SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a murder have a suspect in custody.

Just before 11a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in the 2000 block of S. Seneca in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp;

First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;69-year-old James Gibson of Wichita with gunshot wounds inside an apartment. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police reported they arrested 36-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=22921">Jeremy Miles on</a> requested charges of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, assault and a parole violation, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police have not reported the details on the arrest and are asking the public to contact them if any has more information on the crime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693488696173.png" alt="Miles-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Miles-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a murder have a suspect in custody.Just before 11a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in the 2000 block of S. Seneca in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp;First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;69-year-old James Gibson of Wichita with gunshot wounds inside an apartment. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police reported they arrested 36-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=22921">Jeremy Miles on</a> requested charges of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, assault and a parole violation, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police have not reported the details on the arrest and are asking the public to contact them if any has more information on the crime.

Suspect arrested for murder, robbery at Kansas apartment

Mayor Quinton Lucas is alleged to have violated the Missouri Sunshine Law, which allows the public to request government records

By ALLISON KITE,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/epa-estimates-more-than-54000-lead-pipes-remain-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

A Kansas City activist has filed a lawsuit alleging&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/quinton-lucas/">Mayor Quinton Lucas</a>&nbsp;attempted to intimidate her into withdrawing a request for public records from his office.

Lora McDonald, executive director of the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, or MORE2, sued the city earlier this month over alleged violations of the Missouri Sunshine Law. She alleges in her lawsuit that the mayor called her “speaking with a raised, angry voice, asserting his discontent” with a request she filed a week earlier.

“Plaintiff felt Mayor Lucas’s call was an attempt to intimidate, harass and/or coerce because of the tone and demeanor of his voice and because he was suggesting she withdraw the request,” the lawsuit says.

Jazzlyn Johnson, a spokesperson for Lucas, said in an email that the mayor’s office disagreed with the characterization.

“In a decade of public life featuring challenging airport negotiations, protestors at his home, multiple recall efforts, hate mail during the COVID-19 crisis, and a public uprising on the Plaza, the mayor has never been characterized as an ‘angry man,’” Johnson said.

McDonald’s alleged exchange with Lucas —&nbsp;and, later, a city staffer —&nbsp;paints a picture of a city government that resists releasing public information and takes requests for records as an affront. The lawsuit also outlines four instances where City Hall has failed to promptly release records or even respond when McDonald sought an estimate as to when she could expect the request to be fulfilled.

“If you didn’t do anything wrong, why are we having this phone call?” McDonald said in an interview about her conversation with Lucas.

McDonald’s request sought communications between the mayor and attorneys —&nbsp;both employed by the city and outside counsel —&nbsp;concerning litigation attempting to overturn a state&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/gov-parson-signs-bill-requiring-kansas-city-to-put-more-money-toward-police/">law that requires Kansas City to increase funding to the police department</a>.

Kansas City is the only major U.S. city that does not control its police. The Kansas City Police Department is governed by a board appointed by the Missouri governor. But the city funds the department.

Last fall, Missouri voters passed a constitutional amendment requiring Kansas City to dedicate 25% of its general revenue to the police department. The Missouri General Assembly passed legislation to force the increase in the spring of 2022, but it required a statewide vote to go into effect.

In August of 2022,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/17/kansas-city-mayor-sues-to-block-missouri-law-requiring-higher-police-spending/">Lucas filed a lawsuit against the state</a>&nbsp;alleging that it’s unconstitutional for the state to force Kansas City to spend more on its police unless it appropriates money to the city.

He filed the lawsuit as an individual rather than in his official capacity and is represented by a city-employed attorney and private counsel. His case was later combined with a similar, though broader, lawsuit filed by Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Kansas City.

After Lucas’ call, McDonald says she didn’t hear anything from City Hall for more than a month despite following up with city staff. Her lawsuit goes on to say that it wasn’t until her attorney sent an email saying he would advise McDonald to sue if they didn’t get a response that Kansas City provided an estimated cost and timeframe for when it would release the records.

Just two days before the city had promised it would release records, the lawsuit states that Melesa Johnson, then the mayor’s general counsel and deputy chief of staff, called McDonald’s attorney and texted McDonald, questioning why she filed a request for records given that MORE2, like City Hall, supports local control of the Kansas City police.

“As an avid supporter of you and MORE2 who routinely assists with the mayor’s support of your organization, I am trying to understand why we are pitting our respective offices against each other when we share the overall same goal of seeing state control dismantled,” Melesa Johnson said in a text, according to the lawsuit.

Bernie Rhodes, a First Amendment attorney with Lathrop GPM who has represented The Independent in the past, said he hears complaints about Kansas City ignoring Sunshine Law requests “virtually every week.”

“As long as the city feels that it has other priorities than being responsive to the citizens, these problems will continue,” Rhodes said in an interview.

Rhodes said he also frequently hears about government agencies questioning citizens’ motivations in requesting records in an attempt to intimidate them.

“That’s why the law is crystal clear that your reason doesn’t matter,” Rhodes said. “You’re entitled to the information because you’re the people who are paying the salary of these folks in office.”

Asked about the claim against Lucas, Rhodes said: “I find it troubling anytime anyone in authority attempts to intimidate someone who’s making legitimate Sunshine Law requests.”

Jazzlyn Johnson said the mayor considers McDonald a friend and the two share the view that the police department should be controlled locally “even if he disagrees with Ms. McDonald perhaps on the most efficient path to that outcome.”

“While the mayor suggested to Ms. McDonald and her counsel that collaboration is a better approach, the mayor shared with Ms. McDonald that she has every right to pursue her requests and the city has responded to all of her requests.”

In the case of McDonald’s request for communications about the police funding lawsuits, the city ultimately produced some records but withheld others, citing attorney-client privilege, McDonald said. Her lawsuit challenges that assertion.

Steve Leben, a law professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and former Kansas judge, said it appeared the claim of attorney-client privilege was reasonable.

However, the lag between when McDonald requested the records and when the city deemed them closed because of attorney-client privilege raised “substantial concerns,” Rhodes said.

The Missouri Sunshine Law requires governmental agencies to respond to requests within three business days. If locating or producing the records is expected to take longer than that, the agency is required to explain the delay to the requestor and provide a date at which the agency expects to be able to release the records.

