COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio voters on Tuesday resoundingly rejected a Republican-backed measure that would have made it more difficult to change the state’s constitution, setting up a fall campaign that will become the nation’s latest referendum on abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned nationwide protections last year.

The defeat of Issue 1 keeps in place a simple majority threshold for passing future constitutional amendments, rather than the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/constitutional-access-ohio-house-abortion-ballot-95cae24b996ce943c976dbf06d7d9867">60% supermajority that was proposed</a>. Its supporters said the higher bar would protect the state’s foundational document from outside interest groups.

Voter opposition to the proposal was widespread, even spreading into traditionally Republican territory. In fact, in early returns, support for the measure fell far short of former President Donald Trump’s performance during the 2020 election in nearly every county.

Dennis Willard, a spokesperson for the opposition campaign One Person One Vote, called Issue 1 a “deceptive power grab” that was intended to diminish the influence of the state’s voters.

“Tonight is a major victory for democracy in Ohio,” Willard told a jubilant crowd at the opposition campaign’s watch party. “The majority still rules in Ohio.”

President Joe Biden hailed Tuesday's result, releasing a statement saying: “This measure was a blatant attempt to weaken voters’ voices and further erode the freedom of women to make their own health care decisions. Ohioans spoke loud and clear, and tonight democracy won.”

A major national group that opposes abortion rights, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, called the result “a sad day for Ohio" while criticizing the outside money that helped the opposition — even though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-rights-ohio-election-constitution-special-interests-06217130060cd97d398169052b6d511a">both sides relied on national groups</a>&nbsp;and individuals in their campaigns.

Republican lawmakers who had pushed the measure — and put it before voters during the height of summer vacation season — explained away the defeat as a result of too little time to adequately explain its virtues to voters. A main backer, Republican Senate President Matt Huffman, predicted lawmakers would try again, though probably not as soon as next year.

“Obviously, there are a lot of folks that did not want this to happen — not just because of the November issues, but for all of the other ones that are coming,” he said, expressing disappointment that Republicans didn't stick together. In a statement, Republican House Speaker Jason Stephens advised supporters to move past Tuesday's results to focus on trying to defeat the abortion rights measure: “The people of Ohio have spoken."

While&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-referendum-election-2023-7ea8656d35adce9dfb8d9a9bf8c69d60">abortion</a>&nbsp;was not directly on the special election ballot, the result marks the latest setback for Republicans in a conservative-leaning state who favor imposing tough restrictions on the procedure. Ohio Republicans placed the question on the summer ballot in hopes of undercutting the citizen initiative that voters will decide in November that seeks to enshrine abortion rights in the state.

Other states where voters have considered abortion rights since last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;have protected them, including in red states such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">Kansas</a>&nbsp;and Kentucky.

Dr. Marcela Azevedo, one of the leaders of a coalition advancing the fall abortion question, said Tuesday that Issue 1’s defeat should allow the measure to pass in November.

Interest in Tuesday's special election&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-constitutional-amendments-voters-turnout-election-65381bfc596ab5e34c830f67cef05fc2">was intense</a>, even after Republicans ignored their own law that took effect earlier this year to place the question before voters in August. Voters cast nearly 700,000 early in-person and mail ballots ahead of Tuesday’s final day of voting, more than double the number of advance votes in a typical primary election. Early turnout was especially heavy in the Democratic-leaning counties surrounding Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.

One Person One Vote represented a broad, bipartisan coalition of voting rights, labor, faith and community groups. The group also had as allies four living ex-governors of the state and five former state attorneys general of both parties, who called the proposed change bad public policy.

In place since 1912, the simple majority standard is a much more surmountable hurdle for Ohioans for Reproductive Rights, the group advancing November’s abortion rights amendment. It would establish “a fundamental right to reproductive freedom” with “reasonable limits.”

Voters in several states have approved ballot questions protecting access to abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, but typically have done so with less than 60% of the vote. AP VoteCast polling last year found that 59% of Ohio voters say abortion should generally be legal.

Eric Chon, a Columbus resident who voted against the measure, said there was a clear anti-abortion agenda to the election. Noting that the GOP voted just last year to get rid of August elections entirely due to low turnout for hyperlocal issues, Chon said, “Every time something doesn’t go their way, they change the rules.”

The election result came in the very type of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-constitution-access-august-election-f76b958805b4ff5a1cf7ad21724b68da">August special election</a>&nbsp;that Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a candidate for U.S. Senate, had previously testified against as undemocratic because of historically low turnout.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-gun-rights-vaccines-constitution-ohio-4e3443dfafd071c94a72204606723a47">Republican lawmakers</a>&nbsp;just last year had voted to mostly eliminate such elections, a law they ignored for this year’s election.

Al Daum, of Hilliard, just west of Columbus, said he didn’t feel the rules were being changed to undermine the power of his vote and said he was in favor of the special election measure. Along with increasing the threshold to 60%, it would mandate that any signatures for a constitutional amendment be gathered from all of Ohio’s 88 counties, not just 44.

It’s a change that Daum said would give more Ohio residents a chance to make their voices heard.

Voters’ rejection of the proposal marked a rare rebuke for Ohio Republicans, who have held power across every branch of state government for 12 years. GOP lawmakers had cited possible future amendments related to gun control, minimum wage increases and more as reasons a higher threshold should be required.

Protect Ohio Women, the campaign working to defeat the fall abortion rights amendment, vowed to continue fighting into the fall.

“Our pro-life, pro-parent coalition is more motivated than ever,” the group said in a statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691543919337.png" alt="A yard sign in Mount Vernon, Ohio, against Ohio Issue (Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal)" />
 <figcaption>A yard sign in Mount Vernon, Ohio, against Ohio Issue (Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal)</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio voters on Tuesday resoundingly rejected a Republican-backed measure that would have made it more difficult to change the state’s constitution, setting up a fall campaign that will become the nation’s latest referendum on abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned nationwide protections last year.The defeat of Issue 1 keeps in place a simple majority threshold for passing future constitutional amendments, rather than the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/constitutional-access-ohio-house-abortion-ballot-95cae24b996ce943c976dbf06d7d9867">60% supermajority that was proposed</a>. Its supporters said the higher bar would protect the state’s foundational document from outside interest groups.Voter opposition to the proposal was widespread, even spreading into traditionally Republican territory. In fact, in early returns, support for the measure fell far short of former President Donald Trump’s performance during the 2020 election in nearly every county.Dennis Willard, a spokesperson for the opposition campaign One Person One Vote, called Issue 1 a “deceptive power grab” that was intended to diminish the influence of the state’s voters.“Tonight is a major victory for democracy in Ohio,” Willard told a jubilant crowd at the opposition campaign’s watch party. “The majority still rules in Ohio.”President Joe Biden hailed Tuesday's result, releasing a statement saying: “This measure was a blatant attempt to weaken voters’ voices and further erode the freedom of women to make their own health care decisions. Ohioans spoke loud and clear, and tonight democracy won.”A major national group that opposes abortion rights, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, called the result “a sad day for Ohio" while criticizing the outside money that helped the opposition — even though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-rights-ohio-election-constitution-special-interests-06217130060cd97d398169052b6d511a">both sides relied on national groups</a>&nbsp;and individuals in their campaigns.Republican lawmakers who had pushed the measure — and put it before voters during the height of summer vacation season — explained away the defeat as a result of too little time to adequately explain its virtues to voters. A main backer, Republican Senate President Matt Huffman, predicted lawmakers would try again, though probably not as soon as next year.“Obviously, there are a lot of folks that did not want this to happen — not just because of the November issues, but for all of the other ones that are coming,” he said, expressing disappointment that Republicans didn't stick together. In a statement, Republican House Speaker Jason Stephens advised supporters to move past Tuesday's results to focus on trying to defeat the abortion rights measure: “The people of Ohio have spoken."While&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-referendum-election-2023-7ea8656d35adce9dfb8d9a9bf8c69d60">abortion</a>&nbsp;was not directly on the special election ballot, the result marks the latest setback for Republicans in a conservative-leaning state who favor imposing tough restrictions on the procedure. Ohio Republicans placed the question on the summer ballot in hopes of undercutting the citizen initiative that voters will decide in November that seeks to enshrine abortion rights in the state.Other states where voters have considered abortion rights since last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;have protected them, including in red states such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">Kansas</a>&nbsp;and Kentucky.Dr. Marcela Azevedo, one of the leaders of a coalition advancing the fall abortion question, said Tuesday that Issue 1’s defeat should allow the measure to pass in November.Interest in Tuesday's special election&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-constitutional-amendments-voters-turnout-election-65381bfc596ab5e34c830f67cef05fc2">was intense</a>, even after Republicans ignored their own law that took effect earlier this year to place the question before voters in August. Voters cast nearly 700,000 early in-person and mail ballots ahead of Tuesday’s final day of voting, more than double the number of advance votes in a typical primary election. Early turnout was especially heavy in the Democratic-leaning counties surrounding Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.One Person One Vote represented a broad, bipartisan coalition of voting rights, labor, faith and community groups. The group also had as allies four living ex-governors of the state and five former state attorneys general of both parties, who called the proposed change bad public policy.In place since 1912, the simple majority standard is a much more surmountable hurdle for Ohioans for Reproductive Rights, the group advancing November’s abortion rights amendment. It would establish “a fundamental right to reproductive freedom” with “reasonable limits.”Voters in several states have approved ballot questions protecting access to abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, but typically have done so with less than 60% of the vote. AP VoteCast polling last year found that 59% of Ohio voters say abortion should generally be legal.Eric Chon, a Columbus resident who voted against the measure, said there was a clear anti-abortion agenda to the election. Noting that the GOP voted just last year to get rid of August elections entirely due to low turnout for hyperlocal issues, Chon said, “Every time something doesn’t go their way, they change the rules.”The election result came in the very type of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-constitution-access-august-election-f76b958805b4ff5a1cf7ad21724b68da">August special election</a>&nbsp;that Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a candidate for U.S. Senate, had previously testified against as undemocratic because of historically low turnout.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-gun-rights-vaccines-constitution-ohio-4e3443dfafd071c94a72204606723a47">Republican lawmakers</a>&nbsp;just last year had voted to mostly eliminate such elections, a law they ignored for this year’s election.Al Daum, of Hilliard, just west of Columbus, said he didn’t feel the rules were being changed to undermine the power of his vote and said he was in favor of the special election measure. Along with increasing the threshold to 60%, it would mandate that any signatures for a constitutional amendment be gathered from all of Ohio’s 88 counties, not just 44.It’s a change that Daum said would give more Ohio residents a chance to make their voices heard.Voters’ rejection of the proposal marked a rare rebuke for Ohio Republicans, who have held power across every branch of state government for 12 years. GOP lawmakers had cited possible future amendments related to gun control, minimum wage increases and more as reasons a higher threshold should be required.Protect Ohio Women, the campaign working to defeat the fall abortion rights amendment, vowed to continue fighting into the fall.“Our pro-life, pro-parent coalition is more motivated than ever,” the group said in a statement.

