JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect on&nbsp;

Just before 4 p.m. July 8, a Sheriff’s Deputy observed a red Ford Focus that turned into an address east of 75 Highway on 134th&nbsp;Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The deputy believed the actions of the driver appeared to be suspicious in nature. Deputies contacted the driver and individuals in the vehicle. A Jackson County Sheriff K-9 alerted on the vehicle for the presence of illegal drugs.

The driver, 36-year-old Alisha Dawn Swiger, of Independence, Missouri was arrested for felony contributing to a childs misconduct, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, making false information, criminal trespass, driving while suspended and no insurance.

A passenger, Tanisha Liane Flournoy, 38, of Kansas City, Kansas was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a hallucinogenic drug. The Hoyt Police Department assisted deputies with the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688992997003.png" alt="Flournoy-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Flournoy-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect on&nbsp;Just before 4 p.m. July 8, a Sheriff’s Deputy observed a red Ford Focus that turned into an address east of 75 Highway on 134th&nbsp;Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The deputy believed the actions of the driver appeared to be suspicious in nature. Deputies contacted the driver and individuals in the vehicle. A Jackson County Sheriff K-9 alerted on the vehicle for the presence of illegal drugs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688992937485.png" alt="Swiger-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Swiger-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, 36-year-old Alisha Dawn Swiger, of Independence, Missouri was arrested for felony contributing to a childs misconduct, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, making false information, criminal trespass, driving while suspended and no insurance.A passenger, Tanisha Liane Flournoy, 38, of Kansas City, Kansas was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a hallucinogenic drug. The Hoyt Police Department assisted deputies with the incident.

Kan. deputies catch two women transporting drugs

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating two&nbsp; shooting incidents have arrested 71-year-old Kansas felon Samuel L. Neal.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police had asked the public for help to locate him.

Just after 12:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 1100 block of South Emporia, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. Officers located a 21-year-old man with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

&nbsp;Through the investigation, detectives identified Samuel Neal as a suspect. He is also believed to be the suspect in another shooting on July 9.&nbsp; <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=741136">Police booked him into the</a> Sedgwick County Jail just after 1p.m. Tuesday on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault and parole violations, according to online jail records.

Neal was released from prison in 2019 after a manslaughter conviction on a crime that occurred in 1979, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689162169452.png" alt="Neal-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Neal-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating two&nbsp; shooting incidents have arrested 71-year-old Kansas felon Samuel L. Neal.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police had asked the public for help to locate him.Just after 12:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 1100 block of South Emporia, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. Officers located a 21-year-old man with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.&nbsp;Through the investigation, detectives identified Samuel Neal as a suspect. He is also believed to be the suspect in another shooting on July 9.&nbsp; <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=741136">Police booked him into the</a> Sedgwick County Jail just after 1p.m. Tuesday on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault and parole violations, according to online jail records.Neal was released from prison in 2019 after a manslaughter conviction on a crime that occurred in 1979, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 Kan. man who spent 40-years in prison is back in jail for shooting

GENOA, Neb. (AP) — Archeologists resumed digging Tuesday at the remote site of a former Native American boarding school in central Nebraska, searching for the remains of children who died there&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-health-education-native-americans-86e005cc1f631fe1f3e52592af60aa52">decades ago</a>.

The search for a hidden cemetery near the former Genoa Indian Industrial School in Nebraska gained renewed interest after the discovery of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-456d8b4077bf2b86b5ed1d608bf97b63">hundreds of children’s remains</a>&nbsp;at other Native American boarding school sites across the U.S. and Canada since 2021, said Dave Williams, the state's archeologist whose team is digging at the site.

The team hasn't found human remains yet, Williams said, but the dig only began on Monday and is expected to last through the week.

Birds called into the sun- and wind-filled space as excavators worked within the confines of an orange fence and yellow caution tape. They sifted steadily through dirt and tossed water away while Native American leaders and community members watched intently from the sidelines.

“I came today to witness the dig because I had an aunt who died here, Mildred Lowe, in 1930, and she never came home. So I’m here to find out if they find any bones and how we’re going to go about identifying and all of that,” said Carolyn Fiscus, a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

Fiscus added: “As a tribal member and elder and grandma, I’m interested. I’ve got a lot of spiritual and emotional investment in this. And my mom too, who’s now passed away. That’s why I’m here.”

The school was part of a national system of more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-education-native-americans-cbd724ae4e423c788089ef98cec4315a">400 Native American boarding schools</a>&nbsp;that attempted to assimilate Indigenous people into white culture by separating children from their families, cutting them off from their heritage and inflicting physical and emotional abuse.

Newspaper clippings, records and a student’s letter indicate at least 86 students died at the school in Genoa, most due to diseases such as tuberculosis and typhoid. At least one death was blamed on an accidental shooting.

Researchers identified 49 of the children killed but have not been able to find names for 37 students. The bodies of some of those children were returned to their homes but others are believed to have been buried on the school grounds at a location long forgotten.

Judi Gaiashkibos, a member of the Ponca Tribe and the executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, whose mother attended the school in the late 1920s, has been involved in efforts to find the cemetery for years. She said it’s difficult to spend time in the community where many Native Americans suffered, but that the search can help to heal and bring the children’s voices to the surface.

Williams, the archeologist, said finding the cemetery could provide some peace and comfort to people who have suffered for years, not knowing what happened to their relatives who were sent to boarding schools but never came home.

The school, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) west of Omaha, opened in 1884 and at its height was home to nearly 600 students from more than 40 tribes across the country. It closed in 1931 and most buildings were demolished long ago.

In an effort to find the cemetery, dogs trained to detect the odor of decaying remains searched the area last summer and indicated there could be a burial site in a narrow piece of land bordered by a farm field, railroad tracks and a canal. In November, ground-penetrating radar showed an area that was consistent with graves, but there will be no guarantees until researchers finish digging, Williams said.

If the dig reveals human remains, the State Archeology Office will continue to work with the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs to decide on next steps. They could rebury the remains in the field and create a memorial or exhume and return the bodies to tribes.

Last year, the U.S. Interior Department — led by Secretary Deb Haaland, a member of Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico and the first Native American Cabinet secretary — released a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-native-americans-cultures-congress-1052724fc31b28f7addae7f5b2e50830">first-of-its-kind report</a>&nbsp;that named hundreds of schools the federal government supported to strip Native Americans of their cultures and identities.

At least 500 children died at some of the schools, but that number is expected to reach into the thousands or tens of thousands as research continues.

“I hope they find the cemetery so that we can do ceremony and lay our spiritual relatives to rest. So they know we know they’re here, and they’re ok,” Fiscus, of the Winnebago Tribe, said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689103801901.jpeg" alt="Archeological technician Makenzie Coufal clears soil away as workers dig for the suspected remains of children who once attended the Genoa Indian Industrial School, Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in Genoa, Neb. The mystery of where the bodies of more than 80 children are buried could be solved this week as archeologists dig in a Nebraska field that a century ago was part of a sprawling Native American boarding school. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)" />
 <figcaption>Archeological technician Makenzie Coufal clears soil away as workers dig for the suspected remains of children who once attended the Genoa Indian Industrial School, Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in Genoa, Neb. The mystery of where the bodies of more than 80 children are buried could be solved this week as archeologists dig in a Nebraska field that a century ago was part of a sprawling Native American boarding school. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)</figcaption>
 </figure>GENOA, Neb. (AP) — Archeologists resumed digging Tuesday at the remote site of a former Native American boarding school in central Nebraska, searching for the remains of children who died there&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-health-education-native-americans-86e005cc1f631fe1f3e52592af60aa52">decades ago</a>.The search for a hidden cemetery near the former Genoa Indian Industrial School in Nebraska gained renewed interest after the discovery of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-456d8b4077bf2b86b5ed1d608bf97b63">hundreds of children’s remains</a>&nbsp;at other Native American boarding school sites across the U.S. and Canada since 2021, said Dave Williams, the state's archeologist whose team is digging at the site.The team hasn't found human remains yet, Williams said, but the dig only began on Monday and is expected to last through the week.Birds called into the sun- and wind-filled space as excavators worked within the confines of an orange fence and yellow caution tape. They sifted steadily through dirt and tossed water away while Native American leaders and community members watched intently from the sidelines.“I came today to witness the dig because I had an aunt who died here, Mildred Lowe, in 1930, and she never came home. So I’m here to find out if they find any bones and how we’re going to go about identifying and all of that,” said Carolyn Fiscus, a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.Fiscus added: “As a tribal member and elder and grandma, I’m interested. I’ve got a lot of spiritual and emotional investment in this. And my mom too, who’s now passed away. That’s why I’m here.”The school was part of a national system of more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-education-native-americans-cbd724ae4e423c788089ef98cec4315a">400 Native American boarding schools</a>&nbsp;that attempted to assimilate Indigenous people into white culture by separating children from their families, cutting them off from their heritage and inflicting physical and emotional abuse.Newspaper clippings, records and a student’s letter indicate at least 86 students died at the school in Genoa, most due to diseases such as tuberculosis and typhoid. At least one death was blamed on an accidental shooting.Researchers identified 49 of the children killed but have not been able to find names for 37 students. The bodies of some of those children were returned to their homes but others are believed to have been buried on the school grounds at a location long forgotten.Judi Gaiashkibos, a member of the Ponca Tribe and the executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, whose mother attended the school in the late 1920s, has been involved in efforts to find the cemetery for years. She said it’s difficult to spend time in the community where many Native Americans suffered, but that the search can help to heal and bring the children’s voices to the surface.Williams, the archeologist, said finding the cemetery could provide some peace and comfort to people who have suffered for years, not knowing what happened to their relatives who were sent to boarding schools but never came home.The school, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) west of Omaha, opened in 1884 and at its height was home to nearly 600 students from more than 40 tribes across the country. It closed in 1931 and most buildings were demolished long ago.In an effort to find the cemetery, dogs trained to detect the odor of decaying remains searched the area last summer and indicated there could be a burial site in a narrow piece of land bordered by a farm field, railroad tracks and a canal. In November, ground-penetrating radar showed an area that was consistent with graves, but there will be no guarantees until researchers finish digging, Williams said.The process is expected to take days.If the dig reveals human remains, the State Archeology Office will continue to work with the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs to decide on next steps. They could rebury the remains in the field and create a memorial or exhume and return the bodies to tribes.Last year, the U.S. Interior Department — led by Secretary Deb Haaland, a member of Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico and the first Native American Cabinet secretary — released a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-native-americans-cultures-congress-1052724fc31b28f7addae7f5b2e50830">first-of-its-kind report</a>&nbsp;that named hundreds of schools the federal government supported to strip Native Americans of their cultures and identities.At least 500 children died at some of the schools, but that number is expected to reach into the thousands or tens of thousands as research continues.“I hope they find the cemetery so that we can do ceremony and lay our spiritual relatives to rest. So they know we know they’re here, and they’re ok,” Fiscus, of the Winnebago Tribe, said.

