Washington D.C.&nbsp; -&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall on Wednesday called for the immediate passage of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/5/lee-and-roy-partner-on-legislation-to-secure-federal-elections">Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act</a>&nbsp;on the Senate floor.&nbsp; The SAVE Act is crucial for protecting the integrity of our elections by requiring proof of American citizenship when registering to vote. Our elections must be decided by American citizens.&nbsp;

Recently, states like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/virginia-governor-youngkin-voter-purge-noncitizens-errors-election-rcna167925">Virginia</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-announces-over-1m-ineligible-voters-removed-voting-rolls-since-last-presidential-election">Texas</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-2024-election-citizen-voter-registration-18d3c0bda65a5030cd07f1d536e39ab7">Oregon</a>&nbsp;found noncitizens had registered to vote in our elections. Requiring proof of citizenship to vote is not controversial, it’s common sense.

“Free, safe, secure and fair elections are integral to the survival of our republic. Without election integrity, the voice of American citizens, the foundation of a republic, is at risk of being silenced.”

“Unfortunately, millions of Americans have lost confidence in the security of our elections. They question whether their vote truly matters or if their vote is being diluted by noncitizens. We must ensure that the outcome of our elections is determined by our own citizens, uninfluenced by illegal ballots.”

“This shouldn't be a divisive issue. Nearly 80% of Americans - Democrats, Republicans, independents - all agree on this simple requirement, 80%. Now, again, this is common sense. You need an ID to drive, you need an ID to board a plane, you need an ID to get a fishing license. But voting is a sacred right with even a higher value than those other examples, that voting should demand the same standard.”

“Protecting this right isn't controversial, it’s common sense. Right now, due to the crisis of our open southern border, at least 11 million illegal immigrants are in the United States today. That number alone could replace the population of 36 states, almost four times the population of Kansas. Imagine what that could do to our electoral process if left unchecked.”

“Noncitizen voting is real. This isn't hypothetical. In Texas, Virginia, and Oregon, noncitizens have been found on the voting rosters. Additionally, California, Maryland, Vermont and Washington, D.C. already allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. This is an immediate threat to the future of our democracy, and it demands action.”&nbsp;

“This is a nonpartisan American issue. It's about protecting our country. Just as we reject foreign interference in our elections, we must reject noncitizen voting with equal seriousness, and this is why Congress must act, and it can act today.”

Washington D.C.&nbsp; -&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall on Wednesday called for the immediate passage of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/5/lee-and-roy-partner-on-legislation-to-secure-federal-elections">Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act</a>&nbsp;on the Senate floor.&nbsp; The SAVE Act is crucial for protecting the integrity of our elections by requiring proof of American citizenship when registering to vote. Our elections must be decided by American citizens.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Why won’t Democrats work to secure our elections and pass a policy that 80% of Americans support and does just that? Protecting election integrity is not a partisan issue—it’s an American issue. Let’s pass the SAVE Act to ensure our elections remain free, fair, &amp; secure. <a href="https://t.co/IeoTDskdZl">pic.twitter.com/IeoTDskdZl</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1839024251002622306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Recently, states like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/virginia-governor-youngkin-voter-purge-noncitizens-errors-election-rcna167925">Virginia</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-announces-over-1m-ineligible-voters-removed-voting-rolls-since-last-presidential-election">Texas</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-2024-election-citizen-voter-registration-18d3c0bda65a5030cd07f1d536e39ab7">Oregon</a>&nbsp;found noncitizens had registered to vote in our elections. Requiring proof of citizenship to vote is not controversial, it’s common sense.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In America, you need an ID to do all of the following things, yet the Democrat party finds it controversial to need an ID to participate in our electoral process. <a href="https://t.co/pJ4UBAQuwC">pic.twitter.com/pJ4UBAQuwC</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1839008515194507515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Free, safe, secure and fair elections are integral to the survival of our republic. Without election integrity, the voice of American citizens, the foundation of a republic, is at risk of being silenced.”“Unfortunately, millions of Americans have lost confidence in the security of our elections. They question whether their vote truly matters or if their vote is being diluted by noncitizens. We must ensure that the outcome of our elections is determined by our own citizens, uninfluenced by illegal ballots.”“This shouldn't be a divisive issue. Nearly 80% of Americans - Democrats, Republicans, independents - all agree on this simple requirement, 80%. Now, again, this is common sense. You need an ID to drive, you need an ID to board a plane, you need an ID to get a fishing license. But voting is a sacred right with even a higher value than those other examples, that voting should demand the same standard.”“Protecting this right isn't controversial, it’s common sense. Right now, due to the crisis of our open southern border, at least 11 million illegal immigrants are in the United States today. That number alone could replace the population of 36 states, almost four times the population of Kansas. Imagine what that could do to our electoral process if left unchecked.”“Noncitizen voting is real. This isn't hypothetical. In Texas, Virginia, and Oregon, noncitizens have been found on the voting rosters. Additionally, California, Maryland, Vermont and Washington, D.C. already allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. This is an immediate threat to the future of our democracy, and it demands action.”&nbsp;“This is a nonpartisan American issue. It's about protecting our country. Just as we reject foreign interference in our elections, we must reject noncitizen voting with equal seriousness, and this is why Congress must act, and it can act today.”

🎥Marshall: Why won't Democrats work to secure our elections?

SEDGWICK COUNTY — The suspect involved in a shooting near a school on Monday has been moved from the hospital to jail, according to <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752257">Sedgwick County Booking records.</a>

Vincent Solomon is being held on <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752257">requested charges</a> of attempted murder, aggravated battery, domestic battery, criminal restraint, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal use of weapons and interference with law enforcement, according to online jail records.

Just after 9a.m. Monday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications began to receive reports of a shooting outside Cessna Elementary School, 2101 West 45th Street South in Wichita, according to a statement from Police Chief Joe Sullivan during a Tuesday afternoon news conference.

The call was broadcast on all law enforcement radio channels. A Sedgwick County Deputy heard the call and responded. When the deputy arrived, he located a 46-year-old man from Wichita who was armed with a handgun. The man made statements that the deputy would kill him while pointing the gun at the deputy, according to Sullivan.

The suspect than ran to and laid on top of a 30-year-old woman. The deputy gave commands for the man to drop his gun and observed the suspect place the gun to the woman's head.

In defense of the woman, the deputy fired his gun twice. The suspect would not let go of the woman. The deputy then attempted to disarm the man physically. It took two Wichita Police officers and the deputy to disarm the suspect.

Investigators have learned that the man and woman live together and have children together. The couple had an argument in a vehicle on the way to the school which led to the suspect shooting the woman multiple times. The woman ran toward the school and the suspect chased her. A Wichita Public School staff member saw the suspect with the gun approaching the school and pulled the door of the school shut and locked it so the suspect could not get inside.

EMS transported the suspect and the woman to an area hospital. Both are expected to survive, according to Sullivan.&nbsp;

The Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) was activated to conduct this investigation. ALERT team investigators will present the facts of this case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727347075515.png" alt="Solomon -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Solomon -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — The suspect involved in a shooting near a school on Monday has been moved from the hospital to jail, according to <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752257">Sedgwick County Booking records.</a>Vincent Solomon is being held on <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752257">requested charges</a> of attempted murder, aggravated battery, domestic battery, criminal restraint, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal use of weapons and interference with law enforcement, according to online jail records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727210527551.png" alt="Image from security camera shows Solomon chasing the woman, after she had been shot, as they approach the entrance to the school.- image from Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image from security camera shows Solomon chasing the woman, after she had been shot, as they approach the entrance to the school.- image from Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 9a.m. Monday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications began to receive reports of a shooting outside Cessna Elementary School, 2101 West 45th Street South in Wichita, according to a statement from Police Chief Joe Sullivan during a Tuesday afternoon news conference.The call was broadcast on all law enforcement radio channels. A Sedgwick County Deputy heard the call and responded. When the deputy arrived, he located a 46-year-old man from Wichita who was armed with a handgun. The man made statements that the deputy would kill him while pointing the gun at the deputy, according to Sullivan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727106753444.png" alt="Police on the scene near the school-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene near the school-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect than ran to and laid on top of a 30-year-old woman. The deputy gave commands for the man to drop his gun and observed the suspect place the gun to the woman's head.In defense of the woman, the deputy fired his gun twice. The suspect would not let go of the woman. The deputy then attempted to disarm the man physically. It took two Wichita Police officers and the deputy to disarm the suspect.Investigators have learned that the man and woman live together and have children together. The couple had an argument in a vehicle on the way to the school which led to the suspect shooting the woman multiple times. The woman ran toward the school and the suspect chased her. A Wichita Public School staff member saw the suspect with the gun approaching the school and pulled the door of the school shut and locked it so the suspect could not get inside.EMS transported the suspect and the woman to an area hospital. Both are expected to survive, according to Sullivan.&nbsp;The Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) was activated to conduct this investigation. ALERT team investigators will present the facts of this case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.

