MILWAUKEE —The Trump campaign and Republican National Committee announced the program themes for next week's GOP convention in Milwaukee and released their 2024 Platform.

<a href="https://cdn.nucleusfiles.com/be/beb1a388-1d88-4389-a67d-c1e2d7f8bedf/2024-gop-platform-july-7-final.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=ncl_amplify&amp;utm_campaign=240708-2024_gop_platform_make_america_great_again&amp;utm_content=ncl-4NsN8UE5x2&amp;_nlid=4NsN8UE5x2&amp;_nhids=Nog6f1V6">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full 16-page platform document

The points of the platform are listed below

&nbsp;The platform will be voted on in full at the GOP convention next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718556066582.png" alt="File photo -Former President Trump during a campaign stop last month -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo -Former President Trump during a campaign stop last month -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE —The Trump campaign and Republican National Committee announced the program themes for next week's GOP convention in Milwaukee and released their 2024 Platform.<a href="https://cdn.nucleusfiles.com/be/beb1a388-1d88-4389-a67d-c1e2d7f8bedf/2024-gop-platform-july-7-final.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=ncl_amplify&amp;utm_campaign=240708-2024_gop_platform_make_america_great_again&amp;utm_content=ncl-4NsN8UE5x2&amp;_nlid=4NsN8UE5x2&amp;_nhids=Nog6f1V6">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full 16-page platform document<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720521521992.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The points of the platform are listed below<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720484913719.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The platform will be voted on in full at the GOP convention next week.

Read the Trump inspired Republican Party 2024 platform document

KANSAS CITY—An Amtrak train struck a tree Monday afternoon near Washington, Missouri.

According to a statement from the rail service, "Just before 5p.m. Monday, Amtrak Train 319 made contact with a tree on the tracks east of Washington, Missouri. There were no injuries to the 124 passengers and five crew members aboard the train made up of one locomotive and seven railcars, but rear axle of the locomotive lost contact with the tracks."

Power has since been restored to the train and Amtrak is making arrangements to transport passengers on to their destinations."

As of 6:25 p.m. and due to ongoing delays, Amtrak canceled Train 319 and made other arrangements to transported passengers. Washington, Missouri is three hours east of Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY—An Amtrak train struck a tree Monday afternoon near Washington, Missouri.According to a statement from the rail service, "Just before 5p.m. Monday, Amtrak Train 319 made contact with a tree on the tracks east of Washington, Missouri. There were no injuries to the 124 passengers and five crew members aboard the train made up of one locomotive and seven railcars, but rear axle of the locomotive lost contact with the tracks."Power has since been restored to the train and Amtrak is making arrangements to transport passengers on to their destinations."As of 6:25 p.m. and due to ongoing delays, Amtrak canceled Train 319 and made other arrangements to transported passengers. Washington, Missouri is three hours east of Kansas City.

Amtrak train derails in Missouri after striking a tree

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the death of his mother at her home in Olathe has been charged for the crime.

Last week, 40-year-old Brian Christopher Thode was charged with first degree murder and cruelty to animals, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office. The charges are in connection with the June 29, death of 72-year-old Nancy Thode.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just before 6 p.m. June 29, police were dispatched to the 1000 block of East Oakview Street in Olathe for a death investigation, according to&nbsp;Police Sergeant John Moncayo.

Officers arrived and discovered Nancy Thode unresponsive with significant injuries. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Brian Thode also “unlawfully, knowingly, maliciously and feloniously” killed a cat and a bird, according to a charging document in the case. Thode remains jailed on a $3,000,000.00 bond. He is due back in court July 17, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720003596616.png" alt="Thode-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Thode-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the death of his mother at her home in Olathe has been charged for the crime.Last week, 40-year-old Brian Christopher Thode was charged with first degree murder and cruelty to animals, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office. The charges are in connection with the June 29, death of 72-year-old Nancy Thode.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just before 6 p.m. June 29, police were dispatched to the 1000 block of East Oakview Street in Olathe for a death investigation, according to&nbsp;Police Sergeant John Moncayo.Officers arrived and discovered Nancy Thode unresponsive with significant injuries. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brian Thode also “unlawfully, knowingly, maliciously and feloniously” killed a cat and a bird, according to a charging document in the case. Thode remains jailed on a $3,000,000.00 bond. He is due back in court July 17, according to online jail records.

Kan. man charged with his mother's murder, animal cruelty

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

Just after 9:30p.m. July 3, a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle on 150th near U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver Kathy Lynn Jauch, 56, of Golden, Colorado, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720316459572.png" alt="Jauch photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Jauch photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 9:30p.m. July 3, a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle on 150th near U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver Kathy Lynn Jauch, 56, of Golden, Colorado, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Colo. woman was transporting meth in Kansas

KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Fire Department is investigating a construction site incident that critically injured a worker.

Just before 8a.m. Monday, crews with the Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;responded to a reported man trapped in a sewer pipe in the 9200 block of Old Santa Fe Road, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders found the man unconscious and face down in approximately 6 to 8 inches of water. 

The first company on the scene immediately put on a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and entered the drain. The man was quickly evaluated and found to have no pulse.&nbsp; A rope was secured around the victim and he was removed from the sewer and CPR was initiated. He was transported to a local hospital. At last report the approximately 30-year-old man was alive and breathing on his own but in critical condition. 

&nbsp;After the victim was removed and transported a Hazmat team member was sent into the sewer to monitor the air to determine a cause.&nbsp; No significant toxic substances were found. However, oxygen levels were very low at 11 %, according to Hopkins.&nbsp; Twenty-one percent is normal atmospheric oxygen levels, and anything under 19.5 % is dangerous, according to Hopkins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720469191181.png" alt="Site of the sewer pipe incident photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Site of the sewer pipe incident photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Fire Department is investigating a construction site incident that critically injured a worker.Just before 8a.m. Monday, crews with the Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;responded to a reported man trapped in a sewer pipe in the 9200 block of Old Santa Fe Road, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First responders found the man unconscious and face down in approximately 6 to 8 inches of water. The first company on the scene immediately put on a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and entered the drain. The man was quickly evaluated and found to have no pulse.&nbsp; A rope was secured around the victim and he was removed from the sewer and CPR was initiated. He was transported to a local hospital. At last report the approximately 30-year-old man was alive and breathing on his own but in critical condition. &nbsp;After the victim was removed and transported a Hazmat team member was sent into the sewer to monitor the air to determine a cause.&nbsp; No significant toxic substances were found. However, oxygen levels were very low at 11 %, according to Hopkins.&nbsp; Twenty-one percent is normal atmospheric oxygen levels, and anything under 19.5 % is dangerous, according to Hopkins.

Worker rescued from sewer pipe at KC area construction site

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly 4th of July shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 32-year-old Cortez Caples.

Just before 3:00pm Thursday, police responded to a shooting in the 2200 block of E. 69th Terrace, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.

First responders located Caples unresponsive on the sidewalk in front of a home.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

An investigation determined Caples had an interaction with one or more unknown suspects that resulted in gunfire.

Police have not reported an arrest or released suspect information.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720133624393.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly 4th of July shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 32-year-old Cortez Caples. Just before 3:00pm Thursday, police responded to a shooting in the 2200 block of E. 69th Terrace, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720133597687.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located Caples unresponsive on the sidewalk in front of a home. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;An investigation determined Caples had an interaction with one or more unknown suspects that resulted in gunfire.Police have not reported an arrest or released suspect information.&nbsp;

KCPD IDs victim in Fourth of July shooting

BOONE COUNTY —Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Mathew Tobben died Monday morning during a swift water rescue operation, according to a statement from Fire Chief Scott Olsen.

