WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;was indicted Thursday on federal firearms charges, the latest and weightiest step yet in a long-running investigation into the president’s son.

<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ded.82797/gov.uscourts.ded.82797.40.0.pdf">CLICK here</a> to read the indictment

Biden is accused of lying about his drug use when he bought a firearm in October 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction to crack cocaine, according to the indictment filed in federal court in Delaware.

President Joe Biden's son has also been under investigation for his business dealings.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-investigation-justice-garland-ad1034e274570d65032f8e4f47c0c8f6">The special counsel</a>&nbsp;overseeing the case has indicated that charges of failure to pay taxes on time could be filed in Washington or in California, where he lives.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23977714-hunter-biden-indictment">The indictment</a>&nbsp;comes as congressional Republicans pursue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">an impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;into the Democratic president, in large part over Hunter Biden’s business dealings. Republicans have obtained testimony about how Hunter Biden used the “Biden brand” to drum up work overseas, but they have not produced hard evidence of wrongdoing by the president.

The indictment says Hunter Biden lied on a form required for every gun purchase when he bought a Colt Cobra Special at a Wilmington, Delaware, gun shop in October 2018. He’s accused of checking a box falsely saying he was not a user of or addicted to drugs and of illegally possessing the gun as a drug user.

A felony gun charge against Hunter Biden, 53, had previously been part of a plea deal that also included guilty pleas to misdemeanor tax charges, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-plea-deal-congress-republicans-investigation-ad80b195c8c0f48241740881cf9b9bce">the agreement imploded</a>&nbsp;during a court hearing in July when a judge raised questions about its unusual provisions.

Defense attorneys have argued that a part of the deal sparing Hunter Biden prosecution on the gun count if he stays out of trouble remains in place. It includes immunity provisions against other potential charges. Attorneys indicated they would fight additional charges filed against him, but did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Prosecutors, though, maintain the agreement never took effect and is now invalid. They telegraphed charges were coming earlier this month.

Republicans had denounced the plea agreement as a “sweetheart deal.” It would have allowed Hunter Biden to serve probation rather than jail time after pleading guilty to failing to pay taxes in both 2017 and 2018.

His personal income during those two years totaled roughly $4 million, including business and consulting fees from a company he formed with the CEO of a Chinese business conglomerate and the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, prosecutors have said.

Congressional Republicans have continued their own investigations into the Justice Department's handling of the case as well as nearly every aspect of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-presidential-election-9d4595ba4f3140c6bb6a3473a91f4a4c">Hunter Biden’s business dealings</a>, seeking to connect his financial affairs directly to his father. They have failed to produce evidence that the president directly participated in his son’s work, though he sometimes had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-4b706443a04e0c40a80c65e24d7d69dc">dinner with his son's clients</a>&nbsp;or said hello to them on calls.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694714360672.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;was indicted Thursday on federal firearms charges, the latest and weightiest step yet in a long-running investigation into the president’s son.<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ded.82797/gov.uscourts.ded.82797.40.0.pdf">CLICK here</a> to read the indictmentBiden is accused of lying about his drug use when he bought a firearm in October 2018, a period when he has acknowledged struggling with addiction to crack cocaine, according to the indictment filed in federal court in Delaware.President Joe Biden's son has also been under investigation for his business dealings.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-investigation-justice-garland-ad1034e274570d65032f8e4f47c0c8f6">The special counsel</a>&nbsp;overseeing the case has indicated that charges of failure to pay taxes on time could be filed in Washington or in California, where he lives.<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23977714-hunter-biden-indictment">The indictment</a>&nbsp;comes as congressional Republicans pursue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">an impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;into the Democratic president, in large part over Hunter Biden’s business dealings. Republicans have obtained testimony about how Hunter Biden used the “Biden brand” to drum up work overseas, but they have not produced hard evidence of wrongdoing by the president.The indictment says Hunter Biden lied on a form required for every gun purchase when he bought a Colt Cobra Special at a Wilmington, Delaware, gun shop in October 2018. He’s accused of checking a box falsely saying he was not a user of or addicted to drugs and of illegally possessing the gun as a drug user.A felony gun charge against Hunter Biden, 53, had previously been part of a plea deal that also included guilty pleas to misdemeanor tax charges, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-plea-deal-congress-republicans-investigation-ad80b195c8c0f48241740881cf9b9bce">the agreement imploded</a>&nbsp;during a court hearing in July when a judge raised questions about its unusual provisions.Defense attorneys have argued that a part of the deal sparing Hunter Biden prosecution on the gun count if he stays out of trouble remains in place. It includes immunity provisions against other potential charges. Attorneys indicated they would fight additional charges filed against him, but did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.Prosecutors, though, maintain the agreement never took effect and is now invalid. They telegraphed charges were coming earlier this month.Republicans had denounced the plea agreement as a “sweetheart deal.” It would have allowed Hunter Biden to serve probation rather than jail time after pleading guilty to failing to pay taxes in both 2017 and 2018.His personal income during those two years totaled roughly $4 million, including business and consulting fees from a company he formed with the CEO of a Chinese business conglomerate and the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, prosecutors have said.Congressional Republicans have continued their own investigations into the Justice Department's handling of the case as well as nearly every aspect of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-presidential-election-9d4595ba4f3140c6bb6a3473a91f4a4c">Hunter Biden’s business dealings</a>, seeking to connect his financial affairs directly to his father. They have failed to produce evidence that the president directly participated in his son’s work, though he sometimes had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-devon-archer-4b706443a04e0c40a80c65e24d7d69dc">dinner with his son's clients</a>&nbsp;or said hello to them on calls.

Read: Hunter Biden indictment on federal firearms charges

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating alleged forgery and ID theft have made an arrest.

On Monday night, police conducted a traffic stop in the 1100 block of SW Gage Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith. 

During the investigation, officers located items from an ongoing forgery and identity theft investigations along with illegal narcotics.

As a result of the investigation, Stacie Espinosa, 41 years of age, of Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Identity Theft, Forgery, Theft, Making a false information, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent for distribution and Driving on a suspended driver's license.