Kan. suspect who shot woman near school moved from hospital to jail

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Two students were injured in a school bus accident just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Wyandotte County.

According to Edwardsville Police Chief Rance Quinn, the school bus was negotiating a curve in the road in the area of 700 Beach Street, turning right.&nbsp;The bus left the road and struck a tree in a yard. The tree damaged several windows on the bus. 

Two of the 17 children on board reported minor injuries from falling glass.&nbsp; &nbsp;Edwardsville Fire and EMS treated the two injured students on scene and they were released. All other students were examined by EMS and no other injuries were found.&nbsp; All the students, ages 11-15, were released to relatives or transferred to another school bus.&nbsp;

Police did not release details on the bus driver.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Two students were injured in a school bus accident just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Wyandotte County.According to Edwardsville Police Chief Rance Quinn, the school bus was negotiating a curve in the road in the area of 700 Beach Street, turning right.&nbsp;The bus left the road and struck a tree in a yard. The tree damaged several windows on the bus. Two of the 17 children on board reported minor injuries from falling glass.&nbsp; &nbsp;Edwardsville Fire and EMS treated the two injured students on scene and they were released. All other students were examined by EMS and no other injuries were found.&nbsp; All the students, ages 11-15, were released to relatives or transferred to another school bus.&nbsp;Police did not release details on the bus driver.

Students injured in Kansas school bus crash into tree

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Johnson County.

According to Lenexa Police, a motorcycle driven by a 23-year-old woman was southbound in the 11200 Block of Strang Line Road. The motorcycle traveled off the road and crashed in the center median.

Johnson County&nbsp; Med-Act transported the driver to an area hospital where she died.

Police have not released the name of the victim or additional details.

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Johnson County.According to Lenexa Police, a motorcycle driven by a 23-year-old woman was southbound in the 11200 Block of Strang Line Road. The motorcycle traveled off the road and crashed in the center median.Johnson County&nbsp; Med-Act transported the driver to an area hospital where she died.Police have not released the name of the victim or additional details.

23-year-old woman dies in Kansas motorcycle crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating&nbsp; a weekend homicide in Wichita have identified the victim as&nbsp;50-year-old Ronnie Wallace of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Officer Kris Gupilan.

Just before 8p.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a report of a shooting in the 600 block of N. Topeka in Wichita.

First responders located a Wallace lying in a parking lot with a fatal gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Investigators are actively pursuing leads to establish the sequence of events leading to the shooting and to identify the suspect involved.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating&nbsp; a weekend homicide in Wichita have identified the victim as&nbsp;50-year-old Ronnie Wallace of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Officer Kris Gupilan.Just before 8p.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a report of a shooting in the 600 block of N. Topeka in Wichita.First responders located a Wallace lying in a parking lot with a fatal gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Investigators are actively pursuing leads to establish the sequence of events leading to the shooting and to identify the suspect involved.&nbsp;

Homicide: Police ID 50-year-old Kan. man found lying in parking lot

PAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; — A registered sex offender from Georgia who has been living in Great Bend is going to prison for child sex crimes.

On Tuesday, Pawnee County District Judge Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced 49-year-old Shelby Lee Star to 26-years in prison in connection with&nbsp;two Jessica’s Law offenses, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

&nbsp;In April, Starr entered an Alford plea of guilt to a single count of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a child under the age of 14. In addition, the State agreed to allow Starr to be sentenced pursuant to the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines and dismiss the additional count, and not pursue charges regarding a possible additional victim.

The name, Alford plea, is taken from the case North Carolina v. Alford and is sometimes referred to a "best-interests plea," whereby the defendant registers a formal admission of guilt towards charges in criminal court while simultaneously expressing their innocence toward those same charges. An Alford-type guilty plea means the defendant decided it would be better to take a known sentence than to take their chances in a criminal jury trial.

The crimes were alleged to have occurred at a Larned residence between 2016 and 2017. The Larned Police Department and Kansas Department of Child and Family handled the investigation following a referral by a mandatory reporter in February of 2023.

Prior to sentencing, the Court denied the defendant’s pro se motion to withdraw his plea. The defendant argued in part he did not understand that his juvenile record would be scored as part of his criminal history at the time of sentencing.

At the sentencing, defense counsel requested the Court follow the plea agreement and sentence the defendant pursuant to the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines to the standard sentence of 233 months based on the defendant’s criminal history. Under Jessica’s Law, the defendant faced a life sentence with a mandatory requirement he serve a minimum of 25 years. McNett advised the Court that pursuant to the Kansas Crime Victims’ Act he had consulted with the victim and her family prior to entering into plea negotiations, and that they we in support of the presented plea agreement.

After hearing the arguments of counsel, Judge Gatterman on his own motion sentenced Starr to a downward departure sentence of 160 months based on the age of the defendant’s criminal history. However, the Court further found that as a result of the defendant’s prior sex offense conviction which occurred in 1999 that the law required he be sentenced as a persistent sex offender. As such, the sentenced was doubled to 320 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections. The defendant has the ability to earn up to 15% good time credit.

Starr will also be subject to lifetime post-release supervision and lifetime offender registration as a sex offender.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688048306418.png" alt="-Starr has been registered as a sex offender since 2001 for child sex crime convictions in Georgia, according to the Kansas Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>-Starr has been registered as a sex offender since 2001 for child sex crime convictions in Georgia, according to the Kansas Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; — A registered sex offender from Georgia who has been living in Great Bend is going to prison for child sex crimes.On Tuesday, Pawnee County District Judge Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced 49-year-old Shelby Lee Star to 26-years in prison in connection with&nbsp;two Jessica’s Law offenses, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.&nbsp;In April, Starr entered an Alford plea of guilt to a single count of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a child under the age of 14. In addition, the State agreed to allow Starr to be sentenced pursuant to the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines and dismiss the additional count, and not pursue charges regarding a possible additional victim.The name, Alford plea, is taken from the case North Carolina v. Alford and is sometimes referred to a "best-interests plea," whereby the defendant registers a formal admission of guilt towards charges in criminal court while simultaneously expressing their innocence toward those same charges. An Alford-type guilty plea means the defendant decided it would be better to take a known sentence than to take their chances in a criminal jury trial.The crimes were alleged to have occurred at a Larned residence between 2016 and 2017. The Larned Police Department and Kansas Department of Child and Family handled the investigation following a referral by a mandatory reporter in February of 2023.Prior to sentencing, the Court denied the defendant’s pro se motion to withdraw his plea. The defendant argued in part he did not understand that his juvenile record would be scored as part of his criminal history at the time of sentencing.At the sentencing, defense counsel requested the Court follow the plea agreement and sentence the defendant pursuant to the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines to the standard sentence of 233 months based on the defendant’s criminal history. Under Jessica’s Law, the defendant faced a life sentence with a mandatory requirement he serve a minimum of 25 years. McNett advised the Court that pursuant to the Kansas Crime Victims’ Act he had consulted with the victim and her family prior to entering into plea negotiations, and that they we in support of the presented plea agreement.After hearing the arguments of counsel, Judge Gatterman on his own motion sentenced Starr to a downward departure sentence of 160 months based on the age of the defendant’s criminal history. However, the Court further found that as a result of the defendant’s prior sex offense conviction which occurred in 1999 that the law required he be sentenced as a persistent sex offender. As such, the sentenced was doubled to 320 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections. The defendant has the ability to earn up to 15% good time credit.Starr will also be subject to lifetime post-release supervision and lifetime offender registration as a sex offender.

