HUTCHINSON, Kan. — There is a wide spread between gas price averages in central Kansas, depending on where you go to fill up.

"Reno County is $3.65, Harvey County $3.28, that's a big difference between neighboring counties, Sedgwick County $3.42, Rice County $3.61 and Kingman County $3.71."

In McPherson and Newton, prices are already below $3 a gallon. The best way to figure out if it's worth your time to drive to fill up is to know your car's gas mileage.

"Newer cars can give you at least some reasonable estimate of what your gas mileage is on the dashboard readout," Steward said. "Older cars, you obviously have to do that calculation on your own. Keeping your car in good working shape is important."

If you're already headed to an area with less expensive gas, topping off the tank can help some, but generally, it's not cost effective to travel out of your way solely to buy fuel. Also, the fundamentals behind the prices are dropping, so it appears more relief is coming.

"Back in June, we were looking at $130 a barrel crude oil prices," Steward said. "Today, we're in the mid 90s per barrel, so that significant drop has translated to falling prices at the pumps."

Before the pandemic, the fall would traditionally be a time of lower gasoline demand and therefore lower pump prices overall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657123077767.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — There is a wide spread between gas price averages in central Kansas, depending on where you go to fill up."Reno County is $3.65, Harvey County $3.28, that's a big difference between neighboring counties, Sedgwick County $3.42, Rice County $3.61 and Kingman County $3.71."In McPherson and Newton, prices are already below $3 a gallon. The best way to figure out if it's worth your time to drive to fill up is to know your car's gas mileage."Newer cars can give you at least some reasonable estimate of what your gas mileage is on the dashboard readout," Steward said. "Older cars, you obviously have to do that calculation on your own. Keeping your car in good working shape is important."If you're already headed to an area with less expensive gas, topping off the tank can help some, but generally, it's not cost effective to travel out of your way solely to buy fuel. Also, the fundamentals behind the prices are dropping, so it appears more relief is coming."Back in June, we were looking at $130 a barrel crude oil prices," Steward said. "Today, we're in the mid 90s per barrel, so that significant drop has translated to falling prices at the pumps."Before the pandemic, the fall would traditionally be a time of lower gasoline demand and therefore lower pump prices overall.

AAA: Gas prices vary wildly, but are likely headed down

JOHNSON COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested an Edgerton man Wednesday morning following an investigation by the Northeast Child Victim Task Force (NECVTF) and the Collin County, Texas Sheriff’s Office, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just before 8a.m. Wednesday, agents from the NECVTF, assisted by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a search warrant at 207 E. 6th&nbsp;St. in Edgerton, Kansas. 

During the execution of the warrant,&nbsp; agents arrested Tony L. Hamer, 57, of Edgerton on a Texas warrant for suspected solicitation of prostitution of a person younger than 18-years-old.

Following the arrest, Hamer was booked into the Johnson County Jail. Extradition proceedings are expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660243644351.png" alt="Hamer-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hamer-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested an Edgerton man Wednesday morning following an investigation by the Northeast Child Victim Task Force (NECVTF) and the Collin County, Texas Sheriff’s Office, according to a media release from the KBI.Just before 8a.m. Wednesday, agents from the NECVTF, assisted by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a search warrant at 207 E. 6th&nbsp;St. in Edgerton, Kansas. During the execution of the warrant,&nbsp; agents arrested Tony L. Hamer, 57, of Edgerton on a Texas warrant for suspected solicitation of prostitution of a person younger than 18-years-old.Following the arrest, Hamer was booked into the Johnson County Jail. Extradition proceedings are expected.

Kan. man accused of solicitation of teen prostitute in Texas

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/08/11/nebraska-native-returns-home-to-shoot-film-about-youthful-days-in-nebraska-city/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — A Nebraska native has 
returned home to film a Nebraska story, in large part because of a new 
state grant program for filmmaking.

Adam Rehmeier, now a Michigan-based 
screenwriter and director, has been shooting his coming-of-age comedy, 
“Snack Shack,” in his hometown of Nebraska City for the past two weeks 
as part of a six-week shooting schedule.

&nbsp;The
 film is based on Rehmeier’s youthful experience running the concession 
stand at age 14 at the Steinhart Park Pool in the Missouri River 
community.

Up to 65 actors and crew members a 
day have been working on the film. The crew has shot scenes at the 
Nebraska City pool, its movie theater, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha and
 Horseman’s Park in Omaha.

“It’s a real win for Nebraska City. It’s
 good for the local economy, it’s&nbsp; good for the local people,” said 
Rehmeier’s father, retired District Judge Randall Rehmeier.

“I’m glad Adam decided to do it here,” the judge added.

The decision to shoot the film, which has a $4.5 million budget, in Nebraska was aided by a new state filmmaking incentive.

Last year, state lawmakers set aside $1 million in state grants for 
films and TV productions that feature Nebraska-based stories and 
locales, employ the services of Nebraska film crew members and have 
budgets of at least $1 million.

Snack Shack received a $200,000 grant. A project from Omaha-based producer/director Dana
 Altman, “Going For Two,” got $400,000. And the planned film “I Am a 
Man” — about the trial of Ponca Chief Standing Bear that gave legal 
recognition of Native Americans as “people” — received $400,000.

State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, who proposed the film incentive 
legislation, said she is excited to see the funding “put to good use” — 
supporting the Nebraska film industry and telling Nebraska stories “to 
the world.”

“This is exactly what I had in mind,” she said.

Production of “I Am a Man” got an additional $5 million allocation of
 federal funds through an economic recovery bill sponsored by Omaha Sen.
 Justin Wayne. Filming of that movie is expected to begin this fall.

Jordan Foley, the Los Angeles-based producer of “Snack Shack,” said 
the movie would have likely been shot elsewhere if not for the state 
grant, along with $50,000 in funding from the City of Nebraska City.

Rehmeier told the city council last month that film incentives may be
 better in states like Georgia and Ohio, but Nebraska City is where the 
film “needs to be to make it special,” according to News Channel Nebraska.&nbsp;

“These three films will definitely be engaging and entertaining,” said Laurie Richards, director of the Nebraska Film Office.&nbsp;

Several Nebraska City residents have been enlisted as extras or for 
bit parts. For instance, the city administrator, Lou Leone, was cast as 
the city park director, and two Peru State College students got roles as
 “party girls.”

Leone said his teenage daughter also got some career advice from cast members about working as an art director for a film.

“The town itself has been quite upbeat about it,” he said.

In addition, the filming will result 
in increased sales and lodging tax revenue, Leone said, and is good 
publicity for Nebraska City, a river town known for its museums, apple 
orchards and annual AppleJack Festival.&nbsp;

Some adjustments have been made in Nebraska City to turn the clock 
back to 1991, when the Snack Shack was run by the filmmaker and his 
friend. Clothing and vehicles had to match that period, and some signs 
in town have been altered to make it seem like it was 30 years ago. A 
new snack shack was built. And few cell phones existed in 1991.

The elder Rehmeier said he had to “sign off” on the proposal to the 
city by his then 14-year-old son and a buddy to run the concession stand
 at the Steinhart Park Pool.

“To be honest with you, we thought to some extent it was a joke. But they wanted to make some money,” Rehmeier said. 

“Adam has always been kind of a right-brain kind of person — thinking outside the box. He’s creative and artsy,” his father said. “He figured, ‘Why can’t we do this?’ “

He said that he and his wife and 
other parents assisted in running the concession stand, and the two boys
 made more money than they could at other jobs, especially in the first 
of two years.

The retired judge, who also served on the Nebraska Board of Parole 
and now does mediation work, said he hasn’t read the script of the 
movie, thinking his son wants to keep that as a surprise.

The producers of the film are also not talking about who plays the 
lead characters. That, Foley said, will be released later as part of a 
publicity campaign.

Adam Rehmeier, who was a prolific writer as a youth, has done well in
 the movie business. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for 
two years before transferring to Columbia College in Chicago, which 
specializes in fine arts and cinematography.

He worked on low-budget, independent films for several years and 
served as a documentarian for the jam band Phish. He composed the music 
for a 2011 movie, “The Bunny Game,” and was the cinematographer for 
“Jonas” in 2013.

He was the writer, editor and director of the 2020 film “Dinner in 
America,”&nbsp; which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won several
 awards at other international film competitions.

