WYDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1a.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.

According to Kansas City, Kansas, police a vehicle was eastbound on Interstate 70&nbsp; just before the 18th St Expressway exit.&nbsp;

The vehicle left the roadway struck an object and caught fire. Kansas City Kansas Fire responded to the scene and the driver was pronounced deceased.

WYDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1a.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.According to Kansas City, Kansas, police a vehicle was eastbound on Interstate 70&nbsp; just before the 18th St Expressway exit.&nbsp;The vehicle left the roadway struck an object and caught fire. Kansas City Kansas Fire responded to the scene and the driver was pronounced deceased.Police released no additional details.

Driver dies in Kansas after I-70 crash and fire

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

On October 14, sheriff's deputies arrested 44-year-old&nbsp;Jesse Lee Hewes of Independence, Oregon, near Mayetta, Kansas, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies reported they found illegal drugs in Hewes' 2011 Honda Civic. He is being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of distribute cocaine, distribute hallucinogenic drug, distribute marijuana, possession of paraphernalia with intent manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance, distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use, criminal use of a weapon and no drug tax stamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728997703583.png" alt="Hewes-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Hewes-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.On October 14, sheriff's deputies arrested 44-year-old&nbsp;Jesse Lee Hewes of Independence, Oregon, near Mayetta, Kansas, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.Deputies reported they found illegal drugs in Hewes' 2011 Honda Civic. He is being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of distribute cocaine, distribute hallucinogenic drug, distribute marijuana, possession of paraphernalia with intent manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance, distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use, criminal use of a weapon and no drug tax stamp.

Man from Oregon accused of selling cocaine in Kansas

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Republicans lambasted a Manhattan-area Democratic candidate who used a racial slur in a 2020 Facebook post that detailed the candidate’s feelings about an outburst she witnessed.

Kim Zito, a Democrat running for House District 67, posted to Facebook, “F**K YOU N*****S!!!!” preceded by a middle finger emoji on Nov. 9, 2020. The post continues, “I write that because I want you to see that. That’s what we heard yday (sic) while we were cheering for our new President and our first female VP.”

Republicans called on Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to rescind her endorsement of Zito in a Wednesday news release, and called the post a “shocking and racially charged rant.”

Zito said in a statement Republicans were attempting to distract voters from concerns with her opponent, Angel Roeser.

In the 2020 post, which has been deleted, Zito explained she was illustrating the “level of hate being hurled at people of color and anyone supporting the end of the” Trump administration. She pleaded with friends and family to “stand up against the violence of fellow human beings.”&nbsp;

The Kansas Black Republican Council brought the post to the attention of the Kansas House Republican Campaign Committee on Tuesday, according to the news release. Joseph Elmore, chairman of the Sedgwick County Black Republican Council and member of the state council’s executive board, called on Democrats to “unequivocally disavow and divest themselves.”

“Exposure of Kim Zito’s racism is painful to see and, in my view, disqualifies her for service as a lawmaker,” Elmore said in the news release. “Racist words and racial slurs are hurtful and hateful to our Community.”

House Majority Leader Chris Croft, R-Overland Park, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, echoed Elmore’s condemnation.

Zito responded by accusing Roeser of being dishonest about her level of education and where she stands on abortion rights.

“The Kansas Republican Party has a fundamentally flawed candidate who has a broken relationship with the truth,” Zito said. “The Republicans are trying to distract the voters of Manhattan from the fact their candidate lies about her voting history and lies about whether she graduated from K-State, which is an insult to hard-working Kansans.”

Roeser, who doesn’t have a college degree, identified herself as a Kansas State University graduate in postcards produced by her campaign.

The first-time candidate said in a statement for this story she didn’t have “any ill intent to withhold information” about obtaining a college degree. She acknowledged it was a mistake to lie about her education.

“Kim Zito has yet to take responsibility for the offensive, insulting and downright hostile comments she has made about races of people, groups of worshipers and individuals in our community,” Roeser said. “Her partisan rhetoric and personal attacks won’t serve Manhattan well and will most definitely ensure we don’t have a seat at the table.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729193641491.png" alt="Kim Zito, a Manhattan Democrat, says Republicans are complaining about her four-year-old social media post to draw attention away from her opponent, who lied about being a Kansas State University graduate. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kim Zito, a Manhattan Democrat, says Republicans are complaining about her four-year-old social media post to draw attention away from her opponent, who lied about being a Kansas State University graduate. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Republicans lambasted a Manhattan-area Democratic candidate who used a racial slur in a 2020 Facebook post that detailed the candidate’s feelings about an outburst she witnessed.Kim Zito, a Democrat running for House District 67, posted to Facebook, “F**K YOU N*****S!!!!” preceded by a middle finger emoji on Nov. 9, 2020. The post continues, “I write that because I want you to see that. That’s what we heard yday (sic) while we were cheering for our new President and our first female VP.”Republicans called on Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to rescind her endorsement of Zito in a Wednesday news release, and called the post a “shocking and racially charged rant.”Zito said in a statement Republicans were attempting to distract voters from concerns with her opponent, Angel Roeser.In the 2020 post, which has been deleted, Zito explained she was illustrating the “level of hate being hurled at people of color and anyone supporting the end of the” Trump administration. She pleaded with friends and family to “stand up against the violence of fellow human beings.”&nbsp;The Kansas Black Republican Council brought the post to the attention of the Kansas House Republican Campaign Committee on Tuesday, according to the news release. Joseph Elmore, chairman of the Sedgwick County Black Republican Council and member of the state council’s executive board, called on Democrats to “unequivocally disavow and divest themselves.”“Exposure of Kim Zito’s racism is painful to see and, in my view, disqualifies her for service as a lawmaker,” Elmore said in the news release. “Racist words and racial slurs are hurtful and hateful to our Community.”House Majority Leader Chris Croft, R-Overland Park, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, echoed Elmore’s condemnation.Zito responded by accusing Roeser of being dishonest about her level of education and where she stands on abortion rights.“The Kansas Republican Party has a fundamentally flawed candidate who has a broken relationship with the truth,” Zito said. “The Republicans are trying to distract the voters of Manhattan from the fact their candidate lies about her voting history and lies about whether she graduated from K-State, which is an insult to hard-working Kansans.”Roeser, who doesn’t have a college degree, identified herself as a Kansas State University graduate in postcards produced by her campaign.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729193490172.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The first-time candidate said in a statement for this story she didn’t have “any ill intent to withhold information” about obtaining a college degree. She acknowledged it was a mistake to lie about her education.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729193550023.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Kim Zito has yet to take responsibility for the offensive, insulting and downright hostile comments she has made about races of people, groups of worshipers and individuals in our community,” Roeser said. “Her partisan rhetoric and personal attacks won’t serve Manhattan well and will most definitely ensure we don’t have a seat at the table.”

Kansas Republicans condemn Democrat’s use of racial slur in 2020 social media post, omit context

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a church burglary have made an arrest.

On Wednesday,&nbsp; police reported a&nbsp;person of interest in Monday’s recovery of approximately $36,000 of stolen property from a Kansas City Kansas church is in custody and charged with the crime, according to Kansas City Kansas Police.

The Wyandotte County District Attorney has charged 22-year-old Enrique Martinez Vasquez of Kansas City, Kan., with felony burglary, theft and criminal damage to property. 

He remains in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $35,000 bond.