She is no longer in custody, accordig to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694548077345.png" alt="Espinosa-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Espinosa-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating alleged forgery and ID theft have made an arrest.On Monday night, police conducted a traffic stop in the 1100 block of SW Gage Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith. During the investigation, officers located items from an ongoing forgery and identity theft investigations along with illegal narcotics.As a result of the investigation, Stacie Espinosa, 41 years of age, of Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Identity Theft, Forgery, Theft, Making a false information, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent for distribution and Driving on a suspended driver's license.She is no longer in custody, accordig to online jail records.

Kansas woman arrested after forgery, ID theft investigation

By RACHEL MIPRO,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Demonstrators picket outside Lawrence City Hall to ask for coal plant closure

LAWRENCE — Closing the city’s coal-based power plant will be the first step toward holding the state’s largest utility company accountable for keeping green energy goals, climate change activists said at a Tuesday demonstration.

The Sierra Club partnered with local organizations for the rally outside City Hall to show city officials how much local support there is for closing the Lawrence coal plant.

Demonstrators hope to have the city pass a resolution asking Evergy to keep its original promise to stop burning coal in the Lawrence plant by 2024, as well as have the city intervene in utility planning.

Sam and Zack Raugewitz, both teachers, attended the demonstration with their 15-month-old daughter.

“We want our daughter to have a future with a clean, safe environment,” Sam Raugewitz said. “We need to start moving toward cleaner energy sources.”

“The goal here is recognizing clean energy is good for the state economy,” Zack Raugewitz added. “It’s good for the people who live here.”

The two were surrounded by dozens of other Kansans who lined the streets outside City Hall for the rally.

Haskell Indian Nations University sophomore Georgia Blackwood clutched a sign that read “Evergy: Keep your promise, close the coal plant.”&nbsp;

“This really is a societal failure,” Blackwood said. “Corporations just have too much power within everything and they’re not checked.”

Evergy pledged two years ago to shut down Lawrence coal operations by the end of this year and invest in 350 megawatts of solar power.

However, the utility publicly reversed course in June, releasing an alternative plan that won’t add any solar power until 2026 and will keep the Lawrence coal plant open until 2028. In 2028, one unit will be fully shut down and the other one will remain available for natural gas operations in times of high demand.

In a news release on the decision, Evergy officials blamed the reversal on increasing demand for electricity and changes in U.S. electric grid requirements, among other factors. Officials said the utility would keep the same goal of reducing&nbsp;its carbon emissions by 70% by 2030 compared with 2005 levels and reach net zero emissions by 2045.

“Evergy is committed to leading a responsible energy transition while keeping affordability and reliability at the forefront,” said Evergy president and CEO David Campbell&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newsroom.evergy.com/2023-06-15-Evergy-updates-long-term-plan-for-meeting-customer-energy-needs">in the news release</a>.&nbsp;

Sierra Club lobbyist Zack Pistora said the demonstration was really a catchall reaction to several of Evergy’s recent actions, including proposed rate increases.

“We’re dealing with the continued threat of climate change and the need for clean energy,” Pistora said. “We’re upset about the rates and Evergy’s proposal to take $218 million from Kansas ratepayers when we know our most polluting and our most costly form of energy is Wyoming coal fire.”

The investor-owned utility, which serves about 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, asked to raise rates in April, following a five-year moratorium on rate increases.

The proposed $218 million rate hikes would raise monthly bills by $14.24 in several regions of the state, and are in conflict with a recently released Kansas Corporation Commission&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/evergys-proposed-rate-increases-are-too-high-kansas-regulators-announce/">cost analysis</a>. KCC staff determined the utility actually should lower rates in the Kansas City area and only slightly increase rates for the rest of the state.

Manhattan resident Diane Barker said she paid almost $500 in Evergy bills one month last winter.

“That’s not sustainable,” Barker said.

Nancy Muma, chairwoman of the University of Kansas Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and a Sierra Club member, worked to circulate a petition asking city officials to urge the KCC to close the coal plant.

“I’m old — it’s OK. But future generations, we have got to do something for them,” Muma said. “We made the mess. It’s our responsibility to clean it up and to push for clean energy, something sustainable.”

“The whole idea of all these toxins, it’s something I know all too well,” Muma added.

At the time of the event, the petition had garnered about 400 signatures.

Pistora emphasized the cost of coal plants. He said shifting to green energy would be ultimately more affordable as well as better for the environment.

Pistora wants city officials to hold Evergy accountable for their green energy goals in the area.

