HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas is glad to see prices at the pump start to give some relief to drivers.

"For drivers, we're in a good trend," Steward said. "In terms of gas prices, we've seen them fall over the past couple of weeks after a couple of months of headed upward, which certainly got people's attention, because we had some pretty big jumps there. Right now, we're at $3.60 a gallon on average in Kansas and that's down six cents from a week ago."

Kansas currently has the 13th&nbsp;lowest average gas price in the nation.&nbsp;

"Crude oil prices, we are at about $79 per barrel," Steward said. "A couple weeks ago, we were in the $83 per barrel range. That reduction in crude oil prices has, it looks like, started to show up at the gas pumps in terms of a little bit lower prices."

Though the remnants of Harold are still breaking up in Texas, there hasn't been a reason for the weather to stop oil refining yet this season.

"Thus far, we haven't seen any tropical impact to the refineries on the Gulf Coast, fortunately," Steward said.

Between the potential for a demand bump with Labor Day and the Atlantic hurricane season still active, it's not clear whether this week's drop can be sustained in the near term.

NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas is glad to see prices at the pump start to give some relief to drivers."For drivers, we're in a good trend," Steward said. "In terms of gas prices, we've seen them fall over the past couple of weeks after a couple of months of headed upward, which certainly got people's attention, because we had some pretty big jumps there. Right now, we're at $3.60 a gallon on average in Kansas and that's down six cents from a week ago."Kansas currently has the 13th&nbsp;lowest average gas price in the nation.&nbsp;"Crude oil prices, we are at about $79 per barrel," Steward said. "A couple weeks ago, we were in the $83 per barrel range. That reduction in crude oil prices has, it looks like, started to show up at the gas pumps in terms of a little bit lower prices."Though the remnants of Harold are still breaking up in Texas, there hasn't been a reason for the weather to stop oil refining yet this season."Thus far, we haven't seen any tropical impact to the refineries on the Gulf Coast, fortunately," Steward said.Between the potential for a demand bump with Labor Day and the Atlantic hurricane season still active, it's not clear whether this week's drop can be sustained in the near term.

AAA: Gas prices in Kansas headed down

MOSCOW (AP) —Mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-war-russia-nuclear-647a545db4e4628676ff7db5b1bded34">brief armed rebellion</a>&nbsp;against the Russian military earlier this year, was aboard a plane that crashed north of Moscow on Wednesday, killing all 10 people on board, according to Russia’s civil aviation agency.

The crash immediately raised suspicions since the fate of the founder of the Wagner private military company has been the subject of intense speculation ever since he mounted the mutiny.

At the time, President Vladimir Putin denounced the rebellion as “treason” and a “stab in the back” and vowed to avenge it. But the charges against Prigozhin were soon dropped, and the Wagner chief was allowed to retreat to Belarus, while reportedly popping back in Russia from time to time.

The crash also comes after Russian media reported that a top general linked to Prigozhin was dismissed from his position as commander of the air force.

A plane carrying three pilots and seven passengers that was en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg went down more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of the capital, according to officials cited by Russia’s state news agency Tass.

Russia’s civilian aviation regulator, Rosaviatsia, quickly reported that he was on the manifest and later said that, according to airline, he was indeed on board.

Earlier, Vladimir Rogov, a Russia-appointed official in the partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine, said he talked to Wagner commanders who also confirmed that Prigozhin was aboard. Prigozhin's top associate, Dmitry Utkin, whose call sign Wagner became the company’s name, was as well, according to Rogov.

“We have seen the reports. If confirmed, no one should be surprised,” said U.S. National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement.

Keir Giles, a Russia expert with the international affairs think-tank Chatham House, had urged caution about reports of Prigozhin’s death. He said “multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeniy Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels.”

“Let’s not be surprised if he pops up shortly in a new video from Africa,” Giles said.

Flight tracking data reviewed by The Associated Press showed a private jet that Prigozhin had used previously took off from Moscow on Wednesday evening and its transponder signal disappeared minutes later.

The signal stopped suddenly while the plane was at altitude and traveling at speed. In an image posted by a pro-Wagner social media account showing burning wreckage, a partial tail number matching a jet previously used by Prigozhin could be seen.

Videos shared by the pro-Wagner Telegram channel Grey Zone showed a plane dropping like a stone from a large cloud of smoke, twisting widely as it falls. Such freefalls can occur when an aircraft sustains severe damage, and a frame-by-frame analysis by The AP of two videos were consistent with some sort of explosion mid-flight. The images appeared to show the plane is missing a wing.

Russia’s Investigative Committee opened an investigation into the crash on charges of violating air safety rules, as is typical when they open such probes.

Even if confirmed, Prigozhin’s death is unlikely to have an effect on Russia's war in Ukraine, where his forces fought some of the fiercest battles over the last 18 months.

His troops pulled back from front-line action after capturing Bakhmut, a city in the eastern Donetsk region, in late May. Bakhmut had been the subject of arguably the bloodiest battles in the entire war, with the Russian forces struggling to seize it for months.

After the rebellion, Russian officials said his fighters would only be able to return to Ukraine as part of the regular army.

This week, Prigozhin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wagner-russian-mercenaries-prigozhin-africa-c6292738226d03a141d01122adb6fd4b">posted his first recruitment video since the mutiny</a>, saying that Wagner is conducting reconnaissance and search activities, and “making Russia even greater on all continents, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wagner-russia-coup-niger-military-force-e0e1108b58a9e955af465a3efe6605c0">Africa</a>&nbsp;even more free.”

Also this week, Russian media reported, citing anonymous sources, that Gen. Sergei Surovikin was dismissed from his position of the commander of Russia's air force. Surovikin, who at one point led Russia's operation in Ukraine, hasn't been seen in public since the mutiny, when he recorded a video address urging Prigozhin's forces to pull back.

As news of the crash was breaking, Putin spoke at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russia's war in Ukraine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="Image from a video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sept. of 2022&nbsp; via AP" />
 <figcaption>Image from a video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sept. of 2022&nbsp; via AP</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) —Mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-war-russia-nuclear-647a545db4e4628676ff7db5b1bded34">brief armed rebellion</a>&nbsp;against the Russian military earlier this year, was aboard a plane that crashed north of Moscow on Wednesday, killing all 10 people on board, according to Russia’s civil aviation agency.The crash immediately raised suspicions since the fate of the founder of the Wagner private military company has been the subject of intense speculation ever since he mounted the mutiny.At the time, President Vladimir Putin denounced the rebellion as “treason” and a “stab in the back” and vowed to avenge it. But the charges against Prigozhin were soon dropped, and the Wagner chief was allowed to retreat to Belarus, while reportedly popping back in Russia from time to time.The crash also comes after Russian media reported that a top general linked to Prigozhin was dismissed from his position as commander of the air force.A plane carrying three pilots and seven passengers that was en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg went down more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of the capital, according to officials cited by Russia’s state news agency Tass.Russia’s civilian aviation regulator, Rosaviatsia, quickly reported that he was on the manifest and later said that, according to airline, he was indeed on board.Earlier, Vladimir Rogov, a Russia-appointed official in the partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine, said he talked to Wagner commanders who also confirmed that Prigozhin was aboard. Prigozhin's top associate, Dmitry Utkin, whose call sign Wagner became the company’s name, was as well, according to Rogov.“We have seen the reports. If confirmed, no one should be surprised,” said U.S. National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement.Keir Giles, a Russia expert with the international affairs think-tank Chatham House, had urged caution about reports of Prigozhin’s death. He said “multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeniy Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels.”“Let’s not be surprised if he pops up shortly in a new video from Africa,” Giles said.Flight tracking data reviewed by The Associated Press showed a private jet that Prigozhin had used previously took off from Moscow on Wednesday evening and its transponder signal disappeared minutes later.The signal stopped suddenly while the plane was at altitude and traveling at speed. In an image posted by a pro-Wagner social media account showing burning wreckage, a partial tail number matching a jet previously used by Prigozhin could be seen.Videos shared by the pro-Wagner Telegram channel Grey Zone showed a plane dropping like a stone from a large cloud of smoke, twisting widely as it falls. Such freefalls can occur when an aircraft sustains severe damage, and a frame-by-frame analysis by The AP of two videos were consistent with some sort of explosion mid-flight. The images appeared to show the plane is missing a wing.Russia’s Investigative Committee opened an investigation into the crash on charges of violating air safety rules, as is typical when they open such probes.Even if confirmed, Prigozhin’s death is unlikely to have an effect on Russia's war in Ukraine, where his forces fought some of the fiercest battles over the last 18 months.His troops pulled back from front-line action after capturing Bakhmut, a city in the eastern Donetsk region, in late May. Bakhmut had been the subject of arguably the bloodiest battles in the entire war, with the Russian forces struggling to seize it for months.After the rebellion, Russian officials said his fighters would only be able to return to Ukraine as part of the regular army.This week, Prigozhin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wagner-russian-mercenaries-prigozhin-africa-c6292738226d03a141d01122adb6fd4b">posted his first recruitment video since the mutiny</a>, saying that Wagner is conducting reconnaissance and search activities, and “making Russia even greater on all continents, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wagner-russia-coup-niger-military-force-e0e1108b58a9e955af465a3efe6605c0">Africa</a>&nbsp;even more free.”Also this week, Russian media reported, citing anonymous sources, that Gen. Sergei Surovikin was dismissed from his position of the commander of Russia's air force. Surovikin, who at one point led Russia's operation in Ukraine, hasn't been seen in public since the mutiny, when he recorded a video address urging Prigozhin's forces to pull back.As news of the crash was breaking, Putin spoke at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russia's war in Ukraine.

