CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. —Two teens were injured in an accident just before 6:30p.mm. Friday at Lake of the Ozarks.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Seado jet ski driven by a 15-year-old from Derby, Kansas struck a 2021 Seado jet ski driven by a 16-year-old from Rose Hill near the 7-mile mark of the Big Niangua.

After impact, both teens were ejected into the water.&nbsp; Mid County ambulance transported both to Lake Regional Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.&nbsp; The MSHP reported no additional details.

CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. —Two teens were injured in an accident just before 6:30p.mm. Friday at Lake of the Ozarks.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Seado jet ski driven by a 15-year-old from Derby, Kansas struck a 2021 Seado jet ski driven by a 16-year-old from Rose Hill near the 7-mile mark of the Big Niangua.After impact, both teens were ejected into the water.&nbsp; Mid County ambulance transported both to Lake Regional Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.&nbsp; The MSHP reported no additional details.

2 Kan. teens injured after jet ski crash at Lake of the Ozarks

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

People crowded into the Hays Arts Center Annex on Friday to see a display honoring the 50th anniversary of the filming of "Paper Moon."

Most of the movie, starring Ryan and Tatum O'Neal was filmed within a 50-mile radius of Hays with Hays being the film crew's base of operations.

"Paper Moon" depicts the Depression era in Kansas and Missouri. It was shot in black and white by director Peter Bogdanovich and tells the story of drifter, Moze, and a little girl, Addie, as Moze takes Addie from rural Kansas to St. Joseph, Mo., to live with her aunt.

Tatum O'Neal won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film, becoming the youngest actress to do so.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0b548169-b02e-4e81-9b93-dab95fca9ef6">Local residents mingled around numerous newspaper clippings from the time pointing to photos of people they knew or landmarks they remembered.</a>

Many of the people the Hays Post spoke with were teenagers or young adults when the film was made and have vague memories of joining crowds of other locals to watch the rare spectacle in western Kansas.

Rhonda McCann, who was a teenager when the movie was filmed, said she remembered the crew filming in the 100 block of West 10th in Hays. One of the buildings, which is no longer standing, doubled as a dress shop in the movie.&nbsp;

Ryan O'Neal and Madelene Kahn were filmed coming out of the building. She also remembered driving to LaCrosse to watch the filming of the carnival scenes, but said she couldn't see much because it was dark. She said remembered being bored.

Randy Pfeifer was in high school when the filming came to Hays. He lived on a farm and couldn't make it into town to watch the filming.

However, he said. "It was a big thing when it hit Hays."

Leon Staab, who was in his 20s when the movie was filmed, also said he remembered the filming in Hays. He said there was much excitement around the filming, but many of the specific memories have faded over 50 years.

Many local residents were extras in the movie. Sue Schmidt, the daughter of Eagle Radio founder Bob Schmidt, was a stand-in for Tatum O'Neal during filming. She would take Tatum's place when the camera crews were setting up sound and lighting for shots.&nbsp;

In a newspaper story from the time, Sue talked about the long, boring hours of shooting and missing her friends from school. The movie was filmed in September and October of 1972, and Schmidt had a tutor because she had to miss school during the shooting.

Eight children from the Budke family of Hays were extras in the film.&nbsp;

The Budke family was in a scene during which Moze, played by Ryan O'Neal, and Addie, played by his daughter Tatum O'Neal, try to sell a Bible to a poor family.

The widow comes to the door and her many children, the Budke siblings, file in behind her. Addie turns to Moze and tells him the Bible is paid for.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/67bee6b6-2d7a-42ac-b543-dad1b4c610e3">Dennis, who still lives in Hays, and his brother, Chuck, now of Salina, swapped memories a few weeks ago in Wilson during that community's "Paper Moon" Festival. Dennis also made an appearance Friday night at the art center annex.</a>

The Midwest movie premier of "Paper Moon" was at the Fox Theatre in Hays. The event included a VIP champagne reception.

A newspaper clipping from the time said, "Inside the theatre lobby champagne corks ricocheted off the walls in resounding pops as the Hays Arts Council members served the wine and hors d'ouerves to ticketholders."

KAYS radio, which is owned by the parent company of the Hays Post, was also on hand to do live interviews of the local actors who appeared in the movie.

Tickets for the special showing were $3 for the actors and $4 for the general public.

The film's budget then was a whopping $2.6 million, which local officials touted at the time as having a significant impact on the local economy.

Although Hays seemed to love having the film crew in town, the director&nbsp;Peter Bogdanovich didn't have the same love for Hays.

In an interview, he would later call Hays "dreary and tacky."

 A couple of years after the movie premiered, ABC began filming a series by the same name, which started Jody Foster and Chris Connelly,&nbsp; also in Hays and Ellis County.

During the filming of "Paper Moon" the TV series Charlene Hamel of Hays was the stand-in for Jodi Foster.

Scenes from the TV series were filmed in the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority house.&nbsp;

