LONDON (AP) —Palace officials say the state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II will take place on Sept. 19 at Westminster Abbey in London after the public gets an opportunity to pay their last respects to the monarch.

Elizabeth, the nation’s longest-reigning sovereign, died Thursday at her summer retreat in the Scottish Highlands.

Details on the 96-year old queen’s funeral will be released later, but organizers on Saturday described the ceremony as a “a fitting farewell to one of the defining figures of our times.’’

Palace officials said there would be opportunities to see the late sovereign’s oak coffin as it journeys from Balmoral Castle in Scotland to Edinburgh and again in London, where her body will lie in state for four days starting Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662828587465.png" alt="The condolence book at the British Consulate General in Houston, Texas-photo courtesy&nbsp; office of British Consulate General" />
 <figcaption>The condolence book at the British Consulate General in Houston, Texas-photo courtesy&nbsp; office of British Consulate General</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) —Palace officials say the state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II will take place on Sept. 19 at Westminster Abbey in London after the public gets an opportunity to pay their last respects to the monarch.Elizabeth, the nation’s longest-reigning sovereign, died Thursday at her summer retreat in the Scottish Highlands.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19th September. Prior to the State Funeral, The Queen will Lie-in-State in Westminster Hall for four days, to allow the public to pay their respects.&mdash; The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1568631258657312770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Details on the 96-year old queen’s funeral will be released later, but organizers on Saturday described the ceremony as a “a fitting farewell to one of the defining figures of our times.’’Palace officials said there would be opportunities to see the late sovereign’s oak coffin as it journeys from Balmoral Castle in Scotland to Edinburgh and again in London, where her body will lie in state for four days starting Wednesday.

Palace sets date for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral 

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a juvenile suspect following a crash that temporarily locked down a high school.

Just after 8a.m. Sept. 8, police&nbsp;responded to a hit and run crash at the intersection of SW Western Avenue and SW Munson Avenue, according to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz.

 Citizens reported that four individuals were seen running northbound from the scene of the crash towards Topeka High School.

Topeka Police officers and other law enforcement agencies responded to the area. Four individuals were taken into custody at the scene. 

As a result of the investigation, officers transported one boy to the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal Use of a Weapon/by a Minor, Possession of a Firearm on School Grounds and Child in Need of Care, according to Munoz.

This incident was an isolated event, and is not related to the school. The lockdown was a precaution and there were not injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662757556098.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a juvenile suspect following a crash that temporarily locked down a high school.Just after 8a.m. Sept. 8, police&nbsp;responded to a hit and run crash at the intersection of SW Western Avenue and SW Munson Avenue, according to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz. Citizens reported that four individuals were seen running northbound from the scene of the crash towards Topeka High School.Topeka Police officers and other law enforcement agencies responded to the area. Four individuals were taken into custody at the scene. As a result of the investigation, officers transported one boy to the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal Use of a Weapon/by a Minor, Possession of a Firearm on School Grounds and Child in Need of Care, according to Munoz.This incident was an isolated event, and is not related to the school. The lockdown was a precaution and there were not injuries reported.

Juvenile jailed after hit-and-run prompted lockdown at Kan. school

By KALIN KROHE Panhandle Post

ALLIANCE, Neb. -&nbsp; Ryan McElroy, 37, Salina,&nbsp; has pleaded guilty to a motor vehicle homicide DUI, Class 2 Felony in Box Butte County, Nebraska District Court.

McElroy will serve a minimum penalty of one-year imprisonment, with a maximum of 50 years. McElroy's charges of manslaughter (Class 2 Felony), DUI-third offense (Class W Misdemeanor), and reckless driving (Class 3 Misdemeanor) were dropped due to a plea agreement of pleading guilty to motor vehicle homicide.

On April 10, McElroy killed 22-year-old Blythe Boness of Alliance in a vehicle crash on Highway 2.

“At that time, the defendant, Ryan J. McElroy, was traveling eastbound on Highway 2 as driver and sole occupant of a red 2011 Chevrolet Camaro,” Deputy County Attorney Travis Rodak said. “At approximately mile marker 92.5 in Box Butte County, McElroy crossed the center line and began driving in the westbound lane of Highway 2. Boness made an evasive maneuver toward the north shoulder, and the defendant made an evasive maneuver to return to his lane, and struck Boness’ vehicle. Boness was killed as a result of the ensuing collision.”

McElroy was extracted from his vehicle by first responders and flown to Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff for treatment. His blood alcohol content was .235 grams per 100 ml of blood.

McElroy was previously convicted of a DUI in Gage County on June 12, 2008. McElroy's sentencing is set for Nov. 7.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580401534236.jpeg" alt="Ryan McElroy.&nbsp;Photo from January 2020 courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office " />
 <figcaption>Ryan McElroy.&nbsp;Photo from January 2020 courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office </figcaption>
 </figure>By KALIN KROHE Panhandle PostALLIANCE, Neb. -&nbsp; Ryan McElroy, 37, Salina,&nbsp; has pleaded guilty to a motor vehicle homicide DUI, Class 2 Felony in Box Butte County, Nebraska District Court.McElroy will serve a minimum penalty of one-year imprisonment, with a maximum of 50 years. McElroy's charges of manslaughter (Class 2 Felony), DUI-third offense (Class W Misdemeanor), and reckless driving (Class 3 Misdemeanor) were dropped due to a plea agreement of pleading guilty to motor vehicle homicide.On April 10, McElroy killed 22-year-old Blythe Boness of Alliance in a vehicle crash on Highway 2.“At that time, the defendant, Ryan J. McElroy, was traveling eastbound on Highway 2 as driver and sole occupant of a red 2011 Chevrolet Camaro,” Deputy County Attorney Travis Rodak said. “At approximately mile marker 92.5 in Box Butte County, McElroy crossed the center line and began driving in the westbound lane of Highway 2. Boness made an evasive maneuver toward the north shoulder, and the defendant made an evasive maneuver to return to his lane, and struck Boness’ vehicle. Boness was killed as a result of the ensuing collision.”McElroy was extracted from his vehicle by first responders and flown to Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff for treatment. His blood alcohol content was .235 grams per 100 ml of blood.McElroy was previously convicted of a DUI in Gage County on June 12, 2008. McElroy's sentencing is set for Nov. 7.&nbsp;

Kan. man pleads guilty in DUI crash that killed Nebraska woman

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are seeking to bring awareness to the case of Jaquilla Scales, who has been missing since 2001. 

This week marked 21 years since her disappearance, largely overshadowed by the news of the attacks on the twin towers on 9/11.

Jaquilla was four years old when she was last seen in her bed at approximately 12:30 a.m. on September 5, 2001. She was discovered missing at 3:00 a.m at her home in the 1600 block of N. Volutsia in Wichita.

Jaquilla was last seen wearing a knee-length floral nightshirt and tan barrettes in her hair. She had a scar on her upper right leg, a brown birthmark on her face, and her upper teeth were decayed at the time of her disappearance. She also went by the nickname “Granny Boo.”

For 21 years since her disappearance, the family and friends of Jaquilla and the Wichita community have not had answers as to why she disappeared.&nbsp; She would be 25 years old now.

Six days after she disappeared, the 9/11 attacks occurred. The Wichita Police Department has not forgotten Jaquilla, and investigators are still seeking answers in her case.

