JOHNSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident and have identified the victim as 61-year-old Terre L. Gruetze of Belton, Missouri.

A westbound vehicle on W.135th Street attempted to initiate a left turn onto southbound Nieman Road, according to Overland Park Police.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield and struck an eastbound vehicle driven by Gruetze who was approaching Nieman Road and had a green light.

After impact, the eastbound vehicle rolled and partially ejected the driver.

 The driver and two occupants of of the westbound vehicle were not injured and the driver is cooperating with the investigation, according to police. The crash is under investigation by the Overland Park Traffic Safety Unit.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693697829107.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the crash -Photo Overland Park Police" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the crash -Photo Overland Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident and have identified the victim as 61-year-old Terre L. Gruetze of Belton, Missouri.A westbound vehicle on W.135th Street attempted to initiate a left turn onto southbound Nieman Road, according to Overland Park Police.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield and struck an eastbound vehicle driven by Gruetze who was approaching Nieman Road and had a green light.After impact, the eastbound vehicle rolled and partially ejected the driver. The driver and two occupants of of the westbound vehicle were not injured and the driver is cooperating with the investigation, according to police. The crash is under investigation by the Overland Park Traffic Safety Unit.&nbsp;

Woman dies after partially ejected in 2-vehicle Kansas crash

KANSAS CITY —New charges have been filed against a Kansas City security guard who sexually assaulted women this summer in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker this week.

Brandon Wells faces the unclassified felonies of Rape or Attempted Rape 1st Degree and Sodomy or Attempted Sodomy 1st Degree, which are unclassified felonies that carry a prison term of up to life in prison. He also faces two counts of the Class B Felony of Kidnapping and a &nbsp;misdemeanor count of Assault 4th Degree.

According to court records, on August 1, 2023, Kansas City police were dispatched on a reported sex offense. A victim told police that she walked past a vacant apartment building in the 900 block of Benton Boulevard, when she grabbed a recycling bin. She used it to carry her belongings. A security guard, later identified as the defendant, pulled his vehicle toward her. 

He had blond-tipped twists in his hair. He told her to put the bin back. She complied, and he soon placed her in handcuffs and lifted her shirt to see her breasts, then pulled at her pants. He forced her to perform oral sex on him and told her told her not to tell on him. The victim later identified the defendant as her attacker.&nbsp;

On Aug. 10, 2023, Kansas City police, according to court records, found calls for service that led them to a second victim. The calls had been logged from the defendant's phone. Body camera footage from KCPD officers who initially responded to the scene showed defendant had detained the second victim for trespassing near 10th Street and Benton Blvd. 

The second victim told police that after the KCPD officers were called off to another scene, the defendant drove her to the Waffle House on Front Street and raped her by the dumpster in the parking lot. Surveillance video from the Waffle House showed the defendant's vehicle arriving with a detained woman shortly after the KCPD officers left the initial scene. Surveillance video showed the defendant talk to the woman in the back seat, drive her around back to the dumpster, and remove her from the back seat shortly before arguing and screaming is heard.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668185579998.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —New charges have been filed against a Kansas City security guard who sexually assaulted women this summer in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker this week.Brandon Wells faces the unclassified felonies of Rape or Attempted Rape 1st Degree and Sodomy or Attempted Sodomy 1st Degree, which are unclassified felonies that carry a prison term of up to life in prison. He also faces two counts of the Class B Felony of Kidnapping and a &nbsp;misdemeanor count of Assault 4th Degree.According to court records, on August 1, 2023, Kansas City police were dispatched on a reported sex offense. A victim told police that she walked past a vacant apartment building in the 900 block of Benton Boulevard, when she grabbed a recycling bin. She used it to carry her belongings. A security guard, later identified as the defendant, pulled his vehicle toward her. He had blond-tipped twists in his hair. He told her to put the bin back. She complied, and he soon placed her in handcuffs and lifted her shirt to see her breasts, then pulled at her pants. He forced her to perform oral sex on him and told her told her not to tell on him. The victim later identified the defendant as her attacker.&nbsp;On Aug. 10, 2023, Kansas City police, according to court records, found calls for service that led them to a second victim. The calls had been logged from the defendant's phone. Body camera footage from KCPD officers who initially responded to the scene showed defendant had detained the second victim for trespassing near 10th Street and Benton Blvd. The second victim told police that after the KCPD officers were called off to another scene, the defendant drove her to the Waffle House on Front Street and raped her by the dumpster in the parking lot. Surveillance video from the Waffle House showed the defendant's vehicle arriving with a detained woman shortly after the KCPD officers left the initial scene. Surveillance video showed the defendant talk to the woman in the back seat, drive her around back to the dumpster, and remove her from the back seat shortly before arguing and screaming is heard.

Kansas City security guard faces new charges for sexual assault

By JENNIFER SHUTT&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is gearing up for a fall vaccination campaign that not only includes updated COVID-19 boosters, but the annual flu shot and the newly approved RSV vaccine.

“We’re going to be encouraging Americans to get their COVID-19 vaccine in addition to their annual flu shot, as well as the immunizations for RSV for people who are over the age of 60 as well as for infants,” one official said. Respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can also be serious, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

During a roughly 24-minute call, four officials from the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration spoke to reporters on background to discuss the plans for the fall’s vaccine campaign.

The officials declined to say how many Americans the Biden administration is targeting for updated COVID-19 shots heading into cold and flu season.

“We can’t speculate or predict where it will ultimately land. But our goal is for that number of uptake to be as high as possible,” the same official said.

The Biden administration, the official said, hopes to provide access for uninsured and underinsured people to get the booster once the updated COVID-19 vaccine is approved.

A second official said an updated COVID-19 vaccine from one pharmaceutical company shows some promise against the EG.5 variant that makes up an increasing number of new cases, though the official said there needs to be more data about the updated vaccines’ impact on the BA.2.86 variant.

“One of the manufacturers has already made it clear that when testing their vaccine against the EG.5 variant that it looks like the neutralization is robust,” the second official said. “So I think that’s a good harbinger.”

On the BA.2.86 variant, the second official said that “it’s too early to know for sure about BA.2.86 in terms of the exact data.”

“But I think we feel comfortable in saying that it’s likely that the vaccine will help protect against the severe outcomes that would occur,” the second official said. “So we’ll obviously have more data that will come in in the next few weeks. But for right now, I think we believe that the booster will be helpful against the severe outcomes that might occur.”

Once the FDA approves one or several updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall, the first official said the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices plans to meet quickly to make its recommendations for clinicians.

“Our intention, certainly as we look into mid-September, is to have the ACIP meeting and as close as possible succession to FDA action,” the first official said, adding that CDC and FDA are “joined at the hip on this.”

The first official noted that ACIP recommendations help to “guide clinicians as to … who would best benefit from COVID-19 vaccines.”

Getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine into nursing homes and long-term-care facilities will be a priority for the Biden administration, according to the first official.

“We are focused on getting older individuals their vaccines, partly because they have been a higher proportion of hospitalizations throughout the pandemic,” the first official said.

“CDC has been working very closely with the associations and the provider groups that provide vaccinations in facilities like long-term care and assisted living,” the first official said. “We’re also focusing a lot of our outreach on both the individuals who live there, the owners and operators, and the providers who work in those facilities to make sure they know when the vaccines are coming out, how to access them, how to administer them, etc.”

Once approved, the updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for people aged 12 and older will be fully licensed this fall, though the vaccines for people 11 and younger will still be under the emergency use authorization, according to the second official.

The protein-based COVID-19 vaccine from Novavax will also remain under the emergency use authorization framework, according to the second official.

So some of the updated vaccines may come with a cost, unlike during the pandemic when all the COVID-19 vaccines were free.

Moderna, for example, announced earlier this year that it would increase the price of its COVID-19 vaccine from $30 to $130,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/moderna-plan-hike-covid-vaccine-price-130-dose-rebuked-us-senate-hearing">leading to a bipartisan condemnation of the decision at a U.S. Senate hearing.&nbsp;</a>

Testing and treatments will also remain available during the upcoming cold and flu season, the first official said.

“What we know about treatments is that they can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death,” the first official said. “CDCs goal is to protect against respiratory diseases this fall and winter.”

COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths have begun to increase, according to CDC&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home">data</a>.

Between Aug. 6 and Aug. 12 the number of hospital admissions increased by nearly 22% bringing the total weekly admissions to 12,600. That’s the highest it’s been since mid-April, according to CDC&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklyhospitaladmissions_select_00">data</a>.

