WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that he is sending $2.98 billion in new military&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-united-states-moscow-government-and-politics-c6bfbefe2a4bf671ca47108b68fe3818">aid to Ukraine that will enable forces</a>&nbsp;there to fight for years to come.

In a statement, Biden said the aid will allow Ukraine to acquire air defense systems, artillery systems and munitions, drones and other equipment “to ensure it can continue to defend itself over the long term.”

The announcement comes as Ukraine is celebrating its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-boris-johnson-crimea-government-and-politics-88b84ca48ef131f2c629ce1fcbf67948">1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union</a>.

“I know this independence day is bittersweet for many Ukrainians as thousands have been killed or wounded, millions have been displaced from their homes, and so many others have fallen victim to Russian atrocities and attacks,” Biden said. “But six months of relentless attacks have only strengthened Ukrainians’ pride in themselves, in their country, and in their thirty-one years of independence.”

The aid package is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Officials said it will include money for the small, hand-launched Puma drones, the longer-endurance Scan Eagle surveillance drones, which are launched by catapult, and, for the first time, the British Vampire drone system, which can be launched off ships. Several officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the aid before its public release.

As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia's war on Ukraine</a>&nbsp;drags on, U.S. security assistance is shifting to a longer-term campaign that also will likely keep more American military troops in Europe into the future, U.S. officials said. Wednesday is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-kyiv-moscow-3507728aeaf8ebfc68a1cdbd3aa8c30e">Ukraine's independence day holiday</a>&nbsp;and the six-month point in the war.

Unlike most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-government-and-politics-2c702bcbbcc0393a4d471c09680abea4">previous packages</a>, the new funding is largely aimed at helping Ukraine secure its medium- to long-term defense posture, according to officials familiar with the matter. Earlier shipments, most of them done under presidential drawdown authority, have focused on Ukraine’s more immediate needs for weapons and ammunition and involved materiel that the Pentagon already has in stock that can be shipped in short order.

Besides providing longer-term assistance that Ukraine can use for potential future defense needs, the new package is intended to reassure Ukrainian officials that the United States intends to keep up its support, regardless of the day-to-day back and forth of the conflict, the officials said.

NATO Secretary-General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jens-stoltenberg">Jens Stoltenberg</a>&nbsp;noted the more extended focus Tuesday as he reaffirmed the alliance’s support for the conflict-torn country.

“Winter is coming, and it will be hard, and what we see now is a grinding war of attrition. This is a battle of wills, and a battle of logistics. Therefore we must sustain our support for Ukraine for the long term, so that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent nation,” Stoltenberg said, speaking at a virtual conference about Crimea, organized by Ukraine.

Six months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1">Russia invaded</a>, the war has slowed to a grind, as both sides trade combat strikes and small advances in the east and south. Both sides have seen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-fires-eac13f4bb47663c9769696029ecc257d">thousands of troops killed</a>&nbsp;and injured, as Russia’s bombardment of cities has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-state-of-the-union-address-zelenskyy-biden-kyiv-7cc069b80178629a60f4f2d166348d45">killed countless innocent civilians</a>.

There are fears that Russia will intensify&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-boris-johnson-government-and-politics-19f322cfdf0fe66f10378e01d38ea8c2">attacks on civilian infrastructure</a>&nbsp;and government facilities in the coming days because of the holiday celebrating Ukraine's 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union and the day marking six months since the invasion.

On Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine and the State Department issued a new security alert for Ukraine that repeated a call for Americans in the country to leave due to the danger.

“Given Russia’s track record in Ukraine, we are concerned about the continued threat that Russian strikes pose to civilians and civilian infrastructure,” it said.

Other NATO allies are also marking the independence day with new aid announcements.

German Chancellor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/olaf-scholz">Olaf Scholz</a>&nbsp;said his country is providing more than 500 million euros (nearly $500 million) in aid, including powerful anti-aircraft systems. The aid will include rocket launchers, ammunition, anti-drone equipment, a dozen armored recovery vehicles and and three additional IRIS-T long-range air defense systems, the German news agency dpa reported.

The funding must still be approved by parliament, and some of it won’t be delivered until next year.

And Canada's Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/justin-trudeau">Justin Trudeau</a>&nbsp;announced $3.85 million for two Ukraine projects through the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program. It includes about $2.9 million in funding for ongoing development of Ukraine's national police force and other emergency services, and about $950,000 to help advise Ukraine's defense ministry.

To date, the U.S. has provided about $10.6 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden administration, including 19 packages of weapons taken directly from Defense Department stocks since August 2021.

U.S. defense leaders are also eyeing plans that will expand training for Ukrainian troops outside their country, and for militaries on Europe’s eastern and southern flanks that feel most threatened by Russia’s aggression.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661342950513.png" alt="Members of the 305th Aerial Port Squadron load munition packages bound for Ukraine at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst-photo U.S. Dept. of Defense " />
 <figcaption>Members of the 305th Aerial Port Squadron load munition packages bound for Ukraine at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst-photo U.S. Dept. of Defense </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that he is sending $2.98 billion in new military&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-united-states-moscow-government-and-politics-c6bfbefe2a4bf671ca47108b68fe3818">aid to Ukraine that will enable forces</a>&nbsp;there to fight for years to come.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Grateful to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and the people of 🇺🇸 for the powerful congratulations on 🇺🇦 Independence Day - an unprecedented package of security assistance of almost $3 billion. The people of Ukraine, all our defenders highly appreciate 🇺🇸&#39;s unwavering support. Together we will win!&mdash; Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1562427476533714945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a statement, Biden said the aid will allow Ukraine to acquire air defense systems, artillery systems and munitions, drones and other equipment “to ensure it can continue to defend itself over the long term.”The announcement comes as Ukraine is celebrating its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-boris-johnson-crimea-government-and-politics-88b84ca48ef131f2c629ce1fcbf67948">1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union</a>.“I know this independence day is bittersweet for many Ukrainians as thousands have been killed or wounded, millions have been displaced from their homes, and so many others have fallen victim to Russian atrocities and attacks,” Biden said. “But six months of relentless attacks have only strengthened Ukrainians’ pride in themselves, in their country, and in their thirty-one years of independence.”The aid package is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Officials said it will include money for the small, hand-launched Puma drones, the longer-endurance Scan Eagle surveillance drones, which are launched by catapult, and, for the first time, the British Vampire drone system, which can be launched off ships. Several officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the aid before its public release.As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia's war on Ukraine</a>&nbsp;drags on, U.S. security assistance is shifting to a longer-term campaign that also will likely keep more American military troops in Europe into the future, U.S. officials said. Wednesday is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-kyiv-moscow-3507728aeaf8ebfc68a1cdbd3aa8c30e">Ukraine's independence day holiday</a>&nbsp;and the six-month point in the war.Unlike most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-government-and-politics-2c702bcbbcc0393a4d471c09680abea4">previous packages</a>, the new funding is largely aimed at helping Ukraine secure its medium- to long-term defense posture, according to officials familiar with the matter. Earlier shipments, most of them done under presidential drawdown authority, have focused on Ukraine’s more immediate needs for weapons and ammunition and involved materiel that the Pentagon already has in stock that can be shipped in short order.Besides providing longer-term assistance that Ukraine can use for potential future defense needs, the new package is intended to reassure Ukrainian officials that the United States intends to keep up its support, regardless of the day-to-day back and forth of the conflict, the officials said.NATO Secretary-General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jens-stoltenberg">Jens Stoltenberg</a>&nbsp;noted the more extended focus Tuesday as he reaffirmed the alliance’s support for the conflict-torn country.“Winter is coming, and it will be hard, and what we see now is a grinding war of attrition. This is a battle of wills, and a battle of logistics. Therefore we must sustain our support for Ukraine for the long term, so that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent nation,” Stoltenberg said, speaking at a virtual conference about Crimea, organized by Ukraine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661295576018.png" alt="Members of the 305th Aerial Port Squadron load munition packages bound for Ukraine at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst" />
 <figcaption>Members of the 305th Aerial Port Squadron load munition packages bound for Ukraine at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst</figcaption>
 </figure>Six months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1">Russia invaded</a>, the war has slowed to a grind, as both sides trade combat strikes and small advances in the east and south. Both sides have seen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-fires-eac13f4bb47663c9769696029ecc257d">thousands of troops killed</a>&nbsp;and injured, as Russia’s bombardment of cities has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-state-of-the-union-address-zelenskyy-biden-kyiv-7cc069b80178629a60f4f2d166348d45">killed countless innocent civilians</a>.There are fears that Russia will intensify&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-boris-johnson-government-and-politics-19f322cfdf0fe66f10378e01d38ea8c2">attacks on civilian infrastructure</a>&nbsp;and government facilities in the coming days because of the holiday celebrating Ukraine's 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union and the day marking six months since the invasion.On Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine and the State Department issued a new security alert for Ukraine that repeated a call for Americans in the country to leave due to the danger.“Given Russia’s track record in Ukraine, we are concerned about the continued threat that Russian strikes pose to civilians and civilian infrastructure,” it said.Other NATO allies are also marking the independence day with new aid announcements.German Chancellor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/olaf-scholz">Olaf Scholz</a>&nbsp;said his country is providing more than 500 million euros (nearly $500 million) in aid, including powerful anti-aircraft systems. The aid will include rocket launchers, ammunition, anti-drone equipment, a dozen armored recovery vehicles and and three additional IRIS-T long-range air defense systems, the German news agency dpa reported.The funding must still be approved by parliament, and some of it won’t be delivered until next year.And Canada's Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/justin-trudeau">Justin Trudeau</a>&nbsp;announced $3.85 million for two Ukraine projects through the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program. It includes about $2.9 million in funding for ongoing development of Ukraine's national police force and other emergency services, and about $950,000 to help advise Ukraine's defense ministry.To date, the U.S. has provided about $10.6 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden administration, including 19 packages of weapons taken directly from Defense Department stocks since August 2021.U.S. defense leaders are also eyeing plans that will expand training for Ukrainian troops outside their country, and for militaries on Europe’s eastern and southern flanks that feel most threatened by Russia’s aggression.

