WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is targeting the blood thinner Eliquis, diabetes treatment Jardiance and eight other medications for Medicare's first-ever drug price negotiations as it seeks to lower medical costs for Americans.

The administration on Tuesday released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23930689-medicare-drug-price-negotiation-list">a list of the 10 drugs</a>&nbsp;for which prices will be negotiated directly with the manufacturer. The move is expected to cut costs for many patients, but it faces litigation from the drugmakers and heavy criticism from Republican lawmakers, and it could be years before consumers notice any savings.

The effort is a centerpiece of President Joe Biden's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-election-2024-president-democrats-trump-9c72115656855da89a41cac3f79aa65b">reelection pitch</a>&nbsp;as the Democrat seeks to show Americans he's deserving of a second term because of the work he's doing to lower costs for them while the country is struggling with inflation. But like the drug negotiations, many of Biden's biggest policy moves take time to roll out, and his challenge is to persuade the public to be patient.

“For many Americans, the cost of one drug is the difference between life and death, dignity and dependence, hope and fear,” Biden said in a statement. “That is why we will continue the fight to lower healthcare costs — and we will not stop until we finish the job.”

Biden plans to deliver a speech on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lifestyle-health-care-costs-medicare-prescription-drugs-2fe3928665506b9a2d9c9c38bfd4f0c9">health care costs</a>&nbsp;from the White House later Tuesday. He’ll be joined by Vice President Kamala Harris.

The drugs on the list announced Tuesday accounted for more than $50 billion in Medicare prescription drug costs between June 1, 2022, and May 31, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS. The diabetes treatments Jardiance from Eli Lilly and Co. and Merck’s Januvia made the list, along with Amgen’s autoimmune disease treatment Enbrel. Other drugs include Entresto from Novartis, which is used to treat heart failure.

Medicare spent about $10 billion in 2020 on Eliquis, according to AARP research. The drug from Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb treats blood clots in the legs and lungs and reduces the risk of stroke in people with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation.

Senior administration officials said Tuesday that the 10 drugs selected for negotiation are among the most costly to the Medicare program. They said 8.2 million people with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage take them.

Other drugs on the list include AstraZeneca’s diabetes and heart failure treatment Farxiga and three drugs from Johnson &amp; Johnson: the blood thinner Xarelto, the blood cancer treatment Imbruvica and it’s biggest seller, Stelara, an IV treatment for psoriasis and other inflammatory disorders.

The list also includes several versions of Novo Nordisk’s Fiasp, a fast-acting insulin taken around meals.

The Inflation Reduction Act already caps Medicare patient out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $35 a month. An administration official said Tuesday that upper limit will hold but there could be further changes in those costs.

The announcement is a significant step under the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-climate-health-tax-law-economy-inflation-f112d7c78abaa724d22964317d213deb">Inflation Reduction Act,</a>&nbsp;which was signed by Biden last year. The law requires the federal government for the first time to start negotiating directly with companies about the prices they charge for some of Medicare’s most expensive drugs.

More than 52 million people who either are 65 or older or have certain severe disabilities or illnesses get prescription drug coverage through Medicare’s Part D program, according to CMS.

About 9% of Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older said in 2021 that they did not fill a prescription or skipped a drug dose due to cost, according to research by the Commonwealth Fund, which studies health care issues.

The agency aims to negotiate the lowest maximum fair price for drugs on the list released Tuesday. That could help some patients who have coverage but still face big bills like high deductible payments when they get a prescription.

Currently, pharmacy benefit managers that run Medicare prescription plans negotiate rebates off a drug's price. Those rebates sometimes help reduce premiums customers pay for coverage. But they may not change what a patient spends at the pharmacy counter.

The new drug price negotiations aim "to basically make drugs more affordable while also still allowing for profits to be made,” said Gretchen Jacobson, who researches Medicare issues at Commonwealth.

Drug companies that refuse to be a part of the new negotiation process will be heavily taxed.

The pharmaceutical industry has been gearing up for months to fight these rules. Already, the plan faces several lawsuits, including complaints filed by drugmakers Merck and Bristol-Myers Squibb and a key lobbying group, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA.

PhRMA said in a federal court complaint filed earlier this year that the act forces drugmakers to agree to a “government-dictated price” under the threat of a heavy tax and gives too much price-setting authority to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

PhRMA representatives also have said pharmacy benefit managers can still restrict access to drugs with negotiated prices by moving the drugs to a tier of their formulary — a list of covered drugs — that would require higher out-of-pocket payments. Pharmacy benefit managers also could require patients to try other drugs first or seek approval before a prescription can be covered.

Republican lawmakers also have blasted the Biden administration for its plan, saying companies might pull back on introducing new drugs that could be subjected to future haggling. They’ve also questioned whether the government knows enough to suggest prices for drugs.

CMS will start its negotiations on drugs for which it spends the most money. The drugs also must be ones that don't have generic competitors and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

CMS plans to meet this fall with drugmakers that have a drug on its list, and government officials say they also plan to hold patient-focused listening sessions. By February 2024, the government will make its first offer on a maximum fair price and then give drugmakers time to respond.