Report: Putin foe who staged mutiny dies in plane crash

By&nbsp;CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/woman-who-shouted-shame-following-critical-gun-bill-passage-is-banned-from-nebraska-capitol/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — A $5.2 million gift to Creighton University, from a family whose name is known also for growing ConAgra Foods, will create a new scholarship fund to help meet a critical need for Nebraska nursing leaders.

The Harper Family Foundation gift was described as historic based on its size, being one of the largest gifts made to the College of Nursing.

The scholarship program will pay for the bulk of tuition costs for 30 nursing students, from their arrival on Creighton’s campus to graduation day.

“Creighton nurses are leaders who advance quickly at the hospitals and clinics where they practice,” said Catherine Todero, dean of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://degrees.creighton.edu/nursing?program=ABSN&amp;&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=CTN_G01001_Grad_ABSN_OM&amp;utm_content=Nursing&amp;utm_term=creighton+school+of+nursing&amp;cq_cmp=CTN_G01001_Grad_ABSN_OM&amp;gad=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwloynBhBbEiwAGY25dEKuKw-DI0S1LT38dWVFwUFUY2F5La_T4zLTjZk8BNYfW89UB34IXhoC8YAQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">College of Nursing</a>. “And now, the Harper Scholars program will help us attract top talent and form even more innovative leaders.”

The scholarship namesakes are the late Charles “Mike” Harper and his wife, Joan “Josie” Bruggema Harper, who moved their family to Omaha in the 1970s when he became the CEO of Conagra. Josie was a nurse.

Creighton is recruiting now for the first cohort of Harper Scholars to begin in the 2024 fall semester.

The scholarship program comes as the nursing college moves to Creighton’s new $75 million CL and Rachel&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://alumni.creighton.edu/news-events/news/werner-center-groundbreaking-ceremony-2021">Werner Center</a>&nbsp;for Health Sciences Education, which is set to open next month. There, nursing students are to join medical, physical therapy, pharmacy and other health disciplines in a collaborative learning environment.

University officials said nurses can’t arrive fast enough.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/new-report-sets-off-alarm-about-nurse-shortage-and-patient-care-in-nebraska/">By 2025,</a>&nbsp;they noted, Nebraska faces an estimated shortage of nearly 5,500 nurses.&nbsp;

The Harper gift will help fund a leadership program led by faculty, a senior trip at the Institute for Latin American Concern in the Dominican Republic, and a research and travel fund. The funds also create a program director position to oversee programming and clinical and research placement.

The Harpers have long supported the city of Omaha and Creighton, a news release said. The family established a freshman leadership scholarship and a scholarship that paid tribute to a former Creighton president, the Rev. Timothy Lannon.&nbsp;

The Harpers endowed professorships, and are the namesakes of the Mike and Josie Harper Center at the Creighton&nbsp; campus.

Betsy and Chris Murphy, Harper Family Foundation trustees who also are the Harpers’ daughter and son-in-law, said they wanted the foundation’s next project to be significant and impactful. “Because one of the guiding principles of Mike Harper was a focus on ‘the cannonball.’ Not a lot of little things but one&nbsp;big&nbsp;thing that can make a difference to the mission of the organization,” said Chris Murphy.

“Our hope is that for nursing students around the country, this scholarship will be&nbsp;the&nbsp;scholarship to go for,” Murphy said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692804853640.png" alt="Nursing students at Creighton University (Courtesy of Creighton University)" />
 <figcaption>Nursing students at Creighton University (Courtesy of Creighton University)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/woman-who-shouted-shame-following-critical-gun-bill-passage-is-banned-from-nebraska-capitol/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — A $5.2 million gift to Creighton University, from a family whose name is known also for growing ConAgra Foods, will create a new scholarship fund to help meet a critical need for Nebraska nursing leaders.The Harper Family Foundation gift was described as historic based on its size, being one of the largest gifts made to the College of Nursing.The scholarship program will pay for the bulk of tuition costs for 30 nursing students, from their arrival on Creighton’s campus to graduation day.“Creighton nurses are leaders who advance quickly at the hospitals and clinics where they practice,” said Catherine Todero, dean of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://degrees.creighton.edu/nursing?program=ABSN&amp;&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=CTN_G01001_Grad_ABSN_OM&amp;utm_content=Nursing&amp;utm_term=creighton+school+of+nursing&amp;cq_cmp=CTN_G01001_Grad_ABSN_OM&amp;gad=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwloynBhBbEiwAGY25dEKuKw-DI0S1LT38dWVFwUFUY2F5La_T4zLTjZk8BNYfW89UB34IXhoC8YAQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">College of Nursing</a>. “And now, the Harper Scholars program will help us attract top talent and form even more innovative leaders.”The scholarship namesakes are the late Charles “Mike” Harper and his wife, Joan “Josie” Bruggema Harper, who moved their family to Omaha in the 1970s when he became the CEO of Conagra. Josie was a nurse.Creighton is recruiting now for the first cohort of Harper Scholars to begin in the 2024 fall semester.The scholarship program comes as the nursing college moves to Creighton’s new $75 million CL and Rachel&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://alumni.creighton.edu/news-events/news/werner-center-groundbreaking-ceremony-2021">Werner Center</a>&nbsp;for Health Sciences Education, which is set to open next month. There, nursing students are to join medical, physical therapy, pharmacy and other health disciplines in a collaborative learning environment.University officials said nurses can’t arrive fast enough.&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/new-report-sets-off-alarm-about-nurse-shortage-and-patient-care-in-nebraska/">By 2025,</a>&nbsp;they noted, Nebraska faces an estimated shortage of nearly 5,500 nurses.&nbsp;The Harper gift will help fund a leadership program led by faculty, a senior trip at the Institute for Latin American Concern in the Dominican Republic, and a research and travel fund. The funds also create a program director position to oversee programming and clinical and research placement.The Harpers have long supported the city of Omaha and Creighton, a news release said. The family established a freshman leadership scholarship and a scholarship that paid tribute to a former Creighton president, the Rev. Timothy Lannon.&nbsp;The Harpers endowed professorships, and are the namesakes of the Mike and Josie Harper Center at the Creighton&nbsp; campus.Betsy and Chris Murphy, Harper Family Foundation trustees who also are the Harpers’ daughter and son-in-law, said they wanted the foundation’s next project to be significant and impactful. “Because one of the guiding principles of Mike Harper was a focus on ‘the cannonball.’ Not a lot of little things but one&nbsp;big&nbsp;thing that can make a difference to the mission of the organization,” said Chris Murphy.“Our hope is that for nursing students around the country, this scholarship will be&nbsp;the&nbsp;scholarship to go for,” Murphy said.

‘Historic’ gift to Creighton University aims to help nursing shortage

NEW YORK (AP) — Eight presidential candidates will meet on the debate stage for the first time in what may be the biggest moment in the GOP’s 2024 presidential primary so far. Former President Donald Trump won’t participate Wednesday night

&nbsp;More than a year after the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned the federal right to abortion</a>, the issue has at times dominated the discussion among the Republicans seeking their party's 2024 presidential nomination and is sure to be on display during the debate Wednesday in Milwaukee.

Some of the division among the candidates has come over whether there should be a national ban on the practice — and after how many weeks — now that the justices have returned specific debate over abortion legality to the states.

A look at how the issue of abortion is playing out among Republican and Democratic candidates:

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-2024-updates-cd5339d48064a149527e8f9a1aa7614e">DONALD TRUMP</a>

The former president, the current GOP front-runner, has often&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-2024-president-desantis-pence-scott-e9f3a4287aa556a36f967cf45525493d">sidestepped the issue of abortion</a>, even as Republicans across the country have celebrated the Supreme Court's decision.

