OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Freight railroads and their unions are facing increasing pressure from business groups and the White House to settle their contract dispute before Friday's looming strike deadline.

The pressure stems from concerns that halting railroad deliveries of raw materials and finished products that so many companies rely on would be, in the words of the head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an “economic disaster.”

A White House official said President Joe Biden and members of his cabinet were in touch with the unions and railroads Monday as part of their efforts to avert a strike. And for the second time in the past week, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh sat down at the negotiating table Sunday to urge the parties to reach a deal. Walsh postponed a planned to trip to Ireland this week to remain close to the talks.

A Labor Department spokesperson said Monday that it’s crucial that the parties remain at the negotiating table and come to an agreement because “a shutdown of our freight rail system is an unacceptable outcome for our economy and the American people.”

Suzanne Clark, the head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said Monday that “a national rail strike would be an economic disaster — freezing the flow of goods, emptying shelves, shuttering workplaces and raising prices for families and businesses alike.”

The chamber joined a number of other business groups, including a coalition of 31 agricultural shipping trade groups, in sending letters to Congress urging lawmakers to be prepared to step in and block a strike if the two sides can't reach an agreement by the end of the week. The chamber said if it comes to that, Congress should impose the terms recommended by a Presidential Emergency Board that Biden appointed this summer.

The Association of American Railroads trade group put out a report last week estimating that shutting down the railroads&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">would cost the economy $2 billion a day.</a>

The coalition negotiating on behalf of the nation's biggest freight railroads — including Union Pacific, CSX, Norfolk Southern, BNSF and Kansas City Southern — has announced eight of the 13 tentative agreements needed to avert a strike by some 115,000 rail workers.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-norfolk-government-and-politics-eeedec386f2acba5d63181436ca03f3f">deals</a>&nbsp;that have been announced so far have closely followed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">Presidential Emergency Board’s recommendations</a>&nbsp;that called for 24% raises over five years, $5,000 in bonuses and one additional paid leave day a year. But the two biggest unions representing conductors and engineers have been holding out because they want the railroads to go beyond those recommendations and address some of their concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">strict attendance policies</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-aab7d3084a8d17d8d721d2cb750be323">working conditions</a>.

The railroads have said they would begin curtailing shipments of hazardous materials and some other goods Monday in advance of a possible work stoppage at the end of the week. That would ensure that containers of those dangerous goods aren't left stranded along the tracks.

The heads of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers — Transportation Division union that represents conductors, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union that represents engineers,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transportation-strikes-congress-climate-and-environment-90ec66e850dae76a3215a9fcaef71e53">criticized that decision</a>&nbsp;as a move to increase pressure on shippers and Congress to intervene.

The federal law governing railroad contract talks won't allow a strike or lockout before Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663077336048.png" alt="A Union Pacific train travels through Kansas on Sept. 13, 2022" />
 <figcaption>A Union Pacific train travels through Kansas on Sept. 13, 2022</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Freight railroads and their unions are facing increasing pressure from business groups and the White House to settle their contract dispute before Friday's looming strike deadline.The pressure stems from concerns that halting railroad deliveries of raw materials and finished products that so many companies rely on would be, in the words of the head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an “economic disaster.”A White House official said President Joe Biden and members of his cabinet were in touch with the unions and railroads Monday as part of their efforts to avert a strike. And for the second time in the past week, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh sat down at the negotiating table Sunday to urge the parties to reach a deal. Walsh postponed a planned to trip to Ireland this week to remain close to the talks.A Labor Department spokesperson said Monday that it’s crucial that the parties remain at the negotiating table and come to an agreement because “a shutdown of our freight rail system is an unacceptable outcome for our economy and the American people.”Suzanne Clark, the head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said Monday that “a national rail strike would be an economic disaster — freezing the flow of goods, emptying shelves, shuttering workplaces and raising prices for families and businesses alike.”The chamber joined a number of other business groups, including a coalition of 31 agricultural shipping trade groups, in sending letters to Congress urging lawmakers to be prepared to step in and block a strike if the two sides can't reach an agreement by the end of the week. The chamber said if it comes to that, Congress should impose the terms recommended by a Presidential Emergency Board that Biden appointed this summer.The Association of American Railroads trade group put out a report last week estimating that shutting down the railroads&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">would cost the economy $2 billion a day.</a>The coalition negotiating on behalf of the nation's biggest freight railroads — including Union Pacific, CSX, Norfolk Southern, BNSF and Kansas City Southern — has announced eight of the 13 tentative agreements needed to avert a strike by some 115,000 rail workers.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-norfolk-government-and-politics-eeedec386f2acba5d63181436ca03f3f">deals</a>&nbsp;that have been announced so far have closely followed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">Presidential Emergency Board’s recommendations</a>&nbsp;that called for 24% raises over five years, $5,000 in bonuses and one additional paid leave day a year. But the two biggest unions representing conductors and engineers have been holding out because they want the railroads to go beyond those recommendations and address some of their concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">strict attendance policies</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-aab7d3084a8d17d8d721d2cb750be323">working conditions</a>.The railroads have said they would begin curtailing shipments of hazardous materials and some other goods Monday in advance of a possible work stoppage at the end of the week. That would ensure that containers of those dangerous goods aren't left stranded along the tracks.The heads of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers — Transportation Division union that represents conductors, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union that represents engineers,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transportation-strikes-congress-climate-and-environment-90ec66e850dae76a3215a9fcaef71e53">criticized that decision</a>&nbsp;as a move to increase pressure on shippers and Congress to intervene.The federal law governing railroad contract talks won't allow a strike or lockout before Friday.

Pressure mounts on US railroads and unions to avoid a strike

CLAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a school bus crash near Smithville, Missouri, approximately 20 miles north of Kansas City, that sent three people including two students to the hospital.&nbsp;

Shortly after 8 a.m. Monday, deputies were dispatched to Mt. Olivet Road between Jami Drive and NE 120th&nbsp;Street on after school bus overturned, blocking Mt. Olivet in both directions, according to the Clay County Missouri Sheriff.

There were approximately 30 Smithville elementary school students and a driver on board. EMS transported two children and the driver to a nearby hospital with injuries that appeared to be minor, according to the Sheriff's office.

They were released from the hospital later the same day. Their families were notified. Parents of all the other children on the bus were contacted, and the students were released to their families.

A preliminary investigation has determined no other vehicles were involved. The bus belongs to DS Bus Lines, which is the transportation provider for the Smithville School District.

In a statement from DS Bus Lines, the company said, "The DS Bus Safety Team was dispatched immediately to the scene of the accident, and is cooperating fully with the local authorities&nbsp;and school district&nbsp;in their investigations. The DS Bus Safety Team will also complete its own internal investigation, with the goal of preventing additional incidents like this in the future. &nbsp;Two students and the bus driver were transported to a local hospital with what are&nbsp;reported&nbsp;to be&nbsp;minor&nbsp;injuries. The leadership team at DS Bus sends its well-wishes for a swift recovery to those injured in this unfortunate accident."

Mt. Olivet Road was shut down for about three hours while students were evacuated and reunited with families and the crash was investigated.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663064894478.png" alt="Photo Clay, County Missouri Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay, County Missouri Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CLAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a school bus crash near Smithville, Missouri, approximately 20 miles north of Kansas City, that sent three people including two students to the hospital.&nbsp;Shortly after 8 a.m. Monday, deputies were dispatched to Mt. Olivet Road between Jami Drive and NE 120th&nbsp;Street on after school bus overturned, blocking Mt. Olivet in both directions, according to the Clay County Missouri Sheriff.There were approximately 30 Smithville elementary school students and a driver on board. EMS transported two children and the driver to a nearby hospital with injuries that appeared to be minor, according to the Sheriff's office.They were released from the hospital later the same day. Their families were notified. Parents of all the other children on the bus were contacted, and the students were released to their families.A preliminary investigation has determined no other vehicles were involved. The bus belongs to DS Bus Lines, which is the transportation provider for the Smithville School District.In a statement from DS Bus Lines, the company said, "The DS Bus Safety Team was dispatched immediately to the scene of the accident, and is cooperating fully with the local authorities&nbsp;and school district&nbsp;in their investigations. The DS Bus Safety Team will also complete its own internal investigation, with the goal of preventing additional incidents like this in the future. &nbsp;Two students and the bus driver were transported to a local hospital with what are&nbsp;reported&nbsp;to be&nbsp;minor&nbsp;injuries. The leadership team at DS Bus sends its well-wishes for a swift recovery to those injured in this unfortunate accident."Mt. Olivet Road was shut down for about three hours while students were evacuated and reunited with families and the crash was investigated.&nbsp;

2 children hospitalized after school bus overturns near Kansas City

KANSAS CITY —Fire crews were dispatched Monday to rescue a dog that fell 15 feet into an old stone well, according to the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department.

The well was a quarter mile back in dense woods.

&nbsp;Crews lowered a ladder to reach the dog. Firefighters were able to carry her out. She was scared and malnourished but is expected to recover.

The fire department released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663031839777.png" alt="Photos Kansas City Kansas Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Photos Kansas City Kansas Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Fire crews were dispatched Monday to rescue a dog that fell 15 feet into an old stone well, according to the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department.The well was a quarter mile back in dense woods.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663031925044.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Crews lowered a ladder to reach the dog. Firefighters were able to carry her out. She was scared and malnourished but is expected to recover.The fire department released no additional details.

Kansas fire crews rescue dog from old stone well 

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.

Just after 2a.m. Saturday, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop near 173rd and U.S. 75 Highway in Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. 

During the stop, the deputy located illegal narcotics.

The driver of the vehicle, Rachel M. Childers, 37, of Kingman, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Driving while under the influence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663005332181.png" alt="Childers-photo Osage Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Childers-photo Osage Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.Just after 2a.m. Saturday, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop near 173rd and U.S. 75 Highway in Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, the deputy located illegal narcotics.The driver of the vehicle, Rachel M. Childers, 37, of Kingman, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Driving while under the influence.

Kansas woman accused of attempting to sell meth

RILEY COUNTY— Authorities are investigating an accident involving a windmill nacelle overturn on U.S. 24 east of Leonardvillle, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. The accident occurred just before 3:30p.m.