Ukraine President thanks Biden for $3B in new aid for war effort

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson, whose unmistakable swagger in helping the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title earned him the nickname “Lenny the Cool,” died Wednesday. He was 87.

Dawson's family announced his death in a statement through KMBC, the Kansas City-based television station where he starred in his second career as a broadcaster. No cause was given, though Dawson had been in declining health for years.

“With wife Linda at his side, it is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Len Dawson,” the family's statement read. “He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers.”

The MVP of the Chiefs’ victory over the Vikings in January 1970, Dawson had entered hospice care on Aug. 12.

“He loved Kansas City," his family said, "and no matter where his travels took him he could not wait to return home."

Dawson personified the Chiefs almost from the start, when the suave standout from Purdue lost out on starting jobs in Pittsburgh and Cleveland and landed with the nascent franchise, then located in Dallas. There, Dawson reunited with Hank Stram, who had been an assistant with the Boilermakers, and together they forever changed the franchise.

The coach and quarterback won the AFL championship together in 1962, their first year together, and became bona fide stars the following year, when club founder Lamar Hunt moved the team to Kansas City and rechristened it the Chiefs.

They proceeded to win two more AFL titles, one in 1966 when they lost to the Packers in the first Super Bowl, and the other in '69, when Dawson came back from an injury to help beat the Vikings at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.

“Looking back on my career, I’ve been blessed for what I had the opportunity to do,” Dawson said told The Associated Press in 2017, shortly after he announced his retirement from his second career as a Hall of Fame broadcaster.

“I could not have accomplished so much without my teammates and colleagues, and I’m grateful for each of them.”

Dawson always remained a beloved figure in Kansas City, even though he cut back on public appearances several years ago when his health began to fail him. But he always had time for fans, whether it be a photograph or signature, the latter often on an iconic black-and-white photo from halftime of that first Super Bowl: the exhausted quarterback, white uniform caked with mud, sitting on a folding chair with a cigarette in his mouth and a bottle of Fresca at his feet.

It perfectly captured a time and place. And it perfectly captured a man that embodied poise and self-assurance.

“Next to my father, few people have had a more lasting impact on the Kansas City Chiefs than Len Dawson,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said a few years ago. “Over the course of a legendary career, first as a player and later as a broadcaster, Len has been a part of every major moment in franchise history.”

Dawson was born June 20, 1935, the ninth of 11 children that filled the house of James and Annie Dawson in the blue-collar manufacturing town of Alliance, Ohio. He was a three-sport athlete at Alliance High School, setting records in both football and basketball, and turned his success on the gridiron into a scholarship offer from Purdue.

There, Dawson led the NCAA in passing efficiency as a sophomore while also playing defense and kicking, and he helped lead a memorable upset of Notre Dame during that 1954 season. By the end of his college career, Dawson had thrown for more than 3,000 yards, despite playing in an era that favored ground-and-pound football.

Dawson was chosen by the Steelers in the first round of the 1957 draft, but he wound up riding the bench behind Earl Morrall as a rookie and then failed to beat out Bobby Layne for he starting job the following season. The Steelers ultimately traded him to the Browns, where Dawson was unable to beat out Milt Plum for the job and was released.

One of the great disappointments of Dawson's career wound up being one of the best things to ever happen to him.

With newfound freedom to sign anywhere, Dawson jumped to the upstart AFL and the Texans, lured in part by the chance to play for one of his old coaches at Purdue. Stram was able to finally tap into his talent, helping Dawson to quickly become one of the league's prolific passers as the Texans went 11-3 and won the first of three championships.

The second came in 1966, when Dawson led the Chiefs to an 11-2-1 record and a 31-7 blowout of the Bills in the AFL title game. That earned the Chiefs the chance to face the powerhouse Green Bay Packers — and coach Vince Lombardi — in the inaugural Super Bowl, where Dawson threw for 210 yards and a touchdown in a 35-10 defeat.

It was the 1969 season that proved to be the most memorable of Dawson's career, though. He sustained a serious knee injury against the Patriots in Week 2, forcing him to miss the next five games, but went on a tear once he returned to the field. Dawson led the Chiefs to victories over the defending champion Jets and bitter rival Raiders to reach what would be the final Super Bowl before the AFL-NFL merger, where he threw for 142 yards and a score in a 23-7 triumph.

“It was overwhelming,” Dawson said afterward. “It’s just, you know how that relief comes with you know it’s over with, and we’ve been successful? That’s the feeling that I had when I came off the field.”

Dawson continued to play for six more seasons in Kansas City, setting many franchise records that stood until a youngster named Patrick Mahomes came along, before hanging up his helmet after the 1975 season.

Along the way, Dawson parlayed what began as a publicity stunt into a second career in broadcasting.

In 1966, then-Chiefs general manager Jack Steadman wanted to drum up support for the franchise in Kansas City and convinced Dawson to anchor a sports segment on the nightly news. His natural charisma and folksy style made Dawson a natural, he turned his attention to TV and radio on a full-time basis after his playing career had finished.

Dawson continued to work in local TV for several decades, adding game analysis for NBC from 1977-82 and hosting HBO's iconic “Inside the NFL” from 1977-2001. He also served more than three decades on the Chiefs' radio broadcast team.

After going into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1987, Dawson was inducted as a broadcaster in 2012.

“It’s been a true privilege and honor to have Len at the center of our broadcast team for the last 33 years,” said Dan Israel, the executive producer of the Chiefs’ radio network, upon his retirement a few years ago. “His contributions to not only this sport, but our industry, are incredibly profound.”

