SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal crash involving two vehicles in Shawnee County.

According to Deputy Abigail Christian, a southbound Dodge sedan with two occupants and a Buick SUV with four occupants collided at NE Kincaid Road and 62nd Street.&nbsp;

One individual was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to Deputy Christian. American Medical Response transported four others to a local hospital.&nbsp; The names of those involved have not been released.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725840465323.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the crash photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the crash photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal crash involving two vehicles in Shawnee County.According to Deputy Abigail Christian, a southbound Dodge sedan with two occupants and a Buick SUV with four occupants collided at NE Kincaid Road and 62nd Street.&nbsp;One individual was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to Deputy Christian. American Medical Response transported four others to a local hospital.&nbsp; The names of those involved have not been released.&nbsp;

Sheriff: 1 dead, 4 hospitalized after Kansas crash

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating the connection between a shooting and traffic crash in Kansas City.

Just after 4a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to reported non-injury accident at 12th and Benton in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Jake Becchina.

Officers located a vehicle, unoccupied, just west of the intersection on 12th Street that appeared to have been involved in a crash. Upon close investigation of the vehicle it appeared there was indications of potential gunshot activity into the vehicle, as well as indications that someone may have been injured inside the vehicle.

Responding officers began gathering information to determine the sequence of events and additional officers responded and began canvassing for anyone that maybe injured. 

Officers canvassing were led to an apartment building diagonal from the intersection to the south and east. Behind that apartment they located a man, later identified as 20-year-old&nbsp;Michael B. Waylee who appeared to have been shot, unresponsive there. Officers called for EMS who declared him deceased at the scene. 

Preliminary Investigation indicates that the vehicle initially reported in the crash was westbound on 12th just after 1am at a high rate of speed. At the intersection of Benton the vehicle sideswiped a vehicle and the driver lost control and crashed into a parked vehicle west of Benton. 

Following the crash the victim exited the vehicle and fled the scene. Detectives are also investigating a reported shooting that took place at 12th and Hardesty just after 1am. 

At that shooting scene one man was shot and transported to the hospital with what is thought to be non-life threatening injuries. Detectives are investigating the potential connection between the two scenes. 

Detectives and crime scene investigators processed the scene for evidence.

If anyone heard or saw anything in this area between 1 am and 4 am, or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating the connection between a shooting and traffic crash in Kansas City.Just after 4a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to reported non-injury accident at 12th and Benton in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Jake Becchina.Officers located a vehicle, unoccupied, just west of the intersection on 12th Street that appeared to have been involved in a crash. Upon close investigation of the vehicle it appeared there was indications of potential gunshot activity into the vehicle, as well as indications that someone may have been injured inside the vehicle.Responding officers began gathering information to determine the sequence of events and additional officers responded and began canvassing for anyone that maybe injured. Officers canvassing were led to an apartment building diagonal from the intersection to the south and east. Behind that apartment they located a man, later identified as 20-year-old&nbsp;Michael B. Waylee who appeared to have been shot, unresponsive there. Officers called for EMS who declared him deceased at the scene. Preliminary Investigation indicates that the vehicle initially reported in the crash was westbound on 12th just after 1am at a high rate of speed. At the intersection of Benton the vehicle sideswiped a vehicle and the driver lost control and crashed into a parked vehicle west of Benton. Following the crash the victim exited the vehicle and fled the scene. Detectives are also investigating a reported shooting that took place at 12th and Hardesty just after 1am. At that shooting scene one man was shot and transported to the hospital with what is thought to be non-life threatening injuries. Detectives are investigating the potential connection between the two scenes. Detectives and crime scene investigators processed the scene for evidence.If anyone heard or saw anything in this area between 1 am and 4 am, or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

Homicide: KCPD responds to car crash, found shooting victim

RENO COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating three suspect on multiple allegations after a chase in Reno County.

&nbsp;Just after 4:30 p.m. Saturday, police were sent to&nbsp;Dunham’s Sports, 1500 East 11th Avenue in Hutchinson in reference to a reported theft, according to&nbsp;According to Hutchinson Police Capt. Dayton Gates in a media release. Three suspects left the area in a U-Haul box truck.

Shortly after being dispatched, Kansas Highway Patrol located and attempted to make a traffic stop on the truck near 15th Avenue and Halstead Street. Kansas Highway Patrol initiated a vehicle pursuit after the driver of the truck refused to pull over.

Hutchinson Police Department assisted with the vehicle pursuit. Officers were able to successfully stop-stick the truck and it came to a stop in the 500 block of West 1st Avenue.

The driver, Charles Bogguess, 44, Wichita, was arrested on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, felony flee and elude, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of stolen property, possession of opiates, possession of stolen&nbsp;property; 2 or more convictions in 5 years, theft; property or services; less than $1,500, reckless&nbsp;driving, driving while suspended; 3rd or subsequent conviction and possession of drug&nbsp;paraphernalia.

Jamie Batres, 39, Wichita, was arrested on requestd charges of felony interference&nbsp;with law enforcement, possession of opiates; 2 or more prior convictions, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property and theft; property or services; less than $1,500.

Jasmine Gray, 34 YOA female from Wichita, was arrested and charged with possession of stolen&nbsp;property; less than $1,500 and theft; property or services; less than $1,500. No injuries were reported. &nbsp;

Kansas Highway Patrol, Reno County&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office, and South Hutchinson Police Department assisted in the pursuit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725820336605.png" alt="Bogguess has ten previous convictions for theft, aggravated robbery, burglary, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and criminal possession of a firearm, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Bogguess has ten previous convictions for theft, aggravated robbery, burglary, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and criminal possession of a firearm, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating three suspect on multiple allegations after a chase in Reno County.&nbsp;Just after 4:30 p.m. Saturday, police were sent to&nbsp;Dunham’s Sports, 1500 East 11th Avenue in Hutchinson in reference to a reported theft, according to&nbsp;According to Hutchinson Police Capt. Dayton Gates in a media release. Three suspects left the area in a U-Haul box truck.Shortly after being dispatched, Kansas Highway Patrol located and attempted to make a traffic stop on the truck near 15th Avenue and Halstead Street. Kansas Highway Patrol initiated a vehicle pursuit after the driver of the truck refused to pull over.Hutchinson Police Department assisted with the vehicle pursuit. Officers were able to successfully stop-stick the truck and it came to a stop in the 500 block of West 1st Avenue.The driver, Charles Bogguess, 44, Wichita, was arrested on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, felony flee and elude, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of stolen property, possession of opiates, possession of stolen&nbsp;property; 2 or more convictions in 5 years, theft; property or services; less than $1,500, reckless&nbsp;driving, driving while suspended; 3rd or subsequent conviction and possession of drug&nbsp;paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725820679346.png" alt="Batres has over two dozen previous convictions that include forgery, ID theft, theft and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Batres has over two dozen previous convictions that include forgery, ID theft, theft and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>Jamie Batres, 39, Wichita, was arrested on requestd charges of felony interference&nbsp;with law enforcement, possession of opiates; 2 or more prior convictions, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property and theft; property or services; less than $1,500.Jasmine Gray, 34 YOA female from Wichita, was arrested and charged with possession of stolen&nbsp;property; less than $1,500 and theft; property or services; less than $1,500. No injuries were reported. &nbsp;Kansas Highway Patrol, Reno County&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office, and South Hutchinson Police Department assisted in the pursuit.

Police catch Kan. felons after chase with U-Haul box truck

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — A police officer was put on administrative leave after being involved in an incident where the Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill was handcuffed and placed face down on a street outside the team's home stadium following a traffic stop Sunday morning, hours before the star wide receiver played in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jaguars-dolphins-score-d3e04db401687f343f4d9097f6d35780">first game</a>&nbsp;of the season.