During the 50th anniversary weekend, two free showings of "Paper Moon." the movie were offered at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center. McCracken also opened its museum to visitors to view memorabilia from the movie and hosted a night of big band music.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687126160941.jpeg" alt="Visitors talk about memorabilia from the movie "Paper Moon" during the 50th-anniversary celebration of the movie's release at the Hays Arts Center annex on Friday. Most of the movie was filmed within a 50-mile radius of Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Visitors talk about memorabilia from the movie "Paper Moon" during the 50th-anniversary celebration of the movie's release at the Hays Arts Center annex on Friday. Most of the movie was filmed within a 50-mile radius of Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostPeople crowded into the Hays Arts Center Annex on Friday to see a display honoring the 50th anniversary of the filming of "Paper Moon."Most of the movie, starring Ryan and Tatum O'Neal was filmed within a 50-mile radius of Hays with Hays being the film crew's base of operations."Paper Moon" depicts the Depression era in Kansas and Missouri. It was shot in black and white by director Peter Bogdanovich and tells the story of drifter, Moze, and a little girl, Addie, as Moze takes Addie from rural Kansas to St. Joseph, Mo., to live with her aunt.Tatum O'Neal won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film, becoming the youngest actress to do so.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687124674300.jpeg" alt=""Paper Moon"&nbsp; filming on 10th Street in Hays in 1972. Photo courtesy of Pete Felten" />
 <figcaption>"Paper Moon"&nbsp; filming on 10th Street in Hays in 1972. Photo courtesy of Pete Felten</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0b548169-b02e-4e81-9b93-dab95fca9ef6">Local residents mingled around numerous newspaper clippings from the time pointing to photos of people they knew or landmarks they remembered.</a>Many of the people the Hays Post spoke with were teenagers or young adults when the film was made and have vague memories of joining crowds of other locals to watch the rare spectacle in western Kansas.Rhonda McCann, who was a teenager when the movie was filmed, said she remembered the crew filming in the 100 block of West 10th in Hays. One of the buildings, which is no longer standing, doubled as a dress shop in the movie.&nbsp;Ryan O'Neal and Madelene Kahn were filmed coming out of the building. She also remembered driving to LaCrosse to watch the filming of the carnival scenes, but said she couldn't see much because it was dark. She said remembered being bored.Randy Pfeifer was in high school when the filming came to Hays. He lived on a farm and couldn't make it into town to watch the filming.However, he said. "It was a big thing when it hit Hays."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687125050145.jpeg" alt="Tatum O'Neal, star of "Paper Moon" and her stand-in Sue Schmidt of Hays. Clippings courtesy of Hays Arts Council" />
 <figcaption>Tatum O'Neal, star of "Paper Moon" and her stand-in Sue Schmidt of Hays. Clippings courtesy of Hays Arts Council</figcaption>
 </figure>Leon Staab, who was in his 20s when the movie was filmed, also said he remembered the filming in Hays. He said there was much excitement around the filming, but many of the specific memories have faded over 50 years.Many local residents were extras in the movie. Sue Schmidt, the daughter of Eagle Radio founder Bob Schmidt, was a stand-in for Tatum O'Neal during filming. She would take Tatum's place when the camera crews were setting up sound and lighting for shots.&nbsp;In a newspaper story from the time, Sue talked about the long, boring hours of shooting and missing her friends from school. The movie was filmed in September and October of 1972, and Schmidt had a tutor because she had to miss school during the shooting.Eight children from the Budke family of Hays were extras in the film.&nbsp;The Budke family was in a scene during which Moze, played by Ryan O'Neal, and Addie, played by his daughter Tatum O'Neal, try to sell a Bible to a poor family.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687125216900.jpeg" alt="Eight children in the Budke family in Hays were extras in "Paper Moon." Clipping courtesy of Hays Arts Council" />
 <figcaption>Eight children in the Budke family in Hays were extras in "Paper Moon." Clipping courtesy of Hays Arts Council</figcaption>
 </figure>The widow comes to the door and her many children, the Budke siblings, file in behind her. Addie turns to Moze and tells him the Bible is paid for.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/67bee6b6-2d7a-42ac-b543-dad1b4c610e3">Dennis, who still lives in Hays, and his brother, Chuck, now of Salina, swapped memories a few weeks ago in Wilson during that community's "Paper Moon" Festival. Dennis also made an appearance Friday night at the art center annex.</a>The Midwest movie premier of "Paper Moon" was at the Fox Theatre in Hays. The event included a VIP champagne reception.A newspaper clipping from the time said, "Inside the theatre lobby champagne corks ricocheted off the walls in resounding pops as the Hays Arts Council members served the wine and hors d'ouerves to ticketholders."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687125451690.jpeg" alt="The carnival scene from "Paper Moon" was shot in LaCrosse. Clipping courtesy of the Hays Arts Council." />
 <figcaption>The carnival scene from "Paper Moon" was shot in LaCrosse. Clipping courtesy of the Hays Arts Council.</figcaption>
 </figure>KAYS radio, which is owned by the parent company of the Hays Post, was also on hand to do live interviews of the local actors who appeared in the movie.Tickets for the special showing were $3 for the actors and $4 for the general public.The film's budget then was a whopping $2.6 million, which local officials touted at the time as having a significant impact on the local economy.Although Hays seemed to love having the film crew in town, the director&nbsp;Peter Bogdanovich didn't have the same love for Hays.In an interview, he would later call Hays "dreary and tacky."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687125562723.jpeg" alt="Jodi Foster, center, starred in the "Paper Moon" TV series that was shot in Elis County. Photo courtesy of Hays Arts Council" />
 <figcaption>Jodi Foster, center, starred in the "Paper Moon" TV series that was shot in Elis County. Photo courtesy of Hays Arts Council</figcaption>
 </figure> A couple of years after the movie premiered, ABC began filming a series by the same name, which started Jody Foster and Chris Connelly,&nbsp; also in Hays and Ellis County.During the filming of "Paper Moon" the TV series Charlene Hamel of Hays was the stand-in for Jodi Foster.Scenes from the TV series were filmed in the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority house.&nbsp;During the 50th anniversary weekend, two free showings of "Paper Moon." the movie were offered at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center. McCracken also opened its museum to visitors to view memorabilia from the movie and hosted a night of big band music.

Hays celebrates 50th anniversary of 'Paper Moon'

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of shootings in Topeka that left one dead and two others with injuries.

Just after 10p.m. Sunday police responded to report of a disturbance in the 3100 Block of SW Clay in Topeka, according to Lt. Edward Stanley. First responders found a shooting victim who was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Just before 11:30p..m. Sunday police responded to 4100 Block of Southwest of Twilight in Topeka, according to Stanley.

First responders found one person with a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Just after 1:30.a.m. on Monday, police responded to the 1300 Block&nbsp; of Western Avenue in Topeka on reports of multiple gunshots in the area.

Officers found one person with a&nbsp;non-life-threatening gunshot wound, according to Stanley.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police have not released any additional details or suspect information on these incidents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687170616581.png" alt="Police were busy Sunday night and early Monday in Topeka" />
 <figcaption>Police were busy Sunday night and early Monday in Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of shootings in Topeka that left one dead and two others with injuries.Just after 10p.m. Sunday police responded to report of a disturbance in the 3100 Block of SW Clay in Topeka, according to Lt. Edward Stanley. First responders found a shooting victim who was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.Just before 11:30p..m. Sunday police responded to 4100 Block of Southwest of Twilight in Topeka, according to Stanley.First responders found one person with a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.Just after 1:30.a.m. on Monday, police responded to the 1300 Block&nbsp; of Western Avenue in Topeka on reports of multiple gunshots in the area.Officers found one person with a&nbsp;non-life-threatening gunshot wound, according to Stanley.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police have not released any additional details or suspect information on these incidents.

1 dead, two injured in series of shootings in Kansas

BEIJING (AP) — The United States and China have pledged to stabilize their badly deteriorated ties during a critical visit to Beijing by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who met Monday with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Xi pronounced himself satisfied with progress made during talks in Beijing. But, Blinken told media, China refused to resume military to military communications, a U.S. priority.

It remains to be seen whether the two countries can resolve their most important disagreements, many of which have international financial, security and stability implications.

