SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has identified the man shot Tuesday afternoon in an officer-involved shooting as 21-year-old Blake P. Patterson, of Wichita.&nbsp;

Just after 2:30 p.m., deputies from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office initiated a car stop on a suspected stolen pickup truck near Andover. The driver, of the white truck, later identified as Patterson, fled, prompting a vehicle pursuit.

Preliminary information indicates the pursuit ended at 159th&nbsp;Street and Bordeulac Street, near the Butler and Sedgwick county line, when Patterson wrecked the truck.

 He exited and fled on foot into a residential neighborhood. Multiple deputies pursued him on foot. Patterson then got into a large, white, unoccupied moving truck and attempted to drive southbound. The deputies approached the truck and a deputy deployed a taser with limited effect.&nbsp;

Patterson continued driving south a short distance in the direction of a deputy who fired one round, striking him. The shot was fired just before 3 p.m.

The truck continued forward crashing into a garage, and coming to rest on the front porch of a house. Deputies began life-saving measures. EMS responded and transported Patterson to a Wichita hospital with critical injuries.&nbsp;Patterson remains hospitalized Wednesday afternoon in critical, but stable condition, according to the KBI.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694598739181.png" alt="Police at the scene of the officer-involved shooting-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the officer-involved shooting-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has identified the man shot Tuesday afternoon in an officer-involved shooting as 21-year-old Blake P. Patterson, of Wichita.&nbsp;Just after 2:30 p.m., deputies from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office initiated a car stop on a suspected stolen pickup truck near Andover. The driver, of the white truck, later identified as Patterson, fled, prompting a vehicle pursuit.Preliminary information indicates the pursuit ended at 159th&nbsp;Street and Bordeulac Street, near the Butler and Sedgwick county line, when Patterson wrecked the truck. He exited and fled on foot into a residential neighborhood. Multiple deputies pursued him on foot. Patterson then got into a large, white, unoccupied moving truck and attempted to drive southbound. The deputies approached the truck and a deputy deployed a taser with limited effect.&nbsp;Patterson continued driving south a short distance in the direction of a deputy who fired one round, striking him. The shot was fired just before 3 p.m.The truck continued forward crashing into a garage, and coming to rest on the front porch of a house. Deputies began life-saving measures. EMS responded and transported Patterson to a Wichita hospital with critical injuries.&nbsp;Patterson remains hospitalized Wednesday afternoon in critical, but stable condition, according to the KBI.No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

Suspect in Kansas officer-shooting remains hospitalized

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the alleged abuse death of a toddler in Southwest Kansas.

On September 6, police were dispatched to St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City to investigate&nbsp;the death of a one-year-old girl, according to a media release.

Officers identified the girl as 23-month-old Aramar Zubiate. During the initial investigation, Detectives&nbsp;noticed a significant injury to her head. 

An autopsy was performed in Kansas City, and showed a significant skull fracture and blunt force impact, indicating a likely homicide.

On September 8, Detectives located Aramar's mother identified as 19-year-old Rachael Zubiate and Rachel's live-in boyfriend, 21-year-old Andrew Phaengsy both of Dodge City, and arrested them for the alleged murder of Aramar. &nbsp;

A case was filed with the Ford County Attorney's office for requested charges of 1st-degree homicide and child abuse. Both parents were arraigned on Monday and are each being held on $250,000 bond. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694621530619.png" alt="Phaengsy-photo Ford Co." />
 <figcaption>Phaengsy-photo Ford Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the alleged abuse death of a toddler in Southwest Kansas.On September 6, police were dispatched to St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City to investigate&nbsp;the death of a one-year-old girl, according to a media release.Officers identified the girl as 23-month-old Aramar Zubiate. During the initial investigation, Detectives&nbsp;noticed a significant injury to her head. An autopsy was performed in Kansas City, and showed a significant skull fracture and blunt force impact, indicating a likely homicide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694621486185.png" alt="Zubiate-photo Ford Co." />
 <figcaption>Zubiate-photo Ford Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On September 8, Detectives located Aramar's mother identified as 19-year-old Rachael Zubiate and Rachel's live-in boyfriend, 21-year-old Andrew Phaengsy both of Dodge City, and arrested them for the alleged murder of Aramar. &nbsp;A case was filed with the Ford County Attorney's office for requested charges of 1st-degree homicide and child abuse. Both parents were arraigned on Monday and are each being held on $250,000 bond.

Mother, boyfriend accused in death of toddler in SW Kansas

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)&nbsp;has issued a high-risk warning for West Nile virus infections (WNV) for all regions of the state other than the southeast region, which is at a moderate risk level, according to a media release from the KDHE.

WNV is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes and can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Most WNV infections occur in the late summer and early fall. Twenty-two human cases of WNV have been reported to KDHE in 2023, including 17 neuroinvasive cases and three deaths. The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA)&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L25ld3MtZXZlbnRzL25ld3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvMjAyMy8wOC8yNS93ZXN0LW5pbGUtdmlydXMtY29uZmlybWVkLWluLWhvcnNlcy1pbi1rYW5zYXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxMy44MjUzODQ5MSJ9.rwJC-rEbM10B-Dn9IPdYWKOxjP1uyWSamyeU3XQu_68/s/1305913448/br/225806508847-l" target="_blank">has also reported seven equine cases of WNV</a>&nbsp;for 2023. Confirmed equine cases have been reported in Barber, Butler, Douglas, Ford and Pratt counties.

Most people infected with WNV will not feel sick, but about 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop neuroinvasive disease, which includes swelling of the brain and/or brain tissue and, in some cases, death. There are no vaccines or medications to prevent or treat WNV in humans. Treatment consists of supportive care.

Similarly, horses infected with WNV can have symptoms that range from depression, loss of appetite and fever to severe neurologic signs such as incoordination, weakness, inability to rise, and hypersensitivity to touch or sound. WNV can be fatal in horses but is preventable, with annual vaccinations that have proven highly effective. If you see symptoms of WNV in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately. WNV is not directly contagious from horse to horse or from horse to human.

“We’re right in the middle of our peak timeframe for WNV transmission here in Kansas, and with more widespread virus activity this year than in the previous several years, it’s important to take mosquito bite prevention measures to protect yourself, your family, and livestock against all mosquito-borne illnesses,” said&nbsp;Dr. Erin Petro, State Public Health Veterinarian.

KDHE recommends taking the following actions to prevent mosquito bites:

For more information about WNV and mosquito bite prevention, visit the KDHE WNV website and check the current regional WNV risk levels, which are updated each Friday from June through October.

