Never forget that Roger Marshall’s very first vote as a Senator, his very first vote, was in support of the insurrection.

Got this little short video from an obvious conservative group. I responded.

Measles outbreaks, CDC on disarray, states not trusting the feds, produce farmers suffering, babies dying: these are the health outcomes since Feb 2025 when Kansas's senator bragged about MAHA. In Marshall's OWN words:

https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-releases-statement-after-voting-to-confirm-robert-f-kennedy-jr-as-secretary-of-health-and-human-services/

We can see how RFK has helped the snake oil grifters and beef tallow junkies, but how has he helped Kansans? That's the question for Marshall.

If you’d like to help Brenda Bandy flip this seat and give to the fight to break the GOP supermajority in the Kansas House you can donate on this form. This form lets you contribute to the 6 most competitive seats & flip HD-67. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/5flipstowin

If you’d like to donate only to Brenda Bandy you can at this link: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brenda-bandy-1

You can also volunteer for her campaign at this link: https://www.bandyforkansas.com/support

As I read it, these agencies will turn over undocumented immigrants to ICE on release from custody.

Anderson County Sheriff's Office

Brown County Sheriff's Office

Chase County Sheriff's Office

Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department

Coffey County Sheriff's Office

Cowley County Sheriff's Office

Cloud County Sheriff's Department

Ellis County Sheriff's Office

Finney County Sheriff’s Office

Geary County Sheriff's Department

Jewell County Sheriff's Office

Haskell County Sheriff's Office

Logan County Sheriff's Department

Lyon County Sheriff's Office

Marshall County Sheriff's Department

Osage County Sheriff's Office

Ottawa County Sheriff's Department

Phillips County Sheriff's Department

Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office

Pratt County Sheriff's Department

Reno County Sheriff's Office

Rice County Sheriff's Office

Rooks County Sheriff's Department

Rush County Sheriff's Office

Russell County Sheriff's Department

Saline County Sheriff's Office

Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office

Seward County Sheriff's Office

Shawnee County Sheriff's Office

Trego County Sheriff's Office

Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office

Wallace County Sheriff's Department

Kansas Bureau of Investigation

Cherryvale Police Department

Caney Police Department

Bentley Police Department

Coffeyville Police Department

Wathena Police Department

Source: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1KeW54O65sJbdwu30iXkVwyvmTU_bqIQ&femb=1&ll=38.672256350769025%2C-102.42827618492672&z=4

Hey everyone, I'm a 33-year-old single guy from Massachusetts looking to make a big change and move to the Olathe, KS area. I've never really left my area much and I'm pretty sheltered/simple, so this would be a full restart.

Quick background: Hard worker, never call out, outspoken and honest. I rarely drink and stopped smoking weed over a year ago.

Have Ollier's disease (bones are fragile), so I'm careful about jobs that involve a lot of driving or heavy physical risk. Not a big food or sports person

Worked at Walmart for many years. The store here fell apart after a lot of people left, so I'm ready for something new. I can transfer to a Walmart out there and keep my current pay ($21/hr) + benefits.

Stock market and trading is a hobby that helps with extra money.

Looking at apartments in the max $1,500 range. I have a car and am fine with 20–30 minute one-way trips.

Timeline is flexible — sooner would be nice but not urgent.

I'm mostly looking forward to a change of scenery from New England. I don't need a ton of nightlife or activities — I'm a pretty boring/simple person and don't do much even where I am now.

Locals — what should I know?

What's the general vibe/pros-cons of Olathe for a single guy in his 30s? I know its more family area

Realistic cost of living (rent around $1,500, groceries, etc.)?

Any red flags or recommendations with apartment complexes in that price range?

Job market beyond retail/grocery?

Healthcare access (important because of my condition)?

General traffic, community, winters, or anything else you'd tell someone moving from up north?

Any advice, warnings, or recommendations are really appreciated. Or tell me your state is full and I should stay where I am lol. I have options. Thanks in advance!

Hi I live in Johnson County and I’m wondering what the rest of Kansas thinks of Johnson County

(I’m asian american and my immigrant parents remind me often how fortunate I am and how I should never expect this to be my standard of living forever. I am very grateful and am fully aware that no matter how much I am reminded, there will be things that I am ignorant too because I was raised here.)

edit: i was mentally preparing to be attacked but i guess people who don’t live in JoCo wouldnt have to hear the snobby, first world nonsense i hear everyday 😵‍💫

This is our sixth heat wave in eastern Kansas this summer and the current one is going to last until Weds. Sept. 9. Fortunately, it's not quite as humid and there is a breeze..

