WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced Wednesday that it is providing $600 million in funding to produce new at-home COVID-19 tests and is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-afb3d15b59a0212d9297ed2794f91a2a">restarting a website</a>&nbsp;allowing Americans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-government-at-home-covid-tests-e98c4a7a4ee340345a5786c4c407c5fb">again order up to four free tests per household</a>&nbsp;— aiming to prevent possible shortages during a rise in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus cases</a>&nbsp;that has typically come during colder months.

The Department of Health and Human Services says orders can be placed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covid.gov/tests">COVIDTests.gov</a>&nbsp;starting Sept. 25, and that no-cost tests will be delivered for free by the United States Postal Service.

Twelve manufacturers that employ hundreds of people in seven states have been awarded funding and will produce 200 million over-the-counter tests to replenish federal stockpiles for government use, in addition to producing enough tests to meet demand for tests ordered online, the department said. Federal officials said that will help guard against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-pandemics-ap-top-news-global-trade-fresno-4354f8e8026cf8135b74fa19f0d0f048">supply chain issues</a>&nbsp;that sparked some shortages of at-home COVID tests made overseas during past surges in coronavirus cases.

Dawn O’Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at HHS, said the website will remain functional to receive orders through the holidays and “we reserve the right to keep it open even longer if we're starting to see an increase in cases.”

“If there is a demand for these tests, we want to make sure that they're made available to the American people for free in this way,” O'Connell said. “But, at this point, our focus is getting through the holidays and making sure folks can take a test if they're going to see Grandma for Thanksgiving."

The tests are designed to detect COVID variants currently circulating, and are intended for use by the end of the year. But they will include instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates, the department said.

The initiative follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-home-test-78960c4c36422907a2eab3eb0dcdfadd">four previous rounds</a>&nbsp;where federal officials and the U.S. Postal Service provided more than 755 million tests for free to homes nationwide.

It is also meant to complement ongoing federal efforts to provide free COVID tests to long-term care facilities, schools, low-income senior housing, uninsured individuals and underserved communities which are already distributing 4 million per week and have distributed 500 million tests to date, the department said.

O’Connell said manufacturers would be able to spread out the 200 million tests they will produce for federal use over 18 months. That means that, as demand for home tests rises via the website or at U.S. retailers when COVID cases increase around the country, producers can focus on meeting those orders — but that they will then have an additional outlet for the tests they produce during period when demand declines.

“We’ve seen every winter, as people move indoors into heated spaces, away from the outside that, over each of the seasons that COVID’s been a concern, that we have seen cases go up," O'Connell said.

She added that also “there’s always an opportunity or chance for another variant to come” but “we’re not anticipating that.”

“That’s not why we’re doing this,” O'Connell said. "We’re doing this for the fall and winter season ahead and the potential for an increase in cases as a result.”

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said that the "Biden-Harris Administration, in partnership with domestic manufacturers, has made great strides in addressing vulnerabilities in the U.S. supply chain by reducing our reliance on overseas manufacturing.”

“These critical investments will strengthen our nation’s production levels of domestic at-home COVID-19 rapid tests and help mitigate the spread of the virus," Becerra said in a statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646323179957.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced Wednesday that it is providing $600 million in funding to produce new at-home COVID-19 tests and is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-afb3d15b59a0212d9297ed2794f91a2a">restarting a website</a>&nbsp;allowing Americans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-government-at-home-covid-tests-e98c4a7a4ee340345a5786c4c407c5fb">again order up to four free tests per household</a>&nbsp;— aiming to prevent possible shortages during a rise in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus cases</a>&nbsp;that has typically come during colder months.The Department of Health and Human Services says orders can be placed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covid.gov/tests">COVIDTests.gov</a>&nbsp;starting Sept. 25, and that no-cost tests will be delivered for free by the United States Postal Service.Twelve manufacturers that employ hundreds of people in seven states have been awarded funding and will produce 200 million over-the-counter tests to replenish federal stockpiles for government use, in addition to producing enough tests to meet demand for tests ordered online, the department said. Federal officials said that will help guard against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-pandemics-ap-top-news-global-trade-fresno-4354f8e8026cf8135b74fa19f0d0f048">supply chain issues</a>&nbsp;that sparked some shortages of at-home COVID tests made overseas during past surges in coronavirus cases.Dawn O’Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at HHS, said the website will remain functional to receive orders through the holidays and “we reserve the right to keep it open even longer if we're starting to see an increase in cases.”“If there is a demand for these tests, we want to make sure that they're made available to the American people for free in this way,” O'Connell said. “But, at this point, our focus is getting through the holidays and making sure folks can take a test if they're going to see Grandma for Thanksgiving."The tests are designed to detect COVID variants currently circulating, and are intended for use by the end of the year. But they will include instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates, the department said.The initiative follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-home-test-78960c4c36422907a2eab3eb0dcdfadd">four previous rounds</a>&nbsp;where federal officials and the U.S. Postal Service provided more than 755 million tests for free to homes nationwide.It is also meant to complement ongoing federal efforts to provide free COVID tests to long-term care facilities, schools, low-income senior housing, uninsured individuals and underserved communities which are already distributing 4 million per week and have distributed 500 million tests to date, the department said.O’Connell said manufacturers would be able to spread out the 200 million tests they will produce for federal use over 18 months. That means that, as demand for home tests rises via the website or at U.S. retailers when COVID cases increase around the country, producers can focus on meeting those orders — but that they will then have an additional outlet for the tests they produce during period when demand declines.“We’ve seen every winter, as people move indoors into heated spaces, away from the outside that, over each of the seasons that COVID’s been a concern, that we have seen cases go up," O'Connell said.She added that also “there’s always an opportunity or chance for another variant to come” but “we’re not anticipating that.”“That’s not why we’re doing this,” O'Connell said. "We’re doing this for the fall and winter season ahead and the potential for an increase in cases as a result.”HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said that the "Biden-Harris Administration, in partnership with domestic manufacturers, has made great strides in addressing vulnerabilities in the U.S. supply chain by reducing our reliance on overseas manufacturing.”“These critical investments will strengthen our nation’s production levels of domestic at-home COVID-19 rapid tests and help mitigate the spread of the virus," Becerra said in a statement.

Biden admin. spending $600M to produce new COVID tests

SHERIDAN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an incident that forced a school and hospital into lock down.

Just before 7a.m. Wednesday Sheridan County sheriff's deputies and Hoxie Police responded to a report of theft and criminal trespass in the 1800 Block of Sheridan Avenue in Hoxie, according to a media release.

Through their investigation, officer identified a suspect as 30-year-old Olajawun Scott. Just after 7a.m. officer made contact with him at the corner of 16th and Sheridan.

After locating stolen items among the suspect's personal belongings, officer attempted to place Scott into handcuffs. He resisted and fled from officers.

Despite a thorough search, officers were unable to locate him. As a precaution, the Sheridan County Health complex and USD 412 schools were placed on lock down.

Just after 10:30a.m. officers contacted the suspect by phone and he surrendered without further incident.&nbsp; Scott was booked into the Thomas County Jail while formal charges are requested with the Sheridan County Attorney for theft and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695244818392.png" alt="Scott is being held in Thomas County" />
 <figcaption>Scott is being held in Thomas County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHERIDAN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an incident that forced a school and hospital into lock down.Just before 7a.m. Wednesday Sheridan County sheriff's deputies and Hoxie Police responded to a report of theft and criminal trespass in the 1800 Block of Sheridan Avenue in Hoxie, according to a media release.Through their investigation, officer identified a suspect as 30-year-old Olajawun Scott. Just after 7a.m. officer made contact with him at the corner of 16th and Sheridan.After locating stolen items among the suspect's personal belongings, officer attempted to place Scott into handcuffs. He resisted and fled from officers.Despite a thorough search, officers were unable to locate him. As a precaution, the Sheridan County Health complex and USD 412 schools were placed on lock down.Just after 10:30a.m. officers contacted the suspect by phone and he surrendered without further incident.&nbsp; Scott was booked into the Thomas County Jail while formal charges are requested with the Sheridan County Attorney for theft and interference with law enforcement.

School, hospital locked down during search for Kan. theft suspect 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve left its key interest rate unchanged Wednesday for the second time in its past three meetings, a sign that it’s moderating its fight against inflation as price pressures have eased. But Fed officials also signaled that they expect to raise rates once more this year.