The law, Rhodes said, “allows for extra time to make the production but not to decide whether you’re going to give documents or not.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693490002784.png" alt=" Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas meets with Missouri Gov. Mike Parson in October 2019. Lucas allegedly raised his voice and urged an activist to withdraw a Missouri Sunshine Law request, a lawsuit claims. (Missouri Governor's Office)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas meets with Missouri Gov. Mike Parson in October 2019. Lucas allegedly raised his voice and urged an activist to withdraw a Missouri Sunshine Law request, a lawsuit claims. (Missouri Governor's Office)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Mayor Quinton Lucas is alleged to have violated the Missouri Sunshine Law, which allows the public to request government records</h2>By ALLISON KITE,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/epa-estimates-more-than-54000-lead-pipes-remain-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>A Kansas City activist has filed a lawsuit alleging&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/quinton-lucas/">Mayor Quinton Lucas</a>&nbsp;attempted to intimidate her into withdrawing a request for public records from his office.Lora McDonald, executive director of the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, or MORE2, sued the city earlier this month over alleged violations of the Missouri Sunshine Law. She alleges in her lawsuit that the mayor called her “speaking with a raised, angry voice, asserting his discontent” with a request she filed a week earlier.“Plaintiff felt Mayor Lucas’s call was an attempt to intimidate, harass and/or coerce because of the tone and demeanor of his voice and because he was suggesting she withdraw the request,” the lawsuit says.Jazzlyn Johnson, a spokesperson for Lucas, said in an email that the mayor’s office disagreed with the characterization.“In a decade of public life featuring challenging airport negotiations, protestors at his home, multiple recall efforts, hate mail during the COVID-19 crisis, and a public uprising on the Plaza, the mayor has never been characterized as an ‘angry man,’” Johnson said.McDonald’s alleged exchange with Lucas —&nbsp;and, later, a city staffer —&nbsp;paints a picture of a city government that resists releasing public information and takes requests for records as an affront. The lawsuit also outlines four instances where City Hall has failed to promptly release records or even respond when McDonald sought an estimate as to when she could expect the request to be fulfilled.“If you didn’t do anything wrong, why are we having this phone call?” McDonald said in an interview about her conversation with Lucas.McDonald’s request sought communications between the mayor and attorneys —&nbsp;both employed by the city and outside counsel —&nbsp;concerning litigation attempting to overturn a state&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/gov-parson-signs-bill-requiring-kansas-city-to-put-more-money-toward-police/">law that requires Kansas City to increase funding to the police department</a>.Kansas City is the only major U.S. city that does not control its police. The Kansas City Police Department is governed by a board appointed by the Missouri governor. But the city funds the department.Last fall, Missouri voters passed a constitutional amendment requiring Kansas City to dedicate 25% of its general revenue to the police department. The Missouri General Assembly passed legislation to force the increase in the spring of 2022, but it required a statewide vote to go into effect.In August of 2022,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/17/kansas-city-mayor-sues-to-block-missouri-law-requiring-higher-police-spending/">Lucas filed a lawsuit against the state</a>&nbsp;alleging that it’s unconstitutional for the state to force Kansas City to spend more on its police unless it appropriates money to the city.He filed the lawsuit as an individual rather than in his official capacity and is represented by a city-employed attorney and private counsel. His case was later combined with a similar, though broader, lawsuit filed by Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Kansas City.After Lucas’ call, McDonald says she didn’t hear anything from City Hall for more than a month despite following up with city staff. Her lawsuit goes on to say that it wasn’t until her attorney sent an email saying he would advise McDonald to sue if they didn’t get a response that Kansas City provided an estimated cost and timeframe for when it would release the records.Just two days before the city had promised it would release records, the lawsuit states that Melesa Johnson, then the mayor’s general counsel and deputy chief of staff, called McDonald’s attorney and texted McDonald, questioning why she filed a request for records given that MORE2, like City Hall, supports local control of the Kansas City police.“As an avid supporter of you and MORE2 who routinely assists with the mayor’s support of your organization, I am trying to understand why we are pitting our respective offices against each other when we share the overall same goal of seeing state control dismantled,” Melesa Johnson said in a text, according to the lawsuit.Bernie Rhodes, a First Amendment attorney with Lathrop GPM who has represented The Independent in the past, said he hears complaints about Kansas City ignoring Sunshine Law requests “virtually every week.”“As long as the city feels that it has other priorities than being responsive to the citizens, these problems will continue,” Rhodes said in an interview.Rhodes said he also frequently hears about government agencies questioning citizens’ motivations in requesting records in an attempt to intimidate them.“That’s why the law is crystal clear that your reason doesn’t matter,” Rhodes said. “You’re entitled to the information because you’re the people who are paying the salary of these folks in office.”Asked about the claim against Lucas, Rhodes said: “I find it troubling anytime anyone in authority attempts to intimidate someone who’s making legitimate Sunshine Law requests.”Jazzlyn Johnson said the mayor considers McDonald a friend and the two share the view that the police department should be controlled locally “even if he disagrees with Ms. McDonald perhaps on the most efficient path to that outcome.”“While the mayor suggested to Ms. McDonald and her counsel that collaboration is a better approach, the mayor shared with Ms. McDonald that she has every right to pursue her requests and the city has responded to all of her requests.”In the case of McDonald’s request for communications about the police funding lawsuits, the city ultimately produced some records but withheld others, citing attorney-client privilege, McDonald said. Her lawsuit challenges that assertion.Steve Leben, a law professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and former Kansas judge, said it appeared the claim of attorney-client privilege was reasonable.However, the lag between when McDonald requested the records and when the city deemed them closed because of attorney-client privilege raised “substantial concerns,” Rhodes said.The Missouri Sunshine Law requires governmental agencies to respond to requests within three business days. If locating or producing the records is expected to take longer than that, the agency is required to explain the delay to the requestor and provide a date at which the agency expects to be able to release the records.The law, Rhodes said, “allows for extra time to make the production but not to decide whether you’re going to give documents or not.”

Lawsuit alleges KC mayor tried to intimidate activist over request for records

BUTLER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 9p.m. Wednesday in Butler County.

According to Butler County Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff, a Dodge Caravan driven by Elli Humig, 28, El Dorado was westbound in the 3600 Block of Southeast U.S. 54 east of El Dorado.

The van crossed the center line and appeared to correct back into the westbound lanes. An eastbound Dodge Ram truck driven by Patrick&nbsp; McConaghie, 43, Yates Center struck the van in the driver side door.

Humig was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported McConaghie and a 5-year-old boy in the van to a Wichita hospital. The boy had critical injuries, according to Cundiff.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

BUTLER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 9p.m. Wednesday in Butler County.According to Butler County Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff, a Dodge Caravan driven by Elli Humig, 28, El Dorado was westbound in the 3600 Block of Southeast U.S. 54 east of El Dorado.The van crossed the center line and appeared to correct back into the westbound lanes. An eastbound Dodge Ram truck driven by Patrick&nbsp; McConaghie, 43, Yates Center struck the van in the driver side door.Humig was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported McConaghie and a 5-year-old boy in the van to a Wichita hospital. The boy had critical injuries, according to Cundiff.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

Kan. woman dead, 5-year-old injured in van, pickup crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — For&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden,</a>&nbsp;strong backing for Ukraine’s effort to repel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s invasion</a>&nbsp;has been a rare issue where he’s mustered bipartisan support.

But during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/first-republican-debate-2024-elections-gop-89812d5aa1ed6a4ebe7373ff36858250">first GOP presidential debate</a>&nbsp;— and recent comments on Ukraine by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">the 2024 GOP polling leader and former president, Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;— show that unusual unity will face a stress test as the 2024 presidential campaign intensifies and the leading Republican contenders show antipathy toward the American backing of Ukraine.

There long has been an isolationist strain in the United States, particularly in the Republican Party, but rarely has it been shared by so many candidates for president.

On the debate stage in Milwaukee, Florida Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ron-desantis">Ron DeSantis</a>&nbsp;said he would make additional U.S. aid “contingent” on European allies increasing contributions. Entrepreneur&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vivek-trump-republican-primary-president-ramaswamy-768b865d113f603a721cb0f7d1e8053a">Vivek Ramaswamy</a>&nbsp;called it “disastrous” that the U.S. government was “protecting against an invasion across somebody else’s border” and argued Ukraine funding would be better spent on the “invasion of our own southern border.”

Meanwhile, Trump, who did not participate in the first debate, has said he will end Russia's invasion in one day if he wins back the White House. Even some of his Republican allies, like Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, said that assertion was folly.

Trump also has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-republicans-impeachment-ukraine-pennsylvania-c22cda6a5f6783b5f6a1123b724ebaff">called on Congress</a>&nbsp;to withhold additional Ukraine funding until the FBI, IRS and Justice Department “hand over every scrap of evidence" on the Biden family's business dealings.

Daniel Fried, a former U.S. ambassador to Poland and distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council, said that Republican congressional leadership and Biden remain on the same page on providing Ukraine the assistance it needs.

Still, he said the prominent voices in the Republican field calling for the U.S. to slow or wind down support for Kyiv send a troubling signal to allies about what the U.S. commitment could look like following the 2024 election and harken back to the years when isolationists pressured the U.S. to remain neutral during the first two years of World War II.

“The majority of elected Republicans in the committee chairs and the people with power in Congress are still solid," Fried said. “When they attack the administration, it’s usually for not doing enough. But Trump and the Trump wannabes represent this other tradition in our history. And the last time this isolationist tradition was powerful in America, it led to catastrophic results.”

Biden campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz in a statement criticized “MAGA Republicans” on the debate stage for siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Ukrainian people and alluded to Ramaswamy mocking U.S. politicians who have made the trip to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

At one point during Wednesday's debate, Ramaswamy took a dig at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chris-christie-2024-ukraine-election-zelenskyy-fd0b2c4115885efa3ee50752c115d15b">former Vice President Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chris-christie-2024-ukraine-election-zelenskyy-fd0b2c4115885efa3ee50752c115d15b">New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie</a>, both of whom visited Kyiv this summer, for making a “pilgrimage” to “their Pope Zelenskyy" without doing the same for Americans impacted by Hawaii's wildfires and crime and violence in U.S. cities.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nikki-haley">Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley</a>&nbsp;on the debate stage slammed Ramaswamy, saying he was effectively standing with Putin and was being short-sighted about U.S. interests. “This guy is a murderer. And you are choosing a murderer over a pro-American country,” said Haley, who also previously served as the South Carolina governor.

Publicly, the White House has stressed that key Republican lawmakers, notably the Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, are largely in agreement on the need to continue robust assistance to Ukraine.