The officer, who was not identified, was one of at least three involved in detaining Hill, who said he was stopped for speeding and reckless driving. Some fans saw the incident and captured video on their way to the game, and it quickly went viral on social media.

Miami-Dade Police director Stephanie V. Daniels said she launched an internal affairs investigation.

Told postgame that the officer was placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation, Hill said “that should tell you everything you need to know.”

Added defensive tackle Calais Campbell, who was also briefly handcuffed after coming to his teammate's aid: “That makes sense based on the situation.”

Hill, who said he respects police officers and wants to be one when he retires from football, said he "had no idea” why police placed him in handcuffs.

Hill said he didn't want to use his status to get out of the situation but wondered what would’ve happened if he weren’t an NFL star.

“I don’t want to bring race into it, but sometimes it gets kind of iffy when you do,” Hill said. “What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill? Lord knows what that guy or guys would have done. I was just making sure that I was doing what my uncle always told me to do whenever you’re in a situation like that: ‘Just listen, put your hands on the steering wheel and just listen.’”

Daniels said in a statement earlier Sunday that she requested an “immediate review” of the details surrounding the incident, adding that the department would review available body camera footage.

In a later statement, Daniels said: “I'm committed to transparency and accountability to the community with any situation involving my officers."

Hill said everything happened so fast it caught him off guard.

“I’m just glad that my teammates were there to support me in that situation because I felt alone,” Hill added.

Campbell said he was driving into Hard Rock Stadium when he saw Hill handcuffed, and he stopped to help. The 17-year NFL veteran ended up in handcuffs as well, saying officers told him it was because he disobeyed their direct orders.

“I’d seen, I feel like excessive force, so I get out of the car to kind of just try to de-escalate the situation,” Campbell said, also calling the incident “a bit extreme.”

Hill, who led the NFL in receiving yards in 2023, said he spoke to his wife and family after the incident and before the game kicked off.

He led Miami's receivers with seven catches for 130 yards Sunday, including an 80-yard touchdown in the third quarter that helped the Dolphins rally past the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17. Hill celebrated the score by placing his hands behind his back as if to simulate being handcuffed.

Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, called it a “heartbreaking situation” on ESPN.

“How things escalated into the situation that they were in, in handcuffs and being held on the ground with police, is mindboggling to me,” Rosenhaus said. "I'm deeply concerned by that. Very troubled. We will be looking into it. We will be investigating this. We will look out for Tyreek, but I'm not going to make any allegations at this time. The most important thing is Tyreek is OK physically, mentally he was very distraught about what happened.”

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league has been in contact with the Dolphins, but declined to comment further.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — A police officer was put on administrative leave after being involved in an incident where the Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill was handcuffed and placed face down on a street outside the team's home stadium following a traffic stop Sunday morning, hours before the star wide receiver played in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jaguars-dolphins-score-d3e04db401687f343f4d9097f6d35780">first game</a>&nbsp;of the season.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1️⃣ to 🔟 real quick <a href="https://t.co/vx5zUf5JQs">pic.twitter.com/vx5zUf5JQs</a>&mdash; Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiDolphins/status/1832862052425277874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The officer, who was not identified, was one of at least three involved in detaining Hill, who said he was stopped for speeding and reckless driving. Some fans saw the incident and captured video on their way to the game, and it quickly went viral on social media.Miami-Dade Police director Stephanie V. Daniels said she launched an internal affairs investigation.Told postgame that the officer was placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation, Hill said “that should tell you everything you need to know.”Added defensive tackle Calais Campbell, who was also briefly handcuffed after coming to his teammate's aid: “That makes sense based on the situation.”Hill, who said he respects police officers and wants to be one when he retires from football, said he "had no idea” why police placed him in handcuffs.Hill said he didn't want to use his status to get out of the situation but wondered what would’ve happened if he weren’t an NFL star.“I don’t want to bring race into it, but sometimes it gets kind of iffy when you do,” Hill said. “What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill? Lord knows what that guy or guys would have done. I was just making sure that I was doing what my uncle always told me to do whenever you’re in a situation like that: ‘Just listen, put your hands on the steering wheel and just listen.’”Daniels said in a statement earlier Sunday that she requested an “immediate review” of the details surrounding the incident, adding that the department would review available body camera footage.In a later statement, Daniels said: “I'm committed to transparency and accountability to the community with any situation involving my officers."Hill said everything happened so fast it caught him off guard.“I’m just glad that my teammates were there to support me in that situation because I felt alone,” Hill added.Campbell said he was driving into Hard Rock Stadium when he saw Hill handcuffed, and he stopped to help. The 17-year NFL veteran ended up in handcuffs as well, saying officers told him it was because he disobeyed their direct orders.“I’d seen, I feel like excessive force, so I get out of the car to kind of just try to de-escalate the situation,” Campbell said, also calling the incident “a bit extreme.”Hill, who led the NFL in receiving yards in 2023, said he spoke to his wife and family after the incident and before the game kicked off.He led Miami's receivers with seven catches for 130 yards Sunday, including an 80-yard touchdown in the third quarter that helped the Dolphins rally past the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17. Hill celebrated the score by placing his hands behind his back as if to simulate being handcuffed.Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, called it a “heartbreaking situation” on ESPN.“How things escalated into the situation that they were in, in handcuffs and being held on the ground with police, is mindboggling to me,” Rosenhaus said. "I'm deeply concerned by that. Very troubled. We will be looking into it. We will be investigating this. We will look out for Tyreek, but I'm not going to make any allegations at this time. The most important thing is Tyreek is OK physically, mentally he was very distraught about what happened.”NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league has been in contact with the Dolphins, but declined to comment further.

Officer placed on leave after former KC Chief handcuffed before game

KANSAS CITY—Just after 6:20p.m. Sunday, the patrol reported the girls were located safe and Hardy was in custody.&nbsp; The patrol reported no additional details.

KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued an Amber Alert involving&nbsp; two 9-month year olds Iris and Halo Gannaway.&nbsp; Police are looking for a Silver 2016 Ford Fusion with Missouri Plate TK7Z6U driven by 21-year-old Malik Hardy.

According to the Patrol, Hardy threatened the mother of the children with a firearm before taking both children from a&nbsp; residence at 8201  Valley Road in Belton.

The car was traveling northbound on Interstate 49 from MO 58.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725835931257.png" alt="Hardy photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Hardy photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Just after 6:20p.m. Sunday, the patrol reported the girls were located safe and Hardy was in custody.&nbsp; The patrol reported no additional details.------------KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued an Amber Alert involving&nbsp; two 9-month year olds Iris and Halo Gannaway.&nbsp; Police are looking for a Silver 2016 Ford Fusion with Missouri Plate TK7Z6U driven by 21-year-old Malik Hardy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725836107918.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to the Patrol, Hardy threatened the mother of the children with a firearm before taking both children from a&nbsp; residence at 8201 Valley Road in Belton.The car was traveling northbound on Interstate 49 from MO 58.

Amber Alert for two 9-month-old girls canceled, suspect in custody

KANSAS CITY —A Denver, Colorado, man was sentenced in federal court last week for transporting thousands of fentanyl pills and methamphetamine through Kansas City aboard a bus and for illegally possessing a firearm.

Ahmad Rashad Rhodes, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Rhodes was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions.

On December 7, 2023, Rhodes was found guilty at trial of one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Officers with the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station on March 20, 2023, when Rhodes arrived on a bus that originated in Los Angeles, California. As passengers disembarked, a police drug-sniffing dog alerted to the scent of illegal drugs in a suitcase in the undercarriage of the bus as well as a backpack in the passenger compartment of the bus. Officers determined both items belonged to Rhodes and contacted him.

