WASHINGTON&nbsp;– Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Wednesday spoke on the Senate Floor about the importance of passing a new Farm Bill and providing&nbsp;immediate&nbsp;support for the ranchers, farmers and producers across&nbsp;Kansas and&nbsp;the United States.

“Decisions&nbsp;not to get a farm&nbsp;bill done&nbsp;have come home to roost,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran. “Farm income has declined&nbsp;43% over the past 5 years,&nbsp;and net farm income is expected to be 27% lower this year than it&nbsp;was in 2022. Our agricultural trade deficit, something we were always proud about as we exported more than we imported in agriculture, it’s at a $42.5 billion deficit. We import more than we export. That puts our farmers even more at risk, and it threatens the stability and security of our national economy.”

“The current Farm Bill is not adequate to provide relief or safety nets&nbsp;for&nbsp;our nation’s farmers, nor is it reflective of the current state of the farm economy,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran. “With financial pressures building across the agriculture industry, and due to increased production costs and weakened market prices, the overall financial situation of the farm economy is bleak.”

“The status quo is unacceptable,”&nbsp;concluded Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“We must pass a long-term farm bill this year, and&nbsp;we must also consider immediate relief for farmers with a supplemental.&nbsp;Our farmers deserve and need better, and in the absence of successful farmers, the future of the places many of us call home is bleak.”

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Wednesday spoke on the Senate Floor about the importance of passing a new Farm Bill and providing&nbsp;immediate&nbsp;support for the ranchers, farmers and producers across&nbsp;Kansas and&nbsp;the United States.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q-koULidae4?si=tV7R1MAVyOLGQZXl&amp;start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“Decisions&nbsp;not to get a farm&nbsp;bill done&nbsp;have come home to roost,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran. “Farm income has declined&nbsp;43% over the past 5 years,&nbsp;and net farm income is expected to be 27% lower this year than it&nbsp;was in 2022. Our agricultural trade deficit, something we were always proud about as we exported more than we imported in agriculture, it’s at a $42.5 billion deficit. We import more than we export. That puts our farmers even more at risk, and it threatens the stability and security of our national economy.”“The current Farm Bill is not adequate to provide relief or safety nets&nbsp;for&nbsp;our nation’s farmers, nor is it reflective of the current state of the farm economy,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran. “With financial pressures building across the agriculture industry, and due to increased production costs and weakened market prices, the overall financial situation of the farm economy is bleak.”“The status quo is unacceptable,”&nbsp;concluded Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“We must pass a long-term farm bill this year, and&nbsp;we must also consider immediate relief for farmers with a supplemental.&nbsp;Our farmers deserve and need better, and in the absence of successful farmers, the future of the places many of us call home is bleak.”

🎥Sen. Moran: Congress must pass immediate relief for farmers

KANSAS CITY— A dozen Kansas City metropolitan area men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in at least one death, and to illegally possessing firearms.

Justin D. Rivera, also known as “JD,” 20, Yael Figueroa, also known as “Grit,” 23, Jose R. Lugo, Jr., also known as “El Wey,” 20, Aaron Contreras-Jaquez, also known as “Van Kleefy,” 24, Jose Lorenzo-Medina, 24, and Antonio R. Baeza-Brown, also known as “Tony,” 25, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Simon L. Figueroa, 26, and Jonathan Gonzales, 25, both citizens of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo.; Luis Calvillo-Ortiz, also known as “Loc,” 19, of Independence, Mo.; and Marcos Favian Alvarado, also known as “Baby Face,” 20, Chad B. Green, also known as “Gso Yad,” 24, and Crencio Carbajal-Loya, 18, all of Kansas City, Kansas, were charged in a 35-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Sept. 11.

Three residential search warrants also were executed. Law enforcement officers seized 6,738 fentanyl pills, 11 firearms, including a machinegun, five stolen automobiles, and more than $75,000 in cash.

The federal indictment alleges that all 12 of the defendants have participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl since Dec. 1, 2022. The indictment also alleges that all 12 of the defendants have participated in a conspiracy to use and carry firearms in relation to that drug-trafficking conspiracy.

In addition to the drug-trafficking and firearms conspiracies, Rivera is charged with distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a victim identified as “M.M.” on May 7, 2023. Rivera is also charged with eight counts of distributing fentanyl, three counts of using and carrying firearms during a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of using and carrying a machine gun during a drug-trafficking crime.

Alvarado is also charged with one count of distributing fentanyl, one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime.

Yael Figueroa is also charged with four counts of distributing fentanyl and one count of using and carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime.

Medina is also charged with four counts of distributing fentanyl.

Contreras-Jaquez is also charged with two counts of distributing fentanyl and two counts of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

Calvillo-Ortiz, Gonzales, and Simon Figueroa each are also charged with one count of distributing fentanyl.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726691837457.png" alt="Chad Green is among those included in the indictment-photo from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Chad Green is among those included in the indictment-photo from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— A dozen Kansas City metropolitan area men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in at least one death, and to illegally possessing firearms.Justin D. Rivera, also known as “JD,” 20, Yael Figueroa, also known as “Grit,” 23, Jose R. Lugo, Jr., also known as “El Wey,” 20, Aaron Contreras-Jaquez, also known as “Van Kleefy,” 24, Jose Lorenzo-Medina, 24, and Antonio R. Baeza-Brown, also known as “Tony,” 25, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Simon L. Figueroa, 26, and Jonathan Gonzales, 25, both citizens of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo.; Luis Calvillo-Ortiz, also known as “Loc,” 19, of Independence, Mo.; and Marcos Favian Alvarado, also known as “Baby Face,” 20, Chad B. Green, also known as “Gso Yad,” 24, and Crencio Carbajal-Loya, 18, all of Kansas City, Kansas, were charged in a 35-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Sept. 11.Three residential search warrants also were executed. Law enforcement officers seized 6,738 fentanyl pills, 11 firearms, including a machinegun, five stolen automobiles, and more than $75,000 in cash.The federal indictment alleges that all 12 of the defendants have participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl since Dec. 1, 2022. The indictment also alleges that all 12 of the defendants have participated in a conspiracy to use and carry firearms in relation to that drug-trafficking conspiracy.In addition to the drug-trafficking and firearms conspiracies, Rivera is charged with distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a victim identified as “M.M.” on May 7, 2023. Rivera is also charged with eight counts of distributing fentanyl, three counts of using and carrying firearms during a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of using and carrying a machine gun during a drug-trafficking crime.Alvarado is also charged with one count of distributing fentanyl, one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime.Yael Figueroa is also charged with four counts of distributing fentanyl and one count of using and carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime.Medina is also charged with four counts of distributing fentanyl.Contreras-Jaquez is also charged with two counts of distributing fentanyl and two counts of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.Calvillo-Ortiz, Gonzales, and Simon Figueroa each are also charged with one count of distributing fentanyl.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Police in KC seized fentanyl, a machine gun, stolen cars and cash.

SALINE COUNTY —The Salina Police Department announced on Thursday the passing of K-9 Tyrann, one of its active service dogs. Tyrann died on Wednesday following an accidental fall from an elevated position while on duty.

K-9 Tyrann had served with the department since February 2021. His dedication and service to the community have been acknowledged by the department, which noted that his loss will be deeply felt by both department members and the public.

Arrangements for services in honor of K-9 Tyrann are currently being made. The Salina Police Department will share details regarding the location, date, and time once finalized. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726757775230.jpeg" alt="Tyrann courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Tyrann courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —The Salina Police Department announced on Thursday the passing of K-9 Tyrann, one of its active service dogs. Tyrann died on Wednesday following an accidental fall from an elevated position while on duty.K-9 Tyrann had served with the department since February 2021. His dedication and service to the community have been acknowledged by the department, which noted that his loss will be deeply felt by both department members and the public.Arrangements for services in honor of K-9 Tyrann are currently being made. The Salina Police Department will share details regarding the location, date, and time once finalized. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Kansas K-9 Officer dies in an accident while on duty

TOPEKA&nbsp;– With less than one month remaining before voter registration closes for the November general election, Kansas crossed a milestone – 2 million Kansans are on the voter rolls, according to a media release from the Kansas Secretary of State's office.

Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced this week that Kansas met this threshold late last week, and the number is expected to continue to rise before registration closes on October 15th.

Since January 2024, 83,293 new registered voters have been added. “I am pleased to see so many Kansans taking the important step of registering to vote,” Schwab said.