If you have information regarding the disappearance of Jaquilla Scales, police ask that you contact investigators at 316-268-4379 or email the Cold Case Unit at&nbsp; coldcase@wichita.gov. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can send a tip to Crime Stoppers by calling 316-267-2111 or downloading the free P3 mobile app.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662566019085.png" alt="Age progress image of Scales from Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Age progress image of Scales from Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are seeking to bring awareness to the case of Jaquilla Scales, who has been missing since 2001. This week marked 21 years since her disappearance, largely overshadowed by the news of the attacks on the twin towers on 9/11.Jaquilla was four years old when she was last seen in her bed at approximately 12:30 a.m. on September 5, 2001. She was discovered missing at 3:00 a.m at her home in the 1600 block of N. Volutsia in Wichita.Jaquilla was last seen wearing a knee-length floral nightshirt and tan barrettes in her hair. She had a scar on her upper right leg, a brown birthmark on her face, and her upper teeth were decayed at the time of her disappearance. She also went by the nickname “Granny Boo.”For 21 years since her disappearance, the family and friends of Jaquilla and the Wichita community have not had answers as to why she disappeared.&nbsp; She would be 25 years old now.Six days after she disappeared, the 9/11 attacks occurred. The Wichita Police Department has not forgotten Jaquilla, and investigators are still seeking answers in her case.If you have information regarding the disappearance of Jaquilla Scales, police ask that you contact investigators at 316-268-4379 or email the Cold Case Unit at&nbsp; coldcase@wichita.gov. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can send a tip to Crime Stoppers by calling 316-267-2111 or downloading the free P3 mobile app.

Police: Kansas girl disappeared 21-years ago this week

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Republican candidate for Kansas attorney general resigned Friday from the board of directors of a nonprofit group that has been accused of defrauding people who believed they were donating to help build a wall on the U.S. southern border.

Kris Kobach resigned from the board of directors and as general counsel of WeBuildTheWall, Inc., The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/Read%20more%20at:%20https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article265553211.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.

Kobach, a former Kansas secretary of state,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-covid-health-kris-kobach-ac39bedfefa29f87cb14d402bf273280">has built a national reputation</a>&nbsp;by advocating tough immigration policies and questioning the integrity of elections. He was vice chairman of former President Donald Trump's commission on election fraud.

The company and Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump ally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-bannon-crime-new-york-manhattan-donald-trump-19b6d86b69eeba1c6457df5e2748e82b">were indicted Thursday</a>&nbsp;in New York on allegations of money laundering, conspiracy and fraud in connection with the fundraising campaign.

Kobach, who has not been accused of wrongdoing in the case, said he doesn’t believe he is in legal jeopardy.

On Wednesday evening, before the indictment was unsealed, Kobach said he was still with the organization to help it legally shut down. His campaign said he resigned from the board after The Star asked about his continuing involvement.

State Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Salina Republican and Kobach’s campaign spokesman, said Friday that a nonprofit corporation could be shut down even if a case was proceeding against it.

Bannon and the organization were accused of transferring hundreds of thousands of dollars to third-party entities and using them to funnel payments to two other people involved in the scheme.

The organization and Bannon have pleaded not guilty.

Bannon was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-bannon-trump-pardons-broidy-66c82f25134735e742b2501c118723bb">pardoned</a>&nbsp;by Trump after he was indicted on similar federal charges but that does not affect state-level charges.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Republican candidate for Kansas attorney general resigned Friday from the board of directors of a nonprofit group that has been accused of defrauding people who believed they were donating to help build a wall on the U.S. southern border.Kris Kobach resigned from the board of directors and as general counsel of WeBuildTheWall, Inc., The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/Read%20more%20at:%20https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article265553211.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.Kobach, a former Kansas secretary of state,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-covid-health-kris-kobach-ac39bedfefa29f87cb14d402bf273280">has built a national reputation</a>&nbsp;by advocating tough immigration policies and questioning the integrity of elections. He was vice chairman of former President Donald Trump's commission on election fraud.The company and Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump ally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-bannon-crime-new-york-manhattan-donald-trump-19b6d86b69eeba1c6457df5e2748e82b">were indicted Thursday</a>&nbsp;in New York on allegations of money laundering, conspiracy and fraud in connection with the fundraising campaign.Kobach, who has not been accused of wrongdoing in the case, said he doesn’t believe he is in legal jeopardy.On Wednesday evening, before the indictment was unsealed, Kobach said he was still with the organization to help it legally shut down. His campaign said he resigned from the board after The Star asked about his continuing involvement.State Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Salina Republican and Kobach’s campaign spokesman, said Friday that a nonprofit corporation could be shut down even if a case was proceeding against it.Bannon and the organization were accused of transferring hundreds of thousands of dollars to third-party entities and using them to funnel payments to two other people involved in the scheme.The organization and Bannon have pleaded not guilty.Bannon was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-bannon-trump-pardons-broidy-66c82f25134735e742b2501c118723bb">pardoned</a>&nbsp;by Trump after he was indicted on similar federal charges but that does not affect state-level charges.

Kansas AG candidate resigns from 'We Build the Wall' board

KINGMAN COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Friday in Kingman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Polaris ATV driven by Max Wewe, 19, Pretty Prairie, was eastbound on Southeast 20th Street just west of 120th Avenue.

 The vehicle collided with a bull that was in the roadway. Both Wewe and a passenger identified as Cade Fairchild, 21, Cheney, were ejected. The ATV&nbsp;came to rest in the south ditch on Southwest 20th.&nbsp;

Wewe was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Fairchild to St. Francis Hospital. They were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592389654778.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KINGMAN COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Friday in Kingman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Polaris ATV driven by Max Wewe, 19, Pretty Prairie, was eastbound on Southeast 20th Street just west of 120th Avenue. The vehicle collided with a bull that was in the roadway. Both Wewe and a passenger identified as Cade Fairchild, 21, Cheney, were ejected. The ATV&nbsp;came to rest in the south ditch on Southwest 20th.&nbsp;Wewe was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Fairchild to St. Francis Hospital. They were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after ATV struck a bull on the road

JACKSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Kansas woman on drug allegations.

Just after 8:30a.m. Sept. 6, a sheriff's deputy stopped a Chrysler Town and Country mini-van on 150th near U.S. Highway 75 for an alleged registration infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The deputy discovered what was believed to be drug contraband which led to the arrest of the driver and passenger of the vehicle.

 The driver identified as Arasally Perez-Villa, 26, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a license. 

The passenger, Kristy Eve Little-Bull-Noble, 35, of Topeka, was arrested on on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662547756062.png" alt="Little-Bull-Noble-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Little-Bull-Noble-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Kansas woman on drug allegations.Just after 8:30a.m. Sept. 6, a sheriff's deputy stopped a Chrysler Town and Country mini-van on 150th near U.S. Highway 75 for an alleged registration infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The deputy discovered what was believed to be drug contraband which led to the arrest of the driver and passenger of the vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662547663413.png" alt="Perez-Vila-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Perez-Vila-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> The driver identified as Arasally Perez-Villa, 26, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a license. The passenger, Kristy Eve Little-Bull-Noble, 35, of Topeka, was arrested on on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.

Sheriff: 2 Kansas women accused of transporting meth

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III vowed in his first speech as monarch Friday to carry on Queen Elizabeth II's “lifelong service,” as Britain entered an uncertain new age under a new sovereign. Around the world, the queen's exceptional reign was commemorated, celebrated and debated.

