NEOSHO COUNTY —A college student swimming with friends drowned Saturday.

Just after&nbsp;&nbsp;6:00 p.m August 24, Sheriff's Deputies along with the Chanute Fire Department and Kansas Game Wardens were dispatched to Detners Dam at 207th Road and Grady after report of a drowning, according to Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor.

The victim was 21-year-old male international student from Fiji, who has been attending the Neosho County Community College. 

He had been swimming with friends in the Neosho River. Witnesses stated the man jumped off of the dam and became caught in the current and drowned. The victims body has been recovered and sent for an autopsy.&nbsp; The man’s name is being withheld pending notification to family. 

NEOSHO COUNTY —A college student swimming with friends drowned Saturday.Just after&nbsp;&nbsp;6:00 p.m August 24, Sheriff's Deputies along with the Chanute Fire Department and Kansas Game Wardens were dispatched to Detners Dam at 207th Road and Grady after report of a drowning, according to Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor.The victim was 21-year-old male international student from Fiji, who has been attending the Neosho County Community College. He had been swimming with friends in the Neosho River. Witnesses stated the man jumped off of the dam and became caught in the current and drowned. The victims body has been recovered and sent for an autopsy.&nbsp; The man’s name is being withheld pending notification to family.

Sheriff: College student drowns swimming in Kansas river

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – Ten people received minor injuries Sunday during the slow-moving wet microburst that brought heavy winds, lightning and rain to McConnell Air Force Base.

Six of the individuals were military medical personnel and four were civilian vendors, who each received minor injuries.&nbsp; One civilian male was transported to a local hospital. Another Airman was also transported to the hospital, but has since been discharged.&nbsp; All were outside on the flightline when the damaging winds occurred. Due to the timing of the inclement weather, spectators had not entered the event area.

Sunday's portion of the McConnell Frontiers in Flight Airshow had to be cancelled after a slow-moving wet microburst lingered over the base early Sunday morning.&nbsp; That microburst brought wind gusts of up to 54 mph to the McConnell flightline.

Because of damage to services, the base was unable to execute a safe airshow, and had to make the decision to cancel the airshow. Safety is always our first priority at McConnell, especially when it comes to hosting the community for an airshow.&nbsp;

Saturday’s session of McConnell’s Frontiers in Flight Airshow attracted more than 65,000 visitors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724616021735.png" alt="Photo Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – Ten people received minor injuries Sunday during the slow-moving wet microburst that brought heavy winds, lightning and rain to McConnell Air Force Base.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724616069059.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>Six of the individuals were military medical personnel and four were civilian vendors, who each received minor injuries.&nbsp; One civilian male was transported to a local hospital. Another Airman was also transported to the hospital, but has since been discharged.&nbsp; All were outside on the flightline when the damaging winds occurred. Due to the timing of the inclement weather, spectators had not entered the event area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724616154182.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sunday's portion of the McConnell Frontiers in Flight Airshow had to be cancelled after a slow-moving wet microburst lingered over the base early Sunday morning.&nbsp; That microburst brought wind gusts of up to 54 mph to the McConnell flightline.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724615907118.png" alt="Photo McConnell Air Force Base" />
 <figcaption>Photo McConnell Air Force Base</figcaption>
 </figure>Because of damage to services, the base was unable to execute a safe airshow, and had to make the decision to cancel the airshow. Safety is always our first priority at McConnell, especially when it comes to hosting the community for an airshow.&nbsp;Saturday’s session of McConnell’s Frontiers in Flight Airshow attracted more than 65,000 visitors.

Injuries reported after microburst that ended Kansas air show

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in Overland Park requested assistance in locating a citizen and their dog involved in a dog bite incident.

The incident occurred just after noon on Sunday at the the playground at Young's Park, 7701 Antioch Road, in Overland Park, according to a media release. The dog is a medium size terrier- shepherd mix with smooth, short brown fur and pointy ears. The dog was off leash and with a 60-70-year-old white male who was wearing a blue shirt and red shorts.

If you have any information, please contact Overland Park Police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724636854410.png" alt="Photo Overland Park Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Overland Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in Overland Park requested assistance in locating a citizen and their dog involved in a dog bite incident.The incident occurred just after noon on Sunday at the the playground at Young's Park, 7701 Antioch Road, in Overland Park, according to a media release. The dog is a medium size terrier- shepherd mix with smooth, short brown fur and pointy ears. The dog was off leash and with a 60-70-year-old white male who was wearing a blue shirt and red shorts.If you have any information, please contact Overland Park Police.

Police ask for help to locate dog in bite incident at Kan. park

WASHINGTON —While talks continue to accomplish a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, U.S. forces continue to face attacks in the Red Sea and Yemen.

On Friday&nbsp;U.S. forces killed&nbsp;Abu-’Abd al-Rahman al-Makki, a senior leader and commander with the Al-Qaeda linked terrorist group, Hurras al-Din, in a U.S. drone Strike in northwestern Syria, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

He was responsible for overseeing terrorist operations from Syria.

Also on Friday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi missile system in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen and on August 22, destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi drones over the Red Sea and and another in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.  

On August 21, U.S. forces successfully destroyed an Iranian-backed Houthi surface-to-air missile and radar system in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

WASHINGTON —While talks continue to accomplish a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, U.S. forces continue to face attacks in the Red Sea and Yemen.On Friday&nbsp;U.S. forces killed&nbsp;Abu-’Abd al-Rahman al-Makki, a senior leader and commander with the Al-Qaeda linked terrorist group, Hurras al-Din, in a U.S. drone Strike in northwestern Syria, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.He was responsible for overseeing terrorist operations from Syria.Also on Friday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi missile system in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen and on August 22, destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi drones over the Red Sea and and another in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen. On August 21, U.S. forces successfully destroyed an Iranian-backed Houthi surface-to-air missile and radar system in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

Deadly week for U.S. forces in the Middle East

HARVEY COUNTY— The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) are conducting a death investigation after a fatal crash site was discovered in Harvey County, Kansas.

Just before 3p.m. Sunday, the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a property owner who had located a red 2011 Chevy Silverado crashed on his property.

Deputies responded to the area, which was a field near mile marker 32 at the U.S. Highway 50 and Interstate 135 interchange. A deceased male body was located inside the vehicle.