Win for abortion-rights supporters; Ohio voters reject Issue 1

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 9 a.m. August 5, police responded to a report of a burglary at Crocker’s Car Care, 1001 SE 21st street, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

Officers were notified of forced entry into the business and that motor vehicles had been stolen.

Just after 8a.m. Sunday., police located a person of interest in the investigation identified as Tiffany D. Woosley, 33, of Topeka, in the 1900 block of SE Pennsylvania.

As a result of the investigation , police transported Woosley to the Shawnee County Department.Corrections. She is being held on requested charges of Burglary; Non dwelling, theft; motor vehicle and criminal damage to property, according to Eubanks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691413631726.png" alt="Woosley" />
 <figcaption>Woosley</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.Just after 9 a.m. August 5, police responded to a report of a burglary at Crocker’s Car Care, 1001 SE 21st street, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.Officers were notified of forced entry into the business and that motor vehicles had been stolen.Just after 8a.m. Sunday., police located a person of interest in the investigation identified as Tiffany D. Woosley, 33, of Topeka, in the 1900 block of SE Pennsylvania.As a result of the investigation , police transported Woosley to the Shawnee County Department.Corrections. She is being held on requested charges of Burglary; Non dwelling, theft; motor vehicle and criminal damage to property, according to Eubanks.

Kansas woman jailed after vehicles stolen from repair shop

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run and asking the public to help locate a vehicle.

According to Kansas City Police,&nbsp; a white Dodge Challenger struck a person in a hit and run at Westport and Broadway early Saturday morning.


The 2-door vehicle has black rims, a sunroof, damage to the front drivers side bumper and is missing the driver side headlight.


If you have any information, please call Det. Richardson, KCPD Traffic Investigation Section, at 816-482-8190. You can also remain anonymous at <a href="https://t.co/hdgjMWueud" target="_blank">https://kccrimestoppers.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691518007764.png" alt="photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run and asking the public to help locate a vehicle.According to Kansas City Police,&nbsp; a white Dodge Challenger struck a person in a hit and run at Westport and Broadway early Saturday morning.
The 2-door vehicle has black rims, a sunroof, damage to the front drivers side bumper and is missing the driver side headlight.

If you have any information, please call Det. Richardson, KCPD Traffic Investigation Section, at 816-482-8190. You can also remain anonymous at <a href="https://t.co/hdgjMWueud" target="_blank">https://kccrimestoppers.com</a>

KCPD looking for vehicle that struck pedestrian and fled

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking for help identifying a a man who died in late spring of this year, according to a media release from Overland Park Police.

Officers located the man's body near the W. 103rd Street bridge over U.S. 69 Hwy.

 Foul play is not suspected in terms of his cause of death. The man did not have any form of identification with him, and attempts to determine his identity without the public’s assistance have been exhausted.

The man was 5-foot-7, with a thin build and has a tattoo on his left shoulder blade.

He appears to be between the age of 35 to 45. A few weeks prior to this incident, an Overland Park Patrol Officer made contact with the same man near Interstate 435 Highway and Metcalf Aveue.

The man didn’t have any identification on him at that time either, but verbally identified himself as Alberto Gomez born January 11, 1983. 

Investigators were unable to locate a positive match using the above name and date of birth. 

If you have information which could assist Investigators in positively identifying this man, please contact Detective Wimsatt at 913-344-8742.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691530463554.png" alt="Photo Overland. Park Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Overland. Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking for help identifying a a man who died in late spring of this year, according to a media release from Overland Park Police.Officers located the man's body near the W. 103rd Street bridge over U.S. 69 Hwy. Foul play is not suspected in terms of his cause of death. The man did not have any form of identification with him, and attempts to determine his identity without the public’s assistance have been exhausted.The man was 5-foot-7, with a thin build and has a tattoo on his left shoulder blade.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693932845760.png" alt="Overland Park" />
 <figcaption>Overland Park</figcaption>
 </figure>He appears to be between the age of 35 to 45. A few weeks prior to this incident, an Overland Park Patrol Officer made contact with the same man near Interstate 435 Highway and Metcalf Aveue.The man didn’t have any identification on him at that time either, but verbally identified himself as Alberto Gomez born January 11, 1983. Investigators were unable to locate a positive match using the above name and date of birth. If you have information which could assist Investigators in positively identifying this man, please contact Detective Wimsatt at 913-344-8742.

Police ask for help to ID man who died this spring in Kansas

NESS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday morning outside a residence in Ransom, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

Preliminary information indicates that on Tuesday morning, 911 calls were placed indicating a man was armed with a firearm and making threats inside a residence at an unknown address in Ransom. Deputies pinpointed the exact house where the domestic disturbance was occurring, and multiple sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene at 207 S. Vermont St. A sheriff’s deputy began talking to the armed man on the phone. They identified the man as Jesse L. Nicholls, 46, of Ransom.

The deputy eventually convinced Nicholls to come out of the house. When Nicholls came out and into the front yard, he initially complied with commands to put the pistol he was carrying down, but then picked it up and fired toward the ground.&nbsp;Immediately upon Nicholls’ firing of the weapon, a deputy from the Ness County Sheriff’s Office fired multiple times striking Nicholls.

EMS, who had been staged in the area, quickly responded and attempted life-saving measures. They transported Nicholls to the Grisell Memorial Hospital. Medical intervention was unsuccessful, and Nicholls was pronounced dead at the hospital. No deputies were injured during the shooting.

The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this incident. Once the investigation concludes, the findings will be turned over to the Ness County Attorney for review.

&nbsp;NESS COUNTY —The KBI and our Crime Scene Response Team are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in Ransom, Kansas, involving the&nbsp;Ness County Sheriff's Office, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The shooting took place just before 10 a.m. near Vermont Ave. and 3rd Street in Ransom. No sheriff's deputies were injured. A male suspect was shot during the incident, and has since died from his injuries.

NESS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting.

On Tuesday morning, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;responded to an officer-involved shooting in Ness County, according to KBI spokesperson Melissa Underwood.

