Today is Friday, Sept. 9, the 252nd day of 2022. There are 113 days left in the year.

On Sept. 9, 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the first civil rights bill to pass Congress since Reconstruction, a measure primarily concerned with protecting voting rights; it also established a Civil Rights Division in the U.S. Department of Justice.

In 1776, the second Continental Congress made the term "United States" official, replacing "United Colonies."

In 1850, California became the 31st state of the union.

In 1919, some 1,100 members of Boston's 1,500-man police force went on strike. (The strike was broken by Massachusetts Gov. Calvin Coolidge with replacement officers.)

In 1926, the National Broadcasting Co. (NBC) was incorporated by the Radio Corp. of America.

In 1942, during World War II, a Japanese plane launched from a submarine off the Oregon coast dropped a pair of incendiary bombs in a failed attempt at igniting a massive forest fire; it was the first aerial bombing of the U.S. mainland by a foreign power.

In 1948, the People's Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) was declared.

In 1956, Elvis Presley made the first of three appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

In 1960, in the first regular-season American Football League game, the Denver Broncos defeated the Boston Patriots, 13-10.

In 1971, prisoners seized control of the maximum-security Attica Correctional Facility near Buffalo, New York, beginning a siege that ended up claiming 43 lives.

In 1991, boxer Mike Tyson was indicted in Indianapolis on a charge of raping Desiree Washington, a beauty pageant contestant. (Tyson was convicted and ended up serving three years of a six-year prison sentence.)

In 2015, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reigning monarch in British history, serving as sovereign for 23,226 days (about 63 years and 7 months), according to Buckingham Palace, surpassing Queen Victoria, her great-great-grandmother.

In 2016, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, speaking at an LGBT fundraiser in New York City, described half of Republican Donald Trump's supporters as "a basket of deplorables," a characterization for which she ended up expressing regret.

Ten years ago: Two points from defeat, Serena Williams regained her composure and her game to come back to beat Victoria Azarenka, 6-2, 2-6, 7-5, for her fourth U.S. Open championship. Shannon Eastin became the first woman to officiate an NFL regular-season game, serving as a line judge in the St. Louis Rams-Detroit Lions game. (Detroit beat St. Louis 27-23.)

Five years ago: Hurricane Irma hammered Cuba with punishing winds and rain as it headed toward the Florida Keys and the southeastern United States; hundreds of shelters opened in Florida for people looking to escape the potentially deadly winds and storm surge. Dutch officials said Irma had damaged or destroyed 70 percent of the homes on St. Maarten in the Caribbean, leaving it vulnerable to the approach of Hurricane Jose. Sloane Stephens beat her close friend Madison Keys 6-3, 6-0 at the U.S. Open in the first Grand Slam final for both. Guillermo del Toro's "The Shape of Water" won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival.

One year ago: President Joe Biden announced sweeping new federal vaccine requirements affecting as many as 100 million Americans in an all-out effort to curb the surging COVID-19 delta variant; all employers with more than 100 workers would have to require them to be vaccinated or tested for the virus weekly, affecting about 80 million Americans. Biden also signed an executive order requiring vaccination for all employees of the executive branch and contractors who do business with the federal government. The Los Angeles board of education voted to require students 12 and older to be vaccinated against the coronavirus in order to attend in-person classes. Emmy Award-winning character actor Michael Constantine, who reached worldwide fame as the father of the bride in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," died at 94.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Topol is 87. Singer Inez Foxx is 80. Singer Dee Dee Sharp is 77. College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Joe Theismann is 73. Rock musician John McFee (The Doobie Brothers) is 72. Actor Tom Wopat is 71. Actor Angela Cartwright is 70. Musician-producer Dave Stewart is 70. Actor Hugh Grant is 62. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., is 59. Actor-comedian Charles Esten (formerly Chip) is 57. Actor Constance Marie is 57. Actor David Bennent is 56. Actor Adam Sandler is 56. Rock singer Paul Durham (Black Lab) is 54. Actor Julia Sawalha is 54. Model Rachel Hunter is 53. Actor Eric Stonestreet is 51. Actor Henry Thomas is 51. Actor Goran Visnjic is 50. Pop-jazz singer Michael Buble' is 47. Latin singer Maria Rita is 45. Actor Michelle Williams is 42. Actor Julie Gonzalo is 41. Neo-soul singer Paul Janeway (St. Paul &amp; the Broken Bones) is 39. Actor Zoe Kazan is 39. Author-motivational speaker-businessman Farrah Gray is 38. Actor Kelsey Asbille is 31. Contemporary Christian singer Lauren Daigle is 31. Country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes is 31.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Friday, Sept. 9, the 252nd day of 2022. There are 113 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Sept. 9, 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the first civil rights bill to pass Congress since Reconstruction, a measure primarily concerned with protecting voting rights; it also established a Civil Rights Division in the U.S. Department of Justice.On this date:In 1776, the second Continental Congress made the term "United States" official, replacing "United Colonies."In 1850, California became the 31st state of the union.In 1919, some 1,100 members of Boston's 1,500-man police force went on strike. (The strike was broken by Massachusetts Gov. Calvin Coolidge with replacement officers.)In 1926, the National Broadcasting Co. (NBC) was incorporated by the Radio Corp. of America.In 1942, during World War II, a Japanese plane launched from a submarine off the Oregon coast dropped a pair of incendiary bombs in a failed attempt at igniting a massive forest fire; it was the first aerial bombing of the U.S. mainland by a foreign power.In 1948, the People's Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) was declared.In 1956, Elvis Presley made the first of three appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show."In 1960, in the first regular-season American Football League game, the Denver Broncos defeated the Boston Patriots, 13-10.In 1971, prisoners seized control of the maximum-security Attica Correctional Facility near Buffalo, New York, beginning a siege that ended up claiming 43 lives.In 1991, boxer Mike Tyson was indicted in Indianapolis on a charge of raping Desiree Washington, a beauty pageant contestant. (Tyson was convicted and ended up serving three years of a six-year prison sentence.)In 2015, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reigning monarch in British history, serving as sovereign for 23,226 days (about 63 years and 7 months), according to Buckingham Palace, surpassing Queen Victoria, her great-great-grandmother.In 2016, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, speaking at an LGBT fundraiser in New York City, described half of Republican Donald Trump's supporters as "a basket of deplorables," a characterization for which she ended up expressing regret.Ten years ago: Two points from defeat, Serena Williams regained her composure and her game to come back to beat Victoria Azarenka, 6-2, 2-6, 7-5, for her fourth U.S. Open championship. Shannon Eastin became the first woman to officiate an NFL regular-season game, serving as a line judge in the St. Louis Rams-Detroit Lions game. (Detroit beat St. Louis 27-23.)Five years ago: Hurricane Irma hammered Cuba with punishing winds and rain as it headed toward the Florida Keys and the southeastern United States; hundreds of shelters opened in Florida for people looking to escape the potentially deadly winds and storm surge. Dutch officials said Irma had damaged or destroyed 70 percent of the homes on St. Maarten in the Caribbean, leaving it vulnerable to the approach of Hurricane Jose. Sloane Stephens beat her close friend Madison Keys 6-3, 6-0 at the U.S. Open in the first Grand Slam final for both. Guillermo del Toro's "The Shape of Water" won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival.One year ago: President Joe Biden announced sweeping new federal vaccine requirements affecting as many as 100 million Americans in an all-out effort to curb the surging COVID-19 delta variant; all employers with more than 100 workers would have to require them to be vaccinated or tested for the virus weekly, affecting about 80 million Americans. Biden also signed an executive order requiring vaccination for all employees of the executive branch and contractors who do business with the federal government. The Los Angeles board of education voted to require students 12 and older to be vaccinated against the coronavirus in order to attend in-person classes. Emmy Award-winning character actor Michael Constantine, who reached worldwide fame as the father of the bride in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," died at 94.Today's Birthdays: Actor Topol is 87. Singer Inez Foxx is 80. Singer Dee Dee Sharp is 77. College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Joe Theismann is 73. Rock musician John McFee (The Doobie Brothers) is 72. Actor Tom Wopat is 71. Actor Angela Cartwright is 70. Musician-producer Dave Stewart is 70. Actor Hugh Grant is 62. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., is 59. Actor-comedian Charles Esten (formerly Chip) is 57. Actor Constance Marie is 57. Actor David Bennent is 56. Actor Adam Sandler is 56. Rock singer Paul Durham (Black Lab) is 54. Actor Julia Sawalha is 54. Model Rachel Hunter is 53. Actor Eric Stonestreet is 51. Actor Henry Thomas is 51. Actor Goran Visnjic is 50. Pop-jazz singer Michael Buble' is 47. Latin singer Maria Rita is 45. Actor Michelle Williams is 42. Actor Julie Gonzalo is 41. Neo-soul singer Paul Janeway (St. Paul &amp; the Broken Bones) is 39. Actor Zoe Kazan is 39. Author-motivational speaker-businessman Farrah Gray is 38. Actor Kelsey Asbille is 31. Contemporary Christian singer Lauren Daigle is 31. Country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes is 31.

Today in History - September 9

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a bomb threat at the Kansas State Capitol and have made an arrest.

This week, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office received information of a threat made to the Kansas State Capitol through a social media platform, according to a media release.

The individual made a post about “bombing” the Capitol. The Capitol building was evacuated and bomb detection K9s were utilized to clear the building. 

No threats were found on the premises. Investigators discovered that the social media post was made by a 13-year-old residing in Shawnee County. 

The juvenile suspect was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of felony aggravated criminal threat. 

The sheriff office reminded the public, "Law enforcement takes threats to the safety of our citizens and community very seriously. Please talk with your children and loved ones about the consequences associated with this type of conduct."

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a bomb threat at the Kansas State Capitol and have made an arrest.This week, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office received information of a threat made to the Kansas State Capitol through a social media platform, according to a media release.The individual made a post about “bombing” the Capitol. The Capitol building was evacuated and bomb detection K9s were utilized to clear the building. No threats were found on the premises. Investigators discovered that the social media post was made by a 13-year-old residing in Shawnee County. The juvenile suspect was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of felony aggravated criminal threat. The sheriff office reminded the public, "Law enforcement takes threats to the safety of our citizens and community very seriously. Please talk with your children and loved ones about the consequences associated with this type of conduct."

Sheriff: 13-year-old accused of bomb threat at Kansas Capitol 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an&nbsp; attack on an inmate at the Sedgwick County Detention Facility.

Just after 1p.m. Tuesday, jail deputies responded to a fight in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility, according to Colonel Jared Schechte.

