LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">Striking actors</a>&nbsp;have voted to expand their walkout to include the lucrative video game market, a step that could put new pressure on Hollywood studios to make a deal with the performers who provide voices and stunts for games.

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Radio and Television Artists announced the move late Monday, saying that 98% of its members voted to go on strike against video game companies if ongoing negotiations are not successful. The announcement came ahead of more talks planned for Tuesday.

Acting in video games can include a variety of roles, from voice performances to motion capture work as well as stunts. Video game actors went on strike in 2016 in a work stoppage that lasted nearly a year.

Some of the same issues are at play in the video game negotiations as in the broader actors strike that has shut down Hollywood for months, including wages, safety measures and protections on the use of artificial intelligence. The companies involved include gaming giants Activision, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Take 2 Productions as well as Disney and Warner Bros.′ video game divisions.

“It’s time for the video game companies to stop playing games and get serious about reaching an agreement on this contract,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement.

The threat of a video game strike emerged as Hollywood writers were on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-deal-hollywood-wga-3336824c06795931845c889f1e08b3ff">verge of getting back to work</a>&nbsp;after months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">on the picket lines</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-agreement-what-happens-next-ba8290a5839cde352d594647199023e8">Crucial steps</a>&nbsp;remain for the writers, who technically remain on strike, and for other workers awaiting a return to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-update-shows-coming-back-2d433d9365e8fe20b17f5ca612599343">production of new shows</a>.

The next phase comes Tuesday, when the governing boards of the two branches of the Writers Guild of America are expected to vote on the tentative agreement reached by union negotiators with Hollywood studios.

Following approval from the union's boards — which is likely — comes a vote from the writers themselves, although the timing is uncertain.

The guild and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hollywood-strikes-lombardini-drescher-stutzman-iger-zaslav-00c17264129cebb17d10b80b9c51aa3e">Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers</a>, which represents studios, streaming services and production companies in the negotiations, were still finalizing contract language Monday.

That could prompt a delay of the voting and has kept union leaders from sharing with writers the details of what nearly five months of striking and hardship has earned them. The leaders have promised to hold a series of meetings later this week to share the terms of the deal regarding pay, show staffing and artificial intelligence.

The guild's leaders told them only that the agreement is “exceptional,” with gains for every member. A successful yes vote from the membership will finally, officially, bring the strike to an end.

Meanwhile, though their own pickets have been suspended, writers were encouraged to join actors in solidarity on their lines starting Tuesday, just as many actors did with writers in the two months before their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/actors-strike-explained-2607dd29da6c16c0a406359a7e86d7fb">own strike started in July</a>.

Among the unions on strike, the studio alliance has chosen to negotiate only with the writers so far, and has made no overtures yet toward restarting talks with SAG-AFTRA. That will presumably change soon.

SAG-AFTRA leaders have said they will look closely at the writers' agreement, which includes many of the same issues, but it will not effect their demands.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">Striking actors</a>&nbsp;have voted to expand their walkout to include the lucrative video game market, a step that could put new pressure on Hollywood studios to make a deal with the performers who provide voices and stunts for games.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSAGAFTRA%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02n9sA9bFNZJyWWyvDFt4ofVXqtxdaxAsuPJogSvoDBWxdNEghhH35R9s29biyfe5Ll&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="584" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Radio and Television Artists announced the move late Monday, saying that 98% of its members voted to go on strike against video game companies if ongoing negotiations are not successful. The announcement came ahead of more talks planned for Tuesday.Acting in video games can include a variety of roles, from voice performances to motion capture work as well as stunts. Video game actors went on strike in 2016 in a work stoppage that lasted nearly a year.Some of the same issues are at play in the video game negotiations as in the broader actors strike that has shut down Hollywood for months, including wages, safety measures and protections on the use of artificial intelligence. The companies involved include gaming giants Activision, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Take 2 Productions as well as Disney and Warner Bros.′ video game divisions.“It’s time for the video game companies to stop playing games and get serious about reaching an agreement on this contract,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement.The threat of a video game strike emerged as Hollywood writers were on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-deal-hollywood-wga-3336824c06795931845c889f1e08b3ff">verge of getting back to work</a>&nbsp;after months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/">on the picket lines</a>.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-agreement-what-happens-next-ba8290a5839cde352d594647199023e8">Crucial steps</a>&nbsp;remain for the writers, who technically remain on strike, and for other workers awaiting a return to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/writers-strike-update-shows-coming-back-2d433d9365e8fe20b17f5ca612599343">production of new shows</a>.The next phase comes Tuesday, when the governing boards of the two branches of the Writers Guild of America are expected to vote on the tentative agreement reached by union negotiators with Hollywood studios.Following approval from the union's boards — which is likely — comes a vote from the writers themselves, although the timing is uncertain.The guild and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hollywood-strikes-lombardini-drescher-stutzman-iger-zaslav-00c17264129cebb17d10b80b9c51aa3e">Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers</a>, which represents studios, streaming services and production companies in the negotiations, were still finalizing contract language Monday.That could prompt a delay of the voting and has kept union leaders from sharing with writers the details of what nearly five months of striking and hardship has earned them. The leaders have promised to hold a series of meetings later this week to share the terms of the deal regarding pay, show staffing and artificial intelligence.The guild's leaders told them only that the agreement is “exceptional,” with gains for every member. A successful yes vote from the membership will finally, officially, bring the strike to an end.Meanwhile, though their own pickets have been suspended, writers were encouraged to join actors in solidarity on their lines starting Tuesday, just as many actors did with writers in the two months before their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/actors-strike-explained-2607dd29da6c16c0a406359a7e86d7fb">own strike started in July</a>.Among the unions on strike, the studio alliance has chosen to negotiate only with the writers so far, and has made no overtures yet toward restarting talks with SAG-AFTRA. That will presumably change soon.SAG-AFTRA leaders have said they will look closely at the writers' agreement, which includes many of the same issues, but it will not effect their demands.

Striking actors vote to authorize new walkout against video game makers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair sent out a post-Fair survey to its patrons this week.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.surveymonkey.com%2Fr%2Fksf2023%3Futm_source%3Dmailchimp%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3D092523postfairsurvey%26fbclid%3DIwAR3iVYk4VRcNyXodIBrPrEVMi23-fw9EHZcvBg-xJQpgJl5v-3a6qoeUQis&amp;h=AT1L3l7Ym8Qi0TUPJwHrP9pW2783lfWoeZuzAZWK7FSZ608Jcyi2SUsE8S5qj-DN60NOl3RKyY1Oy98QvB-wjcRqetNPWk8yvxpRPuFa_wl7SFx5Pt6MuRNsqYePtp5MSg&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1VhJlr1RdGeCatTxyrgQ8BElaoXaIKKHH80nogSgN5xd_zuTfn6DDLRdiFR4SiOMcsRzEm1ZEIStIq0nm1r4TOp7m-k3MKNupdsZuoZ7RxMAB_PClyyrBuHedD4-lfr7Z826VrYJ6we19OWVS8KmP7X3IeXPJ02pKcVclIukBJWJN5qWLJsBBWXhXuHY67PlN7zru4B34uw4AW0Kp7XqU">here</a>&nbsp;to take the survey

The 2024 Kansas State Fair will be from September 6 to 15, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695157318556.png" alt="-A view above the 2023 Kansas State Fair-photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>-A view above the 2023 Kansas State Fair-photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair sent out a post-Fair survey to its patrons this week.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.surveymonkey.com%2Fr%2Fksf2023%3Futm_source%3Dmailchimp%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3D092523postfairsurvey%26fbclid%3DIwAR3iVYk4VRcNyXodIBrPrEVMi23-fw9EHZcvBg-xJQpgJl5v-3a6qoeUQis&amp;h=AT1L3l7Ym8Qi0TUPJwHrP9pW2783lfWoeZuzAZWK7FSZ608Jcyi2SUsE8S5qj-DN60NOl3RKyY1Oy98QvB-wjcRqetNPWk8yvxpRPuFa_wl7SFx5Pt6MuRNsqYePtp5MSg&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1VhJlr1RdGeCatTxyrgQ8BElaoXaIKKHH80nogSgN5xd_zuTfn6DDLRdiFR4SiOMcsRzEm1ZEIStIq0nm1r4TOp7m-k3MKNupdsZuoZ7RxMAB_PClyyrBuHedD4-lfr7Z826VrYJ6we19OWVS8KmP7X3IeXPJ02pKcVclIukBJWJN5qWLJsBBWXhXuHY67PlN7zru4B34uw4AW0Kp7XqU">here</a>&nbsp;to take the surveyThe 2024 Kansas State Fair will be from September 6 to 15, 2024.

