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.

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.

<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.

Kansas murder suspect captured after DWI arrest in Missouri

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.

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 ask for help to locate vehicle in fatal Kan. hit-and-run

UPDATE: The Silver Alert has been canceled. Ruth Knapp has been located safely

COFFEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have issued a Silver Alert for 68-year-old&nbsp; Ruth Knapp, according to the Burlington Kansas Police Department.

She was reported missing from Burlington Sunday afternoon. 

Knapp is described as 5-foot-3 inches tall, 160 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is bipolar and has depression and dementia. She is believed to be on foot. She left her vehicle, wallet and phone behind.

Police had no clothing description.&nbsp; &nbsp;Please call the Sheriff's dispatch - 620-364-2123 if you see her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664762545023.png" alt="Knapp-photo Burlington Police" />
 <figcaption>Knapp-photo Burlington Police</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: The Silver Alert has been canceled. Ruth Knapp has been located safely--------COFFEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have issued a Silver Alert for 68-year-old&nbsp; Ruth Knapp, according to the Burlington Kansas Police Department.She was reported missing from Burlington Sunday afternoon. Knapp is described as 5-foot-3 inches tall, 160 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is bipolar and has depression and dementia. She is believed to be on foot. She left her vehicle, wallet and phone behind.Police had no clothing description.&nbsp; &nbsp;Please call the Sheriff's dispatch - 620-364-2123 if you see her.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled for missing Kansas woman

KANSAS CITY—A&nbsp; Kansas City man has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of John L. Greer on Aug. 19, 2022, in the 3500 block of Wayne Avenue, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Nathaniel Carter, 21, faces Murder in the 2nd Degree, or in the alternative, Assault in the 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.

According to court records, Kansas City police responded on Aug. 19, 2022, to a home in the 3500 block of Wayne Avenue in Kansas City on a reported shooting.

Officers found the<a href="https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/25688501/john-greer"> victim, John L. Greer,</a> deceased on the floor of the house.

According to the prosecutor's office Carter was with a friend when the friend began to fight with Greer.&nbsp; Carter fired a shot into the Greer's back. As the victim ran away, the friend 21-year-old Davon Canady grabbed the gun from&nbsp; Carter and fired a second shot at the victim, hitting him a second time in the back. Carter and Canady then left the residence.

&nbsp;Canady was charged in this homicide earlier in September.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664480165153.png" alt="Carter photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Carter photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A&nbsp; Kansas City man has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of John L. Greer on Aug. 19, 2022, in the 3500 block of Wayne Avenue, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Nathaniel Carter, 21, faces Murder in the 2nd Degree, or in the alternative, Assault in the 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.According to court records, Kansas City police responded on Aug. 19, 2022, to a home in the 3500 block of Wayne Avenue in Kansas City on a reported shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664480790178.png" alt="Canady-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Canady-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure> Officers found the<a href="https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/25688501/john-greer"> victim, John L. Greer,</a> deceased on the floor of the house. According to the prosecutor's office Carter was with a friend when the friend began to fight with Greer.&nbsp; Carter fired a shot into the Greer's back. As the victim ran away, the friend 21-year-old Davon Canady grabbed the gun from&nbsp; Carter and fired a second shot at the victim, hitting him a second time in the back. Carter and Canady then left the residence.&nbsp;Canady was charged in this homicide earlier in September.

2 Kansas City suspects took turns shooting 23-year-old victim

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a hit-and-run accident and after asking the public for help to locate a pickup and driver have made an arrest.

On Sunday afternoon, police arrested&nbsp;Orie N. Holt, 35, Nortonville, on requested charges of failure to stop at an accident that resulted in great bodily harm, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Just after 6:40p.m. Saturday police responded to an injury accident at 14th and U.S.59 involving a pedestrian and a pick-up truck that had left the scene, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Richard Burge, 42, Atchison, was walking southbound across U.S.59 when he was struck by westbound pickup truck.

The truck continued westbound on U.S.59 without stopping. Burge sustained serious injuries. EMS transported him to Amberwell Hospital and subsequently he was air-lifted to a Kansas City hospital.&nbsp;

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run accident and asking the public for help to locate a pickup and driver.

Police are searching for a black Ford pick-up truck in connection with the accident, according to Wilson.&nbsp; The police department released a security camera image of the vehicle early Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664719548847.png" alt="Police were searching for this black Ford pick-up truck that struck a pedestrian at 14th and U.S.59 at 6:40PM on October 1, and left the scene without stopping." />
 <figcaption>Police were searching for this black Ford pick-up truck that struck a pedestrian at 14th and U.S.59 at 6:40PM on October 1, and left the scene without stopping.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a hit-and-run accident and after asking the public for help to locate a pickup and driver have made an arrest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664751791068.png" alt="Holt-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Holt-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Sunday afternoon, police arrested&nbsp;Orie N. Holt, 35, Nortonville, on requested charges of failure to stop at an accident that resulted in great bodily harm, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Just after 6:40p.m. Saturday police responded to an injury accident at 14th and U.S.59 involving a pedestrian and a pick-up truck that had left the scene, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Richard Burge, 42, Atchison, was walking southbound across U.S.59 when he was struck by westbound pickup truck.The truck continued westbound on U.S.59 without stopping. Burge sustained serious injuries. EMS transported him to Amberwell Hospital and subsequently he was air-lifted to a Kansas City hospital.&nbsp;--------------ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run accident and asking the public for help to locate a pickup and driver.Just after 6:40p.m. Saturday police responded to an injury accident at 14th and U.S.59 involving a pedestrian and a pick-up truck that had left the scene, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Richard Burge, 42, Atchison, was walking southbound across U.S.59 when he was struck by westbound pickup truck.The truck continued westbound on U.S.59 without stopping. Burge sustained serious injuries. EMS transported him to Amberwell Hospital and subsequently he was air-lifted to a Kansas City hospital.&nbsp;Police are searching for a black Ford pick-up truck in connection with the accident, according to Wilson.&nbsp; The police department released a security camera image of the vehicle early Sunday.