Any negotiated prices won't take hold until 2026. More drugs could be added to the program in the coming years.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is targeting the blood thinner Eliquis, diabetes treatment Jardiance and eight other medications for Medicare's first-ever drug price negotiations as it seeks to lower medical costs for Americans.The administration on Tuesday released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23930689-medicare-drug-price-negotiation-list">a list of the 10 drugs</a>&nbsp;for which prices will be negotiated directly with the manufacturer. The move is expected to cut costs for many patients, but it faces litigation from the drugmakers and heavy criticism from Republican lawmakers, and it could be years before consumers notice any savings.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">No senior should have to overpay for life-saving drugs to pad Big Pharma’s pockets. My Administration is announcing the first 10 Medicare Part D drugs selected for price negotiation. We&#39;re ending the days of deciding between buying your medicine or putting food on the table. <a href="https://t.co/oEMkaXAjWb">pic.twitter.com/oEMkaXAjWb</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1696492901633585429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The effort is a centerpiece of President Joe Biden's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-election-2024-president-democrats-trump-9c72115656855da89a41cac3f79aa65b">reelection pitch</a>&nbsp;as the Democrat seeks to show Americans he's deserving of a second term because of the work he's doing to lower costs for them while the country is struggling with inflation. But like the drug negotiations, many of Biden's biggest policy moves take time to roll out, and his challenge is to persuade the public to be patient.“For many Americans, the cost of one drug is the difference between life and death, dignity and dependence, hope and fear,” Biden said in a statement. “That is why we will continue the fight to lower healthcare costs — and we will not stop until we finish the job.”Biden plans to deliver a speech on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lifestyle-health-care-costs-medicare-prescription-drugs-2fe3928665506b9a2d9c9c38bfd4f0c9">health care costs</a>&nbsp;from the White House later Tuesday. He’ll be joined by Vice President Kamala Harris.The drugs on the list announced Tuesday accounted for more than $50 billion in Medicare prescription drug costs between June 1, 2022, and May 31, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS. The diabetes treatments Jardiance from Eli Lilly and Co. and Merck’s Januvia made the list, along with Amgen’s autoimmune disease treatment Enbrel. Other drugs include Entresto from Novartis, which is used to treat heart failure.Medicare spent about $10 billion in 2020 on Eliquis, according to AARP research. The drug from Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb treats blood clots in the legs and lungs and reduces the risk of stroke in people with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation.Senior administration officials said Tuesday that the 10 drugs selected for negotiation are among the most costly to the Medicare program. They said 8.2 million people with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage take them.Other drugs on the list include AstraZeneca’s diabetes and heart failure treatment Farxiga and three drugs from Johnson &amp; Johnson: the blood thinner Xarelto, the blood cancer treatment Imbruvica and it’s biggest seller, Stelara, an IV treatment for psoriasis and other inflammatory disorders.The list also includes several versions of Novo Nordisk’s Fiasp, a fast-acting insulin taken around meals.The Inflation Reduction Act already caps Medicare patient out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $35 a month. An administration official said Tuesday that upper limit will hold but there could be further changes in those costs.The announcement is a significant step under the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-climate-health-tax-law-economy-inflation-f112d7c78abaa724d22964317d213deb">Inflation Reduction Act,</a>&nbsp;which was signed by Biden last year. The law requires the federal government for the first time to start negotiating directly with companies about the prices they charge for some of Medicare’s most expensive drugs.More than 52 million people who either are 65 or older or have certain severe disabilities or illnesses get prescription drug coverage through Medicare’s Part D program, according to CMS.About 9% of Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older said in 2021 that they did not fill a prescription or skipped a drug dose due to cost, according to research by the Commonwealth Fund, which studies health care issues.The agency aims to negotiate the lowest maximum fair price for drugs on the list released Tuesday. That could help some patients who have coverage but still face big bills like high deductible payments when they get a prescription.Currently, pharmacy benefit managers that run Medicare prescription plans negotiate rebates off a drug's price. Those rebates sometimes help reduce premiums customers pay for coverage. But they may not change what a patient spends at the pharmacy counter.The new drug price negotiations aim "to basically make drugs more affordable while also still allowing for profits to be made,” said Gretchen Jacobson, who researches Medicare issues at Commonwealth.Drug companies that refuse to be a part of the new negotiation process will be heavily taxed.The pharmaceutical industry has been gearing up for months to fight these rules. Already, the plan faces several lawsuits, including complaints filed by drugmakers Merck and Bristol-Myers Squibb and a key lobbying group, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA.PhRMA said in a federal court complaint filed earlier this year that the act forces drugmakers to agree to a “government-dictated price” under the threat of a heavy tax and gives too much price-setting authority to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.PhRMA representatives also have said pharmacy benefit managers can still restrict access to drugs with negotiated prices by moving the drugs to a tier of their formulary — a list of covered drugs — that would require higher out-of-pocket payments. Pharmacy benefit managers also could require patients to try other drugs first or seek approval before a prescription can be covered.Republican lawmakers also have blasted the Biden administration for its plan, saying companies might pull back on introducing new drugs that could be subjected to future haggling. They’ve also questioned whether the government knows enough to suggest prices for drugs.CMS will start its negotiations on drugs for which it spends the most money. The drugs also must be ones that don't have generic competitors and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration.CMS plans to meet this fall with drugmakers that have a drug on its list, and government officials say they also plan to hold patient-focused listening sessions. By February 2024, the government will make its first offer on a maximum fair price and then give drugmakers time to respond.Any negotiated prices won't take hold until 2026. More drugs could be added to the program in the coming years.___

Biden targets 10 Medicare Part D drugs for price negotiation

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate a weekend drive-by shooting&nbsp; in the 400 block U Street in Atchison that sent a teen to the hospital

 Police now know the victim is a 15-year-old from Columbia Missouri, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. She had originally provided inaccurate information. .

Just after 4p.m. Saturday, the teen was sitting in a vehicle in the 400 block U Street in Atchison.&nbsp; A&nbsp;person drove up next to the vehicle and fired a single shot.

A private vehicle transported the girl to a local hospital. She was later transferred to a Kansas City hospital. She has been released from the hospital, according Wilson.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate a weekend drive-by shooting&nbsp; in the 400 block U Street in Atchison that sent a teen to the hospital Police now know the victim is a 15-year-old from Columbia Missouri, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. She had originally provided inaccurate information. .Just after 4p.m. Saturday, the teen was sitting in a vehicle in the 400 block U Street in Atchison.&nbsp; A&nbsp;person drove up next to the vehicle and fired a single shot.A private vehicle transported the girl to a local hospital. She was later transferred to a Kansas City hospital. She has been released from the hospital, according Wilson.

Girl injured in Kansas drive-by shooting released from hospital

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two new laws restricting the access of transgender youth in Missouri to gender-affirming health care and school sports took effect Monday.

One law bans minors from beginning puberty blockers and hormones and outlaws gender-affirming surgeries for youths. The other law requires student athletes from kindergarten through college to play on sports teams that align with their sex as assigned at birth.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-missouri-republican-govenrnor-sports-d0d3ef01544dc7c22592d8ca2464138b">Republican Gov. Mike Parson signed the bills in June</a>&nbsp;after he and other proponents of the laws&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-legislation-legislature-missouri-sports-2dd6a4c599190a08aa72d12868215547">pressured</a>&nbsp;the GOP-led legislature to act during this year's session. Both laws are set to expire in 2027.

LGBTQ+ advocates who sued to overturn the health care law were dealt a blow last week when a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-minors-missouri-196d873aa5a5b8b05b0af18f0e653a16">allowed the law to take effect</a>&nbsp;as the court challenge plays out.

The health care law prohibits physicians from providing gender-affirming health care to minors, but young people prescribed puberty blockers or hormones before Aug. 28 can continue to receive those treatments. Adults still have access to transgender health care under the law, but Medicaid will not cover it and prisoners’ access to surgeries is limited.

Missouri’s Planned Parenthood clinics had been ramping up available appointments and holding pop-up clinics to start patients on treatments before the law took effect. Physicians who violate the law face having their licenses revoked and being sued by patients.

“All transgender folks in Missouri who are already getting care will now be denied the use of their public insurance to cover that care,” said Dr. Colleen McNicholas, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri.

She said the ban on Medicaid coverage might mean adult patients already receiving treatments will need to switch to providers who accept out-of-pocket payments.

The ACLU of Missouri, Lambda Legal, and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner filed suit last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-gender-affirming-health-care-ban-lawsuit-9696f0c28b63baf8c52a95448811795e">seeking to overturn Missouri's transgender health care law</a>&nbsp;on behalf of doctors, LGBTQ+ organizations, and three families of transgender minors. Arguing that the law is discriminatory, they asked that it be temporarily blocked as the court challenge against it plays out. A St. Louis judge disagreed, and last week ruled that the law can take effect throughout the lawsuit.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Sept. 22.

Beginning Monday, student athletes will only be allowed to play on K-12 and college sports teams that align with their sex assigned at birth. That means transgender girls and women will not be allowed on girls' and women's school teams, and transgender boys and men can only compete on girls' and women's teams.

Girls and women can play on boys' and men's teams if there is no corresponding sports program for girls and women.

Compliance is based on students' birth certificates or other government documents, but only records created shortly after birth are acceptable. Modified birth certificates are only allowed in cases of typos and other mistakes.

The state education department is responsible for creating additional rules for enforcement of the law, which isn't facing a challenge.