Georgia sex offender going to prison in Kansas for sex crimes

WILSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating&nbsp;after human skeletal remains were located in rural Wilson County, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Just after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Neodesha Police Department requested KBI assistance after they located skeletal remains in a pasture east of 6554 Ottawa Road in Neodesha. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the area. Investigators confirmed the remains were human.

An autopsy is scheduled. Positive identification may take longer than typical cases due to the condition of the remains.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar." target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.</a>

WILSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating&nbsp;after human skeletal remains were located in rural Wilson County, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Just after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Neodesha Police Department requested KBI assistance after they located skeletal remains in a pasture east of 6554 Ottawa Road in Neodesha. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the area. Investigators confirmed the remains were human.An autopsy is scheduled. Positive identification may take longer than typical cases due to the condition of the remains.Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar." target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.</a>

Police: Skeletal remains found in rural Kansas pasture

PETTIS COUNTY —A MoDOT team member died in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Tuesday in Pettis County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Peterbilt 379 driven by Brandon J. Knox, 18, Hughesville, was northbound at&nbsp;17566 MO Higheway O.&nbsp;

The vehicle struck a pedestrian identified as Jay L. Bone, 60, Smithton.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was pronounced dead by the Pettis County Coroner and transported to Heckart Funeral Home in Sedalia.&nbsp; Knox was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.

PETTIS COUNTY —A MoDOT team member died in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Tuesday in Pettis County.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yesterday, MoDOT team member Jay Bone was struck and killed while on the job at a flagging operation in Pettis County. Jay Bone had worked for the State of Missouri since 2015 and served as a Senior Maintenance Worker for our Kansas City District. <a href="https://t.co/5YJVXGOEsy">pic.twitter.com/5YJVXGOEsy</a>&mdash; Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovParsonMO/status/1838966839751188691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Peterbilt 379 driven by Brandon J. Knox, 18, Hughesville, was northbound at&nbsp;17566 MO Higheway O.&nbsp;The vehicle struck a pedestrian identified as Jay L. Bone, 60, Smithton.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was pronounced dead by the Pettis County Coroner and transported to Heckart Funeral Home in Sedalia.&nbsp; Knox was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.

MoDOT team member dies on the job at flagging operation

TOPEKA —Kansas deployed a Type 1 swift water search and rescue team, Kansas Task Force 1, through the Office of the State Fire Marshal to assist the state of Florida and local jurisdictions responding to Hurricane Helene, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Emergency Management.

Teams departed the evening of Sept. 24 from Olathe and Wichita. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management received the request from Florida and the task force was sent as part of an Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is a multistate, mutual aid agreement that facilitates interstate assistance in response and recovery operations during a disaster.

One Type I swift water/flood rescue teams with hard-bottom, and inflatable boats with personnel will be sent from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Derby Fire Department, Junction City Fire Department, Manhattan Fire Department, Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, Olathe Fire Department, Sedgwick County Fire District 1, and the Wichita Fire Department.&nbsp;

The teams will conduct search and rescue operations. Their objectives will be: To Search for and rescue individuals, provide basic life support (BLS) medical care, transport humans and animals to the nearest location for secondary air or land transport, provide shore-based and boat-based water rescue, provide animal rescues, and support helicopter and urban search and rescue in water environments.&nbsp;

In accordance with the EMAC agreement, Kansas will be reimbursed for cost associated with the deployment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727296020172.png" alt="Image National Weather Service Miami" />
 <figcaption>Image National Weather Service Miami</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Kansas deployed a Type 1 swift water search and rescue team, Kansas Task Force 1, through the Office of the State Fire Marshal to assist the state of Florida and local jurisdictions responding to Hurricane Helene, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Emergency Management.Teams departed the evening of Sept. 24 from Olathe and Wichita. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management received the request from Florida and the task force was sent as part of an Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is a multistate, mutual aid agreement that facilitates interstate assistance in response and recovery operations during a disaster.One Type I swift water/flood rescue teams with hard-bottom, and inflatable boats with personnel will be sent from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Derby Fire Department, Junction City Fire Department, Manhattan Fire Department, Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, Olathe Fire Department, Sedgwick County Fire District 1, and the Wichita Fire Department.&nbsp;The teams will conduct search and rescue operations. Their objectives will be: To Search for and rescue individuals, provide basic life support (BLS) medical care, transport humans and animals to the nearest location for secondary air or land transport, provide shore-based and boat-based water rescue, provide animal rescues, and support helicopter and urban search and rescue in water environments.&nbsp;In accordance with the EMAC agreement, Kansas will be reimbursed for cost associated with the deployment.

Kansas sends swift-water rescue teams to Florida ahead of hurricane

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/"></a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Women candidates from Kansas and Missouri gathered September 19, at a Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus event in support of female power and personality in politics.

Gov. Laura Kelly, the keynote speaker, highlighted how she kept her femininity while running for office. She spoke of the advice she got on her campaign — how men told her that women should appear tough and strong while running for office.

“I’m sure of this one piece of advice: Don’t try to be something you’re not,” Kelly said. “In order to convince others you can do a certain job, you’ve got to show them that who you really are is exactly how you will do the job.”

Kelly said women possess traits that make them valuable in office — traits like being good listeners, collaborative, creative problem solvers and able to juggle multiple tasks all at once.

“You see, I believe the traits we as women come by naturally are exactly the traits that make for effective executive leaders,” Kelly said.

Kelly is one of 12 women governors, eight of whom are Democrats. Kelly said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the women governors were in “constant touch.” She said the group of women Democratic governors are close — seeking advice from each other, celebrating each other’s wins and supporting each other in difficult times. This was showcased at the Democratic National Convention, when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@demgovs/video/7405758961019850026?lang=en" target="_blank">a video of the eight women</a>&nbsp;went viral on TikTok.

“While we’re really proud that there are 12 female governors, the last time I checked, there are 50 states,” Kelly said. “So do the math. We’ve got some work to do. I believe we will prevail. I am so energized by the next generations of women coming after mine.”

Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin, a Democrat from Leawood, said that women have to prove more to themselves before they run for office. When Poskin was asked to run — after she’d worked in higher education for 20 years, raised seven children, and held a membership in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mensa.org/" target="_blank">Mensa</a>&nbsp;— she responded that she should get her law degree before running. After a few more asks, she was convinced to run.

“People laughed at me, like, ‘You have everything you need! You are so ready,’ ” Poskin said. “And as it turns out, you don’t, of course, have to be a lawyer.”

A<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/09/27/views-of-obstacles-for-women-seeking-high-political-office/" target="_blank">&nbsp;2023 Pew Research study</a>&nbsp;found that the main reason women don’t run for office is because they have to do more to prove themselves than men. Rep. Melissa Oropeza, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, doesn’t believe a female candidate should have to prove herself on the basis of gender.

“Is it on us to educate people in 2024? I think they have to do some soul searching on their own, and evaluation of their own beliefs,” Oropeza said.

Every candidate at the event is an abortion rights advocate. Rep. Jo Ella Hoye, a two-term Democrat from Lenexa, said she originally ran to end gun violence.