The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance at approximately 3:10 p.m. KHP’s Critical Highway Accident Response Team also responded to investigate. Investigators suspect the vehicle was driven off the road, where it crashed into a tree.&nbsp;

Positive identification remains pending. The registered owner of the vehicle is Jonathan Clayton, 42, of Peabody. Clayton is a former Kansas Department of Commerce office employee and the interim Peabody city clerk&nbsp; who has been missing since he was last sen on Aug. 3 in Marion County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723660277468.png" alt="Jonathan Clayton -photo from consulting firm site that lists Clayton as the principal owner." />
 <figcaption>Jonathan Clayton -photo from consulting firm site that lists Clayton as the principal owner.</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY— The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) are conducting a death investigation after a fatal crash site was discovered in Harvey County, Kansas.Just before 3p.m. Sunday, the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a property owner who had located a red 2011 Chevy Silverado crashed on his property.Deputies responded to the area, which was a field near mile marker 32 at the U.S. Highway 50 and Interstate 135 interchange. A deceased male body was located inside the vehicle.The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance at approximately 3:10 p.m. KHP’s Critical Highway Accident Response Team also responded to investigate. Investigators suspect the vehicle was driven off the road, where it crashed into a tree.&nbsp;Positive identification remains pending. The registered owner of the vehicle is Jonathan Clayton, 42, of Peabody. Clayton is a former Kansas Department of Commerce office employee and the interim Peabody city clerk&nbsp; who has been missing since he was last sen on Aug. 3 in Marion County.

KBI: Fatal crash involves vehicle registered to missing interim Peabody city clerk 

BATES COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a violent incident involving a child.

On August 20, Sheriffs Deputies responded to a home in rural Butler, Missouri after a juvenile called in and reported a man assaulted him with a tomahawk.

Deputies learned that the juvenile had been hit in the face with a hatchet style weapon by 39-year-old Michael L. Richards at the residence. When deputies collected identifying information from Richards, they discovered that Richards was wanted by U.S. Marshals on a federal warrant for violation of the conditions of probation and/or supervised released. 

Deputies also spoke to the Marshal Service who advised Deputies that during a prior encounter with Richards, he had reportedly shot at the Marshals and was reported to be an absconder. Richards was taken into custody for his active warrant. Charges stemming from the assault on the juvenile with a deadly weapon were submitted to the Bates County Prosecutor for review. Additional charges are expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724499840744.png" alt="Richards-photo Bates County" />
 <figcaption>Richards-photo Bates County</figcaption>
 </figure>BATES COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a violent incident involving a child.On August 20, Sheriffs Deputies responded to a home in rural Butler, Missouri after a juvenile called in and reported a man assaulted him with a tomahawk.Deputies learned that the juvenile had been hit in the face with a hatchet style weapon by 39-year-old Michael L. Richards at the residence. When deputies collected identifying information from Richards, they discovered that Richards was wanted by U.S. Marshals on a federal warrant for violation of the conditions of probation and/or supervised released. Deputies also spoke to the Marshal Service who advised Deputies that during a prior encounter with Richards, he had reportedly shot at the Marshals and was reported to be an absconder. Richards was taken into custody for his active warrant. Charges stemming from the assault on the juvenile with a deadly weapon were submitted to the Bates County Prosecutor for review. Additional charges are expected.

Man arrested after juvenile injured by tomahawk

KANSAS CITY —Two Kansas City men have been charged in connection with several armed robberies of local businesses this summer, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Richard Canton, 20,&nbsp; faces three counts of Robbery in the 1st Degree and three counts of Armed Criminal Action for robberies of businesses on Aug. 13, 15 and 16, while Dimitri DeCarlo McGill, 20,&nbsp; faces charges of Robbery in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action for the Aug. 16 business robbery.

According to court records, Kansas City police, responding on Aug. 16, to a robbery of a chain drug store, were told by a clerk that a man later identified as McGill pointed a handgun at her and demanded money from her register. 

She also saw a man later determined to be Canton walk around the store, then out toward the direction that McGill left. Detectives identified Canton from clothing he wore while he was captured on surveillance. In addition, evidence obtained from a search of an associate's residence linked the suspects to other robberies that will require more investigation.

Prosecutors noted that KCPD detectives used surveillance and police intelligence to quickly solve these robberies so these defendants could face charges.

Prosecutors requested a $200,000 cash-only bond for Canton and $100,000 for McGill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724337803209.png" alt="McGill photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>McGill photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Two Kansas City men have been charged in connection with several armed robberies of local businesses this summer, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Richard Canton, 20,&nbsp; faces three counts of Robbery in the 1st Degree and three counts of Armed Criminal Action for robberies of businesses on Aug. 13, 15 and 16, while Dimitri DeCarlo McGill, 20,&nbsp; faces charges of Robbery in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action for the Aug. 16 business robbery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724337738453.png" alt="Canton photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Canton photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>According to court records, Kansas City police, responding on Aug. 16, to a robbery of a chain drug store, were told by a clerk that a man later identified as McGill pointed a handgun at her and demanded money from her register. She also saw a man later determined to be Canton walk around the store, then out toward the direction that McGill left. Detectives identified Canton from clothing he wore while he was captured on surveillance. In addition, evidence obtained from a search of an associate's residence linked the suspects to other robberies that will require more investigation.Prosecutors noted that KCPD detectives used surveillance and police intelligence to quickly solve these robberies so these defendants could face charges.Prosecutors requested a $200,000 cash-only bond for Canton and $100,000 for McGill.

Police surveillance helped catch two KC armed robbery suspects

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/caseyquinlan/">CASEY QUINLAN</a>&nbsp; State's Newsroom

Americans are racking up credit card debt as they struggle to keep up with the cost of living, and experts say those who earn the least are the hardest hit.

Total credit card balances rose 5.8% from a year ago, to $1.14 trillion,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;a recent New York Fed report. Equifax credit files through June show that credit card delinquency is still rising but that delinquency on consumer finance loans and retail cards fell and auto loan delinquency was flat.

People use credit cards for all kinds of purchases, and despite the stereotype of consumers getting themselves into too much credit card debt so that they could buy a few extra flashy clothes or vacations, many of them are for necessities.

So what does it mean for the economy that the average rate for people with a credit card balance was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/current/" target="_blank">22.76%</a>&nbsp;in May, that there is an expansion of financial tech products like “buy now, pay later,” and that many Americans find themselves unable to pay off that debt? It depends on your role in the economy, financial experts and economists say.

“If you’re in that half who’s paying your cards in full and taking full advantage of rewards and buyer protections, life is great for you. That’s a very different story from someone who’s trapped in that expensive cycle of 20 to 25 to 30% interest month after month,” said Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior industry analyst.

Still, the rate of growth in credit card debt has accelerated, which Rossman calls “potentially troublesome.”

It’s impossible to look at rising credit card debt without acknowledging the high cost of living, such as housing prices. The Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation, showed that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm" target="_blank">in July</a>, shelter increased 0.4% and made up 90% of that month’s rise in the all items index.

“Inflation is definitely contributing to higher balances. Even if it’s a category like rent, which most people are not putting on a credit card, if you’re getting squeezed on rent, you have less money to go around for groceries and gas and other things that maybe you are putting on a credit card now,” he said.