Dig resumes for children's remains at former Nebraska boarding school 

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

TOPEKA — Attorneys for the Kansas Department of Revenue requested a hearing to argue for reversal of the temporary restraining order issued by a district court judge to block issuance of driver’s licenses to Kansans seeking to amend their gender marker on the card.

The administration of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly filed the request in response to the 14-day temporary order issued Monday by Judge Teresa Watson, a 2014 appointee of Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. Watson’s order was based on a request Friday by Attorney General Kris Kobach to enforce his interpretation of Senate Bill 180, which he contended forbid Kansans from modifying the sex marker of Kansas birth certificates, driver’s licenses or other identification documents.

Attorneys in the Kelly administration responded by arguing the law pushed through by Republican majorities in the House and Senate over the governor’s veto exclusively addressed sex determinations recorded on birth certificates controlled by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The statute didn’t deal with gender information recorded on driver’s licenses handled by the Department of Revenue, the administration said.

Since Jan. 1, more than 500 people have sought to alter gender on driver’s licenses in Kansas. That included 172 in June prior to implementation of the law July 1.

Ted Smith, an attorney representing the state Department of Revenue, argued in a filing&nbsp;the temporary restraining order should be dissolved and a full hearing set. He said granting the&nbsp;restraining order without the hearing “should never change the status quo” and undermine a principle that the relative position of both sides in a dispute should be preserved until a decision on merits of the case.

He said quashing the restraining order would enable the Department of Revenue to continue modifying driver’s licenses in terms of gender markers under a process that retained historical information on gender selection, including sex at birth derived from Kansas birth certificates. The Department of Revenue’s process has been in place since 2007 and was backed by administrative changes implemented in 2011.

“Petitioner is requesting an affirmative change from the status quo, that KDOR diverge from its current process of relying upon gender for purposes of developing identity,” Smith’s motion said. “There&nbsp;is&nbsp;no&nbsp;established,&nbsp;actual&nbsp;harm&nbsp;shown&nbsp;by&nbsp;the petitioner&nbsp;if&nbsp;KDOR’s&nbsp;processes&nbsp;are&nbsp;maintained —&nbsp;beyond&nbsp;hypothetical&nbsp;cases.”

Kobach, who was elected attorney general in November and lost the 2018 gubernatorial race to Kelly, filed a lawsuit in Shawnee County to compel the Kelly administration to reform processing of driver’s licenses to identify people as either male or female. Those constraints ignored people with chromosomal variations, such as intersex people, or individuals with diverse gender identities, such as transgender or nonbinary people.

Separately, Kobach filed in U.S. District Court to alter a 2019 agreement allowing Kansans to amend gender markers on birth certificates issued by KDHE.

In the driver’s license brief, Smith said accurately recording gender on licenses supported the purpose of checking identity of an individual during a law enforcement traffic stop, when cashing a check or getting on an airplane. The driver’s license would more useful when the appearance of a person matched information contained on the card, he said.

He argued the judge’s reliance on an immediate temporary restraining order was inappropriate unless “there is a clear legal duty attached.” Authority claimed by the attorney general under the new state law wasn’t clearly established by Senate Bill 180, he said.

“Rather it is clear that driver’s licensing specific statutes continue to control and KDOR’s actions are concordant with law. There will be serious harm and public impact to individuals if they must reclassify their gender as requested by the petitioner,” the reply motion said.

The bill approved by the 2023 Legislature was drawn from model legislation advocated by a national organization with a history of opposing women’s rights, including the Equal Rights Amendment and equal pay. It was championed by Independent Women’s Voices, which advocated for the bill in Kansas and other states to counter spread of “transgender ideology.”

The Kelly administration says the two-page bill, also known legislatively in Kansas as the Women’s Bill of Rights, wasn’t tailored to specifics of Kansas law, including the distinct process of dealing with driver’s licenses and birth certificates. The law also didn’t contain an enforcement mechanism, raising questions about how the state would deal with actions viewed as contrary to statute.

Prior to 2007, Kansas law required the Department of Revenue to document an applicant’s sex on the driver’s license. Senate Bill 9, however, change the driver’s license field from sex to gender, which standardized the process of evaluating documentation such as a U.S. passport or birth certificates from another state.

The 2011 administrative policy, crafted by the Brownback administration, enabled the Department of Revenue to address inconsistent processing of requests to adjust gender markers and grapple with potential Americans with Disability Act claims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689093134824.jpeg" alt="The administration of Gov. Laura Kelly filed a rebuttal brief to a Shawnee County District Court judge’s issuance of a temporary restraining order blocking Kansans from altering gender on driver’s licenses. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The administration of Gov. Laura Kelly filed a rebuttal brief to a Shawnee County District Court judge’s issuance of a temporary restraining order blocking Kansans from altering gender on driver’s licenses. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Attorneys for the Kansas Department of Revenue requested a hearing to argue for reversal of the temporary restraining order issued by a district court judge to block issuance of driver’s licenses to Kansans seeking to amend their gender marker on the card.The administration of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly filed the request in response to the 14-day temporary order issued Monday by Judge Teresa Watson, a 2014 appointee of Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. Watson’s order was based on a request Friday by Attorney General Kris Kobach to enforce his interpretation of Senate Bill 180, which he contended forbid Kansans from modifying the sex marker of Kansas birth certificates, driver’s licenses or other identification documents.Attorneys in the Kelly administration responded by arguing the law pushed through by Republican majorities in the House and Senate over the governor’s veto exclusively addressed sex determinations recorded on birth certificates controlled by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The statute didn’t deal with gender information recorded on driver’s licenses handled by the Department of Revenue, the administration said.Since Jan. 1, more than 500 people have sought to alter gender on driver’s licenses in Kansas. That included 172 in June prior to implementation of the law July 1.<h2>Move to quash</h2>Ted Smith, an attorney representing the state Department of Revenue, argued in a filing&nbsp;the temporary restraining order should be dissolved and a full hearing set. He said granting the&nbsp;restraining order without the hearing “should never change the status quo” and undermine a principle that the relative position of both sides in a dispute should be preserved until a decision on merits of the case.He said quashing the restraining order would enable the Department of Revenue to continue modifying driver’s licenses in terms of gender markers under a process that retained historical information on gender selection, including sex at birth derived from Kansas birth certificates. The Department of Revenue’s process has been in place since 2007 and was backed by administrative changes implemented in 2011.“Petitioner is requesting an affirmative change from the status quo, that KDOR diverge from its current process of relying upon gender for purposes of developing identity,” Smith’s motion said. “There&nbsp;is&nbsp;no&nbsp;established,&nbsp;actual&nbsp;harm&nbsp;shown&nbsp;by&nbsp;the petitioner&nbsp;if&nbsp;KDOR’s&nbsp;processes&nbsp;are&nbsp;maintained —&nbsp;beyond&nbsp;hypothetical&nbsp;cases.”Kobach, who was elected attorney general in November and lost the 2018 gubernatorial race to Kelly, filed a lawsuit in Shawnee County to compel the Kelly administration to reform processing of driver’s licenses to identify people as either male or female. Those constraints ignored people with chromosomal variations, such as intersex people, or individuals with diverse gender identities, such as transgender or nonbinary people.Separately, Kobach filed in U.S. District Court to alter a 2019 agreement allowing Kansans to amend gender markers on birth certificates issued by KDHE.<h2>‘Will be serious harm’</h2>In the driver’s license brief, Smith said accurately recording gender on licenses supported the purpose of checking identity of an individual during a law enforcement traffic stop, when cashing a check or getting on an airplane. The driver’s license would more useful when the appearance of a person matched information contained on the card, he said.He argued the judge’s reliance on an immediate temporary restraining order was inappropriate unless “there is a clear legal duty attached.” Authority claimed by the attorney general under the new state law wasn’t clearly established by Senate Bill 180, he said.“Rather it is clear that driver’s licensing specific statutes continue to control and KDOR’s actions are concordant with law. There will be serious harm and public impact to individuals if they must reclassify their gender as requested by the petitioner,” the reply motion said.The bill approved by the 2023 Legislature was drawn from model legislation advocated by a national organization with a history of opposing women’s rights, including the Equal Rights Amendment and equal pay. It was championed by Independent Women’s Voices, which advocated for the bill in Kansas and other states to counter spread of “transgender ideology.”The Kelly administration says the two-page bill, also known legislatively in Kansas as the Women’s Bill of Rights, wasn’t tailored to specifics of Kansas law, including the distinct process of dealing with driver’s licenses and birth certificates. The law also didn’t contain an enforcement mechanism, raising questions about how the state would deal with actions viewed as contrary to statute.Prior to 2007, Kansas law required the Department of Revenue to document an applicant’s sex on the driver’s license. Senate Bill 9, however, change the driver’s license field from sex to gender, which standardized the process of evaluating documentation such as a U.S. passport or birth certificates from another state.The 2011 administrative policy, crafted by the Brownback administration, enabled the Department of Revenue to address inconsistent processing of requests to adjust gender markers and grapple with potential Americans with Disability Act claims.