No law enforcement officers were injured. One subject was hospitalized.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691576725429.png" alt="KBI on the scene in Ness City Tuesday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>KBI on the scene in Ness City Tuesday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>NESS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday morning outside a residence in Ransom, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.Preliminary information indicates that on Tuesday morning, 911 calls were placed indicating a man was armed with a firearm and making threats inside a residence at an unknown address in Ransom. Deputies pinpointed the exact house where the domestic disturbance was occurring, and multiple sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene at 207 S. Vermont St. A sheriff’s deputy began talking to the armed man on the phone. They identified the man as Jesse L. Nicholls, 46, of Ransom.The deputy eventually convinced Nicholls to come out of the house. When Nicholls came out and into the front yard, he initially complied with commands to put the pistol he was carrying down, but then picked it up and fired toward the ground.&nbsp;Immediately upon Nicholls’ firing of the weapon, a deputy from the Ness County Sheriff’s Office fired multiple times striking Nicholls.EMS, who had been staged in the area, quickly responded and attempted life-saving measures. They transported Nicholls to the Grisell Memorial Hospital. Medical intervention was unsuccessful, and Nicholls was pronounced dead at the hospital. No deputies were injured during the shooting.The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this incident. Once the investigation concludes, the findings will be turned over to the Ness County Attorney for review.-------------------------&nbsp;NESS COUNTY —The KBI and our Crime Scene Response Team are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in Ransom, Kansas, involving the&nbsp;Ness County Sheriff's Office, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.The shooting took place just before 10 a.m. near Vermont Ave. and 3rd Street in Ransom. No sheriff's deputies were injured. A male suspect was shot during the incident, and has since died from his injuries. ---------------------NESS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting.On Tuesday morning, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;responded to an officer-involved shooting in Ness County, according to KBI spokesperson Melissa Underwood.No law enforcement officers were injured. One subject was hospitalized.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KBI IDs man who died in rural Kan. officer-involved shooting 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A law enforcement officer is recovering from injuries in accident that occurred just after 12:30p.m. Saturday in Wichita.

A 2020 Ford Explorer driven by Officer Christopher Ruhlen, 34,Wichita, was southbound on Main Street in Wichita after he received an alert from a Flock camera about a stolen vehicle, according to Officer Juan Rebolldo.

The Officer Ruhlen drove to the area where the camera was when he saw the stolen vehicle driving by him. The officer turned his lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop and entered the intersection atKellogg Drive.

An eastbound 2018 Ford F150 driven by Ernest Ramirez, 60, Hutchinson,&nbsp; struck the officer's SUV on the passenger side door and quarter panel.

EMS transported both drivers to a local hospital for treatment.&nbsp; Ruhlen was treated and has been released. Two juveniles were present in the vehicle; juvenile record protected data, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691332520774.png" alt="View of the crash scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>View of the crash scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A law enforcement officer is recovering from injuries in accident that occurred just after 12:30p.m. Saturday in Wichita.A 2020 Ford Explorer driven by Officer Christopher Ruhlen, 34,Wichita, was southbound on Main Street in Wichita after he received an alert from a Flock camera about a stolen vehicle, according to Officer Juan Rebolldo.The Officer Ruhlen drove to the area where the camera was when he saw the stolen vehicle driving by him. The officer turned his lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop and entered the intersection atKellogg Drive.An eastbound 2018 Ford F150 driven by Ernest Ramirez, 60, Hutchinson,&nbsp; struck the officer's SUV on the passenger side door and quarter panel.EMS transported both drivers to a local hospital for treatment.&nbsp; Ruhlen was treated and has been released. Two juveniles were present in the vehicle; juvenile record protected data, according to the KHP.

Police update details on pursuit crash that injured Kan. officer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is reinstating a regulation aimed at reining in the proliferation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-are-ghost-guns-aab2ded78314603e8e87e92dbe4def3f">ghost guns</a>, firearms without serial numbers that have been turning up at crime scenes across the nation in increasing numbers.

The court on Tuesday voted 5-4 to put on hold a ruling from a federal judge in Texas that invalidated the Biden administration's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives-gun-politics-5f0f26cdb5d3bcbc6f9c5daf471c118d">regulation of ghost gun kits</a>. The regulation will be in effect while the administration appeals the ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans — and potentially the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined with the court's three liberal members to form the majority. Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas would have kept the regulation on hold during the appeals process. Neither side provided an explanation.

The Justice Department had told the court that local law enforcement agencies seized more than 19,000 ghost guns at crime scenes in 2021, a more than tenfold increase in just five years.

"The public-safety interests in reversing the flow of ghost guns to dangerous and otherwise prohibited persons easily outweighs the minor costs that respondents will incur,"&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-supreme-court-only-on-ap-19ad9190f158f5df1ac5d2f569dcdc80">Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar</a>, the administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer, wrote in a court filing.

The new rule was issued last year and changed the definition of a firearm under federal law to include unfinished parts, like the frame of a handgun or the receiver of a long gun, so they can be tracked more easily. Those parts must be licensed and include serial numbers. Manufacturers must also run background checks before a sale — as they do with other commercially made firearms. The requirement applies regardless of how the firearm was made, meaning it includes ghost guns made from individual parts or kits or by 3D printers.

The rule does not prohibit people from purchasing a kit or any type of firearm.

U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor, in Fort Worth, Texas, struck down the rule in late June, concluding that it exceeded the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' authority. O'Connor wrote that the definition of a firearm in federal law does not cover all the parts of a gun. Congress could change the law, he wrote.

Lawyers for individuals, businesses and advocacy groups challenging the rule told the Supreme Court that O'Connor was right and that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives">the ATF</a>&nbsp;had departed from more than 50 years of regulatory practice in expanding the definition of a firearm.

The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, which has long supported regulation of ghost guns, praised the Supreme Court's action. “The challenged rule simply requires that ghost gun kits are regulated like the guns that they are. It will save lives,” David Pucino, the group's deputy chief counsel, said in a statement.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is reinstating a regulation aimed at reining in the proliferation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-are-ghost-guns-aab2ded78314603e8e87e92dbe4def3f">ghost guns</a>, firearms without serial numbers that have been turning up at crime scenes across the nation in increasing numbers.The court on Tuesday voted 5-4 to put on hold a ruling from a federal judge in Texas that invalidated the Biden administration's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives-gun-politics-5f0f26cdb5d3bcbc6f9c5daf471c118d">regulation of ghost gun kits</a>. The regulation will be in effect while the administration appeals the ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans — and potentially the Supreme Court.Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined with the court's three liberal members to form the majority. Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas would have kept the regulation on hold during the appeals process. Neither side provided an explanation.The Justice Department had told the court that local law enforcement agencies seized more than 19,000 ghost guns at crime scenes in 2021, a more than tenfold increase in just five years."The public-safety interests in reversing the flow of ghost guns to dangerous and otherwise prohibited persons easily outweighs the minor costs that respondents will incur,"&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-supreme-court-only-on-ap-19ad9190f158f5df1ac5d2f569dcdc80">Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar</a>, the administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer, wrote in a court filing.The new rule was issued last year and changed the definition of a firearm under federal law to include unfinished parts, like the frame of a handgun or the receiver of a long gun, so they can be tracked more easily. Those parts must be licensed and include serial numbers. Manufacturers must also run background checks before a sale — as they do with other commercially made firearms. The requirement applies regardless of how the firearm was made, meaning it includes ghost guns made from individual parts or kits or by 3D printers.The rule does not prohibit people from purchasing a kit or any type of firearm.U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor, in Fort Worth, Texas, struck down the rule in late June, concluding that it exceeded the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' authority. O'Connor wrote that the definition of a firearm in federal law does not cover all the parts of a gun. Congress could change the law, he wrote.Lawyers for individuals, businesses and advocacy groups challenging the rule told the Supreme Court that O'Connor was right and that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives">the ATF</a>&nbsp;had departed from more than 50 years of regulatory practice in expanding the definition of a firearm.The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, which has long supported regulation of ghost guns, praised the Supreme Court's action. “The challenged rule simply requires that ghost gun kits are regulated like the guns that they are. It will save lives,” David Pucino, the group's deputy chief counsel, said in a statement.

Supreme Court allows Biden administration to regulate ghost guns

By&nbsp;ROBIN OPSAHL&nbsp;AND&nbsp;JAY WAAGEMEESTER&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>

In the wake of former President Donald Trump’s most recent indictments, his opponents in the campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination railed against the FBI and U.S. Department of Justice at a fundraising event Sunday for U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson.

More than 300 people attended Hinson’s BBQ Bash at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids. It was an opportunity for presidential hopefuls to socialize and take photos with potential caucus-goers — and a chance for them to seek the support of Iowans who voted for Hinson and other Republicans in 2022.