Rehmeier is working 12- to- 14-hour days shooting the movie, and his 
crew was filming Friday in a house next door, according to his father.

But his son was able to visit some on Friday, which was his 46th birthday.

Foley, a Minnesota native, said the film crew has received a lot of “Nebraska nice” while shooting here.

He said that if all goes well, the movie should be ready by next 
summer, when it will be shown at film festivals in hopes of being picked
 up, as “Dinner in America” was, for wider distribution.

“We have to wait and see what will happen,” Foley said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660223922765.png" alt="Filming of the independent movie, “Snack Shack” — complete with clothes and vehicles from the ’90s — continues in Nebraska City in part thanks to a new state film incentive program. (Courtesy of Lou Leone) " />
 <figcaption>Filming of the independent movie, “Snack Shack” — complete with clothes and vehicles from the ’90s — continues in Nebraska City in part thanks to a new state film incentive program. (Courtesy of Lou Leone) </figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/08/11/nebraska-native-returns-home-to-shoot-film-about-youthful-days-in-nebraska-city/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — A Nebraska native has 
returned home to film a Nebraska story, in large part because of a new 
state grant program for filmmaking.Adam Rehmeier, now a Michigan-based 
screenwriter and director, has been shooting his coming-of-age comedy, 
“Snack Shack,” in his hometown of Nebraska City for the past two weeks 
as part of a six-week shooting schedule.&nbsp;The
 film is based on Rehmeier’s youthful experience running the concession 
stand at age 14 at the Steinhart Park Pool in the Missouri River 
community.<h2>‘A real win’</h2>Up to 65 actors and crew members a 
day have been working on the film. The crew has shot scenes at the 
Nebraska City pool, its movie theater, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha and
 Horseman’s Park in Omaha.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660223973267.jpeg" alt="Writer/director Adam Rehmeier (Courtesy of Randall Rehmeier)" />
 <figcaption>Writer/director Adam Rehmeier (Courtesy of Randall Rehmeier)</figcaption>
 </figure>“It’s a real win for Nebraska City. It’s
 good for the local economy, it’s&nbsp; good for the local people,” said 
Rehmeier’s father, retired District Judge Randall Rehmeier.“I’m glad Adam decided to do it here,” the judge added.The decision to shoot the film, which has a $4.5 million budget, in Nebraska was aided by a new state filmmaking incentive.Last year, state lawmakers set aside $1 million in state grants for 
films and TV productions that feature Nebraska-based stories and 
locales, employ the services of Nebraska film crew members and have 
budgets of at least $1 million.<h2>Three films got grants</h2>Snack Shack received a $200,000 grant. A project from Omaha-based producer/director Dana
 Altman, “Going For Two,” got $400,000. And the planned film “I Am a 
Man” — about the trial of Ponca Chief Standing Bear that gave legal 
recognition of Native Americans as “people” — received $400,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660224007414.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln (Courtesy of Unicameral Information Office)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln (Courtesy of Unicameral Information Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, who proposed the film incentive 
legislation, said she is excited to see the funding “put to good use” — 
supporting the Nebraska film industry and telling Nebraska stories “to 
the world.”“This is exactly what I had in mind,” she said.Production of “I Am a Man” got an additional $5 million allocation of
 federal funds through an economic recovery bill sponsored by Omaha Sen.
 Justin Wayne. Filming of that movie is expected to begin this fall.Jordan Foley, the Los Angeles-based producer of “Snack Shack,” said 
the movie would have likely been shot elsewhere if not for the state 
grant, along with $50,000 in funding from the City of Nebraska City.Rehmeier told the city council last month that film incentives may be
 better in states like Georgia and Ohio, but Nebraska City is where the 
film “needs to be to make it special,” according to News Channel Nebraska.&nbsp;“These three films will definitely be engaging and entertaining,” said Laurie Richards, director of the Nebraska Film Office.&nbsp;<h2>Locals cast in parts</h2>Several Nebraska City residents have been enlisted as extras or for 
bit parts. For instance, the city administrator, Lou Leone, was cast as 
the city park director, and two Peru State College students got roles as
 “party girls.”Leone said his teenage daughter also got some career advice from cast members about working as an art director for a film.“The town itself has been quite upbeat about it,” he said.In addition, the filming will result 
in increased sales and lodging tax revenue, Leone said, and is good 
publicity for Nebraska City, a river town known for its museums, apple 
orchards and annual AppleJack Festival.&nbsp;Some adjustments have been made in Nebraska City to turn the clock 
back to 1991, when the Snack Shack was run by the filmmaker and his 
friend. Clothing and vehicles had to match that period, and some signs 
in town have been altered to make it seem like it was 30 years ago. A 
new snack shack was built. And few cell phones existed in 1991.<h2>Father had to sign off</h2>The elder Rehmeier said he had to “sign off” on the proposal to the 
city by his then 14-year-old son and a buddy to run the concession stand
 at the Steinhart Park Pool.“To be honest with you, we thought to some extent it was a joke. But they wanted to make some money,” Rehmeier said. “Adam has always been kind of a right-brain kind of person — thinking outside the box. He’s creative and artsy,” his father said. “He figured, ‘Why can’t we do this?’ “He said that he and his wife and 
other parents assisted in running the concession stand, and the two boys
 made more money than they could at other jobs, especially in the first 
of two years.<h2>A prolific writer</h2>The retired judge, who also served on the Nebraska Board of Parole 
and now does mediation work, said he hasn’t read the script of the 
movie, thinking his son wants to keep that as a surprise.The producers of the film are also not talking about who plays the 
lead characters. That, Foley said, will be released later as part of a 
publicity campaign.Adam Rehmeier, who was a prolific writer as a youth, has done well in
 the movie business. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for 
two years before transferring to Columbia College in Chicago, which 
specializes in fine arts and cinematography.He worked on low-budget, independent films for several years and 
served as a documentarian for the jam band Phish. He composed the music 
for a 2011 movie, “The Bunny Game,” and was the cinematographer for 
“Jonas” in 2013.He was the writer, editor and director of the 2020 film “Dinner in 
America,”&nbsp; which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won several
 awards at other international film competitions.“He’s the real deal,” Foley said.<h2>Long hours</h2>Rehmeier is working 12- to- 14-hour days shooting the movie, and his 
crew was filming Friday in a house next door, according to his father.But his son was able to visit some on Friday, which was his 46th birthday.Foley, a Minnesota native, said the film crew has received a lot of “Nebraska nice” while shooting here.He said that if all goes well, the movie should be ready by next 
summer, when it will be shown at film festivals in hopes of being picked
 up, as “Dinner in America” was, for wider distribution.“We have to wait and see what will happen,” Foley said.

State grant allows Neb. native returns home to shoot film 

Non-lethal methods also being studied&nbsp;

By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — A decade ago, wildlife officials in the Kansas City area reported that the density of deer in Shawnee Mission Park – a 1,600 acre, multi-use area – was approximately 200 animals per square mile.&nbsp;

“That’s about eight times what we would expect to see naturally in the most abundant areas of our state,” said Drew Ricketts, a wildlife and outdoor enterprise management specialist with K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

Kansas City officials are not alone in their concern regarding over-abundant deer populations in urban and suburban areas. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies reported in 2018 that the population of white-tailed, mule and black-tailed deer in the United States was an estimated 30 million – up 1,000 percent from 300,000 reported 100 years earlier.&nbsp;

Urban and suburban areas often are attractive to deer because of an abundance of food and lack of predators.&nbsp;

But Ricketts notes that over-abundant populations create several risks, including:&nbsp;

Ten years ago, officials in the Shawnee Mission Park area addressed their problem by hiring a contractor, which then trained sharpshooters to reduce the density of deer in the park.&nbsp;

Ricketts noted that some groups also are interested in non-lethal means of managing deer populations, primarily by reducing birth rates. Researchers have tested the effectiveness of performing an ovariectomy – removing the ovaries in the females – and found they could reduce populations by up to 45% over a wide geographic area.&nbsp;

Another method is essentially birth control for white-tailed deer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Wildlife Services developed an immunocontraceptive vaccine called GonaCon to manage animal populations. The tactic indicates as much as an 86% reduction in pregnancy rates in does that were treated twice.&nbsp;

So far, though, culling is the least expensive option. Ricketts noted that culling costs about $540 per deer, while the ovariectomy is $1200 on average and GonaCon – which requires two vaccinations – is $2100 on average.&nbsp;

