GRUNDY COUNTY, MO.—A man was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Tuesday north of Kansas City.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevrolet Traverse driven by Jennifer N. Shuler, 29, Spickard, Missouri, was eastbound on Route C three miles west of Spickard.

The SUV rear-ended an Amish buggy driven by Menno M. Hostetler, 36, Spickard, Missouri.

Hostetler was ejected from the buggy.&nbsp; The vehicle was demolished upon impact.&nbsp; Grundy County EMS transported Hostetler to Wright Memorial Hospital. Shuler was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP. Spickard is located approximately 100 miles northeast of Kansas City.

GRUNDY COUNTY, MO.—A man was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Tuesday north of Kansas City.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevrolet Traverse driven by Jennifer N. Shuler, 29, Spickard, Missouri, was eastbound on Route C three miles west of Spickard.The SUV rear-ended an Amish buggy driven by Menno M. Hostetler, 36, Spickard, Missouri.Hostetler was ejected from the buggy.&nbsp; The vehicle was demolished upon impact.&nbsp; Grundy County EMS transported Hostetler to Wright Memorial Hospital. Shuler was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP. Spickard is located approximately 100 miles northeast of Kansas City.

Driver hospitalized after SUV rear-ends Amish buggy

SEWARD COUNTY, NE. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.&nbsp;

At approximately 11:30 a.m. Oct. 1, a trooper observed a Mercedes GLA250 drive on the shoulder of Interstate 80 just east of Goehner, according to a media release. The trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.

A search of the vehicle revealed 17 pounds of suspected cocaine and dozens of unknown pills. The substances were located in a hidden compartment in the vehicle's rear.

The driver, Jennilee Velez, 20, and passenger, Mia Williams, 20, both of Chicago, were arrested for possession of controlled substances and possession with intent to deliver. Both are being held in Seward County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664848964270.jpeg" alt="Photo Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY, NE. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.&nbsp;At approximately 11:30 a.m. Oct. 1, a trooper observed a Mercedes GLA250 drive on the shoulder of Interstate 80 just east of Goehner, according to a media release. The trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.A search of the vehicle revealed 17 pounds of suspected cocaine and dozens of unknown pills. The substances were located in a hidden compartment in the vehicle's rear.The driver, Jennilee Velez, 20, and passenger, Mia Williams, 20, both of Chicago, were arrested for possession of controlled substances and possession with intent to deliver. Both are being held in Seward County Jail.

Troopers catch 2 women transporting 17 pounds of cocaine

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Tuesday conducted its longest-ever weapons test, a nuclear-capable ballistic missile that flew over Japan and could reach the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam and beyond, forcing the Japanese government to issue evacuation alerts and halt trains.

The South Korean and U.S. militaries responded by launching fighter jets which fired weapons at a target off South Korea's west coast in a show of strength against North Korea.

The North Korean missile launch was its most provocative weapons demonstration this year, as it pushes to develop a fully fledged nuclear arsenal capable of threatening the U.S. mainland and its allies with the goal of wresting concessions from those countries, some experts say.

North Korea has test-fired about 40 missiles over about 20 different launch events this year as its leader, Kim Jong Un, refuses to return to nuclear diplomacy with the United States.

The United States strongly condemned North Korea’s “dangerous and reckless decision” to launch what it described as a “long-range ballistic missile” over Japan.

“The United States will continue its efforts to limit (North Korea’s) ability to advance its prohibited ballistic missile and weapons of mass destruction programs, including with allies and U.N. partners,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement.

South Korea and Japan earlier said the missile had an intermediate or longer range. If the launch involved a long-range missile, it could be a test of a weapon capable of targeting the U.S. homeland, some experts say.

The launch is the fifth round of weapons tests by North Korea in the past 10 days. The testing spree is an apparent response to two sets of military drills -- one between Washington and Seoul and the other involving Washington, Seoul and Tokyo -- off the Korean Peninsula’s east coast last week.

North Korea regards such drills involving the United States as an invasion rehearsal. It was expected to react strongly this time because both exercises involved a U.S. aircraft carrier, which North Korea views as more provocative.

Japanese authorities alerted residents in its northeastern regions to evacuate to shelters, in the first “J-alert” since 2017 when North Korea fired an intermediate-range Hwasong-12 missile twice over Japan in a span of weeks during a previous run of weapons tests.

Trains were suspended in the Hokkaido and Aomori regions until the government issued a notice that the North Korean missile appeared to have landed in the Pacific. In Sapporo city, the prefectural capital of Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido, subways were also temporarily halted, with stations packed with morning commuters.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters the launch “is a reckless act and I strongly condemn it.”

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said North Korea’s “reckless nuclear provocations” would meet a stern response from the South and the broader international community. His military separately warned that North Korea’s repeated missile launches would deepen its international isolation and prompt Seoul and Washington to bolster their deterrence capacities.

Later Tuesday, four U.S. F-16 fighter jets and four South Korean F-15s conducted a joint strike drill in which one of the South Korean planes fired two precision-guided Joint Direct Attack Munition bombs into an island target. The exercise was aimed at demonstrating the allies’ ability to accurately strike North Korean targets with “overwhelming force,” the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

According to South Korean and Japanese estimates, the North Korean missile fired from the its northern province bordering China traveled 4,500-4,600 kilometers (2,800-2,860 miles) at a maximum altitude of 970-1,000 kilometers (600-620 miles). Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said it landed in the Pacific about 3,200 kilometers (1,990 miles) off the northern Japanese coast and that there were no reports of damage to Japanese aircraft or ships.

South Korea’s Defense Ministry said the missile flew farther than any other weapon fired by North Korea. Before Tuesday’s launch, the 3,700-kilometer (2,300 miles) -long flight of a Hwasong-12 in 2017 was North Korea’s longest. It has previously tested intercontinental ballistic missiles at steep angles so they flew shorter to avoid neighboring countries.

The missile’s flight distance shows it has enough range to hit Guam, home to U.S. military bases that have sent advanced warplanes to the Korean Peninsula in shows of force during past periods of tension with North Korea. In 2017, North Korea threatened to make “an enveloping fire” near Guam with Hwasong-12 missiles amid rising animosities with the then-Trump administration.

North Korea last test-fired a Hwasong-12 missile in January. At the time, it said the launch was meant to verify the overall accuracy of the weapon.

Lee Choon Geun, an honorary research fellow at South Korea’s Science and Technology Policy Institute, said Tuesday’s launch of a suspected Hwasong-12 missile would demonstrate a capacity that “truly places Guam within striking distance.” He said North Korea likely wanted to confirm the missile’s operational capabilities as it is being mass-produced.

Kim Dong-yub, a professor at Seoul’s University of North Korean Studies, said North Korea could have tested the Hwasong-12 again, or even an intercontinental ballistic missile, closer to what would be a normal ballistic trajectory but shorter than its full range. If it was an ICBM, the purpose of the launch would be to test whether the warhead could survive the harsh conditions of atmospheric reentry, Kim said.

The missiles fired during the past four rounds of launches were short-range and fell in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Those missiles are capable of hitting targets in South Korea.

Heo Tae-keun, South Korea’s deputy minister of national defense policy, told lawmakers Tuesday that North Korea is preparing to test a new liquid-fueled ICBM and a submarine-launched ballistic missile as well. He said North Korea also maintains a readiness to conduct a nuclear test in what would be its first such bomb detonation in five years and its seventh in total.

Last month, North Korea adopted a new law authorizing the preemptive use of nuclear weapons in some cases, a move that showed its increasingly aggressive nuclear doctrine. Last Saturday, Yoon warned of a “resolute, overwhelming response” from South Korean and U.S. militaries if North Korea uses nuclear weapons.

Some foreign experts say North Korea needs to master a few remaining technologies to acquire functioning nuclear-armed missiles. Each new test pushes it closer to being able to reach the U.S. mainland and its allies with a host of missiles of varying range.

Some experts say North Korean leader Kim will eventually will return to diplomatic talks and use his enlarged arsenal to pressure Washington to accept his country as a nuclear state, a recognition that he thinks is necessary to win the lifting of international sanctions and other concessions.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Tuesday fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan, its neighbors said, escalating tests of weapons designed to strike key targets in regional U.S. allies.

It is the most significant missile test by North Korea since January, when it fired the Hwasong-12 intermediate-range missile capable of reaching the U.S. territory of Guam. It is also the first time that a North Korea missile has flown over Japan since 2017.

The Japanese prime minister’s office said at least one missile fired from North Korea flew over Japan and was believed to have landed into the Pacific Ocean.

