Hundreds Rally for Kansas Abortion Rights
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KPR) - About 1,600 people rallied in Lawrence Saturday in support of reproductive rights. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that demonstrators spoke out against a proposed state constitutional amendment on the primary ballot August 2nd. That proposed amendment states that the Kansas constitution does not guarantee a right to abortion. The abortion debate has heated up this year after a U.S. Supreme Court draft decision was leaked to the press, suggesting the Court is on the verge of overturning Roe v. Wade. Also demonstrating in Lawrence Saturday were members of the Douglas County chapter of Moms Demand Action. The rally was one of dozens of "Wear Orange" events being held across the country this weekend to protest gun violence. The rallies come on the heels of recent mass shootings in Texas, Tulsa, Buffalo, and Philadelphia.
==========
Man Arrested in Indiana in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Eudora Girl
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KPR) - An Overland Park man has been arrested in Indiana in connection with a hit-and-run accident last month that killed a Eudora girl. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that 28-year-old Jose Alfredo Galiano Mesa was wanted as the suspected drivers that struck a motorcycle carrying 10-year-old Brooklyn Brouhard on Kansas Highway 10. Her grandfather, 54-year-old Barry Larson of Eudora, was driving the motorcycle and was injured in the accident. Mesa was arrested will be extradited to Kansas to face charges. In a press release, Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister says that the identity of Mesa had not been previously released because of his immigration status and concern that he would flee the country.
==========
Haskell Extends Search for New President
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KPR) - The search for the next president of Haskell Indian National University will continue indefinitely. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that a spokesperson for U.S. Senator Jerry Moran said the Bureau of Indian Education is reopening the search after a candidate who was offered the position turned it down. For the time being, Haskell Indian Nations University will be led by new interim president Julia Goodfox, dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences.
==========
Big 12 Conference to Distribute Record $426 Million
IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Big 12 Conference is distributing a record $426 million of revenue to its 10 schools for the 2021-22 school year. That is a nearly 25 percent increase over last year and 10 percent higher than its peak before the COVID-19 pandemic. The chair of the Big 12 board of directors, Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec, says the league is in a very strong position. Schovanec also says the search for a new Big 12 conference commissioner is on track to be completed by mid-July. In other news, the Big 12 conference voted to keep the men's and women's basketball championships in Kansas City through 2027. This represents a two-year extension of the current multi-year agreement.
==========
Sewage Leak Closes Two Lake Shawnee Coves
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) - A sewage leak is being blamed for closing two coves at Lake Shawnee Friday. The Topeka Capital Journal reports that Shawnee County Parks and Recreation closed the two coves, although other part of the lake remain open. While the cause of the sewage leak was not immediately known, a spokesman for public works says recent heavy rains may have overwhelmed the sewer system. Park and Recreation also issued a warning about blue-green algae in Lake Shawnee. Blue-green algae can be fatal to animals.
==========
Baldwin Man Charged for Allegedly Firing Gun During Car Chase
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KPR) - A Baldwin City man has been arrested for suspicion of attempted first-degree murder after allegedly firing a gun at another vehicle. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that 22-year-old Devin Fuller is accused of chasing a southbound vehicle on U.S. Highway 59 from Douglas County to Franklin County Friday, where he allegedly shot at the other vehicle. In addition to suspicion of attempted first-degree murder, Fuller is charged with endangerment, criminal discharge of a firearm, and criminal possession of a firearm. In a news release, the Franklin County Sheriff's office says that Fuller is being held on $1 million bond.