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

On Friday, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir wrote about the sentencing of the suspect in a cold case murder in Barton County.

BARTON COUNTY —On January 24, 1980, Mary Robin Walter was found murdered in her home west of the city of Great Bend in Nelson Trailer Park near the airport.

 She was 23 years of age at the time. She had been shot multiple times by an unknown assailant. A 22-caliber handgun, later confirmed to be the murder weapon, was recovered at the scene. 

The Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and assistance from the Great Bend Police Department. Suspects were developed and interviewed but no conclusive evidence was discovered. 

One of the suspects was identified as Steven Hanks, who was a neighbor to the Walters’ family at the time of the homicide. He was 25 years of age at the time.Over the years, dozens of law enforcement officers looked at the case to no avail. In mid-2022 I was approached by Detective Sgt. Adam Hales to reopen the case using new techniques and technology that were now available at the time of the murder.

 In all honesty, it was with some degree of skepticism that I authorized the expenditure of manpower and resources. Hales along with Lieutenant Paden, Detective Travis Doze and Detective Brian Volkel reopened the case looking at it with new eyes.

The first order of business was to consolidate the hundreds of documents accumulated over 40 years into an organized case file. Many interviews had been conducted decades apart, some documents were missing. Eventually, everything was indexed and consolidated. Under the direction of Sgt. Hales, evidence was re-examined and submitted for testing including DNA.(no DNA was found) 

Numerous interviews were conducted.Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of investigation and the Great Bend Police Department all assisted.  Many of the witnesses as well as law enforcement officers that were originally involved in the case had died and interviews were not possible.

Eventually, by late 2022 an affidavit was presented to the District Court and an arrest warrant for Steven Hanks was issued. Hanks was arrested on December 8,2022 and charged with murder and second-degree.

The Kansas Atty. Gen.’s Office prosecuted the case represented by Associate Deputy Atty. Gen. Jessica Domme.&nbsp; On April 15, 2024, Hanks was bound over on a charge of second-degree murder in a preliminary hearing. 

By August 8, 2024, a plea agreement was reached, sentencing was scheduled for September 12, 2024. The agreement that was reached under the 1980 Kansas Statutes was for a sentence of not less than 5 years and not more than 25 years. 

At the sentencing hearing Barton County District Court Judge Hon. Steve Johnson departed upward from the plea agreement and sentenced Hanks to not less than 10 years and not more than 25 years. 

Hanks remains in the custody of the Sheriff’s Office and will be released to the Kansas Department of Corrections upon receipt of the necessary paperwork. We believe this is the oldest cold case in the State of Kansas to be solved and result in a conviction. From the date of the homicide to the sentencing was 44 years, 7 months and 19 days.

On a personal note, I was 18 years old and a senior in high school when this homicide occurred. I remember it well. By 1982 I had started with the Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy and have been associated with the Barton County Sheriff’s Office ever since. 