“But a lot of women candidates get told not to talk about guns and abortion,” Hoye said. “We know that those are two priority issues on voters’ minds. So keep talking, and keep winning.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727286424687.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly speaks Sept. 19, 2024, at the at a Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus event. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly speaks Sept. 19, 2024, at the at a Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus event. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/"></a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Women candidates from Kansas and Missouri gathered September 19, at a Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus event in support of female power and personality in politics.Gov. Laura Kelly, the keynote speaker, highlighted how she kept her femininity while running for office. She spoke of the advice she got on her campaign — how men told her that women should appear tough and strong while running for office.“I’m sure of this one piece of advice: Don’t try to be something you’re not,” Kelly said. “In order to convince others you can do a certain job, you’ve got to show them that who you really are is exactly how you will do the job.”Kelly said women possess traits that make them valuable in office — traits like being good listeners, collaborative, creative problem solvers and able to juggle multiple tasks all at once.“You see, I believe the traits we as women come by naturally are exactly the traits that make for effective executive leaders,” Kelly said.Kelly is one of 12 women governors, eight of whom are Democrats. Kelly said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the women governors were in “constant touch.” She said the group of women Democratic governors are close — seeking advice from each other, celebrating each other’s wins and supporting each other in difficult times. This was showcased at the Democratic National Convention, when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@demgovs/video/7405758961019850026?lang=en" target="_blank">a video of the eight women</a>&nbsp;went viral on TikTok.“While we’re really proud that there are 12 female governors, the last time I checked, there are 50 states,” Kelly said. “So do the math. We’ve got some work to do. I believe we will prevail. I am so energized by the next generations of women coming after mine.”Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin, a Democrat from Leawood, said that women have to prove more to themselves before they run for office. When Poskin was asked to run — after she’d worked in higher education for 20 years, raised seven children, and held a membership in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mensa.org/" target="_blank">Mensa</a>&nbsp;— she responded that she should get her law degree before running. After a few more asks, she was convinced to run.“People laughed at me, like, ‘You have everything you need! You are so ready,’ ” Poskin said. “And as it turns out, you don’t, of course, have to be a lawyer.”A<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/09/27/views-of-obstacles-for-women-seeking-high-political-office/" target="_blank">&nbsp;2023 Pew Research study</a>&nbsp;found that the main reason women don’t run for office is because they have to do more to prove themselves than men. Rep. Melissa Oropeza, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, doesn’t believe a female candidate should have to prove herself on the basis of gender.“Is it on us to educate people in 2024? I think they have to do some soul searching on their own, and evaluation of their own beliefs,” Oropeza said.Every candidate at the event is an abortion rights advocate. Rep. Jo Ella Hoye, a two-term Democrat from Lenexa, said she originally ran to end gun violence.“But a lot of women candidates get told not to talk about guns and abortion,” Hoye said. “We know that those are two priority issues on voters’ minds. So keep talking, and keep winning.”

Women candidates champion authenticity at Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus event

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

WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors said Tuesday that the man who allegedly stalked former President Donald Trump for a month before aiming his rifle through a fence at Trump’s private golf course on Sept. 15 was indicted on the charge of an attempted assassination of a political candidate.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ryan-wesley-routh-indicted-attempted-assassination-former-president-trump" target="_blank">The Justice Department&nbsp;</a>said a federal grand jury in Miami late Tuesday returned an indictment charging Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of attempting to kill the GOP presidential nominee while at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“Violence targeting public officials endangers everything our country stands for, and the Department of Justice will use every available tool to hold Ryan Routh accountable for the attempted assassination of former President Trump charged in the indictment,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

“The Justice Department will not tolerate violence that strikes at the heart of our democracy, and we will find and hold accountable those who perpetrate it. This must stop,” Garland said.

The maximum sentence for the attempted assassination charge is a life sentence. Routh remains in pretrial detention.

The case is being handled by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who&nbsp;<a href="https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/07/15/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-classified-documents-criminal-case/" target="_blank">previously dismissed criminal charges&nbsp;</a>against Trump related to illegally allegedly keeping classified documents after he left the presidency. Cannon was appointed by Trump to the federal bench.

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gunman-who-allegedly-targeted-trump-offered-150k-anyone-who-could-finish-job" target="_blank">Prosecutors on Monday detailed&nbsp;</a>that Routh stalked Trump for a month, noting events Trump would be at, and wrote a note where he offered $150,000 to anyone who could “finish the job,” according to court filings.

This is now officially the second assassination attempt against Trump, after the&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/trump-campaigns-in-western-pennsylvania-with-rally-in-butler-county/" target="_blank">first&nbsp;</a>one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump sustained an injury to his ear. He was not injured at his Florida golf club.

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe&nbsp;<a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2024/09/16/man-arrested-after-poking-rifle-onto-trump-golf-course-charged-with-federal-gun-crimes/" target="_blank">confirmed that Routh did not fire his weapon</a>&nbsp;and that the gunshots heard were from a Secret Service agent who saw part of Routh’s gun poking out from the chain link fence and immediately fired.

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/man-arrested-after-poking-rifle-trump-golf-course-charged-federal-gun-crimes" target="_blank">Routh has already been charged</a>&nbsp;with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and with obliterating the serial number on a firearm, according to court records. With those charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726536262473.png" alt="Ryan Routh during his arrest -photo Martin Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Ryan Routh during his arrest -photo Martin Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors said Tuesday that the man who allegedly stalked former President Donald Trump for a month before aiming his rifle through a fence at Trump’s private golf course on Sept. 15 was indicted on the charge of an attempted assassination of a political candidate.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ryan-wesley-routh-indicted-attempted-assassination-former-president-trump" target="_blank">The Justice Department&nbsp;</a>said a federal grand jury in Miami late Tuesday returned an indictment charging Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of attempting to kill the GOP presidential nominee while at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.“Violence targeting public officials endangers everything our country stands for, and the Department of Justice will use every available tool to hold Ryan Routh accountable for the attempted assassination of former President Trump charged in the indictment,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.“The Justice Department will not tolerate violence that strikes at the heart of our democracy, and we will find and hold accountable those who perpetrate it. This must stop,” Garland said.The maximum sentence for the attempted assassination charge is a life sentence. Routh remains in pretrial detention.The case is being handled by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who&nbsp;<a href="https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/07/15/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-classified-documents-criminal-case/" target="_blank">previously dismissed criminal charges&nbsp;</a>against Trump related to illegally allegedly keeping classified documents after he left the presidency. Cannon was appointed by Trump to the federal bench.<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gunman-who-allegedly-targeted-trump-offered-150k-anyone-who-could-finish-job" target="_blank">Prosecutors on Monday detailed&nbsp;</a>that Routh stalked Trump for a month, noting events Trump would be at, and wrote a note where he offered $150,000 to anyone who could “finish the job,” according to court filings.This is now officially the second assassination attempt against Trump, after the&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/trump-campaigns-in-western-pennsylvania-with-rally-in-butler-county/" target="_blank">first&nbsp;</a>one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump sustained an injury to his ear. He was not injured at his Florida golf club.Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe&nbsp;<a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2024/09/16/man-arrested-after-poking-rifle-onto-trump-golf-course-charged-with-federal-gun-crimes/" target="_blank">confirmed that Routh did not fire his weapon</a>&nbsp;and that the gunshots heard were from a Secret Service agent who saw part of Routh’s gun poking out from the chain link fence and immediately fired.<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/man-arrested-after-poking-rifle-trump-golf-course-charged-federal-gun-crimes" target="_blank">Routh has already been charged</a>&nbsp;with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and with obliterating the serial number on a firearm, according to court records. With those charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Ryan Routh charged with attempted assassination in Trump golf course case

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating another scam in Riley County.

Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of fraud in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;

A 38-year-old man reported he withdrew $4,000 from his bank and deposited it into a CoinStar machine in a scam that involved an unknown subject posing as a lieutenant from Riley County Police Department. &nbsp;

Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating another scam in Riley County.Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of fraud in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;A 38-year-old man reported he withdrew $4,000 from his bank and deposited it into a CoinStar machine in a scam that involved an unknown subject posing as a lieutenant from Riley County Police Department. &nbsp;Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Police: Kan. man lost $4,000 in CoinStar, pretend officer scam

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday in Johnson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Dodge Charger driven by Jamie Sha'Quoia&nbsp;Gleason, 38, Kansas City, Missouri, was attempting to merge onto northbound Interstate 35 from northbound Interstate 635. 

The car left the roadway and rolled down the hill across the northbound lanes of Interstate 35. The driver was ejected from the vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EMS transported Gleason to KU Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

JOHNSON COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 9:30p.m. Tuesday in Johnson County.