Kansas State Fair wants to hear from you

KANSAS CITY —What started as a car stop in ended with a home invasion suspect in custody in a home near Kansas City.&nbsp;

Just after 1a.m. Sept. 24, Sheriff Deputies tried to stop a vehicle with no license plates in Randolph(MO), thirteen miles northeast of Kansas City, according to the Clay County(MO) Sheriff's office.

The driver fled traveling north on Interstate 435 to Interstate 35, and then north to 69 Highway. 

Excelsior Springs Missouri Police&nbsp;successfully deployed tire deflation devices as the suspect vehicle drove into town. The vehicle was losing its rear tire and eventually pulled into a driveway in the 700 block of Old Orchard Street.

The suspect later identified as 37-year-old Lewis J. Long ran from the vehicle into a residential backyard and then onto the home's back deck, where several occupants of the home were standing. 

Long forced his way through the people on the deck and into the home, where he hid in a corner. 

Deputies and police officers won the hide-and-seek game, taking custody of him and pulling him out of the house. The homeowners said they had no idea who he was. Long&nbsp; complained of chest pains and was evaluated at the hospital before being cleared to come to the Clay County Detention Center.

No one was injured in the incident. Long is being held on requested charges of resisting arrest by fleeing. Additional charges are expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695685558995.png" alt="Long-photo Clay Co. Missouri" />
 <figcaption>Long-photo Clay Co. Missouri</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —What started as a car stop in ended with a home invasion suspect in custody in a home near Kansas City.&nbsp;Just after 1a.m. Sept. 24, Sheriff Deputies tried to stop a vehicle with no license plates in Randolph(MO), thirteen miles northeast of Kansas City, according to the Clay County(MO) Sheriff's office.The driver fled traveling north on Interstate 435 to Interstate 35, and then north to 69 Highway. Excelsior Springs Missouri Police&nbsp;successfully deployed tire deflation devices as the suspect vehicle drove into town. The vehicle was losing its rear tire and eventually pulled into a driveway in the 700 block of Old Orchard Street.The suspect later identified as 37-year-old Lewis J. Long ran from the vehicle into a residential backyard and then onto the home's back deck, where several occupants of the home were standing. Long forced his way through the people on the deck and into the home, where he hid in a corner. Deputies and police officers won the hide-and-seek game, taking custody of him and pulling him out of the house. The homeowners said they had no idea who he was. Long&nbsp; complained of chest pains and was evaluated at the hospital before being cleared to come to the Clay County Detention Center.No one was injured in the incident. Long is being held on requested charges of resisting arrest by fleeing. Additional charges are expected.

Traffic stop ends in Kansas City-area home invasion arrest

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

WASHINGTON — As Congress barrels toward a partial government shutdown, the White House Monday warned that a program that helps millions of low income families afford healthy food could see substantial cuts.

The White House released a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/25/extreme-house-republicans-chaos-is-marching-america-toward-a-shutdown-that-would-jeopardize-vital-nutrition-assistance-for-nearly-7-million-vulnerable-moms-and-young-children/">state-by-state breakdown</a>, estimating that nearly 7 million people who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as WIC, could be at risk of losing funds to purchase select food and receive vouchers for vegetables and fruit.

The program provides financial support for those who are low income and pregnant or nursing, as well as for children up to 5 years old. In Missouri, a government shutdown could impact benefits for 90,913 people.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said during a Monday White House briefing that WIC recipients could feel the impact of the shutdown within days.

“Millions of those moms, (babies) and young children would see a lack of nutrition assistance,” he said.

Vilsack, Iowa’s former governor, said some states have leftover WIC benefits and “could extend (WIC) for a week or so.”

“The vast majority of WIC participants would see an immediate reduction and elimination of those benefits, which means the nutrition assistance that’s provided would not be available,” he said.

For example, in Alabama, about 112,000 WIC recipients could lose their benefits, and in Florida, more than 421,000 as well. In Michigan, more than 207,000 recipients could lose their WIC benefits and in North Carolina, it’s more than 268,000 WIC recipients.

Additionally, new eligible participants could face a backlog.

“Without the urgent investment of additional funds, state WIC offices could soon be forced to consider waiting lists for prospective participants — a drastic step not seen in nearly 30 years,” Kate Franken, board chair of the National WIC Association, which is the non-profit advocacy arm of WIC, said in a statement.

The impending shutdown comes after President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/05/31/u-s-house-approves-debt-limit-package-sending-it-to-senate-with-just-days-until-default-deadline/">made a deal</a>&nbsp;with Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier this year to raise the debt ceiling.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/05/31/debt-limit-deal-hits-turbulence-in-congress-as-leaders-prep-for-vote/">That deal&nbsp;</a>set maximum spending levels for the next fiscal year.

However, none of the 12 appropriations bills has been passed by the House, and a handful of far-right Republicans are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2023/09/21/shutdown-inches-closer-as-u-s-house-gop-fails-to-pass-defense-bill-lawmakers-exit-d-c/">pushing for steeper cuts</a>, even if it means a partial government shutdown.

“House Republicans have turned their backs on the bipartisan budget deal that a large majority of them voted for just a few months ago and proposed a continuing resolution (CR) that makes devastating cuts to programs that millions of hardworking Americans count on,” the White House said in a press release.

A continuing resolution, or CR, is regularly used to keep the government funded for weeks or a couple of months while the House and Senate finish work on the 12 annual spending bills.

Without a CR by Saturday, the end of the fiscal year, a partial shutdown will occur and programs that have discretionary funding, like WIC, will lapse.

Funding for WIC is not mandatory spending, meaning the program won’t be automatically funded regardless of a government shutdown. It’s funded through the Agriculture appropriations bill, which has not been passed by Congress.

The White House criticized the Agriculture appropriations bill the House passed out of its committee that did not include the supplemental funding the Biden administration requested.

“Without the Administration’s funding request, states could soon be forced to institute waiting lists for WIC, causing mothers and children to lose access to the vital nutrition assistance,” the White House said.

WIC funding is distributed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service to states through a formula. The share of eligible people who participate in WIC can vary between states —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/eligibility-and-program-reach-estimates-2020">for example</a>&nbsp;California, Massachusetts, and Minnesota, have a coverage rate for WIC by over 60%.

BY:&nbsp;ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — As Congress barrels toward a partial government shutdown, the White House Monday warned that a program that helps millions of low income families afford healthy food could see substantial cuts.The White House released a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/25/extreme-house-republicans-chaos-is-marching-america-toward-a-shutdown-that-would-jeopardize-vital-nutrition-assistance-for-nearly-7-million-vulnerable-moms-and-young-children/">state-by-state breakdown</a>, estimating that nearly 7 million people who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as WIC, could be at risk of losing funds to purchase select food and receive vouchers for vegetables and fruit.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Extreme House Republicans are demanding a devastating list of cuts to vital programs that hardworking Americans rely on. If they don’t get their way, they&#39;re threatening to shut down the government – putting nutrition assistance at risk for seven million women and children. <a href="https://t.co/pm6uyDGafk">pic.twitter.com/pm6uyDGafk</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1706398165845361129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The program provides financial support for those who are low income and pregnant or nursing, as well as for children up to 5 years old. In Missouri, a government shutdown could impact benefits for 90,913 people.U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said during a Monday White House briefing that WIC recipients could feel the impact of the shutdown within days.“Millions of those moms, (babies) and young children would see a lack of nutrition assistance,” he said.Vilsack, Iowa’s former governor, said some states have leftover WIC benefits and “could extend (WIC) for a week or so.”“The vast majority of WIC participants would see an immediate reduction and elimination of those benefits, which means the nutrition assistance that’s provided would not be available,” he said.For example, in Alabama, about 112,000 WIC recipients could lose their benefits, and in Florida, more than 421,000 as well. In Michigan, more than 207,000 recipients could lose their WIC benefits and in North Carolina, it’s more than 268,000 WIC recipients.Additionally, new eligible participants could face a backlog.“Without the urgent investment of additional funds, state WIC offices could soon be forced to consider waiting lists for prospective participants — a drastic step not seen in nearly 30 years,” Kate Franken, board chair of the National WIC Association, which is the non-profit advocacy arm of WIC, said in a statement.The impending shutdown comes after President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/05/31/u-s-house-approves-debt-limit-package-sending-it-to-senate-with-just-days-until-default-deadline/">made a deal</a>&nbsp;with Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier this year to raise the debt ceiling.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/05/31/debt-limit-deal-hits-turbulence-in-congress-as-leaders-prep-for-vote/">That deal&nbsp;</a>set maximum spending levels for the next fiscal year.However, none of the 12 appropriations bills has been passed by the House, and a handful of far-right Republicans are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2023/09/21/shutdown-inches-closer-as-u-s-house-gop-fails-to-pass-defense-bill-lawmakers-exit-d-c/">pushing for steeper cuts</a>, even if it means a partial government shutdown.“House Republicans have turned their backs on the bipartisan budget deal that a large majority of them voted for just a few months ago and proposed a continuing resolution (CR) that makes devastating cuts to programs that millions of hardworking Americans count on,” the White House said in a press release.A continuing resolution, or CR, is regularly used to keep the government funded for weeks or a couple of months while the House and Senate finish work on the 12 annual spending bills.Without a CR by Saturday, the end of the fiscal year, a partial shutdown will occur and programs that have discretionary funding, like WIC, will lapse.Funding for WIC is not mandatory spending, meaning the program won’t be automatically funded regardless of a government shutdown. It’s funded through the Agriculture appropriations bill, which has not been passed by Congress.The White House criticized the Agriculture appropriations bill the House passed out of its committee that did not include the supplemental funding the Biden administration requested.“Without the Administration’s funding request, states could soon be forced to institute waiting lists for WIC, causing mothers and children to lose access to the vital nutrition assistance,” the White House said.WIC funding is distributed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service to states through a formula. The share of eligible people who participate in WIC can vary between states —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/eligibility-and-program-reach-estimates-2020">for example</a>&nbsp;California, Massachusetts, and Minnesota, have a coverage rate for WIC by over 60%.