Charles, who spent much of his 73 years preparing for the role of king, addressed a nation grieving the only British monarch most people alive today had ever known. He takes the throne in an era of unease for both his country and the monarchy itself.

He spoke of his “profound sorrow” over the death of his mother, calling her “an inspiration and example to me and to all my family.”

“That promise of lifelong service I renew to all today,” he said in the 9 1/2-minute address, recorded earlier in the day and delivered with a framed photo of the queen on a desk in front of him.

“As the queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I, too, now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation," he said.

The king's speech was broadcast on television and streamed at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where some 2,000 people attended a service of remembrance for the queen. They included Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of her government.

As the country began a 10-day mourning period, people around the globe gathered at British embassies to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-russia-ukraine-putin-biden-united-nations-3308a9ada3312a6b7f294997231ebb23">pay homage to the queen</a>, who died Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

In London and at military sites across the United Kingdom, cannons fired 96 shots in an elaborate, 16-minute salute marking each year of the queen’s life.

The widespread admiration for Elizabeth in Britain and across its former colonies was occasionally mixed with scorn for the institution and the imperial history she symbolized.

Charles, who became the monarch immediately upon his mother’s death, will be formally proclaimed king at a ceremony on Saturday. He is expected to tour the United Kingdom in the coming days.

The queen’s coffin will be brought to London, where she will lie in state before a funeral at Westminster Abbey, expected around Sept. 19.

On the king's first full day of duties, Charles left Balmoral and flew to London for a meeting with Truss, appointed by the queen just two days before her death.

He arrived at Buckingham Palace, the monarch's London home, for the first time as sovereign, emerging from the official state Bentley limousine alongside Camilla, the queen consort, to shouts from the crowd of “Well done, Charlie!” and the singing of the national anthem, now called “God Save the King.” One woman gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Under intense scrutiny and pressure to show he can be both caring and regal, Charles walked slowly past flowers heaped at the palace gates for his mother. The mood was both grieving and celebratory.

The seismic change of monarch comes at a time when many Britons are facing an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f4ea4c93b9d0b30063ed6018e7727959">energy crisis</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/storms-inflation-economy-prices-f4ea4c93b9d0b30063ed6018e7727959">soaring cost of living</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and the fallout from Brexit.

In his speech, Charles looked to both the past — noting his mother's unwavering “dedication and devotion as sovereign” — and the future, seeking to strike a reassuring note of constancy.

He reflected on how the country had changed during the queen's reign into a society “of many cultures and many faiths" while “our values have remained, and must remain, constant.”

He spoke of his son Prince William, now heir to the throne and formally given the title that Charles long held, Prince of Wales.

“With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given,” Charles said, referring to the couple's work on homelessness, mental health and other issues.

And he struck a note of reconciliation after a raw family rift when he said, “I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas."

Prince Harry and wife Meghan have been in a tense relationship with the royal family since they stepped away from their official duties and left the country in 2020, citing what they said were the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media toward the biracial American actress.

As the second Elizabethan Age came to a close, throngs of people arrived all day to grieve together and lay flowers outside the gates of Buckingham Palace and other royal residences.

Finance worker Giles Cudmore said the queen had “just been a constant through everything, everything good and bad.”

At Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, mourner April Hamilton stood with her young daughter, struggling to hold back tears.

“It’s just such a momentous change that is going to happen,” she said. “I’m trying to hold it together today.”

Many sporting and cultural events were canceled as a mark of respect, and some businesses — including Selfridges department store and the Legoland amusement park — shut their doors. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-russia-ukraine-united-kingdom-3b41a590eda012fa9da043a53324d00b">Bank of England</a>&nbsp;postponed its meeting by a week.

Elizabeth was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a symbol of constancy in a turbulent era that saw the decline of the British empire and upheaval in her family, including the messy divorce of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

The public’s affection for the queen had helped sustain support for the monarchy amid complaints in some quarters that it had outlived its usefulness. But Charles does not command that kind of popularity.

“Charles can never replace her, you know," said 31-year-old Londoner Mariam Sherwani.

Like many, she referred to Elizabeth as a grandmother figure. Others compared her to their mothers, or great-grandmothers.

But around the world, her passing revealed conflicting emotions about the nation and institutions she represented.

In India, once the “jewel in the crown” of the British empire, entrepreneur Dhiren Singh described his own personal sadness at her death, but added, “I do not think we have any place for kings and queens in today’s world."

For some, Elizabeth was a queen whose coronation glittered with shards of a stunning 3,106-carat diamond pulled from grim southern African mines, a monarch who inherited an empire they resented.

Across Africa, nations rejected British rule and chose independence in her first decade on the throne.

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III vowed in his first speech as monarch Friday to carry on Queen Elizabeth II's “lifelong service,” as Britain entered an uncertain new age under a new sovereign. Around the world, the queen's exceptional reign was commemorated, celebrated and debated.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E_5REdx2Vtk?start=12" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Charles, who spent much of his 73 years preparing for the role of king, addressed a nation grieving the only British monarch most people alive today had ever known. He takes the throne in an era of unease for both his country and the monarchy itself.He spoke of his “profound sorrow” over the death of his mother, calling her “an inspiration and example to me and to all my family.”“That promise of lifelong service I renew to all today,” he said in the 9 1/2-minute address, recorded earlier in the day and delivered with a framed photo of the queen on a desk in front of him.“As the queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I, too, now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation," he said.The king's speech was broadcast on television and streamed at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where some 2,000 people attended a service of remembrance for the queen. They included Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of her government.As the country began a 10-day mourning period, people around the globe gathered at British embassies to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-russia-ukraine-putin-biden-united-nations-3308a9ada3312a6b7f294997231ebb23">pay homage to the queen</a>, who died Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.In London and at military sites across the United Kingdom, cannons fired 96 shots in an elaborate, 16-minute salute marking each year of the queen’s life.The widespread admiration for Elizabeth in Britain and across its former colonies was occasionally mixed with scorn for the institution and the imperial history she symbolized.Charles, who became the monarch immediately upon his mother’s death, will be formally proclaimed king at a ceremony on Saturday. He is expected to tour the United Kingdom in the coming days.The queen’s coffin will be brought to London, where she will lie in state before a funeral at Westminster Abbey, expected around Sept. 19.On the king's first full day of duties, Charles left Balmoral and flew to London for a meeting with Truss, appointed by the queen just two days before her death.He arrived at Buckingham Palace, the monarch's London home, for the first time as sovereign, emerging from the official state Bentley limousine alongside Camilla, the queen consort, to shouts from the crowd of “Well done, Charlie!” and the singing of the national anthem, now called “God Save the King.” One woman gave him a kiss on the cheek.Under intense scrutiny and pressure to show he can be both caring and regal, Charles walked slowly past flowers heaped at the palace gates for his mother. The mood was both grieving and celebratory.The seismic change of monarch comes at a time when many Britons are facing an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f4ea4c93b9d0b30063ed6018e7727959">energy crisis</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/storms-inflation-economy-prices-f4ea4c93b9d0b30063ed6018e7727959">soaring cost of living</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and the fallout from Brexit.In his speech, Charles looked to both the past — noting his mother's unwavering “dedication and devotion as sovereign” — and the future, seeking to strike a reassuring note of constancy.He reflected on how the country had changed during the queen's reign into a society “of many cultures and many faiths" while “our values have remained, and must remain, constant.”He spoke of his son Prince William, now heir to the throne and formally given the title that Charles long held, Prince of Wales.“With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given,” Charles said, referring to the couple's work on homelessness, mental health and other issues.And he struck a note of reconciliation after a raw family rift when he said, “I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas."Prince Harry and wife Meghan have been in a tense relationship with the royal family since they stepped away from their official duties and left the country in 2020, citing what they said were the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media toward the biracial American actress.As the second Elizabethan Age came to a close, throngs of people arrived all day to grieve together and lay flowers outside the gates of Buckingham Palace and other royal residences.Finance worker Giles Cudmore said the queen had “just been a constant through everything, everything good and bad.”At Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, mourner April Hamilton stood with her young daughter, struggling to hold back tears.“It’s just such a momentous change that is going to happen,” she said. “I’m trying to hold it together today.”Many sporting and cultural events were canceled as a mark of respect, and some businesses — including Selfridges department store and the Legoland amusement park — shut their doors. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-russia-ukraine-united-kingdom-3b41a590eda012fa9da043a53324d00b">Bank of England</a>&nbsp;postponed its meeting by a week.Elizabeth was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a symbol of constancy in a turbulent era that saw the decline of the British empire and upheaval in her family, including the messy divorce of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.The public’s affection for the queen had helped sustain support for the monarchy amid complaints in some quarters that it had outlived its usefulness. But Charles does not command that kind of popularity.“Charles can never replace her, you know," said 31-year-old Londoner Mariam Sherwani.Like many, she referred to Elizabeth as a grandmother figure. Others compared her to their mothers, or great-grandmothers.But around the world, her passing revealed conflicting emotions about the nation and institutions she represented.In Ireland, some soccer fans cheered.In India, once the “jewel in the crown” of the British empire, entrepreneur Dhiren Singh described his own personal sadness at her death, but added, “I do not think we have any place for kings and queens in today’s world."For some, Elizabeth was a queen whose coronation glittered with shards of a stunning 3,106-carat diamond pulled from grim southern African mines, a monarch who inherited an empire they resented.Across Africa, nations rejected British rule and chose independence in her first decade on the throne.