The Biden administration earlier this month called on Congress to provide more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-invasion-biden-congress-funding-d392f9b1adbb9c44249dce1cccdc2d1e">$13 billion in emergency defense aid to Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and an additional $8 billion for humanitarian support through the end of the year. The aid money was included in a supplemental spending request that also includes money to replenish U.S. federal disaster funds and funds to bolster enforcement at the Southern border with Mexico. Biden in a brief exchange with reporters on Friday said he was not interested in splitting the request.

The United States has committed more than $60 billion in aid to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. That includes more than $43 billion in military aid.

“We believe that the support will be there and will be sustained even if there are some dissident voices on the other side of the aisle,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters earlier this week. “We believe that at the core there is still a strong bipartisan foundation of support for our Ukraine policy and for supporting and defending Ukraine.”

Support among the American public for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-military-and-defense-0f550a262fb6178a7d91b8be6e2c601b">providing Ukraine weaponry</a>&nbsp;and direct economic assistance has softened with time.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-politics-poland-33095abf76875b60ebab3ddf4eede188">An AP-NORC poll conducted in January 2023</a>&nbsp;around the one-year mark of the conflict found that 48% favored the U.S. providing weapons to Ukraine, down from the 60% of U.S. adults who were in favor of sending Ukraine weapons in May 2022.

While Democrats have generally been more supportive than Republicans of offering weaponry, their support dropped slightly from 71% to 63% in the same period. Republican support dropped more, from 53% to 39%.

Dozens of Republicans in the House, and some GOP senators, have expressed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-house-ukraine-mccarthy-abortion-diversity-50a7b843afa02fa7aa85819b074244c5">reservations</a>&nbsp;about — and even voted against — spending more federal dollars for the war effort. Many of those Republicans are aligning with Trump’s objections to the U.S. involvement overseas.

“It’s very easy to say ‘I’d rather spend money on a bridge in West Virginia than a bridge on Ukraine.’ That on a superficial level makes sense,” said Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a conservative Washington think tank. “We’re witnessing a struggle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party right now and the Ukraine debate is a proxy of that.”

Christopher Borick, director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion in Pennsylvania, said the handling of the Ukraine war isn't as salient to the electorate as the economy, health care, immigration, abortion and some other issues. But polling suggests that concerns about the costs of the war resonate with working-class Republican primary voters.

On the flip side, Borick said Biden is not likely to win votes solely on his handling of Ukraine. But how the war plays out in the months ahead could help or diminish the president's broader argument about his administration's competency and success at restoring U.S. leadership on the international stage after four years of Trump's "American first" foreign policy approach.

“Right now, Ukraine isn't as prominent an issue for voters, but we're seeing Trump, Ramaswamy and DeSantis setting the table to raise the question later in the campaign of how much U.S. treasure we're spending over there that we could be spending at home,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676893663408.png" alt="President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a Feb. visit in Ukraine-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a Feb. visit in Ukraine-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — For&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden,</a>&nbsp;strong backing for Ukraine’s effort to repel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s invasion</a>&nbsp;has been a rare issue where he’s mustered bipartisan support.But during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/first-republican-debate-2024-elections-gop-89812d5aa1ed6a4ebe7373ff36858250">first GOP presidential debate</a>&nbsp;— and recent comments on Ukraine by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">the 2024 GOP polling leader and former president, Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;— show that unusual unity will face a stress test as the 2024 presidential campaign intensifies and the leading Republican contenders show antipathy toward the American backing of Ukraine.There long has been an isolationist strain in the United States, particularly in the Republican Party, but rarely has it been shared by so many candidates for president.On the debate stage in Milwaukee, Florida Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ron-desantis">Ron DeSantis</a>&nbsp;said he would make additional U.S. aid “contingent” on European allies increasing contributions. Entrepreneur&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vivek-trump-republican-primary-president-ramaswamy-768b865d113f603a721cb0f7d1e8053a">Vivek Ramaswamy</a>&nbsp;called it “disastrous” that the U.S. government was “protecting against an invasion across somebody else’s border” and argued Ukraine funding would be better spent on the “invasion of our own southern border.”Meanwhile, Trump, who did not participate in the first debate, has said he will end Russia's invasion in one day if he wins back the White House. Even some of his Republican allies, like Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, said that assertion was folly.Trump also has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-republicans-impeachment-ukraine-pennsylvania-c22cda6a5f6783b5f6a1123b724ebaff">called on Congress</a>&nbsp;to withhold additional Ukraine funding until the FBI, IRS and Justice Department “hand over every scrap of evidence" on the Biden family's business dealings.Daniel Fried, a former U.S. ambassador to Poland and distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council, said that Republican congressional leadership and Biden remain on the same page on providing Ukraine the assistance it needs.Still, he said the prominent voices in the Republican field calling for the U.S. to slow or wind down support for Kyiv send a troubling signal to allies about what the U.S. commitment could look like following the 2024 election and harken back to the years when isolationists pressured the U.S. to remain neutral during the first two years of World War II.“The majority of elected Republicans in the committee chairs and the people with power in Congress are still solid," Fried said. “When they attack the administration, it’s usually for not doing enough. But Trump and the Trump wannabes represent this other tradition in our history. And the last time this isolationist tradition was powerful in America, it led to catastrophic results.”Biden campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz in a statement criticized “MAGA Republicans” on the debate stage for siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Ukrainian people and alluded to Ramaswamy mocking U.S. politicians who have made the trip to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.At one point during Wednesday's debate, Ramaswamy took a dig at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chris-christie-2024-ukraine-election-zelenskyy-fd0b2c4115885efa3ee50752c115d15b">former Vice President Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chris-christie-2024-ukraine-election-zelenskyy-fd0b2c4115885efa3ee50752c115d15b">New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie</a>, both of whom visited Kyiv this summer, for making a “pilgrimage” to “their Pope Zelenskyy" without doing the same for Americans impacted by Hawaii's wildfires and crime and violence in U.S. cities.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nikki-haley">Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley</a>&nbsp;on the debate stage slammed Ramaswamy, saying he was effectively standing with Putin and was being short-sighted about U.S. interests. “This guy is a murderer. And you are choosing a murderer over a pro-American country,” said Haley, who also previously served as the South Carolina governor.Publicly, the White House has stressed that key Republican lawmakers, notably the Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, are largely in agreement on the need to continue robust assistance to Ukraine.The Biden administration earlier this month called on Congress to provide more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-invasion-biden-congress-funding-d392f9b1adbb9c44249dce1cccdc2d1e">$13 billion in emergency defense aid to Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and an additional $8 billion for humanitarian support through the end of the year. The aid money was included in a supplemental spending request that also includes money to replenish U.S. federal disaster funds and funds to bolster enforcement at the Southern border with Mexico. Biden in a brief exchange with reporters on Friday said he was not interested in splitting the request.The United States has committed more than $60 billion in aid to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. That includes more than $43 billion in military aid.“We believe that the support will be there and will be sustained even if there are some dissident voices on the other side of the aisle,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters earlier this week. “We believe that at the core there is still a strong bipartisan foundation of support for our Ukraine policy and for supporting and defending Ukraine.”Support among the American public for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-military-and-defense-0f550a262fb6178a7d91b8be6e2c601b">providing Ukraine weaponry</a>&nbsp;and direct economic assistance has softened with time.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-politics-poland-33095abf76875b60ebab3ddf4eede188">An AP-NORC poll conducted in January 2023</a>&nbsp;around the one-year mark of the conflict found that 48% favored the U.S. providing weapons to Ukraine, down from the 60% of U.S. adults who were in favor of sending Ukraine weapons in May 2022.While Democrats have generally been more supportive than Republicans of offering weaponry, their support dropped slightly from 71% to 63% in the same period. Republican support dropped more, from 53% to 39%.Dozens of Republicans in the House, and some GOP senators, have expressed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-house-ukraine-mccarthy-abortion-diversity-50a7b843afa02fa7aa85819b074244c5">reservations</a>&nbsp;about — and even voted against — spending more federal dollars for the war effort. Many of those Republicans are aligning with Trump’s objections to the U.S. involvement overseas.“It’s very easy to say ‘I’d rather spend money on a bridge in West Virginia than a bridge on Ukraine.’ That on a superficial level makes sense,” said Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a conservative Washington think tank. “We’re witnessing a struggle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party right now and the Ukraine debate is a proxy of that.”Christopher Borick, director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion in Pennsylvania, said the handling of the Ukraine war isn't as salient to the electorate as the economy, health care, immigration, abortion and some other issues. But polling suggests that concerns about the costs of the war resonate with working-class Republican primary voters.On the flip side, Borick said Biden is not likely to win votes solely on his handling of Ukraine. But how the war plays out in the months ahead could help or diminish the president's broader argument about his administration's competency and success at restoring U.S. leadership on the international stage after four years of Trump's "American first" foreign policy approach.“Right now, Ukraine isn't as prominent an issue for voters, but we're seeing Trump, Ramaswamy and DeSantis setting the table to raise the question later in the campaign of how much U.S. treasure we're spending over there that we could be spending at home,” he said.

