PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — The Rev. Anthony Navaratnam stood before his congregation and urged them to pray for the women from surrounding states who will flock to the new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-survey-pills-roe-election-2024-7179dda48eae0a764be89c2e0aafd80a">abortion</a>&nbsp;clinic in town that opened in August.

“God is giving us an opportunity to be missionaries in Pittsburg, Kansas,” he told those at Flag Church, which hosted a training on how to protest outside of the clinic.

The debate over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measure-states-candidates-2004-953bce3ea1666f128721cab2a5c1cd1d">reproductive rights</a>&nbsp;has landed in this college town of 20,000 in the southeast corner of one of the few states left in the region still allowing abortions. It is near&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-election-c284f4fe17a23b63a4528bc2b2051943">Missouri</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-oklahoma-family-planning-title-x-3df24e69294f513e68634e6d6a146cf1">Oklahoma</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-arkansas-supreme-court-48c208d49d82b467fbcc4b9c2724617a">Arkansas</a>&nbsp;and not terribly far from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-privacy-records-texas-lawsuit-9574df658a3336ab8ad28c31a2f79821">Texas</a>.

A place this size, especially one in a historically red state, was unlikely to have an abortion clinic before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Roe v. Wade was overturned</a>&nbsp;in 2022. Since then,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-restrictions-kansas-lawsuits-07b9d71bca29119ab4acc30c28a67099">Kansas</a>&nbsp;has become one of five states that people are most likely to travel to in order to get an abortion when they're unable to at home, said Caitlin Myers, an economics professor at Middlebury College who researches abortion policies.

Abortions spiked in Kansas by 152% after Roe, according to a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/report/abortion-clinics-united-states-2020-2024">analysis</a>&nbsp;by the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. Using Myers' count, six of the clinics in Kansas, Illinois,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-mexico-underwrites-new-abortion-clinic-b808f62f9aabe466b3f8d1a8e5af4529">New Mexico</a>, North Carolina and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-clinic-border-virginia-tennessee-bristol-7dfed02251e668fdded6ac97ae7fd281">Virginia</a>&nbsp;that have opened or relocated post-Roe are in communities with fewer than 25,000 people. Two others are in communities of fewer than 50,000.

“Kansas is really the only one in this region that can provide care to many people in these surrounding states,” said Kensey Wright, a member of the board of directors for the Roe Fund in Oklahoma, which supports Kansas abortion clinics through grants.

“Without abortion clinics in that state, we would be without hope," Wright said.

Providing abortions for out-of-state people

Housed in a former urology office, Pittsburg’s Planned Parenthood clinic sits across the street from a medical clinic run by a Catholic health care system. Behind the clinic are houses.

Clinic manager Logan Rink said her mother used to work in this building as a nurse — a connection that’s “small-town stuff.” She loves this town, and said her neighbors agree the clinic is needed. But she was guarded in her optimism, saying ” the reception that we are going to get from the community is going to be favorable in some ways and probably not always.”

Experts said smaller-sized clinics can be less overwhelming for women who are coming from rural areas, like those surrounding Pittsburg. But there is no anonymity in these smaller communities, where religious and family ties often run deep. Pittsburg was established in 1876, and settled largely by immigrants from Catholic-leaning countries who came to work at surrounding coal mines. There’s a typical main street and a state university with about 7,400 students.

“In a small town, it’s not just that you’ll know that person. Your family will know them. You will have known them for 40 years,” said Dr. Emily Walters, a supporter of the Pittsburg clinic who works as an anesthesiologist at a hospital in neighboring Missouri. “Your stories will be intertwined.”

She wondered aloud, “How do I see you at a protest and then see you the next day at the grocery store and still be able to be polite and civil with each other?”

Walters also chairs the Crawford County Democratic Party in an area that is increasingly Republican and has no Democratic state legislators — a change from 20 years ago when there were six. The county also has become increasingly religious in the same span; it now has twice as many white evangelical Protestants as the national average, and slightly more Catholics, according to the Public Religion Research Institute.

Just five weeks after Roe was overturned in 2022, voters in Kansas had to decide whether to strip the right to an abortion from the state constitution, which could have led to an outright ban. Despite the Republican and religious leanings, 55% of Crawford County voters were part of the 59% of voters statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">who killed the proposal</a>.

It's in line with an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-biden-election-2024-dobbs-498d14f6e2bbfe1f313f006ad089de4e">Associated Press-NORC poll from 2024 that showed 6 in 10 Americans</a>&nbsp;think their state should generally allow a person to obtain a legal abortion if they don’t want to be pregnant for any reason. But the rural counties that surrounded Pittsburg chose otherwise at the ballot box.

“I remember people were stealing yard signs, putting up different ones in people’s yards,” said Anastin Journot, an 18-year-old from Independence, Kansas, who is majoring in elementary education at Pittsburg State. She said she was alarmed by Roe getting overturned, remembering she thought: "What if I’m in a situation where I’m needing to get an abortion and it’s not an option?”

Abortion in Kansas is generally legal up until the 22nd week of pregnancy. The clinic's southern location puts it closer to states that have banned abortions instead of sending people to Kansas' larger cities, where hours have been expanded and appointments are still in short supply.

About 60% to 65% of people who call Planned Parenthood clinics in Kansas for an abortion appointment are turned away because there isn't enough capacity, said Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains. Already, Wales said, the bulk of people seeking abortions in Kansas are from out of state — mostly Texas, which is about five hours south. After that, it's Missouri, a few minutes' drive east and Oklahoma, less than an hour away. She said some come from as far away as Louisiana and even Florida, which now prohibits the procedure after six weeks.

Clinics “strategically placed near (a state's) border can really help ease the congestion,” said Ushma Upadhyay, a public health scientist at the University of California San Francisco who studies abortion.

Most of the area that’s 100 miles from the new clinic has been designated as medically underserved for primary care by the federal government, and the number of obstetricians and gynecologists for every 100,000 female residents is less than half of the U.S. average.

For now, though, the focus at the Pittsburg clinic will be on abortion. Wales said Planned Parenthood wants to slowly add more services over the next two to three months, and one future goal for the clinic is to provide gender-affirming care.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-transgender-health-tennessee-kentucky-75e3b446513f61281013a2bf86248044">Neighboring states have restricted that, too</a>.

“Pittsburg is going to lift up a whole lot of states in the South and help people get care,” Wales said.

But those additions, she added, will come after staff gets used to the patients and the presence of protesters and opposition.

Donations are up at Vie Medical Clinic, the town’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/478cd077ca2b4da59330e0c38062bc8c">crisis pregnancy center</a>, executive director Megan Newman said. Such centers are typically religiously affiliated and encourage clients to continue their pregnancies.

People opposed to the Planned Parenthood clinic also are picking up pamphlets about Vie so they can hand them out to those seeking abortions. “When we got word that Planned Parenthood was coming, you could just kind of feel that in the town,” Newman said.

Jeanne Napier, a 68-year-old who attends a local Baptist church, vowed as she shopped at the local mall that she'll “be there every day with signs.”

Her daughter, Terri Napier, said in a phone interview she believes part of her parents' opposition to the clinic is from watching her struggle about 20 years ago. She was in an abusive relationship with someone who has since died. She got pregnant. The family was fearful of bringing a child into the situation.

She had an abortion, and spiraled into drug use. “I was at war with forgiving myself," said the 43-year-old, who is now clean.

Jeanne Napier said she felt like she encouraged the abortion. “And I hate that,” she said, "because I wish I could take that sin upon myself, so it’s real personal. I had an active play in terminating a life, and we don’t have that right.”

Brianna Barnes, a 19-year-old journalism major at Pittsburg State who is from Wichita, has protested and prayed outside of a clinic in her hometown.

“If someone made eye contact with us, we just smiled at them, kind of showing that love and care because no one responds well to screaming, yelling, violence no matter what side it’s on,” she said just after arriving on campus for the fall semester. Most of the students the AP talked to voiced support for the clinic.

Her mother, Crystal Barnes, 42, turned to her daughter: “You’re going to be the odd man out being a Catholic, and conservative, especially with things like abortion. It is so heated.”

The Friday before the clinic opened, crews installed a wooden facade outside, the air filled with the smell of fresh-cut lumber. Walters, the local anesthesiologist, had stopped by to check on the progress.

Walters' support comes from a personal place. When she was 20 and the same number of weeks pregnant, she went to an emergency room, bleeding. She said she was sent home to miscarry instead of having her labor induced or having a procedure to remove the fetus.

That experience — “horrific, and wouldn’t be considered standard of care, in modern practice,” she said — left her with a deep empathy for women in tough positions.

Just before the 2022 vote, an ad backed by 400 Kansas doctors who support abortion rights ran in some of the state's largest papers, including The Kansas City Star. Walters' name was listed first. During that time, her home address appeared online, a frightening prospect in a state where abortion provider Dr. George Tiller was shot dead in 2009 at his Wichita church by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6b273de60cc040bc98ff47acd0112995">an anti-abortion extremist</a>.