“I remind Kansans that the most secure way to register is through VoteKansas.gov. The use of a .gov address ensures security and lets Kansans know they are accessing an official government site, rather than a third-party one,” Schwab said.

Kansans wishing to participate in the November 5 general election must ensure they are registered and that their voter registration information is up to date by October 15. Also, those who are 17 now but will turn 18 by Election Day can register to vote.

Whether registering to vote for the first time or updating voter registration records, Kansans can do so at&nbsp;<a href="https://votekansas.gov/">VoteKansas.gov</a>&nbsp;or check their voter registration details on Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">VoterView</a>.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– With less than one month remaining before voter registration closes for the November general election, Kansas crossed a milestone – 2 million Kansans are on the voter rolls, according to a media release from the Kansas Secretary of State's office.Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced this week that Kansas met this threshold late last week, and the number is expected to continue to rise before registration closes on October 15th.Since January 2024, 83,293 new registered voters have been added. “I am pleased to see so many Kansans taking the important step of registering to vote,” Schwab said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Important deadlines for the 2024 General Election. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kselections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kselections</a> <a href="https://t.co/TrYHZ6KekD">pic.twitter.com/TrYHZ6KekD</a>&mdash; Kansas Secretary of State (@KansasSOS) <a href="https://twitter.com/KansasSOS/status/1829562681541480804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I remind Kansans that the most secure way to register is through VoteKansas.gov. The use of a .gov address ensures security and lets Kansans know they are accessing an official government site, rather than a third-party one,” Schwab said.Kansans wishing to participate in the November 5 general election must ensure they are registered and that their voter registration information is up to date by October 15. Also, those who are 17 now but will turn 18 by Election Day can register to vote.Whether registering to vote for the first time or updating voter registration records, Kansans can do so at&nbsp;<a href="https://votekansas.gov/">VoteKansas.gov</a>&nbsp;or check their voter registration details on Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">VoterView</a>.

83,293 new registered voters in Kansas since January

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a double-homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, patrol officers were dispatched to several reports of shots fired in the 300 block of Maple in Kansas City, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

&nbsp;While en route the call was upgraded to a shooting involving two victims. First responders found two men in Maple Park. They were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officers began performing life saving measures and ordered emergency medical personnel to the scene. EMS pronounced the victims were deceased at the scene, according to DiMartino.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726740585084.png" alt="Officer on the scene of the investigation -Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte" />
 <figcaption>Officer on the scene of the investigation -Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a double-homicide in Kansas City.Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, patrol officers were dispatched to several reports of shots fired in the 300 block of Maple in Kansas City, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp;While en route the call was upgraded to a shooting involving two victims. First responders found two men in Maple Park. They were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers began performing life saving measures and ordered emergency medical personnel to the scene. EMS pronounced the victims were deceased at the scene, according to DiMartino.

Police: Double-homicide in Kansas City park

ALLEN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage incident and made an arrest of the teen driver for allegedly pointing a gun at occupants of another vehicle.

Shortly before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, two individuals from Chanute, Kansas, reported to the Humboldt Police Department that they had been traveling on Old U.S. Hwy 169 to the gym in Humboldt, according to a statement from the Allen County Sheriff's office.

A Jeep Liberty, reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed, passed and repeatedly braked in front of them. The vehicles “leap-frogged” each other a couple of times before a gun was pointed at the Chanute residents as the vehicles crossed the bridge near the Monarch Cement plant.

Officers located the Jeep and two juvenile occupants including&nbsp; a 17-year-old driver from Buffalo, Kansas. They were detained by the Iola Police Department at the Pete’s convenience store on the east side of Iola until a sheriff's deputy arrived.&nbsp;

Deputies removed a .45 caliber handgun matching the description given by the reporting party from the vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Bottles of liquor, nicotine and THC vapes, along with items alleged to be narcotics and drug paraphernalia, were found also in the vehicle and seized. &nbsp;The gun is believed to belong to the girl’s father, who kept the gun in an unlocked safe.

Deputies took the 17-year-old girl into custody and transported her to the juvenile detention center in Girard. The fifteen-year-old passenger in the vehicle was released to a parent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The following charges are being forwarded to the Allen County Attorney’s Officer for consideration:&nbsp; Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Narcotics, Possession of THC, Possession of Alcohol by a Minor, Possession of Tobacco/Nicotine by a Minor, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

ALLEN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage incident and made an arrest of the teen driver for allegedly pointing a gun at occupants of another vehicle.Shortly before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, two individuals from Chanute, Kansas, reported to the Humboldt Police Department that they had been traveling on Old U.S. Hwy 169 to the gym in Humboldt, according to a statement from the Allen County Sheriff's office.A Jeep Liberty, reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed, passed and repeatedly braked in front of them. The vehicles “leap-frogged” each other a couple of times before a gun was pointed at the Chanute residents as the vehicles crossed the bridge near the Monarch Cement plant.Officers located the Jeep and two juvenile occupants including&nbsp; a 17-year-old driver from Buffalo, Kansas. They were detained by the Iola Police Department at the Pete’s convenience store on the east side of Iola until a sheriff's deputy arrived.&nbsp;Deputies removed a .45 caliber handgun matching the description given by the reporting party from the vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp; Bottles of liquor, nicotine and THC vapes, along with items alleged to be narcotics and drug paraphernalia, were found also in the vehicle and seized. &nbsp;The gun is believed to belong to the girl’s father, who kept the gun in an unlocked safe.Deputies took the 17-year-old girl into custody and transported her to the juvenile detention center in Girard. The fifteen-year-old passenger in the vehicle was released to a parent.&nbsp;&nbsp;The following charges are being forwarded to the Allen County Attorney’s Officer for consideration:&nbsp; Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Narcotics, Possession of THC, Possession of Alcohol by a Minor, Possession of Tobacco/Nicotine by a Minor, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Road rage: 17-year-old Kansas girl arrested, gun seized

HARPER COUNTY —A small earthquake shook south-central Kansas just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday in Harper County.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake measured a magnitude 3.4 and was centered approximately four miles southwest of Danville.

There are no reports of any damage or injury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726742767214.png" alt="Location of the quake- image U.S. Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>Location of the quake- image U.S. Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>HARPER COUNTY —A small earthquake shook south-central Kansas just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday in Harper County.According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake measured a magnitude 3.4 and was centered approximately four miles southwest of Danville.There are no reports of any damage or injury.

Small earthquake shakes south-central Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Wednesday rejected Speaker Mike Johnson's proposal that would have linked temporary funding for the federal government with a mandate that states require proof of citizenship when people register to vote.

Next steps on government funding are uncertain. Lawmakers are not close to completing work on the dozen annual appropriations bills that will fund federal agencies during the next fiscal year, so they’ll need to approve a stopgap measure to prevent a partial shutdown when that budget year begins Oct. 1.

The vote was 220-202, with 14 Republicans and all but three Democrats opposing the bill. Kansas GOP members of the House, Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner voted for the measure. Kansas Democrat Representative Sharice Davids voted against the bill.

Speaker Johnson, who said after the vote he was “disappointed,” will likely pursue a Plan B to avoid a partial shutdown, though he was not yet ready to share details.

“We'll draw up another play and we'll come up with a solution,” Johnson said. “I'm already talking to colleague about their many ideas. We have time to fix the situation and we'll get right to it.”

Johnson had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mike-johnson-house-voting-citizenship-b2b20d38dbb0fcf3390a97eb1cc29418">pulled the bill</a>&nbsp;from consideration last week because it lacked the votes to pass. He worked through the weekend to win support from fellow Republicans but was unable to overcome objections about spending levels from some members, while others said they don't favor any continuing resolutions, insisting that Congress return to passing the dozen annual appropriations bills on time and one at a time. Democrats overwhelmingly opposed the measure.

Requiring new voters to provide proof of citizenship has become a leading election-year priority for Republicans raising the specter of noncitizens voting in the U.S., even though it’s already illegal to do so and research has shown that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/noncitizens-voting-republicans-election-2024-immigration-09b86e6768f755fd875f3c51b0e8ea70">such voting is rare</a>.

Opponents say that such a requirement would disenfranchise millions of Americans who do not have a birth certificate or passport readily available when they get a chance to register at their school, church or other venues when voter registration drives occur.

But Johnson said it is a serious problem because even if a tiny percentage of noncitizens do vote, it could determine the outcome of an extremely close race. He noted that Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-e3f235f217707a78fcec059f8e0b4ffa">won</a>&nbsp;her seat back in 2020 by six votes.

“It's very, very serious stuff and that's why we're going to do the right thing,” Johnson said before the vote. “We're going to responsibly fund the government and we're going to stop noncitizens voting in elections.”

Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump weighed in again just hours before the vote. seemingly encouraging House Republicans to let a partial government shutdown begin at the end of the month unless they get the proof of citizenship mandate, referred to in the House as the SAVE Act.

“If Republicans don’t get the SAVE Act, and every ounce of it, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape, or form,” Trump said on the social media platform Truth Social.

House Democrats said the proof of citizenship mandate should not be part of a bill to keep the government funded and urged Johnson to work with them on a measure that can pass both chambers.

“This is not going to become law," said Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif. "This is Republican theatrics that are meant to appease the most extreme members of their conference, to show them that they are working on something and that they’re continuing to support the former president of the United States in his bid to demonize immigrants.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has predicted Johnson's effort was doomed to fail.

“The only thing that will accomplish is make clear that he’s running into a dead end,” Schumer said. “We must have a bipartisan plan instead.”

The legislation would fund agencies generally at current levels through March 28 while lawmakers work out their differences on a full-year spending agreement.

Democrats, and some Republicans, are pushing for a shorter extension. A temporary fix would allow the current Congress to hammer out a final bill after the election and get it to Democratic President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.

But Johnson and some of the more conservative members of his conference are pushing for a six-month extension in the hopes Trump will win and give them more leverage when crafting the full-year bill.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky declined to weigh in on how long to extend funding. He said Schumer and Johnson, ultimately, will have to work out a final agreement that can pass both chambers.

“The one thing you cannot have is a government shutdown. It would be politically beyond stupid for us to do that right before the election because certainly we would get the blame,” McConnell said.

Regardless of the vote outcome, Republican lawmakers sought to allay any concerns there would be a shutdown. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., said if the bill failed, then another stopgap bill should be voted on that would allow lawmakers to come back to Washington after the election and finish the appropriations work.

“The bottom line is we're not shutting the government down,” Lawler said.

But Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of engaging in a “shutdown effort.”

"That’s not hyperbole,” Jeffries said. “It’s history. Because in the DNA of extreme MAGA Republicans has consistently been an effort to make extreme ransom demands of the American people, and if those extreme ransom demands are not met, shut down the government.”

The House approved a bill with the proof of citizenship mandate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-voting-migrants-citizenship-elections-republicans-8056bde9ea64b13fd20985d56a6a0fde">back in July</a>. Some Republicans who view the issue as popular with their constituents have been pushing for another chance to show their support.

Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., noted that his state’s secretary of state announced last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-voting-registration-access-025be9793aff9e0a0d0cc8aa85e52d47">that 3,251 people</a>&nbsp;who had been previously issued noncitizen identification numbers will have their voter registration status made inactive and flagged for possible removal from the voter rolls. Voting rights groups have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-noncitizen-voter-purge-lawsuit-3b6220139f9a7d2e8f2b8525b59edd48">since</a>&nbsp;filed a lawsuit saying the policy illegally targeted naturalized citizens for removal from voting rolls.

“These people should never have been allowed to register in the first place and this is exactly what the SAVE Act will prevent,” Aderholt said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Wednesday rejected Speaker Mike Johnson's proposal that would have linked temporary funding for the federal government with a mandate that states require proof of citizenship when people register to vote.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a> (R-LA): &quot;We ran the play. It was the best play. It was the right one. And so now we go back to the playbook. We&#39;ll draw up another play and we&#39;ll come up with a solution.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/4SKlyeSj4g">pic.twitter.com/4SKlyeSj4g</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1836545662051033284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Next steps on government funding are uncertain. Lawmakers are not close to completing work on the dozen annual appropriations bills that will fund federal agencies during the next fiscal year, so they’ll need to approve a stopgap measure to prevent a partial shutdown when that budget year begins Oct. 1.The vote was 220-202, with 14 Republicans and all but three Democrats opposing the bill. Kansas GOP members of the House, Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner voted for the measure. Kansas Democrat Representative Sharice Davids voted against the bill.Speaker Johnson, who said after the vote he was “disappointed,” will likely pursue a Plan B to avoid a partial shutdown, though he was not yet ready to share details.“We'll draw up another play and we'll come up with a solution,” Johnson said. “I'm already talking to colleague about their many ideas. We have time to fix the situation and we'll get right to it.”Johnson had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mike-johnson-house-voting-citizenship-b2b20d38dbb0fcf3390a97eb1cc29418">pulled the bill</a>&nbsp;from consideration last week because it lacked the votes to pass. He worked through the weekend to win support from fellow Republicans but was unable to overcome objections about spending levels from some members, while others said they don't favor any continuing resolutions, insisting that Congress return to passing the dozen annual appropriations bills on time and one at a time. Democrats overwhelmingly opposed the measure.Requiring new voters to provide proof of citizenship has become a leading election-year priority for Republicans raising the specter of noncitizens voting in the U.S., even though it’s already illegal to do so and research has shown that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/noncitizens-voting-republicans-election-2024-immigration-09b86e6768f755fd875f3c51b0e8ea70">such voting is rare</a>.Opponents say that such a requirement would disenfranchise millions of Americans who do not have a birth certificate or passport readily available when they get a chance to register at their school, church or other venues when voter registration drives occur.But Johnson said it is a serious problem because even if a tiny percentage of noncitizens do vote, it could determine the outcome of an extremely close race. He noted that Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-e3f235f217707a78fcec059f8e0b4ffa">won</a>&nbsp;her seat back in 2020 by six votes.“It's very, very serious stuff and that's why we're going to do the right thing,” Johnson said before the vote. “We're going to responsibly fund the government and we're going to stop noncitizens voting in elections.”Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump weighed in again just hours before the vote. seemingly encouraging House Republicans to let a partial government shutdown begin at the end of the month unless they get the proof of citizenship mandate, referred to in the House as the SAVE Act.“If Republicans don’t get the SAVE Act, and every ounce of it, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape, or form,” Trump said on the social media platform Truth Social.House Democrats said the proof of citizenship mandate should not be part of a bill to keep the government funded and urged Johnson to work with them on a measure that can pass both chambers.“This is not going to become law," said Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif. "This is Republican theatrics that are meant to appease the most extreme members of their conference, to show them that they are working on something and that they’re continuing to support the former president of the United States in his bid to demonize immigrants.”Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has predicted Johnson's effort was doomed to fail.“The only thing that will accomplish is make clear that he’s running into a dead end,” Schumer said. “We must have a bipartisan plan instead.”The legislation would fund agencies generally at current levels through March 28 while lawmakers work out their differences on a full-year spending agreement.Democrats, and some Republicans, are pushing for a shorter extension. A temporary fix would allow the current Congress to hammer out a final bill after the election and get it to Democratic President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.But Johnson and some of the more conservative members of his conference are pushing for a six-month extension in the hopes Trump will win and give them more leverage when crafting the full-year bill.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky declined to weigh in on how long to extend funding. He said Schumer and Johnson, ultimately, will have to work out a final agreement that can pass both chambers.“The one thing you cannot have is a government shutdown. It would be politically beyond stupid for us to do that right before the election because certainly we would get the blame,” McConnell said.Regardless of the vote outcome, Republican lawmakers sought to allay any concerns there would be a shutdown. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., said if the bill failed, then another stopgap bill should be voted on that would allow lawmakers to come back to Washington after the election and finish the appropriations work.“The bottom line is we're not shutting the government down,” Lawler said.But Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of engaging in a “shutdown effort.”"That’s not hyperbole,” Jeffries said. “It’s history. Because in the DNA of extreme MAGA Republicans has consistently been an effort to make extreme ransom demands of the American people, and if those extreme ransom demands are not met, shut down the government.”The House approved a bill with the proof of citizenship mandate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-voting-migrants-citizenship-elections-republicans-8056bde9ea64b13fd20985d56a6a0fde">back in July</a>. Some Republicans who view the issue as popular with their constituents have been pushing for another chance to show their support.Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., noted that his state’s secretary of state announced last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-voting-registration-access-025be9793aff9e0a0d0cc8aa85e52d47">that 3,251 people</a>&nbsp;who had been previously issued noncitizen identification numbers will have their voter registration status made inactive and flagged for possible removal from the voter rolls. Voting rights groups have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-noncitizen-voter-purge-lawsuit-3b6220139f9a7d2e8f2b8525b59edd48">since</a>&nbsp;filed a lawsuit saying the policy illegally targeted naturalized citizens for removal from voting rolls.“These people should never have been allowed to register in the first place and this is exactly what the SAVE Act will prevent,” Aderholt said.

