BARTON COUNTY —A Kansas man found an unexploded artillery shell in rural Barton County.

Just after 8 p.m. Monday, Barton County 911 was notified an individual had found what appeared to be a live artillery shell.

Several months ago, while conducting haying operations, a citizen discovered the round in a field near the airport west of Great Bend, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

 It was picked up and put in a pickup truck and basically forgotten about. On Monday evening the citizen contacted a relative who is familiar with explosives. The relative advised him to get it out of the truck and call 911. 

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office was notified and responded to a location in the 200 block of Northwest 130 Avenue where the munition was located in a farm driveway.

Examination of the item revealed no fuse was present in the nose, although the shell was filled with an unknown substance, possibly an explosive charge, and appeared to be sealed. The Wichita Police Department Bomb Squad was contacted, and it was decided the Sheriff's Office would transport the item to the Sheriff’s Office range until the bomb squad would arrive on Tuesday, July 12.

On Tuesday, the item was retrieved by a bomb squad member and taken to Wichita for x-ray examination. As of this time it is unknown if the round contained an explosive charge.

Local World War II historians believe the round is from a 75 mm recoilless rifle, possibly used at the Army Air Base west of Great Bend. Because of military and oilfield operations in Barton County over the years, it is not uncommon for citizens to locate unused explosives or military ordnance. 

If you discover what you believe to be dangerous items, contact 911 or law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657723292171.jpeg" alt="Photos Barton County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Barton County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —A Kansas man found an unexploded artillery shell in rural Barton County.Just after 8 p.m. Monday, Barton County 911 was notified an individual had found what appeared to be a live artillery shell.Several months ago, while conducting haying operations, a citizen discovered the round in a field near the airport west of Great Bend, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. It was picked up and put in a pickup truck and basically forgotten about. On Monday evening the citizen contacted a relative who is familiar with explosives. The relative advised him to get it out of the truck and call 911. The Barton County Sheriff’s Office was notified and responded to a location in the 200 block of Northwest 130 Avenue where the munition was located in a farm driveway.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657723370869.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Examination of the item revealed no fuse was present in the nose, although the shell was filled with an unknown substance, possibly an explosive charge, and appeared to be sealed. The Wichita Police Department Bomb Squad was contacted, and it was decided the Sheriff's Office would transport the item to the Sheriff’s Office range until the bomb squad would arrive on Tuesday, July 12.On Tuesday, the item was retrieved by a bomb squad member and taken to Wichita for x-ray examination. As of this time it is unknown if the round contained an explosive charge.Local World War II historians believe the round is from a 75 mm recoilless rifle, possibly used at the Army Air Base west of Great Bend. Because of military and oilfield operations in Barton County over the years, it is not uncommon for citizens to locate unused explosives or military ordnance. If you discover what you believe to be dangerous items, contact 911 or law enforcement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657723386061.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Sheriff: Bomb squad examines artillery shell found in Kansas field

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Japan’s Panasonic Corp. selected Kansas as the location for a multibillion-dollar mega-factory to produce electric vehicle batteries for Tesla and other carmakers, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Wednesday.

The decision comes five months after the Democratic governor and Republican-controlled Legislature rushed to approve a taxpayer-funded incentive package of as much as $1 billion, the state’s largest ever, to attract the company and the promised “thousands of jobs,” even though most of them didn’t know what company was in play. Kelly said Wednesday that the actual incentives will total $829 million over 10 years.

The plant will be located in De Soto, Kansas, a town with about 6,000 people and 30 miles southwest of Kansas City, Missouri.

“People across the country are looking at Kansas as a leader in economic development,” Kelly told a gathering of about 250 state officials and business leaders in downtown Topeka Wednesday.

Japanese broadcaster NHK reported this year that the company was looking to build the factory in Kansas or Oklahoma, close to Texas, where Tesla is building an electric-vehicle plant. The two companies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6ba11f57b5ee420d934ee5868b85c25b">jointly operate a battery plant</a>&nbsp;in Nevada.

Kelly’s administration said the facility it was pursuing would be the largest economic development project in Kansas history. They said the company would employ 4,000 people and that other businesses supplying or supporting it would add several thousand more jobs. They said the company would pay an average of $50,000, which would far exceed Kansas’ median income for individuals of less than $32,000.

Kelly pushed for the permission to offer tax credits, payroll subsidies and training funds to lure what her administration said was a $4 billion project that at least one other state was also pursuing.

The measure requires the state to cut its corporate tax rates by half a percentage point for every big deal closed so that all businesses benefit. That would save companies roughly $100 million a year and drop the state’s top rate to 6% from 7% if two deals close.

Backers of the measure argued that Kansas has lost out on other large projects because it couldn’t offer generous enough incentives.

Oklahoma’s Republican-controlled Legislature approved an incentive package this year to offer rebates of up to nearly $700 million in state funds if Panasonic reached specific benchmarks, including at least a $4.5 billion capital expenditure and the creation of at least 4,000 jobs during the project’s first four years. State officials say that money could be returned to the general fund or used to lure another major project.

Ohio recently offered Intel Corp. incentives worth roughly $2 billion to secure a new $20 billion chipmaking factory. Michigan lawmakers in December approved $1 billion in incentives, two-thirds of it for General Motors for plants to assemble batteries for electric vehicles.

Electric vehicle maker Canoo has announced plans to open a factory in northeastern Oklahoma next year that is expected to create 2,000 jobs.

But Wisconsin scaled back incentives for electronics giant Foxconn. It was supposed to invest $10 billion there and create 13,000 jobs but the deal now is for about 1,450 jobs with an investment of $672 million by 2026.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday&nbsp; that&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MTMuNjA3MjY1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NhcmVlcnMubmEucGFuYXNvbmljLmNvbS9pbmR1c3RyaWVzL3BhbmFzb25pYy1lbmVyZ3ktbm9ydGgtYW1lcmljYSJ9.8Si2mbOd7k3X6dAYry38UotL3Rpz4ov932FlvBJw5JA/s/1303160919/br/140673138329-l" target="_blank">Panasonic&nbsp;Energy Co., Ltd.,</a>&nbsp;plans to build one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facilities of its kind in the United States in Kansas. Pending approval by Panasonic Holdings Corporation Board of Directors, the company has identified a site in De Soto for the potential project.

The planned project is expected to create up to 4,000 new jobs and result in an investment of up to $4 billion, which represents the largest economic development project in Kansas history. The development will have ripple effects throughout the regional and state economy, supporting an estimated 4,000 additional jobs created by suppliers and community businesses and 16,500 construction jobs as cited in an independent Wichita State University economic impact study.

“As the largest private investment in Kansas history and one of the largest EV battery manufacturing plants of its kind in the country, this project will be transformative for our state’s economy, providing in total 8,000 high-quality jobs that will help more Kansans create better lives for themselves and their children,” said&nbsp;Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “Winning this project shows that Kansas has what it takes to compete on a global scale -- and that our pro-business climate is driving the technological innovation needed to achieve a more prosperous and sustainable future.”

This planned state-of-the-art facility will create and supply lithium-ion batteries and accelerate the future of electric vehicle innovation on a global scale. Panasonic Energy’s current U.S. battery manufacturing operation has shipped more than six billion EV battery cells. Panasonic Energy plans to expand its production of EV batteries as the automotive industry shifts to more sustainable electric technologies. The proposed development would boost the regional economy, creating opportunities for suppliers and community businesses.

"With the increased electrification of the automotive market, expanding battery production in the U.S. is critical to help meet demand," said&nbsp;Kazuo Tadanobu, President, CEO of Panasonic Energy. "Given our leading technology and depth of experience, we aim to continue driving growth of the lithium-ion battery industry and accelerating towards a net-zero emissions future.”

Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland&nbsp;noted competition for this milestone project was strong and required a coordinated effort from the state. A key component of that undertaking was the enactment of the bipartisan Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) Act earlier this year.

“Once Governor Kelly signed APEX into law,”&nbsp;Toland&nbsp;said, “the state gained the necessary economic development tool to pursue megaprojects that could transform the Kansas economy. Panasonic recognized Kansas as not just a contender, but as the ideal partner for this revolutionary project.”

Panasonic Energy selected Kansas due to its business-friendly climate, robust talent pool and workforce skillset, support of technology innovation, strong transportation infrastructure, and central location. This builds on Kansas City’s legacy manufacturing and automotive industry strengths.

“With this major development, Kansas is being recognized around the world for our talented workforce, innovative environment, and quality of life,” said&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.). “Panasonic will bring thousands of good-paying, high-quality jobs to our state which will be a massive economic benefit for local businesses and our communities for decades to come. With the goal of making Kansas a destination for industry, defense, education, science, technology, engineering, and innovation, we will keep our students, their knowledge and intellect in Kansas.”

Kansas has an established battery manufacturing sector with seven establishments employing approximately 1,300 individuals. The state was ranked second in the nation for employment and wage concentration in the sector in 2021. With the opportunity to potentially add an additional 4,000 jobs, this deal will make Kansas an industry leader at a time when the sector is predicted to grow at an annualized rate of 2.4 percent.

“Kansas is proving itself to be an attractive place where entrepreneurs can unleash innovation and create jobs,” said&nbsp;Senator Ty Masterson, President of the Kansas Senate. “The Panasonic announcement shows that attraction is global.”

“When the Kansas Legislature passed the APEX legislation, this was the kind of megaproject we had in mind,” said&nbsp;Representative Ron Ryckman, Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives.