Last year, Hinson said, Iowans helped remove U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi as House speaker – and in 2024, she said, they will help remove President Joe Biden from office.

“Taking our country back starts right here in Iowa, and starts right here today,” Hinson said. “And remember this: Iowa picks presidents.”

Seven of the 2024 GOP candidates spoke at the event. Trump, who was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/08/01/trump-indicted-in-connection-with-jan-6-attack-on-the-u-s-capitol/">recently indicted on criminal charges</a>&nbsp;tied to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, was not at the event, but was on the minds of many attending.

Linda Devark of Cedar Rapids said Trump remains her top choice as the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. Devark said she is not concerned about the former president’s indictments, saying the Justice Department’s focus on Trump is meant to draw attention away from the president and his son, Hunter Biden.

“I think it’s interesting that any day that something takes place with Hunter Biden or Joe Biden, by the next day there’s an indictment,” Devark said.

Hinson had expressed similar sentiments on Aug. 1, linking the most recent indictment of Trump to what she called “another Biden scandal,” adding, “We must stop the unAmerican politicization of the judicial system.”

Other Iowans attending Sunday’s event said they’re looking for alternatives to Trump. Rick Ransom, a retired salesman from Benton County said it is too early to make a decision, but Trump’s “baggage” hurts his chances at reclaiming the White House.

“I think his time has passed,” Ransom said. “He’s got too much baggage now. A lot of baggage.”

Ransom said he would vote for Trump if he happens to be the nominee, but until then, it is too early to make a decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I want to hear more,” he said, adding that his three preferred candidates are currently Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and South Carolia Sen. Tim Scott.

Don Bayliss of Wellman said Trump has proven himself but said he’s not entirely committed to the former president this far out from the caucuses.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We know what he can do,” Bayliss said. “He did it for four years.”

Bayliss said he is open to other candidates, with DeSantis, Burgum, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Scott ranking as his next choices for president.

“We’re listening,” Bayliss said. “We got to see what there is, what each candidate has to offer and what they would like to do for our country to put it on its feet again.”

Although Trump was not in attendance, members of his campaign team set up a booth at the event.

Here’s what presidential candidates told the crowd at Hinson’s fundraiser:

DeSantis did not bring up Trump, his top rival for the 2024 Iowa caucuses, instead focusing on his conservative victories in Florida.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and DeSantis bantered in their speeches about the competition among states with GOP governors, with Reynolds pointing to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/best-states-to-retire-2023-iowa-florida-bankrate/">a recent study</a>&nbsp;that found Iowa surpassed Florida as the best state to retire based on metrics like affordability, quality of health care, weather and crime.

DeSantis went through his accomplishments as governor, the crowd cheering when he said Florida “stood up” to Disney, cut taxes and served as a “refuge of sanity” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In Florida, most people that run for office, they overpromise and underdeliver,” DeSantis said. “We made bold promises to the people of Florida, we met every single commitment we made, and in fact, we over-delivered on our promises.”

If elected president, DeSantis said, he would end the “weaponization of government,” adding that he would replace FBI Director Christopher Wray on his first day as president and make changes to the Department of Justice. But, he said, voters need to make sure they don’t “squander” the election.

“I’m asking for your support in the January caucuses because I can pledge to you this: I will get the job done,” DeSantis said. “I will not let you down.”

Not only are small-town values the key to a successful White House, Burgum said, they are a driving factor in his campaign.

“When someone tells me that you can’t be from a small town and run for president, it’s just like jumping on my start button, because D.C. needs more small-town values,” Burgum said.

Burgum described America as having two realities, “Two things can happen at the same time that are opposites,” Burgum said.

“You go to communities like this and see neighbors helping neighbors … We need to focus on the best of America, you turn on social media you never hear about the best of America.”

Burgum said the Biden administration “needs a course correction, they are 180 degrees wrong on the economy, energy and on national security.”

America must sell energy to allies instead of purchasing it from enemies, Burgum said, a common line from his stump speech.

Burgum also called for a smaller federal government.

“There’s a huge opportunity to take 10% or 20% of the cost out of the federal government,” Burgum said. “I know how to do that. I’ve done it before.”

Burgum planned to visit the U.S.-Mexico border Monday.

Businessman Perry Johnson, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Businessman Perry Johnson said he wants to make sure the Republican National Committee is not “corrupt,” calling for all candidates to be included in any polling focused on the 2024 Republican field.

Johnson said “they have done everything to try to get me out of the debate,” but that he now has 40,000 individual donors — meeting the threshold needed to make it onto the Milwaukee debate stage.

“I’m going to have 50,000,” Johnson said. “I just need to make sure they include me in the poll.”

He said other candidates that have not met that threshold should also be included in polling.

Johnson also called for the impeachment of Biden and the pardoning of Trump, who has yet to be convicted of any crimes. The Michigan Republican said that Americans know roughly $10 million went to the Biden family through a “myriad of corporations.”

“They have all these corporations strung together, stealing that money, bribing – who knows what it is,” Johnson said. “But I say let’s investigate it.”

Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur, gathered applause when he said he will “drain the swamp,” if elected.

The youngest candidate in the field called for term limits for “the bureaucracy,” and he also called for term limits for employees of government agencies.

“We will not just reform those agencies, we will get in there and shut them down, that is how we revive our constitutional republic in the United States of America,” Ramaswamy said.

Arguing that America has an identity crisis, Ramaswamy called for a revolution.

“Do you want incremental reform or do you want revolution?” he asked the crowd. He said he “stands on the side of the American Revolution, those 1776 ideals that set this county in motion.”

“We are so starved for purpose and meaning and identity at a time in our national history with the things that used to fill that hunger — faith, patriotism, hard work, family, these things have disappeared,” Ramaswamy said. “And that leaves a black hole or moral vacuum in its wake. And when you have a black hole that runs that deep, that is when the poison fills the void. Wokeism, transgenderism, climateism, COVIDism, globalism, depression, anxiety, fentanyl, suicide. These are symptoms of a deeper void of purpose and meaning in our country.”

Ramaswamy also criticized affirmative action, saying it “has been a cancer on our national soul.”

Larry Elder, who ran for California governor against Gov. Gavin Newsom in the 2021 gubernatorial recall election, brought up his former rival’s agreement to debate DeSantis – one of Elder’s current rivals for the nomination.

“Wouldn’t it have been nice if somebody had pressured him to debate me during the recall election when it mattered?” Elder asked.

In June, Newsom told Fox News host Sean Hannity that he would be willing to debate DeSantis. The Florida governor&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/08/03/ron-desantis-gavin-newsom-debate/">agreed to the debate</a>&nbsp;when speaking with Hannity, who would moderate, earlier in August.

Both governors have proposed several dates to hold the debate, but have not agreed on proposed rules, such as whether to have a live audience or to give opening remarks.

Elder asked Iowans to donate to his campaign so he can get on the August debate stage, saying he was the only candidate to speak about issues such as the “epidemic of fatherlessness” and to call for a U.S. constitutional amendment that would tie federal spending to a percentage of the country’s GDP.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson took the stage to share his criticisms of Biden and outline his goal of restoring the rule of law.

“Biden has diminished respect for rule of law in this country,” Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson said he supported rule of law during periods of unrest after the murder of George Floyd by bringing in the National Guard and the state police.

“I’ve met challenges in our country, as governor, we had protests all across the country after the George Floyd murder,” Hutchinson said. “And whatever we have those protests, many of them turned violent. In Little Rock, Arkansas there was no exception. I saw violence in the street, buildings being burned, the Capitol being threatened and I said enough is enough.”

The former governor also thanked the Iowa Legislature for passing a 6-week abortion ban and acknowleged the challenges he faces in his campaign.

“I know that this is an uphill battle, because there’s one candidate in the race that has got, like, 50% of the vote,” he said referring to Trump.

China represents the biggest threat to the U.S. “since Pearl Harbor,” former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley said.

China has been “planning war with the United States for years,” she told the crowd, pointing to Chinese companies buying land in the U.S. She cited fentanyl trafficking and intellectual property theft as proof that China is the biggest national security threat that America faces.

“Don’t think for a second China doesn’t know what they’re doing,” Haley said.

If elected president, Haley said, she would take steps such as denying China access to certain U.S.-developed technology, preventing foreign interests from lobbying members of Congress and stopping “favoritism with defense projects” to make sure the country is prepared for potential conflict with China.

She said Americans are “totally distracted” from the threat of China by issues now being discussed in the 2024 presidential campaign.

“We’re talking about a bunch of other things that don’t even matter,” Haley said. “All of these issues are big issues. But if we don’t have national security, none of it matters.”