White House: Food benefits for low income families at risk in a government shutdown

KANSAS CITY —First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Kansas City this week.

At 3:30p.m. Wednesday, she will visit the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum to highlight the library's programming to support civic literacy and education in the community, according to the itinerary&nbsp; released by the White House.

Dr. Biden is set to tour the&nbsp;recently remodeled facility, and meet with local high school students and teachers. She will also speak at a political event for the Biden Victory Fund in Kansas City.

In Oct. 2021, Gov. Laura Kelly and Dr. Jill Biden met for lunch during the First Lady's trip to Kansas City for a visit with Hispanic representatives during a stop at El Centro Academy in Kansas City, Kansas

&nbsp;In May of 2021, Biden visited a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634130978150.png" alt="In Oct. 2021, Gov. Laura Kelly and Dr. Jill Biden met for lunch during the First Lady's trip to Kansas.-photo courtesy Gov. Kelly's office" />
 <figcaption>In Oct. 2021, Gov. Laura Kelly and Dr. Jill Biden met for lunch during the First Lady's trip to Kansas.-photo courtesy Gov. Kelly's office</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Kansas City this week.At 3:30p.m. Wednesday, she will visit the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum to highlight the library's programming to support civic literacy and education in the community, according to the itinerary&nbsp; released by the White House.Dr. Biden is set to tour the&nbsp;recently remodeled facility, and meet with local high school students and teachers. She will also speak at a political event for the Biden Victory Fund in Kansas City.In Oct. 2021, Gov. Laura Kelly and Dr. Jill Biden met for lunch during the First Lady's trip to Kansas City for a visit with Hispanic representatives during a stop at El Centro Academy in Kansas City, Kansas&nbsp;In May of 2021, Biden visited a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City.

First Lady Jill Biden traveling to the Kansas City this week

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp;investigating a Monday bank robbery in Topeka and asking the public for help to find a suspect.

Just before 3 p.m., a woman allegedly threatened a teller for cash at Capitol Federal Savings Bank, 1201 SW Topeka Boulevard, according to a media release from the FBI. The suspect mentioned but did not show a weapon before leaving the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect as a black female in her early 40s, 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds. She was wearing a red shirt, reading glasses and a brown wig.

Anyone with information should call the the FBI office in Topeka, KS at 785-235-3811 or Topeka Police Dept. at 785-364-9800.

You can also file a tip to the TIPS Hotline, (816) 474-TIPS, the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or <a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/home">click here</a> to submit a tip online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695723408763.png" alt="Security camera image photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp;investigating a Monday bank robbery in Topeka and asking the public for help to find a suspect.Just before 3 p.m., a woman allegedly threatened a teller for cash at Capitol Federal Savings Bank, 1201 SW Topeka Boulevard, according to a media release from the FBI. The suspect mentioned but did not show a weapon before leaving the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash.The suspect as a black female in her early 40s, 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds. She was wearing a red shirt, reading glasses and a brown wig.Anyone with information should call the the FBI office in Topeka, KS at 785-235-3811 or Topeka Police Dept. at 785-364-9800.You can also file a tip to the TIPS Hotline, (816) 474-TIPS, the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or <a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/home">click here</a> to submit a tip online.

FBI: Kansas bank robbery suspect wore a brown wig

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $835 million after no one beat the immense odds Monday night and won the top prize.

The winning numbers were: 10, 12, 22, 36, 50 and 4.

With the latest bit of lottery losing, there now have been 29 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner, dating back to July 19&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">when a player in California</a>&nbsp;won $1.08 billion.

That winless streak is due to the miserable odds of winning the Powerball jackpot, at 1 in 292.2 million. It’s those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">long, long odds</a>&nbsp;that result in such large top prizes, as they cause the jackpot to roll over week after week.

Three people in Florida and one person in Oregon matched five numbers to win $1 million.

The new jackpot is one of the largest in the world, behind grand prizes in the Powerball and Mega Millions games that all topped $1 billion. The biggest jackpot was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lotteries-iowa-36ef3aefbbc37a15e1c5f172129fa6a6">$2.04 billion Powerball prize</a>&nbsp;won in November 2022 in California.

Although the game highlights the $835 million prize, that is for a winner who is paid through an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">annuity over 30 years</a>. Winners almost always choose the cash payout option, which for the next drawing Wednesday night will be an estimated $390.4 million.

The giant jackpot would also be subject to federal taxes, and some states also tax lottery winnings.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $835 million after no one beat the immense odds Monday night and won the top prize.The winning numbers were: 10, 12, 22, 36, 50 and 4.With the latest bit of lottery losing, there now have been 29 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner, dating back to July 19&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">when a player in California</a>&nbsp;won $1.08 billion.That winless streak is due to the miserable odds of winning the Powerball jackpot, at 1 in 292.2 million. It’s those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">long, long odds</a>&nbsp;that result in such large top prizes, as they cause the jackpot to roll over week after week.Three people in Florida and one person in Oregon matched five numbers to win $1 million.The new jackpot is one of the largest in the world, behind grand prizes in the Powerball and Mega Millions games that all topped $1 billion. The biggest jackpot was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lotteries-iowa-36ef3aefbbc37a15e1c5f172129fa6a6">$2.04 billion Powerball prize</a>&nbsp;won in November 2022 in California.Although the game highlights the $835 million prize, that is for a winner who is paid through an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">annuity over 30 years</a>. Winners almost always choose the cash payout option, which for the next drawing Wednesday night will be an estimated $390.4 million.The giant jackpot would also be subject to federal taxes, and some states also tax lottery winnings.

Powerball jackpot climbs to $835 million 

SEDGWICK —A&nbsp; man accused of sex crimes involving patients at a Wichita hospital made another court appearance Friday.

Miguel Rodela, 28, entered a guilty plea rape, attempted rape and battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 2a.m. June 15, police responded to a call of an officer was in trouble at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, 929, St. Francis Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

A hospital security officer was in a physical altercation with a suspect.

When Wichita Police arrived they learned three adult female patients were allegedly sexually assaulted. Officers arrested<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=740544">&nbsp;Rodela</a>&nbsp;who is not an employee or a patient of the hospital, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686922520098.png" alt="Rodela-Photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Rodela-Photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK —A&nbsp; man accused of sex crimes involving patients at a Wichita hospital made another court appearance Friday.Miguel Rodela, 28, entered a guilty plea rape, attempted rape and battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 2a.m. June 15, police responded to a call of an officer was in trouble at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, 929, St. Francis Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.A hospital security officer was in a physical altercation with a suspect.When Wichita Police arrived they learned three adult female patients were allegedly sexually assaulted. Officers arrested<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=740544">&nbsp;Rodela</a>&nbsp;who is not an employee or a patient of the hospital, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp;

Man admits he sexually assaulted patients at Kansas hospital

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after he fled from an attempted traffic stop.

Just before 7p.m. September 23, a Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a black passenger car for allegedly speeding near 102nd and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The vehicle allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle went east on K-214 Highway, continued through the City of Hoyt and eventually stopped in the Hoyt City Park where the driver later identified as&nbsp;Samuel Trynham, 20, of Auburn, was taken into custody.

&nbsp;Trynham is being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges for for flee and eluding law enforcement, possession of a hallucinogenic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and traffic charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695605751786.png" alt=" Trynham-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption> Trynham-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after he fled from an attempted traffic stop.Just before 7p.m. September 23, a Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a black passenger car for allegedly speeding near 102nd and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The vehicle allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle went east on K-214 Highway, continued through the City of Hoyt and eventually stopped in the Hoyt City Park where the driver later identified as&nbsp;Samuel Trynham, 20, of Auburn, was taken into custody.&nbsp;Trynham is being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges for for flee and eluding law enforcement, possession of a hallucinogenic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and traffic charges.