After a brief struggle, Rhodes was taken into custody when he admitted to officers he had a gun in the crossbody bag he was wearing. Officers searched Rhodes and found a key chain in his coat with two metal pill holders attached; one pill holder contained 61 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl and the other contained 33 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl.

In the crossbody bag Rhodes was wearing, officers discovered 3,200 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl, a clear plastic baggie that contained 60 grams of pure methamphetamine, and a loaded Smith &amp; Wesson .38-caliber pistol. Officers searched the rest of Rhodes’s luggage and found a digital scale, over 100 unused small, plastic baggies and marijuana.

Rhodes told officers he was enroute to Louisville, Kentucky, and was fleeing from Colorado due to a pending drug-trafficking case in which he was set to be sentenced.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Rhodes has eight prior felony convictions related to the use or trafficking of illegal drugs, including two convictions in Colorado to which he pled guilty and then failed to appear for sentencing, and a prior felony conviction for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents, Rhodes has spent most of his adult life under some sort of criminal justice sentence or supervision, meaning that nearly all of his violations of the law were committed while he was being supervised for a previous crime.

KANSAS CITY —A Denver, Colorado, man was sentenced in federal court last week for transporting thousands of fentanyl pills and methamphetamine through Kansas City aboard a bus and for illegally possessing a firearm.Ahmad Rashad Rhodes, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Rhodes was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions.On December 7, 2023, Rhodes was found guilty at trial of one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.Officers with the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station on March 20, 2023, when Rhodes arrived on a bus that originated in Los Angeles, California. As passengers disembarked, a police drug-sniffing dog alerted to the scent of illegal drugs in a suitcase in the undercarriage of the bus as well as a backpack in the passenger compartment of the bus. Officers determined both items belonged to Rhodes and contacted him.After a brief struggle, Rhodes was taken into custody when he admitted to officers he had a gun in the crossbody bag he was wearing. Officers searched Rhodes and found a key chain in his coat with two metal pill holders attached; one pill holder contained 61 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl and the other contained 33 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl.In the crossbody bag Rhodes was wearing, officers discovered 3,200 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl, a clear plastic baggie that contained 60 grams of pure methamphetamine, and a loaded Smith &amp; Wesson .38-caliber pistol. Officers searched the rest of Rhodes’s luggage and found a digital scale, over 100 unused small, plastic baggies and marijuana.Rhodes told officers he was enroute to Louisville, Kentucky, and was fleeing from Colorado due to a pending drug-trafficking case in which he was set to be sentenced.Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Rhodes has eight prior felony convictions related to the use or trafficking of illegal drugs, including two convictions in Colorado to which he pled guilty and then failed to appear for sentencing, and a prior felony conviction for illegally possessing a firearm.According to court documents, Rhodes has spent most of his adult life under some sort of criminal justice sentence or supervision, meaning that nearly all of his violations of the law were committed while he was being supervised for a previous crime.

Man caught transporting fentanyl pills on a bus in Kansas City

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/johnmccracken/">JOHN MCCRACKEN</a>

Tyson Foods annual sales have doubled in the past two decades, increasing from $26 billion to $53 billion from 2004 to 2023, according to a review of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Yet Tyson, which is the country’s largest chicken company, has closed nine meatpacking plants over the past year — including two in Missouri impacting more than 2,000 workers.

The plant closures and the company’s contracts with affected chicken farmers sparked an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The meatpacking company is also being sued for allegations of&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/06/17/tyson-foods-cal-maine-foods-sued-for-alleged-antitrust-action/" target="_blank">antitrust violations</a>.

The Arkansas-based company operates 183 chicken facilities in the U.S., including hatcheries, processing plants and feed mills. In addition to chicken, the company’s sales come from beef, pork and prepared foods.

In July, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14435QQQ9195332QQQ8060478QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2024%2f07%2fHawley-Letter-to-Tyson-Foods-re-antitrust-class-action-lawsuit.pdf&amp;redir_log=764621686329852" target="_blank">sent</a>&nbsp;a letter to Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King demanding transparency and accountability after a lawsuit brought against his company alleged that Tyson lied about its intentions to sell its chicken plant in Dexter, Missouri, to a competitor.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/09/04/tyson-foods-annual-sales-have-doubled-in-the-past-two-decades/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725803498976.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/johnmccracken/">JOHN MCCRACKEN</a>Tyson Foods annual sales have doubled in the past two decades, increasing from $26 billion to $53 billion from 2004 to 2023, according to a review of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings.Yet Tyson, which is the country’s largest chicken company, has closed nine meatpacking plants over the past year — including two in Missouri impacting more than 2,000 workers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725657292379.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The plant closures and the company’s contracts with affected chicken farmers sparked an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The meatpacking company is also being sued for allegations of&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/06/17/tyson-foods-cal-maine-foods-sued-for-alleged-antitrust-action/" target="_blank">antitrust violations</a>.The Arkansas-based company operates 183 chicken facilities in the U.S., including hatcheries, processing plants and feed mills. In addition to chicken, the company’s sales come from beef, pork and prepared foods.In July, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14435QQQ9195332QQQ8060478QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2024%2f07%2fHawley-Letter-to-Tyson-Foods-re-antitrust-class-action-lawsuit.pdf&amp;redir_log=764621686329852" target="_blank">sent</a>&nbsp;a letter to Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King demanding transparency and accountability after a lawsuit brought against his company alleged that Tyson lied about its intentions to sell its chicken plant in Dexter, Missouri, to a competitor.This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/09/04/tyson-foods-annual-sales-have-doubled-in-the-past-two-decades/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Tyson Foods annual sales have doubled in the past two decades

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>

WASHINGTON — Latino voters are concerned with the high cost of living, the minimum wage and rising housing costs heading into the November elections, according to a comprehensive survey released Wednesday by UnidosUS, the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy center in the nation.

“Laying out a coherent economic policy agenda that will resonate with Latinos … would go a long way, I think, for our community,” Janet Murguía, the president and CEO of UnidosUS, said on a call with reporters detailing the&nbsp;<a href="https://unidosus.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Natl-deck-UnidosUS-2024-Pre-Election-Poll-of-Hispanic-Electorate.pdf" target="_blank">results of the survey.</a>

The&nbsp;<a href="https://unidosus.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/National-crosstabs-UnidosUS-2024-Pre-Election-Poll-of-the-Hispanic-Electorate.pdf" target="_blank">survey included 3,000 eligible Hispanic voters</a>&nbsp;who were interviewed in either English or Spanish, from Aug. 5-23, with oversampling of residents of Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Florida, Texas and California. The poll, conducted by BSP Research, had a margin of error of plus or minus 1.8 percentage points.

Murguía said Latinos are the second-largest voting-age population and 1 in 5 of them will be casting ballots for the first time in a presidential election this November.

“Top of mind are pocketbook issues,” she said. “Hispanic voters are most deeply concerned, like many of their fellow Americans, about the rising cost of living.”

Another issue that Latinos strongly supported is access to abortion. By a 71% to 21% margin, Latinos oppose abortion bans, according to the survey.

“They do not support making it illegal,” Murguía said.

Wages and jobs that provide economic security are a top priority for Latino voters, Gary Segura, who conducted the research poll for UnidosUS, said.

