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Rural hospitals in the United States, such as Pratt Regional Medical Center in Kansas, have become more aggressive in pursuing medical debt from patients. This is especially challenging in rural areas where residents are more likely to be older, uninsured, and facing financial stress. The hospital in Pratt County filed dozens of lawsuits against patients who hadn't paid their medical bills, resulting in a significant increase in court summonses and civil cases. The issue of medical debt collection has drawn attention nationwide, with some states implementing measures to protect patients from high interest rates and liens on their homes. However, the increase in debt-collection cases has also overwhelmed courts and law enforcement resources. [Extracted from the article]

A land dispute has arisen in a remote area of Colorado between a Texas oil and ranching heir, William Harrison, and the local residents who have historically had access to the land. Harrison purchased the 80,000-acre estate in 2017 and is attempting to build an 8-foot-high fence around part of it. However, hundreds of locals have court-sanctioned access to the land and the keys to enter through gates. The dispute raises questions about the balance between private property rights and access to natural resources in rural America. The case is currently tied up in court proceedings, with locals accusing Harrison's employees of intimidation and trespassing, and Harrison claiming that some locals are misusing their access rights. The land in question was part of an 1840s Mexican land grant that promised access to the mountains and their resources to settlers. A 2002 Colorado Supreme Court ruling affirmed the locals' right to graze animals, gather wood, and harvest timber on the mountains. The construction of the fence has caused controversy, with some residents concerned about animals being trapped and environmental damage. Harrison has offered locals $20 million and 10,000 acres in exchange for giving up their access rights, but they declined the offer. The dispute highlights the importance of the mountains to the local community, providing economic opportunities and resources for their livelihoods. [Extracted from the article]

Judge Oscar Kazen is a pioneer in court programs that focus on treating people with severe mental illnesses. His court-supervised treatment program, known as assisted outpatient treatment, aims to help individuals who have been jailed or treated in emergency rooms multiple times. The program requires participants to follow a treatment plan and meet with mental health workers. While some critics argue that the program coerces individuals into treatment, supporters believe it is effective at reducing hospital visits and helping those with anosognosia, who are unaware they are sick. The program relies heavily on voluntary compliance, and the judge's presence is credited as a reason for its success. However, it is unclear if the judge's presence encourages patients to take medication or if it mainly motivates doctors and social workers to continue following up with tough cases. The program has gained traction in other states, such as Kentucky and New York, but it remains a topic of debate among disability rights groups and libertarians. [Extracted from the article]

Two men, Dominic Miller and Lyndell Mays, have been charged with murder and other felonies in connection with a shooting at a Chiefs Super Bowl rally in Kansas City. The shooting resulted in the death of Lisa Lopez-Galvan and injured over 20 others. The men did not know each other prior to the shooting, and it is unclear if they have any connection to two juveniles who were also charged. The shooting appears to have stemmed from a dispute between different groups of people, and more individuals could be charged in the future. [Extracted from the article]

Two juveniles have been charged in connection with a shooting at a Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl rally that resulted in one death and 22 injuries. The charges include gun-related offenses and resisting arrest, with additional charges expected as the police investigation continues. The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a personal dispute rather than any connection to terrorism or extremism. The victims range in age from 8 to 47, with about half of them being under 16 years old. [Extracted from the article]

Preliminary findings suggest that the shooting at a Chiefs' Super Bowl rally in Kansas City, Missouri, was not linked to terrorism or homegrown violent extremism, but rather a dispute among several individuals that escalated into gunfire. Two teenage suspects are currently detained, while a third person who was initially detained has been released. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are asking the public for any information about the shooting. The victims, ranging from 8 to 47 years old, are expected to recover, although some remain in critical condition. [Extracted from the article]

A shooting occurred near a Super Bowl rally in Kansas City, resulting in one death and over 20 injuries. Three suspects have been detained by the police. The incident took place outside Union Station, where a large crowd had gathered to celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl win. The shooting has prompted discussions about gun violence in the United States, with officials expressing concern about the prevalence of such incidents. The mayor of Kansas City has received offers of federal assistance in the investigation, and President Biden has called for legislation to address gun violence. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a program in Rapid City, South Dakota, that provides refurbished bikes to homeless individuals who need transportation to get to work. Lack of transportation is a significant obstacle for many homeless people, both in rural areas and sprawling cities, as it can prevent them from accessing essential services and holding down jobs. The program, led by Roberta Harmon, has distributed approximately 1,000 bikes to date. Harmon and her team scavenge rummage sales and garbage bins for parts to build the bikes, and they also receive donations from the police department. The article highlights the positive impact that access to transportation, particularly owning a car, can have on earnings and the challenges faced by homeless individuals in finding reliable transportation options. [Extracted from the article]

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is relying on a strong performance in the Iowa caucuses to maintain his position in the Republican nomination race. DeSantis is currently polling closely with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley in Iowa, but lags behind her in New Hampshire and South Carolina. While Haley's campaign has faced recent challenges, she has been gaining in GOP polls and has invested more in early-voting states. DeSantis has made significant efforts in Iowa, including visiting all 99 counties and conducting door-to-door campaigns. The outcome of the Iowa caucuses will have a significant impact on the future of both candidates. [Extracted from the article]

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is facing criticism after failing to mention slavery as the cause of the Civil War during a campaign event in New Hampshire. Her omission sparked backlash from political rivals, with some questioning her readiness and honesty. Haley quickly clarified her position, stating that she knows the Civil War was about slavery. The incident has raised questions about her claim to be the most capable and principled challenger to former President Donald Trump. However, it remains to be seen how much of an impact this controversy will have on actual voters. [Extracted from the article]