🎥King Charles III, in first address, vows `lifelong service'

HUTCHINSON — The fair is always about tradition and competition. One of the unusual and traditional competitions is the contest to see who can grow the largest pumpkin.&nbsp;

This year, the fair set a new record. Matt Jacobs of Stillwell, Kansas, broke the all-time record for the largest pumpkin, which came in at 1,280 pounds.

Other contests for the fair’s 10-day run include the youth pedal pull championships on Sunday, the best scarecrow contest, a biscuit bake off, best barbecue sauce contest, and a fresh salsa contest.

Those contests go along with the competitive exhibits that include food, photography, quilts, knitting and many other displays. The competitive displays are back in several buildings this year. The handiwork of Kansas residents is found at the Domestic Arts building, the Lake Talbott East and West buildings, the Pride of Kansas building and the Oz Gallery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662753990108.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By HUTCH POST HUTCHINSON — The fair is always about tradition and competition. One of the unusual and traditional competitions is the contest to see who can grow the largest pumpkin.&nbsp;This year, the fair set a new record. Matt Jacobs of Stillwell, Kansas, broke the all-time record for the largest pumpkin, which came in at 1,280 pounds.Other contests for the fair’s 10-day run include the youth pedal pull championships on Sunday, the best scarecrow contest, a biscuit bake off, best barbecue sauce contest, and a fresh salsa contest.Those contests go along with the competitive exhibits that include food, photography, quilts, knitting and many other displays. The competitive displays are back in several buildings this year. The handiwork of Kansas residents is found at the Domestic Arts building, the Lake Talbott East and West buildings, the Pride of Kansas building and the Oz Gallery.

New and unusual record set at Kansas State Fair

LINN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are working to ID a body found in rural Linn County.

Just before 6p.m. Thursday a citizen reported that a deceased body was found in a hay field in the area of 2400 and Iliff Road, Fontana, Kansas, according to Linn County Sheriff Kevin Friend.

The location is just south of the Linn, Miami County Kansas line near Middle Creek. 

Deputies responded and confirmed the report. Detectives were called to begin investigation of the findings. Deputies canvassed the area and discovered a 2000 Toyota passenger vehicle on the property in a wooded area.&nbsp; The vehicle and body were separated by some distance and not within site of one another. 

Items of personal property were found scattered about the property. The body was collected and sent for forensic review. 

Officials have not confirmed the identity of the body. 

Investigators returned to the area on Thursday in the daylight hours to search for any other items. Detectives were being assisted by the Drone Operations Unit to fully search the property as it is a large area, according to Friend.

 Linn County Detectives are working with the Ottawa Police Department on the investigation as they believe there may be a connection with a case from their jurisdiction.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662755516972.png" alt="Garrett Russell, 30, Lawrence was reported missing by his family on Aug. 24 and is last known to be driving a white 1998 Toyota with the Kansas license plate 619 RGX, photo Franklin County Sheriff." />
 <figcaption>Garrett Russell, 30, Lawrence was reported missing by his family on Aug. 24 and is last known to be driving a white 1998 Toyota with the Kansas license plate 619 RGX, photo Franklin County Sheriff.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are working to ID a body found in rural Linn County.Just before 6p.m. Thursday a citizen reported that a deceased body was found in a hay field in the area of 2400 and Iliff Road, Fontana, Kansas, according to Linn County Sheriff Kevin Friend.The location is just south of the Linn, Miami County Kansas line near Middle Creek. Deputies responded and confirmed the report. Detectives were called to begin investigation of the findings. Deputies canvassed the area and discovered a 2000 Toyota passenger vehicle on the property in a wooded area.&nbsp; The vehicle and body were separated by some distance and not within site of one another. Items of personal property were found scattered about the property. The body was collected and sent for forensic review. Officials have not confirmed the identity of the body. Investigators returned to the area on Thursday in the daylight hours to search for any other items. Detectives were being assisted by the Drone Operations Unit to fully search the property as it is a large area, according to Friend. Linn County Detectives are working with the Ottawa Police Department on the investigation as they believe there may be a connection with a case from their jurisdiction.&nbsp;

Sheriff working to ID body found in rural Kansas hay field

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Friday morning crash have identified the victim as 47-year-old&nbsp;Jeramie Santee of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch&nbsp;

Just after 8a.m., police were dispatched to an injury accident on Pawnee just below the Interstate 135 overpass in Wichita. First responders located Santee unconscious and not breathing. They began providing life-saving measures. 

EMS pronounced Santee deceased on the scene, according to Ditch.

The investigation revealed that Santee was driving 2019 Chevy Silverado westbound on Pawnee and collided with a concrete pillar below Interstate 135. No other vehicles were involved, and no other injuries occurred. Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, according to Ditch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662752631751.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Friday morning crash have identified the victim as 47-year-old&nbsp;Jeramie Santee of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch&nbsp;Just after 8a.m., police were dispatched to an injury accident on Pawnee just below the Interstate 135 overpass in Wichita. First responders located Santee unconscious and not breathing. They began providing life-saving measures. EMS pronounced Santee deceased on the scene, according to Ditch.The investigation revealed that Santee was driving 2019 Chevy Silverado westbound on Pawnee and collided with a concrete pillar below Interstate 135. No other vehicles were involved, and no other injuries occurred. Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, according to Ditch.