Two large wreckers attempted to spin the nacelle causing a cable to break

When they started pulling, the wreckers were the ones moving while the nacelle stayed still, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663014914782.png" alt="Photo Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY— Authorities are investigating an accident involving a windmill nacelle overturn on U.S. 24 east of Leonardvillle, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. The accident occurred just before 3:30p.m.There are no injuries reported.Two large wreckers attempted to spin the nacelle causing a cable to breakWhen they started pulling, the wreckers were the ones moving while the nacelle stayed still, according to the KHP.

KHP: Windmill nacelle overturns on Kansas highway

PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man was sentenced Sept. 8 for a violent attack on his mother.

Cory S. Johnson, 38 of Larned, had originally been bound over following a Preliminary Hearing on June 21, on two counts of Aggravated Domestic Battery with alternative charges of Criminal Restraint, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

Immediately prior to the Jury Trial, however, the parties agreed to amend the Information/Complaint to be one count of misdemeanor Domestic Battery and one count of Criminal Restraint, according to&nbsp; McNett.

The jury heard testimony that on the afternoon of May 25, 2021, the Johnson's mother contacted the Larned Police Department requesting assistance with her son. 

She indicated that he was off his medications and his mental health had been deteriorating for nearly a year. The mother testified that on the previous day he had held her down in their backyard and rubbed creek water on her trying to “get the devil out of her.” 

She further indicated that sometime after 1:00 a.m. her son again held her down for nearly an hour in the kitchen of the home they shared and made statements about the devil. She advised law enforcement she was afraid of her son, and she wanted him to get him help.

Law enforcement testified they found Johnson later that afternoon in the middle of the Pawnee Creek drinking creek water and filling up containers with creek water. He was arrested without incident.

The jury made up of 2 women and 4 men deliberated for over an hour before returning a Guilty verdict on the Criminal Restraint charge. The Jury Foreman advised the Court, however, they were hopeless deadlocked as to the Domestic Battery charge and no amount of additional deliberation would change the deadlock. Accordingly, the Court declared a mistrial as to the Domestic Battery charge.

Following discharge of the jury, the State advised that it would not seek retrial on the Domestic Battery charge. The parties then requested the Court proceed to immediate sentencing. Pawnee County Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Johnson to the maximum sentence allowed by law of 12 months in the County Jail with credit for time served. He had been in custody since his arrest on May 25, 2021. All costs and fees were waived due to indigency.

Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett presented the State’s case at trial. Johnson was represented by Eric Harman of Dodge City/

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662587781111.png" alt="Johnson-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man was sentenced Sept. 8 for a violent attack on his mother.Cory S. Johnson, 38 of Larned, had originally been bound over following a Preliminary Hearing on June 21, on two counts of Aggravated Domestic Battery with alternative charges of Criminal Restraint, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.Immediately prior to the Jury Trial, however, the parties agreed to amend the Information/Complaint to be one count of misdemeanor Domestic Battery and one count of Criminal Restraint, according to&nbsp; McNett.The jury heard testimony that on the afternoon of May 25, 2021, the Johnson's mother contacted the Larned Police Department requesting assistance with her son. She indicated that he was off his medications and his mental health had been deteriorating for nearly a year. The mother testified that on the previous day he had held her down in their backyard and rubbed creek water on her trying to “get the devil out of her.” She further indicated that sometime after 1:00 a.m. her son again held her down for nearly an hour in the kitchen of the home they shared and made statements about the devil. She advised law enforcement she was afraid of her son, and she wanted him to get him help.Law enforcement testified they found Johnson later that afternoon in the middle of the Pawnee Creek drinking creek water and filling up containers with creek water. He was arrested without incident.The jury made up of 2 women and 4 men deliberated for over an hour before returning a Guilty verdict on the Criminal Restraint charge. The Jury Foreman advised the Court, however, they were hopeless deadlocked as to the Domestic Battery charge and no amount of additional deliberation would change the deadlock. Accordingly, the Court declared a mistrial as to the Domestic Battery charge.Following discharge of the jury, the State advised that it would not seek retrial on the Domestic Battery charge. The parties then requested the Court proceed to immediate sentencing. Pawnee County Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Johnson to the maximum sentence allowed by law of 12 months in the County Jail with credit for time served. He had been in custody since his arrest on May 25, 2021. All costs and fees were waived due to indigency.Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett presented the State’s case at trial. Johnson was represented by Eric Harman of Dodge City/

Jury returns split decision for Kan. man who attacked his mother

KANSAS CITY (AP)—A Christian boarding school in southwestern Missouri can remain open despite the state attorney general alleging a “dark pattern of behavior," a judge ruled Monday.

Judge David Munton's ruling allows continued round-the-clock monitoring of Agape Boarding School in Stockton by Missouri child welfare workers. The school serves about 60 boys.

The Kansas City Star reported that the state was prepared to call two former Agape students to testify on Monday. Agape attorney John Schultz told the judge there was no proof of any immediate health or safety concern for students and allowing former students to testify was “simply for publicity,” the Star reported.

The judge didn't allow the testimony but scheduled another hearing for Sept. 21.

Attorney General Eric Schmitt's office&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6b82f49a9d504a8f923f5a7694547e82">first sought to shut down Agape on Wednesday</a>&nbsp;after learning that someone on the state registry for child abuse and neglect was actively working there. On Friday, the attorney general's office filed an amended motion alleging systemic abuse.

“Agape's operation of a residential care facility must cease because it presents an immediate health and safety concern for the children residing at Agape,” the court filing stated. It also accused Agape of providing the state with incomplete information concerning which adults have access to children.

“These new developments are sadly consistent with the dark pattern of behavior at Agape previously exposed by the Attorney General’s Office” and the Missouri Department of Social Services, the filing stated.

Agape's website proclaims, “We're still open and accepting students!” It calls itself a “Christian Boarding School That Turns Around Rebellious Boys.”

Munton last week considered closing the school, but Agape officials told authorities that the person on the abuse and neglect registry was fired on Wednesday. Munton allowed the school to remain open, with state supervision.

Allegations of physical and sexual abuse at Agape and nearby Christian boarding school&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-fe24ade3e378bfb53796a0af7cd71deb">Circle of Hope Girls’ Ranch</a>&nbsp;prompted a state law last year requiring stricter oversight of such facilities. Among other things, the new law allows state or local authorities to petition the court for closure of a facility if there is believed to be an immediate health or safety threat to the children.

Last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-missouri-springfield-89eb20fc1edcba8cf5963abdc69e48c8">Agape’s longtime doctor, David Smock,</a>&nbsp;was charged with child sex crimes and five employees were charged with low-level abuse counts. Schmitt’s office contended that 22 workers should have been charged, and with more serious crimes. But in Missouri, only the local prosecutor can file charges, and Cedar County Prosecuting Attorney Ty Gaither has said no additional employees would be charged.

Meanwhile, the husband-and-wife founders of Circle of Hope, Boyd and Stephanie Householder, face a combined 99 charges that include child abuse and neglect, sex crimes and other counts. The school was ordered shut down in 2020.

Several lawsuits filed on behalf of former students also have named Agape and Circle of Hope.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632608030678.png" alt="Agape's website proclaims, “We're still open and accepting students!” It calls itself a “Christian Boarding School That Turns Around Rebellious Boys.”-photo courtesy Agape Ranch" />
 <figcaption>Agape's website proclaims, “We're still open and accepting students!” It calls itself a “Christian Boarding School That Turns Around Rebellious Boys.”-photo courtesy Agape Ranch</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP)—A Christian boarding school in southwestern Missouri can remain open despite the state attorney general alleging a “dark pattern of behavior," a judge ruled Monday.Judge David Munton's ruling allows continued round-the-clock monitoring of Agape Boarding School in Stockton by Missouri child welfare workers. The school serves about 60 boys.The Kansas City Star reported that the state was prepared to call two former Agape students to testify on Monday. Agape attorney John Schultz told the judge there was no proof of any immediate health or safety concern for students and allowing former students to testify was “simply for publicity,” the Star reported.The judge didn't allow the testimony but scheduled another hearing for Sept. 21.Attorney General Eric Schmitt's office&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6b82f49a9d504a8f923f5a7694547e82">first sought to shut down Agape on Wednesday</a>&nbsp;after learning that someone on the state registry for child abuse and neglect was actively working there. On Friday, the attorney general's office filed an amended motion alleging systemic abuse.“Agape's operation of a residential care facility must cease because it presents an immediate health and safety concern for the children residing at Agape,” the court filing stated. It also accused Agape of providing the state with incomplete information concerning which adults have access to children.“These new developments are sadly consistent with the dark pattern of behavior at Agape previously exposed by the Attorney General’s Office” and the Missouri Department of Social Services, the filing stated.Agape's website proclaims, “We're still open and accepting students!” It calls itself a “Christian Boarding School That Turns Around Rebellious Boys.”Munton last week considered closing the school, but Agape officials told authorities that the person on the abuse and neglect registry was fired on Wednesday. Munton allowed the school to remain open, with state supervision.Allegations of physical and sexual abuse at Agape and nearby Christian boarding school&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-fe24ade3e378bfb53796a0af7cd71deb">Circle of Hope Girls’ Ranch</a>&nbsp;prompted a state law last year requiring stricter oversight of such facilities. Among other things, the new law allows state or local authorities to petition the court for closure of a facility if there is believed to be an immediate health or safety threat to the children.Last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-missouri-springfield-89eb20fc1edcba8cf5963abdc69e48c8">Agape’s longtime doctor, David Smock,</a>&nbsp;was charged with child sex crimes and five employees were charged with low-level abuse counts. Schmitt’s office contended that 22 workers should have been charged, and with more serious crimes. But in Missouri, only the local prosecutor can file charges, and Cedar County Prosecuting Attorney Ty Gaither has said no additional employees would be charged.Meanwhile, the husband-and-wife founders of Circle of Hope, Boyd and Stephanie Householder, face a combined 99 charges that include child abuse and neglect, sex crimes and other counts. The school was ordered shut down in 2020.Several lawsuits filed on behalf of former students also have named Agape and Circle of Hope.