Assistant Chief Matt Tobben was assisting the Columbia Fire Department during a swift water rescue operation at Rangeline Street and Bear Creek early Monday. 

The firefighters had rescued two individuals when the zodiac boat overturned and Chief Tobben was thrown from the boat and drowned. 

The Columbia Firefighter and the two victims originally rescued were able to be rescued and are doing ok.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720463882385.png" alt="Photo courtesy KOMU TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KOMU TV</figcaption>
 </figure>BOONE COUNTY —Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Mathew Tobben died Monday morning during a swift water rescue operation, according to a statement from Fire Chief Scott Olsen.Assistant Chief Matt Tobben was assisting the Columbia Fire Department during a swift water rescue operation at Rangeline Street and Bear Creek early Monday. The firefighters had rescued two individuals when the zodiac boat overturned and Chief Tobben was thrown from the boat and drowned. The Columbia Firefighter and the two victims originally rescued were able to be rescued and are doing ok.The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

Mo. fire official dies when boat he was in capsizes during a water rescue

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>

President Joe Biden pledged Monday to stay in his race for reelection, even after a weekend in which a growing number of Democrats asked for him to withdraw and a key U.S. House Republican called for an investigation into the president’s doctor.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24794331-bidenletterjuly8" target="_blank">a letter</a>&nbsp;to congressional Democrats, Biden argued that the calls for him to drop out of the presidential race — with just 119 days until Election Day — ignored the results of Democratic primaries and caucuses that he handily won and said he remained the best candidate to defeat former President Donald Trump.

The two-page letter ended with a call for party unity and an end to the public back-and-forth among Democrats over whether Biden should leave the race, after a June 27 debate performance that shook some high-ranking Democrats’ confidence in his ability to overcome his polling deficit against Trump.

“The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now,” Biden wrote. “And it’s time for it to end. We have one job. And that is to beat Donald Trump.”

Congress returns Monday from a weeklong July Fourth recess after several days in which members of both parties continued to press the issue of Biden’s fitness for office.

Republicans also began pressing for more details. House Oversight and Accountability Chair James Comer&nbsp;<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Letter-to-OConnor-070724.pdf" target="_blank">on Sunday called</a>&nbsp;for Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, to submit to a transcribed interview about his assessments of Biden and O’Connor’s business dealings with James Biden, the president’s brother.

The Kentucky Republican said Biden and the White House had sent mixed messages about recent medical examinations of the president.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters last week that Biden had not been examined by a doctor since his regular checkup in February.

But Biden told a group of Democratic governors the same day that he was “checked out by a doctor” following the debate, Comer wrote.

Following the debate, Biden, attempting to explain a low, raspy voice, said he’d had a cold.

Comer also questioned if O’Connor could accurately report Biden’s health, or if he was compromised by a conflict of interest because of his involvement with James Biden’s rural health care company, Americore. James Biden has testified to the committee that he sought O’Connor’s counsel for the business.

The White House did not respond to a message seeking comment about Comer’s request.

The holiday weekend also saw more U.S. House Democrats join a list of those asking Biden to step aside rather than seek reelection.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AngieCraigMN/status/1809577054062432688" target="_blank">a written statement</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, Minnesota’s Angie Craig became the first member from a competitive district to call on the president to quit the race. Craig is the fifth member to publicly call for the president’s withdrawal.

Additional members are making private calls, according to media reports.

Four Democrats who lead House committees — Jerry Nadler of New York on the Judiciary Committee, Adam Smith of Washington on the Armed Services Committee, Mark Takano of California on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Joe Morelle of New York on the House Administration Committee — said during a caucus leadership call on Sunday that Biden should withdraw,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/07/jerry-nadler-adam-smith-congress-biden-00166733" target="_blank">according to reports</a>.

Other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/07/politics/house-democrats-biden-out/index.html" target="_blank">accounts reported</a>&nbsp;more members on the call, including Susan Wild of Pennsylvania and Jim Himes of Connecticut, also opposed Biden’s continued candidacy. Wild&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/briefs/susan-wild-pennsylvania-expressed-concern-biden-electability-during-call-house-democrats/" target="_blank">later told</a>&nbsp;the Pennsylvania Capital-Star she expressed concerns about Biden’s electability.

In an impromptu call in to the MSNBC show “Morning Joe” on Monday, Biden insisted again he was staying in the race and called for any opponents he had to “challenge” him at the party’s convention in Chicago next month.

Biden, who has secured enough pledged delegates through primary and caucus wins to clinch the nomination, would be heavily favored in a contested convention.&nbsp;<a href="https://democrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2024-Call-for-Convention.pdf" target="_blank">Democratic Party rules</a>&nbsp;mandate pledged delegates “shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them,” but are not legally required to cast their convention vote for their pledged candidate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720316947280.png" alt="President Joe Biden raises the hand of Vice President Kamala Harris as they view the Independence Day firework display over the National Mall from the balcony of the White House -image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden raises the hand of Vice President Kamala Harris as they view the Independence Day firework display over the National Mall from the balcony of the White House -image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>President Joe Biden pledged Monday to stay in his race for reelection, even after a weekend in which a growing number of Democrats asked for him to withdraw and a key U.S. House Republican called for an investigation into the president’s doctor.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This morning, I sent a letter to my fellow Democrats on Capitol Hill. In it, I shared my thoughts about this moment in our campaign. It’s time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump. <a href="https://t.co/ABtAaJrr0n">pic.twitter.com/ABtAaJrr0n</a>&mdash; Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1810301614965604827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24794331-bidenletterjuly8" target="_blank">a letter</a>&nbsp;to congressional Democrats, Biden argued that the calls for him to drop out of the presidential race — with just 119 days until Election Day — ignored the results of Democratic primaries and caucuses that he handily won and said he remained the best candidate to defeat former President Donald Trump.The two-page letter ended with a call for party unity and an end to the public back-and-forth among Democrats over whether Biden should leave the race, after a June 27 debate performance that shook some high-ranking Democrats’ confidence in his ability to overcome his polling deficit against Trump.“The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now,” Biden wrote. “And it’s time for it to end. We have one job. And that is to beat Donald Trump.”<h2>Comer seeks interview with Biden doctor</h2>Congress returns Monday from a weeklong July Fourth recess after several days in which members of both parties continued to press the issue of Biden’s fitness for office.Republicans also began pressing for more details. House Oversight and Accountability Chair James Comer&nbsp;<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Letter-to-OConnor-070724.pdf" target="_blank">on Sunday called</a>&nbsp;for Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, to submit to a transcribed interview about his assessments of Biden and O’Connor’s business dealings with James Biden, the president’s brother.The Kentucky Republican said Biden and the White House had sent mixed messages about recent medical examinations of the president.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters last week that Biden had not been examined by a doctor since his regular checkup in February.But Biden told a group of Democratic governors the same day that he was “checked out by a doctor” following the debate, Comer wrote.Following the debate, Biden, attempting to explain a low, raspy voice, said he’d had a cold.Comer also questioned if O’Connor could accurately report Biden’s health, or if he was compromised by a conflict of interest because of his involvement with James Biden’s rural health care company, Americore. James Biden has testified to the committee that he sought O’Connor’s counsel for the business.The White House did not respond to a message seeking comment about Comer’s request.<h2>More Democrats call for withdrawal</h2>The holiday weekend also saw more U.S. House Democrats join a list of those asking Biden to step aside rather than seek reelection.In&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AngieCraigMN/status/1809577054062432688" target="_blank">a written statement</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, Minnesota’s Angie Craig became the first member from a competitive district to call on the president to quit the race. Craig is the fifth member to publicly call for the president’s withdrawal.Additional members are making private calls, according to media reports.Four Democrats who lead House committees — Jerry Nadler of New York on the Judiciary Committee, Adam Smith of Washington on the Armed Services Committee, Mark Takano of California on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Joe Morelle of New York on the House Administration Committee — said during a caucus leadership call on Sunday that Biden should withdraw,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/07/jerry-nadler-adam-smith-congress-biden-00166733" target="_blank">according to reports</a>.Other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/07/politics/house-democrats-biden-out/index.html" target="_blank">accounts reported</a>&nbsp;more members on the call, including Susan Wild of Pennsylvania and Jim Himes of Connecticut, also opposed Biden’s continued candidacy. Wild&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/briefs/susan-wild-pennsylvania-expressed-concern-biden-electability-during-call-house-democrats/" target="_blank">later told</a>&nbsp;the Pennsylvania Capital-Star she expressed concerns about Biden’s electability.In an impromptu call in to the MSNBC show “Morning Joe” on Monday, Biden insisted again he was staying in the race and called for any opponents he had to “challenge” him at the party’s convention in Chicago next month.Biden, who has secured enough pledged delegates through primary and caucus wins to clinch the nomination, would be heavily favored in a contested convention.&nbsp;<a href="https://democrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2024-Call-for-Convention.pdf" target="_blank">Democratic Party rules</a>&nbsp;mandate pledged delegates “shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them,” but are not legally required to cast their convention vote for their pledged candidate.

