on a requested charge of Second-Degree Reckless Murder and 50-year-old Jeffrey McKinney on a requested charge of Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Jeffrey McKinney is Peter's father, according to Ford.At this time, police believe that Crawford and the suspect knew each other and were involved in an argument before the shooting.The facts of this case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration. This is the 18th criminal homicide in Wichita this year, according to Ford.&nbsp;

Father and son arrested in Kansas apartment complex killing

The pollster, paid by American Dream PAC and Mike Kehoe’s campaign, predicted that if Bill Eigel attracts campaign cash, ‘this could become a true three-way contest’

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

After months of polls showing Bill Eigel in a distant third place in the GOP primary for Missouri governor, a new survey suggests he may be within striking distance of the frontrunners.&nbsp;

And the poll giving Eigel a boost was paid for by one of his campaign rivals, though it doesn’t appear to be intended for public consumption.&nbsp;

American Dream PAC, the political action committee supporting Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, commissioned the June poll but has not released it to the public. The Independent found it and the accompanying analysis on an obscure page of the PACs website last week before it was taken down.&nbsp;

Similar to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article289438628.html" target="_blank">a series of polls released in recent weeks</a>, the American Dream PAC survey found a dead heat between Kehoe and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft for the lead in the GOP primary.

But it is the first poll suggesting Eigel, a Republican state senator, may be gaining ground.

The poll found Kehoe and Ashcroft tied at 27%, with Eigel in third place with 16%. Roughly a quarter of respondents were undecided.&nbsp;

Other recent polls put Eigel in single digits.&nbsp;

“If Eigel is able to attract additional resources, this could become a true three-way contest,” according to analysis of the June survey provided to American Dream PAC by its pollster, American Viewpoint.&nbsp;

The poll was conducted in early June, before Eigel’s campaign took in $415,000 in donations last week from trial attorneys and before either Ashcroft or Eigel were on the air with TV ads.&nbsp;

Eigel’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Kehoe’s campaign did not address questions about Eigel’s poll numbers.&nbsp;

But Jason Cabel Roe, Ashcroft’s spokesman, said he’s skeptical Eigel could be in double-digits before his campaign had launched any TV ads.&nbsp;

“There have been about 15 public polls released in the last year, and 13 of them have had Eigel somewhere between 4-8 points,” Roe said. “He just hasn’t done anything to move numbers, so I don’t see how he could’ve doubled his vote share without spending money.”

The 800 people who participated in the survey were reached by cell phone, landline and text message, with a margin of error of 3.5%. According to the most recent campaign disclosures, American Viewpoint in January was paid $79,500 by American Dream PAC and $64,300 by Kehoe’s campaign.&nbsp;

In addition to acting as a possible barometer for the race, the polling documents also shed some light on Kehoe’s potential strategy in the campaign’s final weeks.&nbsp;

Ashcroft has led the GOP primary from the start, benefitting from two terms as secretary of state and a last name with a long history in Missouri politics. His dad, John Ashcroft, served as state auditor, state attorney general, governor, U.S. Senator and U.S. attorney general.

Kehoe has managed to erase Ashcroft’s lead in recent months because his campaign has used its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article285983436.html" target="_blank">massive fundraising advantage</a>&nbsp;to monopolize TV airwaves, the polling firm concluded in its analysis.&nbsp;

Ashcroft and Eigel only recently launched their first TV ads

“Kehoe now leads in the two markets where there has been advertising,” the analysis concluded, later adding: “Kehoe’s reach is fairly consistent across groups, and geographically it lines up with advertising.”

Outside of the two markets where Kehoe’s ads have been airing — St. Louis and Springfield — the race remains a function of name ID.&nbsp;

Kehoe leads in mid-Missouri, where he previously served as a state senator, and Ashcroft has an advantage in Kansas City and smaller markets.&nbsp;This means, the polling firm concluded, that Kehoe’s campaign needs to dedicate resources to those markets where he trails Ashcroft.&nbsp;

“This race is more about geography at this point than any one key demographic group,” the polling firm concluded.&nbsp;

Kehoe is strongest with “more centrist and traditional GOP voters,” the analysis found, while Ashcroft leads with “very conservative and Trump movement voters.”&nbsp;

Eigel, meanwhile, “cannot be ignored as a factor in this race,” the polling firm concluded, with “ideology and Trump movement affiliation” as the driving factor on his vote share.&nbsp;

Of the quarter of poll respondents who were undecided, liberal and moderate primary voters are more likely to be undecided than conservatives.

