CHILLICOTHE, Mo. (AP) — A former respiratory therapist who worked at a northern Missouri hospital where nine people died under suspicious circumstances 20 years ago has been charged in one of the deaths.

Jennifer Anne Hall, 41, was charged last week with first-degree murder in the 2002 death of Fern Franco, who was one of nine people who died of cardiac collapse between Dec. 16, 2001, and May 18, 2002, at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe, Missouri, KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-05-09/woman-charged-with-murder-20-years-after-mysterious-deaths-at-missouri-hospital">reported.</a>

The Livingston County Sheriff's office said Tuesday authorities continue to search for Hall, who might be using the name Semaboye.

Hall worked as a respiratory therapist at the 49-bed hospital when the patients died. Doctors and nurses at the hospital viewed the numbers of deaths as “medically suspicious,” according to a law enforcement record supporting the probable cause for her arrest.

The case was revived after an analysis of Franco’s tissue samples found succinylcholine and morphine, which were not prescribed or ordered for her by her doctors, according to a probable cause statement by Chillicothe Police Officer Brian Schmidt.

Some staff at the hospital&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-missouri-eb1f83b41c6749218dc02ecad99a295a">believed Hall was responsible&nbsp;</a>because of her proximity to the stricken patients, her access to deadly pharmaceuticals, and because she notified staff of every patient's cardiac emergency, according to the probable cause.

She was placed on administrative leave on May 21, 2002, three days after Franco’s death.

An overdose of succinylcholine causes slow suffocation. At least nine suspicious deaths and 18 suspicious medical emergencies at Hedrick Medical Center during that time period were suspected overdoses of succinylcholine or other drugs.

Hall denied involvement in the deaths during an interview with the Kansas City Star in 2015.

Matthew O’Connor, a Kansas City attorney who represented Hall in the past, said the murder charge was based on “conjecture and speculation.”

“This isn’t lawyer talk — there aren’t facts in support of it because Ms. Hall did not commit these acts,” he said.

Before she worked at Hedrick Medical Center, Hall was convicted of setting fire to Cass Medical Center in Harrisonville, Missouri, where she was hired as a respiratory therapist. She spent a year in prison before an appeals court vacated her conviction because she received ineffective counsel at trial. A jury acquitted her at a subsequent retrial.

The families of five of the nine patients who died during that period filed wrongful death lawsuits against the hospital in 2010, claiming the hospital covered up possible foul play in their relatives' deaths. An appeal filed in 2013 alleged that employees at the hospital believed they would be fired if they raised suspicions about the deaths.

In 2019, the Missouri Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/statutes-missouri-b55d384d0cac46919c3734c855354da6">threw out the lawsuits</a>, ruling that the families had filed their actions after the statute of limitations had run out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652204964045.png" alt="photo Livingston Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>photo Livingston Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CHILLICOTHE, Mo. (AP) — A former respiratory therapist who worked at a northern Missouri hospital where nine people died under suspicious circumstances 20 years ago has been charged in one of the deaths.Jennifer Anne Hall, 41, was charged last week with first-degree murder in the 2002 death of Fern Franco, who was one of nine people who died of cardiac collapse between Dec. 16, 2001, and May 18, 2002, at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe, Missouri, KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-05-09/woman-charged-with-murder-20-years-after-mysterious-deaths-at-missouri-hospital">reported.</a>The Livingston County Sheriff's office said Tuesday authorities continue to search for Hall, who might be using the name Semaboye.Hall worked as a respiratory therapist at the 49-bed hospital when the patients died. Doctors and nurses at the hospital viewed the numbers of deaths as “medically suspicious,” according to a law enforcement record supporting the probable cause for her arrest.The case was revived after an analysis of Franco’s tissue samples found succinylcholine and morphine, which were not prescribed or ordered for her by her doctors, according to a probable cause statement by Chillicothe Police Officer Brian Schmidt.Some staff at the hospital&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-missouri-eb1f83b41c6749218dc02ecad99a295a">believed Hall was responsible&nbsp;</a>because of her proximity to the stricken patients, her access to deadly pharmaceuticals, and because she notified staff of every patient's cardiac emergency, according to the probable cause.She was placed on administrative leave on May 21, 2002, three days after Franco’s death.An overdose of succinylcholine causes slow suffocation. At least nine suspicious deaths and 18 suspicious medical emergencies at Hedrick Medical Center during that time period were suspected overdoses of succinylcholine or other drugs.Hall denied involvement in the deaths during an interview with the Kansas City Star in 2015.Matthew O’Connor, a Kansas City attorney who represented Hall in the past, said the murder charge was based on “conjecture and speculation.”“This isn’t lawyer talk — there aren’t facts in support of it because Ms. Hall did not commit these acts,” he said.Before she worked at Hedrick Medical Center, Hall was convicted of setting fire to Cass Medical Center in Harrisonville, Missouri, where she was hired as a respiratory therapist. She spent a year in prison before an appeals court vacated her conviction because she received ineffective counsel at trial. A jury acquitted her at a subsequent retrial.The families of five of the nine patients who died during that period filed wrongful death lawsuits against the hospital in 2010, claiming the hospital covered up possible foul play in their relatives' deaths. An appeal filed in 2013 alleged that employees at the hospital believed they would be fired if they raised suspicions about the deaths.In 2019, the Missouri Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/statutes-missouri-b55d384d0cac46919c3734c855354da6">threw out the lawsuits</a>, ruling that the families had filed their actions after the statute of limitations had run out.

Woman who was living in Kan. charged with hospital death in 2002

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The $143.5 million bond&nbsp; Tuesday with&nbsp; 3,299 voters voting for the bond and 2,773 voting against it.

A question that would help pay for the bond with a half-cent city of Hays sales tax also passed with 3,025 voters voting for the question and 2,036 voters voting agianst it.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2a94d25d-ba77-49d6-9665-2651a7667965">The bond will build a new high school, renovate the current high school into a middle school and renovate the current middle school into an elementary school. Roosevelt and Lincoln elementary schools would also be renovated.</a>

Lincoln Elementary School and Rockwell Administration Center will be closed. Westside school will be relocated.

The vote will not be official until the canvas at 8 a.m. May 16

Hays USD 489 had unsuccessful bond attempts in 2016 and 2017.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652217474188.jpeg" alt="A voter casts his ballot in the Hays USD 489 school bond election Tuesday at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>A voter casts his ballot in the Hays USD 489 school bond election Tuesday at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe $143.5 million bond&nbsp; Tuesday with&nbsp; 3,299 voters voting for the bond and 2,773 voting against it. A question that would help pay for the bond with a half-cent city of Hays sales tax also passed with 3,025 voters voting for the question and 2,036 voters voting agianst it. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2a94d25d-ba77-49d6-9665-2651a7667965">The bond will build a new high school, renovate the current high school into a middle school and renovate the current middle school into an elementary school. Roosevelt and Lincoln elementary schools would also be renovated.</a>Lincoln Elementary School and Rockwell Administration Center will be closed. Westside school will be relocated.Voter turnout was almost 38 percent. The vote will not be official until the canvas at 8 a.m. May 16 Hays USD 489 had unsuccessful bond attempts in 2016 and 2017.

$143M school bond passes in Hays USD 489

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a weekend traffic stop.

Just after before 2a.m. Saturday,&nbsp; a K9 Unit conducted a traffic stop on a tan 2001 Ford F150 pickup truck near NW US 24 Highway and NW Topeka Boulevard for making an improper turn, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics. Two backseat passengers, Donald A. Martin, 37,&nbsp; and Kenneth J. Martin, 39, both of Caney, Kan., were arrested.

Both Donald Martin and Kenneth Martin were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652133980158.png" alt="Kenneth Martin-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kenneth Martin-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a weekend traffic stop.Just after before 2a.m. Saturday,&nbsp; a K9 Unit conducted a traffic stop on a tan 2001 Ford F150 pickup truck near NW US 24 Highway and NW Topeka Boulevard for making an improper turn, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics. Two backseat passengers, Donald A. Martin, 37,&nbsp; and Kenneth J. Martin, 39, both of Caney, Kan., were arrested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652133923094.png" alt="Donald Martin-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Donald Martin-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both Donald Martin and Kenneth Martin were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kan. sheriff's K9 unit: Backseat passengers were hiding drugs

By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph Post

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall has expressed deep disappointment in how the Biden administration has handled agricultural policy.

“To some extent, this White House has declared war on agriculture and American energy,” Marshall told farm broadcasters during a meeting in Washington.

The Republican criticized President Biden for prohibiting drilling on federal land and for opposing permits for new oil pipelines.