In April, a major anti-abortion group assailed Trump on the issue, saying his contention that abortion restrictions should be left up to individual states, not the federal government, is a “morally indefensible position for a self-proclaimed pro-life presidential candidate.”

The Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America group has said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-south-carolina-state-government-us-republican-party-2022-midterm-elections-e12dcf419bc5272063a847436f9a237c">would not support any White House candidate</a>&nbsp;who did not at a minimum support a 15-week federal abortion ban.

Trump, who has referred to himself as “the most pro-life president in American history, has pointed to his successful nomination of three conservatives justices, a move that tilted the court to the conservative majority that overturned Roe v. Wade. Earlier this year, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-donald-trump-abortion-florida-d536c67609030a445cab60329b919e75">characterized as “too harsh”</a>&nbsp;a measure signed into law by fellow contender Gov. Ron DeSantis that would ban abortions in Florida after six weeks of pregnancy.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-2024-presidential-election-live-updates-0495d567326db1e760179d01f1f7c45e">RON DESANTIS</a>

While DeSantis has been governor, Florida passed an abortion ban after six weeks of pregnancy. But DeSantis, who says he is “pro-life,” has suggested that individual states should decide the issue, adding in a recent interview that he is “running on doing things that I know I can accomplish.”

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, criticized DeSantis for not supporting a national ban on the procedure,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republicans-abortion-desantis-2024-154bed7a8b78872e341413339b452db0">calling DeSantis' position “unacceptable”</a>&nbsp;as he runs for president.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-iowa-launch-2024-republican-presidential-campaign-faa2082d8d3269dc73a28c893188c2ff">MIKE PENCE</a>

The former vice president supports a federal ban on abortion at six weeks, before many women even know they’re pregnant.

And he has advocated pulling from the market one of two widely used abortion pills — a medication with a better safety record than Viagra and penicillin. Sensing that such a position may be viewed as too extreme in a general election, no other major presidential candidate has joined his calls.

In a recent Associated Press interview, Pence went even further, saying abortion should be banned, even when a pregnancy is deemed nonviable. Such a standard would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-law-lawsuit-6346a3b98dd3ece069177f88172ce7b8">force women to carry pregnancies to term</a>&nbsp;even when doctors have determined there is no chance a baby will survive outside the womb.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-trump-desantis-abortion-supreme-court-3b1937a4faf327b96ded2afed064a988">Earlier this month</a>&nbsp;while touring the Iowa State Fair, Pence said he was expecting to use the debate as an opportunity to call out Trump and DeSantis for not insisting on a national abortion ban.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-scott-2024-presidential-race-4a73e00db2295afbc4b07d1c6bb64811">TIM SCOTT</a>

The South Carolina senator has long voiced his opposition to abortion, pledging that as president “I would sign the most conservative pro-life legislation you can bring to my desk.”

He has signaled support for a federal ban on the practice for as early as 12 weeks and also support for a bill sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., that would ban abortions nationally after 15 weeks.

In 2021, Scott also co-sponsored legislation that would have established a constitutional right to life from “the moment of fertilization.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-2024-presidential-campaign-formal-launch-bb059ae113e39152f5007864b4d139ae">NIKKI HALEY</a>

Haley, the sole woman in the GOP field, pledged in May that she would sign a federal abortion ban if elected president.

But Haley has not specified a time frame for after how many weeks she feels abortion should be outlawed, noting that passing such a measure would be highly unlikely without more Republicans in Congress, and advocating for “consensus” around the issue. She’s said she would “absolutely” sign a 15-week federal ban.

The former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said “no one has been honest” about how difficult a ban could be to achieve, in a closely divided federal government.

Haley campaign spokesman Ken Farnaso said in June that she would "sign pro-life legislation that includes exceptions for rape, incest, and for the life of the mother,” suggesting she may be opposed to an exception for non-viable pregnancies — but declining to clarify.

As governor, Haley signed an abortion ban after about 20 weeks. That law is still in effect while a six-week ban, passed by state lawmakers, is held up in the courts.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-and-politics-united-states-government-2022-midterm-elections-ohio-e1c1cbe47763bd979b6b47557aee043d">VIVEK RAMASWAMY</a>

The wealthy biotech entrepreneur and author of “Woke, Inc.” has said he would not support a federal ban on abortion because ”the federal government should stay out of it.” He has voiced support for states that have passed six-week bans.

Like some other hopefuls, he has pushed for more policies that encourage adoption and better child care.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/christie-2024-president-b9949e97e604719c341d652cc62f9d50">CHRIS CHRISTIE</a>

The former two-term New Jersey governor has argued that the issue of abortion should be carried out in the states, not at the federal level.

In a CNN town hall, Christie said that “the federal government should not be involved unless and until there’s a consensus around the country from the 50 states making their own decisions about what it should be.”

Seeking local office in the 1990s, Christie identified himself as “pro-choice,” saying he changed his position after hearing his daughter’s heartbeat at 13 weeks.

As governor, he vetoed millions in state funding for Planned Parenthood and other family planning clinics. Before the Supreme Court's decision that overturned Roe, Christie joined Dannenfelser in meetings other GOP governors to discuss the issue and how it might play out at the state level.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/asa-hutchinson-presidential-campaign-2024-3a04fdae989505d850545836bd0c16b0">ASA HUTCHINSON</a>

The former two-term Arkansas governor has said the issue of abortion should stay in the states without a Republican supermajority in Congress.

As governor in 2021, Hutchinson signed a near-total ban on abortions that did not include rape and incest exceptions.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doug-burgum-north-dakota-president-1b187576423968c422d2adbd70c9b3dc">DOUG BURGUM</a>

In April, the two-term North Dakota governor signed one of the strictest anti-abortion laws in the country. The measure would allow abortions up to six weeks' gestation in cases of rape or incest, or medical emergencies. After that marker, no exceptions aside from some medical emergencies, such as ectopic pregnancies, are allowed at any stage of pregnancy.

Burgum has mostly said the issue of abortion should be left to the states and has indicated he would not support a federal ban.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/larry-elder-2024-election-a50db206b9c7b981639c05f4f59ae289">LARRY ELDER</a>

The conservative talk radio host opposes abortion but has said he would not support a federal ban.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/perry-johnson-2024-presidential-campaign-b734b469aa0b56a94e19ef0125cf5997">PERRY JOHNSON</a>

The businessman describes himself as “pro-life.” When he ran for Michigan governor in 2022, Johnson told reporters “two wrongs don't make a right” when asked if he would rule out banning abortion in cases of sexual assault.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/francis-suarez-miami-2024-presidential-race-ea46292142dfac98567f6745de69358a">FRANCIS SUAREZ</a>

The Miami mayor has said that he would support a national ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with some exceptions, including rape, incest and the mother's health.

The former Texas congressman has said he would sign a 15-week federal abortion ban, although he has said that he doesn't see it as realistic that Congress would pass such a measure.

While in the House, Hurd twice voted in favor of a 20-week ban.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-election-2024-president-democrats-trump-9c72115656855da89a41cac3f79aa65b">JOE BIDEN</a>

The president supports abortion access and has said he would veto a national ban on the practice. As a senator, Biden supported abortion restrictions like the 1976 Hyde Amendment — which states that Medicaid won’t pay for abortions unless the woman’s life is in danger or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest — but said during the 2020 campaign he had shifted course.

The aftermath of last year's Supreme Court ruling has framed much of Biden's presidency on abortion. He signed an executive order designed to strengthen and promote access to contraception.

Mounting a rallying cry to 2022 midterms voters to seat more Democratic lawmakers who could possibly codify abortion access nationally, Biden has also directed his administration to take steps to protect access to abortion care. This includes making mifepristone — one of two pills used in medication abortions — easier to obtain, and ensuring members of the military can access reproductive health care.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-biden-president-2024-democrat-dd9d6ecf17b54f4b32e7b17778540431">ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR.</a>

The author and environmental lawyer has spoken in favor of “bodily autonomy” and describes himself as “pro-choice.”