This article first appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/08/06/gop-presidential-candidates-rally-at-iowa-fundraiser/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>,&nbsp;a sister&nbsp;site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691516540473.png" alt=" Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Jay Waagmeester/Iowa Capital Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption> Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Jay Waagmeester/Iowa Capital Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;ROBIN OPSAHL&nbsp;AND&nbsp;JAY WAAGEMEESTER&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>In the wake of former President Donald Trump’s most recent indictments, his opponents in the campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination railed against the FBI and U.S. Department of Justice at a fundraising event Sunday for U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson.More than 300 people attended Hinson’s BBQ Bash at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids. It was an opportunity for presidential hopefuls to socialize and take photos with potential caucus-goers — and a chance for them to seek the support of Iowans who voted for Hinson and other Republicans in 2022.Last year, Hinson said, Iowans helped remove U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi as House speaker – and in 2024, she said, they will help remove President Joe Biden from office.“Taking our country back starts right here in Iowa, and starts right here today,” Hinson said. “And remember this: Iowa picks presidents.”Seven of the 2024 GOP candidates spoke at the event. Trump, who was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/08/01/trump-indicted-in-connection-with-jan-6-attack-on-the-u-s-capitol/">recently indicted on criminal charges</a>&nbsp;tied to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, was not at the event, but was on the minds of many attending.Linda Devark of Cedar Rapids said Trump remains her top choice as the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. Devark said she is not concerned about the former president’s indictments, saying the Justice Department’s focus on Trump is meant to draw attention away from the president and his son, Hunter Biden.“I think it’s interesting that any day that something takes place with Hunter Biden or Joe Biden, by the next day there’s an indictment,” Devark said.Hinson had expressed similar sentiments on Aug. 1, linking the most recent indictment of Trump to what she called “another Biden scandal,” adding, “We must stop the unAmerican politicization of the judicial system.”Other Iowans attending Sunday’s event said they’re looking for alternatives to Trump. Rick Ransom, a retired salesman from Benton County said it is too early to make a decision, but Trump’s “baggage” hurts his chances at reclaiming the White House.“I think his time has passed,” Ransom said. “He’s got too much baggage now. A lot of baggage.”Ransom said he would vote for Trump if he happens to be the nominee, but until then, it is too early to make a decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I want to hear more,” he said, adding that his three preferred candidates are currently Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and South Carolia Sen. Tim Scott.Don Bayliss of Wellman said Trump has proven himself but said he’s not entirely committed to the former president this far out from the caucuses.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We know what he can do,” Bayliss said. “He did it for four years.”Bayliss said he is open to other candidates, with DeSantis, Burgum, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Scott ranking as his next choices for president.“We’re listening,” Bayliss said. “We got to see what there is, what each candidate has to offer and what they would like to do for our country to put it on its feet again.”Although Trump was not in attendance, members of his campaign team set up a booth at the event.Here’s what presidential candidates told the crowd at Hinson’s fundraiser:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691516631574.png" alt="Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Jay Waagmeester/Iowa Capital Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption>Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Jay Waagmeester/Iowa Capital Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis</h2>DeSantis did not bring up Trump, his top rival for the 2024 Iowa caucuses, instead focusing on his conservative victories in Florida.Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and DeSantis bantered in their speeches about the competition among states with GOP governors, with Reynolds pointing to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/best-states-to-retire-2023-iowa-florida-bankrate/">a recent study</a>&nbsp;that found Iowa surpassed Florida as the best state to retire based on metrics like affordability, quality of health care, weather and crime.DeSantis went through his accomplishments as governor, the crowd cheering when he said Florida “stood up” to Disney, cut taxes and served as a “refuge of sanity” during the COVID-19 pandemic.“In Florida, most people that run for office, they overpromise and underdeliver,” DeSantis said. “We made bold promises to the people of Florida, we met every single commitment we made, and in fact, we over-delivered on our promises.”If elected president, DeSantis said, he would end the “weaponization of government,” adding that he would replace FBI Director Christopher Wray on his first day as president and make changes to the Department of Justice. But, he said, voters need to make sure they don’t “squander” the election.“I’m asking for your support in the January caucuses because I can pledge to you this: I will get the job done,” DeSantis said. “I will not let you down.”<h2>North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum</h2>Not only are small-town values the key to a successful White House, Burgum said, they are a driving factor in his campaign.“When someone tells me that you can’t be from a small town and run for president, it’s just like jumping on my start button, because D.C. needs more small-town values,” Burgum said.Burgum described America as having two realities, “Two things can happen at the same time that are opposites,” Burgum said.“You go to communities like this and see neighbors helping neighbors … We need to focus on the best of America, you turn on social media you never hear about the best of America.”Burgum said the Biden administration “needs a course correction, they are 180 degrees wrong on the economy, energy and on national security.”America must sell energy to allies instead of purchasing it from enemies, Burgum said, a common line from his stump speech.Burgum also called for a smaller federal government.“There’s a huge opportunity to take 10% or 20% of the cost out of the federal government,” Burgum said. “I know how to do that. I’ve done it before.”Burgum planned to visit the U.S.-Mexico border Monday.<h2>Perry Johnson</h2>Businessman Perry Johnson, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Businessman Perry Johnson said he wants to make sure the Republican National Committee is not “corrupt,” calling for all candidates to be included in any polling focused on the 2024 Republican field.Johnson said “they have done everything to try to get me out of the debate,” but that he now has 40,000 individual donors — meeting the threshold needed to make it onto the Milwaukee debate stage.“I’m going to have 50,000,” Johnson said. “I just need to make sure they include me in the poll.”He said other candidates that have not met that threshold should also be included in polling.Johnson also called for the impeachment of Biden and the pardoning of Trump, who has yet to be convicted of any crimes. The Michigan Republican said that Americans know roughly $10 million went to the Biden family through a “myriad of corporations.”“They have all these corporations strung together, stealing that money, bribing – who knows what it is,” Johnson said. “But I say let’s investigate it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691516686376.png" alt="Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption>Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s annual BBQ Bash in Cedar Rapids Sunday, August 6. (Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Vivek Ramaswamy</h2>Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur, gathered applause when he said he will “drain the swamp,” if elected.The youngest candidate in the field called for term limits for “the bureaucracy,” and he also called for term limits for employees of government agencies.“We will not just reform those agencies, we will get in there and shut them down, that is how we revive our constitutional republic in the United States of America,” Ramaswamy said.Arguing that America has an identity crisis, Ramaswamy called for a revolution.“Do you want incremental reform or do you want revolution?” he asked the crowd. He said he “stands on the side of the American Revolution, those 1776 ideals that set this county in motion.”“We are so starved for purpose and meaning and identity at a time in our national history with the things that used to fill that hunger — faith, patriotism, hard work, family, these things have disappeared,” Ramaswamy said. “And that leaves a black hole or moral vacuum in its wake. And when you have a black hole that runs that deep, that is when the poison fills the void. Wokeism, transgenderism, climateism, COVIDism, globalism, depression, anxiety, fentanyl, suicide. These are symptoms of a deeper void of purpose and meaning in our country.”Ramaswamy also criticized affirmative action, saying it “has been a cancer on our national soul.”<h2>Larry Elder</h2>Larry Elder, who ran for California governor against Gov. Gavin Newsom in the 2021 gubernatorial recall election, brought up his former rival’s agreement to debate DeSantis – one of Elder’s current rivals for the nomination.“Wouldn’t it have been nice if somebody had pressured him to debate me during the recall election when it mattered?” Elder asked.In June, Newsom told Fox News host Sean Hannity that he would be willing to debate DeSantis. The Florida governor&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/08/03/ron-desantis-gavin-newsom-debate/">agreed to the debate</a>&nbsp;when speaking with Hannity, who would moderate, earlier in August.Both governors have proposed several dates to hold the debate, but have not agreed on proposed rules, such as whether to have a live audience or to give opening remarks.Elder asked Iowans to donate to his campaign so he can get on the August debate stage, saying he was the only candidate to speak about issues such as the “epidemic of fatherlessness” and to call for a U.S. constitutional amendment that would tie federal spending to a percentage of the country’s GDP.<h2>Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson</h2>Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson took the stage to share his criticisms of Biden and outline his goal of restoring the rule of law.“Biden has diminished respect for rule of law in this country,” Hutchinson said.Hutchinson said he supported rule of law during periods of unrest after the murder of George Floyd by bringing in the National Guard and the state police.“I’ve met challenges in our country, as governor, we had protests all across the country after the George Floyd murder,” Hutchinson said. “And whatever we have those protests, many of them turned violent. In Little Rock, Arkansas there was no exception. I saw violence in the street, buildings being burned, the Capitol being threatened and I said enough is enough.”The former governor also thanked the Iowa Legislature for passing a 6-week abortion ban and acknowleged the challenges he faces in his campaign.“I know that this is an uphill battle, because there’s one candidate in the race that has got, like, 50% of the vote,” he said referring to Trump.<h2>Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley</h2>China represents the biggest threat to the U.S. “since Pearl Harbor,” former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley said.China has been “planning war with the United States for years,” she told the crowd, pointing to Chinese companies buying land in the U.S. She cited fentanyl trafficking and intellectual property theft as proof that China is the biggest national security threat that America faces.“Don’t think for a second China doesn’t know what they’re doing,” Haley said.If elected president, Haley said, she would take steps such as denying China access to certain U.S.-developed technology, preventing foreign interests from lobbying members of Congress and stopping “favoritism with defense projects” to make sure the country is prepared for potential conflict with China.She said Americans are “totally distracted” from the threat of China by issues now being discussed in the 2024 presidential campaign.“We’re talking about a bunch of other things that don’t even matter,” Haley said. “All of these issues are big issues. But if we don’t have national security, none of it matters.”This article first appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/08/06/gop-presidential-candidates-rally-at-iowa-fundraiser/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>,&nbsp;a sister&nbsp;site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.