The Federal Reserve’s campaign to raise interest rates to bring down inflation also affects credit card debt and some economists say it is fueling economic inequality. Although the Fed paused rates last year, they are still fairly high and influence credit card rates. The Fed may cut rates in its September meeting if it continues to see cooling inflation data.

“People who rely on credit cards and other forms of borrowing to finance all sorts of things in their lives, whether that’s food or purchases for investments in their education or purchases for their home or their children, disproportionately folks who are poor – they’re really hurting because interest rates are really high,” said Rakeen Mabud, chief economist and a senior fellow at Groundwork Collaborative, a progressive think tank. “These interest rates are really taking a toll on people’s day-to-day ability to live and finance their lives. It looks to me that the high interest rates at this point are actually causing more pain than the inflation that it is trying to combat.”

In addition to the impact of the federal funds rate on credit cards, consumers are facing high annual percentage rate margins, or APR margins, which the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said were an all-time high in a February&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">report</a>. The agency said rising APR margins are driving people into persistent debt and delinquency.

“Credit card companies are gouging consumers with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">record high</a>&nbsp;APR margins, which sit on top of the Fed’s already high interest rates. Profiteering by credit card companies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">cost</a>&nbsp;people an extra $25 billion last year and is yet another example of corporations using inflation as a cover to rip people off,” Mabud said.

A lack of competition in the credit industry doesn’t help matters for those struggling with credit card debt, added Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, which provides financial intelligence products.

“There is some evidence that there’s less competition in that market and that’s allowing credit card lenders to enjoy wide margins,” he said.

Mitria Wilson-Spotser, vice president and federal policy director at the Center for Responsible Lending, said she partly attributes the rise in credit card debt to some major credit card companies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/why-the-largest-credit-card-companies-are-suppressing-actual-payment-data-on-your-credit-report/" target="_blank">not reporting</a>&nbsp;payment data, which does not make it to their credit reports, hurting their credit score and leaving them with higher credit card rates or extending credit without basing it on an ability to repay.

Consumers also have access to more financial tech products, like earned wage access programs, which let employees access their pay earlier for a fee, and buy now pay later products, said Wilson-Spotser. These products are not regulated in the same way as credit cards. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-takes-action-to-ensure-consumers-can-dispute-charges-and-obtain-refunds-on-buy-now-pay-later-loans/" target="_blank">issued a rule</a>&nbsp;in May to apply the same regulations to “buy now pay later” lenders as traditional credit cards.

“There’s no obligation to ensure an ability to repay for the consumer, so that debt, which is kind of this phantom in the room, is combining with credit card debt, which I think is probably one of the reasons why we’re seeing an increase in delinquency among some consumers,” she said.

Zandi said the people most likely to suffer financially from their credit card debt, lower-income people, only account for a sliver of the consumer spending driving the economy.

“[High interest rates] is adding to the pressure on households who have revolving debt, that aren’t paying off their cards and are using the card as a way to borrow money and have outstanding debt. So that’s a real problem for those households,” he said. “… The economy can move forward and be just fine even if the folks in the bottom third are struggling. The economy can’t flourish but it can do what it’s doing.”

That doesn’t mean the impact of the harms of high credit card rates and inflation, which is cooling but has done damage to households, will go unnoticed, however, Zandi said, alluding to building political pressure to improve people’s economic well-being.

“But the political and social implications are enormous. You can see it in our fracture of politics and what’s going on in terms of the presidential election,” he said. “… Politics has been affected by the fact that lower-income households have seen their share of the economic pie decline from where it was when it was at its peak back in the late 70s, early 80s.”

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/caseyquinlan/">CASEY QUINLAN</a>&nbsp; State's Newsroom Americans are racking up credit card debt as they struggle to keep up with the cost of living, and experts say those who earn the least are the hardest hit.Total credit card balances rose 5.8% from a year ago, to $1.14 trillion,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;a recent New York Fed report. Equifax credit files through June show that credit card delinquency is still rising but that delinquency on consumer finance loans and retail cards fell and auto loan delinquency was flat.People use credit cards for all kinds of purchases, and despite the stereotype of consumers getting themselves into too much credit card debt so that they could buy a few extra flashy clothes or vacations, many of them are for necessities.So what does it mean for the economy that the average rate for people with a credit card balance was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/current/" target="_blank">22.76%</a>&nbsp;in May, that there is an expansion of financial tech products like “buy now, pay later,” and that many Americans find themselves unable to pay off that debt? It depends on your role in the economy, financial experts and economists say.“If you’re in that half who’s paying your cards in full and taking full advantage of rewards and buyer protections, life is great for you. That’s a very different story from someone who’s trapped in that expensive cycle of 20 to 25 to 30% interest month after month,” said Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior industry analyst.Still, the rate of growth in credit card debt has accelerated, which Rossman calls “potentially troublesome.”It’s impossible to look at rising credit card debt without acknowledging the high cost of living, such as housing prices. The Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation, showed that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm" target="_blank">in July</a>, shelter increased 0.4% and made up 90% of that month’s rise in the all items index.“Inflation is definitely contributing to higher balances. Even if it’s a category like rent, which most people are not putting on a credit card, if you’re getting squeezed on rent, you have less money to go around for groceries and gas and other things that maybe you are putting on a credit card now,” he said.The Federal Reserve’s campaign to raise interest rates to bring down inflation also affects credit card debt and some economists say it is fueling economic inequality. Although the Fed paused rates last year, they are still fairly high and influence credit card rates. The Fed may cut rates in its September meeting if it continues to see cooling inflation data.“People who rely on credit cards and other forms of borrowing to finance all sorts of things in their lives, whether that’s food or purchases for investments in their education or purchases for their home or their children, disproportionately folks who are poor – they’re really hurting because interest rates are really high,” said Rakeen Mabud, chief economist and a senior fellow at Groundwork Collaborative, a progressive think tank. “These interest rates are really taking a toll on people’s day-to-day ability to live and finance their lives. It looks to me that the high interest rates at this point are actually causing more pain than the inflation that it is trying to combat.”In addition to the impact of the federal funds rate on credit cards, consumers are facing high annual percentage rate margins, or APR margins, which the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said were an all-time high in a February&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">report</a>. The agency said rising APR margins are driving people into persistent debt and delinquency.“Credit card companies are gouging consumers with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">record high</a>&nbsp;APR margins, which sit on top of the Fed’s already high interest rates. Profiteering by credit card companies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">cost</a>&nbsp;people an extra $25 billion last year and is yet another example of corporations using inflation as a cover to rip people off,” Mabud said.A lack of competition in the credit industry doesn’t help matters for those struggling with credit card debt, added Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, which provides financial intelligence products.“There is some evidence that there’s less competition in that market and that’s allowing credit card lenders to enjoy wide margins,” he said.Mitria Wilson-Spotser, vice president and federal policy director at the Center for Responsible Lending, said she partly attributes the rise in credit card debt to some major credit card companies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/why-the-largest-credit-card-companies-are-suppressing-actual-payment-data-on-your-credit-report/" target="_blank">not reporting</a>&nbsp;payment data, which does not make it to their credit reports, hurting their credit score and leaving them with higher credit card rates or extending credit without basing it on an ability to repay.Consumers also have access to more financial tech products, like earned wage access programs, which let employees access their pay earlier for a fee, and buy now pay later products, said Wilson-Spotser. These products are not regulated in the same way as credit cards. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-takes-action-to-ensure-consumers-can-dispute-charges-and-obtain-refunds-on-buy-now-pay-later-loans/" target="_blank">issued a rule</a>&nbsp;in May to apply the same regulations to “buy now pay later” lenders as traditional credit cards.“There’s no obligation to ensure an ability to repay for the consumer, so that debt, which is kind of this phantom in the room, is combining with credit card debt, which I think is probably one of the reasons why we’re seeing an increase in delinquency among some consumers,” she said.Zandi said the people most likely to suffer financially from their credit card debt, lower-income people, only account for a sliver of the consumer spending driving the economy.“[High interest rates] is adding to the pressure on households who have revolving debt, that aren’t paying off their cards and are using the card as a way to borrow money and have outstanding debt. So that’s a real problem for those households,” he said. “… The economy can move forward and be just fine even if the folks in the bottom third are struggling. The economy can’t flourish but it can do what it’s doing.”That doesn’t mean the impact of the harms of high credit card rates and inflation, which is cooling but has done damage to households, will go unnoticed, however, Zandi said, alluding to building political pressure to improve people’s economic well-being.“But the political and social implications are enormous. You can see it in our fracture of politics and what’s going on in terms of the presidential election,” he said. “… Politics has been affected by the fact that lower-income households have seen their share of the economic pie decline from where it was when it was at its peak back in the late 70s, early 80s.”