Dawson was married to his high school sweetheart, Jackie, from 1954 until her death in 1978, and together they had two children. His second wife, Linda, remained by his side even when Dawson was forced to enter hospice care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660354181481.jpeg" alt="Len Dawson U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joel Pfiester/Released, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons" />
 <figcaption>Len Dawson U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joel Pfiester/Released, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson, whose unmistakable swagger in helping the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title earned him the nickname “Lenny the Cool,” died Wednesday. He was 87.Dawson's family announced his death in a statement through KMBC, the Kansas City-based television station where he starred in his second career as a broadcaster. No cause was given, though Dawson had been in declining health for years.“With wife Linda at his side, it is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Len Dawson,” the family's statement read. “He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers.”The MVP of the Chiefs’ victory over the Vikings in January 1970, Dawson had entered hospice care on Aug. 12.“He loved Kansas City," his family said, "and no matter where his travels took him he could not wait to return home."Dawson personified the Chiefs almost from the start, when the suave standout from Purdue lost out on starting jobs in Pittsburgh and Cleveland and landed with the nascent franchise, then located in Dallas. There, Dawson reunited with Hank Stram, who had been an assistant with the Boilermakers, and together they forever changed the franchise.The coach and quarterback won the AFL championship together in 1962, their first year together, and became bona fide stars the following year, when club founder Lamar Hunt moved the team to Kansas City and rechristened it the Chiefs.They proceeded to win two more AFL titles, one in 1966 when they lost to the Packers in the first Super Bowl, and the other in '69, when Dawson came back from an injury to help beat the Vikings at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.“Looking back on my career, I’ve been blessed for what I had the opportunity to do,” Dawson said told The Associated Press in 2017, shortly after he announced his retirement from his second career as a Hall of Fame broadcaster.“I could not have accomplished so much without my teammates and colleagues, and I’m grateful for each of them.”Dawson always remained a beloved figure in Kansas City, even though he cut back on public appearances several years ago when his health began to fail him. But he always had time for fans, whether it be a photograph or signature, the latter often on an iconic black-and-white photo from halftime of that first Super Bowl: the exhausted quarterback, white uniform caked with mud, sitting on a folding chair with a cigarette in his mouth and a bottle of Fresca at his feet.It perfectly captured a time and place. And it perfectly captured a man that embodied poise and self-assurance.“Next to my father, few people have had a more lasting impact on the Kansas City Chiefs than Len Dawson,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said a few years ago. “Over the course of a legendary career, first as a player and later as a broadcaster, Len has been a part of every major moment in franchise history.”Dawson was born June 20, 1935, the ninth of 11 children that filled the house of James and Annie Dawson in the blue-collar manufacturing town of Alliance, Ohio. He was a three-sport athlete at Alliance High School, setting records in both football and basketball, and turned his success on the gridiron into a scholarship offer from Purdue.There, Dawson led the NCAA in passing efficiency as a sophomore while also playing defense and kicking, and he helped lead a memorable upset of Notre Dame during that 1954 season. By the end of his college career, Dawson had thrown for more than 3,000 yards, despite playing in an era that favored ground-and-pound football.Dawson was chosen by the Steelers in the first round of the 1957 draft, but he wound up riding the bench behind Earl Morrall as a rookie and then failed to beat out Bobby Layne for he starting job the following season. The Steelers ultimately traded him to the Browns, where Dawson was unable to beat out Milt Plum for the job and was released.One of the great disappointments of Dawson's career wound up being one of the best things to ever happen to him.With newfound freedom to sign anywhere, Dawson jumped to the upstart AFL and the Texans, lured in part by the chance to play for one of his old coaches at Purdue. Stram was able to finally tap into his talent, helping Dawson to quickly become one of the league's prolific passers as the Texans went 11-3 and won the first of three championships.The second came in 1966, when Dawson led the Chiefs to an 11-2-1 record and a 31-7 blowout of the Bills in the AFL title game. That earned the Chiefs the chance to face the powerhouse Green Bay Packers — and coach Vince Lombardi — in the inaugural Super Bowl, where Dawson threw for 210 yards and a touchdown in a 35-10 defeat.It was the 1969 season that proved to be the most memorable of Dawson's career, though. He sustained a serious knee injury against the Patriots in Week 2, forcing him to miss the next five games, but went on a tear once he returned to the field. Dawson led the Chiefs to victories over the defending champion Jets and bitter rival Raiders to reach what would be the final Super Bowl before the AFL-NFL merger, where he threw for 142 yards and a score in a 23-7 triumph.“It was overwhelming,” Dawson said afterward. “It’s just, you know how that relief comes with you know it’s over with, and we’ve been successful? That’s the feeling that I had when I came off the field.”Dawson continued to play for six more seasons in Kansas City, setting many franchise records that stood until a youngster named Patrick Mahomes came along, before hanging up his helmet after the 1975 season.Along the way, Dawson parlayed what began as a publicity stunt into a second career in broadcasting.In 1966, then-Chiefs general manager Jack Steadman wanted to drum up support for the franchise in Kansas City and convinced Dawson to anchor a sports segment on the nightly news. His natural charisma and folksy style made Dawson a natural, he turned his attention to TV and radio on a full-time basis after his playing career had finished.Dawson continued to work in local TV for several decades, adding game analysis for NBC from 1977-82 and hosting HBO's iconic “Inside the NFL” from 1977-2001. He also served more than three decades on the Chiefs' radio broadcast team.After going into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1987, Dawson was inducted as a broadcaster in 2012.“It’s been a true privilege and honor to have Len at the center of our broadcast team for the last 33 years,” said Dan Israel, the executive producer of the Chiefs’ radio network, upon his retirement a few years ago. “His contributions to not only this sport, but our industry, are incredibly profound.”Dawson was married to his high school sweetheart, Jackie, from 1954 until her death in 1978, and together they had two children. His second wife, Linda, remained by his side even when Dawson was forced to enter hospice care.

Longtime broadcaster, Chiefs star Len Dawson dead at 87

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a house fire and have determined it was intentionally set, according to a statement from the Garden City Fire Department.

Just after 5 a.m. on August 18, fire crews responded to a fire in the 1600 block of A Street.&nbsp; The Garden City Police Department&nbsp; was already on scene and the fire was extinguished. There were no injuries.

Firefighters began to investigate around the house and noticed a strong smell of accelerant, as well as markings of smoke residue.&nbsp; Authorities turned the scene over to GCFD Fire Investigator Gene Robertson.

 He identified several areas on the outside of the residence that had possible ignitable liquid trails, as well as burn marks on the exterior siding of the home. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office was also contacted to request a State Investigator and Accelerant K-9.&nbsp; The cause of the fire has been deemed arson.&nbsp; Authorities released&nbsp;no damage estimates for the structure.

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a house fire and have determined it was intentionally set, according to a statement from the Garden City Fire Department.Just after 5 a.m. on August 18, fire crews responded to a fire in the 1600 block of A Street.&nbsp; The Garden City Police Department&nbsp; was already on scene and the fire was extinguished. There were no injuries.Firefighters began to investigate around the house and noticed a strong smell of accelerant, as well as markings of smoke residue.&nbsp; Authorities turned the scene over to GCFD Fire Investigator Gene Robertson. He identified several areas on the outside of the residence that had possible ignitable liquid trails, as well as burn marks on the exterior siding of the home. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office was also contacted to request a State Investigator and Accelerant K-9.&nbsp; The cause of the fire has been deemed arson.&nbsp; Authorities released&nbsp;no damage estimates for the structure.

Investigation: Fire at SW Kansas home intentionally set

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting.

At approximately 4:45 p.m. Tueday, Blue Springs Police were assisting an outside agency in apprehending two individuals near NE Sunnyside School Road and NE RD Mize Road, according to a media release.

When officers attempted to approach the individuals, one used a firearm and shot at officers on scene. 

Officers returned fire killing one individual. Police apprehended the other individual. No officers were harmed in the incident. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661306225728.png" alt="No officers were injured in the shooting- photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>No officers were injured in the shooting- photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting.At approximately 4:45 p.m. Tueday, Blue Springs Police were assisting an outside agency in apprehending two individuals near NE Sunnyside School Road and NE RD Mize Road, according to a media release.When officers attempted to approach the individuals, one used a firearm and shot at officers on scene. Officers returned fire killing one individual. Police apprehended the other individual. No officers were harmed in the incident. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp;

Man dead after Kansas City-area officer-involved shooting

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, the Montgomery County Dispatch received a call of an armed robbery and vehicle theft that occurred at the Elk City Lake Overlook NW of Independence, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

Deputies were told a younger white male in his 20’s with red hair and partially bald, approached the victim and brandished a handgun.  The suspect ordered the victim at gunpoint to hand over his belongings. 

 The suspect then stole the victim’s vehicle and fled the area.  The vehicle is a blue 2006 Jeep Liberty bearing Kansas license 450-AOW. 

The sheriff's office advised not to approach the occupant(s) of the vehicle if you see it.  The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

Those who live in the Elk City Lake/Overlook area are asked to check their security cameras and contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office if you see anything that would be related to this incident.&nbsp;

Those not within Montgomery County and see the vehicle are asked to notify the nearest law enforcement agency.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661336440193.png" alt="&nbsp;Photo of the type of vehicle that was taken. If you see this vehicle, please call the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 620-330-1000, or 911. If you are not within Montgomery County and see the vehicle, please notify the nearest law enforcement agency." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Photo of the type of vehicle that was taken. If you see this vehicle, please call the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 620-330-1000, or 911. If you are not within Montgomery County and see the vehicle, please notify the nearest law enforcement agency.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, the Montgomery County Dispatch received a call of an armed robbery and vehicle theft that occurred at the Elk City Lake Overlook NW of Independence, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.Deputies were told a younger white male in his 20’s with red hair and partially bald, approached the victim and brandished a handgun. The suspect ordered the victim at gunpoint to hand over his belongings. The suspect then stole the victim’s vehicle and fled the area. The vehicle is a blue 2006 Jeep Liberty bearing Kansas license 450-AOW. The sheriff's office advised not to approach the occupant(s) of the vehicle if you see it. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.Those who live in the Elk City Lake/Overlook area are asked to check their security cameras and contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office if you see anything that would be related to this incident.&nbsp;Those not within Montgomery County and see the vehicle are asked to notify the nearest law enforcement agency.

Sheriff asks for help to locate Kansas carjacking suspect 

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Mark Tallman with the Kansas Association of School Boards reminds us that the school finance situation is finally stabilized in Kansas.

"The sixth year of the Gannon phase in is the first year of what might be called presumed constitutionality," Tallman said. "Anything can be challenged, but at this point, I think the court would say to the legislature, you did what you said you were going to do and what we said had to be done to get back to those standards that were really agreed upon over a decade ago."

There's a whole graduating class of students that haven't had consitutional funding yet. For those who started as kindergarteners in 2010, they really haven't had a fully funded non phase-in year. They are seniors.

"It's important to remember, those assumptions were based on state education goals and legislatively commissioned studies on what it would take to reach those goals and then inflationary adjustments since that time."

Test scores are going down, as well, though there are outside factors that could contribute to that.

"We basically had flat or slightly declining test scores from 2015 through 2019, which was the year before COVID," Tallman said. "We didn't test in 2020. Last year, tests were down pretty much across the board, public and private schools, both, which many people attribute to the loss of learning and other factors associated with COVID."

