BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities including the FBI, KBI and Augusta Department of&nbsp; Public Safety investigating the September 2023 murder of 93-year-old Joanne Johnson in her home in Augusta have&nbsp; arrested two juveniles, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

On Thursday afternoon two 14-year-old girls from Augusta were arrested for first-degree murder connected to Johnson’s death.

 Johnson was discovered deceased in her residence on September 3, 2023.The teens are being held at separate juvenile detention centers. Formal charges are pending.

In May, Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information that led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Johnson’s murder. 

Under the same conditions, the family of Joanne Johnson has offered to match the reward for information, increasing the total reward to $10,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715093373488.png" alt="-In May, Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information that led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Johnson’s murder." />
 <figcaption>-In May, Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information that led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Johnson’s murder.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities including the FBI, KBI and Augusta Department of&nbsp; Public Safety investigating the September 2023 murder of 93-year-old Joanne Johnson in her home in Augusta have&nbsp; arrested two juveniles, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.On Thursday afternoon two 14-year-old girls from Augusta were arrested for first-degree murder connected to Johnson’s death. Johnson was discovered deceased in her residence on September 3, 2023.The teens are being held at separate juvenile detention centers. Formal charges are pending.In May, Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information that led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Johnson’s murder. Under the same conditions, the family of Joanne Johnson has offered to match the reward for information, increasing the total reward to $10,000.

14-year-olds accused in the murder of  93-year-old Kansas woman

RENO COUNTY — Two people were arrested following a Wednesday chase in Reno County. 

On Wednesday, the Reno County Sheriff’s Office was informed that a victim of a previous theft had spotted the suspect in Pretty Prairie. The Sheriff’s Office responded to the area and found Brian Palmer and Krystal Estes leaving a residence.

 The pair were in a Brown Chevy truck with a flat bed. Deputies attempted to stop the truck, but it fled the area. After a lengthy chase, the Brown Chevy came to a stop and both Brian and Krystal attempted to run. Neither were successful and were apprehended. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the Brown Chevy truck had been stolen in Stafford County. 

Estes was arrested on a requested charge of Possession of the stolen truck and Interference.

Palmer was arrested on requested charges of Flee and Elude, Possession of the truck, Possession of Meth, Criminal Damage and several out of County Warrants. In addition, Palmer was also arrested for several other crimes that occurred over the last several months. These charges include 2 burglaries, Felony Theft and Trespassing.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723739329310.png" alt="Palmer photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Palmer photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — Two people were arrested following a Wednesday chase in Reno County. On Wednesday, the Reno County Sheriff’s Office was informed that a victim of a previous theft had spotted the suspect in Pretty Prairie. The Sheriff’s Office responded to the area and found Brian Palmer and Krystal Estes leaving a residence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723756116741.png" alt="Estes has previous&nbsp; two previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Estes has previous&nbsp; two previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure> The pair were in a Brown Chevy truck with a flat bed. Deputies attempted to stop the truck, but it fled the area. After a lengthy chase, the Brown Chevy came to a stop and both Brian and Krystal attempted to run. Neither were successful and were apprehended. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the Brown Chevy truck had been stolen in Stafford County. Estes was arrested on a requested charge of Possession of the stolen truck and Interference.Palmer was arrested on requested charges of Flee and Elude, Possession of the truck, Possession of Meth, Criminal Damage and several out of County Warrants. In addition, Palmer was also arrested for several other crimes that occurred over the last several months. These charges include 2 burglaries, Felony Theft and Trespassing.&nbsp;

Kansas couple led police on chase in reported stolen truck

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Lawrence Police have made a significant impact in the battle against the opioid epidemic, seizing over 800 fentanyl pills during a vehicle stop on a suspected drug dealer last week, according to a media release.

 The stop was the result of an investigation by the Lawrence Police Department's Directed Investigations Unit.&nbsp;

This seizure is in addition to the 33.08 pounds of methamphetamines and 1.26 pounds of cocaine seized by the Lawrence Police Department on the same day last week. 

The incidents were not related. An affidavit will be submitted to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for charging once the drugs are tested by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation laboratory. 

“The complexity of this investigation and the expertise needed to make a seizure of this magnitude cannot be overstated. The tireless work of our investigators has resulted in keeping more than 800 potentially lethal doses of poison off the streets of Lawrence. The opioid epidemic has already touched so many lives, and every pill we seize is a pill that could kill someone in our community. We are steadfast in our commitment to rid our community of this menace, and this seizure marks a crucial step toward that goal.” –Rich Lockhart, Lawrence Chief of Police

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Lawrence Police have made a significant impact in the battle against the opioid epidemic, seizing over 800 fentanyl pills during a vehicle stop on a suspected drug dealer last week, according to a media release. The stop was the result of an investigation by the Lawrence Police Department's Directed Investigations Unit.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723747215666.png" alt="Photo of the meth and cocaine seized by Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo of the meth and cocaine seized by Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>This seizure is in addition to the 33.08 pounds of methamphetamines and 1.26 pounds of cocaine seized by the Lawrence Police Department on the same day last week. The incidents were not related. An affidavit will be submitted to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for charging once the drugs are tested by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation laboratory. “The complexity of this investigation and the expertise needed to make a seizure of this magnitude cannot be overstated. The tireless work of our investigators has resulted in keeping more than 800 potentially lethal doses of poison off the streets of Lawrence. The opioid epidemic has already touched so many lives, and every pill we seize is a pill that could kill someone in our community. We are steadfast in our commitment to rid our community of this menace, and this seizure marks a crucial step toward that goal.” –Rich Lockhart, Lawrence Chief of Police

Police seize hundreds of fentanyl pills during Kansas traffic stop

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Peter Marshall, the actor and singer turned game show host who played straight man to the stars for 16 years on “The Hollywood Squares,” has died. He was 98.

He died Thursday of kidney failure at his home in the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles, publicist Harlan Boll said.

Marshall helped define the form of the smooth, professional, but never-too-serious modern game show host on more than 5,000 episodes of the series that ran on NBC from 1966 to 1981.

But he was often closer to a talk show host, and the tic-tac-toe game the contestants played, while real, was all an excuse for a good time. The questions Marshall posed to regulars like Paul Lynde, George Gobel and Joan Rivers were designed to be set-ups for joke answers before the real ones followed.

“It was the easiest thing I've ever done in show business,” Marshall said in a 2010 interview for the Archive of American Television. “I walked in, said ‘Hello stars,' I read questions and laughed. And it paid very well.”

“The Hollywood Squares” would become an American cultural institution and make Marshall a household name. It would win four Daytime Emmys for outstanding game show during his run and spawned dozens of international versions and several U.S. reboots. Not only was it a forum for such character actors as Charlie Weaver (the stage name of Cliff Arquette) and Wally Cox, but the show attracted a range of top stars as occasional guests, including Aretha Franklin, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Ed Asner and Janet Leigh.

Marshall had a warm rapport with Weaver, Lynde and others, but said that Gobel, the wry comedian, actor and variety show host, held a special place, tweeting in 2021 that it’s “no secret he was my closest friend on Hollywood Squares and my absolute all-time favorite Square!”

Marshall had lived nearly an entire show business life before he took the “Squares” podium at age 40.

He had toured with big bands starting as a teenager, had been a part of two comedy teams that appeared in nightclubs and on television, appeared in movies as a contract player for Twentieth Century Fox, and had sung in several Broadway musicals when the opportunity came up after Bert Parks, who hosted the pilot, bowed out.

“I am a singer first I am not a game show host,” Marshall told his hometown paper, the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, West Virginia in 2013, "that was just a freak opportunity. I had been on Broadway with Julie Harris and was going back to Broadway when I did the audition, and I thought it was a few weeks but that turned into 16 years.”

