DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 310,000 trucks in the U.S. because the driver’s front air bag may not inflate in a crash.

The recall covers certain F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks from the 2016 model year.

The company says dust can accumulate in a cable inside the steering wheel, interrupting the electrical connection. Ford says it's not aware of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem.

Dealers will replace the steering wheel wiring assembly at no cost to owners, who will be notified starting July 5.

Owners may hear popping or clicking noises inside the steering wheel, or steering wheel switches and the horn might not work. They may also see an air bag warning light notifying them of the problem.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676554712774.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 310,000 trucks in the U.S. because the driver’s front air bag may not inflate in a crash.The recall covers certain F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks from the 2016 model year.The company says dust can accumulate in a cable inside the steering wheel, interrupting the electrical connection. Ford says it's not aware of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem.Dealers will replace the steering wheel wiring assembly at no cost to owners, who will be notified starting July 5.Owners may hear popping or clicking noises inside the steering wheel, or steering wheel switches and the horn might not work. They may also see an air bag warning light notifying them of the problem.

Ford recalls trucks to fix problem with driver's front air bag

By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The lawsuit over access to the abortion pill goes before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans on Wednesday, the next step on a path that will likely end at the U.S. Supreme Court.

The three-judge panel will decide whether to keep, overturn, or alter&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-administration-appeals-judges-ruling-ordering-abortion-pill-us-market">a ruling from U.S. District Court from the Northern District of Texas Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk,</a>&nbsp;who sought to end the prescription medication’s approval in an early April ruling.

More than a dozen medical organizations — including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine — argued in support of access to mifepristone in a brief to the appeals court.

The medical organizations wrote that their “ability to effectively care for patients often requires access to mifepristone, which has undergone rigorous testing and review and has been approved for use in the United States for over 20 years.”

They wrote in their 48-page&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145.354.0.pdf">brief</a>&nbsp;that the Texas district judge’s ruling “is rife with medically inappropriate assumptions and terminology.”

“It disregards decades of unambiguous analysis supporting the use of mifepristone in miscarriage and abortion care,” the 13 medical organizations wrote. “It relies on pseudoscience and on speculation, and adopts wholesale and without appropriate judicial inquiry the assertions of a small group of declarants who are ideologically opposed to abortion care and at odds with the overwhelming majority of the medical community and the FDA.”

The appeals panel deciding the case will include Judges Jennifer Walker Elrod, James C. Ho and Cory T. Wilson.

Elrod was nominated by former President George W. Bush in 2007 and confirmed by the Senate on a voice vote. Ho and Wilson were nominated by former President Donald Trump and were confirmed by the Senate on mostly party-line votes.

The case, Alliance Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, began in November when&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-could-decide-soon-february-yank-abortion-pill-nationwide">anti-abortion groups filed&nbsp;</a>a suit challenging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone in 2000.

The anti-abortion organizations called on a federal judge to overturn the approval, removing mifepristone from the market, though they also challenged changes to how the medication is prescribed and used following changes at the federal level in 2016 and 2021.

Alliance Defending Freedom, the anti-abortion legal organization that filed the lawsuit, wrote in its brief to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals that the FDA erred when it approved mifepristone.

ADF attorneys claim that mifepristone is not safe and effective for pregnancy termination, rejecting the scientific studies cited by medical organizations that show otherwise.

ADF’s legal team also opposes changes the FDA made to mifepristone’s use and administration in 2016, including that the medication could be used up to 10 weeks into a pregnancy, an increase from seven weeks.

The 2016 changes reduced the number of in-person visits from three to one, allowed qualified health care providers to prescribe the medication and changed some dosage and timing instructions. Non-fatal adverse incidents no longer had to be reported to the FDA, under the changes.

Then, in 2021, the FDA began allowing mifepristone to be prescribed via telehealth and sent to patients through the mail. The alterations were similarly opposed by ADF in the court filing.

The anti-abortion organizations call on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the Texas district judge’s decision that stayed the FDA’s approval.

“In sum, FDA has eliminated all safeguards that gave abortion providers the opportunity to rule out ectopic pregnancies, verify gestational age, and identify any contraindications to prescribing mifepristone,” ADF wrote in a 90-page&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145.380.0.pdf">brief</a>. “It also eliminated the follow-up care that once allowed doctors to identify complications like sepsis, hemorrhaging, or remaining baby body parts and pregnancy tissue.”

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear arguments in the appeal on Wednesday at 1 p.m. Central. An audio live stream is scheduled to be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://5thcircuit.streamguys1.com/enbanc">here</a>&nbsp;when the hearing begins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="-More than a dozen medical organizations — including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine — argued in support of access to mifepristone in a brief to the appeals court.-photo AP" />
 <figcaption>-More than a dozen medical organizations — including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine — argued in support of access to mifepristone in a brief to the appeals court.-photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a> WASHINGTON — The lawsuit over access to the abortion pill goes before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans on Wednesday, the next step on a path that will likely end at the U.S. Supreme Court.The three-judge panel will decide whether to keep, overturn, or alter&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-administration-appeals-judges-ruling-ordering-abortion-pill-us-market">a ruling from U.S. District Court from the Northern District of Texas Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk,</a>&nbsp;who sought to end the prescription medication’s approval in an early April ruling.More than a dozen medical organizations — including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine — argued in support of access to mifepristone in a brief to the appeals court.The medical organizations wrote that their “ability to effectively care for patients often requires access to mifepristone, which has undergone rigorous testing and review and has been approved for use in the United States for over 20 years.”They wrote in their 48-page&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145.354.0.pdf">brief</a>&nbsp;that the Texas district judge’s ruling “is rife with medically inappropriate assumptions and terminology.”“It disregards decades of unambiguous analysis supporting the use of mifepristone in miscarriage and abortion care,” the 13 medical organizations wrote. “It relies on pseudoscience and on speculation, and adopts wholesale and without appropriate judicial inquiry the assertions of a small group of declarants who are ideologically opposed to abortion care and at odds with the overwhelming majority of the medical community and the FDA.”The appeals panel deciding the case will include Judges Jennifer Walker Elrod, James C. Ho and Cory T. Wilson.Elrod was nominated by former President George W. Bush in 2007 and confirmed by the Senate on a voice vote. Ho and Wilson were nominated by former President Donald Trump and were confirmed by the Senate on mostly party-line votes.The case, Alliance Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, began in November when&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-could-decide-soon-february-yank-abortion-pill-nationwide">anti-abortion groups filed&nbsp;</a>a suit challenging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone in 2000.The anti-abortion organizations called on a federal judge to overturn the approval, removing mifepristone from the market, though they also challenged changes to how the medication is prescribed and used following changes at the federal level in 2016 and 2021.Alliance Defending Freedom, the anti-abortion legal organization that filed the lawsuit, wrote in its brief to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals that the FDA erred when it approved mifepristone.ADF attorneys claim that mifepristone is not safe and effective for pregnancy termination, rejecting the scientific studies cited by medical organizations that show otherwise.ADF’s legal team also opposes changes the FDA made to mifepristone’s use and administration in 2016, including that the medication could be used up to 10 weeks into a pregnancy, an increase from seven weeks.The 2016 changes reduced the number of in-person visits from three to one, allowed qualified health care providers to prescribe the medication and changed some dosage and timing instructions. Non-fatal adverse incidents no longer had to be reported to the FDA, under the changes.Then, in 2021, the FDA began allowing mifepristone to be prescribed via telehealth and sent to patients through the mail. The alterations were similarly opposed by ADF in the court filing.The anti-abortion organizations call on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the Texas district judge’s decision that stayed the FDA’s approval.“In sum, FDA has eliminated all safeguards that gave abortion providers the opportunity to rule out ectopic pregnancies, verify gestational age, and identify any contraindications to prescribing mifepristone,” ADF wrote in a 90-page&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145/gov.uscourts.ca5.213145.380.0.pdf">brief</a>. “It also eliminated the follow-up care that once allowed doctors to identify complications like sepsis, hemorrhaging, or remaining baby body parts and pregnancy tissue.”The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear arguments in the appeal on Wednesday at 1 p.m. Central. An audio live stream is scheduled to be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://5thcircuit.streamguys1.com/enbanc">here</a>&nbsp;when the hearing begins.

