U.S. consumer prices rose 0.4 percent in September as gasoline prices rose at their steepest clip in 16 months while food prices dipped slightly. The new report showed a stark reversal in the summer-long trend of cheaper gasoline but rising food costs. Consumer prices were rising at an annual rate of 4.2 percent, the government said.

The sale of Lawrence’s privately owned natural gas utility, Kansas Public Service, had cleared three hurdles but still had to be OK’ed by the Kansas Corporation Commission. Missouri Public Service of Raytown had bought the private unit, which up to that pont had been under the jurisdiction of local Lawrence government.

The KU Task Force on General Education called for the strengthening of English and mathematics requirements and substantial changes in requirements for the bachlelor of genereal studies degree. Considerable debate and controversy were anticipated.

A group seeking to open a halfway house to aid women recovering from alcohol and drug dependency narrowly (3-2) receivved city commission support. Funding was one of the problems opponents were concerned about.