 Three inmates had initiated an altercation with a single inmate in one of the housing units. 

Deputies arrived and secured and separated all parties involved and recovered an improvised cutting weapon.

The detention center identified the victim as a 21-year-old black male incarcerated since Sept. 1, on requested charges of Aggravated burglary, aggravated assault and weapons charges. Gregory Washington, 21, was booked on September 1 on those charges, according to the Sedgwick County booking report<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20062194"> and online jail records.</a>&nbsp;He was treated onsite by medical staff and did not require transportation to an area hospital and suffered no serious injuries, according to Schechte.

Deputies identified as an 18-year-old, black, male incarcerated since November of 2021 for Murder in the 2nd Degree. The second suspect is identified as a&nbsp;21-year-old, black, male incarcerated since April of 2021 for a violation of a Protection from Abuse order. The third suspect is an 18-year-old black, male incarcerated since April of 2022 for: Juvenile Writ to Detain

The motive for the assault is unknown. This incident is under investigation for the criminal conduct as well as a review of the circumstances surrounding the manufacturing of the improvised cutting device.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662599859164.png" alt="Gregory Washington-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Gregory Washington-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an&nbsp; attack on an inmate at the Sedgwick County Detention Facility.Just after 1p.m. Tuesday, jail deputies responded to a fight in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility, according to Colonel Jared Schechte. Three inmates had initiated an altercation with a single inmate in one of the housing units. Deputies arrived and secured and separated all parties involved and recovered an improvised cutting weapon.The detention center identified the victim as a 21-year-old black male incarcerated since Sept. 1, on requested charges of Aggravated burglary, aggravated assault and weapons charges. Gregory Washington, 21, was booked on September 1 on those charges, according to the Sedgwick County booking report<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20062194"> and online jail records.</a>&nbsp;He was treated onsite by medical staff and did not require transportation to an area hospital and suffered no serious injuries, according to Schechte.Deputies identified as an 18-year-old, black, male incarcerated since November of 2021 for Murder in the 2nd Degree. The second suspect is identified as a&nbsp;21-year-old, black, male incarcerated since April of 2021 for a violation of a Protection from Abuse order. The third suspect is an 18-year-old black, male incarcerated since April of 2022 for: Juvenile Writ to DetainThe motive for the assault is unknown. This incident is under investigation for the criminal conduct as well as a review of the circumstances surrounding the manufacturing of the improvised cutting device.

Inmate attacked with improvised weapon at Kansas county jail

Today is Thursday, Sept. 8, the 251st day of 2022. There are 114 days left in the year.

On Sept. 8, 1974, President Gerald R. Ford granted a "full, free, and absolute pardon" to former President Richard Nixon covering his entire term in office.

In 1504, Michelangelo's towering marble statue of David was unveiled to the public in Florence, Italy.

In 1565, a Spanish expedition established the first permanent European settlement in North America at present-day St. Augustine, Florida.

In 1664, the Dutch surrendered New Amsterdam to the British, who renamed it New York.

In 1900, Galveston, Texas, was struck by a hurricane that killed an estimated 8,000 people.

In 1941, the 900-day Siege of Leningrad by German forces began during World War II.

In 1943, during World War II, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower announced Italy's surrender; Nazi Germany denounced Italy's decision as a cowardly act.

In 1951, a peace treaty with Japan was signed by 49 nations in San Francisco.

In 1964, public schools in Prince Edward County, Virginia, reopened after being closed for five years by officials attempting to prevent court-ordered racial desegregation.

In 1985, Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds tied Ty Cobb's career record for hits, singling for hit number 4,191 during a game against the Cubs in Chicago.

In 1986, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" began the first of 25 seasons in national syndication.

In 2016, California and federal regulators fined Wells Fargo a combined $185 million, alleging the bank's employees illegally opened millions of unauthorized accounts for their customers in order to meet aggressive sales goals.

In 2019, Rafael Nadal held off a strong comeback bid to win his 19th Grand Slam title in a five-set U.S. Open final against Daniil Medvedev.

Ten years ago: Strong storms pummeled the East Coast, spawning a pair of tornadoes in the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, while temperatures at Washington Dulles International Airport plunged 25 degrees in one hour, falling from 89 degrees to 64.

Five years ago: Hurricane Irma regained Category 5 status, battering Cuba with 160-mph winds and taking aim on the Miami area; the death toll across the Caribbean climbed past 20 after the storm ravaged islands including St. Martin, St. Barts, St. Thomas, Barbuda and Anguilla. In one of the country's largest evacuations, officials in Florida told more than 5 million people to leave their homes ahead of the hurricane; parts of interstates 75 and 95 northbound were bumper-to-bumper. Singer Troy Gentry, half of the country music duo Montgomery Gentry, died in a helicopter crash in Medford, New Jersey; pilot James Robinson was also killed.

One year ago: The trial of disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes began in San Jose, California, with prosecutors casting her as a conniving entrepreneur who duped investors, customers and patients for years, while defense lawyers described her as a tireless worker who tried to develop a faster, cheaper and less invasive way to test blood samples. (Holmes would be convicted on four counts of investor fraud and conspiracy.) The Supreme Court blocked the lethal injection of convicted killer John Henry Ramirez after his attorney argued that Texas was violating his religious freedom by not letting his pastor lay hands on him at the time of his lethal injection. (The court later ruled that states must accommodate the wishes of death row inmates who want to have their pastors pray aloud and even touch them during their executions.) Derek Jeter, Ted Simmons, Larry Walker and the late labor executive Marvin Miller were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as the Class of 2020 was honored a year late because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Today's Birthdays: Ventriloquist Willie Tyler is 82. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is 81. Actor Alan Feinstein is 81. Pop singer Sal Valentino (The Beau Brummels) is 80. Author Ann Beattie is 75. Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis is 72. Cajun singer Zachary Richard is 72. Musician Will Lee is 70. Actor Heather Thomas is 65. Singer Aimee Mann is 62. Pop musician David Steele (Fine Young Cannibals) is 62. Actor Thomas Kretschmann is 60. Gospel singer Darlene Zschech is 57. Alternative country singer Neko Case is 52. TV personality Brooke Burke is 51. Actor Martin Freeman is 51. Actor David Arquette is 51. TV-radio personality Kennedy is 50. Rock musician Richard Hughes (Keane) is 47. Actor Larenz Tate is 47. Actor Nathan Corddry is 45. R&amp;B singer Pink is 43. Singer-songwriter Eric Hutchinson is 42. Actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas is 41. Rapper Wiz Khalifa is 35. Actor Gaten Matarazzo (TV: "Stranger Things") is 20.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Thursday, Sept. 8, the 251st day of 2022. There are 114 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Sept. 8, 1974, President Gerald R. Ford granted a "full, free, and absolute pardon" to former President Richard Nixon covering his entire term in office.On this date:In 1504, Michelangelo's towering marble statue of David was unveiled to the public in Florence, Italy.In 1565, a Spanish expedition established the first permanent European settlement in North America at present-day St. Augustine, Florida.In 1664, the Dutch surrendered New Amsterdam to the British, who renamed it New York.In 1900, Galveston, Texas, was struck by a hurricane that killed an estimated 8,000 people.In 1941, the 900-day Siege of Leningrad by German forces began during World War II.In 1943, during World War II, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower announced Italy's surrender; Nazi Germany denounced Italy's decision as a cowardly act.In 1951, a peace treaty with Japan was signed by 49 nations in San Francisco.In 1964, public schools in Prince Edward County, Virginia, reopened after being closed for five years by officials attempting to prevent court-ordered racial desegregation.In 1985, Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds tied Ty Cobb's career record for hits, singling for hit number 4,191 during a game against the Cubs in Chicago.In 1986, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" began the first of 25 seasons in national syndication.In 2016, California and federal regulators fined Wells Fargo a combined $185 million, alleging the bank's employees illegally opened millions of unauthorized accounts for their customers in order to meet aggressive sales goals.In 2019, Rafael Nadal held off a strong comeback bid to win his 19th Grand Slam title in a five-set U.S. Open final against Daniil Medvedev.Ten years ago: Strong storms pummeled the East Coast, spawning a pair of tornadoes in the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, while temperatures at Washington Dulles International Airport plunged 25 degrees in one hour, falling from 89 degrees to 64.Five years ago: Hurricane Irma regained Category 5 status, battering Cuba with 160-mph winds and taking aim on the Miami area; the death toll across the Caribbean climbed past 20 after the storm ravaged islands including St. Martin, St. Barts, St. Thomas, Barbuda and Anguilla. In one of the country's largest evacuations, officials in Florida told more than 5 million people to leave their homes ahead of the hurricane; parts of interstates 75 and 95 northbound were bumper-to-bumper. Singer Troy Gentry, half of the country music duo Montgomery Gentry, died in a helicopter crash in Medford, New Jersey; pilot James Robinson was also killed.One year ago: The trial of disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes began in San Jose, California, with prosecutors casting her as a conniving entrepreneur who duped investors, customers and patients for years, while defense lawyers described her as a tireless worker who tried to develop a faster, cheaper and less invasive way to test blood samples. (Holmes would be convicted on four counts of investor fraud and conspiracy.) The Supreme Court blocked the lethal injection of convicted killer John Henry Ramirez after his attorney argued that Texas was violating his religious freedom by not letting his pastor lay hands on him at the time of his lethal injection. (The court later ruled that states must accommodate the wishes of death row inmates who want to have their pastors pray aloud and even touch them during their executions.) Derek Jeter, Ted Simmons, Larry Walker and the late labor executive Marvin Miller were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as the Class of 2020 was honored a year late because of the coronavirus pandemic.Today's Birthdays: Ventriloquist Willie Tyler is 82. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is 81. Actor Alan Feinstein is 81. Pop singer Sal Valentino (The Beau Brummels) is 80. Author Ann Beattie is 75. Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis is 72. Cajun singer Zachary Richard is 72. Musician Will Lee is 70. Actor Heather Thomas is 65. Singer Aimee Mann is 62. Pop musician David Steele (Fine Young Cannibals) is 62. Actor Thomas Kretschmann is 60. Gospel singer Darlene Zschech is 57. Alternative country singer Neko Case is 52. TV personality Brooke Burke is 51. Actor Martin Freeman is 51. Actor David Arquette is 51. TV-radio personality Kennedy is 50. Rock musician Richard Hughes (Keane) is 47. Actor Larenz Tate is 47. Actor Nathan Corddry is 45. R&amp;B singer Pink is 43. Singer-songwriter Eric Hutchinson is 42. Actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas is 41. Rapper Wiz Khalifa is 35. Actor Gaten Matarazzo (TV: "Stranger Things") is 20.