Appeals court to hold hearing on availability of abortion pill

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—A man who traveled from North Carolina to meet an underage girl in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, was sentenced Tuesday in district court, according to the Wabaunsee County Sheriff.

Derrick Yarnell Mayfield, 21, was sentenced to 41 months in prison, must register as a sex offender for life and have lifetime post release supervision.

In October of 2022, the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's office was alerted to possible exploitation of a child.

Deputies responded to investigate at a residence in the 400 Block of East Flint Hills Drive, Lake Wabaunsee.&nbsp; Investigators made contact with Derrick Yarnell Mayfield of Henderson North Carolina.

Mayfield flew from North Carolina to meet the young Wabaunsee County girl. Mayfield had originally made contact with her online. Evidence discovered at the home led to Mayfield's arrest.

Mayfield was originally held on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties w/ child, intercourse with child, Unlawful possession of visual depiction of child and Contribute to a child's misconduct, according to online jail records. Deputies took the child into protective custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667424426291.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Mayfield photo-Wabaunsee County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Mayfield photo-Wabaunsee County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WABAUNSEE COUNTY—A man who traveled from North Carolina to meet an underage girl in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, was sentenced Tuesday in district court, according to the Wabaunsee County Sheriff.Derrick Yarnell Mayfield, 21, was sentenced to 41 months in prison, must register as a sex offender for life and have lifetime post release supervision.In October of 2022, the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's office was alerted to possible exploitation of a child.Deputies responded to investigate at a residence in the 400 Block of East Flint Hills Drive, Lake Wabaunsee.&nbsp; Investigators made contact with Derrick Yarnell Mayfield of Henderson North Carolina.Mayfield flew from North Carolina to meet the young Wabaunsee County girl. Mayfield had originally made contact with her online. Evidence discovered at the home led to Mayfield's arrest.Mayfield was originally held on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties w/ child, intercourse with child, Unlawful possession of visual depiction of child and Contribute to a child's misconduct, according to online jail records. Deputies took the child into protective custody.

Man who came to Kan. to meet underage girl is going to prison

NEW YORK (AP) — An infant formula recalled over potential bacteria contamination was distributed to retailers across eight states after the recall began, according to a release published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week.

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/perrigo-announces-voluntary-recall-limited-quantity-gerberr-good-startr-sootheprotm-powdered-infant">Click here to read </a>the recall

Perrigo Co. issued a voluntary March recall of certain lots of its Gerber Good Start SoothePro Powdered Infant Formula “out of an abundance of caution” due to the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii, a germ that can cause serious or deadly infections in infants.

The recall includes Gerber Good Start formula manufactured between Jan. 2 and Jan. 18 at the Perrigo’s Eau Claire, Wisconsin, facility. The recalled formula was sold in three different sizes at retailers nationwide, according to a March 17 recall notice.

Cooperative food wholesaler Associated Wholesale Grocers, however, distributed the 12.4-ounce version of the recalled product to its Nashville Division retailers after Perrigo's initial recall notice was published.

As a result, the recalled product was distributed to supermarkets across Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, according to Associated Wholesale Grocers.

The wholesaler is urging consumers who purchased Gerber Good Start formula at impacted locations to check their products. The recalled formula sold beyond the start of the recall can be identified by its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/associated-wholesale-grocers-inc-releasing-notice-due-recalled-infant-formula-being-distributed-its">lot codes</a>&nbsp;and “use by” dates — which range from July 4, 2024 to July 12, 2024.

“Any consumers who purchased product with matching codes should discontinue use and dispose of the product,” Associated Wholesale Grocers' Saturday notice reads, adding that consumers can request a refund by contacting the Gerber Parent Resource Center on behalf of Perrigo.

In a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday, Perrigo said that the company informed all customers at the time of the March recall.

The company added that “no Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria has been found in any product distributed for sale and no adverse events have been reported.”

Associated Wholesale Grocers did not return calls for comment.

Infections caused by Cronobacter sakazakii are rare, but they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infant-formula-cronobacter-breast-pump-1f58e60535817837ff04435c065cfdfb">can be life-threatening for newborns</a>, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention writes — noting that the bacteria can cause sepsis and meningitis.

Cronobacter sakazakii was same germ that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-michigan-sturgis-a44d06262482d776ae465e0d22382d2d">sparked Abbott Nutrition’s recall</a>&nbsp;and following nationwide shortage of powdered infant formula last year. According to the FDA and CDC, Cronobacter sakazkii is found naturally in the environment and is “particularly good” at surviving in dry foods like infant formula — which can get contaminated at home or in processing facilities.

“There are steps that people can take to prevent infections,” Dr. Julia Haston, a CDC expert in pediatric infectious diseases,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-income-tax-free-electronic-filing-option-700e54251a39791091966bc0b356d342">previosuly told The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;— including thoroughly washing, sanitizing and drying hands, equipment and all surfaces before feeding a baby.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684272100029.png" alt="Photo FDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo FDA</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — An infant formula recalled over potential bacteria contamination was distributed to retailers across eight states after the recall began, according to a release published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week.<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/perrigo-announces-voluntary-recall-limited-quantity-gerberr-good-startr-sootheprotm-powdered-infant">Click here to read </a>the recallPerrigo Co. issued a voluntary March recall of certain lots of its Gerber Good Start SoothePro Powdered Infant Formula “out of an abundance of caution” due to the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii, a germ that can cause serious or deadly infections in infants.The recall includes Gerber Good Start formula manufactured between Jan. 2 and Jan. 18 at the Perrigo’s Eau Claire, Wisconsin, facility. The recalled formula was sold in three different sizes at retailers nationwide, according to a March 17 recall notice.Cooperative food wholesaler Associated Wholesale Grocers, however, distributed the 12.4-ounce version of the recalled product to its Nashville Division retailers after Perrigo's initial recall notice was published.As a result, the recalled product was distributed to supermarkets across Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, according to Associated Wholesale Grocers.The wholesaler is urging consumers who purchased Gerber Good Start formula at impacted locations to check their products. The recalled formula sold beyond the start of the recall can be identified by its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/associated-wholesale-grocers-inc-releasing-notice-due-recalled-infant-formula-being-distributed-its">lot codes</a>&nbsp;and “use by” dates — which range from July 4, 2024 to July 12, 2024.“Any consumers who purchased product with matching codes should discontinue use and dispose of the product,” Associated Wholesale Grocers' Saturday notice reads, adding that consumers can request a refund by contacting the Gerber Parent Resource Center on behalf of Perrigo.In a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday, Perrigo said that the company informed all customers at the time of the March recall.The company added that “no Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria has been found in any product distributed for sale and no adverse events have been reported.”Associated Wholesale Grocers did not return calls for comment.Infections caused by Cronobacter sakazakii are rare, but they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infant-formula-cronobacter-breast-pump-1f58e60535817837ff04435c065cfdfb">can be life-threatening for newborns</a>, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention writes — noting that the bacteria can cause sepsis and meningitis.Cronobacter sakazakii was same germ that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-michigan-sturgis-a44d06262482d776ae465e0d22382d2d">sparked Abbott Nutrition’s recall</a>&nbsp;and following nationwide shortage of powdered infant formula last year. According to the FDA and CDC, Cronobacter sakazkii is found naturally in the environment and is “particularly good” at surviving in dry foods like infant formula — which can get contaminated at home or in processing facilities.“There are steps that people can take to prevent infections,” Dr. Julia Haston, a CDC expert in pediatric infectious diseases,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-income-tax-free-electronic-filing-option-700e54251a39791091966bc0b356d342">previosuly told The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;— including thoroughly washing, sanitizing and drying hands, equipment and all surfaces before feeding a baby.

Recalled Gerber baby formula was sent to US retailers after recall began

WASHINGTON (AP) — An unknown man managed to slip undetected inside the home of White House national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jake-sullivan">Jake Sullivan</a>, according to two people familiar with the incident. The U.S. Secret Service is investigating.

The door was apparently unlocked, and the intruder was able to get inside Sullivan's home around 3 a.m. last month, the people said. Secret Service is investigating whether the person intentionally went into the home or whether it was some kind of accident; the person appeared to be intoxicated, the people said. The people were not authorized to talk about an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Sullivan has round-the-clock security. But the agents stationed outside his home did not know that the unknown male accessed inside the Washington home until the man had already gone. Sullivan came outside and told them, the people said.