“We’re not upset at you guys,” Pistora said, referring to city officials. “We just want you to do more.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694620930822.png" alt="Climate change activists stand outside Lawrence City Hall, asking cars to honk in support of closing the coal-fired power plant during a Sept. 13, 2023, rally. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Climate change activists stand outside Lawrence City Hall, asking cars to honk in support of closing the coal-fired power plant during a Sept. 13, 2023, rally. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Demonstrators picket outside Lawrence City Hall to ask for coal plant closure</h2>LAWRENCE — Closing the city’s coal-based power plant will be the first step toward holding the state’s largest utility company accountable for keeping green energy goals, climate change activists said at a Tuesday demonstration.The Sierra Club partnered with local organizations for the rally outside City Hall to show city officials how much local support there is for closing the Lawrence coal plant.Demonstrators hope to have the city pass a resolution asking Evergy to keep its original promise to stop burning coal in the Lawrence plant by 2024, as well as have the city intervene in utility planning.Sam and Zack Raugewitz, both teachers, attended the demonstration with their 15-month-old daughter.“We want our daughter to have a future with a clean, safe environment,” Sam Raugewitz said. “We need to start moving toward cleaner energy sources.”“The goal here is recognizing clean energy is good for the state economy,” Zack Raugewitz added. “It’s good for the people who live here.”The two were surrounded by dozens of other Kansans who lined the streets outside City Hall for the rally.Haskell Indian Nations University sophomore Georgia Blackwood clutched a sign that read “Evergy: Keep your promise, close the coal plant.”&nbsp;“This really is a societal failure,” Blackwood said. “Corporations just have too much power within everything and they’re not checked.”Evergy pledged two years ago to shut down Lawrence coal operations by the end of this year and invest in 350 megawatts of solar power.However, the utility publicly reversed course in June, releasing an alternative plan that won’t add any solar power until 2026 and will keep the Lawrence coal plant open until 2028. In 2028, one unit will be fully shut down and the other one will remain available for natural gas operations in times of high demand.In a news release on the decision, Evergy officials blamed the reversal on increasing demand for electricity and changes in U.S. electric grid requirements, among other factors. Officials said the utility would keep the same goal of reducing&nbsp;its carbon emissions by 70% by 2030 compared with 2005 levels and reach net zero emissions by 2045.“Evergy is committed to leading a responsible energy transition while keeping affordability and reliability at the forefront,” said Evergy president and CEO David Campbell&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newsroom.evergy.com/2023-06-15-Evergy-updates-long-term-plan-for-meeting-customer-energy-needs">in the news release</a>.&nbsp;Sierra Club lobbyist Zack Pistora said the demonstration was really a catchall reaction to several of Evergy’s recent actions, including proposed rate increases.“We’re dealing with the continued threat of climate change and the need for clean energy,” Pistora said. “We’re upset about the rates and Evergy’s proposal to take $218 million from Kansas ratepayers when we know our most polluting and our most costly form of energy is Wyoming coal fire.”The investor-owned utility, which serves about 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, asked to raise rates in April, following a five-year moratorium on rate increases.The proposed $218 million rate hikes would raise monthly bills by $14.24 in several regions of the state, and are in conflict with a recently released Kansas Corporation Commission&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/evergys-proposed-rate-increases-are-too-high-kansas-regulators-announce/">cost analysis</a>. KCC staff determined the utility actually should lower rates in the Kansas City area and only slightly increase rates for the rest of the state.Manhattan resident Diane Barker said she paid almost $500 in Evergy bills one month last winter.“That’s not sustainable,” Barker said.Nancy Muma, chairwoman of the University of Kansas Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and a Sierra Club member, worked to circulate a petition asking city officials to urge the KCC to close the coal plant.“I’m old — it’s OK. But future generations, we have got to do something for them,” Muma said. “We made the mess. It’s our responsibility to clean it up and to push for clean energy, something sustainable.”“The whole idea of all these toxins, it’s something I know all too well,” Muma added.At the time of the event, the petition had garnered about 400 signatures.Pistora emphasized the cost of coal plants. He said shifting to green energy would be ultimately more affordable as well as better for the environment.Pistora wants city officials to hold Evergy accountable for their green energy goals in the area.“We’re not upset at you guys,” Pistora said, referring to city officials. “We just want you to do more.”

Kansans rally to pressure Evergy into keeping green energy promises

SHAWNEE&nbsp;– A lucky bow-angler from Parsons has officially broken a 40-year state record for spotted gar in Kansas. Michael Starr Jr. was fishing at Big Hill Reservoir in Labette County in late July when he successfully reeled in a 34.5-inch spotted gar weighing 7.98 pounds, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

The previous Kansas state record for spotted gar was held by bow-angler Charles Harbert of Arma when he caught a 33.5-inch, 7.75-lb spotted gar from the Chetopa Dam in 1983.

About Spotted GarSpotted gar derive the name from trademark dark, round spots on the top and sides of its head. Most are less than 30 inches long, but like other gar species – it’s covered with a tough “armor” of thick, heavy scales. There are three native species of&nbsp;gar&nbsp;in Kansas. The&nbsp;spotted&nbsp;gar&nbsp;is the smallest and can be found in the southeastern part of the state.

How State Records at SetTrophy catches such as these end up as a Kansas State Record if:

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vRmlzaGluZy9TdGF0ZS1SZWNvcmQtRmlzaCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NTE2MjEifQ.Mm-7u6killleWF2qzIaxCsX80MLkGHH6E6F3GjICbDk/s/1303160919/br/225871081881-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to see a complete list of current Kansas state record fish.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694698973615.png" alt="34.5-inch spotted gar weighing 7.98 pounds-photo courtesy Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks" />
 <figcaption>34.5-inch spotted gar weighing 7.98 pounds-photo courtesy Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE&nbsp;– A lucky bow-angler from Parsons has officially broken a 40-year state record for spotted gar in Kansas. Michael Starr Jr. was fishing at Big Hill Reservoir in Labette County in late July when he successfully reeled in a 34.5-inch spotted gar weighing 7.98 pounds, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.The previous Kansas state record for spotted gar was held by bow-angler Charles Harbert of Arma when he caught a 33.5-inch, 7.75-lb spotted gar from the Chetopa Dam in 1983.About Spotted GarSpotted gar derive the name from trademark dark, round spots on the top and sides of its head. Most are less than 30 inches long, but like other gar species – it’s covered with a tough “armor” of thick, heavy scales. There are three native species of&nbsp;gar&nbsp;in Kansas. The&nbsp;spotted&nbsp;gar&nbsp;is the smallest and can be found in the southeastern part of the state.How State Records at SetTrophy catches such as these end up as a Kansas State Record if:<ul>
 <li>The fish is a species recognized on the current list of Kansas state record fish</li><li>The fish is caught by a licensed angler using legal means</li><li>The fish is identified by a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks district fisheries biologist or regional fisheries supervisor</li><li>The fish is weighed on a certified scale prior to being frozen</li><li>The fish is photographed, in color, and a state record application is filled out</li><li>The mandatory 30-day waiting period has passed.</li>
 </ul>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vRmlzaGluZy9TdGF0ZS1SZWNvcmQtRmlzaCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTMuODI1NTE2MjEifQ.Mm-7u6killleWF2qzIaxCsX80MLkGHH6E6F3GjICbDk/s/1303160919/br/225871081881-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to see a complete list of current Kansas state record fish.

Kansas bow-angler breaks 40-year-old state record

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;late Wednesday brushed off the House Republicans'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">impeachment inquiry</a>, saying the way he sees it, they launched the investigation against him because they want to shut down the federal government.

(click below to listen to White House statement on impeachment)

Biden, speaking at a Democratic fundraiser in Virginia, said that instead of being concerned about the probe, “I’m focused on the things the American people want me focused on.”

The president's remarks were the first since Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kevin-mccarthy">Kevin McCarthy</a>&nbsp;announced the launch of a Biden impeachment inquiry while the Republican House leader is also struggling to shore up votes to fund the government and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-impeachment-congress-funding-048dee639bb0dcb6604f05ba2f0782a8">prevent a federal shutdown</a>.

“The best I can tell is they want to impeach me because they want to shut down the government,” Biden said.