🎥Kan. GOP lawmakers look to 'next play' to avoid government shutdown

KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City Fire Department released the name of the firefighter-paramedic&nbsp; who died Tuesday during a training exercise.&nbsp; 

Kyle Brinker, 33, was a ten year veteran with KCFD with the Rescue Division at Station 35, according to the city.

Just before noon,&nbsp;KCFD crews conducted a training exercise when a Brinker experienced a medical emergency.

He was taken to North Kansas City Hospital and was pronounced dead at 1 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Brinker is survived by a wife and his brother, who is also a Kansas City firefighter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726704459151.png" alt="Kyle Brinker courtesy ph oto" />
 <figcaption>Kyle Brinker courtesy ph oto</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City Fire Department released the name of the firefighter-paramedic&nbsp; who died Tuesday during a training exercise.&nbsp; Kyle Brinker, 33, was a ten year veteran with KCFD with the Rescue Division at Station 35, according to the city.Just before noon,&nbsp;KCFD crews conducted a training exercise when a Brinker experienced a medical emergency.He was taken to North Kansas City Hospital and was pronounced dead at 1 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mayor Lucas issued the following statement on the passing of a Kansas City Fire Department firefighter-paramedic: <a href="https://t.co/mNZfcjtg9O">pic.twitter.com/mNZfcjtg9O</a>&mdash; Mayor Quinton Lucas (@MayorLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorLucasKC/status/1836136269187027239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Brinker is survived by a wife and his brother, who is also a Kansas City firefighter.

KCFD releases name of firefighter who died following training exercise

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.

Investigators determined a Ford F150 was making a left turn from northbound Blue Ridge Boulevard onto westbound 99th Street, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

A southbound Honda CBR motorcycle that was traveling at a very high rate of speed struck the pickup.

 The operator of the Honda was ejected off the motorcycle and pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and the four juvenile occupants of the Ford were uninjured in the collision. 

This is fatality #70 compared to #65 at this time last year, according to&nbsp; DiMartino. The accident remains under investigation. Police have not released the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.Investigators determined a Ford F150 was making a left turn from northbound Blue Ridge Boulevard onto westbound 99th Street, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.A southbound Honda CBR motorcycle that was traveling at a very high rate of speed struck the pickup. The operator of the Honda was ejected off the motorcycle and pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and the four juvenile occupants of the Ford were uninjured in the collision. This is fatality #70 compared to #65 at this time last year, according to&nbsp; DiMartino. The accident remains under investigation. Police have not released the name of the victim.

Motorcyclist dies after crash with pickup in Kansas City

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man is now facing a murder charge for the police chase that led to the death of an officer.

Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, 23, was originally charged with aggravated fleeing a stop or detention resulting in death after the chase on Aug. 31. Prosecutors on Tuesday added a charge of second-degree murder.

Wehmeyer fled when an Osage Beach officer tried to stop him for speeding on U.S. 54, police said. Another Osage Beach officer, 33-year-old Phylicia Carson, joined the pursuit before skidding off the road into a tree. Her squad car burst into flames. Carson, a mother of six, died from her injuries.

Messages were left Wednesday with Wehmeyer's attorney.

CAMDEN COUNTY —A Missouri police officer died in a crash and fire while chasing a suspect on Saturday in Camden&nbsp; County.

Just after 1:30a.m., sheriff's&nbsp;deputies responded near the Richland area to assist Osage Beach Police Department - City of Osage Beach, Missouri with a vehicle pursuit.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Ford Explorer driven by Osage Beach&nbsp;Police Officer 33-year-old Phylicia Carson was southbound on Route A just east of Toronto Springs Park Road.

The SUV crossed the center of the road while in pursuit of a suspect and began to skid.&nbsp; The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, struck a tree and caught fire.&nbsp; Officer Carson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Hedges Scott Funeral Home in Camdenton.

The vehicle involved in the chase also crashed and the suspect was taken into custody, according police.

&nbsp;Carson is survived by her husband and six children. She had been with the city since June 2023, according to Osage Beach Police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725222612236.png" alt="Wehmeyer-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Wehmeyer-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE BEACH, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man is now facing a murder charge for the police chase that led to the death of an officer.Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, 23, was originally charged with aggravated fleeing a stop or detention resulting in death after the chase on Aug. 31. Prosecutors on Tuesday added a charge of second-degree murder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725156364558.png" alt="Officer&nbsp; Carson is survived by her husband and six children. She had been with the city since June 2023, according to Osage Beach Police." />
 <figcaption>Officer&nbsp; Carson is survived by her husband and six children. She had been with the city since June 2023, according to Osage Beach Police.</figcaption>
 </figure>Wehmeyer fled when an Osage Beach officer tried to stop him for speeding on U.S. 54, police said. Another Osage Beach officer, 33-year-old Phylicia Carson, joined the pursuit before skidding off the road into a tree. Her squad car burst into flames. Carson, a mother of six, died from her injuries.Messages were left Wednesday with Wehmeyer's attorney.--------------CAMDEN COUNTY —A Missouri police officer died in a crash and fire while chasing a suspect on Saturday in Camden&nbsp; County.Just after 1:30a.m., sheriff's&nbsp;deputies responded near the Richland area to assist Osage Beach Police Department - City of Osage Beach, Missouri with a vehicle pursuit.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Ford Explorer driven by Osage Beach&nbsp;Police Officer 33-year-old Phylicia Carson was southbound on Route A just east of Toronto Springs Park Road.The SUV crossed the center of the road while in pursuit of a suspect and began to skid.&nbsp; The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, struck a tree and caught fire.&nbsp; Officer Carson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Hedges Scott Funeral Home in Camdenton.The vehicle involved in the chase also crashed and the suspect was taken into custody, according police.&nbsp;Carson is survived by her husband and six children. She had been with the city since June 2023, according to Osage Beach Police.

Man faces murder charge for police pursuit crash that killed officer

RILEY COUNTY—Three drivers and students on a school bus avoided injury in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Riley County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Scott Alan Sheely, 61, Clyde, was westbound on U.S. 77 just west of Crooked Creek Road.

The semi rear-ended a 2012 Buick Regal driven by Merlin Benson&nbsp;Chestnut, 69, Clay Center, who braked suddenly when he noticed the red stop sign activated on a school bus stopped on the south shoulder to let kids out at a home.&nbsp;

 After impact the Buick struck the bus driven by Robert Deemie, 69, of Manhattan, with 26-students on board.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.&nbsp; All three drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

RILEY COUNTY—Three drivers and students on a school bus avoided injury in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Riley County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Scott Alan Sheely, 61, Clyde, was westbound on U.S. 77 just west of Crooked Creek Road.The semi rear-ended a 2012 Buick Regal driven by Merlin Benson&nbsp;Chestnut, 69, Clay Center, who braked suddenly when he noticed the red stop sign activated on a school bus stopped on the south shoulder to let kids out at a home.&nbsp; After impact the Buick struck the bus driven by Robert Deemie, 69, of Manhattan, with 26-students on board.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.&nbsp; All three drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. school bus driver, 26 students avoid injury after 3-vehicle crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 4p.m. September 15, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office observed an individual with warrants for his arrest in the 6700 block of SW Briarmeade Lane in the Topeka area, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located. The deputy arrested Jeramie J. Morrissey, 37, of Topeka, on requested charges of Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Morrissey also had the warrants for his arrest and were for Speeding and driving while license suspended and&nbsp;Topeka bench warrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726418665460.png" alt="Morrissey-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Morrissey-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 4p.m. September 15, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office observed an individual with warrants for his arrest in the 6700 block of SW Briarmeade Lane in the Topeka area, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located. The deputy arrested Jeramie J. Morrissey, 37, of Topeka, on requested charges of Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Morrissey also had the warrants for his arrest and were for Speeding and driving while license suspended and&nbsp;Topeka bench warrants.

Kansas man wanted on warrants was transporting drugs

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-teamsters-trump-endorsement-union-labor-aed9b5cbe74b8db105ef1c87ea522837">International Brotherhood of Teamsters</a>&nbsp;declined Wednesday to endorse&nbsp;Kamala Harris&nbsp;or Donald Trump for president, saying neither candidate had sufficient support from the 1.3 million-member union.

“Unfortunately, neither major candidate was able to make serious commitments to our union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before Big Business,” Teamsters President Sean M. O’Brien said in a statement. “We sought commitments from both Trump and Harris not to interfere in critical union campaigns or core Teamsters industries — and to honor our members’ right to strike — but were unable to secure those pledges.”

