WASHINGTON (AP) — The stuffy Senate is now a bit less formal.

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday that staff for the chamber’s Sergeant-at-Arms — the Senate’s official clothes police — will no longer enforce a dress code on the Senate floor. The change comes after Pennsylvania&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fetterman-depression-senate-return-hoodies-shorts-771886ba8f3caee9be9674d186cd656b" target="_blank">Sen. John Fetterman</a>&nbsp;has been unapologetically wearing shorts as he goes about his duties, voting from doorways so he doesn’t get in trouble for his more casual attire.

“There has been an informal dress code that was enforced,” Schumer said in a statement. “Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor. I will continue to wear a suit.”

Schumer did not mention Fetterman in his statement about the dress code, which will only apply to senators, not staff.

The changes prompted outrage from some of the chamber’s more formal members, eroding a bit of the good will that first-term Fetterman had earned earlier this year when he checked himself into the hospital for clinical depression. He won bipartisan praise for being honest about his diagnosis, which came in the wake of a stroke he suffered on the campaign trail last year. When he returned from treatment, he started donning the more casual clothes, which he says make him more comfortable.

Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall said it’s a “sad day in the Senate” and that the people who Fetterman and Schumer represent should be embarrassed.

“I represent the people of Kansas, and much like when I get dressed up to go to a wedding, it’s to honor the bride and groom, you go to a funeral you get dressed up to honor the family of the deceased,” Marshall said. Senators should have a certain level of decorum, he added.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine agreed, arguing that the relaxed rules debase the institution of the Senate. “I plan to wear a bikini tomorrow to the Senate floor,” Collins joked.

Walking to Monday evening’s vote in a short-sleeved button-down shirt and shorts, Fetterman said he wasn’t sure if he’d take advantage of the new rules just yet.

“It’s nice to have the option, but I’m going to plan to be using it sparingly and not really overusing it,” he said.

Asked about the criticism, Fetterman feigned mock outrage.

“They’re freaking out, I don’t understand it,” he said of his critics. “Like, aren’t there more important things we should be working on right now instead of, you know, that I might be dressing like a slob?”

When Fetterman reached the Senate floor, he still voted from the doorway. “Baby steps,” he told reporters as he got on the elevator to go back to his office.

Not all Republicans were upset about the change. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley was wearing jeans, boots and no tie on Monday evening, an outfit he says he normally wears when he flies in from his home state for the first votes of the week.

“Now I can vote from the Senate floor on Mondays,” Hawley said, noting that he usually wears a suit and tie every other day.

Nearby, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy was also tieless. The Democrat said he’s been reprimanded by Sergeant-at-Arms staff in the past for not wearing a tie on the floor.

“They would tell us when we were doing it wrong,” Murphy said.

It’s unclear if the rules for more formal attire were actually written down anywhere, but Schumer’s directive means that staff will no longer scold senators for their choice of clothing or ask them to vote from the doorway.

For Fetterman, his signature hoodies and gym shorts were a sign of his recovery. Before he checked himself into the hospital, his staff had asked him to always wear suits, which he famously hates. But after a check with the Senate parliamentarian upon his return in April, it became clear that he could continue wearing the casual clothes that were often his uniform back at home in Pennsylvania, as long as he didn’t walk on to the Senate floor. He still wears suits to committee meetings when they are required.

In recent weeks, the Pennsylvania senator has become more comfortable joking around in the hallways and answering reporters’ questions. His words are still halting sometimes due to his stroke and an auditory processing disorder that makes it harder to speak fluidly and process spoken conversation. He uses iPads and iPhones in conversations that transcribe spoken words in real time.

“I think we should all want to be more comfortable,” Fetterman told a group of reporters on Monday. “And now we have that option, and if people prefer to wear a suit, then that’s great.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695136551099.png" alt="Senators Ed Markey of Massachusetts and&nbsp; John Fetterman of Pennsylvania during a news conference in May -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senators Ed Markey of Massachusetts and&nbsp; John Fetterman of Pennsylvania during a news conference in May -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The stuffy Senate is now a bit less formal.Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday that staff for the chamber’s Sergeant-at-Arms — the Senate’s official clothes police — will no longer enforce a dress code on the Senate floor. The change comes after Pennsylvania&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fetterman-depression-senate-return-hoodies-shorts-771886ba8f3caee9be9674d186cd656b" target="_blank">Sen. John Fetterman</a>&nbsp;has been unapologetically wearing shorts as he goes about his duties, voting from doorways so he doesn’t get in trouble for his more casual attire.“There has been an informal dress code that was enforced,” Schumer said in a statement. “Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor. I will continue to wear a suit.”Schumer did not mention Fetterman in his statement about the dress code, which will only apply to senators, not staff.The changes prompted outrage from some of the chamber’s more formal members, eroding a bit of the good will that first-term Fetterman had earned earlier this year when he checked himself into the hospital for clinical depression. He won bipartisan praise for being honest about his diagnosis, which came in the wake of a stroke he suffered on the campaign trail last year. When he returned from treatment, he started donning the more casual clothes, which he says make him more comfortable.Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall said it’s a “sad day in the Senate” and that the people who Fetterman and Schumer represent should be embarrassed.“I represent the people of Kansas, and much like when I get dressed up to go to a wedding, it’s to honor the bride and groom, you go to a funeral you get dressed up to honor the family of the deceased,” Marshall said. Senators should have a certain level of decorum, he added.Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine agreed, arguing that the relaxed rules debase the institution of the Senate. “I plan to wear a bikini tomorrow to the Senate floor,” Collins joked.Walking to Monday evening’s vote in a short-sleeved button-down shirt and shorts, Fetterman said he wasn’t sure if he’d take advantage of the new rules just yet.“It’s nice to have the option, but I’m going to plan to be using it sparingly and not really overusing it,” he said.Asked about the criticism, Fetterman feigned mock outrage.“They’re freaking out, I don’t understand it,” he said of his critics. “Like, aren’t there more important things we should be working on right now instead of, you know, that I might be dressing like a slob?”When Fetterman reached the Senate floor, he still voted from the doorway. “Baby steps,” he told reporters as he got on the elevator to go back to his office.Not all Republicans were upset about the change. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley was wearing jeans, boots and no tie on Monday evening, an outfit he says he normally wears when he flies in from his home state for the first votes of the week.“Now I can vote from the Senate floor on Mondays,” Hawley said, noting that he usually wears a suit and tie every other day.Nearby, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy was also tieless. The Democrat said he’s been reprimanded by Sergeant-at-Arms staff in the past for not wearing a tie on the floor.“They would tell us when we were doing it wrong,” Murphy said.It’s unclear if the rules for more formal attire were actually written down anywhere, but Schumer’s directive means that staff will no longer scold senators for their choice of clothing or ask them to vote from the doorway.For Fetterman, his signature hoodies and gym shorts were a sign of his recovery. Before he checked himself into the hospital, his staff had asked him to always wear suits, which he famously hates. But after a check with the Senate parliamentarian upon his return in April, it became clear that he could continue wearing the casual clothes that were often his uniform back at home in Pennsylvania, as long as he didn’t walk on to the Senate floor. He still wears suits to committee meetings when they are required.In recent weeks, the Pennsylvania senator has become more comfortable joking around in the hallways and answering reporters’ questions. His words are still halting sometimes due to his stroke and an auditory processing disorder that makes it harder to speak fluidly and process spoken conversation. He uses iPads and iPhones in conversations that transcribe spoken words in real time.“I think we should all want to be more comfortable,” Fetterman told a group of reporters on Monday. “And now we have that option, and if people prefer to wear a suit, then that’s great.”