Ukraine aid stress test: Some GOP candidates balk at continued support

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft in Manhattan.

Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, police filed a report for theft in the 100 block of Bluemont Ave. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. 

Walmart reported a 21-year-old female suspect had stolen approximately $1,330 cash from registers between August 16 and 19, 2023. Police released no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft in Manhattan.Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, police filed a report for theft in the 100 block of Bluemont Ave. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Walmart reported a 21-year-old female suspect had stolen approximately $1,330 cash from registers between August 16 and 19, 2023. Police released no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

Police: Suspect stole $1,300 cash from registers at Walmart

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an incident reported to Shawnee County Park Police on August 15 at the Warren Nature Trails near Felker Park, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

It was alleged that an individual assaulted another individual, and the victim was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

As a result of this investigation, on Wednesday police arrested 30-year-old Jose J. Arteaga of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of corrections on requested charges of Rape Aggravated criminal sodomy and Aggravated battery

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693477495822.png" alt="Arteaga-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Arteaga-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an incident reported to Shawnee County Park Police on August 15 at the Warren Nature Trails near Felker Park, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.It was alleged that an individual assaulted another individual, and the victim was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;As a result of this investigation, on Wednesday police arrested 30-year-old Jose J. Arteaga of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of corrections on requested charges of Rape Aggravated criminal sodomy and Aggravated battery

Investigators capture alleged Kansas trail rape suspect 

DETROIT (AP) — Kia is recalling about 320,000 cars in the U.S. to fix a problem that could prevent the trunk from being opened from the inside.

The recall covers the Optima midsize car from 2016 through 2018, Optima hybrids and plug-ins from 2017 and 2018, and the Rio small car from 2016 and 2017.

Kia says in documents posted Thursday by U.S. safety regulators that&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCAK-23V594-6002.pdf">the trunk latch base can crack, and may not open from the inside.</a>&nbsp;The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says a person inside the trunk could become trapped.

DETROIT (AP) — Kia is recalling about 320,000 cars in the U.S. to fix a problem that could prevent the trunk from being opened from the inside.The recall covers the Optima midsize car from 2016 through 2018, Optima hybrids and plug-ins from 2017 and 2018, and the Rio small car from 2016 and 2017.Kia says in documents posted Thursday by U.S. safety regulators that&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCAK-23V594-6002.pdf">the trunk latch base can crack, and may not open from the inside.</a>&nbsp;The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says a person inside the trunk could become trapped.

Kia recall: Trunk latch won't open from the inside, could leave people trapped

KANSAS CITY- After Missouri Senate Bill 49 took effect this week following a legal win by the Missouri Attorney General's office last week, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey directed a letter to providers across the state warning them to immediately cease experimental treatment on minors. 

Recipients of the letter include&nbsp; Children’s Mercy (Kansas City) Washington University (St. Louis), Southampton Healthcare (St. Louis),&nbsp; Planned Parenthood Great Plains, Planned Parenthood St. Louis, and AIDS Project of the Ozarks (Springfield).

Attorney General Bailey begins the letter, "I&nbsp;write to inform you that as of 12:00am this morning, (the “SAFE Act”) is the law of the land. Under the terms of the SAFE Act, you must immediately cease and desist performing gender transition surgeries on minors."

"Further, although under the SAFE Act you may continue providing puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones to patients already receiving them before August 28, you are barred from administering such experimental ‘treatments’ to any new patients."

”He continues, “I remind you, too, of the SAFE Act’s enforcement provisions. Any health care provider or entity who knowingly violates the SAFE Act is engaging in professional misconduct as a matter of law and ‘shall have his or her license to practice revoked.’ § 191.1720.5 RSMo. Further, the SAFE Act creates an individual cause of action for victims who are harmed by individuals or entities providing ‘treatments’ barred by the Act, including the prescribing or administering of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.”

He concludes,&nbsp; “The people of Missouri have spoken decisively on this issue through their elected representatives, and the courts, after a full evidentiary hearing, have declined to enjoin the law. The time for experimenting on Missouri’s children is over.”This letter comes after the Missouri Attorney General’s Office was the first in the nation to successfully defend at the trial court level a state law barring child mutilation. 

The Court handed down its decision last Friday, declining to enjoin the law after a three-day hearing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693433379793.png" alt="Children's Mercy is one of six hospitals that received the notice-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Children's Mercy is one of six hospitals that received the notice-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY- After Missouri Senate Bill 49 took effect this week following a legal win by the Missouri Attorney General's office last week, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey directed a letter to providers across the state warning them to immediately cease experimental treatment on minors. Recipients of the letter include&nbsp; Children’s Mercy (Kansas City) Washington University (St. Louis), Southampton Healthcare (St. Louis),&nbsp; Planned Parenthood Great Plains, Planned Parenthood St. Louis, and AIDS Project of the Ozarks (Springfield).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693433217125.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Attorney General Bailey begins the letter, "I&nbsp;write to inform you that as of 12:00am this morning, (the “SAFE Act”) is the law of the land. Under the terms of the SAFE Act, you must immediately cease and desist performing gender transition surgeries on minors.""Further, although under the SAFE Act you may continue providing puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones to patients already receiving them before August 28, you are barred from administering such experimental ‘treatments’ to any new patients."”He continues, “I remind you, too, of the SAFE Act’s enforcement provisions. Any health care provider or entity who knowingly violates the SAFE Act is engaging in professional misconduct as a matter of law and ‘shall have his or her license to practice revoked.’ § 191.1720.5 RSMo. Further, the SAFE Act creates an individual cause of action for victims who are harmed by individuals or entities providing ‘treatments’ barred by the Act, including the prescribing or administering of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.”He concludes,&nbsp; “The people of Missouri have spoken decisively on this issue through their elected representatives, and the courts, after a full evidentiary hearing, have declined to enjoin the law. The time for experimenting on Missouri’s children is over.”This letter comes after the Missouri Attorney General’s Office was the first in the nation to successfully defend at the trial court level a state law barring child mutilation. The Court handed down its decision last Friday, declining to enjoin the law after a three-day hearing.

Children’s Mercy notified to stop gender-affirming care to minors

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the death of his pregnant girlfriend whose body was found in the truck of his car made his first court appearance Wednesday.&nbsp; Alexander Lewis, 22 of Wichita, is charged with capital murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 11a.m. Saturday, 911 dispatch in Sedgwick County received a call from a 911 operator from North Carolina reporting a possible homicide in the Wichita area, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Based on the information given to the North Carolina 911 operator by a family member of the suspect, Wichita police officers were sent to two different locations, the 3900 block of E 17th Street North in Wichita and the 7600 block of E 21st Street N in Wichita.

Upon arrival at the 21st Street address, officers contacted&nbsp; Lewis and located Bronson's body of in the trunk of his vehicle. Officers pulled her body out of the trunk and provided life-saving measures until EMS arrived on the scene.

She was later pronounced deceased by EMS. Police arrested Lewis.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-zaiylah-bronson">Click here to</a>&nbsp;help the Bronson family.

He is due back in court Sept. 14, according to the district attorney's office. He is being held on a $500,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693339382320.png" alt="19-year-old Zaiylah Bronson photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>19-year-old Zaiylah Bronson photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the death of his pregnant girlfriend whose body was found in the truck of his car made his first court appearance Wednesday.&nbsp; Alexander Lewis, 22 of Wichita, is charged with capital murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 11a.m. Saturday, 911 dispatch in Sedgwick County received a call from a 911 operator from North Carolina reporting a possible homicide in the Wichita area, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693080884540.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Based on the information given to the North Carolina 911 operator by a family member of the suspect, Wichita police officers were sent to two different locations, the 3900 block of E 17th Street North in Wichita and the 7600 block of E 21st Street N in Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693155237617.png" alt="Lewis-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Lewis-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon arrival at the 21st Street address, officers contacted&nbsp; Lewis and located Bronson's body of in the trunk of his vehicle. Officers pulled her body out of the trunk and provided life-saving measures until EMS arrived on the scene.She was later pronounced deceased by EMS. Police arrested Lewis.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-zaiylah-bronson">Click here to</a>&nbsp;help the Bronson family.He is due back in court Sept. 14, according to the district attorney's office. He is being held on a $500,000 bond.