Jan, 1928:
- The Creek Nation endorses Curtis for President, calling him "the logical choice"
- Governor Paulen (KS) speaks in New York City: “[He’s] the man of the people,” this “race track jockey” who came such an incredible way to become what he was
- Delegate Teddy Roosevelt, Jr. at a Kansas Day dinner: “[Curtis] always measured up to the highest ideal of Americanism”

Feb., 1928:
- Kaw Nation endorses Curtis for President
- The press says: Curtis is a man of "distinction," and one who is "frank, open, serious, virtuous, capable and honorable"
- A New York City HQ opens to support his campaign on the east coast

Mar., 1928:
- Albert "Doc" Newman becomes Curtis' Missouri campaign manager
- Senator Pine (R-OK) endorses him
- He is called a "100% American," meaning the only candidate with truly American roots due to his Kaw heritage

Apr., 1928
- The "Washington Evening Star" notes that Curtis was the economical choice, because he wouldn't have to scratch his initials into the White House furniture, since Cal Coolidge surely already put a C.C. there
- Curtis' daughter, Leona Knight, wins a delegate seat to the Convention from Rhode Island

I post weekly on LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-curtis-biography-project-b82762297/recent-activity/all/

https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/08/28/data-centers-cause-rift-between-labor-unions-and-kansas-democrats/91352101007/

No to data center

I messaged them a few months ago on the Dept of Revenue website and was told they didn’t have a timeline to issue me my money. Sent them another message today. They told me they couldn’t find any refunds matching the address on my 2025 return. The rep asked if my address had changed since filing in 2024 and if so, what the old address was. Gave them that and was told now that my return had been verified that they would start to process my refund.

Never before have I experienced this. Not sure if this is something new(ish) or if it’s just some excuse the state is using to hold onto your money for longer.

Go to www.kawvalleyalmanac.com to download free .pdf of this week's almanac

I'm coming up from Wichita on the 11th for the Pony Express Gravel Race on the 12th. My family will be coming up the morning of the 12th to do some exploration and see me cross the finish line.

So on to my questions: camping, restaurants, and things to do?

Camping: I had planned on making use of the free camping in the city park. For those who have been around and paid attention the last 12 years of the pony express race, how full does the park get? Is it likely there will be spots available? Is there anything else going on that weekend that will keep camping from being a viable option? Can I leave my car there during the race and then break camp afterwards? Is there a website or other resource that lays out the rules, expectations, etc.? I haven't been able to find anything.

Things to do: This is mostly for the family, wife and 3 kids ranging from 9-14. They are planning to get up there early enough to check out the farmers market and of course the Pony Express museum. Are there any other must-see/must-experience attractions? Any going-ons happening that weekend besides the race?

Restaurants: I'll be wanting some food after the race and I'm sure the kids will be hungry as well. We are open to about any kind of cuisine. What are some good local options, or some places to absolutely stay away from?

I look forward to seeing y'all there, and thanks for any help and advice!

When she has access to a phone inside the Leavenworth ICE detention center, Katsiaryna Bartko calls her partner regularly throughout the day to let him know she’s still alert.

Dmitry Shyshov lives in fear of a day when no call will come. If Bartko slips into a myxedema coma due to severe hormone deficiency, she might never regain consciousness.

“It’s very hard to hear every morning her voice fading,” Shyshov said.

Sometimes, he said, Bartko can barely speak because of the spasms in her throat.

The 33-year-old Belarusian asylum seeker and cancer survivor had her thyroid and parathyroid glands surgically removed in her early 20s. Without those organs, she has relied for the last 11 years on life-sustaining calcium and hormone replacement treatment in precise daily doses.

Bartko, who earned degrees in civil engineering and law in Belarus, fled her home country on a student visa to avoid political persecution over her vocal opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

She has been detained by federal immigration authorities for more than 12 weeks following her arrest in Miami and the dismissal of a low-level charge against her.

Now, Bartko fears death in a Kansas prison cell or deportation to Belarus, where her friends have been prosecuted as political agitators.

Hospital visits before relocation

After allegedly being denied access to medication while detained in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Florida, Bartko had to be hospitalized three times in four days from June 6 to June 9, medical records show. Then federal immigration authorities moved her to Leavenworth.

Since her transfer on June 18 to the Midwest Regional Reception Center, which CoreCivic runs for ICE, Bartko has not been evaluated by an endocrinologist or any other outside physician, ICE acknowledged in a federal court filing.

