LOS ANGELES (AP) —Suzanne Somers, the effervescent blonde actor known for playing Chrissy Snow on the television show “Three’s Company” as well as her business endeavors, has died. She was 76.

Somers had breast cancer for over 23 years and died Sunday morning, her family said in a statement provided by her longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay. Her husband Alan Hamel, her son Bruce and other immediate family were with her in Palm Springs, California.

“Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th,” the statement read. “Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”

In July, Somers shared on Instagram that her breast cancer had returned.

“Like any cancer patient, when you get that dreaded, ‘It’s back’ you get a pit in your stomach. Then I put on my battle gear and go to war," she told Entertainment Tonight at the time. "This is familiar battleground for me and I’m very tough.”

She was first diagnosed in 2000, and also had skin cancer. She faced some backlash for her reliance on what she's described as a chemical-free and organic lifestyle to combat the cancers. She argued against the use of chemotherapy, in books and on platforms like “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which drew criticism from the American Cancer Society.

Somers was born in 1946 in San Bruno, California, to a gardener father and a medical secretary mother. She began acting in the late 1960s, playing the blonde driving the white Thunderbird in George Lucas’s 1973 film “American Graffiti.” Her only line was mouthing the words “I love you” to Richard Dreyfuss’s character.

At her audition, Lucas just asked her if she could drive. She later said that moment “changed her life forever.”

Somers would later stage a one-woman Broadway show entitled “The Blonde in the Thunderbird,” which drew largely scathing reviews.

She appeared in many television shows in the 1970s, including “The Rockford Files,” “Magnum Force” and “The Six Million Dollar Man,” but her most famous part came with “Three’s Company,” which aired on ABC from 1977 to 1984 — though her participation ended in 1981.

On “Three’s Company,” she was the ditzy blonde opposite John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt in the roommate comedy. In 1980, after four seasons, she asked for a raise from $30,000 an episode to $150,000 an episode, which would have been comparable to what Ritter was getting paid. Hamel, a former television producer, had encouraged the ask.

“The show’s response was, ‘Who do you think you are?’” Somers told People in 2020. “They said, ‘John Ritter is the star.’”

She was soon fired and her character was replaced by two different roommates for the remaining years the show aired. It also led to a rift with her co-stars; They didn’t speak for many years. Somers did reconcile with Ritter before his death, and then with DeWitt on her online talk show.

But Somers took the break as an opportunity to pursue new avenues, including a Las Vegas act, writing books, hosting a talk show and becoming an entrepreneur. In the 1990s, she also became the spokesperson for the “Thighmaster.”

Somers returned to network television in the 1990s, most famously on “Step by Step,” which aired on ABC’s youth-targeted TGIF lineup. The network also aired a biopic of her life, starring her, called “Keeping Secrets.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697402588728.png" alt="Somers had breast cancer for over 23 years and died Sunday morning&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Somers had breast cancer for over 23 years and died Sunday morning&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) —Suzanne Somers, the effervescent blonde actor known for playing Chrissy Snow on the television show “Three’s Company” as well as her business endeavors, has died. She was 76.Somers had breast cancer for over 23 years and died Sunday morning, her family said in a statement provided by her longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay. Her husband Alan Hamel, her son Bruce and other immediate family were with her in Palm Springs, California.“Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th,” the statement read. “Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”In July, Somers shared on Instagram that her breast cancer had returned.“Like any cancer patient, when you get that dreaded, ‘It’s back’ you get a pit in your stomach. Then I put on my battle gear and go to war," she told Entertainment Tonight at the time. "This is familiar battleground for me and I’m very tough.”She was first diagnosed in 2000, and also had skin cancer. She faced some backlash for her reliance on what she's described as a chemical-free and organic lifestyle to combat the cancers. She argued against the use of chemotherapy, in books and on platforms like “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which drew criticism from the American Cancer Society.Somers was born in 1946 in San Bruno, California, to a gardener father and a medical secretary mother. She began acting in the late 1960s, playing the blonde driving the white Thunderbird in George Lucas’s 1973 film “American Graffiti.” Her only line was mouthing the words “I love you” to Richard Dreyfuss’s character.At her audition, Lucas just asked her if she could drive. She later said that moment “changed her life forever.”Somers would later stage a one-woman Broadway show entitled “The Blonde in the Thunderbird,” which drew largely scathing reviews.She appeared in many television shows in the 1970s, including “The Rockford Files,” “Magnum Force” and “The Six Million Dollar Man,” but her most famous part came with “Three’s Company,” which aired on ABC from 1977 to 1984 — though her participation ended in 1981.On “Three’s Company,” she was the ditzy blonde opposite John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt in the roommate comedy. In 1980, after four seasons, she asked for a raise from $30,000 an episode to $150,000 an episode, which would have been comparable to what Ritter was getting paid. Hamel, a former television producer, had encouraged the ask.“The show’s response was, ‘Who do you think you are?’” Somers told People in 2020. “They said, ‘John Ritter is the star.’”She was soon fired and her character was replaced by two different roommates for the remaining years the show aired. It also led to a rift with her co-stars; They didn’t speak for many years. Somers did reconcile with Ritter before his death, and then with DeWitt on her online talk show.But Somers took the break as an opportunity to pursue new avenues, including a Las Vegas act, writing books, hosting a talk show and becoming an entrepreneur. In the 1990s, she also became the spokesperson for the “Thighmaster.”Somers returned to network television in the 1990s, most famously on “Step by Step,” which aired on ABC’s youth-targeted TGIF lineup. The network also aired a biopic of her life, starring her, called “Keeping Secrets.”

Suzanne Somers, of ‘Three’s Company,’ dies at 76

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Wichita man was sentenced 60 months in prison for having a gun while trafficking narcotics, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Clinton Bruner, 59, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The charge stems from a November 2022 search warrant at Bruner’s home where officers found approximately one kilogram of powder cocaine in a basement and another ounce of cocaine in a bedroom. Law enforcement also found two firearms, a M&amp;P Shield .40 caliber handgun and a Berretta Nano 9mm firearm. After Bruner had been read his Miranda rights, he admitted to selling drugs, and he said that the firearms were his for protection because he had recently been robbed.

Bruner has eleven previous convictions for drugs, theft, aggravated battery and driving while habitual violator.

“Whenever guns are in the hands of illegal drug traffickers, the threat of violence increases exponentially. This not only endangers the lives of those involved in criminal activity, but also puts entire communities at great risk of being caught in crossfire,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher.

The Wichita Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671658565944.png" alt="Bruner-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Bruner-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Wichita man was sentenced 60 months in prison for having a gun while trafficking narcotics, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Clinton Bruner, 59, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.The charge stems from a November 2022 search warrant at Bruner’s home where officers found approximately one kilogram of powder cocaine in a basement and another ounce of cocaine in a bedroom. Law enforcement also found two firearms, a M&amp;P Shield .40 caliber handgun and a Berretta Nano 9mm firearm. After Bruner had been read his Miranda rights, he admitted to selling drugs, and he said that the firearms were his for protection because he had recently been robbed.Bruner has eleven previous convictions for drugs, theft, aggravated battery and driving while habitual violator.“Whenever guns are in the hands of illegal drug traffickers, the threat of violence increases exponentially. This not only endangers the lives of those involved in criminal activity, but also puts entire communities at great risk of being caught in crossfire,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher.The Wichita Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case.

Kansas felon admitted having guns while selling cocaine

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A dozen state or county agencies have parted ways with tens of thousands of dollars in federal grants meant to help monitor teenagers' sexual behaviors and try to lower rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

The withdrawals reflect a shift in many states that is further complicating and polarizing sex education in K-12 schools as some Republican-led legislatures more strictly regulate when and what students learn about their bodies. The new laws are part of a broad push to fortify “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-education-gender-identity-0e2ca2cf0ef7d7bc6ef5b125f1ee0969">parents' rights</a>&nbsp;” and strike LGBTQ+ content from the classroom,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-republicans-president-mama-bears-moms-desantis-a96ae3d1ed167f823360e7645ca4b519">core themes</a>&nbsp;that have flooded the campaign for the GOP&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">presidential nomination</a>.

Experts are concerned students won’t reliably learn about adolescence, safe sexual activity or relationship violence, topics they say are especially important since&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2021/default.htm">sexually transmitted diseases rose after the pandemic</a>&nbsp;and access to abortion is increasingly restricted.

Anne-Marie Amies Oelschlager, a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist at Seattle Children's Hospital, said a trained, trusted adult is critical for young people to get good information versus other, less trustworthy sources like social media.

“When we stop talking about these things or ... try to push things under the rug, we just increase risk," she said.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/teen-sex-survey-high-school-3d45d0441f531d1da9f5b44373becee4">Fewer teens are sexually active</a>, a 2021 government survey showed, but federal data that year also suggest teens and young adults made up half of all people with STDs. For the youngest generations, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/teen-sex-sexual-intercourse-meaning-fa0b10e0fb7e8fd8fd72ac9990c3321a">language about sex is evolving</a>.

