KANSAS CITY (AP) —As Twitter became knotted with parody accounts and turmoil, Rachel Terlep, who runs an account for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources that intersperses cheeky banter with wildfire and weather warnings, watched with equal parts trepidation and fascination.

“It kind of feels like a supernova moment right now — a big, bright flash before it all goes away,” she said.

So the department stepped into the fray, taking advantage of the moment with some of its signature humor. “Update: The Twitter wildfire is 44 billion acres and 0% contained,” they posted.

But under the joke, it linked to a thread that gave helpful tips about how to review a handle to see if it's real. Some of the suggestions included looking at how old the account is and checking to see if the public safety agency's website links to the profile.

It underscored the challenge for the people tasked with getting public safety information out to communities. Now, they don't only have to get information out quickly. On the new Twitter, they also have to convince people they are actually the authorities.

Government agencies, especially those tasked with sending messages during emergencies, have embraced Twitter for its efficiency and scope. Getting accurate information from authorities during disasters is often a matter of life or death. For example, the first reports this week of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-virginia-shooting-live-updates-4cd9f0a64201d2460de887674fdfa02b">deadly shooting at the University of Virginia</a>&nbsp;came from the college’s Twitter accounts that urged students to shelter in place.

Disasters also provide fertile ground for false information to spread online. Researchers like Jun Zhuang, a professor at the University of Buffalo who studies how false information spreads during natural disasters, say emergencies create a “perfect storm” for rumors, but that government accounts have also played a crucial role in batting them down.

During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, for example, an online rumor spread that officials were checking people's immigration status at storm shelters, potentially dissuading people from seeking safety there. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020316479">crisis communication researchers have also found</a>&nbsp;that the city's mayor reassured residents and helped the community pull together with a constant stream of Twitter messages.

Amid the slew of changes at one of the world's most influential social media platforms, the public information officers who operate government Twitter accounts are cautiously waiting out the turmoil and urging the public to verify that it really is their accounts appearing on timelines. While it's an issue they've always had to contend with, it's especially worrisome now as a proliferation of brand impersonations spreads across the platform and changes to verification take hold.

Darren Noak, who helps run an account for Austin-Travis County emergency medical services in Texas, said Twitter's blue checkmark has often been discussed among those who operate government Twitter accounts. The badge — up until a week ago — indicated an account was verified as a government entity, corporation, celebrity or journalist.

The AP reviewed dozens of government agencies responsible for responding to emergencies from the county to the national level, and none had received an official label — denoted by a gray checkmark — by Friday. Spoof accounts are a concern, Noak said, because they create “a real pain and a headache, especially in times of crisis and emergency.”

Government accounts have long been a target of copycats. Fairfax County in Virginia had to quash fake school closures tweeted from a fraudulent account during a 2014 winter storm. And both the state of North Carolina and its city of Greensboro have had to compete with accounts appearing to speak for their governments.

It has become even harder in recent days to verify that an account is authentic.

In the span of a week, Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-technology-business-d9d168951c98192ef90851085f343332">granted gray checkmark badges</a>&nbsp;to official government accounts — then rescinded them. It next allowed users to receive a blue checkmark through its $8 subscription services — then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-twitter-inc-business-0047fe1730d70277484634a6ec9b7a91">halted that offering</a>&nbsp;after it spawned an infestation of imposter accounts. Over the weekend,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-twitter-inc-technology-misinformation-social-media-a469130efaebc8ed029a647a149c5049">Twitter laid off outsourced moderators</a>&nbsp;who enforced rules against harmful content, further gutting its guardrails against misinformation.

Twitter hasn’t responded to media requests for information since Musk took over, but its support account has posted: “To combat impersonation, we’ve added an ‘Official’ label to some accounts.”

Twitter's changes could be deadly, warned Juliette Kayyem, a former homeland security adviser at the state and national levels who now teaches at Harvard's Kennedy School.

Twitter has become a go-to source of localized information in emergencies, she said. But imposter accounts could introduce a new level of misinformation — or disinformation when people intentionally try to cause harm — in urgent situations. When instructing the public how to respond, the right instructions — such as sheltering in place or evacuating a certain area — can be a matter of life or death.

“In a disaster where time is limited, the greatest way to limit harm is to provide accurate and timely information to communities about what they should do,” Kayyem said. “Allowing others to claim expertise — it will cost lives.”

In the past, Kayyem had worked with Twitter to research how government agencies can communicate in emergencies. She said the leadership at Twitter's trust and safety department “thought long and hard” about its public service role. But Twitter has lost those high-level leaders responsible for cybersecurity, data privacy and complying with regulations.

Some agencies are pushing audiences to other venues for information.

Local government websites are often the best place to turn for accurate, up-to-date information in emergencies, said April Davis, who works as a public affairs officer and digital media strategist at the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. She, like many others at emergency management agencies, said her agency doesn't yet plan to change how it engages on Twitter, but also emphasized that it’s not the best place to turn to in emergencies.

“If it goes away, then we’ll migrate to another platform,” said Derrec Becker, chief of public information at the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. “It is not the emergency alert system.”

Twitter accounts for emergency management in Washington, South Carolina and Oregon provide public service information on preparing for disasters and weather alerts. They also tweet about evacuation and shelter orders.

Becker, who has cultivated the agency's sizeable Twitter following with a playful presence, said emergency alerts broadcast on TV, radio or cell phones are still the go-to methods for urgent warnings.

Shortly after Becker fielded questions from The Associated Press on his agency's plans Monday, the department tweeted: “Leave Twitter? Disasters are kind of our thing.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) —As Twitter became knotted with parody accounts and turmoil, Rachel Terlep, who runs an account for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources that intersperses cheeky banter with wildfire and weather warnings, watched with equal parts trepidation and fascination.“It kind of feels like a supernova moment right now — a big, bright flash before it all goes away,” she said.So the department stepped into the fray, taking advantage of the moment with some of its signature humor. “Update: The Twitter wildfire is 44 billion acres and 0% contained,” they posted.But under the joke, it linked to a thread that gave helpful tips about how to review a handle to see if it's real. Some of the suggestions included looking at how old the account is and checking to see if the public safety agency's website links to the profile.It underscored the challenge for the people tasked with getting public safety information out to communities. Now, they don't only have to get information out quickly. On the new Twitter, they also have to convince people they are actually the authorities.Government agencies, especially those tasked with sending messages during emergencies, have embraced Twitter for its efficiency and scope. Getting accurate information from authorities during disasters is often a matter of life or death. For example, the first reports this week of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-virginia-shooting-live-updates-4cd9f0a64201d2460de887674fdfa02b">deadly shooting at the University of Virginia</a>&nbsp;came from the college’s Twitter accounts that urged students to shelter in place.Disasters also provide fertile ground for false information to spread online. Researchers like Jun Zhuang, a professor at the University of Buffalo who studies how false information spreads during natural disasters, say emergencies create a “perfect storm” for rumors, but that government accounts have also played a crucial role in batting them down.During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, for example, an online rumor spread that officials were checking people's immigration status at storm shelters, potentially dissuading people from seeking safety there. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020316479">crisis communication researchers have also found</a>&nbsp;that the city's mayor reassured residents and helped the community pull together with a constant stream of Twitter messages.Amid the slew of changes at one of the world's most influential social media platforms, the public information officers who operate government Twitter accounts are cautiously waiting out the turmoil and urging the public to verify that it really is their accounts appearing on timelines. While it's an issue they've always had to contend with, it's especially worrisome now as a proliferation of brand impersonations spreads across the platform and changes to verification take hold.Darren Noak, who helps run an account for Austin-Travis County emergency medical services in Texas, said Twitter's blue checkmark has often been discussed among those who operate government Twitter accounts. The badge — up until a week ago — indicated an account was verified as a government entity, corporation, celebrity or journalist.The AP reviewed dozens of government agencies responsible for responding to emergencies from the county to the national level, and none had received an official label — denoted by a gray checkmark — by Friday. Spoof accounts are a concern, Noak said, because they create “a real pain and a headache, especially in times of crisis and emergency.”Government accounts have long been a target of copycats. Fairfax County in Virginia had to quash fake school closures tweeted from a fraudulent account during a 2014 winter storm. And both the state of North Carolina and its city of Greensboro have had to compete with accounts appearing to speak for their governments.It has become even harder in recent days to verify that an account is authentic.In the span of a week, Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-technology-business-d9d168951c98192ef90851085f343332">granted gray checkmark badges</a>&nbsp;to official government accounts — then rescinded them. It next allowed users to receive a blue checkmark through its $8 subscription services — then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-twitter-inc-business-0047fe1730d70277484634a6ec9b7a91">halted that offering</a>&nbsp;after it spawned an infestation of imposter accounts. Over the weekend,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-twitter-inc-technology-misinformation-social-media-a469130efaebc8ed029a647a149c5049">Twitter laid off outsourced moderators</a>&nbsp;who enforced rules against harmful content, further gutting its guardrails against misinformation.Twitter hasn’t responded to media requests for information since Musk took over, but its support account has posted: “To combat impersonation, we’ve added an ‘Official’ label to some accounts.”Twitter's changes could be deadly, warned Juliette Kayyem, a former homeland security adviser at the state and national levels who now teaches at Harvard's Kennedy School.Twitter has become a go-to source of localized information in emergencies, she said. But imposter accounts could introduce a new level of misinformation — or disinformation when people intentionally try to cause harm — in urgent situations. When instructing the public how to respond, the right instructions — such as sheltering in place or evacuating a certain area — can be a matter of life or death.“In a disaster where time is limited, the greatest way to limit harm is to provide accurate and timely information to communities about what they should do,” Kayyem said. “Allowing others to claim expertise — it will cost lives.”In the past, Kayyem had worked with Twitter to research how government agencies can communicate in emergencies. She said the leadership at Twitter's trust and safety department “thought long and hard” about its public service role. But Twitter has lost those high-level leaders responsible for cybersecurity, data privacy and complying with regulations.Some agencies are pushing audiences to other venues for information.Local government websites are often the best place to turn for accurate, up-to-date information in emergencies, said April Davis, who works as a public affairs officer and digital media strategist at the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. She, like many others at emergency management agencies, said her agency doesn't yet plan to change how it engages on Twitter, but also emphasized that it’s not the best place to turn to in emergencies.“If it goes away, then we’ll migrate to another platform,” said Derrec Becker, chief of public information at the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. “It is not the emergency alert system.”Twitter accounts for emergency management in Washington, South Carolina and Oregon provide public service information on preparing for disasters and weather alerts. They also tweet about evacuation and shelter orders.Becker, who has cultivated the agency's sizeable Twitter following with a playful presence, said emergency alerts broadcast on TV, radio or cell phones are still the go-to methods for urgent warnings.Shortly after Becker fielded questions from The Associated Press on his agency's plans Monday, the department tweeted: “Leave Twitter? Disasters are kind of our thing.”