For more information about animal diseases, including WNV, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L0FuaW1hbERpc2Vhc2VzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1Mzg0OTEifQ.wNQu0OH3Ong78ssYSKkjtzQDJAkBHQorCCc47CVRsJA/s/1305913448/br/225806508847-l" target="_blank">KDA Division of Animal Health website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694639188464.png" alt="KDHE map" />
 <figcaption>KDHE map</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)&nbsp;has issued a high-risk warning for West Nile virus infections (WNV) for all regions of the state other than the southeast region, which is at a moderate risk level, according to a media release from the KDHE.WNV is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes and can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Most WNV infections occur in the late summer and early fall. Twenty-two human cases of WNV have been reported to KDHE in 2023, including 17 neuroinvasive cases and three deaths. The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA)&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L25ld3MtZXZlbnRzL25ld3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvMjAyMy8wOC8yNS93ZXN0LW5pbGUtdmlydXMtY29uZmlybWVkLWluLWhvcnNlcy1pbi1rYW5zYXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDkxMy44MjUzODQ5MSJ9.rwJC-rEbM10B-Dn9IPdYWKOxjP1uyWSamyeU3XQu_68/s/1305913448/br/225806508847-l" target="_blank">has also reported seven equine cases of WNV</a>&nbsp;for 2023. Confirmed equine cases have been reported in Barber, Butler, Douglas, Ford and Pratt counties.Most people infected with WNV will not feel sick, but about 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop neuroinvasive disease, which includes swelling of the brain and/or brain tissue and, in some cases, death. There are no vaccines or medications to prevent or treat WNV in humans. Treatment consists of supportive care.Similarly, horses infected with WNV can have symptoms that range from depression, loss of appetite and fever to severe neurologic signs such as incoordination, weakness, inability to rise, and hypersensitivity to touch or sound. WNV can be fatal in horses but is preventable, with annual vaccinations that have proven highly effective. If you see symptoms of WNV in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately. WNV is not directly contagious from horse to horse or from horse to human.“We’re right in the middle of our peak timeframe for WNV transmission here in Kansas, and with more widespread virus activity this year than in the previous several years, it’s important to take mosquito bite prevention measures to protect yourself, your family, and livestock against all mosquito-borne illnesses,” said&nbsp;Dr. Erin Petro, State Public Health Veterinarian.KDHE recommends taking the following actions to prevent mosquito bites:<ul>
 <li>When enjoying the outdoors, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA-approved repellents, including picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. When used as directed, EPA-approved insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.</li><li>Individuals should cover their skin with clothing when outdoors, wearing long sleeves and pants when practical.</li><li>Mosquitoes bite during the day and night, but some species are more active at dusk and dawn. Limit outdoor activities during these peak mosquito activity times.</li><li>Use screens on windows and doors—repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.</li><li>Eliminate sources of standing water, which are important breeding sites for mosquitoes—empty standing water from tarps, old tires, buckets and other places where rainwater collects. Refresh water for bird baths, pet bowls, and wading pools at least every three days and consider using larvicide in low-lying areas where water cannot be removed.</li><li>Talk with a veterinarian about vaccinations to protect horses against WNV.</li>
 </ul>For more information about WNV and mosquito bite prevention, visit the KDHE WNV website and check the current regional WNV risk levels, which are updated each Friday from June through October.For more information about animal diseases, including WNV, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L0FuaW1hbERpc2Vhc2VzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1Mzg0OTEifQ.wNQu0OH3Ong78ssYSKkjtzQDJAkBHQorCCc47CVRsJA/s/1305913448/br/225806508847-l" target="_blank">KDA Division of Animal Health website</a>.

KDHE: High risk of West Nile virus activity in 5 regions of Kansas 

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

WASHINGTON — The development of artificial intelligence presents far-reaching challenges for virtually every aspect of modern society, including campaigns, national security and journalism, members of a U.S. Senate panel said at a Tuesday hearing.

Technology experts invited to testify at a hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee said Congress should pursue comprehensive standards for companies developing and deploying AI to ensure consumers are protected.

AI has the potential to help with a host of tasks, subcommittee Chair John Hickenlooper said, but could also be misused by bad actors.

“AI is a transformative technology that has both benefits and risks,” the Colorado Democrat said. “Congress will play a role in setting reasonable rules of the road to inform and protect consumers.”

Victoria Espinel, the CEO of the industry group BSA | The Software Alliance, told the panel that using “impact assessments” to identify the biggest risks from AI and how to mitigate them would be vital to gaining consumer trust. Congress should legislate a requirement to continuously assess the risks from AI, she said.

“Consumers need to have confidence that if AI is being used in a way that will have an impact on their rights, or have significant consequences for their life, that that AI is being vetted and that it is being continuously monitored,” Espinel said. “Having a strong national law from the United States I think is very important in terms of protecting consumers and our economy.”

The hearing touched on myriad challenges related to the technology.

Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar said she was concerned about AI “deep fakes” being used in campaign advertising. Political operatives could use AI to impersonate opposing candidates, she said.

Klobuchar introduced a bill Tuesday with Republicans Josh Hawley of Missouri and Susan Collins of Maine and Delaware Democrat Chris Coons to address fraudulent AI-generated campaign content, she said.

Using watermarks to authenticate ads and labeling AI-generated content could help, Klobuchar said.

Other senators and witnesses said they also favored disclosure of AI use in contexts beyond campaign ads. Consumers messaging chatbots, for example, should be told that they are interacting with an AI device instead of a human, they said.

Kansas Republican Jerry Moran asked Rob Strayer, the executive vice president of policy at the industry group Information Technology Industry Council, about the risks to national security if the United States falls behind China or other adversarial countries in developing AI.

“We really need to have a strong discussion with the private sector about how you can do the minimal amount of damage to future (research and development) and revenues for U.S.-based companies while ensuring that none of these tools end up in the hands of adversaries who are going to use those for military purposes,” Gregory said.

Washington Democrat Maria Cantwell said she was concerned about the impact AI could have on journalists.

Sam Gregory, the executive director of the human rights organization WITNESS, told Cantwell journalists might lack the “digital literacy” to identify AI-generated fraud, which could lead to spreading misinformation.

The hearing and a simultaneous meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee were among the first steps Congress is taking to address AI, which is perhaps the dominant policy focus in Congress this week.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is hosting a closed-door forum Wednesday for senators to discuss the issue with leading industry and advocacy groups. Participants are expected to include leaders of Google, Microsoft, Meta, X and labor groups.

Earlier Tuesday, the White House said the Biden administration has extracted voluntary commitments from eight leading AI companies on how they would proceed with developing the technology.

The companies, Adobe, Cohere, IBM, Nvidia, Palantir, Salesforce, Scale AI, and Stability, agreed to test their AI systems before deploying them, sharing best practices, investing in cybersecurity and researching societal risks, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/12/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-secures-voluntary-commitments-from-eight-additional-artificial-intelligence-companies-to-manage-the-risks-posed-by-ai/">a White House fact sheet</a>.

The House Oversight Committee will also hold a hearing on the issue Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694620541099.png" alt="Image from the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee during the hearing on Tuesday" />
 <figcaption>Image from the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee during the hearing on Tuesday</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACOB FISCHLER,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The development of artificial intelligence presents far-reaching challenges for virtually every aspect of modern society, including campaigns, national security and journalism, members of a U.S. Senate panel said at a Tuesday hearing.(click below to watch the hearing)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zgczHh5qA7k?si=0wQkBmJ9bz5TUuaU&amp;start=779" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Technology experts invited to testify at a hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee said Congress should pursue comprehensive standards for companies developing and deploying AI to ensure consumers are protected.AI has the potential to help with a host of tasks, subcommittee Chair John Hickenlooper said, but could also be misused by bad actors.“AI is a transformative technology that has both benefits and risks,” the Colorado Democrat said. “Congress will play a role in setting reasonable rules of the road to inform and protect consumers.”Victoria Espinel, the CEO of the industry group BSA | The Software Alliance, told the panel that using “impact assessments” to identify the biggest risks from AI and how to mitigate them would be vital to gaining consumer trust. Congress should legislate a requirement to continuously assess the risks from AI, she said.“Consumers need to have confidence that if AI is being used in a way that will have an impact on their rights, or have significant consequences for their life, that that AI is being vetted and that it is being continuously monitored,” Espinel said. “Having a strong national law from the United States I think is very important in terms of protecting consumers and our economy.”<h2>Worries about ‘deep fakes’</h2>The hearing touched on myriad challenges related to the technology.Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar said she was concerned about AI “deep fakes” being used in campaign advertising. Political operatives could use AI to impersonate opposing candidates, she said.Klobuchar introduced a bill Tuesday with Republicans Josh Hawley of Missouri and Susan Collins of Maine and Delaware Democrat Chris Coons to address fraudulent AI-generated campaign content, she said.Using watermarks to authenticate ads and labeling AI-generated content could help, Klobuchar said.Other senators and witnesses said they also favored disclosure of AI use in contexts beyond campaign ads. Consumers messaging chatbots, for example, should be told that they are interacting with an AI device instead of a human, they said.Kansas Republican Jerry Moran asked Rob Strayer, the executive vice president of policy at the industry group Information Technology Industry Council, about the risks to national security if the United States falls behind China or other adversarial countries in developing AI.“We really need to have a strong discussion with the private sector about how you can do the minimal amount of damage to future (research and development) and revenues for U.S.-based companies while ensuring that none of these tools end up in the hands of adversaries who are going to use those for military purposes,” Gregory said.Washington Democrat Maria Cantwell said she was concerned about the impact AI could have on journalists.Sam Gregory, the executive director of the human rights organization WITNESS, told Cantwell journalists might lack the “digital literacy” to identify AI-generated fraud, which could lead to spreading misinformation.<h2>Recent focus on AI</h2>The hearing and a simultaneous meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee were among the first steps Congress is taking to address AI, which is perhaps the dominant policy focus in Congress this week.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is hosting a closed-door forum Wednesday for senators to discuss the issue with leading industry and advocacy groups. Participants are expected to include leaders of Google, Microsoft, Meta, X and labor groups.Earlier Tuesday, the White House said the Biden administration has extracted voluntary commitments from eight leading AI companies on how they would proceed with developing the technology.The companies, Adobe, Cohere, IBM, Nvidia, Palantir, Salesforce, Scale AI, and Stability, agreed to test their AI systems before deploying them, sharing best practices, investing in cybersecurity and researching societal risks, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/12/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-secures-voluntary-commitments-from-eight-additional-artificial-intelligence-companies-to-manage-the-risks-posed-by-ai/">a White House fact sheet</a>.The House Oversight Committee will also hold a hearing on the issue Thursday.