The Teamsters' rebuff reflected a labor union torn over issues of political identity and policy, one that mirrors a broader national divide. Vice President Harris has unmistakably backed organized labor, while former President Trump has appealed to many white blue-collar workers even as he has openly scorned unions at times. By not endorsing anyone, the Teamsters are essentially ceding some influence in November's election as both candidates claimed to have support from its members.

Harris campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt noted in an emailed statement that more than three dozen retired Teamsters spoke last month in Chicago at the Democratic National Convention, having endorsed Harris. Their pensions were saved through the 2021 passage of the Butch Lewis Act that President Joe Biden and Harris championed.

“While Donald Trump says striking workers should be fired, Vice President Harris has literally walked the picket line and stood strong with organized labor for her entire career,” Hitt said. “The Vice President’s strong union record is why Teamsters locals across the country have already endorsed her — alongside the overwhelming majority of organized labor.”

The Teamsters said Wednesday that internal polling of members showed Trump with an advantage over Harris, a fact that the Republican's campaign immediately seized upon by sending out an email that said the “rank-and-file of the Teamsters Union supports Donald Trump for President.”

Harris met Monday with a panel of Teamsters, having long courted organized labor and made support for the middle class her central policy goal. Trump also met with a panel of Teamsters in January and even invited O'Brien to speak at the Republican National Convention, where the union leader railed against corporate greed.

In an interview Wednesday on Fox News, O'Brien said lack of an endorsement tells candidates that they have to back the Teamsters in the future. “This should be an eye opener for 2028,” he said. “If people want the support of the most powerful union in North America, whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, start doing some things to support our members," he said.

The Teamsters' choice to not endorse came just weeks ahead of the Nov. 5 election, far later than endorsements by other large unions such as the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Teachers and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-auto-workers-endorse-harris-biden-trump-uaw-71b3228411a677514100cf0407522ede">United Auto Workers</a>&nbsp;that have chosen to devote resources to getting out the vote for Harris.

With O’Brien facing a backlash from some Teamsters’ members after speaking at the Republican National Convention, it’s no surprise that the union decided not to make an endorsement, said Art Wheaton, director of labor studies at Cornell University.

Trump’s praise of Tesla CEO Elon Musk for firing workers who supposedly went on strike really made a Trump endorsement very unlikely, Wheaton said. “The members were not in total agreement,” he said.

Marick Masters, a business professor emeritus at Wayne State University in Detroit who follows labor issues, said the Teamsters lack of an endorsement suggests a realignment within the union's membership.

For many workers, issues such as gun control, abortion and border security override Trump’s expressions of hostility to unions, Masters said.

The Teamsters detailed their objections to the candidates in a statement, starting with their objection to a contract implemented by Congress in 2022 on members working in the railroad sector.

The union wanted both candidates to commit to not deploying the Railway Labor Act to resolve contract disputes and avoid a shutdown of national infrastructure, but Harris and Trump both wanted to keep that option open even though the Teamsters said it would reduce its bargaining power.

Harris has pledged to sign the PRO Act, which would strengthen union protections and is something the Teamsters support. Trump, in his roundtable with the Teamsters, did not promise to veto a proposal to make it harder nationwide to unionize.

Other unions have shown trepidation about endorsing either presidential candidate. The United Electrical, Radio &amp; Machine Workers of America on Friday ultimately endorsed Harris with a caveat that “the manner in which party leaders engineered Biden’s replacement at the top of the ticket with Vice President Kamala Harris was thoroughly undemocratic,” union leadership said in a statement.

But the Teamsters lack of endorsement also suggests an indifference to the Biden-Harris administration, which signed into law a measure that saved the pensions of millions of union retirees, including many in the Teamsters.

As part of its 2021 pandemic aid, the administration included the Butch Lewis Act to save the underfunded pensions of more than 1 million union workers and retirees’ underfunded pensions. The act was named after a retired Ohio trucker and Teamsters union leader who spent the last years of his life fighting to prevent massive cuts to the Teamsters’ Central States Pension Fund.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-teamsters-trump-endorsement-union-labor-aed9b5cbe74b8db105ef1c87ea522837">International Brotherhood of Teamsters</a>&nbsp;declined Wednesday to endorse&nbsp;Kamala Harris&nbsp;or Donald Trump for president, saying neither candidate had sufficient support from the 1.3 million-member union.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">TEAMSTERS RELEASE PRESIDENTIAL ENDORSEMENT POLLING DATA “For the past year, the Teamsters Union has pledged to conduct the most inclusive, democratic, and transparent Presidential endorsement process in the history of our 121-year-old organization—and today we are delivering on… <a href="https://t.co/CnFNN9uosx">pic.twitter.com/CnFNN9uosx</a>&mdash; Teamsters (@Teamsters) <a href="https://twitter.com/Teamsters/status/1836463348269092918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Unfortunately, neither major candidate was able to make serious commitments to our union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before Big Business,” Teamsters President Sean M. O’Brien said in a statement. “We sought commitments from both Trump and Harris not to interfere in critical union campaigns or core Teamsters industries — and to honor our members’ right to strike — but were unable to secure those pledges.”The Teamsters' rebuff reflected a labor union torn over issues of political identity and policy, one that mirrors a broader national divide. Vice President Harris has unmistakably backed organized labor, while former President Trump has appealed to many white blue-collar workers even as he has openly scorned unions at times. By not endorsing anyone, the Teamsters are essentially ceding some influence in November's election as both candidates claimed to have support from its members.Harris campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt noted in an emailed statement that more than three dozen retired Teamsters spoke last month in Chicago at the Democratic National Convention, having endorsed Harris. Their pensions were saved through the 2021 passage of the Butch Lewis Act that President Joe Biden and Harris championed.“While Donald Trump says striking workers should be fired, Vice President Harris has literally walked the picket line and stood strong with organized labor for her entire career,” Hitt said. “The Vice President’s strong union record is why Teamsters locals across the country have already endorsed her — alongside the overwhelming majority of organized labor.”The Teamsters said Wednesday that internal polling of members showed Trump with an advantage over Harris, a fact that the Republican's campaign immediately seized upon by sending out an email that said the “rank-and-file of the Teamsters Union supports Donald Trump for President.”Harris met Monday with a panel of Teamsters, having long courted organized labor and made support for the middle class her central policy goal. Trump also met with a panel of Teamsters in January and even invited O'Brien to speak at the Republican National Convention, where the union leader railed against corporate greed.In an interview Wednesday on Fox News, O'Brien said lack of an endorsement tells candidates that they have to back the Teamsters in the future. “This should be an eye opener for 2028,” he said. “If people want the support of the most powerful union in North America, whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, start doing some things to support our members," he said.The Teamsters' choice to not endorse came just weeks ahead of the Nov. 5 election, far later than endorsements by other large unions such as the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Teachers and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-auto-workers-endorse-harris-biden-trump-uaw-71b3228411a677514100cf0407522ede">United Auto Workers</a>&nbsp;that have chosen to devote resources to getting out the vote for Harris.With O’Brien facing a backlash from some Teamsters’ members after speaking at the Republican National Convention, it’s no surprise that the union decided not to make an endorsement, said Art Wheaton, director of labor studies at Cornell University.Trump’s praise of Tesla CEO Elon Musk for firing workers who supposedly went on strike really made a Trump endorsement very unlikely, Wheaton said. “The members were not in total agreement,” he said.Marick Masters, a business professor emeritus at Wayne State University in Detroit who follows labor issues, said the Teamsters lack of an endorsement suggests a realignment within the union's membership.For many workers, issues such as gun control, abortion and border security override Trump’s expressions of hostility to unions, Masters said.The Teamsters detailed their objections to the candidates in a statement, starting with their objection to a contract implemented by Congress in 2022 on members working in the railroad sector.The union wanted both candidates to commit to not deploying the Railway Labor Act to resolve contract disputes and avoid a shutdown of national infrastructure, but Harris and Trump both wanted to keep that option open even though the Teamsters said it would reduce its bargaining power.Harris has pledged to sign the PRO Act, which would strengthen union protections and is something the Teamsters support. Trump, in his roundtable with the Teamsters, did not promise to veto a proposal to make it harder nationwide to unionize.Other unions have shown trepidation about endorsing either presidential candidate. The United Electrical, Radio &amp; Machine Workers of America on Friday ultimately endorsed Harris with a caveat that “the manner in which party leaders engineered Biden’s replacement at the top of the ticket with Vice President Kamala Harris was thoroughly undemocratic,” union leadership said in a statement.But the Teamsters lack of endorsement also suggests an indifference to the Biden-Harris administration, which signed into law a measure that saved the pensions of millions of union retirees, including many in the Teamsters.As part of its 2021 pandemic aid, the administration included the Butch Lewis Act to save the underfunded pensions of more than 1 million union workers and retirees’ underfunded pensions. The act was named after a retired Ohio trucker and Teamsters union leader who spent the last years of his life fighting to prevent massive cuts to the Teamsters’ Central States Pension Fund.

