As it did in 2023, the ACLU of Missouri is arguing that the ballot summary for a constitutional amendment on abortion is misleading and should be rewritten

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

A fight over wording for a proposal to reverse the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">abortion rights amendment</a>&nbsp;Missouri voters added to the state Constitution in November will look very much like a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/31/appeals-court-swats-down-ashcroft-arguments-on-missouri-abortion-rights-petitions/">similar fight in 2023</a>.

The ACLU of Missouri filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Cole County with two objectives: Keep the proposal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/petitions/2026BallotMeasures" target="_blank">designated as Amendment 3</a>&nbsp;off of the November 2026 ballot or, failing that, completely reword the ballot language crafted by lawmakers. The job of defending the proposal and the way it is written will fall to Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, who is the lead defendant.

In 2023, the ACLU of Missouri also challenged ballot language, written by then-Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, but with the intent of getting a citizen initiative on the ballot.

“It certainly feels a lot like deja vu to go back into Cole County and argue again over a misleading and inaccurate ballot summary statement from a Missouri politician,” ACLU attorney Tori Schafer said in an interview with The Independent.

One of the main proponents of the legislative measure, Sam Lee of Campaign Life Missouri, said the lawsuit was expected. He said he doesn’t think the measure will be thrown off the ballot and said the ballot language is defensible and should stand.

“You get a dozen lawyers in a room, and they’ll write it 12 different ways,” Lee said. “And as long as it’s fair and impartial, there are a variety of ways of doing it.”

When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, it triggered a Missouri law&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/24/abortion-is-now-illegal-in-missouri-in-wake-of-u-s-supreme-court-ruling/">banning abortions</a>&nbsp;in almost all instances. That led to an initiative campaign, which resulted in a 52% majority approving a constitutional amendment that made abortion legal up until the point of fetal viability.

But except for a short period, abortions have remained unavailable because the question of which of Missouri’s abortion regulations remain in force&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/27/missouri-supreme-court-reinstates-abortion-restrictions-imposing-de-facto-ban/">is tied up in court</a>. Prior to the total ban, for example, Missouri required a 72-hour waiting period between an initial appointment and an abortion, that a woman seeking an abortion be given a lengthy document about fetal development and that all abortions take place in specially licensed ambulatory surgical centers.

The lawsuit over those issues is being heard in Jackson County Circuit Court, where Judge Jerri Zhang could issue a decision at any time on a request for an injunction against the laws.

The proposal passed by lawmakers would repeal the voter-approved initiative in its entirety and replace it with language that would allow the ban to be reinstated. It would carve out limited exceptions, allowing abortions in cases of rape, incest, fetal anomaly or medical emergencies during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

The proposal would also ban gender transition surgeries or medications for people under 18, and require all lawsuits that raise questions about state laws on reproductive health care be filed in Cole County.

The ballot language written by lawmakers, and being challenged in the lawsuit, would state:

“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu-mo.org/sites/default/files/petition_for_declaratory_judgment_and_injunctive_relief.pdf" target="_blank">the lawsuit</a>, the ACLU is arguing that the ballot language is unfair and misleading.

The “summary statement uses language which is intentionally argumentative and likely to create prejudice for the measure,” the petition states.

The most glaring omission is that it does not mention what it is replacing, the lawsuit states.&nbsp;

“Among other things, the summary statement fails to advise voters that it will repeal a measure they just adopted in the last election cycle,” attorneys wrote.

The language should at least inform voters that there will be no protected right to obtain an abortion, Schafer said.

“The courts back in 2023 made sure we had a fair and accurate ballot summary statement and fair ballot language,” she said. “We know that they’ll do the same this year.”

The gender-affirming treatments language and the provision directing venue of reproductive health care cases to Cole County are impermissible, the lawsuit states. They violate the Constitution’s requirement that constitutional amendments address&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XII++++2(b)&amp;bid=32078&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">only one subject</a>.

“We know that the reason that Missouri politicians put that piece about Cole County in there is because they don’t like the fact that we’ve been successful on the (legal challenges to restrictive laws) in Jackson County,” Schafer said. “It was a very politically motivated reason that they put that in.”

Lee said he thinks all the subjects relate to reproductive health care and will survive that part of the challenge.

“It’s a weak argument, because even supporters of what passed in November last year link reproductive health care with transgender care,” he said.

The return to court over ballot language on abortion rights is the latest round of a seemingly endless contest.&nbsp;

Abortion rights supporters will never give up, Schafer said.

“I feel like what we’re asking for is a very simple thing, which is just get politicians out of health care and let people make their own health care decisions,” she said. “And so that is our stance on that.”

If the legislative measure makes it to the ballot and passes, Lee said, he expects a new initiative to reverse it. Lee has been an anti-abortion activist for decades, including many years as an influential lobbyist.

Asked when he expects the debate to end, Lee said:

“Not in my lifetime. I’m not saying that because of me personally. I’m just saying I don’t expect it to be settled anytime soon.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719493597787.png" alt="The Cole County Courthouse in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>The Cole County Courthouse in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>As it did in 2023, the ACLU of Missouri is arguing that the ballot summary for a constitutional amendment on abortion is misleading and should be rewritten</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A fight over wording for a proposal to reverse the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">abortion rights amendment</a>&nbsp;Missouri voters added to the state Constitution in November will look very much like a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/31/appeals-court-swats-down-ashcroft-arguments-on-missouri-abortion-rights-petitions/">similar fight in 2023</a>.The ACLU of Missouri filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Cole County with two objectives: Keep the proposal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/petitions/2026BallotMeasures" target="_blank">designated as Amendment 3</a>&nbsp;off of the November 2026 ballot or, failing that, completely reword the ballot language crafted by lawmakers. The job of defending the proposal and the way it is written will fall to Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, who is the lead defendant.In 2023, the ACLU of Missouri also challenged ballot language, written by then-Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, but with the intent of getting a citizen initiative on the ballot.“It certainly feels a lot like deja vu to go back into Cole County and argue again over a misleading and inaccurate ballot summary statement from a Missouri politician,” ACLU attorney Tori Schafer said in an interview with The Independent.One of the main proponents of the legislative measure, Sam Lee of Campaign Life Missouri, said the lawsuit was expected. He said he doesn’t think the measure will be thrown off the ballot and said the ballot language is defensible and should stand.“You get a dozen lawyers in a room, and they’ll write it 12 different ways,” Lee said. “And as long as it’s fair and impartial, there are a variety of ways of doing it.”When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, it triggered a Missouri law&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/24/abortion-is-now-illegal-in-missouri-in-wake-of-u-s-supreme-court-ruling/">banning abortions</a>&nbsp;in almost all instances. That led to an initiative campaign, which resulted in a 52% majority approving a constitutional amendment that made abortion legal up until the point of fetal viability.But except for a short period, abortions have remained unavailable because the question of which of Missouri’s abortion regulations remain in force&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/27/missouri-supreme-court-reinstates-abortion-restrictions-imposing-de-facto-ban/">is tied up in court</a>. Prior to the total ban, for example, Missouri required a 72-hour waiting period between an initial appointment and an abortion, that a woman seeking an abortion be given a lengthy document about fetal development and that all abortions take place in specially licensed ambulatory surgical centers.The lawsuit over those issues is being heard in Jackson County Circuit Court, where Judge Jerri Zhang could issue a decision at any time on a request for an injunction against the laws.The proposal passed by lawmakers would repeal the voter-approved initiative in its entirety and replace it with language that would allow the ban to be reinstated. It would carve out limited exceptions, allowing abortions in cases of rape, incest, fetal anomaly or medical emergencies during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.The proposal would also ban gender transition surgeries or medications for people under 18, and require all lawsuits that raise questions about state laws on reproductive health care be filed in Cole County.The ballot language written by lawmakers, and being challenged in the lawsuit, would state:“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:<ul>
 <li>Guarantee access to care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages;</li><li>Ensure women’s safety during abortions;</li><li>Ensure parental consent for minors;</li><li>Allow abortions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape, and incest;</li><li>Require physicians to provide medically accurate information; and</li><li>Protect children from gender transition?”</li>
 </ul>In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu-mo.org/sites/default/files/petition_for_declaratory_judgment_and_injunctive_relief.pdf" target="_blank">the lawsuit</a>, the ACLU is arguing that the ballot language is unfair and misleading.The “summary statement uses language which is intentionally argumentative and likely to create prejudice for the measure,” the petition states.The most glaring omission is that it does not mention what it is replacing, the lawsuit states.&nbsp;“Among other things, the summary statement fails to advise voters that it will repeal a measure they just adopted in the last election cycle,” attorneys wrote.The language should at least inform voters that there will be no protected right to obtain an abortion, Schafer said.“The courts back in 2023 made sure we had a fair and accurate ballot summary statement and fair ballot language,” she said. “We know that they’ll do the same this year.”The gender-affirming treatments language and the provision directing venue of reproductive health care cases to Cole County are impermissible, the lawsuit states. They violate the Constitution’s requirement that constitutional amendments address&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XII++++2(b)&amp;bid=32078&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">only one subject</a>.“We know that the reason that Missouri politicians put that piece about Cole County in there is because they don’t like the fact that we’ve been successful on the (legal challenges to restrictive laws) in Jackson County,” Schafer said. “It was a very politically motivated reason that they put that in.”Lee said he thinks all the subjects relate to reproductive health care and will survive that part of the challenge.“It’s a weak argument, because even supporters of what passed in November last year link reproductive health care with transgender care,” he said.The return to court over ballot language on abortion rights is the latest round of a seemingly endless contest.&nbsp;Abortion rights supporters will never give up, Schafer said.“I feel like what we’re asking for is a very simple thing, which is just get politicians out of health care and let people make their own health care decisions,” she said. “And so that is our stance on that.”If the legislative measure makes it to the ballot and passes, Lee said, he expects a new initiative to reverse it. Lee has been an anti-abortion activist for decades, including many years as an influential lobbyist.Asked when he expects the debate to end, Lee said:“Not in my lifetime. I’m not saying that because of me personally. I’m just saying I don’t expect it to be settled anytime soon.”