The patrol reported a vehicle&nbsp;was attempting to merge onto Northbound Interstate 35 from Northbound Interstate 635. The vehicle left the roadway and rolled down the hill across the Northbound lanes of Interstate 35. The driver was ejected from the vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The name of the victim and additional details have not been released.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday in Johnson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Dodge Charger driven by Jamie Sha'Quoia&nbsp;Gleason, 38, Kansas City, Missouri, was attempting to merge onto northbound Interstate 35 from northbound Interstate 635. The car left the roadway and rolled down the hill across the northbound lanes of Interstate 35. The driver was ejected from the vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported Gleason to KU Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.-------------JOHNSON COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 9:30p.m. Tuesday in Johnson County.The patrol reported a vehicle&nbsp;was attempting to merge onto Northbound Interstate 35 from Northbound Interstate 635. The vehicle left the roadway and rolled down the hill across the Northbound lanes of Interstate 35. The driver was ejected from the vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;The name of the victim and additional details have not been released.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KHP IDs woman who died after ejected in rollover crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A USD 259 Wichita school employee's quick reaction to close a door prevented a man with a gun, who was chasing a woman he had already shot, from entering a school building on Monday.

Just after 9a.m., Sedgwick County Emergency Communications began to receive reports of a shooting outside Cessna Elementary School, 2101 West 45th Street South in Wichita, according to a statement from Police Chief Joe Sullivan during a Tuesday afternoon news conference.

EMS transported the suspect and the woman to an area hospital. Both are expected to survive, according to Sullivan. When the suspect is released from the hospital,&nbsp; he faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the name of the suspect.

The Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) was activated to conduct this investigation. ALERT team investigators will present the facts of this case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727210527551.png" alt="The suspect with the gun chasing the woman who had already been shot -image from security camera image released by Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>The suspect with the gun chasing the woman who had already been shot -image from security camera image released by Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A USD 259 Wichita school employee's quick reaction to close a door prevented a man with a gun, who was chasing a woman he had already shot, from entering a school building on Monday.Just after 9a.m., Sedgwick County Emergency Communications began to receive reports of a shooting outside Cessna Elementary School, 2101 West 45th Street South in Wichita, according to a statement from Police Chief Joe Sullivan during a Tuesday afternoon news conference.The call was broadcast on all law enforcement radio channels. A Sedgwick County Deputy heard the call and responded. When the deputy arrived, he located a 46-year-old man from Wichita who was armed with a handgun. The man made statements that the deputy would kill him while pointing the gun at the deputy, according to Sullivan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727106753444.png" alt="Police on the scene near the school-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene near the school-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect than ran to and laid on top of a 30-year-old woman. The deputy gave commands for the man to drop his gun and observed the suspect place the gun to the woman's head.In defense of the woman, the deputy fired his gun twice. The suspect would not let go of the woman. The deputy then attempted to disarm the man physically. It took two Wichita Police officers and the deputy to disarm the suspect.Investigators have learned that the man and woman live together and have children together. The couple had an argument in a vehicle on the way to the school which led to the suspect shooting the woman multiple times. The woman ran toward the school and the suspect chased her. A Wichita Public School staff member saw the suspect with the gun approaching the school and pulled the door of the school shut and locked it so the suspect could not get inside.EMS transported the suspect and the woman to an area hospital. Both are expected to survive, according to Sullivan. When the suspect is released from the hospital,&nbsp; he faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the name of the suspect.The Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) was activated to conduct this investigation. ALERT team investigators will present the facts of this case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.

Quick action by Kan. school employee kept gunman from entering school

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

WASHINGTON — Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris said Tuesday during a radio interview that she supports changing a Senate procedure in order to codify the right to an abortion.

Vice President Harris said she is in favor of ending the 60-vote threshold in the Senate, known as the filibuster, to advance abortion rights legislation. But that task would hinge on Democrats agreeing to do so and holding on to majority control in the Senate, a difficult feat this November as&nbsp;<a href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/09/23/racing-toward-election-day-control-of-u-s-senate-and-house-up-for-grabs/" target="_blank">Republicans appear potentially poised to take back the upper chamber.&nbsp;</a>

“I think we should eliminate the filibuster for Roe, and get us to the point where 51 votes would be what we need to actually put back in law the protections for reproductive freedom and for the ability of every person and every woman to make decisions about their own body and not have their government tell them what to do,” she said during an interview with Wisconsin Public Radio.

Harris in 2022 said she would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2022/09/10/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-at-the-2022-democratic-national-committee-summer-meeting/" target="_blank">cast a tie-breaking vote</a>&nbsp;in favor of abortion rights in her role as vice president. She has often pledged to sign into law a codification of Roe v. Wade, the constitutional right to an abortion struck down by the conservative U.S. Supreme Court in 2022.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said in August that Democrats would talk about rules changes to codify abortion rights,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/chuck-schumer-outlines-2025-agenda-democrats-sweep-eying-filibuster-ch-rcna167433" target="_blank">NBC reported</a>.

<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/trump-talks-agriculture-and-china-in-smithton-ahead-of-rally-at-iup/" target="_blank">At a Monday rally in Pennsylvania</a>, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump referred to himself as a “protector” of women. Trump said women no longer needed to think about abortion and it is “now where it always had to be, with the states.”

“All they want to do is talk about abortion,” the former president said at the rally, referring to Democrats. “It really no longer pertains because we’ve done something on abortion that no one thought was possible.”

Trump has called for Senate Republicans to dismantle the filibuster, but GOP Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and other Republican leaders like No. 2 Sen. John Thune of South Dakota have vowed to keep the procedure in place.

Current Senate projections indicate Republicans are likely to gain control of the Senate. Republicans are also expected to pick up a seat in West Virginia, and only need to hold on to seats in Florida, Texas and Nebraska.

Democrats will need to secure wins in Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Additionally, Senate Democrats would need to break a possible 50-50 tie through a Democratic presidency — if they want to remain the majority party and change the filibuster.

If Harris wins, and Democrats hold 50 seats in the Senate, then Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, the vice presidential nominee, would be the tie-breaking vote.

During a Tuesday Senate press conference on abortion, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington said she was supportive of Harris’ stance and that it would be a carve-out of the filibuster, rather than an elimination of it.

“What we are talking about is a simple procedure to allow, whenever rights are taken away from someone, that the U.S. Senate can, without being blocked by a filibuster, be able to restore those rights,” she said.

The Harris campaign hosted a Tuesday press call with business owner and&nbsp; “Shark Tank” investor Mark Cuban, to advocate for Harris’ economic policies.

Polls have found that voters view Trump as better for the economy.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/09/09/in-tied-presidential-race-harris-and-trump-have-contrasting-strengths-weaknesses/" target="_blank">Pew Research</a>&nbsp;found that Trump’s key advantage is the economy, with 55% of voters viewing the former president as making good economic decisions, and 45% of voters viewing Harris as making good decisions about the economy.

“In a nutshell, the vice president and her team thinks through her policies,” Cuban said. “She doesn’t just off the top of her head say what she thinks the crowd wants to hear, like the Republican nominee.”

Battleground states still the favorite spot

The candidates will continue to campaign and travel, especially around battleground states this week.

Trump is scheduled Tuesday to visit Savannah, Georgia, where he will give an afternoon campaign speech about lowering taxes for business owners.

Walz is scheduled to head back to his home state of Minnesota Tuesday&nbsp;for a campaign reception there.

Harris is heading to&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/briefs/kamala-harris-to-campaign-in-pennsylvania-on-wednesday/" target="_blank">Pennsylvania Wednesday&nbsp;</a>for a campaign rally and then she’ll travel to Arizona on Friday and Nevada on Sunday.

Trump is stopping in Mint Hill, North Carolina, on Wednesday to give remarks about the importance of making goods in the U.S. His running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, will travel to Traverse City, Michigan, on Wednesday to rally supporters.

Vance on Thursday will give a campaign speech on the economy in Macon, Georgia, and then host a voter mobilization drive in Flowery Branch, Georgia.

On Friday, Trump is scheduled to rally supporters in Walker, Michigan and in the evening hold a town hall in Warren, Michigan.