Police: Speed a factor in crash that killed Kansas man

I know, it may feel a little early to be talking about Christmas. But hear me out! While you might not be ready to hang the mistletoe, it’s never too early to save money for the holidays. In fact, the sooner you start saving up, the better (and less stressful) the season will be.

Too many people find themselves mid-November with nothing saved, so they turn to credit cards in a panic and end up paying for Christmas until April of the next year. Not good. That’s why I like to put aside a little money each month starting in January. But if you’re just now thinking about saving, don’t worry. There’s still plenty of time to save up some cash between now and the most magical time of year. You just need a plan.

Start by creating a holiday savings fund

Think of a holiday fund like a savings account that you set up for all your holiday needs. This is where you’ll stash the money you’re saving and watch it grow as the season (finally!) gets closer.

To set your fund goal, look at how much you spent on Christmas gifts last year. Where did you overspend? Do you need to increase or lower your budget? Then, think about what you’ve got on your plate this year. How much will you be able to spend on each person at Christmas? What about parties or gatherings? Then, compare your projection with last year’s number and set your goal!

Once you’ve figured out the total you want to spend, divide it by the number of months or weeks left until Christmas. Let’s say your budget is $900 and you’re just now getting started. That means you’ll need to save $300 a month over these next three months. Make sense?

Now, the easiest way to boost your holiday budget is to cut back on spending. Way too many people think it takes a ton of money to have memorable holiday fun. What that really means, though, is your bank account will be hurting when January rolls around. Go for a cheaper celebration that helps you keep more cash in your pocket.

Here are some of my favorite ways to get the most out of that holiday budget:

1.      Skip some of your traditions - Guess what? You don’t have to do Elf on the Shelf or an expensive Christmas card photo session. Save money by skipping out on traditions that you don’t truly have to do. Just look at your budget and be open and honest with your family as you decide what to cut and what to keep.

2.      Cut down on the cost of gifts - You can save serious cash on presents this year—without being a Grinch. Shop sales. Use coupons. Give out baked goods. Skip the random gift exchanges. And instead of buying presents for every extended family member, have each person draw a name and buy just one gift for the person they get.

3.      Turn overblown holiday feasts into a potluck - I love hosting family dinners and parties with friends, but I could easily blow half my holiday budget on one gathering. If you like to host, you can cook the main course and ask your guests to bring the sides. That way, you’re not stuck with the entire bill, and everyone feels good because they helped out.

I promise your holiday season will be much happier when you can check everything off while sticking to your budget—instead of spending first and worrying about the fallout later. And planning ahead, having a budget, and being mindful of your spending is how you make your money goals a reality this year. You’ll be amazed at how a few small, intentional changes can impact your holiday budget with tidings of great joy!

Rachel Cruze&nbsp;is a two-time #1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of&nbsp;The Rachel Cruze Show.&nbsp;She has appeared on Good Morning America, TODAY Show and Live! With Kelly &amp; Ryan, among others. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people to avoid debt, save money, budget and how to win with money at any stage in life. Follow Rachel on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/rachelcruze" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelcruze/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rachelramseycruze" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/rachelcruze" target="_blank">YouTube</a>or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rachelcruze.com/" target="_blank">rachelcruze.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658620137029.png" alt="Rachel Cruze&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rachel Cruze&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL CRUZEI know, it may feel a little early to be talking about Christmas. But hear me out! While you might not be ready to hang the mistletoe, it’s never too early to save money for the holidays. In fact, the sooner you start saving up, the better (and less stressful) the season will be.Too many people find themselves mid-November with nothing saved, so they turn to credit cards in a panic and end up paying for Christmas until April of the next year. Not good. That’s why I like to put aside a little money each month starting in January. But if you’re just now thinking about saving, don’t worry. There’s still plenty of time to save up some cash between now and the most magical time of year. You just need a plan.Start by creating a holiday savings fundThink of a holiday fund like a savings account that you set up for all your holiday needs. This is where you’ll stash the money you’re saving and watch it grow as the season (finally!) gets closer.To set your fund goal, look at how much you spent on Christmas gifts last year. Where did you overspend? Do you need to increase or lower your budget? Then, think about what you’ve got on your plate this year. How much will you be able to spend on each person at Christmas? What about parties or gatherings? Then, compare your projection with last year’s number and set your goal!Once you’ve figured out the total you want to spend, divide it by the number of months or weeks left until Christmas. Let’s say your budget is $900 and you’re just now getting started. That means you’ll need to save $300 a month over these next three months. Make sense?Next, boost your holiday budgetNow, the easiest way to boost your holiday budget is to cut back on spending. Way too many people think it takes a ton of money to have memorable holiday fun. What that really means, though, is your bank account will be hurting when January rolls around. Go for a cheaper celebration that helps you keep more cash in your pocket.Here are some of my favorite ways to get the most out of that holiday budget:1. Skip some of your traditions - Guess what? You don’t have to do Elf on the Shelf or an expensive Christmas card photo session. Save money by skipping out on traditions that you don’t truly have to do. Just look at your budget and be open and honest with your family as you decide what to cut and what to keep.2. Cut down on the cost of gifts - You can save serious cash on presents this year—without being a Grinch. Shop sales. Use coupons. Give out baked goods. Skip the random gift exchanges. And instead of buying presents for every extended family member, have each person draw a name and buy just one gift for the person they get.3. Turn overblown holiday feasts into a potluck - I love hosting family dinners and parties with friends, but I could easily blow half my holiday budget on one gathering. If you like to host, you can cook the main course and ask your guests to bring the sides. That way, you’re not stuck with the entire bill, and everyone feels good because they helped out.I promise your holiday season will be much happier when you can check everything off while sticking to your budget—instead of spending first and worrying about the fallout later. And planning ahead, having a budget, and being mindful of your spending is how you make your money goals a reality this year. You’ll be amazed at how a few small, intentional changes can impact your holiday budget with tidings of great joy!Rachel Cruze&nbsp;is a two-time #1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of&nbsp;The Rachel Cruze Show.&nbsp;She has appeared on Good Morning America, TODAY Show and Live! With Kelly &amp; Ryan, among others. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people to avoid debt, save money, budget and how to win with money at any stage in life. Follow Rachel on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/rachelcruze" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelcruze/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rachelramseycruze" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/rachelcruze" target="_blank">YouTube</a>or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rachelcruze.com/" target="_blank">rachelcruze.com</a>.

CRUZE: How to boost your holiday budget ... starting now!

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pro Bowl defensive end Frank Clark returned to practice with the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday and coach Andy Reid said he should be available when the defending AFC West champions open their season at Arizona.

Clark missed Thursday's practice with an illness. He also missed two days of work the previous week with an illness.

Reid said that everybody on the roster should be “good to go, unless there's a setback with Frank or something,” when the Chiefs visit the Cardinals on Sunday. Their only significant injury throughout training camp was to backup tight end Blake Bell, who is now on injured reserve following a hip procedure.

Reid also said he has not heard from the NFL about any potential disciplinary action for Clark, who pleaded no contest this week in Los Angeles to two counts of misdemeanor possession of an assault weapon from separate incidents last year.