Drug suspect caught after high-speed chase

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced that it is providing $600 million in funding to produce new at-home COVID-19 tests and is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-afb3d15b59a0212d9297ed2794f91a2a">restarting a website</a>&nbsp;allowing Americans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-government-at-home-covid-tests-e98c4a7a4ee340345a5786c4c407c5fb">again order up to four free tests per household</a>&nbsp;— aiming to prevent possible shortages during a rise in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus cases</a>&nbsp;that has typically come during colder months.

The Department of Health and Human Services says orders can be placed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covid.gov/tests">COVIDTests.gov</a>&nbsp;starting Sept. 25, and the no-cost tests will be delivered for free by the United States Postal Service.

Twelve manufacturers that employ hundreds of people in seven states have been awarded funding and will produce 200 million over-the-counter tests to replenish federal stockpiles for government use, in addition to producing enough tests to meet demand for tests ordered online, the department said. Federal officials said that will help guard against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-pandemics-ap-top-news-global-trade-fresno-4354f8e8026cf8135b74fa19f0d0f048">supply chain issues</a>&nbsp;that sparked some shortages of at-home COVID tests made overseas during past surges in coronavirus cases.

Dawn O’Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at HHS, said the website will remain functional to receive orders through the holidays and “we reserve the right to keep it open even longer if we're starting to see an increase in cases.”

“If there is a demand for these tests, we want to make sure that they're made available to the American people for free in this way,” O'Connell said. “But, at this point, our focus is getting through the holidays and making sure folks can take a test if they're going to see Grandma for Thanksgiving."

The tests are designed to detect COVID variants currently circulating, and are intended for use by the end of the year. But they will include instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates, the department said.

The initiative follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-home-test-78960c4c36422907a2eab3eb0dcdfadd">four previous rounds</a>&nbsp;where federal officials and the U.S. Postal Service provided more than 755 million tests for free to homes nationwide.

It is also meant to complement ongoing federal efforts to provide free COVID tests to long-term care facilities, schools, low-income senior housing, uninsured individuals and underserved communities which are already distributing 4 million per week and have distributed 500 million tests to date, the department said.

O’Connell said manufacturers would be able to spread out the 200 million tests they will produce for federal use over 18 months. That means that, as demand for home tests rises via the website or at U.S. retailers when COVID cases increase around the country, producers can focus on meeting those orders — but that they will then have an additional outlet for the tests they produce during period when demand declines.

“We’ve seen every winter, as people move indoors into heated spaces, away from the outside that, over each of the seasons that COVID’s been a concern, that we have seen cases go up," O'Connell said.

She added that also “there’s always an opportunity or chance for another variant to come” but “we’re not anticipating that.”

“That’s not why we’re doing this,” O'Connell said. "We’re doing this for the fall and winter season ahead and the potential for an increase in cases as a result.”

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said that the "Biden-Harris Administration, in partnership with domestic manufacturers, has made great strides in addressing vulnerabilities in the U.S. supply chain by reducing our reliance on overseas manufacturing.”

“These critical investments will strengthen our nation’s production levels of domestic at-home COVID-19 rapid tests and help mitigate the spread of the virus," Becerra said in a statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695664420528.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced that it is providing $600 million in funding to produce new at-home COVID-19 tests and is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-afb3d15b59a0212d9297ed2794f91a2a">restarting a website</a>&nbsp;allowing Americans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-government-at-home-covid-tests-e98c4a7a4ee340345a5786c4c407c5fb">again order up to four free tests per household</a>&nbsp;— aiming to prevent possible shortages during a rise in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus cases</a>&nbsp;that has typically come during colder months.The Department of Health and Human Services says orders can be placed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.covid.gov/tests">COVIDTests.gov</a>&nbsp;starting Sept. 25, and the no-cost tests will be delivered for free by the United States Postal Service.Twelve manufacturers that employ hundreds of people in seven states have been awarded funding and will produce 200 million over-the-counter tests to replenish federal stockpiles for government use, in addition to producing enough tests to meet demand for tests ordered online, the department said. Federal officials said that will help guard against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-pandemics-ap-top-news-global-trade-fresno-4354f8e8026cf8135b74fa19f0d0f048">supply chain issues</a>&nbsp;that sparked some shortages of at-home COVID tests made overseas during past surges in coronavirus cases.Dawn O’Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at HHS, said the website will remain functional to receive orders through the holidays and “we reserve the right to keep it open even longer if we're starting to see an increase in cases.”“If there is a demand for these tests, we want to make sure that they're made available to the American people for free in this way,” O'Connell said. “But, at this point, our focus is getting through the holidays and making sure folks can take a test if they're going to see Grandma for Thanksgiving."The tests are designed to detect COVID variants currently circulating, and are intended for use by the end of the year. But they will include instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates, the department said.The initiative follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-home-test-78960c4c36422907a2eab3eb0dcdfadd">four previous rounds</a>&nbsp;where federal officials and the U.S. Postal Service provided more than 755 million tests for free to homes nationwide.It is also meant to complement ongoing federal efforts to provide free COVID tests to long-term care facilities, schools, low-income senior housing, uninsured individuals and underserved communities which are already distributing 4 million per week and have distributed 500 million tests to date, the department said.O’Connell said manufacturers would be able to spread out the 200 million tests they will produce for federal use over 18 months. That means that, as demand for home tests rises via the website or at U.S. retailers when COVID cases increase around the country, producers can focus on meeting those orders — but that they will then have an additional outlet for the tests they produce during period when demand declines.“We’ve seen every winter, as people move indoors into heated spaces, away from the outside that, over each of the seasons that COVID’s been a concern, that we have seen cases go up," O'Connell said.She added that also “there’s always an opportunity or chance for another variant to come” but “we’re not anticipating that.”“That’s not why we’re doing this,” O'Connell said. "We’re doing this for the fall and winter season ahead and the potential for an increase in cases as a result.”HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said that the "Biden-Harris Administration, in partnership with domestic manufacturers, has made great strides in addressing vulnerabilities in the U.S. supply chain by reducing our reliance on overseas manufacturing.”“These critical investments will strengthen our nation’s production levels of domestic at-home COVID-19 rapid tests and help mitigate the spread of the virus," Becerra said in a statement.

How to get the government's new free COVID test 

LABETTE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Parsons Police Department are investigating a homicide that occurred over the weekend in Labette County.&nbsp;

Just after 2:30p.m. Sunday, a man placed a 911 call after discovering a body in a field. The woman’s body was located ½ mile west of the intersection of 20000 Road. and Ness Road in rural Labette County.

The Labette County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance to assist with the investigation. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the scene. Investigators found evidence that the woman has been murdered.

The deceased woman has been identified as 28-year-old Kylie Caldwell, of Parsons. Caldwell was last seen early Sunday morning.

Anyone with information about this case, or who has knowledge of Caldwell’s whereabouts over the weekend, is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or the Labette County Sheriff’s Office at 620-795-2565. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

LABETTE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Parsons Police Department are investigating a homicide that occurred over the weekend in Labette County.&nbsp;Just after 2:30p.m. Sunday, a man placed a 911 call after discovering a body in a field. The woman’s body was located ½ mile west of the intersection of 20000 Road. and Ness Road in rural Labette County.The Labette County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance to assist with the investigation. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the scene. Investigators found evidence that the woman has been murdered.The deceased woman has been identified as 28-year-old Kylie Caldwell, of Parsons. Caldwell was last seen early Sunday morning.Anyone with information about this case, or who has knowledge of Caldwell’s whereabouts over the weekend, is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or the Labette County Sheriff’s Office at 620-795-2565. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

Murder: KBI IDs body of woman found in Kansas field

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An influential Kansas House committee leader who helped temper fellow Republicans' drive to limit what state and local officials can do during pandemics plans to give up his legislative seat next month.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Fred Patton announced Monday that he will step down Oct. 16 to spend more time with his family, and focus on community activities and his legal practice as an attorney. Patton is from Topeka and has served in the House since 2015.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Patton often was a moderating influence on fellow Republicans as the GOP-controlled Legislature pushed Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to accept limits on her power and the power of other officials to require masks or close schools and businesses.