&nbsp;Jennifer Shutt contributed to this report.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727264828416.png" alt="File photo Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign stop last week in Wisconsin -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign stop last week in Wisconsin -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>&nbsp;WASHINGTON — Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris said Tuesday during a radio interview that she supports changing a Senate procedure in order to codify the right to an abortion.Vice President Harris said she is in favor of ending the 60-vote threshold in the Senate, known as the filibuster, to advance abortion rights legislation. But that task would hinge on Democrats agreeing to do so and holding on to majority control in the Senate, a difficult feat this November as&nbsp;<a href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/09/23/racing-toward-election-day-control-of-u-s-senate-and-house-up-for-grabs/" target="_blank">Republicans appear potentially poised to take back the upper chamber.&nbsp;</a>“I think we should eliminate the filibuster for Roe, and get us to the point where 51 votes would be what we need to actually put back in law the protections for reproductive freedom and for the ability of every person and every woman to make decisions about their own body and not have their government tell them what to do,” she said during an interview with Wisconsin Public Radio.Harris in 2022 said she would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2022/09/10/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-at-the-2022-democratic-national-committee-summer-meeting/" target="_blank">cast a tie-breaking vote</a>&nbsp;in favor of abortion rights in her role as vice president. She has often pledged to sign into law a codification of Roe v. Wade, the constitutional right to an abortion struck down by the conservative U.S. Supreme Court in 2022.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said in August that Democrats would talk about rules changes to codify abortion rights,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/chuck-schumer-outlines-2025-agenda-democrats-sweep-eying-filibuster-ch-rcna167433" target="_blank">NBC reported</a>.<h2>Trump in Pennsylvania</h2><a href="https://penncapital-star.com/election-2024/trump-talks-agriculture-and-china-in-smithton-ahead-of-rally-at-iup/" target="_blank">At a Monday rally in Pennsylvania</a>, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump referred to himself as a “protector” of women. Trump said women no longer needed to think about abortion and it is “now where it always had to be, with the states.”“All they want to do is talk about abortion,” the former president said at the rally, referring to Democrats. “It really no longer pertains because we’ve done something on abortion that no one thought was possible.”Trump has called for Senate Republicans to dismantle the filibuster, but GOP Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and other Republican leaders like No. 2 Sen. John Thune of South Dakota have vowed to keep the procedure in place.Current Senate projections indicate Republicans are likely to gain control of the Senate. Republicans are also expected to pick up a seat in West Virginia, and only need to hold on to seats in Florida, Texas and Nebraska.Democrats will need to secure wins in Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Additionally, Senate Democrats would need to break a possible 50-50 tie through a Democratic presidency — if they want to remain the majority party and change the filibuster.If Harris wins, and Democrats hold 50 seats in the Senate, then Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, the vice presidential nominee, would be the tie-breaking vote.During a Tuesday Senate press conference on abortion, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington said she was supportive of Harris’ stance and that it would be a carve-out of the filibuster, rather than an elimination of it.“What we are talking about is a simple procedure to allow, whenever rights are taken away from someone, that the U.S. Senate can, without being blocked by a filibuster, be able to restore those rights,” she said.<h2>Harris, Trump and the economy</h2>The Harris campaign hosted a Tuesday press call with business owner and&nbsp; “Shark Tank” investor Mark Cuban, to advocate for Harris’ economic policies.Polls have found that voters view Trump as better for the economy.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/09/09/in-tied-presidential-race-harris-and-trump-have-contrasting-strengths-weaknesses/" target="_blank">Pew Research</a>&nbsp;found that Trump’s key advantage is the economy, with 55% of voters viewing the former president as making good economic decisions, and 45% of voters viewing Harris as making good decisions about the economy.“In a nutshell, the vice president and her team thinks through her policies,” Cuban said. “She doesn’t just off the top of her head say what she thinks the crowd wants to hear, like the Republican nominee.”<h2>Battleground states still the favorite spot</h2>The candidates will continue to campaign and travel, especially around battleground states this week.Trump is scheduled Tuesday to visit Savannah, Georgia, where he will give an afternoon campaign speech about lowering taxes for business owners.Walz is scheduled to head back to his home state of Minnesota Tuesday&nbsp;for a campaign reception there.Harris is heading to&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/briefs/kamala-harris-to-campaign-in-pennsylvania-on-wednesday/" target="_blank">Pennsylvania Wednesday&nbsp;</a>for a campaign rally and then she’ll travel to Arizona on Friday and Nevada on Sunday.Trump is stopping in Mint Hill, North Carolina, on Wednesday to give remarks about the importance of making goods in the U.S. His running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, will travel to Traverse City, Michigan, on Wednesday to rally supporters.Vance on Thursday will give a campaign speech on the economy in Macon, Georgia, and then host a voter mobilization drive in Flowery Branch, Georgia.On Friday, Trump is scheduled to rally supporters in Walker, Michigan and in the evening hold a town hall in Warren, Michigan.&nbsp;Jennifer Shutt contributed to this report.&nbsp;

Harris says she’d back an elimination of the filibuster to restore abortion rights

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

Just a few hours after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his final appeal, Missouri officials executed Marcellus Williams Tuesday at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre.

Williams, who was backed in his appeals for clemency by St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, left only a single sentence — “All praise to Allah in every situation” — in his last statement,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/alexiszotos/status/1838698402823180675" target="_blank">KMOV TV reported</a>.

Williams was sentenced to death for the 1998 slaying of Felicia Gayle, a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, who was stabbed more than 40 times.

None of the physical evidence at the crime scene, including fingerprints, bloodied shoe prints and hairs, could be tied to Wiliams. He was arrested based on the testimony of a jailhouse informant, who said Williams confessed the murder.&nbsp;

During testimony at his murder trial, Williams’ then-girlfriend also said he confessed to the killing. Williams picked her up the day of Gayle’s slaying wearing a jacket over a bloody shirt and with scratches on his neck. She saw a laptop in his car – later shown to have been stolen from Gayle’s apartment – and a purse in the trunk, with Gayle’s identification card.

In the final effort to free Williams or reduce his sentence, Bell filed a case under a 2021 state law allowing prosecutors to bring new evidence to the courts. It was the first time the law has been used in a death penalty case.&nbsp;

Bell filed the case in January, arguing there was “clear and convincing evidence” that potential jurors had been excluded based on race and questioning whether DNA evidence on the knife that killed Gayle had been contaminated by careless handling.

The Missouri Supreme Court heard a final appeal of the ruling in that case on Monday, and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/23/missouri-supreme-court-considers-death-row-inmates-appeal-as-execution-date-looms/">found the evidence was not convincing</a>.

Bell “failed to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence Williams’ actual innocence or constitutional error at the original criminal trial that undermines the confidence in the judgment of the original criminal trial,” Judge Zel Fischer wrote in the opinion.

The Department of Corrections declared Williams dead at 6:10 p.m. after a lethal injection,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article292918814.html#campaignName=kansascity_breaking_newsletter" target="_blank">the Kansas City Star reported</a>.&nbsp;

Bell issued a statement that he remained convinced Williams should have been spared.

“Marcellus Williams should be alive today,” Bell said. “There were multiple points in the timeline when decisions could have been made that would have spared him the death penalty. If there is even the shadow of a doubt of innocence, the death penalty should never be an option. This outcome did not serve the interests of justice.”

State Rep. Crystal Quade, the Democratic candidate for governor, issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/crystal_quade/status/1838669674864873849" target="_blank">statement over social media</a>&nbsp;saying that she disagreed with allowing the execution to proceed.

“I’ve always stood firm in my stance that the state should not execute potentially innocent people. Marcellus Williams is no different,” Quade said.

There was no statement from Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the Republican candidate.

Gov. MIke Parson, in a statement on Monday stating he would not stop the execution, said he was not convinced by any appeals.

“No jury nor court, including at the trial, appellate, and Supreme Court levels, have ever found merit in Mr. Williams’ innocence claims,” Parson said. “At the end of the day, his guilty verdict and sentence of capital punishment were upheld. Nothing from the real facts of this case have led me to believe in Mr. Williams’ innocence, as such, Mr. Williams’ punishment will be carried out as ordered by the Supreme Court.”

