WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;welcomed hundreds to the White House on Saturday for a delayed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pride-lgbtq-white-house-ddd40bb1a1110654b9d836e87507db51">Pride Month celebration</a>&nbsp;aimed at showing LGBTQ+ people that his administration has their back at a time when advocates are warning of a spike in discriminatory legislation, particularly aimed at the transgender community, sweeping through statehouses.

The event, which the administration described as the largest Pride event hosted at the White House, was initially scheduled for Thursday, but was postponed because of poor air quality from hazardous air flowing in from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-canada-quebec-smoke-new-york-washington-86eb7685c5330c548fd93891fffcfd65">Canadian wildfires</a>. But the haze that blanketed a huge swath of the East Coast this past week had lifted over the nation's capital, allowing the president and first lady Jill Biden to hold their South Lawn party.

“So today, I want to send a message to the entire community — especially to transgender children: You are loved. You are heard. You're understood. And you belong,” Biden said.

Pride Month is being celebrated this year as state lawmakers have introduced at least 525 bills and enacted 78 bills that whittle away at LGBTQ+ rights, according to the Human Rights Campaign, a group that advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer rights.

That tally includes a recent flurry of bills that affect transgender people, including legislation recently passed by Republican governors vying for the 2024 presidential nomination.

In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-desantis-florida-033556c6a4c301d9ad342c74a6410800">recently signed a bill</a>&nbsp;into that bans gender-affirming medical care such as puberty blockers or hormone therapy for transgender youths. Earlier in the week, a federal judge temporarily blocked portions of a law that DeSantis signed shortly before announcing that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-2024-presidential-election-live-updates-0495d567326db1e760179d01f1f7c45e">he was running for president.</a>

In North Dakota, Gov. Doug Burgum last month signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-dakota-transgender-pronouns-bill-senate-4e5df2f2c3c456e1f9b6a173c7cac4b7">a bill that prohibits public schools and government entities</a>&nbsp;from requiring teachers and employees to refer to transgender people by the pronouns they use. Burgum, who like DeSantis has made culture issues a central part of his tenure as governor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doug-burgum-north-dakota-president-1b187576423968c422d2adbd70c9b3dc">joined the White House primary field</a>.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joshhelfgott/reels/?hl=en">Josh Helfgott</a>, an LGBTQ+ activist and social media influencer from New York City, said marking Pride Month at the White House felt like one of the most important moments of his life. But he said the tide of legislation added another layer to this year’s celebrations.

“Pride this year is so important because we cannot be silent when faced with hate and bigotry,” Helfgott said “The other side is so loud, incredibly loud. ”

Anjali Rimi of San Francisco attended the White House event with her mother, who recently immigrated from India.

Rimi came to the United States more than 20 years ago because, she said, she was shunned by family and society as a transgender person.

Times were tough in the United States, too, she said. She was pushed out of a job after she came out, was homeless for a time, and took asylum in Canada for about a decade before returning to the United States.

“It’s a moment that we are going to cherish for a lifetime,” said Rimi, an activist in San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community. "This is a joyful moment, but it’s also one that reminds us that we have so much work to do.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686427144852.png" alt="White House photo" />
 <figcaption>White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;welcomed hundreds to the White House on Saturday for a delayed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pride-lgbtq-white-house-ddd40bb1a1110654b9d836e87507db51">Pride Month celebration</a>&nbsp;aimed at showing LGBTQ+ people that his administration has their back at a time when advocates are warning of a spike in discriminatory legislation, particularly aimed at the transgender community, sweeping through statehouses.(Click to watch a replay of the party)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F291855209850412%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=28" width="560" height="314" 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 event, which the administration described as the largest Pride event hosted at the White House, was initially scheduled for Thursday, but was postponed because of poor air quality from hazardous air flowing in from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-canada-quebec-smoke-new-york-washington-86eb7685c5330c548fd93891fffcfd65">Canadian wildfires</a>. But the haze that blanketed a huge swath of the East Coast this past week had lifted over the nation's capital, allowing the president and first lady Jill Biden to hold their South Lawn party.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">June 10, 2023. The largest Pride Month celebration ever held at the White House. <a href="https://t.co/UPs0PBBSZR">pic.twitter.com/UPs0PBBSZR</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1667701935284137985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“So today, I want to send a message to the entire community — especially to transgender children: You are loved. You are heard. You're understood. And you belong,” Biden said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Biden-Harris Administration stands with the LGBTQI+ community and has their backs in the face of these attacks. <a href="https://t.co/GX2hw0Fd4t">pic.twitter.com/GX2hw0Fd4t</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1667533172983185409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pride Month is being celebrated this year as state lawmakers have introduced at least 525 bills and enacted 78 bills that whittle away at LGBTQ+ rights, according to the Human Rights Campaign, a group that advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer rights.That tally includes a recent flurry of bills that affect transgender people, including legislation recently passed by Republican governors vying for the 2024 presidential nomination.In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-desantis-florida-033556c6a4c301d9ad342c74a6410800">recently signed a bill</a>&nbsp;into that bans gender-affirming medical care such as puberty blockers or hormone therapy for transgender youths. Earlier in the week, a federal judge temporarily blocked portions of a law that DeSantis signed shortly before announcing that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-2024-presidential-election-live-updates-0495d567326db1e760179d01f1f7c45e">he was running for president.</a>In North Dakota, Gov. Doug Burgum last month signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-dakota-transgender-pronouns-bill-senate-4e5df2f2c3c456e1f9b6a173c7cac4b7">a bill that prohibits public schools and government entities</a>&nbsp;from requiring teachers and employees to refer to transgender people by the pronouns they use. Burgum, who like DeSantis has made culture issues a central part of his tenure as governor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doug-burgum-north-dakota-president-1b187576423968c422d2adbd70c9b3dc">joined the White House primary field</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, the People&#39;s House – your house – sends a clear message to the country and to the world. America is a nation of pride. <a href="https://t.co/ZZS9oTpDww">pic.twitter.com/ZZS9oTpDww</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1667715777145847808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/joshhelfgott/reels/?hl=en">Josh Helfgott</a>, an LGBTQ+ activist and social media influencer from New York City, said marking Pride Month at the White House felt like one of the most important moments of his life. But he said the tide of legislation added another layer to this year’s celebrations.“Pride this year is so important because we cannot be silent when faced with hate and bigotry,” Helfgott said “The other side is so loud, incredibly loud. ”Anjali Rimi of San Francisco attended the White House event with her mother, who recently immigrated from India.Rimi came to the United States more than 20 years ago because, she said, she was shunned by family and society as a transgender person.Times were tough in the United States, too, she said. She was pushed out of a job after she came out, was homeless for a time, and took asylum in Canada for about a decade before returning to the United States.“It’s a moment that we are going to cherish for a lifetime,” said Rimi, an activist in San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community. "This is a joyful moment, but it’s also one that reminds us that we have so much work to do.”

🎥Biden marks LGBTQ+ Pride Month with White House lawn party

SEDGWICK COUNTY—The last of four young men involved in a 2019 shooting death in Wichita has been sentenced.

 District Judge David Dahl sentenced Pierce Jackson, 22 of Wichita, to 18-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In July of 2022, Jackson pled guilty to aggravated robbery.

On August 19, 2019, Jerome Armbeck was shot and killed in an open field in the 4600 block of E. Boston. His brother had asked him to help catch some people who robbed him of his backpack during a marijuana sale. Orlando Howard shot Armbeck several times at the conclusion of a foot chase near Harry and Oliver.

Judge Dahl previously sentenced Howard to 165 months in prison following his guilty plea to second degree murder and aggravated robbery. 

Marcus Lamar pled guilty to aggravated robbery and criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Tairyce Jones pled guilty to aggravated robbery. Lamar and Jones were each sentenced to 60 months in prison.