Schools, including private institutions, face losing all state funding for violating the law. Parents, adult students and former students can sue if they believe a violation of the law led to the loss of an “athletic opportunity” for them.

At least 22 states have enacted laws banning or restricting gender-affirming care for minors, and most of the bans are being challenged in court.

The most recent state to enact a ban was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-veto-override-north-carolina-536351cc360a92cdd21f298f6212e6d2">North Carolina</a>, where Republican lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of a measure banning medical professionals from providing hormone therapy, puberty-blocking drugs and surgical gender-transition procedures to anyone under 18, with limited exceptions.

North Carolina’s law took effect immediately. But minors who began treatment before Aug. 1 may continue receiving that care if their doctors deem it medically necessary and their parents consent. Opponents of the law have vowed to file a lawsuit challenging it.

A federal judge in June struck down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/us-news/arkansas-gender-general-news-2a0d032f4e4f3195c180d879239e6521">Arkansas</a>&nbsp;′ first-in-the-nation ban, and the state has appealed that decision. The judge in that case ruled the prohibition violated the constitutional rights of transgender youth and families, as well as those of medical providers. He also rejected proponents’ claims that the treatments were experimental.

People opposed to such treatments for children argue that they are too young to make such decisions about their futures.

Every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, has opposed the bans on gender-affirming care for minors and supported the medical care for youth when administered appropriately.

The American Academy of Pediatrics earlier this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-genderaffirming-care-pediatricians-176134f1b6ee1f2c146fef9a40cf351e">reaffirmed</a>&nbsp;its support for the treatments, and voted to conduct an external review of research regarding the care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692751118304.png" alt="FILE - Glenda Starke wears a transgender flag as a counter protest during a rally in favor of a ban on gender-affirming health care legislation, March 20, 2023, at the Missouri Statehouse in Jefferson City, Mo. Missouri’s Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey and the families of transgender children are in court fighting over whether a new law banning minors from receiving gender-affirming health care will take effect as scheduled on Monday, Aug. 28. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Glenda Starke wears a transgender flag as a counter protest during a rally in favor of a ban on gender-affirming health care legislation, March 20, 2023, at the Missouri Statehouse in Jefferson City, Mo. Missouri’s Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey and the families of transgender children are in court fighting over whether a new law banning minors from receiving gender-affirming health care will take effect as scheduled on Monday, Aug. 28. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two new laws restricting the access of transgender youth in Missouri to gender-affirming health care and school sports took effect Monday.One law bans minors from beginning puberty blockers and hormones and outlaws gender-affirming surgeries for youths. The other law requires student athletes from kindergarten through college to play on sports teams that align with their sex as assigned at birth.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-missouri-republican-govenrnor-sports-d0d3ef01544dc7c22592d8ca2464138b">Republican Gov. Mike Parson signed the bills in June</a>&nbsp;after he and other proponents of the laws&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-legislation-legislature-missouri-sports-2dd6a4c599190a08aa72d12868215547">pressured</a>&nbsp;the GOP-led legislature to act during this year's session. Both laws are set to expire in 2027.LGBTQ+ advocates who sued to overturn the health care law were dealt a blow last week when a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-minors-missouri-196d873aa5a5b8b05b0af18f0e653a16">allowed the law to take effect</a>&nbsp;as the court challenge plays out.HEALTH CAREThe health care law prohibits physicians from providing gender-affirming health care to minors, but young people prescribed puberty blockers or hormones before Aug. 28 can continue to receive those treatments. Adults still have access to transgender health care under the law, but Medicaid will not cover it and prisoners’ access to surgeries is limited.Missouri’s Planned Parenthood clinics had been ramping up available appointments and holding pop-up clinics to start patients on treatments before the law took effect. Physicians who violate the law face having their licenses revoked and being sued by patients.“All transgender folks in Missouri who are already getting care will now be denied the use of their public insurance to cover that care,” said Dr. Colleen McNicholas, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri.She said the ban on Medicaid coverage might mean adult patients already receiving treatments will need to switch to providers who accept out-of-pocket payments.LAWSUITThe ACLU of Missouri, Lambda Legal, and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner filed suit last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-gender-affirming-health-care-ban-lawsuit-9696f0c28b63baf8c52a95448811795e">seeking to overturn Missouri's transgender health care law</a>&nbsp;on behalf of doctors, LGBTQ+ organizations, and three families of transgender minors. Arguing that the law is discriminatory, they asked that it be temporarily blocked as the court challenge against it plays out. A St. Louis judge disagreed, and last week ruled that the law can take effect throughout the lawsuit.The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Sept. 22.SCHOOL SPORTSBeginning Monday, student athletes will only be allowed to play on K-12 and college sports teams that align with their sex assigned at birth. That means transgender girls and women will not be allowed on girls' and women's school teams, and transgender boys and men can only compete on girls' and women's teams.Girls and women can play on boys' and men's teams if there is no corresponding sports program for girls and women.Compliance is based on students' birth certificates or other government documents, but only records created shortly after birth are acceptable. Modified birth certificates are only allowed in cases of typos and other mistakes.The state education department is responsible for creating additional rules for enforcement of the law, which isn't facing a challenge.Schools, including private institutions, face losing all state funding for violating the law. Parents, adult students and former students can sue if they believe a violation of the law led to the loss of an “athletic opportunity” for them.OTHER STATESAt least 22 states have enacted laws banning or restricting gender-affirming care for minors, and most of the bans are being challenged in court.The most recent state to enact a ban was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-veto-override-north-carolina-536351cc360a92cdd21f298f6212e6d2">North Carolina</a>, where Republican lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of a measure banning medical professionals from providing hormone therapy, puberty-blocking drugs and surgical gender-transition procedures to anyone under 18, with limited exceptions.North Carolina’s law took effect immediately. But minors who began treatment before Aug. 1 may continue receiving that care if their doctors deem it medically necessary and their parents consent. Opponents of the law have vowed to file a lawsuit challenging it.A federal judge in June struck down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/us-news/arkansas-gender-general-news-2a0d032f4e4f3195c180d879239e6521">Arkansas</a>&nbsp;′ first-in-the-nation ban, and the state has appealed that decision. The judge in that case ruled the prohibition violated the constitutional rights of transgender youth and families, as well as those of medical providers. He also rejected proponents’ claims that the treatments were experimental.People opposed to such treatments for children argue that they are too young to make such decisions about their futures.Every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, has opposed the bans on gender-affirming care for minors and supported the medical care for youth when administered appropriately.The American Academy of Pediatrics earlier this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-genderaffirming-care-pediatricians-176134f1b6ee1f2c146fef9a40cf351e">reaffirmed</a>&nbsp;its support for the treatments, and voted to conduct an external review of research regarding the care.

Minors beginning gender-affirming care in Missouri now against the law

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on alleged rape in Kansas City, Kansas.

Just before 5:30 a.m. Sunday, a proactive officer approached 4 people loitering in front of a closed business in Lawrence, according to a social media report from police.

One of them provided a false name, but officers soon discovered who he was — and learned he was wanted on two counts of rape in Kansas and had other warrants.

 The suspect identified according to online booking records as 36-year-old Matthew A. Williams&nbsp; was arrested and transported to jail.  Officers discovered the suspect is a new to town and came Lawrence to hide.