Kelly admin. rebuts Kan. judge’s order to stop gender changes on driver’s licenses

SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;A Kansas man who struck and&nbsp;killed two people who were changing a tire on a highway in November 2022&nbsp;has been sentenced to prison.

On Friday, a judge sentenced 26-year-old Travis Mock of Wichita to seven years in prison and three years probation, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In May, Mock pled guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter.&nbsp; He was originally charged with involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ram pickup driven by Mock&nbsp; was northbound on the ramp from Interstate 135 to eastbound Kansas 96 in north central Wichita just after 6:30p.m. Friday, November 11, 2022.

The pickup left the roadway and struck and killed&nbsp; 20-year-old  Christian L. Evans of Elk City, Kansas and 18-year-old Emily M. Stein of Wichita, who were changing a driver side tire on a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668129627770.png" alt="First responders on the scene of fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;A Kansas man who struck and&nbsp;killed two people who were changing a tire on a highway in November 2022&nbsp;has been sentenced to prison.On Friday, a judge sentenced 26-year-old Travis Mock of Wichita to seven years in prison and three years probation, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In May, Mock pled guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter.&nbsp; He was originally charged with involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ram pickup driven by Mock&nbsp; was northbound on the ramp from Interstate 135 to eastbound Kansas 96 in north central Wichita just after 6:30p.m. Friday, November 11, 2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668629657672.png" alt="Mock-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Mock-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The pickup left the roadway and struck and killed&nbsp; 20-year-old Christian L. Evans of Elk City, Kansas and 18-year-old Emily M. Stein of Wichita, who were changing a driver side tire on a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Man who struck, killed Kan. couple changing a tire is going to prison

NEW YORK (AP) —Bank of America must reimburse customers more than $100 million and pay $150 million in fines for “double-dipping” on overdraft fees, withholding reward bonuses on credit cards and opening accounts without customer consent.

It is one of the highest financial penalties in years against Bank of America, which has largely spent the last 15 years trying to clean up its reputation and market itself to the public as a bank focused on financial health and not on overdraft fee income.

BofA will need to refund $100 million to customers, pay $90 million in penalties to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and $60 million to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. “Bank of America wrongfully withheld credit card rewards, double-dipped on fees, and opened accounts without consent,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra, in a statement. “These practices are illegal and undermine customer trust."

Bank of America had a policy of charging customers $35 after the bank declined a transaction because the customer did not have enough funds in their account, the CFPB said. The agency determined that the bank double-dipped by allowing fees to be repeatedly charged for the same transaction.

BofA has been cutting down on its reliance on overdraft fee revenue for more than a decade, and cut how much it charges customers for an overdraft to $15 last year. Brian Moynihan, the bank's CEO and chairman, told The Associated Press in 2022 that under these new policies,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brian-moynihan-92e3aa312012c9d4bc54720bb2b5ba60">overdraft fee income was down 90% from 2021</a>. The bank said that it voluntarily reduced overdraft fees and eliminated all non-sufficient fund fees in the first half of last year.

Bank of America also offered people cash rewards and bonus points when signing up for a card, but the CFPB said the bank illegally withheld promised credit card account bonuses.

The CFPB also found that, since at least 2012, Bank of America employees illegally applied for and enrolled consumers in credit card accounts without their knowledge or authorization. It is a similar charge that was made against Wells Fargo, which paid billions in fines after it was determined that the San Francisco bank&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b5fd960b22a95d5968f6781f786ac754">opened millions of unauthorized bank accounts</a>&nbsp;in order to meet unrealistic sales goals.

In 2014 the CFPB ordered Bank of America to pay $727 million for illegal credit card practices. Last year it was ordered to pay a $10 million civil penalty over unlawful garnishments. Also in 2022, the CFPB and OCC fined Bank of America $225 million and required it to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in redress to consumers for botched disbursement of state unemployment benefits at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689083961974.png" alt="Photo courtesy Bank of America" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Bank of America</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —Bank of America must reimburse customers more than $100 million and pay $150 million in fines for “double-dipping” on overdraft fees, withholding reward bonuses on credit cards and opening accounts without customer consent.It is one of the highest financial penalties in years against Bank of America, which has largely spent the last 15 years trying to clean up its reputation and market itself to the public as a bank focused on financial health and not on overdraft fee income.BofA will need to refund $100 million to customers, pay $90 million in penalties to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and $60 million to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. “Bank of America wrongfully withheld credit card rewards, double-dipped on fees, and opened accounts without consent,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra, in a statement. “These practices are illegal and undermine customer trust."Bank of America had a policy of charging customers $35 after the bank declined a transaction because the customer did not have enough funds in their account, the CFPB said. The agency determined that the bank double-dipped by allowing fees to be repeatedly charged for the same transaction.BofA has been cutting down on its reliance on overdraft fee revenue for more than a decade, and cut how much it charges customers for an overdraft to $15 last year. Brian Moynihan, the bank's CEO and chairman, told The Associated Press in 2022 that under these new policies,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brian-moynihan-92e3aa312012c9d4bc54720bb2b5ba60">overdraft fee income was down 90% from 2021</a>. The bank said that it voluntarily reduced overdraft fees and eliminated all non-sufficient fund fees in the first half of last year.Bank of America also offered people cash rewards and bonus points when signing up for a card, but the CFPB said the bank illegally withheld promised credit card account bonuses.The CFPB also found that, since at least 2012, Bank of America employees illegally applied for and enrolled consumers in credit card accounts without their knowledge or authorization. It is a similar charge that was made against Wells Fargo, which paid billions in fines after it was determined that the San Francisco bank&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b5fd960b22a95d5968f6781f786ac754">opened millions of unauthorized bank accounts</a>&nbsp;in order to meet unrealistic sales goals.In 2014 the CFPB ordered Bank of America to pay $727 million for illegal credit card practices. Last year it was ordered to pay a $10 million civil penalty over unlawful garnishments. Also in 2022, the CFPB and OCC fined Bank of America $225 million and required it to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in redress to consumers for botched disbursement of state unemployment benefits at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.---------

BofA hit with $250M in fines for 'double-dipping' fees, fake accounts

NEWTON COUNTY, Georgia—Law enforcement authorities Georgia&nbsp; investigating a murder and have arrested a Kansas woman.

Last week, deputies in Newton County arrested 35-year-old Danetta Knoblauch of Wichita in connection to the February 23rd missing person case of Melvin Cooksey, according to Sheriff Ezell Brown.

Knoblauch is charged with murder, aggravated assault, and arson.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police Department, Baton Rouge Police Department, and Louisiana Bureau of Investigation assisted with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688745084921.png" alt="Knoblauch-photo Newton Co." />
 <figcaption>Knoblauch-photo Newton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON COUNTY, Georgia—Law enforcement authorities Georgia&nbsp; investigating a murder and have arrested a Kansas woman.Last week, deputies in Newton County arrested 35-year-old Danetta Knoblauch of Wichita in connection to the February 23rd missing person case of Melvin Cooksey, according to Sheriff Ezell Brown.Knoblauch is charged with murder, aggravated assault, and arson.The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police Department, Baton Rouge Police Department, and Louisiana Bureau of Investigation assisted with the investigation.

Kansas woman accused of man's murder in Georgia

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

TOPEKA — The Ottawa Fire Department is working to become one of the first Kansas locations to install a baby drop-off box after implementation of legislation allowing for parents to surrender their infants anonymously.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2024/">House Bill 2024</a>, passed this year, allows an individual with lawful custody of an infant up to 60 days old to be dropped off in an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/14/kansas-lawmakers-approve-baby-box-drop-offs-foster-care-bill-of-rights/">established safety device</a>. The law changed the previous requirement that the infant be handed over to a person.

