WASHINGTON, DC —&nbsp;With the 2024/25 NFL football season newly underway,&nbsp;Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act,&nbsp;landmark legislation that would create nationwide consumer protections and standards for the mobile sports gambling industry, according to a media release from Tonko's office.

The SAFE Bet Act would, for the first time, address the public health implications resulting from the widespread legalization of sports&nbsp;betting in the United States. The legislation would require states offering sports betting to meet minimum federal standards in the categories of advertising, affordability and Artificial Intelligence to create a safer, less addictive product.

Congressman Tonko said,&nbsp;“Since their inception, sports and sporting events have been a chance for family, friends, and strangers to gather together in celebration of beloved teams and athletes in a great American pastime. But now, every single moment of every sporting event across the globe has become a betting opportunity. That’s resulted in a frightening rise in gambling disorder, which has in turn enacted a horrific toll on individuals, many of whom have lost their home, job, marriage, and their lives. We have a duty to protect people and their families from suffering the tremendous harm related to gambling addiction. Our SAFE Bet Act gets the job done and gives sports back to the American people.”

Senator Blumenthal said,&nbsp;“This bill is a matter of public health. It is a matter of stopping addiction, saving lives, and making sure that young people particularly are protected against exploitation.”

Dr. Harry Levant, Director of Gambling Policy, PHAI said,&nbsp;“We have known for more than 10 years that gambling is an addictive product and gambling disorder is an addiction similar to heroin, opioids, tobacco, alcohol, and cocaine. With every other addictive product or substance, the government regulates the advertising, promotion, distribution, and consumption of the product. This is to prevent harm and protect public health. With gambling, sadly, the exact opposite is occurring. The gambling industry business model is designed to deliver constant and non-stop gambling action on every phone, tablet, and computer. With the use of cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence, the gambling industry has turned every micro moment in each game or sporting event into constant gambling action. The gambling industry and its sports partners have taken sports away from children, families, and the American public. Every pitch, shot, snap, serve, swing, and more are now used for gambling. Sports have become the equivalent of a non-stop slot machine.”

Mark Gottlieb, Executive Director, PHAI said,&nbsp;“The predatory practices of the gambling industry have resulted in a looming public health crisis and at the Public Health Advocacy Institute we are duty bound to act. At PHAI we bring big ideas to solve public health problems. With gambling, this means replacing the failed “responsible gaming” model with a comprehensive public health response. This includes the SAFE Bet Act, and the Public Health Advocacy Institute is pleased to support Congressman Tonko and Senator Blumenthal as we work for passage of the SAFE Bet Act.”

Gordon Douglas, the father of Andrew, who is currently in recovery for gambling disorder said:&nbsp;“Andrew started online betting by signing up with 1 gambling company. He soon received promotions and offers from at least 6 more gambling companies. Gambling promotions and advertising were all over his phone, computer and television. With virtually no limits on his betting opportunities at all hours of the day, every day of the week, he couldn’t find relief. He became a different person that would say anything to get money to gamble. He reached a point of wanting to end his life because he saw no way out. Thankfully, our story did not end in tragedy. Unlike many people, we had the means to help him get on a path to recovery. We as a country should not allow him and others like him to be exploited. We should do what is right to limit access to this type of gambling.”

Tonko has championed the push in Congress to address sports gambling. Last Congress, he authored the&nbsp;<a href="https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3800" target="_blank">Betting on our Future Act</a>&nbsp;— legislation modeled after the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act — that bans all online and electronic advertising of sports gambling. Earlier this year, Tonko announced a legislative outline of the SAFE Bet Act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726844099850.png" alt="Tonko introduced the SAFE Bet Act that creates nationwide consumer protections for the mobile sports gambling industry." />
 <figcaption>Tonko introduced the SAFE Bet Act that creates nationwide consumer protections for the mobile sports gambling industry.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, DC —&nbsp;With the 2024/25 NFL football season newly underway,&nbsp;Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act,&nbsp;landmark legislation that would create nationwide consumer protections and standards for the mobile sports gambling industry, according to a media release from Tonko's office.The SAFE Bet Act would, for the first time, address the public health implications resulting from the widespread legalization of sports&nbsp;betting in the United States. The legislation would require states offering sports betting to meet minimum federal standards in the categories of advertising, affordability and Artificial Intelligence to create a safer, less addictive product.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726844315257.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congressman Tonko said,&nbsp;“Since their inception, sports and sporting events have been a chance for family, friends, and strangers to gather together in celebration of beloved teams and athletes in a great American pastime. But now, every single moment of every sporting event across the globe has become a betting opportunity. That’s resulted in a frightening rise in gambling disorder, which has in turn enacted a horrific toll on individuals, many of whom have lost their home, job, marriage, and their lives. We have a duty to protect people and their families from suffering the tremendous harm related to gambling addiction. Our SAFE Bet Act gets the job done and gives sports back to the American people.”Senator Blumenthal said,&nbsp;“This bill is a matter of public health. It is a matter of stopping addiction, saving lives, and making sure that young people particularly are protected against exploitation.”Dr. Harry Levant, Director of Gambling Policy, PHAI said,&nbsp;“We have known for more than 10 years that gambling is an addictive product and gambling disorder is an addiction similar to heroin, opioids, tobacco, alcohol, and cocaine. With every other addictive product or substance, the government regulates the advertising, promotion, distribution, and consumption of the product. This is to prevent harm and protect public health. With gambling, sadly, the exact opposite is occurring. The gambling industry business model is designed to deliver constant and non-stop gambling action on every phone, tablet, and computer. With the use of cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence, the gambling industry has turned every micro moment in each game or sporting event into constant gambling action. The gambling industry and its sports partners have taken sports away from children, families, and the American public. Every pitch, shot, snap, serve, swing, and more are now used for gambling. Sports have become the equivalent of a non-stop slot machine.”Mark Gottlieb, Executive Director, PHAI said,&nbsp;“The predatory practices of the gambling industry have resulted in a looming public health crisis and at the Public Health Advocacy Institute we are duty bound to act. At PHAI we bring big ideas to solve public health problems. With gambling, this means replacing the failed “responsible gaming” model with a comprehensive public health response. This includes the SAFE Bet Act, and the Public Health Advocacy Institute is pleased to support Congressman Tonko and Senator Blumenthal as we work for passage of the SAFE Bet Act.”Gordon Douglas, the father of Andrew, who is currently in recovery for gambling disorder said:&nbsp;“Andrew started online betting by signing up with 1 gambling company. He soon received promotions and offers from at least 6 more gambling companies. Gambling promotions and advertising were all over his phone, computer and television. With virtually no limits on his betting opportunities at all hours of the day, every day of the week, he couldn’t find relief. He became a different person that would say anything to get money to gamble. He reached a point of wanting to end his life because he saw no way out. Thankfully, our story did not end in tragedy. Unlike many people, we had the means to help him get on a path to recovery. We as a country should not allow him and others like him to be exploited. We should do what is right to limit access to this type of gambling.”Tonko has championed the push in Congress to address sports gambling. Last Congress, he authored the&nbsp;<a href="https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3800" target="_blank">Betting on our Future Act</a>&nbsp;— legislation modeled after the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act — that bans all online and electronic advertising of sports gambling. Earlier this year, Tonko announced a legislative outline of the SAFE Bet Act.

Congressman: Mobile sports gambling a public health problem

SEDGWICK COUNTY — The parents of a 1-year-old boy are going to prison for his death.

District Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced the boy's father&nbsp;Brijin McCullough, 31, Wichta, was sentenced Friday by Judge Goering to 36-years in prison. On July 9 he pled guilty to 2nd degree murder and other felonies, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Judge Goering also sentenced the boy's mother Wilma Presley of Wichita to 20-years in prison.

On October 31, 2023, emergency crews responded to the Walmart at Pawnee and Broadway where a woman, later identified as Presley, reported her one-year-old son was unresponsive. EMS took the child to a Wichita hospital where he was pronounced dead about an hour later.

On July 12, Presley pled guilty to distributing a controlled substance causing death and aggravated endangering a child along with drug crimes..