Williams is being held on requested charges of rape in Wyandotte County and Failure to Appear in Douglas and Leavenworth County&nbsp;

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on alleged rape in Kansas City, Kansas.Just before 5:30 a.m. Sunday, a proactive officer approached 4 people loitering in front of a closed business in Lawrence, according to a social media report from police.One of them provided a false name, but officers soon discovered who he was — and learned he was wanted on two counts of rape in Kansas and had other warrants. The suspect identified according to online booking records as 36-year-old Matthew A. Williams&nbsp; was arrested and transported to jail. Officers discovered the suspect is a new to town and came Lawrence to hide.Williams is being held on requested charges of rape in Wyandotte County and Failure to Appear in Douglas and Leavenworth County&nbsp;

Wanted Kansas rape suspect gave police a fake name

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA — Military officials confirm the names of those killed in the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey crash on Melville Island, north of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, on Sunday morning. They are identified as U.S. Marine Corps Captain Eleanor V. LeBeau, female, 29, MV-22B Osprey pilot for VMM-363 (REIN), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, originally from Belleville, Illinois.

U.S. Marine Corps Major Tobin J. Lewis, male, 37, the executive officer of VMM-363 (REIN), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, originally from Jefferson, Colorado.

&nbsp;U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Spencer R. Collart, male, 21, MV-22B Osprey crew chief for VMM-363 (REIN), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, originally from Arlington, VA

Three Marines remain in Royal Darwin Hospital, with one in critical condition and two in stable condition. 17 others were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital, treated for minor injuries, and released.

Up to 2,500 U.S. Marines have been based in Darwin for six months a year since 2012 as part of the U.S. military pivot to Asia to counter China’s growing influence in the region.

Col. Brendan Sullivan, the commanding officer of the Marine Rotation Force-Darwin, said the Marines’ focus was on supporting the recovery of wreckage and investigating the cause.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of three respected and beloved members of the MRF-D family,” Sullivan said in a statement.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and with all involved,” Sullivan added.

President Joe Biden has also offered his condolences to their families.

“Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of the Marines who lost their lives in this deadly crash,” Biden tweeted, referring to his wife Jill Biden. “We are praying for those who also suffered injuries.”

The Osprey is a hybrid aircraft that takes off and lands like a helicopter but during flight can tilt its propellers forward and cruise much faster like an airplane.

Before Sunday, there had been five fatal crashes of Marine Ospreys since 2012, causing a total of 16 deaths.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Eight U.S. Marines remained in a hospital in the Australian north coast city of Darwin on Monday after they were injured in a fiery crash of a tiltrotor aircraft that killed three of their colleagues on an island.

All 20 survivors were flown from Melville Island 80 kilometers (50 miles) south to Darwin within hours of the Marine V-22 Osprey crashing at 9:30 a.m. Sunday during a multinational training exercise, Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said.

All were taken to the Royal Darwin Hospital, and 12 had been discharged by Monday, she said.

The first five Marines to arrive at the city’s main hospital were critically injured and one underwent emergency surgery.

Fyles said she would not detail the conditions of eight who remained in the hospital out of respect for them and their families.

“It’s ... a credit to everyone involved that we were able to get 20 patients from an extremely remote location on an island into our tertiary hospital within a matter of hours,” Fyles told reporters.

The Osprey that crashed was one of two that flew from Darwin to Melville on Sunday as part of Exercise Predators Run, which involves the militaries of the United States, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and East Timor.

All 23 Marines aboard the lost aircraft were temporarily based in Darwin as part of the Marine Corps’ annual troop rotation.

Around 150 U.S. Marines are currently based in Darwin and up to 2,500 rotate through the city every year. They are part of a realignment of U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific that is broadly meant to face an increasingly assertive China.

The bodies of the three Marines remained at the crash site, where an exclusion zone would be maintained, Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said.

The cause of the crash had yet to be explained and investigators would remain at the site for at least 10 days, Murphy said.

The Osprey, a hybrid aircraft that takes off and lands like a helicopter but during flight can tilt its propellers forward and cruise much faster like an airplane, crashed into tropical forest and burst into flame.

The latest was in June 2022, when five Marines died in a fiery crash in a remote part of California east of San Diego.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marine-v22-aircraft-crash-investigation-6a449feb2f590f6d35909a2b40e6839a">A crash investigation report</a>&nbsp;last month found that the tragedy was caused by a mechanical failure related to a clutch.

There had been 16 similar clutch problems with the Marine Ospreys in flight since 2012, the report found. But no problems have arisen since February when the Marine Corps began replacing a piece of equipment on the aircraft, the report said.

Emergency responders were surprised the death toll from Sunday's crash was not higher.

“For a chopper that crashes and catches fire, to have 20 Marines that are surviving, I think that’s an incredible outcome,” Murphy said.

Defense Minister Richard Marles was also greateful that the toll was not worse.

“It’s remarkable that in many ways, so many have survived,” Marles told Nine News television. “This remains a very tragic incident and the loss of those lives are keenly felt,” Marles added.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin paid tribute to dead Marines.

“These Marines served our country with courage and pride, and my thoughts and prayers are with their families today, with the other troops who were injured in the crash, and with the entire USMC family,” Austin tweeted.