Lawsuit challenges ballot language for proposed Missouri abortion ban 

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City Missouri.

Just after 5a.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 100 block of N Belliare in Kansas City, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

First responders were directed to the rear of a nearby residence where an adult male victim was located suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency aid was immediately rendered by responding officers until EMS arrived on scene. EMS pronounced him deceased.

Preliminary investigation indicates this occurred as a result of an argument that escalated to gunfire.&nbsp; Police do not have a suspect in custody or and have not released the name of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751741241391.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City Missouri.Just after 5a.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 100 block of N Belliare in Kansas City, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751741015533.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>First responders were directed to the rear of a nearby residence where an adult male victim was located suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency aid was immediately rendered by responding officers until EMS arrived on scene. EMS pronounced him deceased.Preliminary investigation indicates this occurred as a result of an argument that escalated to gunfire.&nbsp; Police do not have a suspect in custody or and have not released the name of the victim.

Homicide: Argument escalated to gunfire outside KC home

KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City man has pleaded guilty for hacking into the computer system at an area nonprofit, according to the United State's Attorney.

Nicholas Michael Kloster, 32, admitted during his plea that he caused reckless damage to a protected computer owned by an area nonprofit during unauthorized access. Kloster admitted that he entered the premises of a nonprofit corporation on May 20, 2024. Kloster entered an area that is not available to the public and accessed a computer with access to the company’s network.

Kloster specifically admitted that he utilized a boot disk to access the computer through multiple user accounts. By accessing the computer in this manner, Kloster was able to circumvent the password requirements by changing the password assigned to one or more users. Kloster was then able to install a virtual private network on this computer. Since Kloster’s intrusion into its computer and its network, the company has sustained significant losses in an attempt to remediate the effects from this intrusion.

Under federal statutes, Kloster is subject to a sentence of up to five years’ imprisonment in federal prison without parole, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and an order of restitution. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Heberle and Patrick D. Daly. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.

KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City man has pleaded guilty for hacking into the computer system at an area nonprofit, according to the United State's Attorney.Nicholas Michael Kloster, 32, admitted during his plea that he caused reckless damage to a protected computer owned by an area nonprofit during unauthorized access. Kloster admitted that he entered the premises of a nonprofit corporation on May 20, 2024. Kloster entered an area that is not available to the public and accessed a computer with access to the company’s network.Kloster specifically admitted that he utilized a boot disk to access the computer through multiple user accounts. By accessing the computer in this manner, Kloster was able to circumvent the password requirements by changing the password assigned to one or more users. Kloster was then able to install a virtual private network on this computer. Since Kloster’s intrusion into its computer and its network, the company has sustained significant losses in an attempt to remediate the effects from this intrusion.Under federal statutes, Kloster is subject to a sentence of up to five years’ imprisonment in federal prison without parole, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and an order of restitution. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Heberle and Patrick D. Daly. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.

How a KC man hacked computer system of area nonprofit firm

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —The search for two bodies after a boating incident at Kanopolis Reservoir is over.

According to a social media report from the Ellsworth County Sheriff's office both bodies have now been recovered.

According to Ellsworth County Sheriff Kenny Bernard, at 7p.m. on Thursday,&nbsp;Ellsworth County dispatch reported three people went missing after being on a boat at the lake.&nbsp;&nbsp;A 14-year old girl was recovered by an individual in the area and was taken for treatment.

According to Bernard, a 40-year old man and a 14-year old girl were the two missing.

The sheriff's office wrote on Saturday afternoon, "Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of the victim's, their family and friends. Many Many thanks go out to all of the assisting agencies who came running including all of the First Responders, Area Dive Teams and other Volunteers who have given so much of themselves and their time."

The sheriff's office did not release any additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751708351076.png" alt="google map" />
 <figcaption>google map</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLSWORTH COUNTY —The search for two bodies after a boating incident at Kanopolis Reservoir is over.According to a social media report from the Ellsworth County Sheriff's office both bodies have now been recovered.According to Ellsworth County Sheriff Kenny Bernard, at 7p.m. on Thursday,&nbsp;Ellsworth County dispatch reported three people went missing after being on a boat at the lake.&nbsp;&nbsp;A 14-year old girl was recovered by an individual in the area and was taken for treatment.According to Bernard, a 40-year old man and a 14-year old girl were the two missing.The sheriff's office wrote on Saturday afternoon, "Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of the victim's, their family and friends. Many Many thanks go out to all of the assisting agencies who came running including all of the First Responders, Area Dive Teams and other Volunteers who have given so much of themselves and their time."The sheriff's office did not release any additional details.

Sheriff: Bodies of man, teen recovered from Kansas lake

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/uriel-j-garcia/">Uriel J. García</a>, The Texas Tribune, and Hannah Fingerhut

State officials said Friday night that at least 24 people have died in the catastrophic flood that swept through Kerr County early Friday morning, and 23 girls from Camp Mystic, a private Christian girls’ camp, are still unaccounted for.

In a news conference in Kerrville, Gov. Greg Abbott signed an emergency disaster declaration, which allows numerous counties affected by the floods to get the state resources needed to help with ongoing search-and-rescue efforts.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said one other person was found dead in nearby Kendall County but it’s unclear if that person was a flood victim.

Nim Kidd, the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said local officials were caught off guard by the volume of rain, adding that the National Weather Service advisory issued Thursday “did not predict the amount of rain that we saw.”

Gen. Thomas Suelzer, the head of the Texas Military Department, said 237 people have been rescued and evacuated so far. Officials said they couldn’t provide the number of people who are unaccounted for, but they include the 23 girls from Camp Mystic.

In an earlier press conference Friday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the dead include adults and children, and some were found in cars “that were washed out upstream.” He said officials aren't sure whether any of the bodies were children from Camp Mystic, and stressed that the campers are only considered missing at this point.

“We will do anything humanly possible to find your daughter,” Patrick said, adding that search and rescue teams are looking for survivors, along with 14 state helicopters, 12 drones and 400 to 500 people on the ground helping with the search. He added that if parents haven't been personally contacted by the camp, they can assume their daughters have been accounted for.

As much as 10 inches of heavy rain fell in just a few hours overnight in central Kerr County, causing flash flooding of the Guadalupe River. Patrick said the river, which winds through Kerr County in Central Texas, rose 26 feet in 45 minutes during torrential rains overnight.

“It’s going to be a mass casualty event,” said Freeman Martin, the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Patrick added that San Antonio and Waco also could see flash flooding in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Judge Rob Kelly, the chief elected official in Kerr County, said authorities are still working to identify those whose lives were lost.