Today in History - September 8

During Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the American Red Cross emphasizes the importance of a diverse blood supply to help meet the needs of those with sickle cell disease – the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S.

Sickle cell disease impacts more than 100,000 people across the country, most of whom are of African descent.&nbsp;Regular blood transfusions are critical to managing extreme pain and life-threatening complications faced by many. Unfortunately, they may develop an immune response against blood from donors that is not closely matched to their own. However, because most individuals who are Black have unique structures on their red blood cells that are not often found in other donor populations,&nbsp;1 in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease.

Seasonal changes can trigger pain crises for those battling sickle cell – possibly increasing the need for lifesaving blood transfusions.&nbsp;As summer ends,&nbsp;book a time to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUXB8DBR7Jr5TcFyyqp8VCcVg3zhp-2B74PxBjahm-2BpTNcXhXF0_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFlyZRQqBuhwEumpNdt-2Fb-2BStMs1OG5edHYLL3We3ZZh5v29kuW8zzoxsbJeyMU8iRVWm0rylS2VZCQxDANh7HVbgdOPeLNbD3JJ2o7anTwUkKp8zC8ha-2FjXYbIP-2FwNeRzayvaogTzSs-2FMBRFQKVin2IZL9GiJlSso39UJqUBi3chx6EYOlB-2Bfbk61BmgBeNODgxqrGkTda8KwsqaW-2BoNzyYh6q3wxyYz1NAwH7KTm8DU3d2qxQIIludCSgd-2FceEoxYqYGY7zw2lwVzYm9bRWXfL9U6ag1umqSnoNC8IMOFFBFQA-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).&nbsp;As a thank-you, all who come to give through Sept. 18 will get an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Life-threatening complications&nbsp;

Sickle cell disease distorts soft, round blood cells and turns them hard and crescent-shaped, which can cause severe pain. “When cells harden, they can get caught in blood vessels, potentially leading to stroke and organ failure,” Dr. Matthew Coleman, Red Cross Regional Medical Director. “Transfusions provide healthy blood cells, unblocking blood vessels and delivering oxygen, minimizing crises patients with sickle cell may face.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

To help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the American Red Cross is working with partners in the Black community to grow the number of blood donors who are Black through the sickle cell initiative, which launched in 2021.&nbsp;In the first year of the initiative, the number of first-time African American blood donors who gave with the Red Cross increased by 60%.&nbsp;In September and October, the Red Cross launches Joined by Blood, a fall component of the initiative where the Red Cross is teaming up with community organizations, like the National Pan-Hellenic Council and others, to host blood drives and inspire donors who are Black to give blood to support patients with sickle cell disease. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9oucykDkabVZ62qq5el-2BHsBdG-2BceKvRe-2F4WiAbPsO-2F9GY4xS_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFlyZRQqBuhwEumpNdt-2Fb-2BStMs1OG5edHYLL3We3ZZh5v29kuW8zzoxsbJeyMU8iRVWm0rylS2VZCQxDANh7HVbgdOPeLNbD3JJ2o7anTwUkKp8zC8ha-2FjXYbIP-2FwNeRzayvaogTzSs-2FMBRFQKVin2IZL7oIw0uKEhBXXt-2Fnx-2Fv5upBJCa-2BkzY-2FJpTyQTsVWVetgW5wmDIBlzFrhIA9m8I4Sedkb4X97LZuIb7GYnloTLdLFWta73y8Gx-2FkUKPY4XcqTZVwxrI8YW1HkZpzCmFSSR6AxG3cjt2nxsffyXc7cGn8-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood</a>.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 7-30 include the following.

9/16/2022: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., St Pauls Lutheran Church, Main and Haynes

9/23/2022: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 308 North Indiana

9/14/2022: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wohlgemuth Building, 400 S. Jefferson 

9/15/2022: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Eastmoor United Methodist Church, 105 Eastmoor

9/16/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., McPherson College, 1600 Euclid

9/15/2022: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Platelet Center, 120 W. Prescott Avenue

9/19/2022: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., St John's Lutheran Church, 302 South Seventh

9/22/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Tonys Pizza Service, 3123 Centennial Road

9/30/2022: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Heartland Early Education, 700 Jupiter

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9nAk-2BdoMpFHABCOsrA-2BSZnhxOlFENcmdkmkm-2BeMP45TexJMP_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFlyZRQqBuhwEumpNdt-2Fb-2BStMs1OG5edHYLL3We3ZZh5v29kuW8zzoxsbJeyMU8iRVWm0rylS2VZCQxDANh7HVbgdOPeLNbD3JJ2o7anTwUkKp8zC8ha-2FjXYbIP-2FwNeRzayvaogTzSs-2FMBRFQKVin2IZLxoJpx6OSSuArercEvL2rsFn2vddMnjf4tO477-2FDqSJDbp96hWfH5YtE-2BHwNcrC8iFdOiPwGedHhrNeFVOktlFNoEVFVyXoDwXDyGNr8fh8DDZ2Wrr425-2Bco4etLcl-2FrUQqF-2BHhkR-2BlXPzjcFSmg8k8-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age&nbsp;in most states&nbsp;(16 with parental consent&nbsp;where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass®&nbsp;to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUXB8DBR7Jr5TcFyyqp8VCcW8o7gbhRQhu3-2BrGY78VBTVmfxL71k1cDqYklhBEpAqFQND97I7JDtVW3bvoT18KklclACohTYAaDsiHzEGwJLiQM7q_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFlyZRQqBuhwEumpNdt-2Fb-2BStMs1OG5edHYLL3We3ZZh5v29kuW8zzoxsbJeyMU8iRVWm0rylS2VZCQxDANh7HVbgdOPeLNbD3JJ2o7anTwUkKp8zC8ha-2FjXYbIP-2FwNeRzayvaogTzSs-2FMBRFQKVin2IZL6PI-2FcX8M6vNnkuNdS-2BEFrxYGZfZWl6HMQmZ1WJ82cgh6CdTjJJaGWv5VIYLBgcxRWMFq6wMq3w0PUxCDlvil6dOQUT-2BDpvM5OWmLwKlj5XtYmoU5hrLTzqnH4n5U2FumqETXOU8ozMa53GXhc5PQ00-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a>&nbsp;or use the Blood Donor App.

American Red CrossDuring Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the American Red Cross emphasizes the importance of a diverse blood supply to help meet the needs of those with sickle cell disease – the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S.Sickle cell disease impacts more than 100,000 people across the country, most of whom are of African descent.&nbsp;Regular blood transfusions are critical to managing extreme pain and life-threatening complications faced by many. Unfortunately, they may develop an immune response against blood from donors that is not closely matched to their own. However, because most individuals who are Black have unique structures on their red blood cells that are not often found in other donor populations,&nbsp;1 in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease.Seasonal changes can trigger pain crises for those battling sickle cell – possibly increasing the need for lifesaving blood transfusions.&nbsp;As summer ends,&nbsp;book a time to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUXB8DBR7Jr5TcFyyqp8VCcVg3zhp-2B74PxBjahm-2BpTNcXhXF0_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFlyZRQqBuhwEumpNdt-2Fb-2BStMs1OG5edHYLL3We3ZZh5v29kuW8zzoxsbJeyMU8iRVWm0rylS2VZCQxDANh7HVbgdOPeLNbD3JJ2o7anTwUkKp8zC8ha-2FjXYbIP-2FwNeRzayvaogTzSs-2FMBRFQKVin2IZL9GiJlSso39UJqUBi3chx6EYOlB-2Bfbk61BmgBeNODgxqrGkTda8KwsqaW-2BoNzyYh6q3wxyYz1NAwH7KTm8DU3d2qxQIIludCSgd-2FceEoxYqYGY7zw2lwVzYm9bRWXfL9U6ag1umqSnoNC8IMOFFBFQA-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).&nbsp;As a thank-you, all who come to give through Sept. 18 will get an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.Life-threatening complications&nbsp;Sickle cell disease distorts soft, round blood cells and turns them hard and crescent-shaped, which can cause severe pain. “When cells harden, they can get caught in blood vessels, potentially leading to stroke and organ failure,” Dr. Matthew Coleman, Red Cross Regional Medical Director. “Transfusions provide healthy blood cells, unblocking blood vessels and delivering oxygen, minimizing crises patients with sickle cell may face.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Joined by bloodTo help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the American Red Cross is working with partners in the Black community to grow the number of blood donors who are Black through the sickle cell initiative, which launched in 2021.&nbsp;In the first year of the initiative, the number of first-time African American blood donors who gave with the Red Cross increased by 60%.&nbsp;In September and October, the Red Cross launches Joined by Blood, a fall component of the initiative where the Red Cross is teaming up with community organizations, like the National Pan-Hellenic Council and others, to host blood drives and inspire donors who are Black to give blood to support patients with sickle cell disease. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9oucykDkabVZ62qq5el-2BHsBdG-2BceKvRe-2F4WiAbPsO-2F9GY4xS_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFlyZRQqBuhwEumpNdt-2Fb-2BStMs1OG5edHYLL3We3ZZh5v29kuW8zzoxsbJeyMU8iRVWm0rylS2VZCQxDANh7HVbgdOPeLNbD3JJ2o7anTwUkKp8zC8ha-2FjXYbIP-2FwNeRzayvaogTzSs-2FMBRFQKVin2IZL7oIw0uKEhBXXt-2Fnx-2Fv5upBJCa-2BkzY-2FJpTyQTsVWVetgW5wmDIBlzFrhIA9m8I4Sedkb4X97LZuIb7GYnloTLdLFWta73y8Gx-2FkUKPY4XcqTZVwxrI8YW1HkZpzCmFSSR6AxG3cjt2nxsffyXc7cGn8-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood</a>.Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 7-30 include the following.CLOUD COUNTYGlasco9/16/2022: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., St Pauls Lutheran Church, Main and HaynesLINCOLN COUNTYSylvan Grove9/23/2022: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 308 North IndianaMARION COUNTYHillsboro9/14/2022: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wohlgemuth Building, 400 S. Jefferson Marion9/15/2022: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Eastmoor United Methodist Church, 105 EastmoorMCPHERSON COUNTYMcPherson9/16/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., McPherson College, 1600 EuclidSALINE COUNTYSalina9/15/2022: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Platelet Center, 120 W. Prescott Avenue9/19/2022: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., St John's Lutheran Church, 302 South Seventh9/22/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Tonys Pizza Service, 3123 Centennial Road9/30/2022: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Heartland Early Education, 700 JupiterTesting for sickle cell traitAt a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How to donate bloodSimply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9nAk-2BdoMpFHABCOsrA-2BSZnhxOlFENcmdkmkm-2BeMP45TexJMP_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFlyZRQqBuhwEumpNdt-2Fb-2BStMs1OG5edHYLL3We3ZZh5v29kuW8zzoxsbJeyMU8iRVWm0rylS2VZCQxDANh7HVbgdOPeLNbD3JJ2o7anTwUkKp8zC8ha-2FjXYbIP-2FwNeRzayvaogTzSs-2FMBRFQKVin2IZLxoJpx6OSSuArercEvL2rsFn2vddMnjf4tO477-2FDqSJDbp96hWfH5YtE-2BHwNcrC8iFdOiPwGedHhrNeFVOktlFNoEVFVyXoDwXDyGNr8fh8DDZ2Wrr425-2Bco4etLcl-2FrUQqF-2BHhkR-2BlXPzjcFSmg8k8-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age&nbsp;in most states&nbsp;(16 with parental consent&nbsp;where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass®&nbsp;to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUXB8DBR7Jr5TcFyyqp8VCcW8o7gbhRQhu3-2BrGY78VBTVmfxL71k1cDqYklhBEpAqFQND97I7JDtVW3bvoT18KklclACohTYAaDsiHzEGwJLiQM7q_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFlyZRQqBuhwEumpNdt-2Fb-2BStMs1OG5edHYLL3We3ZZh5v29kuW8zzoxsbJeyMU8iRVWm0rylS2VZCQxDANh7HVbgdOPeLNbD3JJ2o7anTwUkKp8zC8ha-2FjXYbIP-2FwNeRzayvaogTzSs-2FMBRFQKVin2IZL6PI-2FcX8M6vNnkuNdS-2BEFrxYGZfZWl6HMQmZ1WJ82cgh6CdTjJJaGWv5VIYLBgcxRWMFq6wMq3w0PUxCDlvil6dOQUT-2BDpvM5OWmLwKlj5XtYmoU5hrLTzqnH4n5U2FumqETXOU8ozMa53GXhc5PQ00-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a>&nbsp;or use the Blood Donor App.