Kan. man jailed after hit-and-run that critically injured man

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a burglary.

Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, police were conducting an area check at 605 SW Fairlawn Road, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

 While conducting this check, officers heard the sounds of a reciprocating saw being operated inside of the building.

Officers followed this sound and located a man inside of the building. 

As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the man identified as 34-year-old Ryan Lemon of Topeka had burglarized the building.

Officers arrested Lemon on requested charges of Burglary, Theft and Criminal Damage to property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664467052526.png" alt="Lemon" />
 <figcaption>Lemon</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a burglary.Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, police were conducting an area check at 605 SW Fairlawn Road, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley. While conducting this check, officers heard the sounds of a reciprocating saw being operated inside of the building.Officers followed this sound and located a man inside of the building. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the man identified as 34-year-old Ryan Lemon of Topeka had burglarized the building.Officers arrested Lemon on requested charges of Burglary, Theft and Criminal Damage to property.

Police: Kan. man caught using a saw during business burglary

By JARED STRONG <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/usda-hopes-to-boost-fertilizer-production-as-soon-as-next-year/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $500 million to 
increase domestic fertilizer production, doubling its previous 
commitment, the agency announced.

The federal dollars would boost long-term projects and ready-to-go proposals that might have an effect as early as next year.

Some of the first projects to get funding from the Fertilizer 
Production Expansion Program are likely to include fertilizer plants 
that are already under construction and could be completed more quickly 
with an infusion of cash, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said
 Tuesday.

“There are facilities that have been underway, are in construction, 
where opportunities may be accelerated to be able to deal with more 
product in 2023 or 2024,” he told reporters.

Vilsack mentioned an unspecified Michigan facility that might be a 
candidate for the funding. The Michigan Potash &amp; Salt Company was 
expected to start construction this year on a $1.1 billion facility to 
process potash that is mined in the state, and one of the company’s 
executives&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://brownfieldagnews.com/news/michigan-potash-plans-to-break-ground-in-coming-months-on-a-billion-dollar-processing-plant/">has said</a>&nbsp;the new federal funding would help the long-awaited project advance.

Potash — a potassium compound — is one of the most widely used 
fertilizers in agriculture. The United States is not a major global 
producer of it, according to USDA data. Canada, Russia and Belarus have 
accounted for about two-thirds of global production.

Michigan Potash has said its facility will have the capacity to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/michigan-potash-stands-to-replace-russian-potash-fertilizer-imports-301497352.html">fully supplant</a>&nbsp;Russian imports of the fertilizer, but full production isn’t expected for three years.

The company did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.

The federal funding for fertilizer production is a result of costs that spiked&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/11/08/high-cost-short-supply-of-fertilizer-to-alter-2022-planting/">in late 2021</a>&nbsp;and
 early 2022. Those prices have subsided somewhat but are still about 
double what they were at the start of 2021, according to a Green 
Markets’&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fertilizerpricing.com/priceindex/">fertilizer price index</a>.

The price increases were driven by a number of factors, including 
shortages of natural gas used to make nitrogen fertilizers, limited 
fertilizer stockpiles and production disruptions caused by an August 
2021 hurricane that struck Louisiana. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 
exacerbated the problem.

So in March, the USDA announced a new grant program to increase 
domestic production with an eye toward supporting new, independent 
operations. The Biden administration has sought to reduce consolidation 
in agriculture-related industries.

The USDA is expected to start soliciting grant applications soon for 
awards ranging from $1 million to $100 million, Vilsack said.

A first group of applications due within 45 days will be geared 
toward projects that might increase fertilizer supplies in 2023 and 
2024. A second round of applications due within 90 days will be for 
longer-term projects.

The grants will be paid through the Commodity Credit Corporation, 
which has traditionally funded loans and payments to farmers and 
conservations programs of the farm bill. Earlier this month, the USDA 
announced CCC money would be used to support a more than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/09/14/usda-more-than-triples-funding-for-climate-smart-agriculture/">$3 billion “climate smart” program</a>. At the time, Vilsack said the CCC has sufficient funds to support the new programs and fulfill its farm bill obligations.

The fertilizer grant program is part of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/08/18/biden-administration-plays-long-game-for-agriculture-and-trade/">a longer-term strategy</a>&nbsp;to reduce prices and the country’s reliance on foreign products. The Biden administration has resisted calls&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/07/29/ag-groups-want-tariff-lifted-on-moroccan-fertilizer/">to cut tariffs</a>&nbsp;on
 certain fertilizers to help alleviate the recent high costs, saying the
 short-term benefits do not outweigh long-term trade goals.

Vilsack said increased domestic fertilizer production combined with 
better techniques to avoid the excessive use of fertilizers will help 
stabilize supplies and farmers’ costs.

“We’re excited about this,” he said of the new grant program. “We 
think it’s going to help reduce the cost, increase the supply, maybe 
generate opportunities for farmer-owned cooperatives as well.”