Consumer inflation has dropped from a year-over-year peak of 9.1% in June 2022 to 3.7%. Yet it’s still well above the Fed’s 2% target, and its policymakers made clear Wednesday that they aren’t close to declaring victory over the worst bout of inflation in 40 years. The Fed's latest decision left its benchmark rate at about 5.4%, the result of 11 rate hikes it unleashed beginning in March 2022.

The Fed’s hikes have significantly raised the costs of consumer and business loans. In fine-tuning its rate policies, the central bank is trying to guide the economy toward a tricky&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-interest-rates-economy-recession-c08901d250144a322f4c423517112e5e">“soft landing”</a>&nbsp;of cooling inflation without triggering a deep recession.

The Fed’s decisions Wednesday underscored that even while its policymakers approach a peak in their benchmark rate, they intend to keep it at or near its high for a prolonged period. Besides forecasting another hike by year’s end, the officials now envision keeping rates high deep into 2024.

They expect to cut interest rates just twice next year, fewer than the four rate cuts they had forecast in June. They predict that their key short-term rate will still be 5.1% at the end of 2024 — higher than it was from the 2008-2009 Great Recession until May of this year.

The policymakers' inclination to keep borrowing rates high for an extended period suggests that they remain concerned that inflation might not be falling fast enough toward their 2% target. The job market and the economy have remained resilient, confounding expectations that the Fed’s series of hikes would cause widespread layoffs and a recession.

“The process of getting inflation sustainably down to 2% has a long way to go," Chair Jerome Powell said at a news conference. “We’ve seen progress, and we welcome that, but we need to see more progress" before concluding that it's appropriate to end the rate hikes.

At the same time, Powell said he feels confident that the end of the rate-hiking cycle is near: “We’re fairly close, we think, to where we need to get.”

“We’re taking advantage of the fact that we moved quickly in the past, he added, to manage rates "a little more carefully now as we sort of find our way to the right level of restriction that we need to get inflation back down to 2%.”

Treasury yields moved sharply higher Wednesday after the Fed issued a statement after its latest policy meeting and updated its economic projections. The yield on the two-year Treasury note, which tends to track expectations of future Fed actions, spiked from 5.04% to 5.11%.

In their new quarterly projections, the policymakers estimate that the economy will grow faster this year and next year than they had previously envisioned. They now foresee growth reaching 2.1% this year, up from a 1% forecast in June, and 1.5% next year, up from their previous 1.1% forecast.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices and is considered a good predictor of future trends, is now expected to fall to 3.7% by year's end, better than the 3.9% forecast in June. Core inflation, under the Fed’s preferred measure, is now 4.2%.

The approach to rate increases the Fed is now taking reflects an awareness that the risks to the economy of raising rates too high is growing. Previously, the officials had focused more on the risks of not doing enough to slow inflation.

In generating sharply higher interest rates throughout the economy, the Fed has sought to slow borrowing — for houses, cars, home renovations, business investment and the like — to help ease spending, moderate the pace of growth and curb inflation.

Though clear progress on inflation has been achieved, gas prices have lurched higher again, reaching a national average of $3.88 a gallon as of Tuesday. Oil prices have surged more than 12% in just the past month.

And the economy is still expanding at a solid pace as Americans, buoyed by steady job growth and pay raises, have kept spending. Both trends could keep inflation and the Fed’s interest rates high enough and long enough to weaken household and corporate spending and the economy as a whole.

While overall inflation has declined, the costs of some services — from auto insurance and car repairs to veterinary services and hair salons — are still climbing faster than they were before the pandemic. Still, most recent data is pointing in the direction the Fed wants to see: Inflation in June and July, excluding volatile food and energy prices, posted its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-interest-rates-economy-federal-reserve-9ca16040f3824b498a7129e47b65f363/">two lowest monthly readings</a>&nbsp;in nearly two years.

And signs have grown that the job market isn’t as robust as it had been, which helps keep a check on inflation. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-inflation-layoffs-economy-federal-reserve-9a0309b7644eb10f4069d9cab0d66687">pace of hiring has moderated</a>. The number of unfilled openings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-unemployment-economy-recession-be40718e68b9381d5925139d40e2fe8e">fell sharply in June and July</a>. And the number of Americans who have started seeking work has jumped. This has brought labor demand and supply into better balance and eased pressure on employers to raise pay to attract and keep workers – a trend that can lead them to raise prices to offset higher labor costs.

Still, the path back to lower inflation has become more uneven: On a monthly basis, consumer prices jumped 0.6% in August, the most in more than a year. Compared with a year earlier, prices rose 3.7%, the second straight such increase.

And some factors are threatening to re-ignite inflation, weaken the economy, or both. Rising oil prices, for example, are making gasoline steadily more expensive. Should that trend continue, it would worsen inflation and leave consumers with less money to spend. Even the so-far limited strike by the United Auto Workers union against the Big 3 U.S. automakers could eventually further inflate vehicle prices.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve left its key interest rate unchanged Wednesday for the second time in its past three meetings, a sign that it’s moderating its fight against inflation as price pressures have eased. But Fed officials also signaled that they expect to raise rates once more this year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announces a pause in interest rate hike: &quot;We decided to leave our policy interest rate unchanged....&quot; <a href="https://t.co/nNYKGIzc8d">pic.twitter.com/nNYKGIzc8d</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1704571273844605214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Consumer inflation has dropped from a year-over-year peak of 9.1% in June 2022 to 3.7%. Yet it’s still well above the Fed’s 2% target, and its policymakers made clear Wednesday that they aren’t close to declaring victory over the worst bout of inflation in 40 years. The Fed's latest decision left its benchmark rate at about 5.4%, the result of 11 rate hikes it unleashed beginning in March 2022.The Fed’s hikes have significantly raised the costs of consumer and business loans. In fine-tuning its rate policies, the central bank is trying to guide the economy toward a tricky&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-interest-rates-economy-recession-c08901d250144a322f4c423517112e5e">“soft landing”</a>&nbsp;of cooling inflation without triggering a deep recession.The Fed’s decisions Wednesday underscored that even while its policymakers approach a peak in their benchmark rate, they intend to keep it at or near its high for a prolonged period. Besides forecasting another hike by year’s end, the officials now envision keeping rates high deep into 2024.They expect to cut interest rates just twice next year, fewer than the four rate cuts they had forecast in June. They predict that their key short-term rate will still be 5.1% at the end of 2024 — higher than it was from the 2008-2009 Great Recession until May of this year.The policymakers' inclination to keep borrowing rates high for an extended period suggests that they remain concerned that inflation might not be falling fast enough toward their 2% target. The job market and the economy have remained resilient, confounding expectations that the Fed’s series of hikes would cause widespread layoffs and a recession.“The process of getting inflation sustainably down to 2% has a long way to go," Chair Jerome Powell said at a news conference. “We’ve seen progress, and we welcome that, but we need to see more progress" before concluding that it's appropriate to end the rate hikes.At the same time, Powell said he feels confident that the end of the rate-hiking cycle is near: “We’re fairly close, we think, to where we need to get.”“We’re taking advantage of the fact that we moved quickly in the past, he added, to manage rates "a little more carefully now as we sort of find our way to the right level of restriction that we need to get inflation back down to 2%.”Treasury yields moved sharply higher Wednesday after the Fed issued a statement after its latest policy meeting and updated its economic projections. The yield on the two-year Treasury note, which tends to track expectations of future Fed actions, spiked from 5.04% to 5.11%.In their new quarterly projections, the policymakers estimate that the economy will grow faster this year and next year than they had previously envisioned. They now foresee growth reaching 2.1% this year, up from a 1% forecast in June, and 1.5% next year, up from their previous 1.1% forecast.Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices and is considered a good predictor of future trends, is now expected to fall to 3.7% by year's end, better than the 3.9% forecast in June. Core inflation, under the Fed’s preferred measure, is now 4.2%.The approach to rate increases the Fed is now taking reflects an awareness that the risks to the economy of raising rates too high is growing. Previously, the officials had focused more on the risks of not doing enough to slow inflation.In generating sharply higher interest rates throughout the economy, the Fed has sought to slow borrowing — for houses, cars, home renovations, business investment and the like — to help ease spending, moderate the pace of growth and curb inflation.Though clear progress on inflation has been achieved, gas prices have lurched higher again, reaching a national average of $3.88 a gallon as of Tuesday. Oil prices have surged more than 12% in just the past month.And the economy is still expanding at a solid pace as Americans, buoyed by steady job growth and pay raises, have kept spending. Both trends could keep inflation and the Fed’s interest rates high enough and long enough to weaken household and corporate spending and the economy as a whole.While overall inflation has declined, the costs of some services — from auto insurance and car repairs to veterinary services and hair salons — are still climbing faster than they were before the pandemic. Still, most recent data is pointing in the direction the Fed wants to see: Inflation in June and July, excluding volatile food and energy prices, posted its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-interest-rates-economy-federal-reserve-9ca16040f3824b498a7129e47b65f363/">two lowest monthly readings</a>&nbsp;in nearly two years.And signs have grown that the job market isn’t as robust as it had been, which helps keep a check on inflation. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-inflation-layoffs-economy-federal-reserve-9a0309b7644eb10f4069d9cab0d66687">pace of hiring has moderated</a>. The number of unfilled openings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-unemployment-economy-recession-be40718e68b9381d5925139d40e2fe8e">fell sharply in June and July</a>. And the number of Americans who have started seeking work has jumped. This has brought labor demand and supply into better balance and eased pressure on employers to raise pay to attract and keep workers – a trend that can lead them to raise prices to offset higher labor costs.Still, the path back to lower inflation has become more uneven: On a monthly basis, consumer prices jumped 0.6% in August, the most in more than a year. Compared with a year earlier, prices rose 3.7%, the second straight such increase.And some factors are threatening to re-ignite inflation, weaken the economy, or both. Rising oil prices, for example, are making gasoline steadily more expensive. Should that trend continue, it would worsen inflation and leave consumers with less money to spend. Even the so-far limited strike by the United Auto Workers union against the Big 3 U.S. automakers could eventually further inflate vehicle prices.

