BARBER COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 9a.m. Friday in Barber County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Jeep Wrangler driven by Stewart J. Ott, 30, Hazelton, was southbound on Bethel Road just north of Scott Canyon Road.

The Jeep traveled off the road to the east, rotated counter clockwise and overturned onto its top. 

Ott was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Lanmans Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

BARBER COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 9a.m. Friday in Barber County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Jeep Wrangler driven by Stewart J. Ott, 30, Hazelton, was southbound on Bethel Road just north of Scott Canyon Road.The Jeep traveled off the road to the east, rotated counter clockwise and overturned onto its top. Ott was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Lanmans Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after Jeep overturns

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post The USD 431 Board of Education revised part of
their COVID-19 protocol Thursday morning after seeing a spike in students and
staff members either sick or quarantined. Roosevelt Elementary School in
Hoisington has been hit the hardest with 35 students out of school, including a
full classroom. Of the 35 students, 12 are sick and 23 are quarantined because
of close contact with a positive case. USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis
said the Hoisington school district will provide COVID testing to students and
staff looking to come back to school following quarantines. 
"We'll set up stations at each building to do the testing," said 
Crowdis. "The testing would be a swab on the inside of the nose...it's 
not way back in the back. We would not do any testing unless there was 
an actual signed verification from parents." 
Any lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 will result in an isolation for a minimum of
10 days. Close contacts within three feet of a lab-confirmed case for longer
than 10 minutes will quarantine for at least three days. If the student or
staff member is asymptomatic and receives a negative result on a test on day
three, they can return to school on day four. Hoisington Activities Director
Faron Kraft was concerned how the rule was going to be enforced regarding
sports and other extracurricular activities. 
"I'm speaking as an AD and also as a dad that had a son lose six weeks 
last year and never once had a symptom," said Kraft. "If they have to 
sit three days, you could sit an entire quiz bowl team, volleyball team 
or whatever activity because one person tested positive." 
The board noted administration will make determinations on close contacts based
on seating charts and interactions during sports or activities. Asymptomatic
students that are considered close contacts will have to quarantine the full 10
days if parents choose to not get tested. Masks are still optional at school
but temperature checks will be administered when a student enters the building
at the beginning of the day and going through the lunch line. Along
 with the 35 students, there were eight staff members out of school at 
Roosevelt as of Thursday morning. There are 14 out at Lincoln Elementary
 School, including three positive cases. There are 13 staff and students
 out at the middle school with one positive case. The high school has 
four positive cases and nine quarantined. You can view the
full Hoisington COVID-19 protocol below.

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post The USD 431 Board of Education revised part of
their COVID-19 protocol Thursday morning after seeing a spike in students and
staff members either sick or quarantined. Roosevelt Elementary School in
Hoisington has been hit the hardest with 35 students out of school, including a
full classroom. Of the 35 students, 12 are sick and 23 are quarantined because
of close contact with a positive case. USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis
said the Hoisington school district will provide COVID testing to students and
staff looking to come back to school following quarantines. 
"We'll set up stations at each building to do the testing," said 
Crowdis. "The testing would be a swab on the inside of the nose...it's 
not way back in the back. We would not do any testing unless there was 
an actual signed verification from parents." 
Any lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 will result in an isolation for a minimum of
10 days. Close contacts within three feet of a lab-confirmed case for longer
than 10 minutes will quarantine for at least three days. If the student or
staff member is asymptomatic and receives a negative result on a test on day
three, they can return to school on day four. Hoisington Activities Director
Faron Kraft was concerned how the rule was going to be enforced regarding
sports and other extracurricular activities. 
"I'm speaking as an AD and also as a dad that had a son lose six weeks 
last year and never once had a symptom," said Kraft. "If they have to 
sit three days, you could sit an entire quiz bowl team, volleyball team 
or whatever activity because one person tested positive." 
The board noted administration will make determinations on close contacts based
on seating charts and interactions during sports or activities. Asymptomatic
students that are considered close contacts will have to quarantine the full 10
days if parents choose to not get tested. Masks are still optional at school
but temperature checks will be administered when a student enters the building
at the beginning of the day and going through the lunch line. Along
 with the 35 students, there were eight staff members out of school at 
Roosevelt as of Thursday morning. There are 14 out at Lincoln Elementary
 School, including three positive cases. There are 13 staff and students
 out at the middle school with one positive case. The high school has 
four positive cases and nine quarantined. You can view the
full Hoisington COVID-19 protocol below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630691362025.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Several students out; Hoisington district revises COVID protocols

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 3,952 to a total of 377,123 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 49 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,630. The state reported 24 deaths from Monday to Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 3,952 to a total of 377,123 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 49 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,630. The state reported 24 deaths from Monday to Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630688409161.png" alt="Friday Sept. 3, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday Sept. 3, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 73 COVID-19 deaths in Kan. since Monday

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A rural Saline County man who in late August reported being the victim of residential burglary was, himself, arrested in connection to a burglary at a business just south of Salina.

Someone broke into a fenced-in area at HABCO, Inc., 248 E. Berg Road earlier this month and got into three vehicles and three enclosed trailers there, according to&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

 Two tablets were taken from two of the vehicles and a battery was taken from the third. Locks were cut off the three trailers and multiple tools were also taken.. The total loss was estimated at $6,585.

A deputy reviewing surveillance video thought he recognized the alleged burglar as Jeremy Carnes, 40, of rural Saline County, as he recognized the man's clothes and had taken a burglary report from him in late August.

Deputies paid a visit to Carnes at his residence in the 400 block of E. Water Well Road and noticed an item that appeared to be one of the items stolen from HABCO, Soldan said. 

A search warrant was obtained for the residence. A large number of the stolen items were recovered from Carnes' residence, Soldan said. Carnes was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges&nbsp;of burglary, Felony theft and Three counts of damage to property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630685510125.jpeg" alt="Carnes photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Carnes photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA rural Saline County man who in late August reported being the victim of residential burglary was, himself, arrested in connection to a burglary at a business just south of Salina.Someone broke into a fenced-in area at HABCO, Inc., 248 E. Berg Road earlier this month and got into three vehicles and three enclosed trailers there, according to&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan. Two tablets were taken from two of the vehicles and a battery was taken from the third. Locks were cut off the three trailers and multiple tools were also taken.. The total loss was estimated at $6,585.A deputy reviewing surveillance video thought he recognized the alleged burglar as Jeremy Carnes, 40, of rural Saline County, as he recognized the man's clothes and had taken a burglary report from him in late August.Deputies paid a visit to Carnes at his residence in the 400 block of E. Water Well Road and noticed an item that appeared to be one of the items stolen from HABCO, Soldan said. A search warrant was obtained for the residence. A large number of the stolen items were recovered from Carnes' residence, Soldan said. Carnes was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges&nbsp;of burglary, Felony theft and Three counts of damage to property.

Sheriff: Kansas man reports burglary and is arrested

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has declared 87 of the state's 105 counties under a drought watch or warning. Kelly said Thursday encouraged state residents to minimize the risk of fires. 

Fourteen counties were placed under warnings and 73 are under drought watches. The 18 counties not affected are all in southeast Kansas. 

The governor said counties in the northwest, central and south-central regions have received less than 60% of their normal precipitation so far this year. Connie Owen, director of the state's water office, said drought-like conditions are expected to continue into the fall, particularly in the northwest region.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630684697527.png" alt="U.S. DroughtMonitor map week of August 31, 2021" />
 <figcaption>U.S. DroughtMonitor map week of August 31, 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has declared 87 of the state's 105 counties under a drought watch or warning. Kelly said Thursday encouraged state residents to minimize the risk of fires. Fourteen counties were placed under warnings and 73 are under drought watches. The 18 counties not affected are all in southeast Kansas. The governor said counties in the northwest, central and south-central regions have received less than 60% of their normal precipitation so far this year. Connie Owen, director of the state's water office, said drought-like conditions are expected to continue into the fall, particularly in the northwest region.