Japanese authorities issued a “J-alert” to residents in northeaster regions to evacuate to buildings nearby, the first such alert since 2017. Trains were temporarily suspended in Japan’s Hokkaido and Aomori regions before their operations were resumed after a government notice that the North Korean missile appeared to have landed into the Pacific.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that “the firing, which followed a recent series of launches by North Korea, is a reckless act and I strongly condemn it.” He said he will ask the National Security Council to discuss the situation.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said there have been no immediate reports of damage reported after the North's missile launch. He said the missile landed in waters outside the country’s exclusive economic zone after a 22-minute flight.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said it also detected the launch of what it called a ballistic missile that was fired from the North’s northern inland area. It said the South Korean military bolsters its surveillance posture and maintains readiness in close coordination with the United States.

South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol said North Korea launched an intermediate-range missile whose range is 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles). It is a range that places Guam within striking distance.

Yoon said he called a National Security Council meeting to discuss the launch and that the North’s “reckless nuclear provocations” would meet the stern response of the South and the broader international community.

The launch is the fifth round of weapons tests by North Korean in the past 10 days in what was seen as an apparent response to bilateral military drills between South Korea and the United States and the allies’ other training involving Japan last week. North Korea views such drills as an invasion rehearsal,

North Korea has test-fired about 40 missiles over about 20 different launch events this year as its leader Kim Jong Un vows to expand his nuclear arsenal and refuses to return to nuclear diplomacy with the United States.

Some experts say Kim eventually would try to use his enlarged arsenal to pressure Washington to accept his country as a nuclear state, a recognition that he thinks is necessary to win the lifting of international sanctions and other concessions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664842519726.png" alt="&nbsp;This photo provided by the North Korean government shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech during a parliament in Pyongyang, North Korea on Sept. 8, 2022. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. North Korea on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022 fired a ballistic missile over Japan, its neighbors said, escalating tests of weapons designed to strike key targets in regional U.S. allies amid stalled nuclear diplomacy. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File) (Uncredited/KCNA via KNS)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;This photo provided by the North Korean government shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech during a parliament in Pyongyang, North Korea on Sept. 8, 2022. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. North Korea on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022 fired a ballistic missile over Japan, its neighbors said, escalating tests of weapons designed to strike key targets in regional U.S. allies amid stalled nuclear diplomacy. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File) (Uncredited/KCNA via KNS)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Tuesday conducted its longest-ever weapons test, a nuclear-capable ballistic missile that flew over Japan and could reach the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam and beyond, forcing the Japanese government to issue evacuation alerts and halt trains.The South Korean and U.S. militaries responded by launching fighter jets which fired weapons at a target off South Korea's west coast in a show of strength against North Korea.The North Korean missile launch was its most provocative weapons demonstration this year, as it pushes to develop a fully fledged nuclear arsenal capable of threatening the U.S. mainland and its allies with the goal of wresting concessions from those countries, some experts say.North Korea has test-fired about 40 missiles over about 20 different launch events this year as its leader, Kim Jong Un, refuses to return to nuclear diplomacy with the United States.The United States strongly condemned North Korea’s “dangerous and reckless decision” to launch what it described as a “long-range ballistic missile” over Japan.“The United States will continue its efforts to limit (North Korea’s) ability to advance its prohibited ballistic missile and weapons of mass destruction programs, including with allies and U.N. partners,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement.South Korea and Japan earlier said the missile had an intermediate or longer range. If the launch involved a long-range missile, it could be a test of a weapon capable of targeting the U.S. homeland, some experts say.The launch is the fifth round of weapons tests by North Korea in the past 10 days. The testing spree is an apparent response to two sets of military drills -- one between Washington and Seoul and the other involving Washington, Seoul and Tokyo -- off the Korean Peninsula’s east coast last week.North Korea regards such drills involving the United States as an invasion rehearsal. It was expected to react strongly this time because both exercises involved a U.S. aircraft carrier, which North Korea views as more provocative.Japanese authorities alerted residents in its northeastern regions to evacuate to shelters, in the first “J-alert” since 2017 when North Korea fired an intermediate-range Hwasong-12 missile twice over Japan in a span of weeks during a previous run of weapons tests.Trains were suspended in the Hokkaido and Aomori regions until the government issued a notice that the North Korean missile appeared to have landed in the Pacific. In Sapporo city, the prefectural capital of Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido, subways were also temporarily halted, with stations packed with morning commuters.Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters the launch “is a reckless act and I strongly condemn it.”South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said North Korea’s “reckless nuclear provocations” would meet a stern response from the South and the broader international community. His military separately warned that North Korea’s repeated missile launches would deepen its international isolation and prompt Seoul and Washington to bolster their deterrence capacities.Later Tuesday, four U.S. F-16 fighter jets and four South Korean F-15s conducted a joint strike drill in which one of the South Korean planes fired two precision-guided Joint Direct Attack Munition bombs into an island target. The exercise was aimed at demonstrating the allies’ ability to accurately strike North Korean targets with “overwhelming force,” the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said.According to South Korean and Japanese estimates, the North Korean missile fired from the its northern province bordering China traveled 4,500-4,600 kilometers (2,800-2,860 miles) at a maximum altitude of 970-1,000 kilometers (600-620 miles). Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said it landed in the Pacific about 3,200 kilometers (1,990 miles) off the northern Japanese coast and that there were no reports of damage to Japanese aircraft or ships.South Korea’s Defense Ministry said the missile flew farther than any other weapon fired by North Korea. Before Tuesday’s launch, the 3,700-kilometer (2,300 miles) -long flight of a Hwasong-12 in 2017 was North Korea’s longest. It has previously tested intercontinental ballistic missiles at steep angles so they flew shorter to avoid neighboring countries.The missile’s flight distance shows it has enough range to hit Guam, home to U.S. military bases that have sent advanced warplanes to the Korean Peninsula in shows of force during past periods of tension with North Korea. In 2017, North Korea threatened to make “an enveloping fire” near Guam with Hwasong-12 missiles amid rising animosities with the then-Trump administration.North Korea last test-fired a Hwasong-12 missile in January. At the time, it said the launch was meant to verify the overall accuracy of the weapon.Lee Choon Geun, an honorary research fellow at South Korea’s Science and Technology Policy Institute, said Tuesday’s launch of a suspected Hwasong-12 missile would demonstrate a capacity that “truly places Guam within striking distance.” He said North Korea likely wanted to confirm the missile’s operational capabilities as it is being mass-produced.Kim Dong-yub, a professor at Seoul’s University of North Korean Studies, said North Korea could have tested the Hwasong-12 again, or even an intercontinental ballistic missile, closer to what would be a normal ballistic trajectory but shorter than its full range. If it was an ICBM, the purpose of the launch would be to test whether the warhead could survive the harsh conditions of atmospheric reentry, Kim said.The missiles fired during the past four rounds of launches were short-range and fell in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Those missiles are capable of hitting targets in South Korea.Heo Tae-keun, South Korea’s deputy minister of national defense policy, told lawmakers Tuesday that North Korea is preparing to test a new liquid-fueled ICBM and a submarine-launched ballistic missile as well. He said North Korea also maintains a readiness to conduct a nuclear test in what would be its first such bomb detonation in five years and its seventh in total.Last month, North Korea adopted a new law authorizing the preemptive use of nuclear weapons in some cases, a move that showed its increasingly aggressive nuclear doctrine. Last Saturday, Yoon warned of a “resolute, overwhelming response” from South Korean and U.S. militaries if North Korea uses nuclear weapons.Some foreign experts say North Korea needs to master a few remaining technologies to acquire functioning nuclear-armed missiles. Each new test pushes it closer to being able to reach the U.S. mainland and its allies with a host of missiles of varying range.Some experts say North Korean leader Kim will eventually will return to diplomatic talks and use his enlarged arsenal to pressure Washington to accept his country as a nuclear state, a recognition that he thinks is necessary to win the lifting of international sanctions and other concessions.------------------------SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Tuesday fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan, its neighbors said, escalating tests of weapons designed to strike key targets in regional U.S. allies.It is the most significant missile test by North Korea since January, when it fired the Hwasong-12 intermediate-range missile capable of reaching the U.S. territory of Guam. It is also the first time that a North Korea missile has flown over Japan since 2017.The Japanese prime minister’s office said at least one missile fired from North Korea flew over Japan and was believed to have landed into the Pacific Ocean.Japanese authorities issued a “J-alert” to residents in northeaster regions to evacuate to buildings nearby, the first such alert since 2017. Trains were temporarily suspended in Japan’s Hokkaido and Aomori regions before their operations were resumed after a government notice that the North Korean missile appeared to have landed into the Pacific.Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that “the firing, which followed a recent series of launches by North Korea, is a reckless act and I strongly condemn it.” He said he will ask the National Security Council to discuss the situation.Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said there have been no immediate reports of damage reported after the North's missile launch. He said the missile landed in waters outside the country’s exclusive economic zone after a 22-minute flight.South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said it also detected the launch of what it called a ballistic missile that was fired from the North’s northern inland area. It said the South Korean military bolsters its surveillance posture and maintains readiness in close coordination with the United States.South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol said North Korea launched an intermediate-range missile whose range is 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles). It is a range that places Guam within striking distance.Yoon said he called a National Security Council meeting to discuss the launch and that the North’s “reckless nuclear provocations” would meet the stern response of the South and the broader international community.The launch is the fifth round of weapons tests by North Korean in the past 10 days in what was seen as an apparent response to bilateral military drills between South Korea and the United States and the allies’ other training involving Japan last week. North Korea views such drills as an invasion rehearsal,The missiles fired during the past four rounds of launches were short-range and fell in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Those missiles are capable of hitting targets in South Korea.North Korea has test-fired about 40 missiles over about 20 different launch events this year as its leader Kim Jong Un vows to expand his nuclear arsenal and refuses to return to nuclear diplomacy with the United States.Some experts say Kim eventually would try to use his enlarged arsenal to pressure Washington to accept his country as a nuclear state, a recognition that he thinks is necessary to win the lifting of international sanctions and other concessions.