This year, lawmakers passed bans on teaching human sexuality before fourth grade in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-governor-transgender-students-book-bans-b3662d950080cf43965bce58692bfc70">Indiana</a>&nbsp;and sexual reproduction or sexual intercourse before fifth grade in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huckabee-sanders-vouchers-schools-lgbtq-education-teachers-bd56e89399d401ea44018cc92a5116ee">Arkansas</a>. In Kentucky, educators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-transgender-c90d6b61a3e1e717fc1280be9d2eb529">can't teach sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases before sixth grade</a>, and parents must provide consent for older students. A handful of states require parents to opt in to instruction instead of opting out.

In Florida, materials about reproductive health, human sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/desantis-florida-dont-say-gay-ban-684ed25a303f83208a89c556543183cb">for any grade</a>&nbsp;must be approved by state officials. A letter from the state agency indicates curriculum was due for review by the end of September.

Advocates for comprehensive sex education say the restrictions in early education may prevent kids from getting age-appropriate foundational knowledge that they build on each year, said Alison Macklin, director of policy and advocacy at the progressive sex education organization SIECUS.

“You were never going to teach a first grader a trigonometry lesson, right?” she said. “But they have to have foundational knowledge in first grade to be able to get to that in high school."

“Sex education is exactly the same," Macklin continued, suggesting young people aren't prepared for puberty if they haven't already learned “foundational things like correct terminology for body parts.”

Puberty for girls begins between ages 8 to 13 and typically two years later for boys. To comply with the new law in Kentucky, for example, the state’s education agency advised schools eliminate fifth-grade lessons on puberty and reproductive body parts.

The consensus was sex education in elementary school “wasn’t necessary or appropriate in any context,” said David Walls, executive director of The Family Foundation, a Christian organization in Kentucky that advocated for the law.

Many parents disagree with the boundaries around what is considered age appropriate by sex ed advocates, he said, particularly when it comes to gender identity and “the idea that biological sex is not an immutable characteristic."

The law "sets a base level of protection for parents to be able to be the ones that can review the curriculum and make a decision as to whether that’s something they’d like their child to participate in,” Walls said.

There is federal guidance for developing evidence-based and age-appropriate sexual health curricula, but state laws and local implementation run the gamut.

Twenty-eight states require sex education, and 35 require HIV education, according to tracking by the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights. Most states require any instruction on sex or disease prevention to include abstinence, and most states allow parents to opt out.

While many states have curtailed sex education, others have codified comprehensive and inclusive standards. Massachusetts, for example, recently announced new sexual health education guidelines, which were last updated in 1999.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services award millions of dollars for programs designed, in part, to track teen behavior and teach abstinence and contraception with the goal of creating safe environments and preventing pregnancy and diseases.

Idaho's Division of Public Health said it no longer administered the HHS grant for personal responsibility education programs, or PREP, as of July 1 after lawmakers did not approve the spending during the legislative session.

New Hampshire withdrew from PREP funding after a five-member Republican-led council that approves contracts repeatedly blocked funding in 2022. However, PREP funding doesn't necessarily disappear if a state's officials reject it; instead, it can be awarded directly to local organizations, which is now the case in New Hampshire.

A different grant is provided by the CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health for a biennial youth survey. Since March 2022, six states have discontinued the agreement to conduct the survey: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa and South Carolina. Some of those states also have new laws restricting schools’ ability to administer surveys.

Four Florida counties encompassing parts of the Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and Miami metro areas also withdrew from another CDC grant to expand student health resources and education.

The CDC will “always promote the best available science,” said Kathleen Ethier, director of the agency’s Division of Adolescent and School Health. The agency said it is committed to collecting data revealing youth health challenges and recommending evidence-based programs addressing them.

Ethier said there is always a “disconnect” between their recommendations and state and local policies, but she is less focused on any given health class "than the whole school environment.”

“I worry any time educators don’t feel able to thoughtfully answer young people’s questions,” Ethier said.

Teenagers' curiosity drives Teen Health Mississippi, a organization that trains educators and offers supplemental programs for parents and teens.

About a quarter of the state's counties work with the nonprofit and the state's health agency to implement an “abstinence-plus” program, an option schools have to teach about contraception in addition to the now-permanent requirement to teach abstinence.

Hope Crenshaw, the organization's director, said low percentage of counties suggests “a lot of young people aren’t getting that information and many of them are getting it based on their zip code."

“Young people want information to protect themselves,” Crenshaw said.

Kayla Smith is among them. The 18-year-old freshman at the University of Mississippi volunteered to be a youth advocate with Teen Health Mississippi, engaging her peers and answering their questions.

The topic of sex in Mississippi is “taboo,” Smith said. She remembers just one optional day of sex education in middle school.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A dozen state or county agencies have parted ways with tens of thousands of dollars in federal grants meant to help monitor teenagers' sexual behaviors and try to lower rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.The withdrawals reflect a shift in many states that is further complicating and polarizing sex education in K-12 schools as some Republican-led legislatures more strictly regulate when and what students learn about their bodies. The new laws are part of a broad push to fortify “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-education-gender-identity-0e2ca2cf0ef7d7bc6ef5b125f1ee0969">parents' rights</a>&nbsp;” and strike LGBTQ+ content from the classroom,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-republicans-president-mama-bears-moms-desantis-a96ae3d1ed167f823360e7645ca4b519">core themes</a>&nbsp;that have flooded the campaign for the GOP&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">presidential nomination</a>.Experts are concerned students won’t reliably learn about adolescence, safe sexual activity or relationship violence, topics they say are especially important since&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2021/default.htm">sexually transmitted diseases rose after the pandemic</a>&nbsp;and access to abortion is increasingly restricted.Anne-Marie Amies Oelschlager, a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist at Seattle Children's Hospital, said a trained, trusted adult is critical for young people to get good information versus other, less trustworthy sources like social media.“When we stop talking about these things or ... try to push things under the rug, we just increase risk," she said.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/teen-sex-survey-high-school-3d45d0441f531d1da9f5b44373becee4">Fewer teens are sexually active</a>, a 2021 government survey showed, but federal data that year also suggest teens and young adults made up half of all people with STDs. For the youngest generations, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/teen-sex-sexual-intercourse-meaning-fa0b10e0fb7e8fd8fd72ac9990c3321a">language about sex is evolving</a>.This year, lawmakers passed bans on teaching human sexuality before fourth grade in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-governor-transgender-students-book-bans-b3662d950080cf43965bce58692bfc70">Indiana</a>&nbsp;and sexual reproduction or sexual intercourse before fifth grade in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huckabee-sanders-vouchers-schools-lgbtq-education-teachers-bd56e89399d401ea44018cc92a5116ee">Arkansas</a>. In Kentucky, educators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-transgender-c90d6b61a3e1e717fc1280be9d2eb529">can't teach sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases before sixth grade</a>, and parents must provide consent for older students. A handful of states require parents to opt in to instruction instead of opting out.In Florida, materials about reproductive health, human sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/desantis-florida-dont-say-gay-ban-684ed25a303f83208a89c556543183cb">for any grade</a>&nbsp;must be approved by state officials. A letter from the state agency indicates curriculum was due for review by the end of September.Advocates for comprehensive sex education say the restrictions in early education may prevent kids from getting age-appropriate foundational knowledge that they build on each year, said Alison Macklin, director of policy and advocacy at the progressive sex education organization SIECUS.“You were never going to teach a first grader a trigonometry lesson, right?” she said. “But they have to have foundational knowledge in first grade to be able to get to that in high school."“Sex education is exactly the same," Macklin continued, suggesting young people aren't prepared for puberty if they haven't already learned “foundational things like correct terminology for body parts.”Puberty for girls begins between ages 8 to 13 and typically two years later for boys. To comply with the new law in Kentucky, for example, the state’s education agency advised schools eliminate fifth-grade lessons on puberty and reproductive body parts.The consensus was sex education in elementary school “wasn’t necessary or appropriate in any context,” said David Walls, executive director of The Family Foundation, a Christian organization in Kentucky that advocated for the law.Many parents disagree with the boundaries around what is considered age appropriate by sex ed advocates, he said, particularly when it comes to gender identity and “the idea that biological sex is not an immutable characteristic."The law "sets a base level of protection for parents to be able to be the ones that can review the curriculum and make a decision as to whether that’s something they’d like their child to participate in,” Walls said.There is federal guidance for developing evidence-based and age-appropriate sexual health curricula, but state laws and local implementation run the gamut.Twenty-eight states require sex education, and 35 require HIV education, according to tracking by the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights. Most states require any instruction on sex or disease prevention to include abstinence, and most states allow parents to opt out.While many states have curtailed sex education, others have codified comprehensive and inclusive standards. Massachusetts, for example, recently announced new sexual health education guidelines, which were last updated in 1999.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services award millions of dollars for programs designed, in part, to track teen behavior and teach abstinence and contraception with the goal of creating safe environments and preventing pregnancy and diseases.Idaho's Division of Public Health said it no longer administered the HHS grant for personal responsibility education programs, or PREP, as of July 1 after lawmakers did not approve the spending during the legislative session.New Hampshire withdrew from PREP funding after a five-member Republican-led council that approves contracts repeatedly blocked funding in 2022. However, PREP funding doesn't necessarily disappear if a state's officials reject it; instead, it can be awarded directly to local organizations, which is now the case in New Hampshire.A different grant is provided by the CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health for a biennial youth survey. Since March 2022, six states have discontinued the agreement to conduct the survey: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa and South Carolina. Some of those states also have new laws restricting schools’ ability to administer surveys.Four Florida counties encompassing parts of the Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and Miami metro areas also withdrew from another CDC grant to expand student health resources and education.The CDC will “always promote the best available science,” said Kathleen Ethier, director of the agency’s Division of Adolescent and School Health. The agency said it is committed to collecting data revealing youth health challenges and recommending evidence-based programs addressing them.Ethier said there is always a “disconnect” between their recommendations and state and local policies, but she is less focused on any given health class "than the whole school environment.”“I worry any time educators don’t feel able to thoughtfully answer young people’s questions,” Ethier said.Teenagers' curiosity drives Teen Health Mississippi, a organization that trains educators and offers supplemental programs for parents and teens.About a quarter of the state's counties work with the nonprofit and the state's health agency to implement an “abstinence-plus” program, an option schools have to teach about contraception in addition to the now-permanent requirement to teach abstinence.Hope Crenshaw, the organization's director, said low percentage of counties suggests “a lot of young people aren’t getting that information and many of them are getting it based on their zip code."“Young people want information to protect themselves,” Crenshaw said.Kayla Smith is among them. The 18-year-old freshman at the University of Mississippi volunteered to be a youth advocate with Teen Health Mississippi, engaging her peers and answering their questions.The topic of sex in Mississippi is “taboo,” Smith said. She remembers just one optional day of sex education in middle school.