A nephew of President John F. Kennedy and son of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, he has also said “it’s a woman’s choice, and it’s solely up to the woman” in terms of how a pregnancy should be handled in its first trimester.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marianne-williamson-president-2024-biden-democratic-primary-14e59754bed9e0c54dad4fdfbbc1fa6b">MARIANNE WILLIAMSON</a>

The self-help author's campaign website describes her as “one hundred percent pro-choice.” Williamson has also noted that she believes the decision to have an abortion or not “lies solely with a pregnant woman, according to the dictates of her conscience and in communion with the God of her understanding.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692739004740.png" alt="Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, the sole woman in the GOP field, pledged in May that she would sign a federal abortion ban if elected president.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, the sole woman in the GOP field, pledged in May that she would sign a federal abortion ban if elected president.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Eight presidential candidates will meet on the debate stage for the first time in what may be the biggest moment in the GOP’s 2024 presidential primary so far. Former President Donald Trump won’t participate Wednesday night&nbsp;More than a year after the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned the federal right to abortion</a>, the issue has at times dominated the discussion among the Republicans seeking their party's 2024 presidential nomination and is sure to be on display during the debate Wednesday in Milwaukee.Some of the division among the candidates has come over whether there should be a national ban on the practice — and after how many weeks — now that the justices have returned specific debate over abortion legality to the states.A look at how the issue of abortion is playing out among Republican and Democratic candidates:REPUBLICANS <a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-2024-updates-cd5339d48064a149527e8f9a1aa7614e">DONALD TRUMP</a>The former president, the current GOP front-runner, has often&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-2024-president-desantis-pence-scott-e9f3a4287aa556a36f967cf45525493d">sidestepped the issue of abortion</a>, even as Republicans across the country have celebrated the Supreme Court's decision.In April, a major anti-abortion group assailed Trump on the issue, saying his contention that abortion restrictions should be left up to individual states, not the federal government, is a “morally indefensible position for a self-proclaimed pro-life presidential candidate.”The Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America group has said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-south-carolina-state-government-us-republican-party-2022-midterm-elections-e12dcf419bc5272063a847436f9a237c">would not support any White House candidate</a>&nbsp;who did not at a minimum support a 15-week federal abortion ban.Trump, who has referred to himself as “the most pro-life president in American history, has pointed to his successful nomination of three conservatives justices, a move that tilted the court to the conservative majority that overturned Roe v. Wade. Earlier this year, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-donald-trump-abortion-florida-d536c67609030a445cab60329b919e75">characterized as “too harsh”</a>&nbsp;a measure signed into law by fellow contender Gov. Ron DeSantis that would ban abortions in Florida after six weeks of pregnancy.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-2024-presidential-election-live-updates-0495d567326db1e760179d01f1f7c45e">RON DESANTIS</a>While DeSantis has been governor, Florida passed an abortion ban after six weeks of pregnancy. But DeSantis, who says he is “pro-life,” has suggested that individual states should decide the issue, adding in a recent interview that he is “running on doing things that I know I can accomplish.”Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, criticized DeSantis for not supporting a national ban on the procedure,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republicans-abortion-desantis-2024-154bed7a8b78872e341413339b452db0">calling DeSantis' position “unacceptable”</a>&nbsp;as he runs for president.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-iowa-launch-2024-republican-presidential-campaign-faa2082d8d3269dc73a28c893188c2ff">MIKE PENCE</a>The former vice president supports a federal ban on abortion at six weeks, before many women even know they’re pregnant.And he has advocated pulling from the market one of two widely used abortion pills — a medication with a better safety record than Viagra and penicillin. Sensing that such a position may be viewed as too extreme in a general election, no other major presidential candidate has joined his calls.In a recent Associated Press interview, Pence went even further, saying abortion should be banned, even when a pregnancy is deemed nonviable. Such a standard would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-law-lawsuit-6346a3b98dd3ece069177f88172ce7b8">force women to carry pregnancies to term</a>&nbsp;even when doctors have determined there is no chance a baby will survive outside the womb.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-trump-desantis-abortion-supreme-court-3b1937a4faf327b96ded2afed064a988">Earlier this month</a>&nbsp;while touring the Iowa State Fair, Pence said he was expecting to use the debate as an opportunity to call out Trump and DeSantis for not insisting on a national abortion ban.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-scott-2024-presidential-race-4a73e00db2295afbc4b07d1c6bb64811">TIM SCOTT</a>The South Carolina senator has long voiced his opposition to abortion, pledging that as president “I would sign the most conservative pro-life legislation you can bring to my desk.”He has signaled support for a federal ban on the practice for as early as 12 weeks and also support for a bill sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., that would ban abortions nationally after 15 weeks.In 2021, Scott also co-sponsored legislation that would have established a constitutional right to life from “the moment of fertilization.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-2024-presidential-campaign-formal-launch-bb059ae113e39152f5007864b4d139ae">NIKKI HALEY</a>Haley, the sole woman in the GOP field, pledged in May that she would sign a federal abortion ban if elected president.But Haley has not specified a time frame for after how many weeks she feels abortion should be outlawed, noting that passing such a measure would be highly unlikely without more Republicans in Congress, and advocating for “consensus” around the issue. She’s said she would “absolutely” sign a 15-week federal ban.The former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said “no one has been honest” about how difficult a ban could be to achieve, in a closely divided federal government.Haley campaign spokesman Ken Farnaso said in June that she would "sign pro-life legislation that includes exceptions for rape, incest, and for the life of the mother,” suggesting she may be opposed to an exception for non-viable pregnancies — but declining to clarify.As governor, Haley signed an abortion ban after about 20 weeks. That law is still in effect while a six-week ban, passed by state lawmakers, is held up in the courts.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-and-politics-united-states-government-2022-midterm-elections-ohio-e1c1cbe47763bd979b6b47557aee043d">VIVEK RAMASWAMY</a>The wealthy biotech entrepreneur and author of “Woke, Inc.” has said he would not support a federal ban on abortion because ”the federal government should stay out of it.” He has voiced support for states that have passed six-week bans.Like some other hopefuls, he has pushed for more policies that encourage adoption and better child care.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/christie-2024-president-b9949e97e604719c341d652cc62f9d50">CHRIS CHRISTIE</a>The former two-term New Jersey governor has argued that the issue of abortion should be carried out in the states, not at the federal level.In a CNN town hall, Christie said that “the federal government should not be involved unless and until there’s a consensus around the country from the 50 states making their own decisions about what it should be.”Seeking local office in the 1990s, Christie identified himself as “pro-choice,” saying he changed his position after hearing his daughter’s heartbeat at 13 weeks.As governor, he vetoed millions in state funding for Planned Parenthood and other family planning clinics. Before the Supreme Court's decision that overturned Roe, Christie joined Dannenfelser in meetings other GOP governors to discuss the issue and how it might play out at the state level.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/asa-hutchinson-presidential-campaign-2024-3a04fdae989505d850545836bd0c16b0">ASA HUTCHINSON</a>The former two-term Arkansas governor has said the issue of abortion should stay in the states without a Republican supermajority in Congress.As governor in 2021, Hutchinson signed a near-total ban on abortions that did not include rape and incest exceptions.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doug-burgum-north-dakota-president-1b187576423968c422d2adbd70c9b3dc">DOUG BURGUM</a>In April, the two-term North Dakota governor signed one of the strictest anti-abortion laws in the country. The measure would allow abortions up to six weeks' gestation in cases of rape or incest, or medical emergencies. After that marker, no exceptions aside from some medical emergencies, such as ectopic pregnancies, are allowed at any stage of pregnancy.Burgum has mostly said the issue of abortion should be left to the states and has indicated he would not support a federal ban.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/larry-elder-2024-election-a50db206b9c7b981639c05f4f59ae289">LARRY ELDER</a>The conservative talk radio host opposes abortion but has said he would not support a federal ban.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/perry-johnson-2024-presidential-campaign-b734b469aa0b56a94e19ef0125cf5997">PERRY JOHNSON</a>The businessman describes himself as “pro-life.” When he ran for Michigan governor in 2022, Johnson told reporters “two wrongs don't make a right” when asked if he would rule out banning abortion in cases of sexual assault.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/francis-suarez-miami-2024-presidential-race-ea46292142dfac98567f6745de69358a">FRANCIS SUAREZ</a>The Miami mayor has said that he would support a national ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with some exceptions, including rape, incest and the mother's health.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/will-hurd-2024-republican-presidential-primary-710f6f0d4bb6cc1f5046e20ed17ef602">WILL HURD</a>The former Texas congressman has said he would sign a 15-week federal abortion ban, although he has said that he doesn't see it as realistic that Congress would pass such a measure.While in the House, Hurd twice voted in favor of a 20-week ban.DEMOCRATS <a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-election-2024-president-democrats-trump-9c72115656855da89a41cac3f79aa65b">JOE BIDEN</a>The president supports abortion access and has said he would veto a national ban on the practice. As a senator, Biden supported abortion restrictions like the 1976 Hyde Amendment — which states that Medicaid won’t pay for abortions unless the woman’s life is in danger or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest — but said during the 2020 campaign he had shifted course.The aftermath of last year's Supreme Court ruling has framed much of Biden's presidency on abortion. He signed an executive order designed to strengthen and promote access to contraception.Mounting a rallying cry to 2022 midterms voters to seat more Democratic lawmakers who could possibly codify abortion access nationally, Biden has also directed his administration to take steps to protect access to abortion care. This includes making mifepristone — one of two pills used in medication abortions — easier to obtain, and ensuring members of the military can access reproductive health care.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-biden-president-2024-democrat-dd9d6ecf17b54f4b32e7b17778540431">ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR.</a>The author and environmental lawyer has spoken in favor of “bodily autonomy” and describes himself as “pro-choice.”A nephew of President John F. Kennedy and son of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, he has also said “it’s a woman’s choice, and it’s solely up to the woman” in terms of how a pregnancy should be handled in its first trimester.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marianne-williamson-president-2024-biden-democratic-primary-14e59754bed9e0c54dad4fdfbbc1fa6b">MARIANNE WILLIAMSON</a>The self-help author's campaign website describes her as “one hundred percent pro-choice.” Williamson has also noted that she believes the decision to have an abortion or not “lies solely with a pregnant woman, according to the dictates of her conscience and in communion with the God of her understanding.”___