🎥Congress starts trying to figure out how to set AI ‘rules of the road’

RENO COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex trafficking.

On Monday, deputies in Reno County responded to a residence in regards to a runaway from the state of New York, according to a media release from the Reno County Sheriff.

During the investigation of how the runaway arrived in Reno County, it was discovered the 20-year-old suspect, David Gingerich of Ohio, went to the juvenile's residence and took her back to Ohio then to the residence in the 3600 Block of South Herren Road.

 Once the runaway was removed from the residence, she reported being sexually assaulted by Gingerich.&nbsp; Deputies arrested Gingerich on requested charges of Aggravated Sex Trafficking, Rape, and Aggravated Criminal Sodomy. 

His bond has been set at $350,000. He made his first appearance Wednesday morning and is awaiting formal charges to be filed by the Reno County District Attorney's Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694622729130.png" alt="Gingerich-photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Gingerich-photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex trafficking.On Monday, deputies in Reno County responded to a residence in regards to a runaway from the state of New York, according to a media release from the Reno County Sheriff.During the investigation of how the runaway arrived in Reno County, it was discovered the 20-year-old suspect, David Gingerich of Ohio, went to the juvenile's residence and took her back to Ohio then to the residence in the 3600 Block of South Herren Road. Once the runaway was removed from the residence, she reported being sexually assaulted by Gingerich.&nbsp; Deputies arrested Gingerich on requested charges of Aggravated Sex Trafficking, Rape, and Aggravated Criminal Sodomy. His bond has been set at $350,000. He made his first appearance Wednesday morning and is awaiting formal charges to be filed by the Reno County District Attorney's Office.

Ohio man arrested in Kansas for alleged human trafficking, rape

TOYKO —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is in Japan this week to recruit more businesses and create more jobs for Kansans, according to her social media account.

"The $17.4 billion in private investments we've seen since I took office would not be possible without Japanese companies like Panasonic and Kubota." she wrote.

In 2022, Kansas persuaded Japanese firm Panasonic to build a $4 billion vehicle battery manufacturing plant in De Soto. The facility will employ 4,000 workers with an average hourly wage of $30 and create an estimated 4,000 more jobs for suppliers and businesses in the region.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694515193283.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOYKO —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is in Japan this week to recruit more businesses and create more jobs for Kansans, according to her social media account.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I enjoyed visiting with Panasonic leaders and other businesses in Kyoto and Osaka yesterday. We&#39;re showing companies around the world why Kansas is the best state in country to do business. <a href="https://t.co/2l1h7stAI4">pic.twitter.com/2l1h7stAI4</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1701965592033391067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"The $17.4 billion in private investments we've seen since I took office would not be possible without Japanese companies like Panasonic and Kubota." she wrote.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yesterday, I visited <a href="https://twitter.com/Marubeni_Corp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Marubeni_Corp</a> in Tokyo. Their over $35 million investment in Creekstone Farms significantly improved the Arkansas City facility. In 2020, Creekstone Farms won our Exporter of the Year Award thanks to savvy global trade and outstanding leadership.&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1701687624958902643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In 2022, Kansas persuaded Japanese firm Panasonic to build a $4 billion vehicle battery manufacturing plant in De Soto. The facility will employ 4,000 workers with an average hourly wage of $30 and create an estimated 4,000 more jobs for suppliers and businesses in the region.

Governor in Japan this week to recruit more business to Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating the fatal shooting in May of 39-year-old Brandon M. Drew of Topeka have made an arrest.

On Tuesday, police arrested 32-year-old Sydney Slaughter of Kansas City, Kansas, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.

Slaughter was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and is being held on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree.

Just after 2 p.m. May 15, police responded to a shooting in the 3500 block of SW Kerry Avenue in Topeka.&nbsp;First responders found Drew with a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital to be treated for the injuries. He died later that day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684231727746.png" alt="Police crime tape at the scene of the shooting in vestigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police crime tape at the scene of the shooting in vestigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating the fatal shooting in May of 39-year-old Brandon M. Drew of Topeka have made an arrest.On Tuesday, police arrested 32-year-old Sydney Slaughter of Kansas City, Kansas, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694569725107.png" alt="Slaughter-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Slaughter-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Slaughter was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and is being held on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree.Just after 2 p.m. May 15, police responded to a shooting in the 3500 block of SW Kerry Avenue in Topeka.&nbsp;First responders found Drew with a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital to be treated for the injuries. He died later that day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After almost 4 months police capture Kansas murder suspect

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">launching an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden</a>, yielding to mounting pressure from former President Donald Trump and his allies in what's shaping up as an election-year clash between Congress and the White House.

In a statement Tuesday, McCarthy said the House investigations into the Biden family this year have uncovered a “culture of corruption” that demands deeper review.

"These are allegations of abuse of power, obstruction and corruption," McCarthy said.

McCarthy said he will direct the chairmen of the House Judiciary, Oversight and Ways and Means committees to lead the impeachment inquiry. The panels have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-whistleblowers-oversight-joe-biden-1db3aadcdf7f544c16df681a25853827">working together</a>&nbsp;for months on various probes related to the Biden family and have yet to directly connect the president to any of it.

The White House called the effort “extreme politics at its worst.”

“House Republicans have been investigating the President for 9 months, and they’ve turned up no evidence of wrongdoing," Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson said in a statement. “His own Republican members have said so.”

Here's a look at what happens next as House Republicans inch closer to possible impeachment charges against Biden:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXZQAPTyn1s">An impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;is an investigation of possible wrongdoing by a federal official, such as the president of the United States, Cabinet officials or judges. The process is written into the Constitution and is the most powerful check that Congress has on the executive branch.

While the House of Representatives wields the power to impeach a federal official, only the Senate has the ability to convict and remove an individual from office.

To date, no president has ever been forced from the White House through impeachment. But former Republican President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 as the House was preparing to take a vote on impeachment articles against him.

WHY ARE REPUBLICANS PURSUING IT AGAINST BIDEN?

Since gaining the House majority in January, House Republicans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-inflation-donald-trump-business-9af868065b776b21f81fa73e7bafb97d">aggressively investigated Biden and his son</a>, claiming without evidence that they engaged in an influence-peddling scheme. The allegations echo those that former President Donald Trump has made for years against Biden and his family.

Republicans have focused&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-fbi-congress-christopher-wray-comer-0492df31356ddb171dfeee2e4c324bdb">much attention on an unverified tip to the FBI</a>&nbsp;that alleged a bribery scheme involving Biden when he was vice president. The bribery claim, which emerged in 2019 and was part of Trump's first impeachment, relates to the allegation that Biden pressured Ukraine to fire its top prosecutor in order to stop an investigation into Burisma, the oil-and-gas company where Hunter Biden was on the board.