Stricter state laws are chipping away at sex education in K-12 schools

Kansas advocacy group outlines issues with the state’s student meal debt policy, potential solutions in new report

By&nbsp;RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — School lunch debt has snowballed in the year following the end of pandemic-era free meal programs. An advocacy group warns the debt accumulation could hurt and humiliate Kansas children in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasappleseed.org/uploads/2/1/9/2/21929892/final_meal_debt_report.pdf">recently released report</a>.&nbsp;

“When Kansas kids are hungry, they can’t learn,” said Haley Kottler, director of a Kansas Appleseed campaign against child hunger. “Ensuring kids have what they need to thrive is imperative to our students’ success– in and out of the classroom.”&nbsp;

To create the report, Appleseed staff contacted the state’s 286 public school districts, receiving responses from about 20%. To fill in the gap, staff reviewed policies available on public school district websites, among other data sourcing.&nbsp;

The report follows the end of the free federal school meals program, which paid for breakfast and lunch for students at all income levels. The program was in place from March 2020 through June 2022, allowing Kansas’ 480,000 public school children access to free meals.&nbsp;

Since the program ended, families in the state have experienced a six-fold increase in school meal debt. Student lunch debt reached $23.5 million in 2023, according to Appleseed. For comparison, the state reported $4.5 million in school lunch debt in 2019. Increasing inflation and economic instability during and after the COVID-19 pandemic could play a factor in the increased debt.&nbsp;

Approximately 41% of Kansas students were signed up for free meals through the National School Lunch Program during the 2022-2023 school year, and another 7% received reduced school meals, but families must remain under a certain income threshold to be eligible for these reduced-price programs.

&nbsp;For&nbsp;example, a&nbsp;family of four has to make under $39,000 a year to qualify for free meals, and under $55,500 to qualify for reduced-priced meals, the report notes.&nbsp;

When the debt from school meals accumulates, only about 22% on average is paid off by parents, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://educationdata.org/school-lunch-debt">national statistics on school meal costs</a>.&nbsp;Despite low rates of payment, more than 40% of Kansans school districts use debt collection agencies, turning unpaid meal debt over to collection agencies, small claims courts, or the Kansas debt offset program— a measure that can have a long-lasting negative effect on a family.&nbsp;

Students themselves are singled out in the cafeteria when their families cannot afford to pay. Less than 5% of school districts in the state have documented policies allowing students with meal debt to continue receiving the same meal as fellow students.&nbsp;

Approximately 60% of school districts have documented policies allowing children an alternate meal, though the contents of the meal vary greatly across districts. Most districts offer either a cheese or peanut butter sandwich to these students, but others offer just a granola bar and milk, or canned fruit and crackers.&nbsp;

School districts that have higher rates of meal debt typically end up paying it through the district’s own funds, the report notes.&nbsp;

With this additional expense, many of the state’s school districts have been left in a “precarious financial position.”&nbsp;

“On average, it currently costs more to produce a school meal than school districts are charging or being reimbursed for,” the report reads. “This is likely an even larger challenge now that increased federal reimbursements for school meals have expired.”&nbsp;

The organization’s recommendations include ending debt collection practices, having the state subsidize portions of the lunch program and changing unpaid meal fee policies that humiliate students in the cafeteria.&nbsp;

“I look forward to working with school districts and community partners to ensure that every child in every district has consistent access to school meals, said Martha Terhaar, a Kansas Appleseed advocate campaigning against child hunger. “Together, we can build policies that guarantee every student is fed.”

<h2>Kansas advocacy group outlines issues with the state’s student meal debt policy, potential solutions in new report</h2>By&nbsp;RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — School lunch debt has snowballed in the year following the end of pandemic-era free meal programs. An advocacy group warns the debt accumulation could hurt and humiliate Kansas children in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasappleseed.org/uploads/2/1/9/2/21929892/final_meal_debt_report.pdf">recently released report</a>.&nbsp;“When Kansas kids are hungry, they can’t learn,” said Haley Kottler, director of a Kansas Appleseed campaign against child hunger. “Ensuring kids have what they need to thrive is imperative to our students’ success– in and out of the classroom.”&nbsp;To create the report, Appleseed staff contacted the state’s 286 public school districts, receiving responses from about 20%. To fill in the gap, staff reviewed policies available on public school district websites, among other data sourcing.&nbsp;The report follows the end of the free federal school meals program, which paid for breakfast and lunch for students at all income levels. The program was in place from March 2020 through June 2022, allowing Kansas’ 480,000 public school children access to free meals.&nbsp;Since the program ended, families in the state have experienced a six-fold increase in school meal debt. Student lunch debt reached $23.5 million in 2023, according to Appleseed. For comparison, the state reported $4.5 million in school lunch debt in 2019. Increasing inflation and economic instability during and after the COVID-19 pandemic could play a factor in the increased debt.&nbsp;Approximately 41% of Kansas students were signed up for free meals through the National School Lunch Program during the 2022-2023 school year, and another 7% received reduced school meals, but families must remain under a certain income threshold to be eligible for these reduced-price programs.&nbsp;For&nbsp;example, a&nbsp;family of four has to make under $39,000 a year to qualify for free meals, and under $55,500 to qualify for reduced-priced meals, the report notes.&nbsp;When the debt from school meals accumulates, only about 22% on average is paid off by parents, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://educationdata.org/school-lunch-debt">national statistics on school meal costs</a>.&nbsp;Despite low rates of payment, more than 40% of Kansans school districts use debt collection agencies, turning unpaid meal debt over to collection agencies, small claims courts, or the Kansas debt offset program— a measure that can have a long-lasting negative effect on a family.&nbsp;Students themselves are singled out in the cafeteria when their families cannot afford to pay. Less than 5% of school districts in the state have documented policies allowing students with meal debt to continue receiving the same meal as fellow students.&nbsp;Approximately 60% of school districts have documented policies allowing children an alternate meal, though the contents of the meal vary greatly across districts. Most districts offer either a cheese or peanut butter sandwich to these students, but others offer just a granola bar and milk, or canned fruit and crackers.&nbsp;School districts that have higher rates of meal debt typically end up paying it through the district’s own funds, the report notes.&nbsp;With this additional expense, many of the state’s school districts have been left in a “precarious financial position.”&nbsp;“On average, it currently costs more to produce a school meal than school districts are charging or being reimbursed for,” the report reads. “This is likely an even larger challenge now that increased federal reimbursements for school meals have expired.”&nbsp;The organization’s recommendations include ending debt collection practices, having the state subsidize portions of the lunch program and changing unpaid meal fee policies that humiliate students in the cafeteria.&nbsp;“I look forward to working with school districts and community partners to ensure that every child in every district has consistent access to school meals, said Martha Terhaar, a Kansas Appleseed advocate campaigning against child hunger. “Together, we can build policies that guarantee every student is fed.”

With end of federal program, Kan. students face skyrocketing school meal debt

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 4-year-old Lawrencia Perez-Belair of Topeka. 

On Saturday, police responded to a shooting in the 400 block of NE Grattan Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

&nbsp;Officers were able to secure the scene and located Perez-Belair who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; The girl was transported to a local hospital and died.