🎥Good news for borrowers: Fed declines to hike interest rates

KANSAS CITY—Missouri Governor Mike Parson shared on social media Tuesday that he met with Kansas Governor Laura at a popular Kansas City bbq restaurant. 

The two were there to discuss a special project with the National Governor's Association and were focused "on how we can disagree respectfully and civilly."

Parson encouraged follower "More to come — stay tuned!&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DisagreeBetter?src=hashtag_click">#DisagreeBetter</a>"

KANSAS CITY—Missouri Governor Mike Parson shared on social media Tuesday that he met with Kansas Governor Laura at a popular Kansas City bbq restaurant. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695172778108.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The two were there to discuss a special project with the National Governor's Association and were focused "on how we can disagree respectfully and civilly."Parson encouraged follower "More to come — stay tuned!&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DisagreeBetter?src=hashtag_click">#DisagreeBetter</a>"

Kansas, Missouri governors meet to discuss new project

KANSAS CITY —The strike by members of the United Auto Workers is expanding to Kansas City.

General Motors announced Wednesday afternoon they are going to stop work at the Fairfax plant in Kansas City due to the walkout at the Wentzville, Missouri plant.

Workers at the&nbsp;Kansas City plant&nbsp;build the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac XT4.

“It is unfortunate that the UAW leadership’s decision to call a strike at Wentzville Assembly has already had a negative ripple effect with GM’s Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas being idled today and most of its represented team members leaving the plant as there is no work available,” according to the statement from the Fairfax plant.

“This is due to a shortage of critical stampings supplied by Wentzville’s stamping operations to Fairfax. The team members at Fairfax are not expected to return until the situation has been resolved. Due to the specific circumstances of this situation, impacted employees are not eligible for company-provided SUB-pay.”

"We have said repeatedly that nobody wins in a strike, and that effects go well beyond our employees on the plant floor and negatively impact our customers, suppliers and the communities where we do business, such as in greater Kansas City,” Harvey stated. “What happened to our Fairfax team members is a clear and immediate demonstration of that fact. We will continue to bargain in good faith with the union to reach an agreement as quickly as possible.”

The UAW is seeking wage increases of more than 30% over four years and other sweeteners. The union says workers deserve a bigger share of record profits that the companies posted as prices rose sharply on strong consumer demand and a limited supply of vehicles because of chip shortages and other issues.

The companies say they can't afford to meet the UAW's demands because they must invest those profits to help them make the transition to electric vehicles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695067603080.png" alt="Union members on picket lines in Missouri Tuesday-image UAW" />
 <figcaption>Union members on picket lines in Missouri Tuesday-image UAW</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The strike by members of the United Auto Workers is expanding to Kansas City.General Motors announced Wednesday afternoon they are going to stop work at the Fairfax plant in Kansas City due to the walkout at the Wentzville, Missouri plant.Workers at the&nbsp;Kansas City plant&nbsp;build the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac XT4.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUAWLocal249%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02s6ktjMTcWU4F8Wi1bsxQcrRCwkmuHGnHGXSGGCgqLnn28gRbDD3iuZEYtng2gDXwl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="411" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>“It is unfortunate that the UAW leadership’s decision to call a strike at Wentzville Assembly has already had a negative ripple effect with GM’s Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas being idled today and most of its represented team members leaving the plant as there is no work available,” according to the statement from the Fairfax plant.“This is due to a shortage of critical stampings supplied by Wentzville’s stamping operations to Fairfax. The team members at Fairfax are not expected to return until the situation has been resolved. Due to the specific circumstances of this situation, impacted employees are not eligible for company-provided SUB-pay.”"We have said repeatedly that nobody wins in a strike, and that effects go well beyond our employees on the plant floor and negatively impact our customers, suppliers and the communities where we do business, such as in greater Kansas City,” Harvey stated. “What happened to our Fairfax team members is a clear and immediate demonstration of that fact. We will continue to bargain in good faith with the union to reach an agreement as quickly as possible.”The UAW is seeking wage increases of more than 30% over four years and other sweeteners. The union says workers deserve a bigger share of record profits that the companies posted as prices rose sharply on strong consumer demand and a limited supply of vehicles because of chip shortages and other issues.The companies say they can't afford to meet the UAW's demands because they must invest those profits to help them make the transition to electric vehicles.

🎥 GM plant in Kansas City goes idle amid UAW strike

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A white 84-year-old homeowner who is accused of shooting a Black teenager after the high-schooler mistakenly came to his Kansas City home entered a not guilty plea Wednesday, and the judge scheduled his trial for next year.

Andrew Lester, a retired aircraft mechanic, is charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the April 13 shooting of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-kansas-city-wrong-door-b27aaabdb132fcb1544c97f7161f0027">Ralph Yarl.</a>&nbsp;The trial in the case, which shocked the country and renewed national debates about gun policies and race in America, was scheduled to begin on Oct. 7, 2024.

Some supporters joined Yarl's mother in the courtroom, their T-shirts reading “Ringing a doorbell is not a crime” were turned inside out. Family friend Philip Barrolle said they wore the shirts that way Wednesday after being told by the court the shirts were a problem. Supporters have worn them in the past, but an order issued Monday barred “outbreaks, signs, or displays of any kind.”

“It is up to us to have our presence felt,” Barrolle complained afterward.

The not guilty plea, entered by Lester's attorney, Steve Salmon, is largely a procedural step, and the hearing lasted just five minutes. Lester also pleaded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-updates-c13170d6759f2963b01a68fc8a6332f7">not guilty</a>&nbsp;soon after he was charged, but this is his first court appearance since a judge found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-court-hearing-d2d210695772de5435c70039f0b36504">sufficient evidence</a>&nbsp;for the case to proceed to trial.

Salmon said at the preliminary hearing that Lester was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-stand-your-ground-69f91b0a09b25f9758219897f5890278">acting in self-defense</a>, terrified by the stranger who knocked on his door as he settled into bed for the night.

Yarl testified at the hearing that he was sent to pick up his twin siblings but had no phone — he’d lost it at school. The house he intended to go to was just blocks from his own home, but he had the street wrong.

Yarl testified that he rang the bell and the wait for someone to answer for what seemed “longer than normal.” As the inner door opened, Yarl said he reached out to grab the storm door, assuming his brother's friend's parents were there.

Instead, it was Lester, who told him, “Don’t come here ever again,” Yarl recalled. He said he was shot in the head, the impact knocking him to the ground, and was then shot in the arm.