 I worked for the four Sheriff’s that preceded me and this homicide has haunted all of us.  It bothers me that many of the people who were so affected by this tragic crime have since passed away prior to bringing the suspect to justice. I consider myself fortunate that I had the resources and the diligent personnel to close this case. The credit for solving this homicide goes to the dedicated officers that had the tenacity to bring it to a conviction.The Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Great Bend Police Department as well as the Office of the Kansas Atty. Gen. for their assistance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670617705007.jpeg" alt="File photo Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir at a press conference announcing the arrest of Steven Hanks, who was charged with the 1980 murder of Mary Robin Walter." />
 <figcaption>File photo Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir at a press conference announcing the arrest of Steven Hanks, who was charged with the 1980 murder of Mary Robin Walter.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir wrote about the sentencing of the suspect in a cold case murder in Barton County.BARTON COUNTY —On January 24, 1980, Mary Robin Walter was found murdered in her home west of the city of Great Bend in Nelson Trailer Park near the airport.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670608379475.png" alt="Mary Robin Walter courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Mary Robin Walter courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure> She was 23 years of age at the time. She had been shot multiple times by an unknown assailant. A 22-caliber handgun, later confirmed to be the murder weapon, was recovered at the scene. The Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and assistance from the Great Bend Police Department. Suspects were developed and interviewed but no conclusive evidence was discovered. One of the suspects was identified as Steven Hanks, who was a neighbor to the Walters’ family at the time of the homicide. He was 25 years of age at the time.Over the years, dozens of law enforcement officers looked at the case to no avail. In mid-2022 I was approached by Detective Sgt. Adam Hales to reopen the case using new techniques and technology that were now available at the time of the murder. In all honesty, it was with some degree of skepticism that I authorized the expenditure of manpower and resources. Hales along with Lieutenant Paden, Detective Travis Doze and Detective Brian Volkel reopened the case looking at it with new eyes.The first order of business was to consolidate the hundreds of documents accumulated over 40 years into an organized case file. Many interviews had been conducted decades apart, some documents were missing. Eventually, everything was indexed and consolidated. Under the direction of Sgt. Hales, evidence was re-examined and submitted for testing including DNA.(no DNA was found) Numerous interviews were conducted.Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of investigation and the Great Bend Police Department all assisted. Many of the witnesses as well as law enforcement officers that were originally involved in the case had died and interviews were not possible.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670609613326.jpeg" alt="Hanks photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Hanks photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Eventually, by late 2022 an affidavit was presented to the District Court and an arrest warrant for Steven Hanks was issued. Hanks was arrested on December 8,2022 and charged with murder and second-degree.The Kansas Atty. Gen.’s Office prosecuted the case represented by Associate Deputy Atty. Gen. Jessica Domme.&nbsp; On April 15, 2024, Hanks was bound over on a charge of second-degree murder in a preliminary hearing. By August 8, 2024, a plea agreement was reached, sentencing was scheduled for September 12, 2024. The agreement that was reached under the 1980 Kansas Statutes was for a sentence of not less than 5 years and not more than 25 years. At the sentencing hearing Barton County District Court Judge Hon. Steve Johnson departed upward from the plea agreement and sentenced Hanks to not less than 10 years and not more than 25 years. Hanks remains in the custody of the Sheriff’s Office and will be released to the Kansas Department of Corrections upon receipt of the necessary paperwork. We believe this is the oldest cold case in the State of Kansas to be solved and result in a conviction. From the date of the homicide to the sentencing was 44 years, 7 months and 19 days.On a personal note, I was 18 years old and a senior in high school when this homicide occurred. I remember it well. By 1982 I had started with the Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy and have been associated with the Barton County Sheriff’s Office ever since. I worked for the four Sheriff’s that preceded me and this homicide has haunted all of us. It bothers me that many of the people who were so affected by this tragic crime have since passed away prior to bringing the suspect to justice. I consider myself fortunate that I had the resources and the diligent personnel to close this case. The credit for solving this homicide goes to the dedicated officers that had the tenacity to bring it to a conviction.The Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Great Bend Police Department as well as the Office of the Kansas Atty. Gen. for their assistance.

Kansas sheriff reports sentencing of man in 44-year-old murder case

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.

Police report the driver is cooperating in the investigation and it appears to be accidental, though the investigation continues.

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.

Truck driver killed in apparent accident at pork processing plant

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukraine’s push to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kursk-putin-missiles-7e59c745b4bff79802454f0b660b0d0d">ease restrictions</a>&nbsp;on the use of weapons from the United States and Britain will be discussed Friday in White House talks between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Ukraine wants approval to use some weapons to strike deeper into Russia and there are signs Biden might shift U.S. policy in response. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons would put NATO at war with Moscow.

While the issue is expected to be at the top of the agenda for the meeting, it appeared unlikely that Biden and Starmer would announce any policy changes at this time, according to two U.S. officials familiar with planning for the talks. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the private deliberations.

During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blinken-lammy-ukraine-russia-missiles-0584fb5f4cf2b89f9b4eea1358700a91">this week’s visit to Kyiv</a>&nbsp;by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Ukrainian officials renewed their pleas to use Western-provided long-range missiles against targets deeper inside Russia.

Blinken said he had “no doubt” that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poland-us-blinken-duda-ukraine-54232b14cae7785df02f9d48a77e7823">Biden and Starmer would discuss the matter</a>, noting the U.S. has adapted and “will adjust as necessary” as Russia’s battlefield strategy has changed.

Blinken spoke similarly in May, shortly before the U.S. allowed Ukraine to use&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/czechia-ukraine-russia-nato-blinken-441c9624d95f8193e99cf08effced44f">American-provided weapons just inside Russian territory</a>. The permitted distance has been largely limited to cross-border targets deemed a direct threat, out of concerns about further escalating the conflict.