The two sides expressed a willingness to hold more talks, but there was little indication that either is prepared to bend from its positions on issues including trade, Taiwan, human rights conditions in China and Hong Kong, Chinese military assertiveness in the South China Sea, and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Blinken said later that the U.S. set limited objectives for the trip, and achieved them. Blinken added that he had raised the issue of military to military communications “repeatedly."

“It is absolutely vital that we have these kinds of communications,” he said. “This is something we’re going to keep working on.”

The U.S. has said that, since 2021, China has declined or failed to respond to over a dozen requests from the Department of Defense for top-level dialogues.

According to a transcript of the meeting with Blinken, Xi pronounced himself pleased with the outcome of Blinken's earlier meetings with two top Chinese diplomats, and said the two countries had agreed to resume a program of understandings that he and President Joe Biden agreed to at a meeting in Bali last year.

“The Chinese side has made our position clear, and the two sides have agreed to follow through the common understandings President Biden and I had reached in Bali,” Xi said.

That agenda had been thrown into jeopardy in recent months, notably after the U.S. shot down a Chinese surveillance balloon over its airspace in February, and amid escalated military activity in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. Combined with disputes over human rights, trade and opiate production, the list of problem areas is daunting.

But Xi suggested the worst could be over.

“The two sides have also made progress and reached agreement on some specific issues,” Xi said without elaborating, according to a transcript of the remarks released by the State Department. “This is very good.”

“I hope that through this visit, Mr. Secretary, you will make more positive contributions to stabilizing China-U.S. relations,” Xi added.

In his remarks to Xi during the 35-minute session at the Great Hall of the People, which was not announced until an hour before it started, Blinken said “the United States and China have an obligation and responsibility to manage our relationship.”

“The United States is committed to doing that,” Blinken said. “It’s in the interest of the United States, in the interests of China, and in the interest of the world.”

Blinken described his earlier discussions with senior Chinese officials as “candid and constructive.”

Despite his presence in China, Blinken and other U.S. officials had played down the prospects for any significant breakthroughs on the most vexing issues facing the planet’s two largest economies.

Instead, these officials have emphasized the importance of the two countries establishing and maintaining better lines of communication.

Blinken is the highest-level U.S. official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office, and the first secretary of state to make the trip in five years. His visit is expected to usher in a new round of visits by senior U.S. and Chinese officials, possibly including a meeting between Xi and Biden in the coming months.

Blinken met earlier Monday with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi for about three hours, according to a U.S. official.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote in a statement that Blinken's visit "coincides with a critical juncture in China-U.S. relations, and it is necessary to make a choice between dialogue or confrontation, cooperation or conflict,” and blamed the “U.S. side’s erroneous perception of China, leading to incorrect policies towards China” for the current “low point” in relations.

It said the U.S. had a responsibility to halt “the spiraling decline of China-U.S. relations to push it back to a healthy and stable track” and that Wang had "demanded that the U.S. stop hyping up the ‘China threat theory,’ lift illegal unilateral sanctions against China, abandon suppression of China’s technological development, and refrain from arbitrary interference in China’s internal affairs.”

The State Department said Blinken “underscored the importance of responsibly managing the competition between the United States and the PRC through open channels of communication to ensure competition does not veer into conflict."

In the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-relations-blinken-afb39654e07ff1022bf8a3bf8296c686">first round of talks</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, Blinken met for nearly six hours with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, after which both countries said they had agreed to continue high-level discussions. However, there was no sign that any of the most fractious issues between them were closer to resolution.

Both the U.S. and China said Qin had accepted an invitation from Blinken to visit Washington but Beijing made clear that “the China-U.S. relationship is at the lowest point since its establishment.” That sentiment is widely shared by U.S. officials.

Blinken's visit comes after his initial plans to travel to China were postponed in February after the shootdown of a Chinese surveillance balloon over the U.S.

A snub by the Chinese leader would have been a major setback to the effort to restore and maintain communications at senior levels.

And Biden said over the weekend that he hoped to be able to meet with Xi in the coming months to take up the plethora of differences that divide them.

In his meetings on Sunday, Blinken also pressed the Chinese to release detained American citizens and to take steps to curb the production and export of fentanyl precursors that are fueling the opioid crisis in the United States.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/xi-jinping-bill-gates-china-blinken-e015b97ad324bc2a6459837591711eee?utm_source=RecoReel&amp;utm_medium=articlePage&amp;utm_id=Taboola">Xi had offered a hint of a possible willingness to reduce tensions</a>&nbsp;on Friday, saying in a meeting with Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates that the United States and China can cooperate to “benefit our two countries.”

Since the cancellation of Blinken’s trip in February, there have been some high-level engagements. CIA chief William Burns&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-cia-william-burns-f4dc997405970bca1bc02e6f625fdaf6">traveled to China</a>&nbsp;in May, while China’s commerce minister traveled to the U.S. And Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-china-diplomacy-jake-sullivan-wang-yi-118132affe809b4fd99c627cb22f8878">met with senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Wang Yi in Vienna</a>&nbsp;in May.

But those have been punctuated by bursts of angry rhetoric from both countries over the Taiwan Strait, their broader intentions in the Indo-Pacific, China’s refusal to condemn Russia for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">its war against Ukraine</a>, and U.S. allegations from Washington that Beijing is attempting to boost&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-cuba-spy-base-us-intelligence-0f655b577ae4141bdbeabc35d628b18f">its worldwide surveillance capabilities</a>, including in Cuba.

And, earlier this month, China’s defense minister rebuffed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-lloyd-austin-defense-asia-de10a9233bf226288faf86676486eef3">a request from U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin</a>&nbsp;for a meeting on the sidelines of a security symposium in Singapore, a sign of continuing discontent.

BEIJING (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, as the top U.S. diplomat wrapped up a high-stakes two-day visit to Beijing aimed at easing soaring tensions between the countries.

The 35-minute meeting at the Great Hall of the People had been expected and was seen as key to the success of the trip, but neither side confirmed it would happen until a State Department official announced it just an hour beforehand.

In footage of the meeting released by state broadcaster CCTV, Xi is heard to say “The two sides have agreed to follow through on the common understandings President Biden and I have reached in Bali.”

In earlier meetings between Blinken and senior Chinese officials, the two sides expressed willingness to talk but showed little inclination to bend from hardened positions on disagreements ranging from trade, to Taiwan, to human rights conditions in China and Hong Kong, to Chinese military assertiveness in the South China Sea, to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Xi said that they had made progress and reached agreements on “some specific issues” without elaborating. “This is very good,” Xi said.

“I hope that through this visit, Mr. Secretary, you will make more positive contributions to stabilizing China-US relation,” Xi added.