The USDA is set to hold two online seminars to explain the&nbsp; Fertilizer Production Expansion Program&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_dTRONOeRRVu2aTEvGjwx6A">on Oct. 4</a>&nbsp;and how to apply&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_dUsGJWFZQtGuh_BWcC7EZQ">on Oct. 6</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664372269646.png" alt="U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said $500 million of new federal grants will support domestic fertilizer production. (Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)." />
 <figcaption>U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said $500 million of new federal grants will support domestic fertilizer production. (Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JARED STRONG <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/usda-hopes-to-boost-fertilizer-production-as-soon-as-next-year/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $500 million to 
increase domestic fertilizer production, doubling its previous 
commitment, the agency announced.The federal dollars would boost long-term projects and ready-to-go proposals that might have an effect as early as next year.Some of the first projects to get funding from the Fertilizer 
Production Expansion Program are likely to include fertilizer plants 
that are already under construction and could be completed more quickly 
with an infusion of cash, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said
 Tuesday.“There are facilities that have been underway, are in construction, 
where opportunities may be accelerated to be able to deal with more 
product in 2023 or 2024,” he told reporters.Vilsack mentioned an unspecified Michigan facility that might be a 
candidate for the funding. The Michigan Potash &amp; Salt Company was 
expected to start construction this year on a $1.1 billion facility to 
process potash that is mined in the state, and one of the company’s 
executives&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://brownfieldagnews.com/news/michigan-potash-plans-to-break-ground-in-coming-months-on-a-billion-dollar-processing-plant/">has said</a>&nbsp;the new federal funding would help the long-awaited project advance.Potash — a potassium compound — is one of the most widely used 
fertilizers in agriculture. The United States is not a major global 
producer of it, according to USDA data. Canada, Russia and Belarus have 
accounted for about two-thirds of global production.Michigan Potash has said its facility will have the capacity to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/michigan-potash-stands-to-replace-russian-potash-fertilizer-imports-301497352.html">fully supplant</a>&nbsp;Russian imports of the fertilizer, but full production isn’t expected for three years.The company did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.The federal funding for fertilizer production is a result of costs that spiked&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/11/08/high-cost-short-supply-of-fertilizer-to-alter-2022-planting/">in late 2021</a>&nbsp;and
 early 2022. Those prices have subsided somewhat but are still about 
double what they were at the start of 2021, according to a Green 
Markets’&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fertilizerpricing.com/priceindex/">fertilizer price index</a>.The price increases were driven by a number of factors, including 
shortages of natural gas used to make nitrogen fertilizers, limited 
fertilizer stockpiles and production disruptions caused by an August 
2021 hurricane that struck Louisiana. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 
exacerbated the problem.So in March, the USDA announced a new grant program to increase 
domestic production with an eye toward supporting new, independent 
operations. The Biden administration has sought to reduce consolidation 
in agriculture-related industries.The USDA is expected to start soliciting grant applications soon for 
awards ranging from $1 million to $100 million, Vilsack said.A first group of applications due within 45 days will be geared 
toward projects that might increase fertilizer supplies in 2023 and 
2024. A second round of applications due within 90 days will be for 
longer-term projects.The grants will be paid through the Commodity Credit Corporation, 
which has traditionally funded loans and payments to farmers and 
conservations programs of the farm bill. Earlier this month, the USDA 
announced CCC money would be used to support a more than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/09/14/usda-more-than-triples-funding-for-climate-smart-agriculture/">$3 billion “climate smart” program</a>. At the time, Vilsack said the CCC has sufficient funds to support the new programs and fulfill its farm bill obligations.The fertilizer grant program is part of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/08/18/biden-administration-plays-long-game-for-agriculture-and-trade/">a longer-term strategy</a>&nbsp;to reduce prices and the country’s reliance on foreign products. The Biden administration has resisted calls&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/07/29/ag-groups-want-tariff-lifted-on-moroccan-fertilizer/">to cut tariffs</a>&nbsp;on
 certain fertilizers to help alleviate the recent high costs, saying the
 short-term benefits do not outweigh long-term trade goals.Vilsack said increased domestic fertilizer production combined with 
better techniques to avoid the excessive use of fertilizers will help 
stabilize supplies and farmers’ costs.“We’re excited about this,” he said of the new grant program. “We 
think it’s going to help reduce the cost, increase the supply, maybe 
generate opportunities for farmer-owned cooperatives as well.”The USDA is set to hold two online seminars to explain the&nbsp; Fertilizer Production Expansion Program&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_dTRONOeRRVu2aTEvGjwx6A">on Oct. 4</a>&nbsp;and how to apply&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_dUsGJWFZQtGuh_BWcC7EZQ">on Oct. 6</a>.

USDA hopes to boost fertilizer production as soon as next year

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.

Police ID fatal shooting victim in Junction City

By MILI MANSARAY <a href="https://thebeacon.media/stories/2022/09/28/kansas-city-uber-drivers/">Kansas City Beacon</a>

April Shabazz began driving for Uber full time this summer. The job 
wasn’t new for her. Rideshare driving had been her side gig for three 
years, along with work as a tax preparer.

Shabazz, a member of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/StandUpKc">Stand Up KC</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.moworkers.org/">Missouri Workers Center</a>,
 likes Uber’s flexible schedule. It enables her to work around some 
health issues and frequent medical visits.&nbsp; She still has grievances 
with the company, however.

“Honestly, I’m not gonna say that I really feel valued as a driver,” she said.