He also made a reference to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., a top ally of his chief rival heading into the 2024 election,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump.</a>&nbsp;“The first day she was elected, the first thing she wanted to do was impeach Biden,” he said.

“Look, I’ve got a job," Biden told his audience. "I’ve got to deal with the issues that affect the American people every single, solitary day.”

McCarthy's sudden decision to direct an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-impeachment-57c5b1b40d19ede4ecf7fde08c027cee">impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;into Biden over the business dealings of his son, Hunter, and the family finances has won over even the most reluctant Republicans, with some GOP lawmakers pushing for swift action while others expect it to drag into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-2024-poll-old-corrupt-12b806876e2072790f9a67793761c688">2024 election year</a>.

McCarthy opened and closed a private meeting Wednesday of House Republicans justifying his reasoning for the inquiry sought by former President Trump.

The moment is a politically pivotal one for the embattled McCarthy, whose job is being targeted by Trump’s right-flank allies. He has already signaled potential charges of abuse of power, corruption and obstruction for possible articles of impeachment.

“There’s a lot of accusations out there you just want the answers to,” McCarthy told reporters at the Capitol.

The White House mobilized to fight what it called the “unprecedented, unfounded claims” against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">the president</a>&nbsp;regarding his son, Hunter, and family finances.

In the inquiry, House Republicans are trying to link Biden to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">business dealings of his son</a>&nbsp;and deflect attention away from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-investigations-other-charges-b8b064a00caad4306fb54d2f6a320468">Trump's own legal peril</a>.

The White House has said that Joe Biden was not involved in his son's business affairs. And so far, Republicans have unearthed no significant evidence of wrongdoing by the elder Biden, who spoke often to his son as vice president and did stop by a business dinner with his son's associates.

In a 14-page memo to news media leaders, the White House urged them to hold Republicans “accountable for the fact that they are lurching toward impeachment over allegations that are not only unfounded but, in virtually all cases, have been actively disproven.”

Biden did not respond early in the day to shouted questions about impeachment during a White House event on cancer research.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called it “a political stunt.”

The Republican front-runner for the White House in 2024, Trump is the only president to be twice impeached — acquitted both times — and he is the first to face criminal charges in four separate indictments, including for trying to overturn the 2020 election he lost to Biden.

The sooner the better to go after Biden, some GOP lawmakers feel.

“I hope we can get it through as quickly as possible," said Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the chairman of the Oversight Committee leading the impeachment inquiry.

Comer and the other House chairmen involved in the impeachment inquiry headed across the Capitol later Wednesday and spent nearly an hour walking Senate Republicans through the evidence they said they had gathered in the past eight months.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has warned the House off impeachment. And GOP Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/politics/massachusetts-utah-general-news-e80ae66f9572ddcdcc63a666913be886">announcing he would not seek reelection in 2024</a>, told reporters Wednesday afternoon, “I haven’t heard any allegation of something that would rise to the level of a high crime and misdemeanor.”

But John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican, said the briefing by House members left him feeling “there’s enough smoke there that there are legitimate questions.”

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and other senators said they urged the House chairmen to solidify the process by holding a House vote to move forward with the inquiry.

“I think they’d be better off having a vote. It does give it more legitimacy,” Graham of South Carolina said.

With no vote to launch the inquiry, the impeachment probe is being done without formal House-passed ground rules. That allows Republicans to conduct the investigation in ways the Democrats say are not always transparent, releasing only partial information to the public.

On another front, McCarthy's decision to launch the impeachment inquiry appears to have done little to appease conservative lawmakers he needs to win over for his more immediate task: persuading the GOP majority to pass the federal spending bills needed to avoid a government shutdown in just over two weeks.

Hard-right Republicans still want McCarthy to slash federal spending below the levels he and Biden agreed to as part of a budget deal earlier this year. And that stand risks a federal shutdown if they don't fund the government by Sept. 30, when current money runs out.

Democrats are expected to oppose those Republican efforts as well as fight Biden's impeachment.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who led the first impeachment of Trump, said McCarthy's failure to bring the inquiry before the full House for a vote was “an acknowledgement that he lacks the support in his conference to move forward.”

“He is beholden to the more extreme elements,” Schiff said as lawmakers returned to Washington late Tuesday. "It is yet another indication of the weakness in the speakership and the degree by which he is manipulated by Donald Trump.”

Yet moderate Republicans representing districts that Biden won in 2020 over Trump and who are most at risk in next year's election generally were supportive of McCarthy’s decision to launch the impeachment probe.

“I would have voted for it,” Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., said about the impeachment inquiry.

Garcia said, “There’s smoke there so we have a requirement to go investigate that and see if there’s fire there.”

Rep. Nick LaLota of New York, another one of the Republicans from districts Biden won, said he wasn’t worried about any backlash back home. "I think my constituents deserve some answers,” he said.

The freshmen lawmaker and other potential holdouts like Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., were offered private briefings from leadership this week in order to assuage any concerns.

On the government-funding issue, McCarthy does not appear to have a viable plan to keep the government open, several lawmakers said.

The chamber came to a standstill Wednesday. A massive House Republican bill to fund the Defense Department and related military affairs was scheduled for a vote, but it was shelved amid the clash over spending levels.

