SEDGWICK COUNTY— A third suspect accused in the May 2020 shooting death of a Kansas teenager is going to prison.

Jakob Cuble, 21, Grand Prairie, Texas was sentenced Wednesday to just over 15-years in the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. 

In July, he pled guilty to second-degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery.&nbsp;

On the afternoon of May 21, 2020 police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of South Webb Road in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

Upon arrival, police located Sain in a parking lot with critical injuries.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment and died, according to Davidson.

Several minutes later, officers responded to an area hospital regarding an 18-year-old male walk-in shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp; He was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and released.

The investigation revealed 25-year-old co-defendant Malcom Ganther,&nbsp; &nbsp;Nathaniel Saunders, Sain, and an 18-year-old boy had arranged to meet in the apartment complex parking lot regarding a drug transaction.

A suspect arrived at the apartment complex parking lot driving a newer-model white mustang, and Ganther arrived at the same time driving a grey Buick.  Sain and the 18-year-old walked up and got into the Buick, occupied by Ganther.&nbsp; &nbsp;

During the transaction inside the Buick, a disturbance ensued, and the suspect seated in the Mustang exited the car and fired multiple shots at Sain and the 18-year-old, striking them and causing their injuries.  Ganther then fled in the Buick, and the second suspect fled in the Mustang. Police arrested Cuble two weeks later.

Earlier this month Ganther was sentenced to 10-years in prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622926965013.png" alt="Cuble-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Cuble-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A third suspect accused in the May 2020 shooting death of a Kansas teenager is going to prison.Jakob Cuble, 21, Grand Prairie, Texas was sentenced Wednesday to just over 15-years in the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In July, he pled guilty to second-degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery.&nbsp;On the afternoon of May 21, 2020 police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of South Webb Road in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;Upon arrival, police located Sain in a parking lot with critical injuries.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment and died, according to Davidson.Several minutes later, officers responded to an area hospital regarding an 18-year-old male walk-in shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp; He was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and released.The investigation revealed 25-year-old co-defendant Malcom Ganther,&nbsp; &nbsp;Nathaniel Saunders, Sain, and an 18-year-old boy had arranged to meet in the apartment complex parking lot regarding a drug transaction.A suspect arrived at the apartment complex parking lot driving a newer-model white mustang, and Ganther arrived at the same time driving a grey Buick. Sain and the 18-year-old walked up and got into the Buick, occupied by Ganther.&nbsp; &nbsp;During the transaction inside the Buick, a disturbance ensued, and the suspect seated in the Mustang exited the car and fired multiple shots at Sain and the 18-year-old, striking them and causing their injuries. Ganther then fled in the Buick, and the second suspect fled in the Mustang. Police arrested Cuble two weeks later.Earlier this month Ganther was sentenced to 10-years in prison.

Texas man sentenced for drug deal killing of Kansas teen

SEDGWICK COUNTY– A Kansas man pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.

According to court documents, Grant Lubbers, 37, of Wichita was arrested in April 2021 in Andover, according to the United State's Attorney.

Law enforcement had been investigating Lubbers for fentanyl trafficking. Using a search warrant, agents searched his vehicle and found a backpack containing approximately 3,000 pills that later tested positive for fentanyl, $22,000 in cash, and a firearm.

Lubbers is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29 and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665081109223.png" alt="Lubbers has previous convictions for theft and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Lubbers has previous convictions for theft and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY– A Kansas man pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.According to court documents, Grant Lubbers, 37, of Wichita was arrested in April 2021 in Andover, according to the United State's Attorney.Law enforcement had been investigating Lubbers for fentanyl trafficking. Using a search warrant, agents searched his vehicle and found a backpack containing approximately 3,000 pills that later tested positive for fentanyl, $22,000 in cash, and a firearm.Lubbers is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29 and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case.

Kan. felon was carrying 3,000 fentanyl pills in backpack

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas City, Kansas-based company entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal government agreeing to pay $250,000 to resolve allegations that a retail pharmacy it owns violated the civil provisions of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), according to the United State's Attorney.

Four B. Corporation, doing business as Balls Food Stores, owns and operates retail pharmacies in the Kansas City metro area including Price Chopper Pharmacy located on East Santa Fe Street in Olathe, Kansas.

In passing the CSA, the U.S. Congress took steps to create “a closed system” of distribution for controlled substances in which the handling of the substances is subject to intense governmental regulation. One of the purposes of the Act is to prevent the diversion and abuse of legitimate controlled substances, while still ensuring an adequate supply of those substances to meet the medical and scientific needs of the country.

The settlement resolves the government’s allegations that between February 2019 and June 10, 2022, the Price Chopper Pharmacy violated the CSA and its implementing regulations by dispensing controlled substances before receiving prescriptions, improperly partially filling prescriptions, and failing to maintain inventory records for controlled substances.

“The Controlled Substances Act seeks to prevent the abuse and misuse of controlled substances, but that effort is futile unless those who dispense these substances adhere to the CSA guidelines” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher. “Hopefully this settlement will make pharmacies take heed of the Department of Justice’s commitment to enforcing these rules.”

"How pharmaceutical medications are dispensed is something we have to take seriously because it can so easily result in someone getting hurt from the drugs,” said Diversion Program Manager Kimberly Daniels, the Drug Enforcement Administration's lead for the Diversion program in the states of Missouri and Kansas, and southern Illinois. “One of the many responsibilities that pharmacies have is ensuring medications are dispensed only after receiving legitimate prescriptions, then they must track the prescriptions they dispense. When they fail to do that, DEA must take action.

This settlement is a reminder that DEA's highest priority is the safety and well-being of our citizens."

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diversion Control Division, Kansas City Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Fleenor, Affirmative Civil Enforcement Coordinator handled the case.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas City, Kansas-based company entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal government agreeing to pay $250,000 to resolve allegations that a retail pharmacy it owns violated the civil provisions of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), according to the United State's Attorney.Four B. Corporation, doing business as Balls Food Stores, owns and operates retail pharmacies in the Kansas City metro area including Price Chopper Pharmacy located on East Santa Fe Street in Olathe, Kansas.In passing the CSA, the U.S. Congress took steps to create “a closed system” of distribution for controlled substances in which the handling of the substances is subject to intense governmental regulation. One of the purposes of the Act is to prevent the diversion and abuse of legitimate controlled substances, while still ensuring an adequate supply of those substances to meet the medical and scientific needs of the country.The settlement resolves the government’s allegations that between February 2019 and June 10, 2022, the Price Chopper Pharmacy violated the CSA and its implementing regulations by dispensing controlled substances before receiving prescriptions, improperly partially filling prescriptions, and failing to maintain inventory records for controlled substances.“The Controlled Substances Act seeks to prevent the abuse and misuse of controlled substances, but that effort is futile unless those who dispense these substances adhere to the CSA guidelines” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher. “Hopefully this settlement will make pharmacies take heed of the Department of Justice’s commitment to enforcing these rules.”"How pharmaceutical medications are dispensed is something we have to take seriously because it can so easily result in someone getting hurt from the drugs,” said Diversion Program Manager Kimberly Daniels, the Drug Enforcement Administration's lead for the Diversion program in the states of Missouri and Kansas, and southern Illinois. “One of the many responsibilities that pharmacies have is ensuring medications are dispensed only after receiving legitimate prescriptions, then they must track the prescriptions they dispense. When they fail to do that, DEA must take action.This settlement is a reminder that DEA's highest priority is the safety and well-being of our citizens."The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diversion Control Division, Kansas City Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Fleenor, Affirmative Civil Enforcement Coordinator handled the case.

Kan. pharmacy fined for allegations of violating controlled substances act

By Casey Quinlan,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/11/millions-more-workers-would-receive-overtime-pay-under-proposed-biden-administration-rule/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Economic experts and researchers say that the auto workers strike could have far-reaching economic consequences for businesses and consumers, depending on its duration. In addition to workers’ job losses, consumers could see higher prices for cars and depleted inventory.

The United Auto Workers union, representing about 150,000 auto workers, walked off the job at midnight Thursday after failing to reach a contract deal with the “Big Three” auto manufacturers, Ford, Stellantis and General Motors. It is the first time in union history that a strike has affected all three automakers, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/09/15/strike-united-auto-workers-declares-historic-strike-against-detroit-three-automakers/">Michigan Advance reported</a>.

The union is seeking 32-hour work weeks, a 46% pay increase over four years and improved benefits, including pensions and paid time off, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/blog/get-strike-ready-uaw-votes-to-authorize-strike-against-detroit-automakers/">Michigan Advance</a>&nbsp;has reported. Union members also are demanding the right to strike over the closure of plants and the elimination of tiered workers. Tier 2 workers, who are newer, receive less pay and benefits than Tier 1 workers and also work more on electric vehicles that may not be covered by union contracts,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.morningstar.com/news/marketwatch/20230909316/i-have-a-pension-they-dont-why-united-auto-workers-are-fighting-to-end-a-two-tier-system-for-wages-and-benefits">according to</a>&nbsp;MarketWatch, which some members argue hurts the effectiveness of the union.