Under the bill, police stations, sheriff’s offices, law enforcement centers, fire stations, city and county health departments, and medical care facilities can now install a safety device. It must be temperature controlled, feature an alarm when a baby is inside and have a lock that makes the baby unreachable from the outside.

During a legislative committee on child welfare oversight June 29, Rep. Timothy Johnson, R-Basehor, said he was proud of the committee and the votes gathered to pass the bill.

Shawn Dillon, Ottawa assistant fire chief, also spoke at the hearing. He said about a year ago, a Franklin County resident contacted the department about creating a memorial for a child they recently lost.

The department is now receiving donations to install a Safe Haven Baby Box.

Johnson announced he and his wife would donate $500 to go toward the installation of the box.

Sen. Beverly Gossage, R-Eudora, said she would be honored to donate beside Johnson.

“I was proud to carry this bill on the Senate floor and that our senators and our House members passed this bill,” Gossage said.

Kevin Albin, social media director for Safe Haven Baby Boxes, said the process to produce and install the boxes typically takes eight to 12 weeks. Training, safety tests and other processes begin after installation.

Based in Woodburn, Indiana, Safe Haven Baby Boxes manufactures the boxes and ships them to the drop-off location, where people at the site can hire local companies to install the boxes, Albin said.

Multiple towns in Kansas are in the early stages of installation, and while Safe Haven can’t guarantee timelines, Albin said the company hopes there will be multiple fully operational boxes by the end of the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688866190234.png" alt=" Shawn Dillon, Ottawa assistant fire chief, speaks during a legislative committee on child welfare oversight on June 30. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Shawn Dillon, Ottawa assistant fire chief, speaks during a legislative committee on child welfare oversight on June 30. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SAM BAILEY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Ottawa Fire Department is working to become one of the first Kansas locations to install a baby drop-off box after implementation of legislation allowing for parents to surrender their infants anonymously.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2024/">House Bill 2024</a>, passed this year, allows an individual with lawful custody of an infant up to 60 days old to be dropped off in an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/14/kansas-lawmakers-approve-baby-box-drop-offs-foster-care-bill-of-rights/">established safety device</a>. The law changed the previous requirement that the infant be handed over to a person.Under the bill, police stations, sheriff’s offices, law enforcement centers, fire stations, city and county health departments, and medical care facilities can now install a safety device. It must be temperature controlled, feature an alarm when a baby is inside and have a lock that makes the baby unreachable from the outside.During a legislative committee on child welfare oversight June 29, Rep. Timothy Johnson, R-Basehor, said he was proud of the committee and the votes gathered to pass the bill.Shawn Dillon, Ottawa assistant fire chief, also spoke at the hearing. He said about a year ago, a Franklin County resident contacted the department about creating a memorial for a child they recently lost.The department is now receiving donations to install a Safe Haven Baby Box.Johnson announced he and his wife would donate $500 to go toward the installation of the box.Sen. Beverly Gossage, R-Eudora, said she would be honored to donate beside Johnson.“I was proud to carry this bill on the Senate floor and that our senators and our House members passed this bill,” Gossage said.Kevin Albin, social media director for Safe Haven Baby Boxes, said the process to produce and install the boxes typically takes eight to 12 weeks. Training, safety tests and other processes begin after installation.Based in Woodburn, Indiana, Safe Haven Baby Boxes manufactures the boxes and ships them to the drop-off location, where people at the site can hire local companies to install the boxes, Albin said.Multiple towns in Kansas are in the early stages of installation, and while Safe Haven can’t guarantee timelines, Albin said the company hopes there will be multiple fully operational boxes by the end of the year.

Donations begin for baby drop-off boxes allowed by new Kansas law

PHILLIPS —Monday's storm brought damaging winds, hail and heavy rain to portions of northwest Kansas.

The National Weather Service reported 60 mile per hour wind gusts in Phillips and Smith counties, a land spout near Weskan in Wallace county and hail in Thomas County.

The Phillips County Sheriff asked the public to avoid East 500 Road and US 36 due to power lines down across the highway. The storm also caused damage in the community of Agra, according to the sheriff's office. "A roof is in or near the highway and travel is not recommended between Phillipsburg and Smith Center."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689072229080.png" alt="Image during Monday's story NWS Goodland" />
 <figcaption>Image during Monday's story NWS Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPS —Monday's storm brought damaging winds, hail and heavy rain to portions of northwest Kansas.The National Weather Service reported 60 mile per hour wind gusts in Phillips and Smith counties, a land spout near Weskan in Wallace county and hail in Thomas County.The Phillips County Sheriff asked the public to avoid East 500 Road and US 36 due to power lines down across the highway. The storm also caused damage in the community of Agra, according to the sheriff's office. "A roof is in or near the highway and travel is not recommended between Phillipsburg and Smith Center."

Summer storm caused damage in NW Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the July 2, mass shooting at the City Nightz club in Wichita's Old Town are asking the public for help to locate&nbsp;23-year-old Jaylen Thomas of Wichita for questioning in connection to the incident.

On Friday police arrested 19-year-old Ameir King-Ingram and booked him into the Sedgwick County jail for his role in the shooting.

Just before noon Monday police booked 27-year-old John D. Houze on requested charges of of aggravated battery and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, as well as a Kansas Department of Corrections warrant stemming from the shooting.

Just before 1a.m. July 2, police responded to the club in the 200 Block of North Washington, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

There were nine people with gunshot wounds and two people were trampled during the mass exodus out of the club.&nbsp;&nbsp;No one was killed but one person was critically injured.&nbsp; Police originally arrested a Missouri man as a suspect.&nbsp;He was released from jail after the Sedgwick County District Attorney determined he was acting in self defense.

The investigation indicates there were at least four firearms discharged inside the club. Police&nbsp; also seized an additional four firearms as part of the investigation.

The shooting victims included a 21-year-old man, 26-year-old man, 24-year-old woman, 34-year-old man, 21-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, 24-year-old man. The traumatic injury victims were a 31-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, according to Moses. Two additional gunshot victims checked into the hospital later Sunday.

King-Ingram is being held on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated battery and one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688849063007.png" alt="Thomas-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Thomas-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the July 2, mass shooting at the City Nightz club in Wichita's Old Town are asking the public for help to locate&nbsp;23-year-old Jaylen Thomas of Wichita for questioning in connection to the incident.On Friday police arrested 19-year-old Ameir King-Ingram and booked him into the Sedgwick County jail for his role in the shooting.Just before noon Monday police booked 27-year-old John D. Houze on requested charges of of aggravated battery and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, as well as a Kansas Department of Corrections warrant stemming from the shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688300318332.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation July 2, -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation July 2, -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 1a.m. July 2, police responded to the club in the 200 Block of North Washington, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.There were nine people with gunshot wounds and two people were trampled during the mass exodus out of the club.&nbsp;&nbsp;No one was killed but one person was critically injured.&nbsp; Police originally arrested a Missouri man as a suspect.&nbsp;He was released from jail after the Sedgwick County District Attorney determined he was acting in self defense.The investigation indicates there were at least four firearms discharged inside the club. Police&nbsp; also seized an additional four firearms as part of the investigation.The shooting victims included a 21-year-old man, 26-year-old man, 24-year-old woman, 34-year-old man, 21-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, 24-year-old man. The traumatic injury victims were a 31-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, according to Moses. Two additional gunshot victims checked into the hospital later Sunday.King-Ingram is being held on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated battery and one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Kansas mass shooting suspect still hiding from police

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Biden administration asked a federal appeals court Monday to temporarily block a lower court's order limiting executive branch officials' discussions with social media companies about controversial online posts.

The request for an emergency stay was filed at the 5th U.S. District Court of Appeals shortly after U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty rejected an administration motion that he put his own July 4 order on hold. The order came in a lawsuit filed by Republican attorneys general in Louisiana and Missouri, as well as a conservative website owner and four individual critics of government COVID-19 policies.

The lawsuit claimed the administration, in effect, censored free speech by using threats of regulatory action or protection while pressuring companies to remove what it deemed misinformation. COVID-19 vaccines, legal issues involving President Joe Biden’s son Hunter and election fraud allegations were among the topics spotlighted in the lawsuit.

Doughty was nominated to the federal bench by former President Donald Trump. His&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-media-protected-speech-lawsuit-injunction-148c1cd43f88a0284d5a3c53fd333727">injunction</a>&nbsp;blocked the Department of Health and Human Services, the FBI and multiple other government agencies and administration officials from meeting with or contacting social media companies for the purpose of “encouraging, pressuring, or inducing in any manner the removal, deletion, suppression, or reduction of content containing protected free speech.”

Administration attorneys said in the motion filed at the 5th Circuit that Doughty's ruling was too broad and vague, and had the potential to chill government officials' speech on important matters. And they said Doughty failed to point to any evidence that the administration had made threats against social media companies to coerce them to take down posts.

"The district court identified no evidence suggesting that a threat accompanied any request for the removal of content. Indeed, the order denying the stay — presumably highlighting the ostensibly strongest evidence — referred to 'a series of public media statements,'" the administration said.

They asked that the 5th Circuit block Doughty's order while the case is pursued at the appeals court in New Orleans or, at minimum, grant a 10-day block of the order so the administration could prepare to go to the Supreme Court to seek a longer stay.

Earlier Monday, Doughty rejected administration requests that he stay his own order pending appeal.