Biden tells congressional Dems he is staying in the race, urges end to speculation

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—A police officer is recovering after a stabbing late Sunday in Kansas City, Kansas.

Just before 10p.m., a KCK Police officer was beginning his shift near 47th and State Avenue, according to a media release.&nbsp; An individual who was described as acting bizarre approached the officer in a parking lot.

Without warning, the individual produced a sharp object and attacked the officer. During the altercation, the suspect stabbed the officer twice and ran northbound from the location. Police have not reported they found the suspect.

The officer's injuries were reported a non-life-threatening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—A police officer is recovering after a stabbing late Sunday in Kansas City, Kansas.Just before 10p.m., a KCK Police officer was beginning his shift near 47th and State Avenue, according to a media release.&nbsp; An individual who was described as acting bizarre approached the officer in a parking lot.Without warning, the individual produced a sharp object and attacked the officer. During the altercation, the suspect stabbed the officer twice and ran northbound from the location. Police have not reported they found the suspect.The officer's injuries were reported a non-life-threatening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Search underway for suspect who stabbed Kansas officer, ran

FINNEY COUNTY —As the investigation into the June 15, home explosion in Garden City continues, investigators determined that the explosion was caused by a natural gas leak, according to a media release from the Garden City fire department.

The gas leak was ignited when the 19-year-old victim turned on the stove. The issue was isolated to the gas line in the home.&nbsp; 

A friend established <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-milos-recovery-and-home-rebuild">an online fundraiser</a> to assist the family.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-milos-recovery-and-home-rebuild">Click here</a> to view the fundraiser.

Just after 7p.m. on June 15, the Garden City Fire Department was dispatched to the report of an explosion at 802 West Fair Street, Garden City.

Upon arrival, fire personnel found one home that had significant damage due to an explosion with a large debris field surrounding the site. Finney County EMS transported the 19-year-old victim to St. Catherine Hospital.&nbsp; He remains in a Wichita hospital, according to the fire department. Officials have not release any&nbsp; updated information on his condition.

According to the GoFundMe page, "Our lives were shattered by a devastating house explosion that left Milo, our beloved Nephew, critically injured.&nbsp; The blast not only destroyed our home but also resulted in extensive medical bills as Milo fights for recovery in the hospital."

"The road to healing will be long and challenging, both emotionally and financially."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719671268273.png" alt="Photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —As the investigation into the June 15, home explosion in Garden City continues, investigators determined that the explosion was caused by a natural gas leak, according to a media release from the Garden City fire department.The gas leak was ignited when the 19-year-old victim turned on the stove. The issue was isolated to the gas line in the home.&nbsp; A friend established <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-milos-recovery-and-home-rebuild">an online fundraiser</a> to assist the family.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-milos-recovery-and-home-rebuild">Click here</a> to view the fundraiser.Just after 7p.m. on June 15, the Garden City Fire Department was dispatched to the report of an explosion at 802 West Fair Street, Garden City.Upon arrival, fire personnel found one home that had significant damage due to an explosion with a large debris field surrounding the site. Finney County EMS transported the 19-year-old victim to St. Catherine Hospital.&nbsp; He remains in a Wichita hospital, according to the fire department. Officials have not release any&nbsp; updated information on his condition.According to the GoFundMe page, "Our lives were shattered by a devastating house explosion that left Milo, our beloved Nephew, critically injured.&nbsp; The blast not only destroyed our home but also resulted in extensive medical bills as Milo fights for recovery in the hospital.""The road to healing will be long and challenging, both emotionally and financially."

Teen continues recovery after SW Kansas home explosion

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; —Authorities investigating a fatal helicopter crash that occurred just after 8a.m. Friday have identified the man who died as 70-year-old Vincent Faber of Andale, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff Lt. Nathan Gibbs.

The National Transportation Safety Board continues investigating the&nbsp; crash of the RotorWay Scorpion 133 in the&nbsp;in the 5700 block of North 255th Street West.

An NTSB investigator&nbsp;arrived on scene Saturday, according to a statement from the agency. On scene, the investigator is documenting the scene and examining the&nbsp;wreckage.

NTSB investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment.

Witnesses to the accident or those who have surveillance video or other information that could be relevant to the investigation are asked to contact the NTSB at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:witness@ntsb.gov">witness@ntsb.gov</a>.&nbsp;

The NTSB will issue&nbsp; a preliminary report on the crash within 30 days.

The preliminary report will contain factual information gathered during the initial phase of the investigation. A probable cause of the crash along with any contributing factors will be detailed in the final report, which is expected in 12-24 months. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720384018080.png" alt="First responders on the scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; —Authorities investigating a fatal helicopter crash that occurred just after 8a.m. Friday have identified the man who died as 70-year-old Vincent Faber of Andale, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff Lt. Nathan Gibbs.The National Transportation Safety Board continues investigating the&nbsp; crash of the RotorWay Scorpion 133 in the&nbsp;in the 5700 block of North 255th Street West.An NTSB investigator&nbsp;arrived on scene Saturday, according to a statement from the agency. On scene, the investigator is documenting the scene and examining the&nbsp;wreckage.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720189143245.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>NTSB investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment.Witnesses to the accident or those who have surveillance video or other information that could be relevant to the investigation are asked to contact the NTSB at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:witness@ntsb.gov">witness@ntsb.gov</a>.&nbsp;The NTSB will issue&nbsp; a preliminary report on the crash within 30 days.The preliminary report will contain factual information gathered during the initial phase of the investigation. A probable cause of the crash along with any contributing factors will be detailed in the final report, which is expected in 12-24 months. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff IDs Kansas pilot who died in helicopter crash

KANSAS CITY—Fire crews were busy with an unusual call early Sunday to rescue two people lost for over 5-hours in the cave system near Kansas City.

Just after 4 a.m. a man and woman became lost while exploring the caves off of Coalmine Road, according to KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

 They entered the caves just after 11 p.m. After becoming disoriented and unable to find their way out. They were able to find a spot with enough signal to call 911. 

KCFD rescue division responded. Using ropes for guidance the Rescue crews descended approximately 2000 to 2500 feet into the cave system where they located both victims. 