Security is always a top concern for high-level government officials, but there's been a more palpable sense of anxiety in recent years&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-san-francisco-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-b8a3fb8b3e6f491fcfb16e155b877427">as threats to lawmakers and officials are on the rise</a>. The husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was attacked and severely beaten with a hammer by an assailant who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paul-pelosi-assaulted-156ece77186eb11b97260af3c5122f67">broke into the couple’s San Francisco in October.</a>

There was no evidence that the person meant to harm Sullivan or even knew him. The Washington Post first reported the breach.

Meanwhile, additional security measures have been put in place outside Sullivan's home as a precaution while a review is conducted.

The U.S. Secret Service said in a statement that it was “examining a security incident that took place at a protectee site.”

“While the protectee was unharmed, we are taking this matter seriously and have opened a comprehensive mission assurance investigation to review all facets of what occurred," according to the statement.

Any deviation from protocol was unacceptable, the Secret Service said.

Certain members of President Joe Biden's administration get a Secret Service security detail which means their homes are guarded and they receive protection as they move throughout their days outside the White House; it depends on a range of factors including the type of job and whether threats have been made.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676938829757.png" alt="In February Jake Sullivan joined President Biden on the train from Kyiv to Poland during the surprise visit -White House pool photo" />
 <figcaption>In February Jake Sullivan joined President Biden on the train from Kyiv to Poland during the surprise visit -White House pool photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — An unknown man managed to slip undetected inside the home of White House national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jake-sullivan">Jake Sullivan</a>, according to two people familiar with the incident. The U.S. Secret Service is investigating.The door was apparently unlocked, and the intruder was able to get inside Sullivan's home around 3 a.m. last month, the people said. Secret Service is investigating whether the person intentionally went into the home or whether it was some kind of accident; the person appeared to be intoxicated, the people said. The people were not authorized to talk about an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.Sullivan has round-the-clock security. But the agents stationed outside his home did not know that the unknown male accessed inside the Washington home until the man had already gone. Sullivan came outside and told them, the people said.Security is always a top concern for high-level government officials, but there's been a more palpable sense of anxiety in recent years&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-san-francisco-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-b8a3fb8b3e6f491fcfb16e155b877427">as threats to lawmakers and officials are on the rise</a>. The husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was attacked and severely beaten with a hammer by an assailant who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paul-pelosi-assaulted-156ece77186eb11b97260af3c5122f67">broke into the couple’s San Francisco in October.</a>There was no evidence that the person meant to harm Sullivan or even knew him. The Washington Post first reported the breach.Meanwhile, additional security measures have been put in place outside Sullivan's home as a precaution while a review is conducted.The U.S. Secret Service said in a statement that it was “examining a security incident that took place at a protectee site.”“While the protectee was unharmed, we are taking this matter seriously and have opened a comprehensive mission assurance investigation to review all facets of what occurred," according to the statement.Any deviation from protocol was unacceptable, the Secret Service said.Certain members of President Joe Biden's administration get a Secret Service security detail which means their homes are guarded and they receive protection as they move throughout their days outside the White House; it depends on a range of factors including the type of job and whether threats have been made.

Secret Service blunder at Biden's national security adviser’s home 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri officials terminated the Republican attorney general’s emergency rule that would have placed limits on transgender care for minors and some adults.

The move was announced Tuesday without explanation on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website. The website says: “This emergency rule terminated effective May 16, 2023.”

The rule would have required adults and children to undergo more than a year of therapy and fulfill other requirements before they could receive gender-affirming treatments such as puberty blockers, hormones and surgery.

Attorney General Andrew Bailey's spokesperson did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Bailey’s move comes less than a week after the Missouri Legislature approved a ban on minors starting care. Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, is expected to sign that law.

The ACLU of Missouri filed a lawsuit in late April seeking to block the rule, which would have made the state one of the first in the country to limit transgender care for adults. The lawsuit alleged the attorney general didn’t have the authority to use the state’s consumer protection law to block access to transgender-affirming care.

A judge later put the rules on hold until July.

Bailey filed his rules with the secretary of state in Apirl. They included a new therapy requirement that created an 18-month waiting period for care.

The rule would have required people to have experienced an “intense pattern” of documented gender dysphoria for three years and to have received at least 15 hourly sessions with a therapist over at least 18 months before they could receive treatment. Prospective patients also would be required to be screened for autism, and any psychiatric symptoms from mental health issues would have to be treated and resolved.

The attorney general’s office has said there are 12,400 Missourians who identify as transgender. The office has estimated that 600 to 700 Missourians would begin treatment in the next year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684283615377.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MARGARET STAFFORDKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri officials terminated the Republican attorney general’s emergency rule that would have placed limits on transgender care for minors and some adults.The move was announced Tuesday without explanation on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website. The website says: “This emergency rule terminated effective May 16, 2023.”The rule would have required adults and children to undergo more than a year of therapy and fulfill other requirements before they could receive gender-affirming treatments such as puberty blockers, hormones and surgery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681466878038.png" alt="Missouri AG Andrew Bailey- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Missouri AG Andrew Bailey- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Attorney General Andrew Bailey's spokesperson did not immediately return a message seeking comment.Bailey’s move comes less than a week after the Missouri Legislature approved a ban on minors starting care. Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, is expected to sign that law.The ACLU of Missouri filed a lawsuit in late April seeking to block the rule, which would have made the state one of the first in the country to limit transgender care for adults. The lawsuit alleged the attorney general didn’t have the authority to use the state’s consumer protection law to block access to transgender-affirming care.A judge later put the rules on hold until July.Bailey filed his rules with the secretary of state in Apirl. They included a new therapy requirement that created an 18-month waiting period for care.The rule would have required people to have experienced an “intense pattern” of documented gender dysphoria for three years and to have received at least 15 hourly sessions with a therapist over at least 18 months before they could receive treatment. Prospective patients also would be required to be screened for autism, and any psychiatric symptoms from mental health issues would have to be treated and resolved.The attorney general’s office has said there are 12,400 Missourians who identify as transgender. The office has estimated that 600 to 700 Missourians would begin treatment in the next year.

Missouri terminates emergency rule to limit trans care for minors, some adults

BACA COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp; driver, who was pulled over for speeding and tried to switch places with his dog to avoid arrest.

Just 11:30 p.m. Sunday, police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at 52 miles per hour in a posted 30 mile per hour zone near 7th and Main Street, according to a media release from Springfield Colorado Police.

 The driver attempted to switch places with his dog who was in the passenger seat, as the officer approached and watched the entire process. 

The man then exited the passenger side of the vehicle and claimed he was not driving. The man showed clear signs of intoxication and when asked about his alcohol consumption he ran from the officer. 

The officer apprehended the driver quickly within about 20 yards of the vehicle. It was discovered that he was driving from Las Animas to Pueblo and got lost in Springfield. 

The man also was found to have two active warrants for his arrest out of Pueblo. The Baca County Sheriff's deputies arrived and assisted with the incident and the man party was medically cleared at the hospital and then booked into the Baca County Jail for his warrants and requested charges of Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, Driving while ability impaired, driving under suspension, speeding 20-24 over, and resisting arrest. 

The dog was given to an acquaintance of the driver to take care of while the man was in jail. The police department also reported, "the dog does not face any charges and was let go with just a warning." Springfield is located approximately two hours west of Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

BACA COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp; driver, who was pulled over for speeding and tried to switch places with his dog to avoid arrest.Just 11:30 p.m. Sunday, police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at 52 miles per hour in a posted 30 mile per hour zone near 7th and Main Street, according to a media release from Springfield Colorado Police. The driver attempted to switch places with his dog who was in the passenger seat, as the officer approached and watched the entire process. The man then exited the passenger side of the vehicle and claimed he was not driving. The man showed clear signs of intoxication and when asked about his alcohol consumption he ran from the officer. The officer apprehended the driver quickly within about 20 yards of the vehicle. It was discovered that he was driving from Las Animas to Pueblo and got lost in Springfield. The man also was found to have two active warrants for his arrest out of Pueblo. The Baca County Sheriff's deputies arrived and assisted with the incident and the man party was medically cleared at the hospital and then booked into the Baca County Jail for his warrants and requested charges of Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, Driving while ability impaired, driving under suspension, speeding 20-24 over, and resisting arrest. The dog was given to an acquaintance of the driver to take care of while the man was in jail. The police department also reported, "the dog does not face any charges and was let go with just a warning." Springfield is located approximately two hours west of Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Driver tries to trade places with dog to avoid DUI arrest

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 39-year-old&nbsp;s Brandon M. Drew of Topeka. 