The proposed Panasonic project is the latest economic development win recently announced by the state:

“On behalf of the City Council and the community, I am thrilled to welcome Panasonic Energy to De Soto. The scale of Panasonic Energy’s investment in our community will usher in unprecedented generational economic prosperity for the state and region,” said&nbsp;De Soto Mayor Rick Walker. “We are honored to be part of it.”

The Kansas City region is the third fastest-growing tech market in the U.S. and is a nucleus of engineering, technology, and automotive manufacturing expertise. With a strong talent pipeline and cutting-edge training programs, the Kansas City market employs nearly 21,000 workers who contribute to the $19 billion KC transportation manufacturing industry.

“Panasonic Energy made the right choice to select the Kansas City region due to our market’s strengths in EV and tech innovation,” said&nbsp;Tim Cowden, President and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “This announcement, alongside FIFA’s selection of KC as 2026 World Cup host city, our new single-terminal airport coming online and global tech companies investing in the market, reinforces the transformational success our region is having on a global scale.”

“The electric vehicle industry is expected to grow eight times its size in less than 10 years, which is an incredible opportunity for states, communities and energy partners to support leading, innovative technology companies,” said&nbsp;David Campbell, President and CEO of Evergy. On behalf of our region’s business community, we are very excited to welcome Panasonic Energy to Kansas and the Kansas City Region, and we look forward to supporting your long-term success.”

The following organizations supported the recruitment of Panasonic Energy to Kansas: Kansas Department of Commerce; Kansas Department of Transportation; Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Kansas Department of Children and Families; the Honorable Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan; the U.S. Embassy to Tokyo; Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund; City of De Soto; De Soto Economic Development Council; Evergy; Sunflower Development Group; KC SmartPort; Johnson County Community College; Kansas City, Kansas Community College; Peaslee Tech; University of Kansas; Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation; and Kansas City Area Development Council.

To learn more about the project, its economic impact, and incentives package, read a one-pager&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MTMuNjA3MjY1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjIvMDcvRklOQUwtT05FLVBBR0VSLU9DRUFOLnBkZiJ9.g81VPHDiPT2syu-MmMJFgO8gzChB_uT0w-MtXk_GCw4/s/1303160919/br/140673138329-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657752789390.png" alt="“People across the country are looking at Kansas as a leader in economic development,” Kelly told a gathering of about 250 state officials and business leaders in downtown Topeka Wednesday." />
 <figcaption>“People across the country are looking at Kansas as a leader in economic development,” Kelly told a gathering of about 250 state officials and business leaders in downtown Topeka Wednesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Japan’s Panasonic Corp. selected Kansas as the location for a multibillion-dollar mega-factory to produce electric vehicle batteries for Tesla and other carmakers, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Wednesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At 5:00 pm today, I will be making a major announcement. Watch the livestream: <a href="https://t.co/iiH69UjuMm">https://t.co/iiH69UjuMm</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1547336210082926592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The decision comes five months after the Democratic governor and Republican-controlled Legislature rushed to approve a taxpayer-funded incentive package of as much as $1 billion, the state’s largest ever, to attract the company and the promised “thousands of jobs,” even though most of them didn’t know what company was in play. Kelly said Wednesday that the actual incentives will total $829 million over 10 years.The plant will be located in De Soto, Kansas, a town with about 6,000 people and 30 miles southwest of Kansas City, Missouri.“People across the country are looking at Kansas as a leader in economic development,” Kelly told a gathering of about 250 state officials and business leaders in downtown Topeka Wednesday.Japanese broadcaster NHK reported this year that the company was looking to build the factory in Kansas or Oklahoma, close to Texas, where Tesla is building an electric-vehicle plant. The two companies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6ba11f57b5ee420d934ee5868b85c25b">jointly operate a battery plant</a>&nbsp;in Nevada.Kelly’s administration said the facility it was pursuing would be the largest economic development project in Kansas history. They said the company would employ 4,000 people and that other businesses supplying or supporting it would add several thousand more jobs. They said the company would pay an average of $50,000, which would far exceed Kansas’ median income for individuals of less than $32,000.Kelly pushed for the permission to offer tax credits, payroll subsidies and training funds to lure what her administration said was a $4 billion project that at least one other state was also pursuing.The measure requires the state to cut its corporate tax rates by half a percentage point for every big deal closed so that all businesses benefit. That would save companies roughly $100 million a year and drop the state’s top rate to 6% from 7% if two deals close.Backers of the measure argued that Kansas has lost out on other large projects because it couldn’t offer generous enough incentives.Oklahoma’s Republican-controlled Legislature approved an incentive package this year to offer rebates of up to nearly $700 million in state funds if Panasonic reached specific benchmarks, including at least a $4.5 billion capital expenditure and the creation of at least 4,000 jobs during the project’s first four years. State officials say that money could be returned to the general fund or used to lure another major project.Ohio recently offered Intel Corp. incentives worth roughly $2 billion to secure a new $20 billion chipmaking factory. Michigan lawmakers in December approved $1 billion in incentives, two-thirds of it for General Motors for plants to assemble batteries for electric vehicles.Electric vehicle maker Canoo has announced plans to open a factory in northeastern Oklahoma next year that is expected to create 2,000 jobs.But Wisconsin scaled back incentives for electronics giant Foxconn. It was supposed to invest $10 billion there and create 13,000 jobs but the deal now is for about 1,450 jobs with an investment of $672 million by 2026.----------TOPEKA&nbsp;– Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday&nbsp; that&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MTMuNjA3MjY1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NhcmVlcnMubmEucGFuYXNvbmljLmNvbS9pbmR1c3RyaWVzL3BhbmFzb25pYy1lbmVyZ3ktbm9ydGgtYW1lcmljYSJ9.8Si2mbOd7k3X6dAYry38UotL3Rpz4ov932FlvBJw5JA/s/1303160919/br/140673138329-l" target="_blank">Panasonic&nbsp;Energy Co., Ltd.,</a>&nbsp;plans to build one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facilities of its kind in the United States in Kansas. Pending approval by Panasonic Holdings Corporation Board of Directors, the company has identified a site in De Soto for the potential project.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At 5:00 pm today, I will be making a major announcement. Watch the livestream: <a href="https://t.co/iiH69UjuMm">https://t.co/iiH69UjuMm</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1547336210082926592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The planned project is expected to create up to 4,000 new jobs and result in an investment of up to $4 billion, which represents the largest economic development project in Kansas history. The development will have ripple effects throughout the regional and state economy, supporting an estimated 4,000 additional jobs created by suppliers and community businesses and 16,500 construction jobs as cited in an independent Wichita State University economic impact study.“As the largest private investment in Kansas history and one of the largest EV battery manufacturing plants of its kind in the country, this project will be transformative for our state’s economy, providing in total 8,000 high-quality jobs that will help more Kansans create better lives for themselves and their children,” said&nbsp;Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “Winning this project shows that Kansas has what it takes to compete on a global scale -- and that our pro-business climate is driving the technological innovation needed to achieve a more prosperous and sustainable future.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657752649274.png" alt="A large crowd attended Wednesday's announcement" />
 <figcaption>A large crowd attended Wednesday's announcement</figcaption>
 </figure>This planned state-of-the-art facility will create and supply lithium-ion batteries and accelerate the future of electric vehicle innovation on a global scale. Panasonic Energy’s current U.S. battery manufacturing operation has shipped more than six billion EV battery cells. Panasonic Energy plans to expand its production of EV batteries as the automotive industry shifts to more sustainable electric technologies. The proposed development would boost the regional economy, creating opportunities for suppliers and community businesses."With the increased electrification of the automotive market, expanding battery production in the U.S. is critical to help meet demand," said&nbsp;Kazuo Tadanobu, President, CEO of Panasonic Energy. "Given our leading technology and depth of experience, we aim to continue driving growth of the lithium-ion battery industry and accelerating towards a net-zero emissions future.”Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland&nbsp;noted competition for this milestone project was strong and required a coordinated effort from the state. A key component of that undertaking was the enactment of the bipartisan Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) Act earlier this year.“Once Governor Kelly signed APEX into law,”&nbsp;Toland&nbsp;said, “the state gained the necessary economic development tool to pursue megaprojects that could transform the Kansas economy. Panasonic recognized Kansas as not just a contender, but as the ideal partner for this revolutionary project.”Panasonic Energy selected Kansas due to its business-friendly climate, robust talent pool and workforce skillset, support of technology innovation, strong transportation infrastructure, and central location. This builds on Kansas City’s legacy manufacturing and automotive industry strengths.“With this major development, Kansas is being recognized around the world for our talented workforce, innovative environment, and quality of life,” said&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.). “Panasonic will bring thousands of good-paying, high-quality jobs to our state which will be a massive economic benefit for local businesses and our communities for decades to come. With the goal of making Kansas a destination for industry, defense, education, science, technology, engineering, and innovation, we will keep our students, their knowledge and intellect in Kansas.”Kansas has an established battery manufacturing sector with seven establishments employing approximately 1,300 individuals. The state was ranked second in the nation for employment and wage concentration in the sector in 2021. With the opportunity to potentially add an additional 4,000 jobs, this deal will make Kansas an industry leader at a time when the sector is predicted to grow at an annualized rate of 2.4 percent.“Kansas is proving itself to be an attractive place where entrepreneurs can unleash innovation and create jobs,” said&nbsp;Senator Ty Masterson, President of the Kansas Senate. “The Panasonic announcement shows that attraction is global.”“When the Kansas Legislature passed the APEX legislation, this was the kind of megaproject we had in mind,” said&nbsp;Representative Ron Ryckman, Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives.The proposed Panasonic project is the latest economic development win recently announced by the state:<ul>
 <li>Last month, Governor Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MTMuNjA3MjY1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yva2Fuc2FzLXN1cnBhc3Nlcy05LWJpbGxpb24taW4tbmV3LWVjb25vbWljLWRldmVsb3BtZW50LWludmVzdG1lbnQtc2luY2Utc3RhcnQtb2Yta2VsbHktYWRtaW5pc3RyYXRpb24vIzp-OnRleHQ9SnVuJTIwMjclMkMlMjAyMDIyLSxLYW5zYXMlMjBTdXJwYXNzZXMlMjAlMjQ5JTIwQmlsbGlvbiUyMGluJTIwTmV3JTIwRWNvbm9taWMlMjBEZXZlbG9wbWVudCUyMEludmVzdG1lbnQlMjBTaW5jZSxpbnZlc3RtZW50cyUyMGJ5JTIwcHJpdmF0ZSUyMHNlY3RvciUyMGJ1c2luZXNzZXMuIn0.5nvZPTcmWi2Dcj1qzBWPVTdfo7jeYLvrr4q7RxqzZnE/s/1303160919/br/140673138329-l" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;the state surpassed $9 billion new, private-sector investments since January 2019 resulting in more than 43,500 jobs being created or retained.</li><li>Also in June, Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.Lcej7JwReADlZemSrSsI7dMScosKL6xTj9SqPXmN2bg/s/1303160919/br/140673138329-l" target="_blank">was awarded</a>&nbsp;Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel Award for the second year in a row. The back-to-back wins are unprecedented in state history.</li><li>In March, Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MTMuNjA3MjY1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3YvaWN5bWktdW5kZXItZ292ZXJub3ItbGF1cmEta2VsbHkta2Fuc2FzLXdpbnMtZmlyc3QtZ292ZXJub3JzLWN1cC8ifQ.tdFfi_8zAxwnW0CHr3LEAC0soKNXDJ5qbq-6YDRn9lw/s/1303160919/br/140673138329-l" target="_blank">won</a>&nbsp;the Governor’s Cup from Site Selection Magazine for having the country's most economic development investment per capita.</li>
 </ul>“On behalf of the City Council and the community, I am thrilled to welcome Panasonic Energy to De Soto. The scale of Panasonic Energy’s investment in our community will usher in unprecedented generational economic prosperity for the state and region,” said&nbsp;De Soto Mayor Rick Walker. “We are honored to be part of it.”The Kansas City region is the third fastest-growing tech market in the U.S. and is a nucleus of engineering, technology, and automotive manufacturing expertise. With a strong talent pipeline and cutting-edge training programs, the Kansas City market employs nearly 21,000 workers who contribute to the $19 billion KC transportation manufacturing industry.“Panasonic Energy made the right choice to select the Kansas City region due to our market’s strengths in EV and tech innovation,” said&nbsp;Tim Cowden, President and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “This announcement, alongside FIFA’s selection of KC as 2026 World Cup host city, our new single-terminal airport coming online and global tech companies investing in the market, reinforces the transformational success our region is having on a global scale.”“The electric vehicle industry is expected to grow eight times its size in less than 10 years, which is an incredible opportunity for states, communities and energy partners to support leading, innovative technology companies,” said&nbsp;David Campbell, President and CEO of Evergy. On behalf of our region’s business community, we are very excited to welcome Panasonic Energy to Kansas and the Kansas City Region, and we look forward to supporting your long-term success.”The following organizations supported the recruitment of Panasonic Energy to Kansas: Kansas Department of Commerce; Kansas Department of Transportation; Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Kansas Department of Children and Families; the Honorable Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan; the U.S. Embassy to Tokyo; Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund; City of De Soto; De Soto Economic Development Council; Evergy; Sunflower Development Group; KC SmartPort; Johnson County Community College; Kansas City, Kansas Community College; Peaslee Tech; University of Kansas; Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation; and Kansas City Area Development Council.To learn more about the project, its economic impact, and incentives package, read a one-pager&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MTMuNjA3MjY1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjIvMDcvRklOQUwtT05FLVBBR0VSLU9DRUFOLnBkZiJ9.g81VPHDiPT2syu-MmMJFgO8gzChB_uT0w-MtXk_GCw4/s/1303160919/br/140673138329-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