Legislators are going to ask, now that the money is there, why test scores aren't coming back up. It remains to be seen how much of a political football that becomes next year, as any inflation adjustment would have to be significant, and there will be a new crop of legislators taking a look at the situation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582221969260.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Mark Tallman with the Kansas Association of School Boards reminds us that the school finance situation is finally stabilized in Kansas."The sixth year of the Gannon phase in is the first year of what might be called presumed constitutionality," Tallman said. "Anything can be challenged, but at this point, I think the court would say to the legislature, you did what you said you were going to do and what we said had to be done to get back to those standards that were really agreed upon over a decade ago."There's a whole graduating class of students that haven't had consitutional funding yet. For those who started as kindergarteners in 2010, they really haven't had a fully funded non phase-in year. They are seniors."It's important to remember, those assumptions were based on state education goals and legislatively commissioned studies on what it would take to reach those goals and then inflationary adjustments since that time."Test scores are going down, as well, though there are outside factors that could contribute to that."We basically had flat or slightly declining test scores from 2015 through 2019, which was the year before COVID," Tallman said. "We didn't test in 2020. Last year, tests were down pretty much across the board, public and private schools, both, which many people attribute to the loss of learning and other factors associated with COVID."Legislators are going to ask, now that the money is there, why test scores aren't coming back up. It remains to be seen how much of a political football that becomes next year, as any inflation adjustment would have to be significant, and there will be a new crop of legislators taking a look at the situation.

Tallman on school funding and test scores

WASHINGTON — To help struggling taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Internal Revenue Service today issued <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-22-36.pdf">Notice 2022-36</a>PDF, which provides penalty relief to most people and businesses who file certain 2019 or 2020 returns late.

The IRS is also taking an additional step to help those who paid 
these penalties already. Nearly 1.6 million taxpayers will automatically
 receive more than $1.2 billion in refunds or credits. Many of these 
payments will be completed by the end of September.

Besides providing relief to both individuals and businesses impacted 
by the pandemic, this step is designed to allow the IRS to focus its 
resources on processing backlogged tax returns and taxpayer 
correspondence to help return to normal operations for the 2023 filing 
season.

"Throughout the pandemic, the IRS has worked hard to support the 
nation and provide relief to people in many different ways," said IRS 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "The penalty relief issued today is yet 
another way the agency is supporting people during this unprecedented 
time. This penalty relief will be automatic for people or businesses who
 qualify; there's no need to call."

The relief applies to the failure to file penalty. The penalty is 
typically assessed at a rate of 5% per month and up to 25% of the unpaid
 tax when a federal income tax return is filed late. This relief applies
 to forms in both the Form 1040 and 1120 series, as well as others 
listed in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-22-36.pdf">Notice 2022-36</a>PDF, posted today on IRS.gov.

To qualify for this relief, any eligible income tax return must be filed on or before September 30, 2022.

In addition, the IRS is providing penalty relief to banks, employers 
and other businesses required to file various information returns, such 
as those in the 1099 series. To qualify for relief, the notice states 
that eligible 2019 returns must have been filed by August 1, 2020, and 
eligible 2020 returns must have been filed by August 1, 2021.

Because both of these deadlines fell on a weekend, a 2019 return will
 still be considered timely for purposes of relief provided under the 
notice if it was filed by August 3, 2020, and a 2020 return will be 
considered timely for purposes of relief provided under the notice if it
 was filed by August 2, 2021. The notice provides details on the 
information returns that are eligible for relief.

The notice also provides details on relief for filers of various 
international information returns, such as those reporting transactions 
with foreign trusts, receipt of foreign gifts, and ownership interests 
in foreign corporations. To qualify for this relief, any eligible tax 
return must be filed on or before September 30, 2022.

Relief is automatic; most of $1.2 billion in refunds delivered to eligible taxpayers by next month

Penalty relief is automatic. This means that eligible taxpayers need 
not apply for it. If already assessed, penalties will be abated. If 
already paid, the taxpayer will receive a credit or refund.

As a result, nearly 1.6 million taxpayers who already paid the 
penalty are receiving refunds totaling more than $1.2 billion. Most 
eligible taxpayers will receive their refunds by the end of September.

Penalty relief is not available in some situations, such as where a 
fraudulent return was filed, where the penalties are part of an accepted
 offer in compromise or a closing agreement, or where the penalties were
 finally determined by a court. For details, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-22-36.pdf">Notice 2022-36</a>PDF, available on IRS.gov.

This relief is limited to the penalties that the notice specifically 
states are eligible for relief. Other penalties, such as the failure to 
pay penalty, are not eligible. But for these ineligible penalties, 
taxpayers may use existing penalty relief procedures, such as applying 
for relief under the reasonable cause criteria or the First Time Abate 
program. Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalty-relief">IRS.gov/penaltyrelief</a> for details.

"Penalty relief is a complex issue for the IRS to administer," Rettig
 said. "We've been working on this initiative for months following 
concerns we've heard from taxpayers, the tax community and others, 
including Congress. This is another major step to help taxpayers, and we
 encourage those affected by this to review the guidelines."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — To help struggling taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Internal Revenue Service today issued <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-22-36.pdf">Notice 2022-36</a>PDF, which provides penalty relief to most people and businesses who file certain 2019 or 2020 returns late.The IRS is also taking an additional step to help those who paid 
these penalties already. Nearly 1.6 million taxpayers will automatically
 receive more than $1.2 billion in refunds or credits. Many of these 
payments will be completed by the end of September.Besides providing relief to both individuals and businesses impacted 
by the pandemic, this step is designed to allow the IRS to focus its 
resources on processing backlogged tax returns and taxpayer 
correspondence to help return to normal operations for the 2023 filing 
season."Throughout the pandemic, the IRS has worked hard to support the 
nation and provide relief to people in many different ways," said IRS 
Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "The penalty relief issued today is yet 
another way the agency is supporting people during this unprecedented 
time. This penalty relief will be automatic for people or businesses who
 qualify; there's no need to call."The relief applies to the failure to file penalty. The penalty is 
typically assessed at a rate of 5% per month and up to 25% of the unpaid
 tax when a federal income tax return is filed late. This relief applies
 to forms in both the Form 1040 and 1120 series, as well as others 
listed in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-22-36.pdf">Notice 2022-36</a>PDF, posted today on IRS.gov.To qualify for this relief, any eligible income tax return must be filed on or before September 30, 2022.In addition, the IRS is providing penalty relief to banks, employers 
and other businesses required to file various information returns, such 
as those in the 1099 series. To qualify for relief, the notice states 
that eligible 2019 returns must have been filed by August 1, 2020, and 
eligible 2020 returns must have been filed by August 1, 2021.Because both of these deadlines fell on a weekend, a 2019 return will
 still be considered timely for purposes of relief provided under the 
notice if it was filed by August 3, 2020, and a 2020 return will be 
considered timely for purposes of relief provided under the notice if it
 was filed by August 2, 2021. The notice provides details on the 
information returns that are eligible for relief.The notice also provides details on relief for filers of various 
international information returns, such as those reporting transactions 
with foreign trusts, receipt of foreign gifts, and ownership interests 
in foreign corporations. To qualify for this relief, any eligible tax 
return must be filed on or before September 30, 2022.<h2>Relief is automatic; most of $1.2 billion in refunds delivered to eligible taxpayers by next month</h2>Penalty relief is automatic. This means that eligible taxpayers need 
not apply for it. If already assessed, penalties will be abated. If 
already paid, the taxpayer will receive a credit or refund.As a result, nearly 1.6 million taxpayers who already paid the 
penalty are receiving refunds totaling more than $1.2 billion. Most 
eligible taxpayers will receive their refunds by the end of September.Penalty relief is not available in some situations, such as where a 
fraudulent return was filed, where the penalties are part of an accepted
 offer in compromise or a closing agreement, or where the penalties were
 finally determined by a court. For details, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-22-36.pdf">Notice 2022-36</a>PDF, available on IRS.gov.This relief is limited to the penalties that the notice specifically 
states are eligible for relief. Other penalties, such as the failure to 
pay penalty, are not eligible. But for these ineligible penalties, 
taxpayers may use existing penalty relief procedures, such as applying 
for relief under the reasonable cause criteria or the First Time Abate 
program. Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalty-relief">IRS.gov/penaltyrelief</a> for details."Penalty relief is a complex issue for the IRS to administer," Rettig
 said. "We've been working on this initiative for months following 
concerns we've heard from taxpayers, the tax community and others, 
including Congress. This is another major step to help taxpayers, and we
 encourage those affected by this to review the guidelines."

COVID relief: IRS will refund certain penalties from 2019, 2020

LABETTE COUNTY — A suspect accused of setting off an explosive device at the county courthouse last week in Labette County made a court appearance in the case. James Dale Sutton, 63, has been charged with arson, criminal use of explosives, aggravated interference of public business and criminal littering on public property, according to online jail records.

Just before 5a.m. August 15, someone set off the improvised explosive device in the dumpster at the Labette County Judicial Center in Parsons, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

Officers with Labette County Sheriff’s Office watched surveillance video and observed a suspect later identified as Sutton placing the device in the dumpster. Deputies took Sutton into custody and he remains jailed without bond, according to online jail records.