Just after 2 p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting in the 3500 block of SW Kerry Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

First responders found an Drew with a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital to be treated for the injuries.

Late Monday, police reported Drew died.&nbsp; Police have not reported a possible suspect or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684231727746.png" alt="Police tape at the scene -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police tape at the scene -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 39-year-old&nbsp;s Brandon M. Drew of Topeka. Just after 2 p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting in the 3500 block of SW Kerry Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.First responders found an Drew with a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital to be treated for the injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684231703646.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Late Monday, police reported Drew died.&nbsp; Police have not reported a possible suspect or additional details.

Police ID victim who died in shooting at Kansas home

KANSAS CITY (AP)—Jackson Mahomes, the brother of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, grabbed a woman by the neck and kissed her against her will three times earlier this year, according to new information in an affidavit.

Mahomes was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-brother-charges-chiefs-812506d230c0964df8ff7feecf4c359f">charged</a>&nbsp;with three counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of battery after the incident at Aspens Restaurant and Lounge in Overland Park, Kansas, on Feb. 25.

During a brief hearing on Tuesday, a Johnson County judge agreed to Mahomes' request to have his bond agreement modified so he could talk to three of four people listed as witnesses, who are his friends.

Mahomes declined to comment before and after Tuesday's hearing. He has been free after posting $100,000 bond.

The hearing came a day after a redacted affidavit provided more details of the alleged assault on the restaurant's owner, Aspen Vaugh.

Investigators said Mahomes shoved a waiter at the restaurant who tried to come into a room where he was with Vaughn. After the waiter left, Mahomes grabbed her by the throat and forcefully kissed her three different times without her consent, according to the court document.

She told police Mahomes was a friend of her stepdaughter and had caused trouble and been asked to leave the restaurant in the past.

According to the affidavit, two servers in the area did not hear her call for help but later confirmed that she told them about the assault and showed them a bruise on her neck.

Mahomes, who is a social media influencer on TikTok and Instagram, asked Vaughn not to tell anyone what happened and then said he could help her business because he has a “large social media following,” investigators said.

Vaughn's boyfriend came to the restaurant and, after finding out what happened, ordered Mahomes and his friends to leave.

At Tuesday's hearing, Johnson County District Judge Thomas M. Sutherland said Mahomes could not speak to one of the witnesses, who had direct knowledge of the incident. He warned the other three witnesses they could not talk to Mahomes about the case, Kansas City media reported.

Mahomes' preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 31.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684270297047.png" alt="Mahomes was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-brother-charges-chiefs-812506d230c0964df8ff7feecf4c359f">charged</a>&nbsp;with three counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of battery after the incident at Aspens Restaurant and Lounge in Overland Park, Kansas, on Feb. 25.&nbsp;photo AP" />
 <figcaption>Mahomes was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-brother-charges-chiefs-812506d230c0964df8ff7feecf4c359f">charged</a>&nbsp;with three counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of battery after the incident at Aspens Restaurant and Lounge in Overland Park, Kansas, on Feb. 25.&nbsp;photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP)—Jackson Mahomes, the brother of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, grabbed a woman by the neck and kissed her against her will three times earlier this year, according to new information in an affidavit.Mahomes was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-brother-charges-chiefs-812506d230c0964df8ff7feecf4c359f">charged</a>&nbsp;with three counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of battery after the incident at Aspens Restaurant and Lounge in Overland Park, Kansas, on Feb. 25.During a brief hearing on Tuesday, a Johnson County judge agreed to Mahomes' request to have his bond agreement modified so he could talk to three of four people listed as witnesses, who are his friends.Mahomes declined to comment before and after Tuesday's hearing. He has been free after posting $100,000 bond.The hearing came a day after a redacted affidavit provided more details of the alleged assault on the restaurant's owner, Aspen Vaugh.Investigators said Mahomes shoved a waiter at the restaurant who tried to come into a room where he was with Vaughn. After the waiter left, Mahomes grabbed her by the throat and forcefully kissed her three different times without her consent, according to the court document.She told police Mahomes was a friend of her stepdaughter and had caused trouble and been asked to leave the restaurant in the past.According to the affidavit, two servers in the area did not hear her call for help but later confirmed that she told them about the assault and showed them a bruise on her neck.Mahomes, who is a social media influencer on TikTok and Instagram, asked Vaughn not to tell anyone what happened and then said he could help her business because he has a “large social media following,” investigators said.Vaughn's boyfriend came to the restaurant and, after finding out what happened, ordered Mahomes and his friends to leave.At Tuesday's hearing, Johnson County District Judge Thomas M. Sutherland said Mahomes could not speak to one of the witnesses, who had direct knowledge of the incident. He warned the other three witnesses they could not talk to Mahomes about the case, Kansas City media reported.Mahomes' preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 31.

Affidavit: Mahomes grabbed woman's neck, kissed her 3 times without consent

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Tuesday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Buick LeSabre driven by 90-year-old Charles Richard Thomas of Eskridge was&nbsp; southbound in the 29500 Block of Keene Eskridge Road. 

The car veered off of the west side of the roadway. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle traveled across both lanes of traffic,&nbsp; entered the east ditch causing the vehicle to overturned.

EMS transported Thomas to Stormont Vail where he was pronounced deceased. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684320626822.png" alt="photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>WABAUNSEE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Tuesday in Wabaunsee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Buick LeSabre driven by 90-year-old Charles Richard Thomas of Eskridge was&nbsp; southbound in the 29500 Block of Keene Eskridge Road. The car veered off of the west side of the roadway. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle traveled across both lanes of traffic,&nbsp; entered the east ditch causing the vehicle to overturned.EMS transported Thomas to Stormont Vail where he was pronounced deceased. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

90-year-old Kansas man dies after car overturns

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The unemployment rate in Kansas is expected to decrease in 2024, with the state poised to add thousands of new jobs, according to new employment predictions.

Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research released an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cedbr.org/forecast-blog?R6wF9AvbqY=D2DE005F19B7FF0596CECF139FBD9B83">updated Kansas Employment Forecast</a>&nbsp;in May.

Since 2020, employment rates have been on the rise. The CEDBR estimates employment numbers will be about 1,473,952 by the end of 2023, and rise to about 1,482,821 in 2024, projecting an employment increase of .8% for the state in 2024 with 11,464 jobs added.

“Based on our projections for the next few years, we are seeing steady growth across most industries in Kansas,” said CEDBR Director Jeremy Hill. “While some industries may experience slight declines, overall we expect to see a positive trend in employment across the state.”

The CEDBR report also predicted a continued drop in unemployment based on the Kansas labor market, with a decrease in unemployment from 2020 to 2023. Kansas had about 87,557 unemployed residents in 2020, with an unemployment rate of 6.2%. This rate fell to 2.9% by 2022, and is projected to drop to 2.6% by the end of 2023 as the state recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gross domestic product across all industries in the state is expected to increase. The oil, mining and natural gas industry in particular is expected to have significant growth, with an estimated increase of 6.2% this year and a 16.3% increase in 2024.

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The unemployment rate in Kansas is expected to decrease in 2024, with the state poised to add thousands of new jobs, according to new employment predictions.Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research released an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cedbr.org/forecast-blog?R6wF9AvbqY=D2DE005F19B7FF0596CECF139FBD9B83">updated Kansas Employment Forecast</a>&nbsp;in May.Since 2020, employment rates have been on the rise. The CEDBR estimates employment numbers will be about 1,473,952 by the end of 2023, and rise to about 1,482,821 in 2024, projecting an employment increase of .8% for the state in 2024 with 11,464 jobs added.“Based on our projections for the next few years, we are seeing steady growth across most industries in Kansas,” said CEDBR Director Jeremy Hill. “While some industries may experience slight declines, overall we expect to see a positive trend in employment across the state.”The CEDBR report also predicted a continued drop in unemployment based on the Kansas labor market, with a decrease in unemployment from 2020 to 2023. Kansas had about 87,557 unemployed residents in 2020, with an unemployment rate of 6.2%. This rate fell to 2.9% by 2022, and is projected to drop to 2.6% by the end of 2023 as the state recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.Gross domestic product across all industries in the state is expected to increase. The oil, mining and natural gas industry in particular is expected to have significant growth, with an estimated increase of 6.2% this year and a 16.3% increase in 2024.