Conservative Republicans are demanding that McCarthy commit to a total spending amount for the coming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, a request he is not likely to be able to fulfill.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;late Wednesday brushed off the House Republicans'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-shutdown-house-republicans-b187202be8814f7acbdd6e2e937e23d4">impeachment inquiry</a>, saying the way he sees it, they launched the investigation against him because they want to shut down the federal government.(click below to listen to White House statement on impeachment)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1027568138602560%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=3423" 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>Biden, speaking at a Democratic fundraiser in Virginia, said that instead of being concerned about the probe, “I’m focused on the things the American people want me focused on.”The president's remarks were the first since Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kevin-mccarthy">Kevin McCarthy</a>&nbsp;announced the launch of a Biden impeachment inquiry while the Republican House leader is also struggling to shore up votes to fund the government and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-impeachment-congress-funding-048dee639bb0dcb6604f05ba2f0782a8">prevent a federal shutdown</a>.“The best I can tell is they want to impeach me because they want to shut down the government,” Biden said.He also made a reference to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., a top ally of his chief rival heading into the 2024 election,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump.</a>&nbsp;“The first day she was elected, the first thing she wanted to do was impeach Biden,” he said.“Look, I’ve got a job," Biden told his audience. "I’ve got to deal with the issues that affect the American people every single, solitary day.”McCarthy's sudden decision to direct an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-impeachment-57c5b1b40d19ede4ecf7fde08c027cee">impeachment inquiry</a>&nbsp;into Biden over the business dealings of his son, Hunter, and the family finances has won over even the most reluctant Republicans, with some GOP lawmakers pushing for swift action while others expect it to drag into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-2024-poll-old-corrupt-12b806876e2072790f9a67793761c688">2024 election year</a>.McCarthy opened and closed a private meeting Wednesday of House Republicans justifying his reasoning for the inquiry sought by former President Trump.The moment is a politically pivotal one for the embattled McCarthy, whose job is being targeted by Trump’s right-flank allies. He has already signaled potential charges of abuse of power, corruption and obstruction for possible articles of impeachment.“There’s a lot of accusations out there you just want the answers to,” McCarthy told reporters at the Capitol.The White House mobilized to fight what it called the “unprecedented, unfounded claims” against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">the president</a>&nbsp;regarding his son, Hunter, and family finances.In the inquiry, House Republicans are trying to link Biden to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">business dealings of his son</a>&nbsp;and deflect attention away from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-investigations-other-charges-b8b064a00caad4306fb54d2f6a320468">Trump's own legal peril</a>.The White House has said that Joe Biden was not involved in his son's business affairs. And so far, Republicans have unearthed no significant evidence of wrongdoing by the elder Biden, who spoke often to his son as vice president and did stop by a business dinner with his son's associates.In a 14-page memo to news media leaders, the White House urged them to hold Republicans “accountable for the fact that they are lurching toward impeachment over allegations that are not only unfounded but, in virtually all cases, have been actively disproven.”Biden did not respond early in the day to shouted questions about impeachment during a White House event on cancer research.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called it “a political stunt.”The Republican front-runner for the White House in 2024, Trump is the only president to be twice impeached — acquitted both times — and he is the first to face criminal charges in four separate indictments, including for trying to overturn the 2020 election he lost to Biden.The sooner the better to go after Biden, some GOP lawmakers feel.“I hope we can get it through as quickly as possible," said Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the chairman of the Oversight Committee leading the impeachment inquiry.Comer and the other House chairmen involved in the impeachment inquiry headed across the Capitol later Wednesday and spent nearly an hour walking Senate Republicans through the evidence they said they had gathered in the past eight months.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has warned the House off impeachment. And GOP Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/politics/massachusetts-utah-general-news-e80ae66f9572ddcdcc63a666913be886">announcing he would not seek reelection in 2024</a>, told reporters Wednesday afternoon, “I haven’t heard any allegation of something that would rise to the level of a high crime and misdemeanor.”But John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican, said the briefing by House members left him feeling “there’s enough smoke there that there are legitimate questions.”Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and other senators said they urged the House chairmen to solidify the process by holding a House vote to move forward with the inquiry.“I think they’d be better off having a vote. It does give it more legitimacy,” Graham of South Carolina said.With no vote to launch the inquiry, the impeachment probe is being done without formal House-passed ground rules. That allows Republicans to conduct the investigation in ways the Democrats say are not always transparent, releasing only partial information to the public.On another front, McCarthy's decision to launch the impeachment inquiry appears to have done little to appease conservative lawmakers he needs to win over for his more immediate task: persuading the GOP majority to pass the federal spending bills needed to avoid a government shutdown in just over two weeks.Hard-right Republicans still want McCarthy to slash federal spending below the levels he and Biden agreed to as part of a budget deal earlier this year. And that stand risks a federal shutdown if they don't fund the government by Sept. 30, when current money runs out.Democrats are expected to oppose those Republican efforts as well as fight Biden's impeachment.Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who led the first impeachment of Trump, said McCarthy's failure to bring the inquiry before the full House for a vote was “an acknowledgement that he lacks the support in his conference to move forward.”“He is beholden to the more extreme elements,” Schiff said as lawmakers returned to Washington late Tuesday. "It is yet another indication of the weakness in the speakership and the degree by which he is manipulated by Donald Trump.”Yet moderate Republicans representing districts that Biden won in 2020 over Trump and who are most at risk in next year's election generally were supportive of McCarthy’s decision to launch the impeachment probe.“I would have voted for it,” Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., said about the impeachment inquiry.Garcia said, “There’s smoke there so we have a requirement to go investigate that and see if there’s fire there.”Rep. Nick LaLota of New York, another one of the Republicans from districts Biden won, said he wasn’t worried about any backlash back home. "I think my constituents deserve some answers,” he said.The freshmen lawmaker and other potential holdouts like Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., were offered private briefings from leadership this week in order to assuage any concerns.On the government-funding issue, McCarthy does not appear to have a viable plan to keep the government open, several lawmakers said.The chamber came to a standstill Wednesday. A massive House Republican bill to fund the Defense Department and related military affairs was scheduled for a vote, but it was shelved amid the clash over spending levels.Conservative Republicans are demanding that McCarthy commit to a total spending amount for the coming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, a request he is not likely to be able to fulfill.__

🎥Biden addresses impeachment inquiry for the first time 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting in Wichita are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as Luis Jackson, according to a Crime Stoppers report.

Just after 2a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 4000 block of West Memory Lane in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;19-year-old Zyles James of Wichita unconscious and not breathing with gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body.

Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. James was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

During the initial response, officers located another victim with a graze wound to the arm. The victim was transported to a local hospital and was treated and released.

If you see Jackson or know his location, call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694602061567.png" alt="Jackson -photo Crime Stoppers" />
 <figcaption>Jackson -photo Crime Stoppers</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting in Wichita are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as Luis Jackson, according to a Crime Stoppers report.Just after 2a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 4000 block of West Memory Lane in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;19-year-old Zyles James of Wichita unconscious and not breathing with gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body.Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. James was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.During the initial response, officers located another victim with a graze wound to the arm. The victim was transported to a local hospital and was treated and released.If you see Jackson or know his location, call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Police: Search continues for Kansas murder suspect

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in Johnson County.

Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, fire crews from Overland Park and Consolidated Fire District #2 were called to a house fire in the 5300 Block of Foster Street in Overland Park, according to a media release.