Democrats have reiterated that the Justice Department investigated the Burisma claim when Trump was president and closed the matter after eight months, finding “insufficient evidence” to pursue it further. Other countries were also pushing for the firing of the Ukrainian official, viewing him as corrupt. And a former business partner of Hunter Biden's has testified to Congress that the bribery allegation is untrue.

Nonetheless, three House committees have been pursuing lines of inquiry related to the president and his son, including the ways that Hunter used the “Biden brand” to advance his business with foreign clients. They've also delved deeply into the Justice Department investigation into the younger Biden,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-justice-department-irs-congress-d242a84d4d6d8e90db68febab168fef7">citing whistleblower testimony</a>, to suggest that Hunter has received special treatment.

And while Republicans have sought to directly connect Hunter Biden's financial affairs to his father, they have failed to produce evidence that the president directly participated in his son's work, though he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-4b706443a04e0c40a80c65e24d7d69dc">sometimes had dinner with Hunter Biden's clients or said hello</a>&nbsp;to them on calls.

DOES THIS MEAN THAT BIDEN WILL BE IMPEACHED?

Not necessarily. While all inquiries opened in recent history have resulted in the impeachment of a president, Republicans have been treading carefully around the term and its potential political implications.

To impeach Biden, the House would have to approve at least one impeachment charge against him, which requires a majority vote. An impeachment inquiry can also be closed without charges being brought.

McCarthy has said an impeachment inquiry is necessary to ensure Congress can use the full weight of its oversight authority to pursue its investigation of the Biden family.

“Everyone should understand, impeachment is not the goal,” Rep. Darrell Issa, a senior Republican on House Judiciary Committee, one of the panel's tasked with investigating Biden, told reporters recently. “Impeachment is a way of saying this is not a legislative oversight, but in fact an oversight of possible wrongdoing.”

Regardless, the inquiry will loom over Biden as the probe potentially drags into next year when the president, who is running for reelection, confronts a Republican field led by Trump, who was impeached twice.

House Republicans — led by Rep. James Comer, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee — have obtained thousands of pages of financial records from various members of the Biden family and their associates through subpoenas to the Treasury Department and various financial institutions.

Comer has repeatedly claimed — without substantial evidence — that there is enough in those documents to draw a clear line between Hunter Biden trading on his father's name and policy decisions Biden made while vice president. No such connection has been proven.

Comer also joined forces in June with the Republican chairmen of the Judiciary, and Ways and Means committees to launch a larger investigation into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-plea-deal-congress-republicans-investigation-ad80b195c8c0f48241740881cf9b9bce">yearslong Justice Department probe of Hunter Biden</a>. The FBI and IRS have been investigating Hunter Biden for years and the case appeared headed toward a plea deal this summer until a judge rejected the terms of that agreement.

The breakdown happened after two IRS agents claimed in congressional testimony that the Justice Department improperly interfered in the case, which was first opened in 2018.

Attorney General Merrick Garland last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-investigation-justice-garland-ad1034e274570d65032f8e4f47c0c8f6">appointed</a>&nbsp;the prosecutor investigating Hunter Biden as a special counsel, likely extending the investigation further.

McCarthy said he's asked Comer to take the lead on the impeachment inquiry, working alongside House Judiciary chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo.

While McCarthy had previously said the House would hold a vote to launch the inquiry, he made no such promise on Tuesday.

The Constitution does not require a vote to start an impeachment inquiry, and neither do the rules governing the House. But authorizing resolutions have been passed in previous presidential impeachments.

It's not clear McCarthy would have enough votes in the House to approve an impeachment resolution. Some House Republicans are opposed to launching an inquiry, saying there is insufficient evidence against the president.

Once an impeachment inquiry is complete, the House has traditionally tasked the Judiciary Committee — the panel authorized to introduce articles of impeachment — to hold hearings and draft impeachment charges.

There are no rules to how long an impeachment inquiry can or must last. The probe into Biden could last as short as a few months or as long as a year, depending on what McCarthy and Republican leadership believe is the right time to conclude or move to articles of impeachment.

The only real deadline would be the end of this Congress, which is Jan. 2, 2025.

WHAT HAPPENS IF REPUBLICANS DO DECIDE TO IMPEACH?

If Republicans decide there is enough evidence of wrongdoing and abuse of power by Biden to move forward, the Judiciary Committee would likely mark up the articles of impeachment. If those articles are voted out of committee by a simple majority, it would come to the House floor where a majority vote would be required to impeach Biden.

Only three other presidents have been impeached: Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton and Trump, who was impeached twice.

The impeachment charges would then move to the Senate, where Democratic leaders would likely have no choice but to hold a trial.

The trial is similar to what's seen in the legal system, with the senators acting as jurors and select House members acting as prosecutors, or impeachment managers. The chief justice of the Supreme Court presides over that process. If the Senate approves an article of impeachment with a two-thirds vote of “guilty,” the president is convicted and removed from office. If all the articles are rejected, the president is acquitted.