Public safety accounts urge caution on Twitter after changes

Kansas Coalition Against Sexual &amp; Domestic Violence

Joyce Grover, executive director of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual &amp; Domestic
Violence, Topeka, has announced she will retire in February after 11 years leading
the organization.


“In her time with KCSDV, Joyce has been a tireless advocate for victims and survivors of
sexual and domestic violence,” said Carol Ruth Bonebrake, president of the KCSDV board
of directors. “We are grateful for her leadership and service to KCSDV’s mission and
programs.”


The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence is Kansas’ leading statewide
voice for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence. KCSDV works to prevent
and eliminate sexual and domestic violence through a statewide network of programs
providing support and safety for all victims of sexual and domestic violence and stalking,
with a primary focus on women and their children. KCSDV was founded in 1982. The
nonprofit is in Topeka, Kansas.


Grover began her work on behalf of victims and survivors in 1983 as the coordinator of
a children’s program in a domestic violence shelter. After getting her law degree in 1994,
she worked for Chief Justice Kay McFarland with the Kansas Supreme Court before she
was hired at KCSDV in 2001 to build its legal advocacy work. She later served as general
counsel for the organization. In 2010, she was appointed as interim executive director
and became executive director in 2011.


During her tenure as executive director, KCSDV began the Legal Assistance for Victims
program, focusing on immigration, sexual assault representation, and complex family law
matters. Also, during her tenure, KCSDV began work on Empowered Families Kansas, one
of 12 demonstration projects across the nation funded by the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services. By 2019, KCSDV was providing almost 100 training opportunities
annually across the state.


Grover was recognized for over 35 years of service to survivors in 2019. “Joyce leaves big
shoes to fill,” said Ms. Bonebrake on behalf of the Board of Directors. “We wish her the
best.”


For more information about KCSDV or to apply for executive director position, click <a href="https://www.kcsdv.org/jobs/kcsdv-executive-director-search/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669063548874.png" alt="Grover" />
 <figcaption>Grover</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Coalition Against Sexual &amp; Domestic ViolenceJoyce Grover, executive director of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual &amp; Domestic
Violence, Topeka, has announced she will retire in February after 11 years leading
the organization.
“In her time with KCSDV, Joyce has been a tireless advocate for victims and survivors of
sexual and domestic violence,” said Carol Ruth Bonebrake, president of the KCSDV board
of directors. “We are grateful for her leadership and service to KCSDV’s mission and
programs.”
The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence is Kansas’ leading statewide
voice for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence. KCSDV works to prevent
and eliminate sexual and domestic violence through a statewide network of programs
providing support and safety for all victims of sexual and domestic violence and stalking,
with a primary focus on women and their children. KCSDV was founded in 1982. The
nonprofit is in Topeka, Kansas.
Grover began her work on behalf of victims and survivors in 1983 as the coordinator of
a children’s program in a domestic violence shelter. After getting her law degree in 1994,
she worked for Chief Justice Kay McFarland with the Kansas Supreme Court before she
was hired at KCSDV in 2001 to build its legal advocacy work. She later served as general
counsel for the organization. In 2010, she was appointed as interim executive director
and became executive director in 2011.
During her tenure as executive director, KCSDV began the Legal Assistance for Victims
program, focusing on immigration, sexual assault representation, and complex family law
matters. Also, during her tenure, KCSDV began work on Empowered Families Kansas, one
of 12 demonstration projects across the nation funded by the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services. By 2019, KCSDV was providing almost 100 training opportunities
annually across the state.
Grover was recognized for over 35 years of service to survivors in 2019. “Joyce leaves big
shoes to fill,” said Ms. Bonebrake on behalf of the Board of Directors. “We wish her the
best.”
For more information about KCSDV or to apply for executive director position, click <a href="https://www.kcsdv.org/jobs/kcsdv-executive-director-search/">HERE</a>.

Longtime Kansas victims' advocate announces retirement

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;continued a 75-year tradition Monday and pardoned a pair of Thanksgiving turkeys named after his favorite flavor of ice cream while cracking jokes about his political party's better-than-expected performance in this month's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm elections</a>.

(Click below to watch a portion of the ceremony)

“The votes are in, they’ve been counted and verified,” Biden said as he welcomed Chocolate and Chip before hundreds of people gathered on the South Lawn in unseasonably cold weather. “There’s no ballot stuffing. There’s no fowl play. The only red wave this season’s gonna be if German Shepard Commander knocks over the cranberry sauce on our table.“ Commander is his dog.

Chocolate and Chip, each weighing nearly 50 pounds (22.68 kilograms), were driven up from North Carolina on Saturday and were checked into a room at the Willard hotel near the White House to await their visit with the president and his declaration of their freedom.

The combination of chocolate and chip is Biden’s favorite flavor of ice cream. The president joked at the event that “we could have named them Chips and Science,” after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-covid-science-technology-health-fdcb2db42f91dcdbdd844d6dd463f95a">$280 billion CHIPS and Science Act</a>&nbsp;that Biden championed and signed into law this year.

“I hereby pardon Chocolate and Chip,” Biden declared. Before the ceremony, Biden's son Hunter Biden brought his toddler son, Beau, who is almost 3, outside to see the turkeys.

Both gobblers were hatched in July in Monroe, North Carolina, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/natlturkeyfed/status/1594404975274180608?s=20&amp;t=xL-rS4nXoQ6_BlK5npa89g">National Turkey Federation</a>, sponsor of the turkey tradition, which dates to 1947 and President Harry Truman.

The burst of holiday activity at the White House followed a busy weekend personally for Biden and his family, along with midterm elections that saw the president's Democratic Party perform well enough to defy historical trends that forecast huge losses. Democrats will keep control of the Senate and, although Republicans will control the House when a new Congress is seated in January, Democrats did keep GOP gains in that chamber to a minimum.

The official White House Christmas tree also was being delivered on Monday and the Bidens planned to help serve a Thanksgiving-style dinner on a North Carolina Marine Corps base.

Biden and his wife, Jill, were scheduled to leave Washington on Tuesday to continue their family tradition of spending the Thanksgiving holiday on the Massachusetts island of Nantucket. They hosted the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-weddings-government-and-politics-0891f4680200675263b158a9dddfb0c3">wedding of their granddaughter,</a>&nbsp;Naomi Biden, at the White House on Saturday, followed by a family brunch on Sunday for the president's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-us-supreme-court-health-climate-and-environment-1fc6c7a33a3d31121b5c040e14686fa7">80th birthday</a>.

Humor aside, the president ended Monday's event on a serious note, encouraging people to get their COVID-19 vaccines to ensure a healthy holiday season. He also encouraged Americans to reflect and “be grateful for what we have.”

“This is a special time in the greatest nation on Earth so let’s be thankful," Biden said.

Chocolate, and an alternate turkey, Chip, were set to live the rest of their lives on the campus of North Carolina State University.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden">Jill Biden</a>&nbsp;was doing her part to help usher in the holidays by accepting delivery of the official White House Christmas tree. The 18 foot- (5.5 meters) -tall Concolor fir grown on a farm in Pennsylvania, the state where the first lady grew up, will fill up the Blue Room after a chandelier is temporarily removed so the tree can be anchored in place for safety.

Volunteer decorators began arriving at the White House on Monday to start sprucing it up for Christmas, according to a theme first ladies traditionally reveal after Thanksgiving.

Paul and Sharon Shealer of Auburn, Pennsylvania, were crowned this year's Grand Champion Grower in the National Christmas Tree Association's National Christmas tree contest. With the award, the winner gets to present a Christmas tree to the White House.

It's the second time that the Shealers have claimed the association's top honor. They presented a tree to first lady Hillary Clinton in 2000.

Later Monday, the Bidens were heading to Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point near the North Carolina coast for friendsgiving, or to share a Thanksgiving-style meal with members of the military and their families.

The first lady leads a White House initiative named&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces/">Joining Forces</a>&nbsp;to support and promote the sacrifices and needs of military families. The president has pushed for and has signed several bills to help service members and veterans, including legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-veterans-obituaries-health-care-reform-jon-tester-cc45130782cfbf86ef29723514ce5e39">expanding health care</a>&nbsp;for those who were exposed to toxins from the burning of waste in Iraq or Afghanistan, or to chemicals that were used in previous conflicts.