“Most of them, we don’t know who they are,” Kelly said during a news conference. “One of them was completely naked, he didn’t have any ID on him at all. We’re trying to get the identity of these folks, but we don’t have it yet.”

A flood watch issued Thursday afternoon estimated isolated amounts up to 7 inches of rising water. That shifted to a flood warning for at least 30,000 people overnight.

According to the National Weather Service website, the flash flood watch, which included Kerr County, was issued at 1:18 p.m. Thursday. Nearly 12 hours later, a "life threatening" flash flood warning was issued at 1:14 a.m., according to the website.

When asked about the suddenness of the flash flooding overnight, Kelly said “we do not have a warning system” and that “we didn’t know this flood was coming,” even as local reporters pointed to the warnings and pushed him for answers about why more precautions weren’t taken.

“Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming,” he said. “We have floods all the time. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States.”

Abbott said the state was providing resources to Hill Country communities dealing with the flooding, including in Kerrville, Ingram and Hunt.

“I urge Texans to heed guidance from state and local officials and monitor local forecasts to avoid driving into flooded areas,” Abbott said in a statement.

The Guadalupe’s river gauge at the unincorporated community of Hunt, where the river forks, recorded a 22 foot rise in just about two hours, according to Bob Fogarty, meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Austin/San Antonio office. Fogarty said the gauge failed after recording a level of 29 and a half feet.

“We think the river’s higher than that,” Fogarty said. “The gauge is completely underwater.”

The riverfront communities include several camps, wildlife habitats and campgrounds. Texas Game Wardens, part of the state parks and wildlife agency, said on Facebook that search and rescue teams are conducting rescues throughout the region and sending more boats to help.

“This is the kind of thing that will catch you unaware,” Fogarty said. “The water’s moving so fast, you’re not going to recognize how bad it is until it’s on top of you.”

Erin Burgess’ home sits directly across from the river in the Bumble Bee Hills neighborhood, west of Ingram. When she woke up to thunder at 3:30 a.m. Friday morning, “it was raining pretty heavy, but no big deal,” she said.

Just 20 minutes later, Burgess said water was coming in through the walls and rushing through the front and back doors. She described an agonizing hour clinging to a tree and waiting for the water to recede enough that they were able to walk up the hill to a neighbor's.

“My son and I floated to a tree where we hung onto it, and my boyfriend and my dog floated away. He was lost for a while, but we found them,” she said, becoming emotional.

Of her 19-year-old son, Burgess said: “Thankfully he’s over 6 feet tall. That’s the only thing that saved me, was hanging on to him.”

Dozens of people posted on Facebook asking for any information on their children, nieces and nephews attending one of the many camps in the area, or family members that went camping during the holiday weekend.

Ingram Fire Department posted a photo of a statement from Camp Mystic, saying the private Christian summer camp for girls experienced “catastrophic level floods.” Parents with a daughter not accounted for were directly contacted, the camp said.

Another camp on the river located east of Hunt, Camp Waldemar, said in an Instagram post that “we are all safe and sound.”

Disclosure: Facebook has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/support-us/corporate-sponsors/">list of them here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751724125124.png" alt="Heavy rains in Kerr County and elsewhere in Central Texas have caused severe flooding and loss of life. Credit: City of Kerrville Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Heavy rains in Kerr County and elsewhere in Central Texas have caused severe flooding and loss of life. Credit: City of Kerrville Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/uriel-j-garcia/">Uriel J. García</a>, The Texas Tribune, and Hannah FingerhutState officials said Friday night that at least 24 people have died in the catastrophic flood that swept through Kerr County early Friday morning, and 23 girls from Camp Mystic, a private Christian girls’ camp, are still unaccounted for.In a news conference in Kerrville, Gov. Greg Abbott signed an emergency disaster declaration, which allows numerous counties affected by the floods to get the state resources needed to help with ongoing search-and-rescue efforts.Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said one other person was found dead in nearby Kendall County but it’s unclear if that person was a flood victim.Nim Kidd, the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said local officials were caught off guard by the volume of rain, adding that the National Weather Service advisory issued Thursday “did not predict the amount of rain that we saw.”Gen. Thomas Suelzer, the head of the Texas Military Department, said 237 people have been rescued and evacuated so far. Officials said they couldn’t provide the number of people who are unaccounted for, but they include the 23 girls from Camp Mystic.In an earlier press conference Friday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the dead include adults and children, and some were found in cars “that were washed out upstream.” He said officials aren't sure whether any of the bodies were children from Camp Mystic, and stressed that the campers are only considered missing at this point.“We will do anything humanly possible to find your daughter,” Patrick said, adding that search and rescue teams are looking for survivors, along with 14 state helicopters, 12 drones and 400 to 500 people on the ground helping with the search. He added that if parents haven't been personally contacted by the camp, they can assume their daughters have been accounted for.As much as 10 inches of heavy rain fell in just a few hours overnight in central Kerr County, causing flash flooding of the Guadalupe River. Patrick said the river, which winds through Kerr County in Central Texas, rose 26 feet in 45 minutes during torrential rains overnight.“It’s going to be a mass casualty event,” said Freeman Martin, the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.Patrick added that San Antonio and Waco also could see flash flooding in the next 24 to 48 hours.Judge Rob Kelly, the chief elected official in Kerr County, said authorities are still working to identify those whose lives were lost.“Most of them, we don’t know who they are,” Kelly said during a news conference. “One of them was completely naked, he didn’t have any ID on him at all. We’re trying to get the identity of these folks, but we don’t have it yet.”<h2>Flood warning came after 1 a.m.</h2>A flood watch issued Thursday afternoon estimated isolated amounts up to 7 inches of rising water. That shifted to a flood warning for at least 30,000 people overnight.According to the National Weather Service website, the flash flood watch, which included Kerr County, was issued at 1:18 p.m. Thursday. Nearly 12 hours later, a "life threatening" flash flood warning was issued at 1:14 a.m., according to the website.When asked about the suddenness of the flash flooding overnight, Kelly said “we do not have a warning system” and that “we didn’t know this flood was coming,” even as local reporters pointed to the warnings and pushed him for answers about why more precautions weren’t taken.“Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming,” he said. “We have floods all the time. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States.”Abbott said the state was providing resources to Hill Country communities dealing with the flooding, including in Kerrville, Ingram and Hunt.“I urge Texans to heed guidance from state and local officials and monitor local forecasts to avoid driving into flooded areas,” Abbott said in a statement.The Guadalupe’s river gauge at the unincorporated community of Hunt, where the river forks, recorded a 22 foot rise in just about two hours, according to Bob Fogarty, meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Austin/San Antonio office. Fogarty said the gauge failed after recording a level of 29 and a half feet.“We think the river’s higher than that,” Fogarty said. “The gauge is completely underwater.”The riverfront communities include several camps, wildlife habitats and campgrounds. Texas Game Wardens, part of the state parks and wildlife agency, said on Facebook that search and rescue teams are conducting rescues throughout the region and sending more boats to help.“This is the kind of thing that will catch you unaware,” Fogarty said. “The water’s moving so fast, you’re not going to recognize how bad it is until it’s on top of you.”<h2>Survivors describe overnight ordeal</h2>Erin Burgess’ home sits directly across from the river in the Bumble Bee Hills neighborhood, west of Ingram. When she woke up to thunder at 3:30 a.m. Friday morning, “it was raining pretty heavy, but no big deal,” she said.Just 20 minutes later, Burgess said water was coming in through the walls and rushing through the front and back doors. She described an agonizing hour clinging to a tree and waiting for the water to recede enough that they were able to walk up the hill to a neighbor's.“My son and I floated to a tree where we hung onto it, and my boyfriend and my dog floated away. He was lost for a while, but we found them,” she said, becoming emotional.Of her 19-year-old son, Burgess said: “Thankfully he’s over 6 feet tall. That’s the only thing that saved me, was hanging on to him.”Dozens of people posted on Facebook asking for any information on their children, nieces and nephews attending one of the many camps in the area, or family members that went camping during the holiday weekend.Ingram Fire Department posted a photo of a statement from Camp Mystic, saying the private Christian summer camp for girls experienced “catastrophic level floods.” Parents with a daughter not accounted for were directly contacted, the camp said.Another camp on the river located east of Hunt, Camp Waldemar, said in an Instagram post that “we are all safe and sound.”Disclosure: Facebook has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/support-us/corporate-sponsors/">list of them here</a>.