The number of deaths increased by slightly more than 8% during the same time frame to about 251 a week, though that still remains much lower than during the pandemic, according to CDC&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00">data</a>.

By JENNIFER SHUTT&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is gearing up for a fall vaccination campaign that not only includes updated COVID-19 boosters, but the annual flu shot and the newly approved RSV vaccine.“We’re going to be encouraging Americans to get their COVID-19 vaccine in addition to their annual flu shot, as well as the immunizations for RSV for people who are over the age of 60 as well as for infants,” one official said. Respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can also be serious, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.During a roughly 24-minute call, four officials from the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration spoke to reporters on background to discuss the plans for the fall’s vaccine campaign.The officials declined to say how many Americans the Biden administration is targeting for updated COVID-19 shots heading into cold and flu season.“We can’t speculate or predict where it will ultimately land. But our goal is for that number of uptake to be as high as possible,” the same official said.The Biden administration, the official said, hopes to provide access for uninsured and underinsured people to get the booster once the updated COVID-19 vaccine is approved.A second official said an updated COVID-19 vaccine from one pharmaceutical company shows some promise against the EG.5 variant that makes up an increasing number of new cases, though the official said there needs to be more data about the updated vaccines’ impact on the BA.2.86 variant.“One of the manufacturers has already made it clear that when testing their vaccine against the EG.5 variant that it looks like the neutralization is robust,” the second official said. “So I think that’s a good harbinger.”On the BA.2.86 variant, the second official said that “it’s too early to know for sure about BA.2.86 in terms of the exact data.”“But I think we feel comfortable in saying that it’s likely that the vaccine will help protect against the severe outcomes that would occur,” the second official said. “So we’ll obviously have more data that will come in in the next few weeks. But for right now, I think we believe that the booster will be helpful against the severe outcomes that might occur.”Once the FDA approves one or several updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall, the first official said the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices plans to meet quickly to make its recommendations for clinicians.“Our intention, certainly as we look into mid-September, is to have the ACIP meeting and as close as possible succession to FDA action,” the first official said, adding that CDC and FDA are “joined at the hip on this.”The first official noted that ACIP recommendations help to “guide clinicians as to … who would best benefit from COVID-19 vaccines.”Getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine into nursing homes and long-term-care facilities will be a priority for the Biden administration, according to the first official.“We are focused on getting older individuals their vaccines, partly because they have been a higher proportion of hospitalizations throughout the pandemic,” the first official said.“CDC has been working very closely with the associations and the provider groups that provide vaccinations in facilities like long-term care and assisted living,” the first official said. “We’re also focusing a lot of our outreach on both the individuals who live there, the owners and operators, and the providers who work in those facilities to make sure they know when the vaccines are coming out, how to access them, how to administer them, etc.”Once approved, the updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for people aged 12 and older will be fully licensed this fall, though the vaccines for people 11 and younger will still be under the emergency use authorization, according to the second official.The protein-based COVID-19 vaccine from Novavax will also remain under the emergency use authorization framework, according to the second official.So some of the updated vaccines may come with a cost, unlike during the pandemic when all the COVID-19 vaccines were free.Moderna, for example, announced earlier this year that it would increase the price of its COVID-19 vaccine from $30 to $130,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/moderna-plan-hike-covid-vaccine-price-130-dose-rebuked-us-senate-hearing">leading to a bipartisan condemnation of the decision at a U.S. Senate hearing.&nbsp;</a>Testing and treatments will also remain available during the upcoming cold and flu season, the first official said.“What we know about treatments is that they can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death,” the first official said. “CDCs goal is to protect against respiratory diseases this fall and winter.”COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths have begun to increase, according to CDC&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home">data</a>.Between Aug. 6 and Aug. 12 the number of hospital admissions increased by nearly 22% bringing the total weekly admissions to 12,600. That’s the highest it’s been since mid-April, according to CDC&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklyhospitaladmissions_select_00">data</a>.The number of deaths increased by slightly more than 8% during the same time frame to about 251 a week, though that still remains much lower than during the pandemic, according to CDC&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00">data</a>.

Updated COVID-19 vaccines expected to be available this month

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

Just after 2p.m. August 29, a sheriff's deputy responded to a burglary that occurred at a residence in the 7100 block of SW Montara Parkway in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

After a preliminary investigation, deputies went to a residence in the 100 block of SE Willow Way. While at the Willow Way address, deputies found property believed to be stolen during the Montara Parkway burglary.

Ethan S. Jennings, 32, and Jonathan E. McAvoy, 33, both of Topeka were arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; burglary to a residence, felony theft, and criminal damage to property. Jennings was also booked in on a bench warrant out of the City of Topeka and a felony warrant out of Shawnee County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693431452985.png" alt="McAvoy photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>McAvoy photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas home burglary and have suspects in custody.Just after 2p.m. August 29, a sheriff's deputy responded to a burglary that occurred at a residence in the 7100 block of SW Montara Parkway in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.After a preliminary investigation, deputies went to a residence in the 100 block of SE Willow Way. While at the Willow Way address, deputies found property believed to be stolen during the Montara Parkway burglary.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693431397119.png" alt="Jennings-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jennings-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ethan S. Jennings, 32, and Jonathan E. McAvoy, 33, both of Topeka were arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; burglary to a residence, felony theft, and criminal damage to property. Jennings was also booked in on a bench warrant out of the City of Topeka and a felony warrant out of Shawnee County.

Deputies arrest 2 for Kansas home burglary 

MCPHERSON COUNTY— According to a social media post from the McPherson County Sheriff's office, Saturday morning, the Sheriff's Office responded to Maxwell State Lake for a report of a found body. The body is an adult white male and is a victim of apparent drowning.

Deputies are working to confirm the identity of the victim and notifying next of kin. Canton PD/Fire/EMS and Kansas Department of Wildlife &amp; Parks are assisting in the investigation.

The sheriff released no additional details.

MCPHERSON COUNTY— According to a social media post from the McPherson County Sheriff's office, Saturday morning, the Sheriff's Office responded to Maxwell State Lake for a report of a found body. The body is an adult white male and is a victim of apparent drowning.Deputies are working to confirm the identity of the victim and notifying next of kin. Canton PD/Fire/EMS and Kansas Department of Wildlife &amp; Parks are assisting in the investigation.The sheriff released no additional details.

Sheriff: Drowning at Kansas state lake

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation earmarked $42.3 million in federal funding to support $6.4 million in local government investment over the next two years to improve safety of nearly three dozen city or county&nbsp;bridges&nbsp;outside of the state highway system.

KDOT said a total of 15 projects were included in the 2024 map and blended $21.8 million funneled through the state and $4.7 million in local matching dollars. The plan would replace 16 bridges and permanently remove 12 bridges from local road systems.

The $7 million in federal aid and $2 million from Dodge City allowed work to proceed on a new bridge on 14th Avenue over the Arkansas River. In northeast Kansas, $750,000 from Congress and $86,000 tied to a 10% local match enabled work on a bridge east of Highland.

Next year, KDOT said, $20.5 million authorized by the state would be combined with $1.7 million in local funding for 20 projects. The 2025 roster included $990,000 in combined funding for a Crawford County bridge over a Little Walnut Creek tributary in southeast Kansas and $544,000 for the bridge east of Edson over the south fork of Sappa Creek in northwest Kansas.

Gov. Laura Kelly said nearly one-fourth of 19,000 bridges on Kansas’ local road systems were deficient, but those routes were vital to moving people and goods.

“Almost 5,000 of those&nbsp;bridges&nbsp;simply cannot meet our state’s needs in a modern world, which is why these investments are critical for making our state a better place to live and work,” Kelly said.

KDOT reshaped two local bridge programs to take advantage of the federal allocation. The agency received 176 applications for bridge repairs that would cost $162.4 million. Selection criteria took into account&nbsp;bridge&nbsp;condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads and past project history.

“We welcome opportunities to partner with Kansas cities and counties to replace or rehabilitate deteriorating&nbsp;bridges,” said KDOT secretary Calvin Reed. “The needs are high.”

In addition to local commitments, the state relied on the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The law authorized $108 billion for public transportation in the United States.