Gov. declares drought watch or warning for most of Kansas

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a 28-year-old Dodge City man who was facing a possible first-degree murder charge in a shooting death near a Wichita park is no longer facing those charges and they are searching for another suspect. 

Police said Friday morning that Caesar Hermosillo of Dodge City was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery in the death of 32-year-old Jason Huber of Wichita. 

But police said later Friday that Hermosillo no longer faces those charges. He remains in custody on a pending warrant. Police are now searching for another man in connection to Huber's death. 

Huber was found Wednesday suffering from gunshot wounds near South Riverside Park and he died later at a hospital.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting death, have made an arrest and are asking for help locate a second suspect.

Just after 2 a.m. on Wednesday, officers responded to a welfare check in the 800 block of West Murdock.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 32-year-old Jason Huber of Wichita who had been shot. He was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment where he died.

The investigation revealed&nbsp;28-year-old Caesar Hermosillo of Dodge City and Huber were both at the same nearby business.&nbsp; &nbsp;They left the business, Huber on a bicycle and Hermosillo in a van westbound on Murdock.

 At Murdock and Stackman Drive, Huber was shot and his bicycle was taken.

A second suspect left the business driving a white Buick La Sabre and Huber left on a bicycle both going west on Mudock before he was shot and his bicycle was taken.

If you know the identity of this suspect or know his whereabouts, please call WPD detectives at 316-268-4646 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Investigators are also working to contact other individuals in this case to learn all the circumstances of what occurred.

Shortly after the shooting occurred, a white minivan drove by the scene traveling north on Stackman Drive and then East on Murdock, according to Davidson.

 Investigators need to speak to the occupants of this vehicle as potential witnesses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hermosillo is being held on requested charges of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and an outstanding warrant, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630691706666.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police say a 28-year-old Dodge City man who was facing a possible first-degree murder charge in a shooting death near a Wichita park is no longer facing those charges and they are searching for another suspect. Police said Friday morning that Caesar Hermosillo of Dodge City was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery in the death of 32-year-old Jason Huber of Wichita. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630687658014.png" alt="Hermosillo photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Hermosillo photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>But police said later Friday that Hermosillo no longer faces those charges. He remains in custody on a pending warrant. Police are now searching for another man in connection to Huber's death. Huber was found Wednesday suffering from gunshot wounds near South Riverside Park and he died later at a hospital.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630691827448.png" alt="The suspect's vehicle-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>The suspect's vehicle-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting death, have made an arrest and are asking for help locate a second suspect.Just after 2 a.m. on Wednesday, officers responded to a welfare check in the 800 block of West Murdock.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 32-year-old Jason Huber of Wichita who had been shot. He was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment where he died.The investigation revealed&nbsp;28-year-old Caesar Hermosillo of Dodge City and Huber were both at the same nearby business.&nbsp; &nbsp;They left the business, Huber on a bicycle and Hermosillo in a van westbound on Murdock. At Murdock and Stackman Drive, Huber was shot and his bicycle was taken.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630691706666.png" alt="This suspect was at the same nearby business as Huber before the shooting, according to Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>This suspect was at the same nearby business as Huber before the shooting, according to Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>A second suspect left the business driving a white Buick La Sabre and Huber left on a bicycle both going west on Mudock before he was shot and his bicycle was taken.If you know the identity of this suspect or know his whereabouts, please call WPD detectives at 316-268-4646 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.Investigators are also working to contact other individuals in this case to learn all the circumstances of what occurred.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630680289015.png" alt="Police are looking for those in this vehicle -photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Police are looking for those in this vehicle -photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Shortly after the shooting occurred, a white minivan drove by the scene traveling north on Stackman Drive and then East on Murdock, according to Davidson. Investigators need to speak to the occupants of this vehicle as potential witnesses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hermosillo is being held on requested charges of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and an outstanding warrant, according to Davidson.

UPDATE: Search continues for suspect in fatal Kan. shooting

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help to identify suspect.

Just after 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the 1300 Block of SW Huntoon Street in Topeka in reference to a shooting, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.

Officers arrived and found an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.

Police are attempting to identify the suspects as seen on security cameras.&nbsp; Anyone with information is asked to call police at 785-368-9551 or email telltpd@topeka.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630680788404.png" alt="Photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help to identify suspect.Just after 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the 1300 Block of SW Huntoon Street in Topeka in reference to a shooting, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.Officers arrived and found an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630579814551.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Police are attempting to identify the suspects as seen on security cameras.&nbsp; Anyone with information is asked to call police at 785-368-9551 or email telltpd@topeka.org.

Police ask for help to ID Kansas shooting suspects 

KANSAS CITY —Authorities investigating a fatal pedestrian accident have identified the victim as 33-year-old Logan J. Smith of Belton.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol a 2015 Toyota passenger vehicle driven by Sahar Bryan, 30, Olathe, was westbound on Interstate 470 one mile east of View High Drive.

The vehicle struck Smith who was on the roadway.&nbsp; He was pronounce dead at the scene. Bryan was properly restrained and not injured.

KANSAS CITY—(AP) — A person who was walking along the westbound lanes of Interstate 470 in Lee’s Summit at night died after being hit by a vehicle, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said.

The crash happened around 9:15 p.m. Thursday. Investigators said the person was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s identity was not immediately released, and the patrol did not give any other details of the fatal crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630674915765.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal pedestrian accident -photo KC Scout" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal pedestrian accident -photo KC Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities investigating a fatal pedestrian accident have identified the victim as 33-year-old Logan J. Smith of Belton.According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol a 2015 Toyota passenger vehicle driven by Sahar Bryan, 30, Olathe, was westbound on Interstate 470 one mile east of View High Drive.The vehicle struck Smith who was on the roadway.&nbsp; He was pronounce dead at the scene. Bryan was properly restrained and not injured.--------KANSAS CITY—(AP) — A person who was walking along the westbound lanes of Interstate 470 in Lee’s Summit at night died after being hit by a vehicle, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said.The crash happened around 9:15 p.m. Thursday. Investigators said the person was pronounced dead at the scene.The victim’s identity was not immediately released, and the patrol did not give any other details of the fatal crash.

Patrol IDs pedestrian who died after struck by Kan. driver

Senators Jerry Moran and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) – Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee sent a letter to veterans Thursday following the completed U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.&nbsp; They offered encouragement and support.