Shabazz is not alone in that sentiment. Coming out of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, and following a summer of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeacon.media/stories/2022/07/01/kc-gas-prices/">heightened gas prices</a>,
 many rideshare drivers say they do not feel valued by their companies. 
They say large commission cuts, few resources&nbsp; and a lack of corporate 
transparency make their jobs harder, especially in a place like Kansas 
City, where competition for customers can be cutthroat.

While rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft do not share localized data on their numbers of drivers,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://therideshareguy.com/how-many-uber-drivers-are-there/">The RideShare Guy</a>&nbsp;(RSG),
 a blog about the rideshare gig economy, estimates that approximately 
1.5 million drivers represent Uber and Lyft in the United States.

Overall, 16% of Americans have earned money at one time or another via an online gig platform, according to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/12/08/the-state-of-gig-work-in-2021/pi_2021-12-08_gig-work_0-01/">Pew Research Center</a>. Fifty-eight percent of gig employees rely on their gig jobs to meet basic needs.

RSG estimates that about 1% of the working adult population of the 
U.S. is involved in some sort of gig job, according to Sergio Avedian, 
senior contributor at the blog.

While Uber alone has added 640,000 drivers to its Uber and Uber Eats 
platforms since January 2021, it has not been able to retain most of its
 drivers and has to continually replenish its driver base. About half of
 Uber’s drivers quit after just one year, according to the RideShare Guy
 platform.

“Unfortunately, from the first day, Uber and Lyft had this attitude 
of churn and burn,” Avedian said. “We don’t care if we lose a million 
drivers this year, because there’s another million waiting&nbsp; to join the 
platforms.”

Drivers make less while the apps charge more

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.uber.com/gh/en/drive/basics/tracking-your-earnings/">Uber</a>&nbsp;claims
 that it charges its drivers a 25% fee on all fares. But after 
accounting for other additional fees deducted from the fare, such as 
booking, safe ride and marketplace fees, the percentage taken from 
drivers is much higher.

“Since 2019, the fares that Uber and Lyft are charging passengers 
have gone up anywhere between 60 and 70 percent throughout the country, 
depending on the city,” said Avedian.

“They are charging a lot more and they are paying a lot less.”

The company no longer produces a receipt showing the breakdown of 
what the trip cost, what fees are deducted and what the driver will 
receive.&nbsp; Instead it shows an aggregate total of trips and driver 
earnings over a given period. The amount that Uber has taken off the 
individual fare is not available, although the company has said it is 
working on a plan that would give drivers more information up front.

“Less transparency is definitely happening,” Avedian said.

Drivers are also not compensated for gas, and while the price of gas has fallen from its summer peak, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeacon.media/stories/2022/09/20/kansas-city-minimum-wage/">higher cost of living</a>&nbsp;post-pandemic continues makes it difficult for drivers to break even with these fees.

Erica Downey, who lives in Wyandotte County, drives for the food 
delivery platform DoorDash, which does break down fees for drivers but 
does not compensate them for fuel costs until they reach five years’ 
seniority. Drivers for the app receive a base pay depending on the 
distance, estimated time of delivery and other factors. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://help.doordash.com/dashers/s/article/How-is-Dasher-pay-calculated?language=en_US">minimum</a>&nbsp;payment is $2.

“That’s not even the price of one whole gallon of gas,” Downey said. 
Over the summer, she experienced days where the amount she made from 
driving was the same amount she had to spend on gas.

“It doesn’t seem like it’s a fair wage,” she said. “It’s not just the
 gas prices here. It’s the way that DoorDash pays you as well.”

