By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-10-05/what-will-it-take-to-make-kansas-schools-safer-candidates-for-governor-mostly-disagree">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — A grant to fund school safety projects only has enough cash to fulfill half the requests it receives annually.

The
 Safe and Secure Schools Grant has $4 million of state funding with an 
additional $1 million coming from the federal government. It pays for 
things like beefing up entryways, security cameras, communication 
systems and other ways to fortify schools against attacks and natural 
disasters.

Lawmakers were updated on the fund and the number of requests at a committee meeting on Tuesday.

Derek
 Schmidt, the Republican nominee governor, says he’ll put more tax 
dollars into the program. He’s attacked incumbent Democrat Laura Kelly 
for not spending more. Kelly’s campaign boasts about working with the 
Legislature to pay for the existing program.

Expanding the grant 
could open the door to more police in schools, another point Schmidt 
pushes. He wants every school interested in a police officer to get one.

Schmidt
 has praised a school resource officer at Olathe East High School who 
was injured when a student brought a gun to school earlier this year.

“The
 officer was shot, but not a single life was lost,” a news release from 
his campaign said. “Instead of standing up for school resource officers,
 Kelly has empowered her hand-picked commission on race equity to push 
for ‘alternatives’ to school resource officers.”

A 2021 report from Kelly’s commission on racial equity and justice wants to retool the role of SROs.

That
 report doesn’t call for an outright ban but wants schools to explore 
alternatives. If they have police, they should also have counselors or 
social workers, the 2020 version of the report said.

It called for
 districts to be more aware of racial disparities in policing and 
recommended training in “restorative justice, anti-racism, implicit bias
 training, and school-based strategies to support social and emotional 
health and de-escalation.”

“If SROs are utilized in a school or 
school district, their role should be mentorship of students and 
enforcement of laws,” the report said. “SROs should not enforce rules or
 be used to discipline students.”

The two candidates agree on one 
thing — that expanding mental health resources would keep students safe.
 Both candidates mentioned the <a href="https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/School-Finance/Mental-Health-Intervention-Team-Program#:~:text=The%20MHIT%20program%20helps%20eliminate,health%20centers%20(CMHC)%20services." target="_blank">Mental Health Intervention Team program</a> that started in 2018 and lets school districts work alongside community mental health centers.

Madison
 Andrus, a spokesperson for Kelly’s campaign, said the governor added 
$33 million in funding to the program which helped participation grow 
from nine schools to 67.

“Gov. Kelly knows that the best thing we 
can do for school safety is to continue to fully fund schools and invest
 in student mental health,” Andrus said. “Fully funding schools allows 
districts the flexibility to invest in critical safety services like 
SROs, security upgrades, and counselors.”

CJ Grover, spokesperson for the Schmidt campaign, said the governor has not done enough.

In 2022, a <a href="https://results.kctcdata.org/Manage/ViewQuestion?code=30120&amp;building=0&amp;questionId=Sui15_143&amp;grade=0&amp;riskProtective=0&amp;yearStart=2013&amp;yearEnd=2022&amp;responseID=101003&amp;surveyType=KCTC&amp;selectedSurvey=CTY&amp;selectedCounty=30120-0&amp;selectedCategory=17&amp;colorScheme=Default&amp;reportId=&amp;reportItemId=" target="_blank">Kansas Communities That Care survey</a>
 found that 32% of Kansas teens have seriously considered suicide. 
Grover said every school should have access to the Mental Health 
Intervention Team.

Independent candidate for governor Dennis Pyle 
also has some, albeit few, proposals for school safety, like creating a 
committee to look into school safety issues if he was elected.

Schmidt's
 public safety platform also includes teaching students how to file 
suspicious activity reports, using federal COVID funding for school 
safety needs and passing legislation that toughens penalties for felons 
who use a weapon while committing another crime.

Kelly’s other 
public safety proposals revolve around gun laws. She wants background 
checks on all gun sales, limited access to assault weapons “designed for
 war” and to ban bump stocks that allow rifles to fire nearly like 
automatic weapons.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2022-07-07/kansas-election-2022-abortion-voting-guide" target="_blank">Election Day is Nov. 8.</a> The last day to register to vote is Oct. 18.

Blaise Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the 
Kansas News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter 
@Blaise_Mesa or email him at blaise@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664993565455.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly and challenger Derek Schmidt debate at the Kansas State Fair. Dylan Lysen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly and challenger Derek Schmidt debate at the Kansas State Fair. Dylan Lysen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-10-05/what-will-it-take-to-make-kansas-schools-safer-candidates-for-governor-mostly-disagree">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA, Kansas — A grant to fund school safety projects only has enough cash to fulfill half the requests it receives annually.The
 Safe and Secure Schools Grant has $4 million of state funding with an 
additional $1 million coming from the federal government. It pays for 
things like beefing up entryways, security cameras, communication 
systems and other ways to fortify schools against attacks and natural 
disasters.Lawmakers were updated on the fund and the number of requests at a committee meeting on Tuesday.Derek
 Schmidt, the Republican nominee governor, says he’ll put more tax 
dollars into the program. He’s attacked incumbent Democrat Laura Kelly 
for not spending more. Kelly’s campaign boasts about working with the 
Legislature to pay for the existing program.Expanding the grant 
could open the door to more police in schools, another point Schmidt 
pushes. He wants every school interested in a police officer to get one.Schmidt
 has praised a school resource officer at Olathe East High School who 
was injured when a student brought a gun to school earlier this year.“The
 officer was shot, but not a single life was lost,” a news release from 
his campaign said. “Instead of standing up for school resource officers,
 Kelly has empowered her hand-picked commission on race equity to push 
for ‘alternatives’ to school resource officers.”A 2021 report from Kelly’s commission on racial equity and justice wants to retool the role of SROs.That
 report doesn’t call for an outright ban but wants schools to explore 
alternatives. If they have police, they should also have counselors or 
social workers, the 2020 version of the report said.It called for
 districts to be more aware of racial disparities in policing and 
recommended training in “restorative justice, anti-racism, implicit bias
 training, and school-based strategies to support social and emotional 
health and de-escalation.”“If SROs are utilized in a school or 
school district, their role should be mentorship of students and 
enforcement of laws,” the report said. “SROs should not enforce rules or
 be used to discipline students.”The two candidates agree on one 
thing — that expanding mental health resources would keep students safe.
 Both candidates mentioned the <a href="https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/School-Finance/Mental-Health-Intervention-Team-Program#:~:text=The%20MHIT%20program%20helps%20eliminate,health%20centers%20(CMHC)%20services." target="_blank">Mental Health Intervention Team program</a> that started in 2018 and lets school districts work alongside community mental health centers.Madison
 Andrus, a spokesperson for Kelly’s campaign, said the governor added 
$33 million in funding to the program which helped participation grow 
from nine schools to 67.“Gov. Kelly knows that the best thing we 
can do for school safety is to continue to fully fund schools and invest
 in student mental health,” Andrus said. “Fully funding schools allows 
districts the flexibility to invest in critical safety services like 
SROs, security upgrades, and counselors.”CJ Grover, spokesperson for the Schmidt campaign, said the governor has not done enough.In 2022, a <a href="https://results.kctcdata.org/Manage/ViewQuestion?code=30120&amp;building=0&amp;questionId=Sui15_143&amp;grade=0&amp;riskProtective=0&amp;yearStart=2013&amp;yearEnd=2022&amp;responseID=101003&amp;surveyType=KCTC&amp;selectedSurvey=CTY&amp;selectedCounty=30120-0&amp;selectedCategory=17&amp;colorScheme=Default&amp;reportId=&amp;reportItemId=" target="_blank">Kansas Communities That Care survey</a>
 found that 32% of Kansas teens have seriously considered suicide. 
Grover said every school should have access to the Mental Health 
Intervention Team.Independent candidate for governor Dennis Pyle 
also has some, albeit few, proposals for school safety, like creating a 
committee to look into school safety issues if he was elected.Schmidt's
 public safety platform also includes teaching students how to file 
suspicious activity reports, using federal COVID funding for school 
safety needs and passing legislation that toughens penalties for felons 
who use a weapon while committing another crime.Kelly’s other 
public safety proposals revolve around gun laws. She wants background 
checks on all gun sales, limited access to assault weapons “designed for
 war” and to ban bump stocks that allow rifles to fire nearly like 
automatic weapons.<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2022-07-07/kansas-election-2022-abortion-voting-guide" target="_blank">Election Day is Nov. 8.</a> The last day to register to vote is Oct. 18.Blaise Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the 
Kansas News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter 
@Blaise_Mesa or email him at blaise@kcur.org.

Kelly, Schmidt mostly disagree on how to make Kan. schools safer

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident

Just after 8:30a.m. Wednesday police&nbsp;responded to a report of a car vs. pedestrian injury accident in the southbound lanes of the 3700 block of SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Sgt. Justin Joyce.

 Upon arrival, officers located one adult woman in the roadway suffering from life-threatening injuries. An ambulance transported her to a local hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian was on scene and uninjured. The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team was on scene investigating.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the pedestrian.