“It is critical health care for women,” she said. “It is going to be disruptive to Pittsburg. And that part hurts my heart.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726399665756.png" alt="Anti-abortion protester Deborah Green-Myers, from Pittsburg, Kan., demonstrates outside a recently opened Planned Parenthood clinic, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Pittsburg, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Anti-abortion protester Deborah Green-Myers, from Pittsburg, Kan., demonstrates outside a recently opened Planned Parenthood clinic, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Pittsburg, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and JOHN HANNA PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — The Rev. Anthony Navaratnam stood before his congregation and urged them to pray for the women from surrounding states who will flock to the new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-survey-pills-roe-election-2024-7179dda48eae0a764be89c2e0aafd80a">abortion</a>&nbsp;clinic in town that opened in August.“God is giving us an opportunity to be missionaries in Pittsburg, Kansas,” he told those at Flag Church, which hosted a training on how to protest outside of the clinic.The debate over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measure-states-candidates-2004-953bce3ea1666f128721cab2a5c1cd1d">reproductive rights</a>&nbsp;has landed in this college town of 20,000 in the southeast corner of one of the few states left in the region still allowing abortions. It is near&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-election-c284f4fe17a23b63a4528bc2b2051943">Missouri</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-oklahoma-family-planning-title-x-3df24e69294f513e68634e6d6a146cf1">Oklahoma</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-arkansas-supreme-court-48c208d49d82b467fbcc4b9c2724617a">Arkansas</a>&nbsp;and not terribly far from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-privacy-records-texas-lawsuit-9574df658a3336ab8ad28c31a2f79821">Texas</a>.A place this size, especially one in a historically red state, was unlikely to have an abortion clinic before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Roe v. Wade was overturned</a>&nbsp;in 2022. Since then,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-restrictions-kansas-lawsuits-07b9d71bca29119ab4acc30c28a67099">Kansas</a>&nbsp;has become one of five states that people are most likely to travel to in order to get an abortion when they're unable to at home, said Caitlin Myers, an economics professor at Middlebury College who researches abortion policies.Abortions spiked in Kansas by 152% after Roe, according to a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/report/abortion-clinics-united-states-2020-2024">analysis</a>&nbsp;by the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. Using Myers' count, six of the clinics in Kansas, Illinois,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-mexico-underwrites-new-abortion-clinic-b808f62f9aabe466b3f8d1a8e5af4529">New Mexico</a>, North Carolina and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-clinic-border-virginia-tennessee-bristol-7dfed02251e668fdded6ac97ae7fd281">Virginia</a>&nbsp;that have opened or relocated post-Roe are in communities with fewer than 25,000 people. Two others are in communities of fewer than 50,000.“Kansas is really the only one in this region that can provide care to many people in these surrounding states,” said Kensey Wright, a member of the board of directors for the Roe Fund in Oklahoma, which supports Kansas abortion clinics through grants.“Without abortion clinics in that state, we would be without hope," Wright said.<h2>Providing abortions for out-of-state people</h2>Housed in a former urology office, Pittsburg’s Planned Parenthood clinic sits across the street from a medical clinic run by a Catholic health care system. Behind the clinic are houses.Clinic manager Logan Rink said her mother used to work in this building as a nurse — a connection that’s “small-town stuff.” She loves this town, and said her neighbors agree the clinic is needed. But she was guarded in her optimism, saying ” the reception that we are going to get from the community is going to be favorable in some ways and probably not always.”Experts said smaller-sized clinics can be less overwhelming for women who are coming from rural areas, like those surrounding Pittsburg. But there is no anonymity in these smaller communities, where religious and family ties often run deep. Pittsburg was established in 1876, and settled largely by immigrants from Catholic-leaning countries who came to work at surrounding coal mines. There’s a typical main street and a state university with about 7,400 students.“In a small town, it’s not just that you’ll know that person. Your family will know them. You will have known them for 40 years,” said Dr. Emily Walters, a supporter of the Pittsburg clinic who works as an anesthesiologist at a hospital in neighboring Missouri. “Your stories will be intertwined.”She wondered aloud, “How do I see you at a protest and then see you the next day at the grocery store and still be able to be polite and civil with each other?”Walters also chairs the Crawford County Democratic Party in an area that is increasingly Republican and has no Democratic state legislators — a change from 20 years ago when there were six. The county also has become increasingly religious in the same span; it now has twice as many white evangelical Protestants as the national average, and slightly more Catholics, according to the Public Religion Research Institute.Just five weeks after Roe was overturned in 2022, voters in Kansas had to decide whether to strip the right to an abortion from the state constitution, which could have led to an outright ban. Despite the Republican and religious leanings, 55% of Crawford County voters were part of the 59% of voters statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">who killed the proposal</a>.It's in line with an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-biden-election-2024-dobbs-498d14f6e2bbfe1f313f006ad089de4e">Associated Press-NORC poll from 2024 that showed 6 in 10 Americans</a>&nbsp;think their state should generally allow a person to obtain a legal abortion if they don’t want to be pregnant for any reason. But the rural counties that surrounded Pittsburg chose otherwise at the ballot box.“I remember people were stealing yard signs, putting up different ones in people’s yards,” said Anastin Journot, an 18-year-old from Independence, Kansas, who is majoring in elementary education at Pittsburg State. She said she was alarmed by Roe getting overturned, remembering she thought: "What if I’m in a situation where I’m needing to get an abortion and it’s not an option?”Abortion in Kansas is generally legal up until the 22nd week of pregnancy. The clinic's southern location puts it closer to states that have banned abortions instead of sending people to Kansas' larger cities, where hours have been expanded and appointments are still in short supply.About 60% to 65% of people who call Planned Parenthood clinics in Kansas for an abortion appointment are turned away because there isn't enough capacity, said Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains. Already, Wales said, the bulk of people seeking abortions in Kansas are from out of state — mostly Texas, which is about five hours south. After that, it's Missouri, a few minutes' drive east and Oklahoma, less than an hour away. She said some come from as far away as Louisiana and even Florida, which now prohibits the procedure after six weeks.Clinics “strategically placed near (a state's) border can really help ease the congestion,” said Ushma Upadhyay, a public health scientist at the University of California San Francisco who studies abortion.Most of the area that’s 100 miles from the new clinic has been designated as medically underserved for primary care by the federal government, and the number of obstetricians and gynecologists for every 100,000 female residents is less than half of the U.S. average.For now, though, the focus at the Pittsburg clinic will be on abortion. Wales said Planned Parenthood wants to slowly add more services over the next two to three months, and one future goal for the clinic is to provide gender-affirming care.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-transgender-health-tennessee-kentucky-75e3b446513f61281013a2bf86248044">Neighboring states have restricted that, too</a>.“Pittsburg is going to lift up a whole lot of states in the South and help people get care,” Wales said.But those additions, she added, will come after staff gets used to the patients and the presence of protesters and opposition.<h2>Protesters are at the ready</h2>Donations are up at Vie Medical Clinic, the town’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/478cd077ca2b4da59330e0c38062bc8c">crisis pregnancy center</a>, executive director Megan Newman said. Such centers are typically religiously affiliated and encourage clients to continue their pregnancies.People opposed to the Planned Parenthood clinic also are picking up pamphlets about Vie so they can hand them out to those seeking abortions. “When we got word that Planned Parenthood was coming, you could just kind of feel that in the town,” Newman said.Jeanne Napier, a 68-year-old who attends a local Baptist church, vowed as she shopped at the local mall that she'll “be there every day with signs.”Her daughter, Terri Napier, said in a phone interview she believes part of her parents' opposition to the clinic is from watching her struggle about 20 years ago. She was in an abusive relationship with someone who has since died. She got pregnant. The family was fearful of bringing a child into the situation.She had an abortion, and spiraled into drug use. “I was at war with forgiving myself," said the 43-year-old, who is now clean.Jeanne Napier said she felt like she encouraged the abortion. “And I hate that,” she said, "because I wish I could take that sin upon myself, so it’s real personal. I had an active play in terminating a life, and we don’t have that right.”Brianna Barnes, a 19-year-old journalism major at Pittsburg State who is from Wichita, has protested and prayed outside of a clinic in her hometown.“If someone made eye contact with us, we just smiled at them, kind of showing that love and care because no one responds well to screaming, yelling, violence no matter what side it’s on,” she said just after arriving on campus for the fall semester. Most of the students the AP talked to voiced support for the clinic.Her mother, Crystal Barnes, 42, turned to her daughter: “You’re going to be the odd man out being a Catholic, and conservative, especially with things like abortion. It is so heated.”The Friday before the clinic opened, crews installed a wooden facade outside, the air filled with the smell of fresh-cut lumber. Walters, the local anesthesiologist, had stopped by to check on the progress.Walters' support comes from a personal place. When she was 20 and the same number of weeks pregnant, she went to an emergency room, bleeding. She said she was sent home to miscarry instead of having her labor induced or having a procedure to remove the fetus.That experience — “horrific, and wouldn’t be considered standard of care, in modern practice,” she said — left her with a deep empathy for women in tough positions.Just before the 2022 vote, an ad backed by 400 Kansas doctors who support abortion rights ran in some of the state's largest papers, including The Kansas City Star. Walters' name was listed first. During that time, her home address appeared online, a frightening prospect in a state where abortion provider Dr. George Tiller was shot dead in 2009 at his Wichita church by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6b273de60cc040bc98ff47acd0112995">an anti-abortion extremist</a>.“It is critical health care for women,” she said. “It is going to be disruptive to Pittsburg. And that part hurts my heart.”