Clark was sentenced to one year of probation and 40 hours of community service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624317438496.png" alt="--Image LA County Sheriff's Department" />
 <figcaption>--Image LA County Sheriff's Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pro Bowl defensive end Frank Clark returned to practice with the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday and coach Andy Reid said he should be available when the defending AFC West champions open their season at Arizona.Clark missed Thursday's practice with an illness. He also missed two days of work the previous week with an illness.Reid said that everybody on the roster should be “good to go, unless there's a setback with Frank or something,” when the Chiefs visit the Cardinals on Sunday. Their only significant injury throughout training camp was to backup tight end Blake Bell, who is now on injured reserve following a hip procedure.Reid also said he has not heard from the NFL about any potential disciplinary action for Clark, who pleaded no contest this week in Los Angeles to two counts of misdemeanor possession of an assault weapon from separate incidents last year.Clark was sentenced to one year of probation and 40 hours of community service.

 After plea to gun charges, Chiefs expect DE Clark to play opener

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) Major freight railroads, in a bid to apply pressure on unions and Congress, say a strike that could come after a key deadline passes next week would cost the economy more than $2 billion a day and disrupt deliveries of all kinds of goods and passenger traffic nationwide.

The Association of American Railroads trade group on Thursday issued a report estimating the dire consequences of a strike. Their report came a day after Labor Secretary Marty Walsh took part in talks in a bid to hammer out an agreement.

A strike or lockout won't be allowed until next Friday at the soonest under the federal law that governs railroad negotiations.

Five of the 12 unions involved that together represent some 115,000 workers have announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-497a373594515a27e7435cdf97df7a41">tentative agreements</a>&nbsp;covering over 21,000 workers based on a set of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations</a>&nbsp;that a special panel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-transportation-strikes-ba718974eb14fcd615d606bfcdffb3d2">appointed by President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;made last month. But several key unions are holding out in the hope that the railroads will agree to go beyond those recommendations and address some of their concerns about working conditions.

The Presidential Emergency Board recommended a five-year deal, retroactive to 2020, that includes 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses. But it wants unions to take their concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">attendance policies</a>, paid leave and expenses to arbitration or to negotiate separately with the railroads. Unions say their workloads have become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-aab7d3084a8d17d8d721d2cb750be323">unbearable</a>&nbsp;after railroads eliminated nearly one-third of their workforces over the past six years.

The railroad trade group said a strike would idle some 7,000 freight trains a day run by CSX, Union Pacific, BNSF, Norfolk Southern, Kansas City Southern and other railroads and disrupt passenger operations nationwide because Amtrak and half of all commuter rail systems rely at least partly on tracks owned by the freight railroads.

The AAR also said it would be impossible for trucks to pick up the slack if railroads shut down because roughly 467,000 additional trucks a day would be needed to handle all the freight railroads deliver, and there is already a shortage of trucks and drivers.

AAR CEO Ian Jefferies said the unions should accept the recommendations of the Presidential Emergency Board because they would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-norfolk-government-and-politics-eeedec386f2acba5d63181436ca03f3f">deliver the biggest raises</a>&nbsp;in nearly 50 years and they represent a compromise.

"Should negotiations fail and result in a work stoppage, Congress must act to implement the PEB recommendations,” Jefferies said.

A Labor Department spokesman confirmed that Walsh took part in the talks Wednesday. If this contract dispute does fall to Congress to resolve, lawmakers might be forced to make some difficult decisions in an election year.

A coalition of 31 large agricultural groups sent a letter to Congress Thursday urging lawmakers to be prepared to intervene and block a strike if the two sides can't reach an agreement before next Friday's deadline. They say they are already dealing with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-omaha-7824a3d4042a757755ea76f55e51f641">delayed deliveries</a>&nbsp;because railroads are shorthanded, and the problems would get much worse in a strike even if it were brief.

“Most freight railroads currently lack extra capacity to make up for down time," the agricultural groups said in their letter. “Thus, a sizable portion of freight backlogged due to a stoppage may never be made up leading to less production from rail-dependent businesses to the detriment of producers and consumers.”

Edward Jones analyst Jeff Windau said lawmakers' decisions would be put under a magnifying glass with the midterm elections looming, but they'll “definitely want to keep the economy moving smoothly” if they do have to settle the contract dispute. But Windau said he's optimistic the two sides will reach an agreement over the next week.

Independent railroad analyst Anthony Hatch said the unions are trying to take advantage of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-prices-66e5f5612c0a56c18ac218425e2cd20a">current environment</a>&nbsp;with Democrats in control of the White House and Congress and a tight job market, but ultimately he doesn't think a strike will happen.

“It makes sense for them to hold on until the last minute and try to get the best deal that they can. For the railroads, it makes perfect sense for them to say a disruption would be cataclysmic,” Hatch said.

Even if a strike were to happen, Hatch predicted it would “last not weeks, not days, not hours but minutes” because Congress would intervene. And the long-term cost of these deals may have a bigger impact on the railroads than the short-term crisis of a strike.

Ultimately, ongoing local negotiations on the railroads' proposals to reduce crew sizes from the current two down to one might prove more important to the industry than these wage deals because they will affect how competitive railroads can remain against trucking as autonomous trucks are developed, he said.

That topic has been pushed out of the current national wage negotiations to talks at each individual railroad, although a proposed Federal Railroad Administration rule that would require two-person crews in most instances would make it difficult for railroads to cut crews. The unions have also vigorously opposed reducing crew size because of safety and job concerns.