Dear Veterans of Afghanistan and Families, Over the last two weeks, our country has watched the collapse of the government of Afghanistan and the deterioration of security for its people. We know that for most of you, watching these events unfold has been difficult and frustrating. Over the past two decades, you, your fellow servicemembers, and your families have sacrificed greatly while fulfilling your mission in Afghanistan. As our hearts ache for the future of the Afghan people and for our Afghan allies, we will work to see that this war is ended responsibly. As Chair and Ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, we want each of you to know that you not only have our support, but also our admiration and confidence for what you have achieved and what you will go on to achieve for our country. The current situation in Afghanistan is not the fault of men and women in uniform. You executed the War on Terror with world-class expertise, and our military will continue these critical counter-terrorism missions as long as necessary to keep our nation and its allies safe. The American public has trust in you, and for good reason. Your courage and compassion have been a bright and encouraging spot over these past two weeks. That is who the U.S. military is, and that will not change. In the last 20 years, the U.S. military ousted the Taliban from power, eliminated the threat from al-Qaeda, and brought Osama bin Laden to justice. For ordinary Afghans, especially women and girls, your service and sacrifice delivered new opportunities to live free and to thrive in ways that were previously unimaginable. You also formed bonds of friendship with our interpreters, Afghan defense forces, and other Afghan allies. And for years now, you have engaged with Congress and Presidential administrations to ensure that our Afghan partners who worked and fought alongside U.S. forces are not left behind. Throughout this year and since the collapse of the Afghan government, these efforts have intensified, saving countless lives through your sheer determination and refusal to leave American allies on the battlefield. Make no mistake, your service has left a lasting and unparalleled impact on this world. Whatever you are feeling in response to events in Afghanistan, we encourage you to share your thoughts with friends and family. You are not alone in feeling upset, frustrated, or angry, and you should talk to a trusted mental health counselor or other veteran-serving community organization if those feelings persist or become overwhelming. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text to 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. Additionally, if you are a veteran of Afghanistan or the Global War on Terror, please reach out to your fellow veterans, talk about what is happening, and help them connect to these resources if needed.

We are dedicated to ensuring you, and all veterans, have the right tools and resources to be successful after your service, and we will continue to push the Department of Veterans Affairs to match its services to the emerging needs of those of you who served in Afghanistan. We ask each of you to keep serving in any way you can. Our country is better off because of who you are, what you have done, and what you will do. Sincerely,

Chairman Jon Tester and Ranking Member Jerry Moran

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630246695083.png" alt="U.S. Marines assist with security at an Evacuation Control Checkpoint (ECC) at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. -photo U.S. Department of Defense" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Marines assist with security at an Evacuation Control Checkpoint (ECC) at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. -photo U.S. Department of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>Senators Jerry Moran and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) – Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee sent a letter to veterans Thursday following the completed U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.&nbsp; They offered encouragement and support.The letter is reprinted below.Dear Veterans of Afghanistan and Families, Over the last two weeks, our country has watched the collapse of the government of Afghanistan and the deterioration of security for its people. We know that for most of you, watching these events unfold has been difficult and frustrating. Over the past two decades, you, your fellow servicemembers, and your families have sacrificed greatly while fulfilling your mission in Afghanistan. As our hearts ache for the future of the Afghan people and for our Afghan allies, we will work to see that this war is ended responsibly. As Chair and Ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, we want each of you to know that you not only have our support, but also our admiration and confidence for what you have achieved and what you will go on to achieve for our country. The current situation in Afghanistan is not the fault of men and women in uniform. You executed the War on Terror with world-class expertise, and our military will continue these critical counter-terrorism missions as long as necessary to keep our nation and its allies safe. The American public has trust in you, and for good reason. Your courage and compassion have been a bright and encouraging spot over these past two weeks. That is who the U.S. military is, and that will not change. In the last 20 years, the U.S. military ousted the Taliban from power, eliminated the threat from al-Qaeda, and brought Osama bin Laden to justice. For ordinary Afghans, especially women and girls, your service and sacrifice delivered new opportunities to live free and to thrive in ways that were previously unimaginable. You also formed bonds of friendship with our interpreters, Afghan defense forces, and other Afghan allies. And for years now, you have engaged with Congress and Presidential administrations to ensure that our Afghan partners who worked and fought alongside U.S. forces are not left behind. Throughout this year and since the collapse of the Afghan government, these efforts have intensified, saving countless lives through your sheer determination and refusal to leave American allies on the battlefield. Make no mistake, your service has left a lasting and unparalleled impact on this world. Whatever you are feeling in response to events in Afghanistan, we encourage you to share your thoughts with friends and family. You are not alone in feeling upset, frustrated, or angry, and you should talk to a trusted mental health counselor or other veteran-serving community organization if those feelings persist or become overwhelming. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text to 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. Additionally, if you are a veteran of Afghanistan or the Global War on Terror, please reach out to your fellow veterans, talk about what is happening, and help them connect to these resources if needed. We are dedicated to ensuring you, and all veterans, have the right tools and resources to be successful after your service, and we will continue to push the Department of Veterans Affairs to match its services to the emerging needs of those of you who served in Afghanistan. We ask each of you to keep serving in any way you can. Our country is better off because of who you are, what you have done, and what you will do. Sincerely,Chairman Jon Tester and Ranking Member Jerry Moran

Sen. Moran addresses veterans of Afghanistan following withdrawal

The Cybersecurity and Infastructure Security Agency (CISA) along with the FBI recommend consumers and businesses <a href="https://www.cisa.gov/news/2021/08/31/cisa-and-fbi-urge-organizations-remain-vigilant-ransomware-threats-holidays" target="_blank">take steps to protect electronic devices against cyber attacks.</a>

Ransomware attacks are becoming a regular occurrence, locking 
computers and networks using file encryption software, with hackers 
demanding payment by Bitcoin or other non-traceable crypto-currency to 
release the data. The attack typically enters through a phishing email 
and then spreads to other machines on the same network.&nbsp;

BBB joins with the <a href="http://www.staysafeonline.org/" target="_blank">National Cyber Security Alliance</a>&nbsp;in suggesting the following cyber hygiene defenses:

Businesses need to take special precautions when it comes to protecting their customers’ information. One of the <a href="https://www.bbb.org/standards-for-trust" target="_blank">BBB Standards for Trust</a>
 is "Safeguard Privacy: Protect any data collected against mishandling 
and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the 
preferences of consumers regarding the use of their information."

&nbsp;BBB recommends the following <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/business/23641-bbb-business-tip-cybersecurity-practices-every-small-business-needs-to-do-now" target="_blank">cybersecurity tips for U.S. small businesses</a> and <a href="https://cyber.gc.ca/en/" target="_blank">Cyber Security tips for Canada</a>

Consumers can learn more about avoiding scams and fraud at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/8767-bbb-tips-10-steps-to-avoid-scams" target="_blank">10 Steps to Avoid Scams</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Better Business BureauThe Cybersecurity and Infastructure Security Agency (CISA) along with the FBI recommend consumers and businesses <a href="https://www.cisa.gov/news/2021/08/31/cisa-and-fbi-urge-organizations-remain-vigilant-ransomware-threats-holidays" target="_blank">take steps to protect electronic devices against cyber attacks.</a>Ransomware attacks are becoming a regular occurrence, locking 
computers and networks using file encryption software, with hackers 
demanding payment by Bitcoin or other non-traceable crypto-currency to 
release the data. The attack typically enters through a phishing email 
and then spreads to other machines on the same network.&nbsp;BBB joins with the <a href="http://www.staysafeonline.org/" target="_blank">National Cyber Security Alliance</a>&nbsp;in suggesting the following cyber hygiene defenses:<ul>
 <li>Don’t click on links&nbsp;from unfamiliar sources. Even 
if you think you know the sender, be cautious about clicking on email 
links. When in doubt, delete it. Be especially wary of messages 
requiring you to act quickly, asking for personal information, or 
threatening you in any way.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Keep clean machines and stay up-to-date with software:&nbsp;Prevent
 infections by updating critical software as soon as patches or new 
operating system versions are available. This includes mobile and other 
internet-connected devices.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Use strong authentication, requiring more than a 
username and password to access accounts, especially critical networks, 
to prevent access through stolen or hacked credentials.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Conduct regular backups of systems:&nbsp;Systems can be restored in cases of ransomware and having current backup of all data speeds the recovery process.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Make better passwords:&nbsp;In cases where passwords are
 still used, require long, strong and unique passwords to better harden 
accounts against intrusions.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Enable popup blockers.&nbsp;Popups are regularly used by
 scammers to spread malware. Prevent them from appearing in the first 
place by adjusting your browser settings.</li>
 </ul> Businesses need to take special precautions when it comes to protecting their customers’ information. One of the <a href="https://www.bbb.org/standards-for-trust" target="_blank">BBB Standards for Trust</a>
 is "Safeguard Privacy: Protect any data collected against mishandling 
and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the 
preferences of consumers regarding the use of their information."&nbsp;BBB recommends the following <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/business/23641-bbb-business-tip-cybersecurity-practices-every-small-business-needs-to-do-now" target="_blank">cybersecurity tips for U.S. small businesses</a> and <a href="https://cyber.gc.ca/en/" target="_blank">Cyber Security tips for Canada</a>Consumers can learn more about avoiding scams and fraud at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/8767-bbb-tips-10-steps-to-avoid-scams" target="_blank">10 Steps to Avoid Scams</a>.&nbsp;

BBB Warning: Update software to help prevent ransomware

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating several recent vehicle burglaries and stolen credit cards being used from the burglaries have made an arrest.