He’s also isn’t pleased with the Biden Administration 30-30 plan, a proposal to place 30% of the country into conservation programs by the year 2030.

“First and only meeting I’ve had with our Secretary of Agriculture that was what the discussion was about is what does 30-30 mean to him? And he said, don’t worry, it just means more CRP,” Marshall said. “And I said, Mr. Secretary, wait a second, if we put all the corn land in Iowa into CRP what would that do to those small, rural communities?”

Marshall also opposes the Biden Administration resurrection of the Waters of the United States rule that is strongly opposed by agricultural groups.

Marshall said the immigration system is broken and that has had a negative impact on Kansas manufacturing and agriculture.

“Long before COVID, the number one concern for the Kansas economy was a lack of the people for the jobs that we had and not the proper education for the jobs that we had as well,” according to Marshall. “Though I am committed to securing the border, I’m also committed to a reasonable fix to the agriculture immigration issues as well.”

Marshall said a comprehensive immigration policy would secure the border to reduce illegal immigration, but also pave the way for legal immigration to supply needed workers.

Trade also is an issue, according to Marshall, who says leadership is lacking on trade, especially in the United States Department of Agriculture.

“I think the silence is deafening out of this administration out of USDA when it comes to trade,” Marshall said. “I can’t tell you the last time I saw a positive trade article when it comes to agriculture. Agriculture’s not a priority. They’re going to throw us under the bus is what they’re going to do.”

Marshall worried the Biden administration will cut a deal with the European Union that will be unfavorable for United States agriculture.

Marshall says Biden has yet to appoint a trade representative for agriculture and that trade reps for the United Kingdom, India and the European Union have yet to be appointed.

KFEQ Agriculture Director Dionne Bertling contributed to this article.

By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph PostU.S. Sen. Roger Marshall has expressed deep disappointment in how the Biden administration has handled agricultural policy.“To some extent, this White House has declared war on agriculture and American energy,” Marshall told farm broadcasters during a meeting in Washington.The Republican criticized President Biden for prohibiting drilling on federal land and for opposing permits for new oil pipelines.He’s also isn’t pleased with the Biden Administration 30-30 plan, a proposal to place 30% of the country into conservation programs by the year 2030.“First and only meeting I’ve had with our Secretary of Agriculture that was what the discussion was about is what does 30-30 mean to him? And he said, don’t worry, it just means more CRP,” Marshall said. “And I said, Mr. Secretary, wait a second, if we put all the corn land in Iowa into CRP what would that do to those small, rural communities?”Marshall also opposes the Biden Administration resurrection of the Waters of the United States rule that is strongly opposed by agricultural groups.Marshall said the immigration system is broken and that has had a negative impact on Kansas manufacturing and agriculture.“Long before COVID, the number one concern for the Kansas economy was a lack of the people for the jobs that we had and not the proper education for the jobs that we had as well,” according to Marshall. “Though I am committed to securing the border, I’m also committed to a reasonable fix to the agriculture immigration issues as well.”Marshall said a comprehensive immigration policy would secure the border to reduce illegal immigration, but also pave the way for legal immigration to supply needed workers.Trade also is an issue, according to Marshall, who says leadership is lacking on trade, especially in the United States Department of Agriculture.“I think the silence is deafening out of this administration out of USDA when it comes to trade,” Marshall said. “I can’t tell you the last time I saw a positive trade article when it comes to agriculture. Agriculture’s not a priority. They’re going to throw us under the bus is what they’re going to do.”Marshall worried the Biden administration will cut a deal with the European Union that will be unfavorable for United States agriculture.Marshall says Biden has yet to appoint a trade representative for agriculture and that trade reps for the United Kingdom, India and the European Union have yet to be appointed.KFEQ Agriculture Director Dionne Bertling contributed to this article.

Marshall disappointed with Biden administration ag policy

JOHNSON COUNTY —An 18-year-old Olathe East High School student&nbsp; hospitalized in critical condition from injuries he suffered when he was shot during a confrontation at the school is out of the hospital and in jail on a $1 million bond, according to online jail records.

Jaylon Elmore&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-education-school-shootings-robbery-kansas-city-33b40af0c849eb7db2accd234dbbb2b7">was charged&nbsp;</a>with attempted capital murder after the March 4, shooting. School resource officer Erik Clark and assistant principal Kaleb Stoppel were shot after they told Elmore they wanted to check his backpack because of a rumor that Elmore had a gun, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-shootings-kansas-af49bdbb75fa7df79770b541bfd02b9b">an affidavit&nbsp;</a>.

Clark shot Elmore after Elmore shot at him with a “ghost gun”, according to the affidavit.

The two school officials were released from the hospital the day of the shooting. Elmore is scheduled for a court appearance on June 8, according to online jail records.

- The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652189950125.png" alt="Elmore-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Elmore-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —An 18-year-old Olathe East High School student&nbsp; hospitalized in critical condition from injuries he suffered when he was shot during a confrontation at the school is out of the hospital and in jail on a $1 million bond, according to online jail records.Jaylon Elmore&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-education-school-shootings-robbery-kansas-city-33b40af0c849eb7db2accd234dbbb2b7">was charged&nbsp;</a>with attempted capital murder after the March 4, shooting. School resource officer Erik Clark and assistant principal Kaleb Stoppel were shot after they told Elmore they wanted to check his backpack because of a rumor that Elmore had a gun, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-shootings-kansas-af49bdbb75fa7df79770b541bfd02b9b">an affidavit&nbsp;</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646417385414.png" alt="Scene outside the school on the morning of the shooting -photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Scene outside the school on the morning of the shooting -photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Clark shot Elmore after Elmore shot at him with a “ghost gun”, according to the affidavit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646450835191.png" alt="Erik Clark-photo courtesy Olathe Police" />
 <figcaption>Erik Clark-photo courtesy Olathe Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The two school officials were released from the hospital the day of the shooting. Elmore is scheduled for a court appearance on June 8, according to online jail records.- The Associated Press contributed to this report.---------

Kan. school shooting suspect moved from hospital to jail

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — President Joe Biden legally called for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-change-executive-order-e465713362ebbd82bf98acb65a66ea84">suspending new and gas lease sales while considering their effect on climate change</a>, and onshore and offshore sales were legally postponed, a federal attorney argued Tuesday.

The current offshore lease sale plan states specifically that the U.S. Secretary of the Interior “may reduce or cancel lease offerings on account of climate change,” Department of Justice attorney Andrew B. Bernie told a 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/OralArgRecordings/21/21-30505_5-10-2022.mp3">panel</a>.

Land-based sales "were not postponed by the executive order. They were postponed because of a need to comply with NEPA” — the National Environmental Policy Act, he said.

Arguing for 13 states that challenged Biden's January 2021 order, Louisiana Deputy Solicitor General Joseph Scott St. John said laws passed in response to the 1970s oil crisis require lease sales.

The Biden administration failed to “grapple with prior analyses” of the planned sales to give a valid reason for postponing or canceling them, he said.

Judges James L. Dennis, Patrick E. Higginbotham and James E. Graves Jr. did not indicate when they will rule.

Louisiana is joined in the suit by Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.

The state challenge to Biden's order has not yet gone to trial but a federal judge blocked the order in a preliminary injunction, writing that since the laws did not state the president could suspend oil lease sales, only Congress could do so.

Bernie said, “It is routine for individual lease sales or proposed lease sales not to be held for various reasons.” The federal brief said nine five-year leasing plans have been approved and all had fewer sales than originally scheduled.

“We don't know why prior lease sales were withdrawn,” St. John responded. “Presumably there was some kind of rationale. That was not the case here.”

U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty found that states which challenged the order were likely to prove the Interior Department violated the Administrative Policy Act by acting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-change-environment-and-nature-business-9751c4909a8b1baba28f3bcff9d5fa6e">without “any rational explanation</a>."

After Doughty ruled for the states, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-62adf1fd8d2731449df882e6709f3522">Interior Department held an offshore lease sale,</a>&nbsp;which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-62adf1fd8d2731449df882e6709f3522">a federal judge in Washington canceled.</a>&nbsp;Four onshore lease sales are scheduled next month — for land in Nevada on June 14; New Mexico, Oklahoma and Colorado on June 16; Wyoming on June 22 and Utah, Montana and North Dakota on June 28.

However, the administration scaled back the amount of land originally on offer and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-billings-environment-4f5213bcc57da138e4d9ae859841b74d">raised royalty rates 50%</a>&nbsp;from 12.5% to 18.75%. That's the amount usually charged for desirable deep water offshore leases, while those in less than 656 feet (200 meters) of water&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d86de9d998d64aebb14b985f260121cb">are charged the 12.5% minimum</a>.