The shot to his head left a bullet embedded in his skull, testified Dr. Jo Ling Goh, a pediatric neurosurgeon who treated Yarl. It did not penetrate his brain, however, and he was able to go back to high school. He is now a senior and is making plans to major in engineering in college.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681726215314.png" alt="Ralph Yarl photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Ralph Yarl photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A white 84-year-old homeowner who is accused of shooting a Black teenager after the high-schooler mistakenly came to his Kansas City home entered a not guilty plea Wednesday, and the judge scheduled his trial for next year.Andrew Lester, a retired aircraft mechanic, is charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the April 13 shooting of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-kansas-city-wrong-door-b27aaabdb132fcb1544c97f7161f0027">Ralph Yarl.</a>&nbsp;The trial in the case, which shocked the country and renewed national debates about gun policies and race in America, was scheduled to begin on Oct. 7, 2024.Some supporters joined Yarl's mother in the courtroom, their T-shirts reading “Ringing a doorbell is not a crime” were turned inside out. Family friend Philip Barrolle said they wore the shirts that way Wednesday after being told by the court the shirts were a problem. Supporters have worn them in the past, but an order issued Monday barred “outbreaks, signs, or displays of any kind.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681844207619.png" alt="Lester-photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Lester-photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>“It is up to us to have our presence felt,” Barrolle complained afterward.The not guilty plea, entered by Lester's attorney, Steve Salmon, is largely a procedural step, and the hearing lasted just five minutes. Lester also pleaded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-updates-c13170d6759f2963b01a68fc8a6332f7">not guilty</a>&nbsp;soon after he was charged, but this is his first court appearance since a judge found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-court-hearing-d2d210695772de5435c70039f0b36504">sufficient evidence</a>&nbsp;for the case to proceed to trial.Salmon said at the preliminary hearing that Lester was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-stand-your-ground-69f91b0a09b25f9758219897f5890278">acting in self-defense</a>, terrified by the stranger who knocked on his door as he settled into bed for the night.Yarl testified at the hearing that he was sent to pick up his twin siblings but had no phone — he’d lost it at school. The house he intended to go to was just blocks from his own home, but he had the street wrong.Yarl testified that he rang the bell and the wait for someone to answer for what seemed “longer than normal.” As the inner door opened, Yarl said he reached out to grab the storm door, assuming his brother's friend's parents were there.Instead, it was Lester, who told him, “Don’t come here ever again,” Yarl recalled. He said he was shot in the head, the impact knocking him to the ground, and was then shot in the arm.The shot to his head left a bullet embedded in his skull, testified Dr. Jo Ling Goh, a pediatric neurosurgeon who treated Yarl. It did not penetrate his brain, however, and he was able to go back to high school. He is now a senior and is making plans to major in engineering in college.

Man who shot Black KC teen who mistakenly went to his door enters plea

Kraft Heinz said Tuesday it's recalling more than 83,000 cases of individually-wrapped Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices because part of the wrapper could stick to the slice and become a choking hazard.

The company, which is based in Chicago and Pittsburgh, said one of its wrapping machines developed a temporary issue that makes it possible for a thin strip of film to remain on the slice even after it's been removed from the wrapper. The machine has since been fixed.

Kraft Heinz said it initiated the voluntary recall after it received several consumer complaints. In six cases, people said the issue caused gagging or choking, but no injuries or serious health issues have been reported, Kraft Heinz said.

The recall affects 16-ounce Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with a “Best When Used By” date between Jan. 10, 2024, and Jan. 27, 2024. Also included in the recall are 3-pound multipacks of Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with a “Best When Used By” date between Jan. 9, 2024, and Jan. 13, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695219914760.png" alt="Photo Kraft Heinz" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kraft Heinz</figcaption>
 </figure>Kraft Heinz said Tuesday it's recalling more than 83,000 cases of individually-wrapped Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices because part of the wrapper could stick to the slice and become a choking hazard.The company, which is based in Chicago and Pittsburgh, said one of its wrapping machines developed a temporary issue that makes it possible for a thin strip of film to remain on the slice even after it's been removed from the wrapper. The machine has since been fixed.Kraft Heinz said it initiated the voluntary recall after it received several consumer complaints. In six cases, people said the issue caused gagging or choking, but no injuries or serious health issues have been reported, Kraft Heinz said.The recall affects 16-ounce Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with a “Best When Used By” date between Jan. 10, 2024, and Jan. 27, 2024. Also included in the recall are 3-pound multipacks of Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with a “Best When Used By” date between Jan. 9, 2024, and Jan. 13, 2024.

Kraft issues recall of processed American cheese slices

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking for help identifying a a man who died in late spring of this year, according to a media release from Overland Park Police.

Officers located the man's body near the W. 103rd Street bridge over U.S. 69 Hwy.

 Foul play is not suspected in terms of his cause of death. The man did not have any form of identification with him, and attempts to determine his identity without the public’s assistance have been exhausted.

The man was 5-foot-7, with a thin build and has a tattoo on his left shoulder blade.

He appears to be between the age of 35 to 45. A few weeks prior to this incident, an Overland Park Patrol Officer made contact with the same man near Interstate 435 Highway and Metcalf Aveue.

The man didn’t have any identification on him at that time either, but verbally identified himself as Alberto Gomez born January 11, 1983. 

Investigators were unable to locate a positive match using the above name and date of birth. 

If you have information which could assist Investigators in positively identifying this man, please contact Detective Wimsatt at 913-344-8742.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691530463554.png" alt="Photo Overland. Park Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Overland. Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking for help identifying a a man who died in late spring of this year, according to a media release from Overland Park Police.Officers located the man's body near the W. 103rd Street bridge over U.S. 69 Hwy. Foul play is not suspected in terms of his cause of death. The man did not have any form of identification with him, and attempts to determine his identity without the public’s assistance have been exhausted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693932845760.png" alt="Photo Overland Park Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Overland Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The man was 5-foot-7, with a thin build and has a tattoo on his left shoulder blade.He appears to be between the age of 35 to 45. A few weeks prior to this incident, an Overland Park Patrol Officer made contact with the same man near Interstate 435 Highway and Metcalf Aveue.The man didn’t have any identification on him at that time either, but verbally identified himself as Alberto Gomez born January 11, 1983. Investigators were unable to locate a positive match using the above name and date of birth. If you have information which could assist Investigators in positively identifying this man, please contact Detective Wimsatt at 913-344-8742.

Police still working to ID man who died this spring in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The stuffy Senate is now a bit less formal.

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday that staff for the chamber’s Sergeant-at-Arms — the Senate’s official clothes police — will no longer enforce a dress code on the Senate floor. The change comes after Pennsylvania&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fetterman-depression-senate-return-hoodies-shorts-771886ba8f3caee9be9674d186cd656b" target="_blank">Sen. John Fetterman</a>&nbsp;has been unapologetically wearing shorts as he goes about his duties, voting from doorways so he doesn’t get in trouble for his more casual attire.

“There has been an informal dress code that was enforced,” Schumer said in a statement. “Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor. I will continue to wear a suit.”

Schumer did not mention Fetterman in his statement about the dress code, which will only apply to senators, not staff.

The changes prompted outrage from some of the chamber’s more formal members, eroding a bit of the good will that first-term Fetterman had earned earlier this year when he checked himself into the hospital for clinical depression. He won bipartisan praise for being honest about his diagnosis, which came in the wake of a stroke he suffered on the campaign trail last year. When he returned from treatment, he started donning the more casual clothes, which he says make him more comfortable.

Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall said it’s a “sad day in the Senate” and that the people who Fetterman and Schumer represent should be embarrassed.

“I represent the people of Kansas, and much like when I get dressed up to go to a wedding, it’s to honor the bride and groom, you go to a funeral you get dressed up to honor the family of the deceased,” Marshall said. Senators should have a certain level of decorum, he added.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine agreed, arguing that the relaxed rules debase the institution of the Senate. “I plan to wear a bikini tomorrow to the Senate floor,” Collins joked.

Walking to Monday evening’s vote in a short-sleeved button-down shirt and shorts, Fetterman said he wasn’t sure if he’d take advantage of the new rules just yet.

“It’s nice to have the option, but I’m going to plan to be using it sparingly and not really overusing it,” he said.

Asked about the criticism, Fetterman feigned mock outrage.

“They’re freaking out, I don’t understand it,” he said of his critics. “Like, aren’t there more important things we should be working on right now instead of, you know, that I might be dressing like a slob?”

When Fetterman reached the Senate floor, he still voted from the doorway. “Baby steps,” he told reporters as he got on the elevator to go back to his office.