Nikki Haley, a Republican presidential candidate, faced criticism after failing to mention slavery as the cause of the Civil War during a town hall in New Hampshire. However, she later clarified in a radio interview that she believes the Civil War was indeed about slavery. The incident has drawn attention to her previous comments that also downplayed the role of slavery in the war. Haley's response has sparked controversy and criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, with some questioning her understanding of American history. However, supporters argue that her actions as governor, such as removing the Confederate flag from the South Carolina Capitol grounds, demonstrate her commitment to racial equality. [Extracted from the article]

Midsize cities like Grand Rapids, Michigan, are grappling with a growing homelessness crisis that has surged since the pandemic. The number of homeless people in the United States increased by 12% between 2022 and 2023, the largest increase since comparable data was first published in 2007. Factors contributing to the rise in homelessness include the end of pandemic-era protections, housing shortages, and lack of support for mental health and addiction issues. Grand Rapids has implemented various initiatives to address homelessness, including outreach teams consisting of firefighters, mental health workers, and social workers. However, the city's efforts highlight the challenges faced by communities in reducing homelessness. The housing market in Grand Rapids has tightened, with rising rental prices and a need for thousands of new housing units. The increase in homelessness has also led to complaints from businesses, prompting the city to pass ordinances addressing behavioral issues. Despite these challenges, some individuals experiencing homelessness have been able to find temporary and permanent housing through nonprofit programs and federal assistance. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. homeless count has reached its highest level on record, with over 653,000 people experiencing homelessness early this year, according to new federal data. Factors contributing to the increase include rising housing costs, limited affordable housing units, the opioid epidemic, and the expiration of pandemic-era aid. The surge of migrants into shelters in cities like New York City, Massachusetts, and Chicago has also contributed to the challenge. The data shows a 12% increase since last year, marking the largest increase and highest tally since comparable data was first published in 2007. [Extracted from the article]

Kansas' court system has been offline for over a month due to a cyberattack, forcing lawyers and litigants to resort to analog methods such as faxing documents. State officials have confirmed that cybercriminals were behind the attack and have stolen data, with the threat of posting it on the dark web. This attack is part of a larger trend of cyberattacks targeting various institutions, including court systems in other states. The stolen data in Kansas is suspected to include district-court case records and Office of Judicial Administration files, and efforts are being made to strengthen cybersecurity defenses. [Extracted from the article]

Rural areas in the United States, such as Merriman, Nebraska, are experiencing longer wait times for emergency medical services due to strained ambulance services. Many rural residents are at a greater risk of death or serious injury as small hospitals close and the population ages. At least 4.5 million people nationwide live in areas that are more than a 25-minute drive from an ambulance station. The closure of ambulance services is due to a lack of volunteers, unprofitable business models, and insufficient funding. The reliance on volunteers is decreasing as rural populations shrink and remaining residents age. [Extracted from the article]

Towns in the Midwest United States are facing water shortages due to a multiyear drought. Caney, Kansas, will run out of water by March 1 without rain, and its school district has moved to a four-day week to conserve water. Belle Plaine, Iowa, is experiencing extreme drought, with streams and tributaries drying up. Water scarcity in these areas is attributed to changing climate patterns, limited infrastructure, and aging water systems. Experts warn that climate change will continue to exacerbate droughts in the future. Some towns are exploring long-term solutions such as recycling wastewater to augment water supplies. [Extracted from the article]

More people in the United States are representing themselves in state civil courts, either because they can't afford an attorney, have had negative experiences with them, or prefer to use online resources. This trend is particularly prevalent in rural areas where there is a shortage of lawyers. Judges are now faced with the challenge of helping self-represented litigants navigate the legal system while maintaining their impartiality. Some suggestions to address the shortage of attorneys in rural areas include simplifying legal forms and processes, reducing the cost of legal education, and allowing nonlawyers to practice. [Extracted from the article]

Saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico is moving up the Mississippi River and threatening the drinking water supplies in southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built an underwater barrier called a sill to slow the movement of saltwater, but it was overtopped on September 20. To buy more time, the Corps is making the sill 25 feet taller. Officials are planning to pump freshwater into the river near intake valves to deter saltwater intrusion, and barges will be used to move water downriver. The saltwater intrusion is expected to last longer than previous incidents due to dry conditions and reduced flow in the Mississippi River. [Extracted from the article]

A federal jury has found the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and large residential brokerages liable for approximately $1.8 billion in damages after determining that they conspired to keep commissions for home sales artificially high. This verdict could lead to significant changes in the industry, potentially allowing more buyers and sellers to forego hiring agents. The plaintiffs have also requested changes to how the industry operates. The NAR plans to appeal the jury's verdict, and two brokerages, HomeServices of America and Keller Williams Realty, are considering appeals as well. [Extracted from the article]

Photo-commission, wsjspeeddesk, North America, United States, Florida, Southern U.S., Political/General News, Disasters/Accidents, Floods/Tidal Waves, Hurricanes/Typhoons Keywords: photo-commission; wsjspeeddesk; North America; United States; Florida; Southern U.S.; Political/General News; Disasters/Accidents; Floods/Tidal Waves; Hurricanes/Typhoons EN photo-commission wsjspeeddesk North America United States Florida Southern U.S. Political/General News Disasters/Accidents Floods/Tidal Waves Hurricanes/Typhoons N.PAG N.PAG 1 09/01/23 20230831 NES 230831 Small towns in the storm's path see flooding, wind damage and stranded residents CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. - Hurricane Idalia pummeled northern Florida as a Category 3 storm, flooding small towns, snapping trees and downing power lines after making landfall as the state's second major hurricane in less than a year. [Extracted from the article]