&nbsp;Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729128351973.png" alt="Vasquez photo Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Vasquez photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a church burglary have made an arrest.On Wednesday,&nbsp; police reported a&nbsp;person of interest in Monday’s recovery of approximately $36,000 of stolen property from a Kansas City Kansas church is in custody and charged with the crime, according to Kansas City Kansas Police.The Wyandotte County District Attorney has charged 22-year-old Enrique Martinez Vasquez of Kansas City, Kan., with felony burglary, theft and criminal damage to property. He remains in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $35,000 bond.&nbsp;Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous.

Suspect in $36,000 burglary at Kansas church captured

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military continues working to determine the source of mysterious drones that have been allowed to fly over U.S. bases.

Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran responded to a Wall Street Journal account of the mystery. "As drone technology continues to evolve, the tactics used against the United States grow more alarming each day, " Moran wrote on social media. 

"The recent reports of unidentified aircrafts hovering for 17 days over a U.S. military base without intervention is not just concerning, but an affront to our national security."

"This violation of our airspace highlights the threat of below-the-threshold activity that hostile actors can pose to our nation."

"Military leaders currently lack the authority to engage until there is an imminent threat posed to our men and women in uniform. I am working on legislation to provide the Department of Defense with the necessary authorities to engage drones or unidentified aircrafts that breech our military airspace before it is too late to respond."

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military continues working to determine the source of mysterious drones that have been allowed to fly over U.S. bases.Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran responded to a Wall Street Journal account of the mystery. "As drone technology continues to evolve, the tactics used against the United States grow more alarming each day, " Moran wrote on social media. "The recent reports of unidentified aircrafts hovering for 17 days over a U.S. military base without intervention is not just concerning, but an affront to our national security.""This violation of our airspace highlights the threat of below-the-threshold activity that hostile actors can pose to our nation.""Military leaders currently lack the authority to engage until there is an imminent threat posed to our men and women in uniform. I am working on legislation to provide the Department of Defense with the necessary authorities to engage drones or unidentified aircrafts that breech our military airspace before it is too late to respond."

Kan. U.S. Senator wants action on mysterious drone swarm at military base 

WASHINGTON —On Wednesday, the Department of Defense&nbsp; announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs.

 This announcement is the Biden Administration's&nbsp;sixty-seventh tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.&nbsp; This Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, which has an estimated value of $425 million, will provide Ukraine additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including: air defense capabilities; air-to-ground weapons; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; armored vehicles; and anti-tank weapons.

The capabilities in this announcement include:

The United States will continue to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated capability coalitions to meet Ukraine's urgently needed battlefield requirements and defend against Russian aggression.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717851301558.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Wednesday, the Department of Defense&nbsp; announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This announcement is the Biden Administration's&nbsp;sixty-seventh tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.&nbsp; This Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, which has an estimated value of $425 million, will provide Ukraine additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including: air defense capabilities; air-to-ground weapons; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; armored vehicles; and anti-tank weapons.The capabilities in this announcement include:<ul>
 <li>Additional munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS):</li><li>RIM-7 missiles and support for air defense;</li><li>Stinger anti-aircraft missiles;</li><li>Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);</li><li>Air-to-ground munitions;</li><li>155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition;</li><li>Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missiles;</li><li>Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems;</li><li>High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs);</li><li>Small arms and ammunition;</li><li>Grenades, thermals, and training equipment;</li><li>Demolitions equipment and munitions; and</li><li>Spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The United States will continue to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated capability coalitions to meet Ukraine's urgently needed battlefield requirements and defend against Russian aggression.

U.S. spending another $425 million on Ukraine military aid

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

WASHINGTON —Top advisers to the Kamala Harris presidential campaign held a Wednesday press conference including children who were separated from their parents under the highly criticized Trump administration immigration policy, as a warning of what a second term under the former president could bring for the Latino community.

The press conference in Doral, Florida, came ahead of a late Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.univision.com/univision-news/politics/how-to-see-town-hall-latinos-donald-trump-univision-interview" target="_blank">Univision town hal</a>l at which GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump will talk with undecided Latino voters.

Four children at the press conference recounted stories of being separated from a parent by immigration officials during the Trump administration and the lasting trauma it caused. Their full names and ages were not provided by the campaign.

With 20 days until Nov. 5 and early voting underway in many states, both campaigns have tried to court Latino voters, as they are the second-largest group of eligible voters.

“The Latino vote will decide this election,” Democratic Texas U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, who serves as co-chair for the Harris campaign, said at the press conference.

Harris campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz said that for the next 20 days, Democrats will continue to reach out to Latinos and stress “the threat that Donald Trump is to Latino communities everywhere.”

The 2024 presidential election is essentially a dead heat between Harris and Trump. Latino voter preferences largely resemble the 2020 presidential election, when President Joe Biden defeated Trump 61% to 36% in earning the Latino vote,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/race-and-ethnicity/2024/09/24/in-tight-u-s-presidential-race-latino-voters-preferences-mirror-2020/" target="_blank">according to the Pew Research Center.&nbsp;</a>

Harris, the Democratic nominee, currently has a smaller lead over Trump with Latinos, 57% to 39%, according to the Pew Research Center.

Escobar warned what a second Trump administration could bring to the Latino community.

“I hear a lot of Latinos who say that they want to vote for Donald Trump, that they appreciate some of his policies,” she said.

Escobar said that Trump has not only&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2024/08/23/trump-promises-mass-deportations-of-undocumented-people-how-would-that-work/" target="_blank">promised to carry out mass deportations</a>, but go after pathways to legal immigration. She argued that architects of some of the former president’s harshest immigration policies are top level advisers, like Stephen Miller, who has proposed eliminating legal immigration like humanitarian parole programs and Temporary Protected Status.

Miller has also proposed a program to strip naturalized citizens of their U.S. citizenship — an initiative that Miller&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/StephenM/status/1712094935820780029?lang=en" target="_blank">said would be “turbocharged”</a>&nbsp;under a second Trump administration.

“For Latinos who think that when Donald Trump insults immigrants, or when he talks about mass deportation that you’re thinking he’s talking about somebody else, oh no, no, he’s talking about you,” Escobar, who represents the border town of El Paso, said.

Escobar said there would be no guardrails for a second Trump administration and programs like family separation could be implemented. The separation occurred at the border as asylum-seeking parents were put into criminal detention and sometimes deported.

“These kids who have lived through horrific trauma, through the pain of being separated from their parents, what you heard from them moments ago will be far worse if Trump gets a second term,” she said. “In Donald Trump’s first term, he had people around him who actually tried to stop him. In a second term, not only will those guardrails not exist, but those people who were there to stop him in the first place are long gone.”

Trump has declined to say whether he would resume family separations if given a second term, also known as the zero-tolerance policy.

“Well, when you have that policy, people don’t come. If a family hears that they’re going to be separated, they love their family. They don’t come. So I know it sounds harsh,” Trump said during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/politics/transcript-cnn-town-hall-trump/index.html" target="_blank">a CNN town hall in May 2023.&nbsp;</a>

Escobar said that she is hoping that at Wednesday night’s town hall, Trump will be pressed on whether he would reimplement his family separation policy.

The Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.together.gov/" target="_blank">established a task force</a>&nbsp;to reunite the 3,881 children who were separated from their families from 2017 to 2021.