Biden has come under pressure to increase U.S. crude production as fuel prices spike because of the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine. From within his own party, the Democrat faces calls to do more to curb emissions from fossil fuels that are driving climate change.

Oil companies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-da75f38d60c1e820b5147fa9e25feca2">have been reluctant</a>&nbsp;to ramp up, saying there are not enough workers, scant money for new drilling investments and wariness that today’s high prices won’t last.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal appeals court in New Orleans hears arguments Tuesday about whether President Joe Biden legally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-change-executive-order-e465713362ebbd82bf98acb65a66ea84">suspended new oil and gas lease sales shortly after taking office</a>&nbsp;because of climate change worries.

The case has not been tried but a federal judge blocked the order, saying only Congress could suspend the sales.

Federal lawyers say the government has broad power to hold, cancel or defer lease sales.

Biden’s order was “a straightforward articulation of the President’s views as to how Interior should use the ample discretion Congress has granted the agency,” Andrew M. Bernie and other attorneys wrote.

U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty in Monroe had no authority to review Biden’s order because the president is not an “agency” subject to the Administrative Procedure Act, they wrote.

Doughty found that states which challenged the order were likely to prove that the Interior Department violated that law by acting arbitrarily and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-change-environment-and-nature-business-9751c4909a8b1baba28f3bcff9d5fa6e">without giving “any rational explanation.”</a>&nbsp;He also found that since laws governing the lease sales don’t say the president can “pause” them, only Congress may do so.

Lawyers for Louisiana and a dozen other states say a 1987 law setting out how to sell oil and gas leases requires such sales at least four times a year in states with eligible land.

“But with the stroke of a pen just a week after he took his oath of office, President Biden put his campaign promises above federal law: By executive fiat, he halted oil and gas leasing on federal lands,” said the brief by attorneys led be Louisiana Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Murrill, the top constitutional lawyer in the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.

Louisiana is joined in the suit by Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and West Virginia

After Doughty ruled for the states, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-62adf1fd8d2731449df882e6709f3522">Interior Department held an offshore lease sale</a>&nbsp;— which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-62adf1fd8d2731449df882e6709f3522">a federal judge in Washington canceled.</a>&nbsp;Four onshore lease sales are scheduled next month — for land in Nevada on June 14; New Mexico, Oklahoma and Colorado on June 16; Wyoming on June 22 and Utah, Montana and North Dakota on June 28.

However, the administration scaled back the amount of land originally on offer and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-billings-environment-4f5213bcc57da138e4d9ae859841b74d">raised royalty rates 50 percent</a>&nbsp;from 12.5% to 18.75%. That’s the amount charged for desirable deep water offshore leases, while those in less than 656 feet (200 meters) of water&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d86de9d998d64aebb14b985f260121cb">are charged the 12.5% minimum.</a>

Biden has come under pressure to increase U.S. crude production as fuel prices spike because of the coronavirus pandemic and war in Ukraine. From within his own party, the Democrat faces calls to do more to curb emissions from fossil fuels that are driving climate change.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1567081192406.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — President Joe Biden legally called for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-change-executive-order-e465713362ebbd82bf98acb65a66ea84">suspending new and gas lease sales while considering their effect on climate change</a>, and onshore and offshore sales were legally postponed, a federal attorney argued Tuesday.The current offshore lease sale plan states specifically that the U.S. Secretary of the Interior “may reduce or cancel lease offerings on account of climate change,” Department of Justice attorney Andrew B. Bernie told a 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/OralArgRecordings/21/21-30505_5-10-2022.mp3">panel</a>.Land-based sales "were not postponed by the executive order. They were postponed because of a need to comply with NEPA” — the National Environmental Policy Act, he said.Arguing for 13 states that challenged Biden's January 2021 order, Louisiana Deputy Solicitor General Joseph Scott St. John said laws passed in response to the 1970s oil crisis require lease sales.The Biden administration failed to “grapple with prior analyses” of the planned sales to give a valid reason for postponing or canceling them, he said.Judges James L. Dennis, Patrick E. Higginbotham and James E. Graves Jr. did not indicate when they will rule.Louisiana is joined in the suit by Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.The state challenge to Biden's order has not yet gone to trial but a federal judge blocked the order in a preliminary injunction, writing that since the laws did not state the president could suspend oil lease sales, only Congress could do so.Bernie said, “It is routine for individual lease sales or proposed lease sales not to be held for various reasons.” The federal brief said nine five-year leasing plans have been approved and all had fewer sales than originally scheduled.“We don't know why prior lease sales were withdrawn,” St. John responded. “Presumably there was some kind of rationale. That was not the case here.”U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty found that states which challenged the order were likely to prove the Interior Department violated the Administrative Policy Act by acting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-change-environment-and-nature-business-9751c4909a8b1baba28f3bcff9d5fa6e">without “any rational explanation</a>."After Doughty ruled for the states, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-62adf1fd8d2731449df882e6709f3522">Interior Department held an offshore lease sale,</a>&nbsp;which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-62adf1fd8d2731449df882e6709f3522">a federal judge in Washington canceled.</a>&nbsp;Four onshore lease sales are scheduled next month — for land in Nevada on June 14; New Mexico, Oklahoma and Colorado on June 16; Wyoming on June 22 and Utah, Montana and North Dakota on June 28.However, the administration scaled back the amount of land originally on offer and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-billings-environment-4f5213bcc57da138e4d9ae859841b74d">raised royalty rates 50%</a>&nbsp;from 12.5% to 18.75%. That's the amount usually charged for desirable deep water offshore leases, while those in less than 656 feet (200 meters) of water&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d86de9d998d64aebb14b985f260121cb">are charged the 12.5% minimum</a>.Biden has come under pressure to increase U.S. crude production as fuel prices spike because of the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine. From within his own party, the Democrat faces calls to do more to curb emissions from fossil fuels that are driving climate change.Oil companies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-da75f38d60c1e820b5147fa9e25feca2">have been reluctant</a>&nbsp;to ramp up, saying there are not enough workers, scant money for new drilling investments and wariness that today’s high prices won’t last.------------NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal appeals court in New Orleans hears arguments Tuesday about whether President Joe Biden legally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-change-executive-order-e465713362ebbd82bf98acb65a66ea84">suspended new oil and gas lease sales shortly after taking office</a>&nbsp;because of climate change worries.The case has not been tried but a federal judge blocked the order, saying only Congress could suspend the sales.Federal lawyers say the government has broad power to hold, cancel or defer lease sales.Biden’s order was “a straightforward articulation of the President’s views as to how Interior should use the ample discretion Congress has granted the agency,” Andrew M. Bernie and other attorneys wrote.U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty in Monroe had no authority to review Biden’s order because the president is not an “agency” subject to the Administrative Procedure Act, they wrote.Doughty found that states which challenged the order were likely to prove that the Interior Department violated that law by acting arbitrarily and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-change-environment-and-nature-business-9751c4909a8b1baba28f3bcff9d5fa6e">without giving “any rational explanation.”</a>&nbsp;He also found that since laws governing the lease sales don’t say the president can “pause” them, only Congress may do so.Lawyers for Louisiana and a dozen other states say a 1987 law setting out how to sell oil and gas leases requires such sales at least four times a year in states with eligible land.“But with the stroke of a pen just a week after he took his oath of office, President Biden put his campaign promises above federal law: By executive fiat, he halted oil and gas leasing on federal lands,” said the brief by attorneys led be Louisiana Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Murrill, the top constitutional lawyer in the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.Louisiana is joined in the suit by Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and West VirginiaAfter Doughty ruled for the states, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-62adf1fd8d2731449df882e6709f3522">Interior Department held an offshore lease sale</a>&nbsp;— which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-62adf1fd8d2731449df882e6709f3522">a federal judge in Washington canceled.</a>&nbsp;Four onshore lease sales are scheduled next month — for land in Nevada on June 14; New Mexico, Oklahoma and Colorado on June 16; Wyoming on June 22 and Utah, Montana and North Dakota on June 28.However, the administration scaled back the amount of land originally on offer and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-billings-environment-4f5213bcc57da138e4d9ae859841b74d">raised royalty rates 50 percent</a>&nbsp;from 12.5% to 18.75%. That’s the amount charged for desirable deep water offshore leases, while those in less than 656 feet (200 meters) of water&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d86de9d998d64aebb14b985f260121cb">are charged the 12.5% minimum.</a>Biden has come under pressure to increase U.S. crude production as fuel prices spike because of the coronavirus pandemic and war in Ukraine. From within his own party, the Democrat faces calls to do more to curb emissions from fossil fuels that are driving climate change.Oil companies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-business-da75f38d60c1e820b5147fa9e25feca2">have been reluctant</a>&nbsp;to ramp up, saying there are not enough workers, scant money for new drilling investments and wariness that today’s high prices won’t last.