Biden also 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.”

Putin said Thursday that allowing long-range strikes “would mean that NATO countries, the United States, and European countries are at war with Russia. … If this is so, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of this conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be created for us.”

His remarks were in line with the narrative the Kremlin has promoted since early in the Ukraine war, accusing NATO countries of de-facto participation in the conflict and threatening a response.

Earlier in the year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-ukraine-e192904652221b29efdc88d0af23114e">Putin warned that Russia could provide long-range weapons</a>&nbsp;to others to strike Western targets in response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use their arms to attack Russian territory, saying it “would mark their direct involvement in the war against the Russian Federation, and we reserve the right to act the same way.”

Starmer, in response to Putin's comments Thursday, said on his way to the U.S. that Britain does not seek any conflict with Russia.

“Russia started this conflict," Starmer said. “Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia could end this conflict straight away.”

He added: “Ukraine has the right to self-defense and we’ve obviously been absolutely fully supportive of Ukraine’s right to self-defense — we’re providing training capability, as you know."

“But we don’t seek any conflict with Russia — that’s not our intention in the slightest," Starmer said.

Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has pressed U.S. and allied military leaders to go much further. He argues that the U.S. must&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-war-us-weapons-long-range-missiles-7f061044c7b50a1946409eea9e9c399f">allow Ukraine to target Russian air bases and launch sites</a>&nbsp;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 the winter.

Zelenskyy also 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.

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 ATACMS' reach, said Lt. Col. Charlie Dietz, Pentagon spokesperson.

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 to conditions on the ground, one of the U.S. officials said.

During a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-military-aid-zelenskyy-cf8addbd055e518a7a10a73d3d4353cd">meeting of allied defense ministers</a>&nbsp;last week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he did not believe providing Ukraine with long-range weapon systems would be a game-changer. He noted that Ukraine has already been able to strike inside Russia with its own internally produced systems, including drones.

“I don’t believe one capability is going to be decisive, and I stand by that comment,” Austin said.

“As of right now, the policy has not changed," Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, said Thursday.

Starmer said he was visiting Washington for “strategic meetings to discuss Ukraine and to discuss the Middle East.” It’s the prime minister’s second meeting with Biden since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-election-keir-starmer-profile-labour-e98d16e0810273f6041b61747e084aae">his center-left government was elected in July</a>.

It comes after Britain last week diverged from the U.S. by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-israel-arms-sales-c13210a21f1df7ef060f06a7a34addd1">suspending some arms exports</a>&nbsp;to Israel because of the risk they could be used to break international law.

Their meeting also comes before this month’s annual meeting of global leaders at the U.N. General Assembly. The White House talks were scheduled in part to help Biden and Starmer compare notes on the war in Ukraine, the 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 before the U.N. meeting.

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/projects/west-bank-palestinian-teenagers-israel/">conflict in the Middle East</a>&nbsp;that was sparked after Iranian-backed Hamas militants in Gaza launched attacks on Israel on Oct. 7.

In turn, the U.S. administration says Russia has been tightening its relationship with Iran, including by providing it with nuclear and space technology.