Downey started declining orders under $5, which has decreased her 
acceptance rate, resulting in her receiving fewer orders as she is now 
one of the last drivers to be notified of nearby orders.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664572372886.png" alt="Rideshare drivers in Kansas City’s gig market want more protections from companies" />
 <figcaption>Rideshare drivers in Kansas City’s gig market want more protections from companies</figcaption>
 </figure>By MILI MANSARAY <a href="https://thebeacon.media/stories/2022/09/28/kansas-city-uber-drivers/">Kansas City Beacon</a>April Shabazz began driving for Uber full time this summer. The job 
wasn’t new for her. Rideshare driving had been her side gig for three 
years, along with work as a tax preparer.Shabazz, a member of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/StandUpKc">Stand Up KC</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.moworkers.org/">Missouri Workers Center</a>,
 likes Uber’s flexible schedule. It enables her to work around some 
health issues and frequent medical visits.&nbsp; She still has grievances 
with the company, however.“Honestly, I’m not gonna say that I really feel valued as a driver,” she said.Shabazz is not alone in that sentiment. Coming out of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, and following a summer of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeacon.media/stories/2022/07/01/kc-gas-prices/">heightened gas prices</a>,
 many rideshare drivers say they do not feel valued by their companies. 
They say large commission cuts, few resources&nbsp; and a lack of corporate 
transparency make their jobs harder, especially in a place like Kansas 
City, where competition for customers can be cutthroat.While rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft do not share localized data on their numbers of drivers,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://therideshareguy.com/how-many-uber-drivers-are-there/">The RideShare Guy</a>&nbsp;(RSG),
 a blog about the rideshare gig economy, estimates that approximately 
1.5 million drivers represent Uber and Lyft in the United States.Overall, 16% of Americans have earned money at one time or another via an online gig platform, according to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/12/08/the-state-of-gig-work-in-2021/pi_2021-12-08_gig-work_0-01/">Pew Research Center</a>. Fifty-eight percent of gig employees rely on their gig jobs to meet basic needs.RSG estimates that about 1% of the working adult population of the 
U.S. is involved in some sort of gig job, according to Sergio Avedian, 
senior contributor at the blog.While Uber alone has added 640,000 drivers to its Uber and Uber Eats 
platforms since January 2021, it has not been able to retain most of its
 drivers and has to continually replenish its driver base. About half of
 Uber’s drivers quit after just one year, according to the RideShare Guy
 platform.“Unfortunately, from the first day, Uber and Lyft had this attitude 
of churn and burn,” Avedian said. “We don’t care if we lose a million 
drivers this year, because there’s another million waiting&nbsp; to join the 
platforms.”<h2>Drivers make less while the apps charge more</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://www.uber.com/gh/en/drive/basics/tracking-your-earnings/">Uber</a>&nbsp;claims
 that it charges its drivers a 25% fee on all fares. But after 
accounting for other additional fees deducted from the fare, such as 
booking, safe ride and marketplace fees, the percentage taken from 
drivers is much higher.“Since 2019, the fares that Uber and Lyft are charging passengers 
have gone up anywhere between 60 and 70 percent throughout the country, 
depending on the city,” said Avedian.“They are charging a lot more and they are paying a lot less.”The company no longer produces a receipt showing the breakdown of 
what the trip cost, what fees are deducted and what the driver will 
receive.&nbsp; Instead it shows an aggregate total of trips and driver 
earnings over a given period. The amount that Uber has taken off the 
individual fare is not available, although the company has said it is 
working on a plan that would give drivers more information up front.“Less transparency is definitely happening,” Avedian said.Drivers are also not compensated for gas, and while the price of gas has fallen from its summer peak, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeacon.media/stories/2022/09/20/kansas-city-minimum-wage/">higher cost of living</a>&nbsp;post-pandemic continues makes it difficult for drivers to break even with these fees.Erica Downey, who lives in Wyandotte County, drives for the food 
delivery platform DoorDash, which does break down fees for drivers but 
does not compensate them for fuel costs until they reach five years’ 
seniority. Drivers for the app receive a base pay depending on the 
distance, estimated time of delivery and other factors. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://help.doordash.com/dashers/s/article/How-is-Dasher-pay-calculated?language=en_US">minimum</a>&nbsp;payment is $2.“That’s not even the price of one whole gallon of gas,” Downey said. 
Over the summer, she experienced days where the amount she made from 
driving was the same amount she had to spend on gas.“It doesn’t seem like it’s a fair wage,” she said. “It’s not just the
 gas prices here. It’s the way that DoorDash pays you as well.”Downey started declining orders under $5, which has decreased her 
acceptance rate, resulting in her receiving fewer orders as she is now 
one of the last drivers to be notified of nearby orders.“Since 2019, the fares that Uber and Lyft are charging passengers 
have gone up anywhere between 60 and 70 percent throughout the country, 
depending on the city,” said Avedian.“They are charging a lot more and they are paying a lot less.”The company no longer produces a receipt showing the breakdown of 
what the trip cost, what fees are deducted and what the driver will 
receive.&nbsp; Instead it shows an aggregate total of trips and driver 
earnings over a given period. The amount that Uber has taken off the 
individual fare is not available, although the company has said it is 
working on a plan that would give drivers more information up front.“Less transparency is definitely happening,” Avedian said.Drivers are also not compensated for gas, and while the price of gas has fallen from its summer peak, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeacon.media/stories/2022/09/20/kansas-city-minimum-wage/">higher cost of living</a>&nbsp;post-pandemic continues makes it difficult for drivers to break even with these fees.Erica Downey, who lives in Wyandotte County, drives for the food 
delivery platform DoorDash, which does break down fees for drivers but 
does not compensate them for fuel costs until they reach five years’ 
seniority. Drivers for the app receive a base pay depending on the 
distance, estimated time of delivery and other factors. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://help.doordash.com/dashers/s/article/How-is-Dasher-pay-calculated?language=en_US">minimum</a>&nbsp;payment is $2.“That’s not even the price of one whole gallon of gas,” Downey said. 
Over the summer, she experienced days where the amount she made from 
driving was the same amount she had to spend on gas.“It doesn’t seem like it’s a fair wage,” she said. “It’s not just the
 gas prices here. It’s the way that DoorDash pays you as well.”Downey started declining orders under $5, which has decreased her 
acceptance rate, resulting in her receiving fewer orders as she is now 
one of the last drivers to be notified of nearby orders.

Rideshare drivers in KC’s gig market want more protections

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20CRARY%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID CRARY AP National Writer</a>

One member of Rabbi David Wolpe’s diverse congregation left because Wolpe would not preach sermons criticizing Donald Trump. Scores of others left over resentment with the synagogue’s rules for combating COVID-19. But Wolpe remains steadfast in his resolve to avoid politics when he preaches at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles.

“It is not easy to keep people comfortable with each other and as part of one community,” he said. “A great failing of modern American society is that people get to know each other’s politics before they get to know their humanity.”

Wolpe -- whose congregation includes liberal Democrats and hundreds of conservative Iranian Americans -- is far from alone in facing such challenges. Though many congregations in the U.S. are relatively homogeneous, others are sharply divided. In some cases, divisions are becoming more pronounced as midterm election season heats up, leaving clergy to keep the peace while still meeting the spiritual needs of all of their members.

A Black pastor in Columbus, Ohio — Bishop Timothy Clarke of the First Church of God — says there are “deep divides” in his predominantly African American congregation of more than 2,000. He cited abortion as a particularly divisive topic in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling in June allowing states to ban the procedure.