Kansas Senator: Sad day as U.S. Senate ditches dress code

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide that took place in the 4700 Block of Parallel Parkway.

Just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a disturbance at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, according to a media release.

First responders located a man outside of the store. Officers quickly recognized that he was unresponsive and performed CPR. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. 

There was another man on the scene who had minor injuries. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment and was reported in stable condition.

Police took a suspect into custody. This death is being handled as a homicide and is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695205267512.png" alt="Anyone with information on the crime is encouraged to contact KCK Police-photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Anyone with information on the crime is encouraged to contact KCK Police-photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide that took place in the 4700 Block of Parallel Parkway.Just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a disturbance at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, according to a media release.First responders located a man outside of the store. Officers quickly recognized that he was unresponsive and performed CPR. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. There was another man on the scene who had minor injuries. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment and was reported in stable condition.Police took a suspect into custody. This death is being handled as a homicide and is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.

Homicide: Man killed outside Kansas auto parts store

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at the Sedgwick County Jail.

Just after 6a.m. on September 15,&nbsp; an inmate, who repeatedly engaged in self-injurious behavior and refused to cooperate with medical care died, according to Sheriff's Captain Keith Allen. The inmate identified as 44-year-old Marcello Ibarra, according to online jail records, had been hospitalized a total of 18 times since his arrest August 15, 2021.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigations Division and the Kansas Bureau of Investigations (K.B.I.) were contacted.&nbsp; Ibarra&nbsp; was transported to the Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office.

Ibarra was jailed on felony charge of Murder in the 2nd&nbsp;Degree, Aggravated Assault, Fugitive from Justice and a hold for Immigration

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695163856742.png" alt="Ibarra as shown in his August 2021 Sedgwick County booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Ibarra as shown in his August 2021 Sedgwick County booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at the Sedgwick County Jail.Just after 6a.m. on September 15,&nbsp; an inmate, who repeatedly engaged in self-injurious behavior and refused to cooperate with medical care died, according to Sheriff's Captain Keith Allen. The inmate identified as 44-year-old Marcello Ibarra, according to online jail records, had been hospitalized a total of 18 times since his arrest August 15, 2021.The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigations Division and the Kansas Bureau of Investigations (K.B.I.) were contacted.&nbsp; Ibarra&nbsp; was transported to the Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office.Ibarra was jailed on felony charge of Murder in the 2nd&nbsp;Degree, Aggravated Assault, Fugitive from Justice and a hold for Immigration

Illegal immigrant accused of murder dies in Kan. county jail

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities canceled a Silver Alert issued Sunday for a missing Kansas man. On Tuesday, 67-year-old Steven Trahoon was located south of Topeka on Interstate 35, near the Melvern exit, according to Police Captain Edward Stanley.

Medical personell pronounced Trahoon deceased at the scene and his family was notified. The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating this incident.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Topeka have issued a Silver Alert for a missing Kansas man.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 67-year-old Steven Trahoon who may be suffering from symptoms of significant health issues.&nbsp;

Steven was last seen around SW 26th Terrace and SW Westport Drive around 6:30 p.m. on September 16. He was last seen driving away in a Blue Honda Fit with Kansas license plate 737 NJU. 

He is described as Caucasian male around 6-foot-4, 190 pounds with brown hair and&nbsp; brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a maroon long sleeve shirt and black slacks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695170670876.png" alt="Trahoon-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Trahoon-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities canceled a Silver Alert issued Sunday for a missing Kansas man. On Tuesday, 67-year-old Steven Trahoon was located south of Topeka on Interstate 35, near the Melvern exit, according to Police Captain Edward Stanley.Medical personell pronounced Trahoon deceased at the scene and his family was notified. The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating this incident.------------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Topeka have issued a Silver Alert for a missing Kansas man.Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 67-year-old Steven Trahoon who may be suffering from symptoms of significant health issues.&nbsp;Steven was last seen around SW 26th Terrace and SW Westport Drive around 6:30 p.m. on September 16. He was last seen driving away in a Blue Honda Fit with Kansas license plate 737 NJU. He is described as Caucasian male around 6-foot-4, 190 pounds with brown hair and&nbsp; brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a maroon long sleeve shirt and black slacks.

KHP investigating: Subject of Silver Alert found deceased

David’s Cookies is recalling 960 units of&nbsp;“Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake”&nbsp;lot # BS23212 that has been sold in Walmart retail stores across the country, according to a statement from the FDA.

This recall is due to that the 960 units of “Marketside Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake”&nbsp;were mislabeled with a label as&nbsp;“Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake”&nbsp;a name that does not depict peanut as a key ingredient and does not declare the peanut allergen warning on the label.

The product is in a 7-ounce, clear plastic package marked with lot # BS23212 on the top of the package. Photo below:

No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date in connection with this mislabel. If there are any consumers with concerns about illness or injury associated with this product, please contact a physician immediately.

Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused at the labeling and packaging stage.

In coordination with Walmart, they have blocked all&nbsp;Marketside Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake&nbsp;and&nbsp;Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake&nbsp;from their distribution centers and store registers, so no consumer is able to purchase either of these products until further investigation and resolutions have been completed by David’s Cookies and Walmart.

Consumers who have purchased the 7.9 oz&nbsp;Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake, lot # BS23212, are urged to return them to the location of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact David’s Cookies at 800-500-2800. Business hours are from 8:30 am to 5:00 am, DST Eastern time zone.

The Walmart distribution center distributing the mislabeled product has been identified and David’s Cookies and Walmart will continue to work to correct the situation and prevent further shipments to stores.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695204304001.png" alt="photo FDA" />
 <figcaption>photo FDA</figcaption>
 </figure>David’s Cookies is recalling 960 units of&nbsp;“Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake”&nbsp;lot # BS23212 that has been sold in Walmart retail stores across the country, according to a statement from the FDA.This recall is due to that the 960 units of “Marketside Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake”&nbsp;were mislabeled with a label as&nbsp;“Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake”&nbsp;a name that does not depict peanut as a key ingredient and does not declare the peanut allergen warning on the label.The product is in a 7-ounce, clear plastic package marked with lot # BS23212 on the top of the package. Photo below:No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date in connection with this mislabel. If there are any consumers with concerns about illness or injury associated with this product, please contact a physician immediately.Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused at the labeling and packaging stage.In coordination with Walmart, they have blocked all&nbsp;Marketside Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake&nbsp;and&nbsp;Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake&nbsp;from their distribution centers and store registers, so no consumer is able to purchase either of these products until further investigation and resolutions have been completed by David’s Cookies and Walmart.Consumers who have purchased the 7.9 oz&nbsp;Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake, lot # BS23212, are urged to return them to the location of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact David’s Cookies at 800-500-2800. Business hours are from 8:30 am to 5:00 am, DST Eastern time zone.The Walmart distribution center distributing the mislabeled product has been identified and David’s Cookies and Walmart will continue to work to correct the situation and prevent further shipments to stores.