The Bidens' late son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/beau-biden">Beau Biden</a>&nbsp;served in the Delaware Army National Guard, including a tour in Iraq, before he died of brain cancer in 2015.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;continued a 75-year tradition Monday and pardoned a pair of Thanksgiving turkeys named after his favorite flavor of ice cream while cracking jokes about his political party's better-than-expected performance in this month's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm elections</a>.(Click below to watch a portion of the ceremony)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1341500833319756%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=356" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“The votes are in, they’ve been counted and verified,” Biden said as he welcomed Chocolate and Chip before hundreds of people gathered on the South Lawn in unseasonably cold weather. “There’s no ballot stuffing. There’s no fowl play. The only red wave this season’s gonna be if German Shepard Commander knocks over the cranberry sauce on our table.“ Commander is his dog.Chocolate and Chip, each weighing nearly 50 pounds (22.68 kilograms), were driven up from North Carolina on Saturday and were checked into a room at the Willard hotel near the White House to await their visit with the president and his declaration of their freedom.The combination of chocolate and chip is Biden’s favorite flavor of ice cream. The president joked at the event that “we could have named them Chips and Science,” after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-covid-science-technology-health-fdcb2db42f91dcdbdd844d6dd463f95a">$280 billion CHIPS and Science Act</a>&nbsp;that Biden championed and signed into law this year.“I hereby pardon Chocolate and Chip,” Biden declared. Before the ceremony, Biden's son Hunter Biden brought his toddler son, Beau, who is almost 3, outside to see the turkeys.Both gobblers were hatched in July in Monroe, North Carolina, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/natlturkeyfed/status/1594404975274180608?s=20&amp;t=xL-rS4nXoQ6_BlK5npa89g">National Turkey Federation</a>, sponsor of the turkey tradition, which dates to 1947 and President Harry Truman.The burst of holiday activity at the White House followed a busy weekend personally for Biden and his family, along with midterm elections that saw the president's Democratic Party perform well enough to defy historical trends that forecast huge losses. Democrats will keep control of the Senate and, although Republicans will control the House when a new Congress is seated in January, Democrats did keep GOP gains in that chamber to a minimum.The official White House Christmas tree also was being delivered on Monday and the Bidens planned to help serve a Thanksgiving-style dinner on a North Carolina Marine Corps base.Biden and his wife, Jill, were scheduled to leave Washington on Tuesday to continue their family tradition of spending the Thanksgiving holiday on the Massachusetts island of Nantucket. They hosted the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-weddings-government-and-politics-0891f4680200675263b158a9dddfb0c3">wedding of their granddaughter,</a>&nbsp;Naomi Biden, at the White House on Saturday, followed by a family brunch on Sunday for the president's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-us-supreme-court-health-climate-and-environment-1fc6c7a33a3d31121b5c040e14686fa7">80th birthday</a>.Humor aside, the president ended Monday's event on a serious note, encouraging people to get their COVID-19 vaccines to ensure a healthy holiday season. He also encouraged Americans to reflect and “be grateful for what we have.”“This is a special time in the greatest nation on Earth so let’s be thankful," Biden said.Chocolate, and an alternate turkey, Chip, were set to live the rest of their lives on the campus of North Carolina State University.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden">Jill Biden</a>&nbsp;was doing her part to help usher in the holidays by accepting delivery of the official White House Christmas tree. The 18 foot- (5.5 meters) -tall Concolor fir grown on a farm in Pennsylvania, the state where the first lady grew up, will fill up the Blue Room after a chandelier is temporarily removed so the tree can be anchored in place for safety.Volunteer decorators began arriving at the White House on Monday to start sprucing it up for Christmas, according to a theme first ladies traditionally reveal after Thanksgiving.Paul and Sharon Shealer of Auburn, Pennsylvania, were crowned this year's Grand Champion Grower in the National Christmas Tree Association's National Christmas tree contest. With the award, the winner gets to present a Christmas tree to the White House.It's the second time that the Shealers have claimed the association's top honor. They presented a tree to first lady Hillary Clinton in 2000.Later Monday, the Bidens were heading to Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point near the North Carolina coast for friendsgiving, or to share a Thanksgiving-style meal with members of the military and their families.The first lady leads a White House initiative named&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces/">Joining Forces</a>&nbsp;to support and promote the sacrifices and needs of military families. The president has pushed for and has signed several bills to help service members and veterans, including legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-veterans-obituaries-health-care-reform-jon-tester-cc45130782cfbf86ef29723514ce5e39">expanding health care</a>&nbsp;for those who were exposed to toxins from the burning of waste in Iraq or Afghanistan, or to chemicals that were used in previous conflicts.The Bidens' late son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/beau-biden">Beau Biden</a>&nbsp;served in the Delaware Army National Guard, including a tour in Iraq, before he died of brain cancer in 2015.

🎥Biden opens holidays, pardons Thanksgiving turkeys

KANSAS CITY (AP) —As Americans head into the holiday season, a rapidly intensifying flu season is straining hospitals already overburdened with patients sick from other respiratory infections.

More than half the states have high or very high levels of flu, unusually high for this early in the season, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">government reported</a>&nbsp;Friday. Those 27 states are mostly in the South and Southwest but include a growing number in the Northeast, Midwest and West.

This is happening when children's hospitals already are dealing with a surge of illnesses from RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of coldlike symptoms that can be serious for infants and the elderly. And COVID-19 is still contributing to more than 3,000 hospital admissions each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In Atlanta, Dr. Mark Griffiths describes the mix as a “viral jambalaya.” He said the children’s hospitals in his area have at least 30% more patients than usual for this time of year, with many patients forced to wait in emergency rooms for beds to open up.

“I tell parents that COVID was the ultimate bully. It bullied every other virus for two years," said Griffiths, ER medical director of a Children's Health Care of Atlanta downtown hospital.

With COVID-19 rates going down, “they’re coming back full force," he said

The winter flu season usually doesn't get going until December or January. Hospitalization rates from flu haven't been this high this early since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, CDC officials say. The highest rates are among those 65 and older and children under 5, the agency said.

“It’s so important for people at higher risk to get vaccinated," the CDC's Lynnette Brammer said in a statement Friday.

But flu vaccinations are down from other years, particularly among adults, possibly because the past two seasons have been mild. Flu shots are recommended for nearly all Americans who are at least 6 months old or older.

Adults can get RSV too and that infection can be especially dangerous for older adults who are frail or have chronic illnesses, doctors say. There is not yet a vaccine against RSV&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-business-covid-ec1dae2bd47d604712fc2a4a842591a8">although some are in development</a>.

One infectious disease specialist urged Americans to take precautions before gathering for Thanksgiving, including avoiding public crowds, getting COVID-19 tests before they meet, and wearing masks indoors — particularly if you are old or frail, or will be around someone who is.

“Nobody wants to bring a virus to the table,” said Dr. William Schaffner, of Vanderbilt University.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and Children’s Hospital Association this week urged the Biden administration to declare an emergency and mount a national response to “the alarming surge of pediatric respiratory illnesses.’’ An emergency declaration would allow waivers of Medicaid, Medicare or Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements so that doctors and hospitals could share resources and access emergency funding, the groups said in a letter.

By MIKE STOBBE and LINDSEY TANNER&nbsp;KANSAS CITY (AP) —As Americans head into the holiday season, a rapidly intensifying flu season is straining hospitals already overburdened with patients sick from other respiratory infections.More than half the states have high or very high levels of flu, unusually high for this early in the season, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">government reported</a>&nbsp;Friday. Those 27 states are mostly in the South and Southwest but include a growing number in the Northeast, Midwest and West.This is happening when children's hospitals already are dealing with a surge of illnesses from RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of coldlike symptoms that can be serious for infants and the elderly. And COVID-19 is still contributing to more than 3,000 hospital admissions each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.In Atlanta, Dr. Mark Griffiths describes the mix as a “viral jambalaya.” He said the children’s hospitals in his area have at least 30% more patients than usual for this time of year, with many patients forced to wait in emergency rooms for beds to open up.“I tell parents that COVID was the ultimate bully. It bullied every other virus for two years," said Griffiths, ER medical director of a Children's Health Care of Atlanta downtown hospital.With COVID-19 rates going down, “they’re coming back full force," he saidThe winter flu season usually doesn't get going until December or January. Hospitalization rates from flu haven't been this high this early since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, CDC officials say. The highest rates are among those 65 and older and children under 5, the agency said.“It’s so important for people at higher risk to get vaccinated," the CDC's Lynnette Brammer said in a statement Friday.But flu vaccinations are down from other years, particularly among adults, possibly because the past two seasons have been mild. Flu shots are recommended for nearly all Americans who are at least 6 months old or older.Adults can get RSV too and that infection can be especially dangerous for older adults who are frail or have chronic illnesses, doctors say. There is not yet a vaccine against RSV&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-business-covid-ec1dae2bd47d604712fc2a4a842591a8">although some are in development</a>.One infectious disease specialist urged Americans to take precautions before gathering for Thanksgiving, including avoiding public crowds, getting COVID-19 tests before they meet, and wearing masks indoors — particularly if you are old or frail, or will be around someone who is.“Nobody wants to bring a virus to the table,” said Dr. William Schaffner, of Vanderbilt University.The American Academy of Pediatrics and Children’s Hospital Association this week urged the Biden administration to declare an emergency and mount a national response to “the alarming surge of pediatric respiratory illnesses.’’ An emergency declaration would allow waivers of Medicaid, Medicare or Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements so that doctors and hospitals could share resources and access emergency funding, the groups said in a letter.___

'Viral jambalaya': Early flu adding to woes for US hospitals

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged arson and have two suspects in custody.