The roadway reopened to traffic late Wednesday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665003194595.png" alt="The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team on scene of the fatal pedestrian accident-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team on scene of the fatal pedestrian accident-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accidentJust after 8:30a.m. Wednesday police&nbsp;responded to a report of a car vs. pedestrian injury accident in the southbound lanes of the 3700 block of SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Sgt. Justin Joyce. Upon arrival, officers located one adult woman in the roadway suffering from life-threatening injuries. An ambulance transported her to a local hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.The driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian was on scene and uninjured. The Topeka Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team was on scene investigating.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the pedestrian.The roadway reopened to traffic late Wednesday afternoon.

Police: Pedestrian dies from injuries after struck by vehicle

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The OPEC+ alliance of oil-exporting countries decided Wednesday to sharply cut production to support sagging oil prices, a move that could deal the struggling global economy another blow and raise politically sensitive pump prices for U.S. drivers just ahead of key national elections.

Energy ministers meeting at the Vienna headquarters of the OPEC oil cartel cut production by a larger-than-expected 2 million barrels per day starting in November after gathering for their first face-to-face meeting since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group said the decision was based on the “uncertainty that surrounds the global economic and oil market outlooks.” Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman stressed the cartel’s stated role as a guardian of stable energy markets.

“We are here to stay as a moderating force, to bring about stability,” he told reporters.

Besides a token trim last month, the major cut in the amount of crude that OPEC+ ships to the world is an abrupt turnaround from months of restoring deep cuts made in 2020 during the depths of the pandemic. As demand rebounded, global energy prices have swung wildly since Russia invaded Ukraine, fueling inflation that is squeezing economies around the world.

The OPEC+ decision could help alliance member Russia weather a looming European ban on oil imports. But the impact of the production cut on oil prices — and thus the price of gasoline made from crude — will have some limitations because OPEC+ members already can't meet their quotas.

The decision comes as oil trades well below its summer peaks because of fears that major global economies such as the U.S. or Europe will sink into recession due to high inflation, rising interest rates meant to curb rising consumer prices, and uncertainty over Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“We are going through a period of diverse uncertainties, which could come our way, it’s a brewing cloud,” bin Salman said, adding that OPEC+ sought to remain “ahead of the curve.”

The fall in oil prices has been a boon to U.S. drivers, who saw lower gasoline prices at the pump before costs recently started ticking up, and for U.S. President Joe Biden as his Democratic Party gears up for congressional elections next month.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday that the U.S. would not extend releases from its strategic reserve to increase global supplies.

Biden has tried to receive credit for gasoline prices falling from their average June peak of $5.02 — with administration officials highlighting a late March announcement that a million barrels a day would be released from the strategic reserve for six months. High inflation is a fundamental drag on Biden’s approval and has dampened Democrats’ chances in the midterm elections.

Oil supply could face further cutbacks in coming months when a European ban on most Russian imports takes effect in December. A separate move by the U.S. and other members of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies to impose a price cap on Russian oil could reduce supply if Russia retaliates by refusing to ship to countries and companies that observe the cap.

The EU agreed Wednesday on new sanctions that are expected to include a price cap on Russian oil.

Russia “will need to find new buyers for its oil when the EU embargo comes into force in early December and will presumably have to make further price concessions to do so,” analysts at Commerzbank said. “Higher prices beforehand — boosted by production cuts elsewhere — would therefore doubtless be very welcome.”

Dwindling prospects for a diplomatic deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program also have lowered prospects for a return of as much as 1.5 million barrels a day in Iranian oil to the market if sanctions are removed.

Oil prices surged this summer as markets worried about the loss of Russian supplies from sanctions over the war in Ukraine, but they slipped as fears about recessions in major economies and China’s COVID-19 restrictions weighed on demand for crude.

International benchmark Brent has sagged as low as $84 in recent days after spending most of the summer months over $100 per barrel. U.S. crude rose to $87.64, and international benchmark Brent went up to $93.21 after the decision.

At its last meeting in September, OPEC+ reduced the amount of oil it produces by 100,000 barrels a day in October. That token cut didn’t do much to boost lower oil prices, but it put markets on notice that the group was willing to act if prices kept falling.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The OPEC+ alliance of oil-exporting countries decided Wednesday to sharply cut production to support sagging oil prices, a move that could deal the struggling global economy another blow and raise politically sensitive pump prices for U.S. drivers just ahead of key national elections.Energy ministers meeting at the Vienna headquarters of the OPEC oil cartel cut production by a larger-than-expected 2 million barrels per day starting in November after gathering for their first face-to-face meeting since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.The group said the decision was based on the “uncertainty that surrounds the global economic and oil market outlooks.” Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman stressed the cartel’s stated role as a guardian of stable energy markets.“We are here to stay as a moderating force, to bring about stability,” he told reporters.Besides a token trim last month, the major cut in the amount of crude that OPEC+ ships to the world is an abrupt turnaround from months of restoring deep cuts made in 2020 during the depths of the pandemic. As demand rebounded, global energy prices have swung wildly since Russia invaded Ukraine, fueling inflation that is squeezing economies around the world.The OPEC+ decision could help alliance member Russia weather a looming European ban on oil imports. But the impact of the production cut on oil prices — and thus the price of gasoline made from crude — will have some limitations because OPEC+ members already can't meet their quotas.The decision comes as oil trades well below its summer peaks because of fears that major global economies such as the U.S. or Europe will sink into recession due to high inflation, rising interest rates meant to curb rising consumer prices, and uncertainty over Russia’s war in Ukraine.“We are going through a period of diverse uncertainties, which could come our way, it’s a brewing cloud,” bin Salman said, adding that OPEC+ sought to remain “ahead of the curve.”The fall in oil prices has been a boon to U.S. drivers, who saw lower gasoline prices at the pump before costs recently started ticking up, and for U.S. President Joe Biden as his Democratic Party gears up for congressional elections next month.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday that the U.S. would not extend releases from its strategic reserve to increase global supplies.Biden has tried to receive credit for gasoline prices falling from their average June peak of $5.02 — with administration officials highlighting a late March announcement that a million barrels a day would be released from the strategic reserve for six months. High inflation is a fundamental drag on Biden’s approval and has dampened Democrats’ chances in the midterm elections.Oil supply could face further cutbacks in coming months when a European ban on most Russian imports takes effect in December. A separate move by the U.S. and other members of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies to impose a price cap on Russian oil could reduce supply if Russia retaliates by refusing to ship to countries and companies that observe the cap.The EU agreed Wednesday on new sanctions that are expected to include a price cap on Russian oil.Russia “will need to find new buyers for its oil when the EU embargo comes into force in early December and will presumably have to make further price concessions to do so,” analysts at Commerzbank said. “Higher prices beforehand — boosted by production cuts elsewhere — would therefore doubtless be very welcome.”Dwindling prospects for a diplomatic deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program also have lowered prospects for a return of as much as 1.5 million barrels a day in Iranian oil to the market if sanctions are removed.Oil prices surged this summer as markets worried about the loss of Russian supplies from sanctions over the war in Ukraine, but they slipped as fears about recessions in major economies and China’s COVID-19 restrictions weighed on demand for crude.International benchmark Brent has sagged as low as $84 in recent days after spending most of the summer months over $100 per barrel. U.S. crude rose to $87.64, and international benchmark Brent went up to $93.21 after the decision.At its last meeting in September, OPEC+ reduced the amount of oil it produces by 100,000 barrels a day in October. That token cut didn’t do much to boost lower oil prices, but it put markets on notice that the group was willing to act if prices kept falling.

OPEC+ makes big oil cut; U.S. gasoline pump price may rise

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;1,698 new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday Sept. 28, to Wednesday October 5, for a total of 880,197cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported</a>&nbsp; 18 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on September 28, for a total of 9,573.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

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

Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”

The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;1,698 new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday Sept. 28, to Wednesday October 5, for a total of 880,197cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported</a>&nbsp; 18 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on September 28, for a total of 9,573.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664384369884.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE: 18 additional COVID death since Sept. 28

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran was in Salina this morning to help Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus announce the largest corporate gift to an academic program in K-State history.

The $10 million gift from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems will enable K-State Salina to create the General Atomics Aerospace Innovation Ramp, a first in the campus's aerospace history. 

Headquartered in San Diego, General Atomics is the world leader in unmanned aerial systems. The company invents and pioneers modern solutions in a variety of areas, including military, security, governance, and environmental operations, according to information on the company's website.

The announcement was the first of a number of announcements to occur over the next several years concerning changes to make K-State Salina one of the premier learning spaces in the country for aerospace education, according to K-State Salina Dean Alysia Starkey. 

"For the last three years, the campus has been conversing with industry partners to determine future workforce needs and working to adjust programmatic offerings for the aerospace needs of the future. The new campus master plan and planned developments will anchor the teaching and research activities of the new aerospace programs in the years to come," K-State Salina noted in a news release.

"There's always a huge challenge to attract talent into this very technically complex business," said Linden Blue, General Atomics CEO. "We're competing within the country. We're competing worldwide. So it's a great pleasure to be a part of Kansas State and what you're trying to do here for the aviation industry."

Since 2017, K-State Salina and General Atomics "have collaborated on projects focused on advancing the aerospace industry," the news release noted.