The Department of Homeland Security has reunited about 74% of those families, but there are still&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2023/02/02/fact-sheet-review-family-reunification-task-force-second-anniversary-its" target="_blank">998 children who have not been reunited</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729112192868.png" alt="File photo courtesy Harris campaign" />
 <figcaption>File photo courtesy Harris campaign</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON —Top advisers to the Kamala Harris presidential campaign held a Wednesday press conference including children who were separated from their parents under the highly criticized Trump administration immigration policy, as a warning of what a second term under the former president could bring for the Latino community.The press conference in Doral, Florida, came ahead of a late Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.univision.com/univision-news/politics/how-to-see-town-hall-latinos-donald-trump-univision-interview" target="_blank">Univision town hal</a>l at which GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump will talk with undecided Latino voters.Four children at the press conference recounted stories of being separated from a parent by immigration officials during the Trump administration and the lasting trauma it caused. Their full names and ages were not provided by the campaign.With 20 days until Nov. 5 and early voting underway in many states, both campaigns have tried to court Latino voters, as they are the second-largest group of eligible voters.“The Latino vote will decide this election,” Democratic Texas U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, who serves as co-chair for the Harris campaign, said at the press conference.Harris campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz said that for the next 20 days, Democrats will continue to reach out to Latinos and stress “the threat that Donald Trump is to Latino communities everywhere.”<h2>Harris looks for Latino support</h2>The 2024 presidential election is essentially a dead heat between Harris and Trump. Latino voter preferences largely resemble the 2020 presidential election, when President Joe Biden defeated Trump 61% to 36% in earning the Latino vote,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/race-and-ethnicity/2024/09/24/in-tight-u-s-presidential-race-latino-voters-preferences-mirror-2020/" target="_blank">according to the Pew Research Center.&nbsp;</a>Harris, the Democratic nominee, currently has a smaller lead over Trump with Latinos, 57% to 39%, according to the Pew Research Center.Escobar warned what a second Trump administration could bring to the Latino community.“I hear a lot of Latinos who say that they want to vote for Donald Trump, that they appreciate some of his policies,” she said.Escobar said that Trump has not only&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2024/08/23/trump-promises-mass-deportations-of-undocumented-people-how-would-that-work/" target="_blank">promised to carry out mass deportations</a>, but go after pathways to legal immigration. She argued that architects of some of the former president’s harshest immigration policies are top level advisers, like Stephen Miller, who has proposed eliminating legal immigration like humanitarian parole programs and Temporary Protected Status.Miller has also proposed a program to strip naturalized citizens of their U.S. citizenship — an initiative that Miller&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/StephenM/status/1712094935820780029?lang=en" target="_blank">said would be “turbocharged”</a>&nbsp;under a second Trump administration.“For Latinos who think that when Donald Trump insults immigrants, or when he talks about mass deportation that you’re thinking he’s talking about somebody else, oh no, no, he’s talking about you,” Escobar, who represents the border town of El Paso, said.Escobar said there would be no guardrails for a second Trump administration and programs like family separation could be implemented. The separation occurred at the border as asylum-seeking parents were put into criminal detention and sometimes deported.“These kids who have lived through horrific trauma, through the pain of being separated from their parents, what you heard from them moments ago will be far worse if Trump gets a second term,” she said. “In Donald Trump’s first term, he had people around him who actually tried to stop him. In a second term, not only will those guardrails not exist, but those people who were there to stop him in the first place are long gone.”Trump has declined to say whether he would resume family separations if given a second term, also known as the zero-tolerance policy.“Well, when you have that policy, people don’t come. If a family hears that they’re going to be separated, they love their family. They don’t come. So I know it sounds harsh,” Trump said during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/politics/transcript-cnn-town-hall-trump/index.html" target="_blank">a CNN town hall in May 2023.&nbsp;</a>Escobar said that she is hoping that at Wednesday night’s town hall, Trump will be pressed on whether he would reimplement his family separation policy.The Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.together.gov/" target="_blank">established a task force</a>&nbsp;to reunite the 3,881 children who were separated from their families from 2017 to 2021.The Department of Homeland Security has reunited about 74% of those families, but there are still&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2023/02/02/fact-sheet-review-family-reunification-task-force-second-anniversary-its" target="_blank">998 children who have not been reunited</a>.

Harris campaign stresses ‘the threat that Donald Trump is to Latino communities’

KANSAS CITY —&nbsp;A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer is recovering from injuries in an accident on Wednesday. Quick thinking bystanders helped get him immediate medical attention.

The crash occurred just after 9:30a.m. at the intersection of 72nd&nbsp;and Troost. Investigators determined the motorcycle officer was northbound when a southbound SUV turned left (east) in front of the officer causing a collision.

Responding officers and EMS administered aid and transported the officer to the hospital with what was reported to be Critical, life threatening injuries. The officer was later upgraded to critical, but stable condition.

The other involved driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

KCPD was initially alerted to this crash thanks to some quick thinking by some nearby bystanders who rushed to the officer’s aid after hearing the crash. One person pushed the emergency button on the officer’s police radio while another person provided medical aid and CPR. Because of those citizen’s quick thinking first responders were alerted to the emergency, and able to locate the officer quickly, thanks to GPS on the police radio.

Chief Graves expressed her deep appreciation for the many bystanders that rushed to the officers aid, EMS personnel with KCFD, and the Medical Staff at the hospital, along with the numerous KCPD officers who responded to the scene and who are conducting the investigation. Chief also asks the community to keep the injured officer, his family, and all of KCPD in their prayers.

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday, according to KCPD Officer Jake Becchina.

The crash occurred&nbsp;at Gregory and Troost.&nbsp; EMS transported the officer&nbsp; to the hospital with what is reported to be critical injuries, according to Becchina.

KCPD traffic investigations and the KCPD accident investigation sections were at the scene investigating the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Few details are available. Check the Post for more information as it is released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729105015166.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —&nbsp;A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer is recovering from injuries in an accident on Wednesday. Quick thinking bystanders helped get him immediate medical attention.The crash occurred just after 9:30a.m. at the intersection of 72nd&nbsp;and Troost. Investigators determined the motorcycle officer was northbound when a southbound SUV turned left (east) in front of the officer causing a collision.Responding officers and EMS administered aid and transported the officer to the hospital with what was reported to be Critical, life threatening injuries. The officer was later upgraded to critical, but stable condition.The other involved driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.KCPD was initially alerted to this crash thanks to some quick thinking by some nearby bystanders who rushed to the officer’s aid after hearing the crash. One person pushed the emergency button on the officer’s police radio while another person provided medical aid and CPR. Because of those citizen’s quick thinking first responders were alerted to the emergency, and able to locate the officer quickly, thanks to GPS on the police radio.Chief Graves expressed her deep appreciation for the many bystanders that rushed to the officers aid, EMS personnel with KCFD, and the Medical Staff at the hospital, along with the numerous KCPD officers who responded to the scene and who are conducting the investigation. Chief also asks the community to keep the injured officer, his family, and all of KCPD in their prayers.--------KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday, according to KCPD Officer Jake Becchina.The crash occurred&nbsp;at Gregory and Troost.&nbsp; EMS transported the officer&nbsp; to the hospital with what is reported to be critical injuries, according to Becchina.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A motorcycle officer of the Kansas City Police Department sustained serious injuries this morning in a crash. We are praying for the officer, their family, and all of the women and men of KCPD.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1846577294451597518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>KCPD traffic investigations and the KCPD accident investigation sections were at the scene investigating the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;Few details are available. Check the Post for more information as it is released.