“There are good people on both sides,” said Clarke, who addressed the congregation’s differences in a recent sermon.

“I talked about the fact God loves everybody, even those you disagree with,” he said.

The Rev. Paul Roberts, senior pastor of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, said his congregation – like many others -- is dealing with one contentious issue after another.

“The whole thing with Trump, Black Lives Matter, the pandemic really has highlighted a sense of uneasiness when you’re covering all these different topics as a church,” he said. “It just seems there isn’t anything that doesn’t have tension over it.”

His church has about 140 regular attendees, a politically and theologically diverse group that’s about half Black and half white. He said a few people left the church over its support for the Black Lives Matter movement, but for the most part it has stayed together.

He attributes that in part to hours of patient dialogue over such issues as mask-wearing and vaccines, which some Black members were wary of because of the history of medical maltreatment of African Americans.

Rabbi Judith Siegal is asking members of her politically divided congregation in Coral Gables, Florida, to sign a code of ethics pledging to respect those with different views.

Newly displayed signs at the synagogue, Temple Judea, hammer home this message.

“No matter who you vote for, your skin color, where you are from, your faith, or who you love, we will be there for one another,” one sign says. “That’s what a community means.”

Siegal said she and her assistant rabbi, Jonathan Fisch, are often asked by members of the Reform congregation to address certain issues

“We’re careful about doing that in a way that’s value-driven, preaching from our tradition and our Torah,” she said. “For example, we know that welcoming immigrants is something that’s important to us as Jews -- but we’re never going to tell anyone how to vote.”

The Rev. Sarah Wilson said her congregation at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in Cary, Illinois, includes Republican business leaders and liberal nurses and teachers. There are partisan differences, as well as conflicting views on abortion, but she aspires to keep political debate out of the church and avoid partisan rhetoric of her own.

“Politics are very important to me -- I vote in every election,” she said. “But I’m not here to tell a person how to vote or who to vote for. If people ask me, even for city council, I don’t do that.”

The congregation at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and its connected Catholic school community is diverse ethnically, economically, and politically, said the Rev. David Boettner, rector of the cathedral and vicar general of the Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Mass is celebrated in five languages, and parishioners and student families speak more than a dozen at home; some are financially well off while others struggle to get by, he said.

“We’ve definitely got folks that belong to the Democratic Party and folks that belong to the Republican Party, and folks that probably don’t belong to either,” Boettner said.

Political issues crop up in conversations at church, but Boettner suspects members are less likely to share polarizing views with him because he is their priest. They share more freely on social media, and he has noticed an increase in political posts as the midterm elections approach. Abortion and religious liberty, including the recent Supreme Court rulings, are prominent, he said.

Boettner said he strives for consistency in preaching about the Catholic teachings on moral, social and economic justice issues, while steering clear of endorsing specific policies. Prayers are offered for all leaders, not just those from a particular party.

“The church is not partisan,” Boettner said. “The Catholic Church is probably a great example of a church that offends both Democrats and Republicans alike.”

In Bluefield, West Virginia, the Rev. Frederick Brown said he has sought “the middle of the road” during nearly three decades as pastor of a diverse but collegial congregation at Faith Center Church.

“Staying in the middle of the road means God thinks it’s all important,” he said. “When you vote, you can vote your convictions -- but don’t attack anyone else’s convictions because they’re different from yours.”

At Sinai Temple, Rabbi Wolpe strives to encourage mutual respect within his congregation. He cites the men’s book club as a positive example: In a recent initiative, it alternated reading a book by a left-of-center author, then a book by a conservative.

Yet Wolpe, 64, says political divisions have become deeply entrenched.

“When I was born, people objected to their children marrying someone from another race but didn’t object to marrying someone from a different political party,” he said. “Now it’s the reverse.”