Howard had no criminal history prior to this incident. Jackson, however, had prior criminal history for aggravated robbery and robbery. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686232136723.png" alt="Jackson-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Jackson-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—The last of four young men involved in a 2019 shooting death in Wichita has been sentenced. District Judge David Dahl sentenced Pierce Jackson, 22 of Wichita, to 18-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In July of 2022, Jackson pled guilty to aggravated robbery.On August 19, 2019, Jerome Armbeck was shot and killed in an open field in the 4600 block of E. Boston. His brother had asked him to help catch some people who robbed him of his backpack during a marijuana sale. Orlando Howard shot Armbeck several times at the conclusion of a foot chase near Harry and Oliver.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622208321450.png" alt="Howard-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Howard-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Judge Dahl previously sentenced Howard to 165 months in prison following his guilty plea to second degree murder and aggravated robbery. Marcus Lamar pled guilty to aggravated robbery and criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Tairyce Jones pled guilty to aggravated robbery. Lamar and Jones were each sentenced to 60 months in prison.Howard had no criminal history prior to this incident. Jackson, however, had prior criminal history for aggravated robbery and robbery.

Judge: 22-year-old going to prison for deadly Kan. robbery

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Saturday in Shawnee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Brandon Edward&nbsp;Bumgarner, 26, Topeka, was southbound on Huxman Road. 

&nbsp;The car did not clear the stop sign properly at U.S. 24 and the driver failed to see a westbound 2001 Chevy Silverado driven by James Edward Haug, 60, Topeka.

The pickup struck the car on the driver's door and pushed it into the ditch.

Bumgarner was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported a passenger in the car Brendan Michael Barker, 26, Topeka, to Stormont Vail. Haug and a passenger in the pickup were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Saturday in Shawnee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Brandon Edward&nbsp;Bumgarner, 26, Topeka, was southbound on Huxman Road. &nbsp;The car did not clear the stop sign properly at U.S. 24 and the driver failed to see a westbound 2001 Chevy Silverado driven by James Edward Haug, 60, Topeka.The pickup struck the car on the driver's door and pushed it into the ditch.Bumgarner was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported a passenger in the car Brendan Michael Barker, 26, Topeka, to Stormont Vail. Haug and a passenger in the pickup were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after pickup, car crash

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating 3 suspects on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 12:30 a.m. Friday, a sheriff's deputy was on routine patrol on U.S. 75 near 170th initiated a traffic stop for 82mph&nbsp;in a 65 mph zone, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Upon making contact with the occupants of the vehicle, K-9 Carla was deployed and indicated on the vehicle.

 Upon completion of the investigation deputies arrested Joseph Castillo, 22, Independence, Kansas; Elian Nava, 22,&nbsp; Norfolk, Nebraska and Samantha Jay, 21, Independence, Kansas on requested charges of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686344041224.png" alt="Castillo-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Castillo-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating 3 suspects on drug allegations after a traffic stop.Just before 12:30 a.m. Friday, a sheriff's deputy was on routine patrol on U.S. 75 near 170th initiated a traffic stop for 82mph&nbsp;in a 65 mph zone, according to Sheriff John Merchant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686343960839.png" alt="Jay-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Jay-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon making contact with the occupants of the vehicle, K-9 Carla was deployed and indicated on the vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686344136643.png" alt="Nava-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Nava-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Upon completion of the investigation deputies arrested Joseph Castillo, 22, Independence, Kansas; Elian Nava, 22,&nbsp; Norfolk, Nebraska and Samantha Jay, 21, Independence, Kansas on requested charges of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Driving 82mph in a 65 zone leads to drug arrest

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Olathe.

Just after 4a.m. crews responded to a house fire at 16253 West Briarwood Court near 135th St and Brougham Drive, according to a social media report.

Damage to the home is significant.&nbsp; No one was injured.&nbsp; Officials have not released a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686428203410.png" alt="Images courtesy Olathe Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Images courtesy Olathe Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Olathe.Just after 4a.m. crews responded to a house fire at 16253 West Briarwood Court near 135th St and Brougham Drive, according to a social media report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686428305665.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Damage to the home is significant.&nbsp; No one was injured.&nbsp; Officials have not released a damage estimate.

Significant damage reported in Kansas house fire

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The two Republican U.S. senators from Kansas and a pair of Democratic U.S. senators from Wisconsin and Colorado endorsed legislation offering an alternative route for U.S. Food and Drug Administration review of new feed additives for livestock.

The bipartisan measure introduced by U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran of Kansas, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado would offer a pathway for manufacturers to seek FDA approval of additives tied to improving efficiency of meat and dairy production but don’t fit neatly into the federal agency’s regulated-as-drugs or regulated-as-foods categories.

“This legislation will help bolster the animal feed industry and make certain producers in Kansas and across the country have access to feed additives that will support animal nutrition,” Moran said. “By expanding research and reducing bureaucratic hurdles at the FDA, more of these products will be available to farmers, encouraging a stronger food supply chain.”

The objective would be to modernize the FDA pipeline for feed additives associated with production efficiency as well as waste management. Manufacturers have created additives responsive to heat stress in animals or to deal with presence of food-borne pathogens harmful to humans. Other products curtail nitrogen and phosphorus in cattle manure to help feedlot operators or reduce ammonia in swine waste to address odor problems.

The senators said the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/TAM23923.pdf">Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act</a>&nbsp;would set guardrails to ensure qualifying products were safe.

Marshall, a member of the Senate’s agriculture committee, said Kansas livestock producers were keen to take advantage of feed additives to “make more with less and leave the world safer, cleaner and healthier than they found it.”

“Since the feed industry doesn’t have a pathway to bring certain feed products to market, innovation that could be happening here is instead happening with our competitors abroad,” Marshall said.

U.S. beef and dairy competitors in South America, Europe and Asia have benefit of updated policies for introduction of feed additives.

Baldwin, a Democrat from the dairy state of Wisconsin, said new feed mixtures could assist producers striving to keep up with market demand while dealing with emissions associated with climate change.

“We know that there are innovative feed products that can help farmers reduce their environmental impact, but onerous bureaucratic processes are getting in the way of these products making it to our agriculture community in a timely way,” Baldwin said.

Bennet, the Colorado Democrat, said red tape at FDA left U.S. cattlemen and dairy farmers without feed options available to peers in exporting countries.

“We need to create a level playing field for Colorado’s livestock industry by giving them every available tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the sustainability of their farms and ranches,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686344582214.png" alt=" U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall of Kansas are part of a bipartisan group urging passage of legislation creating a new avenue for review of feed additives by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall of Kansas are part of a bipartisan group urging passage of legislation creating a new avenue for review of feed additives by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The two Republican U.S. senators from Kansas and a pair of Democratic U.S. senators from Wisconsin and Colorado endorsed legislation offering an alternative route for U.S. Food and Drug Administration review of new feed additives for livestock.The bipartisan measure introduced by U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran of Kansas, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado would offer a pathway for manufacturers to seek FDA approval of additives tied to improving efficiency of meat and dairy production but don’t fit neatly into the federal agency’s regulated-as-drugs or regulated-as-foods categories.“This legislation will help bolster the animal feed industry and make certain producers in Kansas and across the country have access to feed additives that will support animal nutrition,” Moran said. “By expanding research and reducing bureaucratic hurdles at the FDA, more of these products will be available to farmers, encouraging a stronger food supply chain.”The objective would be to modernize the FDA pipeline for feed additives associated with production efficiency as well as waste management. Manufacturers have created additives responsive to heat stress in animals or to deal with presence of food-borne pathogens harmful to humans. Other products curtail nitrogen and phosphorus in cattle manure to help feedlot operators or reduce ammonia in swine waste to address odor problems.The senators said the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/TAM23923.pdf">Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act</a>&nbsp;would set guardrails to ensure qualifying products were safe.Marshall, a member of the Senate’s agriculture committee, said Kansas livestock producers were keen to take advantage of feed additives to “make more with less and leave the world safer, cleaner and healthier than they found it.”“Since the feed industry doesn’t have a pathway to bring certain feed products to market, innovation that could be happening here is instead happening with our competitors abroad,” Marshall said.U.S. beef and dairy competitors in South America, Europe and Asia have benefit of updated policies for introduction of feed additives.Baldwin, a Democrat from the dairy state of Wisconsin, said new feed mixtures could assist producers striving to keep up with market demand while dealing with emissions associated with climate change.“We know that there are innovative feed products that can help farmers reduce their environmental impact, but onerous bureaucratic processes are getting in the way of these products making it to our agriculture community in a timely way,” Baldwin said.Bennet, the Colorado Democrat, said red tape at FDA left U.S. cattlemen and dairy farmers without feed options available to peers in exporting countries.“We need to create a level playing field for Colorado’s livestock industry by giving them every available tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the sustainability of their farms and ranches,” he said.