Blood donors needed to help those with sickle cell disease

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle returned to the White House on Wednesday for the unveiling of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCnEBtru3dU">official portraits with a modern vibe</a>: him standing expressionless against a white background and her seated on a sofa in the Red Room wearing a formal light blue dress.

(Click below to watch the unveiling ceremony)

“Barack and Michelle, welcome home,” President Joe Biden said before he invited the Obamas to the stage to unveil the portraits. Some in the audience gasped, others applauded.

“It's great to be back,” Obama said when it was his turn to speak. He praised Biden — his vice president — as someone who became a “true partner and a true friend.”

The artist whom Barack Obama selected to paint his portrait says the “stripped down” style of his works helps create an “encounter” between the person in the painting and the person looking at it.

Robert McCurdy likes to present his subjects without any facial expression and standing against a white background, which is how America's 44th and first Black president will be seen here for posterity, in a black suit and gray tie.

Biden and first lady Jill Biden invited Obama and the former first lady back to their former home to unveil their official portraits. It was Mrs. Obama's first visit since her husband's presidency ended in January 2017. Obama himself visited in April to help celebrate the anniversary of the major health care law he signed.

The former first lady chose artist Sharon Sprung for her portrait.

The portraits do not look like any others in the collection to which they will be added, in terms of style and substance.

McCurdy told the White House Historical Association for the latest edition of its “1600 Sessions” podcast that his style is “stripped down for a reason." He's also done portraits of South Africa's Nelson Mandela, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and the Dalai Lama, among others.

“They have plain white backgrounds, nobody gestures, nobody — there are no props because we're not here to tell the story of the person that's sitting for them,” McCurdy said. "We're here to create an encounter between the viewer and the sitter.”

He compared the technique to a session with a psychiatrist in which the patient and doctor tell each other as little as possible about themselves “so that you can project onto them.”

“And we're doing the same thing with these paintings,” McCurdy said. “We're telling as little about the sitter as possible so that the viewer can project onto them.”

McCurdy works from a photograph of his subjects, selected from hundreds of images. He spends a year to 18 months on each portrait and said he knows he's done “when it stops irritating me.”

Sprung, who also was interviewed for the podcast, described feeling as though she was in a “comedy sketch” when she met with the Obamas in the Oval Office.

She kept sinking into the couch she sat on while they sat on sturdier chairs. Then the president “flicked” away the printed talking points she had handed out to everyone in the room. Then she just “went still" and had to "gasp for air a little bit” when someone else in the meeting asked her why she paints. Then she started to cry.

“So who knows what put the interview over the top, but that's how it went,” Sprung said.

She had planned on having Mrs. Obama stand in the portrait, “to give it a certain dignity,” but said the former first lady "has so much dignity that I decided to do it sitting just because ... it was too much looking up at her. I'm that much shorter than her."

Sprung worked on the portrait for eight months, day and night, the most time she's ever spent on a single painting. She worked entirely from photographs taken in various locations on the State Floor of the White House. Getting the dress just right was the hardest part, she said.

“The color was so beautiful and I really wanted to get the strength of the color and the light,” said Sprung, who has done portraits of the late Rep. Patsy Mink, D-Hawaii, and Jeannette Rankin of Montana, the first woman elected to Congress.

Recent tradition, no matter political affiliation, has had the current president genially hosting his immediate predecessor for the unveiling — as Bill Clinton did for George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush did for Clinton and Obama did for the younger Bush.

Donald Trump, who criticized almost everything about Obama and deviated from many presidential traditions, held no ceremony for Obama. So Biden, who was Obama's vice president, scheduled one for his former boss.

Obama's portrait is destined for display in the Grand Foyer of the White House, the traditional showcase for paintings of the two most recent presidents. Clinton's and George W. Bush's portraits currently hang there.

Mrs. Obama's portrait likely will be placed with her predecessors along the hallway on the Ground Floor of the White House, joining Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.

Both McCurdy and Sprung said it was hard to keep their work on the portraits secret. McCurdy said it wouldn't have been a problem “if it had not gone on for so long.” Sprung said she had to turn the portrait to the wall whenever someone came into her studio in New York.

The White House Historical Association, a nonprofit organization that is funded through private donations and sales of books and an annual Christmas ornament, helps manage the portrait process and, since the 1960s, has paid for most of those in the collection.

Congress bought the first painting in the collection, of George Washington. Other portraits of early presidents and first ladies often came to the White House as gifts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662583034690.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle returned to the White House on Wednesday for the unveiling of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCnEBtru3dU">official portraits with a modern vibe</a>: him standing expressionless against a white background and her seated on a sofa in the Red Room wearing a formal light blue dress.(Click below to watch the unveiling ceremony)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UbAHHcq1f2A?start=912" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“Barack and Michelle, welcome home,” President Joe Biden said before he invited the Obamas to the stage to unveil the portraits. Some in the audience gasped, others applauded.“It's great to be back,” Obama said when it was his turn to speak. He praised Biden — his vice president — as someone who became a “true partner and a true friend.”The artist whom Barack Obama selected to paint his portrait says the “stripped down” style of his works helps create an “encounter” between the person in the painting and the person looking at it.Robert McCurdy likes to present his subjects without any facial expression and standing against a white background, which is how America's 44th and first Black president will be seen here for posterity, in a black suit and gray tie.Biden and first lady Jill Biden invited Obama and the former first lady back to their former home to unveil their official portraits. It was Mrs. Obama's first visit since her husband's presidency ended in January 2017. Obama himself visited in April to help celebrate the anniversary of the major health care law he signed.The former first lady chose artist Sharon Sprung for her portrait.The portraits do not look like any others in the collection to which they will be added, in terms of style and substance.McCurdy told the White House Historical Association for the latest edition of its “1600 Sessions” podcast that his style is “stripped down for a reason." He's also done portraits of South Africa's Nelson Mandela, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and the Dalai Lama, among others.“They have plain white backgrounds, nobody gestures, nobody — there are no props because we're not here to tell the story of the person that's sitting for them,” McCurdy said. "We're here to create an encounter between the viewer and the sitter.”He compared the technique to a session with a psychiatrist in which the patient and doctor tell each other as little as possible about themselves “so that you can project onto them.”“And we're doing the same thing with these paintings,” McCurdy said. “We're telling as little about the sitter as possible so that the viewer can project onto them.”McCurdy works from a photograph of his subjects, selected from hundreds of images. He spends a year to 18 months on each portrait and said he knows he's done “when it stops irritating me.”Sprung, who also was interviewed for the podcast, described feeling as though she was in a “comedy sketch” when she met with the Obamas in the Oval Office.She kept sinking into the couch she sat on while they sat on sturdier chairs. Then the president “flicked” away the printed talking points she had handed out to everyone in the room. Then she just “went still" and had to "gasp for air a little bit” when someone else in the meeting asked her why she paints. Then she started to cry.“So who knows what put the interview over the top, but that's how it went,” Sprung said.She had planned on having Mrs. Obama stand in the portrait, “to give it a certain dignity,” but said the former first lady "has so much dignity that I decided to do it sitting just because ... it was too much looking up at her. I'm that much shorter than her."Sprung worked on the portrait for eight months, day and night, the most time she's ever spent on a single painting. She worked entirely from photographs taken in various locations on the State Floor of the White House. Getting the dress just right was the hardest part, she said.“The color was so beautiful and I really wanted to get the strength of the color and the light,” said Sprung, who has done portraits of the late Rep. Patsy Mink, D-Hawaii, and Jeannette Rankin of Montana, the first woman elected to Congress.Recent tradition, no matter political affiliation, has had the current president genially hosting his immediate predecessor for the unveiling — as Bill Clinton did for George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush did for Clinton and Obama did for the younger Bush.Donald Trump, who criticized almost everything about Obama and deviated from many presidential traditions, held no ceremony for Obama. So Biden, who was Obama's vice president, scheduled one for his former boss.Obama's portrait is destined for display in the Grand Foyer of the White House, the traditional showcase for paintings of the two most recent presidents. Clinton's and George W. Bush's portraits currently hang there.Mrs. Obama's portrait likely will be placed with her predecessors along the hallway on the Ground Floor of the White House, joining Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.Both McCurdy and Sprung said it was hard to keep their work on the portraits secret. McCurdy said it wouldn't have been a problem “if it had not gone on for so long.” Sprung said she had to turn the portrait to the wall whenever someone came into her studio in New York.The White House Historical Association, a nonprofit organization that is funded through private donations and sales of books and an annual Christmas ornament, helps manage the portrait process and, since the 1960s, has paid for most of those in the collection.Congress bought the first painting in the collection, of George Washington. Other portraits of early presidents and first ladies often came to the White House as gifts.