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20CRARY%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID CRARY AP National Writer</a>One member of Rabbi David Wolpe’s diverse congregation left because Wolpe would not preach sermons criticizing Donald Trump. Scores of others left over resentment with the synagogue’s rules for combating COVID-19. But Wolpe remains steadfast in his resolve to avoid politics when he preaches at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles.“It is not easy to keep people comfortable with each other and as part of one community,” he said. “A great failing of modern American society is that people get to know each other’s politics before they get to know their humanity.”Wolpe -- whose congregation includes liberal Democrats and hundreds of conservative Iranian Americans -- is far from alone in facing such challenges. Though many congregations in the U.S. are relatively homogeneous, others are sharply divided. In some cases, divisions are becoming more pronounced as midterm election season heats up, leaving clergy to keep the peace while still meeting the spiritual needs of all of their members.A Black pastor in Columbus, Ohio — Bishop Timothy Clarke of the First Church of God — says there are “deep divides” in his predominantly African American congregation of more than 2,000. He cited abortion as a particularly divisive topic in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling in June allowing states to ban the procedure.“There are good people on both sides,” said Clarke, who addressed the congregation’s differences in a recent sermon.“I talked about the fact God loves everybody, even those you disagree with,” he said.The Rev. Paul Roberts, senior pastor of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, said his congregation – like many others -- is dealing with one contentious issue after another.“The whole thing with Trump, Black Lives Matter, the pandemic really has highlighted a sense of uneasiness when you’re covering all these different topics as a church,” he said. “It just seems there isn’t anything that doesn’t have tension over it.”His church has about 140 regular attendees, a politically and theologically diverse group that’s about half Black and half white. He said a few people left the church over its support for the Black Lives Matter movement, but for the most part it has stayed together.He attributes that in part to hours of patient dialogue over such issues as mask-wearing and vaccines, which some Black members were wary of because of the history of medical maltreatment of African Americans.Rabbi Judith Siegal is asking members of her politically divided congregation in Coral Gables, Florida, to sign a code of ethics pledging to respect those with different views.Newly displayed signs at the synagogue, Temple Judea, hammer home this message.“No matter who you vote for, your skin color, where you are from, your faith, or who you love, we will be there for one another,” one sign says. “That’s what a community means.”Siegal said she and her assistant rabbi, Jonathan Fisch, are often asked by members of the Reform congregation to address certain issues“We’re careful about doing that in a way that’s value-driven, preaching from our tradition and our Torah,” she said. “For example, we know that welcoming immigrants is something that’s important to us as Jews -- but we’re never going to tell anyone how to vote.”The Rev. Sarah Wilson said her congregation at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in Cary, Illinois, includes Republican business leaders and liberal nurses and teachers. There are partisan differences, as well as conflicting views on abortion, but she aspires to keep political debate out of the church and avoid partisan rhetoric of her own.“Politics are very important to me -- I vote in every election,” she said. “But I’m not here to tell a person how to vote or who to vote for. If people ask me, even for city council, I don’t do that.”The congregation at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and its connected Catholic school community is diverse ethnically, economically, and politically, said the Rev. David Boettner, rector of the cathedral and vicar general of the Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee.Mass is celebrated in five languages, and parishioners and student families speak more than a dozen at home; some are financially well off while others struggle to get by, he said.“We’ve definitely got folks that belong to the Democratic Party and folks that belong to the Republican Party, and folks that probably don’t belong to either,” Boettner said.Political issues crop up in conversations at church, but Boettner suspects members are less likely to share polarizing views with him because he is their priest. They share more freely on social media, and he has noticed an increase in political posts as the midterm elections approach. Abortion and religious liberty, including the recent Supreme Court rulings, are prominent, he said.Boettner said he strives for consistency in preaching about the Catholic teachings on moral, social and economic justice issues, while steering clear of endorsing specific policies. Prayers are offered for all leaders, not just those from a particular party.“The church is not partisan,” Boettner said. “The Catholic Church is probably a great example of a church that offends both Democrats and Republicans alike.”In Bluefield, West Virginia, the Rev. Frederick Brown said he has sought “the middle of the road” during nearly three decades as pastor of a diverse but collegial congregation at Faith Center Church.“Staying in the middle of the road means God thinks it’s all important,” he said. “When you vote, you can vote your convictions -- but don’t attack anyone else’s convictions because they’re different from yours.”At Sinai Temple, Rabbi Wolpe strives to encourage mutual respect within his congregation. He cites the men’s book club as a positive example: In a recent initiative, it alternated reading a book by a left-of-center author, then a book by a conservative.Yet Wolpe, 64, says political divisions have become deeply entrenched.“When I was born, people objected to their children marrying someone from another race but didn’t object to marrying someone from a different political party,” he said. “Now it’s the reverse.”___

Clergy strive to reconcile politically divided congregations

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a suspicious death in Topeka have identified the victim as 63-year-old John Grubb Jr. of Topeka, according to Captain Jerry Monasmith.

Just after 8 a.m. Friday, an individual walked into the Law Enforcement Center and reported finding items under the Interstate 70 Bridge near the intersection of SE Quincy and SE 2nd Street, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz. 

Officers responded and located a Grubb. He was pronounced deceased. Detectives on the scene determined this is a homicide.

Police have not reported an arrest or the cause of death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664552726789.png" alt="Police on the scene of the homicide investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the homicide investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a suspicious death in Topeka have identified the victim as 63-year-old John Grubb Jr. of Topeka, according to Captain Jerry Monasmith.Just after 8 a.m. Friday, an individual walked into the Law Enforcement Center and reported finding items under the Interstate 70 Bridge near the intersection of SE Quincy and SE 2nd Street, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz. Officers responded and located a Grubb. He was pronounced deceased. Detectives on the scene determined this is a homicide.Police have not reported an arrest or the cause of death.

Homicide: Police ID body found under I-70 bridge as Kan. man

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and ARLEIGH RODGERS

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Sixteen-year-old Adismarys Abreu had been discussing a long-lasting birth control implant with her mother for about a year as a potential solution to increasing menstrual pain.

Then Roe v. Wade was overturned, and Abreu joined the throng of teens rushing to their doctors as states began to ban or severely limit abortion.

“I’m definitely not ready to be pregnant,” said Abreu, who had Nexplanon — a reversible, matchstick-sized contraceptive — implanted in her arm in August. Her home state of Florida&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-florida-government-and-politics-e8bdb85e6736085606ba2661c186a1d5">bans most abortions after 15 weeks</a>, and not having that option is “such a scary thought,” she said.

Experts say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the U.S. Supreme Court’s June ruling</a>&nbsp;appears to be accelerating a trend of increased birth control use among teens, including long-acting reversible forms like intrauterine devices and implants. Appointments have surged and Planned Parenthood has been flooded with questions as doctors report demand even among teens who aren’t sexually active.

Some patients are especially fearful because the new abortion laws in several states don’t include exceptions for sexual assault.

“Please, I need some birth control in case I get raped,” patients tell Dr. Judith Simms-Cendan, a pediatric-adolescent gynecologist in Miami, where state law does not provide exceptions for rape or incest after 15 weeks.

Simms-Cendan, the president-elect of the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, said parents who might have been hesitant in the past now want to discuss birth control.