The state’s congressional delegation divided along party lines on the 2021 federal spending bill. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Democrat, voted for the bill. All five Republican members of the Kansas delegation voted against it, including U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran and U.S. Reps. Ron Estes, Jake LaTurner and Tracey Mann.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693655045902.png" alt=" Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly visited Dodge City to outline a two-year plan to invest $48.7 million in improving safety of city or county bridges statewide. She was joined by Liberal Rep. Shannon Francis, left, the Republican chairman of the House Transportation Committee. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from submitted image)" />
 <figcaption> Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly visited Dodge City to outline a two-year plan to invest $48.7 million in improving safety of city or county bridges statewide. She was joined by Liberal Rep. Shannon Francis, left, the Republican chairman of the House Transportation Committee. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from submitted image)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY: TIM CARPENTER<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation earmarked $42.3 million in federal funding to support $6.4 million in local government investment over the next two years to improve safety of nearly three dozen city or county&nbsp;bridges&nbsp;outside of the state highway system.KDOT said a total of 15 projects were included in the 2024 map and blended $21.8 million funneled through the state and $4.7 million in local matching dollars. The plan would replace 16 bridges and permanently remove 12 bridges from local road systems.The $7 million in federal aid and $2 million from Dodge City allowed work to proceed on a new bridge on 14th Avenue over the Arkansas River. In northeast Kansas, $750,000 from Congress and $86,000 tied to a 10% local match enabled work on a bridge east of Highland.Next year, KDOT said, $20.5 million authorized by the state would be combined with $1.7 million in local funding for 20 projects. The 2025 roster included $990,000 in combined funding for a Crawford County bridge over a Little Walnut Creek tributary in southeast Kansas and $544,000 for the bridge east of Edson over the south fork of Sappa Creek in northwest Kansas.Gov. Laura Kelly said nearly one-fourth of 19,000 bridges on Kansas’ local road systems were deficient, but those routes were vital to moving people and goods.“Almost 5,000 of those&nbsp;bridges&nbsp;simply cannot meet our state’s needs in a modern world, which is why these investments are critical for making our state a better place to live and work,” Kelly said.KDOT reshaped two local bridge programs to take advantage of the federal allocation. The agency received 176 applications for bridge repairs that would cost $162.4 million. Selection criteria took into account&nbsp;bridge&nbsp;condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads and past project history.“We welcome opportunities to partner with Kansas cities and counties to replace or rehabilitate deteriorating&nbsp;bridges,” said KDOT secretary Calvin Reed. “The needs are high.”In addition to local commitments, the state relied on the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The law authorized $108 billion for public transportation in the United States.The state’s congressional delegation divided along party lines on the 2021 federal spending bill. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Democrat, voted for the bill. All five Republican members of the Kansas delegation voted against it, including U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran and U.S. Reps. Ron Estes, Jake LaTurner and Tracey Mann.

Kan. invests $48.7 million to deal with safety problems of 3 dozen decrepit local bridges

NEW YORK (AP) — Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who popularized beach bum soft rock with the escapist Caribbean-flavored song “Margaritaville” and turned that celebration of loafing into an empire of restaurants, resorts and frozen concoctions, has died. He was 76.

“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” a statement posted to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jimmybuffett.com/">Buffett's official website</a>&nbsp;and social media pages said late Friday. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”

The statement did not say where Buffett died or give a cause of death. Illness had forced him to reschedule concerts in May and Buffett acknowledged in social media posts that he had been hospitalized, but provided no specifics.

“Margaritaville,” released on Feb. 14, 1977, quickly took on a life of its own, becoming a state of mind for those ”wastin’ away,” an excuse for a life of low-key fun and escapism for those “growing older, but not up.”

The song is the unhurried portrait of a loafer on his front porch, watching tourists sunbathe while a pot of shrimp is beginning to boil. The singer has a new tattoo, a likely hangover and regrets over a lost love. Somewhere there is a misplaced salt shaker.

“What seems like a simple ditty about getting blotto and mending a broken heart turns out to be a profound meditation on the often painful inertia of beach dwelling,” Spin magazine wrote in 2021. “The tourists come and go, one group indistinguishable from the other. Waves crest and break whether somebody is there to witness it or not. Everything that means anything has already happened and you’re not even sure when.”

The song — from the album “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” — spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at No. 8. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016 for its cultural and historic significance, became a karaoke standard and helped brand Key West, Florida, as a distinct sound of music and a destination known the world over.

“There was no such place as Margaritaville," Buffett told the Arizona Republic in 2021. “It was a made-up place in my mind, basically made up about my experiences in Key West and having to leave Key West and go on the road to work and then come back and spend time by the beach.”

The song soon inspired restaurants and resorts, turning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-buffett-dies-obituary-parrotheads-aab4f7edb4044ef5af874d4ea63e8e9c">Buffett’s alleged desire for the simplicity of island life into a multimillion brand</a>. He landed at No. 18 in Forbes’ list of the Richest Celebrities of All Time with a net worth of $1 billion.

Music critics were never very kind to Buffett or his catalogue, including the sandy beach-side snack bar songs like “Fins,” “Come Monday” and “Cheeseburgers in Paradise.” But his legions of fans, called “Parrotheads,” regularly turned up for his concerts wearing toy parrots, cheeseburgers, sharks and flamingos on their heads, leis around their necks and loud Hawaiian shirts.

“It’s pure escapism is all it is,” he told the Republic. “I’m not the first one to do it, nor shall I probably be the last. But I think it’s really a part of the human condition that you’ve got to have some fun. You’ve got to get away from whatever you do to make a living or other parts of life that stress you out. I try to make it at least 50/50 fun to work and so far it’s worked out.”

His special Gulf Coast mix of country, pop, folk and rock added instruments and tonalities more commonly found in the Caribbean, like steel drums. It was a stew of steelpans, trombones and pedal steel guitar. Buffett’s incredible ear for hooks and light grooves were often overshadowed by his lyrics about fish tacos and sunsets.

Rolling Stone, in a review of Buffett’s 2020 album “Life on the Flip Side,” gave grudging props. “He continues mapping out his surfy, sandy corner of pop music utopia with the chill, friendly warmth of a multi-millionaire you wouldn’t mind sharing a tropically-themed 3 p.m. IPA with, especially if his gold card was on the bar when the last round came.”

Tributes on Saturday came from all walks of life, from Hollywood star Miles Teller posting photos of himself with Buffett to former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama, who wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Buffett “lived life to the fullest and the world will miss him.” Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys wrote: “Love and Mercy, Jimmy Buffett.”

Buffett’s evolving brand began in 1985 with the opening of a string of Margaritaville-themed stores and restaurants in Key West, followed in 1987 with the first Margaritaville Café nearby. Over the course of the next two decades, several more of each opened throughout Florida, New Orleans and California.

The brand has since expanded to dozens of categories, including resorts, apparel and footwear for men and women, a radio station, a beer brand, ice tea, tequila and rum, home décor, food items like salad dressing, Margaritaville Crunchy Pimento Cheese &amp; Shrimp Bites and Margaritaville Cantina Style Medium Chunky Salsa, the Margaritaville at Sea cruise line and restaurants, including Margaritaville Restaurant, JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar &amp; Grill and LandShark Bar &amp; Grill.

There also was a Broadway-bound jukebox musical, “Escape to Margaritaville,” a romantic comedy in which a singer-bartender called Sully falls for the far more career-minded Rachel, who is vacationing with friends and hanging out at Margaritaville, the hotel bar where Sully works.

James William Buffett was born on Christmas day 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and raised in the port town of Mobile, Alabama. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and went from busking the streets of New Orleans to playing six nights a week at Bourbon Street clubs.

He released his first record, “Down To Earth,” in 1970 and issued seven more on a regular yearly clip, with his 1974 song “Come Monday” from his fourth studio album “Living and Dying in ¾ Time,” peaking at No. 30. Then came “Margaritaville.”

He performed on more than 50 studio and live albums, often accompanied by his Coral Reefer Band, and was constantly on tour. He earned two Grammy Award nominations, two Academy of Country Music Awards and a Country Music Association Award.

Buffett was actually in Austin, Texas, when the inspiration struck for “Margaritaville.” He and a friend had stopped for lunch at a Mexican restaurant before she dropped him at the airport for a flight home to Key West, so they got to drinking margaritas.

“And I kind of came up with that idea of this is just like Margarita-ville,” Buffett told the Republic. “She kind of laughed at that and put me on the plane. And I started working on it.”

He wrote some on the plane and finished it while driving down the Keys. “There was a wreck on the bridge,” he said. "And we got stopped for about an hour so I finished the song on the Seven Mile Bridge, which I thought was apropos.”

Buffett also was the author of numerous books including “Where Is Joe Merchant?” and “A Pirate Looks At Fifty” and added movies to his resume as co-producer and co-star of an adaptation of Carl Hiaasen’s novel “Hoot.”