🎥 Panasonic selects Kansas for vehicle battery mega-factory

DENVER (AP) — People have a right protected by the First Amendment to film police while they work, a Western U.S. appeals court ruled Monday in a decision that concurs with decisions made by six of the nation’s other 12 appeals court.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver ruling came in the case of a YouTube journalist and blogger who claimed that a suburban Denver officer blocked him from recording a 2019 traffic stop. Citing decisions from the other courts over about two decades as well as First Amendment principles, the 10th Circuit said the right to record police was clearly established at the time and reinstated the lawsuit of the blogger, Abade Irizarry.

A three-judge panel from the court said that “Mr. Irizarry’s right to film the police falls squarely within the First Amendment’s core purposes to protect free and robust discussion of public affairs, hold government officials accountable, and check abuse of power.”

While bystander video has played a vital role in uncovering examples of police misconduct in recent years, including in the killing of George Floyd, whether or not it is a right is still being determined in courts and debated by lawmakers.

The nation's five other appeals courts have not ruled yet on the right to record police and the U.S. Supreme Court would likely not get involved in the issue unless appeals courts were on opposite sides of the issue, said Alan Chen, a University of Denver law professor and one of the First Amendment experts also urged the appeals court to rule in favor of the right of people to record police.

Meanwhile, Arizona’s Republican governor last week signed a law that makes it illegal to knowingly video record police officers 8 feet (2.5 meters) or closer without an officer’s permission.

In the Colorado case, a lower court had said there was a right to record police but did not think it was clearly established in 2019 so it blocked the officer from being sued because of the controversial legal doctrine called “qualified immunity.” It shields police officers from misconduct lawsuits unless lawyers can show that the officers were on notice that their actions violated the law at the time.

U.S. government lawyers&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/government%20lawyers%20joined%20the%20case%20to%20support%20the%20public's%20right%20to%20record%20police.">intervened in Irizarry's appeal to support the public’s right to record police in the 10th Circuit,</a>&nbsp;which oversees four western and two midwestern states — Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Utah — as well as parts of Yellowstone National Park that lie in Idaho and Montana.

Irizarry's lawyer, Andrew Tutt, said the ruling will protect the right of every citizen under the court's jurisdiction to record police carrying out their duties.

“Today’s decision also adds to the consensus of authority on this important issue, bringing us a step closer to the day when this right is recognized and protected everywhere in the United States,” he said.

In his lawsuit, Irizarry said he was filming a police traffic stop in the city of Lakewood when he claimed Officer Ahmed Yehia stood in front of the camera to block Irizarry from recording. The officer shined a flashlight into Irizarry’s camera and the camera of another blogger. Then Yehia left the two, got into his cruiser and sped the cruiser toward the two bloggers, the lawsuit said. The cruiser swerved before reaching the bloggers and they were not hit, according to the lawsuit.

A telephone message left in the Lakewood city attorney’s office, which represented Yehia, was not returned.

Even though the court said the right to record police existed in 2019, the ruling will mostly have an impact going forward since lawsuits for police misconduct must be brought within two or three years in most states, Chen said.

DENVER (AP) — People have a right protected by the First Amendment to film police while they work, a Western U.S. appeals court ruled Monday in a decision that concurs with decisions made by six of the nation’s other 12 appeals court.The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver ruling came in the case of a YouTube journalist and blogger who claimed that a suburban Denver officer blocked him from recording a 2019 traffic stop. Citing decisions from the other courts over about two decades as well as First Amendment principles, the 10th Circuit said the right to record police was clearly established at the time and reinstated the lawsuit of the blogger, Abade Irizarry.A three-judge panel from the court said that “Mr. Irizarry’s right to film the police falls squarely within the First Amendment’s core purposes to protect free and robust discussion of public affairs, hold government officials accountable, and check abuse of power.”While bystander video has played a vital role in uncovering examples of police misconduct in recent years, including in the killing of George Floyd, whether or not it is a right is still being determined in courts and debated by lawmakers.The nation's five other appeals courts have not ruled yet on the right to record police and the U.S. Supreme Court would likely not get involved in the issue unless appeals courts were on opposite sides of the issue, said Alan Chen, a University of Denver law professor and one of the First Amendment experts also urged the appeals court to rule in favor of the right of people to record police.Meanwhile, Arizona’s Republican governor last week signed a law that makes it illegal to knowingly video record police officers 8 feet (2.5 meters) or closer without an officer’s permission.In the Colorado case, a lower court had said there was a right to record police but did not think it was clearly established in 2019 so it blocked the officer from being sued because of the controversial legal doctrine called “qualified immunity.” It shields police officers from misconduct lawsuits unless lawyers can show that the officers were on notice that their actions violated the law at the time.U.S. government lawyers&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/government%20lawyers%20joined%20the%20case%20to%20support%20the%20public's%20right%20to%20record%20police.">intervened in Irizarry's appeal to support the public’s right to record police in the 10th Circuit,</a>&nbsp;which oversees four western and two midwestern states — Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Utah — as well as parts of Yellowstone National Park that lie in Idaho and Montana.Irizarry's lawyer, Andrew Tutt, said the ruling will protect the right of every citizen under the court's jurisdiction to record police carrying out their duties.“Today’s decision also adds to the consensus of authority on this important issue, bringing us a step closer to the day when this right is recognized and protected everywhere in the United States,” he said.In his lawsuit, Irizarry said he was filming a police traffic stop in the city of Lakewood when he claimed Officer Ahmed Yehia stood in front of the camera to block Irizarry from recording. The officer shined a flashlight into Irizarry’s camera and the camera of another blogger. Then Yehia left the two, got into his cruiser and sped the cruiser toward the two bloggers, the lawsuit said. The cruiser swerved before reaching the bloggers and they were not hit, according to the lawsuit.A telephone message left in the Lakewood city attorney’s office, which represented Yehia, was not returned.Even though the court said the right to record police existed in 2019, the ruling will mostly have an impact going forward since lawsuits for police misconduct must be brought within two or three years in most states, Chen said.