The union also wants more security for its members as the auto industry continues to produce more electric vehicles.

“Given the EV transformations currently underway in the auto sector, the UAW will be looking to establish as much security as possible for its members. Top concerns include what labor demand will look like in the new EV landscape and how to ensure that wage gains keep pace with high inflation and record automaker profits,’’ according to a University of Michigan analysis.

Experts say the weight of any work stoppage is dependent upon the numbers of workers who walk off the job, their location and its duration. Meanwhile consumers could see higher prices for materials including steel and auto parts reflected in their car purchases and repairs.

UAW president Shawn Fain has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-president-lot-work-remaining-reach-auto-labor-deals-2023-09-13/">said</a>&nbsp;the union and companies are far apart on priorities such as pay increases, with the companies offering half or less than half of what the union has proposed.

In a statement, Ford said the company “has bargained in good faith in an effort to avoid a strike, which could have wide-ranging consequences for our business and the economy. It also impacts the very 57,000 UAW-Ford workers we are trying to reward with this contract.”

The last auto workers strike was in 2019, when<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2019/10/17/uaw-looks-to-have-scored-big-victories-in-jobs-wages-and-benefits-in-gm-strike/">&nbsp;50,000 GM workers walked off the job</a>&nbsp;for six weeks. General Motors lost $3.6 billion,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/detroit-three-strike-deadline-nears-sides-remain-far-apart-2023-09-14/">&nbsp;Reuters reported</a>.

The Anderson Economic Group, an economic research and market analysis group, has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.andersoneconomicgroup.com/10-day-uaw-strike-against-big-three-could-cause-economic-losses-exceeding-5-billion/">estimated</a>&nbsp;that a 10-day strike by all of the 150,000 union members would total $5 billion in economic losses. If the strike affected only one automaker, the company would lose $325 million and the loss of direct wages would total $341 million.

For every 2,000 employees on strike at one location, there could be up to $10 million in lost wages, which would be felt locally, said Tyler Marie Theile, director of public policy and economic analysis at the Anderson Economic Group. The estimate does not factor in strike pay, unemployment benefits, or reputational damage to companies or the union in its assessment of the economic impact of a strike. Auto workers on strike can receive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/13/business/uaw-strike-shawn-fain.html#:~:text=The%20union%20plans%20to%20pay,companies%20for%20about%20three%20months.">$500</a>&nbsp;in union benefits.

The Advance reported picket lines at Ford’s Michigan Assembly, GM’s Wentzville plant in Missouri and Stellantis’ Jeep plant in Toledo, Ohio.

Michigan faces the greatest economic impact. A one- or two-week strike at Ford could result in the loss of 28,000 jobs,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/econ-assets/Econdocs/RSQE%20PDFs/UAW_Strike_Analysis_(RSQE_2023.09).pdf">according to</a>&nbsp;a University of Michigan estimate. Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri also would be affected by a Ford strike. Ohio and Indiana face a potential&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/econ-assets/Econdocs/RSQE%20PDFs/UAW_Strike_Analysis_(RSQE_2023.09).pdf">Stellantis strike</a>&nbsp;and Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, New York, Texas, Tennessee, Kansas and Kentucky, a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/econ-assets/Econdocs/RSQE%20PDFs/UAW_Strike_Analysis_(RSQE_2023.09).pdf">General Motors strike</a>.

In the event of a lengthy walkout, Theile said, Southern plants may see more of an impact than they did in 2019 because of the growth of auto manufacturing and assembly and battery manufacturing in the region.

“The most important driving factor there is going to be is the number of UAW workers striking. Since in the South, UAW participation and representation is not as dense as it is up in the Midwest, we likely wouldn’t see quite a strong impact, at least early on,” Theile said. “If a strike were to become quite lengthy, many manufacturing and assembly facilities are shut down and 1st and 2nd tier suppliers are shut down, that’s going to start to have a rippling effect through the automotive industry. And facilities that are not on strike and not represented by the UAW will not be fully insulated from the economic impact.”

Ali Bustamante, deputy director of the worker power and economic security program at the Roosevelt Institute, a progressive think tank, said the expansion into Southern states has somewhat “hedged the impact of a strike” because there are both unionized and non-unionized shops.

“By and large, the reason why so much of car manufacturing has moved to the South is because of historically low levels of union density,” Bustamante said. “The political and social conditions make it really difficult to get unions off the ground there as well.”

It’s also challenging to predict how a targeted strike would affect the economy overall when it’s unknown how halted production at some plants would affect work at other plants where workers are not on strike. Fain&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-president-lot-work-remaining-reach-auto-labor-deals-2023-09-13/">said</a>&nbsp;the union’s targeted approach is meant to “create confusion.”

“It’s a little unclear to me how many locations would potentially operate as normal or as close to normal when other locations, that they may depend on, are shut down and striking. I do think that those targeted strikes are still going to have a really significant impact on the economy,” Theile said.

Bustamante added that the strike would also impact the steel industry and would add to pressures on car prices.

Theile agreed that consumers would feel the effects.

“We have about 20% of the inventory that was on hand in 2019. The current conditions would affect dealers and consumers, possibly much stronger and much sooner,” Theile said.

But Bustamante said the Federal Reserve’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/transportation/2023-07-28/feds-interest-rate-hike-car-shoppers#:~:text=In%20the%20past%20year%2C%20average,8.3%20percent%20to%2011%20percent.">raising of interest rates</a>&nbsp;is a far bigger contributor to the problem of car affordability, since rates for car loans have risen in the past year.

Some economists have also argued that the UAW strike is a sign of a strong economy and say that long-term gains in labor organizing will lift up more workers.

“Strong labor markets, fueled by large-scale public investments in the workers who keep our economy going, offer workers agency to stand up for better wages and working conditions and walk off the job when basic labor standards aren’t met,” stated Rakeen Mabud, chief economist at Groundwork Collaborative, a progressive economic advocacy nonprofit.

“ … A workforce that enjoys better working conditions, better pay, and increased worker agency adds up to a stronger economy for all of us.”

Bustamante said that if the UAW wins many of its demands, it will encourage more workers to organize.