U.S. condemns N. Korea's decision to fire ballistic missile over Japan 

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating Sunday fatal officer involved shooting in Lawrence identified the man who died as 43-year-old Michael Blanck of Lawrence, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The Lawrence Police Department contacted the KBI at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2, to request KBI assistance investigating the shooting. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team (CSRT) responded to the scene.

Just after 5:30 p.m., the Lawrence Police Department received a report of a burglary and broken window at a residence at 1715 E. 21st&nbsp;Terrace in Lawrence. When they responded, they learned a male suspect was likely inside. The homeowner was not present at the time.

Officers did not enter the residence. They were attempting to learn more information about the suspect.

The man, later identified as Blanck eventually came out of the residence. Officers then attempted to make verbal contact with him at the front of the house. During this interaction, Blanck pulled out a handgun and pointed it at officers. At this time, three of the five responding officers fired. Multiple rounds struck Blanck. The shooting occurred at approximately 7:20 p.m.

EMS responded and pronounced Blanck deceased at the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

Blanck had previous convictions for theft, DUI, obstruction and aggravated battery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664819476892.png" alt="Blanck had previous convictions for theft, DUI, obstruction and aggravated battery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Blanck had previous convictions for theft, DUI, obstruction and aggravated battery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating Sunday fatal officer involved shooting in Lawrence identified the man who died as 43-year-old Michael Blanck of Lawrence, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.The Lawrence Police Department contacted the KBI at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2, to request KBI assistance investigating the shooting. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team (CSRT) responded to the scene.Just after 5:30 p.m., the Lawrence Police Department received a report of a burglary and broken window at a residence at 1715 E. 21st&nbsp;Terrace in Lawrence. When they responded, they learned a male suspect was likely inside. The homeowner was not present at the time.Officers did not enter the residence. They were attempting to learn more information about the suspect.The man, later identified as Blanck eventually came out of the residence. Officers then attempted to make verbal contact with him at the front of the house. During this interaction, Blanck pulled out a handgun and pointed it at officers. At this time, three of the five responding officers fired. Multiple rounds struck Blanck. The shooting occurred at approximately 7:20 p.m.EMS responded and pronounced Blanck deceased at the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.Blanck had previous convictions for theft, DUI, obstruction and aggravated battery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections---------

Man who died in Kan. officer shooting had long criminal history

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Planned Parenthood officials on Monday announced plans for a mobile abortion clinic — a 37-foot RV that will stay in Illinois but travel close to the borders of adjoining states that have banned the procedure since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade earlier this year.

The announcement came 100 days after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court ruling that stripped away</a>&nbsp;constitutional protections for abortions, allowing states to ban the procedure. Illinois didn’t institute an abortion ban, but neighboring Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee did, along with several other states in the South and Midwest.

As a result, both abortion clinics on the Illinois side of the St. Louis region, including one operated by Planned Parenthood in Fairview Heights, have been inundated with patients. Leaders of the St. Louis Planned Parenthood office said that since June, the Fairview Heights clinic has seen a 30% increase in abortion patients — a rate officials said was even higher than they anticipated. Patients from outside Missouri and Illinois increased by more than 340%.

The onslaught of patients means longer waits. Yamelsie Rodriguez, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, said abortion appointment wait times have gone from an average of four days prior to the Supreme Court ruling to two-and-a-half weeks.

“The mobile abortion clinic is a way to reduce travel times and distances in order to meet patients at the Illinois border,” said Dr. Colleen McNicholas, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood’s St. Louis office. “This will make a dramatic impact on their access.”

The mobile clinic will travel near to the borders of southeastern Missouri, western Kentucky and northeastern Tennessee. Rodriguez said the RV is expected to arrive this month and should be operational by the end of the year.

The clinic will include two exam rooms, a lab and a waiting room. Initially, it will provide medication abortions up to 11 weeks of gestation. Planned Parenthood will aim to start providing surgical abortions at the clinic after the first few months.

McNicholas and Rodriguez declined to discuss safety and security measures for the mobile clinic.

Laura Echevarria, spokeswoman for the National Right to Life Committee, which opposes abortions, called the mobile abortion clinic “another grotesque demeaning of human life.”

“Chemical abortions can lead to life-threatening complications,” Echevarria said in a statement. “Will women recognize those complications early enough to seek treatment?”

Other efforts have begun around the country to increase abortion access.

The nonprofit Just The Pill operates a mobile clinic in Colorado that provides medication abortions. Spokeswoman Kat Mavengere said that early next year, also in Colorado, Just The Pill will operate a mobile clinic for procedural abortion. The organization also plans to expand to other areas, starting with a mobile clinic in Illinois in 2023.

In July, a California doctor proposed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-reproductive-rights-government-and-politics-bfab2bd6604229d7b2bcad630037c4e8">floating abortion clinic</a>&nbsp;in the Gulf of Mexico as a way to maintain access for people in southern states where abortion bans have been enacted. Dr. Meg Autry said the idea was to provide a clinic aboard a ship in federal waters, and out of reach of state laws.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-st-louis-missouri-cab307afaf66ce9b5d58d3be191b532e">Some Democrat-led cities</a>&nbsp;like St. Louis, meanwhile, have set aside money to help pregnant women travel to states where abortions are legal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648771341385.png" alt="Photo Planned Parenthood" />
 <figcaption>Photo Planned Parenthood</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM SALTERKANSAS CITY (AP) —Planned Parenthood officials on Monday announced plans for a mobile abortion clinic — a 37-foot RV that will stay in Illinois but travel close to the borders of adjoining states that have banned the procedure since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade earlier this year.The announcement came 100 days after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court ruling that stripped away</a>&nbsp;constitutional protections for abortions, allowing states to ban the procedure. Illinois didn’t institute an abortion ban, but neighboring Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee did, along with several other states in the South and Midwest.As a result, both abortion clinics on the Illinois side of the St. Louis region, including one operated by Planned Parenthood in Fairview Heights, have been inundated with patients. Leaders of the St. Louis Planned Parenthood office said that since June, the Fairview Heights clinic has seen a 30% increase in abortion patients — a rate officials said was even higher than they anticipated. Patients from outside Missouri and Illinois increased by more than 340%.The onslaught of patients means longer waits. Yamelsie Rodriguez, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, said abortion appointment wait times have gone from an average of four days prior to the Supreme Court ruling to two-and-a-half weeks.“The mobile abortion clinic is a way to reduce travel times and distances in order to meet patients at the Illinois border,” said Dr. Colleen McNicholas, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood’s St. Louis office. “This will make a dramatic impact on their access.”The mobile clinic will travel near to the borders of southeastern Missouri, western Kentucky and northeastern Tennessee. Rodriguez said the RV is expected to arrive this month and should be operational by the end of the year.The clinic will include two exam rooms, a lab and a waiting room. Initially, it will provide medication abortions up to 11 weeks of gestation. Planned Parenthood will aim to start providing surgical abortions at the clinic after the first few months.McNicholas and Rodriguez declined to discuss safety and security measures for the mobile clinic.Laura Echevarria, spokeswoman for the National Right to Life Committee, which opposes abortions, called the mobile abortion clinic “another grotesque demeaning of human life.”“Chemical abortions can lead to life-threatening complications,” Echevarria said in a statement. “Will women recognize those complications early enough to seek treatment?”Other efforts have begun around the country to increase abortion access.The nonprofit Just The Pill operates a mobile clinic in Colorado that provides medication abortions. Spokeswoman Kat Mavengere said that early next year, also in Colorado, Just The Pill will operate a mobile clinic for procedural abortion. The organization also plans to expand to other areas, starting with a mobile clinic in Illinois in 2023.In July, a California doctor proposed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-reproductive-rights-government-and-politics-bfab2bd6604229d7b2bcad630037c4e8">floating abortion clinic</a>&nbsp;in the Gulf of Mexico as a way to maintain access for people in southern states where abortion bans have been enacted. Dr. Meg Autry said the idea was to provide a clinic aboard a ship in federal waters, and out of reach of state laws.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-st-louis-missouri-cab307afaf66ce9b5d58d3be191b532e">Some Democrat-led cities</a>&nbsp;like St. Louis, meanwhile, have set aside money to help pregnant women travel to states where abortions are legal.