<a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/swa-wages-2022/#:~:text=Low%2Dwage%20workers%20are%20disproportionately%20women%20and%20Black%20and%20Hispanic" target="_blank">Latino workers are disproportionately workers</a>&nbsp;who earn the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, which has not increased since 2009. If the federal minimum wage had kept pace with inflation, it would be around $24 an hour,&nbsp;<a href="https://aflcio.org/what-unions-do/social-economic-justice/minimum-wage#:~:text=Since%20then%2C%20it%20has%20lost,would%20be%20%2424%20an%20hour." target="_blank">according to the AFL-CIO.</a>

“The lived economy for Latinos is different than the lived economy for the nation as a whole,” Segura said.

Segura said during the poll, interviewers followed up with respondents on their concerns about jobs and wages and found that being able to afford necessities like food and housing were top issues.

“People are struggling to make ends meet,” he said.

The number one response was that “jobs don’t pay enough, or I have to take a second job to make ends meet,” Segura said. “We talk a lot about the low levels of unemployment in this society now, which is certainly good news, but the issue is that many of those jobs do not pay enough for the holder of that job to essentially pay their basic living expenses.”

Murguía noted that immigration, which the Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump, has made a core campaign issue, ranks fifth in priorities among Latino voters, tied with concern about gun violence and too-easy access to assault weapons.

“We want to be crystal clear that Latino voters overall are not buying into campaign tactics that demonize immigrants,” Murguía said. “They know the difference between those who mean us harm and those who are contributing to the fabric of our nation.”

Latino voters strongly support a legal pathway to citizenship for those in the &nbsp;Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, referred to as Dreamers, and for long-term undocumented immigrants, the survey found.

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-promises-mass-deportations-undocumented-people-how-would-work" target="_blank">Trump has promised mass deportations</a>&nbsp;should he win a second term, a policy issue that has “virtually no support” by Latino voters sampled in the survey, Segura said.

Segura added that while Trump has campaigned on the issue, his promise to launch mass deportations is not particularly well known in Latino communities.

“Many of the people we speak to believe that (Trump) will do it if he can, but they just don’t actually believe that he can pull that off,” Segura said. “So there’s both a lack of awareness of these really draconian measures or proposals and then a lack of belief that they would actually come to pass.”

He added that he thinks it’s an opportunity for Democrats to campaign on the issue, but Vice President Kamala Harris has mainly criticized Trump for tanking a bipartisan border security deal.

“Our own results suggest that the primary border concern comes from voters who lean in the GOP direction in the first place, and so I don’t see a lot of movement there or a lot of risk for (Democrats), particularly in targeted advertisements and Hispanic voters,” Segura said.

‘Dismissive and diminishing language’

The poll found that 55% of those Latinos had not been contacted by either political party this year.

“We often hear a really dismissive and diminishing language about Latino participation in elections,” Segura said. “‘Latinos don’t vote as often as they should. Latinos will let you down’ and so forth, and no one ever wants to address the elephant in the room, which is that no one is asking Latinos to vote.”

The Harris campaign last month launched a bilingual WhatsApp campaign to target Latino voters. Michelle Villegas, the national Latino engagement director for the Harris campaign, said during a Hispanic Caucus meeting at the Democratic National Convention that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/harris-campaign-launches-bilingual-whatsapp-channel-draw-latino-voters-swing-states" target="_blank">the Latino vote is key to victory in three battleground states</a>&nbsp;— Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania.

The survey also found that running mates had an impact on Latino voters. Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, gave her a 3-point boost, Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, made his rating drop by 3 points.

“Vance has (a) negative impact on the Republican ticket, which is consistent with his low favorability among Latino voters,” according to the survey.

While Democrats have an advantage with Latino voters, and Harris has seen a boost in support compared to when President Joe Biden was in the race, she is still not reaching the levels of Latino support seen in previous elections, Clarissa Martinez De Castro, the vice president of the Latino Vote Initiative at UnidosUS, said.

“There is work to be done to reach the levels of support Democrats need and had achieved in previous elections, and more intense communication with these voters is needed, particularly on economic issues and immigration,” Martinez De Castro said.

Equis Research, which conducts research and polling specifically about Latino voters,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weareequis.us/research/xssaug2024bgmemo" target="_blank">found in a recent poll t</a>hat Harris has gained significant support from Latinos but that Harris “remains a few points shy of what Biden received in 2020” across battleground states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725564419417.png" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — Latino voters are concerned with the high cost of living, the minimum wage and rising housing costs heading into the November elections, according to a comprehensive survey released Wednesday by UnidosUS, the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy center in the nation.“Laying out a coherent economic policy agenda that will resonate with Latinos … would go a long way, I think, for our community,” Janet Murguía, the president and CEO of UnidosUS, said on a call with reporters detailing the&nbsp;<a href="https://unidosus.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Natl-deck-UnidosUS-2024-Pre-Election-Poll-of-Hispanic-Electorate.pdf" target="_blank">results of the survey.</a>The&nbsp;<a href="https://unidosus.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/National-crosstabs-UnidosUS-2024-Pre-Election-Poll-of-the-Hispanic-Electorate.pdf" target="_blank">survey included 3,000 eligible Hispanic voters</a>&nbsp;who were interviewed in either English or Spanish, from Aug. 5-23, with oversampling of residents of Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Florida, Texas and California. The poll, conducted by BSP Research, had a margin of error of plus or minus 1.8 percentage points.Murguía said Latinos are the second-largest voting-age population and 1 in 5 of them will be casting ballots for the first time in a presidential election this November.“Top of mind are pocketbook issues,” she said. “Hispanic voters are most deeply concerned, like many of their fellow Americans, about the rising cost of living.”Another issue that Latinos strongly supported is access to abortion. By a 71% to 21% margin, Latinos oppose abortion bans, according to the survey.“They do not support making it illegal,” Murguía said.<h2>Minimum-wage workers</h2>Wages and jobs that provide economic security are a top priority for Latino voters, Gary Segura, who conducted the research poll for UnidosUS, said.<a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/swa-wages-2022/#:~:text=Low%2Dwage%20workers%20are%20disproportionately%20women%20and%20Black%20and%20Hispanic" target="_blank">Latino workers are disproportionately workers</a>&nbsp;who earn the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, which has not increased since 2009. If the federal minimum wage had kept pace with inflation, it would be around $24 an hour,&nbsp;<a href="https://aflcio.org/what-unions-do/social-economic-justice/minimum-wage#:~:text=Since%20then%2C%20it%20has%20lost,would%20be%20%2424%20an%20hour." target="_blank">according to the AFL-CIO.</a>“The lived economy for Latinos is different than the lived economy for the nation as a whole,” Segura said.Segura said during the poll, interviewers followed up with respondents on their concerns about jobs and wages and found that being able to afford necessities like food and housing were top issues.“People are struggling to make ends meet,” he said.The number one response was that “jobs don’t pay enough, or I have to take a second job to make ends meet,” Segura said. “We talk a lot about the low levels of unemployment in this society now, which is certainly good news, but the issue is that many of those jobs do not pay enough for the holder of that job to essentially pay their basic living expenses.”<h2>Opinions on immigration</h2>Murguía noted that immigration, which the Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump, has made a core campaign issue, ranks fifth in priorities among Latino voters, tied with concern about gun violence and too-easy access to assault weapons.“We want to be crystal clear that Latino voters overall are not buying into campaign tactics that demonize immigrants,” Murguía said. “They know the difference between those who mean us harm and those who are contributing to the fabric of our nation.”Latino voters strongly support a legal pathway to citizenship for those in the &nbsp;Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, referred to as Dreamers, and for long-term undocumented immigrants, the survey found.<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-promises-mass-deportations-undocumented-people-how-would-work" target="_blank">Trump has promised mass deportations</a>&nbsp;should he win a second term, a policy issue that has “virtually no support” by Latino voters sampled in the survey, Segura said.Segura added that while Trump has campaigned on the issue, his promise to launch mass deportations is not particularly well known in Latino communities.“Many of the people we speak to believe that (Trump) will do it if he can, but they just don’t actually believe that he can pull that off,” Segura said. “So there’s both a lack of awareness of these really draconian measures or proposals and then a lack of belief that they would actually come to pass.”He added that he thinks it’s an opportunity for Democrats to campaign on the issue, but Vice President Kamala Harris has mainly criticized Trump for tanking a bipartisan border security deal.“Our own results suggest that the primary border concern comes from voters who lean in the GOP direction in the first place, and so I don’t see a lot of movement there or a lot of risk for (Democrats), particularly in targeted advertisements and Hispanic voters,” Segura said.<h2>‘Dismissive and diminishing language’</h2>The poll found that 55% of those Latinos had not been contacted by either political party this year.“We often hear a really dismissive and diminishing language about Latino participation in elections,” Segura said. “‘Latinos don’t vote as often as they should. Latinos will let you down’ and so forth, and no one ever wants to address the elephant in the room, which is that no one is asking Latinos to vote.”The Harris campaign last month launched a bilingual WhatsApp campaign to target Latino voters. Michelle Villegas, the national Latino engagement director for the Harris campaign, said during a Hispanic Caucus meeting at the Democratic National Convention that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/harris-campaign-launches-bilingual-whatsapp-channel-draw-latino-voters-swing-states" target="_blank">the Latino vote is key to victory in three battleground states</a>&nbsp;— Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania.The survey also found that running mates had an impact on Latino voters. Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, gave her a 3-point boost, Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, made his rating drop by 3 points.“Vance has (a) negative impact on the Republican ticket, which is consistent with his low favorability among Latino voters,” according to the survey.While Democrats have an advantage with Latino voters, and Harris has seen a boost in support compared to when President Joe Biden was in the race, she is still not reaching the levels of Latino support seen in previous elections, Clarissa Martinez De Castro, the vice president of the Latino Vote Initiative at UnidosUS, said.“There is work to be done to reach the levels of support Democrats need and had achieved in previous elections, and more intense communication with these voters is needed, particularly on economic issues and immigration,” Martinez De Castro said.Equis Research, which conducts research and polling specifically about Latino voters,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weareequis.us/research/xssaug2024bgmemo" target="_blank">found in a recent poll t</a>hat Harris has gained significant support from Latinos but that Harris “remains a few points shy of what Biden received in 2020” across battleground states.