“Sometimes a problem also opens up a new opportunity,” Ricketts said. “We have a very successful urban archery hunting program in the greater Kansas City area, and from other studies around the country, we think we can have up to a 45% population reduction per year.”&nbsp;

Urban archery hunts, he adds, “uses hunters who are excited for the opportunity to harvest a deer as a tool to reduce and sustainably manage overabundant deer populations, while also saving taxpayer dollars.”&nbsp;

The methods used to decrease deer populations, however, often come down to a preference of local authorities and citizens.&nbsp;

“I would encourage reaching out to your local officials, including city council members, mayor and your wildlife and parks commissioner,” Ricketts said. “Between those groups, you will be able to have your voice heard and express your opinions about urban archery hunts or whatever management practices you might like to be considered for over-abundant deer populations in urban areas.”&nbsp;

More information on managing wildlife is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/undergraduate/wildlife-and-outdoor-enterprise-mgt/index.html">available online from K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources</a>.&nbsp;

<h2>Non-lethal methods also being studied&nbsp;</h2>By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;MANHATTAN — A decade ago, wildlife officials in the Kansas City area reported that the density of deer in Shawnee Mission Park – a 1,600 acre, multi-use area – was approximately 200 animals per square mile.&nbsp;“That’s about eight times what we would expect to see naturally in the most abundant areas of our state,” said Drew Ricketts, a wildlife and outdoor enterprise management specialist with K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;Kansas City officials are not alone in their concern regarding over-abundant deer populations in urban and suburban areas. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies reported in 2018 that the population of white-tailed, mule and black-tailed deer in the United States was an estimated 30 million – up 1,000 percent from 300,000 reported 100 years earlier.&nbsp;Urban and suburban areas often are attractive to deer because of an abundance of food and lack of predators.&nbsp;But Ricketts notes that over-abundant populations create several risks, including:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Deer-vehicle collisions.&nbsp;</li><li>Tickborne pathogens; ticks tend to be more abundant in areas where deer are more abundant, “and it’s more likely that the ticks are going to carry those pathogens in areas where there are a lot of deer,” Ricketts said.&nbsp;</li><li>Damage to vegetation, including homeowners’ gardens or expensive plants.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Ten years ago, officials in the Shawnee Mission Park area addressed their problem by hiring a contractor, which then trained sharpshooters to reduce the density of deer in the park.&nbsp;Ricketts noted that some groups also are interested in non-lethal means of managing deer populations, primarily by reducing birth rates. Researchers have tested the effectiveness of performing an ovariectomy – removing the ovaries in the females – and found they could reduce populations by up to 45% over a wide geographic area.&nbsp;Another method is essentially birth control for white-tailed deer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Wildlife Services developed an immunocontraceptive vaccine called GonaCon to manage animal populations. The tactic indicates as much as an 86% reduction in pregnancy rates in does that were treated twice.&nbsp;So far, though, culling is the least expensive option. Ricketts noted that culling costs about $540 per deer, while the ovariectomy is $1200 on average and GonaCon – which requires two vaccinations – is $2100 on average.&nbsp;“Sometimes a problem also opens up a new opportunity,” Ricketts said. “We have a very successful urban archery hunting program in the greater Kansas City area, and from other studies around the country, we think we can have up to a 45% population reduction per year.”&nbsp;Urban archery hunts, he adds, “uses hunters who are excited for the opportunity to harvest a deer as a tool to reduce and sustainably manage overabundant deer populations, while also saving taxpayer dollars.”&nbsp;The methods used to decrease deer populations, however, often come down to a preference of local authorities and citizens.&nbsp;“I would encourage reaching out to your local officials, including city council members, mayor and your wildlife and parks commissioner,” Ricketts said. “Between those groups, you will be able to have your voice heard and express your opinions about urban archery hunts or whatever management practices you might like to be considered for over-abundant deer populations in urban areas.”&nbsp;More information on managing wildlife is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/undergraduate/wildlife-and-outdoor-enterprise-mgt/index.html">available online from K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources</a>.&nbsp;Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Researchers examine 'urban archery' to reduce deer populations

Concerts are back! Bands are touring again, and <a href="https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/eservices/event-tickets/worldwide#revenue" target="_blank">ticket spending</a> is back to pre-COVID-19 levels. This fact hasn’t gone unnoticed by scammers, though. Recent reports to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a> indicate that con artists are preying on concertgoers by pretending to represent popular ticket seller <a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/beverly-hills/profile/event-ticket-sales/ticketmaster-corp-1216-31068" target="_blank">Ticketmaster</a>.

You are looking to buy tickets to an upcoming concert or need to 
transfer tickets for a show that was postponed due to COVID-19. You do 
an internet search for your question, which brings up results for 
Ticketmaster. You click through to the website, and everything looks 
normal.

The website prompts you to enter your personal information and a 
credit card number. However, as soon as you complete a transaction, you 
notice some suspicious activity. You might receive tickets with someone 
else’s name on them, or you may never receive your tickets at all. In 
other cases, you get the tickets, but the site charges you a much higher
 rate than advertised.

Upon closer inspection, you realize you were not on the Ticketmaster 
site at all! It was a lookalike site with a similar name, such as 
“TicketSmarter” or “TicketFaster.” When you call the customer service 
number, they are either unreachable, unhelpful, or downright aggressive.

One ticket buyer reported this experience: “They sent me two tickets 
with someone else's name on them, and they also charged me three times 
the amount [of] the ticket price. I have no way to get a refund and no 
customer service to contact (except by email) because they do not answer
 their phone.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660338316654.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>BBBConcerts are back! Bands are touring again, and <a href="https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/eservices/event-tickets/worldwide#revenue" target="_blank">ticket spending</a> is back to pre-COVID-19 levels. This fact hasn’t gone unnoticed by scammers, though. Recent reports to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a> indicate that con artists are preying on concertgoers by pretending to represent popular ticket seller <a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/beverly-hills/profile/event-ticket-sales/ticketmaster-corp-1216-31068" target="_blank">Ticketmaster</a>.<h2>How the scam works</h2>You are looking to buy tickets to an upcoming concert or need to 
transfer tickets for a show that was postponed due to COVID-19. You do 
an internet search for your question, which brings up results for 
Ticketmaster. You click through to the website, and everything looks 
normal.The website prompts you to enter your personal information and a 
credit card number. However, as soon as you complete a transaction, you 
notice some suspicious activity. You might receive tickets with someone 
else’s name on them, or you may never receive your tickets at all. In 
other cases, you get the tickets, but the site charges you a much higher
 rate than advertised.Upon closer inspection, you realize you were not on the Ticketmaster 
site at all! It was a lookalike site with a similar name, such as 
“TicketSmarter” or “TicketFaster.” When you call the customer service 
number, they are either unreachable, unhelpful, or downright aggressive.One ticket buyer reported this experience: “They sent me two tickets 
with someone else's name on them, and they also charged me three times 
the amount [of] the ticket price. I have no way to get a refund and no 
customer service to contact (except by email) because they do not answer
 their phone.”<h2>&nbsp;How to avoid event ticket scams</h2><ul>
 <li>Purchase from the venue. The safest way to purchase
 event tickets is to go directly through the venue, either in person or 
through their official website. The venue’s website may point you to 
Ticketmaster or another provider to complete your purchase, but you can 
be sure of having the correct website URL. </li><li>Check out the seller. If you purchase from a third-party company, make sure they are a reputable ticket vendor or <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/26662-bbb-tip-what-to-know-about-buying-tickets-from-an-online-reseller" target="_blank">reseller</a>, not a ticket scalper. Check reviews on <a href="http://www.BBB.org" target="_blank">BBB.org.</a> </li><li>Watch out for <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam/how-to-identify-a-fake-website" target="_blank">fake websites</a>. Take
 a close look at the website’s URL to ensure there are no slight 
misspellings. Impostors like to make lookalike websites with domain 
names that are similar to well-known business names. This makes them 
hard to spot. </li><li>Use a safe payment method. Always make online 
purchases with your credit card. You can dispute fraudulent charges and 
have a better chance of getting your money back. </li>
 </ul>

BBB warns consumers about Ticketmaster lookalike schemes

WASHINGTON (AP) — An Iranian operative has been charged in a plot to murder former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-bolton">U.S. national security adviser John Bolton</a>&nbsp;in presumed retaliation for a U.S. airstrike that killed the country’s most powerful general, offering $300,000 to “eliminate” the Trump administration official, the Justice Department said Wednesday.