US credit card debt continues to rise as housing and other costs remain high for the lowest earners

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to  see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit, despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding.

Kansas Highway Trooper Rice was in Salina for specialized training at the KHP Academy this week. On his way back east, heading towards his home county, he encountered a vehicle traveling 112 mph in a 75 mph zone on Interstate 70 in Dickinson County, according to a social media report.

Later Saturday, KHP Trooper Fraser ticketed a driver for going 100 mph in a 75 mph zone on Interstate 135 in McPherson County.

"One of the many benefits of being part of the Kansas Highway Patrol is our statewide jurisdiction. Unlike local agencies restricted by city limits or county lines, our enforcement abilities span across the entire state. While we each have specific roles, the most foundational responsibility we all share as troopers is ensuring the safety of our roadways," Trooper Ben Gardner wrote on his social media account.

"Whether it’s our pilots, truck-checking troopers, training instructors, supervisors, K-9 handlers, bomb technicians, or administrative lieutenants—we all work the road. Service comes whenever we’re out driving, committed to keeping you and others safe."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724518531319.png" alt="Photos KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photos KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit, despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding.Kansas Highway Trooper Rice was in Salina for specialized training at the KHP Academy this week. On his way back east, heading towards his home county, he encountered a vehicle traveling 112 mph in a 75 mph zone on Interstate 70 in Dickinson County, according to a social media report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724585586787.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Later Saturday, KHP Trooper Fraser ticketed a driver for going 100 mph in a 75 mph zone on Interstate 135 in McPherson County."One of the many benefits of being part of the Kansas Highway Patrol is our statewide jurisdiction. Unlike local agencies restricted by city limits or county lines, our enforcement abilities span across the entire state. While we each have specific roles, the most foundational responsibility we all share as troopers is ensuring the safety of our roadways," Trooper Ben Gardner wrote on his social media account."Whether it’s our pilots, truck-checking troopers, training instructors, supervisors, K-9 handlers, bomb technicians, or administrative lieutenants—we all work the road. Service comes whenever we’re out driving, committed to keeping you and others safe."

Driver ticketed for traveling 112mph on Interstate 70

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – The portion of the McConnell Frontiers in Flight Airshow for Sunday has been cancelled, according to a statement from the air base.

A slow-moving storm brought wind gusts in excess of 50mph to the McConnell flightline.&nbsp; Because of damage to services, we are unable to execute a safe airshow.

The pyrotechnics planned for use in Sunday's airshow will be detonated&nbsp; by McConnell’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, between noon and 4 p.m.

There will be multiple detonations planned and those will sound louder than normal, with the low cloud coverage potentially reflecting the sound.

"While we apologize for this late cancellation and regret having to make this decision, Safety is always our first priority at McConnell, especially when it comes to hosting the public for an airshow."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724615907118.png" alt="Photo McConnell Air Force Base" />
 <figcaption>Photo McConnell Air Force Base</figcaption>
 </figure>MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – The portion of the McConnell Frontiers in Flight Airshow for Sunday has been cancelled, according to a statement from the air base.A slow-moving storm brought wind gusts in excess of 50mph to the McConnell flightline.&nbsp; Because of damage to services, we are unable to execute a safe airshow.The pyrotechnics planned for use in Sunday's airshow will be detonated&nbsp; by McConnell’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, between noon and 4 p.m.There will be multiple detonations planned and those will sound louder than normal, with the low cloud coverage potentially reflecting the sound."While we apologize for this late cancellation and regret having to make this decision, Safety is always our first priority at McConnell, especially when it comes to hosting the public for an airshow."

Storm damage forces cancellation of Sunday McConnell Airshow 

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — Missouri and 15 states Friday filed a suit in federal court to block the Biden administration’s program that protects long-term undocumented people married to U.S. citizens from deportation and grants them a pathway to citizenship.

States in the&nbsp;<a href="https://media.aflegal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/23101650/2024-0823_1-Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">suit</a>, which was filed in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, argue that the Department of Homeland Security unlawfully created the program and that those 16 states will be financially harmed by its implementation.

“Longstanding federal law prohibits aliens who entered the United States unlawfully from obtaining most immigration benefits,” according to the suit. “This includes obtaining lawful permanent resident status — without first leaving the United States and waiting outside the United States for the requisite time — based on an approved family-based or employment-based visa petition.”

The other states in the suit include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Kansas, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming.

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to States Newsroom’s request for comment.

Applications for the program, known as a parole in place,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-131f" target="_blank">opened this week</a>.

The Biden administration<a href="https://newjerseymonitor.com/2024/06/18/biden-to-unveil-protections-for-some-undocumented-spouses-easier-daca-work-visas/" target="_blank">&nbsp;created the program</a>&nbsp;because under current U.S. immigration law, if a noncitizen enters the country without authorization, they are ineligible for permanent legal status and would need to leave the U.S. and then reenter through a green card application by their U.S. spouse, which is a lengthy process that can take years.

American First Legal is representing the states. The organization was established by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller, the architect of the former president’s hard-line immigration policies.