Despite Blinken’s presence in China, he and other U.S. officials had played down the prospects for any significant breakthroughs on the most vexing issues facing the planet’s two largest economies.

It said the U.S. had a responsibility to halt “the spiraling decline of China-U.S. relations to push it back to a healthy and stable track” and that Wang had "demanded that the U.S. stop hyping up the ‘China threat theory’, lift illegal unilateral sanctions against China, abandon suppression of China’s technological development, and refrain from arbitrary interference in China’s internal affairs.”

In the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-relations-blinken-afb39654e07ff1022bf8a3bf8296c686">first round of talks</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, Blinken met for nearly six hours with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang after which both countries said they had agreed to continue high-level discussions. However, there was no sign that any of the most fractious issues between them were closer to resolution.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-blinken-rivalry-spy-balloon-0657ee3d19fae34bf3102d62266aea12">Biden and Xi had made commitments to improve communications</a>&nbsp;“precisely so that we can make sure we are communicating as clearly as possible to avoid possible misunderstandings and miscommunications,” Blinken said before leaving for Beijing.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/xi-jinping-bill-gates-china-blinken-e015b97ad324bc2a6459837591711eee?utm_source=RecoReel&amp;utm_medium=articlePage&amp;utm_id=Taboola">Xi offered a hint of a possible willingness to reduce tensions</a>&nbsp;on Friday, saying in a meeting with Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates that the United States and China can cooperate to “benefit our two countries.”

BEIJING (AP) — The United States and China have failed to overcome their most serious disagreements but were able to discuss them in a potentially constructive way and have agreed to continue talks, U.S. and Chinese officials said Sunday.

U.S. officials said Secretary of State Antony Blinken was able during a nearly 6-hour meeting to secure a visit to Washington by Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. But both sides said advancement on the issues that divide them remains a work in progress while the Chinese foreign ministry said “the China-U.S. relationship is at the lowest point since its establishment.”

China confirmed that Qin had accepted the invitation at a “mutually convenient time” but no date was set.

The State Department said that Blinken had stressed “the importance of diplomacy and maintaining open channels of communication across the full range of issues to reduce the risk of misperception and miscalculation.”

The Chinese, meanwhile, restated their position that the current state of relations "does not serve the fundamental interests of the two peoples or meet the shared expectations of the international community,” according to the foreign ministry.

Blinken, the highest-level American official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office, will have more senior level contacts with the Chinese on Monday, including potentially with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Despite Blinken’s presence in the Chinese capital, the prospects for any significant breakthrough on the most vexing issues facing the planet’s two largest economies was slim.

And neither side showed any inclination to back down on their entrenched positions.

Blinken’s trip followed his postponement of plans to visit China in February after the shootdown of a Chinese surveillance balloon over the U.S.

The talks could pave the way for a meeting in the coming months between Biden and Xi. Biden said Saturday that he hoped to be able to meet with Xi in the coming months to take up the plethora of differences that divide them.

That long list incudes disagreements ranging from trade to Taiwan, human rights conditions in China and Hong Kong to Chinese military assertiveness in the South China Sea and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Blinken “made clear that the United States will always stand up for the interests and values of the American people and work with its allies and partners to advance our vision for a world that is free, open, and upholds the international rules-based order,” the State Department said.

The Chinese foreign ministry countered in its statement that “China hopes that the U.S. will adopt an objective and rational perception of China, work with China in the same direction, uphold the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and handle unexpected and sporadic events in a calm, professional and rational manner.”

Shortly before leaving Washington, Blinken emphasized the importance of the U.S. and China establishing and maintaining better lines of communication.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-blinken-rivalry-spy-balloon-0657ee3d19fae34bf3102d62266aea12">Biden and Xi had made commitments to improve communications</a>&nbsp;“precisely so that we can make sure we are communicating as clearly as possible to avoid possible misunderstandings and miscommunications,” Blinken said Friday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/xi-jinping-bill-gates-china-blinken-e015b97ad324bc2a6459837591711eee?utm_source=RecoReel&amp;utm_medium=articlePage&amp;utm_id=Taboola">Xi offered a hint of a possible willingness to reduce tensions</a>, saying in a meeting with Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates on Friday that the United States and China can cooperate to “benefit our two countries."

Since the cancellation of Blinken's trip in February, there have been some high-level engagements. CIA chief William Burns&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-cia-william-burns-f4dc997405970bca1bc02e6f625fdaf6">traveled to China</a>&nbsp;in May, while China’s commerce minister traveled to the U.S. And Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-china-diplomacy-jake-sullivan-wang-yi-118132affe809b4fd99c627cb22f8878">met with senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Wang Yi in Vienna</a>&nbsp;in May.

But those have been punctuated by bursts of angry rhetoric from both sides over the Taiwan Strait, their broader intentions in the Indo-Pacific, China’s refusal to condemn Russia for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">its war against Ukraine</a>, and U.S. allegations from Washington that Beijing is attempting to boost&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-cuba-spy-base-us-intelligence-0f655b577ae4141bdbeabc35d628b18f">its worldwide surveillance capabilities</a>, including in Cuba.

Underscoring the difficulties, China rejected a report by a U.S. security firm, that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barracuda-mandiant-cybersecurity-china-hackers-a52d1595c9108d2c58df11e38756600d">blamed Chinese-linked hackers</a>&nbsp;for attacks on hundreds of public agencies, schools and other targets around the world,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-hacking-report-cyberattack-c08a9f52926c8524cf86131324c69fe6">as “far-fetched and unprofessional”</a>

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson repeated accusations that Washington carries out hacking attacks and complained the cybersecurity industry rarely reports on them.

Meanwhile, the national security advisers of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-us-philippines-korea-security-talks-b4cdf9162563c60d89caa87bceb5ec26">the United States, Japan and the Philippines</a>&nbsp;held their first joint talks Friday and agreed to strengthen their defense cooperation, in part to counter China's growing influence and ambitions.

This coincides with the Biden administration inking an agreement with Australia and Britain to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-australia-united-kingdom-submarines-nuclear-cf330037f9e6befdec0f6c1658601462">provide the first with nuclear-powered submarines</a>, with China moving rapidly to expand its diplomatic presence, especially in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific island nations, where it has opened or has plans to open at least five new embassies over the next year.

The agreement is part of an 18-month-old nuclear partnership given the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/aukus">acronym AUKUS</a>&nbsp;— for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

US-China pledge to stabilize deteriorating ties, resume high-level talks

TOPEKA – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with assistance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and other partners, updated findings on the white powder found in letters sent to Kansas legislators and public officials, according to a media release from the agency.