If Biden were convicted by the Senate, he would be the first president to ever be removed from office. But such an outcome seems far-fetched, given that Democrats have a 52-48 majority.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">launching an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden</a>, yielding to mounting pressure from former President Donald Trump and his allies in what's shaping up as an election-year clash between Congress and the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Biden Crime Family has demonstrated a long history of corruption. We know when there&#39;s smoke, there&#39;s fire. The American people deserve to know if the president is compromised, &amp; I look forward to a full investigation and its findings in the House.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1701714766387880383?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a statement Tuesday, McCarthy said the House investigations into the Biden family this year have uncovered a “culture of corruption” that demands deeper review."These are allegations of abuse of power, obstruction and corruption," McCarthy said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am directing our House committees to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Over the past several months, House Republicans have uncovered serious and credible allegations into President Biden’s conduct—a culture of corruption. <a href="https://t.co/3uoDlUB3Sy">https://t.co/3uoDlUB3Sy</a>&mdash; Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerMcCarthy/status/1701616470793547969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>McCarthy said he will direct the chairmen of the House Judiciary, Oversight and Ways and Means committees to lead the impeachment inquiry. The panels have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-whistleblowers-oversight-joe-biden-1db3aadcdf7f544c16df681a25853827">working together</a>&nbsp;for months on various probes related to the Biden family and have yet to directly connect the president to any of it.The White House called the effort “extreme politics at its worst.”“House Republicans have been investigating the President for 9 months, and they’ve turned up no evidence of wrongdoing," Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson said in a statement. “His own Republican members have said so.”Here's a look at what happens next as House Republicans inch closer to possible impeachment charges against Biden:WHAT IS AN IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY?<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXZQAPTyn1s">An impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;is an investigation of possible wrongdoing by a federal official, such as the president of the United States, Cabinet officials or judges. The process is written into the Constitution and is the most powerful check that Congress has on the executive branch.While the House of Representatives wields the power to impeach a federal official, only the Senate has the ability to convict and remove an individual from office.To date, no president has ever been forced from the White House through impeachment. But former Republican President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 as the House was preparing to take a vote on impeachment articles against him.WHY ARE REPUBLICANS PURSUING IT AGAINST BIDEN?Since gaining the House majority in January, House Republicans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-inflation-donald-trump-business-9af868065b776b21f81fa73e7bafb97d">aggressively investigated Biden and his son</a>, claiming without evidence that they engaged in an influence-peddling scheme. The allegations echo those that former President Donald Trump has made for years against Biden and his family.Republicans have focused&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-fbi-congress-christopher-wray-comer-0492df31356ddb171dfeee2e4c324bdb">much attention on an unverified tip to the FBI</a>&nbsp;that alleged a bribery scheme involving Biden when he was vice president. The bribery claim, which emerged in 2019 and was part of Trump's first impeachment, relates to the allegation that Biden pressured Ukraine to fire its top prosecutor in order to stop an investigation into Burisma, the oil-and-gas company where Hunter Biden was on the board.Democrats have reiterated that the Justice Department investigated the Burisma claim when Trump was president and closed the matter after eight months, finding “insufficient evidence” to pursue it further. Other countries were also pushing for the firing of the Ukrainian official, viewing him as corrupt. And a former business partner of Hunter Biden's has testified to Congress that the bribery allegation is untrue.Nonetheless, three House committees have been pursuing lines of inquiry related to the president and his son, including the ways that Hunter used the “Biden brand” to advance his business with foreign clients. They've also delved deeply into the Justice Department investigation into the younger Biden,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-justice-department-irs-congress-d242a84d4d6d8e90db68febab168fef7">citing whistleblower testimony</a>, to suggest that Hunter has received special treatment.And while Republicans have sought to directly connect Hunter Biden's financial affairs to his father, they have failed to produce evidence that the president directly participated in his son's work, though he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-4b706443a04e0c40a80c65e24d7d69dc">sometimes had dinner with Hunter Biden's clients or said hello</a>&nbsp;to them on calls.DOES THIS MEAN THAT BIDEN WILL BE IMPEACHED?Not necessarily. While all inquiries opened in recent history have resulted in the impeachment of a president, Republicans have been treading carefully around the term and its potential political implications.To impeach Biden, the House would have to approve at least one impeachment charge against him, which requires a majority vote. An impeachment inquiry can also be closed without charges being brought.McCarthy has said an impeachment inquiry is necessary to ensure Congress can use the full weight of its oversight authority to pursue its investigation of the Biden family.“Everyone should understand, impeachment is not the goal,” Rep. Darrell Issa, a senior Republican on House Judiciary Committee, one of the panel's tasked with investigating Biden, told reporters recently. “Impeachment is a way of saying this is not a legislative oversight, but in fact an oversight of possible wrongdoing.”Regardless, the inquiry will loom over Biden as the probe potentially drags into next year when the president, who is running for reelection, confronts a Republican field led by Trump, who was impeached twice.WHAT EVIDENCE DO THEY HAVE?House Republicans — led by Rep. James Comer, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee — have obtained thousands of pages of financial records from various members of the Biden family and their associates through subpoenas to the Treasury Department and various financial institutions.Comer has repeatedly claimed — without substantial evidence — that there is enough in those documents to draw a clear line between Hunter Biden trading on his father's name and policy decisions Biden made while vice president. No such connection has been proven.Comer also joined forces in June with the Republican chairmen of the Judiciary, and Ways and Means committees to launch a larger investigation into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-plea-deal-congress-republicans-investigation-ad80b195c8c0f48241740881cf9b9bce">yearslong Justice Department probe of Hunter Biden</a>. The FBI and IRS have been investigating Hunter Biden for years and the case appeared headed toward a plea deal this summer until a judge rejected the terms of that agreement.The breakdown happened after two IRS agents claimed in congressional testimony that the Justice Department improperly interfered in the case, which was first opened in 2018.Attorney General Merrick Garland last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-investigation-justice-garland-ad1034e274570d65032f8e4f47c0c8f6">appointed</a>&nbsp;the prosecutor investigating Hunter Biden as a special counsel, likely extending the investigation further.HOW WILL THE IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY WORK?McCarthy said he's asked Comer to take the lead on the impeachment inquiry, working alongside House Judiciary chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo.While McCarthy had previously said the House would hold a vote to launch the inquiry, he made no such promise on Tuesday.The Constitution does not require a vote to start an impeachment inquiry, and neither do the rules governing the House. But authorizing resolutions have been passed in previous presidential impeachments.It's not clear McCarthy would have enough votes in the House to approve an impeachment resolution. Some House Republicans are opposed to launching an inquiry, saying there is insufficient evidence against the president.Once an impeachment inquiry is complete, the House has traditionally tasked the Judiciary Committee — the panel authorized to introduce articles of impeachment — to hold hearings and draft impeachment charges.HOW LONG WILL THE INQUIRY TAKE?There are no rules to how long an impeachment inquiry can or must last. The probe into Biden could last as short as a few months or as long as a year, depending on what McCarthy and Republican leadership believe is the right time to conclude or move to articles of impeachment.The only real deadline would be the end of this Congress, which is Jan. 2, 2025.WHAT HAPPENS IF REPUBLICANS DO DECIDE TO IMPEACH?If Republicans decide there is enough evidence of wrongdoing and abuse of power by Biden to move forward, the Judiciary Committee would likely mark up the articles of impeachment. If those articles are voted out of committee by a simple majority, it would come to the House floor where a majority vote would be required to impeach Biden.Only three other presidents have been impeached: Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton and Trump, who was impeached twice.The impeachment charges would then move to the Senate, where Democratic leaders would likely have no choice but to hold a trial.The trial is similar to what's seen in the legal system, with the senators acting as jurors and select House members acting as prosecutors, or impeachment managers. The chief justice of the Supreme Court presides over that process. If the Senate approves an article of impeachment with a two-thirds vote of “guilty,” the president is convicted and removed from office. If all the articles are rejected, the president is acquitted.If Biden were convicted by the Senate, he would be the first president to ever be removed from office. But such an outcome seems far-fetched, given that Democrats have a 52-48 majority.

🎥Kan. Senator supports impeachment inquiry of President Biden

JEFFERSON COUNTY—A Kansas man jailed for an alleged violent attack on his father is facing additional charges.

According to Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig, 59-year-old Michael J. West died Monday evening from injuries in a weekend attack.

Just after 8:30a.m. September 9, deputies responded to 6956 Shawnee Lane, Lake Ridge Estates in Ozawkie, according to a media release. The victim reported that he had been hit by a blunt object several times.

First responders found&nbsp; West with life-threatening injuries. EMS transported him to&nbsp;Stormont Vail Hospital&nbsp;in Topeka where he died.

Investigators later found the suspect identified as 30-year-old Michael T. West, the victim's son, in Leavenworth. 

Deputies arrested and booked him into the Jefferson County Jail on requested charges of attempted murder in the first degree. He his being held without bond, according to online jail records.

Sheriff Herrg, the murder weapon was not a golf club as some have speculated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694482143536.png" alt="West-photo Jefferson Co." />
 <figcaption>West-photo Jefferson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON COUNTY—A Kansas man jailed for an alleged violent attack on his father is facing additional charges.According to Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig, 59-year-old Michael J. West died Monday evening from injuries in a weekend attack.Just after 8:30a.m. September 9, deputies responded to 6956 Shawnee Lane, Lake Ridge Estates in Ozawkie, according to a media release. The victim reported that he had been hit by a blunt object several times.First responders found&nbsp; West with life-threatening injuries. EMS transported him to&nbsp;Stormont Vail Hospital&nbsp;in Topeka where he died.Investigators later found the suspect identified as 30-year-old Michael T. West, the victim's son, in Leavenworth. Deputies arrested and booked him into the Jefferson County Jail on requested charges of attempted murder in the first degree. He his being held without bond, according to online jail records.Sheriff Herrg, the murder weapon was not a golf club as some have speculated.

Kansas man now faces murder charge for attack on his father

PAWHUSKA, Okla. (AP) — The defense attorney for the BTK serial killer insisted Tuesday that his client was not involved in the 1976 disappearance of an Oklahoma teenager, even as the dispute between the sheriff and prosecutor over the investigation intensified.

Defense attorney Rob Ridenour said in a statement disputing Dennis Rader's involvement in Cynthia Kinney's disappearance that his client has already confessed to his crimes. He said Rader was already interviewed by the sheriff’s department about Kinney, a cheerleader from the northern Oklahoma city of Pawhuska, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/btk-serial-killer-investigation-bf9b2d69bdd3e696d7567608c1964593">was last seen at a laundromat.</a>

Rader, now 78, killed from 1974 to 1991,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5128807ebf924161b11fa833d1bdcf74">giving himself the nickname BTK</a>&nbsp;— for “bind, torture and kill.” He played a cat and mouse game with investigators and reporters for decades before he was caught in 2005. He is serving 10 life terms in the neighboring state of Kansas, one for each of the victims he confessed to killing.