Buffett is survived by his wife, Jane; daughters, Savannah and Sarah; and son, Cameron.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693656213190.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who popularized beach bum soft rock with the escapist Caribbean-flavored song “Margaritaville” and turned that celebration of loafing into an empire of restaurants, resorts and frozen concoctions, has died. He was 76.“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” a statement posted to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jimmybuffett.com/">Buffett's official website</a>&nbsp;and social media pages said late Friday. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”The statement did not say where Buffett died or give a cause of death. Illness had forced him to reschedule concerts in May and Buffett acknowledged in social media posts that he had been hospitalized, but provided no specifics.“Margaritaville,” released on Feb. 14, 1977, quickly took on a life of its own, becoming a state of mind for those ”wastin’ away,” an excuse for a life of low-key fun and escapism for those “growing older, but not up.”The song is the unhurried portrait of a loafer on his front porch, watching tourists sunbathe while a pot of shrimp is beginning to boil. The singer has a new tattoo, a likely hangover and regrets over a lost love. Somewhere there is a misplaced salt shaker.“What seems like a simple ditty about getting blotto and mending a broken heart turns out to be a profound meditation on the often painful inertia of beach dwelling,” Spin magazine wrote in 2021. “The tourists come and go, one group indistinguishable from the other. Waves crest and break whether somebody is there to witness it or not. Everything that means anything has already happened and you’re not even sure when.”The song — from the album “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” — spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at No. 8. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016 for its cultural and historic significance, became a karaoke standard and helped brand Key West, Florida, as a distinct sound of music and a destination known the world over.“There was no such place as Margaritaville," Buffett told the Arizona Republic in 2021. “It was a made-up place in my mind, basically made up about my experiences in Key West and having to leave Key West and go on the road to work and then come back and spend time by the beach.”The song soon inspired restaurants and resorts, turning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-buffett-dies-obituary-parrotheads-aab4f7edb4044ef5af874d4ea63e8e9c">Buffett’s alleged desire for the simplicity of island life into a multimillion brand</a>. He landed at No. 18 in Forbes’ list of the Richest Celebrities of All Time with a net worth of $1 billion.Music critics were never very kind to Buffett or his catalogue, including the sandy beach-side snack bar songs like “Fins,” “Come Monday” and “Cheeseburgers in Paradise.” But his legions of fans, called “Parrotheads,” regularly turned up for his concerts wearing toy parrots, cheeseburgers, sharks and flamingos on their heads, leis around their necks and loud Hawaiian shirts.“It’s pure escapism is all it is,” he told the Republic. “I’m not the first one to do it, nor shall I probably be the last. But I think it’s really a part of the human condition that you’ve got to have some fun. You’ve got to get away from whatever you do to make a living or other parts of life that stress you out. I try to make it at least 50/50 fun to work and so far it’s worked out.”His special Gulf Coast mix of country, pop, folk and rock added instruments and tonalities more commonly found in the Caribbean, like steel drums. It was a stew of steelpans, trombones and pedal steel guitar. Buffett’s incredible ear for hooks and light grooves were often overshadowed by his lyrics about fish tacos and sunsets.Rolling Stone, in a review of Buffett’s 2020 album “Life on the Flip Side,” gave grudging props. “He continues mapping out his surfy, sandy corner of pop music utopia with the chill, friendly warmth of a multi-millionaire you wouldn’t mind sharing a tropically-themed 3 p.m. IPA with, especially if his gold card was on the bar when the last round came.”Tributes on Saturday came from all walks of life, from Hollywood star Miles Teller posting photos of himself with Buffett to former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama, who wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Buffett “lived life to the fullest and the world will miss him.” Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys wrote: “Love and Mercy, Jimmy Buffett.”Buffett’s evolving brand began in 1985 with the opening of a string of Margaritaville-themed stores and restaurants in Key West, followed in 1987 with the first Margaritaville Café nearby. Over the course of the next two decades, several more of each opened throughout Florida, New Orleans and California.The brand has since expanded to dozens of categories, including resorts, apparel and footwear for men and women, a radio station, a beer brand, ice tea, tequila and rum, home décor, food items like salad dressing, Margaritaville Crunchy Pimento Cheese &amp; Shrimp Bites and Margaritaville Cantina Style Medium Chunky Salsa, the Margaritaville at Sea cruise line and restaurants, including Margaritaville Restaurant, JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar &amp; Grill and LandShark Bar &amp; Grill.There also was a Broadway-bound jukebox musical, “Escape to Margaritaville,” a romantic comedy in which a singer-bartender called Sully falls for the far more career-minded Rachel, who is vacationing with friends and hanging out at Margaritaville, the hotel bar where Sully works.James William Buffett was born on Christmas day 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and raised in the port town of Mobile, Alabama. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and went from busking the streets of New Orleans to playing six nights a week at Bourbon Street clubs.He released his first record, “Down To Earth,” in 1970 and issued seven more on a regular yearly clip, with his 1974 song “Come Monday” from his fourth studio album “Living and Dying in ¾ Time,” peaking at No. 30. Then came “Margaritaville.”He performed on more than 50 studio and live albums, often accompanied by his Coral Reefer Band, and was constantly on tour. He earned two Grammy Award nominations, two Academy of Country Music Awards and a Country Music Association Award.Buffett was actually in Austin, Texas, when the inspiration struck for “Margaritaville.” He and a friend had stopped for lunch at a Mexican restaurant before she dropped him at the airport for a flight home to Key West, so they got to drinking margaritas.“And I kind of came up with that idea of this is just like Margarita-ville,” Buffett told the Republic. “She kind of laughed at that and put me on the plane. And I started working on it.”He wrote some on the plane and finished it while driving down the Keys. “There was a wreck on the bridge,” he said. "And we got stopped for about an hour so I finished the song on the Seven Mile Bridge, which I thought was apropos.”Buffett also was the author of numerous books including “Where Is Joe Merchant?” and “A Pirate Looks At Fifty” and added movies to his resume as co-producer and co-star of an adaptation of Carl Hiaasen’s novel “Hoot.”Buffett is survived by his wife, Jane; daughters, Savannah and Sarah; and son, Cameron.

Jimmy Buffett, legendary 'Margaritaville' singer, dies at 76

WASHINGTON —This week, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This announcement is the Biden Administration's forty-fifth tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. 

It includes additional air defense and artillery munitions, mine clearing equipment, medical vehicles, and other equipment to help Ukraine counter Russia's ongoing war of aggression on the battlefield and protect its people.

The capabilities in this package, valued at up to $250 million, include:

This security assistance package will utilize assistance previously authorized under Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) for Ukraine that remained after the PDA revaluation process concluded in June.

With the presidential drawdown authority package announced today, the U.S. has committed more than $43 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's invasion in February 2022.

The United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693427437872.png" alt="U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cannon Ritzler, a munitions systems specialist with the Ohio National Guard, inspects an Air Intercept Missile, also known as an AIM-9M Sidewinder missile-Photo By:Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker, Air National Guard" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cannon Ritzler, a munitions systems specialist with the Ohio National Guard, inspects an Air Intercept Missile, also known as an AIM-9M Sidewinder missile-Photo By:Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker, Air National Guard</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —This week, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This announcement is the Biden Administration's forty-fifth tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. It includes additional air defense and artillery munitions, mine clearing equipment, medical vehicles, and other equipment to help Ukraine counter Russia's ongoing war of aggression on the battlefield and protect its people.The capabilities in this package, valued at up to $250 million, include:<ul>
 <li>AIM-9M missiles for air defense;</li><li>Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);</li><li>155mm and 105mm artillery rounds;</li><li>Mine clearing equipment;</li><li>Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles;</li><li>Javelin and other anti-armor systems and rockets;</li><li>Hydra-70 Rockets;</li><li>Over 3 million rounds of small arms ammunition;</li><li>Armored medical treatment vehicles and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) ambulances;</li><li>Demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing; and</li><li>Spare parts, maintenance, and other field equipment.</li>
 </ul>This security assistance package will utilize assistance previously authorized under Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) for Ukraine that remained after the PDA revaluation process concluded in June.With the presidential drawdown authority package announced today, the U.S. has committed more than $43 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's invasion in February 2022.The United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements.

U.S. sending Ukraine $250M more in military assistance

SEDGWICK COUNTY—&nbsp; A Kansas felon involved in a incident that sent a police officer to the hospital went before a judge on August 30.

Nicholas Shugart, 41 of Wichita, was charged with battery against a law enforcement officer, 2 counts of fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of paraphernalia for use, driving under the influence and driving while license is suspended or canceled, according to the Sedgwick Co. District Attorney's office.