Planned Parenthood rolls out mobile abortion clinic

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City-area man has been charged in the fatal shooting on Thursday of Gregory D. Ultican inside a Blue Springs residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Jeffrey A. Ultican, 64, faces Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, Blue Springs Police officers were dispatched to the 600 block of SW 17th Street in Blue Springs on a shooting. A family member of the defendant told police that the Ultican had shot the victim, the defendant's cousin. 

Police recovered a loaded weapon and a small amount of methamphetamine. Witnesses told police the defendant had been on Meth in recent days. Both victim and defendant had recently been arguing. A witness told police that the defendant made statements that he had been forced to shoot the victim. Prosecutors requested a $250,000 cash bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664632158225.png" alt="Ultican-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Ultican-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City-area man has been charged in the fatal shooting on Thursday of Gregory D. Ultican inside a Blue Springs residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Jeffrey A. Ultican, 64, faces Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, Blue Springs Police officers were dispatched to the 600 block of SW 17th Street in Blue Springs on a shooting. A family member of the defendant told police that the Ultican had shot the victim, the defendant's cousin. Police recovered a loaded weapon and a small amount of methamphetamine. Witnesses told police the defendant had been on Meth in recent days. Both victim and defendant had recently been arguing. A witness told police that the defendant made statements that he had been forced to shoot the victim. Prosecutors requested a $250,000 cash bond.

Kansas City-area man charged for the murder of his cousin

LABETTE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Labette County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after two subjects were found dead Monday in rural Mound Valley, Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.

The investigation indicates that Monday morning around 8:30 a.m., the Labette County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a subject who had discovered two bodies when he went to 693 16000 Road, in Mound Valley, to check on his friends.

When deputies arrived at the residence, they discovered the decomposing bodies of a man and woman They have not yet been positively identified.

The circumstances of their deaths are considered suspicious. Autopsies are scheduled.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Tips can also be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

LABETTE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Labette County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after two subjects were found dead Monday in rural Mound Valley, Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.The investigation indicates that Monday morning around 8:30 a.m., the Labette County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a subject who had discovered two bodies when he went to 693 16000 Road, in Mound Valley, to check on his friends.When deputies arrived at the residence, they discovered the decomposing bodies of a man and woman They have not yet been positively identified.The circumstances of their deaths are considered suspicious. Autopsies are scheduled.Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Tips can also be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

KBI: Man and woman found dead in rural Labette County

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Sedgwick County District Judge on Friday&nbsp; sentenced 60-year-old Mark Prickett of Wichita, to seven consecutive life terms in prison for the sexual abuse of four children, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

The crimes occurred from 2007 to July of 2018 and involved a 4-year old boy, an 11-year-old girl, a&nbsp; 7-year-old boy, and a 7-year-old girl.

On August 19, a jury in Judge Williams’ court found Prickett guilty of seven counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664632373367.png" alt="Prickett-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Prickett-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Sedgwick County District Judge on Friday&nbsp; sentenced 60-year-old Mark Prickett of Wichita, to seven consecutive life terms in prison for the sexual abuse of four children, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.The crimes occurred from 2007 to July of 2018 and involved a 4-year old boy, an 11-year-old girl, a&nbsp; 7-year-old boy, and a 7-year-old girl.On August 19, a jury in Judge Williams’ court found Prickett guilty of seven counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Kan. man sentenced to 7-life terms for child sex crimes 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have two suspects in custody.

Just before 6a.m. Sunday, police&nbsp;were called by the victim to a business at 400 SE 29th in Topeka, according to Sgt. Kristen Marr.

When officers arrived they observed two persons inside the fenced area of the business. Officer were able to take 36-year-old Damon D. Hill, Jr. and&nbsp; 30-year-old Cameron A. Hill into custody, without incident.

Both are being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of burglary, theft and criminal damage. Damon Hill, Jr. is also being held on a requested charge of possession of stolen property. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664796028909.png" alt="Damon Hill-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Damon Hill-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have two suspects in custody.Just before 6a.m. Sunday, police&nbsp;were called by the victim to a business at 400 SE 29th in Topeka, according to Sgt. Kristen Marr.When officers arrived they observed two persons inside the fenced area of the business. Officer were able to take 36-year-old Damon D. Hill, Jr. and&nbsp; 30-year-old Cameron A. Hill into custody, without incident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664796071402.png" alt="Cameron Hill-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cameron Hill-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both are being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of burglary, theft and criminal damage. Damon Hill, Jr. is also being held on a requested charge of possession of stolen property.

Police capture two suspects during Kansas business burglary

By NATHAN KING Salina Post

SALINA —Authorities are investigating a weekend fire in Salina. Just before 10p.m. on Saturday, firefighters responded to reports of a fire near Downtown Auto Service located at 119 S. Eighth Street, according to the Salina Fire Department.

Eyewitness to the fire, Tyler Sartain —&nbsp;a congregant of the Heartland Worship Center located across the street from Downtown Auto Service —&nbsp;noticed the fire as he left the church after preparing for service the following morning. Congregant Mario Aviles was also with him.&nbsp;

"I saw a glow coming from the front doors of the church, but at first I thought it could've been a cop going by with his lights on," Sartain said. "But it kept getting brighter."&nbsp;

When Sartain looked outside, he saw the tire pile engulfed in flames. As soon as Sartain discovered the fire, he and Aviles went into the church and called 911. Sartain and Aviles took fire extinguishers from the church to try and extinguish the blaze.&nbsp;

"By the time we got there, it was too hot and too big for the extinguishers to do anything," Sartain said.&nbsp;

Salina firefighters made it to the scene and were able to put out the fire. There were no injuries as a result of the fire, but Downtown Auto Service sustained damaged.&nbsp;According to SFD Battalion Chief Kirk Stover, the cause of the fire is under investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664821584691.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy: Tyler Sartain" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy: Tyler Sartain</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATHAN KING Salina PostSALINA —Authorities are investigating a weekend fire in Salina. Just before 10p.m. on Saturday, firefighters responded to reports of a fire near Downtown Auto Service located at 119 S. Eighth Street, according to the Salina Fire Department. Eyewitness to the fire, Tyler Sartain —&nbsp;a congregant of the Heartland Worship Center located across the street from Downtown Auto Service —&nbsp;noticed the fire as he left the church after preparing for service the following morning. Congregant Mario Aviles was also with him.&nbsp; "I saw a glow coming from the front doors of the church, but at first I thought it could've been a cop going by with his lights on," Sartain said. "But it kept getting brighter."&nbsp; When Sartain looked outside, he saw the tire pile engulfed in flames. As soon as Sartain discovered the fire, he and Aviles went into the church and called 911. Sartain and Aviles took fire extinguishers from the church to try and extinguish the blaze.&nbsp; "By the time we got there, it was too hot and too big for the extinguishers to do anything," Sartain said.&nbsp; Salina firefighters made it to the scene and were able to put out the fire. There were no injuries as a result of the fire, but Downtown Auto Service sustained damaged.&nbsp;According to SFD Battalion Chief Kirk Stover, the cause of the fire is under investigation.&nbsp;

Salina Auto Service tire fire under investigation

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident have made an arrest and identified the victim as Karoti Byamungu Bertin, according to&nbsp;according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the 1900 block of East Lincoln in Wichita for a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, according to Rebolledo.