Not all Republicans were upset about the change. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley was wearing jeans, boots and no tie on Monday evening, an outfit he says he normally wears when he flies in from his home state for the first votes of the week.

“Now I can vote from the Senate floor on Mondays,” Hawley said, noting that he usually wears a suit and tie every other day.

Nearby, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy was also tieless. The Democrat said he’s been reprimanded by Sergeant-at-Arms staff in the past for not wearing a tie on the floor.

“They would tell us when we were doing it wrong,” Murphy said.

It’s unclear if the rules for more formal attire were actually written down anywhere, but Schumer’s directive means that staff will no longer scold senators for their choice of clothing or ask them to vote from the doorway.

For Fetterman, his signature hoodies and gym shorts were a sign of his recovery. Before he checked himself into the hospital, his staff had asked him to always wear suits, which he famously hates. But after a check with the Senate parliamentarian upon his return in April, it became clear that he could continue wearing the casual clothes that were often his uniform back at home in Pennsylvania, as long as he didn’t walk on to the Senate floor. He still wears suits to committee meetings when they are required.

In recent weeks, the Pennsylvania senator has become more comfortable joking around in the hallways and answering reporters’ questions. His words are still halting sometimes due to his stroke and an auditory processing disorder that makes it harder to speak fluidly and process spoken conversation. He uses iPads and iPhones in conversations that transcribe spoken words in real time.

“I think we should all want to be more comfortable,” Fetterman told a group of reporters on Monday. “And now we have that option, and if people prefer to wear a suit, then that’s great.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695136551099.png" alt="Senators Ed Markey of Massachusetts and&nbsp; John Fetterman of Pennsylvania during a news conference in May -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senators Ed Markey of Massachusetts and&nbsp; John Fetterman of Pennsylvania during a news conference in May -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The stuffy Senate is now a bit less formal.Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday that staff for the chamber’s Sergeant-at-Arms — the Senate’s official clothes police — will no longer enforce a dress code on the Senate floor. The change comes after Pennsylvania&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fetterman-depression-senate-return-hoodies-shorts-771886ba8f3caee9be9674d186cd656b" target="_blank">Sen. John Fetterman</a>&nbsp;has been unapologetically wearing shorts as he goes about his duties, voting from doorways so he doesn’t get in trouble for his more casual attire.“There has been an informal dress code that was enforced,” Schumer said in a statement. “Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor. I will continue to wear a suit.”Schumer did not mention Fetterman in his statement about the dress code, which will only apply to senators, not staff.The changes prompted outrage from some of the chamber’s more formal members, eroding a bit of the good will that first-term Fetterman had earned earlier this year when he checked himself into the hospital for clinical depression. He won bipartisan praise for being honest about his diagnosis, which came in the wake of a stroke he suffered on the campaign trail last year. When he returned from treatment, he started donning the more casual clothes, which he says make him more comfortable.Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall said it’s a “sad day in the Senate” and that the people who Fetterman and Schumer represent should be embarrassed.“I represent the people of Kansas, and much like when I get dressed up to go to a wedding, it’s to honor the bride and groom, you go to a funeral you get dressed up to honor the family of the deceased,” Marshall said. Senators should have a certain level of decorum, he added.Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine agreed, arguing that the relaxed rules debase the institution of the Senate. “I plan to wear a bikini tomorrow to the Senate floor,” Collins joked.Walking to Monday evening’s vote in a short-sleeved button-down shirt and shorts, Fetterman said he wasn’t sure if he’d take advantage of the new rules just yet.“It’s nice to have the option, but I’m going to plan to be using it sparingly and not really overusing it,” he said.Asked about the criticism, Fetterman feigned mock outrage.“They’re freaking out, I don’t understand it,” he said of his critics. “Like, aren’t there more important things we should be working on right now instead of, you know, that I might be dressing like a slob?”When Fetterman reached the Senate floor, he still voted from the doorway. “Baby steps,” he told reporters as he got on the elevator to go back to his office.Not all Republicans were upset about the change. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley was wearing jeans, boots and no tie on Monday evening, an outfit he says he normally wears when he flies in from his home state for the first votes of the week.“Now I can vote from the Senate floor on Mondays,” Hawley said, noting that he usually wears a suit and tie every other day.Nearby, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy was also tieless. The Democrat said he’s been reprimanded by Sergeant-at-Arms staff in the past for not wearing a tie on the floor.“They would tell us when we were doing it wrong,” Murphy said.It’s unclear if the rules for more formal attire were actually written down anywhere, but Schumer’s directive means that staff will no longer scold senators for their choice of clothing or ask them to vote from the doorway.For Fetterman, his signature hoodies and gym shorts were a sign of his recovery. Before he checked himself into the hospital, his staff had asked him to always wear suits, which he famously hates. But after a check with the Senate parliamentarian upon his return in April, it became clear that he could continue wearing the casual clothes that were often his uniform back at home in Pennsylvania, as long as he didn’t walk on to the Senate floor. He still wears suits to committee meetings when they are required.In recent weeks, the Pennsylvania senator has become more comfortable joking around in the hallways and answering reporters’ questions. His words are still halting sometimes due to his stroke and an auditory processing disorder that makes it harder to speak fluidly and process spoken conversation. He uses iPads and iPhones in conversations that transcribe spoken words in real time.“I think we should all want to be more comfortable,” Fetterman told a group of reporters on Monday. “And now we have that option, and if people prefer to wear a suit, then that’s great.”

Kansas Senator: Sad day as U.S. Senate ditches dress code

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide that took place in the 4700 Block of Parallel Parkway.

Just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a disturbance at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, according to a media release.

First responders located a man outside of the store. Officers quickly recognized that he was unresponsive and performed CPR. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. 

There was another man on the scene who had minor injuries. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment and was reported in stable condition.

Police took a suspect into custody. This death is being handled as a homicide and is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695205267512.png" alt="Anyone with information on the crime is encouraged to contact KCK Police-photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Anyone with information on the crime is encouraged to contact KCK Police-photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide that took place in the 4700 Block of Parallel Parkway.Just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a disturbance at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, according to a media release.First responders located a man outside of the store. Officers quickly recognized that he was unresponsive and performed CPR. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. There was another man on the scene who had minor injuries. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment and was reported in stable condition.Police took a suspect into custody. This death is being handled as a homicide and is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.

Homicide: Man killed outside Kansas auto parts store

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at the Sedgwick County Jail.

Just after 6a.m. on September 15,&nbsp; an inmate, who repeatedly engaged in self-injurious behavior and refused to cooperate with medical care died, according to Sheriff's Captain Keith Allen. The inmate identified as 44-year-old Marcello Ibarra, according to online jail records, had been hospitalized a total of 18 times since his arrest August 15, 2021.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigations Division and the Kansas Bureau of Investigations (K.B.I.) were contacted.&nbsp; Ibarra&nbsp; was transported to the Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office.

Ibarra was jailed on felony charge of Murder in the 2nd&nbsp;Degree, Aggravated Assault, Fugitive from Justice and a hold for Immigration

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695163856742.png" alt="Ibarra as shown in his August 2021 Sedgwick County booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Ibarra as shown in his August 2021 Sedgwick County booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at the Sedgwick County Jail.Just after 6a.m. on September 15,&nbsp; an inmate, who repeatedly engaged in self-injurious behavior and refused to cooperate with medical care died, according to Sheriff's Captain Keith Allen. The inmate identified as 44-year-old Marcello Ibarra, according to online jail records, had been hospitalized a total of 18 times since his arrest August 15, 2021.The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigations Division and the Kansas Bureau of Investigations (K.B.I.) were contacted.&nbsp; Ibarra&nbsp; was transported to the Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office.Ibarra was jailed on felony charge of Murder in the 2nd&nbsp;Degree, Aggravated Assault, Fugitive from Justice and a hold for Immigration

Illegal immigrant accused of murder dies in Kan. county jail

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities canceled a Silver Alert issued Sunday for a missing Kansas man. On Tuesday, 67-year-old Steven Trahoon was located south of Topeka on Interstate 35, near the Melvern exit, according to Police Captain Edward Stanley.

Medical personell pronounced Trahoon deceased at the scene and his family was notified. The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating this incident.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Topeka have issued a Silver Alert for a missing Kansas man.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 67-year-old Steven Trahoon who may be suffering from symptoms of significant health issues.&nbsp;

Steven was last seen around SW 26th Terrace and SW Westport Drive around 6:30 p.m. on September 16. He was last seen driving away in a Blue Honda Fit with Kansas license plate 737 NJU. 