Just after 7a.m. August 24, police were dispatched to a welfare check in the area of 600 W. 30th Street South in Wichita regarding two individuals slumped over in a white Chevy Silverado, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

A Wichita Traffic Motor Officer arrived on the scene and contacted the driver, later identified as Nichilas Grady Shugart, 41, of Wichita, who then accelerated and drove away, striking and running over the officer’s lower leg.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Wichita Police were in pursuit of a Silverado driven by<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=285885">&nbsp;Shugart</a>&nbsp;westbound in the 2400 Block of 15th Street.

The Silverado ran the stop sign at North Meridan and struck a northbound 2000 Dodge Caravan driven by Alicia Reico, 51, Wichita, on the the right front quarter panel.

EMS transported the Wichita Traffic Motor officer and Reico to a local hospital. Both had non-life-threatening injuries. The officer is being released from the hospital, according to Gupilan.

Police arrested Shugart and a passenger in the pickup 27-year-old Odessa Silcott of Wichita. He&nbsp;remains in custody on a $150,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692900399480.png" alt="Police on the scene of the crash investigation -photo courtesy&nbsp; KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the crash investigation -photo courtesy&nbsp; KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—&nbsp; A Kansas felon involved in a incident that sent a police officer to the hospital went before a judge on August 30.Nicholas Shugart, 41 of Wichita, was charged with battery against a law enforcement officer, 2 counts of fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of paraphernalia for use, driving under the influence and driving while license is suspended or canceled, according to the Sedgwick Co. District Attorney's office.Just after 7a.m. August 24, police were dispatched to a welfare check in the area of 600 W. 30th Street South in Wichita regarding two individuals slumped over in a white Chevy Silverado, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.A Wichita Traffic Motor Officer arrived on the scene and contacted the driver, later identified as Nichilas Grady Shugart, 41, of Wichita, who then accelerated and drove away, striking and running over the officer’s lower leg.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Wichita Police were in pursuit of a Silverado driven by<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=285885">&nbsp;Shugart</a>&nbsp;westbound in the 2400 Block of 15th Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692920657940.png" alt="Shugart-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Shugart-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Silverado ran the stop sign at North Meridan and struck a northbound 2000 Dodge Caravan driven by Alicia Reico, 51, Wichita, on the the right front quarter panel.EMS transported the Wichita Traffic Motor officer and Reico to a local hospital. Both had non-life-threatening injuries. The officer is being released from the hospital, according to Gupilan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692923986306.png" alt="Silcott-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Silcott-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police arrested Shugart and a passenger in the pickup 27-year-old Odessa Silcott of Wichita. He&nbsp;remains in custody on a $150,000 bond.

Kan. felon charged for driving over police officer's legs

SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement and Occupational Safety and Health authorities are investigating a tanker trailer incident in Seward County.

Just before 9a.m. Friday, police responded to an EMS call at the the Red Barn Truck Wash,&nbsp; 1200 East Pancake in Liberal, according to a media release.

First responders found 3 men unconscious in a tanker trailer. EMS transported the men to Southwest Medical Center. One of the men died and another was transferred to a Wichita Hospital. The third victim remains hospitalized in Liberal.

Police released no additional details Friday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693596984353.png" alt="OSHA is investigation -Google image" />
 <figcaption>OSHA is investigation -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement and Occupational Safety and Health authorities are investigating a tanker trailer incident in Seward County.Just before 9a.m. Friday, police responded to an EMS call at the the Red Barn Truck Wash,&nbsp; 1200 East Pancake in Liberal, according to a media release.First responders found 3 men unconscious in a tanker trailer. EMS transported the men to Southwest Medical Center. One of the men died and another was transferred to a Wichita Hospital. The third victim remains hospitalized in Liberal.Police released no additional details Friday afternoon.

OSHA investigation: Man dies after found in tanker at Kan. truck wash

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Missouri Republican on Wednesday proposed constitutional amendments that would allow exceptions to the state's near-total abortion ban in cases of rape, incest and fatal abnormalities.

Suburban St. Louis resident Jamie Corley, 36, proposed the constitutional amendments to allow those exceptions up until viability, which typically is around 24 weeks. The exception for rape would only apply if the assault is reported to a crisis hotline.

Another proposal Corley filed would allow abortions for any reason up to 12 weeks into pregnancy.

All of her proposals would shield those seeking abortions and health care providers from criminal prosecution and civil penalties.

Missouri now bans almost all abortions, which Corley said is “completely out of line with voters.” The only exception is for medical emergencies.

“People are appalled that the current law doesn’t have exceptions and doesn’t protect women and health care providers from prosecution," she said.

Another group of activists has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitution-voters-election-0d2fdde552c2478b283937a6fab78cfc">campaigning</a>&nbsp;to enshrine abortion rights in the Missouri Constitution, with limited room for lawmakers to regulate the procedure after viability.

But the competing abortion-rights campaign has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-97205f3b12293bdd82622ff564be3d4e">tied up in court battles</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-attorney-general-auditor-fbe60ab843041b3509c5275e8a703207">fights with the Republican attorney general</a>&nbsp;and secretary of state.

Corley said she wanted an alternative that is “actually passable” in Missouri, where there is “elasticity with what it means to be pro-life." She said while one may generally be opposed to abortion, they "don’t agree that completely banning it is the most rational or compassionate policy.”

Both of Missouri's Republican U.S. senators&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/josh-hawley-defers-to-voters-on-abortion-eric-schmitt-calls-missouri-referendum-inevitable/article_7dc885b2-3dcc-11ee-8b5e-4bbc713f7fea.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">have said</a>&nbsp;they support abortion in cases of rape and incest.

An Associated Press request for comment Wednesday to Missouri Right to Life was not immediately returned.

Some abortion-rights supporters are wary of Corley's proposal. Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri President and CEO Yamelsie Rodríguez said “exceptions have never provided meaningful access.”

“While some are proposing ballot measures that will continue to harm Missourians, we will continue to fight for the meaningful access that Missourians need," she said in a statement.

Missouri is among many states turning to voters after the U.S. Supreme Court last year reversed Roe v. Wade and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">took away a nationwide right to abortion</a>.

Since then, the issue appeared on the ballot in six states. In all of them, including generally conservative Kansas and Kentucky,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-voting-rights-health-kentucky-fabb3a40797c5491e9b2a3a696435161">the abortion rights side prevailed</a>.

A measure to ensure abortion access is on the November ballot in Ohio after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-rights-ohio-ballot-constitutional-amendment-e921f46d04a1f3367cf0e42917485335">withstanding legal challenges</a>&nbsp;from opponents. That state’s voters in August&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-rights-constitutional-amendment-special-election-227cde039f8d51723612878525164f1a">rejected a measure</a>&nbsp;that would have required at least 60% of the vote to amend the state constitution, an approach supported by abortion opponents that would have made it harder to adopt the November ballot question.