New report estimates rise in Kansas employment, GDP over coming months

By JASON HANCOCK <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

After two years of drama and gridlock, the Missouri Senate showed up in January determined to put the conflict between the conservative caucus and GOP leadership&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/09/she-doesnt-have-a-tribe-cindy-olaughlins-new-role-tests-ability-to-bridge-factions/">in the past</a>.&nbsp;

Submerged but ever-lurking, factionalism finally torpedoed the apparent comity in the session’s final week, and the Senate sank into the depths of filibusters and procedural hijinks.

More than 3,000 non-budget bills were introduced during the 2023 session of the Missouri General Assembly. Only 43 found their way across the finish line.&nbsp;

But while a host of big-ticket policy proposals died in the session’s waning days, lawmakers did manage to sign off on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/05/missouri-lawmakers-approve-largest-budget-in-state-history-almost-51-billion/">largest budget in state history</a>, promising historic investments in infrastructure projects, public education and the state’s social safety net.&nbsp;

So who were the big winners and losers of the legislative session?&nbsp;

No one had a bigger impact on the state’s $50.7 billion budget than Sen. Lincoln Hough.&nbsp;

The Republican from Springfield took over as chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee this year. And after the House made massive cuts to the governor’s proposed budget, a bipartisan parade of lawmakers found their way to Hough’s fourth-floor office with hat in hand.&nbsp;

Not only did Hough restore nearly all the money the House removed, he tripled the funding to rebuild Interstate 70. Then for good measure, in one of the rare moments when the conservative caucus wasn’t killing bills in the final week, Hough decided he’d take a turn by upending a virtual schools bill that many saw as a vehicle for more sweeping education measures.&nbsp;

Hough just won re-election to a second term. That means he could be shaping the budget for the next three years — a lifetime in the age of term limits.&nbsp;

With less than a third of legislative seats and no statewide office, Missouri Democrats couldn’t have asked for a better legislative session.

The budget pumped money into a host of programs Democrats championed — expanded pre-kindergarten programs, raises for direct care workers, increases in child care subsidies and more. On the policy side, a years-long effort to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year finally came to fruition.&nbsp;

In the Senate, Democrats got to sit back for the third year in a row as Republican infighting killed a host of bills they hated. Changes to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/09/major-overhaul-of-initiative-process-one-step-from-missouri-ballot/">initiative petition process</a>, a corporate tax cut, state control of the St. Louis police department, education bills targeting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/08/missouri-senate-advances-parents-bill-of-rights/">“critical race theory”</a>&nbsp;and a host of others fizzled out despite being priorities for the GOP supermajority.&nbsp;

As video lottery machines proliferated in convenience stores, truck stops and other locations across the state, the companies that owned them made high-profile enemies.&nbsp;

The Missouri Gaming Commission deemed the machines gambling devices, which are prohibited outside of licensed casinos. The state highway patrol considers them illegal. And in the Missouri Senate, the president pro tem and appropriations chair —Dave Schatz and Dan Hegeman — vowed to legislate them out of the state.&nbsp;

But term limits drove Schatz and Hegeman out of office last year, and debate this year over these slot-machine-like games was focused on how to establish regulations instead of whether they should be allowed at all.&nbsp;

That debate once again became latched to the push to legalize sports wagering, dooming both proposals and leaving the status quo in place. Sen. Caleb Rowden, the current president pro tem of the chamber, said as the session ended that a host of priority bills met their demise because a small group of legislators “want slot machines in gas stations.”

With few local prosecutors&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/03/11/few-missouri-prosecutors-file-gambling-charges-sought-by-patrol/">willing to bring illegal gambling charges</a>, and the attorney general’s office&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/25/missouri-ag-drops-out-of-gambling-case-after-taking-donations-from-companies-suing-state/">recusing itself from litigation</a>&nbsp;filed by a gray-market gaming company, the question of the machine’s legality seems unlikely to resolve any time soon.

Highway contractors were already in line for years of work under the limited plan for I-70 proposed by Gov. Mike Parson but the $2.8 billion for widening the highway statewide, plus a study in preparation for doing the same on Interstate 44, promise decades of work.&nbsp;

There’s also money for building construction projects that include a $26 million state warehouse in Jefferson City, a $43 million veterinary hospital at the University of Missouri and a $300 million psychiatric hospital in Kansas City.

Sometimes the best bet is to fly under the radar.&nbsp;

Republican ire this year was focused like a laser on St. Louis. Efforts to return to state control of the city’s police and allow the governor to appoint a special prosecutor to step in for the city circuit attorney continued to pick up steam as the session wore on.&nbsp;

The only thing that stopped the bills was Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner’s decision to resign.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, fresh off a Chiefs Super Bowl victory, Kansas City saw $50 million added to the budget for improvements at Arrowhead Stadium in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. There was also $300 million appropriated to replace an aging psychiatric hospital in the city.&nbsp;

When the push to usurp local control of the St. Louis police was set aside, it cleared the path for legislation containing Blair’s Law — a longtime priority of Kansas City lawmakers that bans celebratory gunfire and is named after a local girl who was killed by a stray bullet in 2011.&nbsp;

No issue garnered more legislative attention this year than the push to limit access to puberty blockers, hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries for transgender minors.&nbsp;

Multiple marathon committee hearings, along with impassioned — and at times ugly — debate in both the House and Senate ended with legislation making its way to the governor’s desk. Lawmakers also mandated student athletes compete as their sex assigned at birth.&nbsp;

As debate raged, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey launched an investigation into clinics that provide gender-affirming care and pushed for an emergency regulation that would block access to care for children and adults.&nbsp;

While most didn’t pass, Missouri&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/missouri-leads-nation-in-anti-lgbtq-legislation/article_de653d4d-680c-5046-876b-386c0c51933a.html">led the nation in the number of anti-LGBTQ bills introduced this year</a>, causing advocates to label 2023 “the most dangerous legislative session in recent history.”

Democrats are already sounding the alarm for next year, with Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo of Independence proclaiming on the session’s final day: “When you throw red meat to rabid people, they don’t stop being hungry.”

Republican efforts to enact changes to the judicial system have historically&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nationalreview.com/bench-memos/other-news-missouri-trial-lawyers-still-strong-carrie-severino/">run into a wall of Democratic opposition.</a>&nbsp;But with GOP supermajorities, those Democrats rarely held off legislation for long.&nbsp;

But this year, when a bill seeking to modify the statute of limitations came up for debate in the Senate, a handful of Republicans joined the opposition.&nbsp;

Trial attorneys have had GOP legislative allies in the past.&nbsp;But in recent years, they’ve begun supporting more Republicans, especially those aligned with the conservative caucus, who have found common ground defending the 7th amendment of the U.S. Constitution protecting the right to trial by jury.

“Some people say we’re for trial attorneys,” Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, said during Senate debate earlier this year. “No, we’re for people. They should have a chance for redress.”

For the third year in a row, lawmakers rejected the Department of Transportation’s request to implement a market-based pay system to stem turnover. A decision in a court case filed by the Highways and Transportation Commission asserting it has authority to implement raises even without legislative approval has been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/10/modot-seeks-ruling-to-free-state-road-fund-from-lawmakers-control/">pending since February 2022</a>.

While the court mulls the question, lawmakers pushed for a constitutional amendment stripping the Highways and Transportation Commission of its long-standing control of the multibillion-dollar state road fund. The effort faltered, but if the court sides with MoDOT it could give the proposed amendment renewed momentum.