Firet arriving units found fire and heavy smoke coming from the garage of the single story, single family home.

Fire crews attacked the fire in the garage and searched to confirm everyone was safely out of the home. After knocking down the garage fire, crews encountered small volumes of fire on the interior and in the attic. Both fires were quickly extinguished.

Fire damage to the home is significant with smoke damage throughout.&nbsp; Two adults and three children were displaced. The Red Cross is assisting them with lodging.&nbsp; There were no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694656248622.png" alt="Photos Overland Park Fire" />
 <figcaption>Photos Overland Park Fire</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in Johnson County.Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, fire crews from Overland Park and Consolidated Fire District #2 were called to a house fire in the 5300 Block of Foster Street in Overland Park, according to a media release.Firet arriving units found fire and heavy smoke coming from the garage of the single story, single family home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694657340945.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fire crews attacked the fire in the garage and searched to confirm everyone was safely out of the home. After knocking down the garage fire, crews encountered small volumes of fire on the interior and in the attic. Both fires were quickly extinguished.Fire damage to the home is significant with smoke damage throughout.&nbsp; Two adults and three children were displaced. The Red Cross is assisting them with lodging.&nbsp; There were no injuries.

5 escape fire that significantly damaged Kansas home

HOUSTON (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday declared illegal a revised version of a federal policy that prevents the deportation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-united-states-immigration-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-91c885ea7c2b59dd327d0cdbe76b7cdb">hundreds of thousands of immigrants</a>&nbsp;brought to the U.S. as children.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen agreed with Texas and eight other states suing to stop the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program. The judge’s ruling was ultimately expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, sending the program’s fate before the high court for a third time.

Hanen barred the government from approving any new applications, but left the program intact for existing recipients during the expected appeals process. Hanen said his order does not require the federal government to take any actions against DACA recipients.

The states have argued the Obama administration didn’t have the authority to first create the program in 2012 because it circumvented Congress.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-f01fc0f485a8983b5f072e7af324c43f">In 2021, Hanen had declared</a>&nbsp;the program illegal, ruling it had not been subject to public notice and comment periods required under the federal Administrative Procedures Act.

The Biden administration tried to satisfy Hanen’s concerns with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-united-states-george-w-bush-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-d54fc8e80d19406c6642e9c2c3d1ff10">a new version of DACA</a>&nbsp;that took effect in October 2022 and was subject to public comments as part of a formal rule-making process.

But Hanen, who was appointed by then-President George W. Bush in 2002, ruled the updated version of DACA was still illegal. He had previously said DACA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/11326880d55b41e7965f386b3d3886ec">was unconstitutional</a>&nbsp;and it would be up to Congress to enact legislation shielding people under the program, often known as “Dreamers.”

Hanen also had previously ruled the states had standing to file their lawsuit because they had been harmed by the program.

The states have claimed they incur hundreds of millions of dollars in health care, education and other costs when immigrants are allowed to remain in the country illegally. The states that sued are Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kansas and Mississippi.

Those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daca-lawsuit-court-hearing-dreamers-5f77f76eaa9b96dbb7d8123103f240de">defending the program</a>&nbsp;— the federal government, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the state of New Jersey — had argued the states failed to present evidence that any of the costs they allege they have incurred have been tied to DACA recipients. They also argued Congress has given the Department of Homeland Security the legal authority to set immigration enforcement policies.

Despite previously declaring the DACA program illegal, Hanen had left the Obama-era program intact for those already benefiting from it. But he had ruled there could be no new applicants while appeals were pending.

There were 578,680 people enrolled in DACA at the end of March, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The program has faced a roller coaster of court challenges over the years.

In 2016, the Supreme Court deadlocked 4-4 over an expanded DACA and a version of the program for parents of DACA recipients. In 2020, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-courts-immigration-4901a69e2fb198705ab4f5370b28810a">high court ruled 5-4</a>&nbsp;that the Trump administration improperly ended DACA, allowing it to stay in place.

In 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-united-states-immigration-government-and-politics-b05499ef2d0d999c045079204d42be84">5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;in New Orleans upheld Hanen’s earlier ruling declaring DACA illegal, but sent the case back to him to review&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-united-states-george-w-bush-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-d54fc8e80d19406c6642e9c2c3d1ff10">changes made to the program by the Biden administration</a>.

President Joe Biden and advocacy groups have called on Congress to pass permanent protections for “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-united-states-immigration-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-91c885ea7c2b59dd327d0cdbe76b7cdb">dreamers</a>.” Congress has failed multiple times to pass proposals called the DREAM Act to protect DACA recipients.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592490581956.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday declared illegal a revised version of a federal policy that prevents the deportation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-united-states-immigration-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-91c885ea7c2b59dd327d0cdbe76b7cdb">hundreds of thousands of immigrants</a>&nbsp;brought to the U.S. as children.U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen agreed with Texas and eight other states suing to stop the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program. The judge’s ruling was ultimately expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, sending the program’s fate before the high court for a third time.Hanen barred the government from approving any new applications, but left the program intact for existing recipients during the expected appeals process. Hanen said his order does not require the federal government to take any actions against DACA recipients.The states have argued the Obama administration didn’t have the authority to first create the program in 2012 because it circumvented Congress.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-f01fc0f485a8983b5f072e7af324c43f">In 2021, Hanen had declared</a>&nbsp;the program illegal, ruling it had not been subject to public notice and comment periods required under the federal Administrative Procedures Act.The Biden administration tried to satisfy Hanen’s concerns with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-united-states-george-w-bush-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-d54fc8e80d19406c6642e9c2c3d1ff10">a new version of DACA</a>&nbsp;that took effect in October 2022 and was subject to public comments as part of a formal rule-making process.But Hanen, who was appointed by then-President George W. Bush in 2002, ruled the updated version of DACA was still illegal. He had previously said DACA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/11326880d55b41e7965f386b3d3886ec">was unconstitutional</a>&nbsp;and it would be up to Congress to enact legislation shielding people under the program, often known as “Dreamers.”Hanen also had previously ruled the states had standing to file their lawsuit because they had been harmed by the program.The states have claimed they incur hundreds of millions of dollars in health care, education and other costs when immigrants are allowed to remain in the country illegally. The states that sued are Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kansas and Mississippi.Those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daca-lawsuit-court-hearing-dreamers-5f77f76eaa9b96dbb7d8123103f240de">defending the program</a>&nbsp;— the federal government, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the state of New Jersey — had argued the states failed to present evidence that any of the costs they allege they have incurred have been tied to DACA recipients. They also argued Congress has given the Department of Homeland Security the legal authority to set immigration enforcement policies.Despite previously declaring the DACA program illegal, Hanen had left the Obama-era program intact for those already benefiting from it. But he had ruled there could be no new applicants while appeals were pending.There were 578,680 people enrolled in DACA at the end of March, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.The program has faced a roller coaster of court challenges over the years.In 2016, the Supreme Court deadlocked 4-4 over an expanded DACA and a version of the program for parents of DACA recipients. In 2020, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-courts-immigration-4901a69e2fb198705ab4f5370b28810a">high court ruled 5-4</a>&nbsp;that the Trump administration improperly ended DACA, allowing it to stay in place.In 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-united-states-immigration-government-and-politics-b05499ef2d0d999c045079204d42be84">5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;in New Orleans upheld Hanen’s earlier ruling declaring DACA illegal, but sent the case back to him to review&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-united-states-george-w-bush-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-d54fc8e80d19406c6642e9c2c3d1ff10">changes made to the program by the Biden administration</a>.President Joe Biden and advocacy groups have called on Congress to pass permanent protections for “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-united-states-immigration-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-program-91c885ea7c2b59dd327d0cdbe76b7cdb">dreamers</a>.” Congress has failed multiple times to pass proposals called the DREAM Act to protect DACA recipients.