“In essence," Doughty's Monday order said, "Defendants argue that the injunction should be stayed because it might interfere with the Government’s ability to continue working with social-media companies to censor Americans’ core political speech on the basis of viewpoint. In other words, the Government seeks a stay of the injunction so that it can continue violating the First Amendment.”

Government lawyers have argued that the companies control their own policies regarding misinformation and that the lawsuit casts officials' comments on issues and policy as threats. The administration said Doughty's July 4 order was unclear about who in the executive branch it covers and what they can or cannot say about important topics discussed on social media platforms.

The order could cause “grave harm” by preventing the government from “engaging in a vast range of lawful and responsible conduct,” government lawyers said in requesting the stay Thursday night.

Doughty order said the administration “seems to have assumed a role similar to an Orwellian ‘Ministry of Truth.’” The order, which was to remain in effect pending further arguments in Doughty's court, was hailed by conservatives as a victory for free speech and a blow to censorship. But critics said the order and accompanying reasons, covering more than 160 pages, were broad, unclear and could chill government efforts to fight misinformation on important topics.

The criticisms were echoed in the government's Thursday night request for a stay. “The potential breadth of the entities and employees covered by the injunction combined with the injunction’s sweeping substantive scope will chill a wide range of lawful government conduct relating to Defendants’ law enforcement responsibilities, obligations to protect the national security, and prerogative to speak on matters of public concern,” the government's motion said.

The lawsuit's plaintiffs countered with a weekend filing opposing a stay. Among the arguments are that the July 4 injunction carves out exemptions allowing officials to contact social media companies about postings involving criminal activity or public safety threats; national security threats; election-related issues including voter suppression attempts, voting infrastructure threats and illegal campaign contributions; and saying officials can continue "exercising permissible public government speech promoting government policies or views on matters of public concern.”

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge in Louisiana refused Monday to put a temporary hold on his own order limiting Biden administration officials contacts with social media companies.

Biden administration attorneys had asked U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty in Monroe to stay his own order, which was issued last Tuesday, while they pursue an appeal. That order came in a lawsuit filed by Republican attorneys general in Louisiana and Missouri, as well as a conservative website owner and four individual critics of government COVID-19 policies.

“Defendants do not identify any specific conduct that they claim is lawful but prevented by the injunction,” Doughty said in Monday's ruling. He refused to block is own order while it is appealed to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. The administration can also ask the appeals court for a stay.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667963892129.png" alt="Republican U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt was the Missouri attorney general when the lawsuit was filed-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Republican U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt was the Missouri attorney general when the lawsuit was filed-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Biden administration asked a federal appeals court Monday to temporarily block a lower court's order limiting executive branch officials' discussions with social media companies about controversial online posts.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 Today, a federal court denied the Biden Administration&#39;s motions to stay the injunction in Missouri v. Biden. This is a big victory, and continues to ensure that the Biden Administration can&#39;t censor speech online. Here are a few notable quotes from the order -&gt;&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1678484492976046080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The request for an emergency stay was filed at the 5th U.S. District Court of Appeals shortly after U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty rejected an administration motion that he put his own July 4 order on hold. The order came in a lawsuit filed by Republican attorneys general in Louisiana and Missouri, as well as a conservative website owner and four individual critics of government COVID-19 policies.The lawsuit claimed the administration, in effect, censored free speech by using threats of regulatory action or protection while pressuring companies to remove what it deemed misinformation. COVID-19 vaccines, legal issues involving President Joe Biden’s son Hunter and election fraud allegations were among the topics spotlighted in the lawsuit.Doughty was nominated to the federal bench by former President Donald Trump. His&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-media-protected-speech-lawsuit-injunction-148c1cd43f88a0284d5a3c53fd333727">injunction</a>&nbsp;blocked the Department of Health and Human Services, the FBI and multiple other government agencies and administration officials from meeting with or contacting social media companies for the purpose of “encouraging, pressuring, or inducing in any manner the removal, deletion, suppression, or reduction of content containing protected free speech.”Administration attorneys said in the motion filed at the 5th Circuit that Doughty's ruling was too broad and vague, and had the potential to chill government officials' speech on important matters. And they said Doughty failed to point to any evidence that the administration had made threats against social media companies to coerce them to take down posts."The district court identified no evidence suggesting that a threat accompanied any request for the removal of content. Indeed, the order denying the stay — presumably highlighting the ostensibly strongest evidence — referred to 'a series of public media statements,'" the administration said.They asked that the 5th Circuit block Doughty's order while the case is pursued at the appeals court in New Orleans or, at minimum, grant a 10-day block of the order so the administration could prepare to go to the Supreme Court to seek a longer stay.Earlier Monday, Doughty rejected administration requests that he stay his own order pending appeal.“In essence," Doughty's Monday order said, "Defendants argue that the injunction should be stayed because it might interfere with the Government’s ability to continue working with social-media companies to censor Americans’ core political speech on the basis of viewpoint. In other words, the Government seeks a stay of the injunction so that it can continue violating the First Amendment.”Government lawyers have argued that the companies control their own policies regarding misinformation and that the lawsuit casts officials' comments on issues and policy as threats. The administration said Doughty's July 4 order was unclear about who in the executive branch it covers and what they can or cannot say about important topics discussed on social media platforms.The order could cause “grave harm” by preventing the government from “engaging in a vast range of lawful and responsible conduct,” government lawyers said in requesting the stay Thursday night.Doughty order said the administration “seems to have assumed a role similar to an Orwellian ‘Ministry of Truth.’” The order, which was to remain in effect pending further arguments in Doughty's court, was hailed by conservatives as a victory for free speech and a blow to censorship. But critics said the order and accompanying reasons, covering more than 160 pages, were broad, unclear and could chill government efforts to fight misinformation on important topics.The criticisms were echoed in the government's Thursday night request for a stay. “The potential breadth of the entities and employees covered by the injunction combined with the injunction’s sweeping substantive scope will chill a wide range of lawful government conduct relating to Defendants’ law enforcement responsibilities, obligations to protect the national security, and prerogative to speak on matters of public concern,” the government's motion said.The lawsuit's plaintiffs countered with a weekend filing opposing a stay. Among the arguments are that the July 4 injunction carves out exemptions allowing officials to contact social media companies about postings involving criminal activity or public safety threats; national security threats; election-related issues including voter suppression attempts, voting infrastructure threats and illegal campaign contributions; and saying officials can continue "exercising permissible public government speech promoting government policies or views on matters of public concern.”----------------NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge in Louisiana refused Monday to put a temporary hold on his own order limiting Biden administration officials contacts with social media companies.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 Today, a federal court denied the Biden Administration&#39;s motions to stay the injunction in Missouri v. Biden. This is a big victory, and continues to ensure that the Biden Administration can&#39;t censor speech online. Here are a few notable quotes from the order -&gt;&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1678484492976046080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden administration attorneys had asked U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty in Monroe to stay his own order, which was issued last Tuesday, while they pursue an appeal. That order came in a lawsuit filed by Republican attorneys general in Louisiana and Missouri, as well as a conservative website owner and four individual critics of government COVID-19 policies.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667963892129.png" alt="Republican U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, who was the Missouri attorney general when the lawsuit was filed, said on Twitter that the ruling was “a huge win for the First Amendment and a blow to censorship.”-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Republican U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, who was the Missouri attorney general when the lawsuit was filed, said on Twitter that the ruling was “a huge win for the First Amendment and a blow to censorship.”-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The lawsuit claimed the administration, in effect, censored free speech by using threats of regulatory action or protection while pressuring companies to remove what it deemed misinformation. COVID-19 vaccines, legal issues involving President Joe Biden’s son Hunter and election fraud allegations were among the topics spotlighted in the lawsuit.Doughty was nominated to the federal bench by former President Donald Trump. His&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-media-protected-speech-lawsuit-injunction-148c1cd43f88a0284d5a3c53fd333727">injunction</a>&nbsp;blocked the Department of Health and Human Services, the FBI and multiple other government agencies and administration officials from meeting with or contacting social media companies for the purpose of “encouraging, pressuring, or inducing in any manner the removal, deletion, suppression, or reduction of content containing protected free speech.”“Defendants do not identify any specific conduct that they claim is lawful but prevented by the injunction,” Doughty said in Monday's ruling. He refused to block is own order while it is appealed to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. The administration can also ask the appeals court for a stay.Government lawyers have argued that the companies control their own policies regarding misinformation and that the lawsuit casts officials' comments on issues and policy as threats. The administration said Doughty's July 4 order was unclear about who in the executive branch it covers and what they can or cannot say about important topics discussed on social media platforms.The order could cause “grave harm” by preventing the government from “engaging in a vast range of lawful and responsible conduct,” government lawyers said in requesting the stay Thursday night.Doughty order said the administration “seems to have assumed a role similar to an Orwellian ‘Ministry of Truth.’” The order, which was to remain in effect pending further arguments in Doughty's court, was hailed by conservatives as a victory for free speech and a blow to censorship. But critics said the order and accompanying reasons, covering more than 160 pages, were broad, unclear and could chill government efforts to fight misinformation on important topics.The criticisms were echoed in the government's Thursday night request for a stay. “The potential breadth of the entities and employees covered by the injunction combined with the injunction’s sweeping substantive scope will chill a wide range of lawful government conduct relating to Defendants’ law enforcement responsibilities, obligations to protect the national security, and prerogative to speak on matters of public concern,” the government's motion said.The lawsuit's plaintiffs countered with a weekend filing opposing a stay. Among the arguments are that the July 4 injunction carves out exemptions allowing officials to contact social media companies about postings involving criminal activity or public safety threats; national security threats; election-related issues including voter suppression attempts, voting infrastructure threats and illegal campaign contributions; and saying officials can continue "exercising permissible public government speech promoting government policies or views on matters of public concern.”