Ballot measures on abortion could also be before voters in 2024 in states including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-arizona-ballot-voters-2024-a7ea711840cbe2103a9c75c4c4dd4ef3">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-protections-maryland-constitution-8457276fd72fbe1367f7f8a99559731b">Maryland</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-politics-womens-rights-new-york-5ae2968ab80098246978af10765ed9ae">New York</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-constitutions-49618de8441cf8813ff64266cccc192d">South Dakota</a>. But in conservative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-tulsa-oklahoma-united-states-government-e9cb92772546e3fd33ef7599e6a07dd1">Oklahoma</a>, an initiative petition to legalize abortion was withdrawn a month after it started.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693425446976.png" alt="Photo Planned Parenthood Action" />
 <figcaption>Photo Planned Parenthood Action</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Missouri Republican on Wednesday proposed constitutional amendments that would allow exceptions to the state's near-total abortion ban in cases of rape, incest and fatal abnormalities.Suburban St. Louis resident Jamie Corley, 36, proposed the constitutional amendments to allow those exceptions up until viability, which typically is around 24 weeks. The exception for rape would only apply if the assault is reported to a crisis hotline.Another proposal Corley filed would allow abortions for any reason up to 12 weeks into pregnancy.All of her proposals would shield those seeking abortions and health care providers from criminal prosecution and civil penalties.Missouri now bans almost all abortions, which Corley said is “completely out of line with voters.” The only exception is for medical emergencies.“People are appalled that the current law doesn’t have exceptions and doesn’t protect women and health care providers from prosecution," she said.Another group of activists has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitution-voters-election-0d2fdde552c2478b283937a6fab78cfc">campaigning</a>&nbsp;to enshrine abortion rights in the Missouri Constitution, with limited room for lawmakers to regulate the procedure after viability.But the competing abortion-rights campaign has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-97205f3b12293bdd82622ff564be3d4e">tied up in court battles</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-attorney-general-auditor-fbe60ab843041b3509c5275e8a703207">fights with the Republican attorney general</a>&nbsp;and secretary of state.Corley said she wanted an alternative that is “actually passable” in Missouri, where there is “elasticity with what it means to be pro-life." She said while one may generally be opposed to abortion, they "don’t agree that completely banning it is the most rational or compassionate policy.”Both of Missouri's Republican U.S. senators&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/josh-hawley-defers-to-voters-on-abortion-eric-schmitt-calls-missouri-referendum-inevitable/article_7dc885b2-3dcc-11ee-8b5e-4bbc713f7fea.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">have said</a>&nbsp;they support abortion in cases of rape and incest.An Associated Press request for comment Wednesday to Missouri Right to Life was not immediately returned.Some abortion-rights supporters are wary of Corley's proposal. Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri President and CEO Yamelsie Rodríguez said “exceptions have never provided meaningful access.”“While some are proposing ballot measures that will continue to harm Missourians, we will continue to fight for the meaningful access that Missourians need," she said in a statement.Missouri is among many states turning to voters after the U.S. Supreme Court last year reversed Roe v. Wade and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">took away a nationwide right to abortion</a>.Since then, the issue appeared on the ballot in six states. In all of them, including generally conservative Kansas and Kentucky,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-voting-rights-health-kentucky-fabb3a40797c5491e9b2a3a696435161">the abortion rights side prevailed</a>.A measure to ensure abortion access is on the November ballot in Ohio after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-rights-ohio-ballot-constitutional-amendment-e921f46d04a1f3367cf0e42917485335">withstanding legal challenges</a>&nbsp;from opponents. That state’s voters in August&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-rights-constitutional-amendment-special-election-227cde039f8d51723612878525164f1a">rejected a measure</a>&nbsp;that would have required at least 60% of the vote to amend the state constitution, an approach supported by abortion opponents that would have made it harder to adopt the November ballot question.Ballot measures on abortion could also be before voters in 2024 in states including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-arizona-ballot-voters-2024-a7ea711840cbe2103a9c75c4c4dd4ef3">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-protections-maryland-constitution-8457276fd72fbe1367f7f8a99559731b">Maryland</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-politics-womens-rights-new-york-5ae2968ab80098246978af10765ed9ae">New York</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-south-dakota-sd-state-wire-constitutions-49618de8441cf8813ff64266cccc192d">South Dakota</a>. But in conservative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-tulsa-oklahoma-united-states-government-e9cb92772546e3fd33ef7599e6a07dd1">Oklahoma</a>, an initiative petition to legalize abortion was withdrawn a month after it started.

Missouri Republican seeks exceptions to near-total abortion ban

COWLEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 8p.m. Thursday in Cowley County.

According to Sheriff Dave Faletti, a&nbsp; Kawasaki ZH2 driven by Chase Roberts, 20, Arkansas City was northbound from N. Summit and the 26,000 Block of U.S. 77 Highway in the right most lane.

The motorcycle conducted a lane change into the left most lane and began to accelerate rapidly. Witnesses estimated that the motorcycle was traveling approximately 70 mph to 100mph in a 55mph zone. 

The motorcycle struck a 2003 Lexus LS driven by 41-year-old Daniel Garcia of Arkansas City, that had been stopped at the stop sign at the bypass and was crossing the north bound lanes to turn south onto N. Summit towards Arkansas City. 

The driver of the motorcycle was ejected from the vehicle, and it became fully engulfed in flames. Arkansas City Fire/EMS pronounced Roberts dead at the scene.&nbsp; There were no other injuries. The sheriff's office released no additional details.

COWLEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 8p.m. Thursday in Cowley County.According to Sheriff Dave Faletti, a&nbsp; Kawasaki ZH2 driven by Chase Roberts, 20, Arkansas City was northbound from N. Summit and the 26,000 Block of U.S. 77 Highway in the right most lane.The motorcycle conducted a lane change into the left most lane and began to accelerate rapidly. Witnesses estimated that the motorcycle was traveling approximately 70 mph to 100mph in a 55mph zone. The motorcycle struck a 2003 Lexus LS driven by 41-year-old Daniel Garcia of Arkansas City, that had been stopped at the stop sign at the bypass and was crossing the north bound lanes to turn south onto N. Summit towards Arkansas City. The driver of the motorcycle was ejected from the vehicle, and it became fully engulfed in flames. Arkansas City Fire/EMS pronounced Roberts dead at the scene.&nbsp; There were no other injuries. The sheriff's office released no additional details.

Sheriff: Kan. man traveling 100mph in 55mph zone dies in crash

&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

Support for unions is growing amid shifting working conditions and labor disputes around the country, according to Liz Shuler, the president of the largest labor group in the country.

In Shuler’s comments Tuesday at the AFL-CIO’s first State of the Unions event in Washington, she cited polling that showed support for unions cut across party lines. The AFL-CIO commissioned<a target="_blank" href="https://aflcio.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/GBAO%20AFL-CIO%20Labor%20Day%20Poll%20Memo.pdf">&nbsp;a poll</a>&nbsp;by GBAO, a Democratic polling and research firm, that found 91% of Democratic respondents and 52% of Republicans approved of unions, with even higher numbers supporting the right to strike.

United Auto Workers at Detroit’s “Big Three” car companies<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/blog/get-strike-ready-uaw-votes-to-authorize-strike-against-detroit-automakers/">&nbsp;voted overwhelmingly</a>&nbsp;Aug. 25 to authorize a strike if a deal with Ford, General Motors and Stellantis is not reached before their contract expires Sept. 14.

Shuler characterized that vote as part of a trend in stronger union activity in the face of “a systematic attack” on labor, including many state laws that make union organizing more difficult and the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed workers in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying union dues.

“What’s different about this Labor Day is the awakening happening all across this country,” Shuler said. “It’s up in Detroit, where just a few days ago, 97% of our UAW members said they were ready to walk off the job and push back against the Big Three.”

More than 200 strikes comprising 320,000 workers have happened so far this year, she said, noting that was 10 times the number of striking workers than just two years ago.

“It’s been a long time since this country has seen workers united like this,” she said. “A long time.”

Support for unions reflects an uncertain future for many Americans, Shuler said.

The shift toward a gig economy has left workers unsure about their long-term financial security, she said.

Technological advances in artificial intelligence can help workers do their jobs better, she said, but also threaten workers. She urged companies adopting artificial intelligence to listen to labor concerns about the technology.

Concerns felt more broadly across the country also impacted union members, Shuler said, referencing issues that may have appealed more to labor’s traditional Democratic supporters than the bipartisan support shown in polling.

Workers are concerned about climate change and democratic issues such as voting rights, abortion rights and censorship in schools, she said. Unions will work to elect politicians who reflect those values, she said.

“We will not be silent while extremist politicians attack our rights: Our right to vote and have our votes counted, our right to read the books we want to read, our right to think and speak freely on or off the job,” she said. “We will show up and organize and vote.”

Unions would support President Joe Biden in his reelection campaign next year, Shuler said, praising the president’s work to deliver federal infrastructure spending.

Biden campaigned on infrastructure improvements and supported the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-signs-historic-infrastructure-bill">&nbsp;Congress passed in 2021</a>.

The law supports millions of jobs, she said, not only in construction and transportation but in the service industry as well. Every job created by the federal spending should be a union position, Shuler said.

Biden<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/08/16/ahead-of-potential-auto-worker-strike-biden-calls-for-cooperation-in-union-negotiations/">&nbsp;has called for</a>&nbsp;autoworkers and manufacturers to work together to come to an agreement before their contract expires.