Illegal immigration and border security are the top issues in the race, the polling firm found, particularly among very conservative primary voters. Ashcroft leads with those citing border security, while Kehoe is stronger among those focused on the economy.

For months, American Dream PAC has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZhyR7krP7U&amp;t=11s" target="_blank">hammered Ashcroft in TV ads</a>&nbsp;over his support of legislation to reduce Missouri’s current&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/gop-candidates-for-governor-fight-over-who-s-most-opposed-to-china-owning-missouri-farmland/article_e9428844-19ca-11ef-ba39-f72af30a3ea9.html" target="_blank">1% cap on foreign-owned agricultural land to 0.5%</a>, arguing he should have supported a complete ban.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ashcroft’s campaign has noted that foreign ownership of Missouri farmland was banned until 2013, when the legislature enacted the 1% cap. Kehoe voted in favor of that legislation while serving in the state Senate, and it opened the door for a Chinese company to purchase Smithfield Foods and its 40,000 acres of Missouri farmland.

While the polling firm concluded that American Dream’s China ads have been effective, it suggests there could be diminishing returns in markets where they’ve been on the air for months. So the campaign should consider switching to ads focused on critical race theory.&nbsp;

Gabby Picard, spokeswoman for Kehoe’s campaign, said the poll shows that Ashcroft’s once commanding lead in the GOP primary “has evaporated into thin air.” Kehoe, she said, has the momentum.

“Missourians are not buying the charade from Bill Eigel and Jay Ashcroft,” she said, “and the manure their campaigns have been shoveling.”

Roe, the spokesman for Ashcroft’s campaign, said it isn’t surprising that the race has tightened since Kehoe has spent millions of dollars and had the TV airwaves to himself for months.