Shahram Poursafi, identified by U.S. officials as a member of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, is currently wanted by the FBI on charges related to the murder-for-hire plot.

Prosecutors say the scheme unfolded more than a year after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/qassim-soleimani">Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force</a>&nbsp;and an architect of Tehran’s proxy wars in the Middle East, was killed in a targeted airstrike as he traveled from Baghdad’s international airport in January 2020. After the strike, Bolton, who by then had left his White House post, tweeted, “Hope this is the first step to regime change in Tehran.”

The FBI believes that Poursafi was acting on behalf of the Revolutionary Guard when he sought to have Bolton killed, according to an affidavit unsealed Wednesday. Law enforcement officials located photographs of Poursafi in fatigues and with posters of Iran and Soleimani in the background to back up their allegation that he is a uniformed Revolutionary Guard member.

The Justice Department traces the plot to the fall of 2021, when Poursafi, 45, an Iranian citizen who officials say has never visited the United States, asked an unidentified person he met through social media and who was living in the U.S. to take photographs of Bolton for a book he said he was writing.

The person introduced Poursafi to an associate that could take the requested photos and videos. After the two connected, Poursafi encouraged that person, who was actually a confidential source working with the FBI, to hire someone to kill Bolton and offered to pay $300,000 for the job. Poursafi told the person that he wanted “the guy” to be purged or eliminated.

Poursafi provided the person with Bolton’s office address, including the name and contact information for someone who worked in the office, the FBI affidavit says.

“This was not an idle threat,” Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, the Justice Department’s top national security official, said in a statement released by the department. “And this is not the first time we’ve uncovered brazen acts by Iran to exact revenge against individuals in the U.S.”

In 2011, for instance, the FBI and Justice Department revealed an Iranian government plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the U.S. while the ambassador was in the U.S.

A spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry, Nasser Kanaani, called the latest accusations baseless and politically motivated, state-run media reported.

He said Iran “reserves the right to take any action within the framework of international law to defend the rights of the government and citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

In his own statement, Bolton thanked the FBI and Justice Department for their work in developing the case and the Secret Service for providing protection.

“While much cannot be said publicly right now, one point is indisputable: Iran’s rulers are liars, terrorists, and enemies of the United States,” he said.

The unsealing of the complaint comes two days after negotiators seeking to revive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-iran-dubai-nuclear-middle-east-45ce172ef6fbcf367c77b11ea8c045f5">the Iran nuclear accord</a>&nbsp;in Vienna closed on a “final text” of an agreement, with parties now consulting in their capitals on whether to agree to it it.

The 2015 deal granted Iran sanctions relief in exchange for tight curbs on its atomic program. Since the U.S. withdrew from the agreement under President Donald Trump, Iran has sped up its nuclear enrichment program. Bolton has been among the most hawkish critics of the deal and efforts by the Biden administration to rejoin it.

In his statement, Bolton said “Iran’s nuclear-weapons and terrorist activities are two sides of the same coin” and asserted that America re-entering the 2015 deal would be an “unparalleled self-inflicted wound, to ourselves and our closest Middle East allies.”

The Justice Department described Poursafi as at-large abroad but did not elaborate on where he might be located. It is not clear when or if he will be taken into custody. He faces charges of using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire and attempting to provide transnational support to a murder plot.

The Revolutionary Guard is a paramilitary organization formed in the wake of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution to defend its clerically overseen government. The Quds Force is the Guard’s expeditionary unit, responsible for operations abroad.

Soleimani was the head of that force, and the Defense Department said at the time of the January 2020 strike that it killed him because he “was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647123002389.png" alt="In May, the State Department reported they are paying more than $2 million per month to provide 24-hour security to former Kansas congressman and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a former top aide, both of whom face “serious and credible” threats from Iran-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>In May, the State Department reported they are paying more than $2 million per month to provide 24-hour security to former Kansas congressman and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a former top aide, both of whom face “serious and credible” threats from Iran-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — An Iranian operative has been charged in a plot to murder former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-bolton">U.S. national security adviser John Bolton</a>&nbsp;in presumed retaliation for a U.S. airstrike that killed the country’s most powerful general, offering $300,000 to “eliminate” the Trump administration official, the Justice Department said Wednesday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WhS_Oex6Vl0?start=8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Shahram Poursafi, identified by U.S. officials as a member of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, is currently wanted by the FBI on charges related to the murder-for-hire plot.Prosecutors say the scheme unfolded more than a year after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/qassim-soleimani">Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force</a>&nbsp;and an architect of Tehran’s proxy wars in the Middle East, was killed in a targeted airstrike as he traveled from Baghdad’s international airport in January 2020. After the strike, Bolton, who by then had left his White House post, tweeted, “Hope this is the first step to regime change in Tehran.”The FBI believes that Poursafi was acting on behalf of the Revolutionary Guard when he sought to have Bolton killed, according to an affidavit unsealed Wednesday. Law enforcement officials located photographs of Poursafi in fatigues and with posters of Iran and Soleimani in the background to back up their allegation that he is a uniformed Revolutionary Guard member.The Justice Department traces the plot to the fall of 2021, when Poursafi, 45, an Iranian citizen who officials say has never visited the United States, asked an unidentified person he met through social media and who was living in the U.S. to take photographs of Bolton for a book he said he was writing.The person introduced Poursafi to an associate that could take the requested photos and videos. After the two connected, Poursafi encouraged that person, who was actually a confidential source working with the FBI, to hire someone to kill Bolton and offered to pay $300,000 for the job. Poursafi told the person that he wanted “the guy” to be purged or eliminated.Poursafi provided the person with Bolton’s office address, including the name and contact information for someone who worked in the office, the FBI affidavit says.“This was not an idle threat,” Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, the Justice Department’s top national security official, said in a statement released by the department. “And this is not the first time we’ve uncovered brazen acts by Iran to exact revenge against individuals in the U.S.”In 2011, for instance, the FBI and Justice Department revealed an Iranian government plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the U.S. while the ambassador was in the U.S.A spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry, Nasser Kanaani, called the latest accusations baseless and politically motivated, state-run media reported.He said Iran “reserves the right to take any action within the framework of international law to defend the rights of the government and citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”In his own statement, Bolton thanked the FBI and Justice Department for their work in developing the case and the Secret Service for providing protection.“While much cannot be said publicly right now, one point is indisputable: Iran’s rulers are liars, terrorists, and enemies of the United States,” he said.The unsealing of the complaint comes two days after negotiators seeking to revive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-iran-dubai-nuclear-middle-east-45ce172ef6fbcf367c77b11ea8c045f5">the Iran nuclear accord</a>&nbsp;in Vienna closed on a “final text” of an agreement, with parties now consulting in their capitals on whether to agree to it it.The 2015 deal granted Iran sanctions relief in exchange for tight curbs on its atomic program. Since the U.S. withdrew from the agreement under President Donald Trump, Iran has sped up its nuclear enrichment program. Bolton has been among the most hawkish critics of the deal and efforts by the Biden administration to rejoin it.In his statement, Bolton said “Iran’s nuclear-weapons and terrorist activities are two sides of the same coin” and asserted that America re-entering the 2015 deal would be an “unparalleled self-inflicted wound, to ourselves and our closest Middle East allies.”The Justice Department described Poursafi as at-large abroad but did not elaborate on where he might be located. It is not clear when or if he will be taken into custody. He faces charges of using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire and attempting to provide transnational support to a murder plot.The Revolutionary Guard is a paramilitary organization formed in the wake of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution to defend its clerically overseen government. The Quds Force is the Guard’s expeditionary unit, responsible for operations abroad.Soleimani was the head of that force, and the Defense Department said at the time of the January 2020 strike that it killed him because he “was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.”

🎥 Justice Department: Iran continues to target U.S. citizens

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Two suspects accused in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">the death</a> of a Kansas man whose body was found in a culvert in 2010 are due in court Thursday morning.

&nbsp;Kristopher Valadez, 32,&nbsp; and Candace Valadez, 32, are scheduled to appear in&nbsp;Judge Sean Hatfield’s courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

The couple were extradited from South Carolina to Kansas on Tuesday and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to the sheriff's department booking report.&nbsp;

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18699872">He was being held on </a>a requested charge of second degree murder. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20077021">She was jailed on</a> a requested charge of aiding a felon, according to online records.&nbsp;They bonded out of custody on Wednesday, according to the district attorney's office.