Teamsters union releases presidential endorsement poll data

JACKSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 11a.m. Wednesday in Jackson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Wyatt Edward Lee&nbsp;Shields, 16, Holton, was eastbound on 190th Road crossing U.S. 75 Highway.

The driver failed to yield and pulled out in front of a northbound 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Allison Renee Lee, 26, Effingham.&nbsp; The two vehicles collided at the intersection.

A passenger in the van identified as Scott Edward&nbsp;Reaka, 52, Topeka, was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; Responding fire departments and EMS extricated Lee from the van, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;Lifestar Air Ambulance transported her to K.U. Medical Center. EMS treated Shields at the scene.

All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

JACKSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 11a.m. Wednesday in Jackson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Wyatt Edward Lee&nbsp;Shields, 16, Holton, was eastbound on 190th Road crossing U.S. 75 Highway.The driver failed to yield and pulled out in front of a northbound 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Allison Renee Lee, 26, Effingham.&nbsp; The two vehicles collided at the intersection.A passenger in the van identified as Scott Edward&nbsp;Reaka, 52, Topeka, was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; Responding fire departments and EMS extricated Lee from the van, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;Lifestar Air Ambulance transported her to K.U. Medical Center. EMS treated Shields at the scene.All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. man dead, woman hospitalized after crash with teen driver

FINNEY COUNTY—Police and school district officials in southwest Kansas are investigating another threat to schools in the region.

Early Wednesday, the Garden City Police Department was made aware of a circulating social media post containing warnings of potential school safety-related incidents and immediately began an investigation, according to a media release.

Through the investigation, it was learned that the social media post originated in Colorado and contained statements implying a school threat. The post then spread to schools and students in southwest Kansas including USD 457 Garden City and USD 443 Dodge City.

Law enforcement has determined that there were no credible threats to the students, staff, or schools. While there is no connection to any schools in Garden City, the Garden City Police Department has worked alongside school officials to notify parents and community members of this incident.

"The Garden City Police Department and Garden City Public Schools take every threat seriously and will continue to partner to ensure the safety of students and staff and the community."&nbsp; " We encourage parents to remind your child to immediately report information about any school safety-related incident(s) to administrators/staff and/or police.

FINNEY COUNTY—Police and school district officials in southwest Kansas are investigating another threat to schools in the region.Early Wednesday, the Garden City Police Department was made aware of a circulating social media post containing warnings of potential school safety-related incidents and immediately began an investigation, according to a media release.Through the investigation, it was learned that the social media post originated in Colorado and contained statements implying a school threat. The post then spread to schools and students in southwest Kansas including USD 457 Garden City and USD 443 Dodge City.Law enforcement has determined that there were no credible threats to the students, staff, or schools. While there is no connection to any schools in Garden City, the Garden City Police Department has worked alongside school officials to notify parents and community members of this incident."The Garden City Police Department and Garden City Public Schools take every threat seriously and will continue to partner to ensure the safety of students and staff and the community."&nbsp; " We encourage parents to remind your child to immediately report information about any school safety-related incident(s) to administrators/staff and/or police.

Police investigate new social media threat to schools in SW Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve on Wednesday cut its benchmark interest rate by an unusually large half-point, a dramatic shift after more than two years of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-jackson-wyoming-economy-prices-2158fcfcb5ef0073a4dfb00f791f59bc">high rates</a>&nbsp;that helped tame inflation but also made borrowing painfully expensive for American consumers.

The rate cut, the Fed’s first in more than four years, reflects its new focus on bolstering the job market, which has shown clear signs of slowing. Coming just weeks before the presidential election, the Fed’s move also has the potential to scramble the economic landscape just as Americans prepare to vote.

The central bank’s action lowered its key rate to roughly 4.8%, down from a two-decade high of 5.3%, where it had stood for 14 months as it struggled to curb the worst inflation streak in four decades. Inflation has tumbled from a peak of 9.1% in mid-2022 to a three-year low of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-interest-rates-economy-federal-reserve-bb1f4cfeede550c6c82fd78e2ea537a5">2.5% in August</a>, not far above the Fed’s 2% target.

The Fed’s policymakers also signaled that they expect to cut their key rate by an additional half-point in their final two meetings this year, in November and December. And they envision four more rate cuts in 2025 and two in 2026.

In a statement, the Fed came closer than it has before to declaring victory over inflation: It said it “has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2%.” Wall Street initially welcomed the news, with stock prices rising modestly and bond yields falling.

“We know that it is time to recalibrate our (interest rate) policy to something that’s more appropriate given the progress on inflation,” Fed Chair Jerome Powell said at a news conference.

Though the central bank now believes inflation is largely defeated, many Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-federal-reserve-interest-rates-consumers-4fe068e15d27fad11419e1cc6a8ed943">remain upset</a>&nbsp;with still-high prices for groceries, gas, rent and other necessities. Former President Donald Trump blames the Biden-Harris administration for sparking an inflationary surge. Vice President Kamala Harris, in turn, has charged that Trump’s promise to slap tariffs on all imports would raise prices for consumers even further.

Rate cuts by the Fed should, over time, lead to lower borrowing costs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-loan-8570c997a844845d08eb123ab7aac5c2">for mortgages</a>, auto loans and credit cards, boosting Americans’ finances and supporting more spending and growth. Homeowners will be able to refinance mortgages at lower rates, saving on monthly payments, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-interest-rates-loans-consumers-borrowing-6127436dd3e6d8af48825aca6d3a7715">even shift credit card debt to lower-cost personal loans</a>&nbsp;or home equity lines. Businesses may also borrow and invest more. Average mortgage rates have already dropped to an 18-month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-loan-8570c997a844845d08eb123ab7aac5c2">low of 6.2%</a>, according to Freddie Mac, spurring a jump in demand for refinancings.

In an updated set of projections, the Fed’s policymakers now collectively envision a faster drop in inflation than they did three months ago but also higher unemployment. They foresee their preferred inflation gauge falling to 2.3% by year’s end, from its current 2.5%, and to 2.1% by the end of 2025. And they now expect the unemployment rate to rise further this year, to 4.4%, from 4.2% now, and to remain there by the end of 2025. That’s above their previous forecasts of 4% for the end of this year and 4.2% for 2025.

The Fed’s next policy meeting is Nov. 6-7 — immediately after the presidential election. By cutting rates this week, soon before the election, the Fed is risking attacks from Trump, who has argued that lowering rates now amounts to political interference. Yet Politico has reported that even some key Senate Republicans who were interviewed expressed support for a Fed rate cut this week.

The central bank’s officials fought against high inflation by raising their key rate 11 times in 2022 and 2023. Wage growth has since slowed, removing a potential source of inflationary pressure. And oil and gas prices are falling, a sign that inflation should continue to cool in the months ahead. Consumers are also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-consumers-economy-spending-federal-reserve-c69408f05baeffac0023ceb76b747999">pushing back</a>&nbsp;against high prices,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-consumers-price-gouging-spending-economy-999e81e2f869a0151e2ee6bbb63370af">forcing such companies</a>&nbsp;as Target and McDonald’s to dangle deals and discounts.

The Fed’s decision Wednesday drew the first dissent from a member of its governing board since 2005. Michelle Bowman, a board member who has expressed concern in the past that inflation had not been fully defeated, said she would have preferred a quarter-point rate cut.

After several years of strong job growth, employers have slowed hiring, and the unemployment rate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-federal-reserve-inflation-unemployment-economy-bac1b453d3873d5f23f2061344d28fd9">has risen</a>&nbsp;nearly a full percentage point from its half-century low in April 2023 to a still-low 4.2%. Once unemployment rises that much, it tends to keep climbing. Fed officials and many economists note, though, that the rise in unemployment this time largely reflects an influx of people seeking jobs — notably new immigrants and recent college graduates — rather than layoffs.

“The labor market is actually in solid condition," Powell said at his news conference. "Our intention with our policy move today is to keep it there.”