The heads of the two biggest rail unions — 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 — said in a joint statement last week that Congress should remain on the sidelines because that would put more pressure on the railroads and help them reach an agreement workers will approve.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) Major freight railroads, in a bid to apply pressure on unions and Congress, say a strike that could come after a key deadline passes next week would cost the economy more than $2 billion a day and disrupt deliveries of all kinds of goods and passenger traffic nationwide.The Association of American Railroads trade group on Thursday issued a report estimating the dire consequences of a strike. Their report came a day after Labor Secretary Marty Walsh took part in talks in a bid to hammer out an agreement.A strike or lockout won't be allowed until next Friday at the soonest under the federal law that governs railroad negotiations.Five of the 12 unions involved that together represent some 115,000 workers have announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-497a373594515a27e7435cdf97df7a41">tentative agreements</a>&nbsp;covering over 21,000 workers based on a set of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations</a>&nbsp;that a special panel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-transportation-strikes-ba718974eb14fcd615d606bfcdffb3d2">appointed by President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;made last month. But several key unions are holding out in the hope that the railroads will agree to go beyond those recommendations and address some of their concerns about working conditions.The Presidential Emergency Board recommended a five-year deal, retroactive to 2020, that includes 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses. But it wants unions to take their concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">attendance policies</a>, paid leave and expenses to arbitration or to negotiate separately with the railroads. Unions say their workloads have become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-aab7d3084a8d17d8d721d2cb750be323">unbearable</a>&nbsp;after railroads eliminated nearly one-third of their workforces over the past six years.The railroad trade group said a strike would idle some 7,000 freight trains a day run by CSX, Union Pacific, BNSF, Norfolk Southern, Kansas City Southern and other railroads and disrupt passenger operations nationwide because Amtrak and half of all commuter rail systems rely at least partly on tracks owned by the freight railroads.The AAR also said it would be impossible for trucks to pick up the slack if railroads shut down because roughly 467,000 additional trucks a day would be needed to handle all the freight railroads deliver, and there is already a shortage of trucks and drivers.AAR CEO Ian Jefferies said the unions should accept the recommendations of the Presidential Emergency Board because they would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-norfolk-government-and-politics-eeedec386f2acba5d63181436ca03f3f">deliver the biggest raises</a>&nbsp;in nearly 50 years and they represent a compromise."Should negotiations fail and result in a work stoppage, Congress must act to implement the PEB recommendations,” Jefferies said.A Labor Department spokesman confirmed that Walsh took part in the talks Wednesday. If this contract dispute does fall to Congress to resolve, lawmakers might be forced to make some difficult decisions in an election year.A coalition of 31 large agricultural groups sent a letter to Congress Thursday urging lawmakers to be prepared to intervene and block a strike if the two sides can't reach an agreement before next Friday's deadline. They say they are already dealing with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-omaha-7824a3d4042a757755ea76f55e51f641">delayed deliveries</a>&nbsp;because railroads are shorthanded, and the problems would get much worse in a strike even if it were brief.“Most freight railroads currently lack extra capacity to make up for down time," the agricultural groups said in their letter. “Thus, a sizable portion of freight backlogged due to a stoppage may never be made up leading to less production from rail-dependent businesses to the detriment of producers and consumers.”Edward Jones analyst Jeff Windau said lawmakers' decisions would be put under a magnifying glass with the midterm elections looming, but they'll “definitely want to keep the economy moving smoothly” if they do have to settle the contract dispute. But Windau said he's optimistic the two sides will reach an agreement over the next week.Independent railroad analyst Anthony Hatch said the unions are trying to take advantage of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-prices-66e5f5612c0a56c18ac218425e2cd20a">current environment</a>&nbsp;with Democrats in control of the White House and Congress and a tight job market, but ultimately he doesn't think a strike will happen.“It makes sense for them to hold on until the last minute and try to get the best deal that they can. For the railroads, it makes perfect sense for them to say a disruption would be cataclysmic,” Hatch said.Even if a strike were to happen, Hatch predicted it would “last not weeks, not days, not hours but minutes” because Congress would intervene. And the long-term cost of these deals may have a bigger impact on the railroads than the short-term crisis of a strike.Ultimately, ongoing local negotiations on the railroads' proposals to reduce crew sizes from the current two down to one might prove more important to the industry than these wage deals because they will affect how competitive railroads can remain against trucking as autonomous trucks are developed, he said.That topic has been pushed out of the current national wage negotiations to talks at each individual railroad, although a proposed Federal Railroad Administration rule that would require two-person crews in most instances would make it difficult for railroads to cut crews. The unions have also vigorously opposed reducing crew size because of safety and job concerns.The heads of the two biggest rail unions — 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 — said in a joint statement last week that Congress should remain on the sidelines because that would put more pressure on the railroads and help them reach an agreement workers will approve.

As deadline looms, railroads say strike would cost $2B a day

RILEY COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities investigating a 2016 aggravated assault have made an arrest.

On Thursday, after being transported from the Denver County jail in Denver, Colorado, police arrest 33-year-old&nbsp;Francis Jackson, 33, of Denver on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated assault. 

The arrest stems from a January 1, 2016 incident where it was reported Jackson tried to stab a 36-year-old man with a knife in the alley behind O'Malley's bar in Aggieville around 2:00 a.m. 

No injuries were reported. Jackson remains confined in the Riley County Jail on a total bond of $10,000.

RILEY COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities investigating a 2016 aggravated assault have made an arrest.On Thursday, after being transported from the Denver County jail in Denver, Colorado, police arrest 33-year-old&nbsp;Francis Jackson, 33, of Denver on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated assault. The arrest stems from a January 1, 2016 incident where it was reported Jackson tried to stab a 36-year-old man with a knife in the alley behind O'Malley's bar in Aggieville around 2:00 a.m. No injuries were reported. Jackson remains confined in the Riley County Jail on a total bond of $10,000.

Man jailed for alleged 2016 knife attack in Manhattan's Aggieville

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz is ready for the first 'normal' year since he got to Hutchinson 13 months ago.

"There's a lot of fun that goes on, but we also have a lot of events that we assist with," Schulz said. "Our board is very active out here. They're going to be out here all 10 days. They've got areas that they oversee and events that they will be at. It's kind of, the conductor is coming out now. Everybody in the orchestra is in their seats and now it's just getting everything going."

There are no required COVID precautions, but you can take them if you want to.

"We are still having the opportunity for people, if they want masks, we'll have them in the buildings, if that's where they feel comfortable, if that's what they want to do," Schulz said. "We are not mandating it. People still believe in the social distancing. We're expecting in that 325,000 to 350,000 over the ten days. That's our normals. It would be phenomenal to have our first big fair out of COVID with even bigger numbers."

For more information on all the activities, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/">kansasstatefair.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626269696039.jpeg" alt="Bryan K. Schulz, Kansas State Fair General Manager" />
 <figcaption>Bryan K. Schulz, Kansas State Fair General Manager</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz is ready for the first 'normal' year since he got to Hutchinson 13 months ago."There's a lot of fun that goes on, but we also have a lot of events that we assist with," Schulz said. "Our board is very active out here. They're going to be out here all 10 days. They've got areas that they oversee and events that they will be at. It's kind of, the conductor is coming out now. Everybody in the orchestra is in their seats and now it's just getting everything going."There are no required COVID precautions, but you can take them if you want to."We are still having the opportunity for people, if they want masks, we'll have them in the buildings, if that's where they feel comfortable, if that's what they want to do," Schulz said. "We are not mandating it. People still believe in the social distancing. We're expecting in that 325,000 to 350,000 over the ten days. That's our normals. It would be phenomenal to have our first big fair out of COVID with even bigger numbers."For more information on all the activities, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/">kansasstatefair.com</a>.

Kansas State Fair GM: Looking forward to 'normal' year

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent sexual assault and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 7:30 am, police were dispatched to a Wichita hospital for a Sexual Assault report. A 58-year-old victim reported being sexually assaulted by 61-year-old Darryl Ford at a home in the 900 block of West Maple in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

After an investigation, police arrested&nbsp;Ford of Wichita on requested charges of Rape, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, and Aggravated Criminal Sodomy,

This is not a random incident. Ford and the victim are believed to be known to each other, according to Ditch. The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662728996946.png" alt="Ford-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ford-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent sexual assault and have a suspect in custody.Just after 7:30 am, police were dispatched to a Wichita hospital for a Sexual Assault report. A 58-year-old victim reported being sexually assaulted by 61-year-old Darryl Ford at a home in the 900 block of West Maple in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.After an investigation, police arrested&nbsp;Ford of Wichita on requested charges of Rape, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, and Aggravated Criminal Sodomy,This is not a random incident. Ford and the victim are believed to be known to each other, according to Ditch. The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office.

Police arrest Kansas man for alleged rape, kidnapping

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Lawyers for a Missouri woman suing to block a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-marijuana-recreational-medical-missouri-d09e1ab128d572495edca73bb52bb241">recreational marijuana ballot measure</a>&nbsp;panned the top state election official's involvement and claimed the proposal is unconstitutionally broad during Thursday court arguments.

At issue is a proposal to allow those age 21 and older to buy and grow marijuana for personal consumption and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/65e4a10bb7d99fdf9fca2ea57e07d0c1">automatically erase records</a>&nbsp;of some past marijuana-related crimes.