Court hearing update: Did Biden legally suspend oil lease sales?

LONDON (AP) — Elon Musk said he will reverse Twitter’s permanent ban of former President Donald Trump if the Tesla CEO follows through with his plan to buy the social media company.

Musk, speaking virtually at a Future of the Car summit hosted by the Financial Times, said Twitter’s Trump ban was a “morally bad decision” and “foolish in the extreme.” He said permanent bans of Twitter accounts should be rare and reserved for accounts that are scams or automated bots.

Twitter banned Trump’s account in January 2021 for “incitement of violence” following the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

“I think that was a mistake because it alienated a large part of the country and did not ultimately result in Donald Trump not having a voice,” Musk said. “So I think this may end up being frankly worse than having a single forum where everyone can debate. I guess the answer is that I would reverse the permanent ban.”

Musk added that his distaste for permanent bans is shared by Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey.

Trump had previously said that he had no intention of rejoining Twitter even if his account was reinstated, telling Fox News last month that he would instead focus on his own platform, Truth Social, which has been mired in problems since its launch earlier this year.

“I am not going on Twitter. I am going to stay on Truth,” Trump told the network. “I hope Elon buys Twitter because he’ll make improvements to it and he is a good man, but I am going to be staying on Truth.”

A Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment in response to Musk’s remarks.

Twitter, Musk said, currently has a strong bias to the left, largely because it is located in San Francisco. This alleged bias prevents it from building trust in the rest of the U.S. and the world, he said.

Twitter should get rid of bots and scammers to be a better public forum to exchange ideas, Musk said. It also needs to be transparent when a human takes action against an account, explaining what was done and why, he added. “It’s far too random” at present, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610197339702.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — Elon Musk said he will reverse Twitter’s permanent ban of former President Donald Trump if the Tesla CEO follows through with his plan to buy the social media company.Musk, speaking virtually at a Future of the Car summit hosted by the Financial Times, said Twitter’s Trump ban was a “morally bad decision” and “foolish in the extreme.” He said permanent bans of Twitter accounts should be rare and reserved for accounts that are scams or automated bots.Twitter banned Trump’s account in January 2021 for “incitement of violence” following the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.“I think that was a mistake because it alienated a large part of the country and did not ultimately result in Donald Trump not having a voice,” Musk said. “So I think this may end up being frankly worse than having a single forum where everyone can debate. I guess the answer is that I would reverse the permanent ban.”Musk added that his distaste for permanent bans is shared by Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey.Trump had previously said that he had no intention of rejoining Twitter even if his account was reinstated, telling Fox News last month that he would instead focus on his own platform, Truth Social, which has been mired in problems since its launch earlier this year.“I am not going on Twitter. I am going to stay on Truth,” Trump told the network. “I hope Elon buys Twitter because he’ll make improvements to it and he is a good man, but I am going to be staying on Truth.”A Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment in response to Musk’s remarks.Twitter, Musk said, currently has a strong bias to the left, largely because it is located in San Francisco. This alleged bias prevents it from building trust in the rest of the U.S. and the world, he said.Twitter should get rid of bots and scammers to be a better public forum to exchange ideas, Musk said. It also needs to be transparent when a human takes action against an account, explaining what was done and why, he added. “It’s far too random” at present, he said.

Musk will reverse Twitter's ban of former President Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — As more doctors prescribe Pfizer’s powerful COVID-19 pill, new questions are emerging about its performance, including why a small number of patients appear to relapse after taking the drug.

Paxlovid has become the go-to option against COVID-19 because of its at-home convenience and impressive results in heading off severe disease. The U.S. government has spent more than $10 billion to purchase enough pills to treat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-business-health-medication-a5adf6c2e7894e479e795b5a6d1aeb84">20 million people.</a>

But experts say there is still much to be learned about the drug, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-medication-f5f65e7e61d6aa9c7dfa193053e8878a">authorized in December</a>&nbsp;for adults at high risk of severe COVID-19 based on a study in which 1,000 adults received the medication.

Doctors have started reporting rare cases of patients whose symptoms return several days after completing Paxlovid’s five-day regimen of pills. That’s prompted questions about whether those patients are still contagious and should receive a second course of Paxlovid.

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration weighed in. It advised against a second round because there’s little risk of severe disease or hospitalization among patients who relapse.

Dr. Michael Charness&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-1588371/v1/48342d2c-b3ea-4228-b600-168fca1fded7.pdf?c=1650977883" target="_blank">reported&nbsp;</a>last month on a 71-year-old vaccinated patient who saw his symptoms subside but then return, along with a spike in virus levels nine days into his illness.

Charness says Paxlovid remains a highly effective drug, but he wonders if it might be less potent against the current omicron variant. The $500 drug treatment was tested and OK’d based on its performance against the delta version of the coronavirus.

“The ability to clear the virus after it’s suppressed may be different from omicron to delta, especially for vaccinated people,” said Charness, who works for Boston’s VA health system.

Could some people just be susceptible to a relapse? Both the FDA and Pfizer point out that 1% to 2% of people in Pfizer’s original study saw their virus levels rebound after 10 days. The rate was about the same among people taking the drug or dummy pills, “so it is unclear at this point that this is related to drug treatment,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-updates-paxlovid-health-care-providers?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">FDA stated</a>.

Some experts point to another possibility: The Paxlovid dose isn’t strong enough to fully suppress the virus. Andy Pekosz of Johns Hopkins University worries that could spur mutations that are resistant to the drug.

“We should really make sure we’re dosing Paxlovid appropriately because I would hate to lose it right now,” said Pekosz, a virologist. “This is one of the essential tools we have to help us turn the corner on the pandemic.”

HOW WELL DOES PAXLOVID WORK IN VACCINATED PEOPLE?

Pfizer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-medication-eeea3c6a5f6428479e35bc1bcd7aec52">tested Paxlovid&nbsp;</a>in the highest-risk patients: unvaccinated adults with no prior COVID-19 infection and other health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. The drug reduced their risk of hospitalization and death from 7% to 1%.

But that doesn’t reflect the vast majority of Americans today, where 89% of adults have had at least one shot. And roughly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7117e3.htm?s_cid=mm7117e3_w" target="_blank">60% of Americans</a>&nbsp;have been infected with the virus at some point.

“That’s the population I care about in 2022 because that’s who we’re seeing -- vaccinated people with COVID -- so do they benefit?” asked Dr. David Boulware, a University of Minnesota researcher and physician.

There’s no clear answer yet for vaccinated Americans, who already have a hospitalization rate far below 1%.

That may come from a large, ongoing Pfizer study that includes high-risk vaccinated people. No results have been published; the study is expected to wrap up in the fall.

Pfizer said last year that initial results showed Paxlovid failed to meet the study’s goals of significantly resolving symptoms and reducing hospitalizations. It recently stopped enrolling anyone who’s received a vaccination or booster in the past year, a change Boulware says suggests those patients aren’t benefitting.

At a minimum, the preliminary data should be released to federal officials, Boulware said. “If the U.S. government is spending billions of dollars on this medicine, what’s the obligation to release that data so that they can formulate a good policy?”

CAN PAXLOVID BE USED TO HELP PREVENT COVID-19 INFECTION?

Pfizer recently reported that proactively giving Paxlovid to family members of people infected with COVID-19 didn’t significantly reduce their chances of catching it. But that’s not the end of the story. Pfizer is studying several other potential benefits of early use, including whether Paxlovid reduces the length and severity of COVID-19 among households.