Death toll from Texas flash floods rises to 24 as rescue efforts continue

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo.&nbsp;– Approximately 200 Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, are conducting a movement to Florida, to augment U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) interior immigration enforcement mission with critical administrative and logistical capabilities at locations as directed by ICE, according to a statement from the U.S. Northern Command.

Responding to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) request received May 9, 2025, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4218703/statement-by-chief-pentagon-spokesman-sean-parnell-on-dod-administrative-and-lo">Secretary of Defense</a>&nbsp;approved a mobilization of up to 700 Active, National Guard, and Reserve component forces operating under Title 10 authority.

These Marines are the first wave of U.S. Northern Command’s (USNORTHCOM’s) support of this ICE mission. Other support locations will include Louisiana and Texas. Service members participating in this mission will perform&nbsp;strictly non-law enforcement&nbsp;duties within ICE facilities. Their roles will focus on administrative and logistical tasks, and they are&nbsp;specifically prohibited&nbsp;from direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or involvement in any aspect of the custody chain.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733965183962.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo.&nbsp;– Approximately 200 Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, are conducting a movement to Florida, to augment U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) interior immigration enforcement mission with critical administrative and logistical capabilities at locations as directed by ICE, according to a statement from the U.S. Northern Command.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740147958319.png" alt="File photo (Courtesy of Miami ICE Enforcement &amp; Removal Operations office)" />
 <figcaption>File photo (Courtesy of Miami ICE Enforcement &amp; Removal Operations office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Responding to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) request received May 9, 2025, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4218703/statement-by-chief-pentagon-spokesman-sean-parnell-on-dod-administrative-and-lo">Secretary of Defense</a>&nbsp;approved a mobilization of up to 700 Active, National Guard, and Reserve component forces operating under Title 10 authority.These Marines are the first wave of U.S. Northern Command’s (USNORTHCOM’s) support of this ICE mission. Other support locations will include Louisiana and Texas. Service members participating in this mission will perform&nbsp;strictly non-law enforcement&nbsp;duties within ICE facilities. Their roles will focus on administrative and logistical tasks, and they are&nbsp;specifically prohibited&nbsp;from direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or involvement in any aspect of the custody chain.

Military sending 200 Marines to help ICE in Florida

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —The recovery effort for a man and teen missing at Kanopolis Lake continues, according to a social media report from the Ellsworth Couinty Sheriff late Friday.

High winds have been hampering efforts. KDWP along with three area dive teams have been at it steadily since early Friday. The sheriff office asked holiday boaters, to stay away from the search personnel and vessels.

According to Ellsworth County Sheriff Kenny Bernard, at around&nbsp;7:15-7:30pm&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday,&nbsp;Ellsworth County dispatch reported three people who went missing after being on a boat at the lake.

A 14-year old girl was recovered by an individual in the area and was taken for treatment.

According to Bernard, a 40-year old man and a 14-year old girl are the two who are still reportedly missing.

By:&nbsp;NICOLAS FIERRO Salina Post

ELLSWORTH COUNTY - The search for two people missing at Kanopolis Lake in Ellsworth County continued Friday morning.

According to Sheriff Bernard, a 40-year old man and a 14-year old girl are the two who are still reportedly missing.

Multiple agencies including the Rice County Sheriff's Office, Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office, Marquette County Sheriff's Office, Marquette Fire Department, Ellsworth Fire Department and Law Enforcement Dive Teams from Salina and the Kansas Game Wardens were assisting with the investigating at the scene.

Sheila Watkins a resident of Salina who was at the scene after the report, commented on the investigation. "It is scary and sad," said Watkins. "I am hoping for the best possible scenario and I am just praying for the families."

&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available..

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751708351076.png" alt="google map" />
 <figcaption>google map</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLSWORTH COUNTY —The recovery effort for a man and teen missing at Kanopolis Lake continues, according to a social media report from the Ellsworth Couinty Sheriff late Friday.High winds have been hampering efforts. KDWP along with three area dive teams have been at it steadily since early Friday. The sheriff office asked holiday boaters, to stay away from the search personnel and vessels.According to Ellsworth County Sheriff Kenny Bernard, at around&nbsp;7:15-7:30pm&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday,&nbsp;Ellsworth County dispatch reported three people who went missing after being on a boat at the lake.A 14-year old girl was recovered by an individual in the area and was taken for treatment.According to Bernard, a 40-year old man and a 14-year old girl are the two who are still reportedly missing.---------By:&nbsp;NICOLAS FIERRO Salina PostELLSWORTH COUNTY - The search for two people missing at Kanopolis Lake in Ellsworth County continued Friday morning.According to Ellsworth County Sheriff Kenny Bernard, at around&nbsp;7:15-7:30pm&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday,&nbsp;Ellsworth County dispatch reported three people who went missing after being on a boat at the lake.A 14-year old girl was recovered by an individual in the area and was taken for treatment.According to Sheriff Bernard, a 40-year old man and a 14-year old girl are the two who are still reportedly missing.Multiple agencies including the Rice County Sheriff's Office, Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office, Marquette County Sheriff's Office, Marquette Fire Department, Ellsworth Fire Department and Law Enforcement Dive Teams from Salina and the Kansas Game Wardens were assisting with the investigating at the scene.Sheila Watkins a resident of Salina who was at the scene after the report, commented on the investigation. "It is scary and sad," said Watkins. "I am hoping for the best possible scenario and I am just praying for the families."&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available..

Recovery effort continues for man, teen at lake in Kansas

Fighter jets and stealth bombers streaked through the sky over the annual White House Fourth of July picnic on Friday.

“America's winning, winning, winning like never before,” Trump said, noting last month's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-sites-bombing-hegseth-trump-4014575fca3923cf29772d1c0b876206">bombing campaign</a>&nbsp;against Iran's nuclear program, which he said the flyover was meant to honor. “Promises made, promises kept, and we've kept them.”

The White House was hung with red, white and blue bunting for the Independence Day festivities. The U.S. Marine Band played patriotic marches.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751672721412.png" alt="The fighter jets and B2 bomber over the Washington monument on Friday-Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>The fighter jets and B2 bomber over the Washington monument on Friday-Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>Fighter jets and stealth bombers streaked through the sky over the annual White House Fourth of July picnic on Friday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">White House B-2 bomber flyover. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/4thofJuly?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#4thofJuly</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/July4th?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#July4th</a> <a href="https://t.co/aFcSxASKpM">pic.twitter.com/aFcSxASKpM</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1941279537704096154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“America's winning, winning, winning like never before,” Trump said, noting last month's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-sites-bombing-hegseth-trump-4014575fca3923cf29772d1c0b876206">bombing campaign</a>&nbsp;against Iran's nuclear program, which he said the flyover was meant to honor. “Promises made, promises kept, and we've kept them.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751740938382.jpeg" alt="photo White House" />
 <figcaption>photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>The White House was hung with red, white and blue bunting for the Independence Day festivities. The U.S. Marine Band played patriotic marches.

🎥 Dramatic flyover at White House Fourth of July picnic

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL IS NOW OFFICIALLY THE LAW OF THE LAND! <a href="https://t.co/mOpYN0tiZ0">pic.twitter.com/mOpYN0tiZ0</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1941253557665321187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Trump signs Big, Beautiful Bill into law

&nbsp;President Donald Trump signed the Big, Beautiful Bill into law during a ceremony at the White House Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751667635743.png" alt="Missouri Congressman Jason Smith, center right wearing glasses, is on hand for the historic signing ceremony.-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Congressman Jason Smith, center right wearing glasses, is on hand for the historic signing ceremony.-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;President Donald Trump signed the Big, Beautiful Bill into law during a ceremony at the White House Friday afternoon.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL IS NOW OFFICIALLY THE LAW OF THE LAND! <a href="https://t.co/mOpYN0tiZ0">pic.twitter.com/mOpYN0tiZ0</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1941253557665321187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751666108451.png" alt="Missouri 8th District Rep. Jason Smith and Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall greet First Lady Melania Trump-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Missouri 8th District Rep. Jason Smith and Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall greet First Lady Melania Trump-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Getting ready to watch President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> sign the One Big, Beautiful Bill on America’s birthday 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/L3NZojsnQ8">pic.twitter.com/L3NZojsnQ8</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1941247991123411282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

 🎥Mo. Congressman in attendance as Big, Beautiful Bill signed into law

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp;(KDHE)&nbsp;and&nbsp;local health departments&nbsp;continue to respond to measles cases in Kansas.