In February of 2010, 19-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">German Clerici's </a>mother reported him missing after she had not heard from him since late January, according to a statement from the Butler County Sheriff's office.&nbsp; Clerici's car was also missing.

Several days later, investigators found <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">Clerici </a>shot to death in a culvert east of Augusta. Four months later, deputies found his car in the 3000 Block of East 21st North in Wichita.

In 2021, Butler County Sheriff Monty Hughey had investigators take a fresh look at the case.&nbsp; They discovered information that prompted investigators to conduct follow-up interviews and learned more information and new evidence in the case.&nbsp;

&nbsp;In July,&nbsp; investigators from the Butler County Sheriff's officials traveled to South Carolina. With the assistance of the Greenville South Carolina County Sheriff's Office and Wichita police, deputies arrested the couple. Both are former Wichita residents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660137633434.png" alt="Kristopher Valadez-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Kristopher Valadez-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Two suspects accused in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">the death</a> of a Kansas man whose body was found in a culvert in 2010 are due in court Thursday morning.&nbsp;Kristopher Valadez, 32,&nbsp; and Candace Valadez, 32, are scheduled to appear in&nbsp;Judge Sean Hatfield’s courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.The couple were extradited from South Carolina to Kansas on Tuesday and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to the sheriff's department booking report.&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18699872">He was being held on </a>a requested charge of second degree murder. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20077021">She was jailed on</a> a requested charge of aiding a felon, according to online records.&nbsp;They bonded out of custody on Wednesday, according to the district attorney's office.In February of 2010, 19-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">German Clerici's </a>mother reported him missing after she had not heard from him since late January, according to a statement from the Butler County Sheriff's office.&nbsp; Clerici's car was also missing.Several days later, investigators found <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">Clerici </a>shot to death in a culvert east of Augusta. Four months later, deputies found his car in the 3000 Block of East 21st North in Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660137611719.png" alt="Candace Valadez-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Candace Valadez-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2021, Butler County Sheriff Monty Hughey had investigators take a fresh look at the case.&nbsp; They discovered information that prompted investigators to conduct follow-up interviews and learned more information and new evidence in the case.&nbsp;&nbsp;In July,&nbsp; investigators from the Butler County Sheriff's officials traveled to South Carolina. With the assistance of the Greenville South Carolina County Sheriff's Office and Wichita police, deputies arrested the couple. Both are former Wichita residents.

Suspects in 2010 murder set to face Kansas judge

PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a violent altercation in Larned made his first court appearance Wednesday.

Mateo Francisco Alonzo, 25, Larned, was charged with Attempted First Degree Murder and one count of Forgery, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. The Murder charge contains an alternate charge of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

The charges stem from an alleged stabbing at a residence in Larned, Kansas, during the earlier morning hours of August 6.

A private vehicle transported the victim to the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital for treatment, according to McNett.

 The allegations were investigated by the Larned Police Department with the assistance of the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department. Alonzo was arrested without incident at a separate residence approximately an hour after law enforcement received the initial dispatch call.

&nbsp;A Preliminary Hearing has been scheduled for August 19.

Alonzo is being held in Pawnee County on a $100,000 bond, according to McNett.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660173703114.png" alt="Alanzo-photo Pawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Alanzo-photo Pawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a violent altercation in Larned made his first court appearance Wednesday.Mateo Francisco Alonzo, 25, Larned, was charged with Attempted First Degree Murder and one count of Forgery, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. The Murder charge contains an alternate charge of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.The charges stem from an alleged stabbing at a residence in Larned, Kansas, during the earlier morning hours of August 6.A private vehicle transported the victim to the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital for treatment, according to McNett. The allegations were investigated by the Larned Police Department with the assistance of the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department. Alonzo was arrested without incident at a separate residence approximately an hour after law enforcement received the initial dispatch call.&nbsp;A Preliminary Hearing has been scheduled for August 19.Alonzo is being held in Pawnee County on a $100,000 bond, according to McNett.

Man charged for violent stabbing at SW Kansas home

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Western semi driven by&nbsp; Mark E&nbsp;Stanwix, 44, Lecompton, was eastbound on U.S. 24 just west of Airport Road.

The semi rear-ended a 2008 Ford Edge driven by Megan K. Schindler, 34, St. Mary's, who was slowing and coming up behind a 2013 Ford F250 driven by Randy L. Tinkel, 37, Wamego, who was stopped waiting to make a left turn.&nbsp; The impact pushed the semi and Ford Edge into the pickup.

The Ford Edge came to rest on its side north of the roadway. The Ford F250 came to rest on the south side of the roadway on its roof. The semi&nbsp; came to rest on the south of the roadway in a field.

Randy Tinkel was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Stewart's Funeral Home.

EMS transported a 2-year-old boy and a 7-year-old boy in the pickup to Children's Mercy.&nbsp; EMS transported a third passenger in the Ford F 250 Jillian C Tinkel, 36, Wamego, to Wamego Health Center.

EMS transported Schindler to Stormont Vail. Stanwix was not injured. The adults in the Ford F250 were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Pottawatomie County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Western semi driven by&nbsp; Mark E&nbsp;Stanwix, 44, Lecompton, was eastbound on U.S. 24 just west of Airport Road.The semi rear-ended a 2008 Ford Edge driven by Megan K. Schindler, 34, St. Mary's, who was slowing and coming up behind a 2013 Ford F250 driven by Randy L. Tinkel, 37, Wamego, who was stopped waiting to make a left turn.&nbsp; The impact pushed the semi and Ford Edge into the pickup.The Ford Edge came to rest on its side north of the roadway. The Ford F250 came to rest on the south side of the roadway on its roof. The semi&nbsp; came to rest on the south of the roadway in a field.Randy Tinkel was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Stewart's Funeral Home.EMS transported a 2-year-old boy and a 7-year-old boy in the pickup to Children's Mercy.&nbsp; EMS transported a third passenger in the Ford F 250 Jillian C Tinkel, 36, Wamego, to Wamego Health Center.EMS transported Schindler to Stormont Vail. Stanwix was not injured. The adults in the Ford F250 were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kan. man dead, 2 adults and 2 children injured in 3-vehicle crash

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;

Read <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/10496-bbb-9-tips-to-avoid-id-theft-on-campus" target="_blank">9 ways for students to avoid ID theft on campus</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660238659268.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</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>Read <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/10496-bbb-9-tips-to-avoid-id-theft-on-campus" target="_blank">9 ways for students to avoid ID theft on campus</a>.

Scam Alert: Six scams for college students to avoid

TOPEKA –&nbsp; A Kansas man and three corporate entities he controlled have been permanently banned from doing business and ordered to pay more than $250,000 in restitution related to providing unlawful autopsy services, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Shawn Parcells, 42, who has resided in both Leawood and Topeka, and corporate entities Parcells Forensic Pathology Group LLC; ParCo-Parcells and Company, LLC; and National Autopsy and Tissue Recovery Services, Inc., were ordered by Shawnee County District Court Judge Mary Christopher to pay $254,762.98 in restitution to 82 consumers related to private autopsy services. Parcells and the corporations were also ordered to pay a $200,000 penalty for violating the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, a $200,000 penalty for violation of the Kansas False Claims Act related to coroner ordered autopsy services provided to Wabaunsee County, and ordered to pay Wabaunsee County $49,600 in damages. Parcells and the corporations were also ordered to pay $60,000 in investigative and receivership fees. Parcells agreed to the terms in consent judgments approved last week by Christopher.

Christopher banned Parcells and the corporate entities from doing business in Kansas related to services relating to the human body; performing services regulated as a healing art, including any COVID-related services; and from filing a claim against any political subdivision. He is required to comply with all Kansas statutes that regulate any profession, and is prohibited from using any titles or initials that include professions in the healing arts or any other profession for which he is not educated, certified or qualified.

Schmidt initially filed the case in 2019 alleging Parcells contracted with Wabaunsee County to conduct coroner-ordered autopsies and failed to conduct them in accordance with Kansas law. Additionally, the petition alleged Parcells performed private autopsies without the presence or supervision of a licensed pathologist or otherwise in violation of consumer protection laws.