How a small town in Kansas found itself at the center of abortion’s national moment

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of his town hall meeting in Dillon Hall in the Encampment Building at the Kansas State Fair Saturday night, Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall said he's been trying to get a bill voted on to require proof of citizenship at the federal level, and he gave an update on that.

"Chuck Schumer is not going to let us even vote for it on the Senate," Marshall said. "The House has already passed it, and they've attached it to the year end funding. Again, I'm trying not to bore you with all the politics of this. But the government's going to run out of money at the end of September. So they were trying to use that as leverage, saying, OK, we've got to pass funding to the government. Let's attach this bill to it that requires proof of citizenship when you register to vote. Chuck Schumer has had a fit and says he's going to blame the Republicans if we shut the government down, so I'm afraid it's stuck."

Ultimately, they have to pass a funding bill, but it's probably going to be a continuing resolution until the new Congress is seated.

"We're trying to keep the government open," Marshall said. "The fiscal year ends on September 30th. It's always disappointing to me that we get up to these strike midnight moments and we haven't done anything yet with it. Again, that's preplanned, though. This is exactly what Chuck Schumer wants. This is what the White House wants. They want to write the funding for the next year. I think where Republicans are at this point is to do what we would call a continuing resolution and fund it from now until the end of December and see what happens with the elections."

Marshall is hopeful that Republicans can win the White House and retain control in the House while getting control of the Senate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726367189127.png" alt="Senator Roger Marshall&nbsp;at State Fair Town Hall-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>Senator Roger Marshall&nbsp;at State Fair Town Hall-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of his town hall meeting in Dillon Hall in the Encampment Building at the Kansas State Fair Saturday night, Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall said he's been trying to get a bill voted on to require proof of citizenship at the federal level, and he gave an update on that."Chuck Schumer is not going to let us even vote for it on the Senate," Marshall said. "The House has already passed it, and they've attached it to the year end funding. Again, I'm trying not to bore you with all the politics of this. But the government's going to run out of money at the end of September. So they were trying to use that as leverage, saying, OK, we've got to pass funding to the government. Let's attach this bill to it that requires proof of citizenship when you register to vote. Chuck Schumer has had a fit and says he's going to blame the Republicans if we shut the government down, so I'm afraid it's stuck."Ultimately, they have to pass a funding bill, but it's probably going to be a continuing resolution until the new Congress is seated."We're trying to keep the government open," Marshall said. "The fiscal year ends on September 30th. It's always disappointing to me that we get up to these strike midnight moments and we haven't done anything yet with it. Again, that's preplanned, though. This is exactly what Chuck Schumer wants. This is what the White House wants. They want to write the funding for the next year. I think where Republicans are at this point is to do what we would call a continuing resolution and fund it from now until the end of December and see what happens with the elections."Marshall is hopeful that Republicans can win the White House and retain control in the House while getting control of the Senate.

Senator Marshall holds Town Hall at the Kansas State Fair 

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for the rest of his life for the death of a teen.

Last week, Judge Brenda M. Cameron sentenced 29-year-old Malik Jamal Delva to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 25-years for first degree murder, and granted an upward durational departure due to aggravating factors to 154 months in prison for distribution of marijuana, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

In March a jury found Delva guilty in the June 2018 shooting death of 17-year-old Daniel Bowden. Police responded to an armed disturbance in the 100 Block of South Clairborne Road in Olathe.&nbsp; During an altercation between two groups, Bowden was shot.&nbsp; &nbsp;EMS transported him to a hospital where he died.&nbsp; Three others including 23-year-old Angelo Monteleone, 23-year-old Isaiah Wisinger and 22-year-old Cesar Herrera all have pleaded guilty in connection with Bowden's death and were sentenced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725567458283.png" alt="Delva photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Delva photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for the rest of his life for the death of a teen.Last week, Judge Brenda M. Cameron sentenced 29-year-old Malik Jamal Delva to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 25-years for first degree murder, and granted an upward durational departure due to aggravating factors to 154 months in prison for distribution of marijuana, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.In March a jury found Delva guilty in the June 2018 shooting death of 17-year-old Daniel Bowden. Police responded to an armed disturbance in the 100 Block of South Clairborne Road in Olathe.&nbsp; During an altercation between two groups, Bowden was shot.&nbsp; &nbsp;EMS transported him to a hospital where he died.&nbsp; Three others including 23-year-old Angelo Monteleone, 23-year-old Isaiah Wisinger and 22-year-old Cesar Herrera all have pleaded guilty in connection with Bowden's death and were sentenced.

Kansas man among four sentenced for death of 17-year-old

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.&nbsp;

Just&nbsp;after 11 a.m. September 10, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Nissan Altima for a traffic violation on U.S. Highway 75 and 142nd Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the traffic stop, cocaine was located in the vehicle.  The driver, Dustin James Spooner, 39, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725995571412.png" alt="Spooner-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Spooner-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.&nbsp;Just&nbsp;after 11 a.m. September 10, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Nissan Altima for a traffic violation on U.S. Highway 75 and 142nd Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.During the traffic stop, cocaine was located in the vehicle. The driver, Dustin James Spooner, 39, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a license.

Kansas deputy found cocaine during traffic stop

RENO COUNTY— A Kansas felon is going back to prison after sentenced for a violent knife attack in May.

On Friday, 26-year-old Briantey L. Baskin was sentenced to 620 months for attempted murder in the first degree, 41 months for aggravated battery, 12 months for aggravated assault and six months for criminal threat, according to the Reno County District Attorney's office.

The attempted murder and battery charges will be served concurrently, while the assault and criminal threat charges will be served consecutively.

Baskin pleaded guilty on Aug. 15 to all four charges.

On May, 9, police were dispatched to 1st Avenue and Main Street in Hutchinson for a disturbance, according to a media release from Police Capt. Dayton Gates. When officers arrived on scene, they located a man with a laceration to his body. Another victim reported a man threatening him with a knife during the same incident.

The injured victim was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. Police arrested&nbsp; Baskin in connection with the crime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715273871315.png" alt="Baskin has a 2023 conviction for criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. " />
 <figcaption>Baskin has a 2023 conviction for criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. </figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY— A Kansas felon is going back to prison after sentenced for a violent knife attack in May.On Friday, 26-year-old Briantey L. Baskin was sentenced to 620 months for attempted murder in the first degree, 41 months for aggravated battery, 12 months for aggravated assault and six months for criminal threat, according to the Reno County District Attorney's office.The attempted murder and battery charges will be served concurrently, while the assault and criminal threat charges will be served consecutively.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715264701275.jpeg" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation in May Photo by Nick Gosnell." />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation in May Photo by Nick Gosnell.</figcaption>
 </figure>Baskin pleaded guilty on Aug. 15 to all four charges.On May, 9, police were dispatched to 1st Avenue and Main Street in Hutchinson for a disturbance, according to a media release from Police Capt. Dayton Gates. When officers arrived on scene, they located a man with a laceration to his body. Another victim reported a man threatening him with a knife during the same incident.The injured victim was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. Police arrested&nbsp; Baskin in connection with the crime.---

Kansas felon going back to prison for violent knife attack 

STEVENS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Stevens County.

The Hugoton Police Department reported a 2018 Yamaha motorcycle driven by David Thomas, 19, Hugoton, and a 2015 Lincoln Navigator driven by Linda Hittle, 79, Hutoton,&nbsp; were involved in an accident at 11th and Madison Street in the city of Hugoton, according to a media release. 

Thomas was transported to the Stevens County hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Hittle was not injured.&nbsp; &nbsp;The accident remains under investigation.

STEVENS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Stevens County.The Hugoton Police Department reported a 2018 Yamaha motorcycle driven by David Thomas, 19, Hugoton, and a 2015 Lincoln Navigator driven by Linda Hittle, 79, Hutoton,&nbsp; were involved in an accident at 11th and Madison Street in the city of Hugoton, according to a media release. Thomas was transported to the Stevens County hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Hittle was not injured.&nbsp; &nbsp;The accident remains under investigation.

Police ID Kansas teen who died in motorcycle, SUV accident

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden brushed off a threat from Russian leader Vladimir Putin about war against the West if Ukraine’s allies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kursk-putin-missiles-7e59c745b4bff79802454f0b660b0d0d">allow it to use weapons deeper inside Russia</a>. It’s a shift that Kyiv has pleaded for, but no decision was immediately announced following a meeting Friday between Biden and Britain’s prime minister.