As of Sunday evening June 18, approximately 100 letters containing suspicious white powder have been received across the state of Kansas.

A small sample of the letters containing powder was sent to a laboratory that specializes in testing biological samples. Preliminary tests have returned from this lab indicating the substance is presumptively negative for common biological agents of concern. 

Further and more complete testing will be conducted on this sample, as well as on additional letters that have been collected, in an effort to determine the components of the substance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686969013876.jpeg" alt="Photo -Courtesy Rep. Paul Waggoner" />
 <figcaption>Photo -Courtesy Rep. Paul Waggoner</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with assistance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and other partners, updated findings on the white powder found in letters sent to Kansas legislators and public officials, according to a media release from the agency.As of Sunday evening June 18, approximately 100 letters containing suspicious white powder have been received across the state of Kansas.A small sample of the letters containing powder was sent to a laboratory that specializes in testing biological samples. Preliminary tests have returned from this lab indicating the substance is presumptively negative for common biological agents of concern. Further and more complete testing will be conducted on this sample, as well as on additional letters that have been collected, in an effort to determine the components of the substance.

KBI: Powder sent to legislators not a biological agent of concern

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in Kansas City.

Just&nbsp;11 p.m. Saturday, officers were dispatched to 67th and Richmond Ave on a reported shooting, according Captain Corey Carlisle Upon arrival officers made entry to the residence and located an adult male suffering from apparent gun shot wounds.&nbsp; EMS arrived on scene and declared the victim deceased. An adult female victim arrived at a nearby fire station. She was suffering from apparent gun shot wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. There is no one in custody at this time. The circumstances surrounding the homicide are still being investigated. Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel have responded to the scene.&nbsp; They will be processing the scene to recover any evidence and speaking to any potential witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 816-234-5043. Or if you wish to remain anonymous you can do so by calling the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case. We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in Kansas City.Just&nbsp;11 p.m. Saturday, officers were dispatched to 67th and Richmond Ave on a reported shooting, according Captain Corey Carlisle Upon arrival officers made entry to the residence and located an adult male suffering from apparent gun shot wounds.&nbsp; EMS arrived on scene and declared the victim deceased. An adult female victim arrived at a nearby fire station. She was suffering from apparent gun shot wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. There is no one in custody at this time. The circumstances surrounding the homicide are still being investigated. Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel have responded to the scene.&nbsp; They will be processing the scene to recover any evidence and speaking to any potential witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 816-234-5043. Or if you wish to remain anonymous you can do so by calling the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case. We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

KCPD: Man dead, woman with gunshot wounds ran to fire station

&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY —A former Kansas teacher&nbsp; of sex crimes involving a 13-year-old student has been sentenced to prison

On Thursday, 33-year-old Christin Covel was sentenced to&nbsp;34 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. Covel must also register for the rest of her life as a sex offender.

In February Covel pleaded no contest to two counts of aggravated indecent solicitation of a child involving the student.

In Jan. of 2022, police in Oklahoma arrested Covel, a teacher at Edison Preparatory Schools in Tulsa, on complaints out of Sedgewick County accusing her of having inappropriate relations with a boy while working at Mead Middle School 2601 E Skinner Street in Wichita, according to the Tulsa Police Department.&nbsp;

The incidents involving the boy happened between 2018 and 2019, according to police. Covel worked in the district from 2015 to 2020, according to USD 259.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641428925404.png" alt="Covel-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Covel-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY —A former Kansas teacher&nbsp; of sex crimes involving a 13-year-old student has been sentenced to prisonOn Thursday, 33-year-old Christin Covel was sentenced to&nbsp;34 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. Covel must also register for the rest of her life as a sex offender.In February Covel pleaded no contest to two counts of aggravated indecent solicitation of a child involving the student.In Jan. of 2022, police in Oklahoma arrested Covel, a teacher at Edison Preparatory Schools in Tulsa, on complaints out of Sedgewick County accusing her of having inappropriate relations with a boy while working at Mead Middle School 2601 E Skinner Street in Wichita, according to the Tulsa Police Department.&nbsp;The incidents involving the boy happened between 2018 and 2019, according to police. Covel worked in the district from 2015 to 2020, according to USD 259.----------

Former Kan. teacher must register as a sex offender for life

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30a.m. Saturday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Kia Forte driven by&nbsp; Caden Vossman, 22, Westwood, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of 38th Street in a closed off lane in a construction zone. The car struck a construction worker identified as David Edward Draper, 31, Kansas City, and fled the scene.

EMS transported Draper to KU Medical Center for treatment.&nbsp; The KHP did not report what possible charges Vossman faces.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30a.m. Saturday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Kia Forte driven by&nbsp; Caden Vossman, 22, Westwood, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of 38th Street in a closed off lane in a construction zone. The car struck a construction worker identified as David Edward Draper, 31, Kansas City, and fled the scene.EMS transported Draper to KU Medical Center for treatment.&nbsp; The KHP did not report what possible charges Vossman faces.

Kan. driver flees after car strikes construction worker on I-70

PAWNEE COUNTY–A Kansas man was sentenced Thursday on a conviction of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, a severity level 3 drug felony, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

Mark Larson, 56 of Larned, was originally charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Marijuana with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of school property, felony drug paraphernalia suitable to distribute a control substance, No Kansas Drug Stamp, Criminal Possession of an Explosive Device and misdemeanor drug paraphernalia suitable to consume a controlled substance.&nbsp;

In February, Larson entered a guilty plea in exchange for the dismissal to the remaining charges.

The charge stems from an investigation following the execution of a search warrant by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department at the Larson's Larned residence on January 23, 2021. Also charged in the investigation were his wife Tammy Lee Smith, 54, and son Trapper Larson, 22.

As part of the plea agreement, Larson had the right to request a probationary sentence with the State reserving the right to oppose said request. Defense counsel argued the Court should grant his request for probation based on the defendant’s recent engagement in substance abuse treatment and ongoing health concerns.

The State requested the defendant be sentenced to the standard 59 month sentence in the custody of the department of corrections and argued the Court should deny the probation request due to the crime occurring within 1000 feet of the Fort Larned Elementary School, and that the co-defendant Trapper Larson received a 48 month prison sentence for his part in the crime. Both father and son are now listed as Registered Kansas Drug Offenders.