Both victims were removed unharmed and refused medical treatment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720384593882.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Fire crews were busy with an unusual call early Sunday to rescue two people lost for over 5-hours in the cave system near Kansas City.Just after 4 a.m. a man and woman became lost while exploring the caves off of Coalmine Road, according to KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. They entered the caves just after 11 p.m. After becoming disoriented and unable to find their way out. They were able to find a spot with enough signal to call 911. KCFD rescue division responded. Using ropes for guidance the Rescue crews descended approximately 2000 to 2500 feet into the cave system where they located both victims. Both victims were removed unharmed and refused medical treatment.

Couple rescued after 5 hours in a cave near Kansas City

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide&nbsp; are asking for the public’s help in locating 19-year-old Nassir Gill of Topeka, according to a media release from police.

 Gill is a person of interest in the homicide of Brian M. Wright Jr., 23, that occurred on June 21, in the 3100 block of SW Westover Road in Topeka.

Gill is described as 5-foot-6 and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He may no longer have blue/green hair, as seen in the photo released by police.

If you see or know where Gill may be, please call or email investigators at 785-368-9551 and telltpd@topeka.org. You can also report anonymously to Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007 or online at www.p3tips.com/128.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719693545861.png" alt="Gill is described as 5-foot-6 and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He may no longer have blue/green hair, as seen in the photo released by police." />
 <figcaption>Gill is described as 5-foot-6 and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He may no longer have blue/green hair, as seen in the photo released by police.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide&nbsp; are asking for the public’s help in locating 19-year-old Nassir Gill of Topeka, according to a media release from police. Gill is a person of interest in the homicide of Brian M. Wright Jr., 23, that occurred on June 21, in the 3100 block of SW Westover Road in Topeka.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719001082126.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Gill is described as 5-foot-6 and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He may no longer have blue/green hair, as seen in the photo released by police.If you see or know where Gill may be, please call or email investigators at 785-368-9551 and telltpd@topeka.org. You can also report anonymously to Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007 or online at www.p3tips.com/128.

Kansas teen homicide suspect still missing

SUMNER COUNTY —Just before 9a.m. Monday, the Wellington Police Department reported that 67-year-old Ronald Cook was located and is now safe. The statewide silver alert is now canceled.&nbsp;

SUMNER COUNTY – The Wellington Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita man. The whereabouts of Ronald Cook, 67, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him. 

Cook was last seen leaving his residence at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday July 8, wearing a beige shirt and dark gray sweat pants. Cook is believed to be driving a 2007 Ford Edge with Kansas license plate 2503ACZ.Cook is 5 feet 9 inches tall, 250 pounds, gray hair with brown eyes.If you see him, please call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720433015564.png" alt="Ronald Cook-photo Wellington Police" />
 <figcaption>Ronald Cook-photo Wellington Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY —Just before 9a.m. Monday, the Wellington Police Department reported that 67-year-old Ronald Cook was located and is now safe. The statewide silver alert is now canceled.&nbsp;----------SUMNER COUNTY – The Wellington Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita man. The whereabouts of Ronald Cook, 67, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him. Cook was last seen leaving his residence at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday July 8, wearing a beige shirt and dark gray sweat pants. Cook is believed to be driving a 2007 Ford Edge with Kansas license plate 2503ACZ.Cook is 5 feet 9 inches tall, 250 pounds, gray hair with brown eyes.If you see him, please call 911.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled, missing Kansas man found safe

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; - A registered Kansas sex offender is going back to prison.

On July 1, 30-year-old Jeffrey Elam was sentenced to&nbsp;19 years in prison for a violent knife attack on a woman in Wichita in 2021, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

Just after 11:30p.m. November 28, 2021&nbsp; police responded to reports of a stabbing in the 100 block of North St. Francis in Wichita. When officers arrived, they located a 22-year-old woman with a stab wound to her abdomen.

EMS transported her to an area hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation revealed the victim was walking to her vehicle and was approached and stabbed by a suspect later identified as Elam, who fled northbound through the alley. Police released a security camera video of him and made an arrest the following night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In May, Elam was found guilty of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery for the attack.

Elam has previous convictions for aggravated indecent liberties with a child and is a registered Kansas sex offender, according to the KBI&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/registeredoffender/OffenderDetails.aspx?Display=Main&amp;Id=28419">offender registry</a>. The&nbsp;crimes occurred in Wichita in 2012 and 2013 and included a 5-year-old victim.&nbsp; Elam is now also required to register as a violent offender, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637681991929.png" alt="Elam photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Elam photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; - A registered Kansas sex offender is going back to prison.On July 1, 30-year-old Jeffrey Elam was sentenced to&nbsp;19 years in prison for a violent knife attack on a woman in Wichita in 2021, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.Just after 11:30p.m. November 28, 2021&nbsp; police responded to reports of a stabbing in the 100 block of North St. Francis in Wichita. When officers arrived, they located a 22-year-old woman with a stab wound to her abdomen.EMS transported her to an area hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation revealed the victim was walking to her vehicle and was approached and stabbed by a suspect later identified as Elam, who fled northbound through the alley. Police released a security camera video of him and made an arrest the following night.&nbsp;&nbsp;In May, Elam was found guilty of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery for the attack.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720037388052.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Elam has previous convictions for aggravated indecent liberties with a child and is a registered Kansas sex offender, according to the KBI&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/registeredoffender/OffenderDetails.aspx?Display=Main&amp;Id=28419">offender registry</a>. The&nbsp;crimes occurred in Wichita in 2012 and 2013 and included a 5-year-old victim.&nbsp; Elam is now also required to register as a violent offender, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas sex offender going to prison for knife attack on woman

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect after a 3-county chase in a stolen vehicle.

Just after 4a.m. Tuesday, sheriff's deputies, located a possible stolen black SUV at West 6th Avenue and Prairie Street in Emporia, according to Police&nbsp;Sgt. Zachary M. Shafer.

&nbsp; Deputies attempted to stop the&nbsp;SUV, and the driver failed to stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit was immediately terminated due to speeds being in excess of 102 mph. 

Lyon County Deputies and the Emporia Police Department lost sight of the black SUV, in the city limits of Emporia.

At approximately 5:40a.m., Lyon County Deputies located the same SUV traveling southbound on Interstate 35.&nbsp; Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle and the driver again failed to stop&nbsp;and a vehicle pursuit ensued. 

The SUV traveled through the center median of Interstate 35 and traveled northbound. The pursuit traveled through, Coffey, Osage, and Franklin Counties.

Tire deflation devices were deployed four separate times during the pursuit. The pursuit ended in Franklin County, approximately six and a half miles southeast of Ottawa, Kansas. 

&nbsp;The driver was later identified as Frederick Beecher Hogue, 37-years-old, from Hollister, Missouri.&nbsp;The passenger was identified as Sara Kay Rogers, 36-years-old, from Granby, Missouri.

They were arrested&nbsp;without incident, and transported to the Lyon County Detention Center.

Hogue is being held on requested charges of Felony Flee and Attempt to Elude, Felony Possession of Stolen Property, Felony Interference with Law Enforcement, numerous traffic infractions, and an out of state warrant through Jasper County, Missouri.