Pocketbook issues rank high for Latino voters in 2024 election, survey finds

KANSAS CITY —A motocross instructor who mentored children was sentenced this week to 40 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, and ordered to pay at least $193,500 in restitution for sexually exploiting numerous children, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Ryan Meyung, 33, of no fixed address, sexually exploited multiple young children that he met and befriended while traveling across the country as a motocross instructor between July 2019 and December 2021. 

As part of his predatory behavior, Meyung produced images and videos of six different minor victims engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including sex acts with him and with each other. The victims were between 6 and 13 years old at the time. Meyung also possessed and transported images and videos of child sexual abuse produced by other sex offenders and sexually abused and recorded other children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meyung pleaded guilty in April to six counts of sexual exploitation of a minor (producing child sexual abuse material) and has been in custody since his arrest in December 2021.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia, and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville made the announcement.

HSI Chattanooga investigated the case, with assistance from HSI Dalton, the Hamilton County, Tennessee, Sheriff’s Office, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Police Department, and HSI field offices throughout the country.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725718046095.png" alt="Meyung- Photo Hamilton County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Meyung- Photo Hamilton County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A motocross instructor who mentored children was sentenced this week to 40 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, and ordered to pay at least $193,500 in restitution for sexually exploiting numerous children, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Ryan Meyung, 33, of no fixed address, sexually exploited multiple young children that he met and befriended while traveling across the country as a motocross instructor between July 2019 and December 2021. As part of his predatory behavior, Meyung produced images and videos of six different minor victims engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including sex acts with him and with each other. The victims were between 6 and 13 years old at the time. Meyung also possessed and transported images and videos of child sexual abuse produced by other sex offenders and sexually abused and recorded other children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meyung pleaded guilty in April to six counts of sexual exploitation of a minor (producing child sexual abuse material) and has been in custody since his arrest in December 2021.Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia, and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville made the announcement.HSI Chattanooga investigated the case, with assistance from HSI Dalton, the Hamilton County, Tennessee, Sheriff’s Office, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Police Department, and HSI field offices throughout the country.&nbsp;

Motocross coach sexually exploited multiple young children

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas Farm Bureau’s political action committee for the first time has endorsed Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids for reelection in the 3rd District of northeast Kansas.

The organization’s PAC previously committed to Republican incumbent U.S. Reps. Tracey Mann of the 1st District and Ron Estes of the 4th District. In July, the PAC announced support of Derek Schmidt, who in August won the GOP primary in the 2nd District. Schmidt is seeking to replace U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, a Republican who didn’t seek reelection.

Davids, who is completing her third term in Congress, is running against Republican Prasanth Reddy and Libertarian Steve Roberts in the November election.

She joined the House Agriculture Committee in 2022 after the Kansas Legislature expanded the 3rd District’s boundary beyond Johnson and Wyandotte counties to include all of Anderson, Franklin and Miami counties. Those three counties have a larger agricultural economic footprint.

On Thursday, Farm Bureau president Joe Newland said Davids had dedicated herself to building relationships with agriculture interests in the congressional district. This is the first time the Farm Bureau PAC has endorsed her.

“Rep.&nbsp;Davids&nbsp;has sought the input of farmers and ranchers as part of her decision-making process. I’m confident she’s the right choice for agriculture and look forward to her reelection,” Newland said.

The Farm Bureau’s PAC is known as VOTE FBF or Voters Organized to Elect&nbsp;Farm&nbsp;Bureau&nbsp;Friends. Since inception of the PAC in 1993, endorsed candidates have prevailed in 90% of their elections.

“Kansas farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our state, and I’m committed to ensuring their voices are heard in Washington,” Davids said. “I’ll continue working to support our agricultural economy and the hardworking families who make it thrive.”

In the spring, Davids joined with former U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, to host U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small for discussion of challenges facing Kansas’ crop and animal producers. Roberts and Davids said during the event that Congress should overcome partisan disputes to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill reauthorizing federal financial programs for U.S. agriculture.

The 2018 law expired in 2023, but was extended for one year to allow for negotiations in the House and Senate. No deal has been reached since September 2023, and the existing law could be renewed for another year given budget disputes and election-year politics.

Reddy, who didn’t respond to a request for comment about the Farm Bureau PAC’s endorsement, said in May that he disagreed with Davids’ vote against a GOP-sponsored version of the Farm Bill that was introduced to the House Agriculture Committee.

“It’s a betrayal of Kansas farmers and ranchers,” Reddy said, “but that’s what you can expect from a professional politician who puts party leaders before common sense.”

