The government shutdown has begun after Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline. Members of the Nebraska Congressional delegation responded to the stalemate.

<p>The government shutdown has begun after Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline. Members of the Nebraska Congressional delegation responded to the stalemate.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today, I voted for a clean funding resolution that keeps the government open so Congress can continue working on our full-year funding bills. <br><br>The Democrats, instead, voted for a $1 trillion increase in new spending and to eliminate the $50 billion Rural Hospital Stabilization…</p>&mdash; Senator Deb Fischer (@SenatorFischer) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorFischer/status/1973168744441495601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My full statement after Democrat Leadership failed to pass a clean CR ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/AG7PlmwlGG">pic.twitter.com/AG7PlmwlGG</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Don Bacon 🇺🇸✈️🏍️⭐️🎖️ (@RepDonBacon) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDonBacon/status/1973210532833533982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Democrats just voted to shutdown government.<br><br>They voted against a clean continuing resolution (CR) that would have funded government for seven weeks. Previously, they had voted for this exact budget. In fact, Democrats voted for a clean CR 13 times under Joe Biden. This…</p>&mdash; Senator Pete Ricketts (@SenatorRicketts) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorRicketts/status/1973167795832758634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NEW: The Democrat government shutdown will have big consequences for the National Flood Insurance Program. <br><br>Here are a couple of things I want you to know from my perspective as the Chairman of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee 👇 <a href="https://t.co/9vYQid40eO">pic.twitter.com/9vYQid40eO</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Mike Flood (@USRepMikeFlood) <a href="https://twitter.com/USRepMikeFlood/status/1973183509612339208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Earlier this month <a href="https://twitter.com/HouseGOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HouseGOP</a> passed a clean CR to provide time to responsibly address spending--the reasonable way forward. Let’s be clear, this is an avoidable shutdown. <a href="https://t.co/NWXQSqNz7l">pic.twitter.com/NWXQSqNz7l</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Adrian Smith (@RepAdrianSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepAdrianSmith/status/1973151417801253098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Nebraska lawmakers respond to government shutdown

The government shutdown has begun after Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline. Several members of the Missouri Congressional delegation responded to the stalemate on social media.

<p>The government shutdown has begun after Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline. Several members of the Missouri Congressional delegation responded to the stalemate on social media.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🔥 HOT NEW SINGLE JUST DROPPED 🔥<br><br>🎵 “THE SCHUMER SHUTDOWN” <a href="https://t.co/KwQuAUhS6a">pic.twitter.com/KwQuAUhS6a</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Eric Burlison (@RepEricBurlison) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepEricBurlison/status/1973236435621720381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The House passed the funding bill on September 19th. We did our work to keep the government open.</p>&mdash; Rep. Sam Graves (@RepSamGraves) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepSamGraves/status/1973177999861358597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Republicans control both Congress and the White House. If the government shuts down, it’s on their watch. Democrats are ready to work on funding the government—but we will not be idle and let health care premiums soar for hardworking Americans.<br><br>If this shutdown has you worried… <a href="https://t.co/43XUCpkQOO">pic.twitter.com/43XUCpkQOO</a></p>&mdash; Congressman Wesley Bell (@RepWesleyBellMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepWesleyBellMO/status/1973195494475116918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I just voted YES to keep the government open and fight for the American people. <a href="https://t.co/1Lc0U7PuVx">pic.twitter.com/1Lc0U7PuVx</a></p>&mdash; Senator Eric Schmitt (@SenEricSchmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenEricSchmitt/status/1973162473579749867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Democrats would rather fight <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and Republicans than fight for Americans.👇 <a href="https://t.co/EWXWJBSOoM">pic.twitter.com/EWXWJBSOoM</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Mark Alford (@RepMarkAlford) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMarkAlford/status/1973181558766129287?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another demonstration of the administration’s lack of seriousness.<br><br>Republicans control the House, Senate, and White House.<br><br>And with a government shutdown approaching, they’re using government websites to mislead the American people instead of negotiating a bipartisan deal. <a href="https://t.co/2doCkXHk0I">https://t.co/2doCkXHk0I</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (@repcleaver) <a href="https://twitter.com/repcleaver/status/1973119586867487052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RELEASE: Wagner Slams Democrats for Shutting Down Government<br><br>Read the full statement here ⬇️⬇️⬇️<a href="https://t.co/XJLMlmlIX8">https://t.co/XJLMlmlIX8</a></p>&mdash; Ann Wagner (@RepAnnWagner) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepAnnWagner/status/1973371276715590005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Democrats are rejecting a straightforward plan to keep the government open.<br><br>Instead they are demanding over $1 trillion in new spending on items like free health care for illegal aliens while cutting $50 billion in investments for rural health care.<br><br>Washington Democrats would…</p>&mdash; Rep. Jason Smith (@RepJasonSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJasonSmith/status/1973066350043251084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Missouri lawmakers respond to government shutdown

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are&nbsp;investigating an aggravated battery at a memory care facility involving residents of the facility. 