Williams is the 100th person executed by Missouri since 1989, when executions resumed after a two-decade lapse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726156556643.png" alt="Williams photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Williams photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Just a few hours after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his final appeal, Missouri officials executed Marcellus Williams Tuesday at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre.Williams, who was backed in his appeals for clemency by St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, left only a single sentence — “All praise to Allah in every situation” — in his last statement,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/alexiszotos/status/1838698402823180675" target="_blank">KMOV TV reported</a>.Williams was sentenced to death for the 1998 slaying of Felicia Gayle, a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, who was stabbed more than 40 times.None of the physical evidence at the crime scene, including fingerprints, bloodied shoe prints and hairs, could be tied to Wiliams. He was arrested based on the testimony of a jailhouse informant, who said Williams confessed the murder.&nbsp;During testimony at his murder trial, Williams’ then-girlfriend also said he confessed to the killing. Williams picked her up the day of Gayle’s slaying wearing a jacket over a bloody shirt and with scratches on his neck. She saw a laptop in his car – later shown to have been stolen from Gayle’s apartment – and a purse in the trunk, with Gayle’s identification card.In the final effort to free Williams or reduce his sentence, Bell filed a case under a 2021 state law allowing prosecutors to bring new evidence to the courts. It was the first time the law has been used in a death penalty case.&nbsp;Bell filed the case in January, arguing there was “clear and convincing evidence” that potential jurors had been excluded based on race and questioning whether DNA evidence on the knife that killed Gayle had been contaminated by careless handling.The Missouri Supreme Court heard a final appeal of the ruling in that case on Monday, and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/23/missouri-supreme-court-considers-death-row-inmates-appeal-as-execution-date-looms/">found the evidence was not convincing</a>.Bell “failed to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence Williams’ actual innocence or constitutional error at the original criminal trial that undermines the confidence in the judgment of the original criminal trial,” Judge Zel Fischer wrote in the opinion.The Department of Corrections declared Williams dead at 6:10 p.m. after a lethal injection,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article292918814.html#campaignName=kansascity_breaking_newsletter" target="_blank">the Kansas City Star reported</a>.&nbsp;Bell issued a statement that he remained convinced Williams should have been spared.“Marcellus Williams should be alive today,” Bell said. “There were multiple points in the timeline when decisions could have been made that would have spared him the death penalty. If there is even the shadow of a doubt of innocence, the death penalty should never be an option. This outcome did not serve the interests of justice.”State Rep. Crystal Quade, the Democratic candidate for governor, issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/crystal_quade/status/1838669674864873849" target="_blank">statement over social media</a>&nbsp;saying that she disagreed with allowing the execution to proceed.“I’ve always stood firm in my stance that the state should not execute potentially innocent people. Marcellus Williams is no different,” Quade said.There was no statement from Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the Republican candidate.Gov. MIke Parson, in a statement on Monday stating he would not stop the execution, said he was not convinced by any appeals.“No jury nor court, including at the trial, appellate, and Supreme Court levels, have ever found merit in Mr. Williams’ innocence claims,” Parson said. “At the end of the day, his guilty verdict and sentence of capital punishment were upheld. Nothing from the real facts of this case have led me to believe in Mr. Williams’ innocence, as such, Mr. Williams’ punishment will be carried out as ordered by the Supreme Court.”Williams is the 100th person executed by Missouri since 1989, when executions resumed after a two-decade lapse.

Marcellus Williams executed after U.S. Supreme Court rejects final appeal

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as&nbsp;38-year-old Daryl Clark of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Department spokesman Andrew Ford.

Just after 5:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting at an apartment complex in 3500 block of Inwood in Wichita, according to&nbsp; Ford.

Officers learned that a verbal altercation had taken place between Clark and a female suspect later identified as 35-year-old Mercedes Muldrew. The argument escalated when she reportedly began physically assaulting the Clark.

The situation further escalated when the Muldrew brandished a handgun and fired one shot, striking Clark in the chest.&nbsp; &nbsp;EMS transported him to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 6:22 p.m., according to Ford.

The suspect,<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=415507"> identified according to Sedgwick Count</a>y booking records as 35-year-old Mercedes Muldrew, was taken into custody at the scene without further incident. She is being held on a requested charge of first degree murder, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727111287181.png" alt="MULDREW photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>MULDREW photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as&nbsp;38-year-old Daryl Clark of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Department spokesman Andrew Ford.Just after 5:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting at an apartment complex in 3500 block of Inwood in Wichita, according to&nbsp; Ford.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727129407850.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers learned that a verbal altercation had taken place between Clark and a female suspect later identified as 35-year-old Mercedes Muldrew. The argument escalated when she reportedly began physically assaulting the Clark.The situation further escalated when the Muldrew brandished a handgun and fired one shot, striking Clark in the chest.&nbsp; &nbsp;EMS transported him to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 6:22 p.m., according to Ford.The suspect,<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=415507"> identified according to Sedgwick Count</a>y booking records as 35-year-old Mercedes Muldrew, was taken into custody at the scene without further incident. She is being held on a requested charge of first degree murder, according to online jail records.

Police ID victim in deadly Kansas apartment shooting

KANSAS CITY —A window washer was rescued from a high-rise building on Tuesday in Kansas City.

Just after 10a.m., the Kansas City Fire Department responded to a report of a stuck window washer at 1200 Baltimore in downtown Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders found the window washer suspended and unable to operate his equipment near the 23rd floor of a 43-story building.&nbsp; The victim's main harness had broken, and he was suspended by his back up harness. He was uninjured but unable to operate his hoisting system. 

His window washing partner remained there with him to keep him calm while KCFD responded.

Fire crews reported to the 23rd floor as well as to the roof to prepare for a rescue from the roof. By chance a worker with Santa Fe Glass was walking through the lobby.&nbsp;

The KCFD requested his assistance, and he agreed to assist. He was taken to the 23rd floor where he removed the window from the interior and KCFD was able to reach out and rescue the window washer without having to go over the roof and hoist him several hundred feet. 

The glass worker was there for another job. Truly at the right place and right time. The victim was not injured in this incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727213997226.png" alt="Photo KCFD&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCFD&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A window washer was rescued from a high-rise building on Tuesday in Kansas City.Just after 10a.m., the Kansas City Fire Department responded to a report of a stuck window washer at 1200 Baltimore in downtown Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First responders found the window washer suspended and unable to operate his equipment near the 23rd floor of a 43-story building.&nbsp; The victim's main harness had broken, and he was suspended by his back up harness. He was uninjured but unable to operate his hoisting system. His window washing partner remained there with him to keep him calm while KCFD responded.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727214196341.png" alt="Rescue from tallest building in downtown Kansas City -KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Rescue from tallest building in downtown Kansas City -KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>Fire crews reported to the 23rd floor as well as to the roof to prepare for a rescue from the roof. By chance a worker with Santa Fe Glass was walking through the lobby.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727213978680.png" alt="Pulling the man to safety-photo KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Pulling the man to safety-photo KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>The KCFD requested his assistance, and he agreed to assist. He was taken to the 23rd floor where he removed the window from the interior and KCFD was able to reach out and rescue the window washer without having to go over the roof and hoist him several hundred feet. The glass worker was there for another job. Truly at the right place and right time. The victim was not injured in this incident.

Window washer in KC rescued from 23rd floor of 43 story building

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas home daycare provider accused of child abuse made a court appearance on Tuesday.

&nbsp;Ija Hall, 29, of Wichita, owner of His Loving Hands Home Childcare,&nbsp;357 N. Erie in Wichita, was charged with two counts of abuse of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Earlier this month, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment suspended Hall's&nbsp; license after an incident involving a child she was fostering.

A protective order was issued during her court appearance, according to the district attorney's office. She is not to have contact with the victim in the case or any child under the age of 12.