“The Hollywood Squares” was more strait-laced when it began, but early in its run a producer suggested they write jokes for Lynde, the ever-snarky comic actor who occupied the center square and would become as identified as Marshall with the show.

The first joke would set the template for the years that followed:

Marshall: “Paul, why do motorcyclists wear leather?”

“That changed the whole thing,” Marshall told the TV archive. “I had been a straight man. So working with comics was easy for me.”

Born Ralph Pierre LaCock in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Marshall would move around the state as a child, living in Wheeling and Huntington.

His father died when Marshall was 10, and he would live with his grandparents as his mother and sister, the actress Joanne Dru, moved to New York to pursue her career in show business. Marshall would soon join them.

At 15, he toured as a singer with the Bob Chester Orchestra. He also worked as an NBC Radio page and an usher at the Paramount Theater. He was drafted during World War II and stationed in Italy, where he made his first forays onto the airways as a DJ for Armed Forces Radio. In 1949 he formed a comedy duo with Tommy Noonan, appearing in nightclubs, in theaters and on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

He became a movie contract player in the 1950s at Twentieth Century Fox, appearing in films including 1959's “The Rookie" and 1961's “Swingin’ Along."

Major starring roles eluded him in Hollywood, but he would find them in musical theater.

He starred opposite Chita Rivera in “Bye Bye Birdie” in London’s West End in 1962 — Lynde had played a major role in the Broadway version that he would reprise in the film — and played his first starring role on Broadway in “Skyscraper” with Julie Harris in 1965.

He would also appear in Broadway versions of “High Button Shoes,” “The Music Man” and “42nd Street.”

After “The Hollywood Squares,” Marshall would host a few other short-lived game shows, but mostly resumed his career as a singing actor, starring in more than 800 performances of “La Cage Aux Folles” on Broadway and on tour, and singing in the 1983 film version of “Annie.”

He was married three times, the last to Laurie Stewart in 1989.

The couple survived a bout with COVID-19 early in 2021. He was hospitalized for several weeks.

His four kids include son Pete LaCock, a professional baseball player for the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. Marshall is also survived by daughters Suzanne and Jaime, son David, 12 grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723757023595.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Peter Marshall, the actor and singer turned game show host who played straight man to the stars for 16 years on “The Hollywood Squares,” has died. He was 98.He died Thursday of kidney failure at his home in the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles, publicist Harlan Boll said.Marshall helped define the form of the smooth, professional, but never-too-serious modern game show host on more than 5,000 episodes of the series that ran on NBC from 1966 to 1981.But he was often closer to a talk show host, and the tic-tac-toe game the contestants played, while real, was all an excuse for a good time. The questions Marshall posed to regulars like Paul Lynde, George Gobel and Joan Rivers were designed to be set-ups for joke answers before the real ones followed.“It was the easiest thing I've ever done in show business,” Marshall said in a 2010 interview for the Archive of American Television. “I walked in, said ‘Hello stars,' I read questions and laughed. And it paid very well.”“The Hollywood Squares” would become an American cultural institution and make Marshall a household name. It would win four Daytime Emmys for outstanding game show during his run and spawned dozens of international versions and several U.S. reboots. Not only was it a forum for such character actors as Charlie Weaver (the stage name of Cliff Arquette) and Wally Cox, but the show attracted a range of top stars as occasional guests, including Aretha Franklin, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Ed Asner and Janet Leigh.Marshall had a warm rapport with Weaver, Lynde and others, but said that Gobel, the wry comedian, actor and variety show host, held a special place, tweeting in 2021 that it’s “no secret he was my closest friend on Hollywood Squares and my absolute all-time favorite Square!”Marshall had lived nearly an entire show business life before he took the “Squares” podium at age 40.He had toured with big bands starting as a teenager, had been a part of two comedy teams that appeared in nightclubs and on television, appeared in movies as a contract player for Twentieth Century Fox, and had sung in several Broadway musicals when the opportunity came up after Bert Parks, who hosted the pilot, bowed out.“I am a singer first I am not a game show host,” Marshall told his hometown paper, the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, West Virginia in 2013, "that was just a freak opportunity. I had been on Broadway with Julie Harris and was going back to Broadway when I did the audition, and I thought it was a few weeks but that turned into 16 years.”“The Hollywood Squares” was more strait-laced when it began, but early in its run a producer suggested they write jokes for Lynde, the ever-snarky comic actor who occupied the center square and would become as identified as Marshall with the show.The first joke would set the template for the years that followed:Marshall: “Paul, why do motorcyclists wear leather?”Lynde: “Because chiffon wrinkles.”“That changed the whole thing,” Marshall told the TV archive. “I had been a straight man. So working with comics was easy for me.”Born Ralph Pierre LaCock in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Marshall would move around the state as a child, living in Wheeling and Huntington.His father died when Marshall was 10, and he would live with his grandparents as his mother and sister, the actress Joanne Dru, moved to New York to pursue her career in show business. Marshall would soon join them.At 15, he toured as a singer with the Bob Chester Orchestra. He also worked as an NBC Radio page and an usher at the Paramount Theater. He was drafted during World War II and stationed in Italy, where he made his first forays onto the airways as a DJ for Armed Forces Radio. In 1949 he formed a comedy duo with Tommy Noonan, appearing in nightclubs, in theaters and on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”He became a movie contract player in the 1950s at Twentieth Century Fox, appearing in films including 1959's “The Rookie" and 1961's “Swingin’ Along."Major starring roles eluded him in Hollywood, but he would find them in musical theater.He starred opposite Chita Rivera in “Bye Bye Birdie” in London’s West End in 1962 — Lynde had played a major role in the Broadway version that he would reprise in the film — and played his first starring role on Broadway in “Skyscraper” with Julie Harris in 1965.He would also appear in Broadway versions of “High Button Shoes,” “The Music Man” and “42nd Street.”After “The Hollywood Squares,” Marshall would host a few other short-lived game shows, but mostly resumed his career as a singing actor, starring in more than 800 performances of “La Cage Aux Folles” on Broadway and on tour, and singing in the 1983 film version of “Annie.”He was married three times, the last to Laurie Stewart in 1989.The couple survived a bout with COVID-19 early in 2021. He was hospitalized for several weeks.His four kids include son Pete LaCock, a professional baseball player for the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. Marshall is also survived by daughters Suzanne and Jaime, son David, 12 grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren.

‘Hollywood Squares’ host and Broadway star Peter Marshall dies at 98

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured and rescued after an accident during the severe weather Wednesday in Topeka.

Just before 11:30 p.m., crews from the Topeka Fire Department (TFD)&nbsp;to a report of an injured person in the Kansas River near 1115 NE Poplar Street, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

The Topeka Fire Department Technical Rescue team, consisting of both a truck and engine company, was dispatched to assist along with two additional engine companies, one truck company and one battalion chief.

Firefighters found an individual who had been injured and trapped under a fallen tree during a severe thunderstorm. Crews rescued the injured person, who was then transported to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723736034614.png" alt="Storm damage in the Topeka area photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage in the Topeka area photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured and rescued after an accident during the severe weather Wednesday in Topeka.Just before 11:30 p.m., crews from the Topeka Fire Department (TFD)&nbsp;to a report of an injured person in the Kansas River near 1115 NE Poplar Street, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols.The Topeka Fire Department Technical Rescue team, consisting of both a truck and engine company, was dispatched to assist along with two additional engine companies, one truck company and one battalion chief.Firefighters found an individual who had been injured and trapped under a fallen tree during a severe thunderstorm. Crews rescued the injured person, who was then transported to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Crews rescue victim trapped in the Kansas river during storm

NORTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10a.m. Thursday in Norton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Explorer driven by&nbsp; Melanie A&nbsp;Cotton, 29, Lenora, was southbound on U.S. 283 two and one half miles south of Norton.