Republicans in Patton's district will pick a replacement to hold his seat until after the 2024 elections. Patton said he timed his resignation to give his replacement an extra year of experience and seniority.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695675169896.png" alt="Rep. Fred Patton during a Jan. 2022 Judiciary Committee hearing -Kansas Legislature YouTube" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Fred Patton during a Jan. 2022 Judiciary Committee hearing -Kansas Legislature YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An influential Kansas House committee leader who helped temper fellow Republicans' drive to limit what state and local officials can do during pandemics plans to give up his legislative seat next month.Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Fred Patton announced Monday that he will step down Oct. 16 to spend more time with his family, and focus on community activities and his legal practice as an attorney. Patton is from Topeka and has served in the House since 2015.During the coronavirus pandemic, Patton often was a moderating influence on fellow Republicans as the GOP-controlled Legislature pushed Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to accept limits on her power and the power of other officials to require masks or close schools and businesses.Republicans in Patton's district will pick a replacement to hold his seat until after the 2024 elections. Patton said he timed his resignation to give his replacement an extra year of experience and seniority.

Influential Kan. House committee leader to step down

RENO COUNTY —A rural Kansas hay fire is expected to burn for days.

Just after 3:30 a.m. Monday, Reno County Fire District #4 was dispatched to hay bales on fire at Longview and Herren Road, according to a media release from Reno County Emergency Management .

Approximately 100 large square bales were on fire, stacked about 30 feet high. The burning bales were less than 100 feet from a hay shed that was also full of bales. 

Embers were falling down into the hay shed, endangering the bales within the shed. A request for tender trucks was made from Reno County Fire Districts 3, 7, 8, 9, Pretty Prairie, and Hutchinson Fire. In total, 9 water tenders were used to shuttle water to the scene.

Approximately 70,000 gallons of water was used to protect the hay shed and its contents. 

Reno County Emergency management thanked Miller Earthworks for providing a large excavator that was used to push over the large burning pile of hay and spread it out. Without the use of the excavator, crews would have had to haul water most of the day until the pile burnt itself down.

Fire crews and the land owner will con monitoring fire. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695663175833.jpeg" alt="Photo Reno Co. Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo Reno Co. Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —A rural Kansas hay fire is expected to burn for days.Just after 3:30 a.m. Monday, Reno County Fire District #4 was dispatched to hay bales on fire at Longview and Herren Road, according to a media release from Reno County Emergency Management .Approximately 100 large square bales were on fire, stacked about 30 feet high. The burning bales were less than 100 feet from a hay shed that was also full of bales. Embers were falling down into the hay shed, endangering the bales within the shed. A request for tender trucks was made from Reno County Fire Districts 3, 7, 8, 9, Pretty Prairie, and Hutchinson Fire. In total, 9 water tenders were used to shuttle water to the scene.Approximately 70,000 gallons of water was used to protect the hay shed and its contents. Reno County Emergency management thanked Miller Earthworks for providing a large excavator that was used to push over the large burning pile of hay and spread it out. Without the use of the excavator, crews would have had to haul water most of the day until the pile burnt itself down.Fire crews and the land owner will con monitoring fire. There were no injuries reported.

Rural Kansas hay fire expected to smolder for days

Circuit Judge Jon Beetem wrote that the summaries crafted by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft completely ignored the initiative proposals’ protections for contraceptives and other reproductive health needs

By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

A Cole County judge rewrote the ballot titles for six initiative petitions seeking to enshrine the right to abortion in the Missouri Constitution, ruling that 13 phrases in the summaries written by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft are “argumentative” or unfairly biased.

In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment%20Entered.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=2919702">ruling issued Monday morning</a>, Circuit Judge Jon Beetem wrote that the summaries crafted by Ashcroft completely ignored the initiative proposals’ protections for contraceptives and other reproductive health needs.

In a separate decision, Beetem upheld the fiscal note summary written by state Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, rejecting claims by two state lawmakers and an anti-abortion activist that passage would impose enormous costs not reflected in the summary.

Beetem’s ruling comes two weeks after he heard arguments from ACLU of Missouri attorneys representing Dr. Anna Fitz-James, the physician who is the named sponsor of the initiatives,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/cole-county-judge-hears-case-challenging-ballot-title-for-missouri-abortion-initiatives/">challenging Ashcroft’s ballot titles</a>.

“The court finds that certain phrases included in the secretary’s summary are problematic in that they are argumentative or do not fairly describe the purposes or probable effect of the initiative,” Beetem wrote.

Abortion&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/25/abortion-is-illegal-in-missouri-providers-look-to-next-frontier-to-ensure-access/">became illegal in Missouri</a>&nbsp;in June 2022 when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that recognized a constitutional right to abortion. The only exception is for emergency abortions to save the life of the mother or when there is “a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.”

Representing a political action committee called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, Fitz-James filed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/09/group-files-ballot-measures-adding-abortion-protections-to-missouri-constitution/">11 versions of the proposal</a>&nbsp;with Ashcroft’s office in March. There has already been one lengthy court case over the initiatives, with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/20/missouri-supreme-court-rejects-ags-push-to-inflate-cost-of-abortion-rights-amendment/">Missouri Supreme Court ruling in July</a>&nbsp;that Attorney General Andrew Bailey had no authority to question the contents of Fitzpatrick’s fiscal note summary.

This new round of litigation, expected to also end with appellate review, has delayed the final decision on which of the initiatives to circulate. To make the 2024 ballot, backers must secure more than 170,000 signatures from registered voters by early May.

In his ruling, Beetem wrote that the problematic phrases Ashcroft used in his summary, which must be 100 words or less, include statements that the initiatives would allow “dangerous, unregulated and unrestricted abortions,” that abortion would be allowed “from conception to live birth” and could be performed by anyone “without requiring a medical license” or “potentially being subject to medical malpractice.”

Beetem wrote that he also found “that while the proposals have the greatest immediate impact on abortion, the absence of&nbsp;any&nbsp;reference to reproductive health care beyond is insufficient in that it would cause a voter to believe that abortion is the only health care comprising the initiatives.”

Each version of the proposed amendment says there must be a “compelling governmental interest” for abortion restrictions to be put in place. But while some allow the legislature to regulate abortion after “fetal viability,” others draw the line at 24 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;

Some versions make it clear the state can enact parental consent laws for minors seeking abortions. Others leave the topic out entirely.

Beetem rewrote each of six ballot summaries, making them different based on the contents.

The first sentence of each is identical, asking Missouri voters if they want to “establish a right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives, with any government interference of that right presumed invalid.”

“The court saw Ashcroft’s proposed summary statements for what they were — the language of a biased politician seeking the support of special interest groups,” said&nbsp;Anthony Rothert, director of integrated advocacy at the ACLU of Missouri, which represented the plaintiff in the case.&nbsp;

In a statement to The Independent, Ashcroft’s office said it would appeal the ruling.

“We will not stand idly by while the courts hide the effects of this amendment and mislead the people as to what they may very well be voting on next year,” Ashcroft’s statement read.

In his statement Aschroft’s office said Beetem “may pretend this does not allow ‘dangerous, unregulated, unrestricted’ abortions,” but the initiative, Ashcroft said, would allow abortion providers who injure or kill their patients to do so without fear of prosecution.

In his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment%20Entered.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=2919586">ruling on the challenge to the fiscal note summary</a>, Beetem wrote that Fitzpatrick was under no obligation to do an independent analysis of the potential costs. Filed by state Rep. Hannah Kelly, R-Mountain Grove, state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, and Kathy Forck, a longtime anti-abortion advocate from New Bloomfield, the challengers argued that the state could lose federal Medicaid funding and trillions in future tax revenue.

Beetem noted that in another case from 2020, the same parties had argued that banning abortion would cost Missouri its Medicaid funding.

“Petitioners have thus argued that both banning and legalizing abortion would each result in a 100% disallowance of the state’s federal Medicaid funding,” Beetem wrote. “That argument is untenable, and the record tends to show neither scenario has resulted in a disallowance of federal Medicaid funding, in any amount.”

Fitzpatrick’s summaries are sufficient, he wrote.

“The auditor’s fiscal note summaries do not have to express an exact dollar figure,” Beetem wrote, “especially when one cannot be calculated with any degree of certainty.”

In a statement, Fitzpatrick said he was pleased that Beetem had again found his office issued an accurate, unbiased summary of the fiscal note.

“Even though I would prefer to be able to say these initiative petitions will cost the state billions of dollars, I have a responsibility to the people of Missouri to not allow my personal beliefs to prevent the Auditor’s office from providing a fair cost estimate based on facts,” Fitzpatric, said. “I honored that responsibility in this case and that is what I will continue to do.”

Fitzpatrick added that he personally will work to defeat any of the initiatives that make the ballot.