GOP presidential candidates rally at Iowa fundraiser

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.

On Monday, officials in Wabaunsee County were alerted to possible exploitation of a child, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

Deputies responded to a residence in the 300 Block of Elm Street in Alta Vista and made contact with 57-year-old Kenneth Scott Seidens of Alta Vista.

Evidence on scene led deputies to arrest him on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated sexual battery, aggravated criminal sodomy and contributing to a child's misconduct. Deputies booked Seidens into jail just after 12:30a.m. Tuesday, according to online jail records.

The child was made safe, according to the sheriff's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691498388155.png" alt="Seidens-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Seidens-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WABAUNSEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.On Monday, officials in Wabaunsee County were alerted to possible exploitation of a child, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.Deputies responded to a residence in the 300 Block of Elm Street in Alta Vista and made contact with 57-year-old Kenneth Scott Seidens of Alta Vista.Evidence on scene led deputies to arrest him on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated sexual battery, aggravated criminal sodomy and contributing to a child's misconduct. Deputies booked Seidens into jail just after 12:30a.m. Tuesday, according to online jail records.The child was made safe, according to the sheriff's office.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of chid sex crimes

Manhattan—Kansas State University President Richard Linton released a personal update on his health Tuesday.

I owe it to you all —&nbsp;my K-State family&nbsp;— to share some personal and difficult news as we prepare to launch forward. This past week, I was diagnosed with throat and tongue cancer, which will require me to pursue daily treatments in Kansas City with the KU Cancer Center for the next few months. This is obviously not how I envisioned starting the fall semester, but it is necessary that I take these steps at this time, as this cancer is treatable and curable. I need to be at my best for this institution — you deserve that from me, and in consultation with my medical team, I also know this is what is best for me and my family.

I will stay engaged with the university and the great work we’re doing, but I also recognize I won’t be able to be present in the way you’ve known me to be, as much of my work will have to take place remotely from Kansas City. I am grateful to the Kansas Board of Regents for supporting the decision to appoint another university leader to partner with me in a special capacity during this time. 

Dr. Marshall Stewart, senior vice president and chief of staff, will represent me at important university events and meetings and collaborate with me on decision making. Dr. Stewart and I are completely aligned in how we lead this university, and we will continue to ensure we’re aligned through regular communication. Place your trust in him as you have with me — he will ensure we continue our planned path forward together.

I am also grateful to the medical professionals who have been and will continue to guide me on this journey. From my local physician to the team at the KU Cancer Center, I know I am incredibly well taken care of.

And of course, I am eternally grateful for the love of my family — Sally, Lily and Chris. Their support always has and always will lift me up every day. I know the energy generated from the support of my entire Wildcat family will also do the same.&nbsp;

As I look to the future, I want you to know that I look to it with optimism — that is the K-State way, and this community has instilled that in me. K-Staters don’t shy away from difficult situations or moments of uncertainty. We face them head on and fight for the greatest outcome. That is what I do for you every day, and that is what I will continue to do for you as I embark on this journey.

Thank you for your support, and thank you in advance for affording that same support to Dr. Stewart. I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again: The future of Kansas State University is bright, and I look forward to realizing our great vision for the future together.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687440596492.jpeg" alt="Dr. Richard Linton-Photo Courtesy Kansas State University" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Richard Linton-Photo Courtesy Kansas State University</figcaption>
 </figure>Manhattan—Kansas State University President Richard Linton released a personal update on his health Tuesday.Dear K-State Community,I owe it to you all —&nbsp;my K-State family&nbsp;— to share some personal and difficult news as we prepare to launch forward. This past week, I was diagnosed with throat and tongue cancer, which will require me to pursue daily treatments in Kansas City with the KU Cancer Center for the next few months. This is obviously not how I envisioned starting the fall semester, but it is necessary that I take these steps at this time, as this cancer is treatable and curable. I need to be at my best for this institution — you deserve that from me, and in consultation with my medical team, I also know this is what is best for me and my family.I will stay engaged with the university and the great work we’re doing, but I also recognize I won’t be able to be present in the way you’ve known me to be, as much of my work will have to take place remotely from Kansas City. I am grateful to the Kansas Board of Regents for supporting the decision to appoint another university leader to partner with me in a special capacity during this time. Dr. Marshall Stewart, senior vice president and chief of staff, will represent me at important university events and meetings and collaborate with me on decision making. Dr. Stewart and I are completely aligned in how we lead this university, and we will continue to ensure we’re aligned through regular communication. Place your trust in him as you have with me — he will ensure we continue our planned path forward together.I am also grateful to the medical professionals who have been and will continue to guide me on this journey. From my local physician to the team at the KU Cancer Center, I know I am incredibly well taken care of.And of course, I am eternally grateful for the love of my family — Sally, Lily and Chris. Their support always has and always will lift me up every day. I know the energy generated from the support of my entire Wildcat family will also do the same.&nbsp;As I look to the future, I want you to know that I look to it with optimism — that is the K-State way, and this community has instilled that in me. K-Staters don’t shy away from difficult situations or moments of uncertainty. We face them head on and fight for the greatest outcome. That is what I do for you every day, and that is what I will continue to do for you as I embark on this journey.Thank you for your support, and thank you in advance for affording that same support to Dr. Stewart. I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again: The future of Kansas State University is bright, and I look forward to realizing our great vision for the future together.

K-State president shares news of cancer diagnosis

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly weekend shooting have identified the man who died as 19-year-old Philip C. Bagby Jr. of Kansas City, Kansas.

Just after 5p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 1500 block of N. 5th Street in Kansas City, according to a&nbsp; media release.

First responders discovered Bagby and a juvenile who had both been struck by gunfire. Both victims were transported to an area hospital for treatment. Once at the hospital, Bagby was pronounced deceased. The juvenile remains in stable condition, according to police.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.There is nothing further to report at this time.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly weekend shooting have identified the man who died as 19-year-old Philip C. Bagby Jr. of Kansas City, Kansas.Just after 5p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 1500 block of N. 5th Street in Kansas City, according to a&nbsp; media release.First responders discovered Bagby and a juvenile who had both been struck by gunfire. Both victims were transported to an area hospital for treatment. Once at the hospital, Bagby was pronounced deceased. The juvenile remains in stable condition, according to police.This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.There is nothing further to report at this time.

Police ID Kansas man who died in weekend shooting

By&nbsp; JOHN HANNA and&nbsp;&nbsp;SAM METZ&nbsp;

TOPEKA (AP) — State courts in Kansas and Utah are set to hear arguments Tuesday in legal challenges to new laws on abortion as judges tussle with legislatures over how to regulate the medical procedure and its providers after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Those and other state courts have become key venues in the fight over abortion since last year, when the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">reversed the constitutional right to abortion</a>&nbsp;and made the rules governing it a matter of state laws.

In Utah, the state Supreme Court is expected to weigh a lower court's decision to put a law banning most abortions on hold more than a year ago.

In Kansas, providers are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-waiting-period-medication-reversal-1f0f5fad64b4180997d0f32a32d047dd">asking a district court judge to block</a>&nbsp;a new restriction on how they dispense abortion medications as well as older rules governing what doctors must tell patients and a required 24-hour wait between the first in-person consultation and the procedure.

In both states, the impact of the overturning of Roe remains unsettled as GOP-controlled legislatures push to tighten laws surrounding abortion and the doctors and clinics who provide them wage fierce court battles.