Christian boarding school can remain open, with oversight

WASHINGTON —Sixty years ago today, President John F. Kennedy delivered his Moonshot speech at Rice University, committing to putting a man on the moon and bring him back. Monday afternoon at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, President Biden discussed his bold vision for another American moonshot: ending cancer as we know it, in a statement from the White House.

&nbsp;It is a vision that will change people’s lives for the better, improve their health, and decrease the burden of the disease.

Click below to watch the President and&nbsp;Caroline Kennedy, the daughter and only surviving child of former President John F. Kennedy make the announcement.

Cancer not only afflicts Democrats and Republicans, but all Americans. When we come together as a nation around ideas that unite us – like fighting cancer – we can show the world that anything is possible. The President has long believed that America can be defined with one word: possibilities. And the American people demonstrate every day what is possible.

When President Kennedy delivered his Moonshot speech, the United States had the building blocks to know what was possible. However, there were major scientific and societal advances that needed to happen.&nbsp;As a nation, we needed to fully commit to a future in which traveling to the moon was possible – and we did just that.&nbsp;

Today, we have many of the building blocks needed to make significant progress combatting cancer, but we must come together to equitably deliver on this promise.&nbsp;

President Biden will announce new actions the Biden-Harris Administration is taking to deliver on this mission for the American people, and discuss progress made to date, including:

In March, President Biden created the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/advanced-research-projects-agency-for-health-arpa-h/">Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)</a>&nbsp;to improve the U.S. government’s ability to speed health and biomedical research. Today, President Biden is announcing his intention to appoint Dr. Renee Wegrzyn as the inaugural director of the new agency. Dr. Wegrzyn, a leading biomedical scientist with professional experience working for two of the institutions that inspired the creation of ARPA-H – the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) – will deliver the strategy for the agency’s nascent research portfolio and inaugural budget. &nbsp; America has an extraordinary biomedical system that has delivered stunning advances previously seen as inconceivable – from COVID-19 vaccines to drugs that can eliminate certain cancers. Under Dr. Wegrzyn’s leadership, ARPA-H will support programs and projects that undertake challenges ranging from the molecular to the societal, with the potential to transform entire areas of medicine and health in order to prevent, detect, and treat some of the most complex diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cancer, providing benefits for all Americans. NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY &amp; BIOMANUFACTURING INITIATIVE Today, President Biden will sign an executive order that establishes the Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative to ensure cutting-edge biotechnologies necessary to end cancer as we know it and other innovations will be developed and manufactured in America. This will save lives, create jobs at home, build stronger supply chains, and lower prices for American families even in times of global turbulence. Other countries are positioning themselves to become the world’s resource for biotechnology solutions and bio-manufactured products — this new initiative adds to President Biden’s economic plan to bring back manufacturing jobs to the United States. The United States has for too long relied heavily on foreign materials for bioproduction, and our past off-shoring of critical industries, including biotechnology, presents a threat to our ability to access key materials like including the active pharmaceutical ingredients for life-saving medications. This initiative will grow the strength and diversity of domestic biomanufacturing capacity, expand market opportunities for bio-based products through the federal programs, drive research and development across all relevant agencies, streamline and harmonize appropriate regulation, and prioritize investments in applied biosafety research in biosecurity to reduce risk throughout research and development lifecycles. This initiative is rooted in the principles of equity, ethics, safety, and security that will help benefit all Americans and the global community, and maintain United States technological leadership and economic competitiveness. CANCER CABINET’S PROGRESS TOWARDS ENDING CANCER AS WE KNOW IT When the President and First Lady reignited the Cancer Moonshot seven months ago, the first-ever Cancer Cabinet was formed to mobilize all levers of the federal government and realize the President’s vision of ending cancer as we know it. In July 2022, the Cancer Cabinet&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/07/13/fact-sheet-president-biden-appoints-cancer-panel-members-and-cancer-cabinet-unveils-priority-actions/">unveiled priority actions</a>&nbsp;to: (1) close the screening gap, (2) understand and address environmental exposure, (3) decrease the impact of preventable cancers, (4) bring cutting edge research through the pipeline to patients and communities, and (5) support patients and caregivers. The Cancer Cabinet is announcing the following progress made towards reaching these goals:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663015243912.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Sixty years ago today, President John F. Kennedy delivered his Moonshot speech at Rice University, committing to putting a man on the moon and bring him back. Monday afternoon at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, President Biden discussed his bold vision for another American moonshot: ending cancer as we know it, in a statement from the White House.&nbsp;It is a vision that will change people’s lives for the better, improve their health, and decrease the burden of the disease.Click below to watch the President and&nbsp;Caroline Kennedy, the daughter and only surviving child of former President John F. Kennedy make the announcement.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YB8uXAwVu9U" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> Cancer not only afflicts Democrats and Republicans, but all Americans. When we come together as a nation around ideas that unite us – like fighting cancer – we can show the world that anything is possible. The President has long believed that America can be defined with one word: possibilities. And the American people demonstrate every day what is possible.When President Kennedy delivered his Moonshot speech, the United States had the building blocks to know what was possible. However, there were major scientific and societal advances that needed to happen.&nbsp;As a nation, we needed to fully commit to a future in which traveling to the moon was possible – and we did just that.&nbsp;Today, we have many of the building blocks needed to make significant progress combatting cancer, but we must come together to equitably deliver on this promise.&nbsp;President Biden will announce new actions the Biden-Harris Administration is taking to deliver on this mission for the American people, and discuss progress made to date, including:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/09/12/president-biden-announces-intent-to-appoint-dr-renee-wegrzyn-as-inaugural-director-of-advanced-research-projects-agency-for-health-arpa-h/">Announcing Dr. Renee Wegrzyn as the inaugural Director of ARPA-H</a>, a new agency to drive biomedical innovation that supports the health of all Americans; and</li><li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/09/12/fact-sheet-president-biden-to-launch-a-national-biotechnology-and-biomanufacturing-initiative/">Signing an Executive Order to launch a National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative</a>&nbsp;to ensure the United States makes cutting-edge biotechnologies and other innovations;</li><li>The Cancer Cabinet’s progress towards delivering game-changing cancer detection technologies and support talented researchers from across the United States.</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663014644949.png" alt="Caroline Kennedy, the daughter and only surviving child of former President John F. Kennedy spoke during Biden's announcement." />
 <figcaption>Caroline Kennedy, the daughter and only surviving child of former President John F. Kennedy spoke during Biden's announcement.</figcaption>
 </figure>INAUGURAL ARPA-H DIRECTORIn March, President Biden created the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/advanced-research-projects-agency-for-health-arpa-h/">Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)</a>&nbsp;to improve the U.S. government’s ability to speed health and biomedical research. Today, President Biden is announcing his intention to appoint Dr. Renee Wegrzyn as the inaugural director of the new agency. Dr. Wegrzyn, a leading biomedical scientist with professional experience working for two of the institutions that inspired the creation of ARPA-H – the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) – will deliver the strategy for the agency’s nascent research portfolio and inaugural budget. &nbsp; America has an extraordinary biomedical system that has delivered stunning advances previously seen as inconceivable – from COVID-19 vaccines to drugs that can eliminate certain cancers. Under Dr. Wegrzyn’s leadership, ARPA-H will support programs and projects that undertake challenges ranging from the molecular to the societal, with the potential to transform entire areas of medicine and health in order to prevent, detect, and treat some of the most complex diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cancer, providing benefits for all Americans. NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY &amp; BIOMANUFACTURING INITIATIVE Today, President Biden will sign an executive order that establishes the Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative to ensure cutting-edge biotechnologies necessary to end cancer as we know it and other innovations will be developed and manufactured in America. This will save lives, create jobs at home, build stronger supply chains, and lower prices for American families even in times of global turbulence. Other countries are positioning themselves to become the world’s resource for biotechnology solutions and bio-manufactured products — this new initiative adds to President Biden’s economic plan to bring back manufacturing jobs to the United States. The United States has for too long relied heavily on foreign materials for bioproduction, and our past off-shoring of critical industries, including biotechnology, presents a threat to our ability to access key materials like including the active pharmaceutical ingredients for life-saving medications. This initiative will grow the strength and diversity of domestic biomanufacturing capacity, expand market opportunities for bio-based products through the federal programs, drive research and development across all relevant agencies, streamline and harmonize appropriate regulation, and prioritize investments in applied biosafety research in biosecurity to reduce risk throughout research and development lifecycles. This initiative is rooted in the principles of equity, ethics, safety, and security that will help benefit all Americans and the global community, and maintain United States technological leadership and economic competitiveness. CANCER CABINET’S PROGRESS TOWARDS ENDING CANCER AS WE KNOW IT When the President and First Lady reignited the Cancer Moonshot seven months ago, the first-ever Cancer Cabinet was formed to mobilize all levers of the federal government and realize the President’s vision of ending cancer as we know it. In July 2022, the Cancer Cabinet&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/07/13/fact-sheet-president-biden-appoints-cancer-panel-members-and-cancer-cabinet-unveils-priority-actions/">unveiled priority actions</a>&nbsp;to: (1) close the screening gap, (2) understand and address environmental exposure, (3) decrease the impact of preventable cancers, (4) bring cutting edge research through the pipeline to patients and communities, and (5) support patients and caregivers. The Cancer Cabinet is announcing the following progress made towards reaching these goals: <ul>
 <li>Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Costs of Prescription Drugs for Cancer Patients:&nbsp;Because President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act caps out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 per year for Medicare beneficiaries, tens of thousands of cancer patients could see their prescription drug costs go down by thousands annually. For example, in 2019, Zytiga, a drug used to treat prostate cancer, had an expected out-of-pocket cost of $8,181 per year,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/report-section/the-out-of-pocket-cost-burden-for-specialty-drugs-in-medicare-part-d-in-2019-findings/">researchers</a>&nbsp;found. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, seniors and other beneficiaries who use that drug could save over $6,000 each year. Moreover, the number of beneficiaries who benefit from the cap is likely to increase, since 30% of Medicare unsubsidized beneficiaries fail to fill prescriptions for cancer drugs when faced with such high costs, a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.2021.01742">study</a>&nbsp;found. &nbsp;</li><li>National Cancer Institute (NCI) Launches Vanguard Study on Multi-Cancer Detection:&nbsp;As a central component of the Cancer Moonshot, the National Cancer Institute launched a large national trial that, if successful will identify effective blood tests for the detection of one or more cancers, providing the opportunity for additional, less-invasive tools for early detection. A&nbsp;<a href="https://prevention.cancer.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/major_program/Cancer-Screening-Research-Network-MCED-20220615.pdf">new four-year pilot study</a>&nbsp;will enroll 24,000 people ages 45 to 70 years to lay the groundwork for a large randomized controlled trial that will enroll 225,000 people. The studies will be funded in part by 21st&nbsp;Century Cures Act Cancer Moonshot funds and will begin enrolling in 2024. Grant opportunities studies have recently been opened with more to be released before the end of 2022. </li><li>Cancer Moonshot Scholars Program Now Accepts Applications from the Next Generation of Cancer Innovators: The National Cancer Institute has opened a brand-new early-career grant opportunity to invest in the next generation of innovative cancer researchers with a focus on developing a cancer research workforce that is more representative of the U.S. population. The goal of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/moonshotscholars">Cancer Moonshot Scholars</a>&nbsp;program is to inspire and support the next generation of world-class and diverse researchers focused on scientific breakthroughs that will make a difference for patients and drive progress toward the goal of ending cancer as we know it today. NCI expects to support cohorts of dozens of Cancer Moonshot Scholars in initial rounds, beginning in 2023 with project periods of up to five years. </li><li>White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Issues Guidance to Make Federally-Funded Research Available:&nbsp;Recently, the Biden-Harris Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/news-updates/2022/08/25/ostp-issues-guidance-to-make-federally-funded-research-freely-available-without-delay/">updated U.S. policy guidance</a>&nbsp;to make the results of taxpayer-supported research immediately available to the American public at no cost. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/08-2022-OSTP-Public-Access-Memo.pdf">memorandum</a>&nbsp;to federal departments and agencies, Dr. Alondra Nelson, the head of OSTP, delivered guidance for agencies to update their public access policies as soon as possible and no later than December 31, 2025 to make publications and research funded by taxpayers publicly accessible, without an embargo or cost. This updated guidance will affect the more than 200,000 federally-funded studies each year, delivering to all areas of scientific discovery what was already required of Cancer Moonshot grants from the National Cancer Institute as part of then-Vice President Biden’s vision for how to bring the benefits of federally-funded research to all Americans. </li><li>Department of Defense Creates Research Program to Understand Military Toxic Exposure:&nbsp;The Department of Defense’s&nbsp;<a href="https://medschool.usuhs.edu/sur/research/murtha-cancer-center">Murtha Cancer Center Research Program</a>&nbsp;has launched a new program with the goal of understanding the impact of service-related toxic exposure on the development of cancer in members of the military.&nbsp;<a href="https://medschool.usuhs.edu/sur/research/murtha-cancer-center/research">PROMETHEUS</a>, or the PROject for Military Exposures and Toxin History Evaluation in U.S. service members will bring together agency and private sector innovators to understand and address cancer in exposed service members. It brings together significant DoD capabilities including the DoD Serum Repository which contains blood samples for all service members; the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record (ILER) which tracks toxin exposures; the DOD Tumor Registry which tracks cancer diagnoses in active duty; DoD Framingham which analyzes blood proteins in active duty with cancer; the Joint Pathology Center which is the DoD’s pathology center of excellence; and APOLLO, which was created in response to the Cancer Moonshot in 2016 now with a network of 13 hospitals to carry out military-specific research. </li><li>NCI Establishes Telehealth Centers of Excellence to Improve Cancer Care:&nbsp;Last month, NCI announced $23 million to support the creation of a&nbsp;<a href="https://healthcaredelivery.cancer.gov/telehealth/trace.html">Telehealth Research Centers of Excellence (TRACE),</a>&nbsp;which will study the role of telehealth in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and equity of access and outcomes. Four funded research centers will conduct large trials in real-world clinical settings, including hospitals, nd primary care offices, to determine whether the use of telehealth —used broadly during the COVID-19 pandemic – can effectively deliver quality cancer care. This ground-breaking program will identify best practices for cancer telehealth to drive implementation of sustainable telehealth practices to offer many benefits to patients.&nbsp; </li><li>National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Expands Partnerships to Deliver New Cancer Technologies:&nbsp;NIST and the Department of Commerce-sponsored Manufacturing USA institute, The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, recently&nbsp;<a href="https://niimbl.force.com/s/news/a0a3u00000Aglx2AAB/niimbl-announces-158m-to-fund-14-new-biopharmaceutical-manufacturing-projects">awarded funding to two project teams</a>&nbsp;to ensure that cellular therapies for cancer can be more efficiently and consistently manufactured.&nbsp;Together, the projects will produce innovative and scalable manufacturing processes and create new partnerships for workforce training in cell and gene-therapy manufacturing. NIST and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nist.gov/mml/bbd/bioassay-methods/cancer">Medical Device Innovation Consortium</a>&nbsp;signed a cooperative research and development agreement to develop and manufacture DNA reference samples engineered to contain mutations commonly tested for diagnosing and targeting drugs for cancer. These investments hold the promise to speed progress in the development of advancing cancer precision medicine by simplifying the process for validating diagnostics and enabling technology, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence developers to optimize and demonstrate accuracy of their methods. </li><li>Facilitate Data Sharing Advances the Bioeconomy:&nbsp;As part of the new Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative, the National Institutes of Health is expanding the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/bioinformatics/cancer-research-data-ecosystem-infographic">Cancer Research Data Ecosystem</a>, a national data infrastructure that encourages data sharing to support cancer care for individual patients and enables discovery of new treatments.&nbsp;USDA is working with NIH to ensure that data on persistent poverty can be integrated with cancer surveillance.&nbsp;The National Science Foundation recently announced a competition for a new $20 million biosciences data center to increase our understanding of living systems at small scales, which will produce new biotechnology designs to make products in agriculture, medicine and health, and materials.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