Recall: Cake sold at Walmart stores nationwide

KANSAS CITY —A 25-year-old Kansas City man was sentenced Friday to life in prison for the kidnapping and murder in May 2021 of Gilberto Gutierrez, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

A Jackson County judge sentenced Rashaud Q. Lewis, 25, to life in prison or 30 years in prison for a Murder 2nd Degree conviction and 16 additional years in prison for convictions of Kidnapping 1st Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action. &nbsp;Prosecutors had requested a prison sentence of more than 30 years after a Jackson County jury convicted the defendant in July.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched on May 11, 2021, on a reported missing person and the victim's family told them they had not heard from their father. 

But bloody clothing of the victim had been found. On May 17, 2021, a dead male body was found; it was wrapped in a tarp and found near 56th and Elmwood. 

The victim was identified as Gutierrez. He died from several stab wounds. Evidence established that the defendant purchased the vehicle used to kidnap the victim. 

During a search of a property associated with the defendant, police detectives found cleaning supplies and a zip tie consistent with a zip tie found at the victim’s ranch. 

Tests for DNA showed the victim’s DNA on the zip tied recovered from the defendant’s property.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694810550970.png" alt="Lewis-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Lewis-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A 25-year-old Kansas City man was sentenced Friday to life in prison for the kidnapping and murder in May 2021 of Gilberto Gutierrez, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.A Jackson County judge sentenced Rashaud Q. Lewis, 25, to life in prison or 30 years in prison for a Murder 2nd Degree conviction and 16 additional years in prison for convictions of Kidnapping 1st Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action. &nbsp;Prosecutors had requested a prison sentence of more than 30 years after a Jackson County jury convicted the defendant in July.According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched on May 11, 2021, on a reported missing person and the victim's family told them they had not heard from their father. But bloody clothing of the victim had been found. On May 17, 2021, a dead male body was found; it was wrapped in a tarp and found near 56th and Elmwood. The victim was identified as Gutierrez. He died from several stab wounds. Evidence established that the defendant purchased the vehicle used to kidnap the victim. During a search of a property associated with the defendant, police detectives found cleaning supplies and a zip tie consistent with a zip tie found at the victim’s ranch. Tests for DNA showed the victim’s DNA on the zip tied recovered from the defendant’s property.&nbsp;

KC man sentenced for violent kidnapping and murder 

HENRY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that left a teen dead.

Just after 11:30p.m. September 17, police were called to investigate a shooting in the 400 Block of North Price Lane in Clinton, southeast of Kansas City, according to a media release.

  Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old victim of Clinton, Missouri, with an apparent gun shot wound to the chest. He was transported to Golden Valley Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.&nbsp;

Officers took 70-year-old Thomas Ribby of Clinton Missouri into custody initially on requested charges of murder in the first degree, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest, according to online jail records. 

On Monday Ribby was charged&nbsp; with endangering the welfare of a child, resulting in death and resisting or interfering with arrest.

Court records state Ribby told law enforcement that he pointed the firearm at the teen and pulled the trigger but believed the firearm was unloaded. Detectives believe the teen victim can be heard in a 911 call stating that he had been shot by Ribby accidentally, according to a probable cause statement.

&nbsp;RIbby remains jailed on a $100,000 cash only bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695119885892.png" alt="Ribby-photo Henry County" />
 <figcaption>Ribby-photo Henry County</figcaption>
 </figure>HENRY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that left a teen dead.Just after 11:30p.m. September 17, police were called to investigate a shooting in the 400 Block of North Price Lane in Clinton, southeast of Kansas City, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old victim of Clinton, Missouri, with an apparent gun shot wound to the chest. He was transported to Golden Valley Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.&nbsp;Officers took 70-year-old Thomas Ribby of Clinton Missouri into custody initially on requested charges of murder in the first degree, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest, according to online jail records. On Monday Ribby was charged&nbsp; with endangering the welfare of a child, resulting in death and resisting or interfering with arrest.Court records state Ribby told law enforcement that he pointed the firearm at the teen and pulled the trigger but believed the firearm was unloaded. Detectives believe the teen victim can be heard in a 911 call stating that he had been shot by Ribby accidentally, according to a probable cause statement.&nbsp;RIbby remains jailed on a $100,000 cash only bond, according to online jail records.

70-year-old accused in shooting death of 16-year-old

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair, held from September 8 to September 17, 2023, concluded with an overall impressive attendance of&nbsp;330,044 patrons, according to a media release from the fair. Despite a few days of inclement weather conditions, fairgoers came out and enjoyed the festivities.&nbsp;

The ten-day event showcased a wide range of attractions and activities that entertained visitors of all ages. From thrilling rides, captivating exhibits, live performances, mouthwatering food and livestock shows, the Kansas State Fair offered something for everyone.&nbsp;

“We are thrilled with the tremendous response from the community,” said Bryan Schulz, General Manager of the Kansas State Fair. “Even during cool, rainy days, patrons showed their unwavering support and enthusiasm for this beloved annual tradition.”&nbsp;

The Kansas State Fair also experienced a significant increase in sponsorships this year. Area businesses and organizations recognized the value of aligning their brands with one of the state’s most iconic events. The additional sponsorships allowed for enhanced programming and ensured that fairgoers had an unforgettable experience.&nbsp;

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors for their generous support,” added Bryan Schulz. “Their contributions played a vital role in making this year’s fair a resounding success.”&nbsp;

The Kansas State Fair has been a cherished tradition for over a century, bringing together communities from across the state to celebrate agriculture, entertainment, and family-friendly fun. The fairgrounds will continue to serve as a gathering place for generations to come.For more information about the Kansas State Fair and future events, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasstatefair.com/">kansasstatefair.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695157318556.png" alt="photo courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair, held from September 8 to September 17, 2023, concluded with an overall impressive attendance of&nbsp;330,044 patrons, according to a media release from the fair. Despite a few days of inclement weather conditions, fairgoers came out and enjoyed the festivities.&nbsp;The ten-day event showcased a wide range of attractions and activities that entertained visitors of all ages. From thrilling rides, captivating exhibits, live performances, mouthwatering food and livestock shows, the Kansas State Fair offered something for everyone.&nbsp;“We are thrilled with the tremendous response from the community,” said Bryan Schulz, General Manager of the Kansas State Fair. “Even during cool, rainy days, patrons showed their unwavering support and enthusiasm for this beloved annual tradition.”&nbsp;The Kansas State Fair also experienced a significant increase in sponsorships this year. Area businesses and organizations recognized the value of aligning their brands with one of the state’s most iconic events. The additional sponsorships allowed for enhanced programming and ensured that fairgoers had an unforgettable experience.&nbsp;“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors for their generous support,” added Bryan Schulz. “Their contributions played a vital role in making this year’s fair a resounding success.”&nbsp;The Kansas State Fair has been a cherished tradition for over a century, bringing together communities from across the state to celebrate agriculture, entertainment, and family-friendly fun. The fairgrounds will continue to serve as a gathering place for generations to come.For more information about the Kansas State Fair and future events, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasstatefair.com/">kansasstatefair.com</a>.

Impressive attendance numbers for 2023 Kansas State Fair

 COUNTY—A Kansas teen accused of following a pickup on his motorcycle and firing a shot that killed a Kansas woman on her way home from a high school football game made his first court appearance Monday morning.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/norma-williams?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet-first-launch&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer">Click here to read the</a> online fundraiser for the Williams family.

On Monday, Daryon Boone, 19, was charged with murder in the first degree and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 10 p.m. Sept. 1, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 11200 block of East Central Avenue, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Officers arrived on the scene and located 69-year-old Norma Williams of Wichita unconscious and not breathing with a gunshot wound to her upper body.

Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. Mrs. Williams was transported to a local area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

During the investigation, officers learned that Mrs. Williams was the front passenger of a 2021 Honda Ridgeline traveling northbound on Greenwich, approaching the eastbound lanes of Kellogg Drive.

When they reached the intersection a group of motorcycles riding eastbound ran the red light and one of the motorcycles driven by Daryon Boone of Wichita struck their vehicle. Following the incident, Boone followed the vehicle, ultimately producing a handgun and shooting into the vehicle, which fatally injured Mrs. Williams.

Police arrested Boone&nbsp; on a requested charge of first-degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and aggravated assault.

Boone is scheduled to return to court October 2. His bond was initially set at $500,000. He met the requirement of the bond and has not been in jail since the day following his Sept. 2, arrest, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693841905672.png" alt="Norma Williams was shot and killed on the way home from a Friday night ballgame in Wichita -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Norma Williams was shot and killed on the way home from a Friday night ballgame in Wichita -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure> COUNTY—A Kansas teen accused of following a pickup on his motorcycle and firing a shot that killed a Kansas woman on her way home from a high school football game made his first court appearance Monday morning.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/norma-williams?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet-first-launch&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer">Click here to read the</a> online fundraiser for the Williams family.On Monday, Daryon Boone, 19, was charged with murder in the first degree and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693791365153.png" alt="Boone-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Boone-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 10 p.m. Sept. 1, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 11200 block of East Central Avenue, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Officers arrived on the scene and located 69-year-old Norma Williams of Wichita unconscious and not breathing with a gunshot wound to her upper body.Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. Mrs. Williams was transported to a local area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.During the investigation, officers learned that Mrs. Williams was the front passenger of a 2021 Honda Ridgeline traveling northbound on Greenwich, approaching the eastbound lanes of Kellogg Drive.When they reached the intersection a group of motorcycles riding eastbound ran the red light and one of the motorcycles driven by Daryon Boone of Wichita struck their vehicle. Following the incident, Boone followed the vehicle, ultimately producing a handgun and shooting into the vehicle, which fatally injured Mrs. Williams.Police arrested Boone&nbsp; on a requested charge of first-degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and aggravated assault.Boone is scheduled to return to court October 2. His bond was initially set at $500,000. He met the requirement of the bond and has not been in jail since the day following his Sept. 2, arrest, according to online jail records.

Teen charged with killing Kan. grandmother remains out of jail

More than 27 million unique files of child sexual abuse material were reported last year. 59 percent were of children who were prepubescent. 8 percent were of infants or toddlers.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Amy was 12 years old when a sex trafficker started grooming her online. She was a star softball player in Spring Hill, Kan. He said he was her age.

He was so nice, she said. She met him in person and got the shock of her life when she realized he was a 21-year-old sex trafficker from Olathe.

She still lived at home with her dad and mom, who was a stay-at-home mom, but her trafficker was selling her seven to 10 times a week. She never told a trusted adult.

When she was 14, the traffickers killed a little dog in front of her and told her if she didn't come with them the same thing would happen to her dad. She went with them and officially became a runaway.

She tried to escape many times. She became addicted to drugs and alcohol to cope. By the time she was 21, her heart had given out and she had to have an artificial heart implanted. She died in 2021, leaving a young son.

Before Amy died, she insisted that&nbsp;Russ Tuttle of the Stop Trafficking Project tell her story, say her name.&nbsp;

"I want my life to have meant something," she told him.

Tuttle spoke to an adult audience Sunday night at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Hays. Tuttle will be giving age-appropriate presentations to youth in the public and Catholic schools in Ellis County this week.

Kids feel fear and shame, Tuttle said, and that's why they don't tell.

Child sex crimes, sex abuse material and domestic minor sex trafficking are increasing in Kansas. 2021 was the worst year on record for online sex abuse, he said.

There was a three-fold increase of self-generated images of children 7 to 10, he said. That is children taking their clothes off and sending naked pictures.

"At the Stop Trafficking Project, it is our vision is to end domestic minor sex trafficking before it starts," he said, " by disrupting the exploration of vulnerability. ...

"My heart is that a student will never need to be rescued by law enforcement," Tuttle said. "Our heart is that a student will never need to be examined by a sexual assault nurse examiner. 

"Our heart is that a student will never experience such severe trauma that they now require a lifetime of housing and public assistance and trauma-informed therapy. Our heart is to function on the very front end of this crisis."

After a student assembly in another community, a sixth-grade girl came up to Tuttle with tears in her eyes and showed him the bruises on her neck where her eighth-grade boyfriend had choked her out while having sex the day before.

The boy, who had started watching porn when he was in the second grade, thought this was normal. He had recorded the act on a cell phone. Within 24 hours of the act, that eighth-grade boy had been approached by 37 adult men who were trying to figure out how to pay the eighth-grade boy to sexually assault that sixth-grade girl.

The United States far outpaces every other country in the world in its porn usage, according to Pornhub. The United States consumes more than double the next country on the list, which is the United Kingdom.

The average age of exposure to porn is between 8 and 11, Tuttle said. Eighty-four percent of porn is viewed through a cell phone, according to Pornhub. Even if your child doesn't have a cell phone, they have a friend who does, Tuttle said.&nbsp;

One of the pervasive ideas about sex trafficking is that young kids are being snatched off the street by a person in a scary vehicle. Tuttle said that is very rare and is a very narrow view of what trafficking can be.

One hundred percent of sex trafficking today is coming through digital devices, almost all of them cell phones, he said.

The initial contact and grooming usually come through an app that has some kind of chat function, he said.

Tuttle said the youngest child he's encountered who was on Tinder, which is an adult hook-up app, was in the second grade. Seventeen adult men, who all knew she was in second grade, had asked her to take off her clothes and send them naked pictures of herself.

An eighth-grade boy in Missouri convinced 80 girls in junior high to take naked pictures of themselves. He created an app and was selling the pictures to adult men for $25 each. His goal was to sell the girls in person. That ring was disrupted before those in-person interactions happened.

"... people online want to harm kids' brains and their minds, so they can later harm them in person," Tuttle said.

All the crimes of sex trafficking come down to three words — exploration of vulnerability, Tuttle said.

"This is the loneliest generation that has ever lived on planet Earth," he said, "yet they are the most connected."

Kids can find out on social media they didn't get invited to the party and what other kids are saying about them. Depression is skyrocketing among youth, Tuttle said.

"Perverts, predators and pimps love this," Tuttle said. "When in the process of grooming if a kid is lonely, isolated and depressed and wondering in life if they are even important, they pounce on that."

They are extremely kind or extremely controlling, he said.

"We don't let these people in our homes, but we don't know what our kids are doing online or we don't know how to know what our kids are doing online or we say, 'not my kids,'" Tuttle said.

The perverts, predators and pimps start by casing children online. Tuttle showed a video from a woman who had been lured into sex trafficking when she was a child. She met the predator through an online book club.

"Then the grooming started, because he found her weaknesses," Tuttle said.&nbsp;

"What I hear all the time from kids is 'He's so nice. She's so nice. They're so nice,'" Tuttle said.&nbsp;

More than 27 million unique files of child sexual abuse material were reported last year. Fifty-nine percent were of children who were prepubescent. Eight percent were of infants or toddlers, Tuttle said.