<h2>Circuit Judge Jon Beetem wrote that the summaries crafted by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft completely ignored the initiative proposals’ protections for contraceptives and other reproductive health needs</h2>By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A Cole County judge rewrote the ballot titles for six initiative petitions seeking to enshrine the right to abortion in the Missouri Constitution, ruling that 13 phrases in the summaries written by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft are “argumentative” or unfairly biased.In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment%20Entered.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=2919702">ruling issued Monday morning</a>, Circuit Judge Jon Beetem wrote that the summaries crafted by Ashcroft completely ignored the initiative proposals’ protections for contraceptives and other reproductive health needs.In a separate decision, Beetem upheld the fiscal note summary written by state Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, rejecting claims by two state lawmakers and an anti-abortion activist that passage would impose enormous costs not reflected in the summary.Beetem’s ruling comes two weeks after he heard arguments from ACLU of Missouri attorneys representing Dr. Anna Fitz-James, the physician who is the named sponsor of the initiatives,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/cole-county-judge-hears-case-challenging-ballot-title-for-missouri-abortion-initiatives/">challenging Ashcroft’s ballot titles</a>.“The court finds that certain phrases included in the secretary’s summary are problematic in that they are argumentative or do not fairly describe the purposes or probable effect of the initiative,” Beetem wrote.Abortion&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/25/abortion-is-illegal-in-missouri-providers-look-to-next-frontier-to-ensure-access/">became illegal in Missouri</a>&nbsp;in June 2022 when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that recognized a constitutional right to abortion. The only exception is for emergency abortions to save the life of the mother or when there is “a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.”Representing a political action committee called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, Fitz-James filed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/09/group-files-ballot-measures-adding-abortion-protections-to-missouri-constitution/">11 versions of the proposal</a>&nbsp;with Ashcroft’s office in March. There has already been one lengthy court case over the initiatives, with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/20/missouri-supreme-court-rejects-ags-push-to-inflate-cost-of-abortion-rights-amendment/">Missouri Supreme Court ruling in July</a>&nbsp;that Attorney General Andrew Bailey had no authority to question the contents of Fitzpatrick’s fiscal note summary.This new round of litigation, expected to also end with appellate review, has delayed the final decision on which of the initiatives to circulate. To make the 2024 ballot, backers must secure more than 170,000 signatures from registered voters by early May.In his ruling, Beetem wrote that the problematic phrases Ashcroft used in his summary, which must be 100 words or less, include statements that the initiatives would allow “dangerous, unregulated and unrestricted abortions,” that abortion would be allowed “from conception to live birth” and could be performed by anyone “without requiring a medical license” or “potentially being subject to medical malpractice.”Beetem wrote that he also found “that while the proposals have the greatest immediate impact on abortion, the absence of&nbsp;any&nbsp;reference to reproductive health care beyond is insufficient in that it would cause a voter to believe that abortion is the only health care comprising the initiatives.”Each version of the proposed amendment says there must be a “compelling governmental interest” for abortion restrictions to be put in place. But while some allow the legislature to regulate abortion after “fetal viability,” others draw the line at 24 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;Some versions make it clear the state can enact parental consent laws for minors seeking abortions. Others leave the topic out entirely.Beetem rewrote each of six ballot summaries, making them different based on the contents.The first sentence of each is identical, asking Missouri voters if they want to “establish a right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives, with any government interference of that right presumed invalid.”“The court saw Ashcroft’s proposed summary statements for what they were — the language of a biased politician seeking the support of special interest groups,” said&nbsp;Anthony Rothert, director of integrated advocacy at the ACLU of Missouri, which represented the plaintiff in the case.&nbsp;In a statement to The Independent, Ashcroft’s office said it would appeal the ruling.“We will not stand idly by while the courts hide the effects of this amendment and mislead the people as to what they may very well be voting on next year,” Ashcroft’s statement read.In his statement Aschroft’s office said Beetem “may pretend this does not allow ‘dangerous, unregulated, unrestricted’ abortions,” but the initiative, Ashcroft said, would allow abortion providers who injure or kill their patients to do so without fear of prosecution.In his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment%20Entered.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=2919586">ruling on the challenge to the fiscal note summary</a>, Beetem wrote that Fitzpatrick was under no obligation to do an independent analysis of the potential costs. Filed by state Rep. Hannah Kelly, R-Mountain Grove, state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, and Kathy Forck, a longtime anti-abortion advocate from New Bloomfield, the challengers argued that the state could lose federal Medicaid funding and trillions in future tax revenue.Beetem noted that in another case from 2020, the same parties had argued that banning abortion would cost Missouri its Medicaid funding.“Petitioners have thus argued that both banning and legalizing abortion would each result in a 100% disallowance of the state’s federal Medicaid funding,” Beetem wrote. “That argument is untenable, and the record tends to show neither scenario has resulted in a disallowance of federal Medicaid funding, in any amount.”Fitzpatrick’s summaries are sufficient, he wrote.“The auditor’s fiscal note summaries do not have to express an exact dollar figure,” Beetem wrote, “especially when one cannot be calculated with any degree of certainty.”In a statement, Fitzpatrick said he was pleased that Beetem had again found his office issued an accurate, unbiased summary of the fiscal note.“Even though I would prefer to be able to say these initiative petitions will cost the state billions of dollars, I have a responsibility to the people of Missouri to not allow my personal beliefs to prevent the Auditor’s office from providing a fair cost estimate based on facts,” Fitzpatric, said. “I honored that responsibility in this case and that is what I will continue to do.”Fitzpatrick added that he personally will work to defeat any of the initiatives that make the ballot.

Judge rejects, rewrites summary for Missouri abortion initiative petition

LYON COUNTY —Friends two women whose bodies were found in rural Colorado have established&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/tragic-death-of-single-mother-leaves-4-young-kids?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unknown&amp;utm_campaign=comms_gfm+tragic-death-of-single-mother-leaves-4-young-kids">online fundraiser</a>s to assist the families.

On September 21,&nbsp; Emporia Police Captain Lisa Hayes reported the bodies 44-year-old Linda L. Estrada and 39-year-old&nbsp; Amy R. Ford were located in rural eastern Colorado.

The Emporia Police Department began their investigation into the disappearance of the women on September 11, after a family member reported Linda Estrada as missing.

Police learned Estrada and Amy Ford had been together in Colorado the previous weekend. Amy was reported missing shortly after the investigation began.

Emporia Police Investigations Division utilized cellular phone technology, along with security videos and solid police work to track the&nbsp; the two woman throughout Colorado. The investigation led detectives to portions of eastern Colorado and western Kansas.

Authorities in Colorado spent 5 days searching with the aid of K9s, airplanes, drones and ground searches. On September 18, Emporia detectives traveled to eastern Colorado where they coordinated with local authorities. Just before 4p.m. CDT, Wednesday, the bodies were found in rural eastern Colorado.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/amy-ford?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer">Click here for</a> more information on the fundraiser for Amy Ford and <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/tragic-death-of-single-mother-leaves-4-young-kids?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer">click here</a> to learn more about the fundraiser for Linda Estrada.

A person of interest to the case is in custody on charges not related to this specific investigation, according to Hayes. The individual’s name will not be released by the Emporia Police Department at this time, due to the continuing investigation(s) in Colorado. Police confirmed the individual has been cooperative.

The investigation is being turned over to an eastern Colorado Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695651910500.png" alt="Linda Estrada and her family photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Linda Estrada and her family photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY —Friends two women whose bodies were found in rural Colorado have established&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/tragic-death-of-single-mother-leaves-4-young-kids?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unknown&amp;utm_campaign=comms_gfm+tragic-death-of-single-mother-leaves-4-young-kids">online fundraiser</a>s to assist the families.On September 21,&nbsp; Emporia Police Captain Lisa Hayes reported the bodies 44-year-old Linda L. Estrada and 39-year-old&nbsp; Amy R. Ford were located in rural eastern Colorado.The Emporia Police Department began their investigation into the disappearance of the women on September 11, after a family member reported Linda Estrada as missing.Police learned Estrada and Amy Ford had been together in Colorado the previous weekend. Amy was reported missing shortly after the investigation began.Emporia Police Investigations Division utilized cellular phone technology, along with security videos and solid police work to track the&nbsp; the two woman throughout Colorado. The investigation led detectives to portions of eastern Colorado and western Kansas.Authorities in Colorado spent 5 days searching with the aid of K9s, airplanes, drones and ground searches. On September 18, Emporia detectives traveled to eastern Colorado where they coordinated with local authorities. Just before 4p.m. CDT, Wednesday, the bodies were found in rural eastern Colorado.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/amy-ford?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer">Click here for</a> more information on the fundraiser for Amy Ford and <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/tragic-death-of-single-mother-leaves-4-young-kids?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer">click here</a> to learn more about the fundraiser for Linda Estrada.A person of interest to the case is in custody on charges not related to this specific investigation, according to Hayes. The individual’s name will not be released by the Emporia Police Department at this time, due to the continuing investigation(s) in Colorado. Police confirmed the individual has been cooperative.The investigation is being turned over to an eastern Colorado Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.---------------------------

Friends helping family after bodies of 2 Kan. women found in Colorado

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;has gotten the updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Letter-9.23.23.pdf">COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu shot</a>, the White House said Saturday.