Mann, the 1st District representative who also serves on the House Agriculture Committee, voted for the bill rejected by Davids. His represents the third-largest agriculture producing congressional district in the United States.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725651193375.png" alt=" The Kansas Farm Bureau’s political action committee endorsed the reelection of U.S. Rep. Sharice Davies, D-Kansas. It’s the PAC’s first endorsement of the three-term Democrat and sidestepped both the Republican and Libertarian nominees ahead of the November election. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from livestream of Davids’ news conference)" />
 <figcaption> The Kansas Farm Bureau’s political action committee endorsed the reelection of U.S. Rep. Sharice Davies, D-Kansas. It’s the PAC’s first endorsement of the three-term Democrat and sidestepped both the Republican and Libertarian nominees ahead of the November election. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from livestream of Davids’ news conference)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Farm Bureau’s political action committee for the first time has endorsed Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids for reelection in the 3rd District of northeast Kansas.The organization’s PAC previously committed to Republican incumbent U.S. Reps. Tracey Mann of the 1st District and Ron Estes of the 4th District. In July, the PAC announced support of Derek Schmidt, who in August won the GOP primary in the 2nd District. Schmidt is seeking to replace U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, a Republican who didn’t seek reelection.Davids, who is completing her third term in Congress, is running against Republican Prasanth Reddy and Libertarian Steve Roberts in the November election.She joined the House Agriculture Committee in 2022 after the Kansas Legislature expanded the 3rd District’s boundary beyond Johnson and Wyandotte counties to include all of Anderson, Franklin and Miami counties. Those three counties have a larger agricultural economic footprint.On Thursday, Farm Bureau president Joe Newland said Davids had dedicated herself to building relationships with agriculture interests in the congressional district. This is the first time the Farm Bureau PAC has endorsed her.“Rep.&nbsp;Davids&nbsp;has sought the input of farmers and ranchers as part of her decision-making process. I’m confident she’s the right choice for agriculture and look forward to her reelection,” Newland said.The Farm Bureau’s PAC is known as VOTE FBF or Voters Organized to Elect&nbsp;Farm&nbsp;Bureau&nbsp;Friends. Since inception of the PAC in 1993, endorsed candidates have prevailed in 90% of their elections.“Kansas farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our state, and I’m committed to ensuring their voices are heard in Washington,” Davids said. “I’ll continue working to support our agricultural economy and the hardworking families who make it thrive.”In the spring, Davids joined with former U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, to host U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small for discussion of challenges facing Kansas’ crop and animal producers. Roberts and Davids said during the event that Congress should overcome partisan disputes to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill reauthorizing federal financial programs for U.S. agriculture.The 2018 law expired in 2023, but was extended for one year to allow for negotiations in the House and Senate. No deal has been reached since September 2023, and the existing law could be renewed for another year given budget disputes and election-year politics.Reddy, who didn’t respond to a request for comment about the Farm Bureau PAC’s endorsement, said in May that he disagreed with Davids’ vote against a GOP-sponsored version of the Farm Bill that was introduced to the House Agriculture Committee.“It’s a betrayal of Kansas farmers and ranchers,” Reddy said, “but that’s what you can expect from a professional politician who puts party leaders before common sense.”Mann, the 1st District representative who also serves on the House Agriculture Committee, voted for the bill rejected by Davids. His represents the third-largest agriculture producing congressional district in the United States.

Kansas Farm Bureau’s PAC endorses Democrat in 3rd District congressional campaign

JOHNSON COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of an apartment fire in Kansas.

Crews responded overnight to the fire at the London Square Apartments, 62nd and Robinson in Overland Park, according to a social media report from the fire department.&nbsp;

No injuries reported.&nbsp; Occupants of 16 units are displaced. Red Cross assisting those residents.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725797955156.png" alt="Photos Overland Park Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos Overland Park Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of an apartment fire in Kansas.Crews responded overnight to the fire at the London Square Apartments, 62nd and Robinson in Overland Park, according to a social media report from the fire department.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725799645797.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>No injuries reported.&nbsp; Occupants of 16 units are displaced. Red Cross assisting those residents.&nbsp;

Residents of 16 apartments displaced after Kansas fire

DETROIT (AP) — Stellantis is recalling nearly 1.5 million Ram pickup trucks worldwide to fix a software problem that can disable the electronic stability control system.

The recall covers certain trucks from the 2019 and 2021 through 2024 model years, mostly in North America.

Stellantis said in a statement Saturday that the trucks may have anti-lock brake software that could inadvertently shut down the stability control, which manages the throttle and brakes to avoid skidding.

If that happens, the company said the brakes would still work. Stellantis said it's not aware of any crashes or injuries from the problem.

U.S. safety standards require electronic stability control to work during nearly all phases of driving, the company says.

Dealers will update software to fix the problem at no cost to owners, who will be notified by letters starting Oct. 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725795419326.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Stellantis is recalling nearly 1.5 million Ram pickup trucks worldwide to fix a software problem that can disable the electronic stability control system.The recall covers certain trucks from the 2019 and 2021 through 2024 model years, mostly in North America.Stellantis said in a statement Saturday that the trucks may have anti-lock brake software that could inadvertently shut down the stability control, which manages the throttle and brakes to avoid skidding.If that happens, the company said the brakes would still work. Stellantis said it's not aware of any crashes or injuries from the problem.U.S. safety standards require electronic stability control to work during nearly all phases of driving, the company says.Dealers will update software to fix the problem at no cost to owners, who will be notified by letters starting Oct. 3.

1.5 million Ram pickups recalled over software problem affecting stability control

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States has informed allies that it believes Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia for its war in Ukraine</a>, according to two people familiar with the matter.

They did not offer any details about how many weapons have been delivered or when the transfers may have occurred, but they confirmed the U.S. intelligence finding. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a matter that has not been disclosed publicly disclosed.

The White House declined to confirm the weapons transfer but reiterated its concern that Iran is deepening its support of Russia. The White House has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russian-iran-ballistic-missiles-ukraine-f12dc454b04f7cbe671d2c401e31390c">warning Iran for months</a>&nbsp;not to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia.

"Any transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran’s support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and lead to the killing of more Ukrainian civilians," National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement. "This partnership threatens European security and illustrates how Iran’s destabilizing influence reaches beyond the Middle East and around the world.”

The U.S. finding comes as the Kremlin tries to repel Ukraine's surprise offensive that has led to the seizure of about 500 square miles (1,300 kilometers) of Russia’s Kursk region. Meanwhile, Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is pressing allies to allow his country to use Western-supplied missiles to strike deep inside Russia and hit sites from which Moscow launches aerial attacks.

Iran, as it has with previous U.S. intelligence findings, denied providing Russia with weapons for its war in Ukraine.

“Iran considers the provision of military assistance to the parties engaged in the conflict — which leads to increased human casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and a distancing from ceasefire negotiations — to be inhumane,” according to a statement from Iran's mission to the United Nations. "Thus, not only does Iran abstain from engaging in such actions itself, but it also calls upon other countries to cease the supply of weapons to the sides involved in the conflict.”

CIA Director William Burns, who was in London on Saturday for a joint appearance with his British intelligence counterpart, warned of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cia-mi6-gaza-ceasefire-mideast-russia-2b81c6143f2a04ceebb2a98b2cdba7cd">growing and “troubling” defense relationship</a>&nbsp;involving Russia, China, Iran and North Korea that he said threatens both Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East.

The White House has repeatedly declassified and publicized intelligence findings that show North Korea has sent ammunition and missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, while Iran supplies Moscow with attack drones and has assisted the Kremlin with building a drone-manufacturing factory.

China has held back from providing Russians with weaponry but has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-china-russia-ukraine-war-265df843be030b7183c95b6f3afca8ec">surged sales to Russia</a>&nbsp;of machine tools, microelectronics and other technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry, according to U.S. officials.

The White House has been on edge for months about a possible deal between Iran and Russia.

The Democratic administration said in January that U.S. intelligence officials had determined a Russian-Iran deal had not been completed, but officials were concerned that Russia’s negotiations to acquire missiles from Iran were actively advancing.

Last September, according to the White House, Iran hosted a top Russian defense official to show off a range of ballistic missile systems, adding to the U.S. concern that a deal could come together.