By Saturday afternoon, police reported they had identified all individuals involved and early Sunday reported the arrest of 24-year-old&nbsp;Mariann L. Belair, 24, Topeka.&nbsp; She is being held in Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Murder in the 1st degree, in the commission of a felony and Aggravated Endangering a child, reckless situation.&nbsp; Police have not reported the relationship between the woman and girl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697371794491.png" alt="Belair-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Belair-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 4-year-old Lawrencia Perez-Belair of Topeka. On Saturday, police responded to a shooting in the 400 block of NE Grattan Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.&nbsp;Officers were able to secure the scene and located Perez-Belair who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; The girl was transported to a local hospital and died.By Saturday afternoon, police reported they had identified all individuals involved and early Sunday reported the arrest of 24-year-old&nbsp;Mariann L. Belair, 24, Topeka.&nbsp; She is being held in Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Murder in the 1st degree, in the commission of a felony and Aggravated Endangering a child, reckless situation.&nbsp; Police have not reported the relationship between the woman and girl.

Police: 4-year-old dies in shooting at Kansas home

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — President Joe Biden on Saturday spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging the leaders to allow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-evacuations-refugee-834a63b3ac48ce9230c649cddeafdf89">humanitarian aid to the region</a>&nbsp;and affirmed his support for efforts to protect civilians.

The weekend calls in Washington came ahead of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's announcement that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-military-navy-carrier-e648c53dc53a46e2e12950784ea5e8d2">U.S. was moving up a second carrier strike group</a>&nbsp;in support of Israel. Secretary of State Antony Blinken intensified diplomatic outreach across the Middle East and beyond to rally an international response to prevent the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-west-bank-settler-violence-gaza-war-68debe29dcc2f5a58bd899e1e424911c">Israel-Hamas war from expanding</a>.

The broad U.S. efforts reflect the international concern about the number of civilians at risk and the potential ramifications of a prolonged war as Israel told&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-c8b4fc20e4fd2ef381d5edb7e9e8308c">Gaza residents to move south</a>&nbsp;and Hamas urged people to remain in their homes. The Biden administration has not publicly urged Israel to restrain its response after the Hamas attack a week ago, but has emphasized the country’s commitment to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-war-crimes-icc-1a42212b95a7f6ce54909fb22e0d681d">following the rules of war</a>.

Addressing a Human Rights Campaign dinner Saturday in Washington, Biden linked the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to different versions of hate that he said must be stopped.

“A week ago we saw hate manifest another way in the worst massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” Biden said, citing the 1,300 lives lost in Israel as well as “children, grandparents alike kidnapped, held hostage by Hamas.”

“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza — innocent Palestinian families and the vast majority that have nothing to do with Hamas — they’re being used as human shields,” he said. “We have to reject hate in every form.”

Blinken met with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh before stopping in the United Arab Emirates as he sought ways to help civilians trapped in between the fighting and to address the growing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates">humanitarian crisis</a>.

He also called his Chinese counterpart as Palestinians struggled to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military before an expected land offensive.

Austin as well on Saturday spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, stressing the importance of safeguarding civilians. Austin offered updates on U.S. efforts to boost air defense capabilities and munitions for Israeli forces that he noted were aimed at stemming escalation of war, according to a readout of the call.

Austin said the Biden administration was sending the additional carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean. The Eisenhower will join the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which is already sailing near Israel, to bolster U.S. presence there with a host of destroyers, fighter aircraft and cruisers.

In a statement announcing the deployment, Austin said sending the second carrier was “part of our effort to deter hostile actions against Israel or any efforts toward widening this war following Hamas’s attack on Israel.”

While Biden has spoken to Netanyahu multiple times since the Hamas attack, Saturday's call was his first to Abbas, who runs the Palestinian Authority which controls the West Bank. According to a readout of the call, Abbas briefed the president on efforts to bring aid to Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza.

Biden reiterated to Abbas that “Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination,” according to the readout.

Biden spoke with Netanyahu to “reiterate unwavering U.S. support for Israel,” according to the readout. He briefed the Israeli leader on regional efforts to ensure civilian access to food, water and medical care.

The number of U.S. citizens killed rose to 29, U.S. officials said Satutday, and 15 were unaccounted for, as well as one lawful permanent resident.

Blinken, in his visits with Saudi and UAE leaders, also cited the need for humanitarian assistance and safe passage from those who wish to leave Gaza as he spoke to Arab audiences from their home turf, where his hosts put that issue at the top of their concerns.

An Israeli ground assault would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-785e0eb833715354cade4694e8ccbf67">worsen the plight</a>&nbsp;of civilians in Gaza who are without power, fresh water or access to aid. Egyptian officials said the southern Rafah crossing would open later Saturday for the first time in days to allow foreigners out. Israel has advised all Palestinian civilians to flee south to avoid Israel's continued offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza City.

Blinken also called Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to seek his country's help in preventing the war from spreading, asking Beijing to use whatever influence it has in the Mideast. Blinken's spokesman declined to characterize Wang’s response but said the U.S. believes it and China have a shared interest in the region's stability.

In Riyadh, Blinken and Prince Faisal stressed the importance of minimizing the harm to civilians as Israel prepared for an anticipated incursion against Hamas a week after the militant group's unprecedented attack against Israel.

“As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and we’re working together to do exactly that,” Blinken said.

"None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether it’s in Israel, whether it’s in Gaza, whether it’s anywhere else," Blinken said.

The Saudi minister said the kingdom was committed to the protection of civilians.

“It’s a disturbing situation,” he said. “It’s a very difficult situation. And, as you know, the primary sufferer of this situation are civilians, and civilian populations on both sides are being affected and it’s important, I think, that we all condemn the targeting of civilians in any form at any time by anyone.”

A U.S official said Saturday that Washington did not ask Israel to slow or hold off on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates#0000018b-2a81-d156-abaf-aa95a5770000">the evacuation plan</a>. The official said the discussions with Israeli leaders did stress the importance of taking into account the safety of civilians as Israel’s military moved to enforce the evacuation demand.

The official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the private discussions and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Israeli leaders acknowledged the guidance and took it under advisement.

The U.S. worked out an agreement involving to allow Americans and other foreigners in Gaza to cross the Rafah border into Egypt, but the crossing remained blocked Saturday, with no sign that those gathered would be allowed through. There are an estimated 500 Americans living in Gaza, but that number is imprecise, officials have said.

The U.S. State Department on Saturday authorized the departure of nonemergency U.S. government personnel and their family members from the American Embassy in Jerusalem and an office in Tel Aviv.

Prince Faisal said it was imperative for the violence between Israel and Hamas to end.

“We need to work together to find a way out of this cycle of violence,” he said. “Without a concerted effort to end this constant return to violence, it will always be the civilians that suffer first, it will always be civilians on both sides that end up paying the price.”

While in Abu Dhabi, Blinken visited the Abrahamic Family House, a complex consisting of a church, a mosque and a synagogue representing the three Abrahamic faiths. He signed a tile with the words “Light in the Darkness.”