Kan. man charged after body of girlfriend found in his car trunk

TOPEKA (AP)—A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blue-supermoon-saturn-stargazing-53ab2d47c38c7177debf1eda230153c1">rare blue supermoon</a>&nbsp;— the closest full moon of the year — dazzled stargazers Wednesday night.

Saturn joined the celestial spectacle, visible alongside the moon, at least where skies were clear.

It was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supermoons-august-stargazing-b05a8ac2036b1d5f943e47b6e7307657">the second full moon</a>&nbsp;of August, thus the blue label. And it was unusually close to Earth, therefore a supermoon.

The moon appeared to be bigger and brighter than usual, given its close proximity to Earth: just 222,043 miles (357,344 kilometers) or so. The Aug. 1 supermoon was more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) farther away.

If you missed it, it will be a long wait: The next blue supermoon isn’t until 2037. But another regular supermoon is on the horizon at the end of September, the last one of the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693476124970.png" alt="View of the blue supermoon over rural Kansas just after 9p.m. Wednesday" />
 <figcaption>View of the blue supermoon over rural Kansas just after 9p.m. Wednesday</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP)—A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blue-supermoon-saturn-stargazing-53ab2d47c38c7177debf1eda230153c1">rare blue supermoon</a>&nbsp;— the closest full moon of the year — dazzled stargazers Wednesday night.Saturn joined the celestial spectacle, visible alongside the moon, at least where skies were clear.It was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supermoons-august-stargazing-b05a8ac2036b1d5f943e47b6e7307657">the second full moon</a>&nbsp;of August, thus the blue label. And it was unusually close to Earth, therefore a supermoon.The moon appeared to be bigger and brighter than usual, given its close proximity to Earth: just 222,043 miles (357,344 kilometers) or so. The Aug. 1 supermoon was more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) farther away.If you missed it, it will be a long wait: The next blue supermoon isn’t until 2037. But another regular supermoon is on the horizon at the end of September, the last one of the year.

Rare blue supermoon dazzles stargazers around the globe

&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">ZACH WENDLING</a>,&nbsp;Nebraska Examiner

LINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska is following in Oklahoma’s footsteps after Gov. Jim Pillen established a “Women’s Bill of Rights” that will limit certain legal definitions for transgender Nebraskans.

Pillen announced the executive order Wednesday, the second signed by a U.S. governor establishing a Women’s Bill of Rights. The order defines a person’s “sex” as either male or female at birth. It applies to the executive branch, including state agencies, boards and commissions.

A “female” is defined as someone whose biological reproductive system is developed to produce ova and a “male” as someone whose biological reproductive system is developed to fertilize the ova of a female.&nbsp;

The order also provides definitions for “woman” and “girl,” “man” and “boy” and “mother” and “father.”

“It is common sense that men do not belong in women’s only spaces,” Pillen said in a statement. “As Governor, it is my duty to protect our kids and women’s athletics, which means providing single-sex spaces for women’s sports, bathrooms, and changing rooms.”

An executive order does not carry the weight of a legislative act or judicial ruling, but it does provide guidance to agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-lawmakers-approve-dr-timothy-tesmer-as-state-chief-medical-officer/">Dr. Timothy Tesmer</a>, the state’s chief medical officer, is charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/10/final-say-on-nebraska-gender-care-legislation-would-be-delegated-to-executive-appointee-and-dhhs/">drafting rules and regulations</a>&nbsp;regarding health care for trans youth following&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49961">Legislative Bill 574</a>&nbsp;this spring.

Oklahoma became first state earlier this month

Oklahoma Gov. Brian Stitt was the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-a-new-womens-bill-of-rights-in-oklahoma-targets-trans-rights">first to sign</a>&nbsp;a “Women’s Bill of Rights” on Aug. 1, stating that Oklahomans were “fed up with attempts to confuse the word ‘woman’ and turn it into some kind of ambiguous definition that harms real women.”

Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer, has led efforts to legislative participation in women’s sports and joined Stitt when he signed his order this month.&nbsp;

Gaines gained national attention following the 2022 NCAA championship in the 200 freestyle when she tied for fifth place with Lia Thomas, a University of Pennsylvania swimmer who was the first openly trans woman to compete in the women’s events.&nbsp;

She has traveled the country and encouraged policymakers at all levels to address women’s sports, including Pillen and other Nebraskans during an Aug. 27&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/28/spiritual-warfare-former-kentucky-swimmer-encourages-nebraska-to-restrict-trans-athletes/">speech</a>&nbsp;in La Vista. Gaines brought up Stitt’s order, and Pillen said he would look at a similar one right away.

Order could put certain funding in jeopardy

State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, who fought back this spring&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/19/nebraska-passes-stricter-abortion-ban-limits-on-gender-affirming-care/">against legislation</a>&nbsp;that curbed minors’ access to gender-affirming care, said her initial concern is how Pillen’s order could impact Nebraska’s ability to receive federal funding.

Funding for domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers, for example, has stipulations to protect trans survivors.

“I guess that Gov. Pillen probably hates the fact that trans people would ever be protected or safe anywhere in Nebraska, but that’s how it works today,” Hunt said. “And by putting this kind of messaging out, by making this part of his official policies and positions of his administration, he’s putting funding for those services in danger in Nebraska.

“This really rises above just a rhetorical argument or a discriminatory opinion that he has or his own personal bigotry,” Hunt continued.

Hunt said a loss of funding would hurt women and children who are not trans, including possible supporters of Pillen, “more than anybody else.”

Jane Seu, legal and policy counsel for the ACLU of Nebraska, said the organization is disappointed that Pillen has continued “to push a divisive and harmful agenda” singling out and attacking trans, nonbinary and intersex Nebraskans.

“We are reviewing this executive order and want every trans, nonbinary and intersex Nebraskan to know we will continue to fight for their belonging and inclusion,” Seu said in a statement.

Pillen’s order requires that public schools or school districts and state agencies, departments or offices that collect demographic information identify individuals as either male or female at birth.&nbsp;

Hunt said that whether trans people are counted, they’ll continue to exist in Nebraska.

Pillen’s order takes effect immediately and will expire only if a state law takes effect governing athletic participation on the basis of sex and prescribing situations when single-sex services or facilities should be provided.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49722">Legislative Bill 575</a>, the “Sports and Spaces Act,” would&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/13/proposed-restrictions-on-nebraska-school-bathrooms-sports-teams-trigger-tense-hearing/">define</a>&nbsp;K-12 bathrooms, locker rooms and sporting teams as male or female based on sex at birth. That bill has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/22/a-growing-number-of-nebraska-lawmakers-seeks-to-avoid-another-fight-on-trans-youth-in-2024/">not advanced</a>&nbsp;from the Education Committee, but State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, the bill’s sponsor, said it will be her personal priority in 2024.