Ridenour released the statement one day after Osage County, Oklahoma, District Attorney Mike Fisher raised questions about how Sheriff Eddie Virden was handling the investigation.

Osage County sheriff’s officials, including Undersheriff Gary Upton, have recently called Rader a “prime suspect” in Kinney’s disappearance and the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/47002f904b246b385b7342d42cf8b1e4">22-year-old Shawna Beth Garber</a>, whose body was discovered in December 1990 in McDonald County, Missouri.

In August, the sheriff’s office also released information from Rader’s journal entry in which he used the phrase “PJ-Bad Wash Day.” The entry&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ocso.net/dennis-rader-btk-journal-entry-pj-bad-wash-day/">said</a>&nbsp;laundry mats were a “good place to watch victims and dream.”

A bank was installing new alarms across the street from the laundromat where Kinney was last seen, Virden has said. Rader was a regional installer for security system company ADT at the time, but Virden wasn’t able to confirm that Rader installed the bank’s systems.

But Fisher said he hadn’t seen anything “that at this point arises to the level of even reasonable suspicion” and called his relationship with the sheriff “broken.” He added that he asked the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to open a formal investigation into Kinney’s disappearance because of the public interest in the revived cold case.

Virden said at a news conference Tuesday that he was “absolutely furious,” following up on a news release Monday in which his office accused Fisher of attempting to “derail the investigation” by contacting the prison where Rader was held in an attempt to halt further interviews.

The sheriff's office said a task force has been created to help with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692794360261.png" alt="Rader is being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility" />
 <figcaption>Rader is being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWHUSKA, Okla. (AP) — The defense attorney for the BTK serial killer insisted Tuesday that his client was not involved in the 1976 disappearance of an Oklahoma teenager, even as the dispute between the sheriff and prosecutor over the investigation intensified.Defense attorney Rob Ridenour said in a statement disputing Dennis Rader's involvement in Cynthia Kinney's disappearance that his client has already confessed to his crimes. He said Rader was already interviewed by the sheriff’s department about Kinney, a cheerleader from the northern Oklahoma city of Pawhuska, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/btk-serial-killer-investigation-bf9b2d69bdd3e696d7567608c1964593">was last seen at a laundromat.</a>Rader, now 78, killed from 1974 to 1991,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5128807ebf924161b11fa833d1bdcf74">giving himself the nickname BTK</a>&nbsp;— for “bind, torture and kill.” He played a cat and mouse game with investigators and reporters for decades before he was caught in 2005. He is serving 10 life terms in the neighboring state of Kansas, one for each of the victims he confessed to killing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694464353867.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ridenour released the statement one day after Osage County, Oklahoma, District Attorney Mike Fisher raised questions about how Sheriff Eddie Virden was handling the investigation.Osage County sheriff’s officials, including Undersheriff Gary Upton, have recently called Rader a “prime suspect” in Kinney’s disappearance and the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/47002f904b246b385b7342d42cf8b1e4">22-year-old Shawna Beth Garber</a>, whose body was discovered in December 1990 in McDonald County, Missouri.In August, the sheriff’s office also released information from Rader’s journal entry in which he used the phrase “PJ-Bad Wash Day.” The entry&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ocso.net/dennis-rader-btk-journal-entry-pj-bad-wash-day/">said</a>&nbsp;laundry mats were a “good place to watch victims and dream.”A bank was installing new alarms across the street from the laundromat where Kinney was last seen, Virden has said. Rader was a regional installer for security system company ADT at the time, but Virden wasn’t able to confirm that Rader installed the bank’s systems.But Fisher said he hadn’t seen anything “that at this point arises to the level of even reasonable suspicion” and called his relationship with the sheriff “broken.” He added that he asked the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to open a formal investigation into Kinney’s disappearance because of the public interest in the revived cold case.Virden said at a news conference Tuesday that he was “absolutely furious,” following up on a news release Monday in which his office accused Fisher of attempting to “derail the investigation” by contacting the prison where Rader was held in an attempt to halt further interviews.The sheriff's office said a task force has been created to help with the investigation.

Defense attorney: Kan. serial killer isn't involved in teen's disappearance

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) —Kelly C. Broniec, chief judge of the Eastern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals in St. Louis, was named Tuesday to the Missouri Supreme Court.

Republican Gov. Mike Parson announced the choice during a news conference in Jefferson City. Broniec will replace the retiring George W. Draper III, who was appointed by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon in 2011. Parson appointed Broniec to the state appeals court in 2020.

“Her experience and perspective ensures that she will be a balanced and fair judge,” Parson said. “And we are confident that her appointment will help reshape and strengthen the Missouri Supreme Court and our judicial system as a whole.”

Broniec pledged that she "will not be attempting to make laws. I will interpret them and apply them to the facts in each case in determining if there were prejudicial legal errors made in the cases that come before us."

Parson will have another opportunity to shape the court soon — Judge Patricia Breckenridge is retiring effective Oct. 13. Breckenridge was appointed by Republican Gov. Matt Blunt in 2007. Both Draper and Breckenridge this year reached the court's mandatory retirement age of 70.

Once Parson appoints the replacement for Breckenridge, he will have named three of the seven members of the state's High Court. He also appointed Judge Robin Ransom in 2021.

The governor's appointment power is far more limited than the president's power to name someone to the U.S. Supreme Court. In Missouri, a seven-member commission nominates three candidates to fill state Supreme Court vacancies.

The commission is chaired by the state Supreme Court's chief justice, Mary Rhodes Russell, appointed by a Democrat. The commission also includes three lawyers elected by members of the Missouri Bar, and three appointees selected by the governor.

Michael Wolff, a former Missouri Supreme Court chief justice and a dean emeritus at the St. Louis University School of Law, said Broniec is well-regarded and isn’t an “idealogue.”

Wolfe said the Missouri system is set up to take the politics out of the process, and he believes it works well.

“The good thing about the Missouri plan is first of all, it’s not a wide-open choice,” Wolff said. “The governor has to take one of these three or else the commission will make the appointment.”

Once considered a swing state a decade ago, Missouri now has a supermajority of Republicans in the both houses of the General Assembly. Every statewide officeholder is a Republican.

Broniec, 52, lives in the small eastern Missouri town of Montgomery City. She has a bachelor's degree from William Woods University and a law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. She served as Montgomery County's prosecutor from 1999 to 2006.

Other finalists from the commission's list were Ginger K. Gooch, an appeals court judge in Springfield; and Michael E. Gardner, an appeals court judge in St. Louis.

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) —Kelly C. Broniec, chief judge of the Eastern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals in St. Louis, was named Tuesday to the Missouri Supreme Court.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovMikeParson%2Fvideos%2F703177711631416%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=288" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Republican Gov. Mike Parson announced the choice during a news conference in Jefferson City. Broniec will replace the retiring George W. Draper III, who was appointed by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon in 2011. Parson appointed Broniec to the state appeals court in 2020.“Her experience and perspective ensures that she will be a balanced and fair judge,” Parson said. “And we are confident that her appointment will help reshape and strengthen the Missouri Supreme Court and our judicial system as a whole.”Broniec pledged that she "will not be attempting to make laws. I will interpret them and apply them to the facts in each case in determining if there were prejudicial legal errors made in the cases that come before us."Parson will have another opportunity to shape the court soon — Judge Patricia Breckenridge is retiring effective Oct. 13. Breckenridge was appointed by Republican Gov. Matt Blunt in 2007. Both Draper and Breckenridge this year reached the court's mandatory retirement age of 70.Once Parson appoints the replacement for Breckenridge, he will have named three of the seven members of the state's High Court. He also appointed Judge Robin Ransom in 2021.The governor's appointment power is far more limited than the president's power to name someone to the U.S. Supreme Court. In Missouri, a seven-member commission nominates three candidates to fill state Supreme Court vacancies.The commission is chaired by the state Supreme Court's chief justice, Mary Rhodes Russell, appointed by a Democrat. The commission also includes three lawyers elected by members of the Missouri Bar, and three appointees selected by the governor.Michael Wolff, a former Missouri Supreme Court chief justice and a dean emeritus at the St. Louis University School of Law, said Broniec is well-regarded and isn’t an “idealogue.”Wolfe said the Missouri system is set up to take the politics out of the process, and he believes it works well.“The good thing about the Missouri plan is first of all, it’s not a wide-open choice,” Wolff said. “The governor has to take one of these three or else the commission will make the appointment.”Once considered a swing state a decade ago, Missouri now has a supermajority of Republicans in the both houses of the General Assembly. Every statewide officeholder is a Republican.Broniec, 52, lives in the small eastern Missouri town of Montgomery City. She has a bachelor's degree from William Woods University and a law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. She served as Montgomery County's prosecutor from 1999 to 2006.Other finalists from the commission's list were Ginger K. Gooch, an appeals court judge in Springfield; and Michael E. Gardner, an appeals court judge in St. Louis.