Utah is one of at least five states in which laws restricting abortion have been put on hold amid litigation. The state's Planned Parenthood affiliate sued last year over a 2020 “trigger law" — passed by state lawmakers — that banned abortion with exceptions for maternal health threats or rape and incest reported to the police.

Since a judge put that law on hold last summer, another law — a 2019 ban on abortion after 18 weeks of pregnancy — took effect in Utah. Lawmakers subsequently passed additional legislation striking licensing provisions for abortion clinics from state code in an effort to phase them out and make it more difficult for courts to put laws on hold that sponsors described as a response to the trigger law.

While Judge Andrew Stone&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-abortion-clinic-ban-b568ddfab7c9bd2c9fdbf9a36e03668f">takes more time</a>&nbsp;to weigh the merits of last year's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-clinic-utah-roe-v-wade-9a7ae89da6040ed886891d7b07854368">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;from the Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, the state Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments about the extent of his court's power to keep it on hold. If the law is allowed to take effect, Utah could join 15 states enforcing bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy.

Judges have struck down only a few such bans in the year since Roe's overturning, including in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-health-south-carolina-state-government-6cd1469dbb550c70b64a30f183be203c">permanently blocking a ban in South Carolina</a>&nbsp;on abortions after cardiac activity can be detected and, in Arizona, preventing the enforcement of a ban&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-politics-health-arizona-196bc22e414051e780018f88564788f3">against doctors</a>&nbsp;that pre-dated Roe v. Wade.

Like in Arizona, the June 2022 Supreme Court decision has put longstanding laws under new scrutiny. The waiting period and other requirements that Judge K. Christopher Jayaram will consider Tuesday in his courtroom in the Kansas City area have been in place for more than a quarter century.

But Kansas has become an outlier on abortion among states with Republican-controlled Legislatures because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">a 2019 decision</a>&nbsp;by the state Supreme Court declaring access a matter of bodily autonomy and a “fundamental” right under the state constitution. Voters in 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively affirmed</a>&nbsp;that abortion rights would remain protected — after anti-abortion groups warned that many of the state’s existing restrictions could fall.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-reversal-culture-war-kansas-b4f1ab2b807eaa36fe11756248cc08ea">The new law,</a>&nbsp;which took effect July 1, requires providers to tell patients that a medication abortion can be stopped once it is started with a regimen that major medical groups call unproven and potentially dangerous. The state and the providers mutually agreed that the new law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-medication-reversal-waiting-period-5e0fbd27fdd1e2937ea68b7dc1fbeec0">wouldn’t be enforced</a>&nbsp;at least until the state court could decide the matter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678911159638.png" alt="Lindsay London holds protest sign in front of federal court building in support of access to abortion medication outside&nbsp; (AP Photo/David Erickson)" />
 <figcaption>Lindsay London holds protest sign in front of federal court building in support of access to abortion medication outside&nbsp; (AP Photo/David Erickson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp; JOHN HANNA and&nbsp;&nbsp;SAM METZ&nbsp;TOPEKA (AP) — State courts in Kansas and Utah are set to hear arguments Tuesday in legal challenges to new laws on abortion as judges tussle with legislatures over how to regulate the medical procedure and its providers after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.Those and other state courts have become key venues in the fight over abortion since last year, when the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">reversed the constitutional right to abortion</a>&nbsp;and made the rules governing it a matter of state laws.In Utah, the state Supreme Court is expected to weigh a lower court's decision to put a law banning most abortions on hold more than a year ago.In Kansas, providers are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-waiting-period-medication-reversal-1f0f5fad64b4180997d0f32a32d047dd">asking a district court judge to block</a>&nbsp;a new restriction on how they dispense abortion medications as well as older rules governing what doctors must tell patients and a required 24-hour wait between the first in-person consultation and the procedure.In both states, the impact of the overturning of Roe remains unsettled as GOP-controlled legislatures push to tighten laws surrounding abortion and the doctors and clinics who provide them wage fierce court battles.Utah is one of at least five states in which laws restricting abortion have been put on hold amid litigation. The state's Planned Parenthood affiliate sued last year over a 2020 “trigger law" — passed by state lawmakers — that banned abortion with exceptions for maternal health threats or rape and incest reported to the police.Since a judge put that law on hold last summer, another law — a 2019 ban on abortion after 18 weeks of pregnancy — took effect in Utah. Lawmakers subsequently passed additional legislation striking licensing provisions for abortion clinics from state code in an effort to phase them out and make it more difficult for courts to put laws on hold that sponsors described as a response to the trigger law.While Judge Andrew Stone&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-abortion-clinic-ban-b568ddfab7c9bd2c9fdbf9a36e03668f">takes more time</a>&nbsp;to weigh the merits of last year's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-clinic-utah-roe-v-wade-9a7ae89da6040ed886891d7b07854368">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;from the Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, the state Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments about the extent of his court's power to keep it on hold. If the law is allowed to take effect, Utah could join 15 states enforcing bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy.Judges have struck down only a few such bans in the year since Roe's overturning, including in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-health-south-carolina-state-government-6cd1469dbb550c70b64a30f183be203c">permanently blocking a ban in South Carolina</a>&nbsp;on abortions after cardiac activity can be detected and, in Arizona, preventing the enforcement of a ban&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-politics-health-arizona-196bc22e414051e780018f88564788f3">against doctors</a>&nbsp;that pre-dated Roe v. Wade.Like in Arizona, the June 2022 Supreme Court decision has put longstanding laws under new scrutiny. The waiting period and other requirements that Judge K. Christopher Jayaram will consider Tuesday in his courtroom in the Kansas City area have been in place for more than a quarter century.But Kansas has become an outlier on abortion among states with Republican-controlled Legislatures because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">a 2019 decision</a>&nbsp;by the state Supreme Court declaring access a matter of bodily autonomy and a “fundamental” right under the state constitution. Voters in 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively affirmed</a>&nbsp;that abortion rights would remain protected — after anti-abortion groups warned that many of the state’s existing restrictions could fall.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-reversal-culture-war-kansas-b4f1ab2b807eaa36fe11756248cc08ea">The new law,</a>&nbsp;which took effect July 1, requires providers to tell patients that a medication abortion can be stopped once it is started with a regimen that major medical groups call unproven and potentially dangerous. The state and the providers mutually agreed that the new law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-medication-reversal-waiting-period-5e0fbd27fdd1e2937ea68b7dc1fbeec0">wouldn’t be enforced</a>&nbsp;at least until the state court could decide the matter.

Kansas court to hear challenge on new laws regulating abortion 

JOHNSON COUNTY — Fairway Police Officer 29-year-old Jonah Oswald died Monday as a result of injuries sustained in the Sunday shooting with a car theft suspect from Tennessee, according to a statement from

 Officer Oswald was a 4-year veteran of the Fairway Police Department, according to a statement from the department.

Fairway Chief J.P. Thurlo issued the following statement about Officer Oswald's death.

“I am heartbroken at the tragic loss of Officer Jonah Oswald, who made the ultimate sacrifice while carrying out his oath to serve and protect. Officer Oswald was an integral part of our team and made significant contributions to our department and to the Fairway community. We will remember him as a warm-hearted individual whose hard work and passion touched the lives of many."

"On behalf of the entire Fairway Police Department, and the City of Fairway, I extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Officer Oswald’s family and friends. We recognize that their loss is immeasurable, and our thoughts and prayers are with them."

"Officer Oswald leaves behind a wife and two young children. The Oswald family has asked for privacy at this time and is appreciative of the support being shown to them."

Just after 7:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a stolen vehicle call at the QuikTrip at 95th Street and Interstate 35, according to a media release from Lenexa Police.

 Officers located that car and the suspect in the stolen vehicle struck one of Lenexa police department's patrol vehicles and drove away.

Police pursued the suspect northbound on Interstate 35 until the suspects left the vehicle and ran to a QuikTrip in the 4700 Block of Lamar Avenue in Mission.

Police from multiple agencies were trying to arrest the suspects when gunfire broke out. A suspect later identified as 40-year-old&nbsp;Shannon Wayne Marshall of Ashland City, Tennessee was shot and killed and&nbsp; Fairway Kansas police officer Jonah Oswald was shot and hospitalized. 

The other suspect was arrested and later identified as 32-year-old Andrea Cothran of Portland Tennesee.

Cothran, a registered sex offender, is being held in Johnson County on&nbsp; requested charges of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, according to online jail records.

She is listed on the Tennessee sex offender registry for a July 2019 conviction for solicitation to commit sexual exploitation of a minor.  She has three previous convictions for child abuse and a probation violation for drugs, according to the Tennessee offender registry. She was scheduled for a court appearance in the case at 1:30p.m. Tuesday, according to online jail records.