At issue for the Fed is how fast it wants to lower its benchmark rate to a point where it’s no longer acting as a brake on the economy — nor as an accelerant. Where that so-called “neutral” level falls isn’t clear, though many analysts peg it at 3% to 3.5%.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve on Wednesday cut its benchmark interest rate by an unusually large half-point, a dramatic shift after more than two years of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-jackson-wyoming-economy-prices-2158fcfcb5ef0073a4dfb00f791f59bc">high rates</a>&nbsp;that helped tame inflation but also made borrowing painfully expensive for American consumers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fed Chair Powell: &quot;Today, the Federal Open Market Committee decided to reduce the degree of policy restraint by lowering our policy interest rate by a half percentage point.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FOMC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FOMC</a> <a href="https://t.co/dQiuwPUvz6">pic.twitter.com/dQiuwPUvz6</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1836474518862172521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The rate cut, the Fed’s first in more than four years, reflects its new focus on bolstering the job market, which has shown clear signs of slowing. Coming just weeks before the presidential election, the Fed’s move also has the potential to scramble the economic landscape just as Americans prepare to vote.The central bank’s action lowered its key rate to roughly 4.8%, down from a two-decade high of 5.3%, where it had stood for 14 months as it struggled to curb the worst inflation streak in four decades. Inflation has tumbled from a peak of 9.1% in mid-2022 to a three-year low of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-interest-rates-economy-federal-reserve-bb1f4cfeede550c6c82fd78e2ea537a5">2.5% in August</a>, not far above the Fed’s 2% target.The Fed’s policymakers also signaled that they expect to cut their key rate by an additional half-point in their final two meetings this year, in November and December. And they envision four more rate cuts in 2025 and two in 2026.In a statement, the Fed came closer than it has before to declaring victory over inflation: It said it “has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2%.” Wall Street initially welcomed the news, with stock prices rising modestly and bond yields falling.“We know that it is time to recalibrate our (interest rate) policy to something that’s more appropriate given the progress on inflation,” Fed Chair Jerome Powell said at a news conference.Though the central bank now believes inflation is largely defeated, many Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-federal-reserve-interest-rates-consumers-4fe068e15d27fad11419e1cc6a8ed943">remain upset</a>&nbsp;with still-high prices for groceries, gas, rent and other necessities. Former President Donald Trump blames the Biden-Harris administration for sparking an inflationary surge. Vice President Kamala Harris, in turn, has charged that Trump’s promise to slap tariffs on all imports would raise prices for consumers even further.Rate cuts by the Fed should, over time, lead to lower borrowing costs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-loan-8570c997a844845d08eb123ab7aac5c2">for mortgages</a>, auto loans and credit cards, boosting Americans’ finances and supporting more spending and growth. Homeowners will be able to refinance mortgages at lower rates, saving on monthly payments, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-interest-rates-loans-consumers-borrowing-6127436dd3e6d8af48825aca6d3a7715">even shift credit card debt to lower-cost personal loans</a>&nbsp;or home equity lines. Businesses may also borrow and invest more. Average mortgage rates have already dropped to an 18-month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-loan-8570c997a844845d08eb123ab7aac5c2">low of 6.2%</a>, according to Freddie Mac, spurring a jump in demand for refinancings.In an updated set of projections, the Fed’s policymakers now collectively envision a faster drop in inflation than they did three months ago but also higher unemployment. They foresee their preferred inflation gauge falling to 2.3% by year’s end, from its current 2.5%, and to 2.1% by the end of 2025. And they now expect the unemployment rate to rise further this year, to 4.4%, from 4.2% now, and to remain there by the end of 2025. That’s above their previous forecasts of 4% for the end of this year and 4.2% for 2025.The Fed’s next policy meeting is Nov. 6-7 — immediately after the presidential election. By cutting rates this week, soon before the election, the Fed is risking attacks from Trump, who has argued that lowering rates now amounts to political interference. Yet Politico has reported that even some key Senate Republicans who were interviewed expressed support for a Fed rate cut this week.The central bank’s officials fought against high inflation by raising their key rate 11 times in 2022 and 2023. Wage growth has since slowed, removing a potential source of inflationary pressure. And oil and gas prices are falling, a sign that inflation should continue to cool in the months ahead. Consumers are also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-consumers-economy-spending-federal-reserve-c69408f05baeffac0023ceb76b747999">pushing back</a>&nbsp;against high prices,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-consumers-price-gouging-spending-economy-999e81e2f869a0151e2ee6bbb63370af">forcing such companies</a>&nbsp;as Target and McDonald’s to dangle deals and discounts.The Fed’s decision Wednesday drew the first dissent from a member of its governing board since 2005. Michelle Bowman, a board member who has expressed concern in the past that inflation had not been fully defeated, said she would have preferred a quarter-point rate cut.After several years of strong job growth, employers have slowed hiring, and the unemployment rate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-federal-reserve-inflation-unemployment-economy-bac1b453d3873d5f23f2061344d28fd9">has risen</a>&nbsp;nearly a full percentage point from its half-century low in April 2023 to a still-low 4.2%. Once unemployment rises that much, it tends to keep climbing. Fed officials and many economists note, though, that the rise in unemployment this time largely reflects an influx of people seeking jobs — notably new immigrants and recent college graduates — rather than layoffs.“The labor market is actually in solid condition," Powell said at his news conference. "Our intention with our policy move today is to keep it there.”At issue for the Fed is how fast it wants to lower its benchmark rate to a point where it’s no longer acting as a brake on the economy — nor as an accelerant. Where that so-called “neutral” level falls isn’t clear, though many analysts peg it at 3% to 3.5%.

🎥Historic move:  Fed cuts interest rates for first time in four years

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just before midnight on Tuesday in Kansas City.

A Ford Focus was northbound at 11725 Grandview Road in Kansas City, according to KDPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

The car traveled off the roadway to the right, struck a raised sewer cover located in front of a business. After impact, the vehicle then traveled westbound across the roadway into an empty parking lot and caught fire.

The driver and sole occupant of the Ford was pronounced deceased at the scene. The accident remains under investigation. The name of the driver has not been released.

This is fatality #69 compared to #65 in Kansas City, Missouri at this time last year, according to DiMartino.

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just before midnight on Tuesday in Kansas City.A Ford Focus was northbound at 11725 Grandview Road in Kansas City, according to KDPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.The car traveled off the roadway to the right, struck a raised sewer cover located in front of a business. After impact, the vehicle then traveled westbound across the roadway into an empty parking lot and caught fire.The driver and sole occupant of the Ford was pronounced deceased at the scene. The accident remains under investigation. The name of the driver has not been released.This is fatality #69 compared to #65 in Kansas City, Missouri at this time last year, according to DiMartino.

KCPD: Driver dies after crash into raised sewer cover and fire

Inspector general points to staffing problems, chronic mail delivery delays

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Three Missouri and two Kansas members of Congress serving constituents in the greater Kansas City area forwarded a joint letter Tuesday to the U.S. Postal Service demanding action to rectify problems with missing or delayed mail and protracted periods in which no mail was delivered at all.

Republicans Sam Graves and Mark Alford, both of Missouri, and Jake LaTurner of Kansas as well as Democrats Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri and Sharice Davids of Kansas forwarded the letter to USPS postmaster general Louis DeJoy.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uspsoig.gov/reports/audit-reports/kansas-missouri-district-delivery-operations" target="_blank">They pointed to the July federal audit</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Kansas City Postal and Distribution Center in Kansas City, Missouri, and stations in Hickman Mills in Missouri as well as in Mission and Kansas City on the Kansas side of the border.

Deficiencies at the distribution center touched on mail clearance times,&nbsp;delayed mail, late cancellations and dock scanning during an inspection period in May, USPS auditors said. The report said challenges at the three stations included document scanning, delayed mail and property conditions.

The inspector general concluded USPS ought to address problems with employee staffing and recommended supervisors prepare better for staff absences in the Kansas City region.

“The audit makes clear that the&nbsp;USPS&nbsp;must do more to ensure Kansans receive reliable, timely mail delivery,” said Davids, who is seeking reelection in the 3rd District of Johnson and Wyandotte counties. “I will keep working across the aisle with my colleagues in the KC area to help fix these issues and ensure our&nbsp;postal&nbsp;service&nbsp;meets the needs of our communities.”

In recent months, the letter said, all five congressional offices received a growing number of complaints regarding inadequate mail service.

“It is unacceptable that these facilities … are failing to keep up with the USPS standard of service,” the bipartisan letter from U.S. House members said. “We wholeheartedly urge the leadership of the Postal Service to roll out the recommendations of the USPS office of the inspector general immediately.”