“Frankly,” Roe said, “given the amount spent, he should be in much better shape than he is.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719948989418.png" alt=" GOP candidates for governor, from left, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and state Sen. Bill Eigel (official photos)." />
 <figcaption> GOP candidates for governor, from left, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and state Sen. Bill Eigel (official photos).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The pollster, paid by American Dream PAC and Mike Kehoe’s campaign, predicted that if Bill Eigel attracts campaign cash, ‘this could become a true three-way contest’</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>After months of polls showing Bill Eigel in a distant third place in the GOP primary for Missouri governor, a new survey suggests he may be within striking distance of the frontrunners.&nbsp;And the poll giving Eigel a boost was paid for by one of his campaign rivals, though it doesn’t appear to be intended for public consumption.&nbsp;American Dream PAC, the political action committee supporting Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, commissioned the June poll but has not released it to the public. The Independent found it and the accompanying analysis on an obscure page of the PACs website last week before it was taken down.&nbsp;Similar to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article289438628.html" target="_blank">a series of polls released in recent weeks</a>, the American Dream PAC survey found a dead heat between Kehoe and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft for the lead in the GOP primary.But it is the first poll suggesting Eigel, a Republican state senator, may be gaining ground.The poll found Kehoe and Ashcroft tied at 27%, with Eigel in third place with 16%. Roughly a quarter of respondents were undecided.&nbsp;Other recent polls put Eigel in single digits.&nbsp;“If Eigel is able to attract additional resources, this could become a true three-way contest,” according to analysis of the June survey provided to American Dream PAC by its pollster, American Viewpoint.&nbsp;The poll was conducted in early June, before Eigel’s campaign took in $415,000 in donations last week from trial attorneys and before either Ashcroft or Eigel were on the air with TV ads.&nbsp;Eigel’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Kehoe’s campaign did not address questions about Eigel’s poll numbers.&nbsp;But Jason Cabel Roe, Ashcroft’s spokesman, said he’s skeptical Eigel could be in double-digits before his campaign had launched any TV ads.&nbsp;“There have been about 15 public polls released in the last year, and 13 of them have had Eigel somewhere between 4-8 points,” Roe said. “He just hasn’t done anything to move numbers, so I don’t see how he could’ve doubled his vote share without spending money.”The 800 people who participated in the survey were reached by cell phone, landline and text message, with a margin of error of 3.5%. According to the most recent campaign disclosures, American Viewpoint in January was paid $79,500 by American Dream PAC and $64,300 by Kehoe’s campaign.&nbsp;In addition to acting as a possible barometer for the race, the polling documents also shed some light on Kehoe’s potential strategy in the campaign’s final weeks.&nbsp;Ashcroft has led the GOP primary from the start, benefitting from two terms as secretary of state and a last name with a long history in Missouri politics. His dad, John Ashcroft, served as state auditor, state attorney general, governor, U.S. Senator and U.S. attorney general.Kehoe has managed to erase Ashcroft’s lead in recent months because his campaign has used its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article285983436.html" target="_blank">massive fundraising advantage</a>&nbsp;to monopolize TV airwaves, the polling firm concluded in its analysis.&nbsp;Ashcroft and Eigel only recently launched their first TV ads“Kehoe now leads in the two markets where there has been advertising,” the analysis concluded, later adding: “Kehoe’s reach is fairly consistent across groups, and geographically it lines up with advertising.”Outside of the two markets where Kehoe’s ads have been airing — St. Louis and Springfield — the race remains a function of name ID.&nbsp;Kehoe leads in mid-Missouri, where he previously served as a state senator, and Ashcroft has an advantage in Kansas City and smaller markets.&nbsp;This means, the polling firm concluded, that Kehoe’s campaign needs to dedicate resources to those markets where he trails Ashcroft.&nbsp;“This race is more about geography at this point than any one key demographic group,” the polling firm concluded.&nbsp;Kehoe is strongest with “more centrist and traditional GOP voters,” the analysis found, while Ashcroft leads with “very conservative and Trump movement voters.”&nbsp;Eigel, meanwhile, “cannot be ignored as a factor in this race,” the polling firm concluded, with “ideology and Trump movement affiliation” as the driving factor on his vote share.&nbsp;Of the quarter of poll respondents who were undecided, liberal and moderate primary voters are more likely to be undecided than conservatives.Illegal immigration and border security are the top issues in the race, the polling firm found, particularly among very conservative primary voters. Ashcroft leads with those citing border security, while Kehoe is stronger among those focused on the economy.For months, American Dream PAC has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZhyR7krP7U&amp;t=11s" target="_blank">hammered Ashcroft in TV ads</a>&nbsp;over his support of legislation to reduce Missouri’s current&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/gop-candidates-for-governor-fight-over-who-s-most-opposed-to-china-owning-missouri-farmland/article_e9428844-19ca-11ef-ba39-f72af30a3ea9.html" target="_blank">1% cap on foreign-owned agricultural land to 0.5%</a>, arguing he should have supported a complete ban.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ashcroft’s campaign has noted that foreign ownership of Missouri farmland was banned until 2013, when the legislature enacted the 1% cap. Kehoe voted in favor of that legislation while serving in the state Senate, and it opened the door for a Chinese company to purchase Smithfield Foods and its 40,000 acres of Missouri farmland.While the polling firm concluded that American Dream’s China ads have been effective, it suggests there could be diminishing returns in markets where they’ve been on the air for months. So the campaign should consider switching to ads focused on critical race theory.&nbsp;Gabby Picard, spokeswoman for Kehoe’s campaign, said the poll shows that Ashcroft’s once commanding lead in the GOP primary “has evaporated into thin air.” Kehoe, she said, has the momentum.“Missourians are not buying the charade from Bill Eigel and Jay Ashcroft,” she said, “and the manure their campaigns have been shoveling.”Roe, the spokesman for Ashcroft’s campaign, said it isn’t surprising that the race has tightened since Kehoe has spent millions of dollars and had the TV airwaves to himself for months.“Frankly,” Roe said, “given the amount spent, he should be in much better shape than he is.”

Internal poll by pro-Kehoe PAC suggests three-way GOP race for Missouri governor

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– The 22nd Air Refueling Wing put its global mission to the test by flying a KC-46 nonstop, around the world, June 29-July 1, according to a media release from the base.

The flight was the latest Maximum Endurance Operation (MEO) for the KC-46A Pegasus, Air Mobility Command’s newest tanker aircraft.

To make the 43-hour, global flight happen, the KC-46 relied on several aerial refuelings along the way, provided by six additional tankers from McConnell – two KC-135R Stratotankers and four KC-46 Pegasus tankers – which were prepositioned at key points around the world to provide critical refueling.

During the flight, the McConnell KC-46 aircrews operationalized procedures for MEOs and rotated duties and rest cycles between two complete aircrews.

MEOs go beyond the standard flight duty period, when the requirements for Rapid Global Mobility meet the challenge of extreme distance paired with accelerated timelines. Long flights are the norm in the airlift and air refueling communities, but MEOs acknowledge the potential need to rapidly deploy forces across long distances to deter, and if required, defeat potential adversaries.

In addition to the endurance training, the aircrew trained in the use of beyond line-of-sight communication systems to exercise command and control, onloaded fuel from supporting tankers and offloaded fuel to other military aircraft along the route.