“I think it’s great!!” Kauth said in a text regarding Pillen’s order.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693478760033.png" alt=" Gov. Jim Pillen, at right, speaks next to Riley Gaines on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, in La Vista. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Jim Pillen, at right, speaks next to Riley Gaines on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, in La Vista. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">ZACH WENDLING</a>,&nbsp;Nebraska ExaminerLINCOLN —&nbsp;Nebraska is following in Oklahoma’s footsteps after Gov. Jim Pillen established a “Women’s Bill of Rights” that will limit certain legal definitions for transgender Nebraskans.Pillen announced the executive order Wednesday, the second signed by a U.S. governor establishing a Women’s Bill of Rights. The order defines a person’s “sex” as either male or female at birth. It applies to the executive branch, including state agencies, boards and commissions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693478685682.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A “female” is defined as someone whose biological reproductive system is developed to produce ova and a “male” as someone whose biological reproductive system is developed to fertilize the ova of a female.&nbsp;The order also provides definitions for “woman” and “girl,” “man” and “boy” and “mother” and “father.”“It is common sense that men do not belong in women’s only spaces,” Pillen said in a statement. “As Governor, it is my duty to protect our kids and women’s athletics, which means providing single-sex spaces for women’s sports, bathrooms, and changing rooms.”An executive order does not carry the weight of a legislative act or judicial ruling, but it does provide guidance to agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-lawmakers-approve-dr-timothy-tesmer-as-state-chief-medical-officer/">Dr. Timothy Tesmer</a>, the state’s chief medical officer, is charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/10/final-say-on-nebraska-gender-care-legislation-would-be-delegated-to-executive-appointee-and-dhhs/">drafting rules and regulations</a>&nbsp;regarding health care for trans youth following&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49961">Legislative Bill 574</a>&nbsp;this spring.<h2>Oklahoma became first state earlier this month</h2>Oklahoma Gov. Brian Stitt was the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-a-new-womens-bill-of-rights-in-oklahoma-targets-trans-rights">first to sign</a>&nbsp;a “Women’s Bill of Rights” on Aug. 1, stating that Oklahomans were “fed up with attempts to confuse the word ‘woman’ and turn it into some kind of ambiguous definition that harms real women.”Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer, has led efforts to legislative participation in women’s sports and joined Stitt when he signed his order this month.&nbsp;Gaines gained national attention following the 2022 NCAA championship in the 200 freestyle when she tied for fifth place with Lia Thomas, a University of Pennsylvania swimmer who was the first openly trans woman to compete in the women’s events.&nbsp;She has traveled the country and encouraged policymakers at all levels to address women’s sports, including Pillen and other Nebraskans during an Aug. 27&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/08/28/spiritual-warfare-former-kentucky-swimmer-encourages-nebraska-to-restrict-trans-athletes/">speech</a>&nbsp;in La Vista. Gaines brought up Stitt’s order, and Pillen said he would look at a similar one right away.<h2>Order could put certain funding in jeopardy</h2>State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, who fought back this spring&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/19/nebraska-passes-stricter-abortion-ban-limits-on-gender-affirming-care/">against legislation</a>&nbsp;that curbed minors’ access to gender-affirming care, said her initial concern is how Pillen’s order could impact Nebraska’s ability to receive federal funding.Funding for domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers, for example, has stipulations to protect trans survivors.“I guess that Gov. Pillen probably hates the fact that trans people would ever be protected or safe anywhere in Nebraska, but that’s how it works today,” Hunt said. “And by putting this kind of messaging out, by making this part of his official policies and positions of his administration, he’s putting funding for those services in danger in Nebraska.“This really rises above just a rhetorical argument or a discriminatory opinion that he has or his own personal bigotry,” Hunt continued.Hunt said a loss of funding would hurt women and children who are not trans, including possible supporters of Pillen, “more than anybody else.”Jane Seu, legal and policy counsel for the ACLU of Nebraska, said the organization is disappointed that Pillen has continued “to push a divisive and harmful agenda” singling out and attacking trans, nonbinary and intersex Nebraskans.“We are reviewing this executive order and want every trans, nonbinary and intersex Nebraskan to know we will continue to fight for their belonging and inclusion,” Seu said in a statement.<h2>Order would expire following state law</h2>Pillen’s order requires that public schools or school districts and state agencies, departments or offices that collect demographic information identify individuals as either male or female at birth.&nbsp;Hunt said that whether trans people are counted, they’ll continue to exist in Nebraska.Pillen’s order takes effect immediately and will expire only if a state law takes effect governing athletic participation on the basis of sex and prescribing situations when single-sex services or facilities should be provided.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49722">Legislative Bill 575</a>, the “Sports and Spaces Act,” would&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/13/proposed-restrictions-on-nebraska-school-bathrooms-sports-teams-trigger-tense-hearing/">define</a>&nbsp;K-12 bathrooms, locker rooms and sporting teams as male or female based on sex at birth. That bill has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/22/a-growing-number-of-nebraska-lawmakers-seeks-to-avoid-another-fight-on-trans-youth-in-2024/">not advanced</a>&nbsp;from the Education Committee, but State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, the bill’s sponsor, said it will be her personal priority in 2024.“I think it’s great!!” Kauth said in a text regarding Pillen’s order.

Nebraska enacts second governor-led ‘Women’s Bill of Rights’

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another deadly shooting in Wichita.

Police have not reported any suspect details or an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693431567688.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another deadly shooting in Wichita.Just before 11a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in the 2000 block of S. Seneca in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp;First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;69-year-old James Gibson of Wichita with gunshot wounds inside an apartment. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police have not reported any suspect details or an arrest.

Homicide: 69-year-old Kansas man found dead in apartment

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Three people avoided injured in a small plane incident just before 1p.m. Wednesday in Wichita.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a fixed-wing single-engine Cessna 210 piloted by Lee S.&nbsp;McLeod, 42, Anaheim, California, departed Eisenhower Airport. 

The aircraft experienced power failure, according to airport officials. The cotrol tower reported seeing smoke coming from the engine.&nbsp;

 The aircraft went down in a field north of the east airport runway. McLeod and two passengers from Kansas were not injured. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693425032769.png" alt="The cause of the incident remains under investigation. photo courtesy Wichita Eisenhower National Airport" />
 <figcaption>The cause of the incident remains under investigation. photo courtesy Wichita Eisenhower National Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Three people avoided injured in a small plane incident just before 1p.m. Wednesday in Wichita.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a fixed-wing single-engine Cessna 210 piloted by Lee S.&nbsp;McLeod, 42, Anaheim, California, departed Eisenhower Airport. The aircraft experienced power failure, according to airport officials. The cotrol tower reported seeing smoke coming from the engine.&nbsp; The aircraft went down in a field north of the east airport runway. McLeod and two passengers from Kansas were not injured. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

Small plane forced to land in field near Kansas airport

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the&nbsp;rape of a 72-year-old woman&nbsp;two years ago.

On Friday a judge sentenced 33-year-old Jeremy Brown of Valley Center to 10 years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; In March, a jury found guilty on four counts of rape.

Just before 4:30a.m. June 26, 2021, police responded to a report of rape at a home in the 1600 block of South St. Paul Street in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson and contacted a 72-year-old woman identified as a victim.

Investigators learned the 72-year-old woman was with a 37-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man at a local bar where they met Jeremy Brown and then all four met at a home on St. Paul Street. At the residence, Brown sexually assaulted the 72-year-old. Brown also is required to register as a sex offender for life.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693059622059.png" alt="Brown-photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the&nbsp;rape of a 72-year-old woman&nbsp;two years ago.On Friday a judge sentenced 33-year-old Jeremy Brown of Valley Center to 10 years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; In March, a jury found guilty on four counts of rape.Just before 4:30a.m. June 26, 2021, police responded to a report of rape at a home in the 1600 block of South St. Paul Street in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson and contacted a 72-year-old woman identified as a victim.Investigators learned the 72-year-old woman was with a 37-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man at a local bar where they met Jeremy Brown and then all four met at a home on St. Paul Street. At the residence, Brown sexually assaulted the 72-year-old. Brown also is required to register as a sex offender for life.&nbsp;

Kansas man sentenced for rape of 72-year-old victim

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti—US embassy in Haiti urges citizens to leave the country as soon as possible

According to an alert on the embassy web site, "Given the current security situation and infrastructure challenges, U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible via commercial or private transport."

Last week, a powerful gang opened fire&nbsp; on a large group of parishioners led by a pastor as they marched through a community armed with machetes to rid the area of gang members.

The attack was filmed in real time by journalists at the scene, and several people were killed and others injured, Marie Yolène Gilles, director of human rights group Fondasyon Je Klere, told The Associated Press.

She watched online as hundreds of people from a local church marched through Canaan, a makeshift town in the outskirts of the capital of Port-au-Prince founded by survivors who lost their homes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-caribbean-haiti-earthquakes-1b24808399bf07fe955e739dad93f6e2">devastating 2010 earthquake</a>.

Canaan is controlled by a gang led by a man identified only as “Jeff,” who is believed to be allied with the “5 Seconds” gang.

Gangs have grown more powerful since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haiti-president-jovenel-moise-killed-b56a0f8fec0832028bdc51e8d59c6af2">July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse</a>, and they are estimated to control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince.

Gédéon Jean, director of Haiti’s Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights, told the AP that he also watched the event unfold online and planned to ask the Ministry of Justice to investigate.

He accused the pastor of being irresponsible because he “engaged a group of people and put them in a situation like this.”

The parishioners who clutched machetes and yelled “Free Canaan!” were no match for gang members armed with assault rifles.

“Police should have stopped them from going,” Jean said. “It’s extremely horrible for the state to let something like this happen.”

A spokesperson for Haiti’s National Police did not return a message for comment.

From Jan. 1 until Aug. 15, more than 2,400 people in Haiti were reported killed, more than 950 kidnapped and another 902 injured, according to the most recent United Nations statistics.

Fed up with the surge in gang violence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haiti-gangs-vigilantes-street-justice-crime-murder-7c3fcdfeec012c80d1fc9e58c61ed7cc">Haitians organized a violent movement</a>&nbsp;in April known as “bwa kale” that targets suspected gang members. More than 350 people have been killed since the uprising began, according to the U.N.

According to the U.S. Embassy, multiple airlines and charter companies currently offer flights from Haiti’s international airports (Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien). 