The White House physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, said in a memo that Biden received both shots on Friday. O'Connor said Biden, 80, also was vaccinated several weeks ago against the respiratory illness known as RSV.

“As we enter the cold and flu season, the President encourages all Americans to follow his example and to check with their healthcare provider or pharmacist to assure that they are fully vaccinated,” O'Connor wrote.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-shots-cdc-5bc4db844557120bcc50dc0838c0e044">endorsed the new COVID-19 shot</a>&nbsp;for everyone 6 months and older. The severity of the COVID-19 pandemic has faded, but there are still thousands of hospitalizations and hundreds of deaths in the United States each week.

Experts worry that immunity from previous vaccinations and infections is fading in many people, and a new shot would save many lives.

First lady Jill Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jill-biden-covid19-president-24b43a5009e85ad6dc0524fafcf484ce">tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month</a>&nbsp;but experienced only mild symptoms.

The CDC recommends that people who have COVID-19 and are in isolation should wait to get vaccinated until there symptoms are gone and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fyour-health%2Fquarantine-isolation.html">isolation guidelines</a>&nbsp;have been met. Children and adults who have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mis/about.html">multisystem inflammatory syndrome</a>&nbsp;should wait to get vaccinated until recovering from being sick and 90 days have passed since the diagnosis, according to the CDC.

Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-6ffc64aa1d8d67b074dd8beb67d7cf6f">tested positive for COVID-19 in July 2022</a>&nbsp;and a second time slightly more than three days after he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-7842dd2e606bb9f6aeb15d4a8c856c97">cleared to exit coronavirus isolation</a>. The second incident was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-2e843a971be751e8b8b25575c8bfc60a">rare case</a>&nbsp;of “rebound” infection following treatment with an anti-viral drug.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695651053577.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;has gotten the updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Letter-9.23.23.pdf">COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu shot</a>, the White House said Saturday.The White House physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, said in a memo that Biden received both shots on Friday. O'Connor said Biden, 80, also was vaccinated several weeks ago against the respiratory illness known as RSV.“As we enter the cold and flu season, the President encourages all Americans to follow his example and to check with their healthcare provider or pharmacist to assure that they are fully vaccinated,” O'Connor wrote.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-shots-cdc-5bc4db844557120bcc50dc0838c0e044">endorsed the new COVID-19 shot</a>&nbsp;for everyone 6 months and older. The severity of the COVID-19 pandemic has faded, but there are still thousands of hospitalizations and hundreds of deaths in the United States each week.Experts worry that immunity from previous vaccinations and infections is fading in many people, and a new shot would save many lives.First lady Jill Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jill-biden-covid19-president-24b43a5009e85ad6dc0524fafcf484ce">tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month</a>&nbsp;but experienced only mild symptoms.The CDC recommends that people who have COVID-19 and are in isolation should wait to get vaccinated until there symptoms are gone and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fyour-health%2Fquarantine-isolation.html">isolation guidelines</a>&nbsp;have been met. Children and adults who have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mis/about.html">multisystem inflammatory syndrome</a>&nbsp;should wait to get vaccinated until recovering from being sick and 90 days have passed since the diagnosis, according to the CDC.Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-6ffc64aa1d8d67b074dd8beb67d7cf6f">tested positive for COVID-19 in July 2022</a>&nbsp;and a second time slightly more than three days after he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-government-and-politics-7842dd2e606bb9f6aeb15d4a8c856c97">cleared to exit coronavirus isolation</a>. The second incident was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-2e843a971be751e8b8b25575c8bfc60a">rare case</a>&nbsp;of “rebound” infection following treatment with an anti-viral drug.

Biden has gotten the updated COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp;investigating the homicide of 36-year-old Timothy Vandunk of Wichita in a weekend shooting in Wichita.

Just after&nbsp; 11pm Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 3600 block of W. 13th St N. in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders located Vandunk with apparent gunshot wounds, and immediately rendered lifesaving measures. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a disturbance occurred resulting in Vandunk being shot. Investigators are still gathering evidence and following promising leads. There are no outstanding suspects, all involved parties are acquaintances and are cooperating with the investigation.&nbsp;

This case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office. The identification of suspects will not be made until formal charges are filed.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp;investigating the homicide of 36-year-old Timothy Vandunk of Wichita in a weekend shooting in Wichita.Just after&nbsp; 11pm Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 3600 block of W. 13th St N. in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders located Vandunk with apparent gunshot wounds, and immediately rendered lifesaving measures. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary investigation revealed that a disturbance occurred resulting in Vandunk being shot. Investigators are still gathering evidence and following promising leads. There are no outstanding suspects, all involved parties are acquaintances and are cooperating with the investigation.&nbsp;This case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office. The identification of suspects will not be made until formal charges are filed.

Police investigate deadly weekend Kansas shooting

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

WASHINGTON — More than 3.5 million federal employees and military personnel — many in the Washington, D.C., area but also scattered across the states and around the globe — are bracing for another partial government shutdown, as U.S. House Republicans struggle to produce a short-term plan to fund the government past the end of the month.

Most of the workers will be furloughed and go without paychecks in a shutdown. Some will have to work without pay because of the nature of their jobs, like members of the military, law enforcement officers, air traffic controllers and TSA officers. Those federal employees would get back pay once the shutdown ends under a law enacted in January 2019.

Lawmakers would not be personally affected — members of Congress would continue to get paid, as well as President Joe Biden and federal judges, though the judicial branch could see its funding run low.

In the D.C. area, Virginia is home to an estimated 140,000 civilian federal workers, who for some unknown period would go without pay and would be forced to draw on savings or other assistance, according to a federal employee database. Maryland has an estimated 139,000 civilian employees.

There are 36,181 civilian federal employees in Missouri who would be impacted by a government shutdown.

The economic impact could be broad, because the funding lapse this year would hit much harder than the 35-day partial government shutdown that took place during the Trump administration and reduced GDP by billions of dollars. This time, a partial shutdown would affect more than 1.4 million uniformed members of the military and&nbsp;1 million additional civilian federal employees at the Pentagon, Department of Health and Human Services and several other agencies, as well as congressional staff.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, has repeatedly warned his own members against forcing a funding lapse, saying it won’t help the party to achieve its goals.

But that hasn’t stopped especially conservative Republicans from<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-gop-spending-bills-falter-congress-struggles-avoid-shutdown">&nbsp;halting work&nbsp;</a>on full-year spending measures and opposing the short-term stopgap bill that’s needed to give lawmakers more time to work out a deal.

American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley said in a written statement that a “government shutdown would be a disaster for the American people and the federal employees who keep our government running.”

“Shutdowns hurt local communities across the country, deny Americans access to government services, and do significant damage to the overall economy,” Kelley said.

Congress, Kelley said, “needs to do its job and pass a continuing resolution to keep the government funded at current levels while continuing to negotiate a final budget. Nothing less is acceptable.”

AFGE represents more than 750,000 federal and D.C. government employees.