The SUV traveled off the roadway to the right, returned to the road, crossed the center line. When the driver overcorrected, the SUV rolled multiple times and came to rest in the northbound lane.

EMS transported a passenger identified as Senquay R&nbsp;Montes, 20, Lenora, to the Norton County Hospital where he died.

EMS also transported Melanie Cotton and a second passenger Betty L.&nbsp;Cotton, 75,&nbsp; Lenora, to the Norton County Hospital. Montes was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NORTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10a.m. Thursday in Norton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Explorer driven by&nbsp; Melanie A&nbsp;Cotton, 29, Lenora, was southbound on U.S. 283 two and one half miles south of Norton.The SUV traveled off the roadway to the right, returned to the road, crossed the center line. When the driver overcorrected, the SUV rolled multiple times and came to rest in the northbound lane.EMS transported a passenger identified as Senquay R&nbsp;Montes, 20, Lenora, to the Norton County Hospital where he died.EMS also transported Melanie Cotton and a second passenger Betty L.&nbsp;Cotton, 75,&nbsp; Lenora, to the Norton County Hospital. Montes was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kan. man dead, 2 injured after SUV rollover accident

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for help to locate a suspect who didn't show up for a scheduled sentencing hearing for his role in a homicide that occurred in 2023.

According to Wichita Police, 64-year-old&nbsp;Kevin Harris was out on bond&nbsp; and&nbsp; cut off his ankle monitor.

In August of 2023, police arrested Harris of Lawrence after a 16-hour standoff in Lawrence for the death of&nbsp;51-year-old Jose Lumbreras of Wichita.

Just after 11 p.m. August 22, police learned Harris had fled Wichita and was believed to be inside an apartment in the 1400 block of Bristol Terrace in Lawrence, according to Police Sgt. Drew Fennelly

While working to gather more information from Wichita, officers in Lawrence set up a perimeter on the apartment building, and gathered information that led investigators to believe Harris was there.

The Lawrence Police Crisis Response Team was activated and responded to the area, as well our Crisis Response Negotiators and&nbsp; the Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle team.

Crisis Negotiators were able to establish contact with people in the apartment and verified Harris was there. The Lawrence Police tactical team then began methodically evacuating the apartment building when it was clear the suspect was not going to come out, and was allegedly armed.

After multiple hours of discussion, negotiators were able to convince Harris to allow a woman in the apartment to leave.&nbsp; Following multiple additional hours of discussion, negotiators convinced Harris to also leave the apartment and he peacefully surrendered at&nbsp;3:30 p.m., according to Fennelly.

If you know Harris or know where he is call police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693343138410.png" alt="Harris-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Harris-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking the public for help to locate a suspect who didn't show up for a scheduled sentencing hearing for his role in a homicide that occurred in 2023.According to Wichita Police, 64-year-old&nbsp;Kevin Harris was out on bond&nbsp; and&nbsp; cut off his ankle monitor.In August of 2023, police arrested Harris of Lawrence after a 16-hour standoff in Lawrence for the death of&nbsp;51-year-old Jose Lumbreras of Wichita.Just after 11 p.m. August 22, police learned Harris had fled Wichita and was believed to be inside an apartment in the 1400 block of Bristol Terrace in Lawrence, according to Police Sgt. Drew FennellyWhile working to gather more information from Wichita, officers in Lawrence set up a perimeter on the apartment building, and gathered information that led investigators to believe Harris was there.The Lawrence Police Crisis Response Team was activated and responded to the area, as well our Crisis Response Negotiators and&nbsp; the Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle team.Crisis Negotiators were able to establish contact with people in the apartment and verified Harris was there. The Lawrence Police tactical team then began methodically evacuating the apartment building when it was clear the suspect was not going to come out, and was allegedly armed.After multiple hours of discussion, negotiators were able to convince Harris to allow a woman in the apartment to leave.&nbsp; Following multiple additional hours of discussion, negotiators convinced Harris to also leave the apartment and he peacefully surrendered at&nbsp;3:30 p.m., according to Fennelly.If you know Harris or know where he is call police.

Kan. man cut off ankle monitor, skips sentencing for role in murder

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> State's Newsroom

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to embark on a year-long study beginning next month that will test samples for evidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza from former dairy cattle moved into meat production.

Emilio Esteban, the under secretary for food safety at the USDA, told reporters on a call Tuesday the new testing program follows three studies undertaken during the spring and summer that all found beef in the nation’s food supply is safe to eat.

“However, we want to move forward with an additional step,” Esteban said. “And what this means is that when those carcasses are tested, they are held and are not going to go into commerce until we get the results back.”

The virus, also referred to as bird flu or H5N1, has been found in wild bird and domestic poultry flocks within the United States for years. But the ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle has forced animal and human health experts to establish testing for a new community of agriculture workers and livestock.

The news of additional testing for the country’s meat supply came alongside the results of a study from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that reinforced the safety of pasteurized dairy products.

Steve Grube, chief medical officer for the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai#secondtesting" target="_blank">most recent round of dairy product testing</a>&nbsp;included 167 foods that were processed in 27 states in June and July.

“None of the product samples contained viable H5N1, reaffirming that pasteurization is effective,” he said. “The second survey was intended to address geographic and product gaps from the initial sampling of the commercial milk and dairy product supply that the FDA conducted during April and May.”

Federal officials have also launched a voluntary program for farmers to test the milk in bulk tanks for H5N1, a step that’s intended to make it easier for them to move their cows between states without having to individually test each one.

Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA, said the department’s Farm Service Agency has approved 23 of the 35 applications it has received so far to help ease the financial burden on dairy farmers who take their herds out of production after testing positive.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-assist-for-livestock-honey-bees-fish/index" target="_blank">program</a>&nbsp;— known as Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish — has approved more than $1 million in payments.

The price paid to farmers is based on a formula that includes the price of milk from the preceding month as well as the number of dairy cattle that contract H5N1.

Deeble said on the call with reporters that of the approved applications, a dozen are from Colorado, which has seen a sharp increase in the number of positive H5N1 tests within its dairy industry.

Deeble argued the uptick is due to certain factors within the state and cautioned people against assuming that if testing was increased in other areas of the country, the number of positive H5N1 tests for dairy cattle would spike.

“I don’t think that it is accurate necessarily to extrapolate from the situation in Weld County, Colorado,” Deeble said. “Weld County and Colorado dairy in particular is rather unique in the degree to which the dairies are all closely associated with one another; both spatially and the way in which there is a lot of movement between the facilities.”

“It is a tightly integrated dairy community that’s isolated from much of the rest of the state, and there is a lot of connectivity between the premises in the way in which they use vehicles, support services, milk trucks,” Deeble added.

During the last 30 days, five states have had dairy cattle test positive for H5N1, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas.

Colorado holds a disproportionate number of cases with 26 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock" target="_blank">dairy herds to test positive</a>, while the other four states combined hold a total of six herds.

Other mammals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals" target="_blank">diagnosed</a>&nbsp;with H5N1 during the last six weeks are overwhelmingly in Colorado, which has found the virus in house mice, deer mice, domestic cats, a desert cottontail and a prairie vole.

Public health officials said during the call Tuesday they are beginning to look more closely at when and why cats are being affected by the spread of H5N1.

Barn cats as well as those that hunt outside, coming into regular contact with wild birds that hold a reservoir of H5N1, have tested positive for the virus before.