Last year saw lawmakers create a scholarship program for private schools and a funding increase for charter schools.&nbsp;

Most anticipated supporters would build on those wins this year, and those expectations grew after the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/13/impact-of-declining-scores-unclear-as-missouri-lawmakers-continue-education-debate/">school testing data showed Missouri students doing worse&nbsp;</a>across the board from pre-pandemic scores.&nbsp;

But even a modest open enrollment bill barely&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/07/open-enrollment-legislation-wins-first-round-approval-in-missouri-house/">squeaked out of the House</a>&nbsp;before stalling in the Senate. And a bill seeking to fix the state’s virtual school law ran into a buzzsaw of opposition.

Proponents aren’t going anywhere, are well funded and are eyeing 2024 legislative elections. But 2023 proved resistance hasn’t softened, and any changes to the state education system faces an uphill fight.&nbsp;

The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this story.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683943247636.png" alt="Members of the Missouri House throw paper into the air to celebrate the end of the 2023 legislative session on Friday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Members of the Missouri House throw paper into the air to celebrate the end of the 2023 legislative session on Friday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON HANCOCK <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>After two years of drama and gridlock, the Missouri Senate showed up in January determined to put the conflict between the conservative caucus and GOP leadership&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/09/she-doesnt-have-a-tribe-cindy-olaughlins-new-role-tests-ability-to-bridge-factions/">in the past</a>.&nbsp;Submerged but ever-lurking, factionalism finally torpedoed the apparent comity in the session’s final week, and the Senate sank into the depths of filibusters and procedural hijinks.More than 3,000 non-budget bills were introduced during the 2023 session of the Missouri General Assembly. Only 43 found their way across the finish line.&nbsp;But while a host of big-ticket policy proposals died in the session’s waning days, lawmakers did manage to sign off on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/05/missouri-lawmakers-approve-largest-budget-in-state-history-almost-51-billion/">largest budget in state history</a>, promising historic investments in infrastructure projects, public education and the state’s social safety net.&nbsp;So who were the big winners and losers of the legislative session?&nbsp;<h2>WINNERS</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684248926019.png" alt="Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, speaks during debate on the 2023 state operating budget (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, speaks during debate on the 2023 state operating budget (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lincoln Hough</h2>No one had a bigger impact on the state’s $50.7 billion budget than Sen. Lincoln Hough.&nbsp;The Republican from Springfield took over as chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee this year. And after the House made massive cuts to the governor’s proposed budget, a bipartisan parade of lawmakers found their way to Hough’s fourth-floor office with hat in hand.&nbsp;Not only did Hough restore nearly all the money the House removed, he tripled the funding to rebuild Interstate 70. Then for good measure, in one of the rare moments when the conservative caucus wasn’t killing bills in the final week, Hough decided he’d take a turn by upending a virtual schools bill that many saw as a vehicle for more sweeping education measures.&nbsp;Hough just won re-election to a second term. That means he could be shaping the budget for the next three years — a lifetime in the age of term limits.&nbsp;<h2>Missouri Democrats</h2>With less than a third of legislative seats and no statewide office, Missouri Democrats couldn’t have asked for a better legislative session.The budget pumped money into a host of programs Democrats championed — expanded pre-kindergarten programs, raises for direct care workers, increases in child care subsidies and more. On the policy side, a years-long effort to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year finally came to fruition.&nbsp;In the Senate, Democrats got to sit back for the third year in a row as Republican infighting killed a host of bills they hated. Changes to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/09/major-overhaul-of-initiative-process-one-step-from-missouri-ballot/">initiative petition process</a>, a corporate tax cut, state control of the St. Louis police department, education bills targeting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/08/missouri-senate-advances-parents-bill-of-rights/">“critical race theory”</a>&nbsp;and a host of others fizzled out despite being priorities for the GOP supermajority.&nbsp;<h2>‘Gray market’ slot machines</h2>As video lottery machines proliferated in convenience stores, truck stops and other locations across the state, the companies that owned them made high-profile enemies.&nbsp;The Missouri Gaming Commission deemed the machines gambling devices, which are prohibited outside of licensed casinos. The state highway patrol considers them illegal. And in the Missouri Senate, the president pro tem and appropriations chair —Dave Schatz and Dan Hegeman — vowed to legislate them out of the state.&nbsp;But term limits drove Schatz and Hegeman out of office last year, and debate this year over these slot-machine-like games was focused on how to establish regulations instead of whether they should be allowed at all.&nbsp;That debate once again became latched to the push to legalize sports wagering, dooming both proposals and leaving the status quo in place. Sen. Caleb Rowden, the current president pro tem of the chamber, said as the session ended that a host of priority bills met their demise because a small group of legislators “want slot machines in gas stations.”With few local prosecutors&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/03/11/few-missouri-prosecutors-file-gambling-charges-sought-by-patrol/">willing to bring illegal gambling charges</a>, and the attorney general’s office&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/25/missouri-ag-drops-out-of-gambling-case-after-taking-donations-from-companies-suing-state/">recusing itself from litigation</a>&nbsp;filed by a gray-market gaming company, the question of the machine’s legality seems unlikely to resolve any time soon.<h2>Heavy constructors</h2>Highway contractors were already in line for years of work under the limited plan for I-70 proposed by Gov. Mike Parson but the $2.8 billion for widening the highway statewide, plus a study in preparation for doing the same on Interstate 44, promise decades of work.&nbsp;There’s also money for building construction projects that include a $26 million state warehouse in Jefferson City, a $43 million veterinary hospital at the University of Missouri and a $300 million psychiatric hospital in Kansas City.<h2>Kansas City</h2>Sometimes the best bet is to fly under the radar.&nbsp;Republican ire this year was focused like a laser on St. Louis. Efforts to return to state control of the city’s police and allow the governor to appoint a special prosecutor to step in for the city circuit attorney continued to pick up steam as the session wore on.&nbsp;The only thing that stopped the bills was Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner’s decision to resign.&nbsp;Meanwhile, fresh off a Chiefs Super Bowl victory, Kansas City saw $50 million added to the budget for improvements at Arrowhead Stadium in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. There was also $300 million appropriated to replace an aging psychiatric hospital in the city.&nbsp;When the push to usurp local control of the St. Louis police was set aside, it cleared the path for legislation containing Blair’s Law — a longtime priority of Kansas City lawmakers that bans celebratory gunfire and is named after a local girl who was killed by a stray bullet in 2011.&nbsp;<h2>LOSERS</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684249016853.png" alt=" LGBTQ advocates speak at a rally on the steps of the Missouri Capitol Feb. 7, 2023 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> LGBTQ advocates speak at a rally on the steps of the Missouri Capitol Feb. 7, 2023 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>LGBTQ+ community</h2>No issue garnered more legislative attention this year than the push to limit access to puberty blockers, hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries for transgender minors.&nbsp;Multiple marathon committee hearings, along with impassioned — and at times ugly — debate in both the House and Senate ended with legislation making its way to the governor’s desk. Lawmakers also mandated student athletes compete as their sex assigned at birth.&nbsp;As debate raged, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey launched an investigation into clinics that provide gender-affirming care and pushed for an emergency regulation that would block access to care for children and adults.&nbsp;While most didn’t pass, Missouri&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/missouri-leads-nation-in-anti-lgbtq-legislation/article_de653d4d-680c-5046-876b-386c0c51933a.html">led the nation in the number of anti-LGBTQ bills introduced this year</a>, causing advocates to label 2023 “the most dangerous legislative session in recent history.”Democrats are already sounding the alarm for next year, with Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo of Independence proclaiming on the session’s final day: “When you throw red meat to rabid people, they don’t stop being hungry.”<h2>Tort reformers</h2>Republican efforts to enact changes to the judicial system have historically&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nationalreview.com/bench-memos/other-news-missouri-trial-lawyers-still-strong-carrie-severino/">run into a wall of Democratic opposition.</a>&nbsp;But with GOP supermajorities, those Democrats rarely held off legislation for long.&nbsp;But this year, when a bill seeking to modify the statute of limitations came up for debate in the Senate, a handful of Republicans joined the opposition.&nbsp;Trial attorneys have had GOP legislative allies in the past.&nbsp;But in recent years, they’ve begun supporting more Republicans, especially those aligned with the conservative caucus, who have found common ground defending the 7th amendment of the U.S. Constitution protecting the right to trial by jury.“Some people say we’re for trial attorneys,” Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, said during Senate debate earlier this year. “No, we’re for people. They should have a chance for redress.”<h2>MoDOT employees</h2>For the third year in a row, lawmakers rejected the Department of Transportation’s request to implement a market-based pay system to stem turnover. A decision in a court case filed by the Highways and Transportation Commission asserting it has authority to implement raises even without legislative approval has been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/10/modot-seeks-ruling-to-free-state-road-fund-from-lawmakers-control/">pending since February 2022</a>.While the court mulls the question, lawmakers pushed for a constitutional amendment stripping the Highways and Transportation Commission of its long-standing control of the multibillion-dollar state road fund. The effort faltered, but if the court sides with MoDOT it could give the proposed amendment renewed momentum.<h2>‘School choice’ advocates</h2>Last year saw lawmakers create a scholarship program for private schools and a funding increase for charter schools.&nbsp;Most anticipated supporters would build on those wins this year, and those expectations grew after the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/13/impact-of-declining-scores-unclear-as-missouri-lawmakers-continue-education-debate/">school testing data showed Missouri students doing worse&nbsp;</a>across the board from pre-pandemic scores.&nbsp;But even a modest open enrollment bill barely&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/07/open-enrollment-legislation-wins-first-round-approval-in-missouri-house/">squeaked out of the House</a>&nbsp;before stalling in the Senate. And a bill seeking to fix the state’s virtual school law ran into a buzzsaw of opposition.Proponents aren’t going anywhere, are well funded and are eyeing 2024 legislative elections. But 2023 proved resistance hasn’t softened, and any changes to the state education system faces an uphill fight.&nbsp;The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this story.&nbsp;