🎥Former prosecutor selected to fill Missouri Supreme Court vacancy

TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly sent a letter to President Joe Biden through the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting a major federal disaster declaration for the state due to damages sustained in multiple Kansas counties by several rounds of severe weather, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Emergency Management.

From June 27 through August 8, Kansas was hit with multiple severe thunderstorms that included strong damaging winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, large hail, and tornadoes.&nbsp;

“Over that two-month period, many Kansas counties experienced some sort of severe weather,” Governor Kelly said. “The damages inflicted by these storms have severely affected the safety and livelihoods of Kansans across the state. I have ordered the adjutant general to activate the disaster response and recovery portions of the Kansas Response Plan and to use all available resources of the state to cope with the disaster, as necessary.”&nbsp;

The governor is seeking public assistance for the following counties to repair vital infrastructure: Allen, Barber, Barton, Chautauqua, Cheyenne, Clark, Comanche, Cowley, Edwards, Finney, Ford, Franklin, Graham, Gray, Greely, Jefferson, Jewell, Johnson, Kearney, Marshall, McPherson, Meade, Mitchell, Nemaha, Norton, Osborne, Pawnee, Phillips, Rawlins, Republic, Rice, Rush, Russell, Seward, Sherman, Stafford, Sumner, Thomas, Wallace, Washington, Wichita, Woodson, and Wyandotte.&nbsp;

Governor Kelly said the total federal expenditure is expected to meet or exceed $18,687,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683887984526.png" alt="The tornado damaged USD 242 Weskan, Kansas- Photo courtesy Wallace County Sheriff Marshall Unruh" />
 <figcaption>The tornado damaged USD 242 Weskan, Kansas- Photo courtesy Wallace County Sheriff Marshall Unruh</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly sent a letter to President Joe Biden through the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting a major federal disaster declaration for the state due to damages sustained in multiple Kansas counties by several rounds of severe weather, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Emergency Management.From June 27 through August 8, Kansas was hit with multiple severe thunderstorms that included strong damaging winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, large hail, and tornadoes.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694600149654.png" alt="The tornado damaged USD 242 Weskan, Kansas -Photo courtesy Wallace County Sheriff Marshall Unruh" />
 <figcaption>The tornado damaged USD 242 Weskan, Kansas -Photo courtesy Wallace County Sheriff Marshall Unruh</figcaption>
 </figure>“Over that two-month period, many Kansas counties experienced some sort of severe weather,” Governor Kelly said. “The damages inflicted by these storms have severely affected the safety and livelihoods of Kansans across the state. I have ordered the adjutant general to activate the disaster response and recovery portions of the Kansas Response Plan and to use all available resources of the state to cope with the disaster, as necessary.”&nbsp;The governor is seeking public assistance for the following counties to repair vital infrastructure: Allen, Barber, Barton, Chautauqua, Cheyenne, Clark, Comanche, Cowley, Edwards, Finney, Ford, Franklin, Graham, Gray, Greely, Jefferson, Jewell, Johnson, Kearney, Marshall, McPherson, Meade, Mitchell, Nemaha, Norton, Osborne, Pawnee, Phillips, Rawlins, Republic, Rice, Rush, Russell, Seward, Sherman, Stafford, Sumner, Thomas, Wallace, Washington, Wichita, Woodson, and Wyandotte.&nbsp;Governor Kelly said the total federal expenditure is expected to meet or exceed $18,687,000.

Gov. requests $18M in federal aid for Kansas due to severe weather 

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon involving a deputy from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

Just after 2:30 p.m., deputies from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office initiated a car stop on a suspected stolen pickup truck near Andover. The driver of the white truck fled, prompting a vehicle pursuit.

Preliminary information indicates the pursuit ended at 159th&nbsp;Street and Bordeulac Street, near the Butler and Sedgwick county line, when the 21-year-old male driver wrecked the truck.

 He exited and fled on foot into a residential neighborhood. Multiple deputies pursued him on foot. The man then got into a large, white, unoccupied moving truck and attempted to drive southbound. The deputies approached the truck and a deputy deployed a taser with limited effect. He continued driving south a short distance in the direction of a deputy who fired one round, striking the subject. The shot was fired just before 3 p.m.

The truck continued forward crashing into a garage, and coming to rest on the front porch of a house. Deputies began life-saving measures. EMS responded and transported the man to a Wichita hospital with critical injuries. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this incident. Once the investigation concludes, the findings will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694598739181.png" alt="Scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon involving a deputy from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.Just after 2:30 p.m., deputies from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office initiated a car stop on a suspected stolen pickup truck near Andover. The driver of the white truck fled, prompting a vehicle pursuit.Preliminary information indicates the pursuit ended at 159th&nbsp;Street and Bordeulac Street, near the Butler and Sedgwick county line, when the 21-year-old male driver wrecked the truck. He exited and fled on foot into a residential neighborhood. Multiple deputies pursued him on foot. The man then got into a large, white, unoccupied moving truck and attempted to drive southbound. The deputies approached the truck and a deputy deployed a taser with limited effect. He continued driving south a short distance in the direction of a deputy who fired one round, striking the subject. The shot was fired just before 3 p.m.The truck continued forward crashing into a garage, and coming to rest on the front porch of a house. Deputies began life-saving measures. EMS responded and transported the man to a Wichita hospital with critical injuries. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this incident. Once the investigation concludes, the findings will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for review.

KBI: Police chase ends in Kansas officer shooting 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Dariyland building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds is a place where Kansans can learn about where their milk comes from. Dairy farming is a growing part of animal agriculture in Kansas.&nbsp;

Kari Hamilton works as a mobile classroom instructor for Southwest Dairy Farm. She presents live cow milking demonstrations every day at the fair.&nbsp;

"It is so very important to let everyone know how good milk is for you and how well the animals are taken care of," said Hamilton. "Dairy cows are very happy, healthy animals and I just like to spread the awareness about how important milk is for us."

On Tuesday morning, Hamilton did a live milking demonstration of a Jersey dairy cow named Hazel Grace Blossom. She used a milking claw. The claw works by suctioning the milk out of a cow's udder.&nbsp;

Hamilton said Jersey cows are milked twice in the morning and evening, and can produce 6 gallons of milk per day.&nbsp;

She also talked to the crowd about why milk is an essential part of a daily diet, and the features of a dairy cow. Milk from Jersey cows is best used for butter, cheese and ice cream.