Her treatment has been handled exclusively by the for-profit prison company’s medical staff, despite a referral for an endocrinologist signed by the head of the medical unit at the last ICE facility where Bartko was held in Florida.

“CoreCivic’s medical staff has determined that Petitioner’s offsite consultations are routine — not an emergency or urgent,” deportation officer Aaron Wendler wrote in a sworn court filing on Aug. 11.

Based on CoreCivic’s policy, Wendler wrote, “offsite consultations should be performed within 12 weeks.”

Medical neglect allegations

Representatives for ICE and CoreCivic both said Bartko is receiving proper care for her highly specialized medical conditions within the walls of the concrete fortress that houses roughly 500 immigrant detainees awaiting deportation proceedings, according to the warden’s most recent count.

But medical records included in federal court filings show that Bartko’s hormonal deficiencies have worsened considerably in the two months since she was moved to the privately run Kansas facility.

In the Aug. 11 filing, the ICE deportation officer acknowledged that a blood test from the same day indicated Bartko’s thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were well “outside the normal range” and had nearly doubled since her last blood draw nearly a month earlier.

Higher-than-average TSH readings occur when the body attempts to compensate for low hormone levels by alerting the thyroid to produce more. Bartko, who no longer has a thyroid, had a TSH reading of 148.77 mIU/L on Aug. 11 — roughly 30 times the healthy upper limit.

Sarah Raza, a board-certified trauma and vascular interventional radiologist with Physicians for Human Rights, wrote multiple sworn court statements requesting outside medical intervention for Bartko after reviewing her lab tests.

“Her hormones have been — I mean, it’s an understatement to say extremely poorly regulated,” Raza said in an interview. “It’s obvious if we just objectively look at the blood work.”

Citing medical privacy laws, Ryan Gustin, a spokesperson for CoreCivic, declined to answer questions about Bartko’s allegations that her medication was confiscated and withheld from her for nearly two weeks.

“I can share that the individual you asked about is being regularly monitored by facility medical staff, with all known medical issues being addressed,” Gustin said in an email statement.

Raza said she has reviewed lab results that establish Bartko is suffering from “severe overt biochemical hypothyroidism” — a condition that indicates extreme hormone deficiency.

“I would worry about neglect because she’s having multiple hospitalizations, multiple blood works that are showing she’s not being adequately treated with medications for this,” Raza said.

She added that based on the trajectory of Bartko’s lab work, risk factors are increasing for the worst possible outcome in a patient suffering from poorly regulated electrolytes and hormones: a myxedema coma.

“If you do develop myxedema coma, that is a serious, significant percentage of those patients who unfortunately don’t make it,” Raza said, noting that it can only be diagnosed in a clinical setting.

The fatality rate for people who go into a myxedema coma is between 25% and 60%, according to the American Thyroid Association.

“People with those symptoms, with those conditions, they are not screaming for help,” Shyshov said. “She will just not wake up in the morning or her throat will spasm so hard she cannot say a word. It will be silent.”

Fleeing Belarus over political speech

As a pro-democracy activist in Belarus, Bartko demonstrated against the brutality and corruption of the country’s longtime authoritarian leader and objected publicly on social media when Belarus aided the Russian military in the early days of its Ukraine invasion, Shyshov said.

Her participation in protests and her online activity put her in danger, he said.

“She spoke about (the Ukraine War) loudly, and she decided that it would be safer for her to leave the country because there were already rumors that she might be a person of interest,” Shyshov said.

Bartko entered the U.S. legally on an F-1 student visa in March 2022, according to a copy of her passport. She arrived in New York and made her way to the University of California San Diego to study the English language through an international student program.

After she left Belarus, several people in her friend group who had been sharing anti-war messages were swept up in the government dragnet when President Aleksandr Lukashenko cracked down on opposition voices, Shyshov said. He said Belarusian agents came to Bartko’s parents’ house to ask where she was and when she would return.

Going back home wasn’t an option for Bartko, he said, so she applied for political asylum. If that application is denied, deportation could be a death sentence. Death by medical neglect in Belarusian prisons is well documented.

Shyshov still hopes to build a life with Bartko in America.

“She is everything good that a person can be — thoughtful, devoted and full of warmth toward the people around her,” Shyshov wrote in a June letter to the court.

Medical records provide timeline

Daniel McIntosh, an organizer with Leavenworth Community Response, said that in the more than five months since the Kansas immigrant detention center has been operating, detainees and their families have reported persistent medical neglect and malfeasance.