Another US appeals court upholds right to record police

The United State's Justice Department announced the establishment of the Reproductive Rights Task Force.

The Task Force formalizes an existing working group and efforts by the Department over the last several months to identify ways to protect access to reproductive health care in anticipation of the possibility of the Supreme Court overturning&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;and&nbsp;Planned Parenthood v. Casey, according to the United State's Attorney's office.

Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta will chair the Task Force, which will consist of representatives from the Department’s Civil Division, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney community, Office of the Solicitor General, Office for Access to Justice, Office of Legal Counsel, Office of Legal Policy, Office of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Associate Attorney General, Office of the Deputy Attorney General and Office of the Attorney General and will be supported by dedicated staff.

“As Attorney General Garland has said, the Supreme Court’s&nbsp;Dobbs&nbsp;decision is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-statement-supreme-court-ruling-dobbs-v-jackson-women-s">devastating blow to reproductive freedom</a>&nbsp;in the United States,” said Associate Attorney General Gupta. “The Court abandoned 50 years of precedent and took away the constitutional right to abortion, preventing women all over the country from being able to make critical decisions about our bodies, our health, and our futures. The Justice Department is committed to protecting access to reproductive services.”

The Task Force will monitor and evaluate all state and local legislation and enforcement actions that threaten to:

The Task Force will identify such actions and coordinate appropriate federal government responses, including proactive and defensive legal action where appropriate. The Task Force will work with agencies across the federal government to support their work on issues relating to reproductive rights and access to reproductive healthcare.&nbsp;

The Justice Department is working with external stakeholders such as reproductive services providers, advocates and state attorneys general. The Task Force will continue this important effort. It will also work with the Office of Counsel to the President to convene a meeting of private pro bono attorneys, bar associations and public interest organizations in order to encourage lawyers to represent and assist patients, providers and third parties lawfully seeking reproductive health services throughout the country. In order to assist attorneys working to protect access to comprehensive reproductive health services, the Task Force will centralize online legal resources, such as filed Justice Department legal briefs and information about the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

Recognizing that the best way to protect reproductive freedom is through congressional action, the Task Force will also coordinate providing technical assistance to Congress in connection with federal legislation to codify reproductive rights and ensure access to comprehensive reproductive services. It will also coordinate the provision of technical assistance concerning Federal constitutional protections to states seeking to afford legal protection to out-of-state patients and providers who offer legal reproductive healthcare.

The United State's Justice Department announced the establishment of the Reproductive Rights Task Force.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5t7nnH5nfWs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Task Force formalizes an existing working group and efforts by the Department over the last several months to identify ways to protect access to reproductive health care in anticipation of the possibility of the Supreme Court overturning&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;and&nbsp;Planned Parenthood v. Casey, according to the United State's Attorney's office.Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta will chair the Task Force, which will consist of representatives from the Department’s Civil Division, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney community, Office of the Solicitor General, Office for Access to Justice, Office of Legal Counsel, Office of Legal Policy, Office of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Associate Attorney General, Office of the Deputy Attorney General and Office of the Attorney General and will be supported by dedicated staff.“As Attorney General Garland has said, the Supreme Court’s&nbsp;Dobbs&nbsp;decision is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-statement-supreme-court-ruling-dobbs-v-jackson-women-s">devastating blow to reproductive freedom</a>&nbsp;in the United States,” said Associate Attorney General Gupta. “The Court abandoned 50 years of precedent and took away the constitutional right to abortion, preventing women all over the country from being able to make critical decisions about our bodies, our health, and our futures. The Justice Department is committed to protecting access to reproductive services.”The Task Force will monitor and evaluate all state and local legislation and enforcement actions that threaten to:<ul>
 <li>Infringe on federal legal protections relating to the provision or pursuit of reproductive care;</li><li>Impair women’s ability to seek reproductive care in states where it is legal;</li><li>Impair individuals’ ability to inform and counsel each other about the reproductive care that is available in other states;</li><li>Ban Mifepristone based on disagreement with the FDA’s expert judgment about its safety and efficacy; or</li><li>Impose criminal or civil liability on federal employees who provide reproductive health services in a manner authorized by federal law.</li>
 </ul>The Task Force will identify such actions and coordinate appropriate federal government responses, including proactive and defensive legal action where appropriate. The Task Force will work with agencies across the federal government to support their work on issues relating to reproductive rights and access to reproductive healthcare.&nbsp;The Justice Department is working with external stakeholders such as reproductive services providers, advocates and state attorneys general. The Task Force will continue this important effort. It will also work with the Office of Counsel to the President to convene a meeting of private pro bono attorneys, bar associations and public interest organizations in order to encourage lawyers to represent and assist patients, providers and third parties lawfully seeking reproductive health services throughout the country. In order to assist attorneys working to protect access to comprehensive reproductive health services, the Task Force will centralize online legal resources, such as filed Justice Department legal briefs and information about the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.Recognizing that the best way to protect reproductive freedom is through congressional action, the Task Force will also coordinate providing technical assistance to Congress in connection with federal legislation to codify reproductive rights and ensure access to comprehensive reproductive services. It will also coordinate the provision of technical assistance concerning Federal constitutional protections to states seeking to afford legal protection to out-of-state patients and providers who offer legal reproductive healthcare.

🎥Justice Department launches Reproductive Rights Task Force

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;7,346 new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday July 6 to Wednesday July 13, for a total of&nbsp; 819,675 cases.

Th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;-4&nbsp; COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,957

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

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

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

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

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;7,346 new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday July 6 to Wednesday July 13, for a total of&nbsp; 819,675 cases.Th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;-4&nbsp; COVID-19 deaths in the past week for a total of 8,957<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657733694850.png" alt="Screen Shot 2022-07-13 at 12.34.42 PM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2022-07-13 at 12.34.42 PM.png</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE: COVID cases in Kansas continue to climb 

By DYLAN LYSEN and JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-07-13/kansas-reportedly-landing-4-billion-factory-that-will-make-batteries-for-tesla">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA&nbsp;— A subsidiary of Japanese industrial giant 
Panasonic Corp. will build a $4 billion plant to make batteries for 
Tesla electric vehicles in Kansas, a Japanese news outlet is reporting.

<a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Automobiles/Panasonic-to-build-EV-battery-plant-for-Tesla-in-U.S.-state-of-Kansas" target="_blank">Neikki reported Wednesday</a>
 that Kansas had beat out Oklahoma for the Panasonic Holdings plant, 
which would supply batteries to a large electric vehicle plant in Texas.

That could mean some 4,000 jobs at the battery-making facility and more jobs for businesses supplying that plant.

“The
 Japanese company picked the site of the new facility based on factors 
including its proximity to Texas and favorable tax treatment,” Neikki 
reported. The news outlet covers markets and the economy.

The deal
 would come after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly enlisted the help of the 
Republicans who control the Legislature to promise up to $1.3 billion in
 <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-02-01/kansas-gov-kelly-wants-to-spend-1-billion-to-land-a-big-mystery-manufacturer" target="_blank">tax breaks and other incentives</a> to land the massive economic development project.

The
 Kansas State Finance Council is scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon 
and could potentially give official approval of the various taxpayer 
incentives that would seal the bargain.

In the spring, the Legislature <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb347/" target="_blank">approved new rules</a> giving state officials the ability to promise larger giveaways to entice employers to Kansas.

Kelly’s
 administration and key Republican lawmakers were told what company the 
state was courting, but they signed non-disclosure agreements promising 
to keep the information confidential.

That meant Kansas 
dramatically increased the tax breaks it could offer a manufacturer even
 while keeping secret from the public the name of the company, where it 
wanted to build in the state and what it might produce. It wasn’t known 
publicly, for instance, that the record-setting tax breaks would go to a
 foreign company.

And Elon Musk, who runs the Tesla plant in Texas
 that will benefit from a huge battery maker in Kansas, has since become
 a figure of increasing controversy. Most recently, he's tried <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/07/12/1111032233/elon-musk-twitter-lawsuit-deal" target="_blank">to back out</a> of his $40-plus billion purchase of Twitter.

In
 promoting the effort to land the company in Kansas, state officials 
projected an additional 4,000 jobs working for suppliers to supply the 
factory in addition to those directly working at the manufacturing 
plant.

Kelly made David Toland, her lieutenant governor and 
commerce secretary, the point person on the campaign to bring the 
Japanese manufacturer to the state. He argued that whether Kansas landed
 this company or not, changing the rules on tax incentives could put 
Kansas in play to seduce other “megaprojects.”

The
 incentives included in the legislation can only be used to recruit 
companies willing to invest at least $1 billion. They include:

Companies
 must agree to repay benefits if the performance metrics aren’t met. In 
addition, the state can claw back a percentage of the benefits if a 
company relocates to another state within 15 years of entering its 
agreement.

“These incentives must be earned,” Toland said before 
the deal to land the battery plant came together. “The company gets the 
investment tax credit after they invest. The company gets the payroll 
rebate after they’ve hired and paid people.”

The
 new plant could conceivably help some everyday Kansans by purchasing 
significant amounts of electricity from its energy provider, Evergy.