Biden said the day of the UAW vote he’d “been talking to” the union and was “concerned” about the prospect of a strike, according to a White House pool report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693566762046.png" alt="UAW members rally for a new contract at the labor organization’s Region 1 headquarters on Aug. 20, 2023 (UAW photo)." />
 <figcaption>UAW members rally for a new contract at the labor organization’s Region 1 headquarters on Aug. 20, 2023 (UAW photo).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACOB FISCHLER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>Support for unions is growing amid shifting working conditions and labor disputes around the country, according to Liz Shuler, the president of the largest labor group in the country.In Shuler’s comments Tuesday at the AFL-CIO’s first State of the Unions event in Washington, she cited polling that showed support for unions cut across party lines. The AFL-CIO commissioned<a target="_blank" href="https://aflcio.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/GBAO%20AFL-CIO%20Labor%20Day%20Poll%20Memo.pdf">&nbsp;a poll</a>&nbsp;by GBAO, a Democratic polling and research firm, that found 91% of Democratic respondents and 52% of Republicans approved of unions, with even higher numbers supporting the right to strike.United Auto Workers at Detroit’s “Big Three” car companies<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/blog/get-strike-ready-uaw-votes-to-authorize-strike-against-detroit-automakers/">&nbsp;voted overwhelmingly</a>&nbsp;Aug. 25 to authorize a strike if a deal with Ford, General Motors and Stellantis is not reached before their contract expires Sept. 14.Shuler characterized that vote as part of a trend in stronger union activity in the face of “a systematic attack” on labor, including many state laws that make union organizing more difficult and the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed workers in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying union dues.“What’s different about this Labor Day is the awakening happening all across this country,” Shuler said. “It’s up in Detroit, where just a few days ago, 97% of our UAW members said they were ready to walk off the job and push back against the Big Three.”More than 200 strikes comprising 320,000 workers have happened so far this year, she said, noting that was 10 times the number of striking workers than just two years ago.“It’s been a long time since this country has seen workers united like this,” she said. “A long time.”Support for unions reflects an uncertain future for many Americans, Shuler said.The shift toward a gig economy has left workers unsure about their long-term financial security, she said.Technological advances in artificial intelligence can help workers do their jobs better, she said, but also threaten workers. She urged companies adopting artificial intelligence to listen to labor concerns about the technology.Concerns felt more broadly across the country also impacted union members, Shuler said, referencing issues that may have appealed more to labor’s traditional Democratic supporters than the bipartisan support shown in polling.Workers are concerned about climate change and democratic issues such as voting rights, abortion rights and censorship in schools, she said. Unions will work to elect politicians who reflect those values, she said.“We will not be silent while extremist politicians attack our rights: Our right to vote and have our votes counted, our right to read the books we want to read, our right to think and speak freely on or off the job,” she said. “We will show up and organize and vote.”Unions would support President Joe Biden in his reelection campaign next year, Shuler said, praising the president’s work to deliver federal infrastructure spending.Biden campaigned on infrastructure improvements and supported the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-signs-historic-infrastructure-bill">&nbsp;Congress passed in 2021</a>.The law supports millions of jobs, she said, not only in construction and transportation but in the service industry as well. Every job created by the federal spending should be a union position, Shuler said.Biden<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/08/16/ahead-of-potential-auto-worker-strike-biden-calls-for-cooperation-in-union-negotiations/">&nbsp;has called for</a>&nbsp;autoworkers and manufacturers to work together to come to an agreement before their contract expires.Biden said the day of the UAW vote he’d “been talking to” the union and was “concerned” about the prospect of a strike, according to a White House pool report.

Labor leader touts union support as possible auto strikes loom

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are crediting two off-duty police officers for helping catch a suspect on vandalism allegations.

Just after 9 p.m. August 28, police responded to SW Westport Drive and SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka after receiving reports of vandalism. 

Two off-duty Topeka officers witnessed the incident and were able to provide dispatch with a good description and direction of travel for the suspect.

Responding officers quickly located the suspect, later identified as Zac D. Bibler, 20, of Topeka, in the 1500 block of SW Westport Drive.&nbsp; Bibler then refused to comply with officers and fled on foot. 

A short while later Bibler was taken into custody, arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000 and felony Interference with Law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693347760903.png" alt="Bibler-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Bibler-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are crediting two off-duty police officers for helping catch a suspect on vandalism allegations.Just after 9 p.m. August 28, police responded to SW Westport Drive and SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka after receiving reports of vandalism. Two off-duty Topeka officers witnessed the incident and were able to provide dispatch with a good description and direction of travel for the suspect.Responding officers quickly located the suspect, later identified as Zac D. Bibler, 20, of Topeka, in the 1500 block of SW Westport Drive.&nbsp; Bibler then refused to comply with officers and fled on foot. A short while later Bibler was taken into custody, arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000 and felony Interference with Law enforcement.

Off-duty Kan. officers help arrest vandalism suspect

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an incident that seriously injured a woman.

Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, police responded&nbsp;&nbsp;to the report of a crash near W. 83rd Street and Woodland Road in Lenexa involving a vehicle that struck two bicyclists. 

One bicyclist, an adult female, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. The other bicyclist, an adult male, did not sustain serious injuries.

The driver of the vehicle, an adult male, was taken into custody on suspicion of impaired driving. The crash is being investigated by the members of the Lenexa Traffic Safety Unit.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an incident that seriously injured a woman.Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, police responded&nbsp;&nbsp;to the report of a crash near W. 83rd Street and Woodland Road in Lenexa involving a vehicle that struck two bicyclists. One bicyclist, an adult female, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. The other bicyclist, an adult male, did not sustain serious injuries.The driver of the vehicle, an adult male, was taken into custody on suspicion of impaired driving. The crash is being investigated by the members of the Lenexa Traffic Safety Unit.

Police: Driver arrested after vehicle struck Kan. bicyclists

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has delivered a recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marijuana-legalization" target="_blank">marijuana policy</a>, and Senate leaders hailed it this week as a first step toward easing federal restrictions on the drug.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said Wednesday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the agency has responded to President Joe Biden's request “to provide a scheduling recommendation for marijuana to the DEA.”

“We’ve worked to ensure that a scientific evaluation be completed and shared expeditiously,” he added.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement that HHS had recommended that marijuana be moved from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance.

“HHS has done the right thing,” Schumer, D-N.Y., said. “DEA should now follow through on this important step to greatly reduce the harm caused by draconian marijuana laws.”

Rescheduling the drug would reduce or potentially eliminate criminal penalties for possession. Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD.

According to the DEA, Schedule I drugs "have no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and a high potential for abuse."

Schedule III drugs “have a potential for abuse less than substances in Schedules I or II and abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.” They currently include ketamine and some anabolic steroids.

Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8" target="_blank">requested the review in October 2022</a>&nbsp;as he pardoned thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued a statement calling for marijuana to be completely descheduled. “However, the recommendation of HHS to reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III drug is not inconsequential," he added. “If HHS’s recommendation is ultimately implemented, it will be a historic step for a nation whose cannabis policies have been out of touch with reality.”

Bloomberg News first reported on the HHS recommendation.

In reaction to the Bloomberg report, the nonprofit U.S. Cannabis Council said: “We enthusiastically welcome today’s news. ... Rescheduling will have a broad range of benefits, including signaling to the criminal justice system that cannabis is a lower priority and providing a crucial economic lifeline to the cannabis industry.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has delivered a recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marijuana-legalization" target="_blank">marijuana policy</a>, and Senate leaders hailed it this week as a first step toward easing federal restrictions on the drug.HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said Wednesday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the agency has responded to President Joe Biden's request “to provide a scheduling recommendation for marijuana to the DEA.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I can now share that, following the data and science, <a href="https://twitter.com/HHSGov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HHSGov</a> has responded to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>’ directive to me for the Department to provide a scheduling recommendation for marijuana to the DEA. We’ve worked to ensure that a scientific evaluation be completed and shared expeditiously. <a href="https://t.co/p84x8p07sP">pic.twitter.com/p84x8p07sP</a>&mdash; Secretary Xavier Becerra (@SecBecerra) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBecerra/status/1696981120280084617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We’ve worked to ensure that a scientific evaluation be completed and shared expeditiously,” he added.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement that HHS had recommended that marijuana be moved from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance.“HHS has done the right thing,” Schumer, D-N.Y., said. “DEA should now follow through on this important step to greatly reduce the harm caused by draconian marijuana laws.”Rescheduling the drug would reduce or potentially eliminate criminal penalties for possession. Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD.According to the DEA, Schedule I drugs "have no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and a high potential for abuse."Schedule III drugs “have a potential for abuse less than substances in Schedules I or II and abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.” They currently include ketamine and some anabolic steroids.Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8" target="_blank">requested the review in October 2022</a>&nbsp;as he pardoned thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law.Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued a statement calling for marijuana to be completely descheduled. “However, the recommendation of HHS to reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III drug is not inconsequential," he added. “If HHS’s recommendation is ultimately implemented, it will be a historic step for a nation whose cannabis policies have been out of touch with reality.”Bloomberg News first reported on the HHS recommendation.In reaction to the Bloomberg report, the nonprofit U.S. Cannabis Council said: “We enthusiastically welcome today’s news. ... Rescheduling will have a broad range of benefits, including signaling to the criminal justice system that cannabis is a lower priority and providing a crucial economic lifeline to the cannabis industry.”

Biden Admin. moves to classify marijuana as a lower-risk drug

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating several arson fire in Topeka.