🎥 Biden announces 'moonshot' in bid to end cancer

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-09-09/kansas-supreme-court-decision-against-grandmother-could-shape-foster-care-custody-rights">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — A woman lost her appeal to wrestle custody of
 her grandchild from the Kansas foster care system when the Kansas 
Supreme Court ruled against her on Friday.

A 4-month-old, called 
N.E. in court documents, was placed into foster care. The baby’s 
grandmother wanted custody, but a lower court gave the child to a foster
 family, who ultimately adopted the child.

A Reno County judge 
said placing the child with the grandmother will “never be in a child's 
best interest” because she was disabled and “the alternative is a young 
healthy family.”

Attorneys for the grandmother shook off health 
concerns and said state law requires that family, or kinship placements,
 get the first chance at custody. Attorney Mitchell Engel, arguing for 
the grandmother, said in May 18 oral arguments that the judge’s ruling 
was erroneous.

“It just can’t be that an interested party, grandma
 who's supposed to get substantial consideration in this custody, has no
 ability to ever challenge these type of rulings based on no evidence,” 
Engel said.

The Kansas Supreme Court’s ruling against the 
grandmother didn’t say whether she was fit. Instead, it said she had no 
standing to challenge the decision because she didn’t appeal temporary 
custody orders and had no objection to the termination of parental 
rights. The majority opinion also says placement decisions are not 
appealable.

Court documents show the lower court had already ruled
 on decisions in the custody case before the grandmother's appeals were 
considered.

Justice Melissa Standridge dissented from the opinion 
and said the grandmother filed a motion for custody a month before the 
court considered adoption of N.E. and multiple months before parental 
rights were terminated. COVID-19 restrictions delayed some hearings.

The
 decision can have wide-reaching implications for how families appeal 
custody decisions and whether a ruling by the judge is final.

Blaise
 Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas 
News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or 
email him at blaise@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662999292005.png" alt="The Kansas Supreme Court ruled the grandmother had no standing to challenge the case. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Supreme Court ruled the grandmother had no standing to challenge the case. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-09-09/kansas-supreme-court-decision-against-grandmother-could-shape-foster-care-custody-rights">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — A woman lost her appeal to wrestle custody of
 her grandchild from the Kansas foster care system when the Kansas 
Supreme Court ruled against her on Friday.A 4-month-old, called 
N.E. in court documents, was placed into foster care. The baby’s 
grandmother wanted custody, but a lower court gave the child to a foster
 family, who ultimately adopted the child.A Reno County judge 
said placing the child with the grandmother will “never be in a child's 
best interest” because she was disabled and “the alternative is a young 
healthy family.”Attorneys for the grandmother shook off health 
concerns and said state law requires that family, or kinship placements,
 get the first chance at custody. Attorney Mitchell Engel, arguing for 
the grandmother, said in May 18 oral arguments that the judge’s ruling 
was erroneous.“It just can’t be that an interested party, grandma
 who's supposed to get substantial consideration in this custody, has no
 ability to ever challenge these type of rulings based on no evidence,” 
Engel said.The Kansas Supreme Court’s ruling against the 
grandmother didn’t say whether she was fit. Instead, it said she had no 
standing to challenge the decision because she didn’t appeal temporary 
custody orders and had no objection to the termination of parental 
rights. The majority opinion also says placement decisions are not 
appealable.Court documents show the lower court had already ruled
 on decisions in the custody case before the grandmother's appeals were 
considered.Justice Melissa Standridge dissented from the opinion 
and said the grandmother filed a motion for custody a month before the 
court considered adoption of N.E. and multiple months before parental 
rights were terminated. COVID-19 restrictions delayed some hearings.The
 decision can have wide-reaching implications for how families appeal 
custody decisions and whether a ruling by the judge is final.Blaise
 Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas 
News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or 
email him at blaise@kcur.org.