On Wednesday, police identified 54-year-old Glen Moler as a suspect and located him at his home, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Investigators arrested him and recovered a stolen vehicle and other stolen items. Those stolen items were returned to their owners.&nbsp;

Moler is being held on requested charges of criminal use of a financial card, six counts of burglary, three counts of theft, one count of auto theft, one count of theft of a firearm and&nbsp; two counts of attempted burglary.

 Moler has been arrested and convicted 19 times for burglary, theft, DUI and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He had been out of prison since July.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630664216838.png" alt="Moler has 19 previous convictions for burglary, theft, DUI and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dpt. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Moler has 19 previous convictions for burglary, theft, DUI and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dpt. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating several recent vehicle burglaries and stolen credit cards being used from the burglaries have made an arrest.On Wednesday, police identified 54-year-old Glen Moler as a suspect and located him at his home, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Investigators arrested him and recovered a stolen vehicle and other stolen items. Those stolen items were returned to their owners.&nbsp;Moler is being held on requested charges of criminal use of a financial card, six counts of burglary, three counts of theft, one count of auto theft, one count of theft of a firearm and&nbsp; two counts of attempted burglary. Moler has been arrested and convicted 19 times for burglary, theft, DUI and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He had been out of prison since July.

Kan. man with 19 previous convictions jailed for burglary

KANSAS CITY (AP)—The COVID-19 pandemic has created a nurse staffing crisis that is forcing many U.S. hospitals to pay top dollar to get the help they need to handle the crush of patients this summer.

The problem, health leaders say, is twofold: Nurses are quitting or retiring, exhausted or demoralized by the crisis. And many are leaving for lucrative temporary jobs with traveling-nurse agencies that can pay $5,000 or more a week.

It’s gotten to the point where doctors are saying, “Maybe I should quit being a doctor and go be a nurse,” said Dr. Phillip Coule, chief medical officer at Georgia’s Augusta University Medical Center, which has on occasion seen 20 to 30 resignations in a week from nurses taking traveling jobs.

“And then we have to pay premium rates to get staff from another state to come to our state,” Coule said.

The average pay for a traveling nurse has soared from roughly $1,000 to $2,000 per week before the pandemic to $3,000 to $5,000 now, said Sophia Morris, a vice president at San Diego-based health care staffing firm Aya Healthcare. She said Aya has 48,000 openings for traveling nurses to fill.

At competitor SimpliFi, President James Quick said the hospitals his company works with are seeing unprecedented levels of vacancies.

“Small to medium-sized hospitals generally have dozens of full-time openings, and the large health systems have hundreds of full-time openings,” he said.

The explosion in pay has made it hard on hospitals without deep enough pockets.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly lamented recently that the state’s hospitals risk being outbid for nurses by other states that pay a “fortune.” She said Wednesday that several hospitals, including one in Topeka, had open beds but no nurses to staff them.

In Kansas City, Missouri, Truman Medical Centers has lost about 10 nurses to travel jobs in recent days and is looking for travelers to replace them, said CEO Charlie Shields.

He said it is hard to compete with the travel agencies, which are charging hospitals $165 to $170 an hour per nurse. He said the agencies take a big cut of that, but he estimated that nurses are still clearing $70 to $90 an hour, which is two to three times what the hospital pays its staff nurses.

“I think clearly people are taking advantage of the demand that is out there,” Shields said. “I hate to use `gouged’ as a description, but we are clearly paying a premium and allowing people to have fairly high profit margins.”

In Texas, more than 6,000 travel nurses have flooded the state to help with the surge through a state-supported program. But on the same day that 19 of them went to work at a hospital in the northern part of the state, 20 other nurses at the same place gave notice that they would be leaving for a traveling contract, said Carrie Kroll, a vice president at the Texas Hospital Association.

“The nurses who haven’t left, who have stayed with their facilities, they are seeing these other people come in now who are making more money. It provides a tense working environment,” Kroll said.

The pandemic was in its early stages when Kim Davis, 36, decided to quit her job at an Arkansas hospital and become a travel nurse. She said she has roughly doubled her income in the 14 months that she has been treating patients in intensive care units in Phoenix; San Bernardino, California; and Tampa, Florida.

“Since I’ve been traveling, I’ve paid off all my debt. I paid off about $50,000 in student loans,” she said.

Davis said many of her colleagues are following the same path.

“They’re leaving to go travel because why would you do the same job for half the pay?” she said. “If they’re going to risk their lives, they should be compensated.”

Health leaders say nurses are bone-tired and frustrated from being asked to work overtime, from getting screamed at and second-guessed by members of the community, and from dealing with people who chose not to get vaccinated or wear a mask.

“Imagine going to work every day and working the hardest that you have worked and stepping out of work and what you see every day is denied in the public,” said Julie Hoff, chief nurse executive at OU Health in Oklahoma. “The death that you see every day is not honored or recognized.”

Meanwhile, hospitals are getting squeezed by the revolving door of departures and new hires from traveling agencies.

Coule cited a recent example in which his hospital in Georgia hired a respiratory therapist through an agency to replace a staff member who had decided to accept a traveling gig. The replacement came from the same hospital where his respiratory therapist had just gone to work.

“Essentially we swapped personnel but at double the cost,” he said.

Patricia Pittman, director of the Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity at George Washington University, said many nurses still harbor resentment toward their employers from the early stages of the pandemic, in part from being forced to work without adequate protective gear.

“The nurses say, ’Hey, if I am not going to be treated with respect, I might as well go be a travel nurse,’” she said. “‘That way I can go work in a hellhole for 13 weeks, but then I can take off a couple months or three months and go do whatever.’”