He is described as Caucasian male around 6-foot-4, 190 pounds with brown hair and&nbsp; brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a maroon long sleeve shirt and black slacks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695170670876.png" alt="Trahoon-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Trahoon-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities canceled a Silver Alert issued Sunday for a missing Kansas man. On Tuesday, 67-year-old Steven Trahoon was located south of Topeka on Interstate 35, near the Melvern exit, according to Police Captain Edward Stanley.Medical personell pronounced Trahoon deceased at the scene and his family was notified. The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating this incident.------------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Topeka have issued a Silver Alert for a missing Kansas man.Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 67-year-old Steven Trahoon who may be suffering from symptoms of significant health issues.&nbsp;Steven was last seen around SW 26th Terrace and SW Westport Drive around 6:30 p.m. on September 16. He was last seen driving away in a Blue Honda Fit with Kansas license plate 737 NJU. He is described as Caucasian male around 6-foot-4, 190 pounds with brown hair and&nbsp; brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a maroon long sleeve shirt and black slacks.

KHP investigating: Subject of Silver Alert found deceased

David’s Cookies is recalling 960 units of&nbsp;“Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake”&nbsp;lot # BS23212 that has been sold in Walmart retail stores across the country, according to a statement from the FDA.

This recall is due to that the 960 units of “Marketside Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake”&nbsp;were mislabeled with a label as&nbsp;“Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake”&nbsp;a name that does not depict peanut as a key ingredient and does not declare the peanut allergen warning on the label.

The product is in a 7-ounce, clear plastic package marked with lot # BS23212 on the top of the package. Photo below:

No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date in connection with this mislabel. If there are any consumers with concerns about illness or injury associated with this product, please contact a physician immediately.

Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused at the labeling and packaging stage.

In coordination with Walmart, they have blocked all&nbsp;Marketside Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake&nbsp;and&nbsp;Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake&nbsp;from their distribution centers and store registers, so no consumer is able to purchase either of these products until further investigation and resolutions have been completed by David’s Cookies and Walmart.

Consumers who have purchased the 7.9 oz&nbsp;Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake, lot # BS23212, are urged to return them to the location of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact David’s Cookies at 800-500-2800. Business hours are from 8:30 am to 5:00 am, DST Eastern time zone.

The Walmart distribution center distributing the mislabeled product has been identified and David’s Cookies and Walmart will continue to work to correct the situation and prevent further shipments to stores.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695204304001.png" alt="photo FDA" />
 <figcaption>photo FDA</figcaption>
 </figure>David’s Cookies is recalling 960 units of&nbsp;“Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake”&nbsp;lot # BS23212 that has been sold in Walmart retail stores across the country, according to a statement from the FDA.This recall is due to that the 960 units of “Marketside Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake”&nbsp;were mislabeled with a label as&nbsp;“Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake”&nbsp;a name that does not depict peanut as a key ingredient and does not declare the peanut allergen warning on the label.The product is in a 7-ounce, clear plastic package marked with lot # BS23212 on the top of the package. Photo below:No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date in connection with this mislabel. If there are any consumers with concerns about illness or injury associated with this product, please contact a physician immediately.Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused at the labeling and packaging stage.In coordination with Walmart, they have blocked all&nbsp;Marketside Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake&nbsp;and&nbsp;Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake&nbsp;from their distribution centers and store registers, so no consumer is able to purchase either of these products until further investigation and resolutions have been completed by David’s Cookies and Walmart.Consumers who have purchased the 7.9 oz&nbsp;Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake, lot # BS23212, are urged to return them to the location of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact David’s Cookies at 800-500-2800. Business hours are from 8:30 am to 5:00 am, DST Eastern time zone.The Walmart distribution center distributing the mislabeled product has been identified and David’s Cookies and Walmart will continue to work to correct the situation and prevent further shipments to stores.

Recall: Cake sold at Walmart stores nationwide

KANSAS CITY —A 25-year-old Kansas City man was sentenced Friday to life in prison for the kidnapping and murder in May 2021 of Gilberto Gutierrez, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

A Jackson County judge sentenced Rashaud Q. Lewis, 25, to life in prison or 30 years in prison for a Murder 2nd Degree conviction and 16 additional years in prison for convictions of Kidnapping 1st Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action. &nbsp;Prosecutors had requested a prison sentence of more than 30 years after a Jackson County jury convicted the defendant in July.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched on May 11, 2021, on a reported missing person and the victim's family told them they had not heard from their father. 

But bloody clothing of the victim had been found. On May 17, 2021, a dead male body was found; it was wrapped in a tarp and found near 56th and Elmwood. 

The victim was identified as Gutierrez. He died from several stab wounds. Evidence established that the defendant purchased the vehicle used to kidnap the victim. 

During a search of a property associated with the defendant, police detectives found cleaning supplies and a zip tie consistent with a zip tie found at the victim’s ranch. 

Tests for DNA showed the victim’s DNA on the zip tied recovered from the defendant’s property.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694810550970.png" alt="Lewis-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Lewis-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A 25-year-old Kansas City man was sentenced Friday to life in prison for the kidnapping and murder in May 2021 of Gilberto Gutierrez, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.A Jackson County judge sentenced Rashaud Q. Lewis, 25, to life in prison or 30 years in prison for a Murder 2nd Degree conviction and 16 additional years in prison for convictions of Kidnapping 1st Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action. &nbsp;Prosecutors had requested a prison sentence of more than 30 years after a Jackson County jury convicted the defendant in July.According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched on May 11, 2021, on a reported missing person and the victim's family told them they had not heard from their father. But bloody clothing of the victim had been found. On May 17, 2021, a dead male body was found; it was wrapped in a tarp and found near 56th and Elmwood. The victim was identified as Gutierrez. He died from several stab wounds. Evidence established that the defendant purchased the vehicle used to kidnap the victim. During a search of a property associated with the defendant, police detectives found cleaning supplies and a zip tie consistent with a zip tie found at the victim’s ranch. Tests for DNA showed the victim’s DNA on the zip tied recovered from the defendant’s property.&nbsp;

KC man sentenced for violent kidnapping and murder 

HENRY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that left a teen dead.

Just after 11:30p.m. September 17, police were called to investigate a shooting in the 400 Block of North Price Lane in Clinton, southeast of Kansas City, according to a media release.

  Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old victim of Clinton, Missouri, with an apparent gun shot wound to the chest. He was transported to Golden Valley Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.&nbsp;

Officers took 70-year-old Thomas Ribby of Clinton Missouri into custody initially on requested charges of murder in the first degree, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest, according to online jail records. 

On Monday Ribby was charged&nbsp; with endangering the welfare of a child, resulting in death and resisting or interfering with arrest.

Court records state Ribby told law enforcement that he pointed the firearm at the teen and pulled the trigger but believed the firearm was unloaded. Detectives believe the teen victim can be heard in a 911 call stating that he had been shot by Ribby accidentally, according to a probable cause statement.

&nbsp;RIbby remains jailed on a $100,000 cash only bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695119885892.png" alt="Ribby-photo Henry County" />
 <figcaption>Ribby-photo Henry County</figcaption>
 </figure>HENRY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that left a teen dead.Just after 11:30p.m. September 17, police were called to investigate a shooting in the 400 Block of North Price Lane in Clinton, southeast of Kansas City, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old victim of Clinton, Missouri, with an apparent gun shot wound to the chest. He was transported to Golden Valley Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.&nbsp;Officers took 70-year-old Thomas Ribby of Clinton Missouri into custody initially on requested charges of murder in the first degree, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest, according to online jail records. On Monday Ribby was charged&nbsp; with endangering the welfare of a child, resulting in death and resisting or interfering with arrest.Court records state Ribby told law enforcement that he pointed the firearm at the teen and pulled the trigger but believed the firearm was unloaded. Detectives believe the teen victim can be heard in a 911 call stating that he had been shot by Ribby accidentally, according to a probable cause statement.&nbsp;RIbby remains jailed on a $100,000 cash only bond, according to online jail records.