After hearing arguments of counsel, District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Larson to a downward departure sentence of 30 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections. He is eligible to earn up to 15% good time credit. The defendant will be subject to 36 months post release and 15 years of registration as a drug offender. Following sentencing he was remanded to the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686932919600.png" alt="Larson-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Larson-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY–A Kansas man was sentenced Thursday on a conviction of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, a severity level 3 drug felony, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.Mark Larson, 56 of Larned, was originally charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Marijuana with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of school property, felony drug paraphernalia suitable to distribute a control substance, No Kansas Drug Stamp, Criminal Possession of an Explosive Device and misdemeanor drug paraphernalia suitable to consume a controlled substance.&nbsp;In February, Larson entered a guilty plea in exchange for the dismissal to the remaining charges.The charge stems from an investigation following the execution of a search warrant by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department at the Larson's Larned residence on January 23, 2021. Also charged in the investigation were his wife Tammy Lee Smith, 54, and son Trapper Larson, 22.As part of the plea agreement, Larson had the right to request a probationary sentence with the State reserving the right to oppose said request. Defense counsel argued the Court should grant his request for probation based on the defendant’s recent engagement in substance abuse treatment and ongoing health concerns.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611883981020.png" alt="Trapper Larson has been listed as a registered Kansas Drug offender since&nbsp; June of 2021, according to the KBI offender registry." />
 <figcaption>Trapper Larson has been listed as a registered Kansas Drug offender since&nbsp; June of 2021, according to the KBI offender registry.</figcaption>
 </figure>The State requested the defendant be sentenced to the standard 59 month sentence in the custody of the department of corrections and argued the Court should deny the probation request due to the crime occurring within 1000 feet of the Fort Larned Elementary School, and that the co-defendant Trapper Larson received a 48 month prison sentence for his part in the crime. Both father and son are now listed as Registered Kansas Drug Offenders.After hearing arguments of counsel, District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Larson to a downward departure sentence of 30 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections. He is eligible to earn up to 15% good time credit. The defendant will be subject to 36 months post release and 15 years of registration as a drug offender. Following sentencing he was remanded to the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff.

Father and son are now registered Kansas drug offenders

EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the amount of renewable energy generation Evergy plans to add by 2032. It has been updated.&nbsp;

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/epa-estimates-more-than-54000-lead-pipes-remain-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Kansas’ largest electric utility has drastically scaled back its plans to add more clean energy over the next decade and will keep open its oldest coal plant for years longer.

Two years ago,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/30/evergy-to-shutter-lawrence-coal-plant-speed-transition-to-renewable-energy/">Evergy announced plans</a>&nbsp;to retire the Lawrence Energy Center by the end of this year and add 700 megawatts of solar power by the end of 2024.&nbsp;

Now, it doesn’t plan to add any solar power until 2026 and will keep the Lawrence coal plant open until 2028.&nbsp;

Evergy, which serves 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, revealed the plans in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://efis.psc.mo.gov/mpsc/DocketSheet.html">filings</a>&nbsp;with regulators in both states. By 2032,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://investors.evergy.com/static-files/5413d042-6f58-4b60-8bc0-60ff86467d14">Evergy plans to add 3,100 megawatts</a>&nbsp;of renewable energy, down from the 3,540 megawatts of renewable generation it planned to add as of last year’s filing.&nbsp;

In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newsroom.evergy.com/2023-06-15-Evergy-updates-long-term-plan-for-meeting-customer-energy-needs">news release</a>, the company says it will add more than 3,300 megawatts of renewable power by 2035.&nbsp;

It also plans to add more than 1,440 megawatts of natural gas power by 2028.

The company said the update reflects a plan “that will most effectively serve customers in both states and provide reliable and affordable power over a long-term planning horizon.”&nbsp;

“Evergy is committed to leading a responsible energy transition while keeping affordability and reliability at the forefront,” the company’s president and CEO David Campbell said in the release.&nbsp;

The Sierra Club, a major environmental nonprofit, decried the change.&nbsp;

Nancy Muma, a volunteer with the Wakarusa Group of the organization, said in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2023/06/evergy-s-energy-plan-more-fossil-fuels-less-clean-energy">news release</a>&nbsp;it was “maddening” that Evergy delayed retiring the Lawrence plant.&nbsp;

“That’s not a decision utility leaders make while proclaiming to care about climate change and the cost to its customers,” Muma said.&nbsp;

Billy Davies, conservation organizer for the Sierra Club, criticized Evergy for not moving more swiftly to close its Hawthorn Power Plant in Kansas City, Missouri, noting that City Hall and the surrounding community have called for its closure by 2025.&nbsp;

“Evergy has a plethora of tools to move more quickly to clean energy as its customers have demanded, but unfortunately it appears the utility is choosing not to use them, as we’re watching climate change impact our region through wildfire smoke from out west and drought locally,” Davies said.

He called the decision “unacceptable.”

Evergy’s plan says the city of Kansas City’s clean energy goals are “incredibly aggressive” and too expensive. The city wants Evergy to close Hawthorn and all other coal units by 2030 and replace them with clean energy. Doing so, the company’s plan says, would cost $3.5 billion more than its preferred energy transition.

Gina Penzig, a spokeswoman for Evergy, said in an email that the company had reduced its carbon emissions by 46% since 2005 and cut its sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by 98% and 88%. She said the Sierra Club hadn’t “acknowledged this progress.”

In its release, Evergy said it was facing increasing electricity demand and changes in requirements from the Southwest Power Pool, the regional grid to which Evergy belongs. The company said new renewable energy projects were set back by supply chain constraints and long approval processes with the SPP.

“Our service area is experiencing some of its most robust electricity demand growth in decades, including very large projects like the Panasonic electric vehicle battery manufacturing factory and the Meta datacenter, as well as broad-based economic development in both Kansas and Missouri,” Campbell said

Despite the proposed natural gas additions and cut in planned renewables, Evergy maintains the same goal to reduce its carbon emissions by 70% by 2030 compared with 2005 levels and reach net zero emissions by 2045.

Penzig said “how we operate our fleet is a large driver in achieving (carbon dioxide) reductions.”&nbsp;

“The planned natural gas generation produces significantly less carbon than the coal units they are replacing,” she said. “The new units would also be capable of converting to hydrogen in the future.”