Ukraine and many of its supporters in the U.S. and Europe&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-military-aid-zelenskyy-cf8addbd055e518a7a10a73d3d4353cd">want Biden to lift restrictions</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-missiles-war-nato-zelenskyy-b8039dcdd5b5f03415acd757fbead8e6">Western-provided long-range weapons</a>, and there are signs Biden might shift the administration’s policy.

The U.S., concerned about any step that could lead Russia to escalate the conflict, has moved cautiously before granting a series of earlier requests from Ukraine for specific arms, including advanced tanks, missiles and rocket systems, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-f16s-what-to-know-224d96ff2ad4f416d3969676a55876e2">F-16 fighter jets</a>. Russian officials have issued similar threats before many of those past decisions.

Ukraine was a key topic for Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blinken-lammy-ukraine-russia-missiles-0584fb5f4cf2b89f9b4eea1358700a91">this week’s visit to Kyiv</a>&nbsp;by their top diplomats, who came under fresh pressure to loosen weapons restrictions. So far, the U.S. has allowed Ukraine to use&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/czechia-ukraine-russia-nato-blinken-441c9624d95f8193e99cf08effced44f">American-provided weapons</a>&nbsp;only in a limited area inside Russia’s border with Ukraine.

Two U.S. officials familiar with discussions said they believed Starmer was seeking Biden’s approval to allow Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow missiles for expanded strikes in Russia. Biden’s approval may be needed because Storm Shadow components are made in the U.S. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to share the status of private conversations, said they believed Biden would be amenable.

Starmer said talks would continue when global leaders convene for the annual U.N. General Assembly gathering this month.

“This was a really important invitation from the president to have this level of discussion about those critical issues,’' he told reporters after the White House meeting. He added, “Ukraine has a right to self-defense, and we’ve stood united.”

Putin said a day earlier that allowing long-range strikes “would mean that NATO countries, the United States and European countries, are at war with Russia.” His remarks were in line with the narrative the Kremlin has promoted since early in the war, accusing NATO countries of de-facto participation in the conflict and threatening a response.

Speaking to journalists before the private talks with Starmer, Biden said he wanted to make “clear that Putin will not prevail in this war.”

Asked what he thought about Putin’s threat, Biden answered, “I don’t think much about Vladimir Putin.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pressing the U.S. and other allies to allow his forces to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-war-us-weapons-long-range-missiles-7f061044c7b50a1946409eea9e9c399f">use Western weapons</a>&nbsp;to target Russian air bases and launch sites far from the border as Russia has stepped up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-energy-russia-airstrikes-greenpeace-1dfe7e60d4f9291f1196afda1a19373a">assaults on Ukraine’s electricity grid</a>&nbsp;and utilities before winter.

“The war must become more difficult for Russia — that is the only way to make them realize it must end,” he posted Friday on social media.

Zelenskyy’s appeal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kursk-putin-missiles-7e59c745b4bff79802454f0b660b0d0d">has garnered support</a>&nbsp;in U.S. and European security and diplomatic circles, including from some former U.S. generals and diplomats, lawmakers and security analysts. They argue that Russia’s previous threats of escalation against the West have proven hollow and that the U.S. restrictions on weapons are making it impossible for Ukraine to gain the battlefield momentum it needs.

Even a few Ukrainian strikes with heavier weapons on military targets deeper into Russia would put more strain on Russian logistics, troops and other resources, said George Barros, a security analyst for the Institute for the Study of War.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed Friday that decisions on what military support to provide Ukraine were complex, saying, “There is no silver bullet when it comes to things like this.” He noted last week that Ukraine has already been able to strike inside Russia with its own internally produced systems, including drones.

Zelenskyy wants more long-range weaponry from Washington, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-long-range-missiles-4d2254639eb5a503d8b0a291ed0680e9">Army Tactical Missile System,</a>&nbsp;known as ATACMS, for strikes in Russia.

Lt. Col. Charlie Dietz, a Pentagon spokesperson, said ATACMS would not be the answer to the main threat Ukraine faces from long-range Russian glide bombs, which are being fired from more than 300 kilometers (185 miles) away, beyond the reach of ATACMS.

American officials also do not believe they have enough of the weapon systems available to provide Ukraine with the number to make a substantive difference on the ground, a U.S. official said.

Biden, however, has hinted that a change could be afoot. In an exchange with reporters this week about whether he was ready to ease weapons restrictions on Ukraine, he responded, “We’re working that out now.”

Some American supporters of Ukraine have criticized the Biden administration for telegraphing earlier decisions on beefing up weapons to Kyiv well in advance, saying the U.S. was giving Russia ample time to update its tactics accordingly.

Biden and Starmer, meeting for the second time since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-election-keir-starmer-profile-labour-e98d16e0810273f6041b61747e084aae">his center-left government was elected in July</a>, also were set to compare notes on languishing efforts to get a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-gaza-war-ceasefire-egypt-qatar-biden-aafbe442e8dd976218588d2f164b38a1">cease-fire deal in Gaza</a>, mutual concerns in the Indo-Pacific and other issues.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-uk-spying-7845e3554c753388e8c952733589fb7f">Russia accused six British diplomats</a>&nbsp;of spying Friday and said it would expel them. Starmer’s government called the accusation baseless and linked it to Britain’s expulsion of Moscow’s defense attache in London over spying allegations in May.

The White House also has tried in recent days to put a greater emphasis on the nexus between the war in Ukraine and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel">conflict in the Middle East</a>&nbsp;that was sparked after Iranian-backed Hamas militants in Gaza attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

The Biden administration said this week that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-britain-blinken-ukraine-iran-ballistic-missiles-russia-a2c3f92e213518063ccd5ad890105560">Iran recently delivered short-range ballistic weapons to Russia</a>&nbsp;to use against Ukraine, a transfer that White House officials worry will allow Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets far beyond the Ukrainian front line while employing Iranian warheads for closer-range targets.

“It certainly speaks to the manner in which this partnership threatens European security and how it illustrates Iran’s destabilizing influence now reaches well beyond the Middle East,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said.

Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London, Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, and Zeke Miller and Tara Copp in Washington contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726321406705.png" alt="President Biden and Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House on Friday-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden and Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House on Friday-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden brushed off a threat from Russian leader Vladimir Putin about war against the West if Ukraine’s allies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kursk-putin-missiles-7e59c745b4bff79802454f0b660b0d0d">allow it to use weapons deeper inside Russia</a>. It’s a shift that Kyiv has pleaded for, but no decision was immediately announced following a meeting Friday between Biden and Britain’s prime minister.Ukraine and many of its supporters in the U.S. and Europe&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-military-aid-zelenskyy-cf8addbd055e518a7a10a73d3d4353cd">want Biden to lift restrictions</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-missiles-war-nato-zelenskyy-b8039dcdd5b5f03415acd757fbead8e6">Western-provided long-range weapons</a>, and there are signs Biden might shift the administration’s policy.The U.S., concerned about any step that could lead Russia to escalate the conflict, has moved cautiously before granting a series of earlier requests from Ukraine for specific arms, including advanced tanks, missiles and rocket systems, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-f16s-what-to-know-224d96ff2ad4f416d3969676a55876e2">F-16 fighter jets</a>. Russian officials have issued similar threats before many of those past decisions.Ukraine was a key topic for Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blinken-lammy-ukraine-russia-missiles-0584fb5f4cf2b89f9b4eea1358700a91">this week’s visit to Kyiv</a>&nbsp;by their top diplomats, who came under fresh pressure to loosen weapons restrictions. So far, the U.S. has allowed Ukraine to use&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/czechia-ukraine-russia-nato-blinken-441c9624d95f8193e99cf08effced44f">American-provided weapons</a>&nbsp;only in a limited area inside Russia’s border with Ukraine.Two U.S. officials familiar with discussions said they believed Starmer was seeking Biden’s approval to allow Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow missiles for expanded strikes in Russia. Biden’s approval may be needed because Storm Shadow components are made in the U.S. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to share the status of private conversations, said they believed Biden would be amenable.Starmer said talks would continue when global leaders convene for the annual U.N. General Assembly gathering this month.“This was a really important invitation from the president to have this level of discussion about those critical issues,’' he told reporters after the White House meeting. He added, “Ukraine has a right to self-defense, and we’ve stood united.”Putin said a day earlier that allowing long-range strikes “would mean that NATO countries, the United States and European countries, are at war with Russia.” His remarks were in line with the narrative the Kremlin has promoted since early in the war, accusing NATO countries of de-facto participation in the conflict and threatening a response.Speaking to journalists before the private talks with Starmer, Biden said he wanted to make “clear that Putin will not prevail in this war.”Asked what he thought about Putin’s threat, Biden answered, “I don’t think much about Vladimir Putin.”Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pressing the U.S. and other allies to allow his forces to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-war-us-weapons-long-range-missiles-7f061044c7b50a1946409eea9e9c399f">use Western weapons</a>&nbsp;to target Russian air bases and launch sites far from the border as Russia has stepped up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-energy-russia-airstrikes-greenpeace-1dfe7e60d4f9291f1196afda1a19373a">assaults on Ukraine’s electricity grid</a>&nbsp;and utilities before winter.“The war must become more difficult for Russia — that is the only way to make them realize it must end,” he posted Friday on social media.Zelenskyy’s appeal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kursk-putin-missiles-7e59c745b4bff79802454f0b660b0d0d">has garnered support</a>&nbsp;in U.S. and European security and diplomatic circles, including from some former U.S. generals and diplomats, lawmakers and security analysts. They argue that Russia’s previous threats of escalation against the West have proven hollow and that the U.S. restrictions on weapons are making it impossible for Ukraine to gain the battlefield momentum it needs.Even a few Ukrainian strikes with heavier weapons on military targets deeper into Russia would put more strain on Russian logistics, troops and other resources, said George Barros, a security analyst for the Institute for the Study of War.Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed Friday that decisions on what military support to provide Ukraine were complex, saying, “There is no silver bullet when it comes to things like this.” He noted last week that Ukraine has already been able to strike inside Russia with its own internally produced systems, including drones.Zelenskyy wants more long-range weaponry from Washington, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-long-range-missiles-4d2254639eb5a503d8b0a291ed0680e9">Army Tactical Missile System,</a>&nbsp;known as ATACMS, for strikes in Russia.Lt. Col. Charlie Dietz, a Pentagon spokesperson, said ATACMS would not be the answer to the main threat Ukraine faces from long-range Russian glide bombs, which are being fired from more than 300 kilometers (185 miles) away, beyond the reach of ATACMS.American officials also do not believe they have enough of the weapon systems available to provide Ukraine with the number to make a substantive difference on the ground, a U.S. official said.Biden, however, has hinted that a change could be afoot. In an exchange with reporters this week about whether he was ready to ease weapons restrictions on Ukraine, he responded, “We’re working that out now.”Some American supporters of Ukraine have criticized the Biden administration for telegraphing earlier decisions on beefing up weapons to Kyiv well in advance, saying the U.S. was giving Russia ample time to update its tactics accordingly.Biden and Starmer, meeting for the second time since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-election-keir-starmer-profile-labour-e98d16e0810273f6041b61747e084aae">his center-left government was elected in July</a>, also were set to compare notes on languishing efforts to get a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-gaza-war-ceasefire-egypt-qatar-biden-aafbe442e8dd976218588d2f164b38a1">cease-fire deal in Gaza</a>, mutual concerns in the Indo-Pacific and other issues.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-uk-spying-7845e3554c753388e8c952733589fb7f">Russia accused six British diplomats</a>&nbsp;of spying Friday and said it would expel them. Starmer’s government called the accusation baseless and linked it to Britain’s expulsion of Moscow’s defense attache in London over spying allegations in May.The White House also has tried in recent days to put a greater emphasis on the nexus between the war in Ukraine and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel">conflict in the Middle East</a>&nbsp;that was sparked after Iranian-backed Hamas militants in Gaza attacked Israel on Oct. 7.The Biden administration said this week that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-britain-blinken-ukraine-iran-ballistic-missiles-russia-a2c3f92e213518063ccd5ad890105560">Iran recently delivered short-range ballistic weapons to Russia</a>&nbsp;to use against Ukraine, a transfer that White House officials worry will allow Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets far beyond the Ukrainian front line while employing Iranian warheads for closer-range targets.“It certainly speaks to the manner in which this partnership threatens European security and how it illustrates Iran’s destabilizing influence now reaches well beyond the Middle East,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said.<h2>___</h2>Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London, Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, and Zeke Miller and Tara Copp in Washington contributed.

Biden brushes off Putin’s threats about weapons for Ukraine

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A default judgment was entered against an unlicensed Kansas childcare provider earlier this month for engaging in deceptive and unconscionable acts under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

 The matter was investigated by the Office of the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division after receiving a complaint against Monica Balfour, doing business as Tia’s Childcare.

The Consumer Protection Division alleged Monica Balfour violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) by acting as an unlicensed childcare provider and using Kansas Department of Health and Environment forms to present the appearance of being licensed. 

The Court found these alleged violations to be deceptive under the KCPA. As part of the ruling, the Court ordered Monica Balfour to pay $40,000.00 in civil penalties, as well as court costs and investigation fees. The court also permanently restrained Monica Balfour from providing child care services in Kansas without obtaining a license and from operating as a day care facility until all costs and fees from this judgment are paid. 

The District Attorney reminded consumers to "exercise care when choosing a childcare provider." The City of Wichita Child Care Licensing Department requires all providers to be licensed. In addition, the State of Kansas requires every child care facility to post its license in a conspicuous place on the premises of the business. Each license for a daycare facility must have an expiration sticker on its face stating the date of expiration of the license.

The default judgment was ordered on September 5, 2024 by Judge William Woolley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714061990510.jpg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A default judgment was entered against an unlicensed Kansas childcare provider earlier this month for engaging in deceptive and unconscionable acts under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The matter was investigated by the Office of the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division after receiving a complaint against Monica Balfour, doing business as Tia’s Childcare.The Consumer Protection Division alleged Monica Balfour violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) by acting as an unlicensed childcare provider and using Kansas Department of Health and Environment forms to present the appearance of being licensed. The Court found these alleged violations to be deceptive under the KCPA. As part of the ruling, the Court ordered Monica Balfour to pay $40,000.00 in civil penalties, as well as court costs and investigation fees. The court also permanently restrained Monica Balfour from providing child care services in Kansas without obtaining a license and from operating as a day care facility until all costs and fees from this judgment are paid. The District Attorney reminded consumers to "exercise care when choosing a childcare provider." The City of Wichita Child Care Licensing Department requires all providers to be licensed. In addition, the State of Kansas requires every child care facility to post its license in a conspicuous place on the premises of the business. Each license for a daycare facility must have an expiration sticker on its face stating the date of expiration of the license.The default judgment was ordered on September 5, 2024 by Judge William Woolley.

Unlicensed Kansas daycare provider will pay thousands in fines

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified a person of interest.

 just after 8:30p.m. Thursday, police to the 4200 block of Agnes Avenue on a reported disturbance, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez. While officers were in route to the address, call notes were updated and indicated someone may have been shot.

First responders located a man on the front porch of a residence, unresponsive and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. Officers immediately began to render medical aid until EMS personnel responded and transported the victim to an area hospital.&nbsp; The man was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital, according to Gonzalez.

On Friday, police reported they took a person of interest into custody for further investigation. Police released no additional details.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified a person of interest. just after 8:30p.m. Thursday, police to the 4200 block of Agnes Avenue on a reported disturbance, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez. While officers were in route to the address, call notes were updated and indicated someone may have been shot.First responders located a man on the front porch of a residence, unresponsive and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. Officers immediately began to render medical aid until EMS personnel responded and transported the victim to an area hospital.&nbsp; The man was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital, according to Gonzalez.On Friday, police reported they took a person of interest into custody for further investigation. Police released no additional details.

KCPD: Victim dies during transport to hospital after shooting

JERUSALEM —U.S. forces continue to face threats across the Middle East almost daily and are taking action.

This week U.S. forces killed an ISIS attack cell member in a strike in Eastern Syria, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. The individual was in the midst of planting an IED for a planned attack against Coalition and Partner Forces.

In addition, over the past week, U.S. forces have successfully destroyed 13 Iranian-back Houthi drones, 7 Houthi missile systems and 3 support vehicles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen or on the Red Sea, according to the Central Command.

On Friday,&nbsp; the U.S. Army announced the upcoming deployment of the 101st Airborne Division, Combat Aviation Brigade, 'Wings of Destiny,' will deploy to replace the 10th Mountain Division Combat Aviation Brigade.

JERUSALEM —U.S. forces continue to face threats across the Middle East almost daily and are taking action.This week U.S. forces killed an ISIS attack cell member in a strike in Eastern Syria, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. The individual was in the midst of planting an IED for a planned attack against Coalition and Partner Forces.In addition, over the past week, U.S. forces have successfully destroyed 13 Iranian-back Houthi drones, 7 Houthi missile systems and 3 support vehicles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen or on the Red Sea, according to the Central Command.On Friday,&nbsp; the U.S. Army announced the upcoming deployment of the 101st Airborne Division, Combat Aviation Brigade, 'Wings of Destiny,' will deploy to replace the 10th Mountain Division Combat Aviation Brigade.

U.S. forces kill ISIS attack cell member during a strike in Syria

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Three people died in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Friday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Durango driven by Amanda Fleming, 48, Wichita, was eastbound in the westbound lanes of Kansas 96 one half mile south of 13th Street. 