The personnel on board consisted of: Col. Brent Toth, aircraft commander; Capt. Cody Donahue, instructor pilot; Capt. Daison Batangan, instructor pilot; Capt. T.J. Buckley, instructor plot; Master Sgt Jonathan Lauterbach instructor boom operator; Master Sgt Patrick Murray, instructor boom operator; Capt. Jacob Heyrend, flight surgeon; Staff Sgt Alejandro Melendez, flying crew chief; and Staff Sgt Dustin Shaffer, flying crew chief.

Mission planning and coordination was extensive, including balancing operational taskings with weather and training requirements, staging multiple aircraft around the globe to explode into theater and create an air bridge, and coordinating with several combatant commands.

This isn’t the first MEO for the 22nd ARW. In 2022, McConnell aircrews flew a KC-46 for a&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.mcconnell.af.mil%2fNews%2fArticle%2f3024819%2famcs-longest-refueling-flight-242-hours-in-a-kc-46a%2f&amp;c=E,1,PDZnz1wRnHlU9sIKA3y23MFit93wKaz7CaT0lPJRhMJd7KYTcEGHBGJdN5E3sHfHIq0pfUl8AMFjKG4umxp-ttWZB6dpGoJGsKiAu_vM8g,,&amp;typo=1">24.2-hour</a>,&nbsp;nonstop flight over 9,000 miles, originating from and landing back at McConnell. This flight helped refine many of the metrics for crew-rest cycles and crew fatigue monitoring for the current mission and advanced the knowledge-base for future MEOs.&nbsp;

Additionally, the 157th ARW based at Pease Air National Guard Base flew a KC-46 for&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.amc.af.mil%2fNews%2fArticle-Display%2fArticle%2f3223946%2fkc-46a-flies-36-hour-record-breaking-endurance-mission%2f%23%3a~%3atext%3dA%2520KC%252D46A%2520Pegasus%2520from%2cCommand%27s%2520longest%2520mission%2520to%2520date.&amp;c=E,1,DmFZvbrMKSUxuH47ICFRLgbmhe2WpWqo5q-ObGPOQVo6-ZsrsLeAZyRaP5GtHm9s6yQCbBgTMJS0s9HIe8CJeJnXrH9orHlf6_Nrgaot2eU,&amp;typo=1">36-hours</a>&nbsp;on a nonstop MEO covering 16,000 miles. The aircrew on that flight included two pilots from the 64th Air Refueling Squadron, a unit that is assigned to the 22nd ARW and operates with the 157th ARW in seamless Total Force Integration.

The last aerial refueling of the global KC-46 flight was performed by another KC-46 with the 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander Col. Cory Damon on board.

"The 22nd ARW's recent MEO around the world showcased not only the unmatched endurance of the KC-46 aircraft, but also the incredible resilience and professionalism of our aircrew,” said Damon. “This mission was a true test of our capabilities and a shining example of the critical role our tankers play in providing fuel and support to the Joint Force. I'm incredibly proud of our team's achievement in pushing the boundaries of what our tankers and their crews can do, and I have no doubt that this historic mission will serve as a foundation for future maximum endurance operations and further solidify our position as a key enabler of global power projection.”