Moran, Marshall urge creation of new review process to vet livestock feed additives

By Shondiin Silversmith&nbsp;&nbsp; <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>

For the first time in history, the White House has launched a national plan to address gender-based violence on a federal level, introducing seven strategic action plans to help communities across the United States.

“As long as there are women in this country and around the world who live in fear of violence, there’s more we have to do to fulfill this sacred commitment,” President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/National-Plan-to-End-GBV.pdf">said in the U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence</a>. “No one — no one, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, should experience abuse. Period. And if they do, they should have the services and support they need to get through it.”

Gender-based violence is a public safety and public health crisis, according to the White House, and it is affecting urban, suburban, rural and tribal communities across the U.S.

The national plan defines gender-based violence as any harmful threat or act directed at an individual or group based on actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, sex characteristics or sexual orientation.

Gender-based violence impacts all populations, but the experiences of persons of color are disproportionately affected. The national plan reported that Black women and Indigenous women are killed by a current or former partner at a rate 2.5 times that of white women.

An estimated 56% of Indigenous women have reported experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime, more than 55% have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner and 49% have experienced stalking, according to the White House’s plan.

“Gender-based violence violates fundamental human rights, destroys communities, and fosters social inequities,” Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a press release. “Identifying and preventing these crimes is a top department priority, underscored by this first-ever national plan and the government’s collective commitment to this cause.”

The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reported that more than half of women (54.3%) and nearly one-third (31%) of men in the United States had reported some form of sexual violence victimization in their lifetimes.

The rate of intimate partner violence of women was seven times the rate of men, according to National Crime Victimization Survey, and the rate of rape or sexual assault of women was also seven times the rate of men.

The White House launched the national plan on May 25, resulting from the Biden administration’s Gender Policy Council, which was established in 2021.

“Sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking are serious violent crimes that make our nation less equal and less just,” Acting Director Allison Randall of the Office on Violence Against Women&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-highlights-initiatives-prevent-and-address-gender-based-violence">said in a press release</a>.

“Only a comprehensive response that is deeply informed by survivors and historically marginalized communities can end gender-based violence,” Randall added.

The seven strategic pillars part of the national plan include: prevention; support, healing, safety, and well-being; economic security and housing stability; online safety; legal and justice systems; emergency preparedness and crisis response; and research and data.

The White House said that these strategies are building upon existing federal initiatives, and the national plan will provide an essential framework for strengthening ongoing federal action and interagency collaboration.

Each strategic pillar identifies different goals and objectives to help address gender-based violence. For instance, the prevention pillar outlines three goals which include: Enhancing and promoting gender-based violence prevention; enhancing dissemination and implementation of gender-based violence prevention strategies; and improving prevention efforts to change social norms that support or condone gender-based violence and to promote healthy and respectful relationships across the life course.

The national plan serves as a framework for federal agencies and other stakeholders working to end gender-based violence. It is intended to inform and guide federal and nonfederal entities’ research, policy development, program planning, service delivery, and other efforts.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.azmirror.com/blog/white-house-launches-national-plan-to-address-gender-based-violence-in-the-u-s/">Arizona Mirror</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686408349629.png" alt="Jennifer Klein is Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Gender Policy Council" />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Klein is Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Gender Policy Council</figcaption>
 </figure>By Shondiin Silversmith&nbsp;&nbsp; <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>For the first time in history, the White House has launched a national plan to address gender-based violence on a federal level, introducing seven strategic action plans to help communities across the United States.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Biden-Harris Administration is proud to announce the launch of the first-ever U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, a critical roadmap to guide the Federal government’s future efforts to address and prevent GBV. 1/2<a href="https://t.co/qf39PRkaD2">https://t.co/qf39PRkaD2</a> <a href="https://t.co/ph2fug2YfQ">pic.twitter.com/ph2fug2YfQ</a>&mdash; White House Gender Policy Council (@WhiteHouseGPC) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouseGPC/status/1661818724947558400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“As long as there are women in this country and around the world who live in fear of violence, there’s more we have to do to fulfill this sacred commitment,” President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/National-Plan-to-End-GBV.pdf">said in the U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence</a>. “No one — no one, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, should experience abuse. Period. And if they do, they should have the services and support they need to get through it.”Gender-based violence is a public safety and public health crisis, according to the White House, and it is affecting urban, suburban, rural and tribal communities across the U.S.The national plan defines gender-based violence as any harmful threat or act directed at an individual or group based on actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, sex characteristics or sexual orientation.Gender-based violence impacts all populations, but the experiences of persons of color are disproportionately affected. The national plan reported that Black women and Indigenous women are killed by a current or former partner at a rate 2.5 times that of white women.An estimated 56% of Indigenous women have reported experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime, more than 55% have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner and 49% have experienced stalking, according to the White House’s plan.“Gender-based violence violates fundamental human rights, destroys communities, and fosters social inequities,” Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a press release. “Identifying and preventing these crimes is a top department priority, underscored by this first-ever national plan and the government’s collective commitment to this cause.”The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reported that more than half of women (54.3%) and nearly one-third (31%) of men in the United States had reported some form of sexual violence victimization in their lifetimes.The rate of intimate partner violence of women was seven times the rate of men, according to National Crime Victimization Survey, and the rate of rape or sexual assault of women was also seven times the rate of men.The White House launched the national plan on May 25, resulting from the Biden administration’s Gender Policy Council, which was established in 2021.“Sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking are serious violent crimes that make our nation less equal and less just,” Acting Director Allison Randall of the Office on Violence Against Women&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-highlights-initiatives-prevent-and-address-gender-based-violence">said in a press release</a>.“Only a comprehensive response that is deeply informed by survivors and historically marginalized communities can end gender-based violence,” Randall added.The seven strategic pillars part of the national plan include: prevention; support, healing, safety, and well-being; economic security and housing stability; online safety; legal and justice systems; emergency preparedness and crisis response; and research and data.The White House said that these strategies are building upon existing federal initiatives, and the national plan will provide an essential framework for strengthening ongoing federal action and interagency collaboration.Each strategic pillar identifies different goals and objectives to help address gender-based violence. For instance, the prevention pillar outlines three goals which include: Enhancing and promoting gender-based violence prevention; enhancing dissemination and implementation of gender-based violence prevention strategies; and improving prevention efforts to change social norms that support or condone gender-based violence and to promote healthy and respectful relationships across the life course.The national plan serves as a framework for federal agencies and other stakeholders working to end gender-based violence. It is intended to inform and guide federal and nonfederal entities’ research, policy development, program planning, service delivery, and other efforts.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.azmirror.com/blog/white-house-launches-national-plan-to-address-gender-based-violence-in-the-u-s/">Arizona Mirror</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.azmirror.com/blog/white-house-launches-national-plan-to-address-gender-based-violence-in-the-u-s/">Arizona Mirror</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;

White House launches national plan to address gender-based violence 

MANCHESTER, Mo. (AP) — A 54-year-old man died after eating raw oysters from a seafood stand in the St. Louis suburb of Manchester, health officials announced Friday.