The U.S. and other countries have taken steps aimed at thwarting the supply, sale or transfer involving Iran and ballistic missile-related items, including issuing guidance to private companies about Iranian missile procurement practices to make sure those companies are not inadvertently supporting Iran’s development efforts.

President Joe Biden is set to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-keir-starmer-britain-white-house-ee4b84bc5c1209827f14f4d91cc4f527">host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer</a>&nbsp;for talks at the White House on Friday. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said “continuing robust support to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression” will be on their agenda.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on the U.S. intelligence finding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="File Image&nbsp; (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)" />
 <figcaption>File Image&nbsp; (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States has informed allies that it believes Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia for its war in Ukraine</a>, according to two people familiar with the matter.They did not offer any details about how many weapons have been delivered or when the transfers may have occurred, but they confirmed the U.S. intelligence finding. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a matter that has not been disclosed publicly disclosed.The White House declined to confirm the weapons transfer but reiterated its concern that Iran is deepening its support of Russia. The White House has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russian-iran-ballistic-missiles-ukraine-f12dc454b04f7cbe671d2c401e31390c">warning Iran for months</a>&nbsp;not to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia."Any transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran’s support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and lead to the killing of more Ukrainian civilians," National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement. "This partnership threatens European security and illustrates how Iran’s destabilizing influence reaches beyond the Middle East and around the world.”The U.S. finding comes as the Kremlin tries to repel Ukraine's surprise offensive that has led to the seizure of about 500 square miles (1,300 kilometers) of Russia’s Kursk region. Meanwhile, Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is pressing allies to allow his country to use Western-supplied missiles to strike deep inside Russia and hit sites from which Moscow launches aerial attacks.Iran, as it has with previous U.S. intelligence findings, denied providing Russia with weapons for its war in Ukraine.“Iran considers the provision of military assistance to the parties engaged in the conflict — which leads to increased human casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and a distancing from ceasefire negotiations — to be inhumane,” according to a statement from Iran's mission to the United Nations. "Thus, not only does Iran abstain from engaging in such actions itself, but it also calls upon other countries to cease the supply of weapons to the sides involved in the conflict.”CIA Director William Burns, who was in London on Saturday for a joint appearance with his British intelligence counterpart, warned of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cia-mi6-gaza-ceasefire-mideast-russia-2b81c6143f2a04ceebb2a98b2cdba7cd">growing and “troubling” defense relationship</a>&nbsp;involving Russia, China, Iran and North Korea that he said threatens both Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East.The White House has repeatedly declassified and publicized intelligence findings that show North Korea has sent ammunition and missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, while Iran supplies Moscow with attack drones and has assisted the Kremlin with building a drone-manufacturing factory.China has held back from providing Russians with weaponry but has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-china-russia-ukraine-war-265df843be030b7183c95b6f3afca8ec">surged sales to Russia</a>&nbsp;of machine tools, microelectronics and other technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry, according to U.S. officials.The White House has been on edge for months about a possible deal between Iran and Russia.The Democratic administration said in January that U.S. intelligence officials had determined a Russian-Iran deal had not been completed, but officials were concerned that Russia’s negotiations to acquire missiles from Iran were actively advancing.Last September, according to the White House, Iran hosted a top Russian defense official to show off a range of ballistic missile systems, adding to the U.S. concern that a deal could come together.The U.S. and other countries have taken steps aimed at thwarting the supply, sale or transfer involving Iran and ballistic missile-related items, including issuing guidance to private companies about Iranian missile procurement practices to make sure those companies are not inadvertently supporting Iran’s development efforts.President Joe Biden is set to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-keir-starmer-britain-white-house-ee4b84bc5c1209827f14f4d91cc4f527">host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer</a>&nbsp;for talks at the White House on Friday. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said “continuing robust support to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression” will be on their agenda.The Wall Street Journal first reported on the U.S. intelligence finding.

US believes Iran giving ballistic missiles to Russia for war in Ukraine

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann was in Hutchinson on Saturday at the Kansas State Fair, and he talked to Hutch Post about the work that still needs to be done before the end of the federal fiscal year on Sept. 30.

"We go back for votes in D.C. this week," Mann said. "The House is in session the next three weeks here in September. It looks like there is momentum to do some kind of an extension. We'll know a lot more once we get to Washington D.C. this week and talk about what the plan is and what we do to fund the government moving forward."

Also up at the end of the fiscal year is the extension to the five-year farm bill that has now gone through a sixth, will it see a seventh? Quite possibly, according to Mann.

"I've been frustrated at how slow this farm bill process has been," Mann said. "I've been to the floor 33 times imploring members of Congress to get serious about getting a five-year farm bill done. It looks like, potentially, there'll be an extension. The House passed a really good version out of the House Ag Committee, that still needs to go to the floor and we need to conference with the Senate. Unfortunately, there's still a long way to go on the farm bill."

The political question is will the House Ag Committee continue under Republican control of the gavel? In other words, will Republicans still be in the House majority come January 2025?

"We're going to find out in November," Mann said. "Elections have consequences. It sure seems like Republicans are going to continue to have the majority in the House. I'm optimistic they will in the Senate as well, and win the White House, but we'll have to see what happens in November."

The most likely scenario at this point for all of this pending work is that it gets extended until at least the next Congress is seated, so that those who have tough elections on both sides of the aisle can come home and campaign.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725719231298.jpeg" alt="The sun rises on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Photo by Nick Gosnell." />
 <figcaption>The sun rises on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Photo by Nick Gosnell.</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann was in Hutchinson on Saturday at the Kansas State Fair, and he talked to Hutch Post about the work that still needs to be done before the end of the federal fiscal year on Sept. 30."We go back for votes in D.C. this week," Mann said. "The House is in session the next three weeks here in September. It looks like there is momentum to do some kind of an extension. We'll know a lot more once we get to Washington D.C. this week and talk about what the plan is and what we do to fund the government moving forward."Also up at the end of the fiscal year is the extension to the five-year farm bill that has now gone through a sixth, will it see a seventh? Quite possibly, according to Mann."I've been frustrated at how slow this farm bill process has been," Mann said. "I've been to the floor 33 times imploring members of Congress to get serious about getting a five-year farm bill done. It looks like, potentially, there'll be an extension. The House passed a really good version out of the House Ag Committee, that still needs to go to the floor and we need to conference with the Senate. Unfortunately, there's still a long way to go on the farm bill."The political question is will the House Ag Committee continue under Republican control of the gavel? In other words, will Republicans still be in the House majority come January 2025?"We're going to find out in November," Mann said. "Elections have consequences. It sure seems like Republicans are going to continue to have the majority in the House. I'm optimistic they will in the Senate as well, and win the White House, but we'll have to see what happens in November."The most likely scenario at this point for all of this pending work is that it gets extended until at least the next Congress is seated, so that those who have tough elections on both sides of the aisle can come home and campaign.

Rep. Mann discusses farm bill issues at the Kansas State Fair

WICHITA, KAN. – A man was sentenced for a sexual assault that took place in 2007 in southeast Wichita.&nbsp;

On August 30, Sedgwick County District Judge Christopher Magana sentenced Ted Foy, 54 of Augusta, to nearly 26-years in prison. 

In March, Foy pled guilty to aggravated criminal sodomy, rape, aggravated sexual battery, and attempted rape. The plea agreement also called for Foy to disclose how he chose his victim and how he knew where she lived.

Foy wore all-black clothing and a black mask when he entered the woman’s home through a downstairs window while her husband was away, serving in the military.