On several occasions, he said, community organizers were notified of detainees’ acute medical needs and persuaded the city to intervene to ensure they received proper care. The Leavenworth City Manager’s office declined to speak to the city’s role in securing treatment for patients in ICE custody earlier this month.

Shyshov, who is legally authorized to review all of Bartko’s medical records, said his partner’s limited command of the English language and CoreCivic’s inconsistent use of translating services have made it remarkably challenging for her to communicate her needs to medical staff. He said at times, staff have been negligent and indifferent to her suffering.

Bartko’s twice-daily calcium doses must be timed properly to ensure they don’t counteract her daily hormone medication, Shyshov said.

When she first arrived in Leavenworth, Bartko was allowed to keep her hormone medication, levothyroxine, in her cell and administer it herself, Shyshov said. But he said it was confiscated on June 23 and withheld from her until July 10, when CoreCivic staff took over its administration.

CoreCivic medical records reviewed by The Star show that within days of allegedly losing access to her hormone medication, Bartko made her symptoms known to medical staff.

On a June 26 form filled out in handwritten English, Bartko reported experiencing severe pain “under my heart in chest.” She also reported dizziness and blurry vision when she woke up. Beneath her report, the provider wrote, “No medical intervention required at this time. Detainee stable, no acute distress noted.”

A July 2 clinical note from a physician who spoke to Bartko without a Russian interpreter asserted that, “During the face-to-face she stated she is allergic to levothyroxine” — the medication that she has been prescribed for over a decade and relies on for life-sustaining hormone replacement.

“I have now been provided additional information that a facility record states that levothyroxine and calcium were not administered because Ms. Bartko reportedly identified herself as allergic to both,” Raza, the physician, wrote to the court. “Her signature does not appear on that notation, and the notation conflicts with multiple prior medical records documenting continuous use and tolerance of both therapies.

“An allergy to calcium itself is not a medically coherent basis for withholding all calcium replacement,” Raza added.

In a translated copy of Bartko’s sworn deposition in support of her motion seeking release from detention, the cancer survivor recounted that on July 3, a nurse brought her a dose of calcium and the hormone medication she had been going without for more than a week.

Bartko said she attempted to explain that calcium is taken after food and levothyroxine is taken on an empty stomach. She said she asked the nurse to bring back the levothyroxine in about an hour.

A CoreCivic medical record shows the incident was logged as a “refusal to accept medical treatment.”

“I am not refusing medications — I want to take them correctly and safely,” Bartko recalled writing in a grievance she filed that night.

‘Put her life in danger’

Before she was taken into custody this spring, Bartko was staying on top of her treatment regimen, Shyshov said. Medical records predating her stint in ICE custody show that her calcium and hormone levels were stable in March.

But her condition has deteriorated significantly in the months since she was first arrested in Miami-Dade County on May 5 and booked on a misdemeanor battery charge. Shyshov said the arrest stemmed from an argument involving the couple and other people at a birthday party.

That charge was dropped by the state attorney’s office on June 2, according to a filing reviewed by The Star. It was resolved as “no action” with no conviction.

But ICE, the primary immigration enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, placed a detainer on Bartko due to her expired student visa, and she was handed over to immigration authorities in early June.

“Since Florida cooperates, this criminal illegal alien was turned over to ICE,” said Robert Hughes II, a DHS spokesperson, in an email statement.

He said Bartko is “receiving proper medical care and treatment for hypothyroidism and hypocalcemia,” adding that she “will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings and will receive full due process.”

The statement twice refers to Bartko as a “criminal illegal alien.” But in federal court filings, ICE says she is only being held on civil charges related to her immigration status. Shyshov said his partner filed an asylum application before her student visa expired in March 2023.

“Note that ICE’s statement promises she ‘will receive due process’ in the same breath that it pronounces her guilty,” Shyshov said.

Bartko’s bond was denied on July 22 by an immigration judge on the basis that she was a flight risk.

“We’re not against any immigration proceedings that she’s facing right now because she’s from Belarus. She’s facing political persecution,” Shyshov said. “We are OK with having the immigration court. But the problem is that it doesn’t give any reason to mess with her health, her body and put her life in danger.”

Just got called about this. It’s live right now, 8/30 at 6:30pm. Join at 855-543-3424.

Hello! I'm driving across your state from Colorado to Missouri tomorrow on I-70. Was curious about the construction and also any good lunch recs to stop at. Any friendly advice is appreciated. Destination is KC so going all the way through if that helps.