Ashok
 Gupta, an energy economist with the Natural Resource Defense Council, 
said Evergy would sell electricity to the plant to produce the 
batteries. The more energy the plant purchases for its manufacturing, 
the less Kansas homeowners may need to pay to cover Evergy’s operating 
costs.

“That can in theory help all other customers lower their costs,” Gupta said. “This is a good economic development play.”

It
 could also be a boon to Evergy stockholders. Utilities prefer customers
 that demand large amounts of electricity at a steady rate because it 
makes it easier for them to build their capacity to match demand.

In
 April, Oklahoma lawmakers, at the urging of Republican Gov. Kevin 
Stitt, approved an incentive package aimed at keeping that state in the 
running for the plant. Targeted at projects of at least $3.6 billion, it
 authorized a rebate for 3.4% of a company’s investment in the year that
 it is made for up to five successive years. A summary of the bill put 
the value of the incentive at $700 million.

Stitt said the incentive package was aimed at making Oklahoma a destination for companies in the electric vehicle industry.

“Tens
 of billions of dollars are going to be invested over the next five to 
seven years in this space and we want Oklahoma to be the spot that these
 folks land,” Stitt said.

In March, Bloomberg News reported that <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-14/panasonic-is-scouting-u-s-sites-for-new-battery-factory-by-2024" target="_blank">Panasonic was in talks with both Kansas and Oklahoma officials</a> about a site to manufacture lithium-ion batteries for Tesla and other electric vehicle makers.

The Bloomberg report cited unnamed sources saying the company had plans for bigger battery cells, what the company calls its <a href="https://www.autoblog.com/2022/02/28/tesla-panasonic-4680-cells/" target="_blank">4680 model</a>,
 to meet the demand to increase the range of electric vehicles. 
Bloomberg’s sources also said other kinds of batteries might be made at 
the plant. Panasonic is on pace to start making the 4680 batteries in 
Japan in the next year.

Japanese broadcaster NHK also reported 
earlier this year that Panasonic was eyeing Oklahoma and Kansas as 
possible locations, partly because they sit relatively close to the new “<a href="https://www.tesla.com/gigafactory" target="_blank">gigafactory</a>” that Tesla is ramping up in Texas.

Both
 Kansas and Oklahoma are so-called right-to-work states where it’s 
easier for employers to keep out unions. Kazuo Tadanobu, chief executive
 officer of Panasonic’s energy business, told Bloomberg News that any 
new plant locations would turn on existing partnerships with the company
 and the economics of a region.

The world market for lithium-ion 
batteries is projected by the industry to grow from $30 billion in 2017 
to $100 billion in 2025.

When
 Kansas legislators debated whether to OK the bigger tax breaks Kelly 
wanted, some lawmakers questioned the wisdom of clearing the way for a 
company that could already be profitable and that might bring 
environmental problems to the state. And some critics said the 
large-scale incentives put smaller businesses at a disadvantage.

Sen.
 Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, said one small business owner who 
urged her to oppose the incentive package said the title of the bill 
should be changed to “crony capitalism kicks existing Kansas businesses 
in the face.”

Dave Trabert, president of the Kansas Policy 
Institute, a conservative think-tank that lobbies for reduced government
 spending, said a better recruitment strategy would be to lower taxes 
for all companies operating in the state.

“We could give one big 
lollipop to one company, or we could wipe out the income tax liability 
of all the corporations in Kansas,” Trabert said when testifying against
 the incentive legislation.

But legislative leaders in both 
parties helped push the bill through after they signed non-disclosure 
agreements and learned the identity of what was then a mystery company.

“A
 project of this magnitude is something that can change the state for 
generations,” Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said
 in the spring.

Mark Williams heads a South Carolina-based firm 
that negotiates deals for companies looking for locations to expand. He 
said states that don’t have competitive incentives stand little chance 
of success.

“It’s a very important factor,” Williams said.

Not only financially, he said, but psychologically.

Companies
 looking to make big investments, Williams said, “like it when they feel
 a state is embracing them and taking some risk with them.”

“From a decision-making perspective, that’s an important factor that I think is often overlooked,” he said.

Dylan
 Lysen reports on politics for the Kansas News Service. Jim McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657736625703.png" alt="Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By DYLAN LYSEN and JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-07-13/kansas-reportedly-landing-4-billion-factory-that-will-make-batteries-for-tesla">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA&nbsp;— A subsidiary of Japanese industrial giant 
Panasonic Corp. will build a $4 billion plant to make batteries for 
Tesla electric vehicles in Kansas, a Japanese news outlet is reporting.<a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Automobiles/Panasonic-to-build-EV-battery-plant-for-Tesla-in-U.S.-state-of-Kansas" target="_blank">Neikki reported Wednesday</a>
 that Kansas had beat out Oklahoma for the Panasonic Holdings plant, 
which would supply batteries to a large electric vehicle plant in Texas.That could mean some 4,000 jobs at the battery-making facility and more jobs for businesses supplying that plant.“The
 Japanese company picked the site of the new facility based on factors 
including its proximity to Texas and favorable tax treatment,” Neikki 
reported. The news outlet covers markets and the economy.The deal
 would come after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly enlisted the help of the 
Republicans who control the Legislature to promise up to $1.3 billion in
 <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-02-01/kansas-gov-kelly-wants-to-spend-1-billion-to-land-a-big-mystery-manufacturer" target="_blank">tax breaks and other incentives</a> to land the massive economic development project.The
 Kansas State Finance Council is scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon 
and could potentially give official approval of the various taxpayer 
incentives that would seal the bargain.In the spring, the Legislature <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb347/" target="_blank">approved new rules</a> giving state officials the ability to promise larger giveaways to entice employers to Kansas.Kelly’s
 administration and key Republican lawmakers were told what company the 
state was courting, but they signed non-disclosure agreements promising 
to keep the information confidential.That meant Kansas 
dramatically increased the tax breaks it could offer a manufacturer even
 while keeping secret from the public the name of the company, where it 
wanted to build in the state and what it might produce. It wasn’t known 
publicly, for instance, that the record-setting tax breaks would go to a
 foreign company.And Elon Musk, who runs the Tesla plant in Texas
 that will benefit from a huge battery maker in Kansas, has since become
 a figure of increasing controversy. Most recently, he's tried <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/07/12/1111032233/elon-musk-twitter-lawsuit-deal" target="_blank">to back out</a> of his $40-plus billion purchase of Twitter.In
 promoting the effort to land the company in Kansas, state officials 
projected an additional 4,000 jobs working for suppliers to supply the 
factory in addition to those directly working at the manufacturing 
plant.Kelly made David Toland, her lieutenant governor and 
commerce secretary, the point person on the campaign to bring the 
Japanese manufacturer to the state. He argued that whether Kansas landed
 this company or not, changing the rules on tax incentives could put 
Kansas in play to seduce other “megaprojects.”<h2>Tax breaks</h2>The
 incentives included in the legislation can only be used to recruit 
companies willing to invest at least $1 billion. They include:<ul>
 <li>A refundable tax credit for up to 15% of a company’s investment paid out over 10 years.&nbsp;</li><li>A
 one-time 0.5% cut in the corporate income tax rate each time a 
qualifying project comes to Kansas. The bill limits the use of the 
enhanced incentives to one project per calendar year.&nbsp;</li><li>A payroll tax refund of 7.5 percent for 10 years, which the State Finance Council can increase to 10%.&nbsp;</li><li>Up to $5 million annually to offset workforce training costs.&nbsp;</li><li>$10 million to help relocate employees to Kansas paid out in $1 million increments for 10 years.&nbsp;</li><li>Suppliers
 of the primary company that establish facilities in Kansas would be 
eligible for a refundable tax credit of 5% on their initial investment 
of $50 million. They could then receive an additional percentage point 
for every $10 million invested up to $100 million. Suppliers would also 
be eligible for $250,000 a year for workforce training.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Companies
 must agree to repay benefits if the performance metrics aren’t met. In 
addition, the state can claw back a percentage of the benefits if a 
company relocates to another state within 15 years of entering its 
agreement.“These incentives must be earned,” Toland said before 
the deal to land the battery plant came together. “The company gets the 
investment tax credit after they invest. The company gets the payroll 
rebate after they’ve hired and paid people.”<h2>Charging up</h2>The
 new plant could conceivably help some everyday Kansans by purchasing 
significant amounts of electricity from its energy provider, Evergy.Ashok
 Gupta, an energy economist with the Natural Resource Defense Council, 
said Evergy would sell electricity to the plant to produce the 
batteries. The more energy the plant purchases for its manufacturing, 
the less Kansas homeowners may need to pay to cover Evergy’s operating 
costs.“That can in theory help all other customers lower their costs,” Gupta said. “This is a good economic development play.”It
 could also be a boon to Evergy stockholders. Utilities prefer customers
 that demand large amounts of electricity at a steady rate because it 
makes it easier for them to build their capacity to match demand.<h2>Competing for Panasonic</h2>In
 April, Oklahoma lawmakers, at the urging of Republican Gov. Kevin 
Stitt, approved an incentive package aimed at keeping that state in the 
running for the plant. Targeted at projects of at least $3.6 billion, it
 authorized a rebate for 3.4% of a company’s investment in the year that
 it is made for up to five successive years. A summary of the bill put 
the value of the incentive at $700 million.Stitt said the incentive package was aimed at making Oklahoma a destination for companies in the electric vehicle industry.“Tens
 of billions of dollars are going to be invested over the next five to 
seven years in this space and we want Oklahoma to be the spot that these
 folks land,” Stitt said.In March, Bloomberg News reported that <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-14/panasonic-is-scouting-u-s-sites-for-new-battery-factory-by-2024" target="_blank">Panasonic was in talks with both Kansas and Oklahoma officials</a> about a site to manufacture lithium-ion batteries for Tesla and other electric vehicle makers.The Bloomberg report cited unnamed sources saying the company had plans for bigger battery cells, what the company calls its <a href="https://www.autoblog.com/2022/02/28/tesla-panasonic-4680-cells/" target="_blank">4680 model</a>,
 to meet the demand to increase the range of electric vehicles. 
Bloomberg’s sources also said other kinds of batteries might be made at 
the plant. Panasonic is on pace to start making the 4680 batteries in 
Japan in the next year.Japanese broadcaster NHK also reported 
earlier this year that Panasonic was eyeing Oklahoma and Kansas as 
possible locations, partly because they sit relatively close to the new “<a href="https://www.tesla.com/gigafactory" target="_blank">gigafactory</a>” that Tesla is ramping up in Texas.Both
 Kansas and Oklahoma are so-called right-to-work states where it’s 
easier for employers to keep out unions. Kazuo Tadanobu, chief executive
 officer of Panasonic’s energy business, told Bloomberg News that any 
new plant locations would turn on existing partnerships with the company
 and the economics of a region.The world market for lithium-ion 
batteries is projected by the industry to grow from $30 billion in 2017 
to $100 billion in 2025.<h2>Debated incentives</h2>When
 Kansas legislators debated whether to OK the bigger tax breaks Kelly 
wanted, some lawmakers questioned the wisdom of clearing the way for a 
company that could already be profitable and that might bring 
environmental problems to the state. And some critics said the 
large-scale incentives put smaller businesses at a disadvantage.Sen.
 Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, said one small business owner who 
urged her to oppose the incentive package said the title of the bill 
should be changed to “crony capitalism kicks existing Kansas businesses 
in the face.”Dave Trabert, president of the Kansas Policy 
Institute, a conservative think-tank that lobbies for reduced government
 spending, said a better recruitment strategy would be to lower taxes 
for all companies operating in the state.“We could give one big 
lollipop to one company, or we could wipe out the income tax liability 
of all the corporations in Kansas,” Trabert said when testifying against
 the incentive legislation.But legislative leaders in both 
parties helped push the bill through after they signed non-disclosure 
agreements and learned the identity of what was then a mystery company.“A
 project of this magnitude is something that can change the state for 
generations,” Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said
 in the spring.Mark Williams heads a South Carolina-based firm 
that negotiates deals for companies looking for locations to expand. He 
said states that don’t have competitive incentives stand little chance 
of success.“It’s a very important factor,” Williams said.Not only financially, he said, but psychologically.Companies
 looking to make big investments, Williams said, “like it when they feel
 a state is embracing them and taking some risk with them.”“From a decision-making perspective, that’s an important factor that I think is often overlooked,” he said.Dylan
 Lysen reports on politics for the Kansas News Service. Jim McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service.&nbsp;