&nbsp;Rogers was jailed on requested charged of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720298558660.png" alt="Hogue photo Lyon Co." />
 <figcaption>Hogue photo Lyon Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect after a 3-county chase in a stolen vehicle.Just after 4a.m. Tuesday, sheriff's deputies, located a possible stolen black SUV at West 6th Avenue and Prairie Street in Emporia, according to Police&nbsp;Sgt. Zachary M. Shafer.&nbsp; Deputies attempted to stop the&nbsp;SUV, and the driver failed to stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit was immediately terminated due to speeds being in excess of 102 mph. Lyon County Deputies and the Emporia Police Department lost sight of the black SUV, in the city limits of Emporia.At approximately 5:40a.m., Lyon County Deputies located the same SUV traveling southbound on Interstate 35.&nbsp; Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle and the driver again failed to stop&nbsp;and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The SUV traveled through the center median of Interstate 35 and traveled northbound. The pursuit traveled through, Coffey, Osage, and Franklin Counties.Tire deflation devices were deployed four separate times during the pursuit. The pursuit ended in Franklin County, approximately six and a half miles southeast of Ottawa, Kansas. &nbsp;The driver was later identified as Frederick Beecher Hogue, 37-years-old, from Hollister, Missouri.&nbsp;The passenger was identified as Sara Kay Rogers, 36-years-old, from Granby, Missouri.They were arrested&nbsp;without incident, and transported to the Lyon County Detention Center.Hogue is being held on requested charges of Felony Flee and Attempt to Elude, Felony Possession of Stolen Property, Felony Interference with Law Enforcement, numerous traffic infractions, and an out of state warrant through Jasper County, Missouri.&nbsp;Rogers was jailed on requested charged of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Missouri man jailed after 102mph chase in stolen SUV

MARSHALL COUNTY —Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents and the Marshall County Sheriff's Office are conducting a search for a missing man from Blue Rapids, Kansas, who was last seen on the night of July 4, according to a media release from the KBI.

On Saturday the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance in the disappearance of Camoran M. Shoptese, 36. Shoptese was last seen around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday at 709 Chestnut Street in Blue Rapids.

He is a Native American, approximately 6 foot 1 inch tall, 200 pounds has short black hair, brown eyes, and black tattoos covering his neck and chest. 

Investigators suspect foul play connected to his disappearance. A 2008 black Chevy Colorado may be associated with the case. 

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 <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kbi.ks.gov%2Fsar%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1e7ZL138ni69usCinvK-vm4J9bZCvL5kgab7VWmF64INP6NYuXs5Ofpac_aem_BaV1wFFE3UwONHrevYC3Jg&amp;h=AT3pGv5r88CExbjzo7m3fbz-naLw8xZZNA8_Rr2PqxVp6OPnmpOUle76PJMn3BSpk2Ku1eecc5K7vBUKmLyJLc0LJrRTgGu6yqURJH_e2sZYxKh-SbtbOkEAec-JEK5tWK_Yl-U&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1rZVuR_5-M6b0z16gILIssnkfCfUP27JJnC-wN2yf1LI_L201xvpDB5x1SesivwvOBiD2PNF7dpKz-pge3c4Ho2i6r14jyl-oweUgJCUuPePkDeV8EUcxnhDeUpdxAjaqgMdW-iVHKKpjp9N3q_3MhYQVAAjUmddfQ0fk5QinnfZbONWCsuJUJESc6Y4cE80BgL4QGnWhUR_m9a3fOvnbvVxEosJti-P5R" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>. Rural property owners in the area are also asked to check for and report any suspicious activity they might notice on their land.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720385919016.png" alt="Camoran Shoptese-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Camoran Shoptese-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>MARSHALL COUNTY —Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents and the Marshall County Sheriff's Office are conducting a search for a missing man from Blue Rapids, Kansas, who was last seen on the night of July 4, according to a media release from the KBI.On Saturday the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance in the disappearance of Camoran M. Shoptese, 36. Shoptese was last seen around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday at 709 Chestnut Street in Blue Rapids.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720385898695.png" alt="Camoran Shoptese-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Camoran Shoptese-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>He is a Native American, approximately 6 foot 1 inch tall, 200 pounds has short black hair, brown eyes, and black tattoos covering his neck and chest. Investigators suspect foul play connected to his disappearance. A 2008 black Chevy Colorado may be associated with the case. 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 <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kbi.ks.gov%2Fsar%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1e7ZL138ni69usCinvK-vm4J9bZCvL5kgab7VWmF64INP6NYuXs5Ofpac_aem_BaV1wFFE3UwONHrevYC3Jg&amp;h=AT3pGv5r88CExbjzo7m3fbz-naLw8xZZNA8_Rr2PqxVp6OPnmpOUle76PJMn3BSpk2Ku1eecc5K7vBUKmLyJLc0LJrRTgGu6yqURJH_e2sZYxKh-SbtbOkEAec-JEK5tWK_Yl-U&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1rZVuR_5-M6b0z16gILIssnkfCfUP27JJnC-wN2yf1LI_L201xvpDB5x1SesivwvOBiD2PNF7dpKz-pge3c4Ho2i6r14jyl-oweUgJCUuPePkDeV8EUcxnhDeUpdxAjaqgMdW-iVHKKpjp9N3q_3MhYQVAAjUmddfQ0fk5QinnfZbONWCsuJUJESc6Y4cE80BgL4QGnWhUR_m9a3fOvnbvVxEosJti-P5R" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>. Rural property owners in the area are also asked to check for and report any suspicious activity they might notice on their land.

KBI: Foul play suspected in disappearance of Kan. man

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/allison-winter/">ALLISON WINTER</a>

WASHINGTON — The stalemate over the current farm bill may be solidifying a new era in farm politics as it joins the last three farm bills in a trend of delays and partisan division — a contrast from the legislation’s history of bipartisanship.

Every five years, Congress is tasked with drafting a new federal farm bill. The omnibus law that began 90 years ago as various kinds of payments to support farmers now has an impact far beyond the farm, with programs to create wildlife habitat, address climate change and provide the nation’s largest federal nutrition program.

The current farm bill process, already nearly a year behind schedule, is at an impasse as Democrats and Republicans clash over how to pay for the bill and whether to place limits on nutrition and climate programs. The previous farm bill expired in September 2023 and has been extended through the end of this September.

Historically, farm bills were completed within a few months of their expiration date. Ten of the 13 farm bills since 1965 were enacted by December 31 in the year of their expirations. But three of the four farm bills since 2008 went beyond that date.

The last three bills — including the 2018 bill, which is the one recent version that passed on time — each had partisan disagreements about spending.

The trend represents a change in how the once-bipartisan legislation is viewed.

“The last two farm bills were the anomaly,” said Jonathan Coppess, a professor of Agricultural Law and Policy at the University of Illinois who has written a history of the farm bill. “Now that it has been three in a row, I’m not sure that holds.”

A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R45210.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service notes that starting in 2008, farm bills have been subject to delays, vetoes and insufficient votes to pass on the floor.

The report concluded: “Over time, farm bills have tended to become more complicated and politically sensitive. As a result, the timeline for reauthorization has become less certain.”

That uncertainty is true of the current farm bill, as Republicans in the House and Senate push for spending limits that Democrats say are non-starters.

“I don’t think we’re close to getting a farm bill done until the folks who are negotiating the farm bill are realistic about what’s doable within a constrained resource environment,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in an interview on the radio program&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DjdcUT0r3o" target="_blank">AgriTalk</a>&nbsp;June 21.

The Republican-led House Agriculture Committee approved its farm bill proposal&nbsp;<a href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/05/24/farm-bill-advances-from-u-s-house-panel-but-faces-a-tough-row-to-hoe/" target="_blank">largely on party lines</a>&nbsp;at the end of May, after hours of debate and complaints from Democrats that the process had not been as bipartisan as in years past.

Four Democrats voted for the bill in committee, but they joined 20 other Democrats on the committee in a “dissenting views” letter expressing “genuine concern over the trajectory of the Majority’s partisan farm bill” — which they predicted would be stuck in delay and dysfunction without significant changes.