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710080851907.png" alt="McCullough-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>McCullough-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — The parents of a 1-year-old boy are going to prison for his death.District Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced the boy's father&nbsp;Brijin McCullough, 31, Wichta, was sentenced Friday by Judge Goering to 36-years in prison. On July 9 he pled guilty to 2nd degree murder and other felonies, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710080509979.png" alt="Presley-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Presley-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Judge Goering also sentenced the boy's mother Wilma Presley of Wichita to 20-years in prison.On October 31, 2023, emergency crews responded to the Walmart at Pawnee and Broadway where a woman, later identified as Presley, reported her one-year-old son was unresponsive. EMS took the child to a Wichita hospital where he was pronounced dead about an hour later.On July 12, Presley pled guilty to distributing a controlled substance causing death and aggravated endangering a child along with drug crimes..----------

Kansas couple going to prison for death of 1-year-old son

KANSAS CITY– A citizen of Nigeria, who was extradited from the United Kingdom, was sentenced in federal court this week for his involvement in a conspiracy to sell stolen financial information on the darknet from tens of thousands of victims from around the world, according to the United State's Attorney.

Simon Kaura was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to five years in federal prison without parole. At sentencing, the court found that Kaura’s crimes resulted in an intended loss of $6,338,500.

On May 22, 2024, Kaura pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of access device fraud.&nbsp; According to court documents, Kaura admitted to being part of a sophisticated, global conspiracy to obtain and sell stolen financial information on darknet markets — including a market he helped create and administer with his co-conspirators.&nbsp; Kaura operated under the online monikers&nbsp; “apples,” “applepiecards,” “cartman,” and “dpharoah.”

Kaura and his co-conspirators operated as prominent “carding” (stolen financial information) vendors, sometimes under the moniker brand “ggmccloud” and “ggmccloud1,” on multiple darknet markets. Each market allowed users to buy and sell stolen and fraudulent financial information. The markets operated much like conventional e-commerce websites, except that the goods sold on the markets were primarily criminal in nature. Each market required users to transact in digital currencies, such as Bitcoin. These sites enabled users to distribute illegal contraband to buyers throughout the world to perpetrate fraud.

Kaura and his co-conspirators obtained large quantities of stolen financial information and passed it along to other co-conspirators to check, organize, and sell on numerous darknet markets. Kaura and his co-conspirators possessed card information belonging to victims from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Kaura and his co-conspirators were responsible for conducting tens of thousands of illegal transactions on darknet markets from Feb. 22, 2016, to Oct. 1, 2019.

During the conspiracy, Kaura and his co-conspirators also created, launched, and administered their own darknet market, Skynet. From April 2016 to October 2019, the co-conspirators’ market offered stolen financial information and other contraband for sale. The market also hosted a messaging forum and private messaging service, allowing cybercriminals from around the world to meet and communicate freely about their crimes.&nbsp;

Co-defendant Taylor Ross Staats, 41, of Texas was sentenced on Jan. 25, 2024, to 18 months in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud. Staats’s main role in the conspiracy was to determine, prior to being advertised for sale, whether the stolen payment cards were still active and capable of use. If so, he organized the card information, and it was posted for sale on the darknet.&nbsp; Staats operated under the online moniker “f9ac4”.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice continue to seek forfeiture of more than $4.5 million in criminal proceeds resulting from the co-conspirators crimes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636114877089.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A citizen of Nigeria, who was extradited from the United Kingdom, was sentenced in federal court this week for his involvement in a conspiracy to sell stolen financial information on the darknet from tens of thousands of victims from around the world, according to the United State's Attorney.Simon Kaura was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to five years in federal prison without parole. At sentencing, the court found that Kaura’s crimes resulted in an intended loss of $6,338,500.On May 22, 2024, Kaura pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of access device fraud.&nbsp; According to court documents, Kaura admitted to being part of a sophisticated, global conspiracy to obtain and sell stolen financial information on darknet markets — including a market he helped create and administer with his co-conspirators.&nbsp; Kaura operated under the online monikers&nbsp; “apples,” “applepiecards,” “cartman,” and “dpharoah.”Kaura and his co-conspirators operated as prominent “carding” (stolen financial information) vendors, sometimes under the moniker brand “ggmccloud” and “ggmccloud1,” on multiple darknet markets. Each market allowed users to buy and sell stolen and fraudulent financial information. The markets operated much like conventional e-commerce websites, except that the goods sold on the markets were primarily criminal in nature. Each market required users to transact in digital currencies, such as Bitcoin. These sites enabled users to distribute illegal contraband to buyers throughout the world to perpetrate fraud.Kaura and his co-conspirators obtained large quantities of stolen financial information and passed it along to other co-conspirators to check, organize, and sell on numerous darknet markets. Kaura and his co-conspirators possessed card information belonging to victims from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Kaura and his co-conspirators were responsible for conducting tens of thousands of illegal transactions on darknet markets from Feb. 22, 2016, to Oct. 1, 2019.During the conspiracy, Kaura and his co-conspirators also created, launched, and administered their own darknet market, Skynet. From April 2016 to October 2019, the co-conspirators’ market offered stolen financial information and other contraband for sale. The market also hosted a messaging forum and private messaging service, allowing cybercriminals from around the world to meet and communicate freely about their crimes.&nbsp;Co-defendant Taylor Ross Staats, 41, of Texas was sentenced on Jan. 25, 2024, to 18 months in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud. Staats’s main role in the conspiracy was to determine, prior to being advertised for sale, whether the stolen payment cards were still active and capable of use. If so, he organized the card information, and it was posted for sale on the darknet.&nbsp; Staats operated under the online moniker “f9ac4”.The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice continue to seek forfeiture of more than $4.5 million in criminal proceeds resulting from the co-conspirators crimes.

Nigerian sentenced in KC for selling stolen financial information online

WASHINGTON —The U.S. State Department on Saturday released a new travel advisory for Lebanon, due to the the unpredictable nature of the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

American who are still in the Country should immediately depart using commercial options while they remain available.

Israel has claimed the death of a senior Hezbollah military official after a rare Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed at least 37 people and wounded dozens more, shortly after Hezbollah pounded northern Israel with 140 rockets. 

The strikes are part of a new cycle of escalation between the enemies that has raised fears of a full-out war erupting in the Middle East, particularly after two separate attacks in Lebanon in which communication devices exploded simultaneously around the country, reportedly killing 37 people and injuring more than 3,400 others. 

Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire regularly since Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel ignited the Israeli military’s devastating offensive in Gaza.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726954727408.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The U.S. State Department on Saturday released a new travel advisory for Lebanon, due to the the unpredictable nature of the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.American who are still in the Country should immediately depart using commercial options while they remain available.Israel has claimed the death of a senior Hezbollah military official after a rare Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed at least 37 people and wounded dozens more, shortly after Hezbollah pounded northern Israel with 140 rockets. The strikes are part of a new cycle of escalation between the enemies that has raised fears of a full-out war erupting in the Middle East, particularly after two separate attacks in Lebanon in which communication devices exploded simultaneously around the country, reportedly killing 37 people and injuring more than 3,400 others. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire regularly since Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel ignited the Israeli military’s devastating offensive in Gaza.-The Associated Press contributed to this report

U.S. State Department issues new travel advisory in Middle East

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>

WASHINGTON — As private student loan companies take heat over accusations of predatory behavior and deception, members of a U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs panel and student advocates voiced concerns over the industry at a hearing Tuesday.

The Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection hearing came as the broader student debt crisis impacts millions, with more than $1.74 trillion in outstanding student loans as of the second quarter of 2024, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/HIST/cc_hist_memo_levels.html" target="_blank">U.S. Federal Reserve</a>.

Subcommittee Chairman Raphael Warnock said he and his staff analyzed some of the myriad complaints the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau received related to private student loans and federal student loan servicing in roughly the last year and were “struck by the sheer scope and magnitude of the problem.”

“Private lenders and servicers routinely misled or deceived borrowers, and the stories are frustrating and heartbreaking,” the Georgia Democrat said.