The U.S. Embassy in Australia issued a statement offering condolences to the families and friends of the dead Marines and thanking Australian responders for their help.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693270537403.png" alt="Capt. Eleanor V. LeBeau courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Capt. Eleanor V. LeBeau courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DARWIN, AUSTRALIA — Military officials confirm the names of those killed in the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey crash on Melville Island, north of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, on Sunday morning. They are identified as U.S. Marine Corps Captain Eleanor V. LeBeau, female, 29, MV-22B Osprey pilot for VMM-363 (REIN), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, originally from Belleville, Illinois.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693270582869.png" alt="Maj. Tobin J. Lewis courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Maj. Tobin J. Lewis courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Marine Corps Major Tobin J. Lewis, male, 37, the executive officer of VMM-363 (REIN), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, originally from Jefferson, Colorado.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693270610503.png" alt="Cpl. Spencer R. Collart courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cpl. Spencer R. Collart courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Spencer R. Collart, male, 21, MV-22B Osprey crew chief for VMM-363 (REIN), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, originally from Arlington, VAThree Marines remain in Royal Darwin Hospital, with one in critical condition and two in stable condition. 17 others were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital, treated for minor injuries, and released.Up to 2,500 U.S. Marines have been based in Darwin for six months a year since 2012 as part of the U.S. military pivot to Asia to counter China’s growing influence in the region.Col. Brendan Sullivan, the commanding officer of the Marine Rotation Force-Darwin, said the Marines’ focus was on supporting the recovery of wreckage and investigating the cause.“We are deeply saddened by the loss of three respected and beloved members of the MRF-D family,” Sullivan said in a statement.“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and with all involved,” Sullivan added.President Joe Biden has also offered his condolences to their families.“Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of the Marines who lost their lives in this deadly crash,” Biden tweeted, referring to his wife Jill Biden. “We are praying for those who also suffered injuries.”The Osprey is a hybrid aircraft that takes off and lands like a helicopter but during flight can tilt its propellers forward and cruise much faster like an airplane.Before Sunday, there had been five fatal crashes of Marine Ospreys since 2012, causing a total of 16 deaths.The cause of the crash remains under investigation.--------------------CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Eight U.S. Marines remained in a hospital in the Australian north coast city of Darwin on Monday after they were injured in a fiery crash of a tiltrotor aircraft that killed three of their colleagues on an island.All 20 survivors were flown from Melville Island 80 kilometers (50 miles) south to Darwin within hours of the Marine V-22 Osprey crashing at 9:30 a.m. Sunday during a multinational training exercise, Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said.All were taken to the Royal Darwin Hospital, and 12 had been discharged by Monday, she said.The first five Marines to arrive at the city’s main hospital were critically injured and one underwent emergency surgery.Fyles said she would not detail the conditions of eight who remained in the hospital out of respect for them and their families.“It’s ... a credit to everyone involved that we were able to get 20 patients from an extremely remote location on an island into our tertiary hospital within a matter of hours,” Fyles told reporters.The Osprey that crashed was one of two that flew from Darwin to Melville on Sunday as part of Exercise Predators Run, which involves the militaries of the United States, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and East Timor.All 23 Marines aboard the lost aircraft were temporarily based in Darwin as part of the Marine Corps’ annual troop rotation.Around 150 U.S. Marines are currently based in Darwin and up to 2,500 rotate through the city every year. They are part of a realignment of U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific that is broadly meant to face an increasingly assertive China.The bodies of the three Marines remained at the crash site, where an exclusion zone would be maintained, Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said.The cause of the crash had yet to be explained and investigators would remain at the site for at least 10 days, Murphy said.The Osprey, a hybrid aircraft that takes off and lands like a helicopter but during flight can tilt its propellers forward and cruise much faster like an airplane, crashed into tropical forest and burst into flame.Before Sunday, there had been five fatal crashes of Marine Ospreys since 2012, causing a total of 16 deaths.The latest was in June 2022, when five Marines died in a fiery crash in a remote part of California east of San Diego.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marine-v22-aircraft-crash-investigation-6a449feb2f590f6d35909a2b40e6839a">A crash investigation report</a>&nbsp;last month found that the tragedy was caused by a mechanical failure related to a clutch.There had been 16 similar clutch problems with the Marine Ospreys in flight since 2012, the report found. But no problems have arisen since February when the Marine Corps began replacing a piece of equipment on the aircraft, the report said.Emergency responders were surprised the death toll from Sunday's crash was not higher.“For a chopper that crashes and catches fire, to have 20 Marines that are surviving, I think that’s an incredible outcome,” Murphy said.Defense Minister Richard Marles was also greateful that the toll was not worse.“It’s remarkable that in many ways, so many have survived,” Marles told Nine News television. “This remains a very tragic incident and the loss of those lives are keenly felt,” Marles added.U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin paid tribute to dead Marines.“These Marines served our country with courage and pride, and my thoughts and prayers are with their families today, with the other troops who were injured in the crash, and with the entire USMC family,” Austin tweeted.The U.S. Embassy in Australia issued a statement offering condolences to the families and friends of the dead Marines and thanking Australian responders for their help.

U.S. Marines killed in Australian Osprey crash are identified

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting have identified the suspect as 34-year-old D’Metrius J. Robinson.

Just before 3:30a.m. August 25, police responded to a call about individuals trying to break into cars at the&nbsp;Englewood Apartment Complex, 57th and Main Street in Gladstone, according to a media release.

Someone had already broken into a number of cars at the complex before police arrived. Officers attempt to arrest Robinson and two other suspects. 

Investigators said Robinson tried to drive away and ended up dragging an officer in the process. According to police, the officer shot Robinson. He later died at a hospital. The officer was treated for minor injuries.

Law enforcement confirmed another suspect is in custody. Investigators have not said if a third person has been arrested since the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693305699665.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting have identified the suspect as 34-year-old D’Metrius J. Robinson.Just before 3:30a.m. August 25, police responded to a call about individuals trying to break into cars at the&nbsp;Englewood Apartment Complex, 57th and Main Street in Gladstone, according to a media release.Someone had already broken into a number of cars at the complex before police arrived. Officers attempt to arrest Robinson and two other suspects. Investigators said Robinson tried to drive away and ended up dragging an officer in the process. According to police, the officer shot Robinson. He later died at a hospital. The officer was treated for minor injuries.Law enforcement confirmed another suspect is in custody. Investigators have not said if a third person has been arrested since the incident.

Police ID suspect who died in KC-area officer involved shooting

SEDGWICK COUNTY —On Monday, the Sedgwick County Zoo announced a new member of the chimpanzee troop – a baby girl born August 20. Her name is Alizeti which means “sunflower” in Swahili. 

Chimpanzee Chuckie gave birth in the presence of the troop during the early morning hours. The animal care team at the zoo observed mom and baby for a short time before coming to the conclusion that Chuckie was not exhibiting appropriate maternal behavior. 

In order to give Alizeti the best chance of survival, the team at the zoo made the life-saving decision to remove her from the troop and provide human-assisted rearing during this first crucial stage of her development. 

Human-assisted rearing involves round-the-clock care and attention for baby, designed to mirror how a chimp mother would naturally care for her infant. 

Just as mother chimpanzees never let baby out of their arms, our caretakers will do the same for at least a couple of months until Alizeti is developmentally strong enough to be reunited with the troop. At that point, she will be raised by a foster mother with support of the rest of the chimpanzee family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693253466643.png" alt="photo courtesy Sedgwick Co. Zoo" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Sedgwick Co. Zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —On Monday, the Sedgwick County Zoo announced a new member of the chimpanzee troop – a baby girl born August 20. Her name is Alizeti which means “sunflower” in Swahili. Chimpanzee Chuckie gave birth in the presence of the troop during the early morning hours. The animal care team at the zoo observed mom and baby for a short time before coming to the conclusion that Chuckie was not exhibiting appropriate maternal behavior. In order to give Alizeti the best chance of survival, the team at the zoo made the life-saving decision to remove her from the troop and provide human-assisted rearing during this first crucial stage of her development. Human-assisted rearing involves round-the-clock care and attention for baby, designed to mirror how a chimp mother would naturally care for her infant. Just as mother chimpanzees never let baby out of their arms, our caretakers will do the same for at least a couple of months until Alizeti is developmentally strong enough to be reunited with the troop. At that point, she will be raised by a foster mother with support of the rest of the chimpanzee family.

Foster mom to raise new chimpanzee at Kansas zoo

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.

Salina police received a call from the family of a sex abuse victim informing them of the alleged sexual abuse, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Lieutenant James Feldman.

On Sunday police arrested 56-year-old Delwin Wohlgemuth on the requested charges that include 30 counts of aggravated indecent solicitation of a child less than 14 years old and 30 counts of rape where the victim is less than 14 years old.

Feldman said the alleged sexual abuse took place over the course of multiple months.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693224613487.jpeg" alt="Wohlgemuth-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Wohlgemuth-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.Salina police received a call from the family of a sex abuse victim informing them of the alleged sexual abuse, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Lieutenant James Feldman.On Sunday police arrested 56-year-old Delwin Wohlgemuth on the requested charges that include 30 counts of aggravated indecent solicitation of a child less than 14 years old and 30 counts of rape where the victim is less than 14 years old.Feldman said the alleged sexual abuse took place over the course of multiple months.&nbsp;

Kansas man accused of child sex assault over many months

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another shooting in Wichita's Old Town and have a suspect in custody.