&nbsp;A Johnson County law enforcement team is investigating the officer-involved shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691459277146.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY — Fairway Police Officer 29-year-old Jonah Oswald died Monday as a result of injuries sustained in the Sunday shooting with a car theft suspect from Tennessee, according to a statement from Officer Oswald was a 4-year veteran of the Fairway Police Department, according to a statement from the department.Fairway Chief J.P. Thurlo issued the following statement about Officer Oswald's death.“I am heartbroken at the tragic loss of Officer Jonah Oswald, who made the ultimate sacrifice while carrying out his oath to serve and protect. Officer Oswald was an integral part of our team and made significant contributions to our department and to the Fairway community. We will remember him as a warm-hearted individual whose hard work and passion touched the lives of many.""On behalf of the entire Fairway Police Department, and the City of Fairway, I extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Officer Oswald’s family and friends. We recognize that their loss is immeasurable, and our thoughts and prayers are with them.""Officer Oswald leaves behind a wife and two young children. The Oswald family has asked for privacy at this time and is appreciative of the support being shown to them."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691356366635.png" alt="Police on the scene near the shooting&nbsp; on Sunday-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene near the shooting&nbsp; on Sunday-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 7:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a stolen vehicle call at the QuikTrip at 95th Street and Interstate 35, according to a media release from Lenexa Police. Officers located that car and the suspect in the stolen vehicle struck one of Lenexa police department's patrol vehicles and drove away.Police pursued the suspect northbound on Interstate 35 until the suspects left the vehicle and ran to a QuikTrip in the 4700 Block of Lamar Avenue in Mission.Police from multiple agencies were trying to arrest the suspects when gunfire broke out. A suspect later identified as 40-year-old&nbsp;Shannon Wayne Marshall of Ashland City, Tennessee was shot and killed and&nbsp; Fairway Kansas police officer Jonah Oswald was shot and hospitalized. The other suspect was arrested and later identified as 32-year-old Andrea Cothran of Portland Tennesee.Cothran, a registered sex offender, is being held in Johnson County on&nbsp; requested charges of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, according to online jail records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691373333169.png" alt="Cothran is listed on the Tennessee sex offender registry for a July 2019 conviction for solicitation to commit sexual exploitation of a minor.&nbsp; She has three previous convictions for child abuse and a probation violation for drugs, according to the Tennessee offender registry." />
 <figcaption>Cothran is listed on the Tennessee sex offender registry for a July 2019 conviction for solicitation to commit sexual exploitation of a minor.&nbsp; She has three previous convictions for child abuse and a probation violation for drugs, according to the Tennessee offender registry.</figcaption>
 </figure>She is listed on the Tennessee sex offender registry for a July 2019 conviction for solicitation to commit sexual exploitation of a minor. She has three previous convictions for child abuse and a probation violation for drugs, according to the Tennessee offender registry. She was scheduled for a court appearance in the case at 1:30p.m. Tuesday, according to online jail records.&nbsp;A Johnson County law enforcement team is investigating the officer-involved shooting.---------------------

Kansas officer injured in exchange of gunfire has died

WASHINGTON (AP) —Donald Trump’s legal team told a judge overseeing the election conspiracy case against him on Monday that prosecutors'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-election-capitol-riot-indictment-protective-order-71cd642e876c47fff4e1283c15f8ca01">proposed protective order</a>&nbsp;aimed at preventing the public disclosure of evidence is too broad and would restrict his First Amendment rights.

Lawyers for the early 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner said the judge should impose a more limited order that would bar the public release only of materials deemed “sensitive" — such as grand jury documents — rather than all evidence handed over by the government in the case accusing Trump of conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss.

WASHINGTON (AP) —Donald Trump’s legal team told a judge overseeing the election conspiracy case against him on Monday that prosecutors'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-election-capitol-riot-indictment-protective-order-71cd642e876c47fff4e1283c15f8ca01">proposed protective order</a>&nbsp;aimed at preventing the public disclosure of evidence is too broad and would restrict his First Amendment rights.Lawyers for the early 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner said the judge should impose a more limited order that would bar the public release only of materials deemed “sensitive" — such as grand jury documents — rather than all evidence handed over by the government in the case accusing Trump of conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691447857769.png" alt="On August 3, Donald Trump’s signed acknowledgment of conditions for his release and penalties for violating them-image CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>On August 3, Donald Trump’s signed acknowledgment of conditions for his release and penalties for violating them-image CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Prosecutors have said a protective order — not unusual in criminal cases — is particularly important in Trump's case because of his penchant for using social media. They have expressed concern that Trump could improperly share sensitive case information online that could have a “harmful chilling effect on witnesses.”In their filing Friday seeking the order, prosecutors included a screenshot of a post from Trump’s Truth Social platform that same day in which he wrote, in all capital letters, “If you go after me, I’m coming after you!”Trump’s lawyers said that citing that post to claim there’s a danger Trump might publish grand jury information was “a provocative claim when searching for headlines, perhaps, but one that falters under minimal scrutiny.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691329048946.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The former president’s legal team said his post was “generalized political speech” and had nothing to do with the case. A Trump spokesperson said last week that the post was in response to “dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs.”Trump's lawyers, who have characterized the case brought by special counsel Jack Smith as an attack on his right to free speech, told the judge that the need to protect sensitive information about the case “does not require a blanket gag order over all documents produced by the government.”“In a trial about First Amendment rights, the government seeks to restrict First Amendment rights,” Trump's lawyers wrote. “Worse, it does so against its administration’s primary political opponent, during an election season in which the administration, prominent party members and media allies have campaigned on the indictment and proliferated its false allegations.”Trump's lawyers accused President Joe Biden of trying to capitalize on the indictment in posting what they called a “thinly veiled reference” to Trump's prosecution just hours before Trump's court appearance last week. They included a screenshot in their court filing of a tweet from from Biden's campaign account, which included a video of the president drinking from a mug emblazoned with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-fundraising-2024-reelection-campaign-democrats-5b8d97914118bb4ad6ccce5fece43ee4">“Dark Brandon”</a>&nbsp;— a meme featuring Biden with lasers for eyes — and the caption: "A cup of Joe never tasted better."The defense filing was in response to the request Friday from Smith's team for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-election-capitol-riot-indictment-protective-order-71cd642e876c47fff4e1283c15f8ca01">protective order</a>, which would impose rules on what Trump and his defense team can do with evidence shared with them by the government as they prepare for trial in the case unsealed last week.Trump’s lawyers on Saturday had asked for an extra three days to respond to prosecutors’ request for the protective order, saying they needed more time for discussion. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-judge-tanya-chutkan-capitol-riot-9ba5c18d315697d759521425ea203012">Judge Tanya Chutkan,</a>&nbsp;who was nominated to the bench by former President Barack Obama, swiftly denied that request.Prosecutors said that they are ready to hand over a substantial amount of evidence to Trump’s legal team and that much of it includes sensitive and confidential information.The prosecutors’ proposed order seeks to prevent Trump and his lawyers from disclosing materials provided by the government to anyone other than people on his legal team, possible witnesses, the witnesses’ lawyers or others approved by the court. It would put stricter limits on “sensitive materials,” which prosecutors said would include grand jury witness testimony and materials obtained through sealed search warrants.Trump has denied any wrongdoing in the case, as well as another prosecution brought by Smith that accuses him of illegally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-classified-documents-indictment-c15a5f36e4e83417805718d81a035441">hoarding classified documents</a>&nbsp;at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.He has has characterized all the cases against him as an effort to take down his 2024 campaign. His legal team has indicated that it will argue that he had relied on the advice of attorneys around him in 2020 and that Trump had a right to challenge an election that he believed had been stolen.Trump pleaded not guilty last week to four felony counts, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and conspiracy to obstruct Congress’ certification of Biden’s electoral victory. The charges could lead to a lengthy prison sentence in the event of a conviction, with the most serious counts calling for up to 20 years.It’s the third criminal case brought this year against the the early front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. But it’s the first case to try to hold him responsible for his efforts to remain in power during the chaotic weeks between his election loss and the attack by his supporters on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.Smith also charged Trump in June with dozens of felony counts alleging the former president illegally kept classified records after he left the White House and obstructed government efforts to get them back. A new indictment recently unsealed in that case accuses Trump of scheming with Mar-a-Lago staffers to try to delete security footage sought by investigators.Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart in that case imposed a similar protective order in June that prohibits Trump and his legal team from publicly disclosing evidence turned over to them by prosecutors without prior approval.