Some borrowers have found loans offered by private lenders to be extraordinary burdens, Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director at the Student Borrower Protection Center, an advocacy group, told the panel.

“Student loans were supposed to grant all families — regardless of race and economic status — the chance to unlock the promise of a higher education,” she said.

“But for too many, student debt has become a life sentence, holding borrowers back from buying a home, starting a small business and even starting or growing a family,” Canchola Bañez said.

Canchola Bañez said “the absence of comprehensive data in the private student loan space has too often left borrowers, policymakers and advocates in the dark” and that “this has allowed for significant gaps in protections for the millions of Americans forced to take on private student loan debt and has made it harder for policymakers and law enforcement officials to protect borrowers.”

Dalié Jiménez, a law professor and director of the Student Loan Law Initiative at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, said the private student loan industry had transformed in the last decade.

“New financial products have emerged, offering alternatives to traditional loans, but they’ve come with added risks that we’re only beginning to understand,” Jiménez said, adding that “many are offered by schools that provide dubious value in return for costly credit.”

Major student loan servicers, such as Navient, have been at the center of legal issues and scrutiny in recent years. Last week, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-bans-navient-from-federal-student-loan-servicing-and-orders-the-company-to-pay-120-million-for-wide-ranging-student-lending-failures/" target="_blank">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>&nbsp;reached a&nbsp;<a href="https://news.navient.com/news-releases/news-release-details/navient-resolves-legal-matters-consumer-financial-protection" target="_blank">$120 million settlement</a>&nbsp;with Navient that&nbsp;<a href="https://news.navient.com/news-releases/news-release-details/navient-resolves-legal-matters-consumer-financial-protection" target="_blank">bans the company</a>&nbsp;from federal student loan servicing.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat and member of the subcommittee, has led investigations into Navient for nearly a decade.

Warren said Tuesday that “Republican extremists want to return to the days where borrowers were just at the mercy of predatory servicers like Navient” and that “the Biden-Harris administration has a different vision.”

Warren added that it’s “long past time for Navient to do the right thing by their countless defrauded borrowers and cancel out these loans for the private student loan borrowers as well.”

On the other side of the aisle, GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis defended the industry’s basic mission.

“While individual cases of malfeasance certainly exist in the private loan market — as they do in any market — private lenders fill a crucial gap in higher education financing and equip borrowers with the tools to meet the barriers to education in place today,” Lummis said.

Lummis, a Wyoming Republican, also noted that the private student loan market only accounts for 8% of outstanding loans and that the vast majority of loans are federal loans.

Beth Akers, senior fellow at the conservative think tank the American Enterprise Institute, pointed out that while “private student loan origination and servicing, both for federal and private loans, hasn’t been perfect” and “lending institutions and those that service loans are fallible,” these private entities supporting student lending “don’t deserve the ire of lawmakers looking for a quick fix or even a scapegoat for what is happening more broadly in student lending.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726745923175.png" alt="Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director at the Student Borrower Protection Center testified during the hearing -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director at the Student Borrower Protection Center testified during the hearing -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>WASHINGTON — As private student loan companies take heat over accusations of predatory behavior and deception, members of a U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs panel and student advocates voiced concerns over the industry at a hearing Tuesday.The Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection hearing came as the broader student debt crisis impacts millions, with more than $1.74 trillion in outstanding student loans as of the second quarter of 2024, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/HIST/cc_hist_memo_levels.html" target="_blank">U.S. Federal Reserve</a>.Subcommittee Chairman Raphael Warnock said he and his staff analyzed some of the myriad complaints the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau received related to private student loans and federal student loan servicing in roughly the last year and were “struck by the sheer scope and magnitude of the problem.”“Private lenders and servicers routinely misled or deceived borrowers, and the stories are frustrating and heartbreaking,” the Georgia Democrat said.Some borrowers have found loans offered by private lenders to be extraordinary burdens, Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director at the Student Borrower Protection Center, an advocacy group, told the panel.“Student loans were supposed to grant all families — regardless of race and economic status — the chance to unlock the promise of a higher education,” she said.“But for too many, student debt has become a life sentence, holding borrowers back from buying a home, starting a small business and even starting or growing a family,” Canchola Bañez said.Canchola Bañez said “the absence of comprehensive data in the private student loan space has too often left borrowers, policymakers and advocates in the dark” and that “this has allowed for significant gaps in protections for the millions of Americans forced to take on private student loan debt and has made it harder for policymakers and law enforcement officials to protect borrowers.”Dalié Jiménez, a law professor and director of the Student Loan Law Initiative at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, said the private student loan industry had transformed in the last decade.“New financial products have emerged, offering alternatives to traditional loans, but they’ve come with added risks that we’re only beginning to understand,” Jiménez said, adding that “many are offered by schools that provide dubious value in return for costly credit.”<h2>Troubled industry</h2>Major student loan servicers, such as Navient, have been at the center of legal issues and scrutiny in recent years. Last week, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-bans-navient-from-federal-student-loan-servicing-and-orders-the-company-to-pay-120-million-for-wide-ranging-student-lending-failures/" target="_blank">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>&nbsp;reached a&nbsp;<a href="https://news.navient.com/news-releases/news-release-details/navient-resolves-legal-matters-consumer-financial-protection" target="_blank">$120 million settlement</a>&nbsp;with Navient that&nbsp;<a href="https://news.navient.com/news-releases/news-release-details/navient-resolves-legal-matters-consumer-financial-protection" target="_blank">bans the company</a>&nbsp;from federal student loan servicing.Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat and member of the subcommittee, has led investigations into Navient for nearly a decade.Warren said Tuesday that “Republican extremists want to return to the days where borrowers were just at the mercy of predatory servicers like Navient” and that “the Biden-Harris administration has a different vision.”Warren added that it’s “long past time for Navient to do the right thing by their countless defrauded borrowers and cancel out these loans for the private student loan borrowers as well.”On the other side of the aisle, GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis defended the industry’s basic mission.“While individual cases of malfeasance certainly exist in the private loan market — as they do in any market — private lenders fill a crucial gap in higher education financing and equip borrowers with the tools to meet the barriers to education in place today,” Lummis said.Lummis, a Wyoming Republican, also noted that the private student loan market only accounts for 8% of outstanding loans and that the vast majority of loans are federal loans.Beth Akers, senior fellow at the conservative think tank the American Enterprise Institute, pointed out that while “private student loan origination and servicing, both for federal and private loans, hasn’t been perfect” and “lending institutions and those that service loans are fallible,” these private entities supporting student lending “don’t deserve the ire of lawmakers looking for a quick fix or even a scapegoat for what is happening more broadly in student lending.”

Concerns over private student loans brought to U.S. Senate panel

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.&nbsp;

Just after&nbsp;10 p.m. Sept. 18, an Osage County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on rural U.S. 75 Highway for a traffic violation. During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.

Devin G. Davis, 36, of Lyndon was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp;Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726839869896.png" alt="Davis photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Davis photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.&nbsp;Just after&nbsp;10 p.m. Sept. 18, an Osage County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on rural U.S. 75 Highway for a traffic violation. During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.Devin G. Davis, 36, of Lyndon was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp;Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kansas man caught with meth and marijuana

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall has written ABC News demanding the network turn over all text messages and e-mail associated with the Donald Trump and Kamala Harris presidential debate.

According to Marshall, "on debate night, it became abundantly clear that ABC News had a biased agenda.

The American people deserve transparency &amp; accountability from the mainstream media on whether ABC&nbsp;&nbsp;had coordinated or worked in cooperation with the Harris Campaign.

&nbsp;Marshall also sent a letter to the Harris Campaign demanding all correspondence, records, and potential coordination with ABC News&nbsp; ahead of the presidential debate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726016863083.png" alt="Image courtesy ABC News via CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy ABC News via CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —&nbsp;Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall has written ABC News demanding the network turn over all text messages and e-mail associated with the Donald Trump and Kamala Harris presidential debate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726926572624.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to Marshall, "on debate night, it became abundantly clear that ABC News had a biased agenda.