“This is obviously deeply concerning,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said of the missile transfer. “And 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.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726238871572.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukraine’s push to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kursk-putin-missiles-7e59c745b4bff79802454f0b660b0d0d">ease restrictions</a>&nbsp;on the use of weapons from the United States and Britain will be discussed Friday in White House talks between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.Ukraine wants approval to use some weapons to strike deeper into Russia and there are signs Biden might shift U.S. policy in response. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons would put NATO at war with Moscow.While the issue is expected to be at the top of the agenda for the meeting, it appeared unlikely that Biden and Starmer would announce any policy changes at this time, according to two U.S. officials familiar with planning for the talks. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the private deliberations.During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blinken-lammy-ukraine-russia-missiles-0584fb5f4cf2b89f9b4eea1358700a91">this week’s visit to Kyiv</a>&nbsp;by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Ukrainian officials renewed their pleas to use Western-provided long-range missiles against targets deeper inside Russia.Blinken said he had “no doubt” that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poland-us-blinken-duda-ukraine-54232b14cae7785df02f9d48a77e7823">Biden and Starmer would discuss the matter</a>, noting the U.S. has adapted and “will adjust as necessary” as Russia’s battlefield strategy has changed.Blinken spoke similarly in May, shortly before the U.S. allowed Ukraine to use&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/czechia-ukraine-russia-nato-blinken-441c9624d95f8193e99cf08effced44f">American-provided weapons just inside Russian territory</a>. The permitted distance has been largely limited to cross-border targets deemed a direct threat, out of concerns about further escalating the conflict.Biden also 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.”Putin said Thursday that allowing long-range strikes “would mean that NATO countries, the United States, and European countries are at war with Russia. … If this is so, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of this conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be created for us.”His remarks were in line with the narrative the Kremlin has promoted since early in the Ukraine war, accusing NATO countries of de-facto participation in the conflict and threatening a response.Earlier in the year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-ukraine-e192904652221b29efdc88d0af23114e">Putin warned that Russia could provide long-range weapons</a>&nbsp;to others to strike Western targets in response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use their arms to attack Russian territory, saying it “would mark their direct involvement in the war against the Russian Federation, and we reserve the right to act the same way.”Starmer, in response to Putin's comments Thursday, said on his way to the U.S. that Britain does not seek any conflict with Russia.“Russia started this conflict," Starmer said. “Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia could end this conflict straight away.”He added: “Ukraine has the right to self-defense and we’ve obviously been absolutely fully supportive of Ukraine’s right to self-defense — we’re providing training capability, as you know."“But we don’t seek any conflict with Russia — that’s not our intention in the slightest," Starmer said.Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has pressed U.S. and allied military leaders to go much further. He argues that the U.S. must&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-war-us-weapons-long-range-missiles-7f061044c7b50a1946409eea9e9c399f">allow Ukraine to target Russian air bases and launch sites</a>&nbsp;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 the winter.Zelenskyy also 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.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 ATACMS' reach, said Lt. Col. Charlie Dietz, Pentagon spokesperson.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 to conditions on the ground, one of the U.S. officials said.During a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-military-aid-zelenskyy-cf8addbd055e518a7a10a73d3d4353cd">meeting of allied defense ministers</a>&nbsp;last week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he did not believe providing Ukraine with long-range weapon systems would be a game-changer. He noted that Ukraine has already been able to strike inside Russia with its own internally produced systems, including drones.“I don’t believe one capability is going to be decisive, and I stand by that comment,” Austin said.“As of right now, the policy has not changed," Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, said Thursday.Starmer said he was visiting Washington for “strategic meetings to discuss Ukraine and to discuss the Middle East.” It’s the prime minister’s second meeting with Biden since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-election-keir-starmer-profile-labour-e98d16e0810273f6041b61747e084aae">his center-left government was elected in July</a>.It comes after Britain last week diverged from the U.S. by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-israel-arms-sales-c13210a21f1df7ef060f06a7a34addd1">suspending some arms exports</a>&nbsp;to Israel because of the risk they could be used to break international law.Their meeting also comes before this month’s annual meeting of global leaders at the U.N. General Assembly. The White House talks were scheduled in part to help Biden and Starmer compare notes on the war in Ukraine, the 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 before the U.N. meeting.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/projects/west-bank-palestinian-teenagers-israel/">conflict in the Middle East</a>&nbsp;that was sparked after Iranian-backed Hamas militants in Gaza launched attacks on 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.In turn, the U.S. administration says Russia has been tightening its relationship with Iran, including by providing it with nuclear and space technology.“This is obviously deeply concerning,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said of the missile transfer. “And 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.”

Biden considering biggest escalation since Ukraine war started

NEW YORK (AP) — Health officials on Thursday said they don’t know how a Missouri person caught&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bird-flu">bird flu</a>&nbsp;but believe it may be a rare instance of a “one-off" standalone illness.

Investigators trying to determine how the person caught the virus have not been able to confirm the exact strain of flu.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said the risk to the general public remains low.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-human-missouri-769d0a52bae2f97a5a0df13f9e733619">The Missouri case</a>&nbsp;raised questions about the possibility of human-to-human bird flu transmission, but officials said there is no evidence of other people being infected.

“Right now, evidence points to this being a one-off case,” said Dr. Nirav Shah, CDC principal deputy director.

Unusual flu strains that come from animals are occasionally found in people. This year alone, health officials identified seven human cases of swine flu in the U.S., officials said. But this is the first time the surveillance system detected an avian flu like this.