But a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colovma.org/cvma-news/influenza-a-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-domestic-cats/" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association earlier this month noted that two of the six cats diagnosed with H5N1 in that state this year “were indoor only cats with no direct exposures to the virus.”

Public health officials on the call were unable to answer a question about how indoor-only cats would have come into contact with H5N1.

Experts on the call cautioned that as fall approaches, wild birds will begin migrating and dairy farmers will likely ship their cattle at higher rates, both of which could lead to an uptick in the number of positive cases of H5N1 being reported in dairy cattle as well as other animals.

Lia Chien contributed to this report.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722448527185.png" alt="Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association)." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> State's NewsroomWASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to embark on a year-long study beginning next month that will test samples for evidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza from former dairy cattle moved into meat production.Emilio Esteban, the under secretary for food safety at the USDA, told reporters on a call Tuesday the new testing program follows three studies undertaken during the spring and summer that all found beef in the nation’s food supply is safe to eat.“However, we want to move forward with an additional step,” Esteban said. “And what this means is that when those carcasses are tested, they are held and are not going to go into commerce until we get the results back.”The virus, also referred to as bird flu or H5N1, has been found in wild bird and domestic poultry flocks within the United States for years. But the ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle has forced animal and human health experts to establish testing for a new community of agriculture workers and livestock.The news of additional testing for the country’s meat supply came alongside the results of a study from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that reinforced the safety of pasteurized dairy products.Steve Grube, chief medical officer for the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai#secondtesting" target="_blank">most recent round of dairy product testing</a>&nbsp;included 167 foods that were processed in 27 states in June and July.“None of the product samples contained viable H5N1, reaffirming that pasteurization is effective,” he said. “The second survey was intended to address geographic and product gaps from the initial sampling of the commercial milk and dairy product supply that the FDA conducted during April and May.”<h2>Testing milk in bulk tanks</h2>Federal officials have also launched a voluntary program for farmers to test the milk in bulk tanks for H5N1, a step that’s intended to make it easier for them to move their cows between states without having to individually test each one.Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA, said the department’s Farm Service Agency has approved 23 of the 35 applications it has received so far to help ease the financial burden on dairy farmers who take their herds out of production after testing positive.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-assist-for-livestock-honey-bees-fish/index" target="_blank">program</a>&nbsp;— known as Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish — has approved more than $1 million in payments.The price paid to farmers is based on a formula that includes the price of milk from the preceding month as well as the number of dairy cattle that contract H5N1.Deeble said on the call with reporters that of the approved applications, a dozen are from Colorado, which has seen a sharp increase in the number of positive H5N1 tests within its dairy industry.Deeble argued the uptick is due to certain factors within the state and cautioned people against assuming that if testing was increased in other areas of the country, the number of positive H5N1 tests for dairy cattle would spike.“I don’t think that it is accurate necessarily to extrapolate from the situation in Weld County, Colorado,” Deeble said. “Weld County and Colorado dairy in particular is rather unique in the degree to which the dairies are all closely associated with one another; both spatially and the way in which there is a lot of movement between the facilities.”“It is a tightly integrated dairy community that’s isolated from much of the rest of the state, and there is a lot of connectivity between the premises in the way in which they use vehicles, support services, milk trucks,” Deeble added.During the last 30 days, five states have had dairy cattle test positive for H5N1, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas.Colorado holds a disproportionate number of cases with 26 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock" target="_blank">dairy herds to test positive</a>, while the other four states combined hold a total of six herds.Other mammals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals" target="_blank">diagnosed</a>&nbsp;with H5N1 during the last six weeks are overwhelmingly in Colorado, which has found the virus in house mice, deer mice, domestic cats, a desert cottontail and a prairie vole.<h2>Effect on cats</h2>Public health officials said during the call Tuesday they are beginning to look more closely at when and why cats are being affected by the spread of H5N1.Barn cats as well as those that hunt outside, coming into regular contact with wild birds that hold a reservoir of H5N1, have tested positive for the virus before.But a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colovma.org/cvma-news/influenza-a-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-domestic-cats/" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association earlier this month noted that two of the six cats diagnosed with H5N1 in that state this year “were indoor only cats with no direct exposures to the virus.”Public health officials on the call were unable to answer a question about how indoor-only cats would have come into contact with H5N1.Experts on the call cautioned that as fall approaches, wild birds will begin migrating and dairy farmers will likely ship their cattle at higher rates, both of which could lead to an uptick in the number of positive cases of H5N1 being reported in dairy cattle as well as other animals.Lia Chien contributed to this report.&nbsp;

USDA to take ‘additional step’ in testing beef from former dairy cattle for bird flu 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A prosecutor says five people have been charged in connection with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/matthew-perry">Matthew Perry's</a>&nbsp;death from a ketamine overdose last year, including the actor's assistant and two doctors.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced the charges Thursday, saying the doctors supplied Perry with a large amount of ketamine and even wondered in a text message how much the former “Friends” star would be willing to pay.

“These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves. They knew what they were doing was wrong," Estrada said.

Perry died in October due to a ketamine overdose and received several injections of the drug on the day he died from his live-in personal assistant. The assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, is the one who found Perry dead later that day.

Two of the people, including one of the doctors charged, have been arrested, Estrada said. Two of the defendants, including Iwamasa, have pleaded guilty to charges already, and a third person has agreed to plead guilty.

Iwamasa's attorneys did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Among those arrested Thursday are Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who is charged with seven counts of distribution of ketamine and also two charges related to allegations he falsified records after Perry's death.

The other person arrested Thursday is Jasveen Sangha, who prosecutors described as a drug dealer known as the “ketamine queen.” Ketamine supplied by Sangha caused Perry's death, authorities said.

Messages to her attorneys were not immediately returned. Attempts to leave messages at Plasencia’s medical office were unsuccessful because its voicemail was full and an email was not immediately returned.

Sangha and Plasencia could make their first court appearances later Thursday.

Records show Plascencia's medical license has been in good standing with no records of complaints, though it is set to expire in October.

The prosecutor said the defendants exchanged messages soon after Perry's death referencing ketamine as the cause of death. Estrada said they tried to cover up their involvement in supplying Perry ketamine, a powerful anesthetic that is sometimes used to treat chronic pain and depression.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-death-investigation-290b5aa5a7c63ca67bfaa43e4f711f70">Los Angeles police said in May</a>&nbsp;that they were working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with a probe into why the 54-year-old had so much of the surgical anesthetic in his system.

Iwamasa found the actor face down in his hot tub on Oct. 28, and paramedics who were called immediately declared him dead.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-death-cause-054e67f7495845804f801c57a1ae2522">His autopsy, released in December, found</a>&nbsp;that the amount of ketamine in his blood was in the range used for general anesthesia during surgery.

The decades-old drug has seen a huge surge in use in recent years as a treatment for depression, anxiety and pain. People close to Perry told coroner’s investigators that he was undergoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketamine-pain-drugs-psychedelic-fda-2c67eeac1932962a7b0affc07d24c09a">ketamine infusion therapy</a>.

But the medical examiner said Perry’s last treatment 1 1/2 weeks earlier wouldn’t explain the levels of ketamine in his blood. The drug is typically metabolized in a matter of hours. At least two doctors were treating Perry, a psychiatrist and an anesthesiologist who served as his primary care physician, the medical examiner’s report said. No illicit drugs or paraphernalia were found at his house.

Ketamine was listed as the primary cause of death, which was ruled an accident with no foul play suspected, the report said. Drowning and other medical issues were contributing factors, the coroner said.

Perry had years of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-foundation-death-addiction-aa74b3e424c652a4325166231057ecd4">struggles with addiction</a>&nbsp;dating back to his time on “Friends,” when he became one of the biggest television stars of his generation as Chandler Bing alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-china-friends-fandom-0876bc8bf20b613c336d8c684eb5524f">NBC’s megahit sitcom</a>.