Kansas Supreme Court decision could shape foster care custody rights

Ron Verlin, received ReActiv8 neurostimulator for pain

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_CinEgQ2FtQ"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Courtesy&nbsp;The University of Kansas Health System</figcaption>
 </figure>Ron Verlin, received ReActiv8 neurostimulator for pain<ul>
 <li>Retired three years ago, had severe back pain, which made even taking a walk difficult</li><li>Sought help from The University of Kansas Health System </li><li>Had ReActiv8 pain neurostimulator implanted in his back, and 
noticed immediate results. Says after activating the device, it feels 
like a little massage, and the pain goes away.</li><li>Is now able to resume daily walks and go on a relaxing vacation</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663012418183.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 Docs: Implantable device offering results for those with back pain

RENO COUNTY—&nbsp; Gas prices in portions of Kansas have fallen&nbsp; below $3 a gallon. However, that's not yet true everywhere.

Casey's on Main in McPherson is at $2.89 and Love's Travel Stop next to Interstate 35 in McPherson is at $2.90 a gallon.

The national average price for a gallon of gas fell seven cents in the past week to reach $3.71 according to AAA, a level not seen since the beginning of March. The primary reason for this decline is the recent lower cost for oil.

According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased slightly from 8.59 million barrels per day to 8.73 million barrels per day last week.

Lower oil prices have led to falling pump prices. If gasoline demand begins to subside, as it typically does post-Labor Day with the end of summer driving, pump prices will likely continue to decrease.

RENO COUNTY—&nbsp; Gas prices in portions of Kansas have fallen&nbsp; below $3 a gallon. However, that's not yet true everywhere.Casey's on Main in McPherson is at $2.89 and Love's Travel Stop next to Interstate 35 in McPherson is at $2.90 a gallon.The national average price for a gallon of gas fell seven cents in the past week to reach $3.71 according to AAA, a level not seen since the beginning of March. The primary reason for this decline is the recent lower cost for oil.According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased slightly from 8.59 million barrels per day to 8.73 million barrels per day last week.Lower oil prices have led to falling pump prices. If gasoline demand begins to subside, as it typically does post-Labor Day with the end of summer driving, pump prices will likely continue to decrease.

Some in Kansas see gas prices drop below $3 a gallon

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — The Republican candidate for Kansas governor tried Saturday to make the Democratic incumbent's support for abortion rights a political liability, even with a strong statewide vote last month in favor of preserving access to abortion.

GOP nominee Derek Schmidt, a three-term Kansas attorney general, said during a debate at the Kansas State Fair that he respects the Aug. 2 vote, in which voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively rejected</a>&nbsp;a proposed amendment to the state constitution to allow the GOP-controlled Legislature to greatly restrict or ban abortion. But he argued that Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly favors abortion with no restrictions “up to the moment of birth" and public funding for elective abortions.

The statewide vote “does not mean the discussion has ended," Schmidt told a crowd of about 800 people.

“What was not on the ballot was Gov. Kelly's position,” he said.

Kelly said she's confident that she stands with a majority of Kansas in opposing the proposed constitutional change. While she has strongly supported abortion rights throughout her political career and opposed restrictions now on the books, she has been careful not to say she would push for the repeal of existing restrictions. That wouldn't be likely anyway, with Republicans in control of the Legislature.

Asked about Schmidt's characterization of her position on abortion, she said, “He's making that up. You know, I have never said that.”

Kelly is the only Democratic governor running for reelection this year from a state carried by former President Donald Trump in 2020, making her a tempting GOP target. Many Republicans still anticipate that frustrations with high inflation and red-state opposition to Democratic President Joe Biden will boost Schmidt’s chances of winning in November.

Schmidt’s television ads seek to tie Kelly to Biden, blame them both for inflation and portray the two Democrats as big-spending liberals, and he continued that throughout the State Fair debate before its raucous crowd, drawing chants from Kelly supporters of “Schmidt's unfit!” and “Bull-Schmidt!” The fair debate is a tradition for governor's and U.S. Senate races, and organizers encourage partisans to chant, shout and wave signs as other fairgoers take in exhibitions, ride Midway attractions and sample cuisine such as “moink,” meatballs wrapped in bacon on a stick.

Pat McFerron, a Republican pollster from Oklahoma City who’s worked for Kansas Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, said people concerned most about economic issues tend to be swing voters.

“Two months ago, they were all voting Republican, when gas prices were high,” he said.

But Kelly brushed off the criticism, touting the state's improved finances and her efforts to lure businesses to Kansas, noting several times that Japanese electronics giant Panasonic Corp.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-legislature-oklahoma-kansas-topeka-a6a50dea941774e9a1f3bdba6c49df06">announced in July</a>&nbsp;that it planned to build a multi-billion-dollar plant to manufacture batteries for electric-powered vehicles employing as many as 4,000 people. Kansas is providing $829 million in taxpayer-funded incentives over 10 years.

As for being tied to Biden, Kelly said after the debate, “I have really stayed away from Washington politics.”

Schmidt has promoted conservative causes as attorney general, frequently bringing Kansas into GOP lawsuits against Democratic presidents, though he also has an affable public persona. After the 2020 presidential election, he joined an unsuccessful lawsuit by Texas seeking to overturn the results in four battleground states won by Biden.

He noted several times that he's been willing to challenge the Biden's administration on a wide variety of issues, including environmental regulations. He called himself a Republican in the mold of the late U.S. Senate Majority Leader and GOP icon Bob Dole.

“We will stand up and fight back,” Schmidt said in his closing.

Neither candidate has focused much on abortion as an issue, despite the statewide vote in August, though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-2022-midterm-elections-voting-rights-health-d67531f2dd6856ac167ce48b3ec890ab">some Democrats have argued</a>&nbsp;that doing so would help Kelly. Schmidt opposes most abortions, saying he'd support exceptions to preserve a woman's life, in cases of rape and incest and when a fetus as such a debilitating medical condition that it wouldn't survive after birth.

But the issue arose when the candidates were asked whether they would support retaining six of the seven Kansas Supreme Court justices, who face votes in November on whether they stay on the bench. The proposed anti-abortion amendment was a response to the court's 2019 ruling declaring access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state constitution.

Two of the six justices on the ballot were in the 6-1 majority in that 2019 ruling, and another three are Kelly appointees who replaced others. The last justice on the ballot is Caleb Stegall, the dissenter in the case, an appointee of conservative GOP Gov. Sam Brownback.

Kelly said she would vote to retain the justices, while Schmidt said he would vote to “retain some and not retain others." He didn't say which justices he would oppose retaining during the debate and refused to answer questions afterward.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662846700435.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly and Attorney General Derek Schmidt during Saturday's debate" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly and Attorney General Derek Schmidt during Saturday's debate</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — The Republican candidate for Kansas governor tried Saturday to make the Democratic incumbent's support for abortion rights a political liability, even with a strong statewide vote last month in favor of preserving access to abortion.GOP nominee Derek Schmidt, a three-term Kansas attorney general, said during a debate at the Kansas State Fair that he respects the Aug. 2 vote, in which voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively rejected</a>&nbsp;a proposed amendment to the state constitution to allow the GOP-controlled Legislature to greatly restrict or ban abortion. But he argued that Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly favors abortion with no restrictions “up to the moment of birth" and public funding for elective abortions.The statewide vote “does not mean the discussion has ended," Schmidt told a crowd of about 800 people.“What was not on the ballot was Gov. Kelly's position,” he said.Kelly said she's confident that she stands with a majority of Kansas in opposing the proposed constitutional change. While she has strongly supported abortion rights throughout her political career and opposed restrictions now on the books, she has been careful not to say she would push for the repeal of existing restrictions. That wouldn't be likely anyway, with Republicans in control of the Legislature.Asked about Schmidt's characterization of her position on abortion, she said, “He's making that up. You know, I have never said that.”Kelly is the only Democratic governor running for reelection this year from a state carried by former President Donald Trump in 2020, making her a tempting GOP target. Many Republicans still anticipate that frustrations with high inflation and red-state opposition to Democratic President Joe Biden will boost Schmidt’s chances of winning in November.Schmidt’s television ads seek to tie Kelly to Biden, blame them both for inflation and portray the two Democrats as big-spending liberals, and he continued that throughout the State Fair debate before its raucous crowd, drawing chants from Kelly supporters of “Schmidt's unfit!” and “Bull-Schmidt!” The fair debate is a tradition for governor's and U.S. Senate races, and organizers encourage partisans to chant, shout and wave signs as other fairgoers take in exhibitions, ride Midway attractions and sample cuisine such as “moink,” meatballs wrapped in bacon on a stick.Pat McFerron, a Republican pollster from Oklahoma City who’s worked for Kansas Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, said people concerned most about economic issues tend to be swing voters.“Two months ago, they were all voting Republican, when gas prices were high,” he said.But Kelly brushed off the criticism, touting the state's improved finances and her efforts to lure businesses to Kansas, noting several times that Japanese electronics giant Panasonic Corp.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-legislature-oklahoma-kansas-topeka-a6a50dea941774e9a1f3bdba6c49df06">announced in July</a>&nbsp;that it planned to build a multi-billion-dollar plant to manufacture batteries for electric-powered vehicles employing as many as 4,000 people. Kansas is providing $829 million in taxpayer-funded incentives over 10 years.As for being tied to Biden, Kelly said after the debate, “I have really stayed away from Washington politics.”Schmidt has promoted conservative causes as attorney general, frequently bringing Kansas into GOP lawsuits against Democratic presidents, though he also has an affable public persona. After the 2020 presidential election, he joined an unsuccessful lawsuit by Texas seeking to overturn the results in four battleground states won by Biden.He noted several times that he's been willing to challenge the Biden's administration on a wide variety of issues, including environmental regulations. He called himself a Republican in the mold of the late U.S. Senate Majority Leader and GOP icon Bob Dole.“We will stand up and fight back,” Schmidt said in his closing.Neither candidate has focused much on abortion as an issue, despite the statewide vote in August, though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-2022-midterm-elections-voting-rights-health-d67531f2dd6856ac167ce48b3ec890ab">some Democrats have argued</a>&nbsp;that doing so would help Kelly. Schmidt opposes most abortions, saying he'd support exceptions to preserve a woman's life, in cases of rape and incest and when a fetus as such a debilitating medical condition that it wouldn't survive after birth.But the issue arose when the candidates were asked whether they would support retaining six of the seven Kansas Supreme Court justices, who face votes in November on whether they stay on the bench. The proposed anti-abortion amendment was a response to the court's 2019 ruling declaring access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state constitution.Two of the six justices on the ballot were in the 6-1 majority in that 2019 ruling, and another three are Kelly appointees who replaced others. The last justice on the ballot is Caleb Stegall, the dissenter in the case, an appointee of conservative GOP Gov. Sam Brownback.Kelly said she would vote to retain the justices, while Schmidt said he would vote to “retain some and not retain others." He didn't say which justices he would oppose retaining during the debate and refused to answer questions afterward.