In Missouri, proponents of constitutional amendment need to gather a certain number of signatures from registered voters to get initiatives on the ballot. Local election authorities typically check to make sure signees are registered voters and report signature counts to the Secretary of State's Office.

This year the Secretary of State's Office also reviewed signatures following complaints from the pro-recreational-marijuana campaign, Legal Missouri 2022, that some voters were wrongly discounted as unregistered by local authorities.

Attorneys for the plaintiff, Jefferson City woman Joy Sweeney, told Cole County Circuit Judge Cotton Walker that local election authorities are better trained and equipped to review signatures for accuracy. They said the Secretary of State's Office should have trusted the local review and not interfered by double checking signatures and said the proposal should not go on the ballot.

Lawyers for the recreational marijuana campaign and the secretary of state said there’s no proof that the Secretary of State counted invalid signatures, so the measure should go to a public vote as planned.

Sweeney's lawyers also said the measure deals with too many policies in violation of the state constitution.

Aside from legalizing recreational marijuana and expunging non-violent marijuana-related convictions, the proposed amendment includes policies to tax recreational marijuana.

Marc Ellinger, a Legal Missouri 2022 attorney, said the proposal only deals with one subject because all of the provisions, though sweeping, deal with marijuana.

Ellinger and the Secretary of State's attorney asked the judge to toss the case completely, arguing that the case is meritless and that Sweeney does not have the right to sue because she's not a Missouri resident.

Sweeney said she has a home in Jefferson City and is registered to vote in Missouri, although she also has a home in Alexandria, Virginia and testified remotely from there Thursday.

Walker said he plans to rule on whether the proposal will be on the Nov. 8 ballot shortly after attorneys file a final set of briefs Friday.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Lawyers for a Missouri woman suing to block a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-marijuana-recreational-medical-missouri-d09e1ab128d572495edca73bb52bb241">recreational marijuana ballot measure</a>&nbsp;panned the top state election official's involvement and claimed the proposal is unconstitutionally broad during Thursday court arguments.At issue is a proposal to allow those age 21 and older to buy and grow marijuana for personal consumption and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/65e4a10bb7d99fdf9fca2ea57e07d0c1">automatically erase records</a>&nbsp;of some past marijuana-related crimes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652108881547.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In Missouri, proponents of constitutional amendment need to gather a certain number of signatures from registered voters to get initiatives on the ballot. Local election authorities typically check to make sure signees are registered voters and report signature counts to the Secretary of State's Office.This year the Secretary of State's Office also reviewed signatures following complaints from the pro-recreational-marijuana campaign, Legal Missouri 2022, that some voters were wrongly discounted as unregistered by local authorities.Attorneys for the plaintiff, Jefferson City woman Joy Sweeney, told Cole County Circuit Judge Cotton Walker that local election authorities are better trained and equipped to review signatures for accuracy. They said the Secretary of State's Office should have trusted the local review and not interfered by double checking signatures and said the proposal should not go on the ballot.Lawyers for the recreational marijuana campaign and the secretary of state said there’s no proof that the Secretary of State counted invalid signatures, so the measure should go to a public vote as planned.Sweeney's lawyers also said the measure deals with too many policies in violation of the state constitution.Aside from legalizing recreational marijuana and expunging non-violent marijuana-related convictions, the proposed amendment includes policies to tax recreational marijuana.Marc Ellinger, a Legal Missouri 2022 attorney, said the proposal only deals with one subject because all of the provisions, though sweeping, deal with marijuana.Ellinger and the Secretary of State's attorney asked the judge to toss the case completely, arguing that the case is meritless and that Sweeney does not have the right to sue because she's not a Missouri resident.Sweeney said she has a home in Jefferson City and is registered to vote in Missouri, although she also has a home in Alexandria, Virginia and testified remotely from there Thursday.Walker said he plans to rule on whether the proposal will be on the Nov. 8 ballot shortly after attorneys file a final set of briefs Friday.

Lawsuit on recreational pot in Missouri nears end

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a bomb threat at the Kansas State Capitol and have made an arrest.

This week, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office received information of a threat made to the Kansas State Capitol through a social media platform, according to a media release.

The individual made a post about “bombing” the Capitol. The Capitol building was evacuated and bomb detection K9s were utilized to clear the building. 

No threats were found on the premises. Investigators discovered that the social media post was made by a 13-year-old residing in Shawnee County. 

The juvenile suspect was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of felony aggravated criminal threat. 

The sheriff office reminded the public, "Law enforcement takes threats to the safety of our citizens and community very seriously. Please talk with your children and loved ones about the consequences associated with this type of conduct."

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a bomb threat at the Kansas State Capitol and have made an arrest.This week, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office received information of a threat made to the Kansas State Capitol through a social media platform, according to a media release.The individual made a post about “bombing” the Capitol. The Capitol building was evacuated and bomb detection K9s were utilized to clear the building. No threats were found on the premises. Investigators discovered that the social media post was made by a 13-year-old residing in Shawnee County. The juvenile suspect was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of felony aggravated criminal threat. The sheriff office reminded the public, "Law enforcement takes threats to the safety of our citizens and community very seriously. Please talk with your children and loved ones about the consequences associated with this type of conduct."

Sheriff: 13-year-old accused of bomb threat at Kansas Capitol 

In this support scam twist, con artists are posing as tech experts 
who are eager to help resolve your problem – for a price. The "issue"? 
Someone in your house has been watching online pornography. BBB is 
seeing an increasing number of similar cons reported to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>.&nbsp;

Something is wrong with your home computer or internet connection, so
 you search online for a customer support phone number. In a rush, you 
click to dial the phone number listed in a top result.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBIn this support scam twist, con artists are posing as tech experts 
who are eager to help resolve your problem – for a price. The "issue"? 
Someone in your house has been watching online pornography. BBB is 
seeing an increasing number of similar cons reported to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>.&nbsp;<h2>How the scam works</h2>Something is wrong with your home computer or internet connection, so
 you search online for a customer support phone number. In a rush, you 
click to dial the phone number listed in a top result.&nbsp;A company "representative" answers and asks you a few standard 
questions about your device, such as the make and model number. The call
 seems normal at first, but it soon takes a turn. This "tech support 
rep" has some creative stories to explain the issue. They may insist 
that someone in your house has been watching pornography, and that has 
resulted in your computer being hacked. In one recent report, the 
"representative" asked if the caller had a teenage son and then insisted
 the boy was to blame. In another case, "tech support" claimed that 
"thousands of people" had been using the caller's IP address to view 
pornography.This scam is a setup for selling expensive computer security 
software, typically costing victims between $200 and $900. 
Unfortunately, it does nothing to fix your computer or internet issues. 
In some cases, the scammers will also want remote access to your 
computer. Allowing them remote access enables them to install malware 
that records passwords, keystrokes, or other files that contain personal
 information.&nbsp;<h2>How to protect yourself from tech support scams</h2>• Never open attachments or links in emails from unknown senders.
 These can generate fake warning pop-ups that prompt you to make a call 
to scammers. If you get a suspicious pop-up alert, don't click on 
anything and restart your computer, tablet or phone.• Never give strangers remote access to your computer.
 You should only allow remote access to technicians of trustworthy 
companies you contacted through a legitimate customer service number or 
chat.• Avoid clicking on pop-up boxes or ads stating that something is wrong. If a pop-up won't go away, disconnect from the internet and wi-fi by shutting off the device immediately and restarting it.&nbsp;