🎥Obamas return to White House: Official portraits unveiled

Today is Wednesday, Sept. 7, the 250th day of 2022. There are 115 days left in the year.

On Sept. 7, 1940, Nazi Germany began its eight-month blitz of Britain during World War II with the first air attack on London.

In 1901, the Peace of Beijing ended the Boxer Rebellion in China.

In 1943, a fire at the Gulf Hotel, a rooming house in Houston, claimed 55 lives.

In 1968, feminists protested outside the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, N.J. (The pageant crown went to Miss Illinois Judith Ford.)

In 1977, the Panama Canal treaties, calling for the U.S. to eventually turn over control of the waterway to Panama, were signed in Washington by President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos.

In 1986, Desmond Tutu was installed as the first Black clergyman to lead the Anglican Church in southern Africa.

In 1996, rapper Tupac Shakur was shot and mortally wounded on the Las Vegas Strip; he died six days later.

In 2005, police and soldiers went house to house in New Orleans to try to coax the last stubborn holdouts into leaving the city shattered by Hurricane Katrina.

In 2007, Osama bin Laden appeared in a video for the first time in three years, telling Americans they should convert to Islam if they wanted the war in Iraq to end.

In 2008, troubled mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed in government conservatorship.

In 2015, Hillary Clinton, interviewed by The Associated Press during a campaign swing through Iowa, said she did not need to apologize for using a private email account and server while at the State Department because "what I did was allowed."

In 2019, President Donald Trump said he had canceled a secret weekend meeting at Camp David with Taliban and Afghan leaders, just days before the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, after a bombing in Kabul that killed 12 people, including an American soldier.

In 2020, India's increasing coronavirus caseload made the Asian giant the world's second-worst-hit country behind the United States.

Ten years ago: The Labor Department reported that employers added just 96,000 jobs in August 2012, down from 141,000 in July; the dismal finding prompted Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney to say, "We're going in the wrong direction," while President Barack Obama, fresh off his nomination for a second term in office, said: "We know it's not good enough." Dorothy McGuire Williamson, 84, who teamed with sisters Christine and Phyllis as the popular McGuire Sisters, died in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

Five years ago: More than a half million people were ordered to leave South Florida as Hurricane Irma approached, while Georgia's governor ordered nearly 540,000 coastal residents to move inland. One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in Mexico struck off the country's southern coast, toppling hundreds of buildings and killing at least 90 people. (A deadlier quake would strike central Mexico nearly two weeks later.) Donald Trump Jr. told a Senate panel that he did not collude with Russia to hurt Hillary Clinton's campaign. Equifax, one of the three major U.S. credit bureaus, announced that hackers had gained access to credit information on 143 million Americans.

One year ago: More than 400,0000 homes and businesses in Louisiana remained without power, nine days after Hurricane Ida hit; more than half of the gas stations in New Orleans and Baton Rouge were without fuel. Louisiana health officials revoked the licenses of nursing homes that had evacuated residents to a warehouse where seven of the residents died amid squalid conditions. The Taliban announced an all-male interim government for Afghanistan stacked with veterans of their hard-line rule from the 1990s. The widow of the late Robert F. Kennedy said his assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, should not be released from prison; the statement further roiled a family divide over whether Sirhan should get parole for the 1968 killing. (In January 2022, California Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected a recommendation from a two-person panel of parole commissioners that Sirhan be released.)

Today's Birthdays: Jazz musician Sonny Rollins is 92. Singer Gloria Gaynor is 79. Singer Alfa Anderson (Chic) is 76. Actor Susan Blakely is 74. Rock musician Dennis Thompson (MC5) is 74. Actor Julie Kavner is 72. Rock singer Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders) is 71. Rock musician Benmont Tench (Tom Petty &amp; the Heartbreakers) is 69. Actor Corbin Bernsen is 68. Actor Michael Emerson is 68. Pianist Michael Feinstein is 66. Singer/songwriter Diane Warren is 66. Singer Margot Chapman is 65. Actor J. Smith-Cameron is 65. Actor W. Earl Brown is 59. Actor Toby Jones is 56. Actor-comedian Leslie Jones (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 55. Model-actor Angie Everhart is 53. Actor Diane Farr is 53. Actor Monique Gabriela Curnen is 52. Actor Tom Everett Scott is 52. Rock musician Chad Sexton (311) is 52. Actor Shannon Elizabeth is 49. Actor Oliver Hudson is 46. Actor Devon Sawa is 44. Actor JD Pardo is 43. Actor Benjamin Hollingsworth (TV: "Code Black") is 38. Actor Alyssa Diaz (TV: "Ray Donovan"; "Zoo") is 37. Singer-musician Wes Willis (Rush of Fools) is 36. Actor Evan Rachel Wood is 35. Actor Jonathan Majors is 33. Actor Ian Chen (TV: "Fresh Off the Boat") is 16.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, Sept. 7, the 250th day of 2022. There are 115 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Sept. 7, 1940, Nazi Germany began its eight-month blitz of Britain during World War II with the first air attack on London.On this date:In 1901, the Peace of Beijing ended the Boxer Rebellion in China.In 1943, a fire at the Gulf Hotel, a rooming house in Houston, claimed 55 lives.In 1968, feminists protested outside the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, N.J. (The pageant crown went to Miss Illinois Judith Ford.)In 1977, the Panama Canal treaties, calling for the U.S. to eventually turn over control of the waterway to Panama, were signed in Washington by President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos.In 1986, Desmond Tutu was installed as the first Black clergyman to lead the Anglican Church in southern Africa.In 1996, rapper Tupac Shakur was shot and mortally wounded on the Las Vegas Strip; he died six days later.In 2005, police and soldiers went house to house in New Orleans to try to coax the last stubborn holdouts into leaving the city shattered by Hurricane Katrina.In 2007, Osama bin Laden appeared in a video for the first time in three years, telling Americans they should convert to Islam if they wanted the war in Iraq to end.In 2008, troubled mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed in government conservatorship.In 2015, Hillary Clinton, interviewed by The Associated Press during a campaign swing through Iowa, said she did not need to apologize for using a private email account and server while at the State Department because "what I did was allowed."In 2019, President Donald Trump said he had canceled a secret weekend meeting at Camp David with Taliban and Afghan leaders, just days before the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, after a bombing in Kabul that killed 12 people, including an American soldier.In 2020, India's increasing coronavirus caseload made the Asian giant the world's second-worst-hit country behind the United States.Ten years ago: The Labor Department reported that employers added just 96,000 jobs in August 2012, down from 141,000 in July; the dismal finding prompted Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney to say, "We're going in the wrong direction," while President Barack Obama, fresh off his nomination for a second term in office, said: "We know it's not good enough." Dorothy McGuire Williamson, 84, who teamed with sisters Christine and Phyllis as the popular McGuire Sisters, died in Paradise Valley, Arizona.Five years ago: More than a half million people were ordered to leave South Florida as Hurricane Irma approached, while Georgia's governor ordered nearly 540,000 coastal residents to move inland. One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in Mexico struck off the country's southern coast, toppling hundreds of buildings and killing at least 90 people. (A deadlier quake would strike central Mexico nearly two weeks later.) Donald Trump Jr. told a Senate panel that he did not collude with Russia to hurt Hillary Clinton's campaign. Equifax, one of the three major U.S. credit bureaus, announced that hackers had gained access to credit information on 143 million Americans.One year ago: More than 400,0000 homes and businesses in Louisiana remained without power, nine days after Hurricane Ida hit; more than half of the gas stations in New Orleans and Baton Rouge were without fuel. Louisiana health officials revoked the licenses of nursing homes that had evacuated residents to a warehouse where seven of the residents died amid squalid conditions. The Taliban announced an all-male interim government for Afghanistan stacked with veterans of their hard-line rule from the 1990s. The widow of the late Robert F. Kennedy said his assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, should not be released from prison; the statement further roiled a family divide over whether Sirhan should get parole for the 1968 killing. (In January 2022, California Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected a recommendation from a two-person panel of parole commissioners that Sirhan be released.)Today's Birthdays: Jazz musician Sonny Rollins is 92. Singer Gloria Gaynor is 79. Singer Alfa Anderson (Chic) is 76. Actor Susan Blakely is 74. Rock musician Dennis Thompson (MC5) is 74. Actor Julie Kavner is 72. Rock singer Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders) is 71. Rock musician Benmont Tench (Tom Petty &amp; the Heartbreakers) is 69. Actor Corbin Bernsen is 68. Actor Michael Emerson is 68. Pianist Michael Feinstein is 66. Singer/songwriter Diane Warren is 66. Singer Margot Chapman is 65. Actor J. Smith-Cameron is 65. Actor W. Earl Brown is 59. Actor Toby Jones is 56. Actor-comedian Leslie Jones (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 55. Model-actor Angie Everhart is 53. Actor Diane Farr is 53. Actor Monique Gabriela Curnen is 52. Actor Tom Everett Scott is 52. Rock musician Chad Sexton (311) is 52. Actor Shannon Elizabeth is 49. Actor Oliver Hudson is 46. Actor Devon Sawa is 44. Actor JD Pardo is 43. Actor Benjamin Hollingsworth (TV: "Code Black") is 38. Actor Alyssa Diaz (TV: "Ray Donovan"; "Zoo") is 37. Singer-musician Wes Willis (Rush of Fools) is 36. Actor Evan Rachel Wood is 35. Actor Jonathan Majors is 33. Actor Ian Chen (TV: "Fresh Off the Boat") is 16.

Today in History - September 7

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend shooting that sent a woman to the hospital.

Just after 11:30p.m. Sunday, deputies were sent to a disturbance call for a shooting in the 4300 block of Wood Hollow, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.

Deputies located 19-year-old Jorianah R. Williams, of Wichita, suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported her&nbsp; to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries. She remains. hospitalized.