Officials are urging the public to dispose of any oysters purchased recently from the business.

The culprit in Thursday's death is the Vibrio bacteria, which doesn’t make an oyster look, smell, or taste any different. The oysters were probably already contaminated when they arrived at the stand, St. Louis County Public Health said in a news release. The man had eaten them sometime in the past week.

The release said the business is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no evidence that the business did anything to contaminate them. Health officials are trying to determine their source.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about 80,000 people get vibriosis in the U.S. each year, and about 100 people die from it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686408636553.png" alt="Image of oblong-shaped, Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria -CDC" />
 <figcaption>Image of oblong-shaped, Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria -CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>MANCHESTER, Mo. (AP) — A 54-year-old man died after eating raw oysters from a seafood stand in the St. Louis suburb of Manchester, health officials announced Friday.Officials are urging the public to dispose of any oysters purchased recently from the business.The culprit in Thursday's death is the Vibrio bacteria, which doesn’t make an oyster look, smell, or taste any different. The oysters were probably already contaminated when they arrived at the stand, St. Louis County Public Health said in a news release. The man had eaten them sometime in the past week.The release said the business is cooperating with the investigation and that there is no evidence that the business did anything to contaminate them. Health officials are trying to determine their source.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about 80,000 people get vibriosis in the U.S. each year, and about 100 people die from it.

54-year-old dies after eating raw oysters from stand in Missouri

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer involved shooting in Kansas City.

Just before 9p.m. a Kansas City Police officer called for officer assistance at 31st and Van Brunt Blvd in Kansas City, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Responding officers were then informed shots had been fired. Upon arrival of the responding officers, they observed one officer and five individuals.

Three of the individuals had apparent gunshot wounds. A black male was critically injured and officers provided first aid but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported the remaining wounded individuals to a area hospitals. One of the victims, a woman died at the hospital. No officers were injured.

Authorities have not released the names of the victims or additional details.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686399119468.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal officer shooting -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal officer shooting -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer involved shooting in Kansas City.Just before 9p.m. a Kansas City Police officer called for officer assistance at 31st and Van Brunt Blvd in Kansas City, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.Responding officers were then informed shots had been fired. Upon arrival of the responding officers, they observed one officer and five individuals.Three of the individuals had apparent gunshot wounds. A black male was critically injured and officers provided first aid but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported the remaining wounded individuals to a area hospitals. One of the victims, a woman died at the hospital. No officers were injured.Authorities have not released the names of the victims or additional details.The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation.

2 dead following Kansas City officer-involved shooting 

MIAMI (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;improperly shared a Pentagon “plan of attack” and a classified map related to a military operation, according to a sweeping 37-count felony indictment related to the mishandling of classified documents that was unsealed Friday and that could instantly reshape the 2024 presidential race.

<a href="https://assets.bwbx.io/documents/users/iqjWHBFdfxIU/r01AWvuP8TD0/v0">Click here to read</a> the full indictment&nbsp;

<a href="https://judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-judiciary.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2023-06-09-jdj-to-garland-re-mal.pdf">Click here to read the</a> House Judiciary Committee response

The indictment paints an unmistakably damning portrait of Trump’s treatment of sensitive information, accusing him of willfully defying Justice Department demands to return documents he had taken from the White House to Mar-a-Lago, enlisting aides in his efforts to hide the records and even telling his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored in his estate.

“I don’t want anybody looking through my boxes,” one of Trump’s lawyers described the former president saying, according to the indictment. He also asked if it would be better “if we just told them we don’t have anything here," the indictment says.

Making his first public statements, Jack Smith, the Justice Department special counsel who filed the case, said: “Our laws that protect national defense information are critical to the safety and security of the United States and they must be enforced. Violations of those laws put our country at risk."

He added, "We have one set of laws in this country and they apply to everyone.”

The indictment arrives at a time when Trump is continuing to dominate the Republican presidential primary and one day before a scheduled campaign trip to North Carolina. Though other candidates have largely attacked the Justice Department, rather than Trump, for the investigation, the indictment's breadth of allegations and startling scope will be harder for Republicans to rail against than an earlier New York criminal case that many legal analysts had derided as weak.

The 49-page charging document, alleging that Trump not only intentionally possessed classified documents but also cavalierly and boastfully showed them off to visitors, is startling in scope and in the breadth of allegations. The indictment is built on Trump's own words and actions as recounted to prosecutors by lawyers, close aides and other witnesses, with prosecutors even using against Trump his own words as a candidate and president professing to respect and know procedures related to the handling of classified information.

The indictment includes 37 counts — 31 of which pertain to the willful retention of national defense information, with the balance relating to alleged conspiracy, obstruction and false statements —that taken together could result in a yearslong prison sentence.

Trump is due to make his first court appearance Tuesday in federal court in Miami. He was charged alongside Walt Nauta, an aide and close adviser to Trump who prosecutors say brought boxes from a storage room to Trump's residence for him to review and later lied to investigators about the movement. A photograph included in the indictment shows several dozen file boxes stacked in a storage area.

Noting the “tens of thousands of members and guests” who visited the “active social club” of Mar-a-Lago between the end of Trump’s presidency in January 2021 through the August 2022 search, prosecutors argued that Trump had “nevertheless” stored the documents there, “including in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, and office space, his bedroom, and a storage room.”

The case adds to deepening legal jeopardy for Trump, who has already been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-arraignment-hush-money-81225510ef7638494852816878f612f0">indicted in New York</a>&nbsp;and faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-investigations-charges-classified-documents-d822569227ea882cedfeffd3284f9d4c">additional investigations in Washington and Atlanta</a>&nbsp;that also could lead to criminal charges. But among the various investigations he has faced, legal experts — as well as Trump's own aides — had long seen the Mar-a-Lago probe as the most perilous threat and the one most ripe for prosecution. Campaign aides had been bracing for the fallout since Trump’s attorneys were notified that he was the target of the investigation, assuming it was not a matter of if charges would be brought, but when.