Just before 3a.m. August 25, fire crews responded to a house fire at 1509 NW Logan Street in Topeka, according department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

First arriving crews found smoke and flames coming from a two-story house. Due to the heavy fire involvement, and safety concerns of the stability of the home, crews were forced to battle the fire from the outside. No occupants were inside the house at the time of the fire.

A preliminary investigation determined the cause of the fire as intentionally set. The total estimated loss from this fire was approximately $20,000, associated with structural loss. Content loss is unknown. Police have not reported an arrest in this case but have arrested three others for arson in August.

On August 14, police arrested 28-year-old&nbsp;Shaliqua Hill of Topeka and a 17-year-old girl for allegedly using explosives to start a house fire at 631 SE 35th Street in Topeka.

On August 16, police arrested 62-year-old Rose A. Wilson for alleged aggravated arson for an apartment at 1312 SW Polk Street in Topeka.

On August 1, police arrested 61-year-old&nbsp; Linda Ritchey, 61, for alleged aggravated arson for a fire at a home at 507 SW Taylor Street in Topeka. She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693240273343.png" alt="Four arson fires including the fire that damaged this home in Topeka Aug. 25-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Four arson fires including the fire that damaged this home in Topeka Aug. 25-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating several arson fire in Topeka.Just before 3a.m. August 25, fire crews responded to a house fire at 1509 NW Logan Street in Topeka, according department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.First arriving crews found smoke and flames coming from a two-story house. Due to the heavy fire involvement, and safety concerns of the stability of the home, crews were forced to battle the fire from the outside. No occupants were inside the house at the time of the fire.A preliminary investigation determined the cause of the fire as intentionally set. The total estimated loss from this fire was approximately $20,000, associated with structural loss. Content loss is unknown. Police have not reported an arrest in this case but have arrested three others for arson in August.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692141411419.png" alt="Hill-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hill-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On August 14, police arrested 28-year-old&nbsp;Shaliqua Hill of Topeka and a 17-year-old girl for allegedly using explosives to start a house fire at 631 SE 35th Street in Topeka.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692305589950.png" alt="Wilson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wilson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On August 16, police arrested 62-year-old Rose A. Wilson for alleged aggravated arson for an apartment at 1312 SW Polk Street in Topeka.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690819669630.png" alt="Ritchey-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ritchey-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On August 1, police arrested 61-year-old&nbsp; Linda Ritchey, 61, for alleged aggravated arson for a fire at a home at 507 SW Taylor Street in Topeka. She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Four arson fires at homes in Topeka in August

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge ruled Thursday that Kansas officials are no longer required to change transgender people’s birth certificates so the documents reflect their gender identities, a loss for those who fought for that ability and leaves questions on how the state will respond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687829963398.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge ruled Thursday that Kansas officials are no longer required to change transgender people’s birth certificates so the documents reflect their gender identities, a loss for those who fought for that ability and leaves questions on how the state will respond.Since 2019, a federal consent agreement required Kansas officials to change a person's gender identity on their birth certificate when asked. But Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach asked the court to stop enforcing that agreement because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-transgender-birth-certificates-f9723de7460ab5fe71b3e80ba7854046">a new state law</a>&nbsp;that defines male and female as the sex assigned at birth.Judge Daniel Crabtree granted Kobach’s request and changed the federal agreement to remove the requirement. However, Crabtree said it will ultimately be up to a state court to decide whether the new law is constitutional. The new law, which took effect July 1, is among efforts nationwide to roll back trans rights.Montana, Oklahoma and Tennessee already bar such birth certificate changes. Kansas is for now among a few states that don’t let trans people change their driver’s licenses to reflect their gender identities. That’s because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-drivers-licenses-kansas-87f3c61cc6286aeffec60b36d99ca962">a separate state-court lawsuit</a>&nbsp;Kobach filed last month.Luc Bensimon, a Topeka trans man who was one of the original plaintiffs who fought to change their birth certificates, said he was having trouble making sense of Thursday's ruling and wonders whether the state will try to forcefully reverse the gender change on his birth certificate.“I’m not OK with that,” Bensimon said. “And I don’t really have any words right now. ... It’s just -- I’m not okay with that.”“I’m pretty upset right now. I’m just trying to figure this out,” Bensimon added.But his lawyer, Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, said he doesn't think the ruling will have any effect on birth certificates that were already changed — only new ones. And he said it's not clear how Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly will respond and what she will tell state agencies to do.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/sb180_enrolled.pdf">The Kansas law</a>&nbsp;defines male and female based on a person’s “biological reproductive system,” applying those definitions to any other state law or regulation. The Republican-controlled Legislature enacted it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-bathroom-law-kansas-b3d068afa2bc02bb15314ee04e8e3899">over Kelly’s veto</a>, but she announced shortly before it took effect that birth certificate changes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-law-transgender-birth-certificates-driver-licenses-d5d3631b6e624f24733d0dbdedc9c35e">would continue</a>, citing opinions from attorneys in her administration that they could.Kelly’s office didn’t immediately respond to the ruling Thursday.Gonzalez-Pagan said he believes the state agency could continue changing genders on birth certificates unless Kobach goes back to court and gets a separate order telling officials to stop making those changes.A state court will ultimately decide if the law defining gender will stand.“The court has genuine misgivings about inserting itself into the dispute about the meaning of the new Kansas law, SB 180," Crabtree said in his ruling. “Absent some issue arising under federal law, a dispute about the meaning of Kansas law belongs in a Kansas state courthouse.”Crabtree's ruling removes part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/kansas-to-allow-trans-residents-to-change-birth-certificates-7409799fb2a144bca2fd90cd46b7ea6c">2018 settlement</a>&nbsp;Kelly's administration agreed to with four transgender people who challenged a previous Republican no-changes policy. The settlement came only months after Kelly took office in 2019 and required the state to start changing trans people’s birth certificates.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-identities-attacked-bathroom-laws-kansas-e8fc5f209f03f8d55a7491c071283bfb">More than 900 people</a>&nbsp;have done so since.“The trans activists in this case attempted to nullify state law,” Kobach said. “The court held that SB 180 means what it says — birth certificates in Kansas must reflect biological sex. As long as I am attorney general, the laws of Kansas will be enforced as written. The Legislature decided that birth certificates must reflect biological reality, and they were quite clear in how they wrote the law."Transgender Kansas residents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-birth-certificates-kansas-4e096d3e020de4b057f04ef2c72b955c">and Kelly</a>&nbsp;argued that refusing to change birth certificates would violate rights protected by the U.S. Constitution, something Crabtree said in his brief order approving the settlement four years ago. Kobach argued that the settlement represented only the views of the parties and the new state law represents a big enough change to nullify the settlement’s requirements.In the state-court lawsuit over driver’s licenses,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-drivers-licenses-kansas-3ad43a98dd96a8eb5864f6cdc19beffb">a district judge has blocked ID changes</a>&nbsp;until at least Nov. 1.The new Kansas law was part of a wave of measures rolling back trans rights emerging from Republican-controlled statehouses across the U.S. this year.The law also declares the state’s interests in protecting people’s privacy, health and safety justifies separate facilities, such as bathrooms and locker rooms, for men and women. Supporters promised that would keep transgender women and girls from using women’s and girls’ facilities — making the law among the nation’s most sweeping bathroom policies — but there is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-bathroom-laws-enforcement-e96e94b8935eb6bd23a42562cdeeec6c">no formal enforcement mechanism</a>.As for birth certificates, Kobach argued in a recent filing in the federal lawsuit that keeping the full 2019 settlement in place is “explicitly anti-democratic” because it conflicts directly with the new law.“To hold otherwise would be to render state governments vassals of the federal courts, forever beholden to unchangeable consent agreements entered into by long-gone public officials,” Kobach said.In 2018, Kelly defeated Kobach, then the Kansas secretary of state, to win her first term as governor. Kobach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-immigration-kansas-topeka-339a45795e1e479b7754e2fc7a8127ed">staged a political comeback</a>&nbsp;by winning the attorney general’s race last year, when Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-donald-trump-kansas-topeka-39afdff811fd2f30a212036d5ec6e3fa">won her second term</a>. Both prevailed by narrow margins.The transgender Kansas residents who sued the state in 2018 argued that siding with Kobach would allow the state to return to a policy that violated people’s constitutional rights.In one scathing passage in a recent court filing, their attorneys asked whether Kobach would argue states could ignore the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka ruling in 1954 outlawing racially segregated schools if their lawmakers simply passed a new law ordering segregation.“The answer is clearly no,” they wrote.The plaintiffs' attorney, Gonzalez-Pagan, said he's disappointed in the ruling but believes the law will be found unconstitutional.