This is also not the first time a KC-46 has flown an around-the-world mission, better known as global circumnavigation. In 2019, a McConnell KC-46 completed the&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.amc.af.mil%2fNews%2fArticle-Display%2fArticle%2f2043872%2fkc-46-completes-first-around-the-world-flight%2f&amp;c=E,1,gVjsslCLBeKFN8B1i7SJ_xDgaYI4c3p1JIDsiibtiNqkzxrn5S--K9ey0mn-4fiUBjwVhJ_dMsZjbNTC8Ar-SsHgfVveLRBN0CeSQ7xXln01YA,,&amp;typo=1">first around-the-world flight</a>&nbsp;of a KC-46, with six stops along its global route.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719931548229.png" alt="Photo courtesy McConnell Air Force Base" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy McConnell Air Force Base</figcaption>
 </figure>MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– The 22nd Air Refueling Wing put its global mission to the test by flying a KC-46 nonstop, around the world, June 29-July 1, according to a media release from the base.The flight was the latest Maximum Endurance Operation (MEO) for the KC-46A Pegasus, Air Mobility Command’s newest tanker aircraft.To make the 43-hour, global flight happen, the KC-46 relied on several aerial refuelings along the way, provided by six additional tankers from McConnell – two KC-135R Stratotankers and four KC-46 Pegasus tankers – which were prepositioned at key points around the world to provide critical refueling.During the flight, the McConnell KC-46 aircrews operationalized procedures for MEOs and rotated duties and rest cycles between two complete aircrews.MEOs go beyond the standard flight duty period, when the requirements for Rapid Global Mobility meet the challenge of extreme distance paired with accelerated timelines. Long flights are the norm in the airlift and air refueling communities, but MEOs acknowledge the potential need to rapidly deploy forces across long distances to deter, and if required, defeat potential adversaries.In addition to the endurance training, the aircrew trained in the use of beyond line-of-sight communication systems to exercise command and control, onloaded fuel from supporting tankers and offloaded fuel to other military aircraft along the route.The personnel on board consisted of: Col. Brent Toth, aircraft commander; Capt. Cody Donahue, instructor pilot; Capt. Daison Batangan, instructor pilot; Capt. T.J. Buckley, instructor plot; Master Sgt Jonathan Lauterbach instructor boom operator; Master Sgt Patrick Murray, instructor boom operator; Capt. Jacob Heyrend, flight surgeon; Staff Sgt Alejandro Melendez, flying crew chief; and Staff Sgt Dustin Shaffer, flying crew chief.Mission planning and coordination was extensive, including balancing operational taskings with weather and training requirements, staging multiple aircraft around the globe to explode into theater and create an air bridge, and coordinating with several combatant commands.This isn’t the first MEO for the 22nd ARW. In 2022, McConnell aircrews flew a KC-46 for a&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.mcconnell.af.mil%2fNews%2fArticle%2f3024819%2famcs-longest-refueling-flight-242-hours-in-a-kc-46a%2f&amp;c=E,1,PDZnz1wRnHlU9sIKA3y23MFit93wKaz7CaT0lPJRhMJd7KYTcEGHBGJdN5E3sHfHIq0pfUl8AMFjKG4umxp-ttWZB6dpGoJGsKiAu_vM8g,,&amp;typo=1">24.2-hour</a>,&nbsp;nonstop flight over 9,000 miles, originating from and landing back at McConnell. This flight helped refine many of the metrics for crew-rest cycles and crew fatigue monitoring for the current mission and advanced the knowledge-base for future MEOs.&nbsp;Additionally, the 157th ARW based at Pease Air National Guard Base flew a KC-46 for&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.amc.af.mil%2fNews%2fArticle-Display%2fArticle%2f3223946%2fkc-46a-flies-36-hour-record-breaking-endurance-mission%2f%23%3a~%3atext%3dA%2520KC%252D46A%2520Pegasus%2520from%2cCommand%27s%2520longest%2520mission%2520to%2520date.&amp;c=E,1,DmFZvbrMKSUxuH47ICFRLgbmhe2WpWqo5q-ObGPOQVo6-ZsrsLeAZyRaP5GtHm9s6yQCbBgTMJS0s9HIe8CJeJnXrH9orHlf6_Nrgaot2eU,&amp;typo=1">36-hours</a>&nbsp;on a nonstop MEO covering 16,000 miles. The aircrew on that flight included two pilots from the 64th Air Refueling Squadron, a unit that is assigned to the 22nd ARW and operates with the 157th ARW in seamless Total Force Integration.The last aerial refueling of the global KC-46 flight was performed by another KC-46 with the 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander Col. Cory Damon on board."The 22nd ARW's recent MEO around the world showcased not only the unmatched endurance of the KC-46 aircraft, but also the incredible resilience and professionalism of our aircrew,” said Damon. “This mission was a true test of our capabilities and a shining example of the critical role our tankers play in providing fuel and support to the Joint Force. I'm incredibly proud of our team's achievement in pushing the boundaries of what our tankers and their crews can do, and I have no doubt that this historic mission will serve as a foundation for future maximum endurance operations and further solidify our position as a key enabler of global power projection.”This is also not the first time a KC-46 has flown an around-the-world mission, better known as global circumnavigation. In 2019, a McConnell KC-46 completed the&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.amc.af.mil%2fNews%2fArticle-Display%2fArticle%2f2043872%2fkc-46-completes-first-around-the-world-flight%2f&amp;c=E,1,gVjsslCLBeKFN8B1i7SJ_xDgaYI4c3p1JIDsiibtiNqkzxrn5S--K9ey0mn-4fiUBjwVhJ_dMsZjbNTC8Ar-SsHgfVveLRBN0CeSQ7xXln01YA,,&amp;typo=1">first around-the-world flight</a>&nbsp;of a KC-46, with six stops along its global route.