On arrival, officers found Sedgwick County EMS personnel providing lifesaving measures to a Bertin. EMS then&nbsp; transported him to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and later died

The investigation revealed the Bertin was crossing Lincoln Street when he was struck by an eastbound black pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck left the scene after witnesses started to gather. 

Police later arrested&nbsp;58-year-old Kenneth Locke of Wichita on requested charges of Failure to stop at an accident that resulted in death, expired tags and no. proof of insurance, according to online jail records. Neither alcohol nor speed appeared to be involved in the accident.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident.

Shortly after 01:10 a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the 1900 block of East Lincoln in Wichita for a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

On arrival, officers found Sedgwick County EMS personnel providing lifesaving measures to a male victim. EMS then&nbsp; transported the man to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and later died, according to&nbsp;Rebolledo

The investigation revealed the male was crossing Lincoln Street when he was struck by an eastbound black pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck left the scene after witnesses started to gather.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664821355767.png" alt="Locke-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Locke-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident have made an arrest and identified the victim as Karoti Byamungu Bertin, according to&nbsp;according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the 1900 block of East Lincoln in Wichita for a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, according to Rebolledo.On arrival, officers found Sedgwick County EMS personnel providing lifesaving measures to a Bertin. EMS then&nbsp; transported him to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and later diedThe investigation revealed the Bertin was crossing Lincoln Street when he was struck by an eastbound black pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck left the scene after witnesses started to gather. Police later arrested&nbsp;58-year-old Kenneth Locke of Wichita on requested charges of Failure to stop at an accident that resulted in death, expired tags and no. proof of insurance, according to online jail records. Neither alcohol nor speed appeared to be involved in the accident.-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident.Shortly after 01:10 a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the 1900 block of East Lincoln in Wichita for a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.On arrival, officers found Sedgwick County EMS personnel providing lifesaving measures to a male victim. EMS then&nbsp; transported the man to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and later died, according to&nbsp;RebolledoThe investigation revealed the male was crossing Lincoln Street when he was struck by an eastbound black pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck left the scene after witnesses started to gather.

Police ID victim, make arrest in fatal Kansas hit-and-run

TOPEKA&nbsp;– On Monday, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas’ September total tax receipts were $961.0 million. Those collections are $96.2 million, or 11.1%, more than the estimate, and reflect a $84.5 million, or 9.6%, growth from last September.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMDMuNjQ1OTI3MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjIvMTAvMDNfU2VwdGVtYmVyX1JldmVudWVfRlkyMDIzXzEwLTAzLTIwMjJfRmluYWwucGRmIn0.bnpK9-i5fbdelIbgLSOZrCRn_CSWZwrNy2iC3C0fk5o/s/1303160919/br/145137285385-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to view the September 2022 tax receipts spreadsheet.&nbsp;

“Thanks to our laser-sharp focus on creating quality jobs and attracting business to Kansas, we have now seen 26 months of revenue surpluses,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“That has enabled us to provide tax credits for teachers and cut taxes for seniors, veterans, homeowners, and businesses – all while paying off debts and fully funding our schools. &nbsp;These revenue estimates show we are making Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Individual income tax collections were up $31.3 million, or 7.6%, for the month with $441.3 million collected. That is $34.5 million, or 8.5%, more than the same month in 2021. September corporate income tax receipts, which are comprised primarily of estimated tax payments, have continued to trend upward. Corporate income tax collections were $49.2 million, or 40.6%, more than the estimate with $170.2 million collected. That is a growth of $24.9 million, or 17.1%, from the same month last year.&nbsp;

“The higher-than-expected corporate estimated payments suggests that corporations again anticipate favorable profit margins in 2022,”&nbsp;Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said.&nbsp;

Combined retail sales tax and compensating use collections were $309.6 million, 8.3%, or&nbsp;&nbsp;$23.7 million, more than last September.&nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;– On Monday, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas’ September total tax receipts were $961.0 million. Those collections are $96.2 million, or 11.1%, more than the estimate, and reflect a $84.5 million, or 9.6%, growth from last September.&nbsp;&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMDMuNjQ1OTI3MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjIvMTAvMDNfU2VwdGVtYmVyX1JldmVudWVfRlkyMDIzXzEwLTAzLTIwMjJfRmluYWwucGRmIn0.bnpK9-i5fbdelIbgLSOZrCRn_CSWZwrNy2iC3C0fk5o/s/1303160919/br/145137285385-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to view the September 2022 tax receipts spreadsheet.&nbsp;“Thanks to our laser-sharp focus on creating quality jobs and attracting business to Kansas, we have now seen 26 months of revenue surpluses,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“That has enabled us to provide tax credits for teachers and cut taxes for seniors, veterans, homeowners, and businesses – all while paying off debts and fully funding our schools. &nbsp;These revenue estimates show we are making Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Individual income tax collections were up $31.3 million, or 7.6%, for the month with $441.3 million collected. That is $34.5 million, or 8.5%, more than the same month in 2021. September corporate income tax receipts, which are comprised primarily of estimated tax payments, have continued to trend upward. Corporate income tax collections were $49.2 million, or 40.6%, more than the estimate with $170.2 million collected. That is a growth of $24.9 million, or 17.1%, from the same month last year.&nbsp;“The higher-than-expected corporate estimated payments suggests that corporations again anticipate favorable profit margins in 2022,”&nbsp;Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said.&nbsp;Combined retail sales tax and compensating use collections were $309.6 million, 8.3%, or&nbsp;&nbsp;$23.7 million, more than last September.&nbsp;

Kan. September tax collections $96.2M more than the estimate

FINNEY COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of weekend house fire in Garden City.

Just before 10a.m. Saturday, fire crews were dispatched to reports of a house fire in the 900 block of 9th Street in Garden City, according to a media release.

When they arrived, crews found a single-story residence with heavy smoke coming from the structure. Crews made entry into east side of the home for fire attack. The fire was deemed under control at approximately 11:10 a.m.

One firefighter was treated and released for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. 

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office was notified of the fire and has been requested to assist with the investigation. No damage estimates for the structure are known at this time. 

FINNEY COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of weekend house fire in Garden City.Just before 10a.m. Saturday, fire crews were dispatched to reports of a house fire in the 900 block of 9th Street in Garden City, according to a media release.When they arrived, crews found a single-story residence with heavy smoke coming from the structure. Crews made entry into east side of the home for fire attack. The fire was deemed under control at approximately 11:10 a.m.One firefighter was treated and released for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office was notified of the fire and has been requested to assist with the investigation. No damage estimates for the structure are known at this time.

Firefighter treated for smoke inhalation after SW Kan. house fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators have unveiled their plan to allow foreign baby formula manufacturers to stay on the market long term, an effort to diversify the nation’s tightly concentrated industry and prevent future shortages.

The Food and Drug Administration said recent entrants to the U.S. market will have until October 2025 to make sure their formulas comply with federal standards for nutrition, labeling and manufacturing. The agency noted that some companies should be able to meet those requirements sooner.

The U.S. has been forced to turn to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-government-and-politics-53857b4ba1006a8bf85caad251517f4c">foreign manufacturers</a>&nbsp;to boost formula supplies since February, when FDA inspectors temporarily shuttered the nation’s largest domestic formula factory due to bacterial contamination.

In May, the FDA eased federal import regulations and President Joe Biden authorized the airlift of millions of pounds of powdered formula from overseas. Together those actions have brought the equivalent of 300 million bottles of formula into the country, according to the FDA.

“Manufacturers from around the world have demonstrated their commitment to helping bolster U.S. supply and, in turn, we are committed to continuing these flexibilities for their products to safely remain on the market,” FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said in a statement.

The policy allowing importation was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-united-states-government-and-politics-38745bd583dc0861dbe66a3ca7f828b4">set to expire in November</a>, but the FDA said it would be extended to January, after which companies can ask to stay on the market longer.

For decades, the U.S. formula industry has been dominated by a handful of companies with domestic production facilities, excluding similar products from Europe, Australia and Latin America. The U.S. system evolved to prioritize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-science-health-government-and-politics-a99273eaded440aeeb3942ab61b77d88">safety and low pricing</a>, favoring a few large players.

Foreign formula companies seeking to remain in the U.S. must meet specific thresholds for 30 nutrients and undergo manufacturing inspections by FDA staff, among other steps.