Kansas reportedly lands $4B factory that will make Tesla batteries

By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte Post

KEARNEY, Neb.-A former candidate for the United States Senate was arrested during the Nebraska GOP Convention in Kearney.

According to Kearney police, at around 10:55 a.m., on July 9, officers responded to a disturbance at the Younes Conference Center, 416 Talmadge Street.

Officers arrived and made contact with private security officers who were providing security for the event.

Security personnel informed officers that a man identified as Matthew Innis, 51, of Crete, had been previously barred from attending the event. Police said Innis approached the main entrance to the convention center and demanded entry.

Police said when he was refused entrance, Innis tackled a security officer to the ground, and off-duty police officers and other security personnel came to assist.&nbsp;

Following further investigation, police determined there was probable cause to arrest Innis on suspicion of 3rd-degree assault and 2nd-degree trespassing, both misdemeanors.

Innis was transported to the Buffalo County Detention Center where he was processed and released after posting bond. The case has been referred to the Buffalo County Attorney for the filing of formal charges.

Innis unsuccessfully ran for the United States Senate in 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657705203403.png" alt="Innis unsuccessfully ran for the United States Senate in 2020.- photo&nbsp; Buffalo County Detention Center" />
 <figcaption>Innis unsuccessfully ran for the United States Senate in 2020.- photo&nbsp; Buffalo County Detention Center</figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT CARLSON North Platte PostKEARNEY, Neb.-A former candidate for the United States Senate was arrested during the Nebraska GOP Convention in Kearney.According to Kearney police, at around 10:55 a.m., on July 9, officers responded to a disturbance at the Younes Conference Center, 416 Talmadge Street.Officers arrived and made contact with private security officers who were providing security for the event.Security personnel informed officers that a man identified as Matthew Innis, 51, of Crete, had been previously barred from attending the event. Police said Innis approached the main entrance to the convention center and demanded entry.Police said when he was refused entrance, Innis tackled a security officer to the ground, and off-duty police officers and other security personnel came to assist.&nbsp;Following further investigation, police determined there was probable cause to arrest Innis on suspicion of 3rd-degree assault and 2nd-degree trespassing, both misdemeanors.Innis was transported to the Buffalo County Detention Center where he was processed and released after posting bond. The case has been referred to the Buffalo County Attorney for the filing of formal charges.Innis unsuccessfully ran for the United States Senate in 2020.

Former US Senate candidate arrested at GOP Convention

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two homicides Wednesday in Kansas City, Kansas.

Just before 3a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 1700 Block of Stewart Avenue, according to KCK Police.

First responders found a man inside the home with a gunshot wound. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Just after 12:30a.m. police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 1700 Block of North 58th Street. Officers found a man deceased inside the home.&nbsp; Officers took a person of interest into custody.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two homicides Wednesday in Kansas City, Kansas.Just before 3a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 1700 Block of Stewart Avenue, according to KCK Police.First responders found a man inside the home with a gunshot wound. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Just after 12:30a.m. police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 1700 Block of North 58th Street. Officers found a man deceased inside the home.&nbsp; Officers took a person of interest into custody.Police released no additional details.

Police investigate homicides at 2 homes in Kansas

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Labor Department announced Wednesday that the consumer price index, the measure that includes gasoline, groceries and rent, rose 9.1% in June from a year ago. It marks the fastest pace of inflation since December 1981. The failure of the number to fall was a surprise to Creighton University economist Ernie Goss.

"The 9.1% is of course, year over year," Goss said. "May to June was 1.1%, so that was even worse. What's happening is the downturn in commodity prices has yet to hit the CPI. I do expect that to hit later on this quarter, or perhaps no later than the fourth quarter."

Are we officially in stagflation, which is persistent high inflation combined with high unemployment and stagnant demand in a country's economy? Goss thinks so.

"It looks like it's stagflation to me," Goss said. "The economy is slowing down. The Atlanta Fed, as we talked about last time, their GDP now estimate says that GDP declined in the second quarter. We won't get the official numbers until later on this month. According to the Atlanta Fed, the GDP declined. That would be a recession."

Goss notes that labor productivity is declining because the supply chain is not matching up with the workers and they are having to stand around waiting on materials to come in or go out. Goss said conditions are much the same as they were in 1981.

"What happened 40 years ago is Paul Volcker, head of the Federal Reserve, said I'm going to conquer inflation, come hell or high water," Goss said. "That's what he did. He raised interest rates and he raised it despite the economic slowdown, what he knew he was doing and knew was going to happen was a recession. That is what happened. We did go into recession and he was successful in bringing down inflation. That's what we're likely to see this time. Jay Powell, head of the Federal Reserve this time is raising rates, the Open Market Committee is raising rates. They will continue to raise rates until they know they've conquered inflation."

<a href="https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/recession-of-1981-82">According to the Federal Bank of Richmond, prior to the 2007-09 recession, the 1981-82 recession was the worst economic downturn in the United States since the Great Depression. The nearly 11 percent unemployment rate reached late in 1982 remains the highest of the post World War II era.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622642233344.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Labor Department announced Wednesday that the consumer price index, the measure that includes gasoline, groceries and rent, rose 9.1% in June from a year ago. It marks the fastest pace of inflation since December 1981. The failure of the number to fall was a surprise to Creighton University economist Ernie Goss."The 9.1% is of course, year over year," Goss said. "May to June was 1.1%, so that was even worse. What's happening is the downturn in commodity prices has yet to hit the CPI. I do expect that to hit later on this quarter, or perhaps no later than the fourth quarter."Are we officially in stagflation, which is persistent high inflation combined with high unemployment and stagnant demand in a country's economy? Goss thinks so."It looks like it's stagflation to me," Goss said. "The economy is slowing down. The Atlanta Fed, as we talked about last time, their GDP now estimate says that GDP declined in the second quarter. We won't get the official numbers until later on this month. According to the Atlanta Fed, the GDP declined. That would be a recession."Goss notes that labor productivity is declining because the supply chain is not matching up with the workers and they are having to stand around waiting on materials to come in or go out. Goss said conditions are much the same as they were in 1981."What happened 40 years ago is Paul Volcker, head of the Federal Reserve, said I'm going to conquer inflation, come hell or high water," Goss said. "That's what he did. He raised interest rates and he raised it despite the economic slowdown, what he knew he was doing and knew was going to happen was a recession. That is what happened. We did go into recession and he was successful in bringing down inflation. That's what we're likely to see this time. Jay Powell, head of the Federal Reserve this time is raising rates, the Open Market Committee is raising rates. They will continue to raise rates until they know they've conquered inflation."<a href="https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/recession-of-1981-82">According to the Federal Bank of Richmond, prior to the 2007-09 recession, the 1981-82 recession was the worst economic downturn in the United States since the Great Depression. The nearly 11 percent unemployment rate reached late in 1982 remains the highest of the post World War II era.</a>

Goss: CPI's continued rise 'looks like stagflation to me'

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is calling on people to exercise renewed caution about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19,</a>&nbsp;emphasizing the importance of getting booster shots for those who are eligible and wearing masks indoors as two new highly transmissible variants are spreading rapidly across the country.