The American people deserve transparency &amp; accountability from the mainstream media on whether ABC&nbsp;&nbsp;had coordinated or worked in cooperation with the Harris Campaign.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726926658300.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Marshall also sent a letter to the Harris Campaign demanding all correspondence, records, and potential coordination with ABC News&nbsp; ahead of the presidential debate.

Kan. U.S. Senator: ABC News inappropriately influenced Trump-Harris debate

OREGON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 5p.m. Friday in Oregon County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Ford Escape driven by Joy A. Parton, 49, Alton, was westbound on U.S. 60 four miles west of Thomasville. The SUV rear-ended a Kubota Utility Terrain Vehicle driven by Glenn E. Tantham, 75, Koshkonong.

Trantham was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Clary Funeral home in Alton. Parton was not injured.

OREGON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 5p.m. Friday in Oregon County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Ford Escape driven by Joy A. Parton, 49, Alton, was westbound on U.S. 60 four miles west of Thomasville. The SUV rear-ended a Kubota Utility Terrain Vehicle driven by Glenn E. Tantham, 75, Koshkonong.Trantham was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Clary Funeral home in Alton. Parton was not injured.

Missouri man dies after SUV rear-ends UTV

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

SPRINGFIELD — Twenty years of Republican control of the legislature has failed Missouri, giving it the most extreme abortion restrictions in the country and a child care system in crisis, Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Crystal Quade said in a debate Friday.

Quade said she backs Amendment 3, which would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">restore abortion rights</a>, and Proposition A, to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour by Jan. 1, 2026, as measures that will help Missouri women control their reproductive decisions and earn enough to support their families.

“Right now we have women bleeding out on their bathroom floors because our doctors can not do their jobs,” Quade said

Quade is running an uphill race against Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the Republican nominee, who polls show has a double-digit lead. Kehoe said he opposes Amendment 3 and Proposition A.

“This law goes way too far,” Kehoe said of the abortion-rights amendment. “It is very extreme.”

The minimum wage proposition is bad for business and workers, Kehoe said.

“I don’t think the government should be setting wages for people,” he said.

Quade and Kehoe met in a debate sponsored by the Missouri Press Association as part of its annual convention. They were joined on stage by Libertarian&nbsp;<a href="https://billslantz.com/" target="_blank">Bill Slantz</a>, a St. Louis-are business owner, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/2024/09/17/four-candidates-for-missouri-governor-on-the-nov-5-ballot/75104986007/" target="_blank">Green Party candidate Paul Lehmann</a>, a retired farmer and minister who lives in Fayette.

Kehoe has been lieutenant governor since 2018, appointed to the post by Gov. Mike Parson after almost eight years in the Missouri Senate. He was a Jefferson City car dealer before he got into politics.

Quade is a four-term state representative from Springfield who has been Democratic leader in the Missouri House for six years. She worked for then-U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill before seeking office.

Quade and Kehoe both won primaries but the GOP contest, which Kehoe won with 40% of the vote, was far more expensive than Quade’s victory over Springfield businessman Mike Hamra. Neither major party candidate has begun their fall television campaign.

The debate Friday could be the only time the two major party candidates are on the same stage. Kehoe has not accepted any invitations for televised debates.

The two found rare agreement on Amendment 2, which would legalize sports betting in Missouri. Kehoe said that because it is legal in adjoining states, it should be legal in Missouri to keep tax money at home.

Quade said she has supported legislation to legalize sports betting but it has been blocked by Republican factions.

“This is another example of where the status quo in Jefferson City is not listening to people,” Quade said.

Missouri is months behind in&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/11/missouri-lawmakers-hear-from-child-care-providers-about-massive-backlog-in-subsidy-payments/">payments for subsidized child care</a>&nbsp;and that is making a difficult situation a crisis, Quade said.

“The state of Missouri now is not even paying child care providers bills on time,” she said. “We have lost 53 child care providers in the last year because the state of Missouri is not meeting its basic promises.”Kehoe, who is running with strong backing from Parson, said he agrees the system is in crisis but did not criticize the current issues with payments. Instead, the solution he offered was incentives for businesses to provide child care

“We have $1.4 billion, with a B, of labor sitting at home annually in the state of Missouri because those working folks want to go to work and can’t get child care,” Kehoe said.

There was sharp disagreement between Kehoe and Quade over what can be done to quell gun violence. When asked if he would support allowing local governments to enact restrictions, Kehoe said he did not.

“Every time we put more restrictions on a citizen’s Second Amendment rights, we actually hurt the citizens who are trying to do this law abiding and legally,” Kehoe said.

Quade said local governments are in the best position to decide what their residents need to stay safe.

“What’s going on in Webster County, where I grew up, is different than what’s going on in inner city St Louis,” Quade said. “And I do support the conversation around letting communities decide what is best for themselves.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726884495006.png" alt=" The four candidates for governor met Friday for the first, and perhaps only, debate of the campaign. Appearing are, from left, state Rep. Crystal Quade, the Democratic nominee; Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the Republican candidate; Bill Slantz of the Libertarian Party; and Paul Lehmann of the Green Party (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> The four candidates for governor met Friday for the first, and perhaps only, debate of the campaign. Appearing are, from left, state Rep. Crystal Quade, the Democratic nominee; Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the Republican candidate; Bill Slantz of the Libertarian Party; and Paul Lehmann of the Green Party (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</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>SPRINGFIELD — Twenty years of Republican control of the legislature has failed Missouri, giving it the most extreme abortion restrictions in the country and a child care system in crisis, Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Crystal Quade said in a debate Friday.Quade said she backs Amendment 3, which would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">restore abortion rights</a>, and Proposition A, to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour by Jan. 1, 2026, as measures that will help Missouri women control their reproductive decisions and earn enough to support their families.“Right now we have women bleeding out on their bathroom floors because our doctors can not do their jobs,” Quade saidQuade is running an uphill race against Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the Republican nominee, who polls show has a double-digit lead. Kehoe said he opposes Amendment 3 and Proposition A.“This law goes way too far,” Kehoe said of the abortion-rights amendment. “It is very extreme.”The minimum wage proposition is bad for business and workers, Kehoe said.“I don’t think the government should be setting wages for people,” he said.Quade and Kehoe met in a debate sponsored by the Missouri Press Association as part of its annual convention. They were joined on stage by Libertarian&nbsp;<a href="https://billslantz.com/" target="_blank">Bill Slantz</a>, a St. Louis-are business owner, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/2024/09/17/four-candidates-for-missouri-governor-on-the-nov-5-ballot/75104986007/" target="_blank">Green Party candidate Paul Lehmann</a>, a retired farmer and minister who lives in Fayette.Kehoe has been lieutenant governor since 2018, appointed to the post by Gov. Mike Parson after almost eight years in the Missouri Senate. He was a Jefferson City car dealer before he got into politics.Quade is a four-term state representative from Springfield who has been Democratic leader in the Missouri House for six years. She worked for then-U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill before seeking office.Quade and Kehoe both won primaries but the GOP contest, which Kehoe won with 40% of the vote, was far more expensive than Quade’s victory over Springfield businessman Mike Hamra. Neither major party candidate has begun their fall television campaign.The debate Friday could be the only time the two major party candidates are on the same stage. Kehoe has not accepted any invitations for televised debates.The two found rare agreement on Amendment 2, which would legalize sports betting in Missouri. Kehoe said that because it is legal in adjoining states, it should be legal in Missouri to keep tax money at home.Quade said she has supported legislation to legalize sports betting but it has been blocked by Republican factions.“This is another example of where the status quo in Jefferson City is not listening to people,” Quade said.Missouri is months behind in&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/11/missouri-lawmakers-hear-from-child-care-providers-about-massive-backlog-in-subsidy-payments/">payments for subsidized child care</a>&nbsp;and that is making a difficult situation a crisis, Quade said.“The state of Missouri now is not even paying child care providers bills on time,” she said. “We have lost 53 child care providers in the last year because the state of Missouri is not meeting its basic promises.”Kehoe, who is running with strong backing from Parson, said he agrees the system is in crisis but did not criticize the current issues with payments. Instead, the solution he offered was incentives for businesses to provide child care“We have $1.4 billion, with a B, of labor sitting at home annually in the state of Missouri because those working folks want to go to work and can’t get child care,” Kehoe said.There was sharp disagreement between Kehoe and Quade over what can be done to quell gun violence. When asked if he would support allowing local governments to enact restrictions, Kehoe said he did not.“Every time we put more restrictions on a citizen’s Second Amendment rights, we actually hurt the citizens who are trying to do this law abiding and legally,” Kehoe said.Quade said local governments are in the best position to decide what their residents need to stay safe.“What’s going on in Webster County, where I grew up, is different than what’s going on in inner city St Louis,” Quade said. “And I do support the conversation around letting communities decide what is best for themselves.”