Federal judge again says Biden immigration program illegal

COFFEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Wednesday in Coffey County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Ford Expedition driven by Angelo V.&nbsp;Turner, 51, Eureka, was southbound on U.S. 75 just south of Interstate 35.&nbsp;

The SUV struck the #5 axel of a 2009 Kenworth semi driven by Johnnie L.&nbsp;Snodgrass, 67, Mound City, who was coming out of the truck stop and attempting to go Northbound on U.S. 75.

Turner was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. Snograss was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

COFFEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Wednesday in Coffey County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Ford Expedition driven by Angelo V.&nbsp;Turner, 51, Eureka, was southbound on U.S. 75 just south of Interstate 35.&nbsp;The SUV struck the #5 axel of a 2009 Kenworth semi driven by Johnnie L.&nbsp;Snodgrass, 67, Mound City, who was coming out of the truck stop and attempting to go Northbound on U.S. 75.Turner was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. Snograss was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after SUV, semi crash

THOMAS COUNTY—An elk was reported hit by a vehicle Wednesday morning on Interstate 70 east of Colby, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens.

Wardens believe the head was cut off sometime early Wednesday morning. 

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the local Game Warden (785) 260-1149

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694657080692.png" alt="Photo KDW&amp;P Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photo KDW&amp;P Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>THOMAS COUNTY—An elk was reported hit by a vehicle Wednesday morning on Interstate 70 east of Colby, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens.Wardens believe the head was cut off sometime early Wednesday morning. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the local Game Warden (785) 260-1149

Game wardens: Decapitated elk found along I-70 in NW Kan.

A judge on Tuesday sentenced 43-year-old Michael Hendricks and 33-year-old Maggie Ybarra to life sentences plus decades more for the gruesome murder of 32-year-old Kensie Aubry, whose body was recovered from a Grain Valley, Missouri, property, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Hendricks was sentenced to Life in Prison Without the Possibility of Parole plus 44.5 years more in prison, while Ybarra was sentenced to Life in Prison plus 56.5 years, following an emotional sentencing hearing.&nbsp;

Ybarra was sentenced Tuesday for Murder 2nd Degree (Life in Prison), Harassment 1st Degree (four years), Enticement of a Child (30 years), the misdemeanor of Sexual Misconduct 1st Degree (6 months), Tampering with Physical Evidence in Felony Prosecution (1 year), three counts of Tamper With A Victim in a Felony Prosecution (seven years each).

Hendricks was sentenced to Murder 1st Degree (Life in Prison without Possibility of Parole); Harassment 1st Degree (4 years), Enticement of a Child (30 years), Child Molestation 3rd Degree (10 years); Sexual Misconduct (6 months)

In Aug. 2021, a Jackson County grand jury indicted Hendricks and Ybarra on multiple charges. A Jackson County jury found them guilty in July.

The teenage girl, who was in foster care, told police that Hendricks confessed to choking Aubry and putting her body in a freezer. The girl said Hendricks showed her photos of a naked and bound woman and the chainsaw he allegedly used to chop up her body.

Ybarra was arrested in late April and jailed on sexual abuse charges related to the teenage girl, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article252836573.html">reported</a>. Police alleged that Ybarra called Hendricks from jail and asked him to throw away evidence at her house.

&nbsp;According to charging documents, Ybarra attempted to get other people to buy gifts for the teenage girl and pressure her to take back what she told police.

Police said Ybarra met Hendricks after he paid her for sex sometime last year. Ybarra has described Hendricks as both her boss and her boyfriend to police. Hendricks' wife filed for divorce within days of his arrest.