ATF, FBI and KBI are assisting with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661249985985.png" alt="Sutton-photo Labette County" />
 <figcaption>Sutton-photo Labette County</figcaption>
 </figure>LABETTE COUNTY — A suspect accused of setting off an explosive device at the county courthouse last week in Labette County made a court appearance in the case. James Dale Sutton, 63, has been charged with arson, criminal use of explosives, aggravated interference of public business and criminal littering on public property, according to online jail records.Just before 5a.m. August 15, someone set off the improvised explosive device in the dumpster at the Labette County Judicial Center in Parsons, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.Officers with Labette County Sheriff’s Office watched surveillance video and observed a suspect later identified as Sutton placing the device in the dumpster. Deputies took Sutton into custody and he remains jailed without bond, according to online jail records.ATF, FBI and KBI are assisting with the investigation.

Kan. man charged with setting off explosive near court house

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged in the fatal shooting of Leslie Taylor in Blue Hills Park after a reported argument, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Timothy Green,62, faces Murder 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to 53rd and Brooklyn Avenue in Blue Hills Park on a reported shooting. Officers found the victim, later identified as Leslie Taylor. He was deceased from a gunshot. Witnesses told police they saw the defendant shoot the victim. One witness stated the victim and defendant had been in an argument over money. 

Green told police that the victim had been following and harassing him for weeks. A witness told police the victim was not known to carry a gun.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661257539009.png" alt="Green-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Green-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged in the fatal shooting of Leslie Taylor in Blue Hills Park after a reported argument, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Timothy Green,62, faces Murder 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to 53rd and Brooklyn Avenue in Blue Hills Park on a reported shooting. Officers found the victim, later identified as Leslie Taylor. He was deceased from a gunshot. Witnesses told police they saw the defendant shoot the victim. One witness stated the victim and defendant had been in an argument over money. Green told police that the victim had been following and harassing him for weeks. A witness told police the victim was not known to carry a gun.Green remains jailed on $250,000 bond.

Kansas City man charged with murder in dispute over money

BARTON COUNTY—Authorities are investigating an accident that sent one person to the hospital in Barton County.

Just after 10a.m., Tuesday, first responders were dispatched to Fuller Industries LLC, 15 SW 40 Avenue in Great Bend for an employee who was injured in a workplace accident, according to a media release from police.

EMS transported 53-year-old Leo Sobba to The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus by Great Bend Fire Department ambulance personnel for treatment of his injuries.

BARTON COUNTY—Authorities are investigating an accident that sent one person to the hospital in Barton County.Just after 10a.m., Tuesday, first responders were dispatched to Fuller Industries LLC, 15 SW 40 Avenue in Great Bend for an employee who was injured in a workplace accident, according to a media release from police.EMS transported 53-year-old Leo Sobba to The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus by Great Bend Fire Department ambulance personnel for treatment of his injuries.

Police ID man injured in workplace accident in Great Bend

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to announce his long-delayed move to forgive up to $10,000 in federal student loans for many Americans and extend a pause on payments to January, according to three people familiar with the plan.

Biden has faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-education-95094e1f367262f93eb49fa653bed4c9">pressure from liberals</a>&nbsp;to provide broader relief to hard-hit borrowers, and from moderates and Republicans questioning the fairness of any widespread forgiveness. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-education-student-loans-tony-cardenas-2838c08edb677cb468b512a7ec54952a">delay in Biden’s decision</a>&nbsp;has only heightened the anticipation for what his own aides acknowledge represents a political no-win situation. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss Biden's intended announcement ahead of time.

The precise details of Biden’s plan, which will include an income cap limiting the forgiveness to only those earning less than $125,000 a year, were being kept to an unusually small circle within the Biden administration and were still not finalized on the eve of the announcement.

Down-to-the-wire decision-making has been a hallmark of the Biden White House, but the particular delay on student loans reflects the vexing challenge confronting him in fulfilling a key campaign promise.

The plan would likely eliminate student debt entirely for millions of Americans and wipe away at least half for millions more.

The nation’s federal student debt now tops $1.6 trillion after ballooning for years. More than 43 million Americans have federal student debt, with almost a third owing less than $10,000 and more than half owing less than $20,000, according to the latest federal data.

The continuation of the pandemic-era payment freeze comes just days before millions of Americans were set to find out when their next student loan bills will be due. This is the closest the administration has come to hitting the end of the payment freeze extension, with the current pause set to end Aug. 31.

Wednesday’s announcement was set for the White House after Biden returns from vacation in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The administration had briefly considered higher education schools in the president’s home state for a larger reveal, but scaled back their plans.

Biden was initially skeptical of student loan debt cancellation as he faced off against more progressive Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, who had proposed cancellations of $50,000 or more, during the 2020 primaries.

As he tried to shore up support among younger voters and prepare for a general election battle against then-President Donald Trump, Biden unveiled his initial proposal for debt cancellation of $10,000 per borrower, with no mention of an income cap.

Biden narrowed his campaign promise in recent months by embracing the income limit as soaring inflation took a political toll and as he aimed to head off political attacks that the cancellation would benefit those with higher take-home pay. But Democrats, from members of congressional leadership to those facing tough re-election bids this November, have pushed the administration to go as broad as possible on debt relief, seeing it in part as a galvanizing issue, particularly for Black and young voters this fall.

The frenzied last-minute lobbying continued Tuesday even as Biden remained on his summer vacation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., one of the loudest advocates in recent years for canceling student loan debt, spoke privately on the phone with Biden, imploring the president to forgive as much debt as the administration can, according to a Democrat with knowledge of the call.

In his pitch, Schumer argued to Biden that doing so was the right thing to do morally and economically, said the Democrat, who asked for anonymity to describe a private conversation.

Inside the administration, officials have discussed since at least early summer forgiving more than $10,000 of student debt for certain categories of borrowers, such as Pell Grant recipients, according to three people with knowledge of the deliberations. That remained one of the final variables being considered by Biden heading into Wednesday’s announcement.

Democrats are betting that Biden, who has seen his public approval rating tumble over the last year, can help motivate younger voters to the polls in November with the announcement.

Although Biden’s plan is narrower than what he initially proposed during the campaign, “he’ll get a lot of credit for following through on something that he was committed to,” said Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster who worked with Biden during the 2020 election.

She described student debt as a “gateway issue” for younger voters, meaning it affects their views and decisions on housing affordability and career choices. A survey of 18- to 29-year-olds conducted by the Harvard Institute of Politics in March found that 59% of those polled favored debt cancellation of some sort — whether for all borrowers or those most in need — although student loans did not rank high among issues that most concerned people in that age group.

Some advocates were already bracing for disappointment.

“If the rumors are true, we’ve got a problem,” Derrick Johnson, the president of the NAACP, which has aggressively lobbied Biden to take bolder action, said Tuesday. He emphasized that Black students face higher debut burdens than white students.

“President Biden’s decision on student debt cannot become the latest example of a policy that has left Black people — especially Black women — behind,” he said. “This is not how you treat Black voters who turned out in record numbers and provided 90% of their vote to once again save democracy in 2020.”

John Della Volpe, who worked as a consultant on Biden’s campaign and is the director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, said the particulars of Biden’s announcement were less important than the decision itself.

“It’s about trust in politics, in government, in our system. It’s also about trust in the individual, which in this case is President Biden.”

Combined with fears about expanding abortion restrictions and Trump’s reemergence on the political scene, Della Volpe said student debt forgiveness “adds an additional tailwind to an already improving position with young people.”

Republicans, meanwhile, see only political upside if Biden pursues a large-scale cancellation of student debt ahead of the November midterms, anticipating backlash for Democrats — particularly in states where there are large numbers of working-class voters without college degrees. Critics of broad student debt forgiveness also believe it will open the White House to lawsuits, on the grounds that Congress has never given the president the explicit authority to cancel debt on his own.

The Republican National Committee on Tuesday blasted Biden’s expected announcement as a “handout to the rich,” claiming it would unfairly burden lower-income taxpayers and those who have already paid off their student loans with covering the costs of higher education for the wealthy.

“My neighbor, a detective, worked 3 jobs (including selling carpet) &amp; his wife worked to make sure their daughter got quality college degree w/no student debt,” Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, tweeted Tuesday. “Big sacrifice. Now their taxes must pay off someone else’s student debt?”

Biden’s elongated deliberations have sent federal loan servicers, who have been instructed to hold back billing statements while he weighed a decision, grumbling.

Industry groups had complained that the delayed decision left them with just days to notify borrowers, retrain customer service workers and update websites and digital payment systems, said Scott Buchanan, executive director of the Student Loan Servicing Alliance.

It increases the risk that some borrowers will inadvertently be told they need to make payments, he said.