On Friday, the&nbsp; KDHE reported a measles exposure that occurred at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita&nbsp;so individuals can take steps to protect their health and help prevent further spread.&nbsp;There is no risk of measles exposure outside&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;specific unit,&nbsp;dates and times&nbsp;listed. Individuals who were not in the affected&nbsp;unit&nbsp;during that&nbsp;time, including those in other parts of the hospital or its departments,&nbsp;are&nbsp;not&nbsp;considered exposed.

On Wednesday, the KDHE reported three new cases of measles over the past week in the state for a total of 83 cases in 11 counties.

The measles virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Because the measles virus is highly contagious, anyone who was a patient, staff or visitor to the fifth-floor pediatric unit in Building 4 at Wesley Medical Center on any of the dates and times listed above may have been exposed to measles and should take the following steps:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus. It spreads easily when an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs. People who are not vaccinated or lack immunity are especially at risk of becoming infected. Symptoms of measles typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Three to five days after symptoms begin, a skin rash develops and usually starts on the face and spreads down to the neck, trunk, arms and legs.&nbsp;

The best way to prevent measles is to get the MMR vaccine. If you have had measles or have been vaccinated, your risk of contracting the disease is very low. However, a few people (about three out of 100) can still get measles even after two MMR vaccine doses if they are near someone who is sick.&nbsp;

For questions, contact the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline by phone at 877-427-7317 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdhe.epihotline@ks.gov">kdhe.epihotline@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information about measles, how to find your vaccine records, and answers to common questions, visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Measles Resource Hub at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2Fmeasles%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000197d6d48f8c-655dcf99-c212-4ab7-9b7a-feb6d4cd27e3-000000/79OTFaS4apBq2mxz6LWVEqeelC6ZsgOfH4u1hSxA6bM=412">www.kdhe.ks.gov/measles</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743085628490.png" alt="Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp;(KDHE)&nbsp;and&nbsp;local health departments&nbsp;continue to respond to measles cases in Kansas.On Friday, the&nbsp; KDHE reported a measles exposure that occurred at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita&nbsp;so individuals can take steps to protect their health and help prevent further spread.&nbsp;There is no risk of measles exposure outside&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;specific unit,&nbsp;dates and times&nbsp;listed. Individuals who were not in the affected&nbsp;unit&nbsp;during that&nbsp;time, including those in other parts of the hospital or its departments,&nbsp;are&nbsp;not&nbsp;considered exposed.<ul>
 <li>Location:&nbsp;Fifth-Floor Pediatric Unit, Building 4, Wesley Medical Center</li><li>Address:&nbsp;550 N Hillside St, Wichita, KS 67214</li><li>Dates and times:&nbsp;Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 10 p.m. until Thursday, July 3, 2025, 4:45 p.m.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>On Wednesday, the KDHE reported three new cases of measles over the past week in the state for a total of 83 cases in 11 counties.The measles virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Because the measles virus is highly contagious, anyone who was a patient, staff or visitor to the fifth-floor pediatric unit in Building 4 at Wesley Medical Center on any of the dates and times listed above may have been exposed to measles and should take the following steps:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Understand if you are susceptible to infection.&nbsp;Check if you’ve received a measles-containing vaccine, like the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, have medical documentation of past measles infection, or have laboratory evidence of immunity. People who are not vaccinated and have not previously had measles are especially vulnerable to becoming infected.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Watch for symptoms.&nbsp;Monitor yourself for 21 days after your exposure. Look out for any symptoms—especially a fever and a new or unexplained skin rash—and contact your healthcare provider or local health department if symptoms develop.If you were at the fifth-floor pediatric unit, Building 4, Wesley Medical Center in Wichita on:&nbsp;July 1, 2025, monitor until the end of Tuesday, July 22.July 2, 2025, monitor until the end of Wednesday, July 23.July 3, 2025, monitor until the end of Thursday, July 24.</li><li>If you were at the fifth-floor pediatric unit, Building 4, Wesley Medical Center in Wichita on:&nbsp;July 1, 2025, monitor until the end of Tuesday, July 22.July 2, 2025, monitor until the end of Wednesday, July 23.July 3, 2025, monitor until the end of Thursday, July 24.</li><li>July 1, 2025, monitor until the end of Tuesday, July 22.</li><li>July 2, 2025, monitor until the end of Wednesday, July 23.</li><li>July 3, 2025, monitor until the end of Thursday, July 24.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Avoid high-risk settings.&nbsp;If you are not&nbsp;immune, consider staying home to prevent the spread of measles.&nbsp;If you cannot remain home,&nbsp;stay away from large gatherings and&nbsp;people&nbsp;that&nbsp;might&nbsp;be susceptible to measles, including those&nbsp;who&nbsp;are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants, or people who are immunocompromised.&nbsp;If you need medical care, call your provider ahead of time&nbsp;and let them know you may have been exposed to measles&nbsp;so they can take any necessary steps&nbsp;to&nbsp;protect others from potential measles exposure.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Talk to&nbsp;a healthcare provider.&nbsp;If you have any questions about your health or your immunity status, contact&nbsp;your&nbsp;healthcare provider. If you are not immune to measles,&nbsp;a healthcare provider&nbsp;can&nbsp;determine&nbsp;whether you need&nbsp;treatment&nbsp;to help prevent or lessen the severity of infection.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus. It spreads easily when an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs. People who are not vaccinated or lack immunity are especially at risk of becoming infected. Symptoms of measles typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Three to five days after symptoms begin, a skin rash develops and usually starts on the face and spreads down to the neck, trunk, arms and legs.&nbsp;The best way to prevent measles is to get the MMR vaccine. If you have had measles or have been vaccinated, your risk of contracting the disease is very low. However, a few people (about three out of 100) can still get measles even after two MMR vaccine doses if they are near someone who is sick.&nbsp;For questions, contact the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline by phone at 877-427-7317 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdhe.epihotline@ks.gov">kdhe.epihotline@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information about measles, how to find your vaccine records, and answers to common questions, visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Measles Resource Hub at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2Fmeasles%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000197d6d48f8c-655dcf99-c212-4ab7-9b7a-feb6d4cd27e3-000000/79OTFaS4apBq2mxz6LWVEqeelC6ZsgOfH4u1hSxA6bM=412">www.kdhe.ks.gov/measles</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KDHE: Measles exposure risk at a Kansas hospital

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“We’re going to have a UFC fight, think of this, on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there. We&#39;re gonna build a little - Dana&#39;s gonna do it... Championship fight, full fight, like 20, 25,000 people. And we&#39;re going to do that as part of A250&quot; - Trump in Iowa <a href="https://t.co/5Dkam2IFWU">pic.twitter.com/5Dkam2IFWU</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1941078076903043230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Trump says he plans to host UFC fight at the White House

A Jackson County judge on Thursday blocked enforcement of most of Missouri’s laws limiting abortion access and where abortion services can be offered

Abortion services will resume in Missouri on Monday following a Jackson County court order blocking enforcement of almost all of the state’s laws restricting the procedure.

On Thursday afternoon, Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang, for the third time,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/2416-CV31931Comp%20HealthORDER.PDF?courtCode=16&amp;di=28244257" target="_blank">issued an order</a>&nbsp;to enforce the abortion rights amendment approved by voters in November. In her previous orders, one in December and one in February,&nbsp; Zhang pointed to the voter-approved constitutional amendment in issuing a temporary injunction blocking abortion restrictions enacted over numerous years by state lawmakers.

State lawmakers have passed a ballot measure asking voters&nbsp; to repeal the abortion rights amendment in 2026, a move being&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/03/lawsuit-challenges-ballot-language-for-proposed-missouri-abortion-ban/">challenged in Cole County Circuit Court</a>.