&nbsp;Two sixth-grade girls independently of each other came to Tuttle after a school assembly and said they were engaging in online sex during school hours on school-issued Macbooks. Both girls said they had plans to meet these "boys" that weekend in-person. They were actually all adult male registered sex offenders.

"We ended it before it started," Tuttle said.

"If we go into schools and tell the truth about this to kids, when we appeal to the hero in kids in a space that is very near and dear to them, it's amazing to watch them step up."

Predators infiltrate any number of apps and groom children. Tuttle mentioned Snapchat, Blender and TikTok.

You can find a list of 100 problematic apps through the Stop Trafficking Project app, which is available for download for free for Apple and Android devices.

People upload images to Blender and others rank them as hot or not hot. Two 12-year-old girls at the same school uploaded naked images to the app. One was ranked as "hot," but within 30 minutes she was being body-shamed and exploited online. She was suicidal.

 The second girl was ranked as"not hot." She was also suicidal.

"This is where kids live. We better figure it out," Tuttle said.

Tuttle said TikTok was the worst app on the market in terms of child safety.&nbsp;

"This is where they are learning how to die by suicide," he said. "This is learning the latest self-harming techniques such as cutting and burning. This is where they are learning dangerous diet fads to lessen the pain of the seductions they are facing online."

Seven-year-old Jessy had no technology of her own. Her mother set a timer for 15 minutes and allowed her to get online on her phone. In that short time, a grown man who said he was her age, tried to get Jesse to take a picture of herself with her shirt off and send it to him.&nbsp;

Her father was a law enforcement officer. He ended the chat before his daughter sent the image the man requested.

When Tuttle does presentations for young children, he shares with them to not keep secrets and to go to a trusted adult and ask for "screen help," if they encounter something online that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Predators will lie about their age and send fake photos. They appeal to a child's fantasy of love.

A ninth-grade boy told Tuttle that a "smokin' hot" woman sent him naked photos and asked him to send her naked photos of himself. He sent pictures and videos. Within an hour he had multiple messages that if he didn't pay $1,000, they were going to make him famous on the Internet.

The boy stole his dad's credit card and paid $18,000 before his disclosure. Tuttle said if that happens to your child, never pay. The photos are going to be circulated anyway.

"We are not arguing with kids. We are arguing with their fantasy," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695063779015.jpeg" alt="Russ Tuttle of the Stop Trafficking Project spoke at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center Sunday in Hays. Photos by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Russ Tuttle of the Stop Trafficking Project spoke at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center Sunday in Hays. Photos by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>More than 27 million unique files of child sexual abuse material were reported last year. 59 percent were of children who were prepubescent. 8 percent were of infants or toddlers.</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAmy was 12 years old when a sex trafficker started grooming her online. She was a star softball player in Spring Hill, Kan. He said he was her age.He was so nice, she said. She met him in person and got the shock of her life when she realized he was a 21-year-old sex trafficker from Olathe.She still lived at home with her dad and mom, who was a stay-at-home mom, but her trafficker was selling her seven to 10 times a week. She never told a trusted adult.When she was 14, the traffickers killed a little dog in front of her and told her if she didn't come with them the same thing would happen to her dad. She went with them and officially became a runaway.She tried to escape many times. She became addicted to drugs and alcohol to cope. By the time she was 21, her heart had given out and she had to have an artificial heart implanted. She died in 2021, leaving a young son.Before Amy died, she insisted that&nbsp;Russ Tuttle of the Stop Trafficking Project tell her story, say her name.&nbsp;"I want my life to have meant something," she told him.Tuttle spoke to an adult audience Sunday night at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Hays. Tuttle will be giving age-appropriate presentations to youth in the public and Catholic schools in Ellis County this week.Kids feel fear and shame, Tuttle said, and that's why they don't tell.Child sex crimes, sex abuse material and domestic minor sex trafficking are increasing in Kansas. 2021 was the worst year on record for online sex abuse, he said.There was a three-fold increase of self-generated images of children 7 to 10, he said. That is children taking their clothes off and sending naked pictures."At the Stop Trafficking Project, it is our vision is to end domestic minor sex trafficking before it starts," he said, " by disrupting the exploration of vulnerability. ..."My heart is that a student will never need to be rescued by law enforcement," Tuttle said. "Our heart is that a student will never need to be examined by a sexual assault nurse examiner. "Our heart is that a student will never experience such severe trauma that they now require a lifetime of housing and public assistance and trauma-informed therapy. Our heart is to function on the very front end of this crisis."After a student assembly in another community, a sixth-grade girl came up to Tuttle with tears in her eyes and showed him the bruises on her neck where her eighth-grade boyfriend had choked her out while having sex the day before.The boy, who had started watching porn when he was in the second grade, thought this was normal. He had recorded the act on a cell phone. Within 24 hours of the act, that eighth-grade boy had been approached by 37 adult men who were trying to figure out how to pay the eighth-grade boy to sexually assault that sixth-grade girl."That's sex trafficking," Tuttle said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695056730023.jpeg" alt="The United States is the top viewer of porn in the world, according to Pornhub." />
 <figcaption>The United States is the top viewer of porn in the world, according to Pornhub.</figcaption>
 </figure>The United States far outpaces every other country in the world in its porn usage, according to Pornhub. The United States consumes more than double the next country on the list, which is the United Kingdom.The average age of exposure to porn is between 8 and 11, Tuttle said. Eighty-four percent of porn is viewed through a cell phone, according to Pornhub. Even if your child doesn't have a cell phone, they have a friend who does, Tuttle said.&nbsp;One of the pervasive ideas about sex trafficking is that young kids are being snatched off the street by a person in a scary vehicle. Tuttle said that is very rare and is a very narrow view of what trafficking can be.One hundred percent of sex trafficking today is coming through digital devices, almost all of them cell phones, he said.The initial contact and grooming usually come through an app that has some kind of chat function, he said.Tuttle said the youngest child he's encountered who was on Tinder, which is an adult hook-up app, was in the second grade. Seventeen adult men, who all knew she was in second grade, had asked her to take off her clothes and send them naked pictures of herself.An eighth-grade boy in Missouri convinced 80 girls in junior high to take naked pictures of themselves. He created an app and was selling the pictures to adult men for $25 each. His goal was to sell the girls in person. That ring was disrupted before those in-person interactions happened."... people online want to harm kids' brains and their minds, so they can later harm them in person," Tuttle said.All the crimes of sex trafficking come down to three words — exploration of vulnerability, Tuttle said."This is the loneliest generation that has ever lived on planet Earth," he said, "yet they are the most connected."Kids can find out on social media they didn't get invited to the party and what other kids are saying about them. Depression is skyrocketing among youth, Tuttle said."Perverts, predators and pimps love this," Tuttle said. "When in the process of grooming if a kid is lonely, isolated and depressed and wondering in life if they are even important, they pounce on that."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695066147581.jpeg" alt="Texting and sexting lingo" />
 <figcaption>Texting and sexting lingo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695066496572.jpeg" alt="Texting and sexting lingo" />
 <figcaption>Texting and sexting lingo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695066624469.jpeg" alt="Texting and sexting lingo" />
 <figcaption>Texting and sexting lingo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695066624469.jpeg" alt="Texting and sexting lingo" />
 <figcaption>Texting and sexting lingo</figcaption>
 </figure>They are extremely kind or extremely controlling, he said."We don't let these people in our homes, but we don't know what our kids are doing online or we don't know how to know what our kids are doing online or we say, 'not my kids,'" Tuttle said.The perverts, predators and pimps start by casing children online. Tuttle showed a video from a woman who had been lured into sex trafficking when she was a child. She met the predator through an online book club."Then the grooming started, because he found her weaknesses," Tuttle said.&nbsp;"What I hear all the time from kids is 'He's so nice. She's so nice. They're so nice,'" Tuttle said.&nbsp;More than 27 million unique files of child sexual abuse material were reported last year. Fifty-nine percent were of children who were prepubescent. Eight percent were of infants or toddlers, Tuttle said.&nbsp;Two sixth-grade girls independently of each other came to Tuttle after a school assembly and said they were engaging in online sex during school hours on school-issued Macbooks. Both girls said they had plans to meet these "boys" that weekend in-person. They were actually all adult male registered sex offenders."We ended it before it started," Tuttle said."If we go into schools and tell the truth about this to kids, when we appeal to the hero in kids in a space that is very near and dear to them, it's amazing to watch them step up."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695068015938.jpeg" alt="Process predators use to groom children into sex trafficking." />
 <figcaption>Process predators use to groom children into sex trafficking.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695068046590.jpeg" alt="Process predators use to groom children into sex trafficking." />
 <figcaption>Process predators use to groom children into sex trafficking.</figcaption>
 </figure>Predators infiltrate any number of apps and groom children. Tuttle mentioned Snapchat, Blender and TikTok.You can find a list of 100 problematic apps through the Stop Trafficking Project app, which is available for download for free for Apple and Android devices.People upload images to Blender and others rank them as hot or not hot. Two 12-year-old girls at the same school uploaded naked images to the app. One was ranked as "hot," but within 30 minutes she was being body-shamed and exploited online. She was suicidal. The second girl was ranked as"not hot." She was also suicidal."This is where kids live. We better figure it out," Tuttle said.Tuttle said TikTok was the worst app on the market in terms of child safety.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695068284754.jpeg" alt="Talking point for adults with children on safety online from Russ Tuttle." />
 <figcaption>Talking point for adults with children on safety online from Russ Tuttle.</figcaption>
 </figure>"This is where they are learning how to die by suicide," he said. "This is learning the latest self-harming techniques such as cutting and burning. This is where they are learning dangerous diet fads to lessen the pain of the seductions they are facing online."Seven-year-old Jessy had no technology of her own. Her mother set a timer for 15 minutes and allowed her to get online on her phone. In that short time, a grown man who said he was her age, tried to get Jesse to take a picture of herself with her shirt off and send it to him.&nbsp;He said it would be their secret.Her father was a law enforcement officer. He ended the chat before his daughter sent the image the man requested.When Tuttle does presentations for young children, he shares with them to not keep secrets and to go to a trusted adult and ask for "screen help," if they encounter something online that makes them feel uncomfortable.Predators will lie about their age and send fake photos. They appeal to a child's fantasy of love.A ninth-grade boy told Tuttle that a "smokin' hot" woman sent him naked photos and asked him to send her naked photos of himself. He sent pictures and videos. Within an hour he had multiple messages that if he didn't pay $1,000, they were going to make him famous on the Internet.The boy stole his dad's credit card and paid $18,000 before his disclosure. Tuttle said if that happens to your child, never pay. The photos are going to be circulated anyway."We are not arguing with kids. We are arguing with their fantasy," he said.