 Flights fill up quickly and seats may only be available several days or even weeks in advance of departure.  Given that there may be a limited number of seats, U.S. citizens should consider booking flights in advance. 

A list of commercial airlines servicing Haiti includes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aa.com/homePage.do" target="_blank">American Airlines</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aa.com/homePage.do" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.jetblue.com/" target="_blank">JetBlue</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jetblue.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.spirit.com/" target="_blank">Spirit</a><a href="https://en.aircaraibes.com/en" target="_blank">Air </a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://en.aircaraibes.com/en" target="_blank">Caraibe</a><a href="https://sunriseairways.net/" target="_blank">Sunrise Airways</a>, according to the embassy.

"U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe."

Please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ACSPAP@state.gov" target="_blank">ACSPAP@state.gov</a>&nbsp;if you are having challenges in departing Haiti or if you need to apply or request the return of a U.S. passport (or other travel document) to travel to the United States.

Non-emergency inquiries:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:acspap@state.gov" target="_blank">acspap@state.gov</a>

Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://ht.usembassy.gov/" target="_blank">https://ht.usembassy.gov/</a>

1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada

-The Associated Press contributed to this story

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti—US embassy in Haiti urges citizens to leave the country as soon as possibleAccording to an alert on the embassy web site, "Given the current security situation and infrastructure challenges, U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible via commercial or private transport."Last week, a powerful gang opened fire&nbsp; on a large group of parishioners led by a pastor as they marched through a community armed with machetes to rid the area of gang members.The attack was filmed in real time by journalists at the scene, and several people were killed and others injured, Marie Yolène Gilles, director of human rights group Fondasyon Je Klere, told The Associated Press.She watched online as hundreds of people from a local church marched through Canaan, a makeshift town in the outskirts of the capital of Port-au-Prince founded by survivors who lost their homes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-caribbean-haiti-earthquakes-1b24808399bf07fe955e739dad93f6e2">devastating 2010 earthquake</a>.Canaan is controlled by a gang led by a man identified only as “Jeff,” who is believed to be allied with the “5 Seconds” gang.Gangs have grown more powerful since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haiti-president-jovenel-moise-killed-b56a0f8fec0832028bdc51e8d59c6af2">July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse</a>, and they are estimated to control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince.Gédéon Jean, director of Haiti’s Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights, told the AP that he also watched the event unfold online and planned to ask the Ministry of Justice to investigate.He accused the pastor of being irresponsible because he “engaged a group of people and put them in a situation like this.”The parishioners who clutched machetes and yelled “Free Canaan!” were no match for gang members armed with assault rifles.“Police should have stopped them from going,” Jean said. “It’s extremely horrible for the state to let something like this happen.”A spokesperson for Haiti’s National Police did not return a message for comment.From Jan. 1 until Aug. 15, more than 2,400 people in Haiti were reported killed, more than 950 kidnapped and another 902 injured, according to the most recent United Nations statistics.Fed up with the surge in gang violence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haiti-gangs-vigilantes-street-justice-crime-murder-7c3fcdfeec012c80d1fc9e58c61ed7cc">Haitians organized a violent movement</a>&nbsp;in April known as “bwa kale” that targets suspected gang members. More than 350 people have been killed since the uprising began, according to the U.N.According to the U.S. Embassy, multiple airlines and charter companies currently offer flights from Haiti’s international airports (Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien). Flights fill up quickly and seats may only be available several days or even weeks in advance of departure. Given that there may be a limited number of seats, U.S. citizens should consider booking flights in advance. A list of commercial airlines servicing Haiti includes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aa.com/homePage.do" target="_blank">American Airlines</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aa.com/homePage.do" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.jetblue.com/" target="_blank">JetBlue</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jetblue.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.spirit.com/" target="_blank">Spirit</a><a href="https://en.aircaraibes.com/en" target="_blank">Air </a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://en.aircaraibes.com/en" target="_blank">Caraibe</a><a href="https://sunriseairways.net/" target="_blank">Sunrise Airways</a>, according to the embassy."U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe."Please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ACSPAP@state.gov" target="_blank">ACSPAP@state.gov</a>&nbsp;if you are having challenges in departing Haiti or if you need to apply or request the return of a U.S. passport (or other travel document) to travel to the United States.Actions to take:<ul>
 <li>Use extreme caution in traveling around the country;</li><li>Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people;</li><li>If you encounter a roadblock, turn around and get to a safe area;</li><li>Make and practice contingency plans for sheltering in place and/or accessing airports; and</li><li>Review the guidance on travel to&nbsp;<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/high-risk-travelers.html" target="_blank">High Risk Areas</a>.</li>
 </ul>Assistance:<ul>
 <li>U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince, Haiti</li>
 </ul>Tabarre 41, Route de TabarreEmergencies: +509-2229-8000Non-emergency inquiries:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:acspap@state.gov" target="_blank">acspap@state.gov</a>Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://ht.usembassy.gov/" target="_blank">https://ht.usembassy.gov/</a><ul>
 <li>Contact the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs</li>
 </ul>1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada1-202-501-4444 from other countries-The Associated Press contributed to this story

State Dept tells Americans to leave Haiti immediately

SHERMAN COUNTY —A northwest Kansas community is mourning the loss of their police chief.

The City of Goodland released a statement Wednesday afternoon to residents and the surrounding community:

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of one of our own, Chief Frank Hayes, Jr.&nbsp; passed away from medical complications Wednesday morning, after dedicating his life to serving and protecting our city.&nbsp; He was 53 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Chief Hayes, known by the community as “Frankie”, served our community with unwavering loyalty and devotion. He was not only a dedicated law enforcement officer but also a trusted friend and mentor to many in the community. His tireless effort to ensure that our city was a safe place to live, work and raise families, is a testament to his true character and integrity."

"Chief Hayes served as an officer with the Goodland Police Department from August 2003 to July 2007 and then returned to the Goodland Police Department in February 2017.&nbsp; Frankie Hayes was appointed as Police Chief on September 7, 2020 and was still serving the City of Goodland in that capacity. "

"We extend our deepest condolences to Chief Hayes family and loved ones during this difficult time. We also offer our condolences to his law enforcement family, who have lost one of their own. We thank Chief Hayes for his commitment and dedication to making our community a safer place, and we will remember how he always put the needs of others first in his service."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693419314370.png" alt="Frank Hayes-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Frank Hayes-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SHERMAN COUNTY —A northwest Kansas community is mourning the loss of their police chief.The City of Goodland released a statement Wednesday afternoon to residents and the surrounding community:It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of one of our own, Chief Frank Hayes, Jr.&nbsp; passed away from medical complications Wednesday morning, after dedicating his life to serving and protecting our city.&nbsp; He was 53 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Chief Hayes, known by the community as “Frankie”, served our community with unwavering loyalty and devotion. He was not only a dedicated law enforcement officer but also a trusted friend and mentor to many in the community. His tireless effort to ensure that our city was a safe place to live, work and raise families, is a testament to his true character and integrity.""Chief Hayes served as an officer with the Goodland Police Department from August 2003 to July 2007 and then returned to the Goodland Police Department in February 2017.&nbsp; Frankie Hayes was appointed as Police Chief on September 7, 2020 and was still serving the City of Goodland in that capacity. ""We extend our deepest condolences to Chief Hayes family and loved ones during this difficult time. We also offer our condolences to his law enforcement family, who have lost one of their own. We thank Chief Hayes for his commitment and dedication to making our community a safer place, and we will remember how he always put the needs of others first in his service."

Goodland police chief dies at age 53

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

TOPEKA — State regulators say a detailed financial audit shows Evergy’s proposed $218 million rate hikes are unjustified.

The Kansas Corporation Commission on Tuesday announced its staff had determined Evergy should lower rates in the Kansas City area and slightly increase rates for the rest of the state.

The investor-owned utility, which serves about 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, asked to raise rates in April, following a five-year moratorium on rate increases. The moratorium was part of the agreement when regulators approved the 2018 merger of Westar and Kansas City Power &amp; Light.

Evergy asked for a 1.95% rate increase, which would generate $14.1 million in revenue, for the Kansas City, Kansas, region. But on Tuesday, regulators said a decrease of 7.32%, or $54.1 million, would be appropriate.

Regulators also bucked the utility’s request to raise monthly bills by $14.24 in the Kansas region, which&nbsp;includes Topeka, Wichita, Salina and other eastern parts of the state. The utility wants a 9.77% rate increase for $204.1 million in new revenue.