Surgical abortions resumed after the February decision but&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/27/missouri-supreme-court-reinstates-abortion-restrictions-imposing-de-facto-ban/">ended in May</a>&nbsp;when the Missouri Supreme Court struck down Zhang’s orders on technical legal grounds.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, the ACLU of Missouri and Planned Parenthood affiliates said the Kansas City clinic will resume abortion services on Monday. The statement said the ruling was incomplete because it did not enjoin enforcement of a state law requiring complication plans for abortion patients.&nbsp;

“Abortion is legal again in Missouri because voters demanded it and we fought for it,” said Emily Wales, president and CEO, Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains.&nbsp;

Zhang found that the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/24/abortion-is-now-illegal-in-missouri-in-wake-of-u-s-supreme-court-ruling/">total ban on abortions</a>&nbsp;that took effect in 2022 clearly conflicted with the rights secured by the abortion amendment, which received 52% of the vote in November.

She also blocked enforcement of a law requiring two appointments 72 hours apart to obtain abortion services and that women be required to take state-produced material on fetal development.

The order blocks enforcement of laws requiring special abortion facility licensing and that doctors performing abortions have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.&nbsp;

“The regulations require physicians to perform certain exams and tests that are unnecessary when the physicians themselves are authorized and enabled to make the determination on what is and is not necessary for their individual patients,” Zhang wrote. “Additionally, miscarriage management can be provided on an outpatient basis without a special facility license.”

Zhang’s order keeps in place rules that only doctors can provide abortion services and that the woman seeking an abortion have an in-person appointment. The appointment can, however, be by telemedicine, Zhang ruled as she blocked a separate rule.

Overall, Zhang’s ruling means the rights secured by the abortion amendment can be exercised.&nbsp;

“As plaintiffs argue, they and their patients are suffering serious harm, whereas defendants only stand to lose the ability temporarily to enforce some laws that are likely to be held unconstitutional and which further no valid compelling state interest,” Zhang wrote.

In a statement, Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office said in a statement that he would immediately appeal the decision.

“We respectfully but firmly disagree with the Court’s decision to once again block the enforcement of Missouri’s duly enacted health and safety regulations,” the statement read. “These requirements were designed to ensure that women receive care in sanitary conditions from qualified professionals, with emergency safeguards in place.”

While services will resume in Kansas City on Monday, other clinics will open up appointment books quickly.

“This decision is a step forward toward fully realizing Missourians’ right to reproductive freedom,” Margot Riphagen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, said in the release, “and the staff at our Central West End health center in St. Louis will work as quickly as possible to resume scheduling abortion appointments.”

<h2>A Jackson County judge on Thursday blocked enforcement of most of Missouri’s laws limiting abortion access and where abortion services can be offered</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Abortion services will resume in Missouri on Monday following a Jackson County court order blocking enforcement of almost all of the state’s laws restricting the procedure.On Thursday afternoon, Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang, for the third time,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/2416-CV31931Comp%20HealthORDER.PDF?courtCode=16&amp;di=28244257" target="_blank">issued an order</a>&nbsp;to enforce the abortion rights amendment approved by voters in November. In her previous orders, one in December and one in February,&nbsp; Zhang pointed to the voter-approved constitutional amendment in issuing a temporary injunction blocking abortion restrictions enacted over numerous years by state lawmakers.State lawmakers have passed a ballot measure asking voters&nbsp; to repeal the abortion rights amendment in 2026, a move being&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/03/lawsuit-challenges-ballot-language-for-proposed-missouri-abortion-ban/">challenged in Cole County Circuit Court</a>.Surgical abortions resumed after the February decision but&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/27/missouri-supreme-court-reinstates-abortion-restrictions-imposing-de-facto-ban/">ended in May</a>&nbsp;when the Missouri Supreme Court struck down Zhang’s orders on technical legal grounds.&nbsp;In a joint statement, the ACLU of Missouri and Planned Parenthood affiliates said the Kansas City clinic will resume abortion services on Monday. The statement said the ruling was incomplete because it did not enjoin enforcement of a state law requiring complication plans for abortion patients.&nbsp;“Abortion is legal again in Missouri because voters demanded it and we fought for it,” said Emily Wales, president and CEO, Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains.&nbsp;Zhang found that the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/24/abortion-is-now-illegal-in-missouri-in-wake-of-u-s-supreme-court-ruling/">total ban on abortions</a>&nbsp;that took effect in 2022 clearly conflicted with the rights secured by the abortion amendment, which received 52% of the vote in November.She also blocked enforcement of a law requiring two appointments 72 hours apart to obtain abortion services and that women be required to take state-produced material on fetal development.The order blocks enforcement of laws requiring special abortion facility licensing and that doctors performing abortions have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.&nbsp;“The regulations require physicians to perform certain exams and tests that are unnecessary when the physicians themselves are authorized and enabled to make the determination on what is and is not necessary for their individual patients,” Zhang wrote. “Additionally, miscarriage management can be provided on an outpatient basis without a special facility license.”Zhang’s order keeps in place rules that only doctors can provide abortion services and that the woman seeking an abortion have an in-person appointment. The appointment can, however, be by telemedicine, Zhang ruled as she blocked a separate rule.Overall, Zhang’s ruling means the rights secured by the abortion amendment can be exercised.&nbsp;“As plaintiffs argue, they and their patients are suffering serious harm, whereas defendants only stand to lose the ability temporarily to enforce some laws that are likely to be held unconstitutional and which further no valid compelling state interest,” Zhang wrote.In a statement, Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office said in a statement that he would immediately appeal the decision.“We respectfully but firmly disagree with the Court’s decision to once again block the enforcement of Missouri’s duly enacted health and safety regulations,” the statement read. “These requirements were designed to ensure that women receive care in sanitary conditions from qualified professionals, with emergency safeguards in place.”While services will resume in Kansas City on Monday, other clinics will open up appointment books quickly.“This decision is a step forward toward fully realizing Missourians’ right to reproductive freedom,” Margot Riphagen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, said in the release, “and the staff at our Central West End health center in St. Louis will work as quickly as possible to resume scheduling abortion appointments.”

Missouri abortion rights amendment trumps most restrictions, judge rules

KANSAS CITY—A second person has died from a mass shooting that occurred June 14 in Kansas City.

KCPD homicide detectives were notified 44-year-old Ronnie Hardman was pronounced deceased by hospital staff Thursday morning, according to&nbsp; Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just after 1:30 a.m.&nbsp; June 14, patrol officers were dispatched to 35th and Prospect on a reported shooting. When officers arrived they were directed to the gas station parking lot. They located multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Officers began performing live saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. On scene officers located a total of four victims. An adult female victim had critical injuries, one adult male victim had critical injuries, and two adult male victims had non life threatening injuries. 

All of the victims were transported to local hospitals. The adult female victim, later identified as&nbsp;24-year-old Monique K. Smith was pronounced deceased a short time later by medical personnel.

Additional officers responded to a separate shooting, a short distance away, in the 2000 block of East Linwood where an adult male victim was located. 

Police determined his injuries were as a result of the shooting at 35th and Prospect. He was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. Police have not reported an arrest or possible suspect details in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749903126084.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A second person has died from a mass shooting that occurred June 14 in Kansas City.KCPD homicide detectives were notified 44-year-old Ronnie Hardman was pronounced deceased by hospital staff Thursday morning, according to&nbsp; Officer Alayna Gonzalez.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749903072954.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte." />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 1:30 a.m.&nbsp; June 14, patrol officers were dispatched to 35th and Prospect on a reported shooting. When officers arrived they were directed to the gas station parking lot. They located multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Officers began performing live saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. On scene officers located a total of four victims. An adult female victim had critical injuries, one adult male victim had critical injuries, and two adult male victims had non life threatening injuries. All of the victims were transported to local hospitals. The adult female victim, later identified as&nbsp;24-year-old Monique K. Smith was pronounced deceased a short time later by medical personnel.Additional officers responded to a separate shooting, a short distance away, in the 2000 block of East Linwood where an adult male victim was located. Police determined his injuries were as a result of the shooting at 35th and Prospect. He was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. Police have not reported an arrest or possible suspect details in the case.

KCPD: 2nd victim dies from injuries in June mass shooting

WASHINGTON —House Republicans lifted&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;$4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill&nbsp;to final passage Thursday. On social media, members of the Missouri Congressional delegation shared their thoughts on passage of the bill.