First GOP presidential debate: Where candidates stand on abortion

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue investigating criminal damage on a college campus in Lawrence.

On August 18,&nbsp; police were&nbsp;dispatched to Haskell Indian Nations University,&nbsp; 155 E Indian Ave, Lawrence, for a report of a statue being damaged with paint, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe.

Signs were also placed near the statue with messages expressing displeasure with the Bureau of Indian Education and the office of the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. 

The case officer is awaiting more information regarding security footage. University staff were able to power wash the paint off the statue as it was still wet. 

The damage is believed to have occurred sometime between 5:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. that day. Police have not identified a suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692734324091.png" alt="Police are awaiting more information regarding security footage in the case.-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Police are awaiting more information regarding security footage in the case.-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue investigating criminal damage on a college campus in Lawrence.On August 18,&nbsp; police were&nbsp;dispatched to Haskell Indian Nations University,&nbsp; 155 E Indian Ave, Lawrence, for a report of a statue being damaged with paint, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe.Signs were also placed near the statue with messages expressing displeasure with the Bureau of Indian Education and the office of the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. The case officer is awaiting more information regarding security footage. University staff were able to power wash the paint off the statue as it was still wet. The damage is believed to have occurred sometime between 5:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. that day. Police have not identified a suspect.

Vandals on campus in Kan. paint statue, protest government

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Missouri’s Republican Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-care-missouri-emergency-rule-withdrawn-c3ce483448f4013a6f46f666051db6b2">Andrew Bailey</a>&nbsp;and the families of transgender children are in court this week fighting over whether&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-nonbinary-hormone-puberty-missouri-lawmakers-5a8922430ffab9e43cf9b7ce254bff9f">a new law</a>&nbsp;banning minors from receiving gender-affirming health care will take effect as scheduled Monday.

Lawyers last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-gender-affirming-health-care-ban-lawsuit-9696f0c28b63baf8c52a95448811795e">sued to overturn the law</a>&nbsp;on behalf of three families of transgender minors, doctors and two LGBTQ+ organizations. They asked a county judge to temporarily block the law as the court challenge against it plays out.

Hearings over pausing the law are taking place this week in Springfield. A judge is expected to rule before Monday.

The law,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-missouri-republican-govenrnor-sports-d0d3ef01544dc7c22592d8ca2464138b">signed by Republican Gov. Mike Parson in June</a>, would prohibit Missouri health care providers from providing puberty blockers, hormones and gender-affirming surgeries to minors. Minors prescribed puberty blockers or hormones before Aug. 28 would be able to continue to receive those treatments.

Missouri’s Planned Parenthood clinics had been ramping up available appointments and holding pop-up clinics to start patients on treatments before the law takes effect.

Most adults would still have access to transgender health care under the law, but Medicaid wouldn't cover it and prisoners’ access to surgeries would be limited.

Physicians who violate the law face having their licenses revoked and being sued by patients. The law makes it easier for former patients to sue, giving them 15 years to go to court and promising at least $500,000 in damages if they succeed.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs' wrote in a court filing that the law unlawfully discriminates against transgender patients “by denying them medically necessary care and insurance coverage because of their sex and because of their transgender status.”

In court briefs, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-attorney-general-transgender-1283c25a92e9eb4c75b96b2558bdc65c">Attorney General's Office</a>&nbsp;argued that the law is not discriminatory because it “applies evenly to boys and girls."

“The only distinction made is based on the condition to be treated,” lawyers for the office wrote. "Puberty blockers, testosterone, and estrogen can all still be used to treat various conditions (such as precocious puberty). They just cannot be used as an experimental response to gender dysphoria.”

The Food and Drug Administration approved puberty blockers 30 years ago to treat children with precocious puberty — a condition that causes sexual development to begin much earlier than usual. Sex hormones — synthetic forms of estrogen and testosterone — were approved decades ago to treat hormone disorders or as birth control pills.

The FDA has not approved the medications specifically to treat gender-questioning youth, but they have been used for many years for that purpose “off label,” a common and accepted practice for many medical conditions. Doctors who treat trans patients say those decades of use are proof that the treatments are not experimental.

Every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, has opposed the bans on gender-affirming care for minors and supported the medical care for youth when administered appropriately. Lawsuits have been filed in several states where bans have been enacted this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692751118304.png" alt="FILE - Glenda Starke wears a transgender flag as a counter protest during a rally in favor of a ban on gender-affirming health care legislation, March 20, 2023, at the Missouri Statehouse in Jefferson City, Mo. Missouri’s Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey and the families of transgender children are in court fighting over whether a new law banning minors from receiving gender-affirming health care will take effect as scheduled on Monday, Aug. 28. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Glenda Starke wears a transgender flag as a counter protest during a rally in favor of a ban on gender-affirming health care legislation, March 20, 2023, at the Missouri Statehouse in Jefferson City, Mo. Missouri’s Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey and the families of transgender children are in court fighting over whether a new law banning minors from receiving gender-affirming health care will take effect as scheduled on Monday, Aug. 28. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Missouri’s Republican Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-care-missouri-emergency-rule-withdrawn-c3ce483448f4013a6f46f666051db6b2">Andrew Bailey</a>&nbsp;and the families of transgender children are in court this week fighting over whether&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-nonbinary-hormone-puberty-missouri-lawmakers-5a8922430ffab9e43cf9b7ce254bff9f">a new law</a>&nbsp;banning minors from receiving gender-affirming health care will take effect as scheduled Monday.Lawyers last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-gender-affirming-health-care-ban-lawsuit-9696f0c28b63baf8c52a95448811795e">sued to overturn the law</a>&nbsp;on behalf of three families of transgender minors, doctors and two LGBTQ+ organizations. They asked a county judge to temporarily block the law as the court challenge against it plays out.Hearings over pausing the law are taking place this week in Springfield. A judge is expected to rule before Monday.THE LAWThe law,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-missouri-republican-govenrnor-sports-d0d3ef01544dc7c22592d8ca2464138b">signed by Republican Gov. Mike Parson in June</a>, would prohibit Missouri health care providers from providing puberty blockers, hormones and gender-affirming surgeries to minors. Minors prescribed puberty blockers or hormones before Aug. 28 would be able to continue to receive those treatments.Missouri’s Planned Parenthood clinics had been ramping up available appointments and holding pop-up clinics to start patients on treatments before the law takes effect.Most adults would still have access to transgender health care under the law, but Medicaid wouldn't cover it and prisoners’ access to surgeries would be limited.Physicians who violate the law face having their licenses revoked and being sued by patients. The law makes it easier for former patients to sue, giving them 15 years to go to court and promising at least $500,000 in damages if they succeed.The law expires in August 2027.LEGAL ARGUMENTSLawyers for the plaintiffs' wrote in a court filing that the law unlawfully discriminates against transgender patients “by denying them medically necessary care and insurance coverage because of their sex and because of their transgender status.”In court briefs, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-attorney-general-transgender-1283c25a92e9eb4c75b96b2558bdc65c">Attorney General's Office</a>&nbsp;argued that the law is not discriminatory because it “applies evenly to boys and girls."“The only distinction made is based on the condition to be treated,” lawyers for the office wrote. "Puberty blockers, testosterone, and estrogen can all still be used to treat various conditions (such as precocious puberty). They just cannot be used as an experimental response to gender dysphoria.”WHAT HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS SAYThe Food and Drug Administration approved puberty blockers 30 years ago to treat children with precocious puberty — a condition that causes sexual development to begin much earlier than usual. Sex hormones — synthetic forms of estrogen and testosterone — were approved decades ago to treat hormone disorders or as birth control pills.The FDA has not approved the medications specifically to treat gender-questioning youth, but they have been used for many years for that purpose “off label,” a common and accepted practice for many medical conditions. Doctors who treat trans patients say those decades of use are proof that the treatments are not experimental.Every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, has opposed the bans on gender-affirming care for minors and supported the medical care for youth when administered appropriately. Lawsuits have been filed in several states where bans have been enacted this year.