On Friday, officers filed three reports for arson. Bushes near the intersection of N. 11th and Bertrand Streets and bushes and roadside grass in the 1400 block of Sunnyslope Lane were reported to be set on fire shortly before 11:00 p.m, and a tree was reported to be set on fire in the 1600 block of Sunnyslope Lane. around 11:15 p.m. by two men with gas lanterns, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Manhattan Fire Department responded and quickly extinguished all three fires. 

Just before 11:45 p.m. police located Jacob Eyster, 22, and Ryan Eyster, 23, both of Manhattan near Triangle Park in Aggieville and arrested them on requested charges that include three counts of arson each.

 They were each issued bonds of $5,000 and are no longer in custody

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged arson and have two suspects in custody.On Friday, officers filed three reports for arson. Bushes near the intersection of N. 11th and Bertrand Streets and bushes and roadside grass in the 1400 block of Sunnyslope Lane were reported to be set on fire shortly before 11:00 p.m, and a tree was reported to be set on fire in the 1600 block of Sunnyslope Lane. around 11:15 p.m. by two men with gas lanterns, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Manhattan Fire Department responded and quickly extinguished all three fires. Just before 11:45 p.m. police located Jacob Eyster, 22, and Ryan Eyster, 23, both of Manhattan near Triangle Park in Aggieville and arrested them on requested charges that include three counts of arson each. They were each issued bonds of $5,000 and are no longer in custody

Police accuse two of setting fires in Manhattan

My mom took out a Parent PLUS loan in 2009 to help pay for my college education. I also took out $70,000 in student loans myself. My mom never made a payment on the loan she took out for me, and now the amount due on the Parent PLUS loan has ballooned to $100,000. She recently told me in her mind it was my loan in her name, and I should be the one to make the payments after I became financially stable. Thankfully I just got a new job making $140,000 a year. With this I can finally make a dent in my own loans, but she asks me every week if I’m going to pay the Parent PLUS loan. My mom is a nurse practitioner, so she makes good money, but she recently financed two new luxury cars within 24 hours of each other—one for work and one for church. She also has loans out from borrowing on her 401(k) and credit card debt. Should I take over the Parent PLUS loan under my name?&nbsp;

Wait, are you serious? Your mom has a&nbsp;church&nbsp;car? I’ve never heard of such a thing. But hey, I’m going to talk to my wife about this. I&nbsp;knew&nbsp;I needed another car, I just didn’t know I needed a&nbsp;church&nbsp;car. Oh, my goodness!

Ok, here’s the deal. If you had an agreement with your mom, or promised at any time to pay back the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/what-is-a-parent-plus-loan">Parent PLUS Loan</a>&nbsp;when you were able, you should cover it. But that’s not what you told me. It sounds like your mom has a good heart and was just trying to help, but she did it in a dumb way. From what you told me, she’s done a lot of dumb things with money.

Under no circumstances do you take the loan back under your name. In fact, I’m not certain you can even do that with a Parent PLUS Loan. You need to get&nbsp;your&nbsp;debt cleaned up first before trying to help her. If you choose to be a bigger help after that, you need to start things by having a serious conversation with your mom. She needs to hear that she’s being absolutely silly with her money. Let her know you’re willing to help because the loan was for your benefit. But make sure she understands you won’t pay it all, and you won’t do it while she’s making two luxury&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/the-truth-about-car-payments">car payments</a>—including one on a&nbsp;church&nbsp;car. That’s ridiculous.

Offer to be her biggest cheerleader, and help her find a good financial coach—someone with the heart of a teacher. You might want to let her know you’ll match whatever she pays toward the loan, so it’ll feel like a team effort. But also make sure she understands if she pays nothing in any given month, you’ll match that, too.

Dave Ramsey&nbsp;is an eight-time national bestselling author, personal finance expert and host of “<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/shows/the-ramsey-show?snid=shows.shows.the-ramsey-show">The Ramsey Show</a>,” heard by more than 18 million listeners. He&nbsp;has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “CBS This Morning,” “Today,” Fox News, CNN, Fox Business and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth, and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO of Ramsey Solutions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648177011035.png" alt="Dave Ramsey&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,My mom took out a Parent PLUS loan in 2009 to help pay for my college education. I also took out $70,000 in student loans myself. My mom never made a payment on the loan she took out for me, and now the amount due on the Parent PLUS loan has ballooned to $100,000. She recently told me in her mind it was my loan in her name, and I should be the one to make the payments after I became financially stable. Thankfully I just got a new job making $140,000 a year. With this I can finally make a dent in my own loans, but she asks me every week if I’m going to pay the Parent PLUS loan. My mom is a nurse practitioner, so she makes good money, but she recently financed two new luxury cars within 24 hours of each other—one for work and one for church. She also has loans out from borrowing on her 401(k) and credit card debt. Should I take over the Parent PLUS loan under my name?&nbsp;TommyDear Tommy,Wait, are you serious? Your mom has a&nbsp;church&nbsp;car? I’ve never heard of such a thing. But hey, I’m going to talk to my wife about this. I&nbsp;knew&nbsp;I needed another car, I just didn’t know I needed a&nbsp;church&nbsp;car. Oh, my goodness!Ok, here’s the deal. If you had an agreement with your mom, or promised at any time to pay back the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/what-is-a-parent-plus-loan">Parent PLUS Loan</a>&nbsp;when you were able, you should cover it. But that’s not what you told me. It sounds like your mom has a good heart and was just trying to help, but she did it in a dumb way. From what you told me, she’s done a lot of dumb things with money.Under no circumstances do you take the loan back under your name. In fact, I’m not certain you can even do that with a Parent PLUS Loan. You need to get&nbsp;your&nbsp;debt cleaned up first before trying to help her. If you choose to be a bigger help after that, you need to start things by having a serious conversation with your mom. She needs to hear that she’s being absolutely silly with her money. Let her know you’re willing to help because the loan was for your benefit. But make sure she understands you won’t pay it all, and you won’t do it while she’s making two luxury&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/the-truth-about-car-payments">car payments</a>—including one on a&nbsp;church&nbsp;car. That’s ridiculous.Offer to be her biggest cheerleader, and help her find a good financial coach—someone with the heart of a teacher. You might want to let her know you’ll match whatever she pays toward the loan, so it’ll feel like a team effort. But also make sure she understands if she pays nothing in any given month, you’ll match that, too.Good luck, Tommy!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;— DaveDave Ramsey&nbsp;is an eight-time national bestselling author, personal finance expert and host of “<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/shows/the-ramsey-show?snid=shows.shows.the-ramsey-show">The Ramsey Show</a>,” heard by more than 18 million listeners. He&nbsp;has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “CBS This Morning,” “Today,” Fox News, CNN, Fox Business and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth, and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO of Ramsey Solutions.

DAVE SAYS: Parent PLUS loans and ... a church car?

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted killing a teen and her boyfriend was sentenced Friday.

Dontenize L. Kelly, 24, of Wichita, was sentenced to 48 years and 10 months, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He was also sentenced to 35 months for a parole violation.

&nbsp;In October Kelly admitting to two counts of second-degree murder in the killings of 18-year-old Kaylah Blackmon and 17-year-old Michael Beasley.

Beasley’s body was found Feb. 1, 2021, outside an abandoned church. At the time, authorities said Blackmon might be in danger and launched a search. Her body later was found inside her SUV at a Wichita apartment complex.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement&nbsp;authorities investigating the murder of two Kansas teens have arrested of&nbsp;22-year-old Dontenize Kelly of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsey.

On Tuesday, police alerted the public that 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on Monday.

As part of the the investigation police learned of Kelly's involvement and arrested him without incident Friday evening.

Both teens were victims of gunshot wounds and killed in Blackmon's Ford Escape, according to Wichita Police Sgt. Dan Hardy. Police have not recovered a weapon and have not determined a motive as they continue to investigate.&nbsp;

Kelly is being held&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20045382">on requested charges</a>&nbsp;of capital murder and a probation violation, according to Ramsey. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal possession of a weapon and for attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612284535821.png" alt="In Feb. of 2021, Officer Charley Davidson reported police found Blackmon's SUV" />
 <figcaption>In Feb. of 2021, Officer Charley Davidson reported police found Blackmon's SUV</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted killing a teen and her boyfriend was sentenced Friday.Dontenize L. Kelly, 24, of Wichita, was sentenced to 48 years and 10 months, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He was also sentenced to 35 months for a parole violation.&nbsp;In October Kelly admitting to two counts of second-degree murder in the killings of 18-year-old Kaylah Blackmon and 17-year-old Michael Beasley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665229579077.png" alt="Kelly-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Kelly-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Beasley’s body was found Feb. 1, 2021, outside an abandoned church. At the time, authorities said Blackmon might be in danger and launched a search. Her body later was found inside her SUV at a Wichita apartment complex.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement&nbsp;authorities investigating the murder of two Kansas teens have arrested of&nbsp;22-year-old Dontenize Kelly of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsey.On Tuesday, police alerted the public that 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on Monday.As part of the the investigation police learned of Kelly's involvement and arrested him without incident Friday evening.Both teens were victims of gunshot wounds and killed in Blackmon's Ford Escape, according to Wichita Police Sgt. Dan Hardy. Police have not recovered a weapon and have not determined a motive as they continue to investigate.&nbsp;Kelly is being held&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20045382">on requested charges</a>&nbsp;of capital murder and a probation violation, according to Ramsey. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal possession of a weapon and for attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.--------

Kansas man sentenced for death of teen and her boyfriend

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Railroad engineers accepted their deal with the railroads that will deliver 24% raises but conductors rejected theirs, threatening the health of the economy just before the holidays and casting more doubt on whether the industry will be able to resolve the labor dispute before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-economy-business-congress-kansas-city-southern-0daad98e345804513ca568068303cd22">next month's deadline</a>&nbsp;without the help of Congress.