Foy’s arrest in May of last year was the first for the Wichita Police Department using investigative genetic genealogy in which a DNA sample from an unsolved case is matched to data people have submitted to genealogy websites. Foy’s identity was confirmed through DNA that he left on the victim’s body. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682984799056.png" alt="Ted Foy photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ted Foy photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A man was sentenced for a sexual assault that took place in 2007 in southeast Wichita.&nbsp;On August 30, Sedgwick County District Judge Christopher Magana sentenced Ted Foy, 54 of Augusta, to nearly 26-years in prison. In March, Foy pled guilty to aggravated criminal sodomy, rape, aggravated sexual battery, and attempted rape. The plea agreement also called for Foy to disclose how he chose his victim and how he knew where she lived.Foy wore all-black clothing and a black mask when he entered the woman’s home through a downstairs window while her husband was away, serving in the military.Foy’s arrest in May of last year was the first for the Wichita Police Department using investigative genetic genealogy in which a DNA sample from an unsolved case is matched to data people have submitted to genealogy websites. Foy’s identity was confirmed through DNA that he left on the victim’s body.

DNA test led to prison in 16-year-old Kansas rape case

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a chase and crash.

Just after 1:30a.m. Aug. 31,&nbsp; sheriff's deputies responded to a vehicle chase in progress that initiated in the city of Horton, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

. The suspect vehicle left Horton northbound on U.S. 73 Highway at a high rate of speed.&nbsp; A Brown County deputy made contact with the vehicle near US 73 and 210.&nbsp; The vehicle made it's way into Hiawatha and the driver lost control near Farm and Home where Horton and Hiawatha Police as well as Brown County sheriff's deputies located the suspect later identified as 24-year-old Montez Rodriguez of Independence, Missouri who&nbsp; ran into a tree line.&nbsp; He was ultimately arrested on Horton police department charges and is not longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725568535181.png" alt="Rodriguez-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Rodriguez-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a chase and crash.Just after 1:30a.m. Aug. 31,&nbsp; sheriff's deputies responded to a vehicle chase in progress that initiated in the city of Horton, according to Sheriff John Merchant.. The suspect vehicle left Horton northbound on U.S. 73 Highway at a high rate of speed.&nbsp; A Brown County deputy made contact with the vehicle near US 73 and 210.&nbsp; The vehicle made it's way into Hiawatha and the driver lost control near Farm and Home where Horton and Hiawatha Police as well as Brown County sheriff's deputies located the suspect later identified as 24-year-old Montez Rodriguez of Independence, Missouri who&nbsp; ran into a tree line.&nbsp; He was ultimately arrested on Horton police department charges and is not longer in custody.

Sheriff: Suspect caught hiding in trees after Kansas chase, crash

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple felony charges for a series of crimes on August 21, in the&nbsp; area of the 3300 block of Linwood Boulevard in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2414/LJohnsonRedacted">Click here to read t</a>he charging documents.

Lorenzo Johnson, 31, faces Murder in the 2nd Degree, Robbery in the 1st Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Resisting Arrest and three Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, on the evening of Aug. 21, Kansas City Police Department officers were dispatched to a shooting at the BP Gas Station in the 3300 block of Linwood Blvd. Officers found the victim at the gas pumps. He had been wounded by a gunshot and Johnson then backed the victim's car over him.

The Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide. Hours earlier the suspect had committed robberies in the area. Johnson took the victim's vehicle after the shooting. Officers later forced the stolen vehicle off the road while the suspect was driving. He attempted to flee on foot and officers took him into custody. He had the victim's vehicle title in his pocket. Johnson remains in custody and is being held on no bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724866518643.png" alt="Johnson photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple felony charges for a series of crimes on August 21, in the&nbsp; area of the 3300 block of Linwood Boulevard in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2414/LJohnsonRedacted">Click here to read t</a>he charging documents.Lorenzo Johnson, 31, faces Murder in the 2nd Degree, Robbery in the 1st Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Resisting Arrest and three Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, on the evening of Aug. 21, Kansas City Police Department officers were dispatched to a shooting at the BP Gas Station in the 3300 block of Linwood Blvd. Officers found the victim at the gas pumps. He had been wounded by a gunshot and Johnson then backed the victim's car over him.The Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide. Hours earlier the suspect had committed robberies in the area. Johnson took the victim's vehicle after the shooting. Officers later forced the stolen vehicle off the road while the suspect was driving. He attempted to flee on foot and officers took him into custody. He had the victim's vehicle title in his pocket. Johnson remains in custody and is being held on no bond.

KC robbery suspect shot and then backed car over victim at gas station

EDITOR'S NOTE: On Monday police updated the information.&nbsp; Michael Sanchez is 47-year-old not 35 as they originally reported.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a homicide in Topeka have identified the victim as 47-year-old Michael Sanchez, according to Topeka Police Lieutenant Ronnie Connell.

Just before 9a.m. Friday, police responded to the 1300 block of SW Western in Topeka on a report of an individual down, according to Police Lt. Matt Danielson.

First responders located Sanchez suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene. 

Police have not reported any suspect details or reported an arrest.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725645926163.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-Photo Courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-Photo Courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>EDITOR'S NOTE: On Monday police updated the information.&nbsp; Michael Sanchez is 47-year-old not 35 as they originally reported.----------------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a homicide in Topeka have identified the victim as 47-year-old Michael Sanchez, according to Topeka Police Lieutenant Ronnie Connell.Just before 9a.m. Friday, police responded to the 1300 block of SW Western in Topeka on a report of an individual down, according to Police Lt. Matt Danielson.First responders located Sanchez suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene. Police have not reported any suspect details or reported an arrest.&nbsp;

Police ID man who died in shooting outside Kansas home

KANSAS CITY (AP)—A hospitalized patient in Missouri was infected with bird flu despite having had no known contact with dairy cows or other animals associated with an ongoing outbreak, health officials said Friday.

This is the 14th person in the U.S. sickened with bird flu since March, when the virus was detected in cows, after infecting wild birds and mammals worldwide. One other person was infected in 2022.

The risk to the general public remains low, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said in a statement. No unusual flu activity has been detected in the U.S., including in Missouri, officials said.

The latest case was confirmed after the person, an adult, was hospitalized on Aug. 22 with other medical conditions, officials with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said in a statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725718440042.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP)—A hospitalized patient in Missouri was infected with bird flu despite having had no known contact with dairy cows or other animals associated with an ongoing outbreak, health officials said Friday.This is the 14th person in the U.S. sickened with bird flu since March, when the virus was detected in cows, after infecting wild birds and mammals worldwide. One other person was infected in 2022.The risk to the general public remains low, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said in a statement. No unusual flu activity has been detected in the U.S., including in Missouri, officials said.The latest case was confirmed after the person, an adult, was hospitalized on Aug. 22 with other medical conditions, officials with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said in a statement.The person tested positive for influenza A, and CDC officials later confirmed it to be bird flu. The person received antiviral medication and has since recovered and gone home, health officials said. It's not clear whether the hospitalization was caused by the bird flu infection or the person's existing health conditions, said Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the Missouri health department.Health officials didn't release the person's name, age or hometown. No close contacts of the person have been infected, CDC officials said.The case raises questions about how the person was exposed to the virus. All the previous U.S. infections were among people who worked around cows and poultry.Bird flu has been detected in nearly 200 dairy herds in 14 states, but not in Missouri, according to the Agriculture Department. Bird flu has also been found in commercial and backyard flocks and in wild birds. The person did not report drinking raw milk, which can contain live virus, Cox said.The investigation is continuing, officials said.It’s the first case detected through routine influenza surveillance rather than through targeted efforts to identify people infected with bird flu through exposure to infected cows and poultry, officials said.___