70-year-old accused in shooting death of 16-year-old

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair, held from September 8 to September 17, 2023, concluded with an overall impressive attendance of&nbsp;330,044 patrons, according to a media release from the fair. Despite a few days of inclement weather conditions, fairgoers came out and enjoyed the festivities.&nbsp;

The ten-day event showcased a wide range of attractions and activities that entertained visitors of all ages. From thrilling rides, captivating exhibits, live performances, mouthwatering food and livestock shows, the Kansas State Fair offered something for everyone.&nbsp;

“We are thrilled with the tremendous response from the community,” said Bryan Schulz, General Manager of the Kansas State Fair. “Even during cool, rainy days, patrons showed their unwavering support and enthusiasm for this beloved annual tradition.”&nbsp;

The Kansas State Fair also experienced a significant increase in sponsorships this year. Area businesses and organizations recognized the value of aligning their brands with one of the state’s most iconic events. The additional sponsorships allowed for enhanced programming and ensured that fairgoers had an unforgettable experience.&nbsp;

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors for their generous support,” added Bryan Schulz. “Their contributions played a vital role in making this year’s fair a resounding success.”&nbsp;

The Kansas State Fair has been a cherished tradition for over a century, bringing together communities from across the state to celebrate agriculture, entertainment, and family-friendly fun. The fairgrounds will continue to serve as a gathering place for generations to come.For more information about the Kansas State Fair and future events, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasstatefair.com/">kansasstatefair.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695157318556.png" alt="photo courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair, held from September 8 to September 17, 2023, concluded with an overall impressive attendance of&nbsp;330,044 patrons, according to a media release from the fair. Despite a few days of inclement weather conditions, fairgoers came out and enjoyed the festivities.&nbsp;The ten-day event showcased a wide range of attractions and activities that entertained visitors of all ages. From thrilling rides, captivating exhibits, live performances, mouthwatering food and livestock shows, the Kansas State Fair offered something for everyone.&nbsp;“We are thrilled with the tremendous response from the community,” said Bryan Schulz, General Manager of the Kansas State Fair. “Even during cool, rainy days, patrons showed their unwavering support and enthusiasm for this beloved annual tradition.”&nbsp;The Kansas State Fair also experienced a significant increase in sponsorships this year. Area businesses and organizations recognized the value of aligning their brands with one of the state’s most iconic events. The additional sponsorships allowed for enhanced programming and ensured that fairgoers had an unforgettable experience.&nbsp;“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors for their generous support,” added Bryan Schulz. “Their contributions played a vital role in making this year’s fair a resounding success.”&nbsp;The Kansas State Fair has been a cherished tradition for over a century, bringing together communities from across the state to celebrate agriculture, entertainment, and family-friendly fun. The fairgrounds will continue to serve as a gathering place for generations to come.For more information about the Kansas State Fair and future events, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasstatefair.com/">kansasstatefair.com</a>.

Impressive attendance numbers for 2023 Kansas State Fair

 COUNTY—A Kansas teen accused of following a pickup on his motorcycle and firing a shot that killed a Kansas woman on her way home from a high school football game made his first court appearance Monday morning.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/norma-williams?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet-first-launch&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer">Click here to read the</a> online fundraiser for the Williams family.

On Monday, Daryon Boone, 19, was charged with murder in the first degree and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 10 p.m. Sept. 1, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 11200 block of East Central Avenue, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Officers arrived on the scene and located 69-year-old Norma Williams of Wichita unconscious and not breathing with a gunshot wound to her upper body.

Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. Mrs. Williams was transported to a local area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

During the investigation, officers learned that Mrs. Williams was the front passenger of a 2021 Honda Ridgeline traveling northbound on Greenwich, approaching the eastbound lanes of Kellogg Drive.

When they reached the intersection a group of motorcycles riding eastbound ran the red light and one of the motorcycles driven by Daryon Boone of Wichita struck their vehicle. Following the incident, Boone followed the vehicle, ultimately producing a handgun and shooting into the vehicle, which fatally injured Mrs. Williams.

Police arrested Boone&nbsp; on a requested charge of first-degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and aggravated assault.

Boone is scheduled to return to court October 2. His bond was initially set at $500,000. He met the requirement of the bond and has not been in jail since the day following his Sept. 2, arrest, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693841905672.png" alt="Norma Williams was shot and killed on the way home from a Friday night ballgame in Wichita -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Norma Williams was shot and killed on the way home from a Friday night ballgame in Wichita -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure> COUNTY—A Kansas teen accused of following a pickup on his motorcycle and firing a shot that killed a Kansas woman on her way home from a high school football game made his first court appearance Monday morning.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/norma-williams?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet-first-launch&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer">Click here to read the</a> online fundraiser for the Williams family.On Monday, Daryon Boone, 19, was charged with murder in the first degree and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693791365153.png" alt="Boone-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Boone-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 10 p.m. Sept. 1, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 11200 block of East Central Avenue, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Officers arrived on the scene and located 69-year-old Norma Williams of Wichita unconscious and not breathing with a gunshot wound to her upper body.Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. Mrs. Williams was transported to a local area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.During the investigation, officers learned that Mrs. Williams was the front passenger of a 2021 Honda Ridgeline traveling northbound on Greenwich, approaching the eastbound lanes of Kellogg Drive.When they reached the intersection a group of motorcycles riding eastbound ran the red light and one of the motorcycles driven by Daryon Boone of Wichita struck their vehicle. Following the incident, Boone followed the vehicle, ultimately producing a handgun and shooting into the vehicle, which fatally injured Mrs. Williams.Police arrested Boone&nbsp; on a requested charge of first-degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and aggravated assault.Boone is scheduled to return to court October 2. His bond was initially set at $500,000. He met the requirement of the bond and has not been in jail since the day following his Sept. 2, arrest, according to online jail records.

Teen charged with killing Kan. grandmother remains out of jail

More than 27 million unique files of child sexual abuse material were reported last year. 59 percent were of children who were prepubescent. 8 percent were of infants or toddlers.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Amy was 12 years old when a sex trafficker started grooming her online. She was a star softball player in Spring Hill, Kan. He said he was her age.

He was so nice, she said. She met him in person and got the shock of her life when she realized he was a 21-year-old sex trafficker from Olathe.

She still lived at home with her dad and mom, who was a stay-at-home mom, but her trafficker was selling her seven to 10 times a week. She never told a trusted adult.

When she was 14, the traffickers killed a little dog in front of her and told her if she didn't come with them the same thing would happen to her dad. She went with them and officially became a runaway.

She tried to escape many times. She became addicted to drugs and alcohol to cope. By the time she was 21, her heart had given out and she had to have an artificial heart implanted. She died in 2021, leaving a young son.

Before Amy died, she insisted that&nbsp;Russ Tuttle of the Stop Trafficking Project tell her story, say her name.&nbsp;

"I want my life to have meant something," she told him.

Tuttle spoke to an adult audience Sunday night at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Hays. Tuttle will be giving age-appropriate presentations to youth in the public and Catholic schools in Ellis County this week.

Kids feel fear and shame, Tuttle said, and that's why they don't tell.

Child sex crimes, sex abuse material and domestic minor sex trafficking are increasing in Kansas. 2021 was the worst year on record for online sex abuse, he said.

There was a three-fold increase of self-generated images of children 7 to 10, he said. That is children taking their clothes off and sending naked pictures.

"At the Stop Trafficking Project, it is our vision is to end domestic minor sex trafficking before it starts," he said, " by disrupting the exploration of vulnerability. ...

"My heart is that a student will never need to be rescued by law enforcement," Tuttle said. "Our heart is that a student will never need to be examined by a sexual assault nurse examiner. 

"Our heart is that a student will never experience such severe trauma that they now require a lifetime of housing and public assistance and trauma-informed therapy. Our heart is to function on the very front end of this crisis."

After a student assembly in another community, a sixth-grade girl came up to Tuttle with tears in her eyes and showed him the bruises on her neck where her eighth-grade boyfriend had choked her out while having sex the day before.

The boy, who had started watching porn when he was in the second grade, thought this was normal. He had recorded the act on a cell phone. Within 24 hours of the act, that eighth-grade boy had been approached by 37 adult men who were trying to figure out how to pay the eighth-grade boy to sexually assault that sixth-grade girl.

The United States far outpaces every other country in the world in its porn usage, according to Pornhub. The United States consumes more than double the next country on the list, which is the United Kingdom.