Drug-related celebrity deaths have in other cases led authorities to prosecute the people who supplied them.

After rapper&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mac-miller">Mac Miller</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/9e65656745a741cfbff6874df91ffa2d">died from an overdose</a>&nbsp;of cocaine, alcohol and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ad75f002ba304577ad1e1a09720d2a31">counterfeit oxycodone that contained fentanyl,</a>&nbsp;two of the men who provided him the fentanyl were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-health-arts-and-los-angeles-mac-miller-354df3dc8e8a7558236e5bd4a95b120e">convicted of distributing the drug</a>. One was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison, the other to 10 years.

And after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3e996992a2674d48afe544d87053583c">Michael Jackson</a>&nbsp;died in 2009 from a lethal dose of propofol, a drug intended for use only during surgery and other medical procedures, not for the insomnia the singer sought it for, his doctor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/conrad-murray">Conrad Murray</a>, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011. Murray has maintained his innocence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698541233773.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — A prosecutor says five people have been charged in connection with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/matthew-perry">Matthew Perry's</a>&nbsp;death from a ketamine overdose last year, including the actor's assistant and two doctors.U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced the charges Thursday, saying the doctors supplied Perry with a large amount of ketamine and even wondered in a text message how much the former “Friends” star would be willing to pay.“These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves. They knew what they were doing was wrong," Estrada said.Perry died in October due to a ketamine overdose and received several injections of the drug on the day he died from his live-in personal assistant. The assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, is the one who found Perry dead later that day.Two of the people, including one of the doctors charged, have been arrested, Estrada said. Two of the defendants, including Iwamasa, have pleaded guilty to charges already, and a third person has agreed to plead guilty.Iwamasa's attorneys did not immediately return a message seeking comment.Among those arrested Thursday are Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who is charged with seven counts of distribution of ketamine and also two charges related to allegations he falsified records after Perry's death.The other person arrested Thursday is Jasveen Sangha, who prosecutors described as a drug dealer known as the “ketamine queen.” Ketamine supplied by Sangha caused Perry's death, authorities said.Messages to her attorneys were not immediately returned. Attempts to leave messages at Plasencia’s medical office were unsuccessful because its voicemail was full and an email was not immediately returned.Sangha and Plasencia could make their first court appearances later Thursday.Records show Plascencia's medical license has been in good standing with no records of complaints, though it is set to expire in October.The prosecutor said the defendants exchanged messages soon after Perry's death referencing ketamine as the cause of death. Estrada said they tried to cover up their involvement in supplying Perry ketamine, a powerful anesthetic that is sometimes used to treat chronic pain and depression.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-death-investigation-290b5aa5a7c63ca67bfaa43e4f711f70">Los Angeles police said in May</a>&nbsp;that they were working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with a probe into why the 54-year-old had so much of the surgical anesthetic in his system.Iwamasa found the actor face down in his hot tub on Oct. 28, and paramedics who were called immediately declared him dead.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-death-cause-054e67f7495845804f801c57a1ae2522">His autopsy, released in December, found</a>&nbsp;that the amount of ketamine in his blood was in the range used for general anesthesia during surgery.The decades-old drug has seen a huge surge in use in recent years as a treatment for depression, anxiety and pain. People close to Perry told coroner’s investigators that he was undergoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketamine-pain-drugs-psychedelic-fda-2c67eeac1932962a7b0affc07d24c09a">ketamine infusion therapy</a>.But the medical examiner said Perry’s last treatment 1 1/2 weeks earlier wouldn’t explain the levels of ketamine in his blood. The drug is typically metabolized in a matter of hours. At least two doctors were treating Perry, a psychiatrist and an anesthesiologist who served as his primary care physician, the medical examiner’s report said. No illicit drugs or paraphernalia were found at his house.Ketamine was listed as the primary cause of death, which was ruled an accident with no foul play suspected, the report said. Drowning and other medical issues were contributing factors, the coroner said.Perry had years of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-foundation-death-addiction-aa74b3e424c652a4325166231057ecd4">struggles with addiction</a>&nbsp;dating back to his time on “Friends,” when he became one of the biggest television stars of his generation as Chandler Bing alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matthew-perry-china-friends-fandom-0876bc8bf20b613c336d8c684eb5524f">NBC’s megahit sitcom</a>.Drug-related celebrity deaths have in other cases led authorities to prosecute the people who supplied them.After rapper&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mac-miller">Mac Miller</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/9e65656745a741cfbff6874df91ffa2d">died from an overdose</a>&nbsp;of cocaine, alcohol and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ad75f002ba304577ad1e1a09720d2a31">counterfeit oxycodone that contained fentanyl,</a>&nbsp;two of the men who provided him the fentanyl were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-health-arts-and-los-angeles-mac-miller-354df3dc8e8a7558236e5bd4a95b120e">convicted of distributing the drug</a>. One was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison, the other to 10 years.And after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3e996992a2674d48afe544d87053583c">Michael Jackson</a>&nbsp;died in 2009 from a lethal dose of propofol, a drug intended for use only during surgery and other medical procedures, not for the insomnia the singer sought it for, his doctor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/conrad-murray">Conrad Murray</a>, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011. Murray has maintained his innocence.

2 doctors among 5 charged in Matthew Perry’s overdose death

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a series of business burglaries have a suspect in custody.

On July 3rd, a burglary occurred at Whispers Video, 314 North Plum Street in Hutchinson, according to a media release from Hutchinson Police.

 Three additional burglaries at Whispers Video were committed since then. The last burglary occurred on August 12.&nbsp; Hutchinson Police Department Patrol Officers and Detectives were able to identify and arrest a suspect in connection to all four burglaries.

On Wednesday, 32-year-old Kaylin D. Darnell of Hutchinson, was taken into custody on requested charges of&nbsp; burglary (four counts), theft (four counts) and criminal damage to property (three counts).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723739278698.png" alt="Darnell-photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Darnell-photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a series of business burglaries have a suspect in custody.On July 3rd, a burglary occurred at Whispers Video, 314 North Plum Street in Hutchinson, according to a media release from Hutchinson Police. Three additional burglaries at Whispers Video were committed since then. The last burglary occurred on August 12.&nbsp; Hutchinson Police Department Patrol Officers and Detectives were able to identify and arrest a suspect in connection to all four burglaries.On Wednesday, 32-year-old Kaylin D. Darnell of Hutchinson, was taken into custody on requested charges of&nbsp; burglary (four counts), theft (four counts) and criminal damage to property (three counts)..

Police arrest suspect for series of Kansas burglaries 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration said Thursday that drug price negotiations will knock hundreds of dollars — in some cases thousands — off the list prices of 10 of Medicare’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/fact-sheet-negotiated-prices-initial-price-applicability-year-2026.pdf">most popular and costliest drugs</a>.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/08/15/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-new-lower-prices-for-first-ten-drugs-selected-for-medicare-price-negotiation-to-lower-costs-for-millions-of-americans/">The discounts</a>, agreed to after months of negotiations with drug manufacturers, range between 38% and 79% on the medication's list price, which is the cost of medication before discounts or rebates are applied — not the price people actually pay for prescriptions.

Medicare&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/fact-sheet-medicare-selected-drug-negotiation-list-ipay-2026.pdf">spent</a>&nbsp;$50 billion covering the drugs last year and taxpayers are expected to save $6 billion on the new prices, which do not go into effect until 2026. Older adults could save as much as $1.5 billion in total on their medications in out-of-pocket costs. Administration officials released few details about how they arrived at those calculations.