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and ARLEIGH RODGERSKANSAS CITY (AP) —Sixteen-year-old Adismarys Abreu had been discussing a long-lasting birth control implant with her mother for about a year as a potential solution to increasing menstrual pain.Then Roe v. Wade was overturned, and Abreu joined the throng of teens rushing to their doctors as states began to ban or severely limit abortion.“I’m definitely not ready to be pregnant,” said Abreu, who had Nexplanon — a reversible, matchstick-sized contraceptive — implanted in her arm in August. Her home state of Florida&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-florida-government-and-politics-e8bdb85e6736085606ba2661c186a1d5">bans most abortions after 15 weeks</a>, and not having that option is “such a scary thought,” she said.Experts say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the U.S. Supreme Court’s June ruling</a>&nbsp;appears to be accelerating a trend of increased birth control use among teens, including long-acting reversible forms like intrauterine devices and implants. Appointments have surged and Planned Parenthood has been flooded with questions as doctors report demand even among teens who aren’t sexually active.Some patients are especially fearful because the new abortion laws in several states don’t include exceptions for sexual assault.“Please, I need some birth control in case I get raped,” patients tell Dr. Judith Simms-Cendan, a pediatric-adolescent gynecologist in Miami, where state law does not provide exceptions for rape or incest after 15 weeks.Simms-Cendan, the president-elect of the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, said parents who might have been hesitant in the past now want to discuss birth control.“It’s a sea change of, ‘I don’t have room to play. We have got to get my child on something,’” she said.Teens already were shifting to more effective long-acting forms of birth control, which have similar or even lower failure rates than sterilization, said Laura Lindberg, a professor at Rutgers University’s School of Public Health in New Jersey. Her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590151621000113" target="_blank">research</a>&nbsp;found the number of 15- to 19-year-olds using those methods rose to 15% during the period 2015 to 2019, up from 3% during the 2006 to 2010 period.No national data is available for the months since Roe was overturned, said Lindberg, who previously worked for nearly two decades at the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.But she said “major ripple effects” have to be expected from the loss of abortion access and noted that it wouldn’t be the first time politics have led to a shift in birth control usage.In the weeks after former President Donald Trump’s election, as women raised concerns online that the Affordable Care Act would be repealed, demand for long-acting birth control rose by nearly 22% across all age groups, according to a 2019&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2723071" target="_blank">research letter</a>&nbsp;published in JAMA Internal Medicine.In Ohio, where a judge this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-ohio-mike-dewine-government-and-politics-43558a59477f0260f7eec6db33fd30f4">blocked a ban on virtually all abortions</a>, patients — both male and female — now listen with rapt attention to the contraception talk that Dr. Peggy Stager has long made a part of routine appointments at her pediatric practice in Cleveland.Stager said her practice’s dedicated spots for insertion of the Nexplanon implant are consistently filled, and requests for contraceptive refills have increased 30% to 40% since Roe was overturned. Recently, she talked to a college-bound student who wasn’t sexually active but decided to get an IUD anyway.“She was real clear: ‘I want to have a great four years without any worry,’” recalled Stager, who is the chair of the section on adolescent health at the American Academy of Pediatrics. “And that’s a change.”In Missouri, among the first states in the country with a trigger law in effect to ban abortions at any point in pregnancy, Dr. David Eisenberg also has seen a similar sense of urgency from college-bound teens to choose the most effective option.“Fear is an amazing motivator,” said Eisenberg, an associate professor at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, who performs abortions in neighboring Illinois. “They understand the consequence of a contraceptive failure might mean they become a parent because they might not be able to access an abortion.”Interest is also high at the contraception clinic that Dr. Elise Berlan oversees in Columbus, Ohio. Before the Supreme Court’s decision, the clinic booked appointments for new patients within a week or two.Now, they are booking several months out for first appointments, said Berlan, an adolescent medicine specialist who sees mothers and daughters in tears in her exam room. She said the demand is so high they are adding a provider.On the day the Supreme Court ruled against Roe, twice as many birth control questions as normal poured into Roo, Planned Parenthood’s online chatbot aimed at teens.Online birth control appointments also skyrocketed that day — up 150% from a typical day, with an even-larger 375% surge for IUD-seekers, said Julia Bennett, director of digital education and learning strategy for Planned Parenthood Federation of America.By mid-July, several weeks after the ruling, birth control appointments remained up about 20%, although the data isn’t broken down by age group.The growing interest exists even in states like North Carolina, where abortion remains legal but the Legislature is conservative.Dr. Kavita Arora, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Chapel Hill, said she saw maybe one teen a month before the ruling. Now, she said, she sees them at each clinic session.“They’re aware that this is an incredibly fluid situation, and what is allowed at one moment may not be allowed a week or a month later,” said Arora, the chair of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Ethics.That uncertain future is part of what motivated Abreu, the Florida teen, whose implant will prevent pregnancy for up to five years.“I don’t know what’s going to happen with the laws in that time period,” said Abreu, who was using a short-acting form of birth control before switching. “Having this already in my arm, it makes me feel so much safer.”Her mother, Maribys Lorenzo, said in Spanish that she, too, is a little more at peace knowing her daughter cannot get pregnant and said she would recommend the implant because it does not require her daughter to remember to take a contraceptive pill.She said she is not worried, any more or less, that her daughter will become sexually active because of the implant. But if it happens, she will be protected, Lorenzo said.“I don’t think that’s fair to me or my family to not have abortion as an option,” said her daughter, Abreu.___