Kan. Air Force base completes nonstop, around-the-world KC-46 flight

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for killing a Sedgwick County Sheriff's K9 officer.

&nbsp;Kaylon Kirkwood, 25, Wichita, was sentenced to nearly 2 and one half years for battery of a law enforcement officer and and another year in jail for harming or killing the the K9, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In November,&nbsp;the Wichita Police Domestic intervention and Violence Reduction team was in the area of Pawnee and Rock attempting to locate a robbery suspect later identified as Kirkwood according to Wichita Police Lt.&nbsp;Lieutenant Aaron Moses.

Just after noon, police located Kirkwood but he fled into a creek and barricaded himself in a storm drain and refused to come out.

Sheriff's deputies and police used extended leashes and sent K9 officers into the drain.&nbsp; There was an altercation between the Kirkwood and&nbsp; Sedgwick County Sheriff K9 Bane. The dog was pronounced deceased on scene, according to Moses.

Just after 2:30p.m. Kirkwood was finally taken into custody and transported for treatment of minor injuries from the K9. After Kirwood was released, police booked him into the Sedgwick County Detention Center.

In May, Kansas legislators voted to override a veto of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2583/">House Bill 2583</a>, known as “Bane’s Law.” &nbsp;The law increases penalties for inflicting harm on law enforcement animals, including horses. The felony crime is now punishable by a minimum of 90 days in jail and a minimum fine of $10,000.

The law was inspired by Sedgwick County K9 officer Bane.

Officers were chasing Kirkwood in November, 2023. Kirkwood tried to hide in a storm drain near Rock Road and Pawnee. The K9 officer Bane was sent in after Kirkwood. Police said Kirkwood strangled Bane.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Judge Eric Williams ordered $38,379.98 in restitution to cover the cost of a new dog, a K9 ballistic vest, training along with Bane's necropsy and cremation.&nbsp; Restitution was payable to several parties because the Sheriff's office received donations that covered some of the items.

In an unrelated case Kirkwood pleaded guilty to aggravated battery with sexual motivation and interference with law enforcement. Kirkwood was sentenced to 29 months for the battery case and seven months for the interference case. All sentences are to run consecutively. The sentences are the maximum allowed under Kansas law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700237992193.png" alt="Kirkwood-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Kirkwood-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for killing a Sedgwick County Sheriff's K9 officer.&nbsp;Kaylon Kirkwood, 25, Wichita, was sentenced to nearly 2 and one half years for battery of a law enforcement officer and and another year in jail for harming or killing the the K9, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In November,&nbsp;the Wichita Police Domestic intervention and Violence Reduction team was in the area of Pawnee and Rock attempting to locate a robbery suspect later identified as Kirkwood according to Wichita Police Lt.&nbsp;Lieutenant Aaron Moses.Just after noon, police located Kirkwood but he fled into a creek and barricaded himself in a storm drain and refused to come out.Sheriff's deputies and police used extended leashes and sent K9 officers into the drain.&nbsp; There was an altercation between the Kirkwood and&nbsp; Sedgwick County Sheriff K9 Bane. The dog was pronounced deceased on scene, according to Moses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700174387964.png" alt="PSD Bane was 8 years old and had been with the Sheriff’s Office for 1 year.-photo Sedgwick Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>PSD Bane was 8 years old and had been with the Sheriff’s Office for 1 year.-photo Sedgwick Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 2:30p.m. Kirkwood was finally taken into custody and transported for treatment of minor injuries from the K9. After Kirwood was released, police booked him into the Sedgwick County Detention Center.In May, Kansas legislators voted to override a veto of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2583/">House Bill 2583</a>, known as “Bane’s Law.” &nbsp;The law increases penalties for inflicting harm on law enforcement animals, including horses. The felony crime is now punishable by a minimum of 90 days in jail and a minimum fine of $10,000.The law was inspired by Sedgwick County K9 officer Bane.Officers were chasing Kirkwood in November, 2023. Kirkwood tried to hide in a storm drain near Rock Road and Pawnee. The K9 officer Bane was sent in after Kirkwood. Police said Kirkwood strangled Bane.&nbsp;&nbsp;Judge Eric Williams ordered $38,379.98 in restitution to cover the cost of a new dog, a K9 ballistic vest, training along with Bane's necropsy and cremation.&nbsp; Restitution was payable to several parties because the Sheriff's office received donations that covered some of the items.In an unrelated case Kirkwood pleaded guilty to aggravated battery with sexual motivation and interference with law enforcement. Kirkwood was sentenced to 29 months for the battery case and seven months for the interference case. All sentences are to run consecutively. The sentences are the maximum allowed under Kansas law.