The newly negotiated prices will impact the price of drugs used by millions of older Americans to help manage diabetes, blood cancers and prevent heart failure or blood clots. The drugs include the blood thinners Xarelto and Eliquis and diabetes drugs Jardiance and Januvia.

It's a landmark deal for the Medicare program, which provides health care coverage for more than 67 million older and disabled Americans. For decades, the federal government had been barred from bartering with pharmaceutical companies over the price of their drugs, even though it's a routine process for private insurers.

“For years, millions of Americans were forced to choose between paying for medications or putting food on the table, while Big Pharma blocked Medicare from being able to negotiate prices on behalf of seniors and people with disabilities,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. “But we fought back -– and won.”

The drug deals will become a focal point for Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris’</a>&nbsp;presidential campaign, especially since she cast the tiebreaking vote to pass the law. She will join Biden on Thursday to announce the drug prices, in what will be their first joint speaking appearance since she replaced him at the top of the Democratic ticket, as they both struggle to persuade voters that costs will trend down after years of above-normal inflation.

Harris is set to release part of her economic agenda on Friday in North Carolina, where she plans to detail other ways to help cut costs and boost incomes for the middle class.

The pair last appeared publicly together to welcome back to the U.S. Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-gershkovich-whelan-prisoner-swap-354df585ad321ecdbea4c0f2c557f0aa">detained</a>&nbsp;in Russia who were freed as part of a massive prisoner swap earlier this month.

Powerful drug companies unsuccessfully tried to file lawsuits to stop the negotiations, which became law in 2022, when a Democratic-controlled Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), overhauling several Medicare prescription drug regulations. But executives of those companies have also hinted in recent weeks during earnings calls that they don't expect the negotiations to impact their bottom line.

Pharmaceutical officials blasted the news from the White House, saying it will spread health care costs to taxpayers in other ways, including their Medicare premiums.

“The administration is using the IRA’s price-setting scheme to drive political headlines, but patients will be disappointed when they find out what it means for them," Steve Ubl, the president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). “The ironically named Inflation Reduction Act is a bad deal being forced on American patients: higher costs, more frustrating insurance denials and fewer treatments and cures for our loved ones.”

Next year, the Department of Health and Human Services can select another 15 drugs for price negotiations.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration said Thursday that drug price negotiations will knock hundreds of dollars — in some cases thousands — off the list prices of 10 of Medicare’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/fact-sheet-negotiated-prices-initial-price-applicability-year-2026.pdf">most popular and costliest drugs</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Right now, Americans pay two to three times more for prescription drugs than they would anywhere else. But the Biden-Harris Administration beat Big Pharma. And after months of negotiations, Medicare has reached agreements to lower the price for 10 of the highest-cost drugs. <a href="https://t.co/eGVtAtJsVO">pic.twitter.com/eGVtAtJsVO</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1824057502389968965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/08/15/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-new-lower-prices-for-first-ten-drugs-selected-for-medicare-price-negotiation-to-lower-costs-for-millions-of-americans/">The discounts</a>, agreed to after months of negotiations with drug manufacturers, range between 38% and 79% on the medication's list price, which is the cost of medication before discounts or rebates are applied — not the price people actually pay for prescriptions.Medicare&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/fact-sheet-medicare-selected-drug-negotiation-list-ipay-2026.pdf">spent</a>&nbsp;$50 billion covering the drugs last year and taxpayers are expected to save $6 billion on the new prices, which do not go into effect until 2026. Older adults could save as much as $1.5 billion in total on their medications in out-of-pocket costs. Administration officials released few details about how they arrived at those calculations.The newly negotiated prices will impact the price of drugs used by millions of older Americans to help manage diabetes, blood cancers and prevent heart failure or blood clots. The drugs include the blood thinners Xarelto and Eliquis and diabetes drugs Jardiance and Januvia.It's a landmark deal for the Medicare program, which provides health care coverage for more than 67 million older and disabled Americans. For decades, the federal government had been barred from bartering with pharmaceutical companies over the price of their drugs, even though it's a routine process for private insurers.“For years, millions of Americans were forced to choose between paying for medications or putting food on the table, while Big Pharma blocked Medicare from being able to negotiate prices on behalf of seniors and people with disabilities,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. “But we fought back -– and won.”The drug deals will become a focal point for Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris’</a>&nbsp;presidential campaign, especially since she cast the tiebreaking vote to pass the law. She will join Biden on Thursday to announce the drug prices, in what will be their first joint speaking appearance since she replaced him at the top of the Democratic ticket, as they both struggle to persuade voters that costs will trend down after years of above-normal inflation.Harris is set to release part of her economic agenda on Friday in North Carolina, where she plans to detail other ways to help cut costs and boost incomes for the middle class.The pair last appeared publicly together to welcome back to the U.S. Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-gershkovich-whelan-prisoner-swap-354df585ad321ecdbea4c0f2c557f0aa">detained</a>&nbsp;in Russia who were freed as part of a massive prisoner swap earlier this month.Powerful drug companies unsuccessfully tried to file lawsuits to stop the negotiations, which became law in 2022, when a Democratic-controlled Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), overhauling several Medicare prescription drug regulations. But executives of those companies have also hinted in recent weeks during earnings calls that they don't expect the negotiations to impact their bottom line.Pharmaceutical officials blasted the news from the White House, saying it will spread health care costs to taxpayers in other ways, including their Medicare premiums.“The administration is using the IRA’s price-setting scheme to drive political headlines, but patients will be disappointed when they find out what it means for them," Steve Ubl, the president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). “The ironically named Inflation Reduction Act is a bad deal being forced on American patients: higher costs, more frustrating insurance denials and fewer treatments and cures for our loved ones.”Next year, the Department of Health and Human Services can select another 15 drugs for price negotiations.

Billions saved: See what popular Medicare drugs will drop in price after Biden deal

OSAGE COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement officials are investigating a Great Bend woman for allegedly selling drugs in Osage County south of Topeka.

Just after 2 p.m. Wednesday, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 35 in Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, the deputy found illegal narcotics.

Amanda Rigby, 44, of Great Bend was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and No drug tax stamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723723063685.png" alt="Rigby photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Rigby photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement officials are investigating a Great Bend woman for allegedly selling drugs in Osage County south of Topeka.Just after 2 p.m. Wednesday, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 35 in Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, the deputy found illegal narcotics.Amanda Rigby, 44, of Great Bend was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and No drug tax stamp.

Sheriff: Kansas woman jailed for selling methamphetamine

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Minnesota Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tim-walz">Tim Walz</a>&nbsp;and Ohio Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;have agreed to debate each other on Oct. 1, setting up a matchup of potential vice presidents as early voting in some states gets underway for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">the general election</a>.

CBS News on Wednesday posted on its X feed that the network had invited both Vance and Walz to debate in New York City, presenting four possible dates — Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 — as options.

Walz reposted that message from his own campaign account, “See you on October 1, JD.” The Harris-Walz campaign followed up with a message of its own, saying Walz "looks forward to debating JD Vance — if he shows up.”

Vance posted on X that he would accept the Oct. 1 invitation. He also challenged Walz to meet on Sept. 18.

Officials with the Kamala Harris-Walz campaign did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Vance’s acceptance of the earlier debate that he said would be on CNN or whether Walz would participate in that one as well.

Representatives for CNN confirmed that Vance had accepted the network's debate invitation.

“CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan of “Face the Nation” will moderate the Oct. 1 debate, according to the network.

Whether or not Walz and Vance would debate before the Nov. 5 general election had been in question. In just the past several weeks, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;left the campaign and Democrats selected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Harris</a>&nbsp;to lead their ticket.