KANSAS CITY (AP)—The COVID-19 pandemic has created a nurse staffing crisis that is forcing many U.S. hospitals to pay top dollar to get the help they need to handle the crush of patients this summer.The problem, health leaders say, is twofold: Nurses are quitting or retiring, exhausted or demoralized by the crisis. And many are leaving for lucrative temporary jobs with traveling-nurse agencies that can pay $5,000 or more a week.It’s gotten to the point where doctors are saying, “Maybe I should quit being a doctor and go be a nurse,” said Dr. Phillip Coule, chief medical officer at Georgia’s Augusta University Medical Center, which has on occasion seen 20 to 30 resignations in a week from nurses taking traveling jobs.“And then we have to pay premium rates to get staff from another state to come to our state,” Coule said.The average pay for a traveling nurse has soared from roughly $1,000 to $2,000 per week before the pandemic to $3,000 to $5,000 now, said Sophia Morris, a vice president at San Diego-based health care staffing firm Aya Healthcare. She said Aya has 48,000 openings for traveling nurses to fill.At competitor SimpliFi, President James Quick said the hospitals his company works with are seeing unprecedented levels of vacancies.“Small to medium-sized hospitals generally have dozens of full-time openings, and the large health systems have hundreds of full-time openings,” he said.The explosion in pay has made it hard on hospitals without deep enough pockets.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly lamented recently that the state’s hospitals risk being outbid for nurses by other states that pay a “fortune.” She said Wednesday that several hospitals, including one in Topeka, had open beds but no nurses to staff them.In Kansas City, Missouri, Truman Medical Centers has lost about 10 nurses to travel jobs in recent days and is looking for travelers to replace them, said CEO Charlie Shields.He said it is hard to compete with the travel agencies, which are charging hospitals $165 to $170 an hour per nurse. He said the agencies take a big cut of that, but he estimated that nurses are still clearing $70 to $90 an hour, which is two to three times what the hospital pays its staff nurses.“I think clearly people are taking advantage of the demand that is out there,” Shields said. “I hate to use `gouged’ as a description, but we are clearly paying a premium and allowing people to have fairly high profit margins.”In Texas, more than 6,000 travel nurses have flooded the state to help with the surge through a state-supported program. But on the same day that 19 of them went to work at a hospital in the northern part of the state, 20 other nurses at the same place gave notice that they would be leaving for a traveling contract, said Carrie Kroll, a vice president at the Texas Hospital Association.“The nurses who haven’t left, who have stayed with their facilities, they are seeing these other people come in now who are making more money. It provides a tense working environment,” Kroll said.The pandemic was in its early stages when Kim Davis, 36, decided to quit her job at an Arkansas hospital and become a travel nurse. She said she has roughly doubled her income in the 14 months that she has been treating patients in intensive care units in Phoenix; San Bernardino, California; and Tampa, Florida.“Since I’ve been traveling, I’ve paid off all my debt. I paid off about $50,000 in student loans,” she said.Davis said many of her colleagues are following the same path.“They’re leaving to go travel because why would you do the same job for half the pay?” she said. “If they’re going to risk their lives, they should be compensated.”Health leaders say nurses are bone-tired and frustrated from being asked to work overtime, from getting screamed at and second-guessed by members of the community, and from dealing with people who chose not to get vaccinated or wear a mask.“Imagine going to work every day and working the hardest that you have worked and stepping out of work and what you see every day is denied in the public,” said Julie Hoff, chief nurse executive at OU Health in Oklahoma. “The death that you see every day is not honored or recognized.”Meanwhile, hospitals are getting squeezed by the revolving door of departures and new hires from traveling agencies.Coule cited a recent example in which his hospital in Georgia hired a respiratory therapist through an agency to replace a staff member who had decided to accept a traveling gig. The replacement came from the same hospital where his respiratory therapist had just gone to work.“Essentially we swapped personnel but at double the cost,” he said.Patricia Pittman, director of the Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity at George Washington University, said many nurses still harbor resentment toward their employers from the early stages of the pandemic, in part from being forced to work without adequate protective gear.“The nurses say, ’Hey, if I am not going to be treated with respect, I might as well go be a travel nurse,’” she said. “‘That way I can go work in a hellhole for 13 weeks, but then I can take off a couple months or three months and go do whatever.’”___

US hospitals hit with nurse staffing crisis amid COVID

By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Missouri U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt worries the chaotic, deadly
evacuation from Afghanistan sends a negative message to the world.

Blunt says the whole plan backed by President Joe Biden was
faulty.

“Really sent a message to the world that one, our commitment
may not be a commitment you can rely on, and two, our execution and planning
may not be the execution and planning that people have for a long time thought that
the United States could be counted on to perform,” Blunt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post in an interview.

Thirteen American service members and at least 169 Afghans
died in suicide bombings at the Kabul airport as the United States airlifted
Americans and Afghan allies out of the country. Biden, a Democrat, called the airlift
to extract more than 120,000 Americans, Afghans, and others from Afghanistan an
“extraordinary success.”

Blunt, a Republican, doesn’t see it that way. He faults Biden for
relying on the Taliban to provide security during the evacuation.

“A faulty plan and pretty poorly executed and I’m afraid the
rest of the world saw this plan the same way,” according to Blunt.

Blunt never backed calls to remove the American military presence
from Afghanistan, a withdrawal that began during the tenure of President Donald
Trump, a Republican.

Still, Blunt says if the United States was determined to
leave, it should not have left Bagram Air Field which had two secured runways.
He says the Biden Administration should have brought the Afghan government into
talks with the Taliban about the plan for the U.S. military to withdraw from
the country. He says NATO allies should have been consulted, noting that while
the United States had 2,500 troops there, NATO had 7,500 troops in the country.

Blunt says it was a poor plan, poorly carried out.

“We left people behind. We left Americans behind that want to
leave the country and I think we’ll regret that as we try to deal with the Taliban
to get them out,” Blunt says. “And we left a number of people behind that
clearly had been so identified with our efforts there and that helped us there
that they’re in imminent danger.”

Blunt questions Biden’s assertion the U.S. has leverage to get
those left behind out.

“It’s hard to imagine what leverage we have now that we didn’t
have 90 days ago or 120 days ago,” Blunt says. “Clearly, the decision was wrong
in terms of how quickly the government of Afghanistan would fall. And it may
very well turn out to be wrong in how much leverage that we have.”

Blunt says the rushed evacuation has damaged America’s
relationship with its NATO allies, pointing to one European leader’s assessment
that it was the lowest moment in the 70-year history of NATO.

Blunt says the duty of Congress now is to investigate whether
the president had been given wrong information that led to the troubled
military exit from Afghanistan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630691600635.png" alt="U.S. Army soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division escort evacuees to buses at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. -photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Army soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division escort evacuees to buses at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. -photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Missouri U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt worries the chaotic, deadly
evacuation from Afghanistan sends a negative message to the world.Blunt says the whole plan backed by President Joe Biden was
faulty.“Really sent a message to the world that one, our commitment
may not be a commitment you can rely on, and two, our execution and planning
may not be the execution and planning that people have for a long time thought that
the United States could be counted on to perform,” Blunt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post in an interview.Thirteen American service members and at least 169 Afghans
died in suicide bombings at the Kabul airport as the United States airlifted
Americans and Afghan allies out of the country. Biden, a Democrat, called the airlift
to extract more than 120,000 Americans, Afghans, and others from Afghanistan an
“extraordinary success.”Blunt, a Republican, doesn’t see it that way. He faults Biden for
relying on the Taliban to provide security during the evacuation.“A faulty plan and pretty poorly executed and I’m afraid the
rest of the world saw this plan the same way,” according to Blunt.Blunt never backed calls to remove the American military presence
from Afghanistan, a withdrawal that began during the tenure of President Donald
Trump, a Republican.Still, Blunt says if the United States was determined to
leave, it should not have left Bagram Air Field which had two secured runways.
He says the Biden Administration should have brought the Afghan government into
talks with the Taliban about the plan for the U.S. military to withdraw from
the country. He says NATO allies should have been consulted, noting that while
the United States had 2,500 troops there, NATO had 7,500 troops in the country.Blunt says it was a poor plan, poorly carried out.“We left people behind. We left Americans behind that want to
leave the country and I think we’ll regret that as we try to deal with the Taliban
to get them out,” Blunt says. “And we left a number of people behind that
clearly had been so identified with our efforts there and that helped us there
that they’re in imminent danger.”Blunt questions Biden’s assertion the U.S. has leverage to get
those left behind out.“It’s hard to imagine what leverage we have now that we didn’t
have 90 days ago or 120 days ago,” Blunt says. “Clearly, the decision was wrong
in terms of how quickly the government of Afghanistan would fall. And it may
very well turn out to be wrong in how much leverage that we have.”Blunt says the rushed evacuation has damaged America’s
relationship with its NATO allies, pointing to one European leader’s assessment
that it was the lowest moment in the 70-year history of NATO.Blunt says the duty of Congress now is to investigate whether
the president had been given wrong information that led to the troubled
military exit from Afghanistan.