Abortion rights, minimum wage hike divide Quade and Kehoe in Missouri gubernatorial debate

KANSAS CITY —A man has been charged in an August 2013 rape in Grain Valley, Missouri after he was identified by DNA testing, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Jason Dewayne Bell, 24, Grain Valley, faces Rape in the 1st Degree and Sodomy in the 1st Degree. A grand jury indicted Bell in August.

According to court records, the Missouri Highway Patrol issued a report to Grain Valley detectives alerting them that defendant's DNA was found in a sample collected from the victim in an August 2013 sexual assault. In March 2024, the victim told detectives she went to a pub in Independence with others when the defendant started driving her to a parking lot near trucks and he sexually assaulted her in the vehicle. Detectives reported the defendant had been a suspect in other sexual assault investigations.

The defendant is currently being held in custody. Anyone with more information regarding the defendant should contact Grain Valley police detective Jason Werges at 816-847-6262.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726764514816.png" alt="Bell photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Bell photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A man has been charged in an August 2013 rape in Grain Valley, Missouri after he was identified by DNA testing, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Jason Dewayne Bell, 24, Grain Valley, faces Rape in the 1st Degree and Sodomy in the 1st Degree. A grand jury indicted Bell in August.According to court records, the Missouri Highway Patrol issued a report to Grain Valley detectives alerting them that defendant's DNA was found in a sample collected from the victim in an August 2013 sexual assault. In March 2024, the victim told detectives she went to a pub in Independence with others when the defendant started driving her to a parking lot near trucks and he sexually assaulted her in the vehicle. Detectives reported the defendant had been a suspect in other sexual assault investigations.The defendant is currently being held in custody. Anyone with more information regarding the defendant should contact Grain Valley police detective Jason Werges at 816-847-6262.

DNA testing led to arrest in KC area rape investigation

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with a fatal crash in March that killed a police officer on his way home from work made a court appearance Thursday in Sedgwick County.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752109">&nbsp;Gage Kaiser, 19,&nbsp; Mulvane,</a> is charged with&nbsp;with involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery, according to the&nbsp;the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

The accident occurred just before 3:30a.m. March 16, when a passenger vehicle driven by 26-year-old Scott Hollingsworth was southbound on U.S. 81 at 119th Street, according to Sumner County Sheriff's Lt. Mike Friday. A westbound pickup struck the vehicle driven by Hollingsworth.&nbsp;

Hollingsworth was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported three passengers in the pickup to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The pickup driver later identified as Kaiser was not injured.

Clearwater PD said Hollingsworth had served the department for a year.

Hollingsworth's survivors included his wife, Hadley, daughter, Claire, parents, Greg and Nataly, and siblings, Jordan and Sydney.&nbsp;

On Sept. 10, Geary County deputies arrested Kaiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kaiser is due back in court September 30. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752109">He remains jailed </a>on a $200,000, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726259901569.png" alt="Kaiser-photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Kaiser-photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with a fatal crash in March that killed a police officer on his way home from work made a court appearance Thursday in Sedgwick County.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752109">&nbsp;Gage Kaiser, 19,&nbsp; Mulvane,</a> is charged with&nbsp;with involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery, according to the&nbsp;the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710681634704.png" alt="Officer Scott Hollingsworth-photo city of Clearwater" />
 <figcaption>Officer Scott Hollingsworth-photo city of Clearwater</figcaption>
 </figure>The accident occurred just before 3:30a.m. March 16, when a passenger vehicle driven by 26-year-old Scott Hollingsworth was southbound on U.S. 81 at 119th Street, according to Sumner County Sheriff's Lt. Mike Friday. A westbound pickup struck the vehicle driven by Hollingsworth.&nbsp;Hollingsworth was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported three passengers in the pickup to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The pickup driver later identified as Kaiser was not injured.Clearwater PD said Hollingsworth had served the department for a year.Hollingsworth's survivors included his wife, Hadley, daughter, Claire, parents, Greg and Nataly, and siblings, Jordan and Sydney.&nbsp;On Sept. 10, Geary County deputies arrested Kaiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kaiser is due back in court September 30. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752109">He remains jailed </a>on a $200,000, according to the district attorney's office.

Suspect in crash that killed Kan. officer remains jailed on a $200K bond

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers are scrambling to ensure that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-secret-service">U.S. Secret Service</a>&nbsp;has enough money and resources to keep the nation’s presidential candidates safe amid repeated threats of violence. It’s unclear, though, how much they can do with only weeks before the election, or if additional dollars would make an immediate difference.

Days after a gunman was arrested on former President Donald Trump's golf course, the House on Friday overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation 405-0 to require the agency use the same standards when assigning agents to major presidential candidates as they do presidents and vice presidents. The agency has told Congress that it has already boosted Trump's security, but House lawmakers want it put into law.

The efforts come after an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5">assassination attempt</a>&nbsp;on former President Donald Trump at a rally in July, and after Secret Service agents arrested a man with a rifle hiding on the golf course at Trump’s Florida club over the weekend. The suspect in Florida apparently also sought&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-what-to-know-564c56e167c3cdc6c50f6a2e91db9a6c">to assassinate</a>&nbsp;the GOP presidential nominee.

“In America, elections are determined at the ballot box, not by an assassin’s bullet,” Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., a chief sponsor of the bill, said in floor debate ahead of the vote. “That these incidents were allowed to occur is a stain on our country."

With the election rapidly approaching and Congress headed out of town before October, lawmakers are rushing to figure out exactly what might help, hoping to assess the agency’s most pressing needs while ensuring that they are doing everything they can in an era where political violence has become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-political-violence-america-3cbc5575e2b4c53a231e8abd9b786d22">more commonplace</a>&nbsp;and every politician is a target.

“We have a responsibility here in Congress to get down to the bottom of this to figure out why these things are happening and what we can do about it,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Tuesday. “This is not a partisan issue. We have both parties working on it."

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Thursday that “we've got to get the Secret Service into a position where its protectees are shielded in the most maximum way possible.”

Democrats and Republicans have been in talks with the agency this week to find out whether additional resources are needed. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, the Democratic chairman of the spending subcommittee that oversees the Secret Service, said Congress wants to make sure that if it is spending new dollars, “it’s going to help the situation between now and the inauguration.”

Murphy said new money could go toward technology like drones, partnerships with other agencies that could provide immediate assistance and overtime pay for agents. It would likely be added to a stopgap spending bill that Congress will consider next week to keep the government running, either in the form of allowing the Secret Service to spend money more quickly or providing them with emergency dollars.

“I’m confident we are going to take care of this one way or the other,” Murphy said.

After the July shooting, House Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-congress-task-force-cd084a29e3a26da7eead4425e4064118">created a bipartisan task force</a>&nbsp;focused on investigating the security failures of that day, and the panel will hold its first hearing next week. The House voted Friday to expand the committee's mandate to include what happened in Florida, even though the Secret Service successfully apprehended the suspect before anyone was hurt.

In a letter earlier this month, the Secret Service told lawmakers that a funding shortfall was not the reason for lapses in Trump's security when a gunman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-fbi-secret-service-a382e3ec081dd13e85eaa9e726cca02c">climbed onto an unsecured roof</a>&nbsp;on July 13 at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and opened fire. But Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. said this week that the agency had “immediate needs” and that he’s talking to Congress.

Secret Service officials also told lawmakers behind closed doors that they have already increased Trump’s security to the same level as Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden.