The Senate Agriculture Committee has yet to vote. The Republican and Democratic leaders of the committee have each put forward contrasting bills and expressed their frustration.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie&nbsp; Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat who is retiring after this term, has called the process the “most frustrating” of her career and said she would not let the Republican approach for the farm bill be her legacy.

“I’ve actually been involved in six farm bills and led on three of them, and this has been the most frustrating time,” said Stabenow&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/06/26/stabenow-says-gop-farm-bill-is-not-balanced-and-wont-pass-through-the-us-senate/" target="_blank">in an interview with&nbsp;Michigan Advance</a>&nbsp;at the end of June. “Because it’s so much more partisan than usual and particularly around food assistance.”

Partisan division is not uncommon in today’s Congress but is notable on the farm bill, which had historically brought together lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. Bipartisan support can be necessary for final passage because the size of the $1.5 trillion farm bill means it inevitably loses some votes from fiscal conservatives and others.

“If you don’t have a bipartisan bill, this is not going to happen, and that is no matter who’s in charge. The margins are too close to be able to get this done without bipartisan support,” said Collin Peterson, a former Democratic House member from Minnesota and Agriculture Committee Chairman.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2024/05/24/u-s-house-panel-debates-nutrition-benefit-changes-farm-bill/" target="_blank">key dispute</a>&nbsp;for Democrats this year is a funding calculation that would place limits on the “Thrifty Food Plan” formula that calculates benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP.

Republicans are using the limits to offset other spending in the bill on crop subsidies. The top Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Arkansas Sen. John Boozman, said he wants to put “more farm in the farm bill.”

Peterson, who is now the head of an eponymous consulting firm, said in an interview with States Newsroom that Republicans would likely have to make changes to the nutrition title to get a bill to final passage.

“It is unrealistic to think they are going to get this done without significant changes in that part of the bill,” he said.

The nutrition program that is at the center of the impasse was added to the legislation 50 years ago to help build a coalition of wide-ranging bipartisan support.

Lawmakers added the nutrition title to the farm bill in 1973, a move that widened the vested interest in the bill in the House. Lawmakers who wanted to increase payments for cotton and wheat farmers in their districts were able to bring in support from representatives from districts whose citizens could benefit from food aid.

“That was the first coalition building between the two interests,” Coppess said. “But it was pretty intense. And it was an uneasy alliance from the start.”

Since then, the farm bill in many ways has become a food bill. Three-quarters of the mandatory spending in the bill falls under the nutrition title, which includes SNAP, the largest U.S. program that addresses hunger.

The program, formerly called food stamps, supplements food budgets for low-income households. Anti-hunger groups have joined the outside interests pushing for the bill every five years.

But with such a large funding line, the nutrition program has become a target for Republicans who want to cut it to offset other spending in the bill.

“The dispute is all the pay-fors,” Peterson said. “And that has been the issue for the last three farm bills and issue on this one as well.”

Peterson, who was chairman of the House Agriculture Committee for the 2008 farm bill and was the top Democrat on the committee for the 2013 and 2018 bills, said partisan division on the committee is not unfamiliar at this phase of the process.

The farm bills he worked on also had partisan votes in the House but eventually found support from both sides after conferencing with the Senate.

“At the end of the day, every one of those bills was partisan, until we got through the conference committee, and then at that point it was bipartisan, because the Senate brought some of that to the table,” Peterson said. “So, kind of, what’s going on here went on the last three farm bills.”

The most recent farm bill in 2018 was marked by contentious partisan debate centered on SNAP’s work requirements and other eligibility rules.

The House Agriculture Committee’s bill that year initially failed on the House floor and later squeaked through on a 213-211 vote. Twenty Republicans joined all House Democrats in voting against that bill.

After reconciling with the Senate bill and the removal of some of the contentious changes to SNAP, most Democrats flipped their votes in support and the House agreed to the final conference report in a bipartisan vote of 369-47. The dissenting votes included 44 Republicans and three Democrats.

The partisan division over the nutrition title creates new fault lines for the farm bill.

Historically, farm bill alliances were more regional than partisan. They were built on a common ground of support for shared crops or producers: cotton in the South, corn in the Midwest and wheat in the Western Plains.

“What was our biggest issue back in the four farm bills that I wrote was not Republican versus Democrat. It was usually Midwest against the Southeast or the Northeast or the Southwest from a crop standpoint,” former Senator Saxby Chambliss said in an interview.

Chambliss, a Republican from Georgia, was on the House Agriculture Committee from 1995 to 2002 and the Senate Agriculture Committee 2005 to 2011, which included a stint as chairman and ranking member.

“There’s a different political dynamic that exists in the Senate today that did not exist when I was there,”&nbsp; Chambliss said. “How much of that bleeds into the farm bill? I don’t know the answer to that, but obviously it’s a little more acrimonious than what I ever experienced.”

As partisan politics have become more entrenched in regions of the country, with the South becoming more closely aligned with the Republican Party, it has played out in farm-bill politics.