“At this late stage I think that’s the risk we’re running,” he said. “You can’t just turn on a dime with 35 million borrowers who all have different loan types and statuses.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656088652168.png" alt="Biden has faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-education-95094e1f367262f93eb49fa653bed4c9">pressure from liberals</a>&nbsp;to provide broader relief to hard-hit borrowers, and from moderates and Republicans questioning the fairness of any widespread forgiveness. -White House Photo" />
 <figcaption>Biden has faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-education-95094e1f367262f93eb49fa653bed4c9">pressure from liberals</a>&nbsp;to provide broader relief to hard-hit borrowers, and from moderates and Republicans questioning the fairness of any widespread forgiveness. -White House Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to announce his long-delayed move to forgive up to $10,000 in federal student loans for many Americans and extend a pause on payments to January, according to three people familiar with the plan.Biden has faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-education-95094e1f367262f93eb49fa653bed4c9">pressure from liberals</a>&nbsp;to provide broader relief to hard-hit borrowers, and from moderates and Republicans questioning the fairness of any widespread forgiveness. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-education-student-loans-tony-cardenas-2838c08edb677cb468b512a7ec54952a">delay in Biden’s decision</a>&nbsp;has only heightened the anticipation for what his own aides acknowledge represents a political no-win situation. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss Biden's intended announcement ahead of time.The precise details of Biden’s plan, which will include an income cap limiting the forgiveness to only those earning less than $125,000 a year, were being kept to an unusually small circle within the Biden administration and were still not finalized on the eve of the announcement.Down-to-the-wire decision-making has been a hallmark of the Biden White House, but the particular delay on student loans reflects the vexing challenge confronting him in fulfilling a key campaign promise.The plan would likely eliminate student debt entirely for millions of Americans and wipe away at least half for millions more.The nation’s federal student debt now tops $1.6 trillion after ballooning for years. More than 43 million Americans have federal student debt, with almost a third owing less than $10,000 and more than half owing less than $20,000, according to the latest federal data.The continuation of the pandemic-era payment freeze comes just days before millions of Americans were set to find out when their next student loan bills will be due. This is the closest the administration has come to hitting the end of the payment freeze extension, with the current pause set to end Aug. 31.Wednesday’s announcement was set for the White House after Biden returns from vacation in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The administration had briefly considered higher education schools in the president’s home state for a larger reveal, but scaled back their plans.Biden was initially skeptical of student loan debt cancellation as he faced off against more progressive Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, who had proposed cancellations of $50,000 or more, during the 2020 primaries.As he tried to shore up support among younger voters and prepare for a general election battle against then-President Donald Trump, Biden unveiled his initial proposal for debt cancellation of $10,000 per borrower, with no mention of an income cap.Biden narrowed his campaign promise in recent months by embracing the income limit as soaring inflation took a political toll and as he aimed to head off political attacks that the cancellation would benefit those with higher take-home pay. But Democrats, from members of congressional leadership to those facing tough re-election bids this November, have pushed the administration to go as broad as possible on debt relief, seeing it in part as a galvanizing issue, particularly for Black and young voters this fall.The frenzied last-minute lobbying continued Tuesday even as Biden remained on his summer vacation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., one of the loudest advocates in recent years for canceling student loan debt, spoke privately on the phone with Biden, imploring the president to forgive as much debt as the administration can, according to a Democrat with knowledge of the call.In his pitch, Schumer argued to Biden that doing so was the right thing to do morally and economically, said the Democrat, who asked for anonymity to describe a private conversation.Inside the administration, officials have discussed since at least early summer forgiving more than $10,000 of student debt for certain categories of borrowers, such as Pell Grant recipients, according to three people with knowledge of the deliberations. That remained one of the final variables being considered by Biden heading into Wednesday’s announcement.Democrats are betting that Biden, who has seen his public approval rating tumble over the last year, can help motivate younger voters to the polls in November with the announcement.Although Biden’s plan is narrower than what he initially proposed during the campaign, “he’ll get a lot of credit for following through on something that he was committed to,” said Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster who worked with Biden during the 2020 election.She described student debt as a “gateway issue” for younger voters, meaning it affects their views and decisions on housing affordability and career choices. A survey of 18- to 29-year-olds conducted by the Harvard Institute of Politics in March found that 59% of those polled favored debt cancellation of some sort — whether for all borrowers or those most in need — although student loans did not rank high among issues that most concerned people in that age group.Some advocates were already bracing for disappointment.“If the rumors are true, we’ve got a problem,” Derrick Johnson, the president of the NAACP, which has aggressively lobbied Biden to take bolder action, said Tuesday. He emphasized that Black students face higher debut burdens than white students.“President Biden’s decision on student debt cannot become the latest example of a policy that has left Black people — especially Black women — behind,” he said. “This is not how you treat Black voters who turned out in record numbers and provided 90% of their vote to once again save democracy in 2020.”John Della Volpe, who worked as a consultant on Biden’s campaign and is the director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, said the particulars of Biden’s announcement were less important than the decision itself.“It’s about trust in politics, in government, in our system. It’s also about trust in the individual, which in this case is President Biden.”Combined with fears about expanding abortion restrictions and Trump’s reemergence on the political scene, Della Volpe said student debt forgiveness “adds an additional tailwind to an already improving position with young people.”Republicans, meanwhile, see only political upside if Biden pursues a large-scale cancellation of student debt ahead of the November midterms, anticipating backlash for Democrats — particularly in states where there are large numbers of working-class voters without college degrees. Critics of broad student debt forgiveness also believe it will open the White House to lawsuits, on the grounds that Congress has never given the president the explicit authority to cancel debt on his own.The Republican National Committee on Tuesday blasted Biden’s expected announcement as a “handout to the rich,” claiming it would unfairly burden lower-income taxpayers and those who have already paid off their student loans with covering the costs of higher education for the wealthy.“My neighbor, a detective, worked 3 jobs (including selling carpet) &amp; his wife worked to make sure their daughter got quality college degree w/no student debt,” Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, tweeted Tuesday. “Big sacrifice. Now their taxes must pay off someone else’s student debt?”Biden’s elongated deliberations have sent federal loan servicers, who have been instructed to hold back billing statements while he weighed a decision, grumbling.Industry groups had complained that the delayed decision left them with just days to notify borrowers, retrain customer service workers and update websites and digital payment systems, said Scott Buchanan, executive director of the Student Loan Servicing Alliance.It increases the risk that some borrowers will inadvertently be told they need to make payments, he said.“At this late stage I think that’s the risk we’re running,” he said. “You can’t just turn on a dime with 35 million borrowers who all have different loan types and statuses.”

After delay, Biden readies student loan help, payment pause

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Texas man on drug charges.

Just after 8p.m. Sunday, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a Honda Civic for allegedly speeding and displaying a fraudulent Texas temporary tag, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. 

The deputy arrested the driver, Daniel Avila-Lopez, 28, of Dallas, Texas, and booked him into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without a license and displaying an illegal registration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661257763921.png" alt="Avila-Lopez-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Avila-Lopez-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Texas man on drug charges.Just after 8p.m. Sunday, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a Honda Civic for allegedly speeding and displaying a fraudulent Texas temporary tag, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The deputy arrested the driver, Daniel Avila-Lopez, 28, of Dallas, Texas, and booked him into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without a license and displaying an illegal registration.

Sheriff: Texas man was transporting meth in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — As Russia's war on Ukraine drags on, U.S. security assistance is shifting to a longer-term campaign that will likely keep more American military troops in Europe into the future, including imminent plans to announce an additional roughly $3 billion in aid to train and equip Ukrainian forces to fight for years to come, U.S. officials said.

U.S. officials told The Associated Press that the package is expected to be announced Wednesday, the day the war hits the six-month mark and Ukraine celebrates its independence day. The money will fund contracts for drones, weapons and other equipment that may not see the battlefront for a year or two, they said.

The total of the aid package — which is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative — could change overnight, but not likely by much. Several officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the aid before its public release.

Unlike most previous packages, the new funding is largely aimed at helping Ukraine secure its medium- to long-term defense posture, according to officials familiar with the matter. Earlier shipments, most of them done under Presidential Drawdown Authority, have focused on Ukraine’s more immediate needs for weapons and ammunition and involved materiel that the Pentagon already has in stock that can be shipped in short order.

In addition to providing longer-term assistance that Ukraine can use for potential future defense needs, the new package is intended to reassure Ukrainian officials that the United States intends to keep up its support, regardless of the day-to-day back and forth of the conflict, the officials said.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg noted the more extended focus Tuesday as he reaffirmed the alliance’s support for the conflict-torn country.

Six months after Russia invaded, the war has slowed to a grind, as both sides trade combat strikes and small advances in the east and south. Both sides have seen thousands of troops killed and injured, as Russia’s bombardment of cities has killed countless innocent civilians.

There are fears that Russia will intensify attacks on civilian infrastructure and government facilities in Ukraine in the coming days because of the independence holiday and the six-month anniversary of the invasion.

Late Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine and the State Department issued a new security alert for Ukraine that repeated a call for Americans in the country to leave due to the danger.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his country is providing more than 500 million euros (nearly $500 million) in aid, including powerful anti-aircraft systems. The aid will also include rocket launchers, ammunition, anti-drone equipment, a dozen armored recovery vehicles and and three additional IRIS-T long-range air defense systems, the German news agency dpa reported.

And Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $3.85 million for two Ukraine projects through the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program. It includes about $2.9 million in funding for ongoing development of Ukraine's national police force and other emergency services, and about $950,000 to help advise Ukraine's defense ministry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661277535073.png" alt="Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from his social media page on August 15-" />
 <figcaption>Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from his social media page on August 15-</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — As Russia's war on Ukraine drags on, U.S. security assistance is shifting to a longer-term campaign that will likely keep more American military troops in Europe into the future, including imminent plans to announce an additional roughly $3 billion in aid to train and equip Ukrainian forces to fight for years to come, U.S. officials said.U.S. officials told The Associated Press that the package is expected to be announced Wednesday, the day the war hits the six-month mark and Ukraine celebrates its independence day. The money will fund contracts for drones, weapons and other equipment that may not see the battlefront for a year or two, they said.The total of the aid package — which is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative — could change overnight, but not likely by much. Several officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the aid before its public release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661295576018.png" alt="Members of the 305th Aerial Port Squadron load munition packages bound for Ukraine at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst-photo U.S. Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Members of the 305th Aerial Port Squadron load munition packages bound for Ukraine at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst-photo U.S. Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>Unlike most previous packages, the new funding is largely aimed at helping Ukraine secure its medium- to long-term defense posture, according to officials familiar with the matter. Earlier shipments, most of them done under Presidential Drawdown Authority, have focused on Ukraine’s more immediate needs for weapons and ammunition and involved materiel that the Pentagon already has in stock that can be shipped in short order.In addition to providing longer-term assistance that Ukraine can use for potential future defense needs, the new package is intended to reassure Ukrainian officials that the United States intends to keep up its support, regardless of the day-to-day back and forth of the conflict, the officials said.NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg noted the more extended focus Tuesday as he reaffirmed the alliance’s support for the conflict-torn country.“Winter is coming, and it will be hard, and what we see now is a grinding war of attrition. This is a battle of wills, and a battle of logistics. Therefore we must sustain our support for Ukraine for the long term, so that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent nation,” Stoltenberg said, speaking at a virtual conference about Crimea, organized by Ukraine.Six months after Russia invaded, the war has slowed to a grind, as both sides trade combat strikes and small advances in the east and south. Both sides have seen thousands of troops killed and injured, as Russia’s bombardment of cities has killed countless innocent civilians.There are fears that Russia will intensify attacks on civilian infrastructure and government facilities in Ukraine in the coming days because of the independence holiday and the six-month anniversary of the invasion.Late Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine and the State Department issued a new security alert for Ukraine that repeated a call for Americans in the country to leave due to the danger.“Given Russia’s track record in Ukraine, we are concerned about the continued threat that Russian strikes pose to civilians and civilian infrastructure,” it said.Other NATO allies are also marking the independence day with new aid announcements.German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his country is providing more than 500 million euros (nearly $500 million) in aid, including powerful anti-aircraft systems. The aid will also include rocket launchers, ammunition, anti-drone equipment, a dozen armored recovery vehicles and and three additional IRIS-T long-range air defense systems, the German news agency dpa reported.The funding must still be approved by parliament, and some of it won’t be delivered until next year.And Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $3.85 million for two Ukraine projects through the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program. It includes about $2.9 million in funding for ongoing development of Ukraine's national police force and other emergency services, and about $950,000 to help advise Ukraine's defense ministry.To date, the U.S. has provided about $10.6 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden administration, including 19 packages of weapons taken directly from Defense Department stocks since August 2021.U.S. defense leaders are also eyeing plans that will expand training for Ukrainian troops outside their country, and for militaries on Europe’s eastern and southern flanks that feel most threatened by Russia’s aggression.______

US to spend another $3 billion to aid Ukraine in war with Russia

College students must spend money on tuition payments and school 
supplies as they prepare for the new year. However, scammers are taking 
this opportunity to try to steal some of that money through various 
schemes and scams.&nbsp;

One tactic that has been used to get students' personal information 
is a phishing email that claims to be from the school’s “Financial 
Department.” Messages via text or email may appear, instructing the 
student to click on a link provided in the email and log in with a 
student username and password. Don’t do it; doing so could give the user
 name, password, or other personal information to scammers, while 
possibly downloading malware onto the device.

Whether you are starting school away from home or have young students
 who may be vulnerable to such scams, BBB recommends watching out for 
these financial scams before heading into the new semester.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBCollege students must spend money on tuition payments and school 
supplies as they prepare for the new year. However, scammers are taking 
this opportunity to try to steal some of that money through various 
schemes and scams.&nbsp;One tactic that has been used to get students' personal information 
is a phishing email that claims to be from the school’s “Financial 
Department.” Messages via text or email may appear, instructing the 
student to click on a link provided in the email and log in with a 
student username and password. Don’t do it; doing so could give the user
 name, password, or other personal information to scammers, while 
possibly downloading malware onto the device.Whether you are starting school away from home or have young students
 who may be vulnerable to such scams, BBB recommends watching out for 
these financial scams before heading into the new semester.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Fake credit cards - Offers to apply for the first 
credit card are tempting to many students. Not only could this create 
credit problems down the road due to unchecked spending, but some of the
 deals could be phony offers designed to get access to personal 
information. Research the offers from the credit card flyers and the 
banking institutions before applying. Review the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16909-bbb-tip-credit-card-scams">BBB tip on credit card scams</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Too good to be true apartments -
 It’s hard not to jump on a convenient apartment so close to campus, 
especially if it advertises affordable rent. It’s tempting to hand over 
credit card information online to lock in a great spot, but it’s always 
worth seeing the apartment in person prior to a money transfer. This 
also applies to Craigslist and social media ads appearing to be from 
other students looking for roommates. Read more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/16908-scam-alert-rental-cons-cash-in-on-stressed-out-movers" target="_blank">rental scams</a>.</li><li>ID theft -&nbsp;
 It’s a good idea to start practicing healthy money habits, and one such
 habit is regularly checking your credit report for unusual activity and
 possible ID fraud. The official government website to do this for free 
is <a href="https://www.annualcreditreport.com/" target="_blank">annualcreditreport.com</a>. Read BBB's article on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/25955-bbb-tip-how-to-know-if-someone-stole-your-identity" target="_blank">How to know if someone stole your identity</a>.</li><li>Scholarship and grant scams - Be
 wary of phone calls from companies guaranteeing they can help reduce 
loan payments or offer a hefty grant. Searching the company’s name 
online could bring up scam alerts or negative reviews from other 
consumers. Read reviews and complaints about the company at <a href="https://www.bbb.org/search" target="_blank">BBB.org</a> and contact the school’s financial aid office for advice and help regarding financing your education. Scholarship scams can affect college students even after graduation; <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16922-bbb-tip-scholarship-scams" target="_blank">read our tips on scholarship scams</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Online shopping scams - Online purchase scams can be especially effective when set up through social media platforms and apps. BBB has tips for <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14040-bbb-tip-smart-shopping-online" target="_blank">smart shopping online</a> and a page dedicated to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/online-shopping" target="_blank">online shopping tips and scam alerts</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Awareness of current scams - As tech-savvy as current college students can be, a surprising number of scams reported to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/akron">BBB’s ScamTracker</a> are from students who learned their lesson too late. Use <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/scamtips">BBB’s Scam Tips</a> to learn the latest scam trends and read local reports of specific incidents.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

BBB: 6 scams for college students to avoid

TOPEKA — The number of Kansans applying for new concealed carry licenses declined in the recently ended 2022 fiscal year, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, the attorney general’s Concealed Carry Licensing Unit received 4,544 new applications, a decline from 7,717 applications received in the previous fiscal year. The licensing program began in 2006, and a legislative change in 2015 allows eligible Kansans age 21 and over to carry concealed without a license.

The 2021 Kansas Legislature authorized a new provisional license available for individuals between 18-20 years of age. The Concealed Carry Licensing Unit issued 305 provisional licenses to applicants aged 18-20 during the 2022 fiscal year.

Most Kansans who already have licenses are choosing to keep their licenses active. The Concealed Carry Licensing Unit received 15,169 renewal applications during the 2022 fiscal year.

Licenses are still required in most states, and Kansas licenses are currently recognized in 40 states.

“Many Kansans continue to recognize the benefits of obtaining a license, including our reciprocity agreements with other states,” Schmidt said. “We continue to work with other states to ensure Kansas licenses are recognized.”

Schmidt encouraged all Kansans who intend to carry firearms to pursue training opportunities. He reminded all Kansans who choose to carry firearms to comply with properly posted signage and all applicable law.

Currently, more than 81,000 Kansans have active concealed carry licenses. More information on the concealed carry licensing program is available on the attorney general’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ag.ks.gov/concealed-carry#_blank">www.ag.ks.gov/concealed-carry</a>.

TOPEKA — The number of Kansans applying for new concealed carry licenses declined in the recently ended 2022 fiscal year, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, the attorney general’s Concealed Carry Licensing Unit received 4,544 new applications, a decline from 7,717 applications received in the previous fiscal year. The licensing program began in 2006, and a legislative change in 2015 allows eligible Kansans age 21 and over to carry concealed without a license.The 2021 Kansas Legislature authorized a new provisional license available for individuals between 18-20 years of age. The Concealed Carry Licensing Unit issued 305 provisional licenses to applicants aged 18-20 during the 2022 fiscal year.Most Kansans who already have licenses are choosing to keep their licenses active. The Concealed Carry Licensing Unit received 15,169 renewal applications during the 2022 fiscal year.Licenses are still required in most states, and Kansas licenses are currently recognized in 40 states.“Many Kansans continue to recognize the benefits of obtaining a license, including our reciprocity agreements with other states,” Schmidt said. “We continue to work with other states to ensure Kansas licenses are recognized.”Schmidt encouraged all Kansans who intend to carry firearms to pursue training opportunities. He reminded all Kansans who choose to carry firearms to comply with properly posted signage and all applicable law.Currently, more than 81,000 Kansans have active concealed carry licenses. More information on the concealed carry licensing program is available on the attorney general’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ag.ks.gov/concealed-carry#_blank">www.ag.ks.gov/concealed-carry</a>.