The SUV collided head-on with a westbound 2019 Ram 1500 driven by Randall&nbsp;Henrickson, 31, Rose Hill.&nbsp; The impact caused the pickup to spin around and strike a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 driven by Charles Robert&nbsp;Loges, 67, McPherson.&nbsp; The Ram 1500 was&nbsp;engulfed in flames and came to rest on the north shoulder of K96 on its wheels. 

The impact from rhe Ram 1500 into Ram 2500 caused the trailer to be torn off the hitch and the Ram 2500 skidded across the median and came to rest on eastbound K96 facing east. The trailer came to rest on its side in the north ditch.

Fleming, Henrickson and a passenger in the Ram 1500 pickup identified as Eli&nbsp;Henrickson, 11, Rose Hill, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to the Forensic Science Center. 

Loges and two passengers in the Ram 2500 were not transported for treatment. All six involved in the crash were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726274988997.png" alt="View of the crash scene -image from KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>View of the crash scene -image from KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Three people died in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Friday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Durango driven by Amanda Fleming, 48, Wichita, was eastbound in the westbound lanes of Kansas 96 one half mile south of 13th Street. The SUV collided head-on with a westbound 2019 Ram 1500 driven by Randall&nbsp;Henrickson, 31, Rose Hill.&nbsp; The impact caused the pickup to spin around and strike a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 driven by Charles Robert&nbsp;Loges, 67, McPherson.&nbsp; The Ram 1500 was&nbsp;engulfed in flames and came to rest on the north shoulder of K96 on its wheels. The impact from rhe Ram 1500 into Ram 2500 caused the trailer to be torn off the hitch and the Ram 2500 skidded across the median and came to rest on eastbound K96 facing east. The trailer came to rest on its side in the north ditch.Fleming, Henrickson and a passenger in the Ram 1500 pickup identified as Eli&nbsp;Henrickson, 11, Rose Hill, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to the Forensic Science Center. Loges and two passengers in the Ram 2500 were not transported for treatment. All six involved in the crash were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 adults, 11-year-old dead after 3-vehicle Kansas crash

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 2:30p.m. September 9, 2024, around 2:30 p.m., a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 and 110 Road,&nbsp;on a maroon Pontiac Grand Prix displaying a Kansas Tag which returned to a Ford &nbsp;F150 pickup truck, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 During the traffic stop, a Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle.&nbsp; The driver, Craig Anthony Newton, 53, of Axtell, and the passenger, Shelly Jo Artzer, 53, of Topeka, were arrested.

Newton is being held on requested charges that include Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, Display tag not assigned to vehicle and Failure to provide proof of vehicle insurance.

Artzer was arrested on requested charges that include, Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of a hallucinogenic drug and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725995718532.png" alt="Newton photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Newton photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just after 2:30p.m. September 9, 2024, around 2:30 p.m., a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 and 110 Road,&nbsp;on a maroon Pontiac Grand Prix displaying a Kansas Tag which returned to a Ford &nbsp;F150 pickup truck, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the traffic stop, a Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle.&nbsp; The driver, Craig Anthony Newton, 53, of Axtell, and the passenger, Shelly Jo Artzer, 53, of Topeka, were arrested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725995680394.png" alt="Artzer photo Jackson" />
 <figcaption>Artzer photo Jackson</figcaption>
 </figure>Newton is being held on requested charges that include Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, Display tag not assigned to vehicle and Failure to provide proof of vehicle insurance.Artzer was arrested on requested charges that include, Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of a hallucinogenic drug and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Stolen license plate led to arrest of Kan. drug dealers

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a burglary and&nbsp; released security camera video.

Just after 3a.m. September 7, police were dispatched to Health Care Pharmacy, 722 Wheat Road in Winfield for an alarm.&nbsp;

Officers discovered the front door of the business sustained damage. Upon viewing video from inside the pharmacy, the suspect damaged the door, gained entry and took several different medications before leaving.

Anyone with information regarding the crime or any crime that occurred in Cowley County is eligible to receive a reward by submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers or by calling (620) 221-7777. 

Tipsters are always anonymous as Crime Stoppers will never ask someone to identify themselves. If your information leads to an arrest in a felony case, you could be eligible to receive rewards up to $2,500. For anonymous submittal of tips other than Crime Stoppers, text COWLEYTIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726237199793.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a burglary and&nbsp; released security camera video.Just after 3a.m. September 7, police were dispatched to Health Care Pharmacy, 722 Wheat Road in Winfield for an alarm.&nbsp;Officers discovered the front door of the business sustained damage. Upon viewing video from inside the pharmacy, the suspect damaged the door, gained entry and took several different medications before leaving.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWinfieldPolice%2Fvideos%2F444354525278589%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=13" 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>Anyone with information regarding the crime or any crime that occurred in Cowley County is eligible to receive a reward by submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers or by calling (620) 221-7777. Tipsters are always anonymous as Crime Stoppers will never ask someone to identify themselves. If your information leads to an arrest in a felony case, you could be eligible to receive rewards up to $2,500. For anonymous submittal of tips other than Crime Stoppers, text COWLEYTIPS.

Police release security camera video of Kan. pharmacy burglary

SAG HARBOR, N.Y. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/justin-timberlake">Justin Timberlake</a>&nbsp;urged drivers not to get behind the wheel of a car after even a single alcoholic drink on Friday, shortly after pleading guilty to driving while impaired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justin-timberlake-long-island-arrest-a602d350b0fe36c05dc8ef84c2f0faca">in New York’s Hamptons earlier this year</a>.

The public safety announcement in front of the Sag Harbor police department was part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justin-timberlake-guilty-plea-dui-new-york-e274512147f2bea6eb44c6c1b713c175">the plea deal</a>&nbsp;that knocked down the misdemeanor charge he’d faced to a non-criminal traffic violation. The boy band singer-turned-solo star and actor was also sentenced to a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge, 25 hours of community service at the nonprofit of his choosing and a 90-day suspension of his license.

“I try to hold myself to a very high standard, for myself, and this was not that,” Timberlake told the news media and other onlookers after the hearing in the adjacent Sag Harbor Village Court.

“Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car,” he said. “There’s so many alternatives. Call a friend. Take an Uber. There’s many travel apps. Still, take a taxi. This is a mistake that I made, but I'm hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have.”

The NSYNC star made similar comments during the court hearing and said he grew up in a small town and appreciated the kind of strain his arrest has made on a community like Sag Harbor.

The one-time whaling village, which is mentioned in Herman Melville’s classic novel “Moby-Dick,” is nestled amid the Hamptons, an area of seaside communities around 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of New York City.

Timberlake&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justin-timberlake-long-island-arrest-a602d350b0fe36c05dc8ef84c2f0faca">was arrested</a>&nbsp;there a little after midnight on June 18 after police said he ran a stop sign in the village center, veered out of his lane and got out of his BMW smelling of alcohol.

Police said the 43-year-old Tennessee native told the officer he had had one martini and was following some friends home. He originally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justin-timberlake-dui-arrest-hamptons-sag-harbor-73460ad0724553143b2dc4a3d247e065">pleaded not guilty</a>&nbsp;to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated.

Timberlake told the court he’s had a lot of time to reflect on his actions and was “grateful for the opportunity to move forward” and use his platform to hopefully help others make “better decisions.“

“I should have had better judgment,” he said to the judge. “I understand the seriousness of this.”

Judge Carl Irace said he did not oppose reducing the charge Timberlake faced since he was a first time offender and thanked him for speaking sincerely and “from the heart.” But he questioned the appropriateness of the proposed sentence, dismissing the public announcement Timberlake intended to make shortly after the court proceedings as “unsatisfactory.”

Irace said imposing an additional requirement of community service would give the singer more time to reflect on his actions.

“My experience is that these conditions can prove helpful and even gratifying for the accused,” he said.

Prosecutor Patrick O’Connell told the judge they had weighed recommending community service, but thought a statement from Timberlake would be a more valuable public service because of its potential to influence a younger generation worldwide.

He also said Timberlake’s remarks would hopefully show that “no one is above the law,” even the wealthy and famous.

“Mr. Timberlake received the same treatment as any other defendant,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney added in a statement after the hearing. “Justice should be applied equally to all individuals, regardless of their wealth or celebrity status.”

Edward Burke Jr., Timberlake’s attorney, maintained outside the court after Friday’s hearing that his client only had one drink in two hours at the American Hotel before his arrest. “Contrary to what was reported, he wasn’t drinking other peoples’ drinks, or warned in advance not to drive,” said Burke, adding that the lesser charge Timberlake pleaded to is “consistent with these facts.”

Among those in the courtroom Friday was a local mother whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-c82ff7bdf6af7361ebd5772096166e87">12-year-old son was killed</a>&nbsp;by a drunk driver in 2018.

Alisa McMorris, who now runs a foundation in her son Andrew’s memory, said she hoped Timberlake’s remarks would help bring more awareness to the dangers of driving under the influence.