WASHINGTON —House Republicans lifted&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;$4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill&nbsp;to final passage Thursday. On social media, members of the Missouri Congressional delegation shared their thoughts on passage of the bill.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The One Big Beautiful Bill delivers historic tax relief for families, seniors and American workers. It cuts wasteful spending, secures the border, and unleashes American energy, while ensuring we have a strong military. As Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure…&mdash; Rep. Sam Graves (@RepSamGraves) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepSamGraves/status/1940845614117294081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PASSED: THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL!!! 🇺🇸&mdash; Rep. Jason Smith (@RepJasonSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJasonSmith/status/1940840893478736111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hawley Praises House Passage of Reconciliation Bill with Historic RECA Expansion Included<a href="https://t.co/bEkUvOFpZY">https://t.co/bEkUvOFpZY</a>&mdash; Senator Hawley Press Office (@SenHawleyPress) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenHawleyPress/status/1940859061706408099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wagner Votes to Prevent Largest Tax Increase in American History and Strengthen Medicaid<a href="https://t.co/GKTEU9xDOK">https://t.co/GKTEU9xDOK</a> 🧵 ⬇️⬇️⬇️&mdash; Ann Wagner (@RepAnnWagner) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepAnnWagner/status/1940842897869537634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I applaud the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” It is a major win for the American people and President Trump’s agenda. <a href="https://t.co/8qEoHAehLS">pic.twitter.com/8qEoHAehLS</a>&mdash; Bob Onder (@RepBobOnder) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepBobOnder/status/1940844273739673685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Proud to deliver on the America First mandate today. 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/EGJGanFkko">pic.twitter.com/EGJGanFkko</a>&mdash; Rep. Mark Alford (@RepMarkAlford) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMarkAlford/status/1940850791281316275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/hg2qWM6Qbo">pic.twitter.com/hg2qWM6Qbo</a>&mdash; Rep. Eric Burlison (@RepEricBurlison) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepEricBurlison/status/1940840922209833398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We did it. Congress has officially PASSED the One Big Beautiful Bill. A historic, once-in-a-lifetime chance to secure our border, reverse mass migration, slash taxes for American families and reverse American decline. Now on to President Trump’s desk. 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/LXsVGzN0Zg">pic.twitter.com/LXsVGzN0Zg</a>&mdash; Senator Eric Schmitt (@SenEricSchmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenEricSchmitt/status/1940841096357318774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Mo. GOP lawmakers celebrate passage of the Big, Beautiful Bill

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: “From 1776 all the way through today, American patriots have won triumph after triumph, we’ve had victory after victory, and let nothing stand in the way of the USA.” 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/hfq0JoVIgu">pic.twitter.com/hfq0JoVIgu</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1940947450841518461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: Exactly one year from tomorrow, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America&#39;s founding... This evening, we are officially launching &quot;AMERICA 250&quot; — an enormous, year-long, nationwide celebration of our heritage, our flag, and our glorious American freedom. 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/ffQuiio1WY">pic.twitter.com/ffQuiio1WY</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1940938639464452197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;As we prepare to celebrate two and a half centuries of freedom, I am inviting America’s great religious communities to pray for our nation and for our people... as we chart our course toward the next 250 years, let us rededicate ourselves to ONE NATION UNDER GOD.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ooso9kLNZf">pic.twitter.com/ooso9kLNZf</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1940945209661043064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> announces the &quot;Patriot Games&quot; as part of the America 250 celebration — in which top high school athletes from all 50 states participate in a nationally televised sporting event. <a href="https://t.co/02rnXtfgzV">pic.twitter.com/02rnXtfgzV</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1940942910167326808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Trump kicks off yearlong celebration of America's 250th anniversary 

ELLSWORTH COUNTY - Two people are missing and one person was recovered at Kanopolis Lake in Ellsworth County.

According to Sheriff  Bernard, a 40-year old man and a 14-year old girl are the two who are still reportedly missing.

Sheila Watkins a resident of Salina who was at the scene after the report, commented on the investigation.

"It is scary and sad," said Watkins. "I am hoping for the best possible scenario and I am just praying for the families."

This investigation is currently ongoing.&nbsp;Salina Post will provide updates once received.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751619956983.png" alt="Scene at 11:30p.m. at Kanopolis Lake as multiple agencies search for two people, photo by Nicolas Fierro Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Scene at 11:30p.m. at Kanopolis Lake as multiple agencies search for two people, photo by Nicolas Fierro Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;NICOLAS FIERRO Salina PostELLSWORTH COUNTY - Two people are missing and one person was recovered at Kanopolis Lake in Ellsworth County.According to Ellsworth County Sheriff Kenny Bernard, at around&nbsp;7:15-7:30pm&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday,&nbsp;Ellsworth County dispatch reported three people who went missing after being on a boat at the lake.A 14-year old girl was recovered by an individual in the area and was taken for treatment.According to Sheriff Bernard, a 40-year old man and a 14-year old girl are the two who are still reportedly missing.Multiple agencies including the Rice County Sheriff's Office, Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office, Marquette County Sheriff's Office, Marquette Fire Department, Ellsworth Fire Department and Law Enforcement Dive Teams from Salina and the Kansas Game Wardens were assisting with the investigating at the scene.Sheila Watkins a resident of Salina who was at the scene after the report, commented on the investigation."It is scary and sad," said Watkins. "I am hoping for the best possible scenario and I am just praying for the families."This investigation is currently ongoing.&nbsp;Salina Post will provide updates once received.

Sheriff: Man and teen missing at Kansas lake

A Clackamas County, Oregon jury found former University of Kansas star and Portland Trail Blazer Ben McLemore guilty Thursday of raping and sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman in 2021, according to a media release from Clackamas County.

McLemore, 32, was convicted in Clackamas County Circuit Court of Rape in the First Degree, Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree. He will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. on July 9.

"We recognize there are those who fear individuals with celebrity status or a position of prominence can avoid prosecution. Not in Clackamas County. This case demonstrates my office prosecutes criminal acts regardless of the offender's community status," said District Attorney John Wentworth.

The sexual assault occurred on October 3, 2021, after a party at the Lake Oswego home of Robert Covington, another former Trail Blazer. Covington and McLemore were teammates at the time.

The victim had been drinking heavily and was "hammered unconscious drunk" that night, prosecutor Scott Healy told jurors. It's the most alcohol the woman ever had to drink in her life and the most intoxicated she's ever been, Healy said.

The victim vomited earlier in the evening and witnesses said she had difficulty walking, slurred speech and could barely lift her head, Healy said.

The victim passed out on a large living room couch around 2 a.m. Sometime later McLemore later began sleeping on the same couch.

Around 6 a.m., the victim regained partial consciousness when McLemore sexually penetrated her with his fingers then began having sexual intercourse with her.

The victim was "fading in and out" of consciousness, frightened and traumatized, Healy said. Later that day she sought a specialized medical examination for victims of sexual assault.

"(The defendant) needs to be held accountable for what he did. You can't do that to somebody, let alone somebody that you don't know either. You don't do that to people and just be able to get away with it. I don't care who you are," the victim said during her trial testimony.

Defense attorneys for McLemore disputed the victim's account of events. They claimed she initiated sexual contact and consented to it.

McLemore's attorneys asserted that although the victim and McLemore were both intoxicated and at the time of the encounter, the victim was sober enough to consent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751586386443.png" alt="McLemore- photo Clackamas County " />
 <figcaption>McLemore- photo Clackamas County </figcaption>
 </figure>A Clackamas County, Oregon jury found former University of Kansas star and Portland Trail Blazer Ben McLemore guilty Thursday of raping and sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman in 2021, according to a media release from Clackamas County.McLemore, 32, was convicted in Clackamas County Circuit Court of Rape in the First Degree, Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree. He will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. on July 9."We recognize there are those who fear individuals with celebrity status or a position of prominence can avoid prosecution. Not in Clackamas County. This case demonstrates my office prosecutes criminal acts regardless of the offender's community status," said District Attorney John Wentworth.The sexual assault occurred on October 3, 2021, after a party at the Lake Oswego home of Robert Covington, another former Trail Blazer. Covington and McLemore were teammates at the time.The victim had been drinking heavily and was "hammered unconscious drunk" that night, prosecutor Scott Healy told jurors. It's the most alcohol the woman ever had to drink in her life and the most intoxicated she's ever been, Healy said.The victim vomited earlier in the evening and witnesses said she had difficulty walking, slurred speech and could barely lift her head, Healy said.The victim passed out on a large living room couch around 2 a.m. Sometime later McLemore later began sleeping on the same couch.Around 6 a.m., the victim regained partial consciousness when McLemore sexually penetrated her with his fingers then began having sexual intercourse with her.The victim was "fading in and out" of consciousness, frightened and traumatized, Healy said. Later that day she sought a specialized medical examination for victims of sexual assault."(The defendant) needs to be held accountable for what he did. You can't do that to somebody, let alone somebody that you don't know either. You don't do that to people and just be able to get away with it. I don't care who you are," the victim said during her trial testimony.Defense attorneys for McLemore disputed the victim's account of events. They claimed she initiated sexual contact and consented to it.McLemore's attorneys asserted that although the victim and McLemore were both intoxicated and at the time of the encounter, the victim was sober enough to consent.