In the course of the civil investigation and litigation, the state obtained control of more than 1,700 biological samples collected by Parcells. In November 2019, Christopher appointed the secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as receiver and directed KDHE to take control of the samples. Under court order, the state cataloged and stored the samples. Schmidt said that upon proper and verified request, samples are released to family members who request them. The receivership is ending soon; a notice will be posted on the attorney general’s website and distributed to the media providing family members 30 days to submit a request for release of samples. After that date, any remaining samples not requested for release will be processed by order of the court. Family members may call the attorney general’s Victim Services Division at (785) 291-3950 for more information.

“It is important to remember that behind all these case details are individuals and family members who have been put in unimaginable circumstances due to Parcells’s conduct,” Schmidt said. “Navigating the loss of a loved one can be difficult enough, but the additional harm created by Shawn Parcells has added to that difficulty. Though the resolution of this case does not undo that harm, our hope is that affected family members can now at least properly grieve.”

In November 2021, a jury convicted Parcells on six criminal charges related to providing autopsy services in Wabaunsee County. In that case, Parcells was convicted of three counts of felony theft and three misdemeanor counts of criminal desecration. The jury found that Parcells unlawfully obtained money from Wabaunsee County to perform autopsies in three cases. In addition, Parcells had unauthorized control of bodies, and performed autopsies in three instances without a pathologist performing the autopsies, acts that are all in violation of state law. Parcells’ crimes took place in 2014 and 2015. Sentencing is pending.

The civil case against Parcells was handled by Assistant Attorney General Melanie Jack of Schmidt’s office. Copies of the consent judgments are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/judgments">www.inyourcornerkansas.org/judgments</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574875994992.png" alt="Shawn Parcells photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Shawn Parcells photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp; A Kansas man and three corporate entities he controlled have been permanently banned from doing business and ordered to pay more than $250,000 in restitution related to providing unlawful autopsy services, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Shawn Parcells, 42, who has resided in both Leawood and Topeka, and corporate entities Parcells Forensic Pathology Group LLC; ParCo-Parcells and Company, LLC; and National Autopsy and Tissue Recovery Services, Inc., were ordered by Shawnee County District Court Judge Mary Christopher to pay $254,762.98 in restitution to 82 consumers related to private autopsy services. Parcells and the corporations were also ordered to pay a $200,000 penalty for violating the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, a $200,000 penalty for violation of the Kansas False Claims Act related to coroner ordered autopsy services provided to Wabaunsee County, and ordered to pay Wabaunsee County $49,600 in damages. Parcells and the corporations were also ordered to pay $60,000 in investigative and receivership fees. Parcells agreed to the terms in consent judgments approved last week by Christopher. Christopher banned Parcells and the corporate entities from doing business in Kansas related to services relating to the human body; performing services regulated as a healing art, including any COVID-related services; and from filing a claim against any political subdivision. He is required to comply with all Kansas statutes that regulate any profession, and is prohibited from using any titles or initials that include professions in the healing arts or any other profession for which he is not educated, certified or qualified. Schmidt initially filed the case in 2019 alleging Parcells contracted with Wabaunsee County to conduct coroner-ordered autopsies and failed to conduct them in accordance with Kansas law. Additionally, the petition alleged Parcells performed private autopsies without the presence or supervision of a licensed pathologist or otherwise in violation of consumer protection laws. In the course of the civil investigation and litigation, the state obtained control of more than 1,700 biological samples collected by Parcells. In November 2019, Christopher appointed the secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as receiver and directed KDHE to take control of the samples. Under court order, the state cataloged and stored the samples. Schmidt said that upon proper and verified request, samples are released to family members who request them. The receivership is ending soon; a notice will be posted on the attorney general’s website and distributed to the media providing family members 30 days to submit a request for release of samples. After that date, any remaining samples not requested for release will be processed by order of the court. Family members may call the attorney general’s Victim Services Division at (785) 291-3950 for more information. “It is important to remember that behind all these case details are individuals and family members who have been put in unimaginable circumstances due to Parcells’s conduct,” Schmidt said. “Navigating the loss of a loved one can be difficult enough, but the additional harm created by Shawn Parcells has added to that difficulty. Though the resolution of this case does not undo that harm, our hope is that affected family members can now at least properly grieve.” In November 2021, a jury convicted Parcells on six criminal charges related to providing autopsy services in Wabaunsee County. In that case, Parcells was convicted of three counts of felony theft and three misdemeanor counts of criminal desecration. The jury found that Parcells unlawfully obtained money from Wabaunsee County to perform autopsies in three cases. In addition, Parcells had unauthorized control of bodies, and performed autopsies in three instances without a pathologist performing the autopsies, acts that are all in violation of state law. Parcells’ crimes took place in 2014 and 2015. Sentencing is pending. The civil case against Parcells was handled by Assistant Attorney General Melanie Jack of Schmidt’s office. Copies of the consent judgments are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/judgments">www.inyourcornerkansas.org/judgments</a>.&nbsp;

Kan. man who performed illegal autopsies fined $250K

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just after At 10p.m. Monday, a sheriff’s K-9 unit conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 35 just south of the Melvern exit for an alleged traffic violation, according to a media release. During the stop, the Osage County deputy found illegal narcotics and an illegal firearm.

The driver identified as 37-year-old Tanna L. Darnell of Independence, Kansas and passenger were both taken into custody&nbsp; and transported to the Osage County Jail. 

Darnell is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of marijuana, Interference with law enforcement, Possession of drug paraphernalia and No drug tax stamp. 

The passenger 49-year-old&nbsp; Kenyon M. Johnson, 49, of Olathe is being held on a requested charge of&nbsp; Defacing identification marks on a firearm and Transporting an open container of an alcoholic beverage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660063199541.png" alt="Johnson-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just after At 10p.m. Monday, a sheriff’s K-9 unit conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 35 just south of the Melvern exit for an alleged traffic violation, according to a media release. During the stop, the Osage County deputy found illegal narcotics and an illegal firearm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660063179773.png" alt="Darnell-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Darnell-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver identified as 37-year-old Tanna L. Darnell of Independence, Kansas and passenger were both taken into custody&nbsp; and transported to the Osage County Jail. Darnell is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Possession of marijuana, Interference with law enforcement, Possession of drug paraphernalia and No drug tax stamp. The passenger 49-year-old&nbsp; Kenyon M. Johnson, 49, of Olathe is being held on a requested charge of&nbsp; Defacing identification marks on a firearm and Transporting an open container of an alcoholic beverage.

Kan. deputy finds stolen firearm, drugs during traffic stop

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. (AP) — A Black family says racism prompted officials at a suburban Kansas City water park to cancel a private pool party for their 17-year-old son's birthday during the weekend.

Chris Evans said he signed a contract with Summit Waves Aquatic Facility in Lee's Summit to host 250 people for the party on Saturday. But when his sons arrived at the park they were told the reservation was canceled and were not given a reason, Evans said at a news conference Tuesday.

Evans said he and his wife learned while they were on the way to the water park that “this event doesn’t represent Lee’s Summit Waves and that my reservation was canceled because (a park official) was uncomfortable," The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article264315676.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.

That official, flanked by police officers, met the parents when they arrived and reiterated that the party would not be held.

“What are you scared of, Lee’s Summit?” Evans asked at the news conference. “Why are you uncomfortable?”

Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation Department, which operates the water park, said in a statement issued Tuesday that it apologized to the Evans family because of miscommunication and missed processes that led to the cancellation.

The statement said its investigation found the department failed to arrange additional security for the party, which Evans paid for as part of his contract. Parks officials said the event was promoted on social media although the contract said that would not happen.

After several unsuccessful efforts to reach the Evans, the department decided to cancel the party, according to the statement.

“Safety pertaining to the anticipated crowd size and the potential impact it might have on party guests and the staff was the sole reason for the cancellation,” the statement said.

Park department officials said up to 500 people showed up in the parking lot for the party but Evans countered the event was canceled before the teenagers arrived and there was “never anything close to 500 kids in the parking lot.”

“My kids were heartbroken that the party was canceled,” he said. “They are good kids who make good grades, have bright futures and do not deserve to be treated like this. And that goes for all the kids at the park that day.”

Lee’s Summit Mayor William Baird on Tuesday criticized the department's handling of the incident and denounced "appalling” statements he said a park employee made on social media after the incident.

“We must intentionally embrace a culture that is welcoming and inclusive, and we must continually denounce any urge or impulse to exclude,” he said.