Man who killed Kansas K9 officer is headed to prison

DOUGLAS. COUNTY —Police are investigating a bank robbery and searching for a suspect.

Police are looking for a man in a black beanie, black mask with unknown design on it, and possibly all black clothing. The suspect fled to the south on foot. No injuries were reported.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719940216705.png" alt="Photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS. COUNTY —Police are investigating a bank robbery and searching for a suspect.Just before 9:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to&nbsp;the Bank of America at 900 Ohio Street in Lawrence, after a bank robbery was reported, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">KU Emergency Alert: Officers continue to search the area. There is no indication that the suspect entered campus. Remain aware and call 911, if needed.&mdash; The University of Kansas Police Department (@KUPoliceDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUPoliceDept/status/1808168375853412610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Police are looking for a man in a black beanie, black mask with unknown design on it, and possibly all black clothing. The suspect fled to the south on foot. No injuries were reported.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Police: Kansas bank robbery suspect wore black beanie, mask

BARBER COUNTY —Early Tuesday, crews restored power to customers impacted by the outage as a result of the oil spill, according to Southern Pioneer Electric.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBarberCountyEM%2Fvideos%2F849198383746061%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=1" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Crews constructed a temporary bypass line that will provide power until the company is able to make permanent repairs. Southern Pioneer thanked consumers for their patience while crews worked through the night to restore power to the affected area.Kansas Highway 2 west of Kiowa from Northstar to Highway 281 is shut down due to the oil well blowing out across the highway, according to the Barber County Sheriff.&nbsp;----------BARBER COUNTY —An oil spill is causing power outages and closing a portion of a highway in Barber County, Kansas.Kansas Highway 2 west of Kiowa from Northstar to Highway 281 is shut down due to the oil well blowing out across the highway, according to the Barber County Sheriff.&nbsp;The power is also out in the community of Hardtner and outside Kiowa until officials can get the spill under control, according to Southern Pioneer Electric.&nbsp;Oil from the well near Pioneer infrastructure coated&nbsp; lines and caused them to trip and open.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBarberCountyEM%2Fvideos%2F849198383746061%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=1" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Overnight, the utility reported "We have a better understanding of the situation but unfortunately do not have a restoration time for those impacted by the outage impacting areas near Hardtner.""This situation has provided many difficulties, mostly centered around safety risks. The primary concern is the impact of salt water on our infrastructure. Renergizing the line at this time could pose increased risks of arcing or shorts. Additionally, gas fumes are restricting access to the area." "We are looking into constructing a temporary line to bypass the impacted area. However, it has its own set of difficulties that we must consider." " Ultimately, this is a situation in which we have to weigh various risks and ensure that we are keeping the safety of our consumers and crews in mind. Again, we will work to provide updates to consumers as they become available."

🎥Power restored, road still closed after Kansas oil spill

A chaotic credentialing process at the GOP’s May 4 state convention had so many problems that the party was given until Friday afternoon to select replacement delegates