“It’s a high bar to protect against infection but I’d love to see data on how Paxlovid did against severe disease because it may be more effective there,” said Pekosz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652144968838.png" alt="Photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — As more doctors prescribe Pfizer’s powerful COVID-19 pill, new questions are emerging about its performance, including why a small number of patients appear to relapse after taking the drug.Paxlovid has become the go-to option against COVID-19 because of its at-home convenience and impressive results in heading off severe disease. The U.S. government has spent more than $10 billion to purchase enough pills to treat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-business-health-medication-a5adf6c2e7894e479e795b5a6d1aeb84">20 million people.</a>But experts say there is still much to be learned about the drug, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-medication-f5f65e7e61d6aa9c7dfa193053e8878a">authorized in December</a>&nbsp;for adults at high risk of severe COVID-19 based on a study in which 1,000 adults received the medication.WHY DO SOME PATIENTS SEEM TO RELAPSE?Doctors have started reporting rare cases of patients whose symptoms return several days after completing Paxlovid’s five-day regimen of pills. That’s prompted questions about whether those patients are still contagious and should receive a second course of Paxlovid.Last week, the Food and Drug Administration weighed in. It advised against a second round because there’s little risk of severe disease or hospitalization among patients who relapse.Dr. Michael Charness&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-1588371/v1/48342d2c-b3ea-4228-b600-168fca1fded7.pdf?c=1650977883" target="_blank">reported&nbsp;</a>last month on a 71-year-old vaccinated patient who saw his symptoms subside but then return, along with a spike in virus levels nine days into his illness.Charness says Paxlovid remains a highly effective drug, but he wonders if it might be less potent against the current omicron variant. The $500 drug treatment was tested and OK’d based on its performance against the delta version of the coronavirus.“The ability to clear the virus after it’s suppressed may be different from omicron to delta, especially for vaccinated people,” said Charness, who works for Boston’s VA health system.Could some people just be susceptible to a relapse? Both the FDA and Pfizer point out that 1% to 2% of people in Pfizer’s original study saw their virus levels rebound after 10 days. The rate was about the same among people taking the drug or dummy pills, “so it is unclear at this point that this is related to drug treatment,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-updates-paxlovid-health-care-providers?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">FDA stated</a>.Some experts point to another possibility: The Paxlovid dose isn’t strong enough to fully suppress the virus. Andy Pekosz of Johns Hopkins University worries that could spur mutations that are resistant to the drug.“We should really make sure we’re dosing Paxlovid appropriately because I would hate to lose it right now,” said Pekosz, a virologist. “This is one of the essential tools we have to help us turn the corner on the pandemic.”HOW WELL DOES PAXLOVID WORK IN VACCINATED PEOPLE?Pfizer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-medication-eeea3c6a5f6428479e35bc1bcd7aec52">tested Paxlovid&nbsp;</a>in the highest-risk patients: unvaccinated adults with no prior COVID-19 infection and other health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. The drug reduced their risk of hospitalization and death from 7% to 1%.But that doesn’t reflect the vast majority of Americans today, where 89% of adults have had at least one shot. And roughly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7117e3.htm?s_cid=mm7117e3_w" target="_blank">60% of Americans</a>&nbsp;have been infected with the virus at some point.“That’s the population I care about in 2022 because that’s who we’re seeing -- vaccinated people with COVID -- so do they benefit?” asked Dr. David Boulware, a University of Minnesota researcher and physician.There’s no clear answer yet for vaccinated Americans, who already have a hospitalization rate far below 1%.That may come from a large, ongoing Pfizer study that includes high-risk vaccinated people. No results have been published; the study is expected to wrap up in the fall.Pfizer said last year that initial results showed Paxlovid failed to meet the study’s goals of significantly resolving symptoms and reducing hospitalizations. It recently stopped enrolling anyone who’s received a vaccination or booster in the past year, a change Boulware says suggests those patients aren’t benefitting.At a minimum, the preliminary data should be released to federal officials, Boulware said. “If the U.S. government is spending billions of dollars on this medicine, what’s the obligation to release that data so that they can formulate a good policy?”CAN PAXLOVID BE USED TO HELP PREVENT COVID-19 INFECTION?Pfizer recently reported that proactively giving Paxlovid to family members of people infected with COVID-19 didn’t significantly reduce their chances of catching it. But that’s not the end of the story. Pfizer is studying several other potential benefits of early use, including whether Paxlovid reduces the length and severity of COVID-19 among households.“It’s a high bar to protect against infection but I’d love to see data on how Paxlovid did against severe disease because it may be more effective there,” said Pekosz.

Cases of COVID returning pose questions for Pfizer pill

SALINA–Police investigating a fatal weekend shooting in Salina continue to search for&nbsp; a person-of interest as identified as 28-year-old Dalton Levi Palmer, according to a media release from police. Palmer is described as being 5-foot-6 and weighs 140 pounds.

Palmer currently also has an unrelated warrant from Saline County District Court.

&nbsp;Police identified the victim killed early Saturday as Dylan Eugene Garman, 25, of Salina.

Just before 3:30 a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 400 block of South College Avenue, in Salina, for a report of several gunshots in the are, according to a media release from police. Officers located multiple spent ammunition casings lying in the street. They did&nbsp;not find any victims or witnesses at the scene.

A short time later, officers were dispatched to the Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC) Emergency Room, 400 South Santa Fe Avenue, Salina, for a report of two gunshot victims, an 18-year-old girl and a 25-year-old man later identified as 25-year-old Dylan Eugene Garman of Salina arriving at the Emergency Room

&nbsp;Medical staff pronounced the Garman deceased.

Just after 3:30a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 500 block of East Cloud Street, in Salina, for a report of a person, later identified as a 23-year-old man, lying in the front yard who had been shot multiple times.&nbsp;

EMS transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment of multiple gunshot wounds. This victim underwent emergency surgery and was&nbsp; subsequently transferred to a hospital in Wichita, according to police.

&nbsp;It appears all shooting victims are related to the incident which occurred on South College Avenue, according to police.

Due to Palmer’s past criminal behavior, he should be considered armed and dangerous.

According to police, if you have any information about the location of Palmer or if you observe Palmer, do not approach and immediately call law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651958808690.jpeg" alt="Palmer-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Palmer-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA–Police investigating a fatal weekend shooting in Salina continue to search for&nbsp; a person-of interest as identified as 28-year-old Dalton Levi Palmer, according to a media release from police. Palmer is described as being 5-foot-6 and weighs 140 pounds.Palmer currently also has an unrelated warrant from Saline County District Court.&nbsp;Police identified the victim killed early Saturday as Dylan Eugene Garman, 25, of Salina.Just before 3:30 a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 400 block of South College Avenue, in Salina, for a report of several gunshots in the are, according to a media release from police. Officers located multiple spent ammunition casings lying in the street. They did&nbsp;not find any victims or witnesses at the scene.A short time later, officers were dispatched to the Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC) Emergency Room, 400 South Santa Fe Avenue, Salina, for a report of two gunshot victims, an 18-year-old girl and a 25-year-old man later identified as 25-year-old Dylan Eugene Garman of Salina arriving at the Emergency Room&nbsp;Medical staff pronounced the Garman deceased.Just after 3:30a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 500 block of East Cloud Street, in Salina, for a report of a person, later identified as a 23-year-old man, lying in the front yard who had been shot multiple times.&nbsp;EMS transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment of multiple gunshot wounds. This victim underwent emergency surgery and was&nbsp; subsequently transferred to a hospital in Wichita, according to police.&nbsp;It appears all shooting victims are related to the incident which occurred on South College Avenue, according to police.Due to Palmer’s past criminal behavior, he should be considered armed and dangerous.According to police, if you have any information about the location of Palmer or if you observe Palmer, do not approach and immediately call law enforcement.

Police: Fatal Kansas shooting suspect still at large

GEARY COUNTY — Searchers continued their efforts Monday to recover the body of a suspected drowning victim in the Curtis Creek area on the northwest side of Milford Lake, according to the Geary County Sheriff's Department.

Jesse Paul Sockness, 41, Lawrence, disappeared while swimming in the lake on&nbsp; April 30.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Searchers planned to work from the shoreline Tuesday due to the anticipated high winds and waves at the lake.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652195537989.png" alt="Search crews on the lake -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Search crews on the lake -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY — Searchers continued their efforts Monday to recover the body of a suspected drowning victim in the Curtis Creek area on the northwest side of Milford Lake, according to the Geary County Sheriff's Department.Jesse Paul Sockness, 41, Lawrence, disappeared while swimming in the lake on&nbsp; April 30.&nbsp;&nbsp;Searchers planned to work from the shoreline Tuesday due to the anticipated high winds and waves at the lake.

Search continues for body of drowning victim at Kansas lake

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two boys in connection with a burglary and shooting.

At 11:50 p.m., Sunday, an alert victim saw two individuals breaking into his vehicle in the 5700 Block of SW 14th Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Manual Munoz.

The Victim went outside to confront the individuals who took off running after he yelled at them. The victim began to chase the subject and one of them fired several shots at him. The victim retreated and was not struck or injured.

Victims called dispatch and provided a great description of the subjects who were later located near a park in the area. Officers also located a firearm in the park after an article search. Police transported both individuals, later determined to be juveniles, to the law enforcement center for further questioning.