Blinken returned to Saudi Arabia ahead of an expected stop in Egypt on Sunday. He has already visited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-antony-blinken-israel-hamas-war-general-news-war-and-unrest-0e71903c03b740f695d8732f2ad91916">Israel</a>, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696803172229.png" alt="The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea Wednesday-photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea Wednesday-photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — President Joe Biden on Saturday spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging the leaders to allow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-evacuations-refugee-834a63b3ac48ce9230c649cddeafdf89">humanitarian aid to the region</a>&nbsp;and affirmed his support for efforts to protect civilians.The weekend calls in Washington came ahead of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's announcement that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-military-navy-carrier-e648c53dc53a46e2e12950784ea5e8d2">U.S. was moving up a second carrier strike group</a>&nbsp;in support of Israel. Secretary of State Antony Blinken intensified diplomatic outreach across the Middle East and beyond to rally an international response to prevent the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-west-bank-settler-violence-gaza-war-68debe29dcc2f5a58bd899e1e424911c">Israel-Hamas war from expanding</a>.The broad U.S. efforts reflect the international concern about the number of civilians at risk and the potential ramifications of a prolonged war as Israel told&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-c8b4fc20e4fd2ef381d5edb7e9e8308c">Gaza residents to move south</a>&nbsp;and Hamas urged people to remain in their homes. The Biden administration has not publicly urged Israel to restrain its response after the Hamas attack a week ago, but has emphasized the country’s commitment to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-war-crimes-icc-1a42212b95a7f6ce54909fb22e0d681d">following the rules of war</a>.Addressing a Human Rights Campaign dinner Saturday in Washington, Biden linked the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to different versions of hate that he said must be stopped.“A week ago we saw hate manifest another way in the worst massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” Biden said, citing the 1,300 lives lost in Israel as well as “children, grandparents alike kidnapped, held hostage by Hamas.”“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza — innocent Palestinian families and the vast majority that have nothing to do with Hamas — they’re being used as human shields,” he said. “We have to reject hate in every form.”Blinken met with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh before stopping in the United Arab Emirates as he sought ways to help civilians trapped in between the fighting and to address the growing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates">humanitarian crisis</a>.He also called his Chinese counterpart as Palestinians struggled to flee from areas of Gaza targeted by the Israeli military before an expected land offensive.Austin as well on Saturday spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, stressing the importance of safeguarding civilians. Austin offered updates on U.S. efforts to boost air defense capabilities and munitions for Israeli forces that he noted were aimed at stemming escalation of war, according to a readout of the call.Austin said the Biden administration was sending the additional carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean. The Eisenhower will join the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which is already sailing near Israel, to bolster U.S. presence there with a host of destroyers, fighter aircraft and cruisers.In a statement announcing the deployment, Austin said sending the second carrier was “part of our effort to deter hostile actions against Israel or any efforts toward widening this war following Hamas’s attack on Israel.”While Biden has spoken to Netanyahu multiple times since the Hamas attack, Saturday's call was his first to Abbas, who runs the Palestinian Authority which controls the West Bank. According to a readout of the call, Abbas briefed the president on efforts to bring aid to Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza.Biden reiterated to Abbas that “Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination,” according to the readout.Biden spoke with Netanyahu to “reiterate unwavering U.S. support for Israel,” according to the readout. He briefed the Israeli leader on regional efforts to ensure civilian access to food, water and medical care.The number of U.S. citizens killed rose to 29, U.S. officials said Satutday, and 15 were unaccounted for, as well as one lawful permanent resident.Blinken, in his visits with Saudi and UAE leaders, also cited the need for humanitarian assistance and safe passage from those who wish to leave Gaza as he spoke to Arab audiences from their home turf, where his hosts put that issue at the top of their concerns.An Israeli ground assault would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-785e0eb833715354cade4694e8ccbf67">worsen the plight</a>&nbsp;of civilians in Gaza who are without power, fresh water or access to aid. Egyptian officials said the southern Rafah crossing would open later Saturday for the first time in days to allow foreigners out. Israel has advised all Palestinian civilians to flee south to avoid Israel's continued offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza City.Blinken also called Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to seek his country's help in preventing the war from spreading, asking Beijing to use whatever influence it has in the Mideast. Blinken's spokesman declined to characterize Wang’s response but said the U.S. believes it and China have a shared interest in the region's stability.In Riyadh, Blinken and Prince Faisal stressed the importance of minimizing the harm to civilians as Israel prepared for an anticipated incursion against Hamas a week after the militant group's unprecedented attack against Israel.“As Israel pursues its legitimate right, to defending its people and to trying to ensure that this never happens again, it is vitally important that all of us look out for civilians, and we’re working together to do exactly that,” Blinken said."None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether it’s in Israel, whether it’s in Gaza, whether it’s anywhere else," Blinken said.The Saudi minister said the kingdom was committed to the protection of civilians.“It’s a disturbing situation,” he said. “It’s a very difficult situation. And, as you know, the primary sufferer of this situation are civilians, and civilian populations on both sides are being affected and it’s important, I think, that we all condemn the targeting of civilians in any form at any time by anyone.”A U.S official said Saturday that Washington did not ask Israel to slow or hold off on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates#0000018b-2a81-d156-abaf-aa95a5770000">the evacuation plan</a>. The official said the discussions with Israeli leaders did stress the importance of taking into account the safety of civilians as Israel’s military moved to enforce the evacuation demand.The official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the private discussions and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Israeli leaders acknowledged the guidance and took it under advisement.The U.S. worked out an agreement involving to allow Americans and other foreigners in Gaza to cross the Rafah border into Egypt, but the crossing remained blocked Saturday, with no sign that those gathered would be allowed through. There are an estimated 500 Americans living in Gaza, but that number is imprecise, officials have said.The U.S. State Department on Saturday authorized the departure of nonemergency U.S. government personnel and their family members from the American Embassy in Jerusalem and an office in Tel Aviv.Prince Faisal said it was imperative for the violence between Israel and Hamas to end.“We need to work together to find a way out of this cycle of violence,” he said. “Without a concerted effort to end this constant return to violence, it will always be the civilians that suffer first, it will always be civilians on both sides that end up paying the price.”While in Abu Dhabi, Blinken visited the Abrahamic Family House, a complex consisting of a church, a mosque and a synagogue representing the three Abrahamic faiths. He signed a tile with the words “Light in the Darkness.”Blinken returned to Saudi Arabia ahead of an expected stop in Egypt on Sunday. He has already visited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-antony-blinken-israel-hamas-war-general-news-war-and-unrest-0e71903c03b740f695d8732f2ad91916">Israel</a>, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain.

 U.S. sending more warships to support Israel

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the cause of a deadly explosion in southwest Kansas.

Just before 5:30p.m. Saturday,&nbsp;Ford County Communications received calls of an explosion in the 100 block of west Center Street in Bucklin, according to a statement from Sheriff Bill Car.

Three individuals were located inside the building deceased and a fourth was transported to St. Catherine Hospital in Dodge City for medical treatment.

Authorities released no names or ages of the victims late Saturday. The Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office will assist with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697410646387.png" alt="Photo Ford County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Ford County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the cause of a deadly explosion in southwest Kansas.Just before 5:30p.m. Saturday,&nbsp;Ford County Communications received calls of an explosion in the 100 block of west Center Street in Bucklin, according to a statement from Sheriff Bill Car.Three individuals were located inside the building deceased and a fourth was transported to St. Catherine Hospital in Dodge City for medical treatment.Authorities released no names or ages of the victims late Saturday. The Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office will assist with the investigation.

Sheriff: 3 dead after building explosion in SW Kansas

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Kansas teens on drug allegations.

Just after 6p.m. Thursday, sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic investigation on a 2015 black Volkswagen Passat for an alleged stop sign violation, according to Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade.

During the traffic investigation, deputies noticed an odor of burnt marijuana emitting from inside the vehicle. Deputies identified the driver as 18-year-old&nbsp; Trinity L. Schlegel of Neodesha, Kansas and the passenger as 18-year-old&nbsp; Quaylan M. Johnson of Independence, Kansas.

Deputies recovered a total of 972 suspected fentanyl pills also known as “Dirty 30s”, marijuana, and US currency associated with illegal narcotic distribution, and drug paraphernalia.

Both Schlegel and Johnson were taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections and booked on the recommended charges of distribution of opiates, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Kansas Bureau of Investigations (KBI), 7 out of 10 pills that have been recovered and tested by the DEA for fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. KBI laboratory submissions testing positive for fentanyl have increased over 900% from 2020 to 2022.

Sheriff Wade said, “The war on drugs is a revolving door and fentanyl has reared its head here in Montgomery County. The Sheriff’s Office has seized over 6,460 fentanyl pills since 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697142489519.png" alt="Johnson-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Kansas teens on drug allegations.Just after 6p.m. Thursday, sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic investigation on a 2015 black Volkswagen Passat for an alleged stop sign violation, according to Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade.During the traffic investigation, deputies noticed an odor of burnt marijuana emitting from inside the vehicle. Deputies identified the driver as 18-year-old&nbsp; Trinity L. Schlegel of Neodesha, Kansas and the passenger as 18-year-old&nbsp; Quaylan M. Johnson of Independence, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697142596072.png" alt="Photo Montgomery Co. Sheriff." />
 <figcaption>Photo Montgomery Co. Sheriff.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies recovered a total of 972 suspected fentanyl pills also known as “Dirty 30s”, marijuana, and US currency associated with illegal narcotic distribution, and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697142461070.png" alt="Schlegel photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Schlegel photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both Schlegel and Johnson were taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections and booked on the recommended charges of distribution of opiates, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Kansas Bureau of Investigations (KBI), 7 out of 10 pills that have been recovered and tested by the DEA for fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. KBI laboratory submissions testing positive for fentanyl have increased over 900% from 2020 to 2022.Sheriff Wade said, “The war on drugs is a revolving door and fentanyl has reared its head here in Montgomery County. The Sheriff’s Office has seized over 6,460 fentanyl pills since 2022.

Sheriff: 2 Kan. teens caught with hundreds of fentanyl pills

LABETTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 3p.m. Saturday in Labette County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Impala driven by Nancy Davis, 78, Marshfield, Missouri, was westbound on U.S. 400 three miles east of Parsons.

The car crossed center line and struck an eastbound 2021 Kenworth semi driven by Tracey Jerome&nbsp;Butler, 43, Bartow, Florida.

Davis was pronounce dead at the scene and was transported Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home. EMS transported Butler to the Labette County Hospital. Both drivers were p roperly restrained, according to the KHP.

LABETTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 3p.m. Saturday in Labette County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Impala driven by Nancy Davis, 78, Marshfield, Missouri, was westbound on U.S. 400 three miles east of Parsons.The car crossed center line and struck an eastbound 2021 Kenworth semi driven by Tracey Jerome&nbsp;Butler, 43, Bartow, Florida.Davis was pronounce dead at the scene and was transported Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home. EMS transported Butler to the Labette County Hospital. Both drivers were p roperly restrained, according to the KHP.

Woman dies after car, semi crash on Kansas highway

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged kidnapping and other crimes involving two juveniles.

&nbsp;just after 11:00 p.m. Friday, police responded to a call of two missing children including a 9-year-old and a 17-year-old .

Just after 2a.m. Saturday, as officers and detectives were actively trying to locate the children, Overland Park Police Officers called Topeka detectives to report they had located the children.