Missouri senator: Entire Afghan exit plan was faulty

JACKSON COUNTY— A man sentenced to 35 years in prison for a shooting that killed a woman and injured a man in Independence in 2018 faces new charges after his attempt to escape the court house.

David Harris, 21, was sentenced Wednesday to 25 years for second-degree murder and armed criminal action and 10 years for assault and armed criminal action.&nbsp;

&nbsp;After the sentencing recommendation was handed down, Harris removed his leg brace in the bathroom of the courthouse and attempted to flee, according to a media release from the prosecutor's office.

He was captured nearby. The prosecutor's office said he is now being investigated for attempted escape.

Harris was convicted in July of killing Mary Schmitz, 20, and injuring a man at an apartment in Independence on Sept. 18, 2018.

Harris told police he fought with the injured man and shot Schmitz during the fight, according to court records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630590723374.png" alt="Harris photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Harris photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY— A man sentenced to 35 years in prison for a shooting that killed a woman and injured a man in Independence in 2018 faces new charges after his attempt to escape the court house.David Harris, 21, was sentenced Wednesday to 25 years for second-degree murder and armed criminal action and 10 years for assault and armed criminal action.&nbsp;&nbsp;After the sentencing recommendation was handed down, Harris removed his leg brace in the bathroom of the courthouse and attempted to flee, according to a media release from the prosecutor's office.He was captured nearby. The prosecutor's office said he is now being investigated for attempted escape.Harris was convicted in July of killing Mary Schmitz, 20, and injuring a man at an apartment in Independence on Sept. 18, 2018.Harris told police he fought with the injured man and shot Schmitz during the fight, according to court records.

Man tried to escape after sentenced in KC shooting death 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A woman charged in the fatal stabbing of a man whose body was found earlier this month in a Wichita alley told investigators why she killed the victim.

&nbsp;Latoya Annette McCurn told investigators she stabbed 49-year-old Van Hung Nguyen because he wouldn't stop grabbing at her legs and buttocks or making sexual comments to her. 

Nguyen's body was found on Aug. 17 with a single stab wound to his chest. McCurn has been charged with first-degree murder. Police say she told investigators that she had met Nguyen earlier in the day and that she repeatedly told him to stop “messing with her" and later stabbed him when he touched her again.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A woman accused in the stabbing death of a man whose body was found in a Wichita alley made her first court appearance August 20.

Latoya McCurn, 34, was charged with&nbsp; 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

Just after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to what was believed to be a shooting call in the 7800 block of East Harry in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Upon arrival, they located a man in the alley behind a business at that location with apparent trauma to his body. He was pronounced deceased on scene and has been identified as 49-year-old Hung Nguyen of Wichita.

Through the investigation, officers learned that a passerby discovered Nguyen's body and called 911, fearing he had been shot. Officers learned that Nguyen had been seen with a woman earlier in the day. Officers contacted the woman identified as 34-year-old Latoya McCurn, and took her into custody. 

Investigators learned that Nguyen had been stabbed. It’s believed the two were strangers, and McCurn stabbed Nguyen after he upset her.

McCurn has a criminal history for various crimes committed in Texas. She was recently released from prison in Texas on previous arson-related charges.&nbsp;&nbsp;She’s scheduled to return to court on Sept. 2.&nbsp; Her bond is $250,000, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629305498837.png" alt="McCurn photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>McCurn photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A woman charged in the fatal stabbing of a man whose body was found earlier this month in a Wichita alley told investigators why she killed the victim.&nbsp;Latoya Annette McCurn told investigators she stabbed 49-year-old Van Hung Nguyen because he wouldn't stop grabbing at her legs and buttocks or making sexual comments to her. Nguyen's body was found on Aug. 17 with a single stab wound to his chest. McCurn has been charged with first-degree murder. Police say she told investigators that she had met Nguyen earlier in the day and that she repeatedly told him to stop “messing with her" and later stabbed him when he touched her again.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY—A woman accused in the stabbing death of a man whose body was found in a Wichita alley made her first court appearance August 20.Latoya McCurn, 34, was charged with&nbsp; 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.Just after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to what was believed to be a shooting call in the 7800 block of East Harry in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Upon arrival, they located a man in the alley behind a business at that location with apparent trauma to his body. He was pronounced deceased on scene and has been identified as 49-year-old Hung Nguyen of Wichita.Through the investigation, officers learned that a passerby discovered Nguyen's body and called 911, fearing he had been shot. Officers learned that Nguyen had been seen with a woman earlier in the day. Officers contacted the woman identified as 34-year-old Latoya McCurn, and took her into custody. Investigators learned that Nguyen had been stabbed. It’s believed the two were strangers, and McCurn stabbed Nguyen after he upset her.McCurn has a criminal history for various crimes committed in Texas. She was recently released from prison in Texas on previous arson-related charges.&nbsp;&nbsp;She’s scheduled to return to court on Sept. 2.&nbsp; Her bond is $250,000, according to the district attorney's office.

Woman explained why she fatally stabbed Kan. man  

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A state senator from Kansas City said he is demanding answers after an exhibit on the gay rights movement was removed from the state Capitol in Missouri.

Democrat Sen. Greg Razer, the only openly gay member of the Missouri Senate, said he was “appalled” when he was told the exhibit, “Making History: Kansas City and the Rise of Gay Rights” had been removed from the Missouri State Museum at the Capitol.

Connie Patterson, spokeswoman for the Department of Natural Resources, did not immediately reply to questions about why the exhibit was moved and who made the decision.

On Tuesday, Uriah Stark, legislative aide for state Rep. Mitch Boggs, a Republican from La Russell, posted pictures of the exhibit on Facebook and questioned why the “taxpayer funded museum is pushing the LGBT agenda in our state capitol?”

The next day, Stark thanked “several of our great elected officials” for having the exhibit removed, specifically mentioning Republican Reps. Ann Kelley, of Lamar, and Brian Seitz, of Branson, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/state-senator-demands-answers-after-gay-history-exhibit-removed-from-missouri-capitol/article_4d496d82-d47f-5470-b85e-1723f21fea37.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1">reported</a>.

“There is NOTHING controversial about an exhibit that explains how members of the LGBT community fought to end persecution and demand rights as citizens,” Razer tweeted on Thursday. “I’m extremely disappointed and angry that @mostateparks may think otherwise."