(Click the video to watch the White House COVID briefing)

The new variants, labeled BA.4 and BA.5, are offshoots of the omicron strain that has been been responsible for nearly all of the virus spread in the U.S. and are even more contagious than their predecessors. White House doctors stressed the importance of getting booster doses, even if you have recently been infected.

“Currently, many Americans are under-vaccinated, meaning they are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines provides the best protection against severe outcomes.”

Walensky said the U.S. has seen a doubling in the number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 since April, reflecting the spread of the new subvariants, though deaths remain steady around 300 per day.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said while the new variants are concerning, with boosters, indoor masking and treatments the country has the tools to keep them from being disruptive.

“We should not let it disrupt our lives," he said, "but we cannot deny that it is a reality that we need to deal with."

He added that even if someone recently had COVID-19, they should get a booster.

“Immunity wanes, so it is critical to stay up to date with COVID 19 vaccines,” he said.

All Americans age 5 and over should get a booster five months after their initial primary series, according to the CDC, and those age 50 and over — or those who are immunocompromised — should get a second booster four months after their first. According to CDC, tens of millions of eligible Americans haven't received their first booster, and of those over 50 who got their first booster, only 28% have received their second.

“If you’re over 50 and you haven’t gotten the shot this year, you should go get a shot," said White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha. "It’s going to save your life.”

Jha and Fauci said the U.S. is regularly discussing expanding eligibility for a second booster shot to all adults, but that no decision has been made yet.

“It’s a regulatory decision on the part of the FDA," Fauci said.

Jha said people who are eligible for a booster but haven't received one shouldn't wait for forthcoming vaccines targeted at the omicron strain in addition to the original form of the coronavirus. The U.S. has ordered 105 million of those updated shots, which studies show provide better protection against omicron variants, but they won't be available until the fall.

“Let me be clear, if you get vaccinated today, you’re not going to be ineligible to get the variants specific vaccine, as we get into the later part of fall and winter," Jha said. “So, this is not a tradeoff, we’ve got plenty. It’s a great way to protect yourself.”

Added Fauci, “The threat to you is now.”

Walensky noted that CDC data shows that about a third of Americans are living in areas the agency classifies as experiencing a high level of COVID spread, where the agency recommends people wear masks in public indoor spaces. Another 41% live in the CDC's “medium” level, where it recommends that people consider their own individual risk and consider masking.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is calling on people to exercise renewed caution about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19,</a>&nbsp;emphasizing the importance of getting booster shots for those who are eligible and wearing masks indoors as two new highly transmissible variants are spreading rapidly across the country.(Click the video to watch the White House COVID briefing)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A0OF_MbQUng?start=14" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The new variants, labeled BA.4 and BA.5, are offshoots of the omicron strain that has been been responsible for nearly all of the virus spread in the U.S. and are even more contagious than their predecessors. White House doctors stressed the importance of getting booster doses, even if you have recently been infected.“Currently, many Americans are under-vaccinated, meaning they are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines provides the best protection against severe outcomes.”Walensky said the U.S. has seen a doubling in the number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 since April, reflecting the spread of the new subvariants, though deaths remain steady around 300 per day.Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said while the new variants are concerning, with boosters, indoor masking and treatments the country has the tools to keep them from being disruptive.“We should not let it disrupt our lives," he said, "but we cannot deny that it is a reality that we need to deal with."He added that even if someone recently had COVID-19, they should get a booster.“Immunity wanes, so it is critical to stay up to date with COVID 19 vaccines,” he said.All Americans age 5 and over should get a booster five months after their initial primary series, according to the CDC, and those age 50 and over — or those who are immunocompromised — should get a second booster four months after their first. According to CDC, tens of millions of eligible Americans haven't received their first booster, and of those over 50 who got their first booster, only 28% have received their second.“If you’re over 50 and you haven’t gotten the shot this year, you should go get a shot," said White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha. "It’s going to save your life.”Jha and Fauci said the U.S. is regularly discussing expanding eligibility for a second booster shot to all adults, but that no decision has been made yet.“It’s a regulatory decision on the part of the FDA," Fauci said.Jha said people who are eligible for a booster but haven't received one shouldn't wait for forthcoming vaccines targeted at the omicron strain in addition to the original form of the coronavirus. The U.S. has ordered 105 million of those updated shots, which studies show provide better protection against omicron variants, but they won't be available until the fall.“Let me be clear, if you get vaccinated today, you’re not going to be ineligible to get the variants specific vaccine, as we get into the later part of fall and winter," Jha said. “So, this is not a tradeoff, we’ve got plenty. It’s a great way to protect yourself.”Added Fauci, “The threat to you is now.”Walensky noted that CDC data shows that about a third of Americans are living in areas the agency classifies as experiencing a high level of COVID spread, where the agency recommends people wear masks in public indoor spaces. Another 41% live in the CDC's “medium” level, where it recommends that people consider their own individual risk and consider masking.

🎥White House urges caution on COVID variants, pushes boosters

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal drug deal shooting and have made an arrest.

Just after 7:30p.m. Monday, deputies were sent to a shooting call near the intersection of 47th Street South and Clifton in Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

 The call location was quickly updated to the QuikTrip at 47th Street South and Hydraulic. When deputies arrived at the convenience store they found a 19-year-old later identified as Donovan Graves of Wichita, in a vehicle deceased from a gunshot wound. Two adult woman were with him.

Deputies were directed to a mobile home in the 5200 block of south Clifton where the shooting occurred. 

Deputies arrested 20-year-old Brian Youngman of Wichita at the mobile home and booked him on requested charges of first degree murder.

Investigators learned that Graves, 19-year-old Lanita Baugh and 20-year-old Myrashia Griffin drove to the 5200 Block of South Clifton for a drug transaction, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter. 

Graves attempted to rob a 17-year-old girl of marijuana, according to Easter. Youngman pulled a gun and shot Graves during the robbery.

The two women with Graves were also booked on requested charges of murder and aggravated robbery, according to Blick.&nbsp; Deputies also arrested the 17-year-old girl for marijuana possession with intent to sell, according to Easter. She and Graves knew each other.

Authorities will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney on Friday, according to Easter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657641940268.png" alt="Youngman-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Youngman-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal drug deal shooting and have made an arrest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657634255367.png" alt="Deputies on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Deputies on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 7:30p.m. Monday, deputies were sent to a shooting call near the intersection of 47th Street South and Clifton in Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick. The call location was quickly updated to the QuikTrip at 47th Street South and Hydraulic. When deputies arrived at the convenience store they found a 19-year-old later identified as Donovan Graves of Wichita, in a vehicle deceased from a gunshot wound. Two adult woman were with him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657636612949.png" alt="Griffin-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Griffin-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies were directed to a mobile home in the 5200 block of south Clifton where the shooting occurred. Deputies arrested 20-year-old Brian Youngman of Wichita at the mobile home and booked him on requested charges of first degree murder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657636527733.png" alt="Baugh-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Baugh-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators learned that Graves, 19-year-old Lanita Baugh and 20-year-old Myrashia Griffin drove to the 5200 Block of South Clifton for a drug transaction, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter. Graves attempted to rob a 17-year-old girl of marijuana, according to Easter. Youngman pulled a gun and shot Graves during the robbery.The two women with Graves were also booked on requested charges of murder and aggravated robbery, according to Blick.&nbsp; Deputies also arrested the 17-year-old girl for marijuana possession with intent to sell, according to Easter. She and Graves knew each other.Authorities will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney on Friday, according to Easter.

Kan. man killed during attempt to steal marijuana from teen

WASHINGTON (AP) — Surging prices for gas, food and rent catapulted U.S. inflation to a new four-decade peak in June, further pressuring households and likely sealing the case for another large interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve, with higher borrowing costs to follow.

Consumer prices soared 9.1% compared with a year earlier, the government said Wednesday, the biggest 12-month increase since 1981, and up from an 8.6% jump in May. On a monthly basis, prices rose 1.3% from May to June, another substantial increase, after prices had jumped 1% from April to May.

The ongoing price increases underscore the brutal impact that inflation has inflicted on many families, with the costs of necessities, in particular, rising much faster than average incomes. Lower-income and Black and Hispanic Americans have been hit especially hard, because a disproportionate share of their income goes toward such essentials as housing, transportation and food.

Some economists have held out hope that inflation might be reaching or nearing a short-term peak. Gas prices, for example, have fallen from the eye-watering $5 a gallon reached in mid-June to an average of $4.66 nationwide as of Tuesday — still far higher than a year ago but a drop that could help slow inflation for July and possibly August.

In addition, shipping costs and commodity prices have begun to fall. Pay increases have slowed. And surveys show that Americans' expectations for inflation over the long run have eased — a trend that often points to more moderate price increases over time.

Yet for now, the relentless spike in inflation has caused a steep drop in consumers’ confidence in the economy, sent President Joe Biden’s approval ratings tumbling and posed a major political threat to Democrats in the November congressional elections. Forty percent of adults said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-inflation-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-economy-8702782d77505f711272f5f9d988d73f">in a June AP-NORC poll</a>&nbsp;that they thought tackling inflation should be a top government priority this year, up from just 14% who said so in December.