Just after&nbsp;1:30a.m. Sunday, police patrolling the Wichita's Old Town area responded to the sound of gunfire in the 100 block of North Mosley Avenue, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. 

As officers rushed to the area, one of the officers witnessed 27-year-old Andres Minor running from the scene and quickly placed him in custody. 

Other responding officers located a 33-year-old victim with several gunshot wounds to his lower body. 

Officers provided life-saving measures to the victim until EMS arrived. The victim was transported to an area hospital in serious condition with non- life-threatening injuries, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp;

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=234214">Minor is being held on </a>requested charges of aggravated battery and unlawful discharge firearm stemming. Investigators are still working to fully determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting.

On July 27, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=741653">Zachary Ramirez</a>&nbsp;of Maize has been charged in the case.

On July 2, nine people were struck by gunfire and two people were trampled during the mass exodus out of the City Nightz Club in the 200 Block of Washington in Old Town.&nbsp; Three suspects have been charged in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693155167484.png" alt="Minor-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Minor-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another shooting in Wichita's Old Town and have a suspect in custody.Just after&nbsp;1:30a.m. Sunday, police patrolling the Wichita's Old Town area responded to the sound of gunfire in the 100 block of North Mosley Avenue, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. As officers rushed to the area, one of the officers witnessed 27-year-old Andres Minor running from the scene and quickly placed him in custody. Other responding officers located a 33-year-old victim with several gunshot wounds to his lower body. Officers provided life-saving measures to the victim until EMS arrived. The victim was transported to an area hospital in serious condition with non- life-threatening injuries, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=234214">Minor is being held on </a>requested charges of aggravated battery and unlawful discharge firearm stemming. Investigators are still working to fully determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting.On July 27, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=741653">Zachary Ramirez</a>&nbsp;of Maize has been charged in the case.On July 2, nine people were struck by gunfire and two people were trampled during the mass exodus out of the City Nightz Club in the 200 Block of Washington in Old Town.&nbsp; Three suspects have been charged in the case.

Man jailed after another shooting in Wichita's Old Town

DAWSON COUNTY, Neb. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a significant drug bust.

Just after 7:30 a.m. August 24, a trooper observed an eastbound Cadillac CTS speeding near&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexington_Precinct,_Dawson_County,_Nebraska&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1">Lexington Precinct</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;Interstate 80 in Dawson County, according to a media release from Nebraska State Patrol.

During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle revealed more than 100 packages containing a total weight of 133 pounds of marijuana. 

Troopers arrested the driver, Jose Aparicio Mendoza, 28, of Mexico, on requested charges of possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and no operator’s license. He is being held in Dawson County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693252100971.jpeg" alt="Photo Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>DAWSON COUNTY, Neb. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a significant drug bust.Just after 7:30 a.m. August 24, a trooper observed an eastbound Cadillac CTS speeding near&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lexington_Precinct,_Dawson_County,_Nebraska&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1">Lexington Precinct</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;Interstate 80 in Dawson County, according to a media release from Nebraska State Patrol.During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.A search of the vehicle revealed more than 100 packages containing a total weight of 133 pounds of marijuana. Troopers arrested the driver, Jose Aparicio Mendoza, 28, of Mexico, on requested charges of possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and no operator’s license. He is being held in Dawson County Jail.

Troopers catch man from Mexico with 133 pounds of marijuana

HIGHLAND, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas community college that was accused of trying to reduce the number of Black student-athletes has agreed to a settlement, the Justice Department announced Monday.

The department said in a news release that the agreement requires Highland Community College to make its disciplinary proceedings more fair, to provide more training and to improve its procedures for responding to student complaints.

A university spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a phone message or email seeking comment.

The agreement resolves the department's investigation into complaints that Black students were targeted for searches and disciplined more severely than their white peers, resulting in their unfair removal from campus housing, or even expulsion, the department said in the release.

“No college student should have their educational experience marred or disrupted by discrimination based on their race,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

The allegations led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-kansas-football-education-race-and-ethnicity-35dfa40e9b3aed75ee8d067a6d083f34">lawsuits</a>, one filed by former coaches and another by former athletes.

The coaches' suit, which was settled this year, alleged that the school intimidated Black student-athletes into leaving and told coaches not to recruit African Americans.

The American Civil Liberties Union alleged in another suit that Highland expelled Black students for minor or bogus infractions and subjected them to arbitrary searches, surveillance and harassment on campus. In that case, the school agreed to pay as much as $15,000 to four students and pledged to provide anti-discrimination and Fourth Amendment training to staff members and administrators.

Highland has about 3,200 students and is about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Kansas City, Missouri. Fewer than 6% of the students are African American, but half or more of the student-athletes, until recently, were Black and came from out of state, according to the lawsuit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605539986198.png" alt="Image courtesy Highland Community College" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Highland Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>HIGHLAND, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas community college that was accused of trying to reduce the number of Black student-athletes has agreed to a settlement, the Justice Department announced Monday.The department said in a news release that the agreement requires Highland Community College to make its disciplinary proceedings more fair, to provide more training and to improve its procedures for responding to student complaints.A university spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a phone message or email seeking comment.The agreement resolves the department's investigation into complaints that Black students were targeted for searches and disciplined more severely than their white peers, resulting in their unfair removal from campus housing, or even expulsion, the department said in the release.“No college student should have their educational experience marred or disrupted by discrimination based on their race,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.The allegations led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-kansas-football-education-race-and-ethnicity-35dfa40e9b3aed75ee8d067a6d083f34">lawsuits</a>, one filed by former coaches and another by former athletes.The coaches' suit, which was settled this year, alleged that the school intimidated Black student-athletes into leaving and told coaches not to recruit African Americans.The American Civil Liberties Union alleged in another suit that Highland expelled Black students for minor or bogus infractions and subjected them to arbitrary searches, surveillance and harassment on campus. In that case, the school agreed to pay as much as $15,000 to four students and pledged to provide anti-discrimination and Fourth Amendment training to staff members and administrators.Highland has about 3,200 students and is about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Kansas City, Missouri. Fewer than 6% of the students are African American, but half or more of the student-athletes, until recently, were Black and came from out of state, according to the lawsuit.

Settlement in lawsuit alleging Kan. college discriminated against Black athletes   

RILEY COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.

On Monday, police arrested 64-year-old <a href="https://www.clarkpetersenchiropractic.com/">Clark Petersen</a> of Manhattan&nbsp; in connection to sex crimes reported to have occurred at his chiropractic office,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Petersen+Chiropractic:+Clark+A.+Petersen+D.C./@39.194001,-96.60703,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x816ed6b4af777c41!8m2!3d39.194001!4d-96.60703" target="_blank">1419 Westport Landing Place&nbsp; </a>#109 in Manhattan, between 2018 and 2022 involving five female victims now between the ages of 37 and 59, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Dept.

Petersen was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for 16 counts of sexual battery and one count each of rape, aggravated sexual battery, and lewd and lascivious behavior. He remains confined in the Riley County Jail with a total bond of $300,000.

The investigation into Petersen continues, anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Jessie Ehrlich at (785) 473-2397. RCPD Victim Advocate Coordinator Melissa Mosher is available to assist any victims of crime with emotional support and resources. She can be reached at (785) 473-2390.