Moran said that the idea that came about several years ago had become much more significant.

"Significant for K-State Salina, significant for Kansas State, but most important to all of us, significant to this State of Kansas, and our nation," Moran said. "Kansas State University, when it is doing well, the State of Kansas does well. The good news here is today that Kansas State University, and particularly K-State Salina, is advancing a cause that will be significantly changing the nature of opportunities for people here at this institution."

The innovation ramp will encompass the southernmost portion of the K-State Salina campus and transform its footprint, revitalizing land that was home to the former Schilling Air Force Base, Starkey said. The innovation ramp will include the area west of Scanlan Avenue and north of Beechcraft Road. 

K-State Salina's campus master plan calls for this space to eventually also be home to the Kansas Advanced Simulation Center, the K-State Salina Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence, Aviation Maintenance Training Center, Advanced Composites Lab and a state-of-the-art engineering teaching facility and model factory, according to information from K-State Salina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664987377891.jpeg" alt="U.S. Senator Jerry Moran speaks during the announcement at K-State Salina Wednesday morning. Salina Post photos" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senator Jerry Moran speaks during the announcement at K-State Salina Wednesday morning. Salina Post photos</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostU.S. Senator Jerry Moran was in Salina this morning to help Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus announce the largest corporate gift to an academic program in K-State history.The $10 million gift from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems will enable K-State Salina to create the General Atomics Aerospace Innovation Ramp, a first in the campus's aerospace history. Headquartered in San Diego, General Atomics is the world leader in unmanned aerial systems. The company invents and pioneers modern solutions in a variety of areas, including military, security, governance, and environmental operations, according to information on the company's website.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664987793352.jpeg" alt="K-State Salina Dean Alysia Starkey" />
 <figcaption>K-State Salina Dean Alysia Starkey</figcaption>
 </figure>The announcement was the first of a number of announcements to occur over the next several years concerning changes to make K-State Salina one of the premier learning spaces in the country for aerospace education, according to K-State Salina Dean Alysia Starkey. "For the last three years, the campus has been conversing with industry partners to determine future workforce needs and working to adjust programmatic offerings for the aerospace needs of the future. The new campus master plan and planned developments will anchor the teaching and research activities of the new aerospace programs in the years to come," K-State Salina noted in a news release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664987615027.jpeg" alt="General Atomics CEO Linden Blue" />
 <figcaption>General Atomics CEO Linden Blue</figcaption>
 </figure>"There's always a huge challenge to attract talent into this very technically complex business," said Linden Blue, General Atomics CEO. "We're competing within the country. We're competing worldwide. So it's a great pleasure to be a part of Kansas State and what you're trying to do here for the aviation industry."Since 2017, K-State Salina and General Atomics "have collaborated on projects focused on advancing the aerospace industry," the news release noted.Moran said that the idea that came about several years ago had become much more significant."Significant for K-State Salina, significant for Kansas State, but most important to all of us, significant to this State of Kansas, and our nation," Moran said. "Kansas State University, when it is doing well, the State of Kansas does well. The good news here is today that Kansas State University, and particularly K-State Salina, is advancing a cause that will be significantly changing the nature of opportunities for people here at this institution."The innovation ramp will encompass the southernmost portion of the K-State Salina campus and transform its footprint, revitalizing land that was home to the former Schilling Air Force Base, Starkey said. The innovation ramp will include the area west of Scanlan Avenue and north of Beechcraft Road. K-State Salina's campus master plan calls for this space to eventually also be home to the Kansas Advanced Simulation Center, the K-State Salina Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence, Aviation Maintenance Training Center, Advanced Composites Lab and a state-of-the-art engineering teaching facility and model factory, according to information from K-State Salina.

Moran helps K-State Salina announce $10M gift from General Atomics 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s gross national debt has surpassed $31 trillion, according to a U.S. Treasury&nbsp;<a href="https://fsapps.fiscal.treasury.gov/dts/files/22100300.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday that logs America’s daily finances.

Edging closer to the statutory ceiling of roughly $31.4 trillion — an artificial cap Congress placed on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow — the debt numbers hit an already tenuous economy facing high inflation, rising interest rates and a strong U.S. dollar.

And while President Joe Biden has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-national-debt-37aed6b8475ba3f404529aba17bb4e7a">touted his administration’s deficit reduction</a>&nbsp;efforts this year and recently signed the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, which attempts to tame 40-year high price increases caused by a variety of economic factors, economists say the latest debt numbers are a cause for concern.

Owen Zidar, a Princeton economist, said rising interest rates will exacerbate the nation’s growing debt issues and make the debt itself more costly. The Federal Reserve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-business-layoffs-prices-economy-ddb0f7c3437661b74b62e03cb267aab9">has raised rates</a>&nbsp;several times this year in an effort to combat inflation.

Zidar said the debt “should encourage us to consider some tax policies that almost passed through the legislative process but didn’t get enough support,” like imposing higher taxes on the wealthy and closing the carried interest loophole, which allows money managers to treat their income as capital gains.

“I think the point here is if you weren’t worried before about the debt before, you should be — and if you were worried before, you should be even more worried,” Zidar said.

The Congressional Budget Office earlier this year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-economic-growth-government-finance-gross-domestic-product-a8e2856c81e717f922bd0bc2808a5c08">released a report on America’s debt load</a>, warning in its 30-year outlook that, if unaddressed, the debt will soon spiral upward to new highs that could ultimately imperil the U.S. economy.

In its August Mid-Session Review, the administration forecasted that this year’s budget deficit will be nearly $400 billion lower than it estimated back in March, due in part to stronger than expected revenues, reduced spending, and an economy that has recovered all the jobs lost during the multi-year pandemic.

In full, this year’s deficit will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-government-and-politics-c721634482519d591cb1a0522a464bf7">decline by $1.7 trillion</a>, representing the single largest decline in the federal deficit in American history, the Office of Management and Budget said in August.

Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget said in an emailed statement Tuesday, “This is a new record no one should be proud of.”

“In the past 18 months, we’ve witnessed inflation rise to a 40-year high, interest rates climbing in part to combat this inflation, and several budget-busting pieces of legislation and executive actions,” MacGuineas said. “We are addicted to debt.”

A representative from the Treasury Department was not immediately available for comment.

Sung Won Sohn, an economics professor at Loyola Marymount University, said “it took this nation 200 years to pile up its first trillion dollars in national debt, and since the pandemic we have been adding at the rate of 1 trillion nearly every quarter.”

Predicting high inflation for the “foreseeable future,” he said, “when you increase government spending and money supply, you will pay the price later.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647366296588.png" alt="The Congressional Budget Office earlier this year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-economic-growth-government-finance-gross-domestic-product-a8e2856c81e717f922bd0bc2808a5c08">released a report on America’s debt load</a>, warning in its 30-year outlook that, if unaddressed, the debt will soon spiral upward to new highs that could ultimately imperil the U.S. economy.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The Congressional Budget Office earlier this year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-economic-growth-government-finance-gross-domestic-product-a8e2856c81e717f922bd0bc2808a5c08">released a report on America’s debt load</a>, warning in its 30-year outlook that, if unaddressed, the debt will soon spiral upward to new highs that could ultimately imperil the U.S. economy.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s gross national debt has surpassed $31 trillion, according to a U.S. Treasury&nbsp;<a href="https://fsapps.fiscal.treasury.gov/dts/files/22100300.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday that logs America’s daily finances.Edging closer to the statutory ceiling of roughly $31.4 trillion — an artificial cap Congress placed on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow — the debt numbers hit an already tenuous economy facing high inflation, rising interest rates and a strong U.S. dollar.And while President Joe Biden has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-national-debt-37aed6b8475ba3f404529aba17bb4e7a">touted his administration’s deficit reduction</a>&nbsp;efforts this year and recently signed the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, which attempts to tame 40-year high price increases caused by a variety of economic factors, economists say the latest debt numbers are a cause for concern.Owen Zidar, a Princeton economist, said rising interest rates will exacerbate the nation’s growing debt issues and make the debt itself more costly. The Federal Reserve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-business-layoffs-prices-economy-ddb0f7c3437661b74b62e03cb267aab9">has raised rates</a>&nbsp;several times this year in an effort to combat inflation.Zidar said the debt “should encourage us to consider some tax policies that almost passed through the legislative process but didn’t get enough support,” like imposing higher taxes on the wealthy and closing the carried interest loophole, which allows money managers to treat their income as capital gains.“I think the point here is if you weren’t worried before about the debt before, you should be — and if you were worried before, you should be even more worried,” Zidar said.The Congressional Budget Office earlier this year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-economic-growth-government-finance-gross-domestic-product-a8e2856c81e717f922bd0bc2808a5c08">released a report on America’s debt load</a>, warning in its 30-year outlook that, if unaddressed, the debt will soon spiral upward to new highs that could ultimately imperil the U.S. economy.In its August Mid-Session Review, the administration forecasted that this year’s budget deficit will be nearly $400 billion lower than it estimated back in March, due in part to stronger than expected revenues, reduced spending, and an economy that has recovered all the jobs lost during the multi-year pandemic.In full, this year’s deficit will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-government-and-politics-c721634482519d591cb1a0522a464bf7">decline by $1.7 trillion</a>, representing the single largest decline in the federal deficit in American history, the Office of Management and Budget said in August.Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget said in an emailed statement Tuesday, “This is a new record no one should be proud of.”“In the past 18 months, we’ve witnessed inflation rise to a 40-year high, interest rates climbing in part to combat this inflation, and several budget-busting pieces of legislation and executive actions,” MacGuineas said. “We are addicted to debt.”A representative from the Treasury Department was not immediately available for comment.Sung Won Sohn, an economics professor at Loyola Marymount University, said “it took this nation 200 years to pile up its first trillion dollars in national debt, and since the pandemic we have been adding at the rate of 1 trillion nearly every quarter.”Predicting high inflation for the “foreseeable future,” he said, “when you increase government spending and money supply, you will pay the price later.”