The Kansas Corporation Commission staff said a 1.66% increase, or $34.7 million, “was all that could be justified” for the region.

Tuesday marked the deadline for direct testimony to be filed by all involved&nbsp;in the proposal, but commissioners are still a few months away from a final decision on Evergy rate increases.&nbsp;Among other steps, the process will involve a settlement conference to determine if the parties can agree on a resolution to submit for the commission’s approval, followed by either a settlement hearing or evidentiary hearing before the commission.

“While an important part in the process, these results are far from final at this stage,” the KCC said in a news release Tuesday.

When making the ask, Evergy officials told state regulators the raise was needed to keep up with system upgrades, power plant investments and inflation, among other costs. Evergy’s status as a regulated utility allows it to adjust rates to recoup costs of building power plants and distribution infrastructure.

At the time of the 2018 merger, Evergy officials claimed they could squeeze out enough efficiencies to save ratepayers billions of dollars and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2018/06/27/capitol-insider-podcast-westar-kcpampl-officials-say-merger-will-keep-rates-stable-for-15-years/11645915007/">stabilize rates for 15 years</a>.

In the central region, Evergy serves about 736,000 customers. In the Kansas metro area, the utility serves approximately 273,000 customers.&nbsp;

A final decision is expected in December or January.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687004047927.png" alt="&nbsp;Kansas Corporation Commission staff said Evergy rates should be lowered in certain parts of the state. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas Corporation Commission staff said Evergy rates should be lowered in certain parts of the state. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — State regulators say a detailed financial audit shows Evergy’s proposed $218 million rate hikes are unjustified.The Kansas Corporation Commission on Tuesday announced its staff had determined Evergy should lower rates in the Kansas City area and slightly increase rates for the rest of the state.The investor-owned utility, which serves about 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, asked to raise rates in April, following a five-year moratorium on rate increases. The moratorium was part of the agreement when regulators approved the 2018 merger of Westar and Kansas City Power &amp; Light.Evergy asked for a 1.95% rate increase, which would generate $14.1 million in revenue, for the Kansas City, Kansas, region. But on Tuesday, regulators said a decrease of 7.32%, or $54.1 million, would be appropriate.Regulators also bucked the utility’s request to raise monthly bills by $14.24 in the Kansas region, which&nbsp;includes Topeka, Wichita, Salina and other eastern parts of the state. The utility wants a 9.77% rate increase for $204.1 million in new revenue.The Kansas Corporation Commission staff said a 1.66% increase, or $34.7 million, “was all that could be justified” for the region.Tuesday marked the deadline for direct testimony to be filed by all involved&nbsp;in the proposal, but commissioners are still a few months away from a final decision on Evergy rate increases.&nbsp;Among other steps, the process will involve a settlement conference to determine if the parties can agree on a resolution to submit for the commission’s approval, followed by either a settlement hearing or evidentiary hearing before the commission.“While an important part in the process, these results are far from final at this stage,” the KCC said in a news release Tuesday.When making the ask, Evergy officials told state regulators the raise was needed to keep up with system upgrades, power plant investments and inflation, among other costs. Evergy’s status as a regulated utility allows it to adjust rates to recoup costs of building power plants and distribution infrastructure.At the time of the 2018 merger, Evergy officials claimed they could squeeze out enough efficiencies to save ratepayers billions of dollars and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2018/06/27/capitol-insider-podcast-westar-kcpampl-officials-say-merger-will-keep-rates-stable-for-15-years/11645915007/">stabilize rates for 15 years</a>.In the central region, Evergy serves about 736,000 customers. In the Kansas metro area, the utility serves approximately 273,000 customers.&nbsp;A final decision is expected in December or January.&nbsp;

Evergy’s proposed rate increases are too high, Kansas regulators announce

DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) — A judge ruled Wednesday that a 93-year-old former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theodore-mccarrick-ex-cardinal-scandal-989fb97f4f0cad8c4926e8cb795ba2bf">Roman Catholic cardinal</a>&nbsp;is not competent to stand trial after both prosecutors and defense attorneys determined he suffers from dementia, and dismissed charges he sexually assaulted a teenage boy in Massachusetts decades ago.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-53924dd479cab20f7a11cb7eb47f686d">Theodore McCarrick</a>, the ex-archbishop of Washington, D.C., was defrocked by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-east-timor-vatican-city-religion-728a5af6ec4d36e54794a761fddd3fc4">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;in 2019 after an internal Vatican investigation determined he sexually molested adults as well as children. The case created a credibility crisis for the church, as the Vatican had reports from authoritative cardinals dating to 1999 that McCarrick’s behavior was problematic, yet he became an influential cardinal, kingmaker and emissary of the Holy See’s “soft diplomacy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627579902766.png" alt="Disgraced former Catholic cardinal Theodore McCarrick moved to the St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria, Kansas in 2018. He moved from Northwest Kansas in January 2020 Credit: US Institute of Peace. CC BY NC&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Disgraced former Catholic cardinal Theodore McCarrick moved to the St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria, Kansas in 2018. He moved from Northwest Kansas in January 2020 Credit: US Institute of Peace. CC BY NC&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) — A judge ruled Wednesday that a 93-year-old former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theodore-mccarrick-ex-cardinal-scandal-989fb97f4f0cad8c4926e8cb795ba2bf">Roman Catholic cardinal</a>&nbsp;is not competent to stand trial after both prosecutors and defense attorneys determined he suffers from dementia, and dismissed charges he sexually assaulted a teenage boy in Massachusetts decades ago.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-53924dd479cab20f7a11cb7eb47f686d">Theodore McCarrick</a>, the ex-archbishop of Washington, D.C., was defrocked by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-east-timor-vatican-city-religion-728a5af6ec4d36e54794a761fddd3fc4">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;in 2019 after an internal Vatican investigation determined he sexually molested adults as well as children. The case created a credibility crisis for the church, as the Vatican had reports from authoritative cardinals dating to 1999 that McCarrick’s behavior was problematic, yet he became an influential cardinal, kingmaker and emissary of the Holy See’s “soft diplomacy.”The once-powerful American prelate faced charges that he abused the teenage boy at a wedding reception at Wellesley College in 1974.During Wednesday's hearing, a psychologist hired by the prosecution said she found significant deficits in McCarrick’s memory during two interviews in June, and he was often unable to recall what they had discussed from one hour to the next. Dr. Kerry Nelligan said she administered a number of tests on two occasions in June. As with any form of dementia, she said there are no medications that could improve the symptoms.“It’s not just that he currently has these deficits,” Nelligan said. “There is no way they are going to get better.”Without being able to remember discussions, he could not participate with his lawyers in his defense, she said.McCarrick appeared via a video link during the hearing. He was slightly slumped in his chair wearing a light green shirt and what appeared to be a grey sweater vest or sweater around his shoulders. He did not speak during the hearing.McCarrick has maintained that he is innocent, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-fe52aa3c7e9766599b191e14c7360752">pleaded not guilty in September 2021</a>. He was also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cardinal-mccarrick-abuse-charges-wisconsin-4c931d1ef3faee7819633e5a8435dc17">charged in April</a>&nbsp;with sexually assaulting an 18-year-old man in Wisconsin more than 45 years ago.In February, McCarrick’s attorneys asked the court to dismiss the case, saying a professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine had examined him and concluded that he has dementia, likely Alzheimer’s disease.At that time, lawyers said McCarrick had a “limited understanding” of the criminal proceedings against him.McCarrick, who lives in Dittmer, Missouri, was charged with three counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14. He was not exempt from facing charges because the clock stopped on the statute of limitations when he left Massachusetts.Mitchell Garabedian, a well-known lawyer for clergy sexual abuse victims who is representing the man accusing McCarrick, said in June that his client was discouraged by the prosecution expert’s findings.“In spite of the criminal court’s decision today,” Garabedian said following Wednesday's hearing, “many clergy sexual abuse victims feel as though former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick is and will always be the permanent personification of evil within the Catholic Church.”The Associated Press generally does not identify people who report sexual assault unless they agree to be named publicly, which the victim in this case has not done.The accuser told authorities during a 2021 interview that McCarrick was close to the man’s family when he was growing up. Prosecutors say McCarrick would attend family gatherings and travel on vacations with them and that the victim referred to the priest as “Uncle Ted.”Prosecutors say McCarrick abused him over several years including when the boy, who was then 16, was at his brother’s wedding reception at Wellesley College. The man said McCarrick also sexually assaulted him in a coat room after they returned to the reception.Prosecutors say McCarrick told the boy to say the “Hail Mary” and “Our Father” prayers before leaving the room.