GOP nominee for Kansas governor tries to flip abortion issue

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid pleaded guilty Monday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-football-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-d43b085c56ac1d0ec8445f30faa6a4d0">felony driving while intoxicated</a>&nbsp;resulting in serious physical injury stemming from a 2021 crash, which occurred when his pickup truck struck two stopped cars on an interstate entrance ramp and seriously injured a 5-year-old girl.

Reid, the 37-year-old son of Chiefs coach Andy Reid, had been scheduled to go to trial on Sept. 26. He had faced up to seven years in prison, but the plea deal means he now faces a possible sentence ranging from probation to four years in prison. He entered his plea in Jackson County Circuit Court in Kansas City. Sentencing is set for Oct. 28.

Investigators said Britt Reid was intoxicated and driving about 84 mph&nbsp; when his Dodge truck hit the cars on an entrance ramp to Interstate 435 near Arrowhead Stadium on Feb. 4, 2021.

A girl inside one of the cars, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury. Six people, including Reid, were injured in the crash.

In court, Reid acknowledged he was drinking on the night of the crash.

“I really regret what I did,” Reid said. “I made a huge mistake. I apologize to the family. I didn't mean to hurt anyone.”

Tom Pardo, an attorney representing Ariel's family, said they opposed the plea deal.

“The five victims of this crime are outraged,” Pardo said. “The prosecuting attorney is not seeking maximum sentence allowable by law. The defendant is a prior offender whose actions caused a 5-year-old girl to be in a coma and seriously injured three others.”

A Kansas City police officer who arrived at the scene of the crash reported he could smell alcohol and that Reid’s eyes were bloodshot, according to court documents. Reid had a blood-alcohol level of 0.113 two hours after the crash, police said. The legal limit is 0.08.

One of the vehicles he hit had stalled because of a dead battery and the second was owned by Ariel’s mother, who had arrived to help.

The Chiefs reached a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-health-business-football-b79b53869eb2a017e1e41623ac5abb58">confidential agreement</a>&nbsp;with Ariel's family in November to pay for her ongoing medical treatment and other expenses.

Reid underwent emergency surgery for a groin injury after the crash. The Chiefs placed Reid on administrative leave and his job with the team ended after his contract was allowed to expire.

This is not the first legal issue for Reid, who graduated from a drug treatment program in Pennsylvania in 2009 after a series of run-ins with law enforcement. His father was coach of the Philadelphia Eagles at the time.

Britt Reid's older brother, Garrett, served a two-year sentence in a Pennsylvania state drug program after he was arrested on drug-related charges. Garrett Reid later was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philadelphia-eagles-nfl-sports-archive-philadelphia-22c3d437603141f0ae97ae96ff1103a6">found dead</a>&nbsp;in August 2012 in his dorm room at Lehigh University, where he was assisting at the Eagles' training camp. A coroner ruled that he died of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philadelphia-eagles-nfl-sports-andy-reid-easton-43b8a3baa0a74216947c12b0e2620085">accidental heroin overdose</a>.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid is scheduled to enter a plea on Monday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-football-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-d43b085c56ac1d0ec8445f30faa6a4d0">felony driving while intoxicated</a>&nbsp;causing serious injury after a 2021 car crash that seriously injured a young girl.

Reid, son of Chiefs coach Andy Reid, is expected to plead guilty, Jackson County (Missouri) Circuit Court records show. He was scheduled to go to trial on Sept. 26.

He faces up to seven years in prison, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article265396331.html">reported</a>.

Police said Reid was intoxicated and speeding when he hit two parked cars on an entrance ramp near Arrowhead Stadium in February 2021. A girl in one of the cars, Ariel Young, who was 5 at the time, suffered a traumatic brain injury.

One of the vehicles he hit had stalled because of a dead battery and the second was owned by Ariel's mother, who had arrived to help, according to charging documents.

Court records show Reid was driving about 84 mph shortly before the collision and had a blood-alcohol level of 0.113 two hours after the crash, police said. The legal limit is 0.08.

Reid, who underwent emergency surgery for a groin injury after the crash, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-football-andy-reid-kansas-city-chiefs-dd7636f51135833dd2b903d22dcac099">placed on administrative leave.</a>&nbsp;His job with the team ended after the Chiefs allowed his contract to expire.

The Chiefs in November&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-health-business-football-b79b53869eb2a017e1e41623ac5abb58">reached a confidential agreement</a>&nbsp;with Ariel’s family to pay her ongoing medical treatment and other expenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618277826304.png" alt="Reid-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Reid-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid pleaded guilty Monday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-football-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-d43b085c56ac1d0ec8445f30faa6a4d0">felony driving while intoxicated</a>&nbsp;resulting in serious physical injury stemming from a 2021 crash, which occurred when his pickup truck struck two stopped cars on an interstate entrance ramp and seriously injured a 5-year-old girl.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612784011749.png" alt="The Chiefs in November&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-health-business-football-b79b53869eb2a017e1e41623ac5abb58">reached a confidential agreement</a>&nbsp;with Ariel Young’s family to pay her ongoing medical treatment and other expenses-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>The Chiefs in November&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-health-business-football-b79b53869eb2a017e1e41623ac5abb58">reached a confidential agreement</a>&nbsp;with Ariel Young’s family to pay her ongoing medical treatment and other expenses-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>Reid, the 37-year-old son of Chiefs coach Andy Reid, had been scheduled to go to trial on Sept. 26. He had faced up to seven years in prison, but the plea deal means he now faces a possible sentence ranging from probation to four years in prison. He entered his plea in Jackson County Circuit Court in Kansas City. Sentencing is set for Oct. 28.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662514557687.png" alt="In this Aug. 29, 2007, file photo, Britt Reid is escorted into the Montgomery County district court house in Conshohocken, Pa. Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid is scheduled to enter a guilty plea to felony driving while intoxicated related to a car crash that seriously injured a young girl. Jackson County Circuit Court online records show Reid, the son of Chiefs coach Andy Reid, is scheduled to plead guilty on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)" />
 <figcaption>In this Aug. 29, 2007, file photo, Britt Reid is escorted into the Montgomery County district court house in Conshohocken, Pa. Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid is scheduled to enter a guilty plea to felony driving while intoxicated related to a car crash that seriously injured a young girl. Jackson County Circuit Court online records show Reid, the son of Chiefs coach Andy Reid, is scheduled to plead guilty on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators said Britt Reid was intoxicated and driving about 84 mph&nbsp; when his Dodge truck hit the cars on an entrance ramp to Interstate 435 near Arrowhead Stadium on Feb. 4, 2021.A girl inside one of the cars, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury. Six people, including Reid, were injured in the crash.In court, Reid acknowledged he was drinking on the night of the crash.“I really regret what I did,” Reid said. “I made a huge mistake. I apologize to the family. I didn't mean to hurt anyone.”Tom Pardo, an attorney representing Ariel's family, said they opposed the plea deal.“The five victims of this crime are outraged,” Pardo said. “The prosecuting attorney is not seeking maximum sentence allowable by law. The defendant is a prior offender whose actions caused a 5-year-old girl to be in a coma and seriously injured three others.”A Kansas City police officer who arrived at the scene of the crash reported he could smell alcohol and that Reid’s eyes were bloodshot, according to court documents. Reid had a blood-alcohol level of 0.113 two hours after the crash, police said. The legal limit is 0.08.One of the vehicles he hit had stalled because of a dead battery and the second was owned by Ariel’s mother, who had arrived to help.The Chiefs reached a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-health-business-football-b79b53869eb2a017e1e41623ac5abb58">confidential agreement</a>&nbsp;with Ariel's family in November to pay for her ongoing medical treatment and other expenses.Reid underwent emergency surgery for a groin injury after the crash. The Chiefs placed Reid on administrative leave and his job with the team ended after his contract was allowed to expire.This is not the first legal issue for Reid, who graduated from a drug treatment program in Pennsylvania in 2009 after a series of run-ins with law enforcement. His father was coach of the Philadelphia Eagles at the time.Britt Reid's older brother, Garrett, served a two-year sentence in a Pennsylvania state drug program after he was arrested on drug-related charges. Garrett Reid later was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philadelphia-eagles-nfl-sports-archive-philadelphia-22c3d437603141f0ae97ae96ff1103a6">found dead</a>&nbsp;in August 2012 in his dorm room at Lehigh University, where he was assisting at the Eagles' training camp. A coroner ruled that he died of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philadelphia-eagles-nfl-sports-andy-reid-easton-43b8a3baa0a74216947c12b0e2620085">accidental heroin overdose</a>.-------KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid is scheduled to enter a plea on Monday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-football-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-d43b085c56ac1d0ec8445f30faa6a4d0">felony driving while intoxicated</a>&nbsp;causing serious injury after a 2021 car crash that seriously injured a young girl.Reid, son of Chiefs coach Andy Reid, is expected to plead guilty, Jackson County (Missouri) Circuit Court records show. He was scheduled to go to trial on Sept. 26.He faces up to seven years in prison, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article265396331.html">reported</a>.Police said Reid was intoxicated and speeding when he hit two parked cars on an entrance ramp near Arrowhead Stadium in February 2021. A girl in one of the cars, Ariel Young, who was 5 at the time, suffered a traumatic brain injury.One of the vehicles he hit had stalled because of a dead battery and the second was owned by Ariel's mother, who had arrived to help, according to charging documents.Court records show Reid was driving about 84 mph shortly before the collision and had a blood-alcohol level of 0.113 two hours after the crash, police said. The legal limit is 0.08.Reid, who underwent emergency surgery for a groin injury after the crash, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-football-andy-reid-kansas-city-chiefs-dd7636f51135833dd2b903d22dcac099">placed on administrative leave.</a>&nbsp;His job with the team ended after the Chiefs allowed his contract to expire.The Chiefs in November&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-health-business-football-b79b53869eb2a017e1e41623ac5abb58">reached a confidential agreement</a>&nbsp;with Ariel’s family to pay her ongoing medical treatment and other expenses.___

Ex-Chiefs assistant Reid gets plea deal in DWI cash that injured girl

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina teen escaped injury after a pickup he was driving rolled and caught fire just after 8:30p.m. Friday southeast of the city.