Enumerating the defense and foreign intelligence-related information included in the documents, prosecutors wrote that their “unauthorized disclosure ... could put at risk the national security of the United States, foreign relations, the safety of the United States military, and human sources and the continued viability of sensitive intelligence collection methods.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686358157076.png" alt="This image, contained in the indictment against former President Donald Trump, shows boxes of records stored in a bathroom and shower in the Lake Room at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. Trump is facing 37 felony charges related to the mishandling of classified documents according to an indictment unsealed Friday, June 9, 2023. (Justice Department via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This image, contained in the indictment against former President Donald Trump, shows boxes of records stored in a bathroom and shower in the Lake Room at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. Trump is facing 37 felony charges related to the mishandling of classified documents according to an indictment unsealed Friday, June 9, 2023. (Justice Department via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;improperly shared a Pentagon “plan of attack” and a classified map related to a military operation, according to a sweeping 37-count felony indictment related to the mishandling of classified documents that was unsealed Friday and that could instantly reshape the 2024 presidential race.<a href="https://assets.bwbx.io/documents/users/iqjWHBFdfxIU/r01AWvuP8TD0/v0">Click here to read</a> the full indictment&nbsp;<a href="https://judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-judiciary.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2023-06-09-jdj-to-garland-re-mal.pdf">Click here to read the</a> House Judiciary Committee response<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: Complete statement from Special Counsel Jack Smith: &quot;Today an indictment was unsealed charging Donald J. Trump with felony violations of our national security laws as well as participating in a conspiracy to obstruct justice.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/llUlrvpVe4">pic.twitter.com/llUlrvpVe4</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1667249235471880193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The indictment paints an unmistakably damning portrait of Trump’s treatment of sensitive information, accusing him of willfully defying Justice Department demands to return documents he had taken from the White House to Mar-a-Lago, enlisting aides in his efforts to hide the records and even telling his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored in his estate.“I don’t want anybody looking through my boxes,” one of Trump’s lawyers described the former president saying, according to the indictment. He also asked if it would be better “if we just told them we don’t have anything here," the indictment says.Making his first public statements, Jack Smith, the Justice Department special counsel who filed the case, said: “Our laws that protect national defense information are critical to the safety and security of the United States and they must be enforced. Violations of those laws put our country at risk."He added, "We have one set of laws in this country and they apply to everyone.”The indictment arrives at a time when Trump is continuing to dominate the Republican presidential primary and one day before a scheduled campaign trip to North Carolina. Though other candidates have largely attacked the Justice Department, rather than Trump, for the investigation, the indictment's breadth of allegations and startling scope will be harder for Republicans to rail against than an earlier New York criminal case that many legal analysts had derided as weak.The 49-page charging document, alleging that Trump not only intentionally possessed classified documents but also cavalierly and boastfully showed them off to visitors, is startling in scope and in the breadth of allegations. The indictment is built on Trump's own words and actions as recounted to prosecutors by lawyers, close aides and other witnesses, with prosecutors even using against Trump his own words as a candidate and president professing to respect and know procedures related to the handling of classified information.The indictment includes 37 counts — 31 of which pertain to the willful retention of national defense information, with the balance relating to alleged conspiracy, obstruction and false statements —that taken together could result in a yearslong prison sentence.Trump is due to make his first court appearance Tuesday in federal court in Miami. He was charged alongside Walt Nauta, an aide and close adviser to Trump who prosecutors say brought boxes from a storage room to Trump's residence for him to review and later lied to investigators about the movement. A photograph included in the indictment shows several dozen file boxes stacked in a storage area.Noting the “tens of thousands of members and guests” who visited the “active social club” of Mar-a-Lago between the end of Trump’s presidency in January 2021 through the August 2022 search, prosecutors argued that Trump had “nevertheless” stored the documents there, “including in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, and office space, his bedroom, and a storage room.”The case adds to deepening legal jeopardy for Trump, who has already been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-arraignment-hush-money-81225510ef7638494852816878f612f0">indicted in New York</a>&nbsp;and faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-investigations-charges-classified-documents-d822569227ea882cedfeffd3284f9d4c">additional investigations in Washington and Atlanta</a>&nbsp;that also could lead to criminal charges. But among the various investigations he has faced, legal experts — as well as Trump's own aides — had long seen the Mar-a-Lago probe as the most perilous threat and the one most ripe for prosecution. Campaign aides had been bracing for the fallout since Trump’s attorneys were notified that he was the target of the investigation, assuming it was not a matter of if charges would be brought, but when.Enumerating the defense and foreign intelligence-related information included in the documents, prosecutors wrote that their “unauthorized disclosure ... could put at risk the national security of the United States, foreign relations, the safety of the United States military, and human sources and the continued viability of sensitive intelligence collection methods.”____

🎥Read the Trump indictment in case of mishandling classified docs

JOHNSON COUNTY – The Olathe Police Department is seeking public assistance in locating 74-year-old, George Junior Sewell, according to a media release from agency.

George is described as 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, with white hair and blue eyes. He was last seen in the 1400 block of East 123rd Street, wearing a green Army Veteran hat, a light blue shirt, light blue jeans, and black shoes. 

George is believed to be operating a black, 2022, Mitsubishi Outlander displaying a South Carolina handicap tag, 280220W. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686402016880.png" alt="Sewell-photo Olathe Police" />
 <figcaption>Sewell-photo Olathe Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY – The Olathe Police Department is seeking public assistance in locating 74-year-old, George Junior Sewell, according to a media release from agency.George is described as 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, with white hair and blue eyes. He was last seen in the 1400 block of East 123rd Street, wearing a green Army Veteran hat, a light blue shirt, light blue jeans, and black shoes. George is believed to be operating a black, 2022, Mitsubishi Outlander displaying a South Carolina handicap tag, 280220W.

KBI: Silver Alert issued for missing Kansas man

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal pedestrian accident and have identified the victim as&nbsp; 68-year-old Michael Llamas of Wichita. 

Just before 9:30 p.m. Thursday, police responded to an injury accident involving a pedestrian versus a vehicle at the intersection of West Street and Murdock in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders located Llamas who was pronounced deceased on the scene by EMS.&nbsp;

The investigation revealed that the 68-year-old was crossing from the west side to the east side of West Street and slightly south of Murdock when he was struck by a northbound Chevrolet Trailblazer&nbsp;driven by a 24-year-old woman.

Currently, neither speed nor impairment are believed to be contributing factors to the accident, according to Rebolledo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686346865523.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal pedestrian accident-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal pedestrian accident-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal pedestrian accident and have identified the victim as&nbsp; 68-year-old Michael Llamas of Wichita. Just before 9:30 p.m. Thursday, police responded to an injury accident involving a pedestrian versus a vehicle at the intersection of West Street and Murdock in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders located Llamas who was pronounced deceased on the scene by EMS.&nbsp;The investigation revealed that the 68-year-old was crossing from the west side to the east side of West Street and slightly south of Murdock when he was struck by a northbound Chevrolet Trailblazer&nbsp;driven by a 24-year-old woman.Currently, neither speed nor impairment are believed to be contributing factors to the accident, according to Rebolledo.

Police ID Kansas man who died after struck by SUV

KANSAS CITY —A man has been charged in connetion with the fatal shooting Monday morning of Demarkus B. Pleasant in the area of 45th and Paseo in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Christopher Lockett, 25, faces Murder 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Armed Criminal Action and Stealing a Motor Vehicle.*

According to court records, the Kansas City Police Department was dispatched to the 4500 block of Paseo Boulevard on a report of shots being fired. 

The call was upgraded quickly to a shooting. Upon arrival officers responding found a victim on the ground. He was pronounced deceased soon after their arrival. Video surveillance showed a man going into the Paseo Fast Stop Convenience Store and return to his vehicle. 

A man later identified as the Lockett gets into an argument with the victim while in the backseat of the vehicle, a witness told police. When defendant gets out of vehicle, he can be seen firing a gun into the backseat multiple times. He fired a second round of shots, a witness told police.&nbsp; Lockett is being held on a&nbsp;$250,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686253013296.png" alt="Lockett-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Lockett-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A man has been charged in connetion with the fatal shooting Monday morning of Demarkus B. Pleasant in the area of 45th and Paseo in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Christopher Lockett, 25, faces Murder 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Armed Criminal Action and Stealing a Motor Vehicle.*According to court records, the Kansas City Police Department was dispatched to the 4500 block of Paseo Boulevard on a report of shots being fired. The call was upgraded quickly to a shooting. Upon arrival officers responding found a victim on the ground. He was pronounced deceased soon after their arrival. Video surveillance showed a man going into the Paseo Fast Stop Convenience Store and return to his vehicle. A man later identified as the Lockett gets into an argument with the victim while in the backseat of the vehicle, a witness told police. When defendant gets out of vehicle, he can be seen firing a gun into the backseat multiple times. He fired a second round of shots, a witness told police.&nbsp; Lockett is being held on a&nbsp;$250,000 bond.

Video surveillance: KC murder suspect shot victim in the backseat of car

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.

Just after 3:30p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;an Osage County Sheriff’s K-9 unit conducted a traffic stop in the 12100 block of South Topeka Avenue, near Carbondale, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, a K-9 was deployed, and illegal narcotics were located.

The driver of the vehicle, Lana G. Carter, 60, of Lyndon, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Interference with law enforcement and&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving while license is suspended.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686148357538.png" alt="Carter-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Carter-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.Just after 3:30p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;an Osage County Sheriff’s K-9 unit conducted a traffic stop in the 12100 block of South Topeka Avenue, near Carbondale, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, a K-9 was deployed, and illegal narcotics were located.The driver of the vehicle, Lana G. Carter, 60, of Lyndon, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Interference with law enforcement and&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving while license is suspended.