Even the threat of a work stoppage could tangle the nation's supply chain as railroads will freeze shipments of chemicals and other goods that could create hazards if disrupted midway to their destination.

A split vote Monday from the two biggest railroad unions follows the rejection by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-congress-kansas-city-southern-government-and-politics-763b5a75dd22bbdf1de52d6bf1879b29">three other unions</a>&nbsp;of their deals with the railroads that the Biden administration helped broker before the original strike deadline in September. Seven smaller unions have approved the five-year deal that, on top of the 24% raise, includes $5,000 in bonuses.

But many union members have voted to reject the contracts because, they say, they fail to address demanding schedules and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality of life issues</a>&nbsp;for employees.

All 12 must approve the contracts to prevent a strike that could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">cripple supply chains</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">hamper</a>&nbsp;a stressed U.S. economy still emerging from the pandemic.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association said a rail strike “would cause enormous disruption to the flow of goods nationwide” although retail stores are well stocked for the crucial holiday shopping season.

“Fortunately, this year’s holiday gifts have already landed on store shelves. But an interruption to rail transportation does pose a significant challenge to getting items like perishable food products and e-commerce shipments delivered on time, and it will undoubtedly add to the inflationary pressures already hitting the U.S. economy," said Jess Dankert with the group that represents more than 200 major retailers.

The unions that rejected their deals agreed to return to the bargaining table to try to hash out a new agreement before a new strike deadline early next month. But those talks have deadlocked because the railroads refuse to consider&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-business-strikes-940da8fc519f8c526ca614e201d01216">adding paid sick time</a>&nbsp;to what was already offered.

It appears increasingly likely that Congress will have to step in to settle the dispute. Lawmakers have the power to impose contract terms if both sides can't reach an agreement. Hundreds of business groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-economy-congress-government-and-politics-6b60d53fefc7b85f301b0a3e7011715b">have urged</a>&nbsp;Congress and President Joe Biden to be ready to intervene if needed.

Workers frustrated with the demanding schedules and deep job cuts in the industry pushed to reject these contracts because they don't resolve workers' key quality-of-life concerns. The deals for the engineers and conductors did include a promise to try to improve the scheduling of regular days off and negotiate the details of those schedules further at each railroad. The unions that represent engineers and conductors also received three unpaid days off a year to tend to medical needs as long they were scheduled at least 30 days in advance.

The railroads also lost out on their bid to cut crew sizes down to one person as part of the negotiations. But the conductors in the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union still narrowly rejected the deal with roughly 51% voting against it. A smaller division of the SMART-TD union that represents about 1,300 yardmasters did approve the deal.

“The ball is now in the railroads’ court. Let’s see what they do. They can settle this at the bargaining table,” SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson said. “But, the railroad executives who constantly complain about government interference and regularly bad-mouth regulators and Congress now want Congress to do the bargaining for them.”

The railroads maintain that the deals with the unions should closely follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-norfolk-government-and-politics-eeedec386f2acba5d63181436ca03f3f">recommendations</a>&nbsp;made this summer by a special panel of arbitrators Biden appointed. That's part of the reason why they don't want to offer paid sick time. Plus, the railroads say the unions have agreed over the years to forego paid sick time in favor of higher pay and strong short-term disability benefits.

The unions say it is long overdue for the railroads to offer paid sick time to workers, and the pandemic highlighted the need for it.

The group that negotiates on behalf of the railroads said Monday that the unions that rejected their deals shouldn't expect to receive more than the Presidential Emergency Board of arbitrators recommended. The National Carriers Conference Committee said businesses could start to be affected by the threat of a strike even before the deadline because railroads will start curtailing shipments of dangerous chemicals and perishable cargo days ahead of the deadline.

“A national rail strike would severely impact the economy and the public. Now, the continued, near-term threat of one will require that freight railroads and passenger carriers soon begin to take responsible steps to safely secure the network in advance of any deadline,” the railroads said.

It's unclear what Congress might do given the deep political divisions in Washington D.C. and a single lawmaker could hold up a resolution. But the head of the Association of American Railroads trade group, Ian Jefferies, said "if the remaining unions do not accept an agreement, Congress should be prepared to act and avoid a disastrous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">$2 billion a day hit</a>&nbsp;to our economy.”

Republicans may try to impose a deal that includes only what the Presidential Emergency Board recommended while Democrats who still narrowly hold control of both the House and Senate during this lame-duck period might be willing to force the railroads to make additional concessions.

The unions that voted Monday represent more than half of the roughly 115,000 rail workers involved in the contract dispute with Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, BNSF, Kansas City Southern, CSX and other railroads.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666818518842.jpg" alt="But many union members have voted to reject the contracts because, they say, they fail to address demanding schedules and quality of life issues for employees." />
 <figcaption>But many union members have voted to reject the contracts because, they say, they fail to address demanding schedules and quality of life issues for employees.</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Railroad engineers accepted their deal with the railroads that will deliver 24% raises but conductors rejected theirs, threatening the health of the economy just before the holidays and casting more doubt on whether the industry will be able to resolve the labor dispute before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-economy-business-congress-kansas-city-southern-0daad98e345804513ca568068303cd22">next month's deadline</a>&nbsp;without the help of Congress.Even the threat of a work stoppage could tangle the nation's supply chain as railroads will freeze shipments of chemicals and other goods that could create hazards if disrupted midway to their destination.A split vote Monday from the two biggest railroad unions follows the rejection by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-congress-kansas-city-southern-government-and-politics-763b5a75dd22bbdf1de52d6bf1879b29">three other unions</a>&nbsp;of their deals with the railroads that the Biden administration helped broker before the original strike deadline in September. Seven smaller unions have approved the five-year deal that, on top of the 24% raise, includes $5,000 in bonuses.But many union members have voted to reject the contracts because, they say, they fail to address demanding schedules and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality of life issues</a>&nbsp;for employees.All 12 must approve the contracts to prevent a strike that could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">cripple supply chains</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">hamper</a>&nbsp;a stressed U.S. economy still emerging from the pandemic.The Retail Industry Leaders Association said a rail strike “would cause enormous disruption to the flow of goods nationwide” although retail stores are well stocked for the crucial holiday shopping season.“Fortunately, this year’s holiday gifts have already landed on store shelves. But an interruption to rail transportation does pose a significant challenge to getting items like perishable food products and e-commerce shipments delivered on time, and it will undoubtedly add to the inflationary pressures already hitting the U.S. economy," said Jess Dankert with the group that represents more than 200 major retailers.The unions that rejected their deals agreed to return to the bargaining table to try to hash out a new agreement before a new strike deadline early next month. But those talks have deadlocked because the railroads refuse to consider&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-business-strikes-940da8fc519f8c526ca614e201d01216">adding paid sick time</a>&nbsp;to what was already offered.It appears increasingly likely that Congress will have to step in to settle the dispute. Lawmakers have the power to impose contract terms if both sides can't reach an agreement. Hundreds of business groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-economy-congress-government-and-politics-6b60d53fefc7b85f301b0a3e7011715b">have urged</a>&nbsp;Congress and President Joe Biden to be ready to intervene if needed.Workers frustrated with the demanding schedules and deep job cuts in the industry pushed to reject these contracts because they don't resolve workers' key quality-of-life concerns. The deals for the engineers and conductors did include a promise to try to improve the scheduling of regular days off and negotiate the details of those schedules further at each railroad. The unions that represent engineers and conductors also received three unpaid days off a year to tend to medical needs as long they were scheduled at least 30 days in advance.The railroads also lost out on their bid to cut crew sizes down to one person as part of the negotiations. But the conductors in the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union still narrowly rejected the deal with roughly 51% voting against it. A smaller division of the SMART-TD union that represents about 1,300 yardmasters did approve the deal.“The ball is now in the railroads’ court. Let’s see what they do. They can settle this at the bargaining table,” SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson said. “But, the railroad executives who constantly complain about government interference and regularly bad-mouth regulators and Congress now want Congress to do the bargaining for them.”The railroads maintain that the deals with the unions should closely follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-norfolk-government-and-politics-eeedec386f2acba5d63181436ca03f3f">recommendations</a>&nbsp;made this summer by a special panel of arbitrators Biden appointed. That's part of the reason why they don't want to offer paid sick time. Plus, the railroads say the unions have agreed over the years to forego paid sick time in favor of higher pay and strong short-term disability benefits.The unions say it is long overdue for the railroads to offer paid sick time to workers, and the pandemic highlighted the need for it.The group that negotiates on behalf of the railroads said Monday that the unions that rejected their deals shouldn't expect to receive more than the Presidential Emergency Board of arbitrators recommended. The National Carriers Conference Committee said businesses could start to be affected by the threat of a strike even before the deadline because railroads will start curtailing shipments of dangerous chemicals and perishable cargo days ahead of the deadline.“A national rail strike would severely impact the economy and the public. Now, the continued, near-term threat of one will require that freight railroads and passenger carriers soon begin to take responsible steps to safely secure the network in advance of any deadline,” the railroads said.It's unclear what Congress might do given the deep political divisions in Washington D.C. and a single lawmaker could hold up a resolution. But the head of the Association of American Railroads trade group, Ian Jefferies, said "if the remaining unions do not accept an agreement, Congress should be prepared to act and avoid a disastrous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">$2 billion a day hit</a>&nbsp;to our economy.”Republicans may try to impose a deal that includes only what the Presidential Emergency Board recommended while Democrats who still narrowly hold control of both the House and Senate during this lame-duck period might be willing to force the railroads to make additional concessions.The unions that voted Monday represent more than half of the roughly 115,000 rail workers involved in the contract dispute with Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, BNSF, Kansas City Southern, CSX and other railroads.