U.S. national debt tops $31 trillion for first time

ELLIS COUNTY —A Wakeeney man died Wednesday after a tag axel from a semi fell on him in an Ellis County shop near Hays.

Just before 7:30 a.m., the Ellis County Sheriff's Office and Ellis County EMS were dispatched to 1298 Bison Road to assist a man that was severely injured due to a vehicle falling on him," according to an announcement from the department

The victim was identified by the department as Jason Lee Brown, 44. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The county coroner was notified and the cause of death remains under investigation, the department said.

ELLIS COUNTY —A Wakeeney man died Wednesday after a tag axel from a semi fell on him in an Ellis County shop near Hays.Just before 7:30 a.m., the Ellis County Sheriff's Office and Ellis County EMS were dispatched to 1298 Bison Road to assist a man that was severely injured due to a vehicle falling on him," according to an announcement from the departmentThe victim was identified by the department as Jason Lee Brown, 44. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The county coroner was notified and the cause of death remains under investigation, the department said.

Sheriff IDs Kansas man who died in shop accident 

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City, Kan, man was charged in the fatal shooting of Antwon Jones inside apartment on Benton Boulevard, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Michael L. Young, 26, faces Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, a witness told police at the scene that the defendant shot the victim, who was his cousin, in the victim’s home after a brief exchange of words. 

Young fled the apartment and later told police he believed that Jones had a gun on him based on seeing what he believed was a firearm clip in the victim’s hoodie; however, no gun or any other type of weapon was found on or near the victim by responding officers or crime scene technicians.

Prosecutors requested a $250,000 cash bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664843904072.png" alt="Young-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Young-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City, Kan, man was charged in the fatal shooting of Antwon Jones inside apartment on Benton Boulevard, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Michael L. Young, 26, faces Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, a witness told police at the scene that the defendant shot the victim, who was his cousin, in the victim’s home after a brief exchange of words. Young fled the apartment and later told police he believed that Jones had a gun on him based on seeing what he believed was a firearm clip in the victim’s hoodie; however, no gun or any other type of weapon was found on or near the victim by responding officers or crime scene technicians.Prosecutors requested a $250,000 cash bond.

Police: Kan. man killed his cousin after a 'brief exchange of words'

WASHINGTON — President Biden announced on Wednesday that his Administration sourced a flight, facilitated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for Operation Fly Formula to transport&nbsp;Nestlé Gerber Good Start Extensive HA formula from Netherlands to Newark, NJ via a flight last week, according to a statement from the White House.

This delivery included in total approximately 101,000 pounds of Nestlé formula, the equivalent of approximately 1.4 million 8-ounce bottles. The products are intended for healthcare purposes.

Beginning in May, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the agency is exercising enforcement discretion so that Nestlé can export additional infant formula into the U.S. Nestlé will import both standard and specialty infant formulas including Nestlé NAN&nbsp;SupremePro 1 and NAN&nbsp;SupremePro 2, Nestlé NAN EXPERTpro SensiPro, Nestlé Health Science Alfamino&nbsp;Infant and Alfamino&nbsp;Junior, Vitaflo PKU start, Gerber Good Start&nbsp;Gentle and Gerber&nbsp;Good Start Extensive HA, and Nestlé SMA Nutrition Althéra. Over time Nestlé plans to bring approximately more than 42 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents into the U.S. market.

President Biden launched Operation Fly Formula to speed up the import of infant formula and start getting more formula to stores as soon as possible. Under Operation Fly Formula, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Department of Defense (DOD) are partnering to pick up overseas infant formula that meets U.S. health and safety standards, so it can get to store shelves, hospitals, and home health care providers faster. By September 29, Operation Fly Formula will have transported more than 97.9 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents to the U.S.

In addition, the Biden Administration has taken a number of other important actions to ensure there is enough safe infant formula for families, including invoking the Defense Production Act, entering into a consent agreement between the FDA and Abbott Nutrition to reopen the company’s Sturgis facility, and issuing FDA guidance so that major formula manufacturers can safely import formula that is not currently being produced for the U.S. market. Details of our actions can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/Users/Adam.Friedlander/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/JHSFK5EH/whitehouse.gov/formula">whitehouse.gov/formula</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664973108129.png" alt="Formula arriving in the United State this summer-File photo courtesy United Airlines" />
 <figcaption>Formula arriving in the United State this summer-File photo courtesy United Airlines</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — President Biden announced on Wednesday that his Administration sourced a flight, facilitated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for Operation Fly Formula to transport&nbsp;Nestlé Gerber Good Start Extensive HA formula from Netherlands to Newark, NJ via a flight last week, according to a statement from the White House.This delivery included in total approximately 101,000 pounds of Nestlé formula, the equivalent of approximately 1.4 million 8-ounce bottles. The products are intended for healthcare purposes.Beginning in May, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the agency is exercising enforcement discretion so that Nestlé can export additional infant formula into the U.S. Nestlé will import both standard and specialty infant formulas including Nestlé NAN&nbsp;SupremePro 1 and NAN&nbsp;SupremePro 2, Nestlé NAN EXPERTpro SensiPro, Nestlé Health Science Alfamino&nbsp;Infant and Alfamino&nbsp;Junior, Vitaflo PKU start, Gerber Good Start&nbsp;Gentle and Gerber&nbsp;Good Start Extensive HA, and Nestlé SMA Nutrition Althéra. Over time Nestlé plans to bring approximately more than 42 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents into the U.S. market.President Biden launched Operation Fly Formula to speed up the import of infant formula and start getting more formula to stores as soon as possible. Under Operation Fly Formula, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Department of Defense (DOD) are partnering to pick up overseas infant formula that meets U.S. health and safety standards, so it can get to store shelves, hospitals, and home health care providers faster. By September 29, Operation Fly Formula will have transported more than 97.9 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents to the U.S.In addition, the Biden Administration has taken a number of other important actions to ensure there is enough safe infant formula for families, including invoking the Defense Production Act, entering into a consent agreement between the FDA and Abbott Nutrition to reopen the company’s Sturgis facility, and issuing FDA guidance so that major formula manufacturers can safely import formula that is not currently being produced for the U.S. market. Details of our actions can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/Users/Adam.Friedlander/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/JHSFK5EH/whitehouse.gov/formula">whitehouse.gov/formula</a>.

26th Operation Fly Baby Formula mission arrives in the U.S.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital with serious injuries.

Just before 4a.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 1400 block of North Pinecrest, in Wichita, according to Officer Juan&nbsp;Rebolledo.&nbsp;

At the scene, officers located the victim with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported the victim to an area hospital with serious but non-lifethreatening injuries. The victim underwent surgery and is in stable condition.

Due to the lack of cooperation from the victim, investigators had not been able to determine the circumstances of what led up to the shooting, according to Rebolledo.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital with serious injuries.Just before 4a.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 1400 block of North Pinecrest, in Wichita, according to Officer Juan&nbsp;Rebolledo.&nbsp;At the scene, officers located the victim with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported the victim to an area hospital with serious but non-lifethreatening injuries. The victim underwent surgery and is in stable condition.Due to the lack of cooperation from the victim, investigators had not been able to determine the circumstances of what led up to the shooting, according to Rebolledo.

Police: Kan. shooting victim not cooperating with investigation

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Another union has approved the deal it made with the major freight railroads last month that helped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-economy-strikes-congress-94089be6a4f469444da99fec9dde1b3e">prevent a strike</a>&nbsp;to secure 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses for the workers it represents.

The American Train Dispatchers Association said Tuesday that 64% of its roughly 1,600 members approved the deal with Union Pacific, BNSF, Kansas City Southern, CSX, Norfolk Southern and other railroads. The union said dispatchers will receive an average payout of $17,500 when the five-year deal becomes final because it is retroactive to 2020.

Four smaller railroad unions have now approved their deals with the railroads, but the two biggest unions that represent engineers and conductors won't vote on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-government-and-politics-6172442e20ccf3295b39c2f3184e03cf">their tentative agreements</a>&nbsp;until mid-November. All 12&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-33f95ad925d1a00b204c95a70c18db3c">unions</a>&nbsp;that represent some 115,000 workers have to approve these deals to prevent a strike, but much of the attention is focused on the engineers and conductors because they have some of the biggest concerns about schedules and working conditions.