Vance has largely kept his focus trained on Harris, whom he would have been set to debate before Biden's departure from the race. Vance has lobbed critiques against Walz, including questioning the retired Army National Guardsman's service record.

Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the GOP presidential nominee, has said he wanted Vance to debate Walz on CBS, which had been discussing potential dates for that meeting.

The debate is expected weeks after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-abc-debate-814786cc3ad7c11498c71f09f0172db3">Sept. 10 top-of-the-ticket debate</a>&nbsp;recently solidified between Trump and Harris on ABC News.

Trump has said he negotiated several other debate dates, on three different networks. Fox News has also proposed a debate between Harris and Trump to take place on Sept. 4, and NBC News is angling to air one on Sept. 25.

During an appearance in Michigan, Harris said she was “happy to have that conversation” about an additional debate.

NEW YORK (AP) —Sen. JD Vance has now committed to debating his Democratic foil, Gov. Tim Walz, on Sept. 18 and also Oct. 1.

Trump’s running mate said Wednesday on Fox News that he only learned of CBS News’ debate invitation several hours earlier, as he was landing following a campaign event in Michigan.

Earlier Wednesday, CBS News posted on its X feed that the network had invited both Vance and Walz to debate in New York City, presenting four possible dates — Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 — as options.

Walz reposted that message from his own campaign account, “See you on October 1, JD.” The Harris-Walz campaign followed up with a message of its own, saying Walz “looks forward to debating JD Vance — if he shows up.”

Vance said Wednesday that “hopefully” he would debate Walz on that date, adding, “I strongly suspect that we’re going to be there on Oct. 1,” but made no firm commitment, saying he wanted to see specifics on debate moderators and whether an audience would be present. On social media Thursday morning Vance wrote,&nbsp; &nbsp;"Not only do I accept the CBS debate on October 1st, I accept the CNN debate on September 18th as well."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723725509674.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Minnesota Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tim-walz">Tim Walz</a>&nbsp;and Ohio Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;have agreed to debate each other on Oct. 1, setting up a matchup of potential vice presidents as early voting in some states gets underway for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">the general election</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The American people deserve as many debates as possible, which is why President Trump has challenged Kamala to three of them already. Not only do I accept the CBS debate on October 1st, I accept the CNN debate on September 18th as well. I look forward to seeing you at both! <a href="https://t.co/63FyI99dKU">https://t.co/63FyI99dKU</a>&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1824075920216310262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>CBS News on Wednesday posted on its X feed that the network had invited both Vance and Walz to debate in New York City, presenting four possible dates — Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 — as options.Walz reposted that message from his own campaign account, “See you on October 1, JD.” The Harris-Walz campaign followed up with a message of its own, saying Walz "looks forward to debating JD Vance — if he shows up.”Vance posted on X that he would accept the Oct. 1 invitation. He also challenged Walz to meet on Sept. 18.Officials with the Kamala Harris-Walz campaign did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Vance’s acceptance of the earlier debate that he said would be on CNN or whether Walz would participate in that one as well.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">See you on October 1, JD. <a href="https://t.co/ssi0FdseN9">https://t.co/ssi0FdseN9</a>&mdash; Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Walz/status/1823824781873176770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Representatives for CNN confirmed that Vance had accepted the network's debate invitation.“CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan of “Face the Nation” will moderate the Oct. 1 debate, according to the network.Whether or not Walz and Vance would debate before the Nov. 5 general election had been in question. In just the past several weeks, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;left the campaign and Democrats selected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Harris</a>&nbsp;to lead their ticket.Vance has largely kept his focus trained on Harris, whom he would have been set to debate before Biden's departure from the race. Vance has lobbed critiques against Walz, including questioning the retired Army National Guardsman's service record.Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the GOP presidential nominee, has said he wanted Vance to debate Walz on CBS, which had been discussing potential dates for that meeting.The debate is expected weeks after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-abc-debate-814786cc3ad7c11498c71f09f0172db3">Sept. 10 top-of-the-ticket debate</a>&nbsp;recently solidified between Trump and Harris on ABC News.Trump has said he negotiated several other debate dates, on three different networks. Fox News has also proposed a debate between Harris and Trump to take place on Sept. 4, and NBC News is angling to air one on Sept. 25.During an appearance in Michigan, Harris said she was “happy to have that conversation” about an additional debate.-------------NEW YORK (AP) —Sen. JD Vance has now committed to debating his Democratic foil, Gov. Tim Walz, on Sept. 18 and also Oct. 1.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The American people deserve as many debates as possible, which is why President Trump has challenged Kamala to three of them already. Not only do I accept the CBS debate on October 1st, I accept the CNN debate on September 18th as well. I look forward to seeing you at both! <a href="https://t.co/63FyI99dKU">https://t.co/63FyI99dKU</a>&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1824075920216310262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump’s running mate said Wednesday on Fox News that he only learned of CBS News’ debate invitation several hours earlier, as he was landing following a campaign event in Michigan.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">See you on October 1, JD. <a href="https://t.co/ssi0FdseN9">https://t.co/ssi0FdseN9</a>&mdash; Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Walz/status/1823824781873176770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Earlier Wednesday, CBS News posted on its X feed that the network had invited both Vance and Walz to debate in New York City, presenting four possible dates — Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 — as options.Walz reposted that message from his own campaign account, “See you on October 1, JD.” The Harris-Walz campaign followed up with a message of its own, saying Walz “looks forward to debating JD Vance — if he shows up.”Vance said Wednesday that “hopefully” he would debate Walz on that date, adding, “I strongly suspect that we’re going to be there on Oct. 1,” but made no firm commitment, saying he wanted to see specifics on debate moderators and whether an audience would be present. On social media Thursday morning Vance wrote,&nbsp; &nbsp;"Not only do I accept the CBS debate on October 1st, I accept the CNN debate on September 18th as well."

Candidates make commitment to vice-presidential debate

KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement are investigating another deadly shooting in Kansas City.

Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;was responding to a medical call at the&nbsp;Georgian Court Apartment Complex in the 400 block of E. Armour Boulevard in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

While on scene at that location a shooting occurred either just outside or just inside the lobby of the

The fire department crew on scene heard the gunshots and requested Police emergency response and additional resources.

 One patient was treated and and transported in critical condition. He died a short time later, according to Kansas City Police.&nbsp; The original medical call was handled by the additional resources ordered, according to Hopkins.

Responding officers located a person of interest near the scene. The potential suspect was being held on a 24-hour investigative hold.

&nbsp;A preliminary investigation led police to believe that there was a confrontation between the victim and the person of interest prior to the shooting. KC Fire crews were not in danger at the time of the shooting, according to Hopkins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723718390903.png" alt="photo by Grace Smith courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>photo by Grace Smith courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement are investigating another deadly shooting in Kansas City.Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;was responding to a medical call at the&nbsp;Georgian Court Apartment Complex in the 400 block of E. Armour Boulevard in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.While on scene at that location a shooting occurred either just outside or just inside the lobby of theThe fire department crew on scene heard the gunshots and requested Police emergency response and additional resources. One patient was treated and and transported in critical condition. He died a short time later, according to Kansas City Police.&nbsp; The original medical call was handled by the additional resources ordered, according to Hopkins.Responding officers located a person of interest near the scene. The potential suspect was being held on a 24-hour investigative hold.&nbsp;A preliminary investigation led police to believe that there was a confrontation between the victim and the person of interest prior to the shooting. KC Fire crews were not in danger at the time of the shooting, according to Hopkins.

Fatal shooting delays KC fire crews responding to medical call

MCPHERSON COUNTY —The McPherson County Board of Public Utility crews are working to restore power outages following a storm that saw 70-80 mile per hour winds to south central Kansas.