"There are a handful of specialized assets only the commander in chief gets, but the rest of his protection is at the same level,” Spencer Love, a Democratic spokesperson for the House task force, said after the agency briefed members on Wednesday.

In the Senate, Florida Sen. Rick Scott has also introduced a bill mandating similar protection for presidential candidates. Both bills would also require regular reports to Congress on the status of the candidates’ protection. Senate leaders have not yet said whether they will consider the legislation.

In a joint statement after the bill’s passage, Lawler and his co-sponsor, Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York, urged the Senate to take up the bill and President Joe Biden to sign it. They thanked Biden for expanding Trump’s security but said that “without the passage and implementation of this legislation, this enhanced protection will not be codified into law and is subject to change with time.”

Republicans have argued that an overhaul of the agency, and potentially reallocating agents, should be a higher priority than funding.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican who was himself shot at a baseball practice in 2017, noted this week that the Secret Service has received regular budget increases in recent years.

“It’s not about the money,” Scalise said, but “what they’re doing with the money.”

Rep. Mike Waltz, a Republican on the task force, said he pushed Secret Service officials Wednesday on what new resources they needed and they said they were still evaluating.

“I think it’s irresponsible to just throw money at it when they’re not even sure what exactly they need and how quickly they can get it,” the Florida lawmaker said, adding that he hopes the agency shifts to a more threat-focused approach to protecting officials and candidates.

It's unclear, though, if Republicans would fight a funding boost.

“It’s been made implicitly clear that they’re stretched pretty thin,” said Democratic Rep. Glenn Ivey, a member of the task force. “I know that there’s some folks who see a $3 billion budget and think that should be enough. But when you look at where all of the bodies have to go, that’s a problem.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726692527169.png" alt="House Speaker Mike Johnson with Donald Trump earlier this week-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Mike Johnson with Donald Trump earlier this week-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers are scrambling to ensure that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-secret-service">U.S. Secret Service</a>&nbsp;has enough money and resources to keep the nation’s presidential candidates safe amid repeated threats of violence. It’s unclear, though, how much they can do with only weeks before the election, or if additional dollars would make an immediate difference.Days after a gunman was arrested on former President Donald Trump's golf course, the House on Friday overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation 405-0 to require the agency use the same standards when assigning agents to major presidential candidates as they do presidents and vice presidents. The agency has told Congress that it has already boosted Trump's security, but House lawmakers want it put into law.The efforts come after an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5">assassination attempt</a>&nbsp;on former President Donald Trump at a rally in July, and after Secret Service agents arrested a man with a rifle hiding on the golf course at Trump’s Florida club over the weekend. The suspect in Florida apparently also sought&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-what-to-know-564c56e167c3cdc6c50f6a2e91db9a6c">to assassinate</a>&nbsp;the GOP presidential nominee.“In America, elections are determined at the ballot box, not by an assassin’s bullet,” Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., a chief sponsor of the bill, said in floor debate ahead of the vote. “That these incidents were allowed to occur is a stain on our country."With the election rapidly approaching and Congress headed out of town before October, lawmakers are rushing to figure out exactly what might help, hoping to assess the agency’s most pressing needs while ensuring that they are doing everything they can in an era where political violence has become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-political-violence-america-3cbc5575e2b4c53a231e8abd9b786d22">more commonplace</a>&nbsp;and every politician is a target.“We have a responsibility here in Congress to get down to the bottom of this to figure out why these things are happening and what we can do about it,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Tuesday. “This is not a partisan issue. We have both parties working on it."House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Thursday that “we've got to get the Secret Service into a position where its protectees are shielded in the most maximum way possible.”Democrats and Republicans have been in talks with the agency this week to find out whether additional resources are needed. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, the Democratic chairman of the spending subcommittee that oversees the Secret Service, said Congress wants to make sure that if it is spending new dollars, “it’s going to help the situation between now and the inauguration.”Murphy said new money could go toward technology like drones, partnerships with other agencies that could provide immediate assistance and overtime pay for agents. It would likely be added to a stopgap spending bill that Congress will consider next week to keep the government running, either in the form of allowing the Secret Service to spend money more quickly or providing them with emergency dollars.“I’m confident we are going to take care of this one way or the other,” Murphy said.After the July shooting, House Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-congress-task-force-cd084a29e3a26da7eead4425e4064118">created a bipartisan task force</a>&nbsp;focused on investigating the security failures of that day, and the panel will hold its first hearing next week. The House voted Friday to expand the committee's mandate to include what happened in Florida, even though the Secret Service successfully apprehended the suspect before anyone was hurt.In a letter earlier this month, the Secret Service told lawmakers that a funding shortfall was not the reason for lapses in Trump's security when a gunman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-fbi-secret-service-a382e3ec081dd13e85eaa9e726cca02c">climbed onto an unsecured roof</a>&nbsp;on July 13 at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and opened fire. But Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. said this week that the agency had “immediate needs” and that he’s talking to Congress.Secret Service officials also told lawmakers behind closed doors that they have already increased Trump’s security to the same level as Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden."There are a handful of specialized assets only the commander in chief gets, but the rest of his protection is at the same level,” Spencer Love, a Democratic spokesperson for the House task force, said after the agency briefed members on Wednesday.In the Senate, Florida Sen. Rick Scott has also introduced a bill mandating similar protection for presidential candidates. Both bills would also require regular reports to Congress on the status of the candidates’ protection. Senate leaders have not yet said whether they will consider the legislation.In a joint statement after the bill’s passage, Lawler and his co-sponsor, Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York, urged the Senate to take up the bill and President Joe Biden to sign it. They thanked Biden for expanding Trump’s security but said that “without the passage and implementation of this legislation, this enhanced protection will not be codified into law and is subject to change with time.”Republicans have argued that an overhaul of the agency, and potentially reallocating agents, should be a higher priority than funding.House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican who was himself shot at a baseball practice in 2017, noted this week that the Secret Service has received regular budget increases in recent years.“It’s not about the money,” Scalise said, but “what they’re doing with the money.”Rep. Mike Waltz, a Republican on the task force, said he pushed Secret Service officials Wednesday on what new resources they needed and they said they were still evaluating.“I think it’s irresponsible to just throw money at it when they’re not even sure what exactly they need and how quickly they can get it,” the Florida lawmaker said, adding that he hopes the agency shifts to a more threat-focused approach to protecting officials and candidates.It's unclear, though, if Republicans would fight a funding boost.“It’s been made implicitly clear that they’re stretched pretty thin,” said Democratic Rep. Glenn Ivey, a member of the task force. “I know that there’s some folks who see a $3 billion budget and think that should be enough. But when you look at where all of the bodies have to go, that’s a problem.”

Unanimous: House votes to boost Trump security 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A fire did thousands of dollars in damage to a Kansas home on Friday.

Just after 2a.m., firefighters responded to a reported house fire located at 2619 SW Randolph Court in Topeka, according to department spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Crews found smoke and flames coming from the back of a two-story house and were able to extinguish it.

Investigators determined the cause of the fire was accidental, most likely related to the careless discarding of smoking materials.

The total estimated loss was approximately $50,000, which is associated with structural loss. Working smoke detectors were located in the house.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A fire did thousands of dollars in damage to a Kansas home on Friday.Just after 2a.m., firefighters responded to a reported house fire located at 2619 SW Randolph Court in Topeka, according to department spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Crews found smoke and flames coming from the back of a two-story house and were able to extinguish it.Investigators determined the cause of the fire was accidental, most likely related to the careless discarding of smoking materials.The total estimated loss was approximately $50,000, which is associated with structural loss. Working smoke detectors were located in the house.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.

Careless discard of smoking materials blamed for Kan. house fire

Bartlett’s $375 million facility will process soybeans for food, animal feed and fuel

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

CHERRYVALE — While this southeast Kansas town’s population peaked more than 100 years ago, the opening of the region’s largest ever economic development project means its best days are ahead, Lt. Gov. David Toland said Thursday.

Toland spoke to a crowd of more than 100 state and federal lawmakers, economic development officials and construction company representatives who gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Bartlett soybean crushing plant just south of Cherryvale. The town’s population peaked at 4,700 in 1920 and is now 2,200.