Those two unions have said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">strict attendance policies</a>&nbsp;some railroads have put in place after the industry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-aab7d3084a8d17d8d721d2cb750be323">cut nearly one-third of its jobs</a>&nbsp;over the past six years make it difficult to take any time off and keep workers on call 24-7.

But even if one of the rail unions does reject their deal now, there won't automatically be a strike because both sides have agreed to allow some time to return to the table if a deal does fail to get approved.

Most of the deals the rail unions are voting on closely follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations</a>&nbsp;that a special board of arbitrators that President Joe Biden appointed made this summer to help resolve the contract dispute that began nearly three years ago. The administration put pressure on both sides to reach agreements before the Sept. 16 strike deadline because of concerns about how a strike might&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">cripple the economy</a>.

In addition to what that board recommended, the unions that represent engineers and conductors — the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers unions — also negotiated to get three unpaid leave days for medical appointments and a promise that workers won’t be penalized if they are hospitalized. The railroads also agreed to negotiate further with those unions about improving the scheduling of regular days off for workers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663174263824.png" alt="All 12&nbsp;unions&nbsp;that represent some 115,000 workers have to approve these deals to prevent a strike." />
 <figcaption>All 12&nbsp;unions&nbsp;that represent some 115,000 workers have to approve these deals to prevent a strike.</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Another union has approved the deal it made with the major freight railroads last month that helped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-economy-strikes-congress-94089be6a4f469444da99fec9dde1b3e">prevent a strike</a>&nbsp;to secure 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses for the workers it represents.The American Train Dispatchers Association said Tuesday that 64% of its roughly 1,600 members approved the deal with Union Pacific, BNSF, Kansas City Southern, CSX, Norfolk Southern and other railroads. The union said dispatchers will receive an average payout of $17,500 when the five-year deal becomes final because it is retroactive to 2020.Four smaller railroad unions have now approved their deals with the railroads, but the two biggest unions that represent engineers and conductors won't vote on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-government-and-politics-6172442e20ccf3295b39c2f3184e03cf">their tentative agreements</a>&nbsp;until mid-November. All 12&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-33f95ad925d1a00b204c95a70c18db3c">unions</a>&nbsp;that represent some 115,000 workers have to approve these deals to prevent a strike, but much of the attention is focused on the engineers and conductors because they have some of the biggest concerns about schedules and working conditions.Those two unions have said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">strict attendance policies</a>&nbsp;some railroads have put in place after the industry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-aab7d3084a8d17d8d721d2cb750be323">cut nearly one-third of its jobs</a>&nbsp;over the past six years make it difficult to take any time off and keep workers on call 24-7.But even if one of the rail unions does reject their deal now, there won't automatically be a strike because both sides have agreed to allow some time to return to the table if a deal does fail to get approved.Most of the deals the rail unions are voting on closely follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations</a>&nbsp;that a special board of arbitrators that President Joe Biden appointed made this summer to help resolve the contract dispute that began nearly three years ago. The administration put pressure on both sides to reach agreements before the Sept. 16 strike deadline because of concerns about how a strike might&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">cripple the economy</a>.In addition to what that board recommended, the unions that represent engineers and conductors — the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers unions — also negotiated to get three unpaid leave days for medical appointments and a promise that workers won’t be penalized if they are hospitalized. The railroads also agreed to negotiate further with those unions about improving the scheduling of regular days off for workers.

Fourth union approves deal with railroads to get 24% raises

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Homicide and arson detectives are investigating the deaths of two South American researchers whose bodies were found after a weekend apartment fire near the Kansas City biomedical research center where they worked.

Kansas City police identified the victims as <a href="https://www.stowers.org/gradschool/predocs">Camila Behrensen, 24, of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pablo Guzmán Palma, 25, of Santiago, Chile.</a>

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ScienceStowers/status/1577379449942773765/photo/1">tweet</a>&nbsp;Tuesday that both Behrensen and Palma were predoctoral researchers there.

“Our deepest sympathies are with their families," the tweet said. “During this difficult time, and most importantly, out of respect to the two families, we want to honor and remember the joy, optimism, and exceptional work these two individuals embodied and all that they have accomplished."

Behrensen and Palma were suffering from what police described as “apparent trauma” when fire crews responded Saturday and extinguished the blaze. Both were declared dead at the scene.

Police released few details but said there is a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. They asked Tuesday for help from anyone with surveillance video.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664964486674.png" alt="Camila Behrensen-photo courtesy Stowers Institute." />
 <figcaption>Camila Behrensen-photo courtesy Stowers Institute.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Homicide and arson detectives are investigating the deaths of two South American researchers whose bodies were found after a weekend apartment fire near the Kansas City biomedical research center where they worked.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A statement from the Stowers Institute community. <a href="https://t.co/ncmtdZXx0e">pic.twitter.com/ncmtdZXx0e</a>&mdash; Stowers Institute (@ScienceStowers) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScienceStowers/status/1577379449942773765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas City police identified the victims as <a href="https://www.stowers.org/gradschool/predocs">Camila Behrensen, 24, of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pablo Guzmán Palma, 25, of Santiago, Chile.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664964531005.png" alt="Pablo Guzmán Palma photo courtesy&nbsp;Stowers Institute." />
 <figcaption>Pablo Guzmán Palma photo courtesy&nbsp;Stowers Institute.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Stowers Institute for Medical Research said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ScienceStowers/status/1577379449942773765/photo/1">tweet</a>&nbsp;Tuesday that both Behrensen and Palma were predoctoral researchers there.“Our deepest sympathies are with their families," the tweet said. “During this difficult time, and most importantly, out of respect to the two families, we want to honor and remember the joy, optimism, and exceptional work these two individuals embodied and all that they have accomplished."Behrensen and Palma were suffering from what police described as “apparent trauma” when fire crews responded Saturday and extinguished the blaze. Both were declared dead at the scene.Police released few details but said there is a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. They asked Tuesday for help from anyone with surveillance video.

Homicide: 2 South American researchers killed in Kansas City fire

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 457 are investigating after a student had a gun in a vehicle at school.

On Tuesday, the Garden City Police Department were notified of a social media post depicting a Garden City High School student with a firearm on campus.

Officers learned that a 17-year-old student had a firearm in their vehicle. During the investigation, an unloaded firearm was found in the student’s vehicle. 

No ammunition or other firearms and weapons were in the vehicle. It has been determined that at no time was there a threat to the school or students. Disciplinary action has been taken by the school for the 17-year-old student.&nbsp;

The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 encourage parents to remind your child to immediately report any information about any school safety-related incidents to administrators/staff and/or the Garden City Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664919871708.png" alt="Garden City High School -google image" />
 <figcaption>Garden City High School -google image</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 457 are investigating after a student had a gun in a vehicle at school.On Tuesday, the Garden City Police Department were notified of a social media post depicting a Garden City High School student with a firearm on campus.Officers learned that a 17-year-old student had a firearm in their vehicle. During the investigation, an unloaded firearm was found in the student’s vehicle. No ammunition or other firearms and weapons were in the vehicle. It has been determined that at no time was there a threat to the school or students. Disciplinary action has been taken by the school for the 17-year-old student.&nbsp;The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 encourage parents to remind your child to immediately report any information about any school safety-related incidents to administrators/staff and/or the Garden City Police Department.

Student disciplined after gun found in vehicle at Kan. high school

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. announced plans on Tuesday to provide an additional $625 million in military aid to Ukraine, a package that includes additional advanced rocket systems credited with helping the country’s military gain momentum in its war with Russia.

President Joe Biden provided details on the latest package—which includes four High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, known as HIMARS, 200 mine resistant vehicles, hundreds of thousands of rounds of artillery and mortar ammunition—in a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Vice President Kamala Harris joined the leaders on Tuesday’s call.

The U.S. and Ukraine leaders spoke as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-moscow-91c46d82268b3d5210b811ba67d66d33">Russia’s upper house of parliament</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday formally approved the annexation of swaths of Ukrainian territory following referendums that Ukraine and its Western allies dismissed as fraudulent.

“President Biden also affirmed the continued readiness of the United States to impose severe costs on any individual, entity, or country that provides support to Russia’s purported annexation,” the White House said in a statement.

This round of military aid marks the first time the U.S. has sent additional HIMARS to Ukraine since late July. The systems—which will bring the total number of HIMARS sent to Ukraine to 20— have become a key tool in Ukraine’s ability to strike bridges that Russia has used to supply its troops, enabling Ukrainian forces to make inroads in Russia-controlled regions.

The U.S. in recent weeks also provided funding through a separate program — the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative — so another 18 HIMARS can be purchased through longer-term contracts. USAI funds are being used as part of the effort by the U.S. and Western allies to ensure Ukraine’s forces are trained and equipped to defend their country in the years to come. But those contracts will take several years to fulfill.

This is the first tranche of U.S. aid delivered in the new fiscal year, which began Oct. 1.

Ukraine has pressed its counteroffensive in the Kherson region since the summer, relentlessly pummeling Russian supply lines and making inroads into Russian-held areas west of the Dnieper River. Ukrainian troops have been using the HIMARS to repeatedly hit the main bridge across the Dnieper and a dam that served as a second crossing. It also has struck pontoon bridges that Russia has used to supply its troops.