Biden continues court fight on interference in social media content

SEDGWICK COUNTY – The Wichita Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita man.

The whereabouts of 74-year-old George C. Smith are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

George is likely driving a black 2002 Ford F150 bearing Kansas tag 881PKK. He was last seen in the 7700 block of East Kellogg in Wichita, Friday June 30, at approximately 9:30 a.m. He may have traveled southbound on I-35 toward Oklahoma.

George is described as a black male who is 5-feet-5 inches tall and weighs around 175 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark blue button-down shirt and blue shorts. George requires dialysis several times a week and missed his appointment. He is also diabetic and doesn't have necessary medication.

If you see George Smith or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Wichita Police Department at 316-268-4111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688258232709.png" alt="George Smith -photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>George Smith -photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY – The Wichita Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita man.The whereabouts of 74-year-old George C. Smith are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.George is likely driving a black 2002 Ford F150 bearing Kansas tag 881PKK. He was last seen in the 7700 block of East Kellogg in Wichita, Friday June 30, at approximately 9:30 a.m. He may have traveled southbound on I-35 toward Oklahoma.George is described as a black male who is 5-feet-5 inches tall and weighs around 175 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark blue button-down shirt and blue shorts. George requires dialysis several times a week and missed his appointment. He is also diabetic and doesn't have necessary medication.If you see George Smith or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Wichita Police Department at 316-268-4111.

Silver Alert continues for missing Kansas man

PLATTE COUNTY —Two women have been charged with a shooting at a restaurant on Saturday in Northmoor, Missouri. 

Renyshia Handson, 29, and Aaliyah Kidd, 21, were charged with separate offenses related to the incident.

On Saturday, Platte County deputies and officers of the Riverside Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at a restaurant in Northmoor, according to Sheriff Mark Owen.

The shooting allegedly occurred after an argument over a food order at the restaurant. Witnesses reported seeing and hearing an altercation between restaurant employees and Kidd.

Witnesses also reported seeing Handson produce a handgun and point it at the back of the head of one person. Witnesses also told deputies that Handson fired the gun, striking a second victim identified as a female employee of the restaurant in the left foot.

The injured employee was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Handson has been charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and is being held on a cash-only bond of $100,000. Kidd has been charged with Assault 3rd Degree with a cash-only bond of $5,000, according to&nbsp; Platte County Attorney Eric Zhand.

Both defendants are currently being held in the Platte County Detention Center. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing and additional charges could be filed, according to Zhand.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688910137806.png" alt="RENYSHIA HANDSON-photo Platte Co." />
 <figcaption>RENYSHIA HANDSON-photo Platte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY —Two women have been charged with a shooting at a restaurant on Saturday in Northmoor, Missouri. Renyshia Handson, 29, and Aaliyah Kidd, 21, were charged with separate offenses related to the incident.On Saturday, Platte County deputies and officers of the Riverside Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at a restaurant in Northmoor, according to Sheriff Mark Owen.The shooting allegedly occurred after an argument over a food order at the restaurant. Witnesses reported seeing and hearing an altercation between restaurant employees and Kidd.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688910038871.png" alt="AALIYAH KIDD-photo Platte Co." />
 <figcaption>AALIYAH KIDD-photo Platte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Witnesses also reported seeing Handson produce a handgun and point it at the back of the head of one person. Witnesses also told deputies that Handson fired the gun, striking a second victim identified as a female employee of the restaurant in the left foot.The injured employee was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.Handson has been charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and is being held on a cash-only bond of $100,000. Kidd has been charged with Assault 3rd Degree with a cash-only bond of $5,000, according to&nbsp; Platte County Attorney Eric Zhand.Both defendants are currently being held in the Platte County Detention Center. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing and additional charges could be filed, according to Zhand.

2 charged for shooting at KC-area restaurant over food order

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — The suspect in the 1982 Tylenol poisonings that killed seven people in the Chicago area, triggered a nationwide panic, and led to an overhaul in the safety of over-the-counter medication packaging, has died, police said on Monday.

Officers, firefighters and EMTs responding to a report of an unresponsive person at about 4 p.m. Sunday found James W. Lewis dead in his Cambridge, Massachusetts, home, Cambridge Police Superintendent Frederick Cabral said in a statement. He was 76, police said.

“Following an investigation, Lewis’ death was determined to be not suspicious,” the statement says.

No one was ever charged in the deaths of seven people who took the over-the-counter painkillers laced with cyanide. Lewis served more than 12 years in prison for sending an extortion note to manufacturer Johnson &amp; Johnson, demanding $1 million to “stop the killing.” He and his wife moved to Massachusetts in 1995 following his release. Listed numbers for his wife were not in service.

When Lewis was arrested in New York City in 1982 after a nationwide manhunt, he gave investigators a detailed account of how the killer might have operated. Lewis later admitted sending the letter and demanding the money, but he said he never intended to collect it. He said he wanted to embarrass his wife’s former employer by having the money sent to the employer’s bank account.

Lewis, who had a history of trouble with the law, always denied any role in the Tylenol deaths, but remained a suspect and in 2010 gave DNA samples to the FBI. He even created a website in which he said he was framed. Although the couple lived briefly in Chicago in the early 1980s, Lewis said they were in New York City at the time of the poisonings.

In a 1992 interview with The Associated Press, Lewis explained that the account he gave authorities was simply his way of explaining the killer’s actions.

“I was doing like I would have done for a corporate client, making a list of possible scenarios,” said Lewis, who maintained his innocence. He called the killer “a heinous, cold-blooded killer, a cruel monster.”

The FBI seized a computer and other items from Lewis’ home in February 2009 after Illinois authorities renewed the investigation.

The FBI’s Chicago office at the time cited “advances in forensic technology” and said it, along with the Illinois State Police and local police departments, was conducting a “complete review of all evidence developed in connection," with the killings.

In a span of three days beginning Sept. 29, 1982, seven people — including a 12-year-old girl — who took cyanide-laced Tylenol in the Chicago area died, triggering a nationwide recall of the product. The poisonings led to the widespread adoption of tamperproof packaging for many over-the-counter medications.

In 1978, he was charged in Kansas City, Missouri, with the dismemberment murder of Raymond West, 72, who had hired Lewis as an accountant. The charges were dismissed because West’s cause of death was not determined and some evidence had been illegally obtained.

He was convicted of six counts of mail fraud in a 1981 credit card scheme in Kansas City accused of using the name and background of a former tax client to obtain 13 credit cards.

Lewis was charged in 2004 with rape, kidnapping and other offenses for an alleged attack on a woman in Cambridge. He was jailed for three years while awaiting trial, but prosecutors dismissed the charges on the day his trial was scheduled to begin after the victim refused to testify, the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office said at the time.

Police in 1983 described Lewis as a “chameleon” who lived in several states, used at least 20 aliases and held many jobs, including computer specialist, tax accountant, importer of Indian tapestries and salesman of jewelry, pharmaceutical machinery and real estate.

The lack of accountability in the case has long frustrated victims' families.

Monica Janus, who was 8 years old when three members of her family died after taking the tainted medication, told CBS Chicago in 2022 that she thought the investigation was “really sloppy.”