US supply chain under threat as unions, railroads clash

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Kansas man who was arrested in connection to a damage to property case added to his requested charges when he allegedly head-butted a paramedic.

Just after 12:30a.m. Saturday, officers were called to the Village Inn, 453 S. Broadway Boulevard in Salina for the report of damage to property. When they arrived, they spoke with the owner who told them that someone broke a window and a picture frame in a room there, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The officers made contact with Matthew Burton, 28, of Salina, who had a cut on his hand. During the investigation, officers determined that Burton was responsible for the damage, Forrester said. 

When officers tried to arrest Burton, he allegedly became disruptive and resisted, causing officers to place him in a wrap restraint system, Forrester said. While Burton was in the restraint system, he appeared to become unconscious, prompting officers to call EMS.

EMS transported Burton to Salina Regional Health Center. At some point, Burton allegedly head-butted a paramedic in the chest twice, Forrester said. Burton was treated and released, and then booked into the Salina County Jail on&nbsp; requested charges of Criminal damage to property, Assault of a law enforcement officer, Battery and Disorderly conduct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666896547529.jpeg" alt="Burton -photo&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Burton -photo&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Kansas man who was arrested in connection to a damage to property case added to his requested charges when he allegedly head-butted a paramedic.Just after 12:30a.m. Saturday, officers were called to the Village Inn, 453 S. Broadway Boulevard in Salina for the report of damage to property. When they arrived, they spoke with the owner who told them that someone broke a window and a picture frame in a room there, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The officers made contact with Matthew Burton, 28, of Salina, who had a cut on his hand. During the investigation, officers determined that Burton was responsible for the damage, Forrester said. When officers tried to arrest Burton, he allegedly became disruptive and resisted, causing officers to place him in a wrap restraint system, Forrester said. While Burton was in the restraint system, he appeared to become unconscious, prompting officers to call EMS.EMS transported Burton to Salina Regional Health Center. At some point, Burton allegedly head-butted a paramedic in the chest twice, Forrester said. Burton was treated and released, and then booked into the Salina County Jail on&nbsp; requested charges of Criminal damage to property, Assault of a law enforcement officer, Battery and Disorderly conduct.

Kansas man allegedly head butts paramedic after arrest

WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee said his panel is reviewing “serious allegations” in a report that a former anti-abortion leader knew in advance the outcome of a 2014&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;case involving health care coverage of contraception.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/19/us/supreme-court-leak-abortion-roe-wade.html">report Saturday in The New York Times</a>&nbsp;followed the stunning leak earlier this year of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-john-roberts-samuel-alito-government-and-politics-9d1b2e6cc84a047261a674a890fef77c">draft opinion in the case</a>&nbsp;in which the high court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending constitutional protections for abortion. That decision was written by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/samuel-alito">Justice Samuel Alito</a>, who is also the author of the majority opinion in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c3cfc111be5c46b49759c9d7fab383ae">2014 case at the center of the new report</a>.

In the Times story, Rev. Rob Schenck said he learned the outcome of the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores case weeks before the decision was made public. In a 5-4 decision, Alito wrote that some companies with religious objections can avoid the contraceptives requirement in President Barack Obama’s health care legislation.

Schenck, who previously headed the group Faith and Action, has said in other recent stories in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/08/religious-right-supreme-court-00044739">Politico</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/roe-supreme-court-justices-1378046/">Rolling Stone</a>&nbsp;that he was part of a concerted effort to forge social and ministry relationships with conservative justices.

In the Times story, Schenck said the information about the Hobby Lobby decision came from Gail Wright, a donor to his organization who was part of the outreach effort to the justices and who had dined with Alito and his wife. Wright herself denied obtaining or sharing any information in an interview with the Times.

The New York Times also published a letter Schenck said he wrote Chief Justice John Roberts in July alerting him to the alleged breach years ago. Schenck wrote that he thought the information might be relevant as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-covid-us-supreme-court-health-john-roberts-7737a7e3a2fbbcac985549941b884a61">probe into the leak of the abortion decision</a>.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a statement Saturday that the committee is “reviewing these serious allegations," and he called on fellow members of Congress to pass a bill that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-elections-donald-trump-clarence-thomas-f3adf2919f789fcd03b9da6271a62501">require the high court to adopt a code of ethics</a>.

Two fellow Democrats, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia, who chair courts subcommittees, issued a statement calling the Times report “another black mark on the Supreme Court's increasingly marred ethical record” and said they “intend to get to the bottom of these serious allegations.” They too urged passage of a code of ethics.

The Times' story included an emphatic denial by Alito that he'd disclosed the outcome of the case. The court released Alito's full statement to The Associated Press:

“The allegation that the Wrights were told the outcome of the decision in the Hobby Lobby case, or the authorship of the opinion of the Court, by me or my wife is completely false. My wife and I became acquainted with the Wrights some years ago because of their strong support for the Supreme Court Historical Society, and since then, we have had a casual and purely social relationship.

"I never detected any effort on the part of the Wrights to obtain confidential information or to influence anything that I did in either an official or private capacity, and I would have strongly objected if they had done so. I have no knowledge of any project that they allegedly undertook for ‘Faith and Action,’ ‘Faith and Liberty,’ or any similar group, and I would be shocked and offended if those allegations are true,” it said.

Schenck's Faith and Action group became Faith &amp; Liberty after becoming part of the Liberty Counsel in 2018.

Alito was appointed to the high court in 2006 by President George W. Bush.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee said his panel is reviewing “serious allegations” in a report that a former anti-abortion leader knew in advance the outcome of a 2014&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;case involving health care coverage of contraception.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/19/us/supreme-court-leak-abortion-roe-wade.html">report Saturday in The New York Times</a>&nbsp;followed the stunning leak earlier this year of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-john-roberts-samuel-alito-government-and-politics-9d1b2e6cc84a047261a674a890fef77c">draft opinion in the case</a>&nbsp;in which the high court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending constitutional protections for abortion. That decision was written by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/samuel-alito">Justice Samuel Alito</a>, who is also the author of the majority opinion in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c3cfc111be5c46b49759c9d7fab383ae">2014 case at the center of the new report</a>.In the Times story, Rev. Rob Schenck said he learned the outcome of the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores case weeks before the decision was made public. In a 5-4 decision, Alito wrote that some companies with religious objections can avoid the contraceptives requirement in President Barack Obama’s health care legislation.Schenck, who previously headed the group Faith and Action, has said in other recent stories in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/08/religious-right-supreme-court-00044739">Politico</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/roe-supreme-court-justices-1378046/">Rolling Stone</a>&nbsp;that he was part of a concerted effort to forge social and ministry relationships with conservative justices.In the Times story, Schenck said the information about the Hobby Lobby decision came from Gail Wright, a donor to his organization who was part of the outreach effort to the justices and who had dined with Alito and his wife. Wright herself denied obtaining or sharing any information in an interview with the Times.The New York Times also published a letter Schenck said he wrote Chief Justice John Roberts in July alerting him to the alleged breach years ago. Schenck wrote that he thought the information might be relevant as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-covid-us-supreme-court-health-john-roberts-7737a7e3a2fbbcac985549941b884a61">probe into the leak of the abortion decision</a>.Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a statement Saturday that the committee is “reviewing these serious allegations," and he called on fellow members of Congress to pass a bill that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-elections-donald-trump-clarence-thomas-f3adf2919f789fcd03b9da6271a62501">require the high court to adopt a code of ethics</a>.Two fellow Democrats, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia, who chair courts subcommittees, issued a statement calling the Times report “another black mark on the Supreme Court's increasingly marred ethical record” and said they “intend to get to the bottom of these serious allegations.” They too urged passage of a code of ethics.The Times' story included an emphatic denial by Alito that he'd disclosed the outcome of the case. The court released Alito's full statement to The Associated Press:“The allegation that the Wrights were told the outcome of the decision in the Hobby Lobby case, or the authorship of the opinion of the Court, by me or my wife is completely false. My wife and I became acquainted with the Wrights some years ago because of their strong support for the Supreme Court Historical Society, and since then, we have had a casual and purely social relationship."I never detected any effort on the part of the Wrights to obtain confidential information or to influence anything that I did in either an official or private capacity, and I would have strongly objected if they had done so. I have no knowledge of any project that they allegedly undertook for ‘Faith and Action,’ ‘Faith and Liberty,’ or any similar group, and I would be shocked and offended if those allegations are true,” it said.Schenck's Faith and Action group became Faith &amp; Liberty after becoming part of the Liberty Counsel in 2018.Alito was appointed to the high court in 2006 by President George W. Bush.

Lawmakers urge action after report of another Supreme Court leak

By MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press

BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK, S.D. (AP) — Perched atop a fence at Badlands National Park, Troy Heinert peered from beneath his wide-brimmed hat into a corral where 100 wild bison awaited transfer to the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

Descendants of bison that once roamed North America's Great Plains by the tens of millions, the animals would soon thunder up a chute, take a truck ride across South Dakota and join one of many burgeoning herds Heinert has helped reestablish on Native American lands.

Heinert nodded in satisfaction to a park service employee as the animals stomped their hooves and kicked up dust in the cold wind. He took a brief call from Iowa about another herd being transferred to tribes in Minnesota and Oklahoma, then spoke with a fellow trucker about yet more bison destined for Wisconsin.

By nightfall, the last of the American buffalo shipped from Badlands were being unloaded at the Rosebud reservation, where Heinert lives. The next day, he was on the road back to Badlands to load 200 bison for another tribe, the Cheyenne River Sioux.