Attorney General: Kan. concealed carry applications down 

Petition drive backers point to lack of paid circulators as a reason

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/08/22/medical-marijuana-petitions-fail-to-qualify-for-november-ballot/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The next petition drive to legalize medical marijuana may 
include permitting recreational use, an official with Nebraskans for 
Medical Marijuana said Monday.

Crista Eggers, who coordinated the medical marijuana initiative that 
fell short Monday of qualifying for the November ballot, said there 
definitely will be discussions about seeking legalization of both 
medical and recreational cannabis.

While medical marijuana has always been her group’s focus, adding 
recreational marijuana for adult use would attract bigger donations, 
which are needed to succeed in getting a medical marijuana issue on the 
ballot, she said.

The lack of funds to hire paid, professional petition circulators was
 blamed, in part, for the failure of this year’s petition drive by 
Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana.

“There is nothing off the table about how we get this done,” said 
Eggers, whose son suffers from up to 100 epileptic seizures a day. “I’m a
 parent, and I will do whatever it takes, and go to the ends of the 
Earth, to help my child.”

She said she’s willing to endure the criticism of anti-marijuana 
groups, who have claimed that the push for medical marijuana is a 
forerunner for seeking all-out legalization.

On Monday, one of those groups, Smart Approaches to Marijuana, pointed out that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="ahttps://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/marijuana-hallucinogen-use-among-young-adults-reached-all-time-high-2021">a new National Institutes of Health report</a>&nbsp;concluded marijuana use had reached the highest levels ever, with daily use by young adults doubling in the past decade.

This was the second time in two years that an&nbsp;initiative to legalize 
medical marijuana has failed to qualify for Nebraska’s general election 
ballot.

The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office said Monday that two 
petitions submitted by&nbsp;Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana failed to 
collect the necessary, valid signatures of 86,776 voters and fell short 
of another requirement — gathering at least 5% of registered voters in 
38 of the state’s 93 counties for its two petitions.

Eggers said she was trying to find the words to inform her 7-year-old
 son, Colton, who suffers from multiple seizures, that the initiative 
had failed again.

“He asks me every single night, ‘Did we get enough signatures so I can get the medicine I need?’ ” Eggers said.

She said the pro-medical marijuana forces will&nbsp;launch a new petition drive as soon as possible.

“We’re going to regroup, we’re going to hurt and we’re going to cry 
and we’re going to be angry, but then we’re going to take the anger we 
feel today and turn it into action,” Eggers said.

The Secretary of State’s Office said both petitions submitted fell 
short. A petition to legalize marijuana collected 77,843 signatures and 
qualified in 26 counties. A companion petition to set up regulation of 
medical marijuana turned in 77,119 valid signatures and qualified in 27 
counties.

Unlike two other initiative petition drives this year, which turned 
in more than 160,000 signatures each and used paid, professional 
petition circulators, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana utilized 
primarily volunteers.

The marijuana group’s last campaign spending report listed about 
$146,000 in expenditures, compared with spending of $1.77 million by 
Citizens for Voter ID and $1.49 million for Raise the Wage Nebraska.

A leading anti-marijuana group said Nebraskans “were not duped by the
 marijuana industry’s trojan horse attempt to commercialize drug use 
under the guise of ‘medicine,’ ” said a statement from Smart Approaches 
to Marijuana.

“Today’s high potency, bioengineered marijuana and THC products such 
as edibles, vapes, and concentrates serve one purpose: to hook a 
generation of addicts to a commercialized drug for profit,” the 
statement added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661188352281.png" alt="Crista Eggers, left, the campaign coordinator for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, accepts more petitions from a volunteer, Samantha Chavez of Omaha, last month as the deadline loomed to submit petitiions. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner) " />
 <figcaption>Crista Eggers, left, the campaign coordinator for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, accepts more petitions from a volunteer, Samantha Chavez of Omaha, last month as the deadline loomed to submit petitiions. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner) </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Petition drive backers point to lack of paid circulators as a reason</h2>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/08/22/medical-marijuana-petitions-fail-to-qualify-for-november-ballot/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The next petition drive to legalize medical marijuana may 
include permitting recreational use, an official with Nebraskans for 
Medical Marijuana said Monday.Crista Eggers, who coordinated the medical marijuana initiative that 
fell short Monday of qualifying for the November ballot, said there 
definitely will be discussions about seeking legalization of both 
medical and recreational cannabis.While medical marijuana has always been her group’s focus, adding 
recreational marijuana for adult use would attract bigger donations, 
which are needed to succeed in getting a medical marijuana issue on the 
ballot, she said.The lack of funds to hire paid, professional petition circulators was
 blamed, in part, for the failure of this year’s petition drive by 
Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana.“There is nothing off the table about how we get this done,” said 
Eggers, whose son suffers from up to 100 epileptic seizures a day. “I’m a
 parent, and I will do whatever it takes, and go to the ends of the 
Earth, to help my child.”She said she’s willing to endure the criticism of anti-marijuana 
groups, who have claimed that the push for medical marijuana is a 
forerunner for seeking all-out legalization.<h2>Trying to find the words</h2>On Monday, one of those groups, Smart Approaches to Marijuana, pointed out that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="ahttps://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/marijuana-hallucinogen-use-among-young-adults-reached-all-time-high-2021">a new National Institutes of Health report</a>&nbsp;concluded marijuana use had reached the highest levels ever, with daily use by young adults doubling in the past decade.This was the second time in two years that an&nbsp;initiative to legalize 
medical marijuana has failed to qualify for Nebraska’s general election 
ballot.The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office said Monday that two 
petitions submitted by&nbsp;Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana failed to 
collect the necessary, valid signatures of 86,776 voters and fell short 
of another requirement — gathering at least 5% of registered voters in 
38 of the state’s 93 counties for its two petitions.Eggers said she was trying to find the words to inform her 7-year-old
 son, Colton, who suffers from multiple seizures, that the initiative 
had failed again.“He asks me every single night, ‘Did we get enough signatures so I can get the medicine I need?’ ” Eggers said.She said the pro-medical marijuana forces will&nbsp;launch a new petition drive as soon as possible.“We’re going to regroup, we’re going to hurt and we’re going to cry 
and we’re going to be angry, but then we’re going to take the anger we 
feel today and turn it into action,” Eggers said.“There’s no giving up,” she added<h2>Both petitions fell &nbsp;short</h2>The Secretary of State’s Office said both petitions submitted fell 
short. A petition to legalize marijuana collected 77,843 signatures and 
qualified in 26 counties. A companion petition to set up regulation of 
medical marijuana turned in 77,119 valid signatures and qualified in 27 
counties.Unlike two other initiative petition drives this year, which turned 
in more than 160,000 signatures each and used paid, professional 
petition circulators, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana utilized 
primarily volunteers.The marijuana group’s last campaign spending report listed about 
$146,000 in expenditures, compared with spending of $1.77 million by 
Citizens for Voter ID and $1.49 million for Raise the Wage Nebraska.A leading anti-marijuana group said Nebraskans “were not duped by the
 marijuana industry’s trojan horse attempt to commercialize drug use 
under the guise of ‘medicine,’ ” said a statement from Smart Approaches 
to Marijuana.“Today’s high potency, bioengineered marijuana and THC products such 
as edibles, vapes, and concentrates serve one purpose: to hook a 
generation of addicts to a commercialized drug for profit,” the 
statement added.As of February, 37 states, three territories and the District of 
Columbia have legalized the use of cannabis as medicine, according to 
the National Conference of State Legislatures. That includes the 
neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Missouri. Iowa and 
Wyoming have legalized low-dose cannabis and CBD medical products.Marijuana for recreational use is allowed in 19 states, two territories and the District of Columbia.<h2>Plenty of signatures in 2020</h2>The petition drive failure was a bitter defeat for the medical 
marijuana group, which had gathered more than enough signatures two 
years ago to qualify a single initiative for voters. But it was knocked 
off the ballot by the Nebraska Supreme Court, which ruled that the 
ballot language violated the state’s “single subject” rule.Eggers said that now about a half million Nebraskans have signed petitions to allow a vote on medical marijuana.“I hope the elected officials are paying attention,” she said. “They have the power to do something.”Eggers said she hopes that the Legislature will hold a special session this fall to pass a medical marijuana law.That would seem to be a long shot. State lawmakers have failed to 
advance any proposals to legalize medical cannabis, and Gov. Pete 
Ricketts — who leaves office in January due to term limits — is a 
staunch opponent of legalization.Eggers said that despite falling short in 2022, she was very proud of
 the effort, which resulted in more than 90,000 signatures collected.