“As long as economic conditions hold steady, the [UAW] does have disproportional leverage and again, more leverage than they’ve had in the past 50 years or so,” he said. “It would certainly boost the [labor organizing] waves that we’re already seeing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694787851007.png" alt="The union is seeking 32-hour work weeks, a 46% pay increase over four years and improved benefits, including pensions and paid time off-photo UAW" />
 <figcaption>The union is seeking 32-hour work weeks, a 46% pay increase over four years and improved benefits, including pensions and paid time off-photo UAW</figcaption>
 </figure>By Casey Quinlan,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/11/millions-more-workers-would-receive-overtime-pay-under-proposed-biden-administration-rule/">Nebraska Examiner</a>Economic experts and researchers say that the auto workers strike could have far-reaching economic consequences for businesses and consumers, depending on its duration. In addition to workers’ job losses, consumers could see higher prices for cars and depleted inventory.The United Auto Workers union, representing about 150,000 auto workers, walked off the job at midnight Thursday after failing to reach a contract deal with the “Big Three” auto manufacturers, Ford, Stellantis and General Motors. It is the first time in union history that a strike has affected all three automakers, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/09/15/strike-united-auto-workers-declares-historic-strike-against-detroit-three-automakers/">Michigan Advance reported</a>.The union is seeking 32-hour work weeks, a 46% pay increase over four years and improved benefits, including pensions and paid time off, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/blog/get-strike-ready-uaw-votes-to-authorize-strike-against-detroit-automakers/">Michigan Advance</a>&nbsp;has reported. Union members also are demanding the right to strike over the closure of plants and the elimination of tiered workers. Tier 2 workers, who are newer, receive less pay and benefits than Tier 1 workers and also work more on electric vehicles that may not be covered by union contracts,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.morningstar.com/news/marketwatch/20230909316/i-have-a-pension-they-dont-why-united-auto-workers-are-fighting-to-end-a-two-tier-system-for-wages-and-benefits">according to</a>&nbsp;MarketWatch, which some members argue hurts the effectiveness of the union.The union also wants more security for its members as the auto industry continues to produce more electric vehicles.“Given the EV transformations currently underway in the auto sector, the UAW will be looking to establish as much security as possible for its members. Top concerns include what labor demand will look like in the new EV landscape and how to ensure that wage gains keep pace with high inflation and record automaker profits,’’ according to a University of Michigan analysis.Experts say the weight of any work stoppage is dependent upon the numbers of workers who walk off the job, their location and its duration. Meanwhile consumers could see higher prices for materials including steel and auto parts reflected in their car purchases and repairs.UAW president Shawn Fain has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-president-lot-work-remaining-reach-auto-labor-deals-2023-09-13/">said</a>&nbsp;the union and companies are far apart on priorities such as pay increases, with the companies offering half or less than half of what the union has proposed.In a statement, Ford said the company “has bargained in good faith in an effort to avoid a strike, which could have wide-ranging consequences for our business and the economy. It also impacts the very 57,000 UAW-Ford workers we are trying to reward with this contract.”The last auto workers strike was in 2019, when<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2019/10/17/uaw-looks-to-have-scored-big-victories-in-jobs-wages-and-benefits-in-gm-strike/">&nbsp;50,000 GM workers walked off the job</a>&nbsp;for six weeks. General Motors lost $3.6 billion,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/detroit-three-strike-deadline-nears-sides-remain-far-apart-2023-09-14/">&nbsp;Reuters reported</a>.The Anderson Economic Group, an economic research and market analysis group, has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.andersoneconomicgroup.com/10-day-uaw-strike-against-big-three-could-cause-economic-losses-exceeding-5-billion/">estimated</a>&nbsp;that a 10-day strike by all of the 150,000 union members would total $5 billion in economic losses. If the strike affected only one automaker, the company would lose $325 million and the loss of direct wages would total $341 million.For every 2,000 employees on strike at one location, there could be up to $10 million in lost wages, which would be felt locally, said Tyler Marie Theile, director of public policy and economic analysis at the Anderson Economic Group. The estimate does not factor in strike pay, unemployment benefits, or reputational damage to companies or the union in its assessment of the economic impact of a strike. Auto workers on strike can receive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/13/business/uaw-strike-shawn-fain.html#:~:text=The%20union%20plans%20to%20pay,companies%20for%20about%20three%20months.">$500</a>&nbsp;in union benefits.The Advance reported picket lines at Ford’s Michigan Assembly, GM’s Wentzville plant in Missouri and Stellantis’ Jeep plant in Toledo, Ohio.Michigan faces the greatest economic impact. A one- or two-week strike at Ford could result in the loss of 28,000 jobs,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/econ-assets/Econdocs/RSQE%20PDFs/UAW_Strike_Analysis_(RSQE_2023.09).pdf">according to</a>&nbsp;a University of Michigan estimate. Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri also would be affected by a Ford strike. Ohio and Indiana face a potential&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/econ-assets/Econdocs/RSQE%20PDFs/UAW_Strike_Analysis_(RSQE_2023.09).pdf">Stellantis strike</a>&nbsp;and Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, New York, Texas, Tennessee, Kansas and Kentucky, a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/econ-assets/Econdocs/RSQE%20PDFs/UAW_Strike_Analysis_(RSQE_2023.09).pdf">General Motors strike</a>.In the event of a lengthy walkout, Theile said, Southern plants may see more of an impact than they did in 2019 because of the growth of auto manufacturing and assembly and battery manufacturing in the region.“The most important driving factor there is going to be is the number of UAW workers striking. Since in the South, UAW participation and representation is not as dense as it is up in the Midwest, we likely wouldn’t see quite a strong impact, at least early on,” Theile said. “If a strike were to become quite lengthy, many manufacturing and assembly facilities are shut down and 1st and 2nd tier suppliers are shut down, that’s going to start to have a rippling effect through the automotive industry. And facilities that are not on strike and not represented by the UAW will not be fully insulated from the economic impact.”Ali Bustamante, deputy director of the worker power and economic security program at the Roosevelt Institute, a progressive think tank, said the expansion into Southern states has somewhat “hedged the impact of a strike” because there are both unionized and non-unionized shops.“By and large, the reason why so much of car manufacturing has moved to the South is because of historically low levels of union density,” Bustamante said. “The political and social conditions make it really difficult to get unions off the ground there as well.”It’s also challenging to predict how a targeted strike would affect the economy overall when it’s unknown how halted production at some plants would affect work at other plants where workers are not on strike. Fain&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-president-lot-work-remaining-reach-auto-labor-deals-2023-09-13/">said</a>&nbsp;the union’s targeted approach is meant to “create confusion.”“It’s a little unclear to me how many locations would potentially operate as normal or as close to normal when other locations, that they may depend on, are shut down and striking. I do think that those targeted strikes are still going to have a really significant impact on the economy,” Theile said.Bustamante added that the strike would also impact the steel industry and would add to pressures on car prices.Theile agreed that consumers would feel the effects.“We have about 20% of the inventory that was on hand in 2019. The current conditions would affect dealers and consumers, possibly much stronger and much sooner,” Theile said.But Bustamante said the Federal Reserve’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/transportation/2023-07-28/feds-interest-rate-hike-car-shoppers#:~:text=In%20the%20past%20year%2C%20average,8.3%20percent%20to%2011%20percent.">raising of interest rates</a>&nbsp;is a far bigger contributor to the problem of car affordability, since rates for car loans have risen in the past year.Some economists have also argued that the UAW strike is a sign of a strong economy and say that long-term gains in labor organizing will lift up more workers.“Strong labor markets, fueled by large-scale public investments in the workers who keep our economy going, offer workers agency to stand up for better wages and working conditions and walk off the job when basic labor standards aren’t met,” stated Rakeen Mabud, chief economist at Groundwork Collaborative, a progressive economic advocacy nonprofit.“ … A workforce that enjoys better working conditions, better pay, and increased worker agency adds up to a stronger economy for all of us.”Bustamante said that if the UAW wins many of its demands, it will encourage more workers to organize.“As long as economic conditions hold steady, the [UAW] does have disproportional leverage and again, more leverage than they’ve had in the past 50 years or so,” he said. “It would certainly boost the [labor organizing] waves that we’re already seeing.”

Consumers face higher car prices, lower inventory with auto workers on strike

BOURBON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5a.m. Saturday in Bourbon County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Silverado driven by Francisco J.&nbsp;Espinoza-Perez, 38, Katy, Texas, was northbound on Kansas 7 Highway just south of Hackberry Road. 

The pickup began rotating counterclockwise while negotiating a curve on the U.S. 69 northbound on ramp. 

The driver failed to negotiate the curve. The pickup left the roadway, overturned and came to rest on its top.

Espinoza-Perez was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Cheney Witt Funeral Home.

BOURBON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5a.m. Saturday in Bourbon County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Silverado driven by Francisco J.&nbsp;Espinoza-Perez, 38, Katy, Texas, was northbound on Kansas 7 Highway just south of Hackberry Road. The pickup began rotating counterclockwise while negotiating a curve on the U.S. 69 northbound on ramp. The driver failed to negotiate the curve. The pickup left the roadway, overturned and came to rest on its top.Espinoza-Perez was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Cheney Witt Funeral Home.

Man dies after pickup overturns on Kansas highway

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run pedestrian crash that sent a man to the hospital and have made an arrest.

Just before 6:30a.m. Friday, policemresponded to a hit-and-run crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at SW 21st St. and SW Central Park Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.

First responders located&nbsp; a man who was suffering from life-threatening injuries. American Medical response transported him to the hospital in critical condition.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested 35-year-old Marcus R. Mendoza of Topeka on requested charges of Fail to stop at accident; result in great bodily harm and Failure to exercise due care in regard to pedestrian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694825489015.png" alt="Mendoza-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Mendoza-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run pedestrian crash that sent a man to the hospital and have made an arrest.Just before 6:30a.m. Friday, policemresponded to a hit-and-run crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at SW 21st St. and SW Central Park Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.First responders located&nbsp; a man who was suffering from life-threatening injuries. American Medical response transported him to the hospital in critical condition.As a result of the investigation, police arrested 35-year-old Marcus R. Mendoza of Topeka on requested charges of Fail to stop at accident; result in great bodily harm and Failure to exercise due care in regard to pedestrian.

Kan. man jailed for hit-and-run that sent man to the hospital

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a incident that occurred at Wyandotte High School after a suspect shot at a USD 500 police officer.

Just before 9:30p.m. Friday, police responded to Wyandotte High School, 2500 Minnesota, after shots were fired during the football game, according to a media release from Kansas City, Kansas police.

At the scene, police learned that with one minute left in the game, two unknown suspects approached the entrance to the field from outside the stadium and began shooting toward a USD 500 police officer standing at the gate.