The average age of exposure to porn is between 8 and 11, Tuttle said. Eighty-four percent of porn is viewed through a cell phone, according to Pornhub. Even if your child doesn't have a cell phone, they have a friend who does, Tuttle said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695063779015.jpeg" alt="Russ Tuttle of the Stop Trafficking Project spoke at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center Sunday in Hays. Photos by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Russ Tuttle of the Stop Trafficking Project spoke at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center Sunday in Hays. Photos by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>More than 27 million unique files of child sexual abuse material were reported last year. 59 percent were of children who were prepubescent. 8 percent were of infants or toddlers.</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAmy was 12 years old when a sex trafficker started grooming her online. She was a star softball player in Spring Hill, Kan. He said he was her age.He was so nice, she said. She met him in person and got the shock of her life when she realized he was a 21-year-old sex trafficker from Olathe.She still lived at home with her dad and mom, who was a stay-at-home mom, but her trafficker was selling her seven to 10 times a week. She never told a trusted adult.When she was 14, the traffickers killed a little dog in front of her and told her if she didn't come with them the same thing would happen to her dad. She went with them and officially became a runaway.She tried to escape many times. She became addicted to drugs and alcohol to cope. By the time she was 21, her heart had given out and she had to have an artificial heart implanted. She died in 2021, leaving a young son.Before Amy died, she insisted that&nbsp;Russ Tuttle of the Stop Trafficking Project tell her story, say her name.&nbsp;"I want my life to have meant something," she told him.Tuttle spoke to an adult audience Sunday night at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Hays. Tuttle will be giving age-appropriate presentations to youth in the public and Catholic schools in Ellis County this week.Kids feel fear and shame, Tuttle said, and that's why they don't tell.Child sex crimes, sex abuse material and domestic minor sex trafficking are increasing in Kansas. 2021 was the worst year on record for online sex abuse, he said.There was a three-fold increase of self-generated images of children 7 to 10, he said. That is children taking their clothes off and sending naked pictures."At the Stop Trafficking Project, it is our vision is to end domestic minor sex trafficking before it starts," he said, " by disrupting the exploration of vulnerability. ..."My heart is that a student will never need to be rescued by law enforcement," Tuttle said. "Our heart is that a student will never need to be examined by a sexual assault nurse examiner. "Our heart is that a student will never experience such severe trauma that they now require a lifetime of housing and public assistance and trauma-informed therapy. Our heart is to function on the very front end of this crisis."After a student assembly in another community, a sixth-grade girl came up to Tuttle with tears in her eyes and showed him the bruises on her neck where her eighth-grade boyfriend had choked her out while having sex the day before.The boy, who had started watching porn when he was in the second grade, thought this was normal. He had recorded the act on a cell phone. Within 24 hours of the act, that eighth-grade boy had been approached by 37 adult men who were trying to figure out how to pay the eighth-grade boy to sexually assault that sixth-grade girl."That's sex trafficking," Tuttle said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695056730023.jpeg" alt="The United States is the top viewer of porn in the world, according to Pornhub." />
 <figcaption>The United States is the top viewer of porn in the world, according to Pornhub.</figcaption>
 </figure>The United States far outpaces every other country in the world in its porn usage, according to Pornhub. The United States consumes more than double the next country on the list, which is the United Kingdom.The average age of exposure to porn is between 8 and 11, Tuttle said. Eighty-four percent of porn is viewed through a cell phone, according to Pornhub. Even if your child doesn't have a cell phone, they have a friend who does, Tuttle said.&nbsp;One of the pervasive ideas about sex trafficking is that young kids are being snatched off the street by a person in a scary vehicle. Tuttle said that is very rare and is a very narrow view of what trafficking can be.One hundred percent of sex trafficking today is coming through digital devices, almost all of them cell phones, he said.The initial contact and grooming usually come through an app that has some kind of chat function, he said.Tuttle said the youngest child he's encountered who was on Tinder, which is an adult hook-up app, was in the second grade. Seventeen adult men, who all knew she was in second grade, had asked her to take off her clothes and send them naked pictures of herself.An eighth-grade boy in Missouri convinced 80 girls in junior high to take naked pictures of themselves. He created an app and was selling the pictures to adult men for $25 each. His goal was to sell the girls in person. That ring was disrupted before those in-person interactions happened."... people online want to harm kids' brains and their minds, so they can later harm them in person," Tuttle said.All the crimes of sex trafficking come down to three words — exploration of vulnerability, Tuttle said."This is the loneliest generation that has ever lived on planet Earth," he said, "yet they are the most connected."Kids can find out on social media they didn't get invited to the party and what other kids are saying about them. Depression is skyrocketing among youth, Tuttle said."Perverts, predators and pimps love this," Tuttle said. "When in the process of grooming if a kid is lonely, isolated and depressed and wondering in life if they are even important, they pounce on that."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695066147581.jpeg" alt="Texting and sexting lingo" />
 <figcaption>Texting and sexting lingo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695066496572.jpeg" alt="Texting and sexting lingo" />
 <figcaption>Texting and sexting lingo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695066624469.jpeg" alt="Texting and sexting lingo" />
 <figcaption>Texting and sexting lingo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695066624469.jpeg" alt="Texting and sexting lingo" />
 <figcaption>Texting and sexting lingo</figcaption>
 </figure>They are extremely kind or extremely controlling, he said."We don't let these people in our homes, but we don't know what our kids are doing online or we don't know how to know what our kids are doing online or we say, 'not my kids,'" Tuttle said.The perverts, predators and pimps start by casing children online. Tuttle showed a video from a woman who had been lured into sex trafficking when she was a child. She met the predator through an online book club."Then the grooming started, because he found her weaknesses," Tuttle said.&nbsp;"What I hear all the time from kids is 'He's so nice. She's so nice. They're so nice,'" Tuttle said.&nbsp;More than 27 million unique files of child sexual abuse material were reported last year. Fifty-nine percent were of children who were prepubescent. Eight percent were of infants or toddlers, Tuttle said.&nbsp;Two sixth-grade girls independently of each other came to Tuttle after a school assembly and said they were engaging in online sex during school hours on school-issued Macbooks. Both girls said they had plans to meet these "boys" that weekend in-person. They were actually all adult male registered sex offenders."We ended it before it started," Tuttle said."If we go into schools and tell the truth about this to kids, when we appeal to the hero in kids in a space that is very near and dear to them, it's amazing to watch them step up."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695068015938.jpeg" alt="Process predators use to groom children into sex trafficking." />
 <figcaption>Process predators use to groom children into sex trafficking.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695068046590.jpeg" alt="Process predators use to groom children into sex trafficking." />
 <figcaption>Process predators use to groom children into sex trafficking.</figcaption>
 </figure>Predators infiltrate any number of apps and groom children. Tuttle mentioned Snapchat, Blender and TikTok.You can find a list of 100 problematic apps through the Stop Trafficking Project app, which is available for download for free for Apple and Android devices.People upload images to Blender and others rank them as hot or not hot. Two 12-year-old girls at the same school uploaded naked images to the app. One was ranked as "hot," but within 30 minutes she was being body-shamed and exploited online. She was suicidal. The second girl was ranked as"not hot." She was also suicidal."This is where kids live. We better figure it out," Tuttle said.Tuttle said TikTok was the worst app on the market in terms of child safety.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695068284754.jpeg" alt="Talking point for adults with children on safety online from Russ Tuttle." />
 <figcaption>Talking point for adults with children on safety online from Russ Tuttle.</figcaption>
 </figure>"This is where they are learning how to die by suicide," he said. "This is learning the latest self-harming techniques such as cutting and burning. This is where they are learning dangerous diet fads to lessen the pain of the seductions they are facing online."Seven-year-old Jessy had no technology of her own. Her mother set a timer for 15 minutes and allowed her to get online on her phone. In that short time, a grown man who said he was her age, tried to get Jesse to take a picture of herself with her shirt off and send it to him.&nbsp;He said it would be their secret.Her father was a law enforcement officer. He ended the chat before his daughter sent the image the man requested.When Tuttle does presentations for young children, he shares with them to not keep secrets and to go to a trusted adult and ask for "screen help," if they encounter something online that makes them feel uncomfortable.Predators will lie about their age and send fake photos. They appeal to a child's fantasy of love.A ninth-grade boy told Tuttle that a "smokin' hot" woman sent him naked photos and asked him to send her naked photos of himself. He sent pictures and videos. Within an hour he had multiple messages that if he didn't pay $1,000, they were going to make him famous on the Internet.The boy stole his dad's credit card and paid $18,000 before his disclosure. Tuttle said if that happens to your child, never pay. The photos are going to be circulated anyway."We are not arguing with kids. We are arguing with their fantasy," he said.