The program is a one-time action and it applies to long-term undocumented people married to a U.S. citizens.

It’s estimated that roughly 500,000 noncitizen spouses and their children will be eligible to apply for a lawful permanent residence — a green card — under certain requirements. It’s expected to roughly include 50,000 children who are noncitizens and have an immigrant parent married to a U.S. citizen.

Those qualifications include that a noncitizen must have resided in the U.S. for 10 years as of Monday, June 17, 2024, and be married to a U.S. citizen since that date as well. That spouse who is a noncitizen also cannot be deemed a security threat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724510077030.png" alt="President Biden during the announcement in June-White House image" />
 <figcaption>President Biden during the announcement in June-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Missouri and 15 states Friday filed a suit in federal court to block the Biden administration’s program that protects long-term undocumented people married to U.S. citizens from deportation and grants them a pathway to citizenship.States in the&nbsp;<a href="https://media.aflegal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/23101650/2024-0823_1-Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">suit</a>, which was filed in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, argue that the Department of Homeland Security unlawfully created the program and that those 16 states will be financially harmed by its implementation.“Longstanding federal law prohibits aliens who entered the United States unlawfully from obtaining most immigration benefits,” according to the suit. “This includes obtaining lawful permanent resident status — without first leaving the United States and waiting outside the United States for the requisite time — based on an approved family-based or employment-based visa petition.”The other states in the suit include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Kansas, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming.The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to States Newsroom’s request for comment.Applications for the program, known as a parole in place,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-131f" target="_blank">opened this week</a>.The Biden administration<a href="https://newjerseymonitor.com/2024/06/18/biden-to-unveil-protections-for-some-undocumented-spouses-easier-daca-work-visas/" target="_blank">&nbsp;created the program</a>&nbsp;because under current U.S. immigration law, if a noncitizen enters the country without authorization, they are ineligible for permanent legal status and would need to leave the U.S. and then reenter through a green card application by their U.S. spouse, which is a lengthy process that can take years.American First Legal is representing the states. The organization was established by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller, the architect of the former president’s hard-line immigration policies.The program is a one-time action and it applies to long-term undocumented people married to a U.S. citizens.It’s estimated that roughly 500,000 noncitizen spouses and their children will be eligible to apply for a lawful permanent residence — a green card — under certain requirements. It’s expected to roughly include 50,000 children who are noncitizens and have an immigrant parent married to a U.S. citizen.Those qualifications include that a noncitizen must have resided in the U.S. for 10 years as of Monday, June 17, 2024, and be married to a U.S. citizen since that date as well. That spouse who is a noncitizen also cannot be deemed a security threat.

GOP states aim to halt Biden program protecting undocumented spouses from deportation

WYANDOTTE COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another with critical injuries.

Just before 1:30 a.m., police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 900 block of Washington Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

First responders found a man outside and alert. EMS transported him to hospital for treatment of critical injuries.

A short time later,&nbsp; police discovered a second victim&nbsp; near the 800 block of Washington Boulevard. He was taken to a hospital, but he later died from his injuries.

According to KCKPD, this case is currently under investigation, and anyone with information regarding the deadly shooting is encouraged to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another with critical injuries.Just before 1:30 a.m., police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 900 block of Washington Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.First responders found a man outside and alert. EMS transported him to hospital for treatment of critical injuries.A short time later,&nbsp; police discovered a second victim&nbsp; near the 800 block of Washington Boulevard. He was taken to a hospital, but he later died from his injuries.According to KCKPD, this case is currently under investigation, and anyone with information regarding the deadly shooting is encouraged to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

One dead, one hospitalized after Kansas shooting

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A man drowned at a Kansas lake on Saturday.

Just after 5p.m. Saturday, emergency crews responded to report of a body in Wyandotte Co. Lake,&nbsp;91st and Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

First responders including the Kansas City, Kansas fire department helped recover the body. The man, identified as in his 60s, was pronounced deceased. Authorities are working to confirm his identity.

Anyone with information about the incident should report it to the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724585291515.png" alt="Anyone with information about the incident should report it to the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.-File photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Anyone with information about the incident should report it to the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.-File photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A man drowned at a Kansas lake on Saturday.Just after 5p.m. Saturday, emergency crews responded to report of a body in Wyandotte Co. Lake,&nbsp;91st and Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.First responders including the Kansas City, Kansas fire department helped recover the body. The man, identified as in his 60s, was pronounced deceased. Authorities are working to confirm his identity.Anyone with information about the incident should report it to the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Police: Body of man recovered from Kansas lake 

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Saturday in Johnson County.

The crash involving a minivan and a semi-truck occurred in&nbsp; area of East Old 56 Highway and South Lone Elm Road in Olathe, according to Olathe Police&nbsp;Sergeant John Moncayo.

First responders observed found the driver and sole occupant of the minivan was a 77-year-old woman who was unresponsive. Life-saving measures were performed on the woman while on scene, but she was later declared deceased., according to Moncayo. The 42-year-old male driver of the semi-truck remained on scene.

This case remains under investigation by the Olathe Police Department. Police have not released the name of the woman who died.&nbsp; Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Saturday in Johnson County.The crash involving a minivan and a semi-truck occurred in&nbsp; area of East Old 56 Highway and South Lone Elm Road in Olathe, according to Olathe Police&nbsp;Sergeant John Moncayo.First responders observed found the driver and sole occupant of the minivan was a 77-year-old woman who was unresponsive. Life-saving measures were performed on the woman while on scene, but she was later declared deceased., according to Moncayo. The 42-year-old male driver of the semi-truck remained on scene.This case remains under investigation by the Olathe Police Department. Police have not released the name of the woman who died.&nbsp; Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

Woman dies after minivan, semi crash on Kansas highway

BARBER COUNTY —It was very hot in Kansas Saturday. At 7p.m. Satuday the&nbsp;National Weather Service said Medicine Lodge reached 115 degrees.

The temperature made the Barber County community the hottest city in the contiguous United States.

he excessive heat will continue Sunday with heat indices approaching 110 degrees once again. A stray storm cannot be ruled out, especially west of Interstate 135, according to the National Weather Service.&nbsp;

BARBER COUNTY —It was very hot in Kansas Saturday. At 7p.m. Satuday the&nbsp;National Weather Service said Medicine Lodge reached 115 degrees.The temperature made the Barber County community the hottest city in the contiguous United States.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As of 7 pm CDT this evening, Medicine Lodge, KS was the hottest temperature in contiguous U.S. today with a high of 115F! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/nA6V3PiB3U">pic.twitter.com/nA6V3PiB3U</a>&mdash; NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWichita/status/1827508661943681228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>he excessive heat will continue Sunday with heat indices approaching 110 degrees once again. A stray storm cannot be ruled out, especially west of Interstate 135, according to the National Weather Service.&nbsp;

Kan. town records hottest temperature in U.S. on Saturday

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an alleged violent crime.&nbsp;

Just after 11 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a reported domestic disturbance in the 1100 block of SW Medford Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Michael Hren.