Speaker: Children are cell phone chat away from predators, perverts, pimps

The U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday recognized 353 schools as&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Mi5lZC5nb3YvcHJvZ3JhbXMvbmNsYmJycy9pbmRleC5odG1sP3V0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTkuODI4MTk0MzEifQ.u3iTMM_yzpfxsaD1pjAKtL_fH41EWWRc8eFA1Lj_a38/s/179215596/br/226211591441-l" target="_blank">National Blue Ribbon Schools</a>&nbsp;for 2023. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments, according to a media release from the U.S. Department of Education.

Four schools in Kansas earned the honor this year including&nbsp;Edgerton Elementary School, Edgerton, Kansas;&nbsp;Lakeside Elementary School in Cawker City, Kansas;&nbsp;Roeland Elementary School in Roeland Park, Kansas and&nbsp;Valley Heights Elementary School, in Blue Rapids, Kansas.&nbsp;

<a href="https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/assets/reports/2023/all_2023_national_blue_ribbon_schools.pdf">CLICK here to see</a> the entire list of Blue Ribbon Schools.

“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As the Biden-Harris Administration partners with states and schools to accelerate academic success and transform educational opportunity in this country, we take tremendous pride in the achievements of these schools and their commitment to empowering educators, serving students, and engaging families.”

With its 40th cohort, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,700 schools. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of American schools and serve students of every background.

While awardee schools represent the diverse fabric of American schools, they also share some core elements. National Blue Ribbon School leaders articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards. They demonstrate effective and innovative teaching and learning, and the schools value and support teachers and staff through meaningful professional learning. Data from many sources are used to drive instruction and every student strives for success. Families, communities, and educators work together toward common goals.

National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.

The Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695146261197.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday recognized 353 schools as&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Mi5lZC5nb3YvcHJvZ3JhbXMvbmNsYmJycy9pbmRleC5odG1sP3V0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA5MTkuODI4MTk0MzEifQ.u3iTMM_yzpfxsaD1pjAKtL_fH41EWWRc8eFA1Lj_a38/s/179215596/br/226211591441-l" target="_blank">National Blue Ribbon Schools</a>&nbsp;for 2023. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments, according to a media release from the U.S. Department of Education.Four schools in Kansas earned the honor this year including&nbsp;Edgerton Elementary School, Edgerton, Kansas;&nbsp;Lakeside Elementary School in Cawker City, Kansas;&nbsp;Roeland Elementary School in Roeland Park, Kansas and&nbsp;Valley Heights Elementary School, in Blue Rapids, Kansas.&nbsp;<a href="https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/assets/reports/2023/all_2023_national_blue_ribbon_schools.pdf">CLICK here to see</a> the entire list of Blue Ribbon Schools.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695145849769.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As the Biden-Harris Administration partners with states and schools to accelerate academic success and transform educational opportunity in this country, we take tremendous pride in the achievements of these schools and their commitment to empowering educators, serving students, and engaging families.”With its 40th cohort, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,700 schools. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of American schools and serve students of every background.While awardee schools represent the diverse fabric of American schools, they also share some core elements. National Blue Ribbon School leaders articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards. They demonstrate effective and innovative teaching and learning, and the schools value and support teachers and staff through meaningful professional learning. Data from many sources are used to drive instruction and every student strives for success. Families, communities, and educators work together toward common goals.National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.The Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:<ul>
 <li>Exemplary High-Performing Schools&nbsp;are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.</li><li>Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools&nbsp;are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students. Nominated schools also complete an extensive narrative application describing their school culture and philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures, and parent and community involvement.</li>
 </ul>Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.

4 Kansas schools named 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools

HARVEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and have identified the body found at Harvey County East Park,&nbsp;14 N East Lake Road in Newton, on Sunday as 31-year-old Tyler Lee Ford of Hutchinson, according to a media release from the Harvey County Sheriff's office.

Ford's body was found by a passerby on Sunday in the Sunset Ridge area of East Park, west of North East Lake Road and north of Northeast 12th Street on the ground of a dried-out portion of the lake bed.&nbsp;Much of the lake is without standing water due to drought conditions.