Bystanders helped KC motorcycle officer critically injured in crash

WASHINGTON —U.S. forces conducted multiple, precision airstrikes on numerous Iran-backed Houthi weapons storage facilities within Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen that contained various advanced conventional weapons used to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters throughout the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, according to a media release from the U.S. Central Command.<a></a>

These actions were taken to degrade the Houthi's capability to continue their reckless and unlawful attacks on international commercial shipping and on U.S., coalition, and merchant personnel and vessels in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, and to degrade their ability to threaten regional partners.

CENTCOM forces targeted the Houthi's hardened underground facilities housing missiles, weapons components, and other munitions used to target military and civilian vessels throughout the region.

U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets, including U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers, were part of the operation. The employment of the B-2 bomber demonstrates U.S. global strike capabilities to reach these targets, when necessary, anytime, anywhere.

Our battle damage assessments are underway and do not indicate civilian casualties. We will provide updates as information is confirmed.

WASHINGTON —U.S. forces conducted multiple, precision airstrikes on numerous Iran-backed Houthi weapons storage facilities within Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen that contained various advanced conventional weapons used to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters throughout the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, according to a media release from the U.S. Central Command.<a></a>These actions were taken to degrade the Houthi's capability to continue their reckless and unlawful attacks on international commercial shipping and on U.S., coalition, and merchant personnel and vessels in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, and to degrade their ability to threaten regional partners.CENTCOM forces targeted the Houthi's hardened underground facilities housing missiles, weapons components, and other munitions used to target military and civilian vessels throughout the region.U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets, including U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers, were part of the operation. The employment of the B-2 bomber demonstrates U.S. global strike capabilities to reach these targets, when necessary, anytime, anywhere.Our battle damage assessments are underway and do not indicate civilian casualties. We will provide updates as information is confirmed.

US bombers target underground bunkers of Yemen's Houthi rebels

PETTIS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Pettis County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Honda Accord driven by Gayline R. Leafty, 80, Sedalia, was northbound on Route. Y at Quisenberry Road.&nbsp;

The driver traveled into the intersection without yielding to a 2017 Volvo semi driven by Lloyd R. Waxter, 55, Fort Worth, Texas. The semi struck the Honda.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Leafty was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Rea Funeral Home.&nbsp; Waxter was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

PETTIS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Pettis County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Honda Accord driven by Gayline R. Leafty, 80, Sedalia, was northbound on Route. Y at Quisenberry Road.&nbsp;The driver traveled into the intersection without yielding to a 2017 Volvo semi driven by Lloyd R. Waxter, 55, Fort Worth, Texas. The semi struck the Honda.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leafty was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Rea Funeral Home.&nbsp; Waxter was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman dies after crash with a semi

JOHNSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Wednesday in Johnson County.

The single-vehicle crash occurred near Shawnee Mission Parkway and Midland Drive when the driver experienced a medical emergency. The vehicle traveled off the road struck a dumpster and then collided with a shed in a nearby backyard.

 Johnson County MED-ACT transported the driver to a local hospital in stable condition. No other injuries were reported. The Shawnee Police Department, Shawnee Fire Department also assisted at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729124296604.png" alt="Photos Shawnee Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Shawnee Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Wednesday in Johnson County.The single-vehicle crash occurred near Shawnee Mission Parkway and Midland Drive when the driver experienced a medical emergency. The vehicle traveled off the road struck a dumpster and then collided with a shed in a nearby backyard.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729124296604.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Johnson County MED-ACT transported the driver to a local hospital in stable condition. No other injuries were reported. The Shawnee Police Department, Shawnee Fire Department also assisted at the scene.

Kan. driver hospitalized after crash into trash dumpster, shed

KANSAS CITY —A homeless man faces felony charges after he entered a south Kansas City church, sought assistance and stabbed a church member in the chest on Sunday morning, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Jarod A. Hill, 24, faces Assault in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, close to 11 a.m. Sunday, Kansas City Police Department officers were dispatched to a reported knife attack at the church. Officers located a victim suffering from a stab wound to his chest. They also found several members of the church on top of the suspect, the defendant Jarod Hill. 

Police took Hill into custody. While being placed into a transport wagon, he attempted to grab a police officer's gun. Witnesses told police that it appeared that the defendant had pitched a tent nearby and was upset that someone had spray painted the tent. The victim attempted to help the defendant. 

Other members of the church told the defendant to leave or they would call police. The victim was standing next to Hill when he put the victim into a headlock and pulled out a knife. Hill began to stab the victim in the chest. They struggled over the knife and other church members helped to restrain the defendant until police arrived.&nbsp;

Video from the church corroborated the accounts of the victim and witnesses, according to court documents.

The police are continuing to investigate the incident at First Church of the Nazarene, located at 118th and State Line Road. The defendant is being held on a $100,000 cash bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729028388397.png" alt="Hill-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hill-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A homeless man faces felony charges after he entered a south Kansas City church, sought assistance and stabbed a church member in the chest on Sunday morning, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Jarod A. Hill, 24, faces Assault in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, close to 11 a.m. Sunday, Kansas City Police Department officers were dispatched to a reported knife attack at the church. Officers located a victim suffering from a stab wound to his chest. They also found several members of the church on top of the suspect, the defendant Jarod Hill. Police took Hill into custody. While being placed into a transport wagon, he attempted to grab a police officer's gun. Witnesses told police that it appeared that the defendant had pitched a tent nearby and was upset that someone had spray painted the tent. The victim attempted to help the defendant. Other members of the church told the defendant to leave or they would call police. The victim was standing next to Hill when he put the victim into a headlock and pulled out a knife. Hill began to stab the victim in the chest. They struggled over the knife and other church members helped to restrain the defendant until police arrived.&nbsp;Video from the church corroborated the accounts of the victim and witnesses, according to court documents.The police are continuing to investigate the incident at First Church of the Nazarene, located at 118th and State Line Road. The defendant is being held on a $100,000 cash bond.

Homeless man entered KC church, stabbed parishioner on Sunday

Just about $1.2 million has been spent since the primary by candidates seeking offices from governor to attorney general

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

As ballot measure campaigns fill the airwaves with&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/14/record-spending-fuels-missouri-campaigns-to-legalize-sports-gambling-new-casino/">seven-figure ad wars</a>&nbsp;alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/15/why-are-you-so-weird-lucas-kunce-taunts-josh-hawley-during-squabble-about-debates/">Missouri’s U.S. Senate race</a>, the state seems about to experience the cheapest campaign in years for other statewide offices.

On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the Republican nominee for governor, reported raising about $760,000 during September for his campaign committee and another $1.3 million for his joint-fundraising committee, American Dream PAC.&nbsp;

His Democratic opponent, state Rep. Crystal Quade, raised $425,000 and her joint fundraising committee, Crystal PAC, took in $7,000.

Quade used her modest campaign budget to start television advertising last week, spending about $165,000 so far. Kehoe has reserved time for later in the month, spending about $835,000.

In a news release, Quade said she was pleased with the fundraising result.

“I’m so grateful for the overwhelming support from everyday Missourians for this campaign,” she said. “Voters are sick of bought-and-paid for politicians who make life easier for their corporate donors and well-connected political insiders.”

Candidates for the other four statewide offices on the November ballot have combined to spend less than $400,000 since the primary.

Four years ago, Gov. Mike Parson’s re-election campaign raised $1 million during September and his joint fundraising committee raised $2.6 million. His Democratic opponent, then-state auditor Nicole Galloway, raised $1.5 million in September 2020.

And in 2016, the last time no incumbent ran for governor, Democrat Chris Koster raised $3.5 million in September, while Republican nominee Eric Greitens took in $4.2 million.