Lewis' wife was out of town and contacted a neighbor when she could not get a hold of her husband, and the neighbor contacted police, Cabral said.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — The suspect in the 1982 Tylenol poisonings that killed seven people in the Chicago area, triggered a nationwide panic, and led to an overhaul in the safety of over-the-counter medication packaging, has died, police said on Monday.Officers, firefighters and EMTs responding to a report of an unresponsive person at about 4 p.m. Sunday found James W. Lewis dead in his Cambridge, Massachusetts, home, Cambridge Police Superintendent Frederick Cabral said in a statement. He was 76, police said.“Following an investigation, Lewis’ death was determined to be not suspicious,” the statement says.No one was ever charged in the deaths of seven people who took the over-the-counter painkillers laced with cyanide. Lewis served more than 12 years in prison for sending an extortion note to manufacturer Johnson &amp; Johnson, demanding $1 million to “stop the killing.” He and his wife moved to Massachusetts in 1995 following his release. Listed numbers for his wife were not in service.When Lewis was arrested in New York City in 1982 after a nationwide manhunt, he gave investigators a detailed account of how the killer might have operated. Lewis later admitted sending the letter and demanding the money, but he said he never intended to collect it. He said he wanted to embarrass his wife’s former employer by having the money sent to the employer’s bank account.Lewis, who had a history of trouble with the law, always denied any role in the Tylenol deaths, but remained a suspect and in 2010 gave DNA samples to the FBI. He even created a website in which he said he was framed. Although the couple lived briefly in Chicago in the early 1980s, Lewis said they were in New York City at the time of the poisonings.In a 1992 interview with The Associated Press, Lewis explained that the account he gave authorities was simply his way of explaining the killer’s actions.“I was doing like I would have done for a corporate client, making a list of possible scenarios,” said Lewis, who maintained his innocence. He called the killer “a heinous, cold-blooded killer, a cruel monster.”The FBI seized a computer and other items from Lewis’ home in February 2009 after Illinois authorities renewed the investigation.The FBI’s Chicago office at the time cited “advances in forensic technology” and said it, along with the Illinois State Police and local police departments, was conducting a “complete review of all evidence developed in connection," with the killings.In a span of three days beginning Sept. 29, 1982, seven people — including a 12-year-old girl — who took cyanide-laced Tylenol in the Chicago area died, triggering a nationwide recall of the product. The poisonings led to the widespread adoption of tamperproof packaging for many over-the-counter medications.Lewis had prior run-ins with the law.In 1978, he was charged in Kansas City, Missouri, with the dismemberment murder of Raymond West, 72, who had hired Lewis as an accountant. The charges were dismissed because West’s cause of death was not determined and some evidence had been illegally obtained.He was convicted of six counts of mail fraud in a 1981 credit card scheme in Kansas City accused of using the name and background of a former tax client to obtain 13 credit cards.Lewis was charged in 2004 with rape, kidnapping and other offenses for an alleged attack on a woman in Cambridge. He was jailed for three years while awaiting trial, but prosecutors dismissed the charges on the day his trial was scheduled to begin after the victim refused to testify, the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office said at the time.Police in 1983 described Lewis as a “chameleon” who lived in several states, used at least 20 aliases and held many jobs, including computer specialist, tax accountant, importer of Indian tapestries and salesman of jewelry, pharmaceutical machinery and real estate.The lack of accountability in the case has long frustrated victims' families.Monica Janus, who was 8 years old when three members of her family died after taking the tainted medication, told CBS Chicago in 2022 that she thought the investigation was “really sloppy.”Lewis' wife was out of town and contacted a neighbor when she could not get a hold of her husband, and the neighbor contacted police, Cabral said.

Suspect in Tylenol poisonings that killed 7 people in 1982 is dead

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon in connection with a robbery and gun fight that critically injured an 18-year-old man from Wichita.

Just after 11:30p.m. July 3, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 3900 block of South Meridian in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolled. Upon arrival, officers located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right upper back. 

The victim was transported to an area hospital with critical but non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed that the victim was struck by gunfire after a 20-year-old victim of a robbery at the same location exchanged gunfire with a 19-year-old suspect after the suspect started shooting at him. 

Police believe 20-year-old Douglas Willis participated in the robbery with the 19-year-old suspect.

They arrested Willis on requested charges of aggravated assault, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon and felony theft. He bonded out of jail Sunday and is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688909149347.png" alt="Willis-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Willis-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon in connection with a robbery and gun fight that critically injured an 18-year-old man from Wichita.Just after 11:30p.m. July 3, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 3900 block of South Meridian in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolled. Upon arrival, officers located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right upper back. The victim was transported to an area hospital with critical but non-life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed that the victim was struck by gunfire after a 20-year-old victim of a robbery at the same location exchanged gunfire with a 19-year-old suspect after the suspect started shooting at him. Police believe 20-year-old Douglas Willis participated in the robbery with the 19-year-old suspect.They arrested Willis on requested charges of aggravated assault, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon and felony theft. He bonded out of jail Sunday and is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Kan. teen hospitalized after caught in robbery, gunfight

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic,” who has been a fugitive from justice for the past four months, has been charged in federal court with bank theft for one of a string of robberies he is suspected of committing, according to a media release from the department of Justice.

Xaviar Michael Babudar, 28, was charged with one count of bank theft and one count of transporting stolen property across state lines in a criminal complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on May 24, 2023. The federal criminal complaint was unsealed and made public Monday following Babudar’s arrest in Lincoln, California, on July 7. Babudar will have his initial court appearance this afternoon in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in Sacramento, Calif.

This case will be presented to a federal grand jury to determine whether to return an indictment on these or any additional charges.

Babudar enjoyed a robust social media presence as Kansas City Chiefs superfan Twitter user @ChiefsAholic. He was charged in Tulsa County, Okla., with the robbery of the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union on Dec. 16, 2022. Babudar was released on bond in February 2023, and in late March 2023 removed his ankle monitor and fled prosecution. Investigators recently located Babudar near Sacramento and a federal warrant was issued for his arrest on this complaint.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, Babudar traveled throughout the Midwest to perpetrate a string of robberies at various banks and credit unions. He allegedly laundered the robbery proceeds through area casinos and bank accounts.

Following Babudar’s arrest in Oklahoma last December, FBI investigators began reviewing bank records, casino transaction records, and sensitive financial reporting to determine the breadth and scope of additional potential criminal activities. Babudar purchased and redeemed more than $1 million in chips from various casinos in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois between April and December 2022, the affidavit says.

Investigators also reviewed unsolved bank robberies throughout the Midwest during that time frame. Babudar’s cell phone was placed in the same cities and locations for these previously unsolved bank robberies and attempted robberies, the affidavit says. In addition to the bank theft with which Babudar is charged in this complaint and the bank robbery charged in Oklahoma, the affidavit specifically refers to four bank robberies in Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee and Oklahoma, and to the attempted robberies of two credit unions in Minnesota.

The complaint charges Babudar with stealing $70,000 from Great Western Bank in Clive, Iowa, on March 2, 2022, then transporting the stolen money across state lines from Iowa to Missouri.

According to the affidavit, he entered the bank wearing a ski mask and handed a teller a note demanding money and indicating he had a firearm. The teller handed Babudar $70,000; law enforcement officers later found $1,460 in $20 bills in the nearby woods along with a glove worn by Babudar during the bank robbery.

Over the next six weeks, Babudar deposited the same approximate amount of money that was stolen from Great Western Bank into his money market savings account, the affidavit says, and engaged in multiple casino chip purchases and redemptions at the Argosy Casino in Riverside, Mo.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick D. Daly and Stephanie C. Bradshaw. It was investigated by the FBI. The Placer County, Calif., Sheriff’s Department and the Lincoln, Calif., Police Department assisted in the arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689010403536.png" alt="Babudar-from an earlier arrest in Tulsa County" />
 <figcaption>Babudar-from an earlier arrest in Tulsa County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic,” who has been a fugitive from justice for the past four months, has been charged in federal court with bank theft for one of a string of robberies he is suspected of committing, according to a media release from the department of Justice.Xaviar Michael Babudar, 28, was charged with one count of bank theft and one count of transporting stolen property across state lines in a criminal complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on May 24, 2023. The federal criminal complaint was unsealed and made public Monday following Babudar’s arrest in Lincoln, California, on July 7. Babudar will have his initial court appearance this afternoon in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in Sacramento, Calif.This case will be presented to a federal grand jury to determine whether to return an indictment on these or any additional charges.Babudar enjoyed a robust social media presence as Kansas City Chiefs superfan Twitter user @ChiefsAholic. He was charged in Tulsa County, Okla., with the robbery of the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union on Dec. 16, 2022. Babudar was released on bond in February 2023, and in late March 2023 removed his ankle monitor and fled prosecution. Investigators recently located Babudar near Sacramento and a federal warrant was issued for his arrest on this complaint.According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, Babudar traveled throughout the Midwest to perpetrate a string of robberies at various banks and credit unions. He allegedly laundered the robbery proceeds through area casinos and bank accounts.Following Babudar’s arrest in Oklahoma last December, FBI investigators began reviewing bank records, casino transaction records, and sensitive financial reporting to determine the breadth and scope of additional potential criminal activities. Babudar purchased and redeemed more than $1 million in chips from various casinos in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois between April and December 2022, the affidavit says.Investigators also reviewed unsolved bank robberies throughout the Midwest during that time frame. Babudar’s cell phone was placed in the same cities and locations for these previously unsolved bank robberies and attempted robberies, the affidavit says. In addition to the bank theft with which Babudar is charged in this complaint and the bank robbery charged in Oklahoma, the affidavit specifically refers to four bank robberies in Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee and Oklahoma, and to the attempted robberies of two credit unions in Minnesota.The complaint charges Babudar with stealing $70,000 from Great Western Bank in Clive, Iowa, on March 2, 2022, then transporting the stolen money across state lines from Iowa to Missouri.According to the affidavit, he entered the bank wearing a ski mask and handed a teller a note demanding money and indicating he had a firearm. The teller handed Babudar $70,000; law enforcement officers later found $1,460 in $20 bills in the nearby woods along with a glove worn by Babudar during the bank robbery.Over the next six weeks, Babudar deposited the same approximate amount of money that was stolen from Great Western Bank into his money market savings account, the affidavit says, and engaged in multiple casino chip purchases and redemptions at the Argosy Casino in Riverside, Mo.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick D. Daly and Stephanie C. Bradshaw. It was investigated by the FBI. The Placer County, Calif., Sheriff’s Department and the Lincoln, Calif., Police Department assisted in the arrest.

KC Chiefs ‘Superfan’ captured in California, charged with bank theft

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the July 2, mass shooting at the City Nightz club in Wichita's Old Town have made another arrest, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

On Friday police booked 19-year-old Ameir King-Ingram in the case on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated battery and one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A 31-year-old Missouri man arrested in the case on July 3, was released when the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office determined he fired a weapon in self defense.