 All available utility crews were dispatched. At this time officials estimate approximately 600 outages as a result of the storm. There were no injuries reported, according to the McPherson County Sheriff's office.

Residents who live within city limits on the south side of McPherson were expected to have their power restored overnight. Rural customers that live southwest of the city limits can expect an extended outage. Some may see an outage of 12-24 hours.

The sheriff's office asked the public to avoid the area around 22nd Avenue between Eisenhower Road and Dakota Road as multiple power lines were down, there is damage to residential structures and emergency crews working in the area.

The Board of Public Utilities reported there are approximately 2 miles of power lines down on the circuit that feeds this section of the system. 

Also, do not assume the Board of Public Utilities knows about your outage. If you lose power call their 24/hr outage number 620-504-7300 to report the outage.Thank you for your patience.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723684445843.jpeg" alt="A semi on its side in the northbound lanes of I-135 near the McPherson exit. Photo newstips@salinapost.com" />
 <figcaption>A semi on its side in the northbound lanes of I-135 near the McPherson exit. Photo newstips@salinapost.com</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY —The McPherson County Board of Public Utility crews are working to restore power outages following a storm that saw 70-80 mile per hour winds to south central Kansas. All available utility crews were dispatched. At this time officials estimate approximately 600 outages as a result of the storm. There were no injuries reported, according to the McPherson County Sheriff's office.Residents who live within city limits on the south side of McPherson were expected to have their power restored overnight. Rural customers that live southwest of the city limits can expect an extended outage. Some may see an outage of 12-24 hours.The sheriff's office asked the public to avoid the area around 22nd Avenue between Eisenhower Road and Dakota Road as multiple power lines were down, there is damage to residential structures and emergency crews working in the area.The Board of Public Utilities reported there are approximately 2 miles of power lines down on the circuit that feeds this section of the system. Also, do not assume the Board of Public Utilities knows about your outage. If you lose power call their 24/hr outage number 620-504-7300 to report the outage.Thank you for your patience.

Summer storm left widespread damage in portions of Kansas

BARBER COUNTY —The Silver Alert for 73-year-old David Reese remains active, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. He is still missing. Please keep an eye out for him or his vehicle, a white 2017 Chevy Silverado bearing Kansas tag 885NEW.

On Aug. 5, the Harper Police Department, the Barber County Sheriff’s Office, the Harper County Sheriff’s Office, the Elwood Township Fire, the Kansas Fire Marshall, Kiowa Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Medicine Lodge Fire Department, Kiowa Fire Department, Barber County Rural Fire Department, and Barber County Emergency Management, conducted a search for Reese over 700 square miles in an 8-hour time frame.

The search utilized aircraft, multiple drones, vehicles, and off-road vehicles. The area searched was over half of Barber County surrounding the last known location of Reese which was near Little Mule and Hardtner Shortcut.

 No evidence of Reese or his vehicle were found. The search continues. If you own property in Barber or Harper County, you are asked to check your land for anything out of the ordinary.&nbsp;Reese is a white male who is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 250 pounds. He has brown eyes, a white beard, and is balding. He may be traveling with a chocolate Labrador retriever, and is likely wearing a baseball cap. Reese has diabetes, anxiety, and a condition impairing cognition and memory. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722706150273.png" alt="David Reese courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>David Reese courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BARBER COUNTY —The Silver Alert for 73-year-old David Reese remains active, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. He is still missing. Please keep an eye out for him or his vehicle, a white 2017 Chevy Silverado bearing Kansas tag 885NEW.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722939061343.png" alt="Photo Barber Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Barber Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>On Aug. 5, the Harper Police Department, the Barber County Sheriff’s Office, the Harper County Sheriff’s Office, the Elwood Township Fire, the Kansas Fire Marshall, Kiowa Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Medicine Lodge Fire Department, Kiowa Fire Department, Barber County Rural Fire Department, and Barber County Emergency Management, conducted a search for Reese over 700 square miles in an 8-hour time frame.The search utilized aircraft, multiple drones, vehicles, and off-road vehicles. The area searched was over half of Barber County surrounding the last known location of Reese which was near Little Mule and Hardtner Shortcut. No evidence of Reese or his vehicle were found. The search continues. If you own property in Barber or Harper County, you are asked to check your land for anything out of the ordinary.&nbsp;Reese is a white male who is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 250 pounds. He has brown eyes, a white beard, and is balding. He may be traveling with a chocolate Labrador retriever, and is likely wearing a baseball cap. Reese has diabetes, anxiety, and a condition impairing cognition and memory.

Silver Alert for Kansas man remains active

PHOENIX (AP) — An informational pamphlet for Arizona voters who will decide in the fall whether to guarantee a constitutional right to an abortion can refer to a fetus as an “unborn human being,” the state's highest court ruled Wednesday.

Arizona voters will get to decide in November whether to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-abortion-ballot-petitions-83cb053919be342d7bbb60217129fe49">add the right to an abortion</a>&nbsp;to the state constitution.

The proposed amendment would allow abortions until a fetus could survive outside the womb, typically around 24 weeks, with exceptions to save the mother’s life or to protect her physical or mental health. It would restrict the state from adopting or enforcing any law that would prohibit access to the procedure.

The justices of the Arizona Supreme Court, in Wednesday's decision, sided with Republican lawmakers over proponents of the ballot measure on abortion rights.

The ruling drew swift criticism from abortion rights advocates who had argued that the phrase “unborn human being” is neither impartial nor objective. They also said they were concerned that Arizonans would be subjected to biased and politically charged words.

“We are deeply disappointed in this ruling, but will not be deterred from doing everything in our power to communicate to voters the truth of the Arizona Abortion Access Act and why it’s critical to vote YES to restore and protect access to abortion care this fall,” the group, Arizona for Abortion Access, said in a statement.

The pamphlet gives voters information on candidates and ballot measures to help inform their choices. It was unclear, however, whether any specific language contained in the pamphlet would appear on the ballot.

The Arizona secretary of state’s office said Monday that it had certified 577,971 signatures — far above the required number that the coalition supporting the ballot measure had to submit in order to put the question before voters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723688353974.png" alt="File photo courtesy Arizona Abortion access" />
 <figcaption>File photo courtesy Arizona Abortion access</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — An informational pamphlet for Arizona voters who will decide in the fall whether to guarantee a constitutional right to an abortion can refer to a fetus as an “unborn human being,” the state's highest court ruled Wednesday.Arizona voters will get to decide in November whether to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-abortion-ballot-petitions-83cb053919be342d7bbb60217129fe49">add the right to an abortion</a>&nbsp;to the state constitution.The proposed amendment would allow abortions until a fetus could survive outside the womb, typically around 24 weeks, with exceptions to save the mother’s life or to protect her physical or mental health. It would restrict the state from adopting or enforcing any law that would prohibit access to the procedure.The justices of the Arizona Supreme Court, in Wednesday's decision, sided with Republican lawmakers over proponents of the ballot measure on abortion rights.The ruling drew swift criticism from abortion rights advocates who had argued that the phrase “unborn human being” is neither impartial nor objective. They also said they were concerned that Arizonans would be subjected to biased and politically charged words.“We are deeply disappointed in this ruling, but will not be deterred from doing everything in our power to communicate to voters the truth of the Arizona Abortion Access Act and why it’s critical to vote YES to restore and protect access to abortion care this fall,” the group, Arizona for Abortion Access, said in a statement.The pamphlet gives voters information on candidates and ballot measures to help inform their choices. It was unclear, however, whether any specific language contained in the pamphlet would appear on the ballot.The Arizona secretary of state’s office said Monday that it had certified 577,971 signatures — far above the required number that the coalition supporting the ballot measure had to submit in order to put the question before voters.