A 1969 Chevy pickup driven by Josiah Reilly, 19, of Salina, was southbound on S. Holmes Road just south of E. Water Well Road, according to&nbsp; Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

A wash-boarded area of the roadway caused him to lose control of the 1969 Chevrolet C10 pickup he was driving. The pickup fishtailed, rolled onto its side in the west ditch, and caught fire.

Reilly was able to escape the pickup without injury, Soldan said.&nbsp;

Rural firefighters extinguished the blaze. The pickup was destroyed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663000241731.jpeg" alt="Rural firefighters work to extinguish a blaze that destroyed a&nbsp;1969 Chevrolet C10 pickup southeast of Salina Friday night. The teen driver escaped unharmed. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Rural firefighters work to extinguish a blaze that destroyed a&nbsp;1969 Chevrolet C10 pickup southeast of Salina Friday night. The teen driver escaped unharmed. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina teen escaped injury after a pickup he was driving rolled and caught fire just after 8:30p.m. Friday southeast of the city.A 1969 Chevy pickup driven by Josiah Reilly, 19, of Salina, was southbound on S. Holmes Road just south of E. Water Well Road, according to&nbsp; Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.A wash-boarded area of the roadway caused him to lose control of the 1969 Chevrolet C10 pickup he was driving. The pickup fishtailed, rolled onto its side in the west ditch, and caught fire.Reilly was able to escape the pickup without injury, Soldan said.&nbsp;Rural firefighters extinguished the blaze. The pickup was destroyed.

Kan. man escapes rollover crash, fire that destroyed pickup

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a vehicle theft have a suspect in custody.

Just after 8:30p.m. Sept. 9, police recovered a 2020 Toyota Corolla that was parked in a parking in the 1900 block South U.S.73, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The car had been reported stolen in Kansas City Kansas earlier on Friday.

 At 11:30p.m. Friday, police took a 14 year old boy into custody near 4th and U.S. 59 in Atchison in connection to the vehicle theft. The boy had been reported as a missing person earlier on Friday to the Kansas City Kansas Police Department.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a vehicle theft have a suspect in custody.Just after 8:30p.m. Sept. 9, police recovered a 2020 Toyota Corolla that was parked in a parking in the 1900 block South U.S.73, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.The car had been reported stolen in Kansas City Kansas earlier on Friday. At 11:30p.m. Friday, police took a 14 year old boy into custody near 4th and U.S. 59 in Atchison in connection to the vehicle theft. The boy had been reported as a missing person earlier on Friday to the Kansas City Kansas Police Department.

14-year-old Kan. boy reported missing, accused of car theft

NEW YORK (AP) — Payment processor Visa Inc. said Saturday that it plans to start separately categorizing sales at gun shops, a major win for gun control advocates who say it will help better track suspicious surges of gun sales that could be a prelude to a mass shooting.

But the decision by Visa, the world's largest payment processor, will likely provoke the ire of gun rights advocates and gun lobbyists, who have argued that categorizing gun sales would unfairly flag an industry when most sales do not lead to mass shootings. It joins Mastercard and American Express, which also said they plan to move forward with categorizing gun shop sales.

Visa said it would adopt the International Organization for Standardization’s new merchant code for gun sales, which was announced on Friday. Until Friday, gun store sales were considered “general merchandise.”

“Following ISO’s decision to establish a new merchant category code, Visa will proceed with next steps, while ensuring we protect all legal commerce on the Visa network in accordance with our long-standing rules,” the payment processor said in a statement.

Visa’s adoption is significant as the largest payment network, and with Mastercard and AmeEx, will likely put pressure on the banks as the card issuers to adopt the standard as well. Visa acts as a middleman between merchants and banks, and it will be up to banks to decide whether they will allow sales at gun stores to happen on their issued cards.

Gun control advocates had gained significant wins on this front in recent weeks. New York City officials and pension funds had pressured the ISO and banks to adopt this code.

Two of the country's largest public pension funds, in California and New York, have been pressing the country's largest credit card firms to establish sales codes specifically for firearm-related sales that could flag suspicious purchases or more easily trace how guns and ammunition are sold.

Merchant category codes now exist for almost every kind of purchase, including those made at supermarkets, clothing stores, coffee shops and many other retailers.

“When you buy an airline ticket or pay for your groceries, your credit card company has a special code for those retailers. It’s just common sense that we have the same policies in place for gun and ammunition stores,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a former police captain who blames the proliferation of guns for his city's deadly violence.

The city's comptroller, Brad Lander, said it made moral and financial sense as a tool to push back against gun violence.

“Unfortunately, the credit card companies have failed to support this simple, practical, potentially lifesaving tool. The time has come for them to do so," Lander said recently, before Visa and others had adopted the move.

Lander is a trustee of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System, Teachers’ Retirement System and Board of Education Retirement System — which together own 667,200 shares in American Express valued at approximately $92.49 million; 1.1 million shares in MasterCard valued at approximately $347.59 million; and 1.85 million shares in Visa valued at approximately $363.86 million.

The pension funds and gun control advocates argue that creating a merchant category code for standalone firearm and ammunition stores could aid in the battle against gun violence. A week before the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/annual-report/2016/worst-mass-shooting-in-us-history-50-slain-at-gay-nightclub.html">mass shooting at the Pulse Nightclub</a>&nbsp;in Orlando, Florida, where 49 people died after a shooter opened fire in 2016, the assailant used credit cards to buy more than $26,000 worth of guns and ammunition, including purchases at a stand-alone gun retailer.

Gun rights advocates argue that tracking sales at gun stores would unfairly target legal gun purchases, since merchant codes just track the type of merchant where the credit or debit card is used, not the actual items purchased. A sale of a gun safe, worth thousands of dollars and an item considered part of responsible gun ownership, could be seen as a just a large purchase at a gun shop.

“The (industry's) decision to create a firearm specific code is nothing more than a capitulation to anti-gun politicians and activists bent on eroding the rights of law-abiding Americans one transaction at a time,” said Lars Dalseide, a spokesman for the National Rifle Association.

Over the years, public pension funds have used their extensive investment portfolios to influence public policy and the market place.

The California teacher's fund, the second largest pension fund in the country, has long taken aim on the gun industry. It has divested its holdings from gun manufacturers and has sought to persuade some retailers from selling guns.

Four years ago, the teacher's fund made guns a key initiative. It called for background checks and called on retailers “monitor irregularities at the point of sale, to record all firearm sales, to audit firearms inventory on a regular basis, and to proactively assist law enforcement.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614775839571.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Payment processor Visa Inc. said Saturday that it plans to start separately categorizing sales at gun shops, a major win for gun control advocates who say it will help better track suspicious surges of gun sales that could be a prelude to a mass shooting.But the decision by Visa, the world's largest payment processor, will likely provoke the ire of gun rights advocates and gun lobbyists, who have argued that categorizing gun sales would unfairly flag an industry when most sales do not lead to mass shootings. It joins Mastercard and American Express, which also said they plan to move forward with categorizing gun shop sales.Visa said it would adopt the International Organization for Standardization’s new merchant code for gun sales, which was announced on Friday. Until Friday, gun store sales were considered “general merchandise.”“Following ISO’s decision to establish a new merchant category code, Visa will proceed with next steps, while ensuring we protect all legal commerce on the Visa network in accordance with our long-standing rules,” the payment processor said in a statement.Visa’s adoption is significant as the largest payment network, and with Mastercard and AmeEx, will likely put pressure on the banks as the card issuers to adopt the standard as well. Visa acts as a middleman between merchants and banks, and it will be up to banks to decide whether they will allow sales at gun stores to happen on their issued cards.Gun control advocates had gained significant wins on this front in recent weeks. New York City officials and pension funds had pressured the ISO and banks to adopt this code.Two of the country's largest public pension funds, in California and New York, have been pressing the country's largest credit card firms to establish sales codes specifically for firearm-related sales that could flag suspicious purchases or more easily trace how guns and ammunition are sold.Merchant category codes now exist for almost every kind of purchase, including those made at supermarkets, clothing stores, coffee shops and many other retailers.“When you buy an airline ticket or pay for your groceries, your credit card company has a special code for those retailers. It’s just common sense that we have the same policies in place for gun and ammunition stores,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a former police captain who blames the proliferation of guns for his city's deadly violence.The city's comptroller, Brad Lander, said it made moral and financial sense as a tool to push back against gun violence.“Unfortunately, the credit card companies have failed to support this simple, practical, potentially lifesaving tool. The time has come for them to do so," Lander said recently, before Visa and others had adopted the move.Lander is a trustee of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System, Teachers’ Retirement System and Board of Education Retirement System — which together own 667,200 shares in American Express valued at approximately $92.49 million; 1.1 million shares in MasterCard valued at approximately $347.59 million; and 1.85 million shares in Visa valued at approximately $363.86 million.The pension funds and gun control advocates argue that creating a merchant category code for standalone firearm and ammunition stores could aid in the battle against gun violence. A week before the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/annual-report/2016/worst-mass-shooting-in-us-history-50-slain-at-gay-nightclub.html">mass shooting at the Pulse Nightclub</a>&nbsp;in Orlando, Florida, where 49 people died after a shooter opened fire in 2016, the assailant used credit cards to buy more than $26,000 worth of guns and ammunition, including purchases at a stand-alone gun retailer.Gun rights advocates argue that tracking sales at gun stores would unfairly target legal gun purchases, since merchant codes just track the type of merchant where the credit or debit card is used, not the actual items purchased. A sale of a gun safe, worth thousands of dollars and an item considered part of responsible gun ownership, could be seen as a just a large purchase at a gun shop.“The (industry's) decision to create a firearm specific code is nothing more than a capitulation to anti-gun politicians and activists bent on eroding the rights of law-abiding Americans one transaction at a time,” said Lars Dalseide, a spokesman for the National Rifle Association.Over the years, public pension funds have used their extensive investment portfolios to influence public policy and the market place.The California teacher's fund, the second largest pension fund in the country, has long taken aim on the gun industry. It has divested its holdings from gun manufacturers and has sought to persuade some retailers from selling guns.Four years ago, the teacher's fund made guns a key initiative. It called for background checks and called on retailers “monitor irregularities at the point of sale, to record all firearm sales, to audit firearms inventory on a regular basis, and to proactively assist law enforcement.”___

Credit card firms will track firearm, ammunition purchases

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

From a high school stunt, a career was born. In 2012, Aaron Mull was a senior at Great Bend High School. He used a weather balloon to send a burrito into space, using new camera technology to film the entire flight. The stunt landed him on national television and kickstarted a career in video. Now Mull has turned his attention to something more serious: a documentary about double-homicide at the Dolly Madison Bakery store in Great Bend in 2002.