Ford’s death is being investigated as a homicide.

Ford is believed to have died within the past week, and the body placed in the park within the past week. An autopsy by the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center determined Ford died of a gunshot wound. Ford had numerous previous convictions for burglary, theft and robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695141146007.png" alt="A passerby found Ford's body on park property west of North East Lake Road near Northeast 12th Street on the ground of a dried-out portion of the lake bed.-Google image" />
 <figcaption>A passerby found Ford's body on park property west of North East Lake Road near Northeast 12th Street on the ground of a dried-out portion of the lake bed.-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and have identified the body found at Harvey County East Park,&nbsp;14 N East Lake Road in Newton, on Sunday as 31-year-old Tyler Lee Ford of Hutchinson, according to a media release from the Harvey County Sheriff's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695141349395.png" alt="Tyler Lee Ford had numerous previous convictions for burglary, theft and robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Tyler Lee Ford had numerous previous convictions for burglary, theft and robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>Ford's body was found by a passerby on Sunday in the Sunset Ridge area of East Park, west of North East Lake Road and north of Northeast 12th Street on the ground of a dried-out portion of the lake bed.&nbsp;Much of the lake is without standing water due to drought conditions.Ford’s death is being investigated as a homicide.Ford is believed to have died within the past week, and the body placed in the park within the past week. An autopsy by the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center determined Ford died of a gunshot wound. Ford had numerous previous convictions for burglary, theft and robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Homicide: Body found on dried-out portion of the Kan. lake bed

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of an apartment building fire in Johnson County.

Just after 4a.m. Tuesday, crews from Overland Park and Leawood responded to a fire at the Whispering Hills apartments in the 9100 Block of west 124th Street in Overland Park, according to a media release.

First responders observed smoke and fire coming from a second story balcony of the two-story apartment building. Overland Park police assisted with evacuating residents from the building.

The fire spread to the attic and interior of one unit. It took 45 minutes for fire crews to bring the fire under control. Fire damage was contained to two apartments. Another three apartments had some and water damage. The attic of the building also sustained moderate fire damage.

 There were no injuries reported. Residents of the five apartments were displaced. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695119452133.png" alt="photos Overland Park Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>photos Overland Park Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of an apartment building fire in Johnson County.Just after 4a.m. Tuesday, crews from Overland Park and Leawood responded to a fire at the Whispering Hills apartments in the 9100 Block of west 124th Street in Overland Park, according to a media release.First responders observed smoke and fire coming from a second story balcony of the two-story apartment building. Overland Park police assisted with evacuating residents from the building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695124423839.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The fire spread to the attic and interior of one unit. It took 45 minutes for fire crews to bring the fire under control. Fire damage was contained to two apartments. Another three apartments had some and water damage. The attic of the building also sustained moderate fire damage. There were no injuries reported. Residents of the five apartments were displaced. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Residents displaced after Kansas apartment building fire

UNITED NATIONS (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;made a robust case before the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday that the world must remain united in defending Ukraine against Russian aggression, warning that no nation can be secure if “we allow Ukraine to be carved up" as he tries to rally support for Kyiv's effort to repel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">a nearly 19-month-old Russian invasion</a>&nbsp;that has no end in sight.

(click below to watch a replay of the President's address)

The U.S. president called on world leaders to not let support for Ukraine diminish, arguing that Russia is counting on countries to grow tired of prolonged conflict in Kyiv which will “allow it to brutalize Ukraine without consequence.” Russia alone is standing in the way of a resolution, Biden argued, saying that Moscow's price for peace was “Ukraine’s capitulation, Ukraine’s territory and Ukraine’s children.”

"I ask you this: If we abandon the core principles of the United States to appease an aggressor, can any member state in this body feel confident that they are protected?” Biden said in his address. “If we allow Ukraine to be carved up, is the independence of any nation secure?

He continued: “I'd respectfully suggest the answer is no.” He implored the leaders to stand up to "this naked aggression today to deter other would-be aggressors tomorrow."

During his address, Biden described the partnerships that the U.S. government was fostering around the globe — from Africa to the Indo-Pacific — that he said were creating economic and other advancements, even as he stressed that those relationships were not about “containing any country" — a clear reference to Beijing.

“When it comes to China, let me be clear and consistent,” Biden said. “We seek to responsibly manage the competition between our countries so it does not tip into conflict.'

In his 30-minute address, Biden repeatedly emphasized the value of institutions such as the United Nations and international coalitions that has helped the world confront significant challenges such as poverty and disease, as well as echoing his defense of democracy, a common theme of his presidency.

“We will not retreat from the values that make us strong," Biden said. “We will defend democracy — our best tool to meet the challenges that we face around the world. And we're working to show how democracy can deliver in ways that matter to people's lives."

The annual forum is a chance for Biden to showcase to other world leaders — and the 2024 U.S. electorate — that he’s reestablished U.S. leadership on the world stage that he says was diminished under former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>.

Biden previewed his thinking in a pair of fundraisers on Monday evening, telling supporters that he stood up to Vladimir Putin’s invasion, and questioning whether Trump, the 2024 GOP presidential front-runner, would have even attempted to help Ukraine stop the Russian land grab if he were in power.

“I will not side with dictators like Putin. Maybe Trump and his MAGA friends can bow down but I won’t,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-broadway-fundraiser-new-york-fc92b7f04ad2ac20c119e60337da5cfb">Biden told supporters at a Broadway fundraiser.</a>

There were some notable absences as Biden made his case before the General Assembly: British Prime&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rishi-sunak">Rishi Sunak</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/emmanuel-macron">French President Emmanuel Macron</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/xi-jinping">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin">Putin</a>&nbsp;are all skipping the gathering.

For Biden, the more important audience for Tuesday’s speech could be closer to home as he looks to make the case to voters that he’s skillfully handled a complicated foreign policy agenda and that the experience that comes with age has proved to be an asset. It’s an argument that the 80-year-old president is likely to continue to make to try to counter skepticism — even in his own Democratic Party —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-2024-poll-old-corrupt-12b806876e2072790f9a67793761c688">among voters who are concerned about his age.</a>

“We rallied the world to support Ukraine and united NATO because I was convinced from the beginning that Putin’s counting on NATO not being able to stick together,” Biden said at another Monday fundraiser. “He’s still trying. And our allies know once again, the United States can be counted on.”

Biden's message of unwavering support for Ukraine will play out as Congress is increasingly divided over providing additional funding for Kyiv.

Biden has sought a package of $13.1 billion in additional military aid for Ukraine and $8.5 billion for humanitarian support. But conservative Republican lawmakers have been pushing for broad federal spending cuts and some of those allied with Trump are specifically looking to stop money to Ukraine.

In addition to underscoring continued U.S. support for Ukraine, Biden is expected to touch on mobilizing global resources to combat climate change and bolstering multilateral organizations to help poor and middle-income countries, according to senior administration officials.

Biden aims to send a message that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is in violation of the U.N. charter and to emphasize that every country has a stake in defending a nation’s sovereignty, especially when it is under attack, said the officials, who previewed Biden’s activities in New York this week on condition of anonymity.

After the speech, Biden planned to meet with António Guterres, the U.N. secretary-general, as well as leaders from the so-called C5 group of Central Asian nations, which include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The meeting was expected to focus on regional security, trade, climate change, ongoing reforms to improve governance and other issues.