“You see a staunch realignment around where the regional and the partisan are now very similar,” said Coppess.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625596705829.png" alt="Partisan gridlock in Congress has led to a stalemate on the current farm bill, which provides crop subsidies and nutrition assistance. Hays Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Partisan gridlock in Congress has led to a stalemate on the current farm bill, which provides crop subsidies and nutrition assistance. Hays Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/allison-winter/">ALLISON WINTER</a>WASHINGTON — The stalemate over the current farm bill may be solidifying a new era in farm politics as it joins the last three farm bills in a trend of delays and partisan division — a contrast from the legislation’s history of bipartisanship.Every five years, Congress is tasked with drafting a new federal farm bill. The omnibus law that began 90 years ago as various kinds of payments to support farmers now has an impact far beyond the farm, with programs to create wildlife habitat, address climate change and provide the nation’s largest federal nutrition program.The current farm bill process, already nearly a year behind schedule, is at an impasse as Democrats and Republicans clash over how to pay for the bill and whether to place limits on nutrition and climate programs. The previous farm bill expired in September 2023 and has been extended through the end of this September.Historically, farm bills were completed within a few months of their expiration date. Ten of the 13 farm bills since 1965 were enacted by December 31 in the year of their expirations. But three of the four farm bills since 2008 went beyond that date.The last three bills — including the 2018 bill, which is the one recent version that passed on time — each had partisan disagreements about spending.The trend represents a change in how the once-bipartisan legislation is viewed.“The last two farm bills were the anomaly,” said Jonathan Coppess, a professor of Agricultural Law and Policy at the University of Illinois who has written a history of the farm bill. “Now that it has been three in a row, I’m not sure that holds.”A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R45210.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service notes that starting in 2008, farm bills have been subject to delays, vetoes and insufficient votes to pass on the floor.The report concluded: “Over time, farm bills have tended to become more complicated and politically sensitive. As a result, the timeline for reauthorization has become less certain.”<h2>Spending debate</h2>That uncertainty is true of the current farm bill, as Republicans in the House and Senate push for spending limits that Democrats say are non-starters.“I don’t think we’re close to getting a farm bill done until the folks who are negotiating the farm bill are realistic about what’s doable within a constrained resource environment,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in an interview on the radio program&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DjdcUT0r3o" target="_blank">AgriTalk</a>&nbsp;June 21.The Republican-led House Agriculture Committee approved its farm bill proposal&nbsp;<a href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/05/24/farm-bill-advances-from-u-s-house-panel-but-faces-a-tough-row-to-hoe/" target="_blank">largely on party lines</a>&nbsp;at the end of May, after hours of debate and complaints from Democrats that the process had not been as bipartisan as in years past.Four Democrats voted for the bill in committee, but they joined 20 other Democrats on the committee in a “dissenting views” letter expressing “genuine concern over the trajectory of the Majority’s partisan farm bill” — which they predicted would be stuck in delay and dysfunction without significant changes.The Senate Agriculture Committee has yet to vote. The Republican and Democratic leaders of the committee have each put forward contrasting bills and expressed their frustration.<h2>‘The most frustrating time’</h2>Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie&nbsp; Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat who is retiring after this term, has called the process the “most frustrating” of her career and said she would not let the Republican approach for the farm bill be her legacy.“I’ve actually been involved in six farm bills and led on three of them, and this has been the most frustrating time,” said Stabenow&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/06/26/stabenow-says-gop-farm-bill-is-not-balanced-and-wont-pass-through-the-us-senate/" target="_blank">in an interview with&nbsp;Michigan Advance</a>&nbsp;at the end of June. “Because it’s so much more partisan than usual and particularly around food assistance.”Partisan division is not uncommon in today’s Congress but is notable on the farm bill, which had historically brought together lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. Bipartisan support can be necessary for final passage because the size of the $1.5 trillion farm bill means it inevitably loses some votes from fiscal conservatives and others.“If you don’t have a bipartisan bill, this is not going to happen, and that is no matter who’s in charge. The margins are too close to be able to get this done without bipartisan support,” said Collin Peterson, a former Democratic House member from Minnesota and Agriculture Committee Chairman.The&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2024/05/24/u-s-house-panel-debates-nutrition-benefit-changes-farm-bill/" target="_blank">key dispute</a>&nbsp;for Democrats this year is a funding calculation that would place limits on the “Thrifty Food Plan” formula that calculates benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP.Republicans are using the limits to offset other spending in the bill on crop subsidies. The top Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Arkansas Sen. John Boozman, said he wants to put “more farm in the farm bill.”Peterson, who is now the head of an eponymous consulting firm, said in an interview with States Newsroom that Republicans would likely have to make changes to the nutrition title to get a bill to final passage.“It is unrealistic to think they are going to get this done without significant changes in that part of the bill,” he said.<h2>‘An uneasy alliance’ from the start</h2>The nutrition program that is at the center of the impasse was added to the legislation 50 years ago to help build a coalition of wide-ranging bipartisan support.Lawmakers added the nutrition title to the farm bill in 1973, a move that widened the vested interest in the bill in the House. Lawmakers who wanted to increase payments for cotton and wheat farmers in their districts were able to bring in support from representatives from districts whose citizens could benefit from food aid.“That was the first coalition building between the two interests,” Coppess said. “But it was pretty intense. And it was an uneasy alliance from the start.”Since then, the farm bill in many ways has become a food bill. Three-quarters of the mandatory spending in the bill falls under the nutrition title, which includes SNAP, the largest U.S. program that addresses hunger.The program, formerly called food stamps, supplements food budgets for low-income households. Anti-hunger groups have joined the outside interests pushing for the bill every five years.But with such a large funding line, the nutrition program has become a target for Republicans who want to cut it to offset other spending in the bill.“The dispute is all the pay-fors,” Peterson said. “And that has been the issue for the last three farm bills and issue on this one as well.”Peterson, who was chairman of the House Agriculture Committee for the 2008 farm bill and was the top Democrat on the committee for the 2013 and 2018 bills, said partisan division on the committee is not unfamiliar at this phase of the process.The farm bills he worked on also had partisan votes in the House but eventually found support from both sides after conferencing with the Senate.“At the end of the day, every one of those bills was partisan, until we got through the conference committee, and then at that point it was bipartisan, because the Senate brought some of that to the table,” Peterson said. “So, kind of, what’s going on here went on the last three farm bills.”The most recent farm bill in 2018 was marked by contentious partisan debate centered on SNAP’s work requirements and other eligibility rules.The House Agriculture Committee’s bill that year initially failed on the House floor and later squeaked through on a 213-211 vote. Twenty Republicans joined all House Democrats in voting against that bill.After reconciling with the Senate bill and the removal of some of the contentious changes to SNAP, most Democrats flipped their votes in support and the House agreed to the final conference report in a bipartisan vote of 369-47. The dissenting votes included 44 Republicans and three Democrats.<h2>A trend toward fracture</h2>The partisan division over the nutrition title creates new fault lines for the farm bill.Historically, farm bill alliances were more regional than partisan. They were built on a common ground of support for shared crops or producers: cotton in the South, corn in the Midwest and wheat in the Western Plains.“What was our biggest issue back in the four farm bills that I wrote was not Republican versus Democrat. It was usually Midwest against the Southeast or the Northeast or the Southwest from a crop standpoint,” former Senator Saxby Chambliss said in an interview.Chambliss, a Republican from Georgia, was on the House Agriculture Committee from 1995 to 2002 and the Senate Agriculture Committee 2005 to 2011, which included a stint as chairman and ranking member.“There’s a different political dynamic that exists in the Senate today that did not exist when I was there,”&nbsp; Chambliss said. “How much of that bleeds into the farm bill? I don’t know the answer to that, but obviously it’s a little more acrimonious than what I ever experienced.”As partisan politics have become more entrenched in regions of the country, with the South becoming more closely aligned with the Republican Party, it has played out in farm-bill politics.“You see a staunch realignment around where the regional and the partisan are now very similar,” said Coppess.

‘Frustrating’ partisan stalemate: the new normal for farm bills?

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

The state Republican Party filled its at-large national convention delegation with party leader’s choices after complaint discards “Truly Grassroots for Trump” slate

All of Missouri’s votes at the Republican National Convention are pledged to the nomination of former President Donald Trump, but the fight over who will cast those votes is putting new rips in the fabric of the state GOP.

On Wednesday, the executive committee of the Missouri Republican Party chose 27 at-large delegates and 26 alternates to replace the delegation elected at the May 4 state convention and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/02/missouri-presidential-delegates-rejected-by-republican-national-convention-committee/">discarded June 28</a>&nbsp;by the convention’s contests committee after a complaint about the selection process.

The contests committee ruled that “alarming irregularities” plagued the election at the Republican state convention in Springfield. It focused on a five-hour credentialing process that it said undermined confidence that the delegates on hand were those selected to attend the convention at county mass meetings.

The list of new delegates, obtained by The Independent, is heavily weighted toward the slate that was prepared for the convention, but never nominated, by state party Chairman Nick Myers.&nbsp;

The executive committee could have resubmitted the discarded list. But only five people selected at the convention – two delegates and three alternates – were selected for the replacement delegation. And three of those delegates told The Independent they didn’t agree to be included.

Carla Grewe of St. Louis, elected as an alternate at the state convention and in the new list, said she and her husband Gary Grewe – like her, elected both at the convention and on Wednesday list – never agreed to be split off from their slate.

“We think what the party has done is horribly corrupt,” Grewe said in a text to The Independent. “Nick should re-submit the ‘Truly Grassroots for Trump’ slate.”

Sam Alexander of Fair Play, in a text message, said he is asking to be removed from the new delegate list.

Of the 27 newly chosen delegates, 20 were a delegate or alternate on the party leadership list. Of the 26 newly chosen alternates, 10 were on the party leadership slates.

The original delegation included two of the party’s three leading candidates for governor, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and state Sen. Bill Eigel, and they were not in the new delegation.&nbsp;

“I wouldn’t be a part of any slate other than the one duly elected by the GOP State Convention,” Eigel said in a text to The Independent. “Anyone participating in this new ‘Swamp Slate’ – from the GOP executive committee to the delegates themselves accepting a role in this sham – is part of the problem.”

Recognizable names in the new delegation include former U.S. Rep. Billy Long, state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a candidate for secretary of state, and Missouri Right to Life Executive Director Susan Klein.