In comparison, spending for and against ballot measures on this year’s ballot totals $25.3 million since May, when signatures were turned in. And in the Senate race, Democrat Lucas Kunce has spent $6 million on television ads since the end of July, with Republican incumbent Josh Hawley spending $3.9 million.

Campaign reports for the period ending Sept. 30 were due Tuesday. State candidates report to the Missouri Ethics Commission, while candidates for Congress and the U.S. Senate report to the Federal Election Commission. There will be one more round of reports before the election on Nov. 5.

In the U.S. Senate race, Kunce has outraised Hawley throughout the year and that trend continued in the third quarter of the year. Kunce reported raising $7.6 million between mid-July and the end of September, while Hawley reported raising $3 million in the same period.

There are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2024BallotMeasures" target="_blank">six statewide ballot measures</a>&nbsp;before voters this year, five constitutional amendments and a statutory change increasing the minimum wage. Total spending on all ballot measures through Sept. 30, according to the reports filed Tuesday, is $40.8 million.&nbsp;

The two biggest spenders are the committee backing Amendment 2 to legalize sports wagering and the committee backing Amendment 3 to restore the right to abortion and protect other reproductive health services.

Winning for Missouri Education, backing Amendment 2, reported raising $21.6 million, with $10 million more in large donations since the start of the month. Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, backing Amendment 3, took in $21.8 through Sept. 30 and $3.8 million in large donations since.

All the money for Winning for Missouri Education comes from two donors — Draft Kings and FanDuel. While most of the funding for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom — $18 million — comes in donations of $100,000 or more from liberal groups that don’t disclose their donors, the 1,654-page report delivered Tuesday includes thousands of donations from Missourians who gave between $20 and $500.

The best-funded opposition to a ballot measure is fighting Amendment 2. Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment raised $4.2 million by mid-September and has reported $10 million in donations from Caesars Entertainment since.

Groups opposing the abortion amendment are not able to match the spending in its favor. Vote No on 3 raised $456,000 by the end of September and has collected $455,000 in large donations since.

The filings Tuesday show there was a change in the name on a campaign donation opposing Amendment 3 that The Independent&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/11/missouri-abortion-amendment-opposition-hunt-chiefs/">tied to the family that owns the Kansas CIty Chiefs</a>.&nbsp;

A group called Leadership For America purchased a small amount of radio air time opposing Amendment 3 and donated $100,000 to Vote No on 3 after accepting a $300,000 donation from a company called Unity Hunt.

Unity Hunt owns the business properties of the late Lamar Hunt, who founded the Chiefs. In the Tuesday filing, the donation was reattributed to Lamar Hunt Jr.

The other ballot measure campaigns, and their funding, are:

The only ballot measure without a committee dedicated to its passage or defeat is Amendment 7, which would ban ranked-choice voting and restate the current constitutional ban on voting by non-citizens.

<h2>Just about $1.2 million has been spent since the primary by candidates seeking offices from governor to attorney general</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>As ballot measure campaigns fill the airwaves with&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/14/record-spending-fuels-missouri-campaigns-to-legalize-sports-gambling-new-casino/">seven-figure ad wars</a>&nbsp;alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/15/why-are-you-so-weird-lucas-kunce-taunts-josh-hawley-during-squabble-about-debates/">Missouri’s U.S. Senate race</a>, the state seems about to experience the cheapest campaign in years for other statewide offices.On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the Republican nominee for governor, reported raising about $760,000 during September for his campaign committee and another $1.3 million for his joint-fundraising committee, American Dream PAC.&nbsp;His Democratic opponent, state Rep. Crystal Quade, raised $425,000 and her joint fundraising committee, Crystal PAC, took in $7,000.Quade used her modest campaign budget to start television advertising last week, spending about $165,000 so far. Kehoe has reserved time for later in the month, spending about $835,000.In a news release, Quade said she was pleased with the fundraising result.“I’m so grateful for the overwhelming support from everyday Missourians for this campaign,” she said. “Voters are sick of bought-and-paid for politicians who make life easier for their corporate donors and well-connected political insiders.”Candidates for the other four statewide offices on the November ballot have combined to spend less than $400,000 since the primary.Four years ago, Gov. Mike Parson’s re-election campaign raised $1 million during September and his joint fundraising committee raised $2.6 million. His Democratic opponent, then-state auditor Nicole Galloway, raised $1.5 million in September 2020.And in 2016, the last time no incumbent ran for governor, Democrat Chris Koster raised $3.5 million in September, while Republican nominee Eric Greitens took in $4.2 million.In comparison, spending for and against ballot measures on this year’s ballot totals $25.3 million since May, when signatures were turned in. And in the Senate race, Democrat Lucas Kunce has spent $6 million on television ads since the end of July, with Republican incumbent Josh Hawley spending $3.9 million.Campaign reports for the period ending Sept. 30 were due Tuesday. State candidates report to the Missouri Ethics Commission, while candidates for Congress and the U.S. Senate report to the Federal Election Commission. There will be one more round of reports before the election on Nov. 5.In the U.S. Senate race, Kunce has outraised Hawley throughout the year and that trend continued in the third quarter of the year. Kunce reported raising $7.6 million between mid-July and the end of September, while Hawley reported raising $3 million in the same period.In other statewide races:<ul>
 <li>Republican candidate for lieutenant governor David Wasinger raised almost $161,000 and used $125,000 of it to start paying himself back the $2.6 million he loaned his campaign for the primary. State Rep. Richard Brown of Kansas City, the Democratic nominee, had not reported Tuesday night.</li><li>Democratic nominee for attorney general Elad Gross raised more for his campaign committee, $185,000, than incumbent Republican Andrew Bailey, who took in $165,000. But Bailey’s joint fundraising committee, Liberty and Justice PAC, raised $600,000 as well. Gross does not have a separate PAC.</li><li>State Rep. Barbara Phifer, a St. Louis Democrat, outraised state Sen. Denny Hoskins, the GOP nominee, in their race for secretary of state. Phifer took in almost $102,000, while Hoskins raised $37,000 for his campaign and $33,000 for his joint fundraising committee.</li><li>State Treasurer Vivek Malek raised $34,075 and his PAC raised $4,350 more, while Democratic opponent Mark Osmack raised $11,501.</li>
 </ul><h2>Ballot measures</h2>There are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2024BallotMeasures" target="_blank">six statewide ballot measures</a>&nbsp;before voters this year, five constitutional amendments and a statutory change increasing the minimum wage. Total spending on all ballot measures through Sept. 30, according to the reports filed Tuesday, is $40.8 million.&nbsp;The two biggest spenders are the committee backing Amendment 2 to legalize sports wagering and the committee backing Amendment 3 to restore the right to abortion and protect other reproductive health services.Winning for Missouri Education, backing Amendment 2, reported raising $21.6 million, with $10 million more in large donations since the start of the month. Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, backing Amendment 3, took in $21.8 through Sept. 30 and $3.8 million in large donations since.All the money for Winning for Missouri Education comes from two donors — Draft Kings and FanDuel. While most of the funding for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom — $18 million — comes in donations of $100,000 or more from liberal groups that don’t disclose their donors, the 1,654-page report delivered Tuesday includes thousands of donations from Missourians who gave between $20 and $500.The best-funded opposition to a ballot measure is fighting Amendment 2. Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment raised $4.2 million by mid-September and has reported $10 million in donations from Caesars Entertainment since.Groups opposing the abortion amendment are not able to match the spending in its favor. Vote No on 3 raised $456,000 by the end of September and has collected $455,000 in large donations since.The filings Tuesday show there was a change in the name on a campaign donation opposing Amendment 3 that The Independent&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/11/missouri-abortion-amendment-opposition-hunt-chiefs/">tied to the family that owns the Kansas CIty Chiefs</a>.&nbsp;A group called Leadership For America purchased a small amount of radio air time opposing Amendment 3 and donated $100,000 to Vote No on 3 after accepting a $300,000 donation from a company called Unity Hunt.Unity Hunt owns the business properties of the late Lamar Hunt, who founded the Chiefs. In the Tuesday filing, the donation was reattributed to Lamar Hunt Jr.The other ballot measure campaigns, and their funding, are:<ul>
 <li>YesOn5, which is backing Amendment 5 to allow a new casino at the Lake of the Ozarks, is funded by Bally’s Corp. and RIS, a lake-area developer, who have provided $9.4 million so far.</li><li>Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages, supporting Proposition A to raise the minimum wage and require employers to provide paid sick leave, reported raising $4.4 million for the campaign through September. The campaign has received another $1.25 million in large donations this month.</li><li>The Committee to Ensure a Future for Sheriffs &amp; Prosecutors is backing Amendment 6, to impose fees on criminal court cases to fund retirement benefits for sheriffs and prosecutors. The committee reported raising $110,425 through Sept. 30, with another $80,000 since. Those donations are $30,000 from the sheriff’s retirement fund and $50,000 from the prosecutor’s retirement fund, donations that have&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/09/missouri-sheriffs-pension-donates-30k-to-ballot-campaign-sparking-concerns/">raised questions</a>&nbsp;among lawmakers.</li>
 </ul>The only ballot measure without a committee dedicated to its passage or defeat is Amendment 7, which would ban ranked-choice voting and restate the current constitutional ban on voting by non-citizens.