Xi has stepped up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-central-asia-energy-terrorism-security-f20090e0bacf961d0c87d50f1bcbd052">his own courting of those countries</a>. During his own summit in May with the Central Asian leaders, Xi promised to build more railway and other trade links with the region and proposed jointly developing oil and gas sources.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters last week that Biden’s meeting with those leaders should not be seen as an effort to counterbalance Chinese influence in the region.

“Look, this summit is not against any country,” Sullivan said in previewing the meeting. “It is for a positive agenda that we want to work through with these countries.”

The officials played down the fact that the leaders of the other permanent members of the U.N. Security Council -– the UK, France, Russia and China — won’t be in New York this week and instead emphasized the importance that Biden attaches to showing up at the annual diplomatic forum.

However, Biden does not plan to attend a special summit on climate that Guterres will host on Wednesday, where countries are encouraged to bring new ideas and proposals on how to further cut emissions and combat climate change. Officials played down Biden’s absence at the climate summit, saying the issue will be interspersed through the president’s remarks and events throughout the week. John Kerry, the U.S. climate envoy, is to attend in Biden’s place.

Biden plans to meet with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/luiz-inacio-lula-da-silva">Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.</a>&nbsp;Senior administration officials said the two leaders will discuss issues including Iran but declined to elaborate further.

Biden is scheduled to host talks Thursday at the White House with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.</a>

UNITED NATIONS (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;made a robust case before the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday that the world must remain united in defending Ukraine against Russian aggression, warning that no nation can be secure if “we allow Ukraine to be carved up" as he tries to rally support for Kyiv's effort to repel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">a nearly 19-month-old Russian invasion</a>&nbsp;that has no end in sight.(click below to watch a replay of the President's address)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oVIm3oMmIm0?si=nbK3RnpNu595T0lH&amp;start=1315" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The U.S. president called on world leaders to not let support for Ukraine diminish, arguing that Russia is counting on countries to grow tired of prolonged conflict in Kyiv which will “allow it to brutalize Ukraine without consequence.” Russia alone is standing in the way of a resolution, Biden argued, saying that Moscow's price for peace was “Ukraine’s capitulation, Ukraine’s territory and Ukraine’s children.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695138092476.png" alt="Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the UN during President Biden's address" />
 <figcaption>Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the UN during President Biden's address</figcaption>
 </figure>"I ask you this: If we abandon the core principles of the United States to appease an aggressor, can any member state in this body feel confident that they are protected?” Biden said in his address. “If we allow Ukraine to be carved up, is the independence of any nation secure?He continued: “I'd respectfully suggest the answer is no.” He implored the leaders to stand up to "this naked aggression today to deter other would-be aggressors tomorrow."During his address, Biden described the partnerships that the U.S. government was fostering around the globe — from Africa to the Indo-Pacific — that he said were creating economic and other advancements, even as he stressed that those relationships were not about “containing any country" — a clear reference to Beijing.“When it comes to China, let me be clear and consistent,” Biden said. “We seek to responsibly manage the competition between our countries so it does not tip into conflict.'In his 30-minute address, Biden repeatedly emphasized the value of institutions such as the United Nations and international coalitions that has helped the world confront significant challenges such as poverty and disease, as well as echoing his defense of democracy, a common theme of his presidency.“We will not retreat from the values that make us strong," Biden said. “We will defend democracy — our best tool to meet the challenges that we face around the world. And we're working to show how democracy can deliver in ways that matter to people's lives."The annual forum is a chance for Biden to showcase to other world leaders — and the 2024 U.S. electorate — that he’s reestablished U.S. leadership on the world stage that he says was diminished under former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>.Biden previewed his thinking in a pair of fundraisers on Monday evening, telling supporters that he stood up to Vladimir Putin’s invasion, and questioning whether Trump, the 2024 GOP presidential front-runner, would have even attempted to help Ukraine stop the Russian land grab if he were in power.“I will not side with dictators like Putin. Maybe Trump and his MAGA friends can bow down but I won’t,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-broadway-fundraiser-new-york-fc92b7f04ad2ac20c119e60337da5cfb">Biden told supporters at a Broadway fundraiser.</a>There were some notable absences as Biden made his case before the General Assembly: British Prime&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rishi-sunak">Rishi Sunak</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/emmanuel-macron">French President Emmanuel Macron</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/xi-jinping">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin">Putin</a>&nbsp;are all skipping the gathering.For Biden, the more important audience for Tuesday’s speech could be closer to home as he looks to make the case to voters that he’s skillfully handled a complicated foreign policy agenda and that the experience that comes with age has proved to be an asset. It’s an argument that the 80-year-old president is likely to continue to make to try to counter skepticism — even in his own Democratic Party —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-2024-poll-old-corrupt-12b806876e2072790f9a67793761c688">among voters who are concerned about his age.</a>“We rallied the world to support Ukraine and united NATO because I was convinced from the beginning that Putin’s counting on NATO not being able to stick together,” Biden said at another Monday fundraiser. “He’s still trying. And our allies know once again, the United States can be counted on.”Biden's message of unwavering support for Ukraine will play out as Congress is increasingly divided over providing additional funding for Kyiv.Biden has sought a package of $13.1 billion in additional military aid for Ukraine and $8.5 billion for humanitarian support. But conservative Republican lawmakers have been pushing for broad federal spending cuts and some of those allied with Trump are specifically looking to stop money to Ukraine.In addition to underscoring continued U.S. support for Ukraine, Biden is expected to touch on mobilizing global resources to combat climate change and bolstering multilateral organizations to help poor and middle-income countries, according to senior administration officials.Biden aims to send a message that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is in violation of the U.N. charter and to emphasize that every country has a stake in defending a nation’s sovereignty, especially when it is under attack, said the officials, who previewed Biden’s activities in New York this week on condition of anonymity.After the speech, Biden planned to meet with António Guterres, the U.N. secretary-general, as well as leaders from the so-called C5 group of Central Asian nations, which include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.The meeting was expected to focus on regional security, trade, climate change, ongoing reforms to improve governance and other issues.Xi has stepped up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-central-asia-energy-terrorism-security-f20090e0bacf961d0c87d50f1bcbd052">his own courting of those countries</a>. During his own summit in May with the Central Asian leaders, Xi promised to build more railway and other trade links with the region and proposed jointly developing oil and gas sources.White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters last week that Biden’s meeting with those leaders should not be seen as an effort to counterbalance Chinese influence in the region.“Look, this summit is not against any country,” Sullivan said in previewing the meeting. “It is for a positive agenda that we want to work through with these countries.”The officials played down the fact that the leaders of the other permanent members of the U.N. Security Council -– the UK, France, Russia and China — won’t be in New York this week and instead emphasized the importance that Biden attaches to showing up at the annual diplomatic forum.However, Biden does not plan to attend a special summit on climate that Guterres will host on Wednesday, where countries are encouraged to bring new ideas and proposals on how to further cut emissions and combat climate change. Officials played down Biden’s absence at the climate summit, saying the issue will be interspersed through the president’s remarks and events throughout the week. John Kerry, the U.S. climate envoy, is to attend in Biden’s place.Biden plans to meet with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/luiz-inacio-lula-da-silva">Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.</a>&nbsp;Senior administration officials said the two leaders will discuss issues including Iran but declined to elaborate further.Biden is scheduled to host talks Thursday at the White House with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.</a>