Kansas woman accused of attempting to sell meth

CAMDEN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Thursday at Lake of the Ozarks.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1988 Wellcraft driven by Benny E. Thompson, 78, Four Seasons, Missouri, was drifting east at the 13 mile mark Wideford Hollow Cove.

The boat had a mechanical failure causing the engine to explode. EMS transported Thompson to Lake Regional Hospital. A passenger identified as Amanda M. Kingston, 35, Wincote, Pennsylvania, was airlifted to University Hospital.

They were not wearing life jackets, according to the MSHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686345219397.png" alt="photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>CAMDEN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Thursday at Lake of the Ozarks.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1988 Wellcraft driven by Benny E. Thompson, 78, Four Seasons, Missouri, was drifting east at the 13 mile mark Wideford Hollow Cove.The boat had a mechanical failure causing the engine to explode. EMS transported Thompson to Lake Regional Hospital. A passenger identified as Amanda M. Kingston, 35, Wincote, Pennsylvania, was airlifted to University Hospital.They were not wearing life jackets, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after boat explosion at Lake of the Ozarks

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal accident have identified the man who died as&nbsp; 55-year-old Jerry Parks of Goddard.

At approximately 6:30 p.m. Thursday,&nbsp; police responded to an injury accident involving a bicycle versus a vehicle&nbsp; at the 6200 block of West Taft in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders located Parks who had been ejected from his bicycle after colliding with a Ford Mustang, driven by a 32-year-old woman.

EMS and Wichita Fire rendered emergency medical aid to the rider and transported him to a local hospital with critical injuries. Parks did not regain consciousness after the impact and was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.

Investigators learned that Parks entered West Taft Street from the north side of the street on a bicycle from a shrubbery line towards the south side when he collided with the Ford Mustang. 

The driver of the Ford was unable to stop on time and collided with the bicyclist.

Currently, neither speed nor impairment are believed to be contributing factors to the accident, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal accident have identified the man who died as&nbsp; 55-year-old Jerry Parks of Goddard.At approximately 6:30 p.m. Thursday,&nbsp; police responded to an injury accident involving a bicycle versus a vehicle&nbsp; at the 6200 block of West Taft in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders located Parks who had been ejected from his bicycle after colliding with a Ford Mustang, driven by a 32-year-old woman.EMS and Wichita Fire rendered emergency medical aid to the rider and transported him to a local hospital with critical injuries. Parks did not regain consciousness after the impact and was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.Investigators learned that Parks entered West Taft Street from the north side of the street on a bicycle from a shrubbery line towards the south side when he collided with the Ford Mustang. The driver of the Ford was unable to stop on time and collided with the bicyclist.Currently, neither speed nor impairment are believed to be contributing factors to the accident, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp;

Police ID Kansas bicyclist who died in crash with car

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Missouri Supreme Court has turned aside an appeal by a man scheduled to be executed in August for killing a 6-year-old girl.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-august-06f474f368dfd5ff5c4145164b222a3b">Johnny Johnson</a>, 45, was convicted of first-degree murder in in the 2002 death of Casey Williamson in suburban St. Louis. He faces execution Aug. 1 unless the courts intervene or Republican Gov. Mike Parson grants clemency.

Johnson's lawyers said in the appeal that he is incompetent to be executed because his schizophrenia prevents him from understanding the link between his crime and the punishment. The appeal said Johnson has delusions about the devil using his death to bring about the end of the world.

The Missouri Attorney General's Office challenged the credibilty of the psychiatric evaluation and said medical records indicate that Johnson is able to manage his mental illness through medication. The state Supreme Court, in a 6-1 ruling, agreed.

Johnson was staying with friends in Valley Park, Missouri, in July 2002, when Casey went missing. Dozens of volunteers joined police in the search.

The girl’s body was found in a pit less than a mile from her home, buried beneath rocks and debris. Johnson confessed that he used bricks and rocks to beat Casey after she fought back when he tried to sexually assault her.

Missouri has executed three people this year, more than any state except Texas. The most recent was on Tuesday, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-michael-tisius-7f961969aabd38e4e6b3dbe83ae72813">Michael Tisius was put to death</a>&nbsp;for killing two jailers during a failed attempt to break another man out of jail.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Supreme Court on Thursday set an execution date for a man who sexually assaulted and killed a 6-year-old St. Louis County girl in 2002.

Johnny Johnson is scheduled to be put to death Aug. 1 at the state prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri.

Missouri has already executed two people in 2023 —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-legal-proceedings-missouri-st-louis-capital-punishment-b45a31029fa42d9eb67b5b4e1f6a6ffe">Amber McLaughlin</a>&nbsp;in January and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-state-government-california-homicide-94fe2fefa47faa618d3826c7f32e6f1d">Raheem Taylor</a>&nbsp;in February.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/execution-missouri-15298c399e436f00c42f5174594605dd">Michael Andrew Tisius</a>&nbsp;is scheduled for execution June 6 for fatally shooting Randolph County jailers Jason Acton and Leon Egley in 2000.

Johnson, 45, was staying with friends in Valley Park, Missouri, in July 2002 when Cassandra “Casey” Williamson was discovered missing. Dozens of volunteers joined police in the search.

The girl's body was found in a pit less than a mile from her home, buried beneath rocks and debris. Johnson confessed to the crimes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682020391567.png" alt="Johnson-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Missouri Supreme Court has turned aside an appeal by a man scheduled to be executed in August for killing a 6-year-old girl.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-august-06f474f368dfd5ff5c4145164b222a3b">Johnny Johnson</a>, 45, was convicted of first-degree murder in in the 2002 death of Casey Williamson in suburban St. Louis. He faces execution Aug. 1 unless the courts intervene or Republican Gov. Mike Parson grants clemency.Johnson's lawyers said in the appeal that he is incompetent to be executed because his schizophrenia prevents him from understanding the link between his crime and the punishment. The appeal said Johnson has delusions about the devil using his death to bring about the end of the world.The Missouri Attorney General's Office challenged the credibilty of the psychiatric evaluation and said medical records indicate that Johnson is able to manage his mental illness through medication. The state Supreme Court, in a 6-1 ruling, agreed.Johnson was staying with friends in Valley Park, Missouri, in July 2002, when Casey went missing. Dozens of volunteers joined police in the search.The girl’s body was found in a pit less than a mile from her home, buried beneath rocks and debris. Johnson confessed that he used bricks and rocks to beat Casey after she fought back when he tried to sexually assault her.Missouri has executed three people this year, more than any state except Texas. The most recent was on Tuesday, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-michael-tisius-7f961969aabd38e4e6b3dbe83ae72813">Michael Tisius was put to death</a>&nbsp;for killing two jailers during a failed attempt to break another man out of jail.----------JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Supreme Court on Thursday set an execution date for a man who sexually assaulted and killed a 6-year-old St. Louis County girl in 2002.Johnny Johnson is scheduled to be put to death Aug. 1 at the state prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri.Missouri has already executed two people in 2023 —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-legal-proceedings-missouri-st-louis-capital-punishment-b45a31029fa42d9eb67b5b4e1f6a6ffe">Amber McLaughlin</a>&nbsp;in January and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-state-government-california-homicide-94fe2fefa47faa618d3826c7f32e6f1d">Raheem Taylor</a>&nbsp;in February.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/execution-missouri-15298c399e436f00c42f5174594605dd">Michael Andrew Tisius</a>&nbsp;is scheduled for execution June 6 for fatally shooting Randolph County jailers Jason Acton and Leon Egley in 2000.Johnson, 45, was staying with friends in Valley Park, Missouri, in July 2002 when Cassandra “Casey” Williamson was discovered missing. Dozens of volunteers joined police in the search.The girl's body was found in a pit less than a mile from her home, buried beneath rocks and debris. Johnson confessed to the crimes.