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A state senator from Kansas City said he is demanding answers after an exhibit on the gay rights movement was removed from the state Capitol in Missouri.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I‘ve been made aware that <a href="https://twitter.com/mostateparks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mostateparks</a> removed an exhibit from the Missouri Capitol entitled “Making History: Kansas City and the Rise of Gay Rights” after only four days on display. I’m appalled, personally offended, and I will demand answers immediately. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/moleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#moleg</a>&mdash; State Senator Greg Razer (@SenGregRazer) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenGregRazer/status/1433269773937299459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Democrat Sen. Greg Razer, the only openly gay member of the Missouri Senate, said he was “appalled” when he was told the exhibit, “Making History: Kansas City and the Rise of Gay Rights” had been removed from the Missouri State Museum at the Capitol.Connie Patterson, spokeswoman for the Department of Natural Resources, did not immediately reply to questions about why the exhibit was moved and who made the decision.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My statement on <a href="https://twitter.com/mostateparks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mostateparks</a> decision to put LGBT history exhibit back in the closet. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/moleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#moleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/dxLstgyFFr">pic.twitter.com/dxLstgyFFr</a>&mdash; State Senator Greg Razer (@SenGregRazer) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenGregRazer/status/1433454029162618887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On Tuesday, Uriah Stark, legislative aide for state Rep. Mitch Boggs, a Republican from La Russell, posted pictures of the exhibit on Facebook and questioned why the “taxpayer funded museum is pushing the LGBT agenda in our state capitol?”The next day, Stark thanked “several of our great elected officials” for having the exhibit removed, specifically mentioning Republican Reps. Ann Kelley, of Lamar, and Brian Seitz, of Branson, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/state-senator-demands-answers-after-gay-history-exhibit-removed-from-missouri-capitol/article_4d496d82-d47f-5470-b85e-1723f21fea37.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1">reported</a>.“There is NOTHING controversial about an exhibit that explains how members of the LGBT community fought to end persecution and demand rights as citizens,” Razer tweeted on Thursday. “I’m extremely disappointed and angry that @mostateparks may think otherwise."

State senator from KC criticized removal of gay rights exhibit

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday blasted the Supreme Court’s decision not to block a new Texas law banning most abortions in the state and directed federal agencies to do what they can to “insulate women and providers” from the impact.

Hours earlier, in the middle of the night, a deeply divided high court allowed the law to remain in force. It is the nation’s biggest curb to abortion rights since the court announced in its landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that women have a constitutional right to abortion.

The court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21053670-whole-womans-health-v-jackson" target="_blank">voted 5-4 to deny an emergency appeal</a>&nbsp;from abortion providers and others but also suggested that their order likely wasn’t the last word and other challenges can be brought.

Biden said in a statement that his administration will launch a “whole-of-government effort to respond to this decision” and look at “what steps the federal government can take to ensure that women in Texas have access to safe and legal abortions as protected by Roe.”

Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that the Justice Department was “deeply concerned” about the Texas law and “evaluating all options to protect the constitutional rights of women, including access to an abortion.”

Biden, who has come under pressure from Democrats to expand the size of the Supreme Court, has ordered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-judiciary-8734750b75318ed429bf206e2a8af6d1">review of the court</a>&nbsp;that is due next month.

The Texas law,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May</a>, prohibits abortions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-laws-government-and-politics-health-77c9ba98c4f4ab46fdbd5bcc47b5b938">once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity</a>, usually around six weeks and before many women know they’re pregnant.

The law is part of a broader push by Republicans nationwide to impose new restrictions on abortion. At least 12 other states have enacted bans early in pregnancy, but all have been blocked from going into effect.

The high court’s order declining to halt the Texas law came just before midnight Wednesday. The majority said those bringing the case had not met the high burden required for a stay of the law.

“In reaching this conclusion, we stress that we do not purport to resolve definitively any jurisdictional or substantive claim in the applicants’ lawsuit. In particular, this order is not based on any conclusion about the constitutionality of Texas’s law, and in no way limits other procedurally proper challenges to the Texas law, including in Texas state courts,” the unsigned order said.

Chief Justice John Roberts dissented along with the court’s three liberal justices. Each of the four wrote a statement expressing disagreement with the majority.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday blasted the Supreme Court’s decision not to block a new Texas law banning most abortions in the state and directed federal agencies to do what they can to “insulate women and providers” from the impact.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Read My Full Statement on Supreme Court Shadow Ruling on Texas Reproductive Rights Case here: <a href="https://t.co/Qon4WtB9ax">https://t.co/Qon4WtB9ax</a>&mdash; Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi/status/1433457775581990912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Hours earlier, in the middle of the night, a deeply divided high court allowed the law to remain in force. It is the nation’s biggest curb to abortion rights since the court announced in its landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that women have a constitutional right to abortion.The court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21053670-whole-womans-health-v-jackson" target="_blank">voted 5-4 to deny an emergency appeal</a>&nbsp;from abortion providers and others but also suggested that their order likely wasn’t the last word and other challenges can be brought.Biden said in a statement that his administration will launch a “whole-of-government effort to respond to this decision” and look at “what steps the federal government can take to ensure that women in Texas have access to safe and legal abortions as protected by Roe.”Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that the Justice Department was “deeply concerned” about the Texas law and “evaluating all options to protect the constitutional rights of women, including access to an abortion.”Biden, who has come under pressure from Democrats to expand the size of the Supreme Court, has ordered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-judiciary-8734750b75318ed429bf206e2a8af6d1">review of the court</a>&nbsp;that is due next month.The Texas law,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May</a>, prohibits abortions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-laws-government-and-politics-health-77c9ba98c4f4ab46fdbd5bcc47b5b938">once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity</a>, usually around six weeks and before many women know they’re pregnant.The law is part of a broader push by Republicans nationwide to impose new restrictions on abortion. At least 12 other states have enacted bans early in pregnancy, but all have been blocked from going into effect.The high court’s order declining to halt the Texas law came just before midnight Wednesday. The majority said those bringing the case had not met the high burden required for a stay of the law.“In reaching this conclusion, we stress that we do not purport to resolve definitively any jurisdictional or substantive claim in the applicants’ lawsuit. In particular, this order is not based on any conclusion about the constitutionality of Texas’s law, and in no way limits other procedurally proper challenges to the Texas law, including in Texas state courts,” the unsigned order said.Chief Justice John Roberts dissented along with the court’s three liberal justices. Each of the four wrote a statement expressing disagreement with the majority.

Pres. Biden blasts Supreme Court in abortion battle

WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci says it is “likely” Americans will need to get a third dose of vaccine to be considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Fauci spoke at a White House briefing, saying a final determination would be made by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, the nation’s top infections disease expert says his professional experience leads him to believe a third dose of mRNA vaccines will be required to provide long-term protection against the coronavirus.

The U.S. is preparing for boosters for all Americans who received the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna between five and eight months after their second dose, pending approval by the FDA. The U.S. is still studying the need for a booster dose of the single-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine.

A formal determination of the third dose for “full vaccination’” would have broad implications for schools, businesses and other entities with vaccine mandates.

White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients says the federal government will bring the “same intensity” to encouraging Americans to get booster shots as it did for the initial vaccination campaign.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630613295183.png" alt="Dr. Fauci during Thursday's White House COVID Response Team briefing-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Fauci during Thursday's White House COVID Response Team briefing-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci says it is “likely” Americans will need to get a third dose of vaccine to be considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19.Fauci spoke at a White House briefing, saying a final determination would be made by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, the nation’s top infections disease expert says his professional experience leads him to believe a third dose of mRNA vaccines will be required to provide long-term protection against the coronavirus.The U.S. is preparing for boosters for all Americans who received the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna between five and eight months after their second dose, pending approval by the FDA. The U.S. is still studying the need for a booster dose of the single-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine.A formal determination of the third dose for “full vaccination’” would have broad implications for schools, businesses and other entities with vaccine mandates.White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients says the federal government will bring the “same intensity” to encouraging Americans to get booster shots as it did for the initial vaccination campaign.

Fauci: Americans 'likely' need 3rd dose of shots

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, have identified a man shot to death and found in a grassy area under a tree. 

Police say the body of 19-year-old Johnnie Roades was discovered Tuesday evening by a person walking in the area about two hours after neighbors had reported hearing gunshots. 

Police have said they have no suspects yet in the case and are asking anyone with information on Roades' death to contact detectives. Police say the killing was the city's 30th homicide of the year.