Statewide candidates in Missouri run cheap campaigns while ballot measures spend heavily

COOPER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8a.m. Tuesday in Cooper County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Freightliner semi driven by Vernon L. Hawthorne, 43, Las Vegas, Nevada, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the Route B-Booneville exit.

The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, returned to the road, slid and overturned and the driver was ejected.

Cooper County ambulance transported Hawthorne to Howard Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

COOPER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8a.m. Tuesday in Cooper County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Freightliner semi driven by Vernon L. Hawthorne, 43, Las Vegas, Nevada, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the Route B-Booneville exit.The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, returned to the road, slid and overturned and the driver was ejected.Cooper County ambulance transported Hawthorne to Howard Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Semi driver dies after ejected in crash on Interstate 70

Bismarck, ND– Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach Tuesday asked the U.S. District Court in North Dakota to temporarily stop the Biden-Harris administration from implementing a regulation that would give Obamacare to illegal aliens, according to a media release from the Attorney General's office.

The regulation, set to take effect on Nov. 1, would make more than 200,000 deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) recipients eligible for taxpayer-subsidized health plans, including 4,350 DACA recipients in Kansas.

“Congress made it clear on two separate occasions that illegal aliens cannot receive Obamacare. First, a 1996 law makes clear that illegal aliens are generally prohibited from receiving federal benefits. Second, in the affordable care act itself, an alien has to be lawfully present in the United States to receive the subsidized health insurance,” Kobach said. “The Biden administration does not have a good response.&nbsp; I have argued immigration issues in many different cases, and I feel particularly good about the states’ chances in this one.

”North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley also appeared in court. Kobach served as lead counsel.“Washington has failed to secure our southern border, and the cost of DACA is not the right solution for the states,” Jackley said. “DACA’s subsidized health insurance for illegal immigrants would be at the cost of struggling working citizens.”

Attorneys general from 15 states joined the lawsuit. In addition to Kobach, Wrigley and Jackley, attorneys general from Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia joined the lawsuit.Read latest filings in the case&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/divisions/special-litigation-unit/high-profile-cases">here</a>.

Bismarck, ND– Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach Tuesday asked the U.S. District Court in North Dakota to temporarily stop the Biden-Harris administration from implementing a regulation that would give Obamacare to illegal aliens, according to a media release from the Attorney General's office.The regulation, set to take effect on Nov. 1, would make more than 200,000 deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) recipients eligible for taxpayer-subsidized health plans, including 4,350 DACA recipients in Kansas.“Congress made it clear on two separate occasions that illegal aliens cannot receive Obamacare. First, a 1996 law makes clear that illegal aliens are generally prohibited from receiving federal benefits. Second, in the affordable care act itself, an alien has to be lawfully present in the United States to receive the subsidized health insurance,” Kobach said. “The Biden administration does not have a good response.&nbsp; I have argued immigration issues in many different cases, and I feel particularly good about the states’ chances in this one.”North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley also appeared in court. Kobach served as lead counsel.“Washington has failed to secure our southern border, and the cost of DACA is not the right solution for the states,” Jackley said. “DACA’s subsidized health insurance for illegal immigrants would be at the cost of struggling working citizens.”Attorneys general from 15 states joined the lawsuit. In addition to Kobach, Wrigley and Jackley, attorneys general from Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia joined the lawsuit.Read latest filings in the case&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/divisions/special-litigation-unit/high-profile-cases">here</a>.

Kan. AG leads coalition to stop Biden-Harris from giving Obamacare to illegal aliens

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that left 27-year-old Jonathan Macias of Sedgwick County dead.

(Click below to watch the press conference with Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan.)

On Tuesday, Wichita Chief of Police Joe Sullivan released a timeline of events that ended in the fatal shooting.

Just after 7a.m.&nbsp; Saturday, Sedgwick County 911 received a call from a man stating that he was armed and going to shoot people. Law Enforcement from multiple agencies responded to this call and contacted a man later identified as Macias who appeared to be wearing body armor, according to Colonel Keith Allen with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.

Law enforcement tried to deescalate the situation over the next hour&nbsp; but Macias got into a vehicle and drove up and down the streets in the neighborhood on the northwest edge of Wichita.

After approximately one hour of attempting negotiations with Macias, there was an officer involved shooting. Deputies and police from multiple agencies were inolved.&nbsp; Sedgwick County EMS pronounced Macias&nbsp; deceased at the scene of the incident.

In December, police arrested Macias on requested charges of Domestic battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, failure to stop at an injury accident and failure to appear, according to Sedgwick County booking records. He was released by a court order, according to online arrest records.&nbsp; The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729021111585.png" alt="Body camera image released Tuesday by Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Body camera image released Tuesday by Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that left 27-year-old Jonathan Macias of Sedgwick County dead.(Click below to watch the press conference with Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan.)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F1071258457742416%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=163" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>On Tuesday, Wichita Chief of Police Joe Sullivan released a timeline of events that ended in the fatal shooting.Just after 7a.m.&nbsp; Saturday, Sedgwick County 911 received a call from a man stating that he was armed and going to shoot people. Law Enforcement from multiple agencies responded to this call and contacted a man later identified as Macias who appeared to be wearing body armor, according to Colonel Keith Allen with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728936452904.png" alt="Macias photo from a December arrest in Sedgwick County." />
 <figcaption>Macias photo from a December arrest in Sedgwick County.</figcaption>
 </figure>Law enforcement tried to deescalate the situation over the next hour&nbsp; but Macias got into a vehicle and drove up and down the streets in the neighborhood on the northwest edge of Wichita.After approximately one hour of attempting negotiations with Macias, there was an officer involved shooting. Deputies and police from multiple agencies were inolved.&nbsp; Sedgwick County EMS pronounced Macias&nbsp; deceased at the scene of the incident.In December, police arrested Macias on requested charges of Domestic battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, failure to stop at an injury accident and failure to appear, according to Sedgwick County booking records. He was released by a court order, according to online arrest records.&nbsp; The Associated Press contributed to this report.