Court declines to halt execution of man who killed 6-year-old girl

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced that she has appointed Erik Smith, currently the Assistant Administrator and Chief of the Inspection Division within the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to lead the Kansas Highway Patrol as its Superintendent. This appointment is the result of a national search that was conducted upon the announcement of Superintendent Colonel Herman Jones’ retirement. Today is Colonel Jones’ last day in the role.&nbsp;

“I appreciate Colonel Jones’ tenure at KHP and his over 45 years of service to our state,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I also welcome Erik Smith back to Kansas. I am confident he will draw upon his experience in law enforcement in Sedgwick County, in Kansas City, and at the national level to strengthen the Kansas Highway Patrol and keep Kansans safe.”&nbsp;

Smith began his law enforcement career in 1993, serving nine years with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office. For the past 20 years, he has served in a variety of roles within the DEA, including head of the Kansas City District Office. Since becoming Chief Inspector in 2021, he has overseen the Office of Professional Responsibility, Office of Inspections, and Office of Security Programs, which together comprise DEA’s integrity system and provide support to DEA headquarters and field offices.&nbsp;

Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Friends University in Wichita. He is a native of Ellsworth, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I am extremely grateful for Governor Kelly’s confidence and am humbled by the responsibility to carry on KHP’s storied tradition of service, courtesy, and protection,”&nbsp;Erik Smith said. “I am honored to serve beside these brave men and women and am absolutely committed to leading this organization as they deliver quality law enforcement and public safety services to all Kansans.”&nbsp;

Smith will begin as Acting Superintendent on July 7 before being advanced for confirmation by the Kansas Senate. Until July 7, KHP Assistant Superintendent Lieutenant Colonel Jason De Vore will serve as Acting Superintendent.&nbsp;

“I appreciate the Governor’s steadfast support of the Kansas Highway Patrol,”&nbsp;Assistant Superintendent&nbsp;Lt. Col.&nbsp;De Vore said. “I’m proud of the vital work and public safety mission the KHP carries out every day across the state, and I look forward to continuing that service to the KHP and Kansas as the acting superintendent.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686338344477.png" alt="Erik Smith-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Erik Smith-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced that she has appointed Erik Smith, currently the Assistant Administrator and Chief of the Inspection Division within the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to lead the Kansas Highway Patrol as its Superintendent. This appointment is the result of a national search that was conducted upon the announcement of Superintendent Colonel Herman Jones’ retirement. Today is Colonel Jones’ last day in the role.&nbsp;“I appreciate Colonel Jones’ tenure at KHP and his over 45 years of service to our state,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I also welcome Erik Smith back to Kansas. I am confident he will draw upon his experience in law enforcement in Sedgwick County, in Kansas City, and at the national level to strengthen the Kansas Highway Patrol and keep Kansans safe.”&nbsp;Smith began his law enforcement career in 1993, serving nine years with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office. For the past 20 years, he has served in a variety of roles within the DEA, including head of the Kansas City District Office. Since becoming Chief Inspector in 2021, he has overseen the Office of Professional Responsibility, Office of Inspections, and Office of Security Programs, which together comprise DEA’s integrity system and provide support to DEA headquarters and field offices.&nbsp;Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Friends University in Wichita. He is a native of Ellsworth, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I am extremely grateful for Governor Kelly’s confidence and am humbled by the responsibility to carry on KHP’s storied tradition of service, courtesy, and protection,”&nbsp;Erik Smith said. “I am honored to serve beside these brave men and women and am absolutely committed to leading this organization as they deliver quality law enforcement and public safety services to all Kansans.”&nbsp;Smith will begin as Acting Superintendent on July 7 before being advanced for confirmation by the Kansas Senate. Until July 7, KHP Assistant Superintendent Lieutenant Colonel Jason De Vore will serve as Acting Superintendent.&nbsp;“I appreciate the Governor’s steadfast support of the Kansas Highway Patrol,”&nbsp;Assistant Superintendent&nbsp;Lt. Col.&nbsp;De Vore said. “I’m proud of the vital work and public safety mission the KHP carries out every day across the state, and I look forward to continuing that service to the KHP and Kansas as the acting superintendent.”&nbsp;

Ellsworth native named to lead the Kansas Highway Patrol

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 — Four organizations have joined in a bid for a slice of the state’s $3.9 billion KanCare contracts.

InterHab, the Children’s Alliance, the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas and CareSource Kansas announced their alliance Wednesday, collaborating under the name of CareSource HealthAlliance.

KanCare is the state-run system for the federal Medicaid program, which provides health care services to low-income families.&nbsp;The alliance goal is to create a KanCare system focused on addressing social determinants of health.

Matt Fletcher, executive director of InterHab, an organization serving Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, said the contract renegotiation would give the state a chance to fix problems with the KanCare system, bringing operations into line with other states.

“These are the longstanding issues that have plagued the KanCare system since its inception: accountability, oversight and transparency,” Fletcher said. “Particularly the ability to share data that is being collected within the KanCare system has been a challenge since its inception and continues to be a challenge for the state.”

The bidding process will determine which organizations will manage the state’s Medicaid system.&nbsp;Former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback privatized Medicaid in 2013 and handed out no-bid contracts through executive order.&nbsp;

The contracts were set for renegotiation in 2022, following the 2018 reprocurement process, but the GOP-controlled Legislature&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/23/kansas-legislature-overrides-veto-extends-medicaid-contracts-past-election/">pushed through a one-year,</a>&nbsp;no-bid contract extension to give Republican Derek Schmidt a chance to install new deals if elected governor. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly won reelection instead.

The three KanCare insurance companies that currently operate Medicaid health services are Sunflower State Health Plan, United Healthcare and Aetna Better Health of Kansas. They serve thousands of&nbsp;Kansans, including elderly adults, low-income children and people with developmental, intellectual or physical disabilities.

Children’s Alliance of Kansas CEO&nbsp;Rachel Marsh said prioritizing the needs of parents and children within the welfare system would be an important step forward for the state.

“If we get that right, we will by necessity be getting all the other things right,” Marsh said. “That’s where I’m hopeful about this, is that the CareSource alliance will help us better address the needs of the most complex children.”

Fletcher said he thought the IDD system management was flawed under Brownback, but he was optimistic Kelly’s administration could smooth some of the cracks in the system.

“I don’t think there was very good execution in the (Brownback) administration in carrying that out,” Fletcher said. “What I see that is different in the Kelly administration is that whether it be at the administrative level, or within the agencies, there is a desire and ability to operationalize the elements that need to be done to improve the lives of Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

The bid renewal process comes at a crucial time for the state, with the April unwinding of pandemic-era health care protections. An estimated 120,000 Kansans allowed to remain in Medicaid during a three-year pandemic suspension are now at risk of losing coverage if they fail to reapply for renewal.

The&nbsp;Kansas Department of Health and Environment also has begun a review process&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/06/02/kelly-davids-urge-120000-kansans-to-take-part-in-post-coronavirus-medicaid-renewal-process/">to determine Medicaid eligibility</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;one-fourth of the 530,000 Kansans enrolled in the program during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The move also comes after another legislative session in which Republican leaders refused to consider a vote on Medicaid expansion, which would unlock an estimated billion dollars in annual federal aid while extending coverage to an additional 150,000 low-income Kansas adults and children.