Hall remains free on a $25,000 bond. Her next court date is October 7, before Judge Quentin Pittman, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726247213560.png" alt="Hall photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hall photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas home daycare provider accused of child abuse made a court appearance on Tuesday.&nbsp;Ija Hall, 29, of Wichita, owner of His Loving Hands Home Childcare,&nbsp;357 N. Erie in Wichita, was charged with two counts of abuse of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Earlier this month, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment suspended Hall's&nbsp; license after an incident involving a child she was fostering.A protective order was issued during her court appearance, according to the district attorney's office. She is not to have contact with the victim in the case or any child under the age of 12.Hall remains free on a $25,000 bond. Her next court date is October 7, before Judge Quentin Pittman, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. daycare provider can have no contact with children under age of 12

New York– World leaders Sunday adopted a Pact for the Future that includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations, according to a media release from the United Nations.

 This Pact is the culmination of an inclusive, years-long process to adapt international cooperation to the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow. The most wide-ranging international agreement in many years, covering entirely new areas as well as issues on which agreement has not been possible in decades, the Pact aims above all to ensure that international institutions can deliver in the face of a world that has changed dramatically since they were created. As the Secretary-General has said, “we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built by our grandparents.”

<a href="https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/ltd/n24/252/89/pdf/n2425289.pdf">Click here to read</a> the full text of the agreement

Overall, the agreement of the Pact is a strong statement of countries’ commitment to the United Nations, the international system and international law.&nbsp; Leaders set out a clear vision of an international system that can deliver on its promises, is more representative of today’s world and draws on the energy and expertise of governments, civil society and other key partners.

“The Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations open the door to new opportunities and untapped possibilities,” said the Secretary-General during his remarks at the opening of the Summit of the Future. The President of the General Assembly noted that the Pact would “lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order – for all peoples and nations.”

The Pact covers a broad range of issues including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations, and the transformation of global governance. Key deliverables in the Pact include:

On sustainable development, climate and financing for development

There are provisions across the Pact and its annexes for follow-up action, to ensure that the commitments made are implemented.

The Summit process and the Pact have been deeply enriched by the contributions of millions of voices and thousands of stakeholders from around the world.

The Summit brought together over 4000 individuals from Heads of State and Government, observers, IGOs, UN System, civil society and non-governmental organizations. In a broader push to increase the engagement of diverse actors, the formal Summit was preceded by the Action Days from 20-21 September, which attracted more than 7,000 individuals representing all segments of society. The Action Days featured strong commitments to action by all stakeholders, as well as pledges of USD 1.05 billion to advance digital inclusion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727178356886.png" alt="\" />
 <figcaption>\</figcaption>
 </figure>New York– World leaders Sunday adopted a Pact for the Future that includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations, according to a media release from the United Nations. This Pact is the culmination of an inclusive, years-long process to adapt international cooperation to the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow. The most wide-ranging international agreement in many years, covering entirely new areas as well as issues on which agreement has not been possible in decades, the Pact aims above all to ensure that international institutions can deliver in the face of a world that has changed dramatically since they were created. As the Secretary-General has said, “we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built by our grandparents.”<a href="https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/ltd/n24/252/89/pdf/n2425289.pdf">Click here to read</a> the full text of the agreementOverall, the agreement of the Pact is a strong statement of countries’ commitment to the United Nations, the international system and international law.&nbsp; Leaders set out a clear vision of an international system that can deliver on its promises, is more representative of today’s world and draws on the energy and expertise of governments, civil society and other key partners.“The Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations open the door to new opportunities and untapped possibilities,” said the Secretary-General during his remarks at the opening of the Summit of the Future. The President of the General Assembly noted that the Pact would “lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order – for all peoples and nations.”The Pact covers a broad range of issues including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations, and the transformation of global governance. Key deliverables in the Pact include:In the area of peace and security<ul>
 <li>The most progressive and concrete commitment to Security Council reform since the 1960s, with plans to improve the effectiveness and representativeness of the Council, including by redressing the historical under-representation of Africa as a priority.</li><li>The first multilateral recommitment to nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, with a clear commitment to the goal of totally eliminating nuclear weapons.</li><li>Agreement to strengthen international frameworks that govern outer space, including a clear commitment to prevent an arms race in outer space and the need to ensure all countries can benefit from the safe and sustainable exploration of outer space.</li><li>Steps to avoid the weaponization and misuse of new technologies, such as lethal autonomous weapons, and affirmation that the laws of war should apply to many of these new technologies.</li>
 </ul>On sustainable development, climate and financing for development<ul>
 <li>The entire Pact is designed to turbo-charge implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.</li><li>The most detailed agreement ever at the United Nations on the need for reform of the international financial architecture so that it better represents and serves developing countries, including:Giving developing countries a greater say in how decisions are taken at international financial institutions;Mobilizing more financing from multilateral development banks to help developing countries meet their development needs;Reviewing the sovereign debt architecture to ensure that developing countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their future, with the IMF, UN, G20 and other key players working together;Strengthening the global financial safety net to protect the poorest in the event of financial and economic shocks, through concrete actions by the IMF and Member States;and accelerating measures to address the challenge of climate change, including through delivering more finance to help countries adapt to climate change and invest in renewable energy.</li><li>Giving developing countries a greater say in how decisions are taken at international financial institutions;</li><li>Mobilizing more financing from multilateral development banks to help developing countries meet their development needs;</li><li>Reviewing the sovereign debt architecture to ensure that developing countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their future, with the IMF, UN, G20 and other key players working together;</li><li>Strengthening the global financial safety net to protect the poorest in the event of financial and economic shocks, through concrete actions by the IMF and Member States;</li><li>and accelerating measures to address the challenge of climate change, including through delivering more finance to help countries adapt to climate change and invest in renewable energy.</li><li>Improving how we measure human progress, going beyond GDP to capturing human and planetary wellbeing and sustainability.</li><li>A commitment to consider ways to introduce a global minimum level of taxation on high-net-worth individuals.</li><li>On climate change, confirmation of the need to keep global temperature rise to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.</li>
 </ul>On digital cooperation<ul>
 <li>The Global Digital Compact, annexed to the Pact, is the first comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation and AI governance.</li><li>At the heart of the Compact is a commitment to design, use and govern technology for the benefit of all. This includes commitments by world leaders to:Connect all people, schools and hospitals to the Internet;Anchor digital cooperation in human rights and international law;Make the online space safe for all, especially children, through actions by governments, tech companies and social media;Govern Artificial Intelligence, with a roadmap that includes an International Scientific Panel and a Global Policy Dialogue on AI;Make data more open and accessible, with agreements on open-source data, models, and standards;This is also the first global commitment to data governance, placing it on the UN agenda and requiring countries to take concrete actions by 2030.</li><li>Connect all people, schools and hospitals to the Internet;</li><li>Anchor digital cooperation in human rights and international law;</li><li>Make the online space safe for all, especially children, through actions by governments, tech companies and social media;</li><li>Govern Artificial Intelligence, with a roadmap that includes an International Scientific Panel and a Global Policy Dialogue on AI;</li><li>Make data more open and accessible, with agreements on open-source data, models, and standards;</li><li>This is also the first global commitment to data governance, placing it on the UN agenda and requiring countries to take concrete actions by 2030.</li>
 </ul>Youth and future generations<ul>
 <li>The first ever Declaration on Future Generations, with concrete steps to take account of future generations in our decision-making, including a possible envoy for future generations.</li><li>A commitment to more meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in the decisions that shape their lives, especially at the global level.</li>
 </ul>Human rights and gender<ul>
 <li>A strengthening of our work on human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women.</li><li>A clear call on the need to protect human rights defenders.</li><li>Strong signals on the importance of engagement of other stakeholders in global governance, including local and regional governments, civil society, private sector and others.</li>
 </ul>There are provisions across the Pact and its annexes for follow-up action, to ensure that the commitments made are implemented.Summit ProcessThe Summit process and the Pact have been deeply enriched by the contributions of millions of voices and thousands of stakeholders from around the world.The Summit brought together over 4000 individuals from Heads of State and Government, observers, IGOs, UN System, civil society and non-governmental organizations. In a broader push to increase the engagement of diverse actors, the formal Summit was preceded by the Action Days from 20-21 September, which attracted more than 7,000 individuals representing all segments of society. The Action Days featured strong commitments to action by all stakeholders, as well as pledges of USD 1.05 billion to advance digital inclusion.