KANSAS CITY—Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department are currently investigating the city's 30th homicide of 2021.

Just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to report of a dead body in the 3100 block of Cleveland Avenue, according to a media release.&nbsp;

At the scene, officers located the body of a black man in his 20s, the apparent victim of gunfire. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots about 4:30p.m. but due to the location of the body under a tree in a grassy area, the victim was not discovered&nbsp; until a pedestrian walked through the area. Police have not released the identity of the victim.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, have identified a man shot to death and found in a grassy area under a tree. Police say the body of 19-year-old Johnnie Roades was discovered Tuesday evening by a person walking in the area about two hours after neighbors had reported hearing gunshots. Police have said they have no suspects yet in the case and are asking anyone with information on Roades' death to contact detectives. Police say the killing was the city's 30th homicide of the year.------KANSAS CITY—Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department are currently investigating the city's 30th homicide of 2021.Just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to report of a dead body in the 3100 block of Cleveland Avenue, according to a media release.&nbsp;At the scene, officers located the body of a black man in his 20s, the apparent victim of gunfire. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots about 4:30p.m. but due to the location of the body under a tree in a grassy area, the victim was not discovered&nbsp; until a pedestrian walked through the area. Police have not released the identity of the victim.

Police ID Kan. man found shot to death under a tree 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The global shortage of computer chips is getting worse, forcing automakers to temporarily close factories including those that build popular pickup trucks.

General Motors announced Thursday that it would pause production at eight North American plants during the next two weeks, including two that make the company’s top-selling Chevrolet Silverado pickup.

Ford will stop making pickups at its Kansas City Assembly Plant for the next two weeks. Shifts will be cut at two more truck plants in Dearborn, Michigan, and Louisville, Kentucky.

The cuts will compound an already short supply of cars, trucks and SUVs on dealer lots nationwide that have pushed prices to record levels. Automakers reported that U.S. dealers had just under a million new vehicles on their lots in August, 72% lower than the 3.58 million in August of 2019.

“It now appears to be accelerating in the wrong direction,” said Jeff Schuster, president of global vehicle forecasting for LMC Automotive, a consulting firm.

Industry analysts say the delta variant of the novel coronavirus has hit employees at chip factories in southeast Asia hard, forcing some plants to close. That’s worsened a chip shortage that was starting to improve earlier in the summer.

“Now the prospects for new sales for the rest of the year continue to dim with the reality that tight inventory will last well into 2022,” said Kevin Roberts, director of industry insights for Cargurus.com.

Demand for trucks, SUVs and other autos is strong, but buyers are growing frustrated due to lack of inventory and high prices. U.S. light vehicle sales fell nearly 18% in August compared with a year ago, while the average vehicle sale price hit over $41,000, a record, according to J.D. Power.

Sales of Ford’s F-Series trucks fell nearly 23% for the month.

The August sales dip and inventory shortages prompted Schuster to cut his U.S. sales forecast for the year to 15.7 million. Until the pandemic hit, sales had been running around 17 million per year.

Consumers who need a new vehicle don’t have many choices with dealer supplies so short, Schuster said. Some have left the market because they can’t find anything that meets their needs. For others, “pricing is through the roof, so they can’t afford it and aren’t willing to spend what it’s going to cost to get that vehicle.”

GM is shutting down pickup truck plants in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Silao, Mexico, for a week starting Monday. A plant in Wentzville, Missouri, that builds midsize pickups and big vans will close for two weeks. Other plants that make small and midsize SUVs will be idled for two weeks or longer.

“These recent scheduling adjustments are being driven by the continued parts shortages caused by semiconductor supply constraints from international markets experiencing COVID-19-related restrictions,” GM said in a statement.

The GM and Ford cuts come on top of temporary plant closures announced previously by Toyota, Nissan and Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler.

Stellantis shut down its Ram truck assembly plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan this week due to the chip shortage. The company’s Belvidere, Illinois, small-SUV plant and a minivan plant in Windsor, Ontario are down for two weeks.

Toyota said it would slash production by at least 40% in Japan and North America for the next two months, cutting production by 360,000 vehicles worldwide in September alone.

Nissan, which announced in mid-August that chip shortages would force it to close its huge factory in Smyrna, Tennessee, for two weeks until Aug. 30, now says the closure will last four weeks, until Sept. 13.

There is a little good news. Ford said its overall production rose 76% from July to August, although it’s not clear how long that would last.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585229297003.png" alt="Robots in the body shop of Kansas City Assembly Plant weld the body of Ford vehicle August 2019-photo courtesy Ford&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Robots in the body shop of Kansas City Assembly Plant weld the body of Ford vehicle August 2019-photo courtesy Ford&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The global shortage of computer chips is getting worse, forcing automakers to temporarily close factories including those that build popular pickup trucks.General Motors announced Thursday that it would pause production at eight North American plants during the next two weeks, including two that make the company’s top-selling Chevrolet Silverado pickup.Ford will stop making pickups at its Kansas City Assembly Plant for the next two weeks. Shifts will be cut at two more truck plants in Dearborn, Michigan, and Louisville, Kentucky.The cuts will compound an already short supply of cars, trucks and SUVs on dealer lots nationwide that have pushed prices to record levels. Automakers reported that U.S. dealers had just under a million new vehicles on their lots in August, 72% lower than the 3.58 million in August of 2019.“It now appears to be accelerating in the wrong direction,” said Jeff Schuster, president of global vehicle forecasting for LMC Automotive, a consulting firm.Industry analysts say the delta variant of the novel coronavirus has hit employees at chip factories in southeast Asia hard, forcing some plants to close. That’s worsened a chip shortage that was starting to improve earlier in the summer.“Now the prospects for new sales for the rest of the year continue to dim with the reality that tight inventory will last well into 2022,” said Kevin Roberts, director of industry insights for Cargurus.com.Demand for trucks, SUVs and other autos is strong, but buyers are growing frustrated due to lack of inventory and high prices. U.S. light vehicle sales fell nearly 18% in August compared with a year ago, while the average vehicle sale price hit over $41,000, a record, according to J.D. Power.Sales of Ford’s F-Series trucks fell nearly 23% for the month.The August sales dip and inventory shortages prompted Schuster to cut his U.S. sales forecast for the year to 15.7 million. Until the pandemic hit, sales had been running around 17 million per year.Consumers who need a new vehicle don’t have many choices with dealer supplies so short, Schuster said. Some have left the market because they can’t find anything that meets their needs. For others, “pricing is through the roof, so they can’t afford it and aren’t willing to spend what it’s going to cost to get that vehicle.”GM is shutting down pickup truck plants in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Silao, Mexico, for a week starting Monday. A plant in Wentzville, Missouri, that builds midsize pickups and big vans will close for two weeks. Other plants that make small and midsize SUVs will be idled for two weeks or longer.“These recent scheduling adjustments are being driven by the continued parts shortages caused by semiconductor supply constraints from international markets experiencing COVID-19-related restrictions,” GM said in a statement.The GM and Ford cuts come on top of temporary plant closures announced previously by Toyota, Nissan and Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler.Stellantis shut down its Ram truck assembly plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan this week due to the chip shortage. The company’s Belvidere, Illinois, small-SUV plant and a minivan plant in Windsor, Ontario are down for two weeks.Toyota said it would slash production by at least 40% in Japan and North America for the next two months, cutting production by 360,000 vehicles worldwide in September alone.Nissan, which announced in mid-August that chip shortages would force it to close its huge factory in Smyrna, Tennessee, for two weeks until Aug. 30, now says the closure will last four weeks, until Sept. 13.There is a little good news. Ford said its overall production rose 76% from July to August, although it’s not clear how long that would last.