As a result of the investigation, one of the juveniles was transported to Juvenile Department of Corrections. He is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Assault, Burglary to a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by Juvenile and Criminal Discharge of a Firearm in the City Limits, according to Munoz. The other boy was released to the custody of his parents.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two boys in connection with a burglary and shooting.At 11:50 p.m., Sunday, an alert victim saw two individuals breaking into his vehicle in the 5700 Block of SW 14th Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Manual Munoz.The Victim went outside to confront the individuals who took off running after he yelled at them. The victim began to chase the subject and one of them fired several shots at him. The victim retreated and was not struck or injured.Victims called dispatch and provided a great description of the subjects who were later located near a park in the area. Officers also located a firearm in the park after an article search. Police transported both individuals, later determined to be juveniles, to the law enforcement center for further questioning.As a result of the investigation, one of the juveniles was transported to Juvenile Department of Corrections. He is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Assault, Burglary to a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by Juvenile and Criminal Discharge of a Firearm in the City Limits, according to Munoz. The other boy was released to the custody of his parents.

Police: Kan. juvenile burglary suspect fired shots at victim

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed legislation Monday to beef up security for Supreme Court justices, ensuring they and their families are protected as the court deliberates abortion access and whether to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.

The bipartisan bill, which passed by voice vote with no objections, did not provide additional funding, which could come later. But it aims to put the court on par with the executive and legislative branches, ensuring the nine justices are provided security as some protesters have gathered outside their homes. The bill now moves to the House for its consideration.

Protests have erupted in front of the Supreme Court and around the country after a leaked draft opinion suggested a majority of conservatives on the court are prepared to end the constitutional right to an abortion from the nearly 50-year-old Roe v. Wade ruling.

The legislation is a technical change that allows Supreme Court law enforcement to provide around-the-clock security to immediate family members, in line with protection for certain people in the executive and legislative branches. It was sponsored by Sens. Chris Coons, D-Del., and John Cornyn, R-Texas.

Cornyn said threats to Supreme Court justices and their families are “disgraceful” and attempts to intimidate the independence of the judiciary branch shouldn't be tolerated.

“The House must take up and pass it immediately,” Cornyn said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651754402764.jpeg" alt="Security fence placed around the U.S. Supreme Court last week-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Security fence placed around the U.S. Supreme Court last week-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARY CLARE JALONICK and LISA MASCAROWASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed legislation Monday to beef up security for Supreme Court justices, ensuring they and their families are protected as the court deliberates abortion access and whether to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.The bipartisan bill, which passed by voice vote with no objections, did not provide additional funding, which could come later. But it aims to put the court on par with the executive and legislative branches, ensuring the nine justices are provided security as some protesters have gathered outside their homes. The bill now moves to the House for its consideration.Protests have erupted in front of the Supreme Court and around the country after a leaked draft opinion suggested a majority of conservatives on the court are prepared to end the constitutional right to an abortion from the nearly 50-year-old Roe v. Wade ruling.The legislation is a technical change that allows Supreme Court law enforcement to provide around-the-clock security to immediate family members, in line with protection for certain people in the executive and legislative branches. It was sponsored by Sens. Chris Coons, D-Del., and John Cornyn, R-Texas.Cornyn said threats to Supreme Court justices and their families are “disgraceful” and attempts to intimidate the independence of the judiciary branch shouldn't be tolerated.“The House must take up and pass it immediately,” Cornyn said.

Senate passes bill to boost security for Supreme Court

You’ve been invited to check out one of your favorite retailers to 
secretly shop their store and evaluate the quality of service and 
product availability. The best part? You get to keep the items plus earn
 a paycheck as a mystery shopper.

If this sounds too good to be true, it very well could be. Many 
mystery shopper opportunities are scams. Here’s how to tell a real gig 
from this common con.

You receive an offer via email, text, or a social media network to 
become a secret shopper. In other cases, you may apply to a secret 
shopper job advertised online. Either way, the company offers you the 
job right away. You are so perfect for the position, they claim, you 
don't even need to interview.

In the most common version of this scam, the company mails you a 
check to cover your secret shopper purchases. You are asked to buy a few
 things and send back the remaining money. Unfortunately, the check is a
 fake. It will bounce, and you’ll be left footing the full bill and the 
bank fees associated with it

However, scammers are getting creative with secret shoppers cons. Be on the lookout for twists. For example, one victim told <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker">BBB Scam Tracker</a>
 about the following: “I saw a job posting on LinkedIn for a secret 
shopper position. I applied and shortly afterwards received a check in 
the mail. The check was for $2,470 and the business wanted me to go to 
local stores, purchase gift cards with $2,000, and keep the rest as pay.
 I was supposed to scratch off the security covers and send pictures.” 
In another version of this scam, con artists offer high paying 
assignments with one small catch: you need to pay a registration fee to 
participate.

How to avoid secret shopper scams

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBYou’ve been invited to check out one of your favorite retailers to 
secretly shop their store and evaluate the quality of service and 
product availability. The best part? You get to keep the items plus earn
 a paycheck as a mystery shopper.If this sounds too good to be true, it very well could be. Many 
mystery shopper opportunities are scams. Here’s how to tell a real gig 
from this common con.<h2>How mystery shopper scams work</h2>You receive an offer via email, text, or a social media network to 
become a secret shopper. In other cases, you may apply to a secret 
shopper job advertised online. Either way, the company offers you the 
job right away. You are so perfect for the position, they claim, you 
don't even need to interview.In the most common version of this scam, the company mails you a 
check to cover your secret shopper purchases. You are asked to buy a few
 things and send back the remaining money. Unfortunately, the check is a
 fake. It will bounce, and you’ll be left footing the full bill and the 
bank fees associated with itHowever, scammers are getting creative with secret shoppers cons. Be on the lookout for twists. For example, one victim told <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker">BBB Scam Tracker</a>
 about the following: “I saw a job posting on LinkedIn for a secret 
shopper position. I applied and shortly afterwards received a check in 
the mail. The check was for $2,470 and the business wanted me to go to 
local stores, purchase gift cards with $2,000, and keep the rest as pay.
 I was supposed to scratch off the security covers and send pictures.” 
In another version of this scam, con artists offer high paying 
assignments with one small catch: you need to pay a registration fee to 
participate.<h2>How to avoid secret shopper scams </h2><ul>
 <li>Research the secret shopper companies before applying.
 Before applying to a secret shopper job, make sure the company exists, 
has working contact information, and has good reviews and feedback from 
previous employees. Search online with the company name and the word 
“scam” to find other reports. </li><li>Check the Mystery Shopper Professionals Association database. Visit <a href="https://www.mspa-americas.org/">MSPA Americas</a>
 to search a database of MSPA members for legitimate mystery shopping 
providers. However, scammers do impersonate real companies and their job
 postings, so watch out for these other warning signs too. </li><li>Be wary of companies that hire on the spot. Real 
businesses will want to get to know you before they hire you. If a 
company reaches out to you out of the blue with a guaranteed position in
 their company, it’s probably a scam. </li><li>Beware of jobs that involve receiving and returning money. Legitimate
 companies don’t generally send money to new employees before work is 
done. They certainly don’t ask you to return funds that you’ve already 
been paid. </li><li>Never wire money or buy prepaid debit cards for strangers. Scammers
 love to ask people to wire money or send prepaid gift cards. Once 
you’ve wired money or sent the gift card information, there is no way to
 get your money back. Be very careful with <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/25956-bbb-tip-know-your-rights-and-responsibilities-when-it-comes-to-payment-types">these forms of payment</a>.</li>
 </ul>

BBB: Secret shopper job sounds cool, but it's really a scam

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — The first telephone call Jill Biden made from her black SUV after an unannounced meeting with her Ukrainian counterpart inside the embattled country was to her husband, President Joe Biden.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-jill-biden-migration-slovakia-d22b406bd735c1899a55ba656cbbc317">Biden and Olena Zelenska</a>, who had not been seen in public since President Vladimir Putin sent Russia’s military into her country nearly 11 weeks ago, had just spent about two hours together at a school in Uzhhorod in western Ukraine.

With her visit to the Ukraine war zone, the U.S. first lady was able to act as a second pair of eyes and ears for the president, who so far has been unable to visit the country himself.

“Sometimes the first lady is able to do things and get into places where the president can’t,” said Myra Gutin, author of “The President’s Partner: The First Lady in the Twentieth Century.”

Jill Biden wrapped up her four-day trip to Eastern Europe on Monday after meeting in Bratislava with Zuzana Caputova, Slovakia’s first female president. Her trip over the border on Sunday to meet with Zelenska and refugees from elsewhere in Ukraine was a highpoint of the visit.

Seated across from Caputova, Jill Biden said she told her husband in their phone call “just how much I saw the need to support the people of Ukraine” and about “the horrors and the brutality that the people I had met had experienced.”