Earlier this month the FDA formally acknowledged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-covid-government-and-politics-cacda684b7a62cbc9dee97b6aa181a3a">several shortcomings</a>&nbsp;in its response to the shortage, including outdated information technology systems and inadequate training among its food facility inspectors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653255522967.png" alt="The U.S. has been forced to turn to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-government-and-politics-53857b4ba1006a8bf85caad251517f4c">foreign manufacturers</a>&nbsp;to boost formula supplies since February-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The U.S. has been forced to turn to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-government-and-politics-53857b4ba1006a8bf85caad251517f4c">foreign manufacturers</a>&nbsp;to boost formula supplies since February-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators have unveiled their plan to allow foreign baby formula manufacturers to stay on the market long term, an effort to diversify the nation’s tightly concentrated industry and prevent future shortages.The Food and Drug Administration said recent entrants to the U.S. market will have until October 2025 to make sure their formulas comply with federal standards for nutrition, labeling and manufacturing. The agency noted that some companies should be able to meet those requirements sooner.The U.S. has been forced to turn to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-government-and-politics-53857b4ba1006a8bf85caad251517f4c">foreign manufacturers</a>&nbsp;to boost formula supplies since February, when FDA inspectors temporarily shuttered the nation’s largest domestic formula factory due to bacterial contamination.In May, the FDA eased federal import regulations and President Joe Biden authorized the airlift of millions of pounds of powdered formula from overseas. Together those actions have brought the equivalent of 300 million bottles of formula into the country, according to the FDA.“Manufacturers from around the world have demonstrated their commitment to helping bolster U.S. supply and, in turn, we are committed to continuing these flexibilities for their products to safely remain on the market,” FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said in a statement.The policy allowing importation was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-united-states-government-and-politics-38745bd583dc0861dbe66a3ca7f828b4">set to expire in November</a>, but the FDA said it would be extended to January, after which companies can ask to stay on the market longer.For decades, the U.S. formula industry has been dominated by a handful of companies with domestic production facilities, excluding similar products from Europe, Australia and Latin America. The U.S. system evolved to prioritize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-science-health-government-and-politics-a99273eaded440aeeb3942ab61b77d88">safety and low pricing</a>, favoring a few large players.Foreign formula companies seeking to remain in the U.S. must meet specific thresholds for 30 nutrients and undergo manufacturing inspections by FDA staff, among other steps.Earlier this month the FDA formally acknowledged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-covid-government-and-politics-cacda684b7a62cbc9dee97b6aa181a3a">several shortcomings</a>&nbsp;in its response to the shortage, including outdated information technology systems and inadequate training among its food facility inspectors.___

US outlines plan for long-term baby formula imports

REPUBLIC COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and searching for two suspects identified as 35-year-old Tyler Johnson and Nathaniel Shelton.

Just after 7 p.m. Sunday, deputies received a 911 call with reports of a stabbing in the 100 block of Freedom St. in Courtland.

Deputies and EMS respond to the scene. They found one victim who was transported to an area hospital.

&nbsp;Anyone with information about the crime should call the Sheriff’s Office at 785-527-5658.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664815810200.png" alt="Johnson has five previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Johnson has five previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>REPUBLIC COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and searching for two suspects identified as 35-year-old Tyler Johnson and Nathaniel Shelton.Just after 7 p.m. Sunday, deputies received a 911 call with reports of a stabbing in the 100 block of Freedom St. in Courtland.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664816007685.png" alt="Shelton has previous convictions for drugs, DUI, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Shelton has previous convictions for drugs, DUI, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies and EMS respond to the scene. They found one victim who was transported to an area hospital.&nbsp;Anyone with information about the crime should call the Sheriff’s Office at 785-527-5658.

Sheriff: 2 Kan. felons wanted in connection with stabbing

By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte Post

HALSEY, Neb.-Campers and visitors to the Halsey National Forest and residents in the village of Halsey have been evacuated after a wildfire broke out Sunday afternoon.

Officials said the fire started in the Bessey Ranger District and began spreading rapidly.&nbsp; The fire, which has been named the Bovee Fire, was likely human-caused, according to officials.

As of Sunday evening, the fire was estimated to be about 15,000 acres and was still burning and moving rapidly.

Multiple air tankers have been dispatched to the area. The South Dakota Wildland Fire District and the Black Hills National Forest Fire Department sent personnel and equipment to assist. The fire forced the closure of Highway 2 between Thedford and Dunning in west central Nebraska.

This is a developing story. Check the Post for updates.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZK7cCc5RbYo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostHALSEY, Neb.-Campers and visitors to the Halsey National Forest and residents in the village of Halsey have been evacuated after a wildfire broke out Sunday afternoon.Officials said the fire started in the Bessey Ranger District and began spreading rapidly.&nbsp; The fire, which has been named the Bovee Fire, was likely human-caused, according to officials.As of Sunday evening, the fire was estimated to be about 15,000 acres and was still burning and moving rapidly.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664791544562.png" alt="A wildfire, likely human-caused, broke out in the Bessey Ranger District at Halsey National Forest on Sunday afternoon. (Photo: Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands)" />
 <figcaption>A wildfire, likely human-caused, broke out in the Bessey Ranger District at Halsey National Forest on Sunday afternoon. (Photo: Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands)</figcaption>
 </figure>Multiple air tankers have been dispatched to the area. The South Dakota Wildland Fire District and the Black Hills National Forest Fire Department sent personnel and equipment to assist. The fire forced the closure of Highway 2 between Thedford and Dunning in west central Nebraska.This is a developing story. Check the Post for updates.

Wildfire destroys 4-H camp, forces Nebraska town to evacuate

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-abortion-ketanji-brown-jackson-us-supreme-court-health-0c7e7f12f32f30fe97d2b9417a24cf69">The Supreme Court is beginning its new term</a>, welcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-ketanji-brown-jackson-us-supreme-court-health-government-and-politics-95a7d5f6996c25258d9f0d3017ca7405">the public back to the courtroom</a>&nbsp;and hearing arguments for the first time since issuing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">landmark ruling</a>&nbsp;stripping away women’s constitutional protections for abortion.

Monday's session also is the first time new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-biden-us-supreme-court-race-and-ethnicity-merrick-garland-3fb126a5a457958a2a6a1d0d4e8b00ce">Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson</a>, the court's first Black female justice, will participate in arguments. And the public is back for the first time since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/664c5973c9d1cabea58fc33a1d50035a">court closed in March 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic</a>.

The court’s overturning of the nearly 50-year-old Roe v. Wade abortion decision is still reverberating in legal fights over state abortion bans and other restrictions. But a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-ketanji-brown-jackson-us-supreme-court-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-f356a16bcac950beb1d822f71dd0c422">new stack of high-profile cases</a>&nbsp;awaits the justices. Several cases the court has agreed to hear involve race or elections or both, and the court has also agreed to hear a dispute that returns the issue of free speech and LGBTQ rights to the court.

Also hanging over the justices is some unfinished business from last term: the leak of a draft of the abortion decision seven weeks before it was formally announced. Chief Justice John Roberts ordered an investigation, but the court has yet to provide an update.

Jackson, for her part, has been waiting for months to fully begin her new role&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-supreme-court-confirmation-f39263cdbb0c59c8a20a48edf9b6786e">since being confirmed in April.</a>&nbsp;She was sworn in when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-swearing-in-5a5115f58e163789dfda5a8af0b14221">Justice Stephen Breyer retired in June</a>, at the end of a term where the court dominated 6-3 by conservatives also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">expanded gun rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-epa-ruling-2e893673819a1b6c6aa272a5e814f0b0">reined in the government’s ability to fight climate change</a>&nbsp;and blocked a Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-vaccine-mandate-eb5899ae1fe5b62b6f4d51f54a3cd375">effort to get workers at large companies vaccinated against COVID-19</a>. Breyer, a liberal, was on the losing side of those cases, and Jackson is also expected to be in dissent in many of the court's most prominent cases.

Since she was sworn in, however, the court has largely been on a summer break. The justices met privately last week to consider a long list of appeals that piled up over the summer. On Friday, the justices took the bench for a brief ceremony in which Roberts wished Jackson a “long and happy career in our common calling,” the traditional welcome for a new justice.

But Jackson also joins the court at a time of declining public support for the court.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ketanji-brown-jackson-us-supreme-court-government-and-politics-only-on-ap-8adc9a08c9e8001c8ef0455906542a60">Polls following the court's abortion decision</a>&nbsp;have shown a sharp drop in the court’s approval rating and in people’s confidence in the court as an institution. A poll over the summer found 43% of Americans saying they have hardly any confidence in the court, up from 27% earlier in the year.