"When you are getting those 3-4 servings of dairy you are giving yourself healthy blood pressure," Hamilton said to the audience. "It's good for our body in so many ways, so remember to get those 3-4 or more servings of dairy every day."&nbsp;

More information about dairy cattle and Southwest Dairy Farmers is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.southwestdairyfarmers.com/">southwestdairyfarmers.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694596882304.jpeg" alt="Kari Hamilton teaches about cow milking on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at the Kansas State Fair-Photo by Emmie Boese" />
 <figcaption>Kari Hamilton teaches about cow milking on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at the Kansas State Fair-Photo by Emmie Boese</figcaption>
 </figure>EMMIE BOESEHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Dariyland building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds is a place where Kansans can learn about where their milk comes from. Dairy farming is a growing part of animal agriculture in Kansas.&nbsp;Kari Hamilton works as a mobile classroom instructor for Southwest Dairy Farm. She presents live cow milking demonstrations every day at the fair.&nbsp;"It is so very important to let everyone know how good milk is for you and how well the animals are taken care of," said Hamilton. "Dairy cows are very happy, healthy animals and I just like to spread the awareness about how important milk is for us."On Tuesday morning, Hamilton did a live milking demonstration of a Jersey dairy cow named Hazel Grace Blossom. She used a milking claw. The claw works by suctioning the milk out of a cow's udder.&nbsp;Hamilton said Jersey cows are milked twice in the morning and evening, and can produce 6 gallons of milk per day.&nbsp;She also talked to the crowd about why milk is an essential part of a daily diet, and the features of a dairy cow. Milk from Jersey cows is best used for butter, cheese and ice cream."When you are getting those 3-4 servings of dairy you are giving yourself healthy blood pressure," Hamilton said to the audience. "It's good for our body in so many ways, so remember to get those 3-4 or more servings of dairy every day."&nbsp;More information about dairy cattle and Southwest Dairy Farmers is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.southwestdairyfarmers.com/">southwestdairyfarmers.com</a>.

State Fair: Milking parlor teaches about growing Kansas industry

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a shooting that critically injured a man.

Just before 8p.m. September 9th, 2023, at approximately 7:48pm, Montgomery County Dispatch received a 911 call of a subject who had been shot 210 E. Bell Street in rural Wayside, Kansas thirteen miles southwest of Independence on US 75 highway, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

 Dispatch received information that the suspect had left the scene. 

 Independence City Fire and EMS along with Havana Rural Fire were also dispatched.  Upon Montgomery County Deputies arrival, they located a man later Identified as Nathaniel Rush of Caney, Kansas who had critical injuries and needed immediate medial attention. 

 Deputies started assisting with Rush’s injuries until Paramedics arrived on scene and took over.  Rush was life flighted to an area hospital to be treated for his injuries. 

 Detectives, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and MGSO crime scene unit began processing the scene.  Deputies along with the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were tasked to search for the suspect. 

 Later KHP located the suspect vehicle at a residence in Independence, Kansas. Troopers and sheriff's deputies located the suspect later identified as 53-year-old Robert Darrow of Wayside, Kansas and took him into custody. 

Darrow is being held on requested charges of second degree attempted murder.&nbsp; Rush remained hospitalized Tuesday but is improving, according to Wade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694541148406.png" alt="Darrow-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Darrow-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a shooting that critically injured a man.Just before 8p.m. September 9th, 2023, at approximately 7:48pm, Montgomery County Dispatch received a 911 call of a subject who had been shot 210 E. Bell Street in rural Wayside, Kansas thirteen miles southwest of Independence on US 75 highway, according to Sheriff Ron Wade. Dispatch received information that the suspect had left the scene. Independence City Fire and EMS along with Havana Rural Fire were also dispatched. Upon Montgomery County Deputies arrival, they located a man later Identified as Nathaniel Rush of Caney, Kansas who had critical injuries and needed immediate medial attention. Deputies started assisting with Rush’s injuries until Paramedics arrived on scene and took over. Rush was life flighted to an area hospital to be treated for his injuries. Detectives, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and MGSO crime scene unit began processing the scene. Deputies along with the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were tasked to search for the suspect. Later KHP located the suspect vehicle at a residence in Independence, Kansas. Troopers and sheriff's deputies located the suspect later identified as 53-year-old Robert Darrow of Wayside, Kansas and took him into custody. Darrow is being held on requested charges of second degree attempted murder.&nbsp; Rush remained hospitalized Tuesday but is improving, according to Wade.

Deputies, KHP track down Kansas shooting suspect

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 9 p.m. Sept. 9, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S.75 Highway, near Carbondale for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.

The driver of the vehicle, Mickey J. R. Mullican, 19, of Topeka, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of cocaine, Minor in possession of alcohol andFail to appear arrest warrant

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694395720208.png" alt="Mullican-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Mullican-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 9 p.m. Sept. 9, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S.75 Highway, near Carbondale for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.The driver of the vehicle, Mickey J. R. Mullican, 19, of Topeka, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of cocaine, Minor in possession of alcohol andFail to appear arrest warrant

Sheriff: Kansas teen was driving with alcohol and cocaine

OTOE COUNTY —The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a crash that involved a school bus on Tuesday morning on Highway 2 east of Palmyra, according to a media release from the patrol. Several students were injured in the crash.

At approximately 7:35 a.m. Tuesday, the patrol received a report of a crash involving a school bus approximately one mile east of Palmyra. Troopers, Otoe County Sheriff’s Deputies, and rescue crews from Palmyra, Douglas, Syracuse, and Nebraska City all responded.

Upon arrival, several students were found with mostly minor injuries. All nine students aboard the bus were transported to Bryan Health Center West Campus with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. 

The students were all between ages 5 and 14. Parents were reunited with their kids at the hospital. Both drivers involved were also transported with non-life-threatening injuries.

Preliminary investigation shows that the bus was westbound on Highway 2 when it was slowing to turn onto a driveway. A westbound Ford F-150 then failed to slow down and rear-ended the bus causing it to roll onto its side.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694549876083.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH TV</figcaption>
 </figure>OTOE COUNTY —The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a crash that involved a school bus on Tuesday morning on Highway 2 east of Palmyra, according to a media release from the patrol. Several students were injured in the crash.At approximately 7:35 a.m. Tuesday, the patrol received a report of a crash involving a school bus approximately one mile east of Palmyra. Troopers, Otoe County Sheriff’s Deputies, and rescue crews from Palmyra, Douglas, Syracuse, and Nebraska City all responded.Upon arrival, several students were found with mostly minor injuries. All nine students aboard the bus were transported to Bryan Health Center West Campus with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. The students were all between ages 5 and 14. Parents were reunited with their kids at the hospital. Both drivers involved were also transported with non-life-threatening injuries.Preliminary investigation shows that the bus was westbound on Highway 2 when it was slowing to turn onto a driveway. A westbound Ford F-150 then failed to slow down and rear-ended the bus causing it to roll onto its side.&nbsp;

Students injured after pickup, Nebraska school bus crash 

BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident and asking the public for help to identify the victim.

Just after 9p.m. Monday, Butler County emergency crews responded to the report of a vehicle vs pedestrian accident on U.S. 54&nbsp;between SW Indianola Road and SW Tawakoni Road east of Andover, according to Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff.

&nbsp;The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigation of the crash scene indicates that a westbound 2015 Honda According struck the pedestrian who was walking in the outside westbound lane of traffic of U.S. 54 

&nbsp;Driver impairment is not believed to be a factor but it will take time for test results for the pedestrian. 

The Sheriff’s Office has been unable to identify the pedestrian. He is described as a white or hispanic male believed to be in his twenties, with short black hair, a short beard, numerous tattoos and was dressed in black jeans and a gray tank top. 

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office is asking for anyone who may have seen this person, or may have any information as to his identity, to please contact our office at 316-322-4254.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694546710445.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the fatal pedestrian accident-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the fatal pedestrian accident-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident and asking the public for help to identify the victim.Just after 9p.m. Monday, Butler County emergency crews responded to the report of a vehicle vs pedestrian accident on U.S. 54&nbsp;between SW Indianola Road and SW Tawakoni Road east of Andover, according to Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff.&nbsp;The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.Investigation of the crash scene indicates that a westbound 2015 Honda According struck the pedestrian who was walking in the outside westbound lane of traffic of U.S. 54 &nbsp;Driver impairment is not believed to be a factor but it will take time for test results for the pedestrian. The Sheriff’s Office has been unable to identify the pedestrian. He is described as a white or hispanic male believed to be in his twenties, with short black hair, a short beard, numerous tattoos and was dressed in black jeans and a gray tank top. The Butler County Sheriff’s Office is asking for anyone who may have seen this person, or may have any information as to his identity, to please contact our office at 316-322-4254.