The federal lawmakers said USPS ought to implement strategies to mitigate mail delays, ensure compliance with processing procedures, improve delivery logistics, and upgrade safety and security policies for staff at the mail facilities.

The representatives said residents of communities across Kansas and Missouri relied on consistent mail service and deserved better support from USPS management.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598029796323.jpeg" alt="A bipartisan group of two Kansas and three Missouri members of Congress sign a joint letter urging the U.S. Postal Service to address&nbsp;persistent problems with mail delivery in the greater Kansas City area. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A bipartisan group of two Kansas and three Missouri members of Congress sign a joint letter urging the U.S. Postal Service to address&nbsp;persistent problems with mail delivery in the greater Kansas City area. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Inspector general points to staffing problems, chronic mail delivery delays</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Three Missouri and two Kansas members of Congress serving constituents in the greater Kansas City area forwarded a joint letter Tuesday to the U.S. Postal Service demanding action to rectify problems with missing or delayed mail and protracted periods in which no mail was delivered at all.Republicans Sam Graves and Mark Alford, both of Missouri, and Jake LaTurner of Kansas as well as Democrats Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri and Sharice Davids of Kansas forwarded the letter to USPS postmaster general Louis DeJoy.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uspsoig.gov/reports/audit-reports/kansas-missouri-district-delivery-operations" target="_blank">They pointed to the July federal audit</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Kansas City Postal and Distribution Center in Kansas City, Missouri, and stations in Hickman Mills in Missouri as well as in Mission and Kansas City on the Kansas side of the border.Deficiencies at the distribution center touched on mail clearance times,&nbsp;delayed mail, late cancellations and dock scanning during an inspection period in May, USPS auditors said. The report said challenges at the three stations included document scanning, delayed mail and property conditions.The inspector general concluded USPS ought to address problems with employee staffing and recommended supervisors prepare better for staff absences in the Kansas City region.“The audit makes clear that the&nbsp;USPS&nbsp;must do more to ensure Kansans receive reliable, timely mail delivery,” said Davids, who is seeking reelection in the 3rd District of Johnson and Wyandotte counties. “I will keep working across the aisle with my colleagues in the KC area to help fix these issues and ensure our&nbsp;postal&nbsp;service&nbsp;meets the needs of our communities.”In recent months, the letter said, all five congressional offices received a growing number of complaints regarding inadequate mail service.“It is unacceptable that these facilities … are failing to keep up with the USPS standard of service,” the bipartisan letter from U.S. House members said. “We wholeheartedly urge the leadership of the Postal Service to roll out the recommendations of the USPS office of the inspector general immediately.”The federal lawmakers said USPS ought to implement strategies to mitigate mail delays, ensure compliance with processing procedures, improve delivery logistics, and upgrade safety and security policies for staff at the mail facilities.The representatives said residents of communities across Kansas and Missouri relied on consistent mail service and deserved better support from USPS management.

Five Kansas, Missouri members of Congress send tough critique of troubled mail service to D.C.

HAYS, Kan. - A newly launched program at FHSU will help students “hit the ground running” in the critical field of solving crimes. To introduce students to FHSU’s new bachelor’s degree in Criminalistics, the departments of criminal justice, chemistry, biology, and geosciences hosted an open house in September.

CRJ 210 Criminalistics, developed as a required core course for the program, will be taught by Dr. Morgan Steele, assistant professor of criminal justice. The course will offer an introduction to the different sciences that students can choose for program concentrations.

“The course sets students up to see how what they do in the lab will be useful in courtrooms, in the field, and in investigating different types of crimes,” Steele said.

Steele said he typically sees students double majoring in biology or chemistry together with criminal justice.

“Having a major built-in (criminalistics) is going to help them streamline their process without cutting back on their science or criminal justice education,” he said. “In addition, transfer students can hit the ground running because of the KBOR general education core program.”

Concentrations in criminalistics include forensic chemistry, forensic biology, and crime mapping and spatial analysis. These concentrations can lead to potential careers in crime lab analysis, chemical safety, DNA analysis, or crime data analysis.

What sets the criminalistics program apart from programs offered at other institutions, Steele said, is that the program is “truly a multi-disciplinary program.”

“Teaching forensic science is usually in chemistry or criminal justice,” he said. “It’s rare that it is in all three primary departments (chemistry, biology, and geosciences).”

In addition to the benefit to students, skills learned through the program will benefit law enforcement agencies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726679840785.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By University CommunicationsHAYS, Kan. - A newly launched program at FHSU will help students “hit the ground running” in the critical field of solving crimes. To introduce students to FHSU’s new bachelor’s degree in Criminalistics, the departments of criminal justice, chemistry, biology, and geosciences hosted an open house in September.CRJ 210 Criminalistics, developed as a required core course for the program, will be taught by Dr. Morgan Steele, assistant professor of criminal justice. The course will offer an introduction to the different sciences that students can choose for program concentrations.“The course sets students up to see how what they do in the lab will be useful in courtrooms, in the field, and in investigating different types of crimes,” Steele said.Steele said he typically sees students double majoring in biology or chemistry together with criminal justice.“Having a major built-in (criminalistics) is going to help them streamline their process without cutting back on their science or criminal justice education,” he said. “In addition, transfer students can hit the ground running because of the KBOR general education core program.”Concentrations in criminalistics include forensic chemistry, forensic biology, and crime mapping and spatial analysis. These concentrations can lead to potential careers in crime lab analysis, chemical safety, DNA analysis, or crime data analysis.What sets the criminalistics program apart from programs offered at other institutions, Steele said, is that the program is “truly a multi-disciplinary program.”“Teaching forensic science is usually in chemistry or criminal justice,” he said. “It’s rare that it is in all three primary departments (chemistry, biology, and geosciences).”In addition to the benefit to students, skills learned through the program will benefit law enforcement agencies.“This is especially true in rural areas where agencies can’t create a specific position for a criminalist or forensic scientist,” said Tamara Lynn, professor and chair of criminal justice. “But if they could hire someone with that skill set for other positions, it would benefit the agency and our students.”More information about the criminalistics concentration is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0b-2FYUWI-2F3msCRU8LFacXyDZm0NAuyKp1ylq8tm-2BkAkNs-Xx7_x9osS7BzWruc2vyP0ryhjp1x1SORXKHR3ODGO-2FMcAZWcDEH5sFjG8hifz-2Fx-2FLlz0ywhQ3aSn225U2ntY8ehBVeNagO9eVdTLJp47lJyzn97NxdAPpZKCVKBkbERPShtst9oxFfkgOYUpodbgggBUyZA7WKy8hvQjEW1ohI6WB-2FxcI-2BPXeqRgptfdYXiL-2BgbbyCgc221UbAgGcV-2BN5EuVIvU-2FhcH18F078Ojr8aULOPfUheRKXIvFbk9k75e0Z-2Fy-2FfseFdiDDpFTLkK9PI4BOb2jLI96K8ZAJf9ba9H9UtFOvLo-2FqXjaDsACrVteTksxQ0-2BwdSl4aL0kUuBb2Bkp-2FT3cwIk0Qch877bkOTn1qOrqbGQAtoeesQ2tXBl2efD-2FH">https://www.fhsu.edu/criminaljustice/</a>For additional news and information about Fort Hays State University, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0fRrRToYU8moO1n-2Fd4GGiT0b4Ei0-2FXI6uYJgK8xhg8h8c6SpnfpJAeDbpYL-2BUKp3ng-3D-3DhFCN_x9osS7BzWruc2vyP0ryhjp1x1SORXKHR3ODGO-2FMcAZWcDEH5sFjG8hifz-2Fx-2FLlz0ywhQ3aSn225U2ntY8ehBVeNagO9eVdTLJp47lJyzn97NxdAPpZKCVKBkbERPShtst9oxFfkgOYUpodbgggBUyZA7WKy8hvQjEW1ohI6WB-2FxcI-2BPXeqRgptfdYXiL-2BgbbyCgc221UbAgGcV-2BN5EuVIvU-2FhcH18F078Ojr8aULOPdlJDizqzHf-2FYk1dpivpZl6V8j1pPvhtmaBXOYxEPZQR6smGjdLpwt2P6LMt8yrmrrUUQ3ObXmKtEw7RzyW3c3AjE-2BAl2xtBpnET9VOf-2F6q6GPNadJm9PhAzrxL7BiykfcBOBwKNrzkaArPelM6TpWh">https://www.fhsu.edu/university-communications/</a>