The suspect, a 17-year-old&nbsp; black male of Wichita, was arrested at the residence and booked into the Sedgwick County Juvenile Detention Facility on requested charges of aggravated battery and an outstanding warrant.&nbsp;

The victim and suspect are in a romantic relationship, according to the sheriff's department. Detectives are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend shooting that sent a woman to the hospital.Just after 11:30p.m. Sunday, deputies were sent to a disturbance call for a shooting in the 4300 block of Wood Hollow, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office. Deputies located 19-year-old Jorianah R. Williams, of Wichita, suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported her&nbsp; to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries. She remains. hospitalized.The suspect, a 17-year-old&nbsp; black male of Wichita, was arrested at the residence and booked into the Sedgwick County Juvenile Detention Facility on requested charges of aggravated battery and an outstanding warrant.&nbsp;The victim and suspect are in a romantic relationship, according to the sheriff's department. Detectives are collecting evidence and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Sheriff: Kan. teen accused of shooting girlfriend in the leg

By MIKE COURSON <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

GREAT BEND — The
 first legal sports wager in Kansas is in the books. Last Thursday, the 
same day the state legalized sports betting, Governor Laura Kelly put 
$15 on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl on a bet made at 
Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.

Thursday's event at noon was 
just a soft opening for legalized sports betting, which will go full 
tilt on Sept. 8. With the passage of Senate Bill 84, all state-operated 
casinos in Kansas will be able to offer in-person and mobile sports 
betting. 

Per the bill, the first $750,000 generated from wagering
 must be transferred from the Kansas Lottery to the White Collar Crime 
Fund. Eighty percent of the remaining money must be transferred to the 
Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund. The 10 percent tax on 
sports betting in Kansas is minimal compared to other states that charge
 between 15 and 51 percent, but is still expected to generate $1.8 
million next year and $6 million in 2024.

But with gambling 
sometimes comes addiction. As of July 1, 2023, two percent of remaining 
tax dollars raised from betting must be transferred to the Problem 
Gambling and Addictions Grant Fund to help offset some expected 
treatment costs.

"It seems pretty wide open that you can bet on 
not just the game outcome but whether somebody is wearing red socks or 
white socks that day," said Dr. Patrick Stang, psychiatrist with the 
Center for Counseling in Great Bend. "You can bet on all kinds of 
aspects of it. It's so available and they're pushing it pretty hard. You
 see ads on TV every five minutes about how great this is going to be."

Stang said treating gambling addiction can be tough as those who seek treatment often present with other issues.

"I
 think it's not always at the top of your list to ask about because 
people usually don't come in for that," he said. "A lot of times they 
come in for depression or anxiety or something else. They don't always 
mention their gambling problem until maybe you get to know them better."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662056609748.png" alt="On Sept. 1, Governor Laura Kelly placed Kansas’ first legal sports wager at the Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas." />
 <figcaption>On Sept. 1, Governor Laura Kelly placed Kansas’ first legal sports wager at the Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — The
 first legal sports wager in Kansas is in the books. Last Thursday, the 
same day the state legalized sports betting, Governor Laura Kelly put 
$15 on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl on a bet made at 
Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.Thursday's event at noon was 
just a soft opening for legalized sports betting, which will go full 
tilt on Sept. 8. With the passage of Senate Bill 84, all state-operated 
casinos in Kansas will be able to offer in-person and mobile sports 
betting. Per the bill, the first $750,000 generated from wagering
 must be transferred from the Kansas Lottery to the White Collar Crime 
Fund. Eighty percent of the remaining money must be transferred to the 
Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund. The 10 percent tax on 
sports betting in Kansas is minimal compared to other states that charge
 between 15 and 51 percent, but is still expected to generate $1.8 
million next year and $6 million in 2024.But with gambling 
sometimes comes addiction. As of July 1, 2023, two percent of remaining 
tax dollars raised from betting must be transferred to the Problem 
Gambling and Addictions Grant Fund to help offset some expected 
treatment costs."It seems pretty wide open that you can bet on 
not just the game outcome but whether somebody is wearing red socks or 
white socks that day," said Dr. Patrick Stang, psychiatrist with the 
Center for Counseling in Great Bend. "You can bet on all kinds of 
aspects of it. It's so available and they're pushing it pretty hard. You
 see ads on TV every five minutes about how great this is going to be."Stang said treating gambling addiction can be tough as those who seek treatment often present with other issues."I
 think it's not always at the top of your list to ask about because 
people usually don't come in for that," he said. "A lot of times they 
come in for depression or anxiety or something else. They don't always 
mention their gambling problem until maybe you get to know them better."

Psychiatrist: Legalized gambling in Kan. could have unintended costs

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly wasted little time after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisive victory in Kansas</a>&nbsp;for abortion rights before sending out a national fundraising email warning that access to the procedure would be “on the chopping block” if her party did not win in the November elections.

But her message to voters at large as she heads into the fall campaign is dramatically different, even as Democrats in other states stress abortion access as an issue.

A few days after her abortion-related fundraising email, Kelly's team suggested she would be focusing her reelection campaign on the state's now-healthy finances, robust funding for public schools and high-profile promises by businesses to create jobs.

Democrats are split over whether it's the best strategy in a tough race against Republican Derek Schmidt, the three-term state attorney general. Kelly still has to win over some independents and moderate Republicans in her solidly red state, and although abortion access can attract centrist voters and drive turnout, it's the economy — and the pinch at the grocery store from inflation — that remains a big concern for them.

“She needs to pull people from all kinds of areas,” said Joan Wagnon, a former Topeka mayor, state lawmaker and Kansas Democratic Party chair. While Kelly can use abortion as an issue to her advantage, Wagnon said, “I don’t think it’s the centerpiece of her campaign.”

Voters on Aug. 2 overwhelmingly rejected a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would have removed protections for abortion rights. It was the first state referendum on abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in June.

Kelly's approach heading into the general election contrasts with how Democratic Govs. Tony Evers in Wisconsin and Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan have made support for abortion rights central to their reelection campaigns. In Ohio, Democratic nominee Nan Whaley is stressing the issue in her race against anti-abortion Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.

Some Democrats think Kelly is missing an opportunity if she doesn't follow suit.

“The only way you inspire young voters, which is who Laura Kelly needs, is to make them feel like you understand the issues that they care about right now,” said Christopher Reeves, a suburban Kansas City activist, consultant and former Democratic National Committee member. “And the issue that they care about, especially young women voters, is abortion.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/80b8c1094d434fbcadcf1071cd047089">In winning her first term</a>&nbsp;in 2018 by about 5 percentage points, Kelly wooed independent and moderate Republican voters by pitching herself as a commonsense, bipartisan leader.

But she also was running in a good year for Democrats — they regained a U.S. House majority — and against conservative Kris Kobach, who advocated for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-north-america-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-84a552fa0a464c6d9dae4bc36bb7c1fb">tough immigration policies as</a>&nbsp;a major supporter of then-President Donald Trump.

Kelly’s stance on abortion rights brought Stephan Simmons, a 25-year-old higher education recruiter, firmly into her camp for November. Once a conservative Republican turned unaffiliated voter, he became a Democrat shortly before the Aug. 2 election.

He made sure he returned to Kansas City from a business trip in time to drive to his hometown of Wichita to vote in person. Along the way, he picked up a friend, Hunter Picard, so that Picard could vote in Rose Hill, southeast of Wichita. Picard, a 25-year-old chemist working in Lawrence, is unaffiliated.

Both said they thought of their sisters before voting against the proposed amendment. But Picard said he hasn’t decided how he will vote in the governor’s race in November.

Mandi Hunter, a 46-year-old real estate attorney from the Kansas City suburb of Leawood, is a self-described GOP moderate who voted against the proposed constitutional amendment. She, too, said she is undecided about her vote in November, though she noted that there will be more than just abortion on the ballot.

“They can’t ignore the other issues,” Hunter said.

Some Republicans believe voters will remain far more focused on the economy than abortion. Kelly is campaigning as if she agrees, staging a “Prosperity on the Plains” tour to promote her administration's business development efforts.

Kelly campaign spokesperson, Madison Andrus, pivoted to economic and education issues when asked for more details about the governor's position on abortion. The campaign would not say whether Kelly wants more abortion access than what is allowed now, with the state banning most abortions at the 22nd week of pregnancy and imposing other requirements such as a 24-hour waiting period.

Kelly's staff didn't make the governor available to discuss her campaign but provided a statement on her behalf to The Associated Press.

“The August 2 vote shows that Kansans want their government focused on things like the economy and schools — and not intervening in private medical decisions. Now that voters have spoken clearly, Governor Kelly will remain focused on bringing both parties together to get results — a balanced budget, cutting taxes, fully funding schools, and attracting new businesses to the state,” said campaign spokesperson Lauren Fitzgerald.

Schmidt, who backed the proposed constitutional change, said in&nbsp;<a href="https://schmidtforkansas.com/ag-schmidt-thoughts-on-last-tuesdays-vote/">a postelection statement</a>&nbsp;that he has never “advocated for a ban” on abortion. He said he supports allowing abortions to save a woman’s life, in cases of rape and incest and when a fetus has a condition “that makes it impossible to survive outside the womb.”

On Thursday, Schmidt said the outcome of the referendum has to be “respected" and that if elected governor, he would focus on enforcing abortion laws already on the books.

Some political operatives and pollsters argue for reading the Kansas vote narrowly, as opposition to a ban or a near-total ban rather than unconditional support for abortion in any circumstance.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-nancy-pelosi-womens-rights-government-and-politics-c410dbe9a8321b35a4e779b2fb226de5">An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll</a>&nbsp;in July found that while a majority of people in the United States wanted Congress to pass a law guaranteeing access to abortion nationwide, only one-third said a state generally should allow abortions at 24 weeks. A little more than half would allow abortions at 15 weeks.

Charles Franklin, director of Marquette University's Law School Poll, said Democrats should be running against severe abortion restrictions. “The challenge is,” he said, "how do you do that without seeming to be for unlimited abortion rights?”

Pat McPherron, a GOP pollster from Oklahoma City who works for U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said he expects abortion to fade as an issue.

“It’s one that voters think has been asked and answered,” he said. “Voters move on.”

Abortion rights supporters acknowledged that they're still trying to figure out how to keep their voters energized until November.