The officer returned fire until the suspects fled north to a vehicle and fled. Late Friday police had not reported anyone struck by gunfire.&nbsp; Detectives with Kansas City, Kansas Police continue their investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident or who may have been in the area and observed the activity is asked to call KCK Police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694868319517.png" alt="Anyone with information about the incident or who may have been in the area and observed the activity is asked to call KCK Police-photo courtesy KSHB TV" />
 <figcaption>Anyone with information about the incident or who may have been in the area and observed the activity is asked to call KCK Police-photo courtesy KSHB TV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a incident that occurred at Wyandotte High School after a suspect shot at a USD 500 police officer.Just before 9:30p.m. Friday, police responded to Wyandotte High School, 2500 Minnesota, after shots were fired during the football game, according to a media release from Kansas City, Kansas police.At the scene, police learned that with one minute left in the game, two unknown suspects approached the entrance to the field from outside the stadium and began shooting toward a USD 500 police officer standing at the gate.The officer returned fire until the suspects fled north to a vehicle and fled. Late Friday police had not reported anyone struck by gunfire.&nbsp; Detectives with Kansas City, Kansas Police continue their investigation.Anyone with information about the incident or who may have been in the area and observed the activity is asked to call KCK Police.

Police investigate gunfire at Kansas high school football game

By JENNIFER SHUTT,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — Amid rising tensions and an approaching hard deadline, the U.S. House and Senate ended their work week on Thursday without a deal to fund the federal government past the end of the month.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who has been struggling to build consensus among the members of his Republican Conference, pledged that once the chamber returned from the weekend, lawmakers would roll up their sleeves.

“When we come back, we’re not going to leave. We’re going to get this done,” McCarthy said, noting members are returning home this weekend for the Rosh Hashana holiday. “Nobody wins in a government shutdown.”

The House returned to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday following a six-week summer recess. The Senate returned last week following a five-week break. The government funding deadline is Sept. 30.

McCarthy told reporters following a heated closed-door meeting for House Republicans on Thursday morning that he is “frustrated” with some lawmakers for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/amid-government-spending-fight-us-house-gop-punts-debating-major-defense-bill">blocking debate</a>&nbsp;on the annual Defense spending bill.

Some especially conservative House Republicans have been threatening to try to remove McCarthy as speaker through the motion to vacate, which any one lawmaker can bring up for a floor vote. Florida’s Matt Gaetz&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/09/12/u-s-house-speaker-mccarthy-tells-committees-to-launch-biden-impeachment-probe/">gave a floor speech</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, arguing that McCarthy was out of line with promises he made in private to hard-line Republicans in January.

McCarthy, according to multiple media reports,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kevin-mccarthy-motion-vacate_n_6503144ce4b034d7e741c25b">reportedly said</a>&nbsp;behind closed doors Thursday that if lawmakers want to remove him they should “file the f – – – – – – motion.” McCarthy’s office would not share any comments he made during the closed-door conference meeting in response to a question from States Newsroom.

McCarthy pledged after the meeting to try to put more of the dozen annual government funding bills on the floor next week, though if that doesn’t happen, he plans to tell appropriators to begin working out final bills with their Senate counterparts during the conference process.

McCarthy, who has repeatedly criticized past leaders for not passing all the bills on the floor, said that going to conference with the committee-passed bills “is better for the American public — then they can see what has gone through committee.”

The House and Senate Appropriations committees’ bills were publicly released earlier this summer with committee debate and votes live-streamed. The conference process takes place behind closed doors.

McCarthy didn’t lay out a plan to pass the short-term government funding bill that will be needed to prevent a partial government shutdown when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. But he did express opposition to a funding lapse.

“I don’t think it’s productive to have a government shutdown during that time,” McCarthy said. “I don’t know who wins and I don’t know — watching the shutdowns before — how is that productive to get the objectives that you want to achieve for the American public.”

The House passed one of its dozen annual government funding bills on the floor this year before conservative hardliners blocked the process from moving forward.

Arkansas Republican Rep. Steve Womack, chair of the Financial Services appropriations subcommittee, said Wednesday the chamber’s inability to pass its bills shows it’s “dysfunctional” and “conflicted.”

“Time is running out on us to be able to get our work done and not threaten a shutdown, or not have to go to a temporary CR, which is now pretty much guaranteed,” Womack said, referring to a continuing resolution.

Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester expressed frustration Thursday with the House’s lack of floor action on spending bills, saying that without more House-passed bills, the Senate cannot bring more of its bipartisan bills to the floor.

“You guys know the process, House needs to send something over,” he told reporters.

The Constitution requires spending bills to be a product of the House, so the Senate needs that chamber to send them so-called legislative vehicles. Once that happens, the Senate can swap in its version of the government funding bills.

Tester said he’s “very concerned” about a government shutdown and that lawmakers won’t be able to approve a supplemental spending bill for Ukraine, given the state of the House Republican Conference.

“These guys don’t give a s- – – about nothing,” Tester said.

Wisconsin’s Johnson blocks Senate action

Shortly after Tester’s remarks, his own chamber’s spending process came to a halt.

After senators&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1181/vote_118_1_00228.htm">voted</a>&nbsp;91-7 to advance a three-bill spending package, Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson objected to scheduling votes on amendments from his fellow GOP senators.

Johnson told reporters afterward that he would prefer if the Senate debated one spending bill at a time, instead of three.

“We need to return some function to this place, so pretty simple objection,” Johnson said. “Let’s just proceed to this one bill. What’s wrong with that? Just go on to Military Construction and VA. Let’s proceed to that and pass it, then wait for the House to send its other bills. Makes a lot of sense.”

The spending package on the Senate floor includes the Agriculture, Military Construction-VA and Transportation-HUD funding measures — funding the departments of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Veterans Affairs, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, as well as military construction and water projects.

The so-called minibus is a somewhat common part of the annual appropriations process and can be used when the upper chamber has a limited number of legislative vehicles.

Maine’s Susan Collins, the top Republican on the spending panel, said she was “both surprised and disappointed” that Johnson objected to scheduling floor votes on amendments from several GOP senators.

If the Senate couldn’t debate and vote on amendments to the government funding bills, Collins said, that meant the chamber was “broken once again.”

“Members cannot have it both ways,” Collins said. “They cannot block floor consideration of appropriations bills that were unanimously reported by the committee and yet maintain that they don’t want an omnibus bill. It’s one or the other. Or a government shutdown.”

Collins said Johnson’s blockade was setting Congress up for either a 12-bill omnibus government funding package or a partial government shutdown.

“None of those outcomes serve the American people well,” Collins said.

The blocked Republican amendments, which Collins said were just the first of several batches, were offered by Kentucky’s Rand Paul, Ohio’s J.D. Vance, Iowa’s Joni Ernst, Tennessee’s Marsha Blackburn and Utah’s Mike Lee.

Johnson’s move follows months of bipartisan work by the spending committee to advance bipartisan bills.

Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat, said the stalemate could upend those efforts.

“Let’s be clear: the bills we are considering aren’t Democratic or Republican spending bills. They are bills both sides, Democrat and Republican, wrote after a lot of negotiation and compromise,” Murray said.

“This package that we have reflects input from senators from across the country and across the political spectrum working on behalf of the people who sent them here,” Murray added. “And that is exactly why all these bills in this package passed our committee unanimously.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, called on Republican leaders to reject the ultra conservative members of their party who are holding up spending bills in both chambers.

“Now all of a sudden, you have a group, a small group in the Senate, trying to mimic the Freedom Caucus in the House and holding up the (spending) bill,” Schumer said. “Our Republican leaders have to reject this MAGA Republicanism for the good of the country and for the good of their party.”