Ukraine’s battlefield successes in Kherson are notable since that is one of the four areas that Russia is in the process of annexing.

According to the Deparatment of Defense, the capabilities in this package include:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. announced plans on Tuesday to provide an additional $625 million in military aid to Ukraine, a package that includes additional advanced rocket systems credited with helping the country’s military gain momentum in its war with Russia.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today I spoke with President Zelenskyy to underscore that the U.S. will never recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Ukrainian territory. I reaffirmed my commitment to continue supporting Ukraine, including through today&#39;s new $625 million security assistance package. <a href="https://t.co/0ZP2uopn4n">pic.twitter.com/0ZP2uopn4n</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1577353222976585732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Joe Biden provided details on the latest package—which includes four High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, known as HIMARS, 200 mine resistant vehicles, hundreds of thousands of rounds of artillery and mortar ammunition—in a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Vice President Kamala Harris joined the leaders on Tuesday’s call.The U.S. and Ukraine leaders spoke as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-moscow-91c46d82268b3d5210b811ba67d66d33">Russia’s upper house of parliament</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday formally approved the annexation of swaths of Ukrainian territory following referendums that Ukraine and its Western allies dismissed as fraudulent.“President Biden also affirmed the continued readiness of the United States to impose severe costs on any individual, entity, or country that provides support to Russia’s purported annexation,” the White House said in a statement.This round of military aid marks the first time the U.S. has sent additional HIMARS to Ukraine since late July. The systems—which will bring the total number of HIMARS sent to Ukraine to 20— have become a key tool in Ukraine’s ability to strike bridges that Russia has used to supply its troops, enabling Ukrainian forces to make inroads in Russia-controlled regions.The U.S. in recent weeks also provided funding through a separate program — the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative — so another 18 HIMARS can be purchased through longer-term contracts. USAI funds are being used as part of the effort by the U.S. and Western allies to ensure Ukraine’s forces are trained and equipped to defend their country in the years to come. But those contracts will take several years to fulfill.This is the first tranche of U.S. aid delivered in the new fiscal year, which began Oct. 1.Ukraine has pressed its counteroffensive in the Kherson region since the summer, relentlessly pummeling Russian supply lines and making inroads into Russian-held areas west of the Dnieper River. Ukrainian troops have been using the HIMARS to repeatedly hit the main bridge across the Dnieper and a dam that served as a second crossing. It also has struck pontoon bridges that Russia has used to supply its troops.Ukraine’s battlefield successes in Kherson are notable since that is one of the four areas that Russia is in the process of annexing.According to the Deparatment of Defense, the capabilities in this package include:<ul>
 <li>Four High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and associated ammunition;</li><li>16 155mm Howitzers;</li><li>75,000 155mm artillery rounds;</li><li>500 precision-guided 155mm artillery rounds;</li><li>1,000 155mm rounds of Remote Anti-Armor Mine (RAAM) Systems;</li><li>16 105mm Howitzers;</li><li>30,000 120mm mortar rounds;</li><li>200 MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles;</li><li>200,000 rounds of small arms ammunition;</li><li>Obstacle emplacement equipment;</li><li>Claymore anti-personnel munitions.</li>
 </ul>

Biden approves $625 million additional assistance for Ukraine

An election's approach always seems to turn up the emotional heat 
across the nation, but the United States 2022 midterm elections are no 
exception. The voices arguing for and against hot button issues are loud
 and persistent. And when emotions run high, bad actors look for ways to
 use peoples' passion to trick them.

Scammers prey on emotion. The more people care, the more vulnerable 
they can be. People participate in polls and surveys because they want 
to be heard, and scammers can use that desire to build trust. People 
donate because they want their candidate to win and to improve their 
country or community, and scammers are more than happy to take advantage
 of a competitive spirit or big heart.

Elections are polarizing – there are winners and losers, fans and 
haters. It's easy to get swept up in the moment and take risks you might
 otherwise avoid. At BBB, we can't tell you how to vote, but we can tell you how to spot common cybersecurity threats so you don't become a victim of scams.

It can seem like once a candidate or political party gets your email 
address, you hear from them every time you check your inbox. They need 
your help; they want to know your point of view through a poll or 
survey. They urge you to support their efforts and impact the future by 
donating, participating or sharing information.

Candidates are persistent because people want to get involved, to be 
in the know and to be a part of the process, so campaign email helps 
them move toward their goals. Scammers mimic campaign emails not to get 
your vote but to compromise your online safety.

You might receive a poll, survey or donation request that appeals to 
your passion, beliefs and desire to take action - that's really an 
attempt to steal your personal information. What looks like a legitimate
 donation request might actually be an attempt to gain access to your 
bank account.

Before you donate or give personal information, research the 
organization that reached out, and be wary of people who try to rush you
 to make a decision.&nbsp;

Be especially careful of emails with links. Phishing emails might 
include a link that takes users to a spoofed version of a candidate's 
website or installs malware on your device. Use <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam/how-to-spot-a-scam-email" target="_blank">BBB's tips for spotting an email scam</a> to be sure it's real.

If you want to receive more information or visit a site, it's better 
to type the official website address into your browser. You can also 
hover your mouse over hyperlinks and compare the web address that pops 
up with the legitimate web address.&nbsp;

Actual campaign supporters call people to conduct surveys or solicit donations. Scammers often do the same thing.

Criminals pretending to be affiliated with your party or candidate might try to scam you over the phone by asking you to:

It's common for actual candidates to use pre-recorded messages to 
reach out to the public. Scammers sometimes use voice cloning to make it
 sound like an authentic message from a candidate and persuade people to
 donate or share info. After hearing the message, people are redirected 
or transferred to someone ready to take down their information and use 
it for nefarious activities.

Smishing is similar to email scamming, only messages are sent via 
text. Citizens might receive a message that looks like it came from a 
trusted source, inviting them to participate in a poll or make a 
donation. Tricksters might be out to get your passwords, account 
numbers, social security number or other data. Read more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16758-bbb-tip-phishing-scams" target="_blank">smishing</a> and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam/how-to-spot-a-phony-text-message" target="_blank">how to identify a fake text message</a>.&nbsp;

Another type of scam happens when con artists send a text about a 
fake problem. For example, an individual might get a text that looks 
like it came from their bank, asking if they really made a donation to a
 candidate, organization or party with a prompt to reply "yes" or "no." 
If the person replies no, the scammer calls them and asks for their 
account login, numbers or password to investigate or dispute the 
transaction. The person feels fear and an urgent need to act, so they 
might not think twice about giving up sensitive information. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/18596-scam-alert-hit-delete-on-phony-banking-texts" target="_blank">More about fake bank texts</a>.