New details released in deadly Kan. officer-involved shooting

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729105015166.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday, according to KCPD Officer Jake Becchina.The crash occurred&nbsp;at Gregory and Troost.&nbsp; EMS transported the officer&nbsp; to the hospital with what is reported to be critical injuries, according to Becchina.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A motorcycle officer of the Kansas City Police Department sustained serious injuries this morning in a crash. We are praying for the officer, their family, and all of the women and men of KCPD.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1846577294451597518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>KCPD traffic investigations and the KCPD accident investigation sections were at the scene investigating the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;Few details are available. Check the Post for more information as it is released.

KCPD motorcycle officer critically injured in crash

Eight-foot statue of warrior brings to ground level massize statue atop dome

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

TOPEKA — Dedication on the Kansas Capitol grounds Tuesday of an eight-foot statue depicting a Kansa warrior’s drawn bow and arrow pointed to the North Star closed a monumental 22-year effort to complete the Ad Astra Plaza.

The privately financed project placed on a pedestal southwest of the Capitol a version of the 22-foot, 4,400-pound bronze artwork installed in 2002 atop the dome in honor of the original inhabitants of land incorporated into the state and to symbolize determination of people to achieve goals, as the state motto declared, “to the stars through difficulties.”

Gov. Laura Kelly joined members of the Kaw Nation, a bipartisan set of legislators and the son of late Salina sculptor Richard Bergen to mark installation of the Kansa statue, bronze plaques describing Kansas history and hundreds of bricks purchased to help finance the project.

“In its own right,” the governor said, “to the stars through difficulty is an accurate description for this project. This plaza has been a long time in the making. It’s a poignant reminder of our past and inspiring representation of the bright future that lies ahead.”

Rich Bergen, son of artist and educator Richard Bergen, said the sculpture on the dome stood 300 feet above the ground, but the brethren installation on the lawn made the artwork more accessible to visitors. He said the plaza honored Native Americans through the story of the Kansa people.

“If we don’t remember the past, we will not learn from it,” Bergen said. “My dad really would have loved to have been here today.”

Kimberly Jenkins, chairwoman of the Kaw Nation Tribal Council, said Kansa people lived and hunted for centuries on land that became Kansas. She said the Kaw population had dwindled to about 500 when forced to move in the 1870s to present-day Oklahoma. Citizenship eventually fell to approximately 200, she said, but the Kaw emerged as a self-governing, federally recognized tribe.

“This warrior, to me, is a symbol of how strong our people were and still are,” Jenkins said. “Even though our loved ones suffered from being moved from their homeland and forced to adapt to ways of others, they fought hard.”

Polling of Salina-area students led to the decision to create a statue depicting a Kansa warrior. However, the pedestal meant to host the ground-level version of the artwork sat empty for two decades.

Former Sen. Randall Hardy, who represented Salina in the Legislature from 2017 to 2021, said he was strolling on the statehouse grounds when he came across the bare six-foot pedestal. A plaque donated by former Gov. Bill Graves said the pedestal held a replica of the statue on the dome.

“It was empty. Seventeen bronze plaques had not been cast and placed on the walls. Two-thousand-six-hundred bricks for the plaza were not in place. I was, frankly, embarrassed by what I saw,” Hardy said.

He returned to his office and spoke to Sen. Elaine Bowers, a Concordia Republican who served on a legislative committee dedicated to preservation of the Capitol. Together, with lobbyist John Peterson and others a plan was developed to kickstart development of the plaza.

“I’m so pleased to be here, even though we’re 20 years late. It’s a great day,” Bowers said.

Fundraising was inspired by friends of Bill Brady, a legislator and lobbyist who died in March 2023. He was a presence in the statehouse for more than 40 years.

“His colleagues led the fundraising campaign to help complete the plaza in memory of Bill,” said Nancy Brady, his widow. “I can’t think of anything more meaningful to Bill and our family. I look forward to bringing my family and friends here for many years to come.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729090833791.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly led a bipartisan celebration of the new Ad Astra Plaza on the Kansas Capitol lawn centered on a copy of the Kansa warrior that sits on top of the statehouse. The statue on the dome was installed in 2002, but it took 22 years to finish the ground-level plaza.- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly led a bipartisan celebration of the new Ad Astra Plaza on the Kansas Capitol lawn centered on a copy of the Kansa warrior that sits on top of the statehouse. The statue on the dome was installed in 2002, but it took 22 years to finish the ground-level plaza.- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Eight-foot statue of warrior brings to ground level massize statue atop dome</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Dedication on the Kansas Capitol grounds Tuesday of an eight-foot statue depicting a Kansa warrior’s drawn bow and arrow pointed to the North Star closed a monumental 22-year effort to complete the Ad Astra Plaza.The privately financed project placed on a pedestal southwest of the Capitol a version of the 22-foot, 4,400-pound bronze artwork installed in 2002 atop the dome in honor of the original inhabitants of land incorporated into the state and to symbolize determination of people to achieve goals, as the state motto declared, “to the stars through difficulties.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, we celebrated the new Ad Astra Plaza at the Statehouse. The plaza, with its replica of the iconic Native American hunter statue atop the Statehouse, is a poignant reminder of our past &amp; an inspiring representation of how we&#39;re reaching for the stars to move Kansas forward. <a href="https://t.co/ntKVZGBiNO">pic.twitter.com/ntKVZGBiNO</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1846242116554440962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Gov. Laura Kelly joined members of the Kaw Nation, a bipartisan set of legislators and the son of late Salina sculptor Richard Bergen to mark installation of the Kansa statue, bronze plaques describing Kansas history and hundreds of bricks purchased to help finance the project.“In its own right,” the governor said, “to the stars through difficulty is an accurate description for this project. This plaza has been a long time in the making. It’s a poignant reminder of our past and inspiring representation of the bright future that lies ahead.”Rich Bergen, son of artist and educator Richard Bergen, said the sculpture on the dome stood 300 feet above the ground, but the brethren installation on the lawn made the artwork more accessible to visitors. He said the plaza honored Native Americans through the story of the Kansa people.“If we don’t remember the past, we will not learn from it,” Bergen said. “My dad really would have loved to have been here today.”Kimberly Jenkins, chairwoman of the Kaw Nation Tribal Council, said Kansa people lived and hunted for centuries on land that became Kansas. She said the Kaw population had dwindled to about 500 when forced to move in the 1870s to present-day Oklahoma. Citizenship eventually fell to approximately 200, she said, but the Kaw emerged as a self-governing, federally recognized tribe.“This warrior, to me, is a symbol of how strong our people were and still are,” Jenkins said. “Even though our loved ones suffered from being moved from their homeland and forced to adapt to ways of others, they fought hard.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729090744229.png" alt=" Members of the Kaw Nation present a ceremonial blanket to Rich Bergen, son of the late Salina sculptor Richard Bergen, who created the Kansa warrior statue atop the Capitol. Bergen spoke on behalf of his father at dedication of Ad Astra Plaza, which incorporated a smaller version of the Kansa warrior. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Members of the Kaw Nation present a ceremonial blanket to Rich Bergen, son of the late Salina sculptor Richard Bergen, who created the Kansa warrior statue atop the Capitol. Bergen spoke on behalf of his father at dedication of Ad Astra Plaza, which incorporated a smaller version of the Kansa warrior. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Polling of Salina-area students led to the decision to create a statue depicting a Kansa warrior. However, the pedestal meant to host the ground-level version of the artwork sat empty for two decades.Former Sen. Randall Hardy, who represented Salina in the Legislature from 2017 to 2021, said he was strolling on the statehouse grounds when he came across the bare six-foot pedestal. A plaque donated by former Gov. Bill Graves said the pedestal held a replica of the statue on the dome.“It was empty. Seventeen bronze plaques had not been cast and placed on the walls. Two-thousand-six-hundred bricks for the plaza were not in place. I was, frankly, embarrassed by what I saw,” Hardy said.He returned to his office and spoke to Sen. Elaine Bowers, a Concordia Republican who served on a legislative committee dedicated to preservation of the Capitol. Together, with lobbyist John Peterson and others a plan was developed to kickstart development of the plaza.“I’m so pleased to be here, even though we’re 20 years late. It’s a great day,” Bowers said.Fundraising was inspired by friends of Bill Brady, a legislator and lobbyist who died in March 2023. He was a presence in the statehouse for more than 40 years.“His colleagues led the fundraising campaign to help complete the plaza in memory of Bill,” said Nancy Brady, his widow. “I can’t think of anything more meaningful to Bill and our family. I look forward to bringing my family and friends here for many years to come.”