“Justin has such a huge platform to the next generation. People listen to him,” she said alongside her daughter after the singer had departed. “Five words I tell the kids when I go to the high schools is ‘How are we getting home?’ and he spoke about that. Make a plan. I don’t want another sister or a family to have to go through what we did.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718753572416.png" alt="Timberlake-Booking photo Sag Harbor Village Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Timberlake-Booking photo Sag Harbor Village Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>SAG HARBOR, N.Y. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/justin-timberlake">Justin Timberlake</a>&nbsp;urged drivers not to get behind the wheel of a car after even a single alcoholic drink on Friday, shortly after pleading guilty to driving while impaired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justin-timberlake-long-island-arrest-a602d350b0fe36c05dc8ef84c2f0faca">in New York’s Hamptons earlier this year</a>.The public safety announcement in front of the Sag Harbor police department was part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justin-timberlake-guilty-plea-dui-new-york-e274512147f2bea6eb44c6c1b713c175">the plea deal</a>&nbsp;that knocked down the misdemeanor charge he’d faced to a non-criminal traffic violation. The boy band singer-turned-solo star and actor was also sentenced to a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge, 25 hours of community service at the nonprofit of his choosing and a 90-day suspension of his license.“I try to hold myself to a very high standard, for myself, and this was not that,” Timberlake told the news media and other onlookers after the hearing in the adjacent Sag Harbor Village Court.“Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car,” he said. “There’s so many alternatives. Call a friend. Take an Uber. There’s many travel apps. Still, take a taxi. This is a mistake that I made, but I'm hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have.”The NSYNC star made similar comments during the court hearing and said he grew up in a small town and appreciated the kind of strain his arrest has made on a community like Sag Harbor.The one-time whaling village, which is mentioned in Herman Melville’s classic novel “Moby-Dick,” is nestled amid the Hamptons, an area of seaside communities around 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of New York City.Timberlake&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justin-timberlake-long-island-arrest-a602d350b0fe36c05dc8ef84c2f0faca">was arrested</a>&nbsp;there a little after midnight on June 18 after police said he ran a stop sign in the village center, veered out of his lane and got out of his BMW smelling of alcohol.Police said the 43-year-old Tennessee native told the officer he had had one martini and was following some friends home. He originally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justin-timberlake-dui-arrest-hamptons-sag-harbor-73460ad0724553143b2dc4a3d247e065">pleaded not guilty</a>&nbsp;to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated.Timberlake told the court he’s had a lot of time to reflect on his actions and was “grateful for the opportunity to move forward” and use his platform to hopefully help others make “better decisions.““I should have had better judgment,” he said to the judge. “I understand the seriousness of this.”Judge Carl Irace said he did not oppose reducing the charge Timberlake faced since he was a first time offender and thanked him for speaking sincerely and “from the heart.” But he questioned the appropriateness of the proposed sentence, dismissing the public announcement Timberlake intended to make shortly after the court proceedings as “unsatisfactory.”Irace said imposing an additional requirement of community service would give the singer more time to reflect on his actions.“My experience is that these conditions can prove helpful and even gratifying for the accused,” he said.Prosecutor Patrick O’Connell told the judge they had weighed recommending community service, but thought a statement from Timberlake would be a more valuable public service because of its potential to influence a younger generation worldwide.He also said Timberlake’s remarks would hopefully show that “no one is above the law,” even the wealthy and famous.“Mr. Timberlake received the same treatment as any other defendant,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney added in a statement after the hearing. “Justice should be applied equally to all individuals, regardless of their wealth or celebrity status.”Edward Burke Jr., Timberlake’s attorney, maintained outside the court after Friday’s hearing that his client only had one drink in two hours at the American Hotel before his arrest. “Contrary to what was reported, he wasn’t drinking other peoples’ drinks, or warned in advance not to drive,” said Burke, adding that the lesser charge Timberlake pleaded to is “consistent with these facts.”Among those in the courtroom Friday was a local mother whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-c82ff7bdf6af7361ebd5772096166e87">12-year-old son was killed</a>&nbsp;by a drunk driver in 2018.Alisa McMorris, who now runs a foundation in her son Andrew’s memory, said she hoped Timberlake’s remarks would help bring more awareness to the dangers of driving under the influence.“Justin has such a huge platform to the next generation. People listen to him,” she said alongside her daughter after the singer had departed. “Five words I tell the kids when I go to the high schools is ‘How are we getting home?’ and he spoke about that. Make a plan. I don’t want another sister or a family to have to go through what we did.”

Justin Timberlake takes plea deal, offers apology for DWI arrest

KANSAS CITY —A driver injured in an accident earlier this summer died as a result of their injuries.

Just before 6:30p.m. July 1,&nbsp; Kansas City Metro Officers were dispatched to a single vehicle collision in the area of 7702 Troost Avenue, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

A maroon Pontiac was northbound on Troost Avenue when the driver and sole occupant lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a building. The driver was transported to an area hospital.

On Friday investigators were notified the victim died on fifteen days after the crash, according to Gonzalez

This is fatality # 67 in Kansas City, Missouri for 2024, according to KCPD.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY —A driver injured in an accident earlier this summer died as a result of their injuries.Just before 6:30p.m. July 1,&nbsp; Kansas City Metro Officers were dispatched to a single vehicle collision in the area of 7702 Troost Avenue, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.A maroon Pontiac was northbound on Troost Avenue when the driver and sole occupant lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a building. The driver was transported to an area hospital.On Friday investigators were notified the victim died on fifteen days after the crash, according to GonzalezThis is fatality # 67 in Kansas City, Missouri for 2024, according to KCPD.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim.

Driver died fifteen days after Kansas City crash into building

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks closed out their best week of the year with more gains on Friday and climbed to the cusp of their records.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.5% for a fifth straight gain and is just 0.7% below its all-time high set in July. Rallies for Microsoft, Broadcom and other big technology stocks helped it claw back almost all its losses from last week, which was its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-fed-inflation-recession-typhoon-579d2e507f4a07d6667404a1e2eed14c">worst in nearly 18 months</a>.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 297 points, or 0.7%, and at one point got within 30 points of its record set last month. The Nasdaq composite added 0.7%.

Uber Technologies helped drive the market higher with a gain of 6.4% after saying it will bring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uber-waymo-robotaxis-austin-atlanta-d75164dca441cfea6ec7b2389e0c34d5">autonomous ride-hailing</a>&nbsp;to Austin and Atlanta with Waymo early next year.

Stocks also got support from the bond market, where Treasury yields eased ahead of next week’s meeting of the Federal Reserve. The unanimous expectation on Wall Street is for the Fed to deliver&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/interest-rates-prices-inflation-federal-reserve-economy-2cd182eb34a7d6772ff573bec0bcf64d">the first cut to interest rates</a>&nbsp;in more than four years on Wednesday, and traders are rekindling hopes it may offer bigger-than-usual relief.

The Federal Reserve has been keeping its main interest rate at a two-decade high in hopes of slowing the economy enough to stifle high inflation. With&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-interest-rates-economy-federal-reserve-bb1f4cfeede550c6c82fd78e2ea537a5">inflation</a>&nbsp;having eased substantially from its peak two summers ago, the Fed has said it can turn more focus to bolstering the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-federal-reserve-inflation-unemployment-economy-bac1b453d3873d5f23f2061344d28fd9">slowing job market</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-federal-reserve-interest-rates-consumers-4fe068e15d27fad11419e1cc6a8ed943">economy</a>.

How much to cut rates by will be a delicate balancing act for the Fed: Lowering them relieves pressure on the economy but can also give inflation more fuel. Reports&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-wholesale-prices-consumer-federal-reserve-rates-b635b57d3c3d999e93d26d48551213a7">earlier this week</a>&nbsp;showed some underlying upward pressure may remain on inflation, which initially pushed traders to ratchet back expectations for the size of the Fed’s upcoming move.

On Friday, though, traders were seeing roughly a coin flip’s chance that the Fed could deliver a large cut of half of a percentage point, instead of the more traditional quarter of a point, according to data from CME Group. The federal funds rate is currently sitting in a range of 5.25% to 5.50%.

“Right now, the equity market is keying off the toss-up” in the size of the Fed’s cut next week “and would probably be fine with either,” said Sameer Samana, senior global market strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute.

“They care more about direction than magnitude, and rates falling should take pressure” off companies’ expenses and stock prices, he said.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 3.65% from 3.68% late Thursday. The two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for Fed action, fell more sharply to 3.58% from 3.65%.

On Wall Street, home-furnishings company RH jumped 25.5% after reporting stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than expected. The company said demand has been gaining momentum each month “despite operating in the most challenging housing market in three decades.”

The housing market has been contending with high&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-loan-8570c997a844845d08eb123ab7aac5c2">mortgage rates</a>, though they’ve been easing since the spring on expectations for coming rate cuts. Shoppers have also generally been beaten down as prices continue to rise across the economy, though a preliminary reading on U.S. consumer sentiment on Friday came in better than economists expected.