Kansas remains one of 10 states that hasn’t yet adopted Medicaid expansion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686255147391.png" alt=" Matt Fletcher, executive director for Interhab, says during a June 7, 2023, news conference that a new alliance’s bid would focus on systemic health issues. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Matt Fletcher, executive director for Interhab, says during a June 7, 2023, news conference that a new alliance’s bid would focus on systemic health issues. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>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 — Four organizations have joined in a bid for a slice of the state’s $3.9 billion KanCare contracts.InterHab, the Children’s Alliance, the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas and CareSource Kansas announced their alliance Wednesday, collaborating under the name of CareSource HealthAlliance.KanCare is the state-run system for the federal Medicaid program, which provides health care services to low-income families.&nbsp;The alliance goal is to create a KanCare system focused on addressing social determinants of health.Matt Fletcher, executive director of InterHab, an organization serving Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, said the contract renegotiation would give the state a chance to fix problems with the KanCare system, bringing operations into line with other states.“These are the longstanding issues that have plagued the KanCare system since its inception: accountability, oversight and transparency,” Fletcher said. “Particularly the ability to share data that is being collected within the KanCare system has been a challenge since its inception and continues to be a challenge for the state.”The bidding process will determine which organizations will manage the state’s Medicaid system.&nbsp;Former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback privatized Medicaid in 2013 and handed out no-bid contracts through executive order.&nbsp;The contracts were set for renegotiation in 2022, following the 2018 reprocurement process, but the GOP-controlled Legislature&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/23/kansas-legislature-overrides-veto-extends-medicaid-contracts-past-election/">pushed through a one-year,</a>&nbsp;no-bid contract extension to give Republican Derek Schmidt a chance to install new deals if elected governor. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly won reelection instead.The three KanCare insurance companies that currently operate Medicaid health services are Sunflower State Health Plan, United Healthcare and Aetna Better Health of Kansas. They serve thousands of&nbsp;Kansans, including elderly adults, low-income children and people with developmental, intellectual or physical disabilities.Children’s Alliance of Kansas CEO&nbsp;Rachel Marsh said prioritizing the needs of parents and children within the welfare system would be an important step forward for the state.“If we get that right, we will by necessity be getting all the other things right,” Marsh said. “That’s where I’m hopeful about this, is that the CareSource alliance will help us better address the needs of the most complex children.”Fletcher said he thought the IDD system management was flawed under Brownback, but he was optimistic Kelly’s administration could smooth some of the cracks in the system.“I don’t think there was very good execution in the (Brownback) administration in carrying that out,” Fletcher said. “What I see that is different in the Kelly administration is that whether it be at the administrative level, or within the agencies, there is a desire and ability to operationalize the elements that need to be done to improve the lives of Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”The bid renewal process comes at a crucial time for the state, with the April unwinding of pandemic-era health care protections. An estimated 120,000 Kansans allowed to remain in Medicaid during a three-year pandemic suspension are now at risk of losing coverage if they fail to reapply for renewal.The&nbsp;Kansas Department of Health and Environment also has begun a review process&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/06/02/kelly-davids-urge-120000-kansans-to-take-part-in-post-coronavirus-medicaid-renewal-process/">to determine Medicaid eligibility</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;one-fourth of the 530,000 Kansans enrolled in the program during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.The move also comes after another legislative session in which Republican leaders refused to consider a vote on Medicaid expansion, which would unlock an estimated billion dollars in annual federal aid while extending coverage to an additional 150,000 low-income Kansas adults and children.Kansas remains one of 10 states that hasn’t yet adopted Medicaid expansion.

New alliance makes bid for slice of $3.9 billion Kan. Medicaid contract

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)&nbsp;and Crawford County Health Department have identified Heartland Virus Disease (Heartland), a rare tickborne illness, in a Crawford County resident, according to a media release from the agency.

 Health care providers diagnosed the resident in late May 2023 after further testing was coordinated through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is the first case of Heartland in Crawford County and only the third case identified in Kansas since the virus’s discovery in northwest Missouri in 2009. 

The previous two cases were identified in Miami County in 2015 and Anderson County in 2018. To date, there have been over 50 cases of Heartland diagnosed across areas of the Midwest and Southern United States.&nbsp; &nbsp;

“We’re entering the time of year when we start to receive a lot of complaints about ticks on animals and in the environment and questions regarding tick bites and tickborne diseases in people. People must take the risk of tickborne disease seriously and take personal protective measures for themselves and their pets to reduce their chance of acquiring a tickborne illness,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Dr. Erin Petro, DVM, MPH,&nbsp;KDHE public health veterinarian. “While Heartland and other tickborne viruses like Bourbon virus are rare, they can lead to severe illness and even death.”

Heartland virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Lone Star Tick, the most common tick in Kansas, which is most active from May through August. The symptoms of Heartland are vague and include fever, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, headache and occasionally a rash. Health care providers should consider Heartland in patients with compatible clinical illness and bloodwork findings when other common tickborne illness testing is negative.

This case serves as an important reminder to take precautions as you enjoy the outdoors this summer. Ticks are commonly found at the edge of trails, on tall grasses and in wooded, shaded areas. To reduce the risk of contracting a tickborne disease, take the following steps:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686327511727.png" alt="Lone Star Tick- photo CDC" />
 <figcaption>Lone Star Tick- photo CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)&nbsp;and Crawford County Health Department have identified Heartland Virus Disease (Heartland), a rare tickborne illness, in a Crawford County resident, according to a media release from the agency. Health care providers diagnosed the resident in late May 2023 after further testing was coordinated through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is the first case of Heartland in Crawford County and only the third case identified in Kansas since the virus’s discovery in northwest Missouri in 2009. The previous two cases were identified in Miami County in 2015 and Anderson County in 2018. To date, there have been over 50 cases of Heartland diagnosed across areas of the Midwest and Southern United States.&nbsp; &nbsp;“We’re entering the time of year when we start to receive a lot of complaints about ticks on animals and in the environment and questions regarding tick bites and tickborne diseases in people. People must take the risk of tickborne disease seriously and take personal protective measures for themselves and their pets to reduce their chance of acquiring a tickborne illness,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Dr. Erin Petro, DVM, MPH,&nbsp;KDHE public health veterinarian. “While Heartland and other tickborne viruses like Bourbon virus are rare, they can lead to severe illness and even death.”Heartland virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Lone Star Tick, the most common tick in Kansas, which is most active from May through August. The symptoms of Heartland are vague and include fever, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, headache and occasionally a rash. Health care providers should consider Heartland in patients with compatible clinical illness and bloodwork findings when other common tickborne illness testing is negative.This case serves as an important reminder to take precautions as you enjoy the outdoors this summer. Ticks are commonly found at the edge of trails, on tall grasses and in wooded, shaded areas. To reduce the risk of contracting a tickborne disease, take the following steps:<ul>
 <li>Wear long pants with socks tucked into pants and long sleeves when doing yardwork, hiking, camping or recreating in areas where ticks may be found.</li><li>After being outdoors in tick habitats, take a shower to help wash off unattached ticks and identify any attached ticks. Always perform a thorough tick check after being outdoors.</li><li>Reduce tick habitats in your yard by clearing brush, leaf litter and tall grasses around your home and at the edge of your lawn.</li><li>Apply an EPA-approved repellent, such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, when enjoying the outdoors.</li><li>If hunting or camping, consider treating gear and clothing with permethrin; always follow label directions for safe application of permethrin.</li>
 </ul>

KDHE IDs rare tickborne illness in Kansas resident

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 36-year-old&nbsp;Crystal Rayner, according to a statement from Kansas City Police.

Just after 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to an injury crash on Interstate 670 and Broadway. They found a woman later identified as Rayner inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds.

EMS transported her to an area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

Police have not reported additional details or suspect information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686323898803.png" alt="Police have not released possible suspect information in connection with the shooting -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police have not released possible suspect information in connection with the shooting -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 36-year-old&nbsp;Crystal Rayner, according to a statement from Kansas City Police.Just after 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to an injury crash on Interstate 670 and Broadway. They found a woman later identified as Rayner inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds.EMS transported her to an area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.Police have not reported additional details or suspect information.