Ever since Russia opened war on Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been open about wanting Biden to visit him in Kyiv, just like many other world leaders have done, including Canada’s Justin Trudeau on Sunday.

The closest President Biden has been to Ukraine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-migration-europe-european-union-069f04d92a20f125a487fbb9bc121bd9">was a stop in Rzeszow, Poland</a>, in late March after he went to Brussels to discuss the war with other world leaders. At the time, he publicly lamented that he was not allowed to cross the Polish border and go into western Ukraine.

“Part of my disappointment is that I can’t see it firsthand ... they will not let me,” Biden said, likely speaking about the ever-present security concerns associated with presidential travel that are heightened by any talk of sending him to an active war zone.

The White House said as recently as last week that while the president “would love to visit” Ukraine there were no plans for him to do so at this time.

Security is a concern for the first lady, too. But when she travels solo, she flies on a smaller plane than the president’s Air Force One and with a significantly smaller “package” of Secret Service agents, Air Force crew members, White House staff and, sometimes, journalists.

The difference in the “footprint” makes it easier for a first lady to act as an emissary for the president and then tell him about what she picks up during her travels.

Jill Biden had wanted to visit Ukraine in March but settled on a Mother’s Day weekend trip to help buck up Ukrainian moms who fled with their children to “frontline” countries like Slovakia that border Ukraine and have been taking them in.

During multiple stops in Romania and Slovakia, refugees shared their heartbreaking stories with the first lady — but also their gratitude for her visit as a high-profile symbol of U.S. support.

While first ladies lack the power or authority to send money or fighter jets, what they can do is show people that they — and the United States — care, Gutin said.

A first lady is a presidential adviser without comparison.

On a trip like this, “she will be able to say to the refuges, ‘I’m going to tell the president what I saw, I’m going to tell the president what you told me,’” Gutin, a professor at Rider University in New Jersey, said in an interview before the trip.

The first lady was so eager to tell the president about her meeting with Zelenska that he was the first person she called from her vehicle after that portion of the trip had concluded.

The trip gave Jill Biden something else, too: a chance to practice the “soft diplomacy” that first ladies engage in while representing the United States abroad.

Her first stop in Europe was a military base near the Black Sea in Romania to meet U.S. troops deployed there by the president in the run-up to the Russia-Ukraine war. She brought them 50 gallons of ketchup after learning that base supplies of the condiment had run low.

She had the belly of her plane packed with seven trunks of supplies for refugees, including blankets, playing cards, coloring books and crayons, T-shirts, gardenia-scented candles, toiletry kits and other items. The White House logo or the Bidens’ signatures were on everything.

As she interacted with displaced Ukrainians and the volunteers helping them, the first lady sometimes turned the person she was face to face with around and asked them to tell their story to the journalists in the room.

“Come here so the press can hear you, then they know what you’re doing,” she said Sunday while repositioning a local volunteer working in one of the tents at a processing facility at the Slovak border crossing in Vysne Nemecke.

Jill Biden sported a large Ukraine flag pin on her lapel after she returned to the Kosice airport from Ukraine. It was a gift from the head of Zelenska’s security detail after the U.S. first lady presented him with one of her souvenir coins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652118741146.png" alt="Jill Biden wrapped up her four-day trip to Eastern Europe on Monday after meeting in Bratislava with Zuzana Caputova, Slovakia’s first female president.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Jill Biden wrapped up her four-day trip to Eastern Europe on Monday after meeting in Bratislava with Zuzana Caputova, Slovakia’s first female president.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — The first telephone call Jill Biden made from her black SUV after an unannounced meeting with her Ukrainian counterpart inside the embattled country was to her husband, President Joe Biden.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-jill-biden-migration-slovakia-d22b406bd735c1899a55ba656cbbc317">Biden and Olena Zelenska</a>, who had not been seen in public since President Vladimir Putin sent Russia’s military into her country nearly 11 weeks ago, had just spent about two hours together at a school in Uzhhorod in western Ukraine.With her visit to the Ukraine war zone, the U.S. first lady was able to act as a second pair of eyes and ears for the president, who so far has been unable to visit the country himself.“Sometimes the first lady is able to do things and get into places where the president can’t,” said Myra Gutin, author of “The President’s Partner: The First Lady in the Twentieth Century.”Jill Biden wrapped up her four-day trip to Eastern Europe on Monday after meeting in Bratislava with Zuzana Caputova, Slovakia’s first female president. Her trip over the border on Sunday to meet with Zelenska and refugees from elsewhere in Ukraine was a highpoint of the visit.Seated across from Caputova, Jill Biden said she told her husband in their phone call “just how much I saw the need to support the people of Ukraine” and about “the horrors and the brutality that the people I had met had experienced.”Ever since Russia opened war on Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been open about wanting Biden to visit him in Kyiv, just like many other world leaders have done, including Canada’s Justin Trudeau on Sunday.The closest President Biden has been to Ukraine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-migration-europe-european-union-069f04d92a20f125a487fbb9bc121bd9">was a stop in Rzeszow, Poland</a>, in late March after he went to Brussels to discuss the war with other world leaders. At the time, he publicly lamented that he was not allowed to cross the Polish border and go into western Ukraine.“Part of my disappointment is that I can’t see it firsthand ... they will not let me,” Biden said, likely speaking about the ever-present security concerns associated with presidential travel that are heightened by any talk of sending him to an active war zone.The White House said as recently as last week that while the president “would love to visit” Ukraine there were no plans for him to do so at this time.Security is a concern for the first lady, too. But when she travels solo, she flies on a smaller plane than the president’s Air Force One and with a significantly smaller “package” of Secret Service agents, Air Force crew members, White House staff and, sometimes, journalists.The difference in the “footprint” makes it easier for a first lady to act as an emissary for the president and then tell him about what she picks up during her travels.Jill Biden had wanted to visit Ukraine in March but settled on a Mother’s Day weekend trip to help buck up Ukrainian moms who fled with their children to “frontline” countries like Slovakia that border Ukraine and have been taking them in.During multiple stops in Romania and Slovakia, refugees shared their heartbreaking stories with the first lady — but also their gratitude for her visit as a high-profile symbol of U.S. support.While first ladies lack the power or authority to send money or fighter jets, what they can do is show people that they — and the United States — care, Gutin said.A first lady is a presidential adviser without comparison.On a trip like this, “she will be able to say to the refuges, ‘I’m going to tell the president what I saw, I’m going to tell the president what you told me,’” Gutin, a professor at Rider University in New Jersey, said in an interview before the trip.The first lady was so eager to tell the president about her meeting with Zelenska that he was the first person she called from her vehicle after that portion of the trip had concluded.The trip gave Jill Biden something else, too: a chance to practice the “soft diplomacy” that first ladies engage in while representing the United States abroad.Her first stop in Europe was a military base near the Black Sea in Romania to meet U.S. troops deployed there by the president in the run-up to the Russia-Ukraine war. She brought them 50 gallons of ketchup after learning that base supplies of the condiment had run low.She had the belly of her plane packed with seven trunks of supplies for refugees, including blankets, playing cards, coloring books and crayons, T-shirts, gardenia-scented candles, toiletry kits and other items. The White House logo or the Bidens’ signatures were on everything.As she interacted with displaced Ukrainians and the volunteers helping them, the first lady sometimes turned the person she was face to face with around and asked them to tell their story to the journalists in the room.“Come here so the press can hear you, then they know what you’re doing,” she said Sunday while repositioning a local volunteer working in one of the tents at a processing facility at the Slovak border crossing in Vysne Nemecke.Soft diplomacy works in reverse, too.Jill Biden sported a large Ukraine flag pin on her lapel after she returned to the Kosice airport from Ukraine. It was a gift from the head of Zelenska’s security detail after the U.S. first lady presented him with one of her souvenir coins.

Jill Biden was president's eyes, ears on trip to Ukraine

EVANSVILLE, Indiana (AP) –A former Alabama jail official on the run with a murder suspect she was accused of helping escape shot and killed herself Monday as authorities caught up with the pair after more than a week of searching, officials said. The man she fled with surrendered.

The death of Vicky White, 56, only deepened the mystery of why a respected jail official would leave everything to help free Casey White, 38, a hulking inmate with a violent and frightening history.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-escaped-inmate-missing-correctional-officer-6a15511d74faee827af19e0fae78fc6c">two fugitives</a>&nbsp;were caught — following a manhunt through three states — in Evansville, Indiana, when U.S. Marshals chasing them crashed into their vehicle, authorities said. Casey White gave himself up and Vicky White shot herself and was taken to a hospital, authorities said. Vanderburgh County Coroner Steve Lockyear said she died from her injuries.