Thursday’s plan filing is an annual update to Evergy’s long-range resource plan. It will file its full triennial plan next year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687004047927.png" alt=" Evergy headquarters in downtown Topeka, Kansas (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)." />
 <figcaption> Evergy headquarters in downtown Topeka, Kansas (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector).</figcaption>
 </figure>EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the amount of renewable energy generation Evergy plans to add by 2032. It has been updated.&nbsp;By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/epa-estimates-more-than-54000-lead-pipes-remain-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>Kansas’ largest electric utility has drastically scaled back its plans to add more clean energy over the next decade and will keep open its oldest coal plant for years longer.Two years ago,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/30/evergy-to-shutter-lawrence-coal-plant-speed-transition-to-renewable-energy/">Evergy announced plans</a>&nbsp;to retire the Lawrence Energy Center by the end of this year and add 700 megawatts of solar power by the end of 2024.&nbsp;Now, it doesn’t plan to add any solar power until 2026 and will keep the Lawrence coal plant open until 2028.&nbsp;Evergy, which serves 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, revealed the plans in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://efis.psc.mo.gov/mpsc/DocketSheet.html">filings</a>&nbsp;with regulators in both states. By 2032,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://investors.evergy.com/static-files/5413d042-6f58-4b60-8bc0-60ff86467d14">Evergy plans to add 3,100 megawatts</a>&nbsp;of renewable energy, down from the 3,540 megawatts of renewable generation it planned to add as of last year’s filing.&nbsp;In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newsroom.evergy.com/2023-06-15-Evergy-updates-long-term-plan-for-meeting-customer-energy-needs">news release</a>, the company says it will add more than 3,300 megawatts of renewable power by 2035.&nbsp;It also plans to add more than 1,440 megawatts of natural gas power by 2028.The company said the update reflects a plan “that will most effectively serve customers in both states and provide reliable and affordable power over a long-term planning horizon.”&nbsp;“Evergy is committed to leading a responsible energy transition while keeping affordability and reliability at the forefront,” the company’s president and CEO David Campbell said in the release.&nbsp;The Sierra Club, a major environmental nonprofit, decried the change.&nbsp;Nancy Muma, a volunteer with the Wakarusa Group of the organization, said in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2023/06/evergy-s-energy-plan-more-fossil-fuels-less-clean-energy">news release</a>&nbsp;it was “maddening” that Evergy delayed retiring the Lawrence plant.&nbsp;“That’s not a decision utility leaders make while proclaiming to care about climate change and the cost to its customers,” Muma said.&nbsp;Billy Davies, conservation organizer for the Sierra Club, criticized Evergy for not moving more swiftly to close its Hawthorn Power Plant in Kansas City, Missouri, noting that City Hall and the surrounding community have called for its closure by 2025.&nbsp;“Evergy has a plethora of tools to move more quickly to clean energy as its customers have demanded, but unfortunately it appears the utility is choosing not to use them, as we’re watching climate change impact our region through wildfire smoke from out west and drought locally,” Davies said.He called the decision “unacceptable.”Evergy’s plan says the city of Kansas City’s clean energy goals are “incredibly aggressive” and too expensive. The city wants Evergy to close Hawthorn and all other coal units by 2030 and replace them with clean energy. Doing so, the company’s plan says, would cost $3.5 billion more than its preferred energy transition.Gina Penzig, a spokeswoman for Evergy, said in an email that the company had reduced its carbon emissions by 46% since 2005 and cut its sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by 98% and 88%. She said the Sierra Club hadn’t “acknowledged this progress.”In its release, Evergy said it was facing increasing electricity demand and changes in requirements from the Southwest Power Pool, the regional grid to which Evergy belongs. The company said new renewable energy projects were set back by supply chain constraints and long approval processes with the SPP.“Our service area is experiencing some of its most robust electricity demand growth in decades, including very large projects like the Panasonic electric vehicle battery manufacturing factory and the Meta datacenter, as well as broad-based economic development in both Kansas and Missouri,” Campbell saidDespite the proposed natural gas additions and cut in planned renewables, Evergy maintains the same goal to reduce its carbon emissions by 70% by 2030 compared with 2005 levels and reach net zero emissions by 2045.Penzig said “how we operate our fleet is a large driver in achieving (carbon dioxide) reductions.”&nbsp;“The planned natural gas generation produces significantly less carbon than the coal units they are replacing,” she said. “The new units would also be capable of converting to hydrogen in the future.”Thursday’s plan filing is an annual update to Evergy’s long-range resource plan. It will file its full triennial plan next year.

Evergy slashes planned renewable energy additions, proposes more natural gas

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting at a funeral and have made an arrested as 18-year-old&nbsp;Demetrius Carter of Wichita.

Just after 2:00 pm, Friday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 1100 block of North Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders encountered a chaotic scene and a crowd of more than 50 people running in different directions. During the initial response officers located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right forearm and provided life-saving measures. The 18-year-old victim later identified as Carter was treated for his serious but not life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed that several suspects arrived at the parking lot of a local church and confronted a large group of people attending a funeral right outside the main door.

After a brief verbal altercation between both groups, an unknown number of people from both groups started to shoot at each other. After initial interviews, officers arrested Carter and transported him to investigations for further questioning. He is being held requested charges of eight counts of aggravated assault.

During the incident, several vehicles, and residences around and in front of the church’s parking lot were hit with gunfire. Police also recovered several firearms from the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686967298655.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting at a funeral and have made an arrested as 18-year-old&nbsp;Demetrius Carter of Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687013150860.png" alt="Blurry booking photo of Carter provided by Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Blurry booking photo of Carter provided by Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 2:00 pm, Friday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 1100 block of North Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders encountered a chaotic scene and a crowd of more than 50 people running in different directions. During the initial response officers located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right forearm and provided life-saving measures. The 18-year-old victim later identified as Carter was treated for his serious but not life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed that several suspects arrived at the parking lot of a local church and confronted a large group of people attending a funeral right outside the main door.After a brief verbal altercation between both groups, an unknown number of people from both groups started to shoot at each other. After initial interviews, officers arrested Carter and transported him to investigations for further questioning. He is being held requested charges of eight counts of aggravated assault.During the incident, several vehicles, and residences around and in front of the church’s parking lot were hit with gunfire. Police also recovered several firearms from the scene.

Police ID Kan. teen arrested after gun fight outside funeral

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The United States deployed a nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying about 150 Tomahawk missiles to South Korea on Friday, a day after North Korea resumed missile tests in protest of the U.S.-South Korean live-fire drills.

The USS Michigan’s arrival in South Korea, the first of its kind in six years, is part of a recent bilateral agreement on enhancing “regular visibility” of U.S. strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula in response to North Korea's advancing nuclear program, according to South Korean officials.

With the deployment of the USS Michigan, the U.S. and South Korean navies are to conduct drills on boosting their special operation capabilities and joint ability to cope with growing North Korean nuclear threats, the South Korean Defense Ministry said in a statement.

It said the U.S. submarine arrived at the southeastern port city of Busan but didn’t say how long it would stay in South Korean waters.

The USS Michigan is one of the biggest submarines in the world. The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine can be armed with 150 Tomahawk missiles with a range of about 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) and is capable of launching special forces missions, according to the South Korean statement.