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

The Missouri Republican Party must replace 54 national convention delegates and alternates selected at its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lakeexpo.com/news/politics/high-drama-at-missouri-republican-convention-as-grassroots-boots-leadership/article_4a70706a-0be6-11ef-8713-470db31ecca4.html" target="_blank">chaotic state convention</a>&nbsp;because of “alarming irregularities” in the process, the Republican National Convention Committee on Contests ruled Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708825213809.png" alt="-A Republican committee on Friday tossed out 27&nbsp;of Missouri’s delegates to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee-file photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>-A Republican committee on Friday tossed out 27&nbsp;of Missouri’s delegates to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee-file photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A chaotic credentialing process at the GOP’s May 4 state convention had so many problems that the party was given until Friday afternoon to select replacement delegates</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri Republican Party must replace 54 national convention delegates and alternates selected at its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lakeexpo.com/news/politics/high-drama-at-missouri-republican-convention-as-grassroots-boots-leadership/article_4a70706a-0be6-11ef-8713-470db31ecca4.html" target="_blank">chaotic state convention</a>&nbsp;because of “alarming irregularities” in the process, the Republican National Convention Committee on Contests ruled Friday.The list of rejected delegates includes two of the major GOP candidates for governor, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and state Sen. Bill Eigel.“The committee holds that the State Convention was not properly credentialed, and that any slate of delegates and alternate delegates adopted at the State Convention must be discarded,” states the report signed by Chairwoman Jeanne Luckey of Mississippi.The committee acted after investigating complaints from state convention delegates Daniel O’Sullivan of St. Louis County and Derrick Good of Jefferson County.&nbsp;They alleged delegates to the state convention were not properly credentialed as the convention was organized, that the rules for selecting the state’s at-large delegates were improperly changed during the convention and that some delegates were listed on more than one slate of names in violation of the rules.The committee, after determining that the complaint about credentialing had merit, wrote that it did not need to consider the other complaints and made no ruling on them.“Contestants have provided ample proof of alarming irregularities in the state convention’s credentialing procedures, including the absence of names on delegate lists, the distribution of delegate credentials to alternate delegates without confirming who they were replacing, and the failure to ensure alternate delegates were raised from the same counties as the delegates they were replacing, among other things,” the report stated.&nbsp;The committee’s ruling gives the state party executive committee until 5 p.m. Friday to select a new set of at-large delegates and alternates.&nbsp;The executive committee will meet that deadline, the Missouri Republican Party said in a statement to The Independent.The state party had no role in the determination by the national Contests Committee, the statement read.“We understand the urgency and importance of this matter and are working diligently to ensure that all proper procedures are followed within the constrained deadline,” the statement read. “While this process unfolds, we remain focused on selecting a delegation that will represent Missouri well at the RNC.”O’Sullivan, who ran for Congress in 1996 and has been a member of the St. Louis County Republican Central Committee for more than 20 years, said the ruling highlights just one set of problems springing from the convention.“They can’t produce a list of who was in attendance,” O’Sullivan said. “They can’t certify who the delegates to the convention were, so the committee can’t say that the product of the convention was valid, and they therefore did not even deal with the questions we had regarding things that occurred during the event itself.”O’Sullivan expects to be on the list of delegates that will be selected to replace those elected at the convention.So does Good, a Jefferson County attorney who also has been a long-time county committee member.&nbsp;“The State Executive Committee will put together a new delegate list by the end of the week, and I’m confident those are folks that are committed and able to participate,” Good said.The main fight at the convention was between people relatively new to the convention process and those who had been party stalwarts with many conventions under their belts. It became clear after the congressional district conventions that the faction that would buck the party establishment had a convention majority.The projected timeline for the convention was for it to have all delegates seated by 9 a.m., the time it was officially scheduled to begin, and for all business to be completed by 2 p.m. The credentialing process, however, took five hours and the only business completed by 2 p.m., when the convention took a lunch break, was the election of Sophia Shore of Camden County, as convention chair over Eddie Justice.Shore manages Eigel’s campaign for governor.“The MO GOP, whether it be nefarious intentions or just incompetency, completely botched their one job — credentialing,” Shore said in a statement to The Independent. “It is asinine that the contest committee would accept a challenge that was orchestrated by the MO GOP on the basis of their own error and then reward them for their incompetence.”&nbsp;Missouri has 54 delegate votes at the&nbsp;<a href="https://gopconvention2024.com/" target="_blank">GOP national convention in Milwaukee</a>, which is set to begin July 15. Of that number, 24 were elected at eight congressional district conventions in April and 27 were elected as at-large delegates at the state convention on May 4. Three additional delegate slots are reserved for party leaders.There were also 27 alternates selected at the state convention.All delegates were elected on slates to fill all available seats but a change in rules during the afternoon session made The Truly Grassroots for Trump slate the only one presented for a vote.The executive committee should restore the delegation without changes, Shore said in her statement.“The MO GOP should own their mistakes, re-submit the Truly Grassroots for Trump slate elected by the convention delegates, and be done with it,” she said.Many of the delegates selected at the convention have not reserved their hotel rooms in Milwaukee and seem unlikely to attend, Good said. But they would not have been removed as delegates if the rules written before the convention had been followed, he said.“If they just played by the rules, there would be no complaint,” Good said. “They had the votes. They did a good job of building a coalition going into it.”The delegate slates prepared, but ultimately withdrawn, had the same goal as the now-discarded delegates who were selected, to re-elect Trump, he said.“There’s a place to have these kinds of fights,” he said. “There are rules to have them under, and then at the end of the day, hopefully we find a way to come back together for the common goals.”The afternoon session was marked by disputes over whether those who left for lunch could re-enter the convention, whether the rules could be changed and how slates of delegates and amendments to the platform had to be presented to be in order.“When the credentialing went to hell, the confidence in the people running the convention was lost,” O’Sullivan said.After the vote, delegates drifted away and the convention ended, without adopting a platform, when there was no longer a quorum to conduct business.“The event itself was embarrassing,” O’Sullivan said.