Oracle pared a big early gain to inch up 0.4% after giving long-term financial forecasts that analysts said topped their expectations. That brought the software company’s gain to 14.3% for the week, which it began with a better-than-expected profit report for the latest quarter.

Technology stocks were generally the market’s main drivers this week, particularly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-ai-earnings-stock-464d35670b6e91a698751ec7ee157532">Nvidia</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wall-street-stocks-magnificent-seven-a6e1da1a8c85c0a56f9e9c85e001ebff">other big technology stocks</a>&nbsp;that struggled earlier this summer on concerns their prices had shot too high in the frenzy around artificial intelligence. Nvidia rallied 15.8% over the week despite slipping 0.1% on Friday.

On the losing end of Wall Street Friday was Boeing, which lost 3.7% as aircraft assembly workers walked off the job.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-strike-vote-machinists-12d008c0127bab57f8cc9941f48e3ac6">Union members voted</a>&nbsp;overwhelmingly to go on strike and reject the troubled aerospace giant’s tentative contract that would have increased wages by 25% over four years.

Adobe fell 8.5%, even though the company also reported better profit for the latest quarter than expected. Analysts said investors were more focused on its financial forecasts for the current quarter, where some trends looked to be falling short of expectations.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 30.26 points to 5,626.02. The Dow gained 297.01 to 41,393.78, and the Nasdaq composite added 114.30 to 17,683.98.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose in Europe after finishing mixed in Asia.

By STAN CHOE AP Business WriterNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks closed out their best week of the year with more gains on Friday and climbed to the cusp of their records.The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.5% for a fifth straight gain and is just 0.7% below its all-time high set in July. Rallies for Microsoft, Broadcom and other big technology stocks helped it claw back almost all its losses from last week, which was its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-fed-inflation-recession-typhoon-579d2e507f4a07d6667404a1e2eed14c">worst in nearly 18 months</a>.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 297 points, or 0.7%, and at one point got within 30 points of its record set last month. The Nasdaq composite added 0.7%.Uber Technologies helped drive the market higher with a gain of 6.4% after saying it will bring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uber-waymo-robotaxis-austin-atlanta-d75164dca441cfea6ec7b2389e0c34d5">autonomous ride-hailing</a>&nbsp;to Austin and Atlanta with Waymo early next year.Stocks also got support from the bond market, where Treasury yields eased ahead of next week’s meeting of the Federal Reserve. The unanimous expectation on Wall Street is for the Fed to deliver&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/interest-rates-prices-inflation-federal-reserve-economy-2cd182eb34a7d6772ff573bec0bcf64d">the first cut to interest rates</a>&nbsp;in more than four years on Wednesday, and traders are rekindling hopes it may offer bigger-than-usual relief.The Federal Reserve has been keeping its main interest rate at a two-decade high in hopes of slowing the economy enough to stifle high inflation. With&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-interest-rates-economy-federal-reserve-bb1f4cfeede550c6c82fd78e2ea537a5">inflation</a>&nbsp;having eased substantially from its peak two summers ago, the Fed has said it can turn more focus to bolstering the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-federal-reserve-inflation-unemployment-economy-bac1b453d3873d5f23f2061344d28fd9">slowing job market</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-federal-reserve-interest-rates-consumers-4fe068e15d27fad11419e1cc6a8ed943">economy</a>.How much to cut rates by will be a delicate balancing act for the Fed: Lowering them relieves pressure on the economy but can also give inflation more fuel. Reports&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-wholesale-prices-consumer-federal-reserve-rates-b635b57d3c3d999e93d26d48551213a7">earlier this week</a>&nbsp;showed some underlying upward pressure may remain on inflation, which initially pushed traders to ratchet back expectations for the size of the Fed’s upcoming move.On Friday, though, traders were seeing roughly a coin flip’s chance that the Fed could deliver a large cut of half of a percentage point, instead of the more traditional quarter of a point, according to data from CME Group. The federal funds rate is currently sitting in a range of 5.25% to 5.50%.“Right now, the equity market is keying off the toss-up” in the size of the Fed’s cut next week “and would probably be fine with either,” said Sameer Samana, senior global market strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute.“They care more about direction than magnitude, and rates falling should take pressure” off companies’ expenses and stock prices, he said.The yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 3.65% from 3.68% late Thursday. The two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for Fed action, fell more sharply to 3.58% from 3.65%.On Wall Street, home-furnishings company RH jumped 25.5% after reporting stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than expected. The company said demand has been gaining momentum each month “despite operating in the most challenging housing market in three decades.”The housing market has been contending with high&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-loan-8570c997a844845d08eb123ab7aac5c2">mortgage rates</a>, though they’ve been easing since the spring on expectations for coming rate cuts. Shoppers have also generally been beaten down as prices continue to rise across the economy, though a preliminary reading on U.S. consumer sentiment on Friday came in better than economists expected.Oracle pared a big early gain to inch up 0.4% after giving long-term financial forecasts that analysts said topped their expectations. That brought the software company’s gain to 14.3% for the week, which it began with a better-than-expected profit report for the latest quarter.Technology stocks were generally the market’s main drivers this week, particularly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-ai-earnings-stock-464d35670b6e91a698751ec7ee157532">Nvidia</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wall-street-stocks-magnificent-seven-a6e1da1a8c85c0a56f9e9c85e001ebff">other big technology stocks</a>&nbsp;that struggled earlier this summer on concerns their prices had shot too high in the frenzy around artificial intelligence. Nvidia rallied 15.8% over the week despite slipping 0.1% on Friday.On the losing end of Wall Street Friday was Boeing, which lost 3.7% as aircraft assembly workers walked off the job.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-strike-vote-machinists-12d008c0127bab57f8cc9941f48e3ac6">Union members voted</a>&nbsp;overwhelmingly to go on strike and reject the troubled aerospace giant’s tentative contract that would have increased wages by 25% over four years.Adobe fell 8.5%, even though the company also reported better profit for the latest quarter than expected. Analysts said investors were more focused on its financial forecasts for the current quarter, where some trends looked to be falling short of expectations.All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 30.26 points to 5,626.02. The Dow gained 297.01 to 41,393.78, and the Nasdaq composite added 114.30 to 17,683.98.In stock markets abroad, indexes rose in Europe after finishing mixed in Asia.___

Wall Street closes out its best week of the year

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heading into the final weekend of the Kansas State Fair, the numbers have been solid thus far.

At Friday morning's Kansas State Fair Board meeting, General Manager Bryan Schulz said attendance through Thursday was over 220,000, with big days expected for Chiefs Red Friday and the Riley Green concert Saturday night.

The carnival is also ahead of last year's pace on money collections, with a strong Monday due to area kids being out of school really helping this year.

Speaking of the Riley Green concert, Schulz expects that to be the largest attendance in a few years, with over 7,000 expected on Saturday night.

The hope is that they can get strong walk-up numbers for Pop Evil Friday night and that the weather is not too warm and they can get strong numbers for the Sunday afternoon Oak Ridge Boys concert to close out the fair.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725972052496.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Fair Midway-Photo by Pat James" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Fair Midway-Photo by Pat James</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heading into the final weekend of the Kansas State Fair, the numbers have been solid thus far.At Friday morning's Kansas State Fair Board meeting, General Manager Bryan Schulz said attendance through Thursday was over 220,000, with big days expected for Chiefs Red Friday and the Riley Green concert Saturday night.The carnival is also ahead of last year's pace on money collections, with a strong Monday due to area kids being out of school really helping this year.Speaking of the Riley Green concert, Schulz expects that to be the largest attendance in a few years, with over 7,000 expected on Saturday night.The hope is that they can get strong walk-up numbers for Pop Evil Friday night and that the weather is not too warm and they can get strong numbers for the Sunday afternoon Oak Ridge Boys concert to close out the fair.

Attendance numbers good headed into final weekend of the State Fair 

A truck driver from Texas died Friday morning in an apparent accident at Triumph Foods, a pork processing plant, in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Just before 7a.m., police received a call about an accident within the fenced area of the plant,&nbsp;5302 Stockyards Expressway, according to a media release.

Aaron Ruelas, 39, of Santa Maria, Texas died when a utility truck at the plant, attempting to hitch to a trailer, struck and killed him.

The truck driver says he didn’t see Ruelas behind him when he put the truck in reverse to connect with the trailer hitch. Ruelas worked for a trucking company from East Prairie, Missouri.

By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph PostA truck driver from Texas died Friday morning in an apparent accident at Triumph Foods, a pork processing plant, in St. Joseph, Missouri.Just before 7a.m., police received a call about an accident within the fenced area of the plant,&nbsp;5302 Stockyards Expressway, according to a media release.Aaron Ruelas, 39, of Santa Maria, Texas died when a utility truck at the plant, attempting to hitch to a trailer, struck and killed him.The truck driver says he didn’t see Ruelas behind him when he put the truck in reverse to connect with the trailer hitch. Ruelas worked for a trucking company from East Prairie, Missouri.Police report the driver is cooperating in the investigation and it appears to be accidental, though the investigation continues.