Former KU player convicted of rape, sexual assault in Oregon

PHILLIPSBURG, Kan. —&nbsp;The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday evening, June 27, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, resulting in the deaths of Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Gaede and suspect Kolton Griffith.

Over the past several days, detectives and forensic investigators have processed the scene, conducted interviews, and collected evidence. The Sheriff’s Office is now providing new details about the sequence of events that led to the deadly encounter, according Sedgwick County Sheriff's Spokesman Brandon Stitt.

At approximately 6:02 p.m., the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received its first report of an explosion near 1st and E Streets. The responding deputy was initially unable to locate the source and cleared the area, believing fireworks may have caused the noise.

By 8:31 p.m., dispatchers received three additional calls reporting loud booms in the same vicinity. Deputy Gaede responded, spoke with concerned residents, and began searching for the source of the explosions. He contacted Griffith, who lived at 899 1st Street. Griffith denied involvement in the detonations, and Deputy Gaede cleared the call around 8:48 p.m. but remained nearby.

Believing the explosions were not commercial-grade fireworks, Deputy Gaede began reviewing Kansas statutes related to the criminal use of explosives.

At 9:18 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office received another report of an explosion from the same area. Deputy Gaede, who was still in the area, observed smoke and made contact with Griffith, who was standing in his front yard. Griffith admitted setting off the explosive device, stating he intended to provoke one of the citizens who had reported the previous explosion.

Determining that Griffith had violated state law regarding the criminal use of explosives—a felony in Kansas—Deputy Gaede attempted to arrest him. After securing one handcuff on Griffith’s left wrist, Griffith resisted, turned away, and drew a concealed revolver from his waistband. He fired five rounds, critically wounding Deputy Gaede. Despite his injuries, Deputy Gaede returned fire, discharging eight rounds and killing Griffith.

A backup deputy arrived within seconds and began life-saving efforts. Deputy Gaede was transported to a local hospital, where he died shortly after arrival.

As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for Griffith’s residence. The Kansas Highway Patrol Hazardous Devices Unit assisted with the search, which uncovered more than 33 pounds of explosive materials, including ammonium perchlorate, ammonium nitrate, and commercial blasting caps. Investigators also recovered over 20 firearms and a large stockpile of ammunition.

The investigation has not revealed that Griffith targeted Deputy Gaede.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate. Upon completion, the case will be submitted to the Phillips County Attorney for review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751127258786.png" alt="Deputy Brandon Gaede" />
 <figcaption>Deputy Brandon Gaede</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPSBURG, Kan. —&nbsp;The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday evening, June 27, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, resulting in the deaths of Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Gaede and suspect Kolton Griffith.Over the past several days, detectives and forensic investigators have processed the scene, conducted interviews, and collected evidence. The Sheriff’s Office is now providing new details about the sequence of events that led to the deadly encounter, according Sedgwick County Sheriff's Spokesman Brandon Stitt.At approximately 6:02 p.m., the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received its first report of an explosion near 1st and E Streets. The responding deputy was initially unable to locate the source and cleared the area, believing fireworks may have caused the noise.By 8:31 p.m., dispatchers received three additional calls reporting loud booms in the same vicinity. Deputy Gaede responded, spoke with concerned residents, and began searching for the source of the explosions. He contacted Griffith, who lived at 899 1st Street. Griffith denied involvement in the detonations, and Deputy Gaede cleared the call around 8:48 p.m. but remained nearby.Believing the explosions were not commercial-grade fireworks, Deputy Gaede began reviewing Kansas statutes related to the criminal use of explosives.At 9:18 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office received another report of an explosion from the same area. Deputy Gaede, who was still in the area, observed smoke and made contact with Griffith, who was standing in his front yard. Griffith admitted setting off the explosive device, stating he intended to provoke one of the citizens who had reported the previous explosion.Determining that Griffith had violated state law regarding the criminal use of explosives—a felony in Kansas—Deputy Gaede attempted to arrest him. After securing one handcuff on Griffith’s left wrist, Griffith resisted, turned away, and drew a concealed revolver from his waistband. He fired five rounds, critically wounding Deputy Gaede. Despite his injuries, Deputy Gaede returned fire, discharging eight rounds and killing Griffith.A backup deputy arrived within seconds and began life-saving efforts. Deputy Gaede was transported to a local hospital, where he died shortly after arrival.As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for Griffith’s residence. The Kansas Highway Patrol Hazardous Devices Unit assisted with the search, which uncovered more than 33 pounds of explosive materials, including ammonium perchlorate, ammonium nitrate, and commercial blasting caps. Investigators also recovered over 20 firearms and a large stockpile of ammunition.The investigation has not revealed that Griffith targeted Deputy Gaede.The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate. Upon completion, the case will be submitted to the Phillips County Attorney for review.

New details on the encounter that left Kan. sheriff's deputy, suspect dead

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday that she and her husband of more than 40 years were granted a divorce.

She decided to speak publicly about the amicable end of her marriage because of inquiries about the status of her relationship with retired physician Ted Daughety.

Kelly, 75, said the pair remained on friendly terms before and after the divorce was finalized in October. They were married in 1983 and have two adult daughters.

“Throughout my time in public office, I’ve always guarded my family’s privacy. It’s been my policy to keep my personal life separate from my public one to the extent possible,” Kelly said.

She said it had “come to my attention that my marital status has become a topic of some speculation, so I will share that Ted and I divorced in October of 2024.”

“It was amicable and mutual, and we both continue to share in the lives of our family,” the governor said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751579549104.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said she and former Topeka physician Ted Daughety, shown together during Kelly's inauguration ceremony in 2023, have been granted a divorce. They were married in 1983 and moved to Topeka in the late 1980s. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said she and former Topeka physician Ted Daughety, shown together during Kelly's inauguration ceremony in 2023, have been granted a divorce. They were married in 1983 and moved to Topeka in the late 1980s. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday that she and her husband of more than 40 years were granted a divorce.She decided to speak publicly about the amicable end of her marriage because of inquiries about the status of her relationship with retired physician Ted Daughety.Kelly, 75, said the pair remained on friendly terms before and after the divorce was finalized in October. They were married in 1983 and have two adult daughters.“Throughout my time in public office, I’ve always guarded my family’s privacy. It’s been my policy to keep my personal life separate from my public one to the extent possible,” Kelly said.She said it had “come to my attention that my marital status has become a topic of some speculation, so I will share that Ted and I divorced in October of 2024.”“It was amicable and mutual, and we both continue to share in the lives of our family,” the governor said.The Democratic governor’s brief statement was the first official confirmation of a split. The governor resides at the Topeka residence for Kansas governors known as Cedar Crest. Her family home in the Potwin neighborhood of central Topeka has been sold.In a statement, Daughety said that “Laura and I made this decision together, based on what worked best for us and for our family.”Kelly was elected to the Kansas Senate to represent a Topeka-area district in 2005 and remained in that job for nearly 15 years. She was elected governor in 2018 and reelected in 2022.Daughety was a pulmonary and sleep disorder specialist who practiced medicine for decades in Kansas.Divorce among sitting U.S. governors hasn’t been common, but Democrat John Carlin ended two marriages while serving as governor of Kansas.Carlin took office in 1979 and received a divorce from Ramona Hawkinson in 1980. Carlin and his second wife, Karen Bigsby Hurley, were divorced in 1985 during his second term.