“Frankly, it’s our job to make sure they don’t move on,” said Susan Osborne, one of the leaders of Women for Kansas, a nonpartisan advocacy group that opposed the proposed amendment. “This was the beginning of the journey for us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662252126073.png" alt="On Saturday Gov. Kelly visited the oldest and largest urban farm and affordable market in Wichita, Common Ground Producers and Growers, on her Prosperity On The Plains tour. The farm provides fresh produce and addresses food insecurity." />
 <figcaption>On Saturday Gov. Kelly visited the oldest and largest urban farm and affordable market in Wichita, Common Ground Producers and Growers, on her Prosperity On The Plains tour. The farm provides fresh produce and addresses food insecurity.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly wasted little time after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisive victory in Kansas</a>&nbsp;for abortion rights before sending out a national fundraising email warning that access to the procedure would be “on the chopping block” if her party did not win in the November elections.But her message to voters at large as she heads into the fall campaign is dramatically different, even as Democrats in other states stress abortion access as an issue.A few days after her abortion-related fundraising email, Kelly's team suggested she would be focusing her reelection campaign on the state's now-healthy finances, robust funding for public schools and high-profile promises by businesses to create jobs.Democrats are split over whether it's the best strategy in a tough race against Republican Derek Schmidt, the three-term state attorney general. Kelly still has to win over some independents and moderate Republicans in her solidly red state, and although abortion access can attract centrist voters and drive turnout, it's the economy — and the pinch at the grocery store from inflation — that remains a big concern for them.“She needs to pull people from all kinds of areas,” said Joan Wagnon, a former Topeka mayor, state lawmaker and Kansas Democratic Party chair. While Kelly can use abortion as an issue to her advantage, Wagnon said, “I don’t think it’s the centerpiece of her campaign.”Voters on Aug. 2 overwhelmingly rejected a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would have removed protections for abortion rights. It was the first state referendum on abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in June.Kelly's approach heading into the general election contrasts with how Democratic Govs. Tony Evers in Wisconsin and Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan have made support for abortion rights central to their reelection campaigns. In Ohio, Democratic nominee Nan Whaley is stressing the issue in her race against anti-abortion Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.Some Democrats think Kelly is missing an opportunity if she doesn't follow suit.“The only way you inspire young voters, which is who Laura Kelly needs, is to make them feel like you understand the issues that they care about right now,” said Christopher Reeves, a suburban Kansas City activist, consultant and former Democratic National Committee member. “And the issue that they care about, especially young women voters, is abortion.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662252080126.png" alt="Governor Kelly at the urban farm on Saturday-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly at the urban farm on Saturday-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/80b8c1094d434fbcadcf1071cd047089">In winning her first term</a>&nbsp;in 2018 by about 5 percentage points, Kelly wooed independent and moderate Republican voters by pitching herself as a commonsense, bipartisan leader.But she also was running in a good year for Democrats — they regained a U.S. House majority — and against conservative Kris Kobach, who advocated for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-north-america-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-84a552fa0a464c6d9dae4bc36bb7c1fb">tough immigration policies as</a>&nbsp;a major supporter of then-President Donald Trump.Kelly’s stance on abortion rights brought Stephan Simmons, a 25-year-old higher education recruiter, firmly into her camp for November. Once a conservative Republican turned unaffiliated voter, he became a Democrat shortly before the Aug. 2 election.He made sure he returned to Kansas City from a business trip in time to drive to his hometown of Wichita to vote in person. Along the way, he picked up a friend, Hunter Picard, so that Picard could vote in Rose Hill, southeast of Wichita. Picard, a 25-year-old chemist working in Lawrence, is unaffiliated.Both said they thought of their sisters before voting against the proposed amendment. But Picard said he hasn’t decided how he will vote in the governor’s race in November.Mandi Hunter, a 46-year-old real estate attorney from the Kansas City suburb of Leawood, is a self-described GOP moderate who voted against the proposed constitutional amendment. She, too, said she is undecided about her vote in November, though she noted that there will be more than just abortion on the ballot.“They can’t ignore the other issues,” Hunter said.Some Republicans believe voters will remain far more focused on the economy than abortion. Kelly is campaigning as if she agrees, staging a “Prosperity on the Plains” tour to promote her administration's business development efforts.Kelly campaign spokesperson, Madison Andrus, pivoted to economic and education issues when asked for more details about the governor's position on abortion. The campaign would not say whether Kelly wants more abortion access than what is allowed now, with the state banning most abortions at the 22nd week of pregnancy and imposing other requirements such as a 24-hour waiting period.Kelly's staff didn't make the governor available to discuss her campaign but provided a statement on her behalf to The Associated Press.“The August 2 vote shows that Kansans want their government focused on things like the economy and schools — and not intervening in private medical decisions. Now that voters have spoken clearly, Governor Kelly will remain focused on bringing both parties together to get results — a balanced budget, cutting taxes, fully funding schools, and attracting new businesses to the state,” said campaign spokesperson Lauren Fitzgerald.Schmidt, who backed the proposed constitutional change, said in&nbsp;<a href="https://schmidtforkansas.com/ag-schmidt-thoughts-on-last-tuesdays-vote/">a postelection statement</a>&nbsp;that he has never “advocated for a ban” on abortion. He said he supports allowing abortions to save a woman’s life, in cases of rape and incest and when a fetus has a condition “that makes it impossible to survive outside the womb.”On Thursday, Schmidt said the outcome of the referendum has to be “respected" and that if elected governor, he would focus on enforcing abortion laws already on the books.Some political operatives and pollsters argue for reading the Kansas vote narrowly, as opposition to a ban or a near-total ban rather than unconditional support for abortion in any circumstance.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-nancy-pelosi-womens-rights-government-and-politics-c410dbe9a8321b35a4e779b2fb226de5">An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll</a>&nbsp;in July found that while a majority of people in the United States wanted Congress to pass a law guaranteeing access to abortion nationwide, only one-third said a state generally should allow abortions at 24 weeks. A little more than half would allow abortions at 15 weeks.Charles Franklin, director of Marquette University's Law School Poll, said Democrats should be running against severe abortion restrictions. “The challenge is,” he said, "how do you do that without seeming to be for unlimited abortion rights?”Pat McPherron, a GOP pollster from Oklahoma City who works for U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said he expects abortion to fade as an issue.“It’s one that voters think has been asked and answered,” he said. “Voters move on.”Abortion rights supporters acknowledged that they're still trying to figure out how to keep their voters energized until November.“Frankly, it’s our job to make sure they don’t move on,” said Susan Osborne, one of the leaders of Women for Kansas, a nonpartisan advocacy group that opposed the proposed amendment. “This was the beginning of the journey for us.”

Kansas governor lauds abortion vote but focuses on economy

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 6, the 249th day of 2022. There are 116 days left in the year.

On Sept. 6, 1901, President William McKinley was shot and mortally wounded by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. (McKinley died eight days later; Czolgosz was executed on Oct. 29.)

In 1909, American explorer Robert Peary sent a telegram from Indian Harbor, Labrador, announcing that he had reached the North Pole five months earlier.

In 1943, 79 people were killed when a New York-bound Pennsylvania Railroad train derailed and crashed in Philadelphia.

In 1949, Howard Unruh, a resident of Camden, New Jersey, shot and killed 13 of his neighbors. (Found to have paranoid schizophrenia, Unruh was confined for the rest of his life; he died in a Trenton nursing home in 2009 at age 88.)

In 1972, the Summer Olympics resumed in Munich, West Germany, a day after the deadly hostage crisis that left eleven Israelis and five Arab abductors dead.

In 1975, 18-year-old tennis star Martina Navratilova of Czechoslovakia, in New York for the U.S. Open, requested political asylum in the United States.

In 1991, the Soviet Union recognized the independence of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

In 1997, a public funeral was held for Princess Diana at Westminster Abbey in London, six days after her death in a car crash in Paris. In Calcutta, India, weeping masses gathered to pay homage to Mother Teresa, who had died the day before at age 87.

In 2001, in a dramatic shift, the Bush administration abandoned the Clinton-era effort to break up Microsoft.

In 2002, meeting outside Washington, D.C. for only the second time since 1800, Congress convened in New York to pay homage to the victims and heroes of September 11.

In 2006, President George W. Bush acknowledged for the first time that the CIA was running secret prisons overseas and said tough interrogation had forced terrorist leaders to reveal plots to attack the United States and its allies.

In 2007, opera star Luciano Pavarotti died in Modena, Italy, at the age of 71.

In 2018, the agent for actor Burt Reynolds confirmed that Reynolds, known for his roles in "Deliverance," "The Cannonball Run" and "Smokey and the Bandit," had died at the age of 82.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama conceded only halting progress toward solving the nation's economic woes, but vowed in a Democratic National Convention finale, "Our problems can be solved, our challenges can be met." Drew Peterson, the former Illinois police officer who gained notoriety after his much-younger wife, Stacy, vanished in 2007, was convicted of murdering a previous wife, Kathleen Savio. (Peterson was later sentenced to 38 years in prison.)

Five years ago: Hurricane Irma, the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic, pounded Puerto Rico with heavy rain and powerful winds; authorities said more than 900,000 people were without power. A California parole panel recommended parole for Leslie Van Houten, who at 19 was the youngest of Charles Manson's murderous followers in 1969. (California Gov. Jerry Brown later blocked her release.) Pope Francis was welcomed by jubilant crowds along the road from the airport into Bogota, Colombia, where he encouraged Colombians to reconcile after five decades of armed rebellion. Two French companies among the world's biggest makers of luxury goods, including the owners of brands like Dior and Gucci, agreed to stop working with fashion models who were unhealthily thin.

One year ago: Support programs for Americans still being hit hard financially by the pandemic expired, including one that provided jobless aid to self-employed and gig workers; the Biden administration's $300 weekly supplemental unemployment benefit also ended. The Taliban said they had seized the last Afghan province that hadn't been in their control after their blitz through the country in August. Actor Michael K. Williams, best known for his role on "The Wire," was found dead in his New York apartment; he was 54. (A medical examiner found that Williams had died of acute drug intoxication.) A lawyer for actor Jean-Paul Belmondo confirmed that the actor, star of the French New Wave film "Breathless," had died at 88.