The parks department's statement on Tuesday said its administrator apologized to the Evans family for “the inappropriate and insensitive language” used by staff and said appropriate actions would be taken.

The department said it would review its rental processes, including communication, and improve training to align with the city's diversity and inclusion efforts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660165915075.png" alt="Photo courtesy Summit Waves" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Summit Waves</figcaption>
 </figure>LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. (AP) — A Black family says racism prompted officials at a suburban Kansas City water park to cancel a private pool party for their 17-year-old son's birthday during the weekend.Chris Evans said he signed a contract with Summit Waves Aquatic Facility in Lee's Summit to host 250 people for the party on Saturday. But when his sons arrived at the park they were told the reservation was canceled and were not given a reason, Evans said at a news conference Tuesday.Evans said he and his wife learned while they were on the way to the water park that “this event doesn’t represent Lee’s Summit Waves and that my reservation was canceled because (a park official) was uncomfortable," The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article264315676.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.That official, flanked by police officers, met the parents when they arrived and reiterated that the party would not be held.“What are you scared of, Lee’s Summit?” Evans asked at the news conference. “Why are you uncomfortable?”Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation Department, which operates the water park, said in a statement issued Tuesday that it apologized to the Evans family because of miscommunication and missed processes that led to the cancellation.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSummitWaves%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02LvezGDYcTz9K6UB3Ng955o3nMUzir4AcPm8qLr5M2oAsQRNcJ8EN7kHtucLeqYcVl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="195" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The statement said its investigation found the department failed to arrange additional security for the party, which Evans paid for as part of his contract. Parks officials said the event was promoted on social media although the contract said that would not happen.After several unsuccessful efforts to reach the Evans, the department decided to cancel the party, according to the statement.“Safety pertaining to the anticipated crowd size and the potential impact it might have on party guests and the staff was the sole reason for the cancellation,” the statement said.Park department officials said up to 500 people showed up in the parking lot for the party but Evans countered the event was canceled before the teenagers arrived and there was “never anything close to 500 kids in the parking lot.”“My kids were heartbroken that the party was canceled,” he said. “They are good kids who make good grades, have bright futures and do not deserve to be treated like this. And that goes for all the kids at the park that day.”Lee’s Summit Mayor William Baird on Tuesday criticized the department's handling of the incident and denounced "appalling” statements he said a park employee made on social media after the incident.“We must intentionally embrace a culture that is welcoming and inclusive, and we must continually denounce any urge or impulse to exclude,” he said.The parks department's statement on Tuesday said its administrator apologized to the Evans family for “the inappropriate and insensitive language” used by staff and said appropriate actions would be taken.The department said it would review its rental processes, including communication, and improve training to align with the city's diversity and inclusion efforts.

Family says racism led to KC-area water park to cancel pool party 

SHAWNEE COUNTY–The search for a second suspect accused in a violent Kansas armed robbery is over.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Task Force in collaboration with other agencies located and arrested 20-year-old London D. Pike near Jefferson County and and Leavenworth County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Just after 6p.m. Tuesday, Pike of Topeka&nbsp; was booked into jail, according to Shawnee County inmate records.

He is being held on requested charges of rape, aggravated kidnapping, theft, aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon and aggravated intimidation of a witness, criminal threat, according to online records.

On the evening of July 16, sheriff's deputies were dispatched for an unknown problem in the 11,000 block of SW 29th Street in Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

&nbsp;A 27-year-old female victim was taken at gun point from Topeka to this location.

During this time, the victim was struck in the head with a firearm, threatened and stripped of her outer clothing. The victim’s black 2017 Chevrolet Malibu was stolen and she was left in the roadway. A citizen found her walking and called 911.

The victim received medical attention on scene by American Medical Response&nbsp;and was then transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Christian.

Throughout the investigation, deputies identified two suspects. 41-year-old Nicole Fox and Pike.&nbsp;

On August 1, authorities arrested Fox in Allen County in&nbsp;the July 25 death of 34-year-old Blake Pearson in Chanute, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660140598262.png" alt="Pike-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Pike-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY–The search for a second suspect accused in a violent Kansas armed robbery is over.&nbsp;On Tuesday, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Task Force in collaboration with other agencies located and arrested 20-year-old London D. Pike near Jefferson County and and Leavenworth County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Just after 6p.m. Tuesday, Pike of Topeka&nbsp; was booked into jail, according to Shawnee County inmate records.He is being held on requested charges of rape, aggravated kidnapping, theft, aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon and aggravated intimidation of a witness, criminal threat, according to online records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659024111950.png" alt="Pike in a photo released by the Shawnee Co. Sheriff's office as they asked the public for help to locate the suspect." />
 <figcaption>Pike in a photo released by the Shawnee Co. Sheriff's office as they asked the public for help to locate the suspect.</figcaption>
 </figure>On the evening of July 16, sheriff's deputies were dispatched for an unknown problem in the 11,000 block of SW 29th Street in Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp;A 27-year-old female victim was taken at gun point from Topeka to this location.During this time, the victim was struck in the head with a firearm, threatened and stripped of her outer clothing. The victim’s black 2017 Chevrolet Malibu was stolen and she was left in the roadway. A citizen found her walking and called 911.The victim received medical attention on scene by American Medical Response&nbsp;and was then transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659458428733.png" alt="Fox is being held in Neosho County on a&nbsp; requested murder charge." />
 <figcaption>Fox is being held in Neosho County on a&nbsp; requested murder charge.</figcaption>
 </figure>Throughout the investigation, deputies identified two suspects. 41-year-old Nicole Fox and Pike.&nbsp;On August 1, authorities arrested Fox in Allen County in&nbsp;the July 25 death of 34-year-old Blake Pearson in Chanute, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

U.S. Marshals capture Kan. man wanted for rape, armed robbery

St. Louis County, Minnesota —Former Wichita police chief Gordon Ramsay is running for sheriff in his home town of Duluth, Minnesota. He received more votes than two other candidates in Tuesday's primary election.

<a href="https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=148&amp;scenario=LocalCounty&amp;CountyId=69&amp;show=Go">Ramsay earned 13,995 </a>votes or 40 percent of the vote to 11, 454 votes or 33.1 percent of the votes for current&nbsp;St. Louis County’s Undersheriff, Jason Lukovsky.&nbsp;

Those two will face each other in the general election.

Ramsay was one of the first law enforcement officials to call the death of George Floyd a murder.

Ramsay was appointed as the Wichita Police Chief in January 2016 until he resigned in March. He has served as a police officer since 1993, according to his bio on the city web site.

He is nationally recognized for his work and expertise with citizen oversight boards, co-responders models, police-community relations, and the use of technology and crime reduction.&nbsp; Due to his work in these areas, Chief Ramsay was selected to serve as a Commissioner on the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Kansas Governor's Commission on Racial Equity and Justice.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660160879493.png" alt="Gordon Ramsay-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Gordon Ramsay-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Louis County, Minnesota —Former Wichita police chief Gordon Ramsay is running for sheriff in his home town of Duluth, Minnesota. He received more votes than two other candidates in Tuesday's primary election.<a href="https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=148&amp;scenario=LocalCounty&amp;CountyId=69&amp;show=Go">Ramsay earned 13,995 </a>votes or 40 percent of the vote to 11, 454 votes or 33.1 percent of the votes for current&nbsp;St. Louis County’s Undersheriff, Jason Lukovsky.&nbsp; Those two will face each other in the general election.Ramsay was one of the first law enforcement officials to call the death of George Floyd a murder.Ramsay was appointed as the Wichita Police Chief in January 2016 until he resigned in March. He has served as a police officer since 1993, according to his bio on the city web site. He is nationally recognized for his work and expertise with citizen oversight boards, co-responders models, police-community relations, and the use of technology and crime reduction.&nbsp; Due to his work in these areas, Chief Ramsay was selected to serve as a Commissioner on the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Kansas Governor's Commission on Racial Equity and Justice.&nbsp;

Former Wichita police chief advances in race for sheriff in Minnesota

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden, whose elder son Beau died of cancer years after deploying to Iraq, signed legislation on Wednesday expanding federal health care services for millions of veterans who served at military bases where toxic smoke billowed from huge “burn pits.”

(Click below to watch the bill signing ceremony)

“We owe you,” Biden said. "You’re the backbone. You’re the steel. You’re the sinew. You’re the very fiber that makes this country what it is."