"It's always been a story that obviously hit close to home, being from Great Bend," Mull said. "About this time last year, right after the 19th-year anniversary, I realized I'm about to find myself with enough time to be able to devote to a project like this. I just decided to commit to it. For the better part of the year, I've been flying back here secretly four or five times, collecting interviews and just really diving. To say I'm knee-deep in this is an understatement. I'm fully in it."

Now 29 years old, married, and living on the east coast, Mull made the decision to fly back home for Tuesday's Kansas Bureau of Investigation press conference regarding the case. To him, it's about bringing proper attention to the double homicide, its victims, and the family members left in its aftermath.

"Had it happened today, 2022, I don't think the public would have let it become 20 years old," said Mull. "It really is a story that never got that attention that it would have gotten even 10 years ago, in 2012, with Facebook on the rise. I think this story would have looked a lot different. I'll put as much time as I need to into this to make it good and to get it out there."

Mull already has extensive footage from the area, as well as interviews with many of the key characters in the case, including family members of the victims and law enforcement officers. He estimates he already has hundreds of hours invested into the project and plans to shop it to a major network when complete. It's all done using equipment that allows for unique drone shots from the sky, and for authentic shots on the ground.

"Some of this consumer equipment you can get for a few grand is pretty great," he said. "The drone I have can fit in my camera bag. It's very unassuming. That's what I like about it. My idea is to just blend in with the crowd. I think that's how you get the real reactions with what's going on. If you're there with a camera the size of three basketballs, people turn their shoulders and look at it. If you're there with a camera that no one is seeing, you get their real reactions. I think this documentary, it's very real. I just want to be in the story with these families and try to capture it in the most authentic way."

The new project is a far cry from the earlier videos. First, there was the space burrito, but Mull kept up the hobby with his own YouTube channel, directing an intense zombie attack at Great Bend High School, and using green screen technology inside his own home for complex productions.

"I was that kid in high school that was running around making silly YouTube videos," he recalls. "It's a product of when I grew up. All of these cameras and technology were becoming more accessible and cheaper. I just took an interest early on and ran with it. At some point I thought, let's just make this a job. Slowly but surely, that's what I tried to do."

Upon graduating from GBHS, Mull accepted a job with an agency in Kansas City. He began making a name for himself even without a college education.

"I'm lucky I can tell that story because the landscape of getting into this industry has changed," he said. "It's the college of just doing it over and over again, then having the right people see your stuff. I got lucky enough to be hired out of an agency in Kansas City that quickly became one of the fastest growing in the city. I found myself shooting with Gordon Ramsey and Patrick Mahomes."

Mull spent five-plus years with that agency, then turned to live sports as a videographer at Sporting KC soccer matches. He arrived in that position just in time for the COVID-19 pandemic, which took much of the fun out of the job. He ultimately moved east to pursue freelance and personal projects. Mull has rebuilt his new YouTube channel with 27,000 subscribers.

"The YouTube stuff is interesting," he said. "That's just kind of been on the back burner the last year, just following some of these cases, keeping me in that mindset of the true crime stuff. As I've been working on this documentary, I've been following other active cases, missing persons cases. I have kind of a built-in audience of people who have known I've been working on this thing, and I haven't really said what it is. Now it's public and people know the case. I've had 40 emails in the last week of just YouTube subscribers saying they're looking into this case."

Mull has meetings planned to discuss a possible release of the Dolly Madison documentary. Either way, with a large following on YouTube, he plans some type of release in the near future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662577398278.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostFrom a high school stunt, a career was born. In 2012, Aaron Mull was a senior at Great Bend High School. He used a weather balloon to send a burrito into space, using new camera technology to film the entire flight. The stunt landed him on national television and kickstarted a career in video. Now Mull has turned his attention to something more serious: a documentary about double-homicide at the Dolly Madison Bakery store in Great Bend in 2002.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662488188603.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"It's always been a story that obviously hit close to home, being from Great Bend," Mull said. "About this time last year, right after the 19th-year anniversary, I realized I'm about to find myself with enough time to be able to devote to a project like this. I just decided to commit to it. For the better part of the year, I've been flying back here secretly four or five times, collecting interviews and just really diving. To say I'm knee-deep in this is an understatement. I'm fully in it."Now 29 years old, married, and living on the east coast, Mull made the decision to fly back home for Tuesday's Kansas Bureau of Investigation press conference regarding the case. To him, it's about bringing proper attention to the double homicide, its victims, and the family members left in its aftermath.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662733209090.jpeg" alt="Stills from Mull's work-in-progress documentary." />
 <figcaption>Stills from Mull's work-in-progress documentary.</figcaption>
 </figure>"Had it happened today, 2022, I don't think the public would have let it become 20 years old," said Mull. "It really is a story that never got that attention that it would have gotten even 10 years ago, in 2012, with Facebook on the rise. I think this story would have looked a lot different. I'll put as much time as I need to into this to make it good and to get it out there."Mull already has extensive footage from the area, as well as interviews with many of the key characters in the case, including family members of the victims and law enforcement officers. He estimates he already has hundreds of hours invested into the project and plans to shop it to a major network when complete. It's all done using equipment that allows for unique drone shots from the sky, and for authentic shots on the ground."Some of this consumer equipment you can get for a few grand is pretty great," he said. "The drone I have can fit in my camera bag. It's very unassuming. That's what I like about it. My idea is to just blend in with the crowd. I think that's how you get the real reactions with what's going on. If you're there with a camera the size of three basketballs, people turn their shoulders and look at it. If you're there with a camera that no one is seeing, you get their real reactions. I think this documentary, it's very real. I just want to be in the story with these families and try to capture it in the most authentic way."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662733267050.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>The new project is a far cry from the earlier videos. First, there was the space burrito, but Mull kept up the hobby with his own YouTube channel, directing an intense zombie attack at Great Bend High School, and using green screen technology inside his own home for complex productions."I was that kid in high school that was running around making silly YouTube videos," he recalls. "It's a product of when I grew up. All of these cameras and technology were becoming more accessible and cheaper. I just took an interest early on and ran with it. At some point I thought, let's just make this a job. Slowly but surely, that's what I tried to do."Upon graduating from GBHS, Mull accepted a job with an agency in Kansas City. He began making a name for himself even without a college education."I'm lucky I can tell that story because the landscape of getting into this industry has changed," he said. "It's the college of just doing it over and over again, then having the right people see your stuff. I got lucky enough to be hired out of an agency in Kansas City that quickly became one of the fastest growing in the city. I found myself shooting with Gordon Ramsey and Patrick Mahomes."Mull spent five-plus years with that agency, then turned to live sports as a videographer at Sporting KC soccer matches. He arrived in that position just in time for the COVID-19 pandemic, which took much of the fun out of the job. He ultimately moved east to pursue freelance and personal projects. Mull has rebuilt his new YouTube channel with 27,000 subscribers."The YouTube stuff is interesting," he said. "That's just kind of been on the back burner the last year, just following some of these cases, keeping me in that mindset of the true crime stuff. As I've been working on this documentary, I've been following other active cases, missing persons cases. I have kind of a built-in audience of people who have known I've been working on this thing, and I haven't really said what it is. Now it's public and people know the case. I've had 40 emails in the last week of just YouTube subscribers saying they're looking into this case."Mull has meetings planned to discuss a possible release of the Dolly Madison documentary. Either way, with a large following on YouTube, he plans some type of release in the near future.

Great Bend grad working on documentary of 2002 double-murder

FRANKLIN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a violent incident involving two dogs and their owners.

Just before 1p.m. Saturday, police responded to report of a dog involved in attack on another dog in the 500 Block of North Cherry in Ottawa, according to a media release from Ottawa Police.

When officers arrived, they observed the owner of the attacking dog attempting to get the dog back into it own yard.&nbsp;

The dog broke free from its collar and the owner and charged toward the officer. The officer retreated about 30 feet. When the dog was five feet away, the officer&nbsp; shot the dog. The officer was not injured. 

The animal was transported a local veterinary hospital. Police issued the dog's owner multiple citations including Pitbull prohibited in city limits, harboring a vicious animal, animal at large and no city registration.

Police issued the owner of the other dog a citation for no city registration and no proof of vaccination.

FRANKLIN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a violent incident involving two dogs and their owners.Just before 1p.m. Saturday, police responded to report of a dog involved in attack on another dog in the 500 Block of North Cherry in Ottawa, according to a media release from Ottawa Police.When officers arrived, they observed the owner of the attacking dog attempting to get the dog back into it own yard.&nbsp;The dog broke free from its collar and the owner and charged toward the officer. The officer retreated about 30 feet. When the dog was five feet away, the officer&nbsp; shot the dog. The officer was not injured. The animal was transported a local veterinary hospital. Police issued the dog's owner multiple citations including Pitbull prohibited in city limits, harboring a vicious animal, animal at large and no city registration.Police issued the owner of the other dog a citation for no city registration and no proof of vaccination.