Winners and losers of Missouri’s 2023 legislative session

By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

&nbsp;WASHINGTON — The federal government could default on its debt during the first two weeks of June without action on bipartisan legislation, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The nonpartisan budget scorekeeper issued<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2023-05/59096-Budget-Outlook.pdf">&nbsp;an updated report&nbsp;</a>Friday, warning that “if the debt limit remains unchanged, there is a significant risk that at some point in the first two weeks of June, the government will no longer be able to pay all of its obligations.”

The projection lines up with an estimate from the Treasury Department, which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-could-default-early-june-1-if-congress-fails-act-warns-treasury-secretary-yellen">says</a>&nbsp;default could occur as soon as June 1, and the Bipartisan Policy Center, which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/bipartisan-group-projects-us-default-soon-early-june-citing-quite-low-cash-flows">projects</a>&nbsp;a default window between early June and early August.

The Congressional Budget Office’s estimate adds more pressure on congressional leaders and President Joe Biden to broker a deal in the days ahead, in order to give the U.S. House and U.S. Senate time to debate and vote on the measure.

Biden and the four top congressional leaders&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-and-congressional-leaders-fail-reach-debt-limit-deal-will-meet-again-friday">met at the White House last Tuesday</a>, though neither side reported significant progress following the meeting.

Staff and aides for the five have been meeting daily since, searching for a path forward.

Biden, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries were supposed to get back together Friday, but the meeting was canceled. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday they intend to meet again early next week.

Congress has just one week left this month in which both chambers are scheduled to be in Washington, D.C. Biden is set to leave next week for the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, beginning May 19.

CBO’s projections, included in the updated 10-year budget outlook, say that without changes to current law, the annual deficit will nearly double during the next 10 years to $2.7 trillion in 2033.

“As a result of those deficits, debt held by the public also increases in CBO’s projections, from 98 percent of GDP at the end of this year to 119 percent at the end of 2033,” CBO wrote. “At that time, debt measured as a share of GDP would reach the highest level ever recorded in the United States and would be on track to rise even further.”

CBO notes that debt held by the public would be $46.7 trillion at the end of 2033. That’s an increase from $24.3 trillion in debt held by the public at the end of 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675821152681.png" alt="The Congressional Budget Office’s estimate adds more pressure on congressional leaders and President Joe Biden to broker a deal in the days ahead, in order to give the U.S. House and U.S. Senate time to debate and vote on the measure. Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The Congressional Budget Office’s estimate adds more pressure on congressional leaders and President Joe Biden to broker a deal in the days ahead, in order to give the U.S. House and U.S. Senate time to debate and vote on the measure. Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By JENNIFER SHUTT <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>&nbsp;WASHINGTON — The federal government could default on its debt during the first two weeks of June without action on bipartisan legislation, according to the Congressional Budget Office.The nonpartisan budget scorekeeper issued<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2023-05/59096-Budget-Outlook.pdf">&nbsp;an updated report&nbsp;</a>Friday, warning that “if the debt limit remains unchanged, there is a significant risk that at some point in the first two weeks of June, the government will no longer be able to pay all of its obligations.”The projection lines up with an estimate from the Treasury Department, which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-could-default-early-june-1-if-congress-fails-act-warns-treasury-secretary-yellen">says</a>&nbsp;default could occur as soon as June 1, and the Bipartisan Policy Center, which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/bipartisan-group-projects-us-default-soon-early-june-citing-quite-low-cash-flows">projects</a>&nbsp;a default window between early June and early August.The Congressional Budget Office’s estimate adds more pressure on congressional leaders and President Joe Biden to broker a deal in the days ahead, in order to give the U.S. House and U.S. Senate time to debate and vote on the measure.Biden and the four top congressional leaders&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-and-congressional-leaders-fail-reach-debt-limit-deal-will-meet-again-friday">met at the White House last Tuesday</a>, though neither side reported significant progress following the meeting.Staff and aides for the five have been meeting daily since, searching for a path forward.Biden, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries were supposed to get back together Friday, but the meeting was canceled. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday they intend to meet again early next week.Congress has just one week left this month in which both chambers are scheduled to be in Washington, D.C. Biden is set to leave next week for the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, beginning May 19.CBO’s projections, included in the updated 10-year budget outlook, say that without changes to current law, the annual deficit will nearly double during the next 10 years to $2.7 trillion in 2033.“As a result of those deficits, debt held by the public also increases in CBO’s projections, from 98 percent of GDP at the end of this year to 119 percent at the end of 2033,” CBO wrote. “At that time, debt measured as a share of GDP would reach the highest level ever recorded in the United States and would be on track to rise even further.”CBO notes that debt held by the public would be $46.7 trillion at the end of 2033. That’s an increase from $24.3 trillion in debt held by the public at the end of 2022.

U.S. risks debt default in early June, congressional budget office agrees

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drive-by shooting that injured a 6-year-old girl have made an arrest.

Just after 9:00 pm. on May 7, police in the 100 Block S. Mt. Carmel reported hearing several gunshots nearby, according to Officer Kris Guplian

Officers located a crime scene and found the 6-year-old victim with non-life-threatening injuries. EMS transported her to a local hospital for treatment.

The investigation revealed a maroon color vehicle drove by and fired several rounds at the residence. The victim was struck with shrapnel in her right arm while inside the residence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police identified a suspect and arrested&nbsp;29-year-old Nicholas Henry of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.&nbsp; He was charged in District Court Friday on charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, violation of a protection order, domestic battery, criminal discharge of a weapon, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, a probation violation, according to online jail records. He has three previous convictions for domestic battery and two for criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684172501865.png" alt="Henry has three previous convictions for domestic battery and two for criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Henry has three previous convictions for domestic battery and two for criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drive-by shooting that injured a 6-year-old girl have made an arrest.Just after 9:00 pm. on May 7, police in the 100 Block S. Mt. Carmel reported hearing several gunshots nearby, according to Officer Kris GuplianOfficers located a crime scene and found the 6-year-old victim with non-life-threatening injuries. EMS transported her to a local hospital for treatment.The investigation revealed a maroon color vehicle drove by and fired several rounds at the residence. The victim was struck with shrapnel in her right arm while inside the residence.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police identified a suspect and arrested&nbsp;29-year-old Nicholas Henry of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.&nbsp; He was charged in District Court Friday on charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, violation of a protection order, domestic battery, criminal discharge of a weapon, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, a probation violation, according to online jail records. He has three previous convictions for domestic battery and two for criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kan. man with history of violence jailed for shooting that injured girl

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas' Democratic governor vetoed state funding on Monday for a project long advocated by a Democratic lawmaker who broke ranks to override the governor's vetoes and give Republicans crucial support for laws restricting abortion and rolling back transgender rights.