Most bison in North America are in commercial herds, treated no differently than cattle.

"Buffalo, they walk in two worlds," Heinert said. "Are they commercial or are they wildlife? From the tribal perspective, we've always deemed them as wildlife, or to take it a step further, as a relative."

Some 82 tribes across the U.S. — from New York to Alaska — now have more than 20,000 bison in 65 herds — and that's been growing in recent years along with the desire among Native Americans to reclaim stewardship of an animal their ancestors lived alongside and depended upon for millennia.

European settlers destroyed that balance when they slaughtered the great herds. Bison almost went extinct until conservationists including Teddy Roosevelt intervened to reestablish a small number of herds largely on federal lands. Native Americans were sometimes excluded from those early efforts carried out by conservation groups.

Such groups more recently partnered with tribes, and some are now stepping aside. The long-term dream for some Native Americans: return bison on a scale rivaling herds that roamed the continent in numbers that shaped the landscape itself.

Heinert, 50, a South Dakota state senator and director of the InterTribal Buffalo Council, views his job in practical terms: Get bison to tribes that want them, whether two animals or 200. He helps them rekindle long-neglected cultural connections, increase food security, reclaim sovereignty and improve land management. This fall, Heinert's group has moved 2,041 bison to 22 tribes in 10 states.

"All of these tribes relied on them at some point, whether that was for food or shelter or ceremonies. The stories that come from those tribes are unique to those tribes," he said. "Those tribes are trying to go back to that, reestablishing that connection that was once there and was once very strong."

Bison for centuries set rhythms of life for the Lakota Sioux and many other nomadic tribes that followed their annual migrations. Hides for clothing and teepees, bones for tools and weapons, horns for ladles, hair for rope — a steady supply of bison was fundamental.

At so-called "buffalo jumps," herds would be run off cliffs, then butchered over days and weeks. Archaeologists have found immense volumes of bones buried at some sites, suggesting processing on a major scale.

European settlers and firearms brought a new level of industry to the enterprise as hunters, U.S. troops and tourists shot bison and a growing commercial market used their parts in machinery, fertilizer and clothing. By 1889, few bison remained: 10 animals in central Montana, 20 each in central Colorado and southern Wyoming, 200 in Yellowstone National Park, some 550 in northern Alberta and about 250 in zoos and private herds.

Piles of buffalo skulls seen in haunting photos from that era illustrate an ecological and cultural disaster.

"We wanted to populate the western half of the United States because there were so many people in the East," U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American cabinet member, said in an interview. "They wanted all of the Indians dead so they could take their land away."

The thinking at the time, she added, was "'if we kill off the buffalo, the Indians will die. They won't have anything to eat.'"

The day after the bison transfer from the Badlands, Heinert's son T.J. sprawled flat on the ground, his rifle scope fixed on a large bull bison at the Wolakota Buffalo Range. The tribal enterprise in just two years has restored about 1,000 bison to 28,000 acres (11,300 hectares) of rolling, scrub-covered hills near the Nebraska-South Dakota border.

Pausing to pull a cactus paddle from the back of his hand, Heinert looked back through the scope. The 28-year-old had been talking all morning about the need for a perfect shot and the difficulty in 40-mile (64-kilometer) an hour winds. The first bullet went into the animal's ear, but it lumbered away a couple hundred yards to join a larger group of bison, with the hunter following in an all-terrain vehicle.

Two more shots, then after the animal finally went down, Heinert drove up close and put the rifle behind its ear for a final shot that stopped its thrashing. "Definitely not how it's supposed to go," Heinert kept repeating, disappointed it wasn't an instant kill. "But we got him down. That's all that matters at this point."

Coinciding with widespread extermination of bison, tribes such as the Lakota were robbed of land through broken treaties that by 1889 whittled down the "Great Sioux Reservation" established in 1851 to several much smaller ones across the Dakotas. Without bison, tribal members relied on government "beef stations" that distributed meat from cattle ranches.

The program was a boon for white ranchers. Today, Cherry County, Nebraska — along Rosebud reservation's southern border — boasts more cattle than any other U.S. county.

Removing fences that crisscross ranches there and opening them to bison is unlikely, but Rosebud Sioux are intent on expanding the reservation's herds as a reliable food source.

Others have grander visions: The Blackfeet of Montana and tribes in Alberta want to establish a "transboundary herd" ranging over the Canada border near Glacier National Park. Other tribes propose a "buffalo commons" on federal lands in central Montana where the region's tribes could harvest animals.

"What would it look like to have 30 million buffalo in North America again?" said Cristina Mormorunni, a Métis Indian who's worked with the Blackfeet to restore bison.

With so many people, houses and fences now, Haaland said there's no going back completely. But her agency has emerged as a primary bison source, transferring more than 20,000 to tribes and tribal organizations over 20 years, typically to thin government-controlled herds so they don't outgrow their land.

"It's wonderful tribes are working together on something as important as bison, that were almost lost," Haaland said.

Transfers sometimes draw objections from cattle ranchers who worry bison carry disease and compete for grass. Such fears long inhibited efforts to transfer Yellowstone National Park bison.

Interior officials work with state officials make sure relocated bison meet local veterinary health requirements. But they generally don't vaccinate the animals and handle them as little as possible.

Bison demand from the tribes is growing, and Haaland said transfers will continue. That includes up to 1,000 being trucked this year from Badlands, Grand Canyon National Park and several national wildlife refuges. Others come from conservation groups and tribes that share surplus bison.

Back at Wolakota range, Daniel Eagle Road approached the bison shot by T.J. Heinert. Eagle Road rested a hand on the animal's head. Heinert got out some chewing tobacco, tucked some behind his lip and passed the tin to Eagle Road who did the same. Heinert sprinkled tobacco along the bison's back and prayed.

Chains fastened around the front and hind legs, the half-ton animal was hoisted onto a flatbed truck for the bouncy ride to ranch headquarters. About 20 adults and children gathered as the bison was lowered onto a tarp, then listened solemnly to tribal elder Duane Hollow Horn Bear.

"This relative gave of itself to us, for our livelihood, our way or life," Horn Bear said.

Soon the tarp was covered with bloody footprints from people butchering the animal. They quartered it, sawing through bone, then sliced meat from the legs, rump, and the animal's huge hump. Children, some only 6, were given knives to cut away skin and fat.

The adults took turns dipping pieces of kidney in the animal's gall bladder bile. "Like salsa," someone called out as others laughed.

The stomach was washed out for use in soup. The pelt was scraped and spread on a railing to dry. The skull was cleaned and the tongue, a delicacy, cut out.

Then came an assembly line of slicing, grinding and packaging of meat distributed to families through a food program run by the tribal agency that operates the ranch. The work lasted into the night.

A first for many, the harvest illustrates a challenge for the Rosebud Sioux and other tribes: few people have butchering skills and cultural knowledge to establish a personal connection with bison.

Katrina Fuller, who helped guide the butchering, dreams of training others so the reservation's 20 communities can come to Wolakota for their own harvest. "Maybe not now, but in my lifetime," she said. "That's what I want for everyone."

Horn Bear, 73, said when he was very young his grandparents told him creation stories revolving around bison. But then he was forcibly enrolled in an Indian boarding school — government-backed institutions where tribal traditions were stamped out with beatings and other cruelties. The bison were already gone, and the schools sought to erase the stories of them too.

Standing on the blood-spattered tarp, Horn Bear said the harvest brings back what was almost totally taken away — his people's culture, economy, social fabric.

"It's like coming home to a way of life," he said.