 It was reported that a man who was experiencing a mental health crisis was acting erratically.

Police responded and made every attempt to make contact with the suspect later identified as 24-year-old Lucas Martin, but he refused to exit the home.

&nbsp;Around 2:45 p.m., police left the scene. No injuries were reported from the incident. Around 3:30 p.m., police received the report that Martin had battered someone who is known to him and was walking in the area. 

Officers responded and took the suspect into custody. As a result of the investigation Martin was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/ family member or dating relationship.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724422250104.png" alt="Martin -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Martin -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an alleged violent crime.&nbsp;Just after 11 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a reported domestic disturbance in the 1100 block of SW Medford Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Michael Hren. It was reported that a man who was experiencing a mental health crisis was acting erratically.Police responded and made every attempt to make contact with the suspect later identified as 24-year-old Lucas Martin, but he refused to exit the home.&nbsp;Around 2:45 p.m., police left the scene. No injuries were reported from the incident. Around 3:30 p.m., police received the report that Martin had battered someone who is known to him and was walking in the area. Officers responded and took the suspect into custody. As a result of the investigation Martin was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/ family member or dating relationship.

Kan. man accused of violent attack on family member

TOPEKA—A federal grand jury in Kansas returned an indictment this week charging seven defendants, including five current and former high-level officers of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmith, Forgers and Helpers (Boilermakers Union) for their alleged roles in a 15-year, $20 million embezzlement scheme, according to the United State's Attorney.

The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit offenses under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, as well as other charges including embezzlement, health care fraud, wire fraud, and theft in connection with health care and retirement plans.

“As alleged in the indictment, these defendants, including two former presidents of the Boilermakers Union, enriched themselves by spending millions of dollars in union funds for their own benefit, including for salary and benefits for no-show jobs, tuition, rent, luxury international travel, meals, vacation payouts, and unauthorized loans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This indictment marks an important step in restoring financial security to the Boilermakers Union and control of the union’s future to its membership. The department is committed to protecting union members from officials who abuse their positions of authority for their own personal ends.”

The defendants are former union president Newton Jones, 71, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; former secretary-treasurer William Creeden, 76, of Kearney, Missouri; former president Truman “Warren” Fairley, 59, of Chapel Hill; current secretary-treasurer Kathy Stapp, 53, of Shawnee, Kansas; former vice president Lawrence McManamon, 76, of Rocky River, Ohio; Kateryna Jones, 32, of Chapel Hill; and Cullen Jones 35, of Chapel Hill.

“Union members pay their dues believing union leaders will use the money in support of the organization’s mission to advocate for and protect employment rights,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. “The Department of Justice is deeply concerned whenever there are accusations of fraud and misappropriation of union funds.”

“The employees believed the Union executives would promote and protect their best interests. Instead, they allegedly utilized their positions for personal and financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “By allegedly unlawfully misappropriating Union funds, the defendants betrayed their members’ trust and confidence. Anyone who unlawfully profits at the expense of others will be held accountable.”

“We would like to thank our fellow law enforcement partners, the Criminal Division, and the United States Attorney’s Office for working collaboratively to bring change within the Boilermakers International Union,” said District Director Christiane Abendroth of the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS). “Today’s indictment of seven defendants, including five current and former high-level officers, is a direct result of OLMS’s audit findings and a multi-agency criminal investigation. We look forward to obtaining justice for the rank-and-file union members by removing officers who allegedly treated the union as their personal piggy bank.”

Over the course of 15 years, the defendants, led by Newton Jones and William Creeden, allegedly engaged in widespread embezzlement of the funds of the Boilermakers Union including:

The indictment also charges Newton Jones and Creeden with wire fraud relating to their alleged demand and acceptance of no-show employment with the Bank of Labor for which they were paid more than $3.4 million each in salary, benefit contributions, and other paid benefits. The indictment additionally seeks forfeiture of $20 million.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the RICO conspiracy count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Kansas City Field Office and the Department of Labor are investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Vincent Falvo of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Faiza Alhambra and Jabari Wamble for the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580399075295.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—A federal grand jury in Kansas returned an indictment this week charging seven defendants, including five current and former high-level officers of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmith, Forgers and Helpers (Boilermakers Union) for their alleged roles in a 15-year, $20 million embezzlement scheme, according to the United State's Attorney.The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit offenses under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, as well as other charges including embezzlement, health care fraud, wire fraud, and theft in connection with health care and retirement plans.“As alleged in the indictment, these defendants, including two former presidents of the Boilermakers Union, enriched themselves by spending millions of dollars in union funds for their own benefit, including for salary and benefits for no-show jobs, tuition, rent, luxury international travel, meals, vacation payouts, and unauthorized loans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This indictment marks an important step in restoring financial security to the Boilermakers Union and control of the union’s future to its membership. The department is committed to protecting union members from officials who abuse their positions of authority for their own personal ends.”The defendants are former union president Newton Jones, 71, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; former secretary-treasurer William Creeden, 76, of Kearney, Missouri; former president Truman “Warren” Fairley, 59, of Chapel Hill; current secretary-treasurer Kathy Stapp, 53, of Shawnee, Kansas; former vice president Lawrence McManamon, 76, of Rocky River, Ohio; Kateryna Jones, 32, of Chapel Hill; and Cullen Jones 35, of Chapel Hill.“Union members pay their dues believing union leaders will use the money in support of the organization’s mission to advocate for and protect employment rights,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. “The Department of Justice is deeply concerned whenever there are accusations of fraud and misappropriation of union funds.”“The employees believed the Union executives would promote and protect their best interests. Instead, they allegedly utilized their positions for personal and financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “By allegedly unlawfully misappropriating Union funds, the defendants betrayed their members’ trust and confidence. Anyone who unlawfully profits at the expense of others will be held accountable.”“We would like to thank our fellow law enforcement partners, the Criminal Division, and the United States Attorney’s Office for working collaboratively to bring change within the Boilermakers International Union,” said District Director Christiane Abendroth of the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS). “Today’s indictment of seven defendants, including five current and former high-level officers, is a direct result of OLMS’s audit findings and a multi-agency criminal investigation. We look forward to obtaining justice for the rank-and-file union members by removing officers who allegedly treated the union as their personal piggy bank.”Over the course of 15 years, the defendants, led by Newton Jones and William Creeden, allegedly engaged in widespread embezzlement of the funds of the Boilermakers Union including:<ul>
 <li>Over $5 million in unnecessary luxury international travel;</li><li>Over $2 million in salary and benefits to Kateryna Jones and Cullen Jones for no-show jobs, at which they were not required to work, including payment of two years of salary to Kateryna Jones for a period when she resided in Ukraine and was dating Newton Jones;</li><li>Hundreds of thousands of dollars in tuition, rent, and relocation expenses for members of the family of Newton Jones;</li><li>Millions of dollars in cash payments relating to fraudulently claimed vacation time;</li><li>Hundreds of fraudulent restaurant charges by Newton Jones and Kateryna Jones in their hometown;</li><li>Funds wrongly expended to engage in email surveillance of Union employees to defend Newton Jones and McManamon from internal union charges; and</li><li>$7 million in loans from the Boilermakers Union MORE Fund executed by Newton Jones and Creeden to the Bank of Labor, which were not authorized under the terms of the Boilermakers Union constitution or its conflict-of-interest policy.</li>
 </ul>The indictment also charges Newton Jones and Creeden with wire fraud relating to their alleged demand and acceptance of no-show employment with the Bank of Labor for which they were paid more than $3.4 million each in salary, benefit contributions, and other paid benefits. The indictment additionally seeks forfeiture of $20 million.If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the RICO conspiracy count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.The FBI Kansas City Field Office and the Department of Labor are investigating the case.Trial Attorney Vincent Falvo of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Faiza Alhambra and Jabari Wamble for the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case.An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Kan. woman among 7 indicted for $20M embezzlement scheme