Samantha Dietel contributed to this report.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694805470214.png" alt="Members of the New Mexico delegation on Thursday afternoon in the House chamber. The government funding deadline is Sept. 30. -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Members of the New Mexico delegation on Thursday afternoon in the House chamber. The government funding deadline is Sept. 30. -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By JENNIFER SHUTT,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Amid rising tensions and an approaching hard deadline, the U.S. House and Senate ended their work week on Thursday without a deal to fund the federal government past the end of the month.House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who has been struggling to build consensus among the members of his Republican Conference, pledged that once the chamber returned from the weekend, lawmakers would roll up their sleeves.“When we come back, we’re not going to leave. We’re going to get this done,” McCarthy said, noting members are returning home this weekend for the Rosh Hashana holiday. “Nobody wins in a government shutdown.”The House returned to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday following a six-week summer recess. The Senate returned last week following a five-week break. The government funding deadline is Sept. 30.McCarthy told reporters following a heated closed-door meeting for House Republicans on Thursday morning that he is “frustrated” with some lawmakers for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/amid-government-spending-fight-us-house-gop-punts-debating-major-defense-bill">blocking debate</a>&nbsp;on the annual Defense spending bill.Some especially conservative House Republicans have been threatening to try to remove McCarthy as speaker through the motion to vacate, which any one lawmaker can bring up for a floor vote. Florida’s Matt Gaetz&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/09/12/u-s-house-speaker-mccarthy-tells-committees-to-launch-biden-impeachment-probe/">gave a floor speech</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, arguing that McCarthy was out of line with promises he made in private to hard-line Republicans in January.McCarthy, according to multiple media reports,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kevin-mccarthy-motion-vacate_n_6503144ce4b034d7e741c25b">reportedly said</a>&nbsp;behind closed doors Thursday that if lawmakers want to remove him they should “file the f – – – – – – motion.” McCarthy’s office would not share any comments he made during the closed-door conference meeting in response to a question from States Newsroom.McCarthy pledged after the meeting to try to put more of the dozen annual government funding bills on the floor next week, though if that doesn’t happen, he plans to tell appropriators to begin working out final bills with their Senate counterparts during the conference process.McCarthy, who has repeatedly criticized past leaders for not passing all the bills on the floor, said that going to conference with the committee-passed bills “is better for the American public — then they can see what has gone through committee.”The House and Senate Appropriations committees’ bills were publicly released earlier this summer with committee debate and votes live-streamed. The conference process takes place behind closed doors.McCarthy didn’t lay out a plan to pass the short-term government funding bill that will be needed to prevent a partial government shutdown when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. But he did express opposition to a funding lapse.“I don’t think it’s productive to have a government shutdown during that time,” McCarthy said. “I don’t know who wins and I don’t know — watching the shutdowns before — how is that productive to get the objectives that you want to achieve for the American public.”<h2>‘Dysfunctional’ House</h2>The House passed one of its dozen annual government funding bills on the floor this year before conservative hardliners blocked the process from moving forward.Arkansas Republican Rep. Steve Womack, chair of the Financial Services appropriations subcommittee, said Wednesday the chamber’s inability to pass its bills shows it’s “dysfunctional” and “conflicted.”“Time is running out on us to be able to get our work done and not threaten a shutdown, or not have to go to a temporary CR, which is now pretty much guaranteed,” Womack said, referring to a continuing resolution.Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester expressed frustration Thursday with the House’s lack of floor action on spending bills, saying that without more House-passed bills, the Senate cannot bring more of its bipartisan bills to the floor.“You guys know the process, House needs to send something over,” he told reporters.The Constitution requires spending bills to be a product of the House, so the Senate needs that chamber to send them so-called legislative vehicles. Once that happens, the Senate can swap in its version of the government funding bills.Tester said he’s “very concerned” about a government shutdown and that lawmakers won’t be able to approve a supplemental spending bill for Ukraine, given the state of the House Republican Conference.“These guys don’t give a s- – – about nothing,” Tester said.<h2>Wisconsin’s Johnson blocks Senate action</h2>Shortly after Tester’s remarks, his own chamber’s spending process came to a halt.After senators&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1181/vote_118_1_00228.htm">voted</a>&nbsp;91-7 to advance a three-bill spending package, Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson objected to scheduling votes on amendments from his fellow GOP senators.Johnson told reporters afterward that he would prefer if the Senate debated one spending bill at a time, instead of three.“We need to return some function to this place, so pretty simple objection,” Johnson said. “Let’s just proceed to this one bill. What’s wrong with that? Just go on to Military Construction and VA. Let’s proceed to that and pass it, then wait for the House to send its other bills. Makes a lot of sense.”The spending package on the Senate floor includes the Agriculture, Military Construction-VA and Transportation-HUD funding measures — funding the departments of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Veterans Affairs, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, as well as military construction and water projects.The so-called minibus is a somewhat common part of the annual appropriations process and can be used when the upper chamber has a limited number of legislative vehicles.Maine’s Susan Collins, the top Republican on the spending panel, said she was “both surprised and disappointed” that Johnson objected to scheduling floor votes on amendments from several GOP senators.If the Senate couldn’t debate and vote on amendments to the government funding bills, Collins said, that meant the chamber was “broken once again.”“Members cannot have it both ways,” Collins said. “They cannot block floor consideration of appropriations bills that were unanimously reported by the committee and yet maintain that they don’t want an omnibus bill. It’s one or the other. Or a government shutdown.”Collins said Johnson’s blockade was setting Congress up for either a 12-bill omnibus government funding package or a partial government shutdown.“None of those outcomes serve the American people well,” Collins said.The blocked Republican amendments, which Collins said were just the first of several batches, were offered by Kentucky’s Rand Paul, Ohio’s J.D. Vance, Iowa’s Joni Ernst, Tennessee’s Marsha Blackburn and Utah’s Mike Lee.<h2>Bipartisan work in Senate</h2>Johnson’s move follows months of bipartisan work by the spending committee to advance bipartisan bills.Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat, said the stalemate could upend those efforts.“Let’s be clear: the bills we are considering aren’t Democratic or Republican spending bills. They are bills both sides, Democrat and Republican, wrote after a lot of negotiation and compromise,” Murray said.“This package that we have reflects input from senators from across the country and across the political spectrum working on behalf of the people who sent them here,” Murray added. “And that is exactly why all these bills in this package passed our committee unanimously.”Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, called on Republican leaders to reject the ultra conservative members of their party who are holding up spending bills in both chambers.“Now all of a sudden, you have a group, a small group in the Senate, trying to mimic the Freedom Caucus in the House and holding up the (spending) bill,” Schumer said. “Our Republican leaders have to reject this MAGA Republicanism for the good of the country and for the good of their party.”Samantha Dietel contributed to this report.&nbsp;

With days until the money runs out, Congress grinds to halt on spending bills

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Backen, Michael Backen, 46, Olathe, was westbound on Interstate 635 at 7th Street.&nbsp;

The motorcycle rear-ended a 2013 Toyota Camry driven by Milton Ruble, 52, Overland Park, who was&nbsp;slowing and yielding to a vehicle attempting to exit to 7th street.&nbsp;

Bracken was ejected and transported to KU Medical where he was pronounced deceased. Ruble was properly restrained. Bracken was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Backen, Michael Backen, 46, Olathe, was westbound on Interstate 635 at 7th Street.&nbsp;The motorcycle rear-ended a 2013 Toyota Camry driven by Milton Ruble, 52, Overland Park, who was&nbsp;slowing and yielding to a vehicle attempting to exit to 7th street.&nbsp;Bracken was ejected and transported to KU Medical where he was pronounced deceased. Ruble was properly restrained. Bracken was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after motorcycle rear-ends a car

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man faces prison time for child sex crimes.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, a jury found 60-year-old Dana Erwin Person guilty on five counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

The crimes occurred between 2017 and 2020. He is scheduled for sentencing in November.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694709335076.png" alt="Person photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Person photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man faces prison time for child sex crimes.&nbsp;On Wednesday, a jury found 60-year-old Dana Erwin Person guilty on five counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.The crimes occurred between 2017 and 2020. He is scheduled for sentencing in November.

Kansas man faces prison time after child sex crime conviction

NASA astronaut&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/content/loral-o-hara-nasa-astronaut">Loral O’Hara</a>, a University of Kansas alum and two cosmonauts safely arrived at the International Space Station Friday, Sept. 15, bringing its number of residents to 10 for the coming week, according to a media release from the space agency.

The Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft carrying O’Hara, as well as Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub of Roscosmos, docked to the station’s Rassvet module at 2:53&nbsp;p.m. EDT. Docking occurred about three hours after the crew’s 11:44 a.m. launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

O’Hara, Kononenko, and Chub will joined the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition69/index.html">Expedition 69</a>&nbsp;crew when hatches opened at 5:10 p.m. O’Hara, who is beginning a six-month stay aboard the orbital outpost, and Kononenko and Chub, who will both spend a year on the orbital outpost will work on science and research in technology development, Earth science, biology, and human research for the benefit of all. This marks the first spaceflight for O’Hara, the fifth for Kononenko, and the first for Chub.

Expedition 70 will begin Wednesday, Sept. 27, following the departure of record-breaking NASA astronaut Frank Rubio and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev, and Dmitri Petelin. Rubio recently broke the record for longest single spaceflight by an American. Following a yearlong stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, the trio will land in Kazakhstan on Sept. 27, at which point Rubio will have spent a total of 371 days in space—the longest single spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut.

MOSCOW (AP) — One American and two Russians made a quick trip Friday to the International Space aboard a Russian capsule.

NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and docked at the station three hours later. O’Hara will spend six months there while Kononenko and Chub will spend a year.

The trio was supposed to fly to the space station last spring, but their original capsule was needed as a replacement for another crew. That crew — also two Russians and an American — will ride it home later this month. Their stay was extended from six months to a year when their Soyuz capsule developed a coolant leak while parked at the station.

It's the first spaceflight for O’Hara and Chub, while mission commander Kononenko is on his fifth trip to the orbiting outpost.

They join seven station residents from U.S., Russia, Denmark and Japan.