The law, which Biden described as long overdue, caps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-middle-east-iraq-congress-36fe5622061a7179db2e1072e4eebcd8">a years-long battle</a>&nbsp;to ensure treatment for chronic illnesses that veterans have blamed on burn pits, which were used to dispose of chemicals, tires, plastics, medical equipment and human waste on military bases. Estimates of affected troops run to 3.5 million.

“So many of you here today remind us that we have fought for this for so many years,” he said during an emotional White House ceremony that reflected the struggles of military families — and the president’s personal experience.

Biden was introduced by Danielle Robinson, the widow of Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson, who died of cancer two years ago. The legislation is named for him.

She described her late husband as “a soldier as strong as an ox” but also “the ultimate cuddler” for his daughter Brielle, who stood to her mother’s side clutching a stuffed figurine wearing military camouflage.

“Ours is just one story," Danielle Robinson said. "So many military families have had to fight this terrible emotional battle. So many veterans are still battling burn pit illnesses today.”

After the Robinsons took their seats for the president's remarks, Biden addressed Brielle directly.

“I know you miss your daddy. But he’s with you all the time," he said. "He’s inside you. He’s going to whisper in your ear when you have hard decisions to make.”

Then he pointed out that Brielle was sitting next to his grandson, the son of Beau Biden.

“His daddy lost to the same burn pits,” Biden said. “He knows what you're going through.”

It was the most direct link the president has publicly drawn between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">Beau's fatal brain cancer</a>&nbsp;and burn pits. The president made addressing the problem one of his priorities during his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-state-of-the-union-4d6eb9fed9a46bb4efb63ea4e015725c">State of the Union address</a>&nbsp;in March.

“I was going to get this done, come hell or high water,” he said Wednesday.

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., who chairs the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, said Biden was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-of-the-union-address-biden-health-business-lifestyle-fd3572cacfddf73d0f8a124154b48bc6">a driving force</a>&nbsp;behind the legislation, which passed last week.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden, whose elder son Beau died of cancer years after deploying to Iraq, signed legislation on Wednesday expanding federal health care services for millions of veterans who served at military bases where toxic smoke billowed from huge “burn pits.”(Click below to watch the bill signing ceremony)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1120126915588119%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=71" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“We owe you,” Biden said. "You’re the backbone. You’re the steel. You’re the sinew. You’re the very fiber that makes this country what it is."The law, which Biden described as long overdue, caps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-middle-east-iraq-congress-36fe5622061a7179db2e1072e4eebcd8">a years-long battle</a>&nbsp;to ensure treatment for chronic illnesses that veterans have blamed on burn pits, which were used to dispose of chemicals, tires, plastics, medical equipment and human waste on military bases. Estimates of affected troops run to 3.5 million.“So many of you here today remind us that we have fought for this for so many years,” he said during an emotional White House ceremony that reflected the struggles of military families — and the president’s personal experience.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, the SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act was signed into law, delivering on a promise made to our veterans that if someone serves in our military, we will take care of them and provide them with the benefits they have earned through their service. <a href="https://t.co/rPLJ9TTs2s">https://t.co/rPLJ9TTs2s</a>&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1557376758604865537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden was introduced by Danielle Robinson, the widow of Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson, who died of cancer two years ago. The legislation is named for him.She described her late husband as “a soldier as strong as an ox” but also “the ultimate cuddler” for his daughter Brielle, who stood to her mother’s side clutching a stuffed figurine wearing military camouflage.“Ours is just one story," Danielle Robinson said. "So many military families have had to fight this terrible emotional battle. So many veterans are still battling burn pit illnesses today.”After the Robinsons took their seats for the president's remarks, Biden addressed Brielle directly.“I know you miss your daddy. But he’s with you all the time," he said. "He’s inside you. He’s going to whisper in your ear when you have hard decisions to make.”Then he pointed out that Brielle was sitting next to his grandson, the son of Beau Biden.“His daddy lost to the same burn pits,” Biden said. “He knows what you're going through.”It was the most direct link the president has publicly drawn between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">Beau's fatal brain cancer</a>&nbsp;and burn pits. The president made addressing the problem one of his priorities during his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-state-of-the-union-4d6eb9fed9a46bb4efb63ea4e015725c">State of the Union address</a>&nbsp;in March.“I was going to get this done, come hell or high water,” he said Wednesday.Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., who chairs the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, said Biden was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-of-the-union-address-biden-health-business-lifestyle-fd3572cacfddf73d0f8a124154b48bc6">a driving force</a>&nbsp;behind the legislation, which passed last week.“He was continually pushing because whether Beau died of this or not, I think Joe thinks that it had some impact, and so he wanted this fixed,” Tester said. "And because he thinks it was the right thing to do. So different president, different set of priorities, this would have probably never happened.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-middle-east-iraq-congress-36fe5622061a7179db2e1072e4eebcd8">Burn pits</a>&nbsp;were used in Iraq and Afghanistan to dispose of chemicals, cans, tires, plastics, medical equipment and human waste. However, 70% of disability claims involving exposure to the pits were denied by the Department of Veterans Affairs.“For too long, too many veterans who got sick while fighting for our country had to fight for their care here at home," VA Secretary Denis McDonough said at Wednesday's ceremony.Elizabeth Beck, a city councilwoman from Fort Worth, Texas, who served in the Army reserves in Iraq, said “we knew something wasn’t right” during her deployment.“You saw the burn pits. You smelled the burn pits. You felt the burn pits in your body,” she said after Wednesday’s ceremony. When she blew her nose, Beck said, “black material would just stream out.”However, she was reluctant to seek benefits for years because the process seemed too daunting, especially when others had been unsuccessful. Beck described the legislation as “light at the end of the tunnel.”The law will direct officials to assume that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers were related to burn pit exposure, helping veterans get disability payments without having to prove the illness was the result of their service.“Veterans who have been sickened to the point of being unable to work, unable to take care of their families, won’t have to spend that time fighting the government to get the healthcare they earned," said Jeremy Butler, head of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. "This is monumental.”Butler attended Wednesday's ceremony, along with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-middle-east-iraq-congress-36fe5622061a7179db2e1072e4eebcd8">Le Roy and Rosie Torres</a>, husband and wife advocates for veterans health care who started the organization Burn Pits 360. Le Roy developed constrictive bronchitis after serving in Iraq, making breathing difficult.Although the provision involving burn pits has garnered the most attention, other health care services will be expanded as well.Veterans who have served since the Sept. 11 attacks will have a decade to sign up for VA health care, double the current five years.And there's more help for veterans from the Vietnam War. The legislation adds hypertension to list of ailments that are presumed to be caused by exposure to Agent Orange, a herbicide used by the U.S. military to clear vegetation.In addition, veterans who served during the war in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam, American Samoa and Johnston Atoll will also be considered to have been exposed to the chemical.The legislation is considered to be the largest expansion of veterans health care in more than three decades, but it became an unlikely political football shortly before it passed.On the day that the Senate was expected to grant it final approval, Republicans unexpectedly blocked it. Veterans who had traveled to Washington for a moment of triumph were devastated.“All the veterans were down there because they were expecting to celebrate," Butler said. “And then they were absolutely stabbed in the back.”Republicans said they were concerned about technical changes to how the legislation was funded. Democrats accused them of throwing a fit because they were unhappy about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-manchin-budget-agreement-7b0ee6e3e0b70357288fd69f44473b9b">a separate deal</a>&nbsp;to advance Biden's domestic agenda on climate change, taxes and prescription drugs.Instead of going home, some veterans began holding what they called a “fire watch” outside the Capitol, an impromptu vigil to keep public pressure on the Senate.They stayed around the clock, despite the stifling summer heat and torrential thunderstorms. Jon Stewart, the comedian who has advocated for veterans, joined them as well. Biden wanted to go but couldn't because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-6ffc64aa1d8d67b074dd8beb67d7cf6f">he was isolating</a>&nbsp;with a coronavirus infection, so he spoke to the demonstrators in a video call when VA Secretary Denis McDonough dropped off pizza.Days after the demonstration began, the Senate held another vote, and the measure passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-middle-east-iraq-congress-36fe5622061a7179db2e1072e4eebcd8">Veterans were in the gallery</a>&nbsp;watching the vote take place.“Every single person I was with was bawling. Just bawling," said Matt Zeller, a former Army captain who was among the demonstrators. "I cried for a solid five minutes.”