There's also the text-your-vote scam. Con artists 
send text messages urging people to text their vote rather than voting 
in person or by mail. When voters believe them, they don't show up to 
actually vote, and their chance to participate in elections is lost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBAn election's approach always seems to turn up the emotional heat 
across the nation, but the United States 2022 midterm elections are no 
exception. The voices arguing for and against hot button issues are loud
 and persistent. And when emotions run high, bad actors look for ways to
 use peoples' passion to trick them.Scammers prey on emotion. The more people care, the more vulnerable 
they can be. People participate in polls and surveys because they want 
to be heard, and scammers can use that desire to build trust. People 
donate because they want their candidate to win and to improve their 
country or community, and scammers are more than happy to take advantage
 of a competitive spirit or big heart.Elections are polarizing – there are winners and losers, fans and 
haters. It's easy to get swept up in the moment and take risks you might
 otherwise avoid. At BBB, we can't tell you how to vote, but we can tell you how to spot common cybersecurity threats so you don't become a victim of scams.<h2>Check your email</h2>It can seem like once a candidate or political party gets your email 
address, you hear from them every time you check your inbox. They need 
your help; they want to know your point of view through a poll or 
survey. They urge you to support their efforts and impact the future by 
donating, participating or sharing information.Candidates are persistent because people want to get involved, to be 
in the know and to be a part of the process, so campaign email helps 
them move toward their goals. Scammers mimic campaign emails not to get 
your vote but to compromise your online safety.You might receive a poll, survey or donation request that appeals to 
your passion, beliefs and desire to take action - that's really an 
attempt to steal your personal information. What looks like a legitimate
 donation request might actually be an attempt to gain access to your 
bank account.Before you donate or give personal information, research the 
organization that reached out, and be wary of people who try to rush you
 to make a decision.&nbsp;Be especially careful of emails with links. Phishing emails might 
include a link that takes users to a spoofed version of a candidate's 
website or installs malware on your device. Use <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam/how-to-spot-a-scam-email" target="_blank">BBB's tips for spotting an email scam</a> to be sure it's real.If you want to receive more information or visit a site, it's better 
to type the official website address into your browser. You can also 
hover your mouse over hyperlinks and compare the web address that pops 
up with the legitimate web address.&nbsp;<h2>When fraudsters give you a ring</h2>Actual campaign supporters call people to conduct surveys or solicit donations. Scammers often do the same thing.Criminals pretending to be affiliated with your party or candidate might try to scam you over the phone by asking you to:<ul>
 <li>Answer survey questions – then ask for your 
personal information like your social security number or birthdate. 
Sometimes they also offer a prize or gift card in exchange for your 
time. They may ask you to give a credit card number to cover shipping. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/BBB%20Tip:%20Learn%20the%20signs%20of%20a%20fake%20survey" target="_blank">Learn how to identify a fake survey.</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Donate funds – and if you give them your account information, they've got you. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21745-bbb-tip-what-to-know-before-donating-to-a-crowdfunding-cause" target="_blank">Learn about donating wisely to a crowdfunding campaign</a>.</li><li>Register to vote – Fraudsters might say you're not 
registered and offer to help you with the process over the phone, then 
steal personally identifying information. <a href="https://www.usa.gov/confirm-voter-registration" target="_blank">Here's how to verify your voter registration</a>.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>It's common for actual candidates to use pre-recorded messages to 
reach out to the public. Scammers sometimes use voice cloning to make it
 sound like an authentic message from a candidate and persuade people to
 donate or share info. After hearing the message, people are redirected 
or transferred to someone ready to take down their information and use 
it for nefarious activities.<h2>Trickery by smishing</h2>Smishing is similar to email scamming, only messages are sent via 
text. Citizens might receive a message that looks like it came from a 
trusted source, inviting them to participate in a poll or make a 
donation. Tricksters might be out to get your passwords, account 
numbers, social security number or other data. Read more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16758-bbb-tip-phishing-scams" target="_blank">smishing</a> and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam/how-to-spot-a-phony-text-message" target="_blank">how to identify a fake text message</a>.&nbsp;Another type of scam happens when con artists send a text about a 
fake problem. For example, an individual might get a text that looks 
like it came from their bank, asking if they really made a donation to a
 candidate, organization or party with a prompt to reply "yes" or "no." 
If the person replies no, the scammer calls them and asks for their 
account login, numbers or password to investigate or dispute the 
transaction. The person feels fear and an urgent need to act, so they 
might not think twice about giving up sensitive information. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/18596-scam-alert-hit-delete-on-phony-banking-texts" target="_blank">More about fake bank texts</a>.There's also the text-your-vote scam. Con artists 
send text messages urging people to text their vote rather than voting 
in person or by mail. When voters believe them, they don't show up to 
actually vote, and their chance to participate in elections is lost.<h2>Midterm election cybersecurity tips</h2><ul>
 <li>See prizes as a red flag. Legitimate pollsters don't usually offer a prize for completing a survey.</li><li>Know what pollsters don't need. They might ask for 
demographic information or what party you most align with, but they 
don't need personal information like birth dates, social security 
numbers or financial information. No state offers voter registration by 
phone.</li><li>Don't answer unknown numbers. Con artists can't trick you if they can't get in touch.</li><li>Listen to your gut. If something seems off, protect yourself. If in doubt, <a href="https://www.usa.gov/election-office">check with your local election office</a>.</li><li>Don't provide information in response to an unsolicited message. The entities that need your account and personal information already have them.</li><li>Do report suspicious activities to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker">BBB's Scam Tracker</a>.</li>
 </ul>

Alert: Political scams expected to increase as midterm elections near

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 8:30p.m. Sept. 30, a K9 deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Taurus, with an expired temporary license plate, on Interstate 470 at SW 21st Street in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 The K9 partner assisted and illegal narcotics were located.

Deputies arrested the driver, Brantin A. Beeton, 28, and the passenger, Chelsea A. Peavler, 30, both of Topeka. 

They were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Beeton on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license suspended, no vehicle liability insurance and operating a motor vehicle with an expired tag. Peavler was held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664833779443.png" alt="Beeton-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Beeton-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations after a traffic stop.Just before 8:30p.m. Sept. 30, a K9 deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Taurus, with an expired temporary license plate, on Interstate 470 at SW 21st Street in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The K9 partner assisted and illegal narcotics were located.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664833532494.png" alt="Peavler-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Peavler-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies arrested the driver, Brantin A. Beeton, 28, and the passenger, Chelsea A. Peavler, 30, both of Topeka. They were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Beeton on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license suspended, no vehicle liability insurance and operating a motor vehicle with an expired tag. Peavler was held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia

Kansas sheriff's K9 finds meth during interstate traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawyers for former President Donald Trump asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday to step into the legal fight over the classified documents seized during an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-9e8d683afe87389407950af7ccfdbdd6">FBI search of his Florida estate</a>, escalating a dispute over the powers of an independent arbiter appointed to inspect the records.

The Trump team asked the justices to overturn a lower court ruling and allow the arbiter, called a special master, to review the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-6bd103a8e418166b17a34d77e8d9102d">roughly 100 documents with classification markings</a>&nbsp;that were taken in the Aug. 8 search of Mar-a-Lago.

A three-judge panel from the Atlanta-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-criminal-investigations-government-and-politics-fe24760ff9a350ea7aecd1a13c8eef16">last month limited the special master's review</a>&nbsp;to the much larger tranche of non-classified documents. The judges, including two Trump appointees, sided with the Justice Department, which had argued there was no legal basis for the special master to conduct his own review of the classified records.

But Trump's lawyers said in their application to the Supreme Court that it was essential for the special master to have access to the classified records to “determine whether documents bearing classification markings are in fact classified, and regardless of classification, whether those records are personal records or Presidential records.”

“Since President Trump had absolute authority over classification decisions during his Presidency, the current status of any disputed document cannot possibly be determined solely by reference to the markings on that document,” the application states.

It says that without the special master review, “the unchallenged views of the current Justice Department would supersede the established authority of the Chief Executive.” An independent review, the Trump team says, ensures a “transparent process that provides much-needed oversight.”

The FBI says it seized roughly 11,000 documents, including about 100 with classification markings, during its search. The Trump team asked a judge in Florida, Aileen Cannon, to appoint a special master to do an independent review of the records.

Cannon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-donald-trump-brooklyn-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-4a6200ebc4fe6418c25ca380a43a6338">subsequently assigned a veteran Brooklyn judge, Raymond Dearie,</a>&nbsp;to review the records and segregate those that may be protected by claims of attorney-client privilege and executive privilege. She also barred the FBI from being able to use the classified documents as part of its criminal investigation.

The Justice Department appealed, prompting the 11th Circuit to lift Cannon's hold on investigators' ability to scrutinize the classified records. The appeals court also ruled that the department did not have to provide Dearie with access to the classified records.

Trump’s lawyers submitted the Supreme Court application to Justice Clarence Thomas, who oversees emergency matters from Florida and several other Southern states. Thomas can act on his own or, as is usually done, refer the emergency appeal to the rest of the court. Late Tuesday the court said the government was being asked to respond to the petition by Oct. 11.

Thomas has previously&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-elections-donald-trump-clarence-thomas-f3adf2919f789fcd03b9da6271a62501">come under scrutiny for his vote</a>&nbsp;in a different Trump documents case, in which he was the only member of the court to vote against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-congress-donald-trump-30d5d01db49f0591d641d9e92d4092a8">allowing the U.S. House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot</a>&nbsp;to obtain Trump records held by the National Archives and Records Administration.