The South Korean and U.S. militaries have been expanding their exercises in reaction to North Korea’s provocative run of missile tests since last year. North Korea has argued it was forced to ramp up testing activities to deal with its rivals’ expanded military drills that it views as an invasion rehearsal, but experts say the North ultimately aims to modernize its arsenal and increase its leverage in eventual diplomacy.

In April, after their meeting in Washington, President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed that the United States would enhance the “regular visibility of strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula.” Biden also stated that any North Korean nuclear attack on the U.S. or its allies would “result in the end of whatever regime” took such action.

The two leaders also announced other steps to reinforce joint deterrence capabilities such as the docking a U.S. nuclear ballistic missile submarine in South Korea periodically; bolstering joint training exercises; and the establishment of a new nuclear consultative group. The nuclear ballistic missile submarine hasn't come to South Korea.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, slammed the Biden-Yoon summit agreements, saying they revealed the two countries’ “most hostile and aggressive will of action” against the North. She threatened to further bolster her country’s nuclear forces.

On Thursday, North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast, shortly after it vowed responses to the just-ended South Korea-U.S. firing drills near the Koreas’ heavily armed border.

They were the North’s first weapons launches since it tried to put its first spy satellite into orbit in late May. The launch failed as the rocket carrying the spy satellite crashed into the waters off the Korean Peninsula’s west coast.

South Korea’s Defense Ministry said Friday that military search crews have salvaged what it believes is part of the crashed North Korean rocket. The ministry released photos of the white, metal cylinder, which some experts said would have been the rocket’s fuel tank.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687048191258.png" alt="The nuclear-powered submarine USS Michigan approaches a naval base in Busan, South Korea, Friday, June 16, 2023. The United States deployed the nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying about 150 Tomahawk missiles to South Korea on Friday, a day after North Korea resumed missile tests in protest of the U.S.-South Korean live-fire drills. (Gang Duck-chul/Yonhap via AP)" />
 <figcaption>The nuclear-powered submarine USS Michigan approaches a naval base in Busan, South Korea, Friday, June 16, 2023. The United States deployed the nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying about 150 Tomahawk missiles to South Korea on Friday, a day after North Korea resumed missile tests in protest of the U.S.-South Korean live-fire drills. (Gang Duck-chul/Yonhap via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The United States deployed a nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying about 150 Tomahawk missiles to South Korea on Friday, a day after North Korea resumed missile tests in protest of the U.S.-South Korean live-fire drills.The USS Michigan’s arrival in South Korea, the first of its kind in six years, is part of a recent bilateral agreement on enhancing “regular visibility” of U.S. strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula in response to North Korea's advancing nuclear program, according to South Korean officials.With the deployment of the USS Michigan, the U.S. and South Korean navies are to conduct drills on boosting their special operation capabilities and joint ability to cope with growing North Korean nuclear threats, the South Korean Defense Ministry said in a statement.It said the U.S. submarine arrived at the southeastern port city of Busan but didn’t say how long it would stay in South Korean waters.The USS Michigan is one of the biggest submarines in the world. The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine can be armed with 150 Tomahawk missiles with a range of about 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) and is capable of launching special forces missions, according to the South Korean statement.The South Korean and U.S. militaries have been expanding their exercises in reaction to North Korea’s provocative run of missile tests since last year. North Korea has argued it was forced to ramp up testing activities to deal with its rivals’ expanded military drills that it views as an invasion rehearsal, but experts say the North ultimately aims to modernize its arsenal and increase its leverage in eventual diplomacy.In April, after their meeting in Washington, President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed that the United States would enhance the “regular visibility of strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula.” Biden also stated that any North Korean nuclear attack on the U.S. or its allies would “result in the end of whatever regime” took such action.The two leaders also announced other steps to reinforce joint deterrence capabilities such as the docking a U.S. nuclear ballistic missile submarine in South Korea periodically; bolstering joint training exercises; and the establishment of a new nuclear consultative group. The nuclear ballistic missile submarine hasn't come to South Korea.Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, slammed the Biden-Yoon summit agreements, saying they revealed the two countries’ “most hostile and aggressive will of action” against the North. She threatened to further bolster her country’s nuclear forces.On Thursday, North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast, shortly after it vowed responses to the just-ended South Korea-U.S. firing drills near the Koreas’ heavily armed border.They were the North’s first weapons launches since it tried to put its first spy satellite into orbit in late May. The launch failed as the rocket carrying the spy satellite crashed into the waters off the Korean Peninsula’s west coast.South Korea’s Defense Ministry said Friday that military search crews have salvaged what it believes is part of the crashed North Korean rocket. The ministry released photos of the white, metal cylinder, which some experts said would have been the rocket’s fuel tank.

US deploys nuclear sub after North Korea resumes missile tests

FINNEY COUNTY — Carolyn Koentopp has been located safe in Liberal and is being reunited with family, according to Garden City Police.

FINNEY COUNTY —Garden City Police requested&nbsp; the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing woman from Garden City, according to a media release.

The whereabouts of 68-year-old Carolyn Koentopp are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.

Carolyn was last seen Friday, June 16, at around 5 a.m. at St. Catherine Hospital at 401 E. Spruce St. in Garden City. 

She is believed to be driving a 2022 black Jeep Gladiator, and may be accompanied by a small brown dog.Carolyn is a white female who is around 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 100 pounds. 

She has brown and grey hair and green eyes. and was last seen wearing a light blue shirt and denim jeans.

Carolyn could be experiencing confusion and memory loss.If you see Carolyn Koentopp or her vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, please call the GCPD at (620) 276-1300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687098589556.png" alt="Koentopp-photos Garden City PD" />
 <figcaption>Koentopp-photos Garden City PD</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY — Carolyn Koentopp has been located safe in Liberal and is being reunited with family, according to Garden City Police.------------FINNEY COUNTY —Garden City Police requested&nbsp; the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing woman from Garden City, according to a media release.The whereabouts of 68-year-old Carolyn Koentopp are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.Carolyn was last seen Friday, June 16, at around 5 a.m. at St. Catherine Hospital at 401 E. Spruce St. in Garden City. She is believed to be driving a 2022 black Jeep Gladiator, and may be accompanied by a small brown dog.Carolyn is a white female who is around 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 100 pounds. She has brown and grey hair and green eyes. and was last seen wearing a light blue shirt and denim jeans.Carolyn could be experiencing confusion and memory loss.If you see Carolyn Koentopp or her vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, please call the GCPD at (620) 276-1300.