RILEY COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.On Monday, police arrested 64-year-old <a href="https://www.clarkpetersenchiropractic.com/">Clark Petersen</a> of Manhattan&nbsp; in connection to sex crimes reported to have occurred at his chiropractic office,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Petersen+Chiropractic:+Clark+A.+Petersen+D.C./@39.194001,-96.60703,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x816ed6b4af777c41!8m2!3d39.194001!4d-96.60703" target="_blank">1419 Westport Landing Place&nbsp; </a>#109 in Manhattan, between 2018 and 2022 involving five female victims now between the ages of 37 and 59, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Dept.Petersen was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for 16 counts of sexual battery and one count each of rape, aggravated sexual battery, and lewd and lascivious behavior. He remains confined in the Riley County Jail with a total bond of $300,000.The investigation into Petersen continues, anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Jessie Ehrlich at (785) 473-2397. RCPD Victim Advocate Coordinator Melissa Mosher is available to assist any victims of crime with emotional support and resources. She can be reached at (785) 473-2390.

Kansas chiropractor accused of sex crimes at his office

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a accident that seriously injured&nbsp; a man just after 11:30p.m. Friday in Barton County.

According to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, a Buick sedan driven by Ricky McGinnis, 66 of Hoisington, ran over the legs of 20-year-old Kaden Baird, of Ellinwood who was lying in the eastbound lanes of the NW 100 Road just west of Hoisington.&nbsp;

EMS transported Baird to Clara Barton Hospital and he was later air-lifted to a hospital in Wichita, according to Bellendir.

Witnesses who had been with the man earlier&nbsp;reported that he was highly intoxicated at the time of the incident. The occupants of the Buick were not injured. The accident remains under investigaton.

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a accident that seriously injured&nbsp; a man just after 11:30p.m. Friday in Barton County.According to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, a Buick sedan driven by Ricky McGinnis, 66 of Hoisington, ran over the legs of 20-year-old Kaden Baird, of Ellinwood who was lying in the eastbound lanes of the NW 100 Road just west of Hoisington.&nbsp;EMS transported Baird to Clara Barton Hospital and he was later air-lifted to a hospital in Wichita, according to Bellendir.Witnesses who had been with the man earlier&nbsp;reported that he was highly intoxicated at the time of the incident. The occupants of the Buick were not injured. The accident remains under investigaton.

Sheriff: Man airlifted to hospital after vehicle ran over his legs

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has blasted the “backwardness” of some conservatives in the U.S. Catholic Church, saying they have replaced faith with ideology and that a correct understanding of Catholic doctrine allows for change over time.

Francis’ comments were an acknowledgment of the divisions in the U.S. Catholic Church, which has been split between progressives and conservatives who long found support in the doctrinaire papacies of St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, particularly on issues of abortion and same-sex marriage.

Many conservatives have blasted Francis’ emphasis instead on social justice issues such as the environment and the poor, while also branding as heretical his opening to letting divorced and civilly remarried Catholics receive the sacraments.

Francis made the comments in a private meeting with Portuguese members of his Jesuit religious order while visiting Lisbon on Aug. 5; the Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica, which is vetted by the Vatican secretariat of state, published a transcript of the encounter Monday.

During the meeting, a Portuguese Jesuit told Francis that he had suffered during a recent sabbatical year in the United States because he came across many Catholics, including some U.S. bishops, who criticized Francis’ 10-year papacy as well as today’s Jesuits.

The 86-year-old Argentine acknowledged his point, saying there was “a very strong, organized, reactionary attitude” in the U.S. church, which he called “backward.” He warned that such an attitude leads to a climate of closure, which was erroneous.

"Doing this, you lose the true tradition and you turn to ideologies to have support. In other words, ideologies replace faith,” he said.

“The vision of the doctrine of the church as a monolith is wrong,” he added. “When you go backward, you make something closed off, disconnected from the roots of the church,” which then has devastating effects on morality.

“I want to remind these people that backwardness is useless, and they must understand that there’s a correct evolution in the understanding of questions of faith and morals,” that allows for doctrine to progress and consolidate over time.

Francis has previously acknowledged the criticism directed at him from some U.S. conservatives, once quipping that it was an “honor” to be attacked by Americans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603292366279.png" alt="Francis has previously acknowledged the criticism directed at him from some U.S. conservatives, once quipping that it was an “honor” to be attacked by Americans.image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Francis has previously acknowledged the criticism directed at him from some U.S. conservatives, once quipping that it was an “honor” to be attacked by Americans.image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has blasted the “backwardness” of some conservatives in the U.S. Catholic Church, saying they have replaced faith with ideology and that a correct understanding of Catholic doctrine allows for change over time.Francis’ comments were an acknowledgment of the divisions in the U.S. Catholic Church, which has been split between progressives and conservatives who long found support in the doctrinaire papacies of St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, particularly on issues of abortion and same-sex marriage.Many conservatives have blasted Francis’ emphasis instead on social justice issues such as the environment and the poor, while also branding as heretical his opening to letting divorced and civilly remarried Catholics receive the sacraments.Francis made the comments in a private meeting with Portuguese members of his Jesuit religious order while visiting Lisbon on Aug. 5; the Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica, which is vetted by the Vatican secretariat of state, published a transcript of the encounter Monday.During the meeting, a Portuguese Jesuit told Francis that he had suffered during a recent sabbatical year in the United States because he came across many Catholics, including some U.S. bishops, who criticized Francis’ 10-year papacy as well as today’s Jesuits.The 86-year-old Argentine acknowledged his point, saying there was “a very strong, organized, reactionary attitude” in the U.S. church, which he called “backward.” He warned that such an attitude leads to a climate of closure, which was erroneous."Doing this, you lose the true tradition and you turn to ideologies to have support. In other words, ideologies replace faith,” he said.“The vision of the doctrine of the church as a monolith is wrong,” he added. “When you go backward, you make something closed off, disconnected from the roots of the church,” which then has devastating effects on morality.“I want to remind these people that backwardness is useless, and they must understand that there’s a correct evolution in the understanding of questions of faith and morals,” that allows for doctrine to progress and consolidate over time.Francis has previously acknowledged the criticism directed at him from some U.S. conservatives, once quipping that it was an “honor” to be attacked by Americans.

Pope: Backward U.S. conservatives have replaced faith with ideology

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 10:00 p.m. August 24, police while in the area of the Oakmart convenience store gas station, 2518 NE Seward Avenue in Topeka, observed an individual run from the business, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

An employee told police the individual had just committed a robbery and provided officers a description of the suspect.

A K9 officer and Shawnee Sheriff Department Drone operators, responded to assist in searching for the suspect who was eventually located in the area and taken into custody.

As a result of the investigation, Rontarus Washington Jr., 27, of Topeka is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery,&nbsp;&nbsp;Attempted Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Theft and Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692971327915.png" alt="Washington-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Washington-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have a suspect in custody.Just after 10:00 p.m. August 24, police while in the area of the Oakmart convenience store gas station, 2518 NE Seward Avenue in Topeka, observed an individual run from the business, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.An employee told police the individual had just committed a robbery and provided officers a description of the suspect.A K9 officer and Shawnee Sheriff Department Drone operators, responded to assist in searching for the suspect who was eventually located in the area and taken into custody.As a result of the investigation, Rontarus Washington Jr., 27, of Topeka is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery,&nbsp;&nbsp;Attempted Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Theft and Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer

Drone, K9 help track down Kansas armed robbery suspect

DAVIESS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have identified the remains of a man whose body was found in April as 28-year-old Skylar C. Ware of Kansas City, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

On April 21, the Daviess County Sheriff's office requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H DDCC&nbsp; with human remains discovered by a mushroom hunter on private property in rural Daviess County.