Mo. court battle begins on gender-affirming health care for minors

Callaway County —Troopers worked an ambulance fire on westbound Interstate 70 just east of Route DD/Route J at Millersburg in Callaway County on Tuesday afternoon.

The fire spread to the grass median, forcing the left lane to be closed as firefighters worked to contain it. Traffic was backed up approximately two miles.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.&nbsp; The MSHP reported no additional details on what caused the fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692752080680.png" alt="Photo MSHP Troop F" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP Troop F</figcaption>
 </figure>Callaway County —Troopers worked an ambulance fire on westbound Interstate 70 just east of Route DD/Route J at Millersburg in Callaway County on Tuesday afternoon.The fire spread to the grass median, forcing the left lane to be closed as firefighters worked to contain it. Traffic was backed up approximately two miles.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.&nbsp; The MSHP reported no additional details on what caused the fire.

Ambulance fire backed up traffic on Interstate 70

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Hollywood-based Pure Imagination Studios is partnering with Kansas State University’s Salina Campus, Salina Airport Authority, and the State of Kansas to build an advanced spatial computing studio and learning center, according to a media release.

The $41 million investment, which will create 101 new jobs, marks the largest investment in K-State’s Salina campus infrastructure.&nbsp;

The studio and learning center will be named the Kansas Advanced Immersive Research for Emerging Systems (K-AIRES). It will feature&nbsp;state-of-the-art equipment and immersive technologies, enabling the studio to transform the educational experience and establish new frontiers in education, aerospace, manufacturing, entertainment, defense, training, simulation, and other areas.&nbsp;

“K-AIRES shows the benefits of combining two of Kansas’ greatest resources – our universities and pro-business economy – to better prepare our students to join the modern workforce,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “This partnership is creating more of the high-tech jobs and exciting opportunities that will keep more of our graduates right here in Kansas.”&nbsp;

Construction on the 58,000-square-foot studio is expected to begin this fall. Approximately 150 workers will be hired during the construction phase.&nbsp;

“Pure Imagination’s selection of Kansas shows that our state’s investment in talent and leveraging higher education to support economic development is working,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By following the Kansas Framework for Growth and pulling every lever we’ve got, we are creating ‘knowledge jobs’ right here in communities like Salina.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pure Imagination Studios is an award-winning independent entertainment studio best known for combining proprietary technology with groundbreaking storytelling. The company’s portfolio of projects has expanded fan engagement on multiple platforms for clients, including DreamWorks, FOX, The LEGO Group, Marvel Entertainment, Merlin, Netflix, Rovio, Six Flags, Warner Bros., and others.&nbsp;

“We are establishing the world’s first spatial computing studio that trains leaders of our future to create revolutionary technology to develop valuable solutions that help humanity leave the world in a better place than we found it,”&nbsp;Pure Imagination founder Joshua Wexler said. “The decision to build the studio at K-State Salina was driven by the school’s and state's thriving ecosystem and their commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and development.”&nbsp;

Pure Imagination projects include a diverse slate of animated television shows and specials, including the upcoming action-adventure series “The Amazing Stan,” Capcom’s “Monster Hunter,” cultural experiences, digital series, theme park attractions, immersive experiences, and virtual and augmented reality, including the groundbreaking Alien Descent VR experience and the upcoming “Army of the Dead: Viva Las Vengeance” (Netflix) VR experience.&nbsp;

“The foundational components of this facility will allow faculty and researchers to leverage immersive environments to reimagine what 21st-century education should be: The hands-on application of embedded industry projects with collaborative, multidisciplinary problem-solving driving the learning experience,”&nbsp;said Dr. Alysia Starkey, CEO and Dean of the K-State Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus.&nbsp;

Dr. Starkey also said that large-scale research grants, sponsored research projects, and targeted industry partnerships will support the growth of local and state workforce and economic development.&nbsp;

For more information about Pure Imagination Studios, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vcGlzdHVkaW9zLmNvbS8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODIyLjgxNDkwMDExIn0.d76koRCaaYHOjJvokSH0cf3al64Sm8GZAGNwhMTh5eM/s/1303160919/br/224637681080-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692741451866.jpeg" alt="Lt. Gov Toland and Sen. Moran announced the Pure Imagination Studios partnership at the new K-AIRES Center today. Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus Photos Courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Lt. Gov Toland and Sen. Moran announced the Pure Imagination Studios partnership at the new K-AIRES Center today. Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus Photos Courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure> TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Hollywood-based Pure Imagination Studios is partnering with Kansas State University’s Salina Campus, Salina Airport Authority, and the State of Kansas to build an advanced spatial computing studio and learning center, according to a media release. The $41 million investment, which will create 101 new jobs, marks the largest investment in K-State’s Salina campus infrastructure.&nbsp;The studio and learning center will be named the Kansas Advanced Immersive Research for Emerging Systems (K-AIRES). It will feature&nbsp;state-of-the-art equipment and immersive technologies, enabling the studio to transform the educational experience and establish new frontiers in education, aerospace, manufacturing, entertainment, defense, training, simulation, and other areas.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692741762184.jpeg" alt="Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary, David Toland, spoke at the announcement ceremony held August 22 at the Salina Airport Authority.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary, David Toland, spoke at the announcement ceremony held August 22 at the Salina Airport Authority.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“K-AIRES shows the benefits of combining two of Kansas’ greatest resources – our universities and pro-business economy – to better prepare our students to join the modern workforce,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “This partnership is creating more of the high-tech jobs and exciting opportunities that will keep more of our graduates right here in Kansas.”&nbsp; Construction on the 58,000-square-foot studio is expected to begin this fall. Approximately 150 workers will be hired during the construction phase.&nbsp;“Pure Imagination’s selection of Kansas shows that our state’s investment in talent and leveraging higher education to support economic development is working,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By following the Kansas Framework for Growth and pulling every lever we’ve got, we are creating ‘knowledge jobs’ right here in communities like Salina.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Pure Imagination Studios is an award-winning independent entertainment studio best known for combining proprietary technology with groundbreaking storytelling. The company’s portfolio of projects has expanded fan engagement on multiple platforms for clients, including DreamWorks, FOX, The LEGO Group, Marvel Entertainment, Merlin, Netflix, Rovio, Six Flags, Warner Bros., and others.&nbsp; “We are establishing the world’s first spatial computing studio that trains leaders of our future to create revolutionary technology to develop valuable solutions that help humanity leave the world in a better place than we found it,”&nbsp;Pure Imagination founder Joshua Wexler said. “The decision to build the studio at K-State Salina was driven by the school’s and state's thriving ecosystem and their commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and development.”&nbsp;Pure Imagination projects include a diverse slate of animated television shows and specials, including the upcoming action-adventure series “The Amazing Stan,” Capcom’s “Monster Hunter,” cultural experiences, digital series, theme park attractions, immersive experiences, and virtual and augmented reality, including the groundbreaking Alien Descent VR experience and the upcoming “Army of the Dead: Viva Las Vengeance” (Netflix) VR experience.&nbsp;“The foundational components of this facility will allow faculty and researchers to leverage immersive environments to reimagine what 21st-century education should be: The hands-on application of embedded industry projects with collaborative, multidisciplinary problem-solving driving the learning experience,”&nbsp;said Dr. Alysia Starkey, CEO and Dean of the K-State Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus.&nbsp;Dr. Starkey also said that large-scale research grants, sponsored research projects, and targeted industry partnerships will support the growth of local and state workforce and economic development.&nbsp;For more information about Pure Imagination Studios, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vcGlzdHVkaW9zLmNvbS8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODIyLjgxNDkwMDExIn0.d76koRCaaYHOjJvokSH0cf3al64Sm8GZAGNwhMTh5eM/s/1303160919/br/224637681080-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

Entertainment Co. to build $41M studio, learning center at K-State Salina

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting incident at a motel and have arrested a registered Kansas sex offender.