Toland, a Democrat and Iola native who also serves as commerce secretary, said the project reminds him of southeast Kansas’ “glory days.”

“When heavy industry was pouring into this region and our towns were booming,” Toland said of the early 20th century, “it looked a lot like this, and we’re doing it again.”

The $375 million plant, which began accepting shipments of soybeans in February, can house 49 million bushels of the crop and will help create food, animal feed and fuel, officials said. Now that it’s operational, Bartlett executives said, it will employ about 60 full-time workers.

“This impressive facility is far more than a soybean crushing complex,” said Gov. Laura Kelly. “This is where community members will find new employment and where the growing demand for renewable biodiesel will be met.”

Kelly said the construction of the facility is part of Kansas’ “economic transformation” that began when she took office in 2019. She said the state had attracted $20 billion in private investment and created or retained tens of thousands of jobs in the past five and a half years.

“We’re focused on creating opportunity everywhere,” Kelly said, “so that Kansans regardless of their ZIP code have the chance to … prosper in one of our state’s strong and vital communities.”

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, joined state lawmakers to celebrate the new facility and noted it had been 100 years since Cherryvale had a significant manufacturing facility.

“That’s why this is so important,” Marshall said. “It’s taken 100 years to bring something like that back to this particular community.”

Bartlett, which was purchased by Savage in 2018, received both state and local incentives to ensure the plant landed in Cherryvale as the company conducted its nationwide search. Company executives said Kansas officials also quickly approved environmental permits and offered other assistance.

Bill Webster, vice president for Bartlett, said Toland gave him his home phone number.

“This is a level of engagement that is not ceremonial or delegating,” Webster said. “It is hands-on, and it has made a profound difference.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726828240512.png" alt=" The new $375 million Bartlett soybean crushing plant just south of Cherryvale will help create food, animal feed and fuel, officials say. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> The new $375 million Bartlett soybean crushing plant just south of Cherryvale will help create food, animal feed and fuel, officials say. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Bartlett’s $375 million facility will process soybeans for food, animal feed and fuel</h2>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>CHERRYVALE — While this southeast Kansas town’s population peaked more than 100 years ago, the opening of the region’s largest ever economic development project means its best days are ahead, Lt. Gov. David Toland said Thursday.Toland spoke to a crowd of more than 100 state and federal lawmakers, economic development officials and construction company representatives who gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Bartlett soybean crushing plant just south of Cherryvale. The town’s population peaked at 4,700 in 1920 and is now 2,200.Toland, a Democrat and Iola native who also serves as commerce secretary, said the project reminds him of southeast Kansas’ “glory days.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726790263540.png" alt="Photo officer of Gov. Laura Kelly" />
 <figcaption>Photo officer of Gov. Laura Kelly</figcaption>
 </figure>“When heavy industry was pouring into this region and our towns were booming,” Toland said of the early 20th century, “it looked a lot like this, and we’re doing it again.”The $375 million plant, which began accepting shipments of soybeans in February, can house 49 million bushels of the crop and will help create food, animal feed and fuel, officials said. Now that it’s operational, Bartlett executives said, it will employ about 60 full-time workers.“This impressive facility is far more than a soybean crushing complex,” said Gov. Laura Kelly. “This is where community members will find new employment and where the growing demand for renewable biodiesel will be met.”Kelly said the construction of the facility is part of Kansas’ “economic transformation” that began when she took office in 2019. She said the state had attracted $20 billion in private investment and created or retained tens of thousands of jobs in the past five and a half years.“We’re focused on creating opportunity everywhere,” Kelly said, “so that Kansans regardless of their ZIP code have the chance to … prosper in one of our state’s strong and vital communities.”U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, joined state lawmakers to celebrate the new facility and noted it had been 100 years since Cherryvale had a significant manufacturing facility.“That’s why this is so important,” Marshall said. “It’s taken 100 years to bring something like that back to this particular community.”Bartlett, which was purchased by Savage in 2018, received both state and local incentives to ensure the plant landed in Cherryvale as the company conducted its nationwide search. Company executives said Kansas officials also quickly approved environmental permits and offered other assistance.Bill Webster, vice president for Bartlett, said Toland gave him his home phone number.“This is a level of engagement that is not ceremonial or delegating,” Webster said. “It is hands-on, and it has made a profound difference.”

Officials celebrate Kansas’ ‘economic transformation’ at new soybean plant

SALINE COUNTY —There have been recent social media posts in reference to the tragic passing of Salina Police K-9 Officer Tyrann which are absolutely untrue. 

In order to be transparent, the Salina Police Department wished to make the public aware of the situation in a timely manner even prior to completing a thorough investigation.

Officers were in the location for a recruiting advertisement when the K-9 Handler allowed Ty out of the vehicle to relieve himself. This location was very familiar to Ty and his Handler which had been used on multiple occasions for training. 

Ty went around a parked vehicle and his Handler went to check on him and discovered the tragedy. Ty was never placed on the ledge or asked to get on the ledge.

It is possible Ty heard the noise from a parade down below and was attempting to see where it was coming from and jumped over the wall.&nbsp; Ty was highly trained, but still a dog. 

Ty was a respected and beloved member of the Salina Police Department and no member of this department would ever place him in a needlessly dangerous position. His loss has greatly affected the Salina Police Department and the community he valiantly protected every day. The Salina Police Department wishes to thank the community for their support and condolences while we grieve and navigate this devastating event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726757775230.jpeg" alt="Photo Salina police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Salina police</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —There have been recent social media posts in reference to the tragic passing of Salina Police K-9 Officer Tyrann which are absolutely untrue. In order to be transparent, the Salina Police Department wished to make the public aware of the situation in a timely manner even prior to completing a thorough investigation.Officers were in the location for a recruiting advertisement when the K-9 Handler allowed Ty out of the vehicle to relieve himself. This location was very familiar to Ty and his Handler which had been used on multiple occasions for training. Ty went around a parked vehicle and his Handler went to check on him and discovered the tragedy. Ty was never placed on the ledge or asked to get on the ledge.It is possible Ty heard the noise from a parade down below and was attempting to see where it was coming from and jumped over the wall.&nbsp; Ty was highly trained, but still a dog. Ty was a respected and beloved member of the Salina Police Department and no member of this department would ever place him in a needlessly dangerous position. His loss has greatly affected the Salina Police Department and the community he valiantly protected every day. The Salina Police Department wishes to thank the community for their support and condolences while we grieve and navigate this devastating event.

Police respond to rumors following Kan. K-9 officer's accident death

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting have made an arrest.

Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, Kansas City, Kansas police&nbsp; officers were dispatched to the area of N. 7h Street and Parallel Parkway on reports of a person lying in the street.

First responders discovered 45-year-old Jimmie Clark, Jr. the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.&nbsp;

Late Thursday, police reported the arrest of 53-year-old&nbsp;&nbsp;Willie Lee Rucker, of Kansas City, Kansas. The Wyandotte County Attorney has charged him with three felonies including second degree, intentional murder; criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle; and unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to police.

Rucker is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $250,000 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726826834396.png" alt="Rucker-photo Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Rucker-photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting have made an arrest.Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, Kansas City, Kansas police&nbsp; officers were dispatched to the area of N. 7h Street and Parallel Parkway on reports of a person lying in the street.First responders discovered 45-year-old Jimmie Clark, Jr. the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.&nbsp;Late Thursday, police reported the arrest of 53-year-old&nbsp;&nbsp;Willie Lee Rucker, of Kansas City, Kansas. The Wyandotte County Attorney has charged him with three felonies including second degree, intentional murder; criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle; and unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to police.Rucker is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $250,000 bond.&nbsp;

Police ID Kansas man found dead in the street, make arrest

Transgender adolescents say a state law barring them from beginning puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones has caused them harm and should be blocked

BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

A lawsuit filed by&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/lawsuit-seeks-to-block-missouri-ban-on-transgender-care-for-minors/">transgender children and their parents</a>&nbsp;challenging a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/10/missouri-house-sends-bill-banning-transgender-health-care-for-minors-to-governor/">one year-old Missouri law</a>&nbsp;restricting minors from accessing cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers heads to trial in Cole County Circuit Court beginning Monday.&nbsp;

Plaintiffs are asking Circuit Court Judge Craig Carter, who typically serves in Wright County, to block the law’s enforcement.