SHAWNEE COUNTY –Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just before 11:30p.m. August 21, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;&nbsp;located a red 1999 Plymouth Voyager that was reported stolen out of Missouri in the 1900 block of NW Topeka Boulevard, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located. The driver, Andrew R. Roldan Jr., 32, and a passenger, Amber D. Kirk, 35, both of Topeka, were&nbsp;booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.&nbsp; Roldan was booked on requested charges of possession of a stimulant, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license and possession of stolen property. Kirk was booked in on requested charges of possession of a stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724446853180.png" alt="Roldan photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Roldan photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY –Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.Just before 11:30p.m. August 21, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;&nbsp;located a red 1999 Plymouth Voyager that was reported stolen out of Missouri in the 1900 block of NW Topeka Boulevard, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724447109472.png" alt="Kirk photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kirk photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located. The driver, Andrew R. Roldan Jr., 32, and a passenger, Amber D. Kirk, 35, both of Topeka, were&nbsp;booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.&nbsp; Roldan was booked on requested charges of possession of a stimulant, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license and possession of stolen property. Kirk was booked in on requested charges of possession of a stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kansas couple caught in van reported stolen from Missouri

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 3:30a.m. Saturday, police responded to a report of shots fired near 39th Street and Central Street, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

First responders found one shooting victim. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police later learned that another man and a woman injured from the gunfire had gone to the hospital for treatment. They are expected to survive, according to DiMartino.

Investigators determined three victims had been part of a group of people that had gathered outside of a business shortly before the gunfire started.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724507321803.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just before 3:30a.m. Saturday, police responded to a report of shots fired near 39th Street and Central Street, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.First responders found one shooting victim. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Police later learned that another man and a woman injured from the gunfire had gone to the hospital for treatment. They are expected to survive, according to DiMartino.Investigators determined three victims had been part of a group of people that had gathered outside of a business shortly before the gunfire started.

One dead, 2 wounded from gunfire outside business in Kansas City

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide&nbsp; continue 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; continue 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 hiding from police

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

A pair of administrative law judges are suing the Parson administration claiming wrongful termination and illegal withholding of salary.&nbsp;

Ryan Asbridge, who has served as an administrative law judge since 2019, and Gina Mitten, who has served since 2021, filed a lawsuit last week in Cole Circuit Court.&nbsp;

They allege the administration of Gov. Mike Parson declared them at-will employees without any authority to do so, thus allowing Mitten to be dismissed and Asbridge’s pay to be withheld while he was on active military duty.

Administrative law judges are appointed by the governor and handle cases involving things such as worker’s compensation. They receive a roughly $120,000 salary.&nbsp;

In May, Mitten says she was contacted by Parson’s director of the division of worker’s compensation dismissing her from her position. In the lawsuit, plaintiffs argue that state law is clear that administrative law judges can only be discharged or removed after receiving three or more votes of no confidence two years in a row from a five-member review committee that audits their performance.&nbsp;

Administrative law judges are also subject to retention votes every 12 years by the review committee.&nbsp;

Lawmakers have tried unsuccessfully to change this process over the years, and the lawsuit notes that during legislative hearings the Parson administration admitted that there is no other process for removing administrative law judges other than the review committee.&nbsp;

Judges can also be removed if the legislature doesn’t allocate enough money to cover all salaries. But the lawsuit says the Department of Labor budget has funding for 28 administrative law judges, including Mitten and Asbridge.&nbsp;

Asbridge is still listed as an administrative law judge, though the lawsuit says he has been&nbsp;on a military leave of absence for the last three years. A major in the United States Air Force Reserves, Asbridge’s deployment on active duty began in November 2021 and had previously been extended through at least August.&nbsp;

He continued to receive his salary from the state while deployed with the Air Force. According to the lawsuit, Missouri law requires the state to pay salaries of administrative law judges regardless of the hours they work. There is no provision in state law, the lawsuit says, that authorizes the department to withhold Asbridge’s salary.&nbsp;

Asbridge’s three years of military leave was “an expense beyond what the citizen of Missouri should be responsible for supporting,” the workers compensation division director wrote in a letter included with the lawsuit.&nbsp;

Mitten is asking to be reinstated and provided back pay, and Asbridge is asking for back pay withheld since June.&nbsp;