Just after 11:00 a.m. August 18, police responded to the Travelers Inn, 3846 SW Topeka Blvd. in Topeka, after a report of gunshots in the area.

Upon arrival Officers found that no one had been injured, but that several gunshots had been fired into a room that was occupied. 

Upon further investigation, detectives were able to identify Kevin A. Chamberlain, 43, of Topeka as being a person involved in the shooting.

Just after 8:00 p.m. on Monday, officers responded to report of a burglary in the 3300 Block of SE Massachusetts Ave. in Topeka.&nbsp;

While investigating this incident, police located Chamberlain was located and brought to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with Detectives.

Chamberlain is now being held on requested&nbsp;charges of Criminal Possession of a weapon by a Felon,&nbsp;Possession of stolen property, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm and&nbsp;Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer.&nbsp;Chamberlain has been listed as a registered sex offender since a 2009 conviction for aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the Kansas Offender Registry. 

He also has a conviction for aggravated assault and has been out of prison since December of 2020, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692707968944.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Friday shooting investigation" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Friday shooting investigation</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting incident at a motel and have arrested a registered Kansas sex offender.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692708112100.png" alt="Chamberlain has been listed as a registered sex offender since a 2009 conviction for aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the Kansas Offender Registry-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Chamberlain has been listed as a registered sex offender since a 2009 conviction for aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the Kansas Offender Registry-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 11:00 a.m. August 18, police responded to the Travelers Inn, 3846 SW Topeka Blvd. in Topeka, after a report of gunshots in the area.Upon arrival Officers found that no one had been injured, but that several gunshots had been fired into a room that was occupied. Upon further investigation, detectives were able to identify Kevin A. Chamberlain, 43, of Topeka as being a person involved in the shooting.Just after 8:00 p.m. on Monday, officers responded to report of a burglary in the 3300 Block of SE Massachusetts Ave. in Topeka.&nbsp;While investigating this incident, police located Chamberlain was located and brought to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with Detectives.Chamberlain is now being held on requested&nbsp;charges of Criminal Possession of a weapon by a Felon,&nbsp;Possession of stolen property, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm and&nbsp;Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer.&nbsp;Chamberlain has been listed as a registered sex offender since a 2009 conviction for aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the Kansas Offender Registry. He also has a conviction for aggravated assault and has been out of prison since December of 2020, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kan. sex offender fired gun at door of occupied hotel room

TOPEKA — Democrat State Rep. Jason Probst of Hutchinson joined House Minority Leader Vic Miller of Topeka in a press conference Tuesday afternoon at the Statehouse to open up the discussion on warrant policy after the raid on a newspaper publisher and his mother in Marion County, Kansas earlier this month.

"The legislation that will be drafted is designed to say, search warrants have to be signed by a District Court judge and not by a magistrate judge," Probst said. "Part of our motivation for that is to, mostly just to keep a conversation going about what we ought to be thinking about and what needs to happen and hopefully generate some more ideas. Neither Vic nor I feel like this is the answer to the problem, but we think it's a first step in keeping a conversation going about what sort of things we ought to be looking at to make sure we're protecting the free press."

"Anybody that saw the video could see how distressed she was," Probst said. "They were not only in her house, but they were going through things that had no relevance to anything that could be connected to an investigation. It was completely beyond the pale."

Probst, a former editor at the Hutchinson News, does understand that sometimes journalists have to defend their work, but there's a procedure that should be followed to do that.

"There would be some court challenge to getting information, or finding out about our sources or stopping a story, there was never a search warrant involved, it was always a subpoena," Probst said. "Then, we had an opportunity to bring an attorney in, our attorney, to challenge the subpoena and explain why there was an interest in protecting the source, or protecting the information, or going ahead with the story. We always had an opportunity to make those arguments in an open court in front of a judge, not through a search warrant that allowed the authorities to come in and start taking equipment and going through it on their own."

The important piece is to be able to have that discussion in the open air, because there is a reason that the First Amendment is First in the Constitution.

"The press has a specific protection in the Constitution," Probst said. "Clearly it was a very important concept to the framers of our country, that this was critical to the functioning of our democracy. The other thing is that I've always viewed the press largely as an extension of the public. If the press's rights are threatened by powerful institutions, then the public's rights are likewise threatened by those same institutions."

The Kansas Legislature does not gavel in again until January.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692785944601.png" alt="Rep. Jason Probs and Rep. Vic Miller during Tuesday's news conference -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Jason Probs and Rep. Vic Miller during Tuesday's news conference -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostTOPEKA — Democrat State Rep. Jason Probst of Hutchinson joined House Minority Leader Vic Miller of Topeka in a press conference Tuesday afternoon at the Statehouse to open up the discussion on warrant policy after the raid on a newspaper publisher and his mother in Marion County, Kansas earlier this month."The legislation that will be drafted is designed to say, search warrants have to be signed by a District Court judge and not by a magistrate judge," Probst said. "Part of our motivation for that is to, mostly just to keep a conversation going about what we ought to be thinking about and what needs to happen and hopefully generate some more ideas. Neither Vic nor I feel like this is the answer to the problem, but we think it's a first step in keeping a conversation going about what sort of things we ought to be looking at to make sure we're protecting the free press."<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e50NOlm6dkI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>"Anybody that saw the video could see how distressed she was," Probst said. "They were not only in her house, but they were going through things that had no relevance to anything that could be connected to an investigation. It was completely beyond the pale."Probst, a former editor at the Hutchinson News, does understand that sometimes journalists have to defend their work, but there's a procedure that should be followed to do that."There would be some court challenge to getting information, or finding out about our sources or stopping a story, there was never a search warrant involved, it was always a subpoena," Probst said. "Then, we had an opportunity to bring an attorney in, our attorney, to challenge the subpoena and explain why there was an interest in protecting the source, or protecting the information, or going ahead with the story. We always had an opportunity to make those arguments in an open court in front of a judge, not through a search warrant that allowed the authorities to come in and start taking equipment and going through it on their own."The important piece is to be able to have that discussion in the open air, because there is a reason that the First Amendment is First in the Constitution."The press has a specific protection in the Constitution," Probst said. "Clearly it was a very important concept to the framers of our country, that this was critical to the functioning of our democracy. The other thing is that I've always viewed the press largely as an extension of the public. If the press's rights are threatened by powerful institutions, then the public's rights are likewise threatened by those same institutions."The Kansas Legislature does not gavel in again until January.

2 Kan. lawmakers call for legislation on search warrant reform 

BARTON COUNTY — Just after 10:30 p.m.&nbsp;Aug. 14,&nbsp; police conducted a traffic stop near 2500 block of
Railroad Avenue in Great Bend for a traffic infraction, according to a media release.

During the traffic stop, K9 Menta was
deployed to conduct a free air sniff, where she alerted to the presence of
illegal narcotics.&nbsp; 
While searching the vehicle, officers located approximately 37 grams of a
methamphetamine/fentanyl mix, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

The driver
of the vehicle, John Wilkinson, 60, was placed under arrest on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine/fentanyl, possession of marijuana and
possession of drug paraphernalia. Wilkinson was transported to the Barton
County Jail where he was booked in lieu of a $100,000 bond. &nbsp;

The following morning, police served a search warrant in the
700 block of Jefferson Street based on the traffic stop. Investigators found methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692738627358.jpeg" alt="photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY — Just after 10:30 p.m.&nbsp;Aug. 14,&nbsp; police conducted a traffic stop near 2500 block of
Railroad Avenue in Great Bend for a traffic infraction, according to a media release.During the traffic stop, K9 Menta was
deployed to conduct a free air sniff, where she alerted to the presence of
illegal narcotics.&nbsp; 
While searching the vehicle, officers located approximately 37 grams of a
methamphetamine/fentanyl mix, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;The driver
of the vehicle, John Wilkinson, 60, was placed under arrest on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine/fentanyl, possession of marijuana and
possession of drug paraphernalia. Wilkinson was transported to the Barton
County Jail where he was booked in lieu of a $100,000 bond. &nbsp; The following morning, police served a search warrant in the
700 block of Jefferson Street based on the traffic stop. Investigators found methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Police: Kan. man caught with meth, fentanyl mixture

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A victim in&nbsp; a Sunday shooting has died from his injuries.

Just after 3:30a.m., police were dispatched on a shooting in the 3700 block of Farrow Avenue in Kansas City, according to a media release from police.