Before Vicky White’s death, authorities celebrated the fugitives’ apprehension.

“We got a dangerous man off the street today. He is never going to see the light of day again. That is a good thing, for not just our community. That’s a good thing for our country,” Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton of Alabama said.

The manhunt began April 29 when Vicky White, the assistant director of corrections for the jail in Lauderdale County, allegedly helped engineer the escape of Casey White, who was awaiting trial in a capital murder case. Vicky White had told co-workers she was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-54e8920ec04985ffaf4e9d5d75c50e90">taking the inmate from the jail</a>&nbsp;for a mental health evaluation at the courthouse, but the two, who are not related, instead fled the area.

The car they took off in was later found abandoned in Tennessee, but there was no trace of the pair until U.S. Marshals received a tip Sunday that surveillance photos from an Evansville car wash showed a man who closely resembled Casey White exiting a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup truck, the Marshals Service said. White stands 6 feet, 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall and weighs about 260 pounds (118 kilograms).

On Monday, officials learned that the pair was spotted near the sheriff’s office, said Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding in Indiana. As officers arrived, the pair fled in a vehicle and led police on a pursuit, he said. U.S. Marshals collided with them “to try to end the pursuit,” he said. Casey White was injured, not too seriously, in the crash and Vicky White then shot herself, causing “very serious” injuries, he said.

“We’re lucky that no law enforcement was injured, no innocent civilians were injured, the pursuit was short in nature and we have both people in custody,” Wedding said.

Casey White was serving a 75-year prison sentence for attempted murder and other charges at the time of his escape. He was awaiting trial in the stabbing of a 58-year-old woman during a burglary in 2015. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

Federal and local law enforcement officials have also learned Casey White threatened to kill his former girlfriend and his sister in 2015 and said “that he wanted police to kill him,” the Marshals Service said.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-florence-treatment-of-prisoners-69d5605872860d12e415e2bbe96092d1">warrant was issued on May 2</a>&nbsp;for Vicky Sue White charging her with permitting or facilitating escape in the first degree.

Before her death was announced, the Alabama sheriff said he hoped to get answers from his once trusted jail employee about her actions but acknowledged those answers might not come. “I had every bit of trust in Vicky White. She has been an exemplary employee. What in the world provoked her, prompted her to pull a stunt like this? I don’t know. I don’t know if we’ll ever know,” Singleton said.

Vicky White’s family members and co-workers said they were stunned by her involvement. Singleton said it appeared the plan had been in the works for some time. Jail inmates said the two had a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-florence-84a97f256406f02e8c2ee1f6a46f8c0d">special relationship</a>&nbsp;and she gave Casey White better treatment than other inmates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652134811046.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EVANSVILLE, Indiana (AP) –A former Alabama jail official on the run with a murder suspect she was accused of helping escape shot and killed herself Monday as authorities caught up with the pair after more than a week of searching, officials said. The man she fled with surrendered.The death of Vicky White, 56, only deepened the mystery of why a respected jail official would leave everything to help free Casey White, 38, a hulking inmate with a violent and frightening history.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-escaped-inmate-missing-correctional-officer-6a15511d74faee827af19e0fae78fc6c">two fugitives</a>&nbsp;were caught — following a manhunt through three states — in Evansville, Indiana, when U.S. Marshals chasing them crashed into their vehicle, authorities said. Casey White gave himself up and Vicky White shot herself and was taken to a hospital, authorities said. Vanderburgh County Coroner Steve Lockyear said she died from her injuries.Before Vicky White’s death, authorities celebrated the fugitives’ apprehension.“We got a dangerous man off the street today. He is never going to see the light of day again. That is a good thing, for not just our community. That’s a good thing for our country,” Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton of Alabama said.The manhunt began April 29 when Vicky White, the assistant director of corrections for the jail in Lauderdale County, allegedly helped engineer the escape of Casey White, who was awaiting trial in a capital murder case. Vicky White had told co-workers she was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-54e8920ec04985ffaf4e9d5d75c50e90">taking the inmate from the jail</a>&nbsp;for a mental health evaluation at the courthouse, but the two, who are not related, instead fled the area.The car they took off in was later found abandoned in Tennessee, but there was no trace of the pair until U.S. Marshals received a tip Sunday that surveillance photos from an Evansville car wash showed a man who closely resembled Casey White exiting a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup truck, the Marshals Service said. White stands 6 feet, 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall and weighs about 260 pounds (118 kilograms).On Monday, officials learned that the pair was spotted near the sheriff’s office, said Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding in Indiana. As officers arrived, the pair fled in a vehicle and led police on a pursuit, he said. U.S. Marshals collided with them “to try to end the pursuit,” he said. Casey White was injured, not too seriously, in the crash and Vicky White then shot herself, causing “very serious” injuries, he said.“We’re lucky that no law enforcement was injured, no innocent civilians were injured, the pursuit was short in nature and we have both people in custody,” Wedding said.Casey White was serving a 75-year prison sentence for attempted murder and other charges at the time of his escape. He was awaiting trial in the stabbing of a 58-year-old woman during a burglary in 2015. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.Federal and local law enforcement officials have also learned Casey White threatened to kill his former girlfriend and his sister in 2015 and said “that he wanted police to kill him,” the Marshals Service said.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-florence-treatment-of-prisoners-69d5605872860d12e415e2bbe96092d1">warrant was issued on May 2</a>&nbsp;for Vicky Sue White charging her with permitting or facilitating escape in the first degree.Before her death was announced, the Alabama sheriff said he hoped to get answers from his once trusted jail employee about her actions but acknowledged those answers might not come. “I had every bit of trust in Vicky White. She has been an exemplary employee. What in the world provoked her, prompted her to pull a stunt like this? I don’t know. I don’t know if we’ll ever know,” Singleton said.Vicky White’s family members and co-workers said they were stunned by her involvement. Singleton said it appeared the plan had been in the works for some time. Jail inmates said the two had a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-florence-84a97f256406f02e8c2ee1f6a46f8c0d">special relationship</a>&nbsp;and she gave Casey White better treatment than other inmates.In the past several months, she bought a rifle and a shotgun and also was known to have a handgun, U.S. Marshal Marty Keely said.She sold her house for about half of market value and bought a 2007 orange Ford Edge that she stashed at a shopping center without license plates.“This escape was obviously well-planned and calculated. A lot of preparation went into this. They had plenty of resources, had cash, had vehicles,” Singleton said.The escape happened on what Vicky White said was going to be her last day at work. She told co-workers that Casey White had a mental health evaluation at the courthouse, but none was scheduled. She did not have a second officer accompany them, which was against jail policy.Video showed the pair went from the jail to the shopping center, where they picked up the Ford and left, Singleton said. Their flight was not discovered for much of the day.Investigators believe the pickup truck Casey White had at the car wash was stolen in Tennessee and then driven about 175 miles to Evansville, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. The official could not discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.--------EVANSVILLE, Indiana (AP) –Escaped inmate Casey White and former jail official Vicky White were taken into custody Monday in Indiana, according to an Alabama sheriff.Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton said they two fugitives were caught near Evansville, Indiana, after a chase with U.S. Marshals. Marshals were pursuing a pickup driven by Casey White when the truck wrecked and he surrendered, the sheriff said. Vicky White was taken to a hospital.“Casey White and Vicky White are in custody,” Singleton said. “This has ended a very long and stressful and challenging week and a half. It ended the way that we knew it would. They are in custody.”The two had been the target of a nationwide manhunt since April 29 when Vicky White, the assistant director of corrections for the jail in Lauderdale County, helped engineer the escape of Casey White, who was awaiting trial in a capital murder case. Vicky White had told co-workers she was taking the inmate from the jail for a mental health evaluation at the courthouse, but the two instead fled the area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652134478478.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The truck was found Monday in Evansville, Indiana, after U.S. Marshals received a tip Sunday that the 2006 Ford F-150 pickup was seen at a car wash in the town, the Marshals Service said. Surveillance photos showed a man who closely resembles Casey White exiting the vehicle at the car wash, officials said.Investigators believe the pickup truck was stolen in Tennessee and then driven about 175 miles to Evansville, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. The official could not discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.A warrant was issued on May 2 for Vicky Sue White charging her with permitting or facilitating escape in the first degree.Federal and local law enforcement officials have also learned Casey White threatened to kill his former girlfriend and his sister in 2015 and said, “that he wanted police to kill him,” the Marshals Service said. Investigators said they have been in contact with them about the threats and are taking measures to ensure their safety.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.