By the end of his yearlong stay, Kononenko will set a new record for the longest time in space, more than a thousand days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694818334881.png" alt="NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara(bottom right )during a welcome onboard the space station Friday evening.&nbsp; O’Hara came to KU from her Sugar Land, Texas, home as a National Merit Scholar. While an undergraduate, she won an internship at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and, supported by the School of Engineering and the Kansas Space Grant, she completed the intensive NASA Academy at Goddard Spaceflight Center. -image NASA YouTube" />
 <figcaption>NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara(bottom right )during a welcome onboard the space station Friday evening.&nbsp; O’Hara came to KU from her Sugar Land, Texas, home as a National Merit Scholar. While an undergraduate, she won an internship at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and, supported by the School of Engineering and the Kansas Space Grant, she completed the intensive NASA Academy at Goddard Spaceflight Center. -image NASA YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>NASA astronaut&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/content/loral-o-hara-nasa-astronaut">Loral O’Hara</a>, a University of Kansas alum and two cosmonauts safely arrived at the International Space Station Friday, Sept. 15, bringing its number of residents to 10 for the coming week, according to a media release from the space agency.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694813092272.png" alt="Loral O'Hara as she entered the space station at 4:23p.m. CDT Friday-image courtesy NASA YouTube channel" />
 <figcaption>Loral O'Hara as she entered the space station at 4:23p.m. CDT Friday-image courtesy NASA YouTube channel</figcaption>
 </figure>The Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft carrying O’Hara, as well as Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub of Roscosmos, docked to the station’s Rassvet module at 2:53&nbsp;p.m. EDT. Docking occurred about three hours after the crew’s 11:44 a.m. launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Liftoff! <a href="https://twitter.com/lunarloral?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LunarLoral</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Astronauts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA_Astronauts</a> and two cosmonaut crewmates are on their way to the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>. They’ll dock about three hours from now. <a href="https://t.co/4JTtfcgQZC">pic.twitter.com/4JTtfcgQZC</a>&mdash; NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1702711394984923203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>O’Hara, Kononenko, and Chub will joined the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition69/index.html">Expedition 69</a>&nbsp;crew when hatches opened at 5:10 p.m. O’Hara, who is beginning a six-month stay aboard the orbital outpost, and Kononenko and Chub, who will both spend a year on the orbital outpost will work on science and research in technology development, Earth science, biology, and human research for the benefit of all. This marks the first spaceflight for O’Hara, the fifth for Kononenko, and the first for Chub.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694808290003.png" alt="Loral O'Hara-photo NASA" />
 <figcaption>Loral O'Hara-photo NASA</figcaption>
 </figure>Expedition 70 will begin Wednesday, Sept. 27, following the departure of record-breaking NASA astronaut Frank Rubio and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev, and Dmitri Petelin. Rubio recently broke the record for longest single spaceflight by an American. Following a yearlong stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, the trio will land in Kazakhstan on Sept. 27, at which point Rubio will have spent a total of 371 days in space—the longest single spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut.------------MOSCOW (AP) — One American and two Russians made a quick trip Friday to the International Space aboard a Russian capsule.NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and docked at the station three hours later. O’Hara will spend six months there while Kononenko and Chub will spend a year.The trio was supposed to fly to the space station last spring, but their original capsule was needed as a replacement for another crew. That crew — also two Russians and an American — will ride it home later this month. Their stay was extended from six months to a year when their Soyuz capsule developed a coolant leak while parked at the station.It's the first spaceflight for O’Hara and Chub, while mission commander Kononenko is on his fifth trip to the orbiting outpost.They join seven station residents from U.S., Russia, Denmark and Japan.By the end of his yearlong stay, Kononenko will set a new record for the longest time in space, more than a thousand days.

KU alum now NASA astronaut arrives at the space station

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will no longer change transgender people's birth certificates to reflect their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gender-identity">gender identities</a>, the state health department said Friday, citing a new law that prevents the state from legally recognizing those identities.

The decision from the state Department of Health and Environment makes Kansas one of a handful of states that won't change transgender people's birth certificates. It already was among the few states that don't change the gender marker on transgender people's driver's licenses.

Those decisions reverse policies that Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's administration set when she took office in 2019. They came in response to court filings by conservative Republican state Attorney General Kris Kobach to enforce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-transgender-birth-certificates-f9723de7460ab5fe71b3e80ba7854046">the new state law.</a>&nbsp;Enacted by the GOP-controlled Legislature over Kelly's veto, it took effect July 1 and defines male and female based only on the sex assigned to a person at birth.

“As I’ve said before, the state should not discriminate or encroach into Kansans’ personal lives -– it’s wrong, it’s bad for business," Kelly said in a statement. “However, I am committed to following the law.”

The new Kansas law was based on a proposal from several national anti-trans groups and was part of a wave of measures rolling back transgender rights in Republican-controlled statehouses across the U.S. Montana, Oklahoma and Tennessee also don't allow transgender residents to change their birth certificates, and Montana and Tennessee don't allow driver's licenses changes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687826476734.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will no longer change transgender people's birth certificates to reflect their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gender-identity">gender identities</a>, the state health department said Friday, citing a new law that prevents the state from legally recognizing those identities.The decision from the state Department of Health and Environment makes Kansas one of a handful of states that won't change transgender people's birth certificates. It already was among the few states that don't change the gender marker on transgender people's driver's licenses.Those decisions reverse policies that Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's administration set when she took office in 2019. They came in response to court filings by conservative Republican state Attorney General Kris Kobach to enforce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-transgender-birth-certificates-f9723de7460ab5fe71b3e80ba7854046">the new state law.</a>&nbsp;Enacted by the GOP-controlled Legislature over Kelly's veto, it took effect July 1 and defines male and female based only on the sex assigned to a person at birth.“As I’ve said before, the state should not discriminate or encroach into Kansans’ personal lives -– it’s wrong, it’s bad for business," Kelly said in a statement. “However, I am committed to following the law.”The new Kansas law was based on a proposal from several national anti-trans groups and was part of a wave of measures rolling back transgender rights in Republican-controlled statehouses across the U.S. Montana, Oklahoma and Tennessee also don't allow transgender residents to change their birth certificates, and Montana and Tennessee don't allow driver's licenses changes.

 Kan. will no longer change trans people's birth certificates to reflect gender ID

SUMNER COUNTY —Crews worked through the night at the site of a train derailment in rural Sumner County.

The railroad started moving train traffic through the area just before 7a.m. Friday, according to BNSF spokesperson Lena Kent, &nbsp;The total number of cars derailed has been revised to 16.&nbsp;

There were no injuries reported and no danger to the public. The cause is under investigation.&nbsp;

SUMNER COUNTY —Crews are busy working to open the rail line after a train derailment in rural Sumner County.

According to BNSF spokesperson Lena Kent, 17 cars carrying automobiles derailed seven miles west of Wellington, Kansas, just after 3:30p.m. Thursday.

There were no injuries reported and there is no danger to the public. The cause is under investigation. BNSF personnel are on site and working as quickly and safely as possible to clear the incident. It could take 24-36 hours.

A portion of Sumner Road is blocked which impacts a couple of homes and field entrances, according to Sumner County Sheriff's Lt. Mike Friday.

SUMNER COUNTY—Authorities are on the scene of train derailment in rural Sumner County.

Just before 3:30p.m. Thursday 16 cars of a westbound BNSF freight train derailed just east of Wellington, according to Sumner County Sheriff's Lt. Mike Friday.

There were no hazardous materials and no injuries reported. Crews hope to have the main line open in the next 24-36 hours, according to Lt. Friday. A portion of Sumner Road is blocked which impacts a couple of homes and field entrances.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Check the Post for additional details as them become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694786368704.png" alt="BNSF personnel worked through the night to clear the incident. photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>BNSF personnel worked through the night to clear the incident. photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY —Crews worked through the night at the site of a train derailment in rural Sumner County.The railroad started moving train traffic through the area just before 7a.m. Friday, according to BNSF spokesperson Lena Kent, &nbsp;The total number of cars derailed has been revised to 16.&nbsp;There were no injuries reported and no danger to the public. The cause is under investigation.&nbsp;----------SUMNER COUNTY —Crews are busy working to open the rail line after a train derailment in rural Sumner County.According to BNSF spokesperson Lena Kent, 17 cars carrying automobiles derailed seven miles west of Wellington, Kansas, just after 3:30p.m. Thursday.There were no injuries reported and there is no danger to the public. The cause is under investigation. BNSF personnel are on site and working as quickly and safely as possible to clear the incident. It could take 24-36 hours.A portion of Sumner Road is blocked which impacts a couple of homes and field entrances, according to Sumner County Sheriff's Lt. Mike Friday.----------SUMNER COUNTY—Authorities are on the scene of train derailment in rural Sumner County.Just before 3:30p.m. Thursday 16 cars of a westbound BNSF freight train derailed just east of Wellington, according to Sumner County Sheriff's Lt. Mike Friday.There were no hazardous materials and no injuries reported. Crews hope to have the main line open in the next 24-36 hours, according to Lt. Friday. A portion of Sumner Road is blocked which impacts a couple of homes and field entrances.&nbsp;&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as them become available.