In the immediate aftermath of the 2020 pandemic recession, as Americans focused their spending on items for the home, like furniture, appliances and exercise equipment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-economy-prices-5ebdc188d7b2f6eaaedeff863c49ba67">supply chains became overwhelmed and prices for physical goods soared</a>. But as consumer spending has gradually shifted away from goods and toward services like vacation travel, restaurants meals, movies, concerts and sporting events, some of the highest price increases have occurred in services.

Housing, in particular, has been seized by some of the highest inflation rates in the economy, causing hardships for many. A shortage of houses for sale has sent home prices skyrocketing just as mortgage rates have also soared.

With many people priced out of the market for houses and looking instead to rent, demand for apartments has sent rental rates beyond affordable levels. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-home-sales-prices-b9afc4e250784ddbfa7a8e125781badb">national median home price jumped 14.8% in May from a year earlier to $407,600</a>. That’s an all-time high according to data to 1999, according to the National Association of Realtors.

The persistence of high inflation has unnerved Chair Jerome Powell and other Fed officials, who are engaged in the fastest series of rate hikes since the late 1980s to try to slow the price spikes. The central bank is expected to raise its key short-term rate later this month by a hefty three-quarters of a point, as it did last month, with potentially more large rate hikes to follow.

Powell has stressed that the central bank wants to see “compelling evidence” that inflation is slowing before it would dial back its rate hikes. Such evidence would need to be a “series of declining monthly inflation readings,” Powell said at a news conference last month.

Many economists worry that the Fed’s drive to quell inflation will cause it to tighten credit too aggressively even while the economy, by some measures, is slowing. Much higher borrowing costs could trigger a recession, potentially by next year.

Consumers have started to pull back on spending, home sales are falling as mortgage rates rise and factory output slipped in May. Yet steadily robust job growth points to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jobs-report-signs-of-economic-resilience-e83d996c4a6320b5785dde94d6c2f125">an economy that is still expanding</a>, with little sign of an imminent recession.

Though inflation is likely to slow later this year, it’s not clear by how much. Oil prices fell Tuesday to about $96 a barrel. And other commodities, including metals such as copper, have also become less expensive, mostly because of recession fears in both the United States and Europe.

With fewer ships stuck at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, America’s largest, shipping costs for international freight have fallen. Wholesale gas prices have fallen to about $3.40 a gallon, which suggests that retail prices could drop to as low as $4.20 by August, according to Omair Sharif, founder of Inflation Insights.

And wholesale used car prices are also falling, which point to declining used car prices in the coming months.

Yet plenty of items are still rising in price, notably apartment rents. The average cost of new leases has jumped 14% in the past year, according to real estate brokerage Redfin, to an average of $2,016 a month.

Rents as measured by the government’s inflation index have risen more slowly because they include all rents, including existing leases. But economists expect the rising expense of new leases to send the government’s inflation measure higher in coming months.

Inflation has spiked overseas as well. It reached&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-consumer-86c72bd6424d616ee32934e440b58aea">9.1% in the United Kingdom</a>&nbsp;in May, the highest level in four decades, driven mostly by higher gas and food prices. Annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-russia-ukraine-prices-977c2d02eb7b745542c970908ea72cd4">inflation in the eurozone’s 19 countries hit 8.6%</a>&nbsp;in June, surging past the 8.1% recorded in May. Inflation is now at its highest level since recordkeeping for the euro began in 1997.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642689710083.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Surging prices for gas, food and rent catapulted U.S. inflation to a new four-decade peak in June, further pressuring households and likely sealing the case for another large interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve, with higher borrowing costs to follow.Consumer prices soared 9.1% compared with a year earlier, the government said Wednesday, the biggest 12-month increase since 1981, and up from an 8.6% jump in May. On a monthly basis, prices rose 1.3% from May to June, another substantial increase, after prices had jumped 1% from April to May.The ongoing price increases underscore the brutal impact that inflation has inflicted on many families, with the costs of necessities, in particular, rising much faster than average incomes. Lower-income and Black and Hispanic Americans have been hit especially hard, because a disproportionate share of their income goes toward such essentials as housing, transportation and food.Some economists have held out hope that inflation might be reaching or nearing a short-term peak. Gas prices, for example, have fallen from the eye-watering $5 a gallon reached in mid-June to an average of $4.66 nationwide as of Tuesday — still far higher than a year ago but a drop that could help slow inflation for July and possibly August.In addition, shipping costs and commodity prices have begun to fall. Pay increases have slowed. And surveys show that Americans' expectations for inflation over the long run have eased — a trend that often points to more moderate price increases over time.Yet for now, the relentless spike in inflation has caused a steep drop in consumers’ confidence in the economy, sent President Joe Biden’s approval ratings tumbling and posed a major political threat to Democrats in the November congressional elections. Forty percent of adults said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-inflation-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-economy-8702782d77505f711272f5f9d988d73f">in a June AP-NORC poll</a>&nbsp;that they thought tackling inflation should be a top government priority this year, up from just 14% who said so in December.In the immediate aftermath of the 2020 pandemic recession, as Americans focused their spending on items for the home, like furniture, appliances and exercise equipment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-economy-prices-5ebdc188d7b2f6eaaedeff863c49ba67">supply chains became overwhelmed and prices for physical goods soared</a>. But as consumer spending has gradually shifted away from goods and toward services like vacation travel, restaurants meals, movies, concerts and sporting events, some of the highest price increases have occurred in services.Housing, in particular, has been seized by some of the highest inflation rates in the economy, causing hardships for many. A shortage of houses for sale has sent home prices skyrocketing just as mortgage rates have also soared.With many people priced out of the market for houses and looking instead to rent, demand for apartments has sent rental rates beyond affordable levels. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-home-sales-prices-b9afc4e250784ddbfa7a8e125781badb">national median home price jumped 14.8% in May from a year earlier to $407,600</a>. That’s an all-time high according to data to 1999, according to the National Association of Realtors.The persistence of high inflation has unnerved Chair Jerome Powell and other Fed officials, who are engaged in the fastest series of rate hikes since the late 1980s to try to slow the price spikes. The central bank is expected to raise its key short-term rate later this month by a hefty three-quarters of a point, as it did last month, with potentially more large rate hikes to follow.Powell has stressed that the central bank wants to see “compelling evidence” that inflation is slowing before it would dial back its rate hikes. Such evidence would need to be a “series of declining monthly inflation readings,” Powell said at a news conference last month.Many economists worry that the Fed’s drive to quell inflation will cause it to tighten credit too aggressively even while the economy, by some measures, is slowing. Much higher borrowing costs could trigger a recession, potentially by next year.Consumers have started to pull back on spending, home sales are falling as mortgage rates rise and factory output slipped in May. Yet steadily robust job growth points to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jobs-report-signs-of-economic-resilience-e83d996c4a6320b5785dde94d6c2f125">an economy that is still expanding</a>, with little sign of an imminent recession.Though inflation is likely to slow later this year, it’s not clear by how much. Oil prices fell Tuesday to about $96 a barrel. And other commodities, including metals such as copper, have also become less expensive, mostly because of recession fears in both the United States and Europe.With fewer ships stuck at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, America’s largest, shipping costs for international freight have fallen. Wholesale gas prices have fallen to about $3.40 a gallon, which suggests that retail prices could drop to as low as $4.20 by August, according to Omair Sharif, founder of Inflation Insights.And wholesale used car prices are also falling, which point to declining used car prices in the coming months.Yet plenty of items are still rising in price, notably apartment rents. The average cost of new leases has jumped 14% in the past year, according to real estate brokerage Redfin, to an average of $2,016 a month.Rents as measured by the government’s inflation index have risen more slowly because they include all rents, including existing leases. But economists expect the rising expense of new leases to send the government’s inflation measure higher in coming months.Inflation has spiked overseas as well. It reached&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-consumer-86c72bd6424d616ee32934e440b58aea">9.1% in the United Kingdom</a>&nbsp;in May, the highest level in four decades, driven mostly by higher gas and food prices. Annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-russia-ukraine-prices-977c2d02eb7b745542c970908ea72cd4">inflation in the eurozone’s 19 countries hit 8.6%</a>&nbsp;in June, surging past the 8.1% recorded in May. Inflation is now at its highest level since recordkeeping for the euro began in 1997.

US inflation rose more than expected; new 40-year high 

WASHINGTON —According to today’s Democrat party, if you believe that only women get pregnant, you are a bigot and responsible for violence, said U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri during a sharp exchange with Khiara M. Bridges, who is a professor at UC Berkeley School of Law.

"For today’s left, disagreement with them equals violence, so you must not disagree," Hawley stated.

The exchange occurred during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on abortion policy in the aftermath of the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade.

WASHINGTON —According to today’s Democrat party, if you believe that only women get pregnant, you are a bigot and responsible for violence, said U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri during a sharp exchange with Khiara M. Bridges, who is a professor at UC Berkeley School of Law.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Democrats say what they really think: men can get pregnant and if you disagree, you are “transphobic” and responsible for violence <a href="https://t.co/44CeIi5WvT">pic.twitter.com/44CeIi5WvT</a>&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1546902849837322241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"For today’s left, disagreement with them equals violence, so you must not disagree," Hawley stated. The exchange occurred during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on abortion policy in the aftermath of the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade."Here it is. Clear as day," said Kansas Senator Roger Marshall. "This is the insanity being taught to our students by college professors in the twilight zone. Bravo to Senator Hawley for calling out the shallowness and ignorance the left displays when their woke ideology is challenged."