Pretrial briefs filed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Plaintiffs%20Pretrial%20Brief.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3289266" target="_blank">plaintiff’s attorneys</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Defendants%20Pretrial%20Brief.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3289241" target="_blank">Missouri Attorney General’s office</a>, which is defending the state, have very little in common in the factual background of the case.

The parties have different definitions of gender-affirming care, with Solicitor General Joshua Divine writing that “gender transition interventions are at best experimental and at worst deeply harmful.”&nbsp;

Gillian Wilcox, an attorney with the ACLU of Missouri, labeled the treatment “medically necessary, evidence-based and potentially lifesaving.”

“Gender-affirming medical care does not harm transgender youth,” she wrote. “To the contrary, it allows them to thrive.”

Both sides agree that transgender Missourians electing to start gender-affirming care have a condition called “gender dysphoria,” which is widely defined as distress arising from an incongruence between one’s gender identity and sex as assigned at birth.

But Divine argues this is purely a “psychiatric, not medical condition” and calls for talk therapy as an alternative to cross-sex hormones or puberty blockers.

“The worst thing that could befall plaintiffs from not receiving an injunction is that individuals seeking treatment for gender dysphoria will receive counseling instead of chemical and surgical interventions. That is no harm at all,” he wrote.

Plaintiffs point to therapy as an unsatisfactory alternative, meaning the law has taken away all avenues for this type of care. Wilcox argues that gender dysphoria was once categorized by the World Health Organization in a chapter on mental and behavioral disorders, under the name “gender identity disorder,” but has since been moved to a section on sexual health.

The sides both mark this 2013 change from “gender identity disorder” to “gender dysphoria,” but Divine writes this in a shallower history that he says begins in 2007 when “clinicians in the United States started to experiment with surgical and chemical interventions.”&nbsp;

Wilcox says gender-affirming medical care emerged in the 1920s, with the first clinics in the United States treating transgender patients in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Arguments in the case are scheduled to last approximately two weeks, though both sides have filed motions seeking to exclude the testimony of doctors and other expert witnesses that the opposing party has brought.

Plaintiffs — including families that have changed their child’s care plan because of the law, health care providers and advocacy groups — will argue that the law is unconstitutional. Additionally, they will try to prove that it is subject to higher scrutiny because it discriminates based on sex and “transgender status.”

Defendants — including Attorney General Andrew Bailey and Gov. Mike Parson, among others — argue the state had a compelling governmental interest in enacting and enforcing the law.

The litigation could also determine whether the state can lawfully exclude gender-affirming care coverage from the state’s Medicaid program and covered services in state prisons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676064784756.png" alt="-A case that seeks to block enforcement of a state law restricting transgender minors' access to gender affirming care is scheduled for two&nbsp;weeks of debate in Cole County Circuit Court (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>-A case that seeks to block enforcement of a state law restricting transgender minors' access to gender affirming care is scheduled for two&nbsp;weeks of debate in Cole County Circuit Court (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Transgender adolescents say a state law barring them from beginning puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones has caused them harm and should be blocked</h2>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A lawsuit filed by&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/lawsuit-seeks-to-block-missouri-ban-on-transgender-care-for-minors/">transgender children and their parents</a>&nbsp;challenging a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/10/missouri-house-sends-bill-banning-transgender-health-care-for-minors-to-governor/">one year-old Missouri law</a>&nbsp;restricting minors from accessing cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers heads to trial in Cole County Circuit Court beginning Monday.&nbsp;Plaintiffs are asking Circuit Court Judge Craig Carter, who typically serves in Wright County, to block the law’s enforcement.Pretrial briefs filed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Plaintiffs%20Pretrial%20Brief.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3289266" target="_blank">plaintiff’s attorneys</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Defendants%20Pretrial%20Brief.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3289241" target="_blank">Missouri Attorney General’s office</a>, which is defending the state, have very little in common in the factual background of the case.The parties have different definitions of gender-affirming care, with Solicitor General Joshua Divine writing that “gender transition interventions are at best experimental and at worst deeply harmful.”&nbsp;Gillian Wilcox, an attorney with the ACLU of Missouri, labeled the treatment “medically necessary, evidence-based and potentially lifesaving.”“Gender-affirming medical care does not harm transgender youth,” she wrote. “To the contrary, it allows them to thrive.”Both sides agree that transgender Missourians electing to start gender-affirming care have a condition called “gender dysphoria,” which is widely defined as distress arising from an incongruence between one’s gender identity and sex as assigned at birth.But Divine argues this is purely a “psychiatric, not medical condition” and calls for talk therapy as an alternative to cross-sex hormones or puberty blockers.“The worst thing that could befall plaintiffs from not receiving an injunction is that individuals seeking treatment for gender dysphoria will receive counseling instead of chemical and surgical interventions. That is no harm at all,” he wrote.Plaintiffs point to therapy as an unsatisfactory alternative, meaning the law has taken away all avenues for this type of care. Wilcox argues that gender dysphoria was once categorized by the World Health Organization in a chapter on mental and behavioral disorders, under the name “gender identity disorder,” but has since been moved to a section on sexual health.The sides both mark this 2013 change from “gender identity disorder” to “gender dysphoria,” but Divine writes this in a shallower history that he says begins in 2007 when “clinicians in the United States started to experiment with surgical and chemical interventions.”&nbsp;Wilcox says gender-affirming medical care emerged in the 1920s, with the first clinics in the United States treating transgender patients in the ‘60s and ‘70s.Arguments in the case are scheduled to last approximately two weeks, though both sides have filed motions seeking to exclude the testimony of doctors and other expert witnesses that the opposing party has brought.Plaintiffs — including families that have changed their child’s care plan because of the law, health care providers and advocacy groups — will argue that the law is unconstitutional. Additionally, they will try to prove that it is subject to higher scrutiny because it discriminates based on sex and “transgender status.”Defendants — including Attorney General Andrew Bailey and Gov. Mike Parson, among others — argue the state had a compelling governmental interest in enacting and enforcing the law.The litigation could also determine whether the state can lawfully exclude gender-affirming care coverage from the state’s Medicaid program and covered services in state prisons.

Lawsuit seeking to block Missouri ban on gender-affirming care for minors heads to trial

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY – Law enforcement in Kansas Cityinvestigating another homicide have identified the victim as 46-year-old Freddie V. Jackson, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just&nbsp;after midnight Thursday morning, police responded to a shooting in the 2200 block of E.31st street, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte.

First responders found Jackson in the parking lot of the gas station suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel pronounced him deceased on scene.

Preliminary investigation revealed that there was an argument in the parking lot that led to shots being fired and the Jackson being struck. Detectives are interviewing witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726751682782.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;KANSAS CITY – Law enforcement in Kansas Cityinvestigating another homicide have identified the victim as 46-year-old Freddie V. Jackson, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.Just&nbsp;after midnight Thursday morning, police responded to a shooting in the 2200 block of E.31st street, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte.First responders found Jackson in the parking lot of the gas station suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel pronounced him deceased on scene.Preliminary investigation revealed that there was an argument in the parking lot that led to shots being fired and the Jackson being struck. Detectives are interviewing witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage.

Police: Argument in KC gas station parking lot led to fatal shooting

Vice President Kamala Harris participated in an online town hall&nbsp; Thursday evening with former talk show host Oprah Winfrey. The "Unite for America" event in Michigan featured a number of celebrities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726796309324.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Vice President Kamala Harris participated in an online town hall&nbsp; Thursday evening with former talk show host Oprah Winfrey. The "Unite for America" event in Michigan featured a number of celebrities.Harris discussed abortion rights, gun violence and the economy.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bZasBoVhuUA?si=t0Y7R3kt2ONgkg8C&amp;start=787" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Harris campaign livestreamed the event on YouTube and other social media platforms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726796287122.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The election is November 5.