Cause of death is homicide. In May of 2020, Ware was reported as a missing person in Jackson County

If you have any information related to this investigation, call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693235797196.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DAVIESS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have identified the remains of a man whose body was found in April as 28-year-old Skylar C. Ware of Kansas City, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.On April 21, the Daviess County Sheriff's office requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H DDCC&nbsp; with human remains discovered by a mushroom hunter on private property in rural Daviess County.Cause of death is homicide. In May of 2020, Ware was reported as a missing person in Jackson CountyIf you have any information related to this investigation, call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Homicide: Patrol IDs remains as Kansas City man missing since 2020

FRANKLIN COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a charter bus incident involving member of the Ottawa University football team that occurred on Interstate 35 just outside Emporia on Sunday, according to a statement from Campus President Dr. Reggies Wenyika.

The team was on the way home from a football game against Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas.&nbsp; The bus carrying the defensive team and coaches experienced a mechanical failure and lost all steering capabilities. 

The bus driver was able to bring the bus to a stop safely in a ditch on the side of the road. There were no injuries.

With the assistance of the Lyon County Sheriff's Department, everyone was moved to a safe location until alternative transportation arrangements were made.

Ottawa Athletic Director Arabie Conner was in touch with the owner of the charter bus company. They deployed another bus to pick up the student-athletes and coaches. All arrived back on campus by 3:10 a.m, according to Wenyika.

&nbsp;An official investigation on the incident is underway. Ottawa participates in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) that includes Kansas Wesleyan, McPherson, Sterling, Bethany, Tabor, Southwestern, Evangel, Friends, Bethel, Avila and The University of Saint Mary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693229720456.png" alt="Photo by Deb Trahoon courtesy KVOE&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Deb Trahoon courtesy KVOE&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>FRANKLIN COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a charter bus incident involving member of the Ottawa University football team that occurred on Interstate 35 just outside Emporia on Sunday, according to a statement from Campus President Dr. Reggies Wenyika.The team was on the way home from a football game against Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas.&nbsp; The bus carrying the defensive team and coaches experienced a mechanical failure and lost all steering capabilities. The bus driver was able to bring the bus to a stop safely in a ditch on the side of the road. There were no injuries.With the assistance of the Lyon County Sheriff's Department, everyone was moved to a safe location until alternative transportation arrangements were made.Ottawa Athletic Director Arabie Conner was in touch with the owner of the charter bus company. They deployed another bus to pick up the student-athletes and coaches. All arrived back on campus by 3:10 a.m, according to Wenyika.&nbsp;An official investigation on the incident is underway. Ottawa participates in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) that includes Kansas Wesleyan, McPherson, Sterling, Bethany, Tabor, Southwestern, Evangel, Friends, Bethel, Avila and The University of Saint Mary.

Football team avoids injury after Kansas bus crash

PHOENIX (AP) — Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested Sunday that an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;was becoming more likely, calling it “a natural step forward” as Congress soon ends its summer break and House Republicans seek to expand their investigative powers.

McCarthy, R-Calif., has so far avoided committing to an impeachment vote or offering a timeline for possible action. Some House Republicans are eager to go after Biden over claims of financial misconduct involving his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-hunter-biden">son Hunter</a>, but the Democratic president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-justice-department-congress-republicans-32d9f33fb0d05c483d76926504d45bef">has not been shown to have done anything wrong</a>.

Meanwhile, McCarthy said passing a short-term spending bill to keep the government running past the end of September would ensure that investigations of Hunter Biden could continue, a pitch directed at conservatives worried a bipartisan deal with Senate Democrats would not cut enough spending. The stopgap measure would buy time to work out a longer-term budget deal before mandatory spending cuts that neither party prefers are imposed in the new year.

“If you look at all the information we have been able to gather so far, it is a natural step forward that you would have to go to an impeachment inquiry,” McCarthy told Fox News Channel's “Sunday Morning Futures.”

An impeachment inquiry, he said, “provides Congress the apex of legal power to get all the information they need."

McCarthy is walking a tightrope as he faces pressure from members of his party looking to demonstrate support for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign. But the speaker also risks imperiling the GOP's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">fragile House majority</a>.

Even if Biden were to be impeached in the House, he is unlikely to be removed from office by the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.

With the House set to return to work in mid-September, the Oct. 1 start of the next budget year is fast approaching and a spending deal would be needed to avoid a partial federal closure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687995753754.png" alt="Even if Biden were to be impeached in the House, he is unlikely to be removed from office by the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.-file photo" />
 <figcaption>Even if Biden were to be impeached in the House, he is unlikely to be removed from office by the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.-file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested Sunday that an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;was becoming more likely, calling it “a natural step forward” as Congress soon ends its summer break and House Republicans seek to expand their investigative powers.McCarthy, R-Calif., has so far avoided committing to an impeachment vote or offering a timeline for possible action. Some House Republicans are eager to go after Biden over claims of financial misconduct involving his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-hunter-biden">son Hunter</a>, but the Democratic president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-justice-department-congress-republicans-32d9f33fb0d05c483d76926504d45bef">has not been shown to have done anything wrong</a>.Meanwhile, McCarthy said passing a short-term spending bill to keep the government running past the end of September would ensure that investigations of Hunter Biden could continue, a pitch directed at conservatives worried a bipartisan deal with Senate Democrats would not cut enough spending. The stopgap measure would buy time to work out a longer-term budget deal before mandatory spending cuts that neither party prefers are imposed in the new year.“If you look at all the information we have been able to gather so far, it is a natural step forward that you would have to go to an impeachment inquiry,” McCarthy told Fox News Channel's “Sunday Morning Futures.”An impeachment inquiry, he said, “provides Congress the apex of legal power to get all the information they need."McCarthy is walking a tightrope as he faces pressure from members of his party looking to demonstrate support for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign. But the speaker also risks imperiling the GOP's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">fragile House majority</a>.Even if Biden were to be impeached in the House, he is unlikely to be removed from office by the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.With the House set to return to work in mid-September, the Oct. 1 start of the next budget year is fast approaching and a spending deal would be needed to avoid a partial federal closure.“If we shut down, all the government shuts it down, investigation and everything else. It hurts the American public,” McCarthy said.Conservatives, including many from the House Freedom Caucus, are usually loath to get behind short-term funding measures as they push for steeper spending cuts, using the threat of a shutdown as leverage. In June, a small group of conservatives brought the House to a standstill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-republicans-impasse-spending-gas-stoves-aba009853861b06937ed4cab042482be">protest McCarthy's leadership</a>.All sides had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053">agreed to budget levels during the recent debt ceiling negotiations</a>&nbsp;when Biden and McCarthy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-deal-food-aid-student-loans-3c284b01d95f8e193bca8d873386400e">struck a deal</a>&nbsp;that established topline spending levels. But McCarthy’s GOP majority rejects those amounts.A stopgap spending bill would improve McCarthy's negotiating position with the White House and Senate Democrats, the speaker said.“We’re in this discussion together,” he said. “And so we have got to have a stronger hand.”___