The H5N1 bird flu&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-humans-animals-deaths-ae01d3717783f0cf41e23f3fedb97017">has been spreading widely</a>&nbsp;among wild birds, poultry, cows and a growing number of other animals. Its growing presence in the environment increases the chances that people will be exposed, and potentially catch it, Shah said.

Citing patient confidentiality, health officials have disclosed few details about the Missouri case, which was first announced late last week.

The person had chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness and was hospitalized on Aug. 22 “for reasons related to their underlying medical conditions,” Shah said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726222969059.png" alt=" A Missouri case marked the 14th person to contract highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1, this year amid ongoing outbreaks among poultry and dairy cattle. The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Iowa State University tests samples from animals for viruses such as avian influenza (Photo courtesy of Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory)." />
 <figcaption> A Missouri case marked the 14th person to contract highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1, this year amid ongoing outbreaks among poultry and dairy cattle. The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Iowa State University tests samples from animals for viruses such as avian influenza (Photo courtesy of Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory).</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Health officials on Thursday said they don’t know how a Missouri person caught&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bird-flu">bird flu</a>&nbsp;but believe it may be a rare instance of a “one-off" standalone illness.Investigators trying to determine how the person caught the virus have not been able to confirm the exact strain of flu.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said the risk to the general public remains low.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-human-missouri-769d0a52bae2f97a5a0df13f9e733619">The Missouri case</a>&nbsp;raised questions about the possibility of human-to-human bird flu transmission, but officials said there is no evidence of other people being infected.“Right now, evidence points to this being a one-off case,” said Dr. Nirav Shah, CDC principal deputy director.Unusual flu strains that come from animals are occasionally found in people. This year alone, health officials identified seven human cases of swine flu in the U.S., officials said. But this is the first time the surveillance system detected an avian flu like this.The H5N1 bird flu&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-humans-animals-deaths-ae01d3717783f0cf41e23f3fedb97017">has been spreading widely</a>&nbsp;among wild birds, poultry, cows and a growing number of other animals. Its growing presence in the environment increases the chances that people will be exposed, and potentially catch it, Shah said.Citing patient confidentiality, health officials have disclosed few details about the Missouri case, which was first announced late last week.The person had chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness and was hospitalized on Aug. 22 “for reasons related to their underlying medical conditions,” Shah said.The patient was tested for flu as part of the treatment and was positive for influenza A, a broad virus category. Subsequent testing — completed last week — found the bug to belong to category of viruses usually seen in birds and not people. However, the patient had a very low concentration of viral genetic material, leaving officials without the ability to full analyze it and confirm exactly which virus it is, Shah said."Ultimately, a full sequence may not be technically feasible," Shah said.The patient had no known contact with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-usda-iowa-research-8506a7cd0ab1e58cf776aba67b0f97f8">dairy cows</a>&nbsp;or other animals associated with the ongoing bird flu outbreak. The person later told Missouri health officials that they didn't drink&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-raw-milk-h5n1-6398d2eda26eb41797ee2700cf9d036b">unpasteurized milk</a>&nbsp;or dairy products, Shah said in a Thursday call with reporters.The patient received antiviral medication and has since recovered and gone home, health officials said.As part of their investigation, officials hope to draw blood from people who were around the patient to see if they show evidence of infection, Shah said.The Missouri patient was the 14th person in the U.S. sickened with bird flu since March, when the virus was detected in cows. One other person was infected in 2022. All of those cases were relatively mild illnesses, and each patient had been in direct contact with infected animals.U.S. health officials have been making preparations for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-shots-cdc-dairy-farms-poultry-cdc012837f682e999c96eda3d87b6f9e">vaccines and other measures</a>, in case the bird flu does start spreading widely among people or begins causing severe illness.On Thursday, the CDC announced it is partnering with five commercial lab companies so they can develop and conduct tests for H5N1 or other viruses. The agency initially is devoting at least $5 million to the agreements, and making plans to scale up to $118 million over the next five years if necessary, Shah said.In the past, CDC&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-united-nations-donald-trump-ap-top-news-virus-outbreak-c335958b1f8f6a37b19b421bc7759722">developed its own tests</a>&nbsp;during the early stages of new epidemics, with widespread testing not becoming available until later. That slowed detection of emerging infections.