First responders discovered a man with obvious gunshot wounds outside a home. He was transported in critical condition to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Police have not released the name of the victim or possible suspects. This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp;

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A victim in&nbsp; a Sunday shooting has died from his injuries.Just after 3:30a.m., police were dispatched on a shooting in the 3700 block of Farrow Avenue in Kansas City, according to a media release from police.First responders discovered a man with obvious gunshot wounds outside a home. He was transported in critical condition to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries.Police have not released the name of the victim or possible suspects. This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp;

Police: Victim in Kansas shooting has died

NEW YORK (AP) —The union representing 340,000 UPS workers said Tuesday that its members voted to approve the tentative contract agreement reached last month, putting a final seal on contentious labor negotiations that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-strike-delivery-supply-chain-union-labor-16270bd5699419398de376e07ada06ba">threatened to disrupt package deliveries for millions</a>&nbsp;of businesses and households nationwide.

The Teamsters said in a statement that 86% of the votes casts were in favor of ratifying the contract. They also said it was passed by the highest vote for a contract in the history of the Teamsters at UPS.

The union also said more than 40 supplemental agreements were also ratified, expect for one that covers roughly 170 members in Florida. The national master agreement will go into effect as soon as that supplement is renegotiated and ratified, it said.

“Our members just ratified the most lucrative agreement the Teamsters have ever negotiated at UPS," Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said in a statement. "This contract will improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of workers.”

He said the contract set a new standard for pay and benefits.

“This is the template for how workers should be paid and protected nationwide, and nonunion companies like Amazon better pay attention,” he said, giving a nod to the union's growing ambitions to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-teamsters-delivery-union-ups-0b9a9e2fc06dbb18cb23c476e0c19230">take on the e-commerce behemoth</a>.

Voting on the new five-year contract began Aug. 3 and concluded Tuesday.

After negotiations broke down in early July, Atlanta-based UPS reached a tentative contract agreement with the Teamsters just days before an Aug. 1 deadline.

The company had said it expected bargaining to restart if members rejected the deal, but that could have also opened the door to a strike.

Under the tentative agreement, full- and part-time union workers will get $2.75 more per hour in 2023, and $7.50 more in total by the end of the five-year contract. Starting hourly pay for part-time employees also got bumped up to $21, but some workers said that fell short of their expectations.

UPS says that by the end of the new contract, the average UPS full-time driver will make about $170,000 annually in pay and benefits. It’s not clear how much of that figure benefits account for.

As part of the agreement, the delivery company also agreed to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a full holiday, end forced overtime on drivers’ days off and stop using driver-facing cameras in cabs, among a host of other issues. It eliminated a two-tier wage system for drivers and tentative deals on safety issues were also reached, including equipping more trucks with air conditioning.

Union members, angered by a contract they say union leadership forced on them five years ago, argued that they have shouldered the more than 140% profit growth at UPS as the pandemic increased delivery demand. Unionized workers said they wanted to fix what they saw as a bad contract.

The Teamsters’ leadership was upended two years ago with the election of O’Brien, a vocal critic of union President James Hoffa — son of the famed Teamsters firebrand — who signed off on the previous contract.

The 24 million packages UPS ships daily amount to about a quarter of all U.S. parcel volume, according to the global shipping and logistics firm Pitney Bowes. UPS says that’s equivalent to about 6% of the nation’s gross domestic product.

This isn’t the first showdown the union has had with the delivery company. During the last breakdown in labor talks a quarter of a century ago, 185,000 UPS workers walked out for 15 days, crippling the company’s ability to function.

A walkout this time would have had much further-reaching implications, with millions of Americans now accustomed to online shopping and speedy delivery. The consulting firm Anderson Economic Group estimated a 10-day UPS strike could have cost the U.S. economy more than $7 billion and triggered “significant and lasting harm” to the business and workers.

When the union and UPS were at a stalemate in July, large and small businesses worked to create contingency plans in the event of a strike.

Labor experts say they see the showdown as a demonstration of labor power at a time of low U.S. union membership. This summer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hollywood-writers-strike-100-days-3bea7be9077dba59b5f3b4a705646a84">Hollywood actors and screenwriters</a>&nbsp;have been picketing over pay issues. United Auto Workers are considering a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uaw-strike-auto-electric-vehicles-contract-wages-f97630a69a3b62079bd65d3821f9a5d8">potential strike</a>.

“Together we reached a win-win-win agreement on the issues that are important to Teamsters leadership, our employees and to UPS and our customers,” Carol Tomé, UPS CEO, said when the tentative deal was announced.

Industry groups, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, labor leaders and President Joe Biden also applauded the deal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686070070872.png" alt="The union said all supplemental agreements were also ratified-file photo" />
 <figcaption>The union said all supplemental agreements were also ratified-file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —The union representing 340,000 UPS workers said Tuesday that its members voted to approve the tentative contract agreement reached last month, putting a final seal on contentious labor negotiations that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-strike-delivery-supply-chain-union-labor-16270bd5699419398de376e07ada06ba">threatened to disrupt package deliveries for millions</a>&nbsp;of businesses and households nationwide.The Teamsters said in a statement that 86% of the votes casts were in favor of ratifying the contract. They also said it was passed by the highest vote for a contract in the history of the Teamsters at UPS.The union also said more than 40 supplemental agreements were also ratified, expect for one that covers roughly 170 members in Florida. The national master agreement will go into effect as soon as that supplement is renegotiated and ratified, it said.“Our members just ratified the most lucrative agreement the Teamsters have ever negotiated at UPS," Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said in a statement. "This contract will improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of workers.”He said the contract set a new standard for pay and benefits.“This is the template for how workers should be paid and protected nationwide, and nonunion companies like Amazon better pay attention,” he said, giving a nod to the union's growing ambitions to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-teamsters-delivery-union-ups-0b9a9e2fc06dbb18cb23c476e0c19230">take on the e-commerce behemoth</a>.Voting on the new five-year contract began Aug. 3 and concluded Tuesday.After negotiations broke down in early July, Atlanta-based UPS reached a tentative contract agreement with the Teamsters just days before an Aug. 1 deadline.The company had said it expected bargaining to restart if members rejected the deal, but that could have also opened the door to a strike.Under the tentative agreement, full- and part-time union workers will get $2.75 more per hour in 2023, and $7.50 more in total by the end of the five-year contract. Starting hourly pay for part-time employees also got bumped up to $21, but some workers said that fell short of their expectations.UPS says that by the end of the new contract, the average UPS full-time driver will make about $170,000 annually in pay and benefits. It’s not clear how much of that figure benefits account for.As part of the agreement, the delivery company also agreed to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a full holiday, end forced overtime on drivers’ days off and stop using driver-facing cameras in cabs, among a host of other issues. It eliminated a two-tier wage system for drivers and tentative deals on safety issues were also reached, including equipping more trucks with air conditioning.Union members, angered by a contract they say union leadership forced on them five years ago, argued that they have shouldered the more than 140% profit growth at UPS as the pandemic increased delivery demand. Unionized workers said they wanted to fix what they saw as a bad contract.The Teamsters’ leadership was upended two years ago with the election of O’Brien, a vocal critic of union President James Hoffa — son of the famed Teamsters firebrand — who signed off on the previous contract.The 24 million packages UPS ships daily amount to about a quarter of all U.S. parcel volume, according to the global shipping and logistics firm Pitney Bowes. UPS says that’s equivalent to about 6% of the nation’s gross domestic product.This isn’t the first showdown the union has had with the delivery company. During the last breakdown in labor talks a quarter of a century ago, 185,000 UPS workers walked out for 15 days, crippling the company’s ability to function.A walkout this time would have had much further-reaching implications, with millions of Americans now accustomed to online shopping and speedy delivery. The consulting firm Anderson Economic Group estimated a 10-day UPS strike could have cost the U.S. economy more than $7 billion and triggered “significant and lasting harm” to the business and workers.When the union and UPS were at a stalemate in July, large and small businesses worked to create contingency plans in the event of a strike.Labor experts say they see the showdown as a demonstration of labor power at a time of low U.S. union membership. This summer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hollywood-writers-strike-100-days-3bea7be9077dba59b5f3b4a705646a84">Hollywood actors and screenwriters</a>&nbsp;have been picketing over pay issues. United Auto Workers are considering a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uaw-strike-auto-electric-vehicles-contract-wages-f97630a69a3b62079bd65d3821f9a5d8">potential strike</a>.“Together we reached a win-win-win agreement on the issues that are important to Teamsters leadership, our employees and to UPS and our customers,” Carol Tomé, UPS CEO, said when the tentative deal was announced.Industry groups, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, labor leaders and President Joe Biden also applauded the deal.