Follow Matthew Brown on Twitter: @MatthewBrownAP

Video journalist Emma H. Tobin contributed to this report.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669037032665.jpeg" alt="T.J. Heinert, assistant range manager of Wolakota Buffalo Range, takes aim to shoot a buffalo at the range near Spring Creek, S.D. on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Toby Brusseau)" />
 <figcaption>T.J. Heinert, assistant range manager of Wolakota Buffalo Range, takes aim to shoot a buffalo at the range near Spring Creek, S.D. on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Toby Brusseau)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATTHEW BROWN Associated PressBADLANDS NATIONAL PARK, S.D. (AP) — Perched atop a fence at Badlands National Park, Troy Heinert peered from beneath his wide-brimmed hat into a corral where 100 wild bison awaited transfer to the Rosebud Indian Reservation.Descendants of bison that once roamed North America's Great Plains by the tens of millions, the animals would soon thunder up a chute, take a truck ride across South Dakota and join one of many burgeoning herds Heinert has helped reestablish on Native American lands.Heinert nodded in satisfaction to a park service employee as the animals stomped their hooves and kicked up dust in the cold wind. He took a brief call from Iowa about another herd being transferred to tribes in Minnesota and Oklahoma, then spoke with a fellow trucker about yet more bison destined for Wisconsin.By nightfall, the last of the American buffalo shipped from Badlands were being unloaded at the Rosebud reservation, where Heinert lives. The next day, he was on the road back to Badlands to load 200 bison for another tribe, the Cheyenne River Sioux.Most bison in North America are in commercial herds, treated no differently than cattle."Buffalo, they walk in two worlds," Heinert said. "Are they commercial or are they wildlife? From the tribal perspective, we've always deemed them as wildlife, or to take it a step further, as a relative."Some 82 tribes across the U.S. — from New York to Alaska — now have more than 20,000 bison in 65 herds — and that's been growing in recent years along with the desire among Native Americans to reclaim stewardship of an animal their ancestors lived alongside and depended upon for millennia.European settlers destroyed that balance when they slaughtered the great herds. Bison almost went extinct until conservationists including Teddy Roosevelt intervened to reestablish a small number of herds largely on federal lands. Native Americans were sometimes excluded from those early efforts carried out by conservation groups.Such groups more recently partnered with tribes, and some are now stepping aside. The long-term dream for some Native Americans: return bison on a scale rivaling herds that roamed the continent in numbers that shaped the landscape itself.Heinert, 50, a South Dakota state senator and director of the InterTribal Buffalo Council, views his job in practical terms: Get bison to tribes that want them, whether two animals or 200. He helps them rekindle long-neglected cultural connections, increase food security, reclaim sovereignty and improve land management. This fall, Heinert's group has moved 2,041 bison to 22 tribes in 10 states."All of these tribes relied on them at some point, whether that was for food or shelter or ceremonies. The stories that come from those tribes are unique to those tribes," he said. "Those tribes are trying to go back to that, reestablishing that connection that was once there and was once very strong."HERDS SLAUGHTEREDBison for centuries set rhythms of life for the Lakota Sioux and many other nomadic tribes that followed their annual migrations. Hides for clothing and teepees, bones for tools and weapons, horns for ladles, hair for rope — a steady supply of bison was fundamental.At so-called "buffalo jumps," herds would be run off cliffs, then butchered over days and weeks. Archaeologists have found immense volumes of bones buried at some sites, suggesting processing on a major scale.European settlers and firearms brought a new level of industry to the enterprise as hunters, U.S. troops and tourists shot bison and a growing commercial market used their parts in machinery, fertilizer and clothing. By 1889, few bison remained: 10 animals in central Montana, 20 each in central Colorado and southern Wyoming, 200 in Yellowstone National Park, some 550 in northern Alberta and about 250 in zoos and private herds.Piles of buffalo skulls seen in haunting photos from that era illustrate an ecological and cultural disaster."We wanted to populate the western half of the United States because there were so many people in the East," U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American cabinet member, said in an interview. "They wanted all of the Indians dead so they could take their land away."The thinking at the time, she added, was "'if we kill off the buffalo, the Indians will die. They won't have anything to eat.'"HARVESTING A BULLThe day after the bison transfer from the Badlands, Heinert's son T.J. sprawled flat on the ground, his rifle scope fixed on a large bull bison at the Wolakota Buffalo Range. The tribal enterprise in just two years has restored about 1,000 bison to 28,000 acres (11,300 hectares) of rolling, scrub-covered hills near the Nebraska-South Dakota border.Pausing to pull a cactus paddle from the back of his hand, Heinert looked back through the scope. The 28-year-old had been talking all morning about the need for a perfect shot and the difficulty in 40-mile (64-kilometer) an hour winds. The first bullet went into the animal's ear, but it lumbered away a couple hundred yards to join a larger group of bison, with the hunter following in an all-terrain vehicle.Two more shots, then after the animal finally went down, Heinert drove up close and put the rifle behind its ear for a final shot that stopped its thrashing. "Definitely not how it's supposed to go," Heinert kept repeating, disappointed it wasn't an instant kill. "But we got him down. That's all that matters at this point."BUFFALO DREAMSCoinciding with widespread extermination of bison, tribes such as the Lakota were robbed of land through broken treaties that by 1889 whittled down the "Great Sioux Reservation" established in 1851 to several much smaller ones across the Dakotas. Without bison, tribal members relied on government "beef stations" that distributed meat from cattle ranches.The program was a boon for white ranchers. Today, Cherry County, Nebraska — along Rosebud reservation's southern border — boasts more cattle than any other U.S. county.Removing fences that crisscross ranches there and opening them to bison is unlikely, but Rosebud Sioux are intent on expanding the reservation's herds as a reliable food source.Others have grander visions: The Blackfeet of Montana and tribes in Alberta want to establish a "transboundary herd" ranging over the Canada border near Glacier National Park. Other tribes propose a "buffalo commons" on federal lands in central Montana where the region's tribes could harvest animals."What would it look like to have 30 million buffalo in North America again?" said Cristina Mormorunni, a Métis Indian who's worked with the Blackfeet to restore bison.With so many people, houses and fences now, Haaland said there's no going back completely. But her agency has emerged as a primary bison source, transferring more than 20,000 to tribes and tribal organizations over 20 years, typically to thin government-controlled herds so they don't outgrow their land."It's wonderful tribes are working together on something as important as bison, that were almost lost," Haaland said.Transfers sometimes draw objections from cattle ranchers who worry bison carry disease and compete for grass. Such fears long inhibited efforts to transfer Yellowstone National Park bison.Interior officials work with state officials make sure relocated bison meet local veterinary health requirements. But they generally don't vaccinate the animals and handle them as little as possible.Bison demand from the tribes is growing, and Haaland said transfers will continue. That includes up to 1,000 being trucked this year from Badlands, Grand Canyon National Park and several national wildlife refuges. Others come from conservation groups and tribes that share surplus bison."WAY OF LIFE"Back at Wolakota range, Daniel Eagle Road approached the bison shot by T.J. Heinert. Eagle Road rested a hand on the animal's head. Heinert got out some chewing tobacco, tucked some behind his lip and passed the tin to Eagle Road who did the same. Heinert sprinkled tobacco along the bison's back and prayed.Chains fastened around the front and hind legs, the half-ton animal was hoisted onto a flatbed truck for the bouncy ride to ranch headquarters. About 20 adults and children gathered as the bison was lowered onto a tarp, then listened solemnly to tribal elder Duane Hollow Horn Bear."This relative gave of itself to us, for our livelihood, our way or life," Horn Bear said.Soon the tarp was covered with bloody footprints from people butchering the animal. They quartered it, sawing through bone, then sliced meat from the legs, rump, and the animal's huge hump. Children, some only 6, were given knives to cut away skin and fat.The adults took turns dipping pieces of kidney in the animal's gall bladder bile. "Like salsa," someone called out as others laughed.The stomach was washed out for use in soup. The pelt was scraped and spread on a railing to dry. The skull was cleaned and the tongue, a delicacy, cut out.Then came an assembly line of slicing, grinding and packaging of meat distributed to families through a food program run by the tribal agency that operates the ranch. The work lasted into the night.A first for many, the harvest illustrates a challenge for the Rosebud Sioux and other tribes: few people have butchering skills and cultural knowledge to establish a personal connection with bison.Katrina Fuller, who helped guide the butchering, dreams of training others so the reservation's 20 communities can come to Wolakota for their own harvest. "Maybe not now, but in my lifetime," she said. "That's what I want for everyone."Horn Bear, 73, said when he was very young his grandparents told him creation stories revolving around bison. But then he was forcibly enrolled in an Indian boarding school — government-backed institutions where tribal traditions were stamped out with beatings and other cruelties. The bison were already gone, and the schools sought to erase the stories of them too.Standing on the blood-spattered tarp, Horn Bear said the harvest brings back what was almost totally taken away — his people's culture, economy, social fabric."It's like coming home to a way of life," he said.___Follow Matthew Brown on Twitter: @MatthewBrownAP___Video journalist Emma H. Tobin contributed to this report.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Bison spread as Native American tribes reclaim stewardship

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and asking the public for help with the investigation.

Just after 12:15a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to reports of gunshots in the 1300 block of E. Armour in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Leslie Foreman. Police received multiple calls about gunshots in the area. Officers found an adult male inside an apartment building. He had been shot and was unresponsive. EMS responded and pronounced him deceased at the scene. We do not have any suspect information at this time and are asking for the public’s help. Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and were actively canvassing for witnesses and processing the scene for evidence.

If you have any information please call the Homicide Unit at 234-5043. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the TIPS hotline at 474-TIPS, with up to a $25,000 reward for an arrest in this case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669035635160.png" alt="P0lice have not reported any suspect details photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>P0lice have not reported any suspect details photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and asking the public for help with the investigation.Just after 12:15a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to reports of gunshots in the 1300 block of E. Armour in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Leslie Foreman. Police received multiple calls about gunshots in the area. Officers found an adult male inside an apartment building. He had been shot and was unresponsive. EMS responded and pronounced him deceased at the scene. We do not have any suspect information at this time and are asking for the public’s help. Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and were actively canvassing for witnesses and processing the scene for evidence. If you have any information please call the Homicide Unit at 234-5043. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the TIPS hotline at 474-TIPS, with up to a $25,000 reward for an arrest in this case.

KCPD: Deadly shooting inside apartment building

HAMILTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after in incident on a Kansas highway.

On Saturday night, sheriff's deputies took a report of a white Nissan Xterra stopped in the middle of the south bound lane on K27 and County Road 31, according to a media release from the Hamilton County Sheriff.

 The driver, later identified as&nbsp; Edwin Danilo Bueso Jeronimo of Syracuse, Kansas, was passed out in the driver’s seat with open alcoholic beverages on the front seat. 

The driver was awakened and he took off on foot through a field with a temperature of 6 degrees. Additional units were called to assist. After approximately twenty minutes, deputies located and took Jeronimo into custody. 

HAMILTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after in incident on a Kansas highway.On Saturday night, sheriff's deputies took a report of a white Nissan Xterra stopped in the middle of the south bound lane on K27 and County Road 31, according to a media release from the Hamilton County Sheriff. The driver, later identified as&nbsp; Edwin Danilo Bueso Jeronimo of Syracuse, Kansas, was passed out in the driver’s seat with open alcoholic beverages on the front seat. The driver was awakened and he took off on foot through a field with a temperature of 6 degrees. Additional units were called to assist. After approximately twenty minutes, deputies located and took Jeronimo into custody. &nbsp;Jeronimo did not possess a valid driver's license. He was booked into jail on requested charges of&nbsp; DUI, interference with LEO, no driver's license, and transporting an open container of alcoholic beverages.&nbsp;