Here’s a look at why the federal government might shut down by Oct. 1, what agencies are impacted and what isn’t affected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695238897489.png" alt="A partial government shutdown would affect more than 1.4 million uniformed members of the military and 1 million additional civilian federal employees at the Pentagon, Department of Health and Human Services and several other agencies, as well as congressional staff (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption>A partial government shutdown would affect more than 1.4 million uniformed members of the military and 1 million additional civilian federal employees at the Pentagon, Department of Health and Human Services and several other agencies, as well as congressional staff (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JENNIFER SHUTT,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — More than 3.5 million federal employees and military personnel — many in the Washington, D.C., area but also scattered across the states and around the globe — are bracing for another partial government shutdown, as U.S. House Republicans struggle to produce a short-term plan to fund the government past the end of the month.Most of the workers will be furloughed and go without paychecks in a shutdown. Some will have to work without pay because of the nature of their jobs, like members of the military, law enforcement officers, air traffic controllers and TSA officers. Those federal employees would get back pay once the shutdown ends under a law enacted in January 2019.Lawmakers would not be personally affected — members of Congress would continue to get paid, as well as President Joe Biden and federal judges, though the judicial branch could see its funding run low.In the D.C. area, Virginia is home to an estimated 140,000 civilian federal workers, who for some unknown period would go without pay and would be forced to draw on savings or other assistance, according to a federal employee database. Maryland has an estimated 139,000 civilian employees.There are 36,181 civilian federal employees in Missouri who would be impacted by a government shutdown.The economic impact could be broad, because the funding lapse this year would hit much harder than the 35-day partial government shutdown that took place during the Trump administration and reduced GDP by billions of dollars. This time, a partial shutdown would affect more than 1.4 million uniformed members of the military and&nbsp;1 million additional civilian federal employees at the Pentagon, Department of Health and Human Services and several other agencies, as well as congressional staff.Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, has repeatedly warned his own members against forcing a funding lapse, saying it won’t help the party to achieve its goals.But that hasn’t stopped especially conservative Republicans from<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-gop-spending-bills-falter-congress-struggles-avoid-shutdown">&nbsp;halting work&nbsp;</a>on full-year spending measures and opposing the short-term stopgap bill that’s needed to give lawmakers more time to work out a deal.American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley said in a written statement that a “government shutdown would be a disaster for the American people and the federal employees who keep our government running.”“Shutdowns hurt local communities across the country, deny Americans access to government services, and do significant damage to the overall economy,” Kelley said.Congress, Kelley said, “needs to do its job and pass a continuing resolution to keep the government funded at current levels while continuing to negotiate a final budget. Nothing less is acceptable.”AFGE represents more than 750,000 federal and D.C. government employees.Here’s a look at why the federal government might shut down by Oct. 1, what agencies are impacted and what isn’t affected.<h2>Why would the government have to shut down?</h2>Congress is supposed to pass 12 government funding bills each year before the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1, but lawmakers haven’t completed all of their bills on time since 1996.Instead, every year the House and Senate pass at least one stopgap spending bill, or continuing resolution. This keeps funding levels and policy mostly flat for a few weeks or a couple of months, giving the Appropriations committees more time to work out bipartisan bills and for leaders to hold floor votes.Congress sometimes has to pass several short-term funding bills lasting for months, or even the entire fiscal year, if agreements on new, full-year spending bills can’t be negotiated.If Congress doesn’t approve all dozen full-year government funding bills, or pass a short-term stopgap bill, by midnight on Sept. 30, then a funding lapse begins and government departments begin implementing a partial shutdown.<h2>What happens during a shutdown?&nbsp;</h2>Federal civilian employees are broadly categorized as either “excepted” or “non-excepted.” During a partial government shutdown, excepted federal workers continue to work without pay while everyone else is furloughed — which means they are on an enforced vacation and their pay is on hold until the government resumes operations.Employees that deal with “the safety of human life or the protection of property” often work without pay until Congress approves some sort of spending measure.<h2>What federal departments and agencies are involved?&nbsp;</h2>Any federal department or agency without a full-year appropriations bill would need to implement its shutdown plans if Congress doesn’t approve a spending bill before Oct. 1.Congress has yet to pass any of its dozen annual funding bills for fiscal 2024, so all of the departments and agencies funded through the annual appropriations process would be impacted.That includes the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury and Veterans Affairs.Smaller federal agencies would also be affected, including the Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, NASA and the Smithsonian Institution, among dozens of others.The entire legislative branch, including the U.S. House, U.S. Senate, the Capitol Police, the Congressional Budget Office, Government Accountability Office and the Library of Congress, among others, would be partially shut down.Each department and agency has its own guidance for implementing a partial government shutdown, which is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-for-agencies/agency-contingency-plans/">posted on the Office of Management and Budget’s website.</a><h2>What federal operations escape?</h2>Spending on mandatory programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security does not go through the annual appropriations process, so those three programs are mostly exempt from the impact.<h2>How many federal employees would be furloughed?</h2>The federal government employed just under 2.2 million civilian employees earlier this year, according to its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fedscope.opm.gov/">database</a>. There are another 1.4 million members of the U.S. military, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/spec_fy2024.pdf">numbers</a>&nbsp;from the Office of Management and Budget. The Legislative Branch employs more than 31,000 employees and the judicial branch has about 33,000 employees.About 745,000 of the civilian employees work for the Department of Defense, with another 449,000 at the Veterans Affairs Department. The Department of Homeland Security — which houses Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency — employs more than 216,000 federal employees.A state-by-state&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fedscope.opm.gov/ibmcognos/bi/v1/disp?b_action=powerPlayService&amp;m_encoding=UTF-8&amp;BZ=1AAABlrQKB6l42n1OTW_CQBT8M%7EuwPdS8HUDlwGGBJZJUsMK9obhaUz4McvHfN8DBtofO5CWTeTPJWHm2zIvsoJPIvw1db5LoiYALPNdVCJ2NRuyESnuOXLEbePFKOnKNNQHP1tjV6hBu96rY_oS46trBtAMhPnX10fTkBuRwWzaG7GixL6uv8mxu77q51t29Me2wIDcixNf58zv_SBH4hcC7sq8_CQyGPRatKA_XYZamOiySLE3VTvv%7ElqzgzT8xC8nMUrIQgoXLAixGCqHOpq3uBCYcCazqmth77apyuHTtH1sQNgSbCUYSPgjebMiHISYQ7DH_A3LipOYx080TZnwDkntmsg%3D%3D">breakdown</a>&nbsp;of where civilian federal employees work shows that the nation’s capital has the most federal employees, with 161,000 working in the District of Columbia.California has the second-highest population of civilian federal employees with 142,000. Texas holds nearly 123,000.More than 636,000 federal employees are veterans.Federal employees will get back pay after the shutdown ends, though that hasn’t extended to federal contractors.<h2>Does anyone get paid during a partial government shutdown?</h2>Yes. The president, members of Congress and judges.Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution “forbids the salary of the President to be reduced while he or she is in office, thus effectively guaranteeing the President of compensation regardless of any shutdown action,” according to the Congressional Research Service.Members of Congress would receive pay for several reasons, including that they have a permanent appropriation for their salaries, a section of the Constitution addressing lawmakers’ pay and the 27th Amendment, according to the Congressional Research Service.Article I, Section 6 of the Constitution says that U.S. lawmakers “shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.”And the 27th Amendment notes that “No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.”Judges and the judiciary would “likely be able to continue to operate for a limited time using funds derived from court filings and other fees and from no-year appropriations,” according to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/RL34680.pdf">report</a>&nbsp;from CRS.<h2>How many funding lapses have there been?</h2>Congress has failed to fund the government three times since 2000.In 2013, there was a 16-day shutdown amid calls from several hardline Republicans, including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz,&nbsp;to defund the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.While none of the 12 full-year government funding bills were law when that shutdown began, it didn’t fully impact the Pentagon.Just before the funding lapse began, Congress passed a bill to provide pay for troops, Defense Department civilian employees and certain contractors working for either the Defense Department or the Homeland Security Department, according to the Congressional Research Service.There were two funding lapses during the Trump administration, one of which was relatively short and one that lasted for 35 days.The 35-day partial government shutdown began after five of the dozen annual spending bills became law, reducing the number of federal employees and operations impacted.The Departments of Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Labor and Veterans Affairs weren’t affected. Congress also wasn’t impacted, having passed its own funding bill.<h2>What is the economic impact of a partial government shutdown?</h2>Federal employees were furloughed for a total of 6.6 million days during the 2013 partial government shutdown, bringing the total “lost productivity” to about $2 billion, according to an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/reports/impacts-and-costs-of-october-2013-federal-government-shutdown-report.pdf">analysis</a>&nbsp;from the White House budget office.The 2019 partial government shutdown reduced real gross domestic product by $3 billion during the fourth quarter of 2018 and by $8 billion during the first quarter of 2019, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2019-01/54937-PartialShutdownEffects.pdf">analysis</a>&nbsp;from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.That shutdown, CBO said in its report, “dampened economic activity mainly because of the loss of furloughed federal workers’ contribution to GDP, the delay in federal spending on goods and services, and the reduction in aggregate demand (which thereby dampened private-sector activity).”<h2>What’s the Biden administration saying?</h2>The White House released a memo Wednesday rebuking House Republicans for approaching the end of the fiscal year without a bipartisan plan to fund the government.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Your daily reminder. <a href="https://t.co/JbGTuwUJjz">pic.twitter.com/JbGTuwUJjz</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1705979153680351524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The administration said it’s clear that “if extreme House Republicans fail to ram through their radical agenda, they plan to take their frustration out on the American people by forcing a government shutdown that would undermine our economy and national security, create needless uncertainty for families and businesses, and have damaging consequences across the country.”The memo says a funding lapse could affect dozens of federal programs, including eliminating some spaces in Head Start, slowing down new loans at the Small Business Administration and forcing the FDA to “delay food safety inspections for a wide variety of products all across the country.”The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, could have to reduce the number of inspections, “denying workers a key protection against safety risk, and Americans who are owed back pay for their hard work would face delays due to the majority of Department of Labor investigations being suspended.”Air travel could also be impacted since TSA employees and air traffic controllers would be working without pay, the White House memo says.“These consequences are real and avoidable — but only if House Republicans stop playing political games with peoples’ lives and catering to the ideological demands of their most extreme, far-right members,” the White House memo says. “It’s time for House Republicans to abide by the bipartisan budget agreement that a majority of them voted for, keep the government open, and address other urgent needs for the American people.”