Spokesmen for the governor and the office of administration, which handles payroll for the state, did not respond to a request for comment. In addition to Parson and Office of Administration Commissioner Ken Zellers, named defendants in the lawsuit include Attorney General Andrew Bailey and the director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Anna Hui.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719493597787.png" alt="&nbsp;The Cole County Courthouse in downtown Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;The Cole County Courthouse in downtown Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>A pair of administrative law judges are suing the Parson administration claiming wrongful termination and illegal withholding of salary.&nbsp;Ryan Asbridge, who has served as an administrative law judge since 2019, and Gina Mitten, who has served since 2021, filed a lawsuit last week in Cole Circuit Court.&nbsp;They allege the administration of Gov. Mike Parson declared them at-will employees without any authority to do so, thus allowing Mitten to be dismissed and Asbridge’s pay to be withheld while he was on active military duty.Administrative law judges are appointed by the governor and handle cases involving things such as worker’s compensation. They receive a roughly $120,000 salary.&nbsp;In May, Mitten says she was contacted by Parson’s director of the division of worker’s compensation dismissing her from her position. In the lawsuit, plaintiffs argue that state law is clear that administrative law judges can only be discharged or removed after receiving three or more votes of no confidence two years in a row from a five-member review committee that audits their performance.&nbsp;Administrative law judges are also subject to retention votes every 12 years by the review committee.&nbsp;Lawmakers have tried unsuccessfully to change this process over the years, and the lawsuit notes that during legislative hearings the Parson administration admitted that there is no other process for removing administrative law judges other than the review committee.&nbsp;Judges can also be removed if the legislature doesn’t allocate enough money to cover all salaries. But the lawsuit says the Department of Labor budget has funding for 28 administrative law judges, including Mitten and Asbridge.&nbsp;Asbridge is still listed as an administrative law judge, though the lawsuit says he has been&nbsp;on a military leave of absence for the last three years. A major in the United States Air Force Reserves, Asbridge’s deployment on active duty began in November 2021 and had previously been extended through at least August.&nbsp;He continued to receive his salary from the state while deployed with the Air Force. According to the lawsuit, Missouri law requires the state to pay salaries of administrative law judges regardless of the hours they work. There is no provision in state law, the lawsuit says, that authorizes the department to withhold Asbridge’s salary.&nbsp;Asbridge’s three years of military leave was “an expense beyond what the citizen of Missouri should be responsible for supporting,” the workers compensation division director wrote in a letter included with the lawsuit.&nbsp;Mitten is asking to be reinstated and provided back pay, and Asbridge is asking for back pay withheld since June.&nbsp;Spokesmen for the governor and the office of administration, which handles payroll for the state, did not respond to a request for comment. In addition to Parson and Office of Administration Commissioner Ken Zellers, named defendants in the lawsuit include Attorney General Andrew Bailey and the director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Anna Hui.

Administrative law judges sue Missouri governor for wrongful termination, withheld salary

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; the discovery of a man's body in the trunk of a car in a vacant lot in Wichita identified the victim as 39-year-old Kyce Barnes of Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.

Barnes had a long history of crime. He spent time in the Kansas Department of Corrections for drug convictions in Cowley County. He was released from prison in 2020.&nbsp; On Monday, police booked Barnes into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges that included possession of stolen property and drug possession, according to jail booking records. He was released from the Sedgwick County jail just after 3p.m. Tuesday.

Police in Wichita also arrested him in 2022 on requested charges of theft, violation of a protection order, domestic battery and failure to appear.&nbsp;

Just after 8a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in a vacant lot located in the 8200 block of West Irving Street in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.

Officers were directed to a white four door Mercedes and discovered a deceased 39-year-old man in the trunk of the vehicle.

The victim was found wrapped in blood-stained bedding with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body. His remains were transported to the Sedgwick County Medical Examiner's Office for further examination.

During the investigation, detectives identified the Deluxe Motel at 8401 W. Kellogg Drive as the original crime scene. Police have not released the identity of the victim.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Wichita Police Department Homicide Investigators at (316) 268-4407. For those who wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724361881332.png" alt="Kyce Barnes from a 2022 arrest in Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Kyce Barnes from a 2022 arrest in Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; the discovery of a man's body in the trunk of a car in a vacant lot in Wichita identified the victim as 39-year-old Kyce Barnes of Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.Barnes had a long history of crime. He spent time in the Kansas Department of Corrections for drug convictions in Cowley County. He was released from prison in 2020.&nbsp; On Monday, police booked Barnes into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges that included possession of stolen property and drug possession, according to jail booking records. He was released from the Sedgwick County jail just after 3p.m. Tuesday.Police in Wichita also arrested him in 2022 on requested charges of theft, violation of a protection order, domestic battery and failure to appear.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724266152157.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigaiton-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigaiton-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 8a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in a vacant lot located in the 8200 block of West Irving Street in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.Officers were directed to a white four door Mercedes and discovered a deceased 39-year-old man in the trunk of the vehicle.The victim was found wrapped in blood-stained bedding with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body. His remains were transported to the Sedgwick County Medical Examiner's Office for further examination.During the investigation, detectives identified the Deluxe Motel at 8401 W. Kellogg Drive as the original crime scene. Police have not released the identity of the victim.Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Wichita Police Department Homicide Investigators at (316) 268-4407. For those who wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111

Kan. man found dead in the trunk of car had just been released from jail

KANSAS CITY —Brittany Mahomes, wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes wrote a statement on social media in response to criticism after ‘liking’&nbsp; an Instagram post from former President Donald Trump.

Brittany defended her support for 'liking; the Trump post, and standing up to "haters for not healing from issues they had from childhood."

She wrote,"To be a hater as an adult, you have to have some deep rooted issues you refuse to heal from childhood. There's no reason your brain is fully developed and you hate to see others doing well.”

Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs open the NFL season Thursday in Kansas City against the Baltimore Ravens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724461026275.png" alt="File photo Brittany Mahomes (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)" />
 <figcaption>File photo Brittany Mahomes (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Brittany Mahomes, wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes wrote a statement on social media in response to criticism after ‘liking’&nbsp; an Instagram post from former President Donald Trump.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724460661858.png" alt="Instagram screenshot" />
 <figcaption>Instagram screenshot</figcaption>
 </figure>Brittany defended her support for 'liking; the Trump post, and standing up to "haters for not healing from issues they had from childhood."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724460634025.png" alt="Instagram screenshot" />
 <figcaption>Instagram screenshot</figcaption>
 </figure>She wrote,"To be a hater as an adult, you have to have some deep rooted issues you refuse to heal from childhood. There's no reason your brain is fully developed and you hate to see others doing well.”Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs open the NFL season Thursday in Kansas City against the Baltimore Ravens.

Wife of Patrick Mahomes responds to critics after “liking” a Donald Trump post

DAMASCUS —U.S. forces killed&nbsp;Abu-’Abd al-Rahman al-Makki, a senior leader and commander with the Al-Qaeda linked terrorist group, Hurras al-Din,&nbsp; on Friday in a U.S. drone Strike in northwestern Syria, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

Abu-’Abd al-Rahman al-Makki was a Hurras al-Din Shura was responsible for overseeing terrorist operations from Syria.

“CENTCOM remains committed to the enduring defeat of terrorists in the CENTCOM area of responsibility who threaten the United States, its allies and partners, and regional stability," said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command. 

Hurras al-Din is an Al Qaeda-associated force based in Syria that shares Al Qaeda’s global aspirations to conduct attacks against U.S. and Western interests.

DAMASCUS —U.S. forces killed&nbsp;Abu-’Abd al-Rahman al-Makki, a senior leader and commander with the Al-Qaeda linked terrorist group, Hurras al-Din,&nbsp; on Friday in a U.S. drone Strike in northwestern Syria, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.Abu-’Abd al-Rahman al-Makki was a Hurras al-Din Shura was responsible for overseeing terrorist operations from Syria.“CENTCOM remains committed to the enduring defeat of terrorists in the CENTCOM area of responsibility who threaten the United States, its allies and partners, and regional stability," said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command. Hurras al-Din is an Al Qaeda-associated force based in Syria that shares Al Qaeda’s global aspirations to conduct attacks against U.S. and Western interests.