Prosecutor Baker issued this statement following the sentencing: My office spent countless hours to assure justice in this case of frankly unspeakable human behavior. We sought the max under the law. I am proud of this trial team that brought these defendants to today's fitting outcome. I must again point to the bravery of the young victim who led law enforcement to these defendants. I must also praise law enforcement, notably the Grandview Police Department, for believing and acting on the word of this young victim. Justice could not have been served without her bravery and her sense of right and wrong. She ultimately delivered this just ruling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689361413675.png" alt="Hendricks-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hendricks-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>A judge on Tuesday sentenced 43-year-old Michael Hendricks and 33-year-old Maggie Ybarra to life sentences plus decades more for the gruesome murder of 32-year-old Kensie Aubry, whose body was recovered from a Grain Valley, Missouri, property, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Hendricks was sentenced to Life in Prison Without the Possibility of Parole plus 44.5 years more in prison, while Ybarra was sentenced to Life in Prison plus 56.5 years, following an emotional sentencing hearing.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689361482049.png" alt="Ybarra-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Ybarra-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ybarra was sentenced Tuesday for Murder 2nd Degree (Life in Prison), Harassment 1st Degree (four years), Enticement of a Child (30 years), the misdemeanor of Sexual Misconduct 1st Degree (6 months), Tampering with Physical Evidence in Felony Prosecution (1 year), three counts of Tamper With A Victim in a Felony Prosecution (seven years each).Hendricks was sentenced to Murder 1st Degree (Life in Prison without Possibility of Parole); Harassment 1st Degree (4 years), Enticement of a Child (30 years), Child Molestation 3rd Degree (10 years); Sexual Misconduct (6 months)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626354604788.png" alt="Police found Aubry's body buried on Hendricks' Grain Valley property-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police found Aubry's body buried on Hendricks' Grain Valley property-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>In Aug. 2021, a Jackson County grand jury indicted Hendricks and Ybarra on multiple charges. A Jackson County jury found them guilty in July.The teenage girl, who was in foster care, told police that Hendricks confessed to choking Aubry and putting her body in a freezer. The girl said Hendricks showed her photos of a naked and bound woman and the chainsaw he allegedly used to chop up her body.Ybarra was arrested in late April and jailed on sexual abuse charges related to the teenage girl, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article252836573.html">reported</a>. Police alleged that Ybarra called Hendricks from jail and asked him to throw away evidence at her house.&nbsp;According to charging documents, Ybarra attempted to get other people to buy gifts for the teenage girl and pressure her to take back what she told police.Police said Ybarra met Hendricks after he paid her for sex sometime last year. Ybarra has described Hendricks as both her boss and her boyfriend to police. Hendricks' wife filed for divorce within days of his arrest.Prosecutor Baker issued this statement following the sentencing: My office spent countless hours to assure justice in this case of frankly unspeakable human behavior. We sought the max under the law. I am proud of this trial team that brought these defendants to today's fitting outcome. I must again point to the bravery of the young victim who led law enforcement to these defendants. I must also praise law enforcement, notably the Grandview Police Department, for believing and acting on the word of this young victim. Justice could not have been served without her bravery and her sense of right and wrong. She ultimately delivered this just ruling.

KC-area couple sentenced for killing, dismembering woman

STAFFORD COUNTY —The Environmental Protection Agency is at the scene of an oil discharge in central Kansas.

On September 12, the Kansas Corporation Commission notified the Environmental Protection Agency of the oil discharge to Rattlesnake Creek in Stafford County, according to Ben Washburn, Public Affairs Officer for EPA Region 7.

 The responsible party reported 90,000 gallons of brine, salt water generated during oil production, spilled from a disposal well line that transects Rattlesnake creek approximately 0.25 mile east of NE 90th Avenue.

The brine contained an estimated 600 to 700 gallons of oil. An EPA On-Scene Coordinator mobilized to the response on Tuesday evening.

 Upon arrival, the EPA On Scene Coordinator met with state and local responders, performed a reconnaissance of Rattlesnake Creek, and observed responsible party containment and recovery operations. 

The On Scene Coordinator observed areas of sheening and small pockets of oil up to 2.1 miles from the source of the spill, but there have been no observed impacts within the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. 

The responsible party has placed boom along Rattlesnake Creek to prevent further oil migration. 

The disposal well line that was the source of the spill has been isolated and is no longer actively leaking, according to the EPA.

Responsible party contractors have recovered approximately 160 barrels (6,720 gallons) of mostly brine to date. The responsible party contractors are continuing oil containment and recovery operations under EPA oversight.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694634502823.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>STAFFORD COUNTY —The Environmental Protection Agency is at the scene of an oil discharge in central Kansas.On September 12, the Kansas Corporation Commission notified the Environmental Protection Agency of the oil discharge to Rattlesnake Creek in Stafford County, according to Ben Washburn, Public Affairs Officer for EPA Region 7. The responsible party reported 90,000 gallons of brine, salt water generated during oil production, spilled from a disposal well line that transects Rattlesnake creek approximately 0.25 mile east of NE 90th Avenue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694639814011.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>The brine contained an estimated 600 to 700 gallons of oil. An EPA On-Scene Coordinator mobilized to the response on Tuesday evening. Upon arrival, the EPA On Scene Coordinator met with state and local responders, performed a reconnaissance of Rattlesnake Creek, and observed responsible party containment and recovery operations. The On Scene Coordinator observed areas of sheening and small pockets of oil up to 2.1 miles from the source of the spill, but there have been no observed impacts within the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. The responsible party has placed boom along Rattlesnake Creek to prevent further oil migration. The disposal well line that was the source of the spill has been isolated and is no longer actively leaking, according to the EPA.Responsible party contractors have recovered approximately 160 barrels (6,720 gallons) of mostly brine to date. The responsible party contractors are continuing oil containment and recovery operations under EPA oversight.

EPA responds to oil spill in Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

SEDGWICK COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), along with the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office, the McPherson Police Department, and the Wichita Police Department, arrested a Wichita man following an investigation into fentanyl distribution.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at 1608 N. Oliver Street., in Wichita. As a result of the investigation and search approximately 4,000 fentanyl pills, marijuana, crack cocaine and six firearms were discovered. 

Also located at the residence was drug distribution paraphernalia, drug use paraphernalia and approximately $5,400 in cash.

Michael Hadley, 20, of Wichita, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of fentanyl, criminal possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana, possession of distribution paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694642912931.png" alt="Hadley-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Hadley-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), along with the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office, the McPherson Police Department, and the Wichita Police Department, arrested a Wichita man following an investigation into fentanyl distribution.At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at 1608 N. Oliver Street., in Wichita. As a result of the investigation and search approximately 4,000 fentanyl pills, marijuana, crack cocaine and six firearms were discovered. Also located at the residence was drug distribution paraphernalia, drug use paraphernalia and approximately $5,400 in cash.Michael Hadley, 20, of Wichita, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of fentanyl, criminal possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana, possession of distribution paraphernalia, and possession of use paraphernalia.

Kan. man accused of selling fentanyl; police found 4,000 pills

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

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

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

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

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

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

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

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

Suspect in Kansas officer-shooting remains hospitalized

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mother, boyfriend accused in death of toddler in SW Kansas

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

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

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

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

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

KDHE recommends taking the following actions to prevent mosquito bites:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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