On Monday, the court is considering an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-environment-lakes-pollution-water-pollution-31034c1d9df1a63cc0841b29ac7a3fe1">important water rights case</a>&nbsp;that could limit federal regulation under the nation’s main water pollution law, the Clean Water Act.

Other significant cases include a controversial Republican-led appeal that could dramatically&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-us-supreme-court-north-carolina-election-2020-state-courts-712d5aa719884bab9652d3c132ee56c6">change the way elections for Congress and the presidency are conducted by handing more power to state legislatures</a>. There's also the case of a Colorado website designer who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-lifestyle-religion-couples-a5edfc7184a85dde5775994b8bd86a7c">says her religious beliefs prevent her working with same-sex couples on their weddings</a>. Next month, the justices will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-religion-affirmative-action-5fd79b529db78daee370de22ae17909f">hear a challenge to the consideration of race in college admissions</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664809475130.png" alt="Photo Credit: Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States" />
 <figcaption>Photo Credit: Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-abortion-ketanji-brown-jackson-us-supreme-court-health-0c7e7f12f32f30fe97d2b9417a24cf69">The Supreme Court is beginning its new term</a>, welcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-ketanji-brown-jackson-us-supreme-court-health-government-and-politics-95a7d5f6996c25258d9f0d3017ca7405">the public back to the courtroom</a>&nbsp;and hearing arguments for the first time since issuing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">landmark ruling</a>&nbsp;stripping away women’s constitutional protections for abortion.Monday's session also is the first time new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-biden-us-supreme-court-race-and-ethnicity-merrick-garland-3fb126a5a457958a2a6a1d0d4e8b00ce">Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson</a>, the court's first Black female justice, will participate in arguments. And the public is back for the first time since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/664c5973c9d1cabea58fc33a1d50035a">court closed in March 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic</a>.The court’s overturning of the nearly 50-year-old Roe v. Wade abortion decision is still reverberating in legal fights over state abortion bans and other restrictions. But a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-ketanji-brown-jackson-us-supreme-court-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-f356a16bcac950beb1d822f71dd0c422">new stack of high-profile cases</a>&nbsp;awaits the justices. Several cases the court has agreed to hear involve race or elections or both, and the court has also agreed to hear a dispute that returns the issue of free speech and LGBTQ rights to the court.Also hanging over the justices is some unfinished business from last term: the leak of a draft of the abortion decision seven weeks before it was formally announced. Chief Justice John Roberts ordered an investigation, but the court has yet to provide an update.Jackson, for her part, has been waiting for months to fully begin her new role&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-supreme-court-confirmation-f39263cdbb0c59c8a20a48edf9b6786e">since being confirmed in April.</a>&nbsp;She was sworn in when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-swearing-in-5a5115f58e163789dfda5a8af0b14221">Justice Stephen Breyer retired in June</a>, at the end of a term where the court dominated 6-3 by conservatives also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">expanded gun rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-epa-ruling-2e893673819a1b6c6aa272a5e814f0b0">reined in the government’s ability to fight climate change</a>&nbsp;and blocked a Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-vaccine-mandate-eb5899ae1fe5b62b6f4d51f54a3cd375">effort to get workers at large companies vaccinated against COVID-19</a>. Breyer, a liberal, was on the losing side of those cases, and Jackson is also expected to be in dissent in many of the court's most prominent cases.Since she was sworn in, however, the court has largely been on a summer break. The justices met privately last week to consider a long list of appeals that piled up over the summer. On Friday, the justices took the bench for a brief ceremony in which Roberts wished Jackson a “long and happy career in our common calling,” the traditional welcome for a new justice.But Jackson also joins the court at a time of declining public support for the court.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ketanji-brown-jackson-us-supreme-court-government-and-politics-only-on-ap-8adc9a08c9e8001c8ef0455906542a60">Polls following the court's abortion decision</a>&nbsp;have shown a sharp drop in the court’s approval rating and in people’s confidence in the court as an institution. A poll over the summer found 43% of Americans saying they have hardly any confidence in the court, up from 27% earlier in the year.On Monday, the court is considering an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-environment-lakes-pollution-water-pollution-31034c1d9df1a63cc0841b29ac7a3fe1">important water rights case</a>&nbsp;that could limit federal regulation under the nation’s main water pollution law, the Clean Water Act.Other significant cases include a controversial Republican-led appeal that could dramatically&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-us-supreme-court-north-carolina-election-2020-state-courts-712d5aa719884bab9652d3c132ee56c6">change the way elections for Congress and the presidency are conducted by handing more power to state legislatures</a>. There's also the case of a Colorado website designer who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-lifestyle-religion-couples-a5edfc7184a85dde5775994b8bd86a7c">says her religious beliefs prevent her working with same-sex couples on their weddings</a>. Next month, the justices will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-religion-affirmative-action-5fd79b529db78daee370de22ae17909f">hear a challenge to the consideration of race in college admissions</a>.___

Supreme Court welcomes the public again, and a new justice

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting.

Just after 5:30p.m. Sunday, police were called to a residence in the 1700 block of E 21st&nbsp;Terrace in Lawrence in reference to a report of criminal damage, according to Lt. Myrone Grady.

While officers were on scene conducting this investigation, they were confronted by an armed subject. Officers discharged their firearms.

Personnel from Lawrence Douglas County Fire and Medical were summoned to the scene and the subject was ultimately pronounced deceased. 

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is in charge of the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664791885534.png" alt="The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is in charge of the investigation" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is in charge of the investigation</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting.Just after 5:30p.m. Sunday, police were called to a residence in the 1700 block of E 21st&nbsp;Terrace in Lawrence in reference to a report of criminal damage, according to Lt. Myrone Grady.While officers were on scene conducting this investigation, they were confronted by an armed subject. Officers discharged their firearms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664792170304.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Personnel from Lawrence Douglas County Fire and Medical were summoned to the scene and the subject was ultimately pronounced deceased. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is in charge of the investigation.

1 dead after Kansas officer-involved shooting

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill that finances the federal government through mid-December and provides another infusion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-mississippi-jackson-water-treatment-f27e853e708d62ae070e2ac2d91e2388">military and economic aid to Ukraine</a>&nbsp;after lawmakers acted to avert a partial government shutdown set to begin after midnight Friday.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 230-201. Republicans overwhelmingly opposed the measure. Some wanted to extend government funding into January when, based on the results of the midterm elections, it’s possible they’ll have more leverage over setting federal spending for the full fiscal year. Others argued the measure needed to do more to address border security.

Democrats said passing the bill was important to helping Ukraine as well as victims of recent natural disasters in the U.S.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-ian-impact-path-d4db93bcac5af1134e31a3b7f2f694f0">including Hurricane Ian</a>, as it provides a Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster fund with a year’s worth of money up front rather than for two-and-a-half months.

“Turn on the news. Look&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricanes-florida-fort-myers-climate-and-environment-hurricane-ian-d88814414fc15b1b91158026fd4eb9a6">what’s happening in Florida</a>&nbsp;right now. Look at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/floods-storms-hurricanes-bermuda-puerto-rico-e4066589502b4b2a0a441308216c7ed4">what happened to Puerto Rico</a>. Look at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/floods-storms-weather-patterns-typhoons-438fe387b3e5c8047bf052fb13756d8b">what’s happening in Alaska</a>. I mean, people need help,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass. “And look at what’s happening in Ukraine. Do we support helping preserve democracy in Ukraine or not? That’s what’s at stake here.”

But Republicans complained the bill brought to the floor was not subject to bipartisan negotiations in the House and didn’t reflect their priorities.

“We know we have a crisis on the southern border. You can turn on the television every night. You can look at the fentanyl pouring into the country, You can see the tragedy of human trafficking. Is there anything in this bill that asks us to do anything different, anything new?” said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. “No, you just ask, ’please allow us to continue the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-border-patrols-us-customs-and-protection-7664c5c25eae908a961e0d3da5c5fcfa">current state of affairs on the southern border</a>.′ That is a travesty.”

In the end, support for the bill was unanimous among Democratic lawmakers. Only 10 Republican lawmakers joined them in voting yes.

Former President Donald Trump responded to the bill’s passage with a racist message on his social media platform attacking Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and his Asian American wife, who also served in Trump’s administration as a Cabinet secretary. Trump ominously wrote that McConnell has a “death wish.”

The bill finances the federal government through Dec. 16 and buys lawmakers more time to agree on legislation setting spending levels for the 2023 fiscal year. The bill generally keeps spending at current levels, though it does provide more than $12.3 billion in Ukraine-related aid. The money will go to provide training, equipment and logistics support for the Ukraine military, help Ukraine’s government provide basic services to its citizens and replenish U.S. weapons systems and munitions.