BNSF: Rail line reopens after 16-car derailment in Kansas

PRATT&nbsp;– Beginning this fall, Kansas will have&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vSHVudGluZy9XaGF0LXRvLUh1bnQvVHVya2V5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.JlaZjlK4gFUMf1kSeMNjAlTr9wgj9pegEBhe-LER_o0/s/1303160919/br/225996849904-l" target="_blank">no fall turkey hunting season</a>&nbsp;due to declining populations at state and regional levels. The difficult decision was arrived at by members of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission after hearing compelling recommendations from staff over the course of four public meetings.

“We’ve documented consistent declines in turkey populations over the last 15 years largely due to reduced production levels,” said Kent Fricke, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks small game biologist. “These trends are not unique to Kansas. States across the Midwest and Southeast have experienced similar patterns in turkey populations.”

Though far fewer turkey hunters participate in the fall season than in the spring in Kansas, wildlife biologists said it remained an important component of overall harvest.

“The estimated statewide fall harvest of turkey was less than 500 birds in 2022,” said Fricke. “While this is a small proportion of the statewide population, fall harvest is an additive source of mortality for turkeys, especially when hens are harvested.”

Over the past several years, Commissioners have approved other preventative recommendations to reduce the impact of the fall season on turkey populations. In 2017, Commissioners voted to reduce the statewide bag limit from four birds to one bird. In 2019, fall turkey season dates were reduced from Oct. 1 through Jan. 31 (123 days) to Oct. 1 through Nov. 10 (41 days).

But not all is lost. Staff continue working diligently to obtain as much data as possible in hopes of one day reversing declining population trends. One such example is a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvOC0zLTIzLUtEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5L0tEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.6o9JcoR4Qngcg2RBaCZVjA6LWlNYxSohH0bezKOBsA8/s/1303160919/br/225996849904-l" target="_blank">new research project set to begin in Kansas in January 2024</a>&nbsp;to examine wild turkey populations and ecology to inform state harvest and habitat management (more&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvOC0zLTIzLUtEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5L0tEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.NKHr08bPi4F16Td02-54_-kIzc23pD_MQBHUVDffpg4/s/1303160919/br/225996849904-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>).

To learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vSHVudGluZy9XaGF0LXRvLUh1bnQvVHVya2V5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.OCMjgO_JkQpVC6wlp-LsJe8AidyXHiD3zcVHcdk_yGk/s/1303160919/br/225996849904-l" target="_blank">turkey hunting</a>&nbsp;in Kansas – including&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvNy03LTIzLUthbnNhcy1XaWxkbGlmZS1hbmQtUGFya3MtQ29tbWlzc2lvbi1BcHByb3Zlcy1Mb3R0ZXJ5LURyYXctZm9yLU5vbi1yZXNpZGVudC1UdXJrZXktUGVybWl0cy9LYW5zYXMtV2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLVBhcmtzLUNvbW1pc3Npb24tQXBwcm92ZXMtTG90dGVyeS1EcmF3LWZvci1Ob24tcmVzaWRlbnQtVHVya2V5LVBlcm1pdHMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTE1LjgyNjQzMjMxIn0.L8tU9Hl8aO3hLlxSx1v6n7cxxfsYhH-AajqEr5k3dcs/s/1303160919/br/225996849904-l" target="_blank">Kansas’ all-new lottery draw for non-resident turkey permits</a>&nbsp;and other regulation changes aimed at population conservation – visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting then select “Turkey.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575681380900.jpeg" alt="Photo KDW&amp;P" />
 <figcaption>Photo KDW&amp;P</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT&nbsp;– Beginning this fall, Kansas will have&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vSHVudGluZy9XaGF0LXRvLUh1bnQvVHVya2V5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.JlaZjlK4gFUMf1kSeMNjAlTr9wgj9pegEBhe-LER_o0/s/1303160919/br/225996849904-l" target="_blank">no fall turkey hunting season</a>&nbsp;due to declining populations at state and regional levels. The difficult decision was arrived at by members of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission after hearing compelling recommendations from staff over the course of four public meetings.“We’ve documented consistent declines in turkey populations over the last 15 years largely due to reduced production levels,” said Kent Fricke, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks small game biologist. “These trends are not unique to Kansas. States across the Midwest and Southeast have experienced similar patterns in turkey populations.”Though far fewer turkey hunters participate in the fall season than in the spring in Kansas, wildlife biologists said it remained an important component of overall harvest.“The estimated statewide fall harvest of turkey was less than 500 birds in 2022,” said Fricke. “While this is a small proportion of the statewide population, fall harvest is an additive source of mortality for turkeys, especially when hens are harvested.”Over the past several years, Commissioners have approved other preventative recommendations to reduce the impact of the fall season on turkey populations. In 2017, Commissioners voted to reduce the statewide bag limit from four birds to one bird. In 2019, fall turkey season dates were reduced from Oct. 1 through Jan. 31 (123 days) to Oct. 1 through Nov. 10 (41 days).But not all is lost. Staff continue working diligently to obtain as much data as possible in hopes of one day reversing declining population trends. One such example is a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvOC0zLTIzLUtEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5L0tEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.6o9JcoR4Qngcg2RBaCZVjA6LWlNYxSohH0bezKOBsA8/s/1303160919/br/225996849904-l" target="_blank">new research project set to begin in Kansas in January 2024</a>&nbsp;to examine wild turkey populations and ecology to inform state harvest and habitat management (more&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvOC0zLTIzLUtEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5L0tEV1AtTmF0aW9uYWwtV2lsZC1UdXJrZXktRmVkZXJhdGlvbi10by1GdW5kLVdpbGQtVHVya2V5LVJlc2VhcmNoLWF0LUthbnNhcy1TdGF0ZS1Vbml2ZXJzaXR5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.NKHr08bPi4F16Td02-54_-kIzc23pD_MQBHUVDffpg4/s/1303160919/br/225996849904-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>).To learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vSHVudGluZy9XaGF0LXRvLUh1bnQvVHVya2V5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxNS44MjY0MzIzMSJ9.OCMjgO_JkQpVC6wlp-LsJe8AidyXHiD3zcVHcdk_yGk/s/1303160919/br/225996849904-l" target="_blank">turkey hunting</a>&nbsp;in Kansas – including&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvNy03LTIzLUthbnNhcy1XaWxkbGlmZS1hbmQtUGFya3MtQ29tbWlzc2lvbi1BcHByb3Zlcy1Mb3R0ZXJ5LURyYXctZm9yLU5vbi1yZXNpZGVudC1UdXJrZXktUGVybWl0cy9LYW5zYXMtV2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLVBhcmtzLUNvbW1pc3Npb24tQXBwcm92ZXMtTG90dGVyeS1EcmF3LWZvci1Ob24tcmVzaWRlbnQtVHVya2V5LVBlcm1pdHMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTE1LjgyNjQzMjMxIn0.L8tU9Hl8aO3hLlxSx1v6n7cxxfsYhH-AajqEr5k3dcs/s/1303160919/br/225996849904-l" target="_blank">Kansas’ all-new lottery draw for non-resident turkey permits</a>&nbsp;and other regulation changes aimed at population conservation – visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting then select “Turkey.”

Kansas cancels fall turkey hunting season

FINNEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7a.m. Friday in Finney County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Volvo XC60 driven by Haley Ann Hollis, 24, Dodge City was westbound on U.S. 50 just east of U.S. 83 in the outside lane.

The driver side mirror of the car struck Drew Walker, 31,&nbsp;Splendora, Texas, who was outside his pilot car standing in the middle of the roadway with his stop sign, wearing his safety vest and hard hat.&nbsp;

EMS transported Walker to St. Catherine's Hospital. Hollis was properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694796442264.png" alt="KDOT image" />
 <figcaption>KDOT image</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7a.m. Friday in Finney County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Volvo XC60 driven by Haley Ann Hollis, 24, Dodge City was westbound on U.S. 50 just east of U.S. 83 in the outside lane.The driver side mirror of the car struck Drew Walker, 31,&nbsp;Splendora, Texas, who was outside his pilot car standing in the middle of the roadway with his stop sign, wearing his safety vest and hard hat.&nbsp;EMS transported Walker to St. Catherine's Hospital. Hollis was properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

Car strikes pilot car driver holding his stop sign in SW Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday dispatched two of his top aides to Detroit to help resolve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-uaw-workers-strike-gm-ford-stellantis-7ce3ca9d94b911250d07556b7af376c7">the strike by unionized autoworkers</a>, expressing sympathy for the union by suggesting that the Big 3 automakers should share their “record profits.”