Today's Birthdays: Comedian JoAnne Worley is 86. Country singer David Allan Coe is 83. Rock singer-musician Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) is 79. Actor Swoosie Kurtz is 78. Comedian-actor Jane Curtin is 75. Rock musician Mick Mashbir is 74. Country singer-songwriter Buddy Miller is 70. Actor James Martin Kelly is 68. Country musician Joe Smyth (Sawyer Brown) is 65. Actor-comedian Jeff Foxworthy is 64. Actor-comedian Michael Winslow is 64. Rock musician Perry Bamonte is 62. Actor Steven Eckholdt is 61. Rock musician Scott Travis (Judas Priest) is 61. Pop musician Pal Waaktaar (a-ha) is 61. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is 60. Television journalist Elizabeth Vargas is 60. Country singer Mark Chesnutt is 59. Actor Betsy Russell is 59. Actor Rosie Perez is 58. R&amp;B singer Macy Gray is 55. Country songwriter Lee Thomas Miller (Songs: "The Impossible" "You're Gonna Miss This") is 54. Singer CeCe Peniston is 53. Actor Daniele Gaither is 52. Actor Dylan Bruno is 50. Actor Idris Elba is 50. Actor Justina Machado is 50. Actor Anika Noni Rose is 50. Rock singer Nina Persson (The Cardigans) is 48. Actor Justin Whalin is 48. Actor Naomie Harris is 46. Rapper Noreaga is 45. Actor Natalia Cigliuti is 44. Rapper Foxy Brown is 44. Actor Howard Charles is 39. Actor/singer Deborah Joy Winans is 39. Actor Lauren Lapkus is 37. Rock singer Max George (The Wanted) is 34.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Tuesday, Sept. 6, the 249th day of 2022. There are 116 days left in the year.Today's Highlights in History:On Sept. 6, 1901, President William McKinley was shot and mortally wounded by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. (McKinley died eight days later; Czolgosz was executed on Oct. 29.)On this date:In 1909, American explorer Robert Peary sent a telegram from Indian Harbor, Labrador, announcing that he had reached the North Pole five months earlier.In 1943, 79 people were killed when a New York-bound Pennsylvania Railroad train derailed and crashed in Philadelphia.In 1949, Howard Unruh, a resident of Camden, New Jersey, shot and killed 13 of his neighbors. (Found to have paranoid schizophrenia, Unruh was confined for the rest of his life; he died in a Trenton nursing home in 2009 at age 88.)In 1972, the Summer Olympics resumed in Munich, West Germany, a day after the deadly hostage crisis that left eleven Israelis and five Arab abductors dead.In 1975, 18-year-old tennis star Martina Navratilova of Czechoslovakia, in New York for the U.S. Open, requested political asylum in the United States.In 1991, the Soviet Union recognized the independence of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.In 1997, a public funeral was held for Princess Diana at Westminster Abbey in London, six days after her death in a car crash in Paris. In Calcutta, India, weeping masses gathered to pay homage to Mother Teresa, who had died the day before at age 87.In 2001, in a dramatic shift, the Bush administration abandoned the Clinton-era effort to break up Microsoft.In 2002, meeting outside Washington, D.C. for only the second time since 1800, Congress convened in New York to pay homage to the victims and heroes of September 11.In 2006, President George W. Bush acknowledged for the first time that the CIA was running secret prisons overseas and said tough interrogation had forced terrorist leaders to reveal plots to attack the United States and its allies.In 2007, opera star Luciano Pavarotti died in Modena, Italy, at the age of 71.In 2018, the agent for actor Burt Reynolds confirmed that Reynolds, known for his roles in "Deliverance," "The Cannonball Run" and "Smokey and the Bandit," had died at the age of 82.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama conceded only halting progress toward solving the nation's economic woes, but vowed in a Democratic National Convention finale, "Our problems can be solved, our challenges can be met." Drew Peterson, the former Illinois police officer who gained notoriety after his much-younger wife, Stacy, vanished in 2007, was convicted of murdering a previous wife, Kathleen Savio. (Peterson was later sentenced to 38 years in prison.)Five years ago: Hurricane Irma, the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic, pounded Puerto Rico with heavy rain and powerful winds; authorities said more than 900,000 people were without power. A California parole panel recommended parole for Leslie Van Houten, who at 19 was the youngest of Charles Manson's murderous followers in 1969. (California Gov. Jerry Brown later blocked her release.) Pope Francis was welcomed by jubilant crowds along the road from the airport into Bogota, Colombia, where he encouraged Colombians to reconcile after five decades of armed rebellion. Two French companies among the world's biggest makers of luxury goods, including the owners of brands like Dior and Gucci, agreed to stop working with fashion models who were unhealthily thin.One year ago: Support programs for Americans still being hit hard financially by the pandemic expired, including one that provided jobless aid to self-employed and gig workers; the Biden administration's $300 weekly supplemental unemployment benefit also ended. The Taliban said they had seized the last Afghan province that hadn't been in their control after their blitz through the country in August. Actor Michael K. Williams, best known for his role on "The Wire," was found dead in his New York apartment; he was 54. (A medical examiner found that Williams had died of acute drug intoxication.) A lawyer for actor Jean-Paul Belmondo confirmed that the actor, star of the French New Wave film "Breathless," had died at 88.Today's Birthdays: Comedian JoAnne Worley is 86. Country singer David Allan Coe is 83. Rock singer-musician Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) is 79. Actor Swoosie Kurtz is 78. Comedian-actor Jane Curtin is 75. Rock musician Mick Mashbir is 74. Country singer-songwriter Buddy Miller is 70. Actor James Martin Kelly is 68. Country musician Joe Smyth (Sawyer Brown) is 65. Actor-comedian Jeff Foxworthy is 64. Actor-comedian Michael Winslow is 64. Rock musician Perry Bamonte is 62. Actor Steven Eckholdt is 61. Rock musician Scott Travis (Judas Priest) is 61. Pop musician Pal Waaktaar (a-ha) is 61. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is 60. Television journalist Elizabeth Vargas is 60. Country singer Mark Chesnutt is 59. Actor Betsy Russell is 59. Actor Rosie Perez is 58. R&amp;B singer Macy Gray is 55. Country songwriter Lee Thomas Miller (Songs: "The Impossible" "You're Gonna Miss This") is 54. Singer CeCe Peniston is 53. Actor Daniele Gaither is 52. Actor Dylan Bruno is 50. Actor Idris Elba is 50. Actor Justina Machado is 50. Actor Anika Noni Rose is 50. Rock singer Nina Persson (The Cardigans) is 48. Actor Justin Whalin is 48. Actor Naomie Harris is 46. Rapper Noreaga is 45. Actor Natalia Cigliuti is 44. Rapper Foxy Brown is 44. Actor Howard Charles is 39. Actor/singer Deborah Joy Winans is 39. Actor Lauren Lapkus is 37. Rock singer Max George (The Wanted) is 34.

Today in History - September 6

SEDGWICK COUNTY —After a week that saw three students taken into custody for allegedly having a gun at school and security staff at another school forced to use pepper spray to break up a disturbance in the cafeteria, USD 259 Superintendent Alicia Thompson responded with a statement on the district web site.

" You are likely aware of a rash of incidents relating to unacceptable behaviors in several of our high schools. Public attention has been drawn to fights and students gathering to video the incident, as well as incidents of students bringing a weapon to school. Thankfully there have been no threats with the weapons, and no injuries during the fights, but we take each of these incidents seriously. The actions of a small number of our students who cause commotion and fear in our schools is&nbsp;completely unacceptable, and it must stop.

The vast majority of our students come to school to learn, grow, make friends and explore opportunities for future careers. We commend our students who do the right thing, and when something doesn’t look or feel right, students should be reminded that if they “see something they should say something.”&nbsp;

Parents, regardless of the age of your child, please make sure they also know that disruptive behavior that threatens the learning environment of their school, and causes fear or disruption,&nbsp;will not be tolerated in our schools. While we know our community continues to deal with the stresses of social isolation and economic concerns, there is&nbsp;absolutely no tolerance for this behavior coming into our schools.

Additionally, at our September 12 Board of Education meeting, we will have an important presentation on WPS safety by Terri Moses, our division director of safety and environmental services. Ms. Moses will update the board on existing safety measures and share a new development that we will be excited to bring to our schools. More information will be shared after the meeting.

Overall, the school year has started out strong across our district. Students and teachers value the power of relationships and the supportive environment they find in our school communities.&nbsp; We will continue to do everything possible to earn your trust of and support for the Wichita Public Schools."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662415608710.png" alt="Dr. Alicia Thompson, Superintendent of USD 259-Wichita during the district board meeting August 22." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Alicia Thompson, Superintendent of USD 259-Wichita during the district board meeting August 22.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —After a week that saw three students taken into custody for allegedly having a gun at school and security staff at another school forced to use pepper spray to break up a disturbance in the cafeteria, USD 259 Superintendent Alicia Thompson responded with a statement on the district web site." You are likely aware of a rash of incidents relating to unacceptable behaviors in several of our high schools. Public attention has been drawn to fights and students gathering to video the incident, as well as incidents of students bringing a weapon to school. Thankfully there have been no threats with the weapons, and no injuries during the fights, but we take each of these incidents seriously. The actions of a small number of our students who cause commotion and fear in our schools is&nbsp;completely unacceptable, and it must stop.The vast majority of our students come to school to learn, grow, make friends and explore opportunities for future careers. We commend our students who do the right thing, and when something doesn’t look or feel right, students should be reminded that if they “see something they should say something.”&nbsp;Parents, regardless of the age of your child, please make sure they also know that disruptive behavior that threatens the learning environment of their school, and causes fear or disruption,&nbsp;will not be tolerated in our schools. While we know our community continues to deal with the stresses of social isolation and economic concerns, there is&nbsp;absolutely no tolerance for this behavior coming into our schools.Additionally, at our September 12 Board of Education meeting, we will have an important presentation on WPS safety by Terri Moses, our division director of safety and environmental services. Ms. Moses will update the board on existing safety measures and share a new development that we will be excited to bring to our schools. More information will be shared after the meeting.Overall, the school year has started out strong across our district. Students and teachers value the power of relationships and the supportive environment they find in our school communities.&nbsp; We will continue to do everything possible to earn your trust of and support for the Wichita Public Schools."On August 29, police took a student at West High School into custody for having a gun on campus. On August 30, police took a Wichita Heights student with a gun on campus into custody.&nbsp; On Sept. 1, a Wichita Police Department School Resource Officer was working at East High School when they were notified by school staff of a student that was possibly in possession of a firearm, according to Officer Trevor Macy.School staff searched a 16-year-old male student and found a handgun in his possession. The gun was seized, and the 16-year-old was booked into the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center for possession of a firearm by a juvenile and possession of a firearm on school grounds.On August 29, Security staff at Wichita Southeast High School were forced to use pepper spray during an incident in the cafeteria."There was an altercation at the school involving 7 or 8 students during lunch that caused a large crowd to gather," according to USD 259 media relations manager Susan Arensman."The school security officer used pepper spray in the area to disperse the crowd. No students were directly sprayed. No one was injured.""When situations get where we cannot get students to comply and the learning environment is deemed unsafe we may have to resort to these measures, School principal Ben Mitchell wrote in a note sent to parents and guardians.