Kansas governor, Kansa tribe members cap 22-year project by dedicating Capitol plaza

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect after a chase that started in a highway construction zone.

Just after 3a.m. October 12, a deputy sheriff attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a red 2012 Buick Verano that disregarded closed roadways due to construction near SE 29th Street and SE Adams Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The driver, later identified as 20-year-old Beau D. Belisle, refused to stop and initiated a pursuit. The deputy terminated the pursuit near SE 29th Street and SE Wisconsin Avenue due to safety concerns. 

Deputies continued to search the area and located the abandoned vehicle with the driver walking nearby.&gt;&gt; 

The took&nbsp; Belisle into custody and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, Speeding, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Reckless driving, Unsafe turning or stopping, Unlawful to drive in closed roadway, Possession of marijuana, Ignition interlock device and Interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728868833192.png" alt="Belisle photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Belisle photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect after a chase that started in a highway construction zone.Just after 3a.m. October 12, a deputy sheriff attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a red 2012 Buick Verano that disregarded closed roadways due to construction near SE 29th Street and SE Adams Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The driver, later identified as 20-year-old Beau D. Belisle, refused to stop and initiated a pursuit. The deputy terminated the pursuit near SE 29th Street and SE Wisconsin Avenue due to safety concerns. Deputies continued to search the area and located the abandoned vehicle with the driver walking nearby.&gt;&gt; The took&nbsp; Belisle into custody and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, Speeding, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Reckless driving, Unsafe turning or stopping, Unlawful to drive in closed roadway, Possession of marijuana, Ignition interlock device and Interference with law enforcement.

Suspect jailed after chase through Kan. road construction zone

KANSAS CITY—The Kansas City Public Safety Task Force closed the Westport Media Collective,&nbsp;315 Westport Road Suite 200, Kansas City, following a mass shooting and multiple complaints.

The business was operating without a valid license or a current fire marshal inspection, according to a media release from the Task Force.

"Kansas City government will take all steps available to ensure resident safety, including business closures for those endangering their customers and not complying with our laws," Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas wrote on his social media account.

On October 9, a shooting in the 300 block of Westport Road,&nbsp;injured four adults and a teenager.&nbsp; Police have not reported how or if the business was involved with the shooting. Police also have not reported an arrest or announced suspect details. The victims are&nbsp;expected to recover, according to KCPD.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729073236258.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—The Kansas City Public Safety Task Force closed the Westport Media Collective,&nbsp;315 Westport Road Suite 200, Kansas City, following a mass shooting and multiple complaints.The business was operating without a valid license or a current fire marshal inspection, according to a media release from the Task Force.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kansas City government will take all steps available to ensure resident safety, including business closure for those endangering their customers and not compliant with our laws. Our City&#39;s public safety task force issued the following notice today regarding a Westport business. <a href="https://t.co/h44xa51YFk">pic.twitter.com/h44xa51YFk</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1846310614869987488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Kansas City government will take all steps available to ensure resident safety, including business closures for those endangering their customers and not complying with our laws," Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas wrote on his social media account.On October 9, a shooting in the 300 block of Westport Road,&nbsp;injured four adults and a teenager.&nbsp; Police have not reported how or if the business was involved with the shooting. Police also have not reported an arrest or announced suspect details. The victims are&nbsp;expected to recover, according to KCPD.

Kansas City shuts down Westport business after mass shooting

WICHITA— The sentencing scheduled Wednesday for a Kansas man for kidnapping three children and sexually assaulting two of them&nbsp;last year has been continued to October 25, according to online records.

On Aug. 2, a jury convicted 23-year-old Manasseh Ward of kidnapping, four counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, three counts of aggravated sodomy, attempted rape, aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In June, a judge ruled&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=246512">&nbsp;Ward</a>&nbsp; was competent to stand trial for charges.

Just before 4p.m. January 4, 2023, a teenage girl reported being kidnapped by a man driving a blue vehicle in the 6600 block of East Boston in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

The man later identified as Ward attempted to sexually assault the girl in the car. Ward let the child go and she reported the incident to a family member.

Just before 9a.m. January 5, two elementary-aged children, a boy and girl, left their home on foot in the 900 block of South Drury to head to Clark Elementary School at 650 S Apache in Wichita.

A man in a blue vehicle kidnapped the children. The suspect put both kids in his vehicle and then drove away. A short time later he dropped the boy victim off and left with the girl..

While gathering information officers were patrolling the area and located the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop it. &nbsp;A brief foot pursuit occurred and officers took Ward into custody in the 6600 block of East Boston.&nbsp; In September, police arrested Ward in connection with the alleged crimes.

Ward is scheduled to be sentenced on September 27, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673003077182.png" alt="Ward photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Ward photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA— The sentencing scheduled Wednesday for a Kansas man for kidnapping three children and sexually assaulting two of them&nbsp;last year has been continued to October 25, according to online records.On Aug. 2, a jury convicted 23-year-old Manasseh Ward of kidnapping, four counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, three counts of aggravated sodomy, attempted rape, aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In June, a judge ruled&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=246512">&nbsp;Ward</a>&nbsp; was competent to stand trial for charges.Just before 4p.m. January 4, 2023, a teenage girl reported being kidnapped by a man driving a blue vehicle in the 6600 block of East Boston in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.The man later identified as Ward attempted to sexually assault the girl in the car. Ward let the child go and she reported the incident to a family member.Just before 9a.m. January 5, two elementary-aged children, a boy and girl, left their home on foot in the 900 block of South Drury to head to Clark Elementary School at 650 S Apache in Wichita.A man in a blue vehicle kidnapped the children. The suspect put both kids in his vehicle and then drove away. A short time later he dropped the boy victim off and left with the girl..While gathering information officers were patrolling the area and located the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop it. &nbsp;A brief foot pursuit occurred and officers took Ward into custody in the 6600 block of East Boston.&nbsp; In September, police arrested Ward in connection with the alleged crimes.Ward is scheduled to be sentenced on September 27, according to the district attorney's office.