Apparently, Rep. Marvin Robinson's decision had consequences.

Gov. Laura Kelly axed $250,000 in the next state budget for drafting a state plan to develop&nbsp;<a href="http://kansastravel.org/kansascitykansas/quindaro.htm">the Quindaro Ruins</a>&nbsp;in Kansas City, Kansas, which Robinson represents.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/quindaro/15163">Quindaro</a>&nbsp;was a short-lived town and a station on the Underground Railroad that helped enslaved people escape to Canada. A proposal to build a landfill there in the 1980s led to an investigation of the site and the discovery of multiple buildings' foundations.

Robinson, who is Black, advocated for the site's restoration and development as a national historic landmark for several decades before he won an open House seat last year. Democratic leaders called on him to resign after he voted to override Kelly's veto of a measure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-athletes-ban-kansas-08604c663518fb2538565f3e1ac3d4ba">banning transgender female athletes</a>&nbsp;from girls' and women's sports, giving Republicans the supermajoirty they needed.

Robinson's votes were also crucial to Republicans enacting two other new laws over Kelly vetoes amid a national push on culture war issues by GOP state lawmakers. One is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-bathroom-law-kansas-b3d068afa2bc02bb15314ee04e8e3899">a sweeping bathroom law</a>&nbsp;that could also prevent transgender people from changing the gender markers on their driver's licenses.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-reversal-culture-war-kansas-b4f1ab2b807eaa36fe11756248cc08ea">The other</a>&nbsp;will require abortion providers to tell patients that medication abortions can be stopped using a regimen that major medical groups see as ineffective and potentially dangerous.

Kelly told lawmakers in&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/KSOG/2023/05/15/file_attachments/2498299/Line-Item%20Veto%20Message%20SB%2025.pdf">her veto message</a>&nbsp;Monday that the Quindaro site is a “fundamental piece of Kansas history,” but noted that Republicans added the money to the budget during their final days in session this year. Kelly said the idea had not been vetted, and her veto will stand because lawmakers have adjourned for the year.

“Advocates should work through the proper channels to seek funding for this measure and ensure that it receives the recognition it deserves,” Kelly wrote in her message.

The $250,000 Kelly vetoed compares to roughly $24 billion in spending lawmakers approved in the next state budget.

Michael Austin, chair of the Kansas Black Republican Council, said Kelly had “callously” denied funs to an important project while offering “hollow rhetoric” to Black residents.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita, Republican, said in a statement that preserving the Quindaro site should be a bipartisan priority "excluded from the wrath of political punishments.”

State Rep. Patrick Penn, of Wichita, the Legislature's only Black Republican member, told the House before it passed the budget measure that Robinson did not know that GOP lawmakers including funds for Quindaro. State Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Republican from central Kansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article274975336.html">told The Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;that he pursued the funding to give Robinson "a win in his first year” after fellow Democrats treated him poorly.

Robinson did not respond to emails seeking comment on Kelly's veto, and the telephone number listed for him did not allow people to leave messages.

He voted 18 times this year to override Kelly vetoes of bills or budget items, starting with the measure on transgender athletes. The measure was a priority for GOP leaders, as was the abortion medication measure.

Robinson's vote to block Kelly's veto of the bathroom measure vexed fellow Democrats because the new law is broader than those in other states. It applies outside public schools, extending to prisons, jails, rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters. Supporters argued they were protecting cisgender women’s and girl’s privacy, health and safety.

The new law recognizes only two sexes, male or female, and defines them based on reproductive anatomy at birth. Because of that, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, a Republican, said earlier this month that he believes it prevents transgender people from changing the gender markers on their driver's licenses. A spokesperson for the state agency that issues the licenses says it is still reviewing the issue.

Critics see the law as attempting the “erasure” of transgender people.

“It just sounds like something to do to be nasty,” Luc Bensimon, a Black transgender Topeka resident and activist, said during a recent interview.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684199171825.png" alt="Rep. Marvin Robinson did not respond to emails seeking comment on Kelly's veto, and the telephone number listed for him did not allow people to leave messages.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Marvin Robinson did not respond to emails seeking comment on Kelly's veto, and the telephone number listed for him did not allow people to leave messages.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas' Democratic governor vetoed state funding on Monday for a project long advocated by a Democratic lawmaker who broke ranks to override the governor's vetoes and give Republicans crucial support for laws restricting abortion and rolling back transgender rights.Apparently, Rep. Marvin Robinson's decision had consequences.Gov. Laura Kelly axed $250,000 in the next state budget for drafting a state plan to develop&nbsp;<a href="http://kansastravel.org/kansascitykansas/quindaro.htm">the Quindaro Ruins</a>&nbsp;in Kansas City, Kansas, which Robinson represents.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/quindaro/15163">Quindaro</a>&nbsp;was a short-lived town and a station on the Underground Railroad that helped enslaved people escape to Canada. A proposal to build a landfill there in the 1980s led to an investigation of the site and the discovery of multiple buildings' foundations.Robinson, who is Black, advocated for the site's restoration and development as a national historic landmark for several decades before he won an open House seat last year. Democratic leaders called on him to resign after he voted to override Kelly's veto of a measure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-athletes-ban-kansas-08604c663518fb2538565f3e1ac3d4ba">banning transgender female athletes</a>&nbsp;from girls' and women's sports, giving Republicans the supermajoirty they needed.Robinson's votes were also crucial to Republicans enacting two other new laws over Kelly vetoes amid a national push on culture war issues by GOP state lawmakers. One is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-bathroom-law-kansas-b3d068afa2bc02bb15314ee04e8e3899">a sweeping bathroom law</a>&nbsp;that could also prevent transgender people from changing the gender markers on their driver's licenses.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-reversal-culture-war-kansas-b4f1ab2b807eaa36fe11756248cc08ea">The other</a>&nbsp;will require abortion providers to tell patients that medication abortions can be stopped using a regimen that major medical groups see as ineffective and potentially dangerous.Kelly told lawmakers in&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/KSOG/2023/05/15/file_attachments/2498299/Line-Item%20Veto%20Message%20SB%2025.pdf">her veto message</a>&nbsp;Monday that the Quindaro site is a “fundamental piece of Kansas history,” but noted that Republicans added the money to the budget during their final days in session this year. Kelly said the idea had not been vetted, and her veto will stand because lawmakers have adjourned for the year.“Advocates should work through the proper channels to seek funding for this measure and ensure that it receives the recognition it deserves,” Kelly wrote in her message.The $250,000 Kelly vetoed compares to roughly $24 billion in spending lawmakers approved in the next state budget.Michael Austin, chair of the Kansas Black Republican Council, said Kelly had “callously” denied funs to an important project while offering “hollow rhetoric” to Black residents.House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita, Republican, said in a statement that preserving the Quindaro site should be a bipartisan priority "excluded from the wrath of political punishments.”State Rep. Patrick Penn, of Wichita, the Legislature's only Black Republican member, told the House before it passed the budget measure that Robinson did not know that GOP lawmakers including funds for Quindaro. State Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Republican from central Kansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article274975336.html">told The Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;that he pursued the funding to give Robinson "a win in his first year” after fellow Democrats treated him poorly.Robinson did not respond to emails seeking comment on Kelly's veto, and the telephone number listed for him did not allow people to leave messages.He voted 18 times this year to override Kelly vetoes of bills or budget items, starting with the measure on transgender athletes. The measure was a priority for GOP leaders, as was the abortion medication measure.Robinson's vote to block Kelly's veto of the bathroom measure vexed fellow Democrats because the new law is broader than those in other states. It applies outside public schools, extending to prisons, jails, rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters. Supporters argued they were protecting cisgender women’s and girl’s privacy, health and safety.The new law recognizes only two sexes, male or female, and defines them based on reproductive anatomy at birth. Because of that, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, a Republican, said earlier this month that he believes it prevents transgender people from changing the gender markers on their driver's licenses. A spokesperson for the state agency that issues the licenses says it is still reviewing the issue.Critics see the law as attempting the “erasure” of transgender people.“It just sounds like something to do to be nasty,” Luc Bensimon, a Black transgender Topeka resident and activist, said during a recent interview.Later, he added, “You know, it’s scary.”