Officers took the children to Overland Park Police Department where they were reunited with their parents. 

Overland Park&nbsp; police also located 42-year-old Russell L. Allen Jr. 42, of Manhattan with the children.

Police transported Allen back to Topeka and interviewed him.&nbsp; As a result of the investigation, Allen was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Kidnapping; Inflict bodily harm or terrorize the victim, Battery,&nbsp; Physical contact in rude, insulting, angry manner, Aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim; witness/victim &lt;18 years of age, Aggravated endangering of a child: Reckless situation, Aggravated assault; With intent to commit any felony,&nbsp; Theft by threat; Value $1,500 to $25,000&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697316796227.png" alt="Allen-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Allen-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged kidnapping and other crimes involving two juveniles.&nbsp;just after 11:00 p.m. Friday, police responded to a call of two missing children including a 9-year-old and a 17-year-old .Just after 2a.m. Saturday, as officers and detectives were actively trying to locate the children, Overland Park Police Officers called Topeka detectives to report they had located the children.Officers took the children to Overland Park Police Department where they were reunited with their parents. Overland Park&nbsp; police also located 42-year-old Russell L. Allen Jr. 42, of Manhattan with the children.Police transported Allen back to Topeka and interviewed him.&nbsp; As a result of the investigation, Allen was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Kidnapping; Inflict bodily harm or terrorize the victim, Battery,&nbsp; Physical contact in rude, insulting, angry manner, Aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim; witness/victim &lt;18 years of age, Aggravated endangering of a child: Reckless situation, Aggravated assault; With intent to commit any felony,&nbsp; Theft by threat; Value $1,500 to $25,000&nbsp;

Police find 2 Kansas children, arrest kidnapping suspect

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 11:30a.m. October 11, a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a Mitsubishi Galant for allegedly speeding on 150th Road near Q. Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 During the traffic stop the deputy discovered items believed to be illegal contraband.  The driver, Adam David Pace, 47, of Robertsdale, Arizona, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of opiates, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, possession of depressants and hallucinogenic drugs. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697288956839.png" alt="Pace-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Pace-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 11:30a.m. October 11, a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a Mitsubishi Galant for allegedly speeding on 150th Road near Q. Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the traffic stop the deputy discovered items believed to be illegal contraband. The driver, Adam David Pace, 47, of Robertsdale, Arizona, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of opiates, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, possession of depressants and hallucinogenic drugs. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Arizona man caught transporting drugs in Kansas

NEW YORK (AP) —High school students' scores on the ACT college admissions test have dropped to their lowest in more than three decades, showing a lack of student&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-math-test-help-6cca6a5e873d5aeb5e75b4f94125d48c">preparedness for college-level coursework</a>, according to the nonprofit organization that administers the test.

Scores have been falling for six consecutive years, but the trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students in the class of 2023 whose scores were reported Wednesday were in their first year of high school when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-covid-46cb725e08110f8ad3c1b303ec9eefad">the virus reached the U.S.</a>

“The hard truth is that we are not doing enough to ensure that graduates are truly ready for postsecondary success in college and career,” said Janet Godwin, chief executive officer for the nonprofit ACT.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://leadershipblog.act.org/2023/10/act-scores-decline.html">average ACT composite score</a>&nbsp;for U.S. students was 19.5 out of 36. Last year, the average score was 19.8.

The average scores in reading, science and math all were below benchmarks the ACT says students must reach to have a high probability of success in first-year college courses. The average score in English was just above the benchmark but still declined compared to last year.

Many universities have made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sat-test-going-digital-4887adbfba984e0943de0a0262e9349e">standardized admissions tests optional</a>&nbsp;amid criticism that they favor the wealthy and put low-income students at a disadvantage. Some including the University of California system do not consider ACT or SAT scores even if submitted.

Godwin said the scores are still helpful for placing students in the right college courses and preparing academic advisors to better support students.

“In terms of college readiness, even in a test-optional environment, these kinds of objective test scores about academic readiness are incredibly important,” Godwin said.

At Denise Cabrera's high school in Hawaii, all students are required to take the ACT as juniors. She said she would have taken it anyway to improve her chances of getting into college.

“Honestly, I’m unsure why the test was ever required because colleges can look at different qualities of the students who are applying outside of just a one-time test score,” said Denise, a 17-year-old senior at Waianae High School.

She's looking at schools including the California Institute of Technology, which implemented a five-year moratorium on the standardized test score requirements during the pandemic. Denise said she knows the school is not considering scores but she doesn't want to limit her options elsewhere.

About 1.4 million students in the U.S. took the ACT this year, an increase from last year. However, the numbers have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Godwin said she doesn't believe those numbers will ever fully recover, partly because of test-optional admission policies.

Of students who were tested, only 21% met benchmarks for success in college-level classes in all subjects. Research from the nonprofit shows students who meet those benchmarks have a 50% chance of earning a B or better and nearly a 75% chance of earning a C or better in corresponding courses.

NEW YORK (AP) —High school students' scores on the ACT college admissions test have dropped to their lowest in more than three decades, showing a lack of student&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-math-test-help-6cca6a5e873d5aeb5e75b4f94125d48c">preparedness for college-level coursework</a>, according to the nonprofit organization that administers the test.Scores have been falling for six consecutive years, but the trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students in the class of 2023 whose scores were reported Wednesday were in their first year of high school when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-covid-46cb725e08110f8ad3c1b303ec9eefad">the virus reached the U.S.</a>“The hard truth is that we are not doing enough to ensure that graduates are truly ready for postsecondary success in college and career,” said Janet Godwin, chief executive officer for the nonprofit ACT.The&nbsp;<a href="https://leadershipblog.act.org/2023/10/act-scores-decline.html">average ACT composite score</a>&nbsp;for U.S. students was 19.5 out of 36. Last year, the average score was 19.8.The average scores in reading, science and math all were below benchmarks the ACT says students must reach to have a high probability of success in first-year college courses. The average score in English was just above the benchmark but still declined compared to last year.Many universities have made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sat-test-going-digital-4887adbfba984e0943de0a0262e9349e">standardized admissions tests optional</a>&nbsp;amid criticism that they favor the wealthy and put low-income students at a disadvantage. Some including the University of California system do not consider ACT or SAT scores even if submitted.Godwin said the scores are still helpful for placing students in the right college courses and preparing academic advisors to better support students.“In terms of college readiness, even in a test-optional environment, these kinds of objective test scores about academic readiness are incredibly important,” Godwin said.At Denise Cabrera's high school in Hawaii, all students are required to take the ACT as juniors. She said she would have taken it anyway to improve her chances of getting into college.“Honestly, I’m unsure why the test was ever required because colleges can look at different qualities of the students who are applying outside of just a one-time test score,” said Denise, a 17-year-old senior at Waianae High School.She's looking at schools including the California Institute of Technology, which implemented a five-year moratorium on the standardized test score requirements during the pandemic. Denise said she knows the school is not considering scores but she doesn't want to limit her options elsewhere.About 1.4 million students in the U.S. took the ACT this year, an increase from last year. However, the numbers have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Godwin said she doesn't believe those numbers will ever fully recover, partly because of test-optional admission policies.Of students who were tested, only 21% met benchmarks for success in college-level classes in all subjects. Research from the nonprofit shows students who meet those benchmarks have a 50% chance of earning a B or better and nearly a 75% chance of earning a C or better in corresponding courses.___

ACT test scores for US students drop to new 30-year low

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2a.m. Saturday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Harley Davidson driven by Sage Joseph Duran, 29, Wichita, was eastbound on Central Avenue from Ridge at a high rate of speed.

The driver ran the red light and struck a 2021 Dodge Ram driven by Christian Minchaca Rueda, 26, Wichita that was northbound on the ramp from Interstate 235 to westbound Central Avenue, had a green light and entered the intersection.

After impact Duran lost control of the motorcycle. It continued eastbound, struck the curb, a street sign and a telephone pole before coming to rest in the roadway.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Duran was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Sedgwick County Coroner's Office.&nbsp; Rueda and a passenger in the pickup were not injured.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2a.m. Saturday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Harley Davidson driven by Sage Joseph Duran, 29, Wichita, was eastbound on Central Avenue from Ridge at a high rate of speed.The driver ran the red light and struck a 2021 Dodge Ram driven by Christian Minchaca Rueda, 26, Wichita that was northbound on the ramp from Interstate 235 to westbound Central Avenue, had a green light and entered the intersection.After impact Duran lost control of the motorcycle. It continued eastbound, struck the curb, a street sign and a telephone pole before coming to rest in the roadway.&nbsp;&nbsp;Duran was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Sedgwick County Coroner's Office.&nbsp; Rueda and a passenger in the pickup were not injured.&nbsp;

Kansas man dies after motorcycle, pickup crash

TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal jury convicted a Kansas man of defrauding car dealerships, financial institutions, and title loan companies, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Montressa “Monty” Cunningham, 42, of Junction City was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, seven counts of bank fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and five counts of money laundering.