(click below to watch the President's statement)

“No one wants to strike,” the Democratic president said in brief remarks at the White House. “But I respect workers’ right to use their options under the collective bargaining system and I understand the workers’ frustration.”

The United Auto Workers announced a targeted strike at three factories after talks broke down with General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. Biden said he is sending acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and senior aide Gene Sperling to Detroit to help reach a “win-win” contract for the companies and their employees.

Biden said he called during the first day of negotiations and encouraged both sides to stay at the table as long as possible.

“The companies have made some significant offers,” Biden said. “But I believe they should go further to ensure record corporate profits mean record contracts for the UAW.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday dispatched two of his top aides to Detroit to help resolve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-uaw-workers-strike-gm-ford-stellantis-7ce3ca9d94b911250d07556b7af376c7">the strike by unionized autoworkers</a>, expressing sympathy for the union by suggesting that the Big 3 automakers should share their “record profits.”(click below to watch the President's statement)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F245691487965896%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=10" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“No one wants to strike,” the Democratic president said in brief remarks at the White House. “But I respect workers’ right to use their options under the collective bargaining system and I understand the workers’ frustration.”The United Auto Workers announced a targeted strike at three factories after talks broke down with General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. Biden said he is sending acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and senior aide Gene Sperling to Detroit to help reach a “win-win” contract for the companies and their employees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694787879838.png" alt="UAW photo" />
 <figcaption>UAW photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Biden said he called during the first day of negotiations and encouraged both sides to stay at the table as long as possible.“The companies have made some significant offers,” Biden said. “But I believe they should go further to ensure record corporate profits mean record contracts for the UAW.”

🎥Biden signals support for auto workers, sends aides to Detroit

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 458 officials&nbsp; are investigating&nbsp; after a student brought a firearm to Basehor-Linwood Middle School,&nbsp; 15900 Conley Road, Basehor, on Wednesday.

A student reported that another student had a weapon in a backpack, according to USD 458. The weapon was discovered during school hours and the district notified the Basehor Police.

USD 458 said the district's recovery procedure worked as it was designed and school staff immediately recovered the weapon.

“We can assure you that all students and staff remained safe throughout and after the recovery process."

“The presence of weapons in our school is not tolerated,&nbsp;according to a message to parents and guardians.&nbsp; "The student who brought the weapon will be disciplined, according to the student handbook."&nbsp; The School Resource Officer is in charge of investigation.&nbsp;

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 458 officials&nbsp; are investigating&nbsp; after a student brought a firearm to Basehor-Linwood Middle School,&nbsp; 15900 Conley Road, Basehor, on Wednesday.A student reported that another student had a weapon in a backpack, according to USD 458. The weapon was discovered during school hours and the district notified the Basehor Police.USD 458 said the district's recovery procedure worked as it was designed and school staff immediately recovered the weapon.“We can assure you that all students and staff remained safe throughout and after the recovery process."“The presence of weapons in our school is not tolerated,&nbsp;according to a message to parents and guardians.&nbsp; "The student who brought the weapon will be disciplined, according to the student handbook."&nbsp; The School Resource Officer is in charge of investigation.&nbsp;

Student brought firearm in backpack to Kansas middle school

LONDON (AP) — European regulators slapped TikTok with a $368 million fine on Friday for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-europe-digital-services-act-6b0b901a7900b713d74aa5850d8e824d">failing to protect children's privacy</a>, the first time that the popular short video-sharing app has been punished for breaching Europe's strict data privacy rules.

Ireland's Data Protection Commission, the lead privacy regulator for Big Tech companies whose European headquarters are largely in Dublin, said it was fining TikTok 345 million euros and reprimanding the platform for the violations dating to the second half of 2020.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-health-mental-health-1925956c0f4baa672aa75bd490d24e3a">The investigation</a>&nbsp;found that the sign-up process for teen users resulted in settings that made their accounts public by default, allowing anyone to view and comment on their videos. Those default settings also posed a risk to children under 13 who gained access to the platform even though they're not allowed.

Also, a “family pairing" feature designed for parents to manage settings wasn't strict enough, allowing adults to turn on direct messaging for users aged 16 and 17 without their consent. And it nudged teen users into more “privacy intrusive” options when signing up and posting videos, the watchdog said.

TikTok said in a statement that it disagrees with the decision, “particularly the level of the fine imposed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679065552021.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — European regulators slapped TikTok with a $368 million fine on Friday for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-europe-digital-services-act-6b0b901a7900b713d74aa5850d8e824d">failing to protect children's privacy</a>, the first time that the popular short video-sharing app has been punished for breaching Europe's strict data privacy rules.Ireland's Data Protection Commission, the lead privacy regulator for Big Tech companies whose European headquarters are largely in Dublin, said it was fining TikTok 345 million euros and reprimanding the platform for the violations dating to the second half of 2020.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-health-mental-health-1925956c0f4baa672aa75bd490d24e3a">The investigation</a>&nbsp;found that the sign-up process for teen users resulted in settings that made their accounts public by default, allowing anyone to view and comment on their videos. Those default settings also posed a risk to children under 13 who gained access to the platform even though they're not allowed.Also, a “family pairing" feature designed for parents to manage settings wasn't strict enough, allowing adults to turn on direct messaging for users aged 16 and 17 without their consent. And it nudged teen users into more “privacy intrusive” options when signing up and posting videos, the watchdog said.TikTok said in a statement that it disagrees with the decision, “particularly the level of the fine imposed.”The company pointed out that the regulator's criticisms focused on features and settings dating back three years. TikTok said it had made changes well before the investigation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-europe-data-privacy-ireland-a01b6717a95ce2d36021bda80994f151">began in September 2021</a>, including making all accounts for teens under 16 private by default and disabling direct messaging for 13- to 15-year-olds.“Most of the decision’s criticisms are no longer relevant as a result of measures we introduced at the start of 2021 — several months before the investigation began,” TikTok's head of privacy for Europe, Elaine Fox, wrote in a blog post.The Irish regulator has been criticized for not moving fast enough in its investigations into Big Tech companies since EU privacy laws took effect in 2018. For TikTok, German and Italian regulators disagreed with parts of a draft decision issued a year ago, delaying it further.To avoid new bottlenecks, the Brussels headquarters of the 27-nation bloc has been given the job of enforcing new regulations to foster&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-google-amazon-microsoft-tiktok-meta-44850c92a3d9480cc067474490140d88">digital competition</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/digital-services-act-social-media-regulation-europe-26d76cc4785df1153669258766cc6387">clean up social media content</a>&nbsp;— rules aimed at maintaining its position as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/artificial-intelligence-chatgpt-europe-rules-906fc89d2561b200fa6eb40a06b946a5">global leader in tech regulation</a>.In response to initial German objections, Europe’s top panel of data regulators said TikTok nudged teen users with pop-up notices that failed to lay out their choices in a neutral and objective way.“Social media companies have a responsibility to avoid presenting choices to users, especially children, in an unfair manner — particularly if that presentation can nudge people into making decisions that violate their privacy interests," said Anu Talus, chair of the European Data Protection Board.The Irish watchdog, meanwhile, also had examined TikTok’s measures to verify whether users are at least 13 but found they didn’t break any rules.The regulator is still carrying out a second investigation into whether TikTok complied with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation when it transferred users’ personal information to China, where its owner, ByteDance, is based.TikTok has faced accusations it poses a security risk over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ceo-shou-zi-chew-security-risk-cc36f36801d84fc0652112fa461ef140">fears that users' sensitive information could end up in China</a>. It has embarked on a project to localize European user data to address those concerns:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-data-privacy-china-europe-4d0dd2f7eb39bfdcbb5e7a85cc26e8da">opening a data center in Dublin</a>&nbsp;this month, which will be the first of three on the continent.Data privacy regulators in Britain, which left the EU in January 2020, fined TikTok 12.7 million pounds ($15.7 million) in April for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-data-privacy-britain-fine-china-2a94fcb6b74619ea7d04fdfc2ffe4e33">misusing children’s data</a>&nbsp;and violating other protections for young users’ personal information.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-social-media-ireland-c2bc634f7df239b53d496f1f682711ab">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-politics-european-union-ireland-dublin-3e81b563498cf4365738ca606634ef4b">WhatsApp</a>&nbsp;and their owner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-facebook-data-privacy-fine-europe-9aa912200226c3d53aa293dca8968f84">Meta</a>&nbsp;are among other tech giants that have been hit with big fines by the Irish regulator over the past year.