Police continue&nbsp;&nbsp;asking the public for help to locate&nbsp;23-year-old Jaylen Thomas of Wichita for questioning in connection to the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689015131240.png" alt="Houze has previous convictions for aggravated battery, criminal possession of a weapon, fleeing police and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. -photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Houze has previous convictions for aggravated battery, criminal possession of a weapon, fleeing police and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. -photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the July 2, mass shooting at the City Nightz club in Wichita's Old Town have made another arrest, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Just before noon Monday police booked 27-year-old John D. Houze on requested charges of of aggravated battery and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, as well as a Kansas Department of Corrections warrant stemming from the shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688816302231.png" alt="King-Ingram-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>King-Ingram-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday police booked 19-year-old Ameir King-Ingram in the case on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated battery and one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp;&nbsp;A 31-year-old Missouri man arrested in the case on July 3, was released when the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office determined he fired a weapon in self defense.Police continue&nbsp;&nbsp;asking the public for help to locate&nbsp;23-year-old Jaylen Thomas of Wichita for questioning in connection to the incident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688849063007.png" alt="Thomas-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Thomas-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 1a.m. July 2, police responded to the club in the 200 Block of North Washington, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688300318332.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation July 2, -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation July 2, -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>There were nine people with gunshot wounds and two people were trampled during the mass exodus out of the club.&nbsp;&nbsp;No one was killed but one person was critically injured.&nbsp; Police originally arrested a Missouri man as a suspect.&nbsp;He was released from jail after the Sedgwick County District Attorney determined he was acting in self defense.The investigation indicates there were at least four firearms discharged inside the club. Police&nbsp; also seized an additional four firearms as part of the investigation.The shooting victims included a 21-year-old man, 26-year-old man, 24-year-old woman, 34-year-old man, 21-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, 24-year-old man. The traumatic injury victims were a 31-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, according to Moses. Two additional gunshot victims checked into the hospital later Sunday.King-Ingram is being held on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated battery and one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Kansas felon accused in Wichita mass shooting is in custody

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

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration announced new initiatives Friday that could reduce health care costs, though none will take effect immediately.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/07/07/fact-sheetpresident-biden-announces-new-actions-to-lower-health-care-costs-and-protect-consumers-from-scam-insurance-plans-and-junk-fees-as-part-of-bidenomics-push/">The changes</a>&nbsp;include a proposed rule that would reduce the amount of time short-term health insurance plans can last and require companies that offer the plans to be more transparent about what is covered and what isn’t.

The administration is providing guidance to hospitals that patients are either in-network, with the costs for their health care falling under billing limitations in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/index.html">the Affordable Care Act,</a>&nbsp;or it is out-of-network care and billing costs are covered by a federal law known as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises">the No Surprises Act.&nbsp;</a>

The White House is also requesting information about credit cards with especially high interest rates that can be offered within doctors’ offices to help people pay for their health care.

White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden said during a call with reporters on Thursday the proposed rule, which could be finalized later this year, would help Americans to understand the difference between health insurance plans offered under the Affordable Care Act and so-called “junk insurance.”

Those short-term health insurance plans, Tanden said, “are intended to provide temporary coverage as people transition from one source of coverage to another, like when we’re between jobs.”

During the Trump administration, those short-term plans, which don’t have to provide the same type of health care coverage as other insurance plans, were allowed to last as long as three years, she said.

“The ACA has helped tens of millions of Americans access high-quality, affordable health insurance that protects Americans from being discriminated against because of pre-existing conditions,” Tanden said. “Unfortunately, some types of insurance plans, like short-term limited duration insurance, don’t provide comprehensive coverage. Importantly, they don’t have to comply with the critical ACA protections.”

The short-term plans have left some people with thousands of dollars in medical debt, including a man in Montana who had $43,000 in medical bills after the short-term plan denied cancer coverage by claiming it was a pre-existing condition, she said.

In addition to limiting those short-term health insurance plans to three months with a one-month renewal option, the proposed rule would “require plans that discriminate based on pre-existing conditions and don’t offer comprehensive benefits to disclose their limits clearly to consumers,” Tanden said.

Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin celebrated the move in a written statement, saying the short-term insurance plans often show up with a lower price than other plans, though that comes with pitfalls.

“The lower sticker price misleads Americans into buying health insurance that does not have to cover pre-existing conditions, prescription drugs, maternity care, and a host of other basic needs, all while sticking patients with a huge bill to pay out of pocket when they do need health care,” Baldwin said.

By JENNIFER SHUTT&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The Biden administration announced new initiatives Friday that could reduce health care costs, though none will take effect immediately.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/07/07/fact-sheetpresident-biden-announces-new-actions-to-lower-health-care-costs-and-protect-consumers-from-scam-insurance-plans-and-junk-fees-as-part-of-bidenomics-push/">The changes</a>&nbsp;include a proposed rule that would reduce the amount of time short-term health insurance plans can last and require companies that offer the plans to be more transparent about what is covered and what isn’t.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Imagine you choose an &quot;in-network&quot; hospital to receive care but are charged for an “out-of-network” doctor that you did not choose – or even know was consulted. We&#39;re closing these surprise billing loopholes. Evading the law to charge patients outrageous prices must end. <a href="https://t.co/SoIfO3aZyR">pic.twitter.com/SoIfO3aZyR</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1677663837246431233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The administration is providing guidance to hospitals that patients are either in-network, with the costs for their health care falling under billing limitations in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/index.html">the Affordable Care Act,</a>&nbsp;or it is out-of-network care and billing costs are covered by a federal law known as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises">the No Surprises Act.&nbsp;</a>The White House is also requesting information about credit cards with especially high interest rates that can be offered within doctors’ offices to help people pay for their health care.White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden said during a call with reporters on Thursday the proposed rule, which could be finalized later this year, would help Americans to understand the difference between health insurance plans offered under the Affordable Care Act and so-called “junk insurance.”Those short-term health insurance plans, Tanden said, “are intended to provide temporary coverage as people transition from one source of coverage to another, like when we’re between jobs.”During the Trump administration, those short-term plans, which don’t have to provide the same type of health care coverage as other insurance plans, were allowed to last as long as three years, she said.“The ACA has helped tens of millions of Americans access high-quality, affordable health insurance that protects Americans from being discriminated against because of pre-existing conditions,” Tanden said. “Unfortunately, some types of insurance plans, like short-term limited duration insurance, don’t provide comprehensive coverage. Importantly, they don’t have to comply with the critical ACA protections.”The short-term plans have left some people with thousands of dollars in medical debt, including a man in Montana who had $43,000 in medical bills after the short-term plan denied cancer coverage by claiming it was a pre-existing condition, she said.In addition to limiting those short-term health insurance plans to three months with a one-month renewal option, the proposed rule would “require plans that discriminate based on pre-existing conditions and don’t offer comprehensive benefits to disclose their limits clearly to consumers,” Tanden said.Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin celebrated the move in a written statement, saying the short-term insurance plans often show up with a lower price than other plans, though that comes with pitfalls.“The lower sticker price misleads Americans into buying health insurance that does not have to cover pre-existing conditions, prescription drugs, maternity care, and a host of other basic needs, all while sticking patients with a huge bill to pay out of pocket when they do need health care,” Baldwin said.<h2>Unexpected medical bills</h2>On surprise medical billing, the Department of Health and Human Services is sending guidance to hospitals that Biden administration officials hope will reduce or eliminate people receiving thousands in medical bills they did not expect.“Under this new guidance, we’re making it clear that plans and providers cannot evade surprise billing rules simply by changing the terms they use in their contracts,” Tanden said.“For example, some health plans contract with hospitals, then try to claim that they are not technically ‘in network,’” she added. “Frankly, what they are doing is gaming the system. This is not allowed and, as our guidance will describe, it must end.”A senior administration official, speaking on background to describe details of the guidance, said it should clarify that there is no space between the protections for out-of-network costs covered under the federal law known as the No Surprises Act, or protections in the Affordable Care Act for in-network costs.“We are saying there is no gray area here,” the official said. “It is either the protections of the No Surprises Act, or the protections for out-of-pocket costs.”The third initiative from the administration unveiled Friday requests information from the public about credit cards and certain types of loans that are often offered to people to help them pay for health care.Tanden said people signing up for that type of medical credit card may not understand how they work because they “often include teaser rates and deferred interest features that lead to higher costs for consumers.”A second senior administration official, also speaking on background to discuss details of the plan, said those credit cards often come with interest rates that are much higher than a regular credit card. They are sometimes offered to patients in a health care provider’s office.“So people are signing up for these things at the same time that they’re deciding on their medical care — those are certainly not going to be optimal conditions for anybody to be making financial decisions,” the official said, noting that many of the cards have “surprise tricks and straps built into them.”Virginia Democratic Rep. Bobby Scott, ranking member on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, cheered the moves in a written statement.“With today’s announcement, President Biden is delivering on his promise to promote access to affordable health care and lower families’ everyday costs,” Scott said. “In Congress, Democrats will continue to advance proposals that build on our progress and fiercely defend the ACA from Republican politicians’ persistent attacks.”