Beginning about December 2018, Cunningham applied for loans to purchase vehicles from Kansas dealerships. He submitted applications to financial institutions using other people’s social security numbers, false residential addresses, and counterfeit pay stubs showing fabricated monthly incomes, places of employment, and lengths of employment. 

As a result, Cunningham received seven vehicle loans totaling approximately $264,000. As part of the scheme, once Cunningham received the titles, he altered the documents to remove the lien holder’s name and address. He used the altered titles to register the vehicles in either Kansas or Georgia to receive clear titles. Cunningham then either sold the vehicles for cash or used the clear titles as collateral for cash loans. 

Title loan companies and individuals who purchased the vehicles paid Cunningham approximately $85,010 in cash.

The U.S. Secret Service and the Kansas Department of Revenue, Office of Special Investigations are investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697224806480.png" alt="The defendant received seven vehicle loans totaling approximately $264,000.-Google image" />
 <figcaption>The defendant received seven vehicle loans totaling approximately $264,000.-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal jury convicted a Kansas man of defrauding car dealerships, financial institutions, and title loan companies, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Montressa “Monty” Cunningham, 42, of Junction City was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, seven counts of bank fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and five counts of money laundering.Beginning about December 2018, Cunningham applied for loans to purchase vehicles from Kansas dealerships. He submitted applications to financial institutions using other people’s social security numbers, false residential addresses, and counterfeit pay stubs showing fabricated monthly incomes, places of employment, and lengths of employment. As a result, Cunningham received seven vehicle loans totaling approximately $264,000. As part of the scheme, once Cunningham received the titles, he altered the documents to remove the lien holder’s name and address. He used the altered titles to register the vehicles in either Kansas or Georgia to receive clear titles. Cunningham then either sold the vehicles for cash or used the clear titles as collateral for cash loans. Title loan companies and individuals who purchased the vehicles paid Cunningham approximately $85,010 in cash.The U.S. Secret Service and the Kansas Department of Revenue, Office of Special Investigations are investigating the case.

 Kan. man guilty of fraud scheme involving 7 vehicle loans

In honor of International Day of the Girl, First Lady Jill Biden celebrated 15 young women leaders, selected by the White House Gender Policy Council, who are leading change and shaping a brighter future in their communities across the United States. &nbsp;

As an educator for more than 30 years, Dr. Biden has continued to be a champion for young people at home and abroad.

Together with the White House Gender Policy Council, Dr. Biden hosted the first-ever “Girls Leading Change” celebration at the White House to recognize the profound impact young women are having on their communities and their efforts strengthening our country for generations to come.&nbsp;

“It is my honor to celebrate this exceptional group of “Girls Leading Change” at the White House,” said First Lady Jill Biden. “These young women are protecting and preserving the earth, writing and sharing stories that change minds, and turning their pain into purpose. Together, they represent the potential of young people across the country, and it is my hope that others can learn from the power of their innovation, strength, and hope.”

In addition, the Biden-Harris Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/10/11/fact-sheet-white-house-celebrates-international-day-of-the-girl-and-announces-new-actions-to-support-youth-in-the-u-s-and-abroad/" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;a series of new actions that build on the Administration’s investment in young people and expand opportunities for women and girls at home and abroad.

Since day one in office, the Administration has been committed to ensuring women and girls have the opportunities and resources they need to ensure their safety, education, health, and wellbeing.

(Montgomery, Alabama) Breanna and Brooke Bennett, age 16, are dedicated to ending period poverty and ensuring everyone has access to the menstrual supplies they need. When they were 12 years old, Breanna and Brooke were inspired to give period supplies to girls in a public housing project in Montgomery, Alabama, kicking off what became their organization, Women in Training, through which they have distributed more than 30,000 kits with sanitary pads and toiletries. Breanna and Brooke have also successfully advocated for the passage of HB 50, a state law in Alabama that provides funds for school staff to provide sanitary pads to students in need. They are committed to building on that success and eliminating period poverty at the national level.

Jazmin Cazares, age 18, is a leading activist for gun violence prevention at the state and national level. After her sister Jackie was killed in the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, Jazmin spent her senior year of high school traveling across the country and sharing Jackie’s story. Jazmin spoke alongside March for Our Lives leaders at the Texas State Capitol and testified before lawmakers. There, she called for tighter background checks, extreme risk protection order laws, and for lawmakers to “do something” to prevent future mass shootings. Jazmin plans to obtain a master’s degree in psychology and to continue fighting for her sister’s legacy.

Mona Cho (Redondo Beach, California)

Mona Cho, age 15, is dedicated to combatting online harassment and abuse and the harm it poses to youth and teens. She serves on the Beach Cities Health District’s Youth Advisory Council and is also part of the District’s newly created Youth Health &amp; Safety Committee, where she leads a team of five students in a campaign to spread awareness on how to stay safe on social media, and to prioritize mental health online. As part of this work, she created a short film that follows real-life stories of the impact of damaged digital footprints. Through the Plan USA Youth Leadership Academy, she leads the Digital Online Safety and Empowerment Initiative. Mona hopes to continue deploying film as a tool to promote online safety and call for change.

Julia Garnett (Hendersonville, Tennessee)&nbsp;

Julia Garnett, age 17, is dedicated to fighting against book bans and promoting educational freedom in public school and county public libraries. In her school district, she advocated successfully for student representation on book review committees and served on her own high school’s committee. At the national level, Julia has provided testimony before Congress on book bans and volunteers with Student Advocates for Speech, a partnership with the National Coalition Against Censorship. She is an organizer and leader on multiple issues, planned a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, led a student walkout in protest of gun violence, and served as the President of her school’s Gay-Straight Alliance. Julia is committed to ensuring that youth grow up free from censorship, with access to books that fully represent the diversity of their communities and the world.

Logan Hennes, age 16, is committed to combatting antisemitism in communities across the country. Through the American Jewish Committee, Logan has created and taken on a leadership role in supporting students like herself who are working to address antisemitism in their schools and communities, such as Logan’s community in New York City. As the leader of her high school’s Jewish Affinity Group, she has hosted speakers to raise awareness of rising antisemitism and supported her peers in similar organizing and advocacy work across other communities and issues. Logan plans to pursue a career in international relations and U.S. foreign policy.

Anja Herrman (River Forest, Illinois)&nbsp;

Anja Herrman, age 17, is a disability rights activist and advocate for equity and inclusion. She has led grassroots disability advocacy work, including as a member of the Personal Protective Equipment for People with Disabilities (PPE4PWD Coalition), which helped secure personal protective equipment for people with disabilities during the COVID–19 pandemic. Since 2021, she has served as the youngest appointed member of the Village of River Forest’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Group. Anja is emerging as a national leader through her research, speaking engagements, and publications. She authored a white paper that highlights the need for school shooting plans that account for the safety of students with disabilities through a fellowship program at the Disability EmpowHer Network.

Leela Marie Hidier (Yarmouth, Maine)&nbsp;

&nbsp;Leela Marie Hidier, age 18, is a climate social justice advocate and published author. Her award-winning debut novel, Changes in the Weather, features four teenagers displaced by climate change in the U.S., coming of age in a world and time of uncertainty. Leela Marie has been invited to read from her work and speak at community centers, schools, climate conferences, the Maine State House, and across her state. Currently on a gap year, she is working in the nonprofit sector in Maine before beginning college next year. She aspires to become an educator, and to continue using art as a form of activism

Elisa Martinez (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Elisa Martinez, age 17, is an organizer dedicated to civic engagement, particularly within the Latino community. She founded her school’s Latino Student Union and mobilizes students on issues such as climate justice and gun violence prevention. Elisa volunteers as a poll worker to assist Spanishspeaking voters and ensure they understand their rights. After losing her friend to a fentanyl overdose, Elisa has spoken out about beating the opioid crisis and has joined the Trial by Peers program to advocate for juveniles in the criminal justice system. Elisa hopes to become a public defender.