“This contribution ensures we continue upholding our moral responsibility to support the people of Ukraine in the face of a vicious invasion that continues to demand decisive action by us,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the Democratic chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

Disaster assistance was also attached to the stopgap bill, including $2.5 billion to help&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-politics-fires-santa-fe-forests-d02a0a5f63f0f03b75450afc6048aa57">New Mexico communities recover from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire</a>, the largest wildfire in the state’s history; $2 billion for a block grant program that aids the economic recovery of communities impacted by recent disasters; and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/floods-mississippi-tate-reeves-jackson-climate-and-environment-3cc65dd4bdc83e8c48a7aeee8b76bd8d">$20 million for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements previously authorized for Jackson, Mississippi</a>.

“We cannot leave communities behind that are still picking up the pieces from disastrous floods, wildfires and hurricane, and even basic water system failures,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla.

The bill would provide an additional $1 billion for a program that helps low-income households heat their homes. And it would transfer $3 billion from a Pentagon aid program to the State Department for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-russia-ukraine-united-states-immigration-477d06070766db3800efd03528c845ec">continued Afghan resettlement operations.</a>

Lawmakers also included a reauthorization of the Food and Drug Administration’s user fee agreements for five years, which ensures the agency can continue critical product safety reviews and won’t need to issue pink slips for thousands of employees working on drug and medical device applications.

One thing missing from the bill is the billions of dollars in additional funding that Biden sought to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-d595f46db6a300b31a8ae8e11d3da3f8">aid the response to COVID-19 and monkeypox</a>. Republicans criticized the health spending as unnecessary. The White House said the money would have been used to accelerate the research and development of vaccines and therapeutics, prepare for future COVID variants and support the global response.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill that finances the federal government through mid-December and provides another infusion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-mississippi-jackson-water-treatment-f27e853e708d62ae070e2ac2d91e2388">military and economic aid to Ukraine</a>&nbsp;after lawmakers acted to avert a partial government shutdown set to begin after midnight Friday.The bill passed the House by a vote of 230-201. Republicans overwhelmingly opposed the measure. Some wanted to extend government funding into January when, based on the results of the midterm elections, it’s possible they’ll have more leverage over setting federal spending for the full fiscal year. Others argued the measure needed to do more to address border security.Democrats said passing the bill was important to helping Ukraine as well as victims of recent natural disasters in the U.S.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-ian-impact-path-d4db93bcac5af1134e31a3b7f2f694f0">including Hurricane Ian</a>, as it provides a Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster fund with a year’s worth of money up front rather than for two-and-a-half months.“Turn on the news. Look&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricanes-florida-fort-myers-climate-and-environment-hurricane-ian-d88814414fc15b1b91158026fd4eb9a6">what’s happening in Florida</a>&nbsp;right now. Look at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/floods-storms-hurricanes-bermuda-puerto-rico-e4066589502b4b2a0a441308216c7ed4">what happened to Puerto Rico</a>. Look at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/floods-storms-weather-patterns-typhoons-438fe387b3e5c8047bf052fb13756d8b">what’s happening in Alaska</a>. I mean, people need help,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass. “And look at what’s happening in Ukraine. Do we support helping preserve democracy in Ukraine or not? That’s what’s at stake here.”But Republicans complained the bill brought to the floor was not subject to bipartisan negotiations in the House and didn’t reflect their priorities.“We know we have a crisis on the southern border. You can turn on the television every night. You can look at the fentanyl pouring into the country, You can see the tragedy of human trafficking. Is there anything in this bill that asks us to do anything different, anything new?” said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. “No, you just ask, ’please allow us to continue the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-border-patrols-us-customs-and-protection-7664c5c25eae908a961e0d3da5c5fcfa">current state of affairs on the southern border</a>.′ That is a travesty.”In the end, support for the bill was unanimous among Democratic lawmakers. Only 10 Republican lawmakers joined them in voting yes.Former President Donald Trump responded to the bill’s passage with a racist message on his social media platform attacking Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and his Asian American wife, who also served in Trump’s administration as a Cabinet secretary. Trump ominously wrote that McConnell has a “death wish.”The bill finances the federal government through Dec. 16 and buys lawmakers more time to agree on legislation setting spending levels for the 2023 fiscal year. The bill generally keeps spending at current levels, though it does provide more than $12.3 billion in Ukraine-related aid. The money will go to provide training, equipment and logistics support for the Ukraine military, help Ukraine’s government provide basic services to its citizens and replenish U.S. weapons systems and munitions.“This contribution ensures we continue upholding our moral responsibility to support the people of Ukraine in the face of a vicious invasion that continues to demand decisive action by us,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the Democratic chair of the House Appropriations Committee.Disaster assistance was also attached to the stopgap bill, including $2.5 billion to help&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-politics-fires-santa-fe-forests-d02a0a5f63f0f03b75450afc6048aa57">New Mexico communities recover from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire</a>, the largest wildfire in the state’s history; $2 billion for a block grant program that aids the economic recovery of communities impacted by recent disasters; and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/floods-mississippi-tate-reeves-jackson-climate-and-environment-3cc65dd4bdc83e8c48a7aeee8b76bd8d">$20 million for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements previously authorized for Jackson, Mississippi</a>.“We cannot leave communities behind that are still picking up the pieces from disastrous floods, wildfires and hurricane, and even basic water system failures,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla.The bill would provide an additional $1 billion for a program that helps low-income households heat their homes. And it would transfer $3 billion from a Pentagon aid program to the State Department for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-russia-ukraine-united-states-immigration-477d06070766db3800efd03528c845ec">continued Afghan resettlement operations.</a>Lawmakers also included a reauthorization of the Food and Drug Administration’s user fee agreements for five years, which ensures the agency can continue critical product safety reviews and won’t need to issue pink slips for thousands of employees working on drug and medical device applications.One thing missing from the bill is the billions of dollars in additional funding that Biden sought to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-d595f46db6a300b31a8ae8e11d3da3f8">aid the response to COVID-19 and monkeypox</a>. Republicans criticized the health spending as unnecessary. The White House said the money would have been used to accelerate the research and development of vaccines and therapeutics, prepare for future COVID variants and support the global response.

Biden signs bill to avert shutdown, send $12B more to Ukraine

GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide in Junction City have made an arrest.

Just before 2 a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the 900 block of North Washington for a report of shots fired, according to a media release.&nbsp;Upon arrival officers located&nbsp;38-year-old Justin J. Rose of Junction City suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to the Geary Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Following an extensive investigation, police identified 34-year-old Joshua Stugis as the primary suspect. Just before 8a.m. Sunday, the Missouri State Highway Patrol located and initiated a traffic stop on Sturgis for alleged driving while intoxicated in St. Charles County Missouri, according patrol.&nbsp;

Junction City Police Department Detectives then traveled and placed&nbsp; Sturgis under arrested on requested charges of 2nd Degree Murder and 2 Counts of Aggravated Assault

Sturgis is currently being held in Saint Charles County Missouri on a $1,000,000 bond pending extradition.&nbsp;

GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Junction City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664793296546.png" alt="Sturgis-photo St. Charles Co." />
 <figcaption>Sturgis-photo St. Charles Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide in Junction City have made an arrest.Just before 2 a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the 900 block of North Washington for a report of shots fired, according to a media release.&nbsp;Upon arrival officers located&nbsp;38-year-old Justin J. Rose of Junction City suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to the Geary Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Following an extensive investigation, police identified 34-year-old Joshua Stugis as the primary suspect. Just before 8a.m. Sunday, the Missouri State Highway Patrol located and initiated a traffic stop on Sturgis for alleged driving while intoxicated in St. Charles County Missouri, according patrol.&nbsp;Junction City Police Department Detectives then traveled and placed&nbsp; Sturgis under arrested on requested charges of 2nd Degree Murder and 2 Counts of Aggravated AssaultSturgis is currently being held in Saint Charles County Missouri on a $1,000,000 bond pending extradition.&nbsp;--------GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Junction City.Just before 2 a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the 900 block of North Washington for a report of shots fired, according to a media release.Upon arrival officers located one male subject suffering from a gunshot wound. This individual was transported to the Geary Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The victim has been identified as 38-year-old Justin J. Rose of Junction City. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Junction City Police Department at (785) 762-5912 or submit a tip through the crime stoppers hotline (785) 762-8477. Information submitted that helps lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward through Crime Stoppers. No further information is available at this time.