The move to reject the state convention-elected delegation is causing rumblings of discontent in the GOP.

“The state party was responsible for the disorganization at the state convention and now in charge of hand-picking new delegates and alternates to attend the national convention, less than two weeks away,” read a statement from Mark Schneider, chair of the 6th Congressional District Republican Central Committee posted to several&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Xmw8hUFjUnKS269P/" target="_blank">social media accounts</a>. “Hotel rooms, flights and other arrangements have been made. This is an absolute disgrace to the process, our party and the grassroots movement that took their time to participate at the county and state level.”

Schneider said the solution is to resubmit the names elected at the convention.

“The in-fighting in our party must stop and it starts with state leadership recognizing the results of the state convention and allowing those duly elected delegates and alternates to attend the national convention,” he wrote.

While the deadline for submitting the new delegation was 4 p.m. Friday, the deadline for appealing the contests committee decision is Saturday. Coby Cullins, a member of the convention-elected delegation, is preparing the appeal, he wrote in an email to The Independent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706056606076.png" alt="File-Former President Donald Trump during a primary campaign event-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File-Former President Donald Trump during a primary campaign event-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>The state Republican Party filled its at-large national convention delegation with party leader’s choices after complaint discards “Truly Grassroots for Trump” slate</h2>All of Missouri’s votes at the Republican National Convention are pledged to the nomination of former President Donald Trump, but the fight over who will cast those votes is putting new rips in the fabric of the state GOP.On Wednesday, the executive committee of the Missouri Republican Party chose 27 at-large delegates and 26 alternates to replace the delegation elected at the May 4 state convention and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/02/missouri-presidential-delegates-rejected-by-republican-national-convention-committee/">discarded June 28</a>&nbsp;by the convention’s contests committee after a complaint about the selection process.The contests committee ruled that “alarming irregularities” plagued the election at the Republican state convention in Springfield. It focused on a five-hour credentialing process that it said undermined confidence that the delegates on hand were those selected to attend the convention at county mass meetings.The list of new delegates, obtained by The Independent, is heavily weighted toward the slate that was prepared for the convention, but never nominated, by state party Chairman Nick Myers.&nbsp;The executive committee could have resubmitted the discarded list. But only five people selected at the convention – two delegates and three alternates – were selected for the replacement delegation. And three of those delegates told The Independent they didn’t agree to be included.Carla Grewe of St. Louis, elected as an alternate at the state convention and in the new list, said she and her husband Gary Grewe – like her, elected both at the convention and on Wednesday list – never agreed to be split off from their slate.“We think what the party has done is horribly corrupt,” Grewe said in a text to The Independent. “Nick should re-submit the ‘Truly Grassroots for Trump’ slate.”Sam Alexander of Fair Play, in a text message, said he is asking to be removed from the new delegate list.Of the 27 newly chosen delegates, 20 were a delegate or alternate on the party leadership list. Of the 26 newly chosen alternates, 10 were on the party leadership slates.The original delegation included two of the party’s three leading candidates for governor, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and state Sen. Bill Eigel, and they were not in the new delegation.&nbsp;“I wouldn’t be a part of any slate other than the one duly elected by the GOP State Convention,” Eigel said in a text to The Independent. “Anyone participating in this new ‘Swamp Slate’ – from the GOP executive committee to the delegates themselves accepting a role in this sham – is part of the problem.”Ashcroft declined to comment.Recognizable names in the new delegation include former U.S. Rep. Billy Long, state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a candidate for secretary of state, and Missouri Right to Life Executive Director Susan Klein.The move to reject the state convention-elected delegation is causing rumblings of discontent in the GOP.“The state party was responsible for the disorganization at the state convention and now in charge of hand-picking new delegates and alternates to attend the national convention, less than two weeks away,” read a statement from Mark Schneider, chair of the 6th Congressional District Republican Central Committee posted to several&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Xmw8hUFjUnKS269P/" target="_blank">social media accounts</a>. “Hotel rooms, flights and other arrangements have been made. This is an absolute disgrace to the process, our party and the grassroots movement that took their time to participate at the county and state level.”Schneider said the solution is to resubmit the names elected at the convention.“The in-fighting in our party must stop and it starts with state leadership recognizing the results of the state convention and allowing those duly elected delegates and alternates to attend the national convention,” he wrote.While the deadline for submitting the new delegation was 4 p.m. Friday, the deadline for appealing the contests committee decision is Saturday. Coby Cullins, a member of the convention-elected delegation, is preparing the appeal, he wrote in an email to The Independent.Cullins said he believes the contests committee was a “tainted jury” influenced by Missouri Republican National Committee member Carrie Almond.The appeal will present evidence that the state convention result should be accepted.“We have the facts on our side, including hours of video proof and almost 300 notarized affidavits.”If the contests committee doesn’t reverse itself, there is a final appeal to the convention’s credentials committee.“We hope that this completely different committee will allow us to speak and if that happens we are confident the truth will prevail,” Cullins said. “The grassroots of Missouri are tired of being told to ‘get in line.’ We are fighting back in an attempt to take our Republican Party back from the establishment swamp.”Missouri Republican Party spokeswoman Erica Choinka did not return telephone and text messages seeking comment.Dan O’Sullivan, one of two candidates for delegate who filed the complaint, said he doesn’t see how an appeal can succeed.“I can’t imagine how some would appeal our decision without being able to produce a list of people that were credentialed at the convention,” O’Sullivan said.O’Sullivan said he was told there were offers made to include more of the delegates and alternates elected at the convention but they were refused.O’Sullivan and Derrick Good of Jefferson County, who also filed a complaint, were selected as delegates on Wednesday.The May 4 convention was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lakeexpo.com/news/politics/high-drama-at-missouri-republican-convention-as-grassroots-boots-leadership/article_4a70706a-0be6-11ef-8713-470db31ecca4.html" target="_blank">a chaotic affair</a>, and the contests committee report states that the evidence shows many delegates arrived without their credentials, only to find a party staff using incorrect lists and distributing newly minted credentials without verifying who was receiving them.It took five hours to get the convention seated, followed by a fight over the chairmanship that elected Sophia Shore, manager of Eigel’s campaign for governor, over Eddie Justice, the party leadership choice.Under the convention rules, delegations were elected by slates that had to have all the slots filled. Before slates were nominated, there was a fight over what Shore’s backers considered an inconsistency in the rules.&nbsp;One portion of the rules said the slates had to have 27 delegates and 27 alternates, while another said that 16 delegates and 16 alternates were to be nominated at congressional district conventions and offered by Myers at the state convention.Missouri can send 54 delegates and 54 alternates to the Republican National Convention scheduled to start July 15 in Milwaukee. Of that number, there are three each from the state’s eight congressional districts, 27 at-large and three slots reserved for party leaders.Once the convention agreed to the change that removed the allowance for 16 delegates and 16 alternates offered by Myers, the Truly Grassroots for Trump slate was the only complete slate nominated.&nbsp;The fight over the rules was cited in the complaints filed by O’Sullivan and Good but the contests committee found that the credentialing process was so badly flawed that it did not need to consider that portion of the complaint.“The committee reserves the right to reconsider any of the remaining issues, should there be an appeal,” the report stated.O’Sullivan said he filed the complaint because the convention was so poorly run, not because he was upset he wasn’t chosen as a delegate. He said the party leadership is to blame for the poorly organized start to the convention and it was so bad the meeting shouldn’t count.“They didn’t do the credentialing correctly,” O’Sullivan said. “There was no conspiracy to screw it up. It was incompetence. That’s embarrassing for everybody.”