Thomas’ wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virginia-thomas">Virginia “Ginni” Thomas</a>, is a conservative activist and staunch Trump supporter who attended the Jan. 6 “Stop the Steal” rally on the Ellipse and wrote to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows in the weeks following the election encouraging him to work to overturn Biden’s victory and keep Trump in office. She also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-us-supreme-court-clarence-thomas-arizona-9e6929dfc81fa53a9b5f9d70b2ba15e8">contacted lawmakers in Arizona</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-2022-midterm-elections-biden-us-supreme-court-technology-c01dc9baeb939d78772aca14d601c794">Wisconsin</a>&nbsp;in the weeks after the election. Thomas was recently interviewed by the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection and she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-us-supreme-court-clarence-thomas-virginia-government-and-politics-3b4102509ef93bc37d24d7c8fd79ba80">stood by the false claim that the 2020 election was fraudulent</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661941600753.jpeg" alt="This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. (Department of Justice via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice on Aug. 30, 2022, and redacted by in part by the FBI, shows a photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8 search by the FBI of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Justice Department says it has uncovered efforts to obstruct its investigation into the discovery of classified records at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate. (Department of Justice via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawyers for former President Donald Trump asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday to step into the legal fight over the classified documents seized during an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-9e8d683afe87389407950af7ccfdbdd6">FBI search of his Florida estate</a>, escalating a dispute over the powers of an independent arbiter appointed to inspect the records.The Trump team asked the justices to overturn a lower court ruling and allow the arbiter, called a special master, to review the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-6bd103a8e418166b17a34d77e8d9102d">roughly 100 documents with classification markings</a>&nbsp;that were taken in the Aug. 8 search of Mar-a-Lago.A three-judge panel from the Atlanta-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-criminal-investigations-government-and-politics-fe24760ff9a350ea7aecd1a13c8eef16">last month limited the special master's review</a>&nbsp;to the much larger tranche of non-classified documents. The judges, including two Trump appointees, sided with the Justice Department, which had argued there was no legal basis for the special master to conduct his own review of the classified records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660098261521.png" alt="In August, former President Trump delivered the keynote remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>In August, former President Trump delivered the keynote remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>But Trump's lawyers said in their application to the Supreme Court that it was essential for the special master to have access to the classified records to “determine whether documents bearing classification markings are in fact classified, and regardless of classification, whether those records are personal records or Presidential records.”“Since President Trump had absolute authority over classification decisions during his Presidency, the current status of any disputed document cannot possibly be determined solely by reference to the markings on that document,” the application states.It says that without the special master review, “the unchallenged views of the current Justice Department would supersede the established authority of the Chief Executive.” An independent review, the Trump team says, ensures a “transparent process that provides much-needed oversight.”The FBI says it seized roughly 11,000 documents, including about 100 with classification markings, during its search. The Trump team asked a judge in Florida, Aileen Cannon, to appoint a special master to do an independent review of the records.Cannon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-donald-trump-brooklyn-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-4a6200ebc4fe6418c25ca380a43a6338">subsequently assigned a veteran Brooklyn judge, Raymond Dearie,</a>&nbsp;to review the records and segregate those that may be protected by claims of attorney-client privilege and executive privilege. She also barred the FBI from being able to use the classified documents as part of its criminal investigation.The Justice Department appealed, prompting the 11th Circuit to lift Cannon's hold on investigators' ability to scrutinize the classified records. The appeals court also ruled that the department did not have to provide Dearie with access to the classified records.Trump’s lawyers submitted the Supreme Court application to Justice Clarence Thomas, who oversees emergency matters from Florida and several other Southern states. Thomas can act on his own or, as is usually done, refer the emergency appeal to the rest of the court. Late Tuesday the court said the government was being asked to respond to the petition by Oct. 11.Thomas has previously&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-elections-donald-trump-clarence-thomas-f3adf2919f789fcd03b9da6271a62501">come under scrutiny for his vote</a>&nbsp;in a different Trump documents case, in which he was the only member of the court to vote against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-congress-donald-trump-30d5d01db49f0591d641d9e92d4092a8">allowing the U.S. House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot</a>&nbsp;to obtain Trump records held by the National Archives and Records Administration.Thomas’ wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virginia-thomas">Virginia “Ginni” Thomas</a>, is a conservative activist and staunch Trump supporter who attended the Jan. 6 “Stop the Steal” rally on the Ellipse and wrote to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows in the weeks following the election encouraging him to work to overturn Biden’s victory and keep Trump in office. She also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-us-supreme-court-clarence-thomas-arizona-9e6929dfc81fa53a9b5f9d70b2ba15e8">contacted lawmakers in Arizona</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-2022-midterm-elections-biden-us-supreme-court-technology-c01dc9baeb939d78772aca14d601c794">Wisconsin</a>&nbsp;in the weeks after the election. Thomas was recently interviewed by the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection and she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-us-supreme-court-clarence-thomas-virginia-government-and-politics-3b4102509ef93bc37d24d7c8fd79ba80">stood by the false claim that the 2020 election was fraudulent</a>.____

Trump asks Supreme Court to intervene in Mar-a-Lago dispute

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

Just before 3p.m. Sept. 30 a sheriff's deputy stopped a silver Chevy pickup for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The traffic stop led to the discovery of a substance believed to be cocaine. 

Deputies arrested Christian Jovanni Alvarado, 19, of Laredo, Texas, on requested charges of possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664843669378.png" alt="Alvarado-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Alvarado-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges.Just before 3p.m. Sept. 30 a sheriff's deputy stopped a silver Chevy pickup for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The traffic stop led to the discovery of a substance believed to be cocaine. Deputies arrested Christian Jovanni Alvarado, 19, of Laredo, Texas, on requested charges of possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

Texas man accused of transporting cocaine in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Biden administration unveiled a set of far-reaching goals Tuesday aimed at averting harms caused by the rise of artificial intelligence systems, including guidelines for how to protect people’s personal data and limit surveillance.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/news-updates/2022/10/04/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-key-actions-to-advance-tech-accountability-and-protect-the-rights-of-the-american-public/">The Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights</a>&nbsp;notably does not set out specific enforcement actions, but instead is intended as a White House call to action for the U.S. government to safeguard digital and civil rights in an AI-fueled world, officials said.

“This is the Biden-Harris administration really saying that we need to work together, not only just across government, but across all sectors, to really put equity at the center and civil rights at the center of the ways that we make and use and govern technologies,” said Alondra Nelson, deputy director for science and society at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. “We can and should expect better and demand better from our technologies.”

The office said the white paper represents a major advance in the administration’s agenda to hold technology companies accountable, and highlighted various federal agencies’ commitments to weighing new rules and studying the specific impacts of AI technologies. The document emerged after a year-long consultation with more than two dozen different departments, and also incorporates feedback from civil society groups, technologists, industry researchers and tech companies including Palantir and Microsoft.

It suggests five core principles that the White House says should be built into AI systems to limit the impacts of algorithmic bias, give users control over their data and ensure that automated systems are used safely and transparently.

The resulting non-binding principles cite academic research, agency studies and news reports that have documented real-world harms from AI-powered tools, including facial recognition tools that contributed to wrongful arrests and an automated system that discriminated against loan seekers who attended a Historically Black College or University.

The white paper also said parents and social workers alike could benefit from knowing if child welfare agencies were using algorithms to help decide when families should be investigated for maltreatment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664891322125.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The Biden administration unveiled a set of far-reaching goals Tuesday aimed at averting harms caused by the rise of artificial intelligence systems, including guidelines for how to protect people’s personal data and limit surveillance.(Click below to watch the announcement)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tz8G8FCyxmQ?start=918" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/news-updates/2022/10/04/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-key-actions-to-advance-tech-accountability-and-protect-the-rights-of-the-american-public/">The Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights</a>&nbsp;notably does not set out specific enforcement actions, but instead is intended as a White House call to action for the U.S. government to safeguard digital and civil rights in an AI-fueled world, officials said.“This is the Biden-Harris administration really saying that we need to work together, not only just across government, but across all sectors, to really put equity at the center and civil rights at the center of the ways that we make and use and govern technologies,” said Alondra Nelson, deputy director for science and society at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. “We can and should expect better and demand better from our technologies.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664897812741.png" alt="Alondra Nelson, deputy director for science and society at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy during the announcement Tuesday morning-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Alondra Nelson, deputy director for science and society at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy during the announcement Tuesday morning-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The office said the white paper represents a major advance in the administration’s agenda to hold technology companies accountable, and highlighted various federal agencies’ commitments to weighing new rules and studying the specific impacts of AI technologies. The document emerged after a year-long consultation with more than two dozen different departments, and also incorporates feedback from civil society groups, technologists, industry researchers and tech companies including Palantir and Microsoft.It suggests five core principles that the White House says should be built into AI systems to limit the impacts of algorithmic bias, give users control over their data and ensure that automated systems are used safely and transparently.The resulting non-binding principles cite academic research, agency studies and news reports that have documented real-world harms from AI-powered tools, including facial recognition tools that contributed to wrongful arrests and an automated system that discriminated against loan seekers who attended a Historically Black College or University.The white paper also said parents and social workers alike could benefit from knowing if child welfare agencies were using algorithms to help decide when families should be investigated for maltreatment.Earlier this year after the publication of an&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3wc5Ljt">AP review of an algorithmic tool</a>&nbsp;used in a Pennsylvania child welfare system, OSTP staffers reached out to sources quoted in the article to learn more, according to multiple people who participated in the call. AP’s investigation found that the Allegheny County tool in its first years of operation showed a pattern of flagging a disproportionate number of Black children for a “mandatory” neglect investigation, when compared with white children.In May, sources said Carnegie Mellon University researchers and staffers from the American Civil Liberties Union spoke with OSTP officials about child welfare agencies’ use of algorithms. Nelson said protecting children from technology harms remains an area of concern.“If a tool or an automated system is disproportionately harming a vulnerable community, there should be, one would hope, that there would be levers and opportunities to address that through some of the specific applications and prescriptive suggestions,” said Nelson, who also serves as deputy assistant to President Joe Biden.OSTP did not provide additional comment about the May meeting.Still, because many AI-powered tools are developed, adopted or funded at the state and local level, the federal government has limited oversight regarding their use. The white paper makes no specific mention of how the Biden administration could influence specific policies at state or local levels, but a senior administration official said the administration was exploring how to align federal grants with AI guidance.The white paper does not have power over the tech companies that develop the tools nor does it include any new legislative proposals. Nelson said agencies would continue to use existing rules to prevent automated systems from unfairly disadvantaging people.The white paper also did not specifically address AI-powered technologies funded through the Department of Justice, whose civil rights division separately has been examining algorithmic harms, bias and discrimination, Nelson said.Tucked between the calls for greater oversight, the white paper also said when appropriately implemented, AI systems have the power to bring about lasting benefits to society, such as helping farmers grow food more efficiently or identifying diseases.“Fueled by the power of American innovation, these tools hold the potential to redefine every part of our society and make life better for everyone. This important progress must not come at the price of civil rights or democratic values,” the document said.___