Gabriella Nakai (Phoenix, Arizona)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697055879681.png" alt="Together with the White House Gender Policy Council, Dr. Biden hosted the first-ever “Girls Leading Change” celebration.-photo courtesy teenvogue.com via the White House" />
 <figcaption>Together with the White House Gender Policy Council, Dr. Biden hosted the first-ever “Girls Leading Change” celebration.-photo courtesy teenvogue.com via the White House</figcaption>
 </figure>In honor of International Day of the Girl, First Lady Jill Biden celebrated 15 young women leaders, selected by the White House Gender Policy Council, who are leading change and shaping a brighter future in their communities across the United States. &nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2QG8X9RMygQ?si=L-5Kv7O_9oJJEvmz&amp;start=190" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>As an educator for more than 30 years, Dr. Biden has continued to be a champion for young people at home and abroad.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">First Lady Jill Biden hosts the first-ever “Girls Leading Change” celebration at the White House to recognize the profound impact young women are having on their communities across the country. <a href="https://t.co/QY2nwstdw0">pic.twitter.com/QY2nwstdw0</a>&mdash; Vanessa Valdivia (@vvaldivia46) <a href="https://twitter.com/vvaldivia46/status/1712199490474586532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Together with the White House Gender Policy Council, Dr. Biden hosted the first-ever “Girls Leading Change” celebration at the White House to recognize the profound impact young women are having on their communities and their efforts strengthening our country for generations to come.&nbsp;“It is my honor to celebrate this exceptional group of “Girls Leading Change” at the White House,” said First Lady Jill Biden. “These young women are protecting and preserving the earth, writing and sharing stories that change minds, and turning their pain into purpose. Together, they represent the potential of young people across the country, and it is my hope that others can learn from the power of their innovation, strength, and hope.”In addition, the Biden-Harris Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/10/11/fact-sheet-white-house-celebrates-international-day-of-the-girl-and-announces-new-actions-to-support-youth-in-the-u-s-and-abroad/" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;a series of new actions that build on the Administration’s investment in young people and expand opportunities for women and girls at home and abroad. Since day one in office, the Administration has been committed to ensuring women and girls have the opportunities and resources they need to ensure their safety, education, health, and wellbeing.2023 Girl Leading Change HonoreesBreanna &amp; Brooke Bennett (Montgomery, Alabama) Breanna and Brooke Bennett, age 16, are dedicated to ending period poverty and ensuring everyone has access to the menstrual supplies they need. When they were 12 years old, Breanna and Brooke were inspired to give period supplies to girls in a public housing project in Montgomery, Alabama, kicking off what became their organization, Women in Training, through which they have distributed more than 30,000 kits with sanitary pads and toiletries. Breanna and Brooke have also successfully advocated for the passage of HB 50, a state law in Alabama that provides funds for school staff to provide sanitary pads to students in need. They are committed to building on that success and eliminating period poverty at the national level.Jazmin Cazares (Uvalde, Texas) Jazmin Cazares, age 18, is a leading activist for gun violence prevention at the state and national level. After her sister Jackie was killed in the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, Jazmin spent her senior year of high school traveling across the country and sharing Jackie’s story. Jazmin spoke alongside March for Our Lives leaders at the Texas State Capitol and testified before lawmakers. There, she called for tighter background checks, extreme risk protection order laws, and for lawmakers to “do something” to prevent future mass shootings. Jazmin plans to obtain a master’s degree in psychology and to continue fighting for her sister’s legacy.Mona Cho (Redondo Beach, California) Mona Cho, age 15, is dedicated to combatting online harassment and abuse and the harm it poses to youth and teens. She serves on the Beach Cities Health District’s Youth Advisory Council and is also part of the District’s newly created Youth Health &amp; Safety Committee, where she leads a team of five students in a campaign to spread awareness on how to stay safe on social media, and to prioritize mental health online. As part of this work, she created a short film that follows real-life stories of the impact of damaged digital footprints. Through the Plan USA Youth Leadership Academy, she leads the Digital Online Safety and Empowerment Initiative. Mona hopes to continue deploying film as a tool to promote online safety and call for change.Julia Garnett (Hendersonville, Tennessee)&nbsp; Julia Garnett, age 17, is dedicated to fighting against book bans and promoting educational freedom in public school and county public libraries. In her school district, she advocated successfully for student representation on book review committees and served on her own high school’s committee. At the national level, Julia has provided testimony before Congress on book bans and volunteers with Student Advocates for Speech, a partnership with the National Coalition Against Censorship. She is an organizer and leader on multiple issues, planned a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, led a student walkout in protest of gun violence, and served as the President of her school’s Gay-Straight Alliance. Julia is committed to ensuring that youth grow up free from censorship, with access to books that fully represent the diversity of their communities and the world.Logan Hennes (New York, New York) Logan Hennes, age 16, is committed to combatting antisemitism in communities across the country. Through the American Jewish Committee, Logan has created and taken on a leadership role in supporting students like herself who are working to address antisemitism in their schools and communities, such as Logan’s community in New York City. As the leader of her high school’s Jewish Affinity Group, she has hosted speakers to raise awareness of rising antisemitism and supported her peers in similar organizing and advocacy work across other communities and issues. Logan plans to pursue a career in international relations and U.S. foreign policy.Anja Herrman (River Forest, Illinois)&nbsp; Anja Herrman, age 17, is a disability rights activist and advocate for equity and inclusion. She has led grassroots disability advocacy work, including as a member of the Personal Protective Equipment for People with Disabilities (PPE4PWD Coalition), which helped secure personal protective equipment for people with disabilities during the COVID–19 pandemic. Since 2021, she has served as the youngest appointed member of the Village of River Forest’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Group. Anja is emerging as a national leader through her research, speaking engagements, and publications. She authored a white paper that highlights the need for school shooting plans that account for the safety of students with disabilities through a fellowship program at the Disability EmpowHer Network.Leela Marie Hidier (Yarmouth, Maine)&nbsp;&nbsp;Leela Marie Hidier, age 18, is a climate social justice advocate and published author. Her award-winning debut novel, Changes in the Weather, features four teenagers displaced by climate change in the U.S., coming of age in a world and time of uncertainty. Leela Marie has been invited to read from her work and speak at community centers, schools, climate conferences, the Maine State House, and across her state. Currently on a gap year, she is working in the nonprofit sector in Maine before beginning college next year. She aspires to become an educator, and to continue using art as a form of activismElisa Martinez (Las Vegas, Nevada) Elisa Martinez, age 17, is an organizer dedicated to civic engagement, particularly within the Latino community. She founded her school’s Latino Student Union and mobilizes students on issues such as climate justice and gun violence prevention. Elisa volunteers as a poll worker to assist Spanishspeaking voters and ensure they understand their rights. After losing her friend to a fentanyl overdose, Elisa has spoken out about beating the opioid crisis and has joined the Trial by Peers program to advocate for juveniles in the criminal justice system. Elisa hopes to become a public defender.Gabriella Nakai (Phoenix, Arizona)Gabriella Nakai, age 17, is a Navajo and Choctaw leader dedicated to furthering food security and sustainability, indigenous sovereignty, and youth advocacy. For her work in growing sustainable, heirloom Native produce and promoting seed saving and propagation, Gabriella was honored by the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute as a 2023 Champion for Change. Gabriella works with Native American Connections on addressing youth homelessness and mental health in Phoenix. She founded the Native American club at her school, is a leader in her student government, and hopes to continue serving her tribal community through nonprofit work.Zahra Rahimi (Alexandria, Virginia)Zahra Rahimi, age 17, arrived in the U.S. four years ago from Afghanistan, and has since dedicated herself to supporting refugee resettlement in her local community, including access to English as a Second Language services in Alexandria schools. As student representative to the Alexandria City Board of Education, Zahra organized cultural events and staff trainings to ensure the school was prepared to receive new refugee families from Afghanistan. Zahra partnered with Northern Virginia Resettling Afghan Families Together to establish a special literacy program to support her largely female middle and high school peers who were reading below a second-grade level. In addition to her refugee resettlement efforts, Zahra is a passionate advocate for advancing women’s rights globally, especially in areas of conflict.Gitanjali Rao (Highlands Ranch, Colorado)Gitanjali Rao, age 17, is a freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is a scientist and inventor whose groundbreaking lead contamination detection tool won her an EPA Presidential Award and America’s Top Young Scientist by Discovery Education/3M. Her book Young Innovator’s Guide to STEM, which offers a prescriptive five-step innovation process, is used as a STEM curriculum globally in selected schools. Time Magazine’s first-ever Kid of the Year, Gitanjali is committed to not only continuing her career as a scientist and inventor, but expanding her STEM education initiative, which has already touched more than 80,000 elementary, middle, and high school students.Avery Turner (Colorado Springs, Colorado) Avery Turner, age 17, is a high school senior and calls herself a “seasoned mover,” having moved 10 times before her father recently retired from the Air Force. Avery is committed to supporting military teens, and currently serves as the Director of Programs at Bloom, an organization started by military teens dedicated to promoting their belonging within the military community and amplifying their voices. A prolific writer, as well as a nationally-ranked competitive springboard diver, Avery writes about her experiences trying to find her place in the ever-changing landscape of military teen life in the hopes of providing connection and community.Sandra Ukah (Lake Mary, Florida) Sandra Ukah, age 18, a freshman at the University of Florida, is committed to civic education and community organizing. She was co-founder and co-president of Seminole High School’s Black Student Union, the first Black Student Union (BSU) in Seminole County, and she later consulted with district members to establish BSU chapters in all of the county’s high schools. Sandra served on her city’s Youth Council for two years and became president, during which time she launched an initiative on civic education to teach her community about the role of local government, host voter registration drives, and connect government to the community. Sandra hopes to work in civil rights and constitutional law.Rania Zuri (Morgantown, West Virginia)Rania Zuri, age 18, is a third-generation West Virginian and the founder and CEO of The LiTEArary Society, a nonprofit organization focused on ending “book deserts” for disadvantaged preschool children. Since Rania founded the organization at 13 years old, it has grown to donate books to over 28,000 preschool children in federal Head Start programs across all 50 states. The organization has received funding and partnerships from Pilot Pens, Hershey’s, Scholastic, Starbucks, and others. Rania plans to continue this work with the belief in the power of reading to transform lives.