Shortly after 8 a.m. Tuesday, emergency services were called to a long-term care facility near 75th and Switzer Road in Overland Park, according to Officer John Lacy. 

Upon arrival, Johnson County Emergency Medical Services determined there were two residents who were in need of medical care. EMS responders transported them to a local hospital. One of the involved residents, a 66-year-old man, received life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. A second resident, a 71-year-old man, had non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation led detectives to believe a third resident was responsible for the injuries to the other two residents. The suspect, an 84-year-old man, is being evaluated at a local hospital and is pending disposition. He is cooperating with investigators.

Staff from the long-term care facility are cooperating with the investigation. The families of the involved subjects have been notified and requested privacy at this time. 

<p>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are&nbsp;investigating an aggravated battery at a memory care facility involving residents of the facility. </p><p>Shortly after 8 a.m. Tuesday, emergency services were called to a long-term care facility near 75th and Switzer Road in Overland Park, according to Officer John Lacy. </p><p>Upon arrival, Johnson County Emergency Medical Services determined there were two residents who were in need of medical care. EMS responders transported them to a local hospital. One of the involved residents, a 66-year-old man, received life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. A second resident, a 71-year-old man, had non-life-threatening injuries.</p><p>The investigation led detectives to believe a third resident was responsible for the injuries to the other two residents. The suspect, an 84-year-old man, is being evaluated at a local hospital and is pending disposition. He is cooperating with investigators.</p><p>Staff from the long-term care facility are cooperating with the investigation. The families of the involved subjects have been notified and requested privacy at this time. </p>

Police: 2 injured after assault at Kan. memory care facility 

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt released the following statement blasting Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats for voting&nbsp;against a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government and prevent a government shut down.

“Democrats just rejected a funding bill to keep the government open and instead chose to yield to their base of radical leftists and shut the government down. This is political theater at the expense of hardworking American families we swore an oath to represent. The American people deserve a government that puts their interests first, not one that shuts the government down to score petty partisan points. The ball remains in their court. Republicans will continue to fight for a responsible, commonsense path forward, while Democrats continue to grandstand,”&nbsp;said Senator Schmitt.

<p>WASHINGTON&nbsp;—On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt released the following statement blasting Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats for voting&nbsp;against a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government and prevent a government shut down.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I just voted YES to keep the government open and fight for the American people. <a href="https://t.co/1Lc0U7PuVx">pic.twitter.com/1Lc0U7PuVx</a></p>&mdash; Senator Eric Schmitt (@SenEricSchmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenEricSchmitt/status/1973162473579749867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>“Democrats just rejected a funding bill to keep the government open and instead chose to yield to their base of radical leftists and shut the government down. This is political theater at the expense of hardworking American families we swore an oath to represent. The American people deserve a government that puts their interests first, not one that shuts the government down to score petty partisan points. The ball remains in their court. Republicans will continue to fight for a responsible, commonsense path forward, while Democrats continue to grandstand,”&nbsp;said Senator Schmitt.</p>

🎥Mo. U.S. Senator blasts Dems for shutting down the government

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>-

WASHINGTON — The federal government started shutting down early Wednesday after Congress failed to approve a funding bill before the beginning of the new fiscal year — resulting in widespread ramifications for hundreds of programs and giving the Trump administration an avenue to fire federal workers en masse.

The U.S. Senate was unable to advance two short-term government funding bills Tuesday when Democrats and Republicans deadlocked for the second time this month, with just hours to go before the midnight Tuesday shutdown deadline.

Senators voted<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00535.htm" target="_blank">&nbsp;55-45</a>&nbsp;on Republicans’ bill that would fund the government for seven weeks and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00534.htm" target="_blank">47-53</a>&nbsp;on a Democratic stopgap proposal that would keep the lights on for a month and included several health care provisions that they said were needed for their support. Neither had the 60 votes needed to advance.&nbsp;

Nevada Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman and Maine independent Sen. Angus King voted with GOP senators on their stopgap bill. Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul voted against it.

White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said in a<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/M-25-35-Status-of-Agency-Operations.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;memo</a>&nbsp;to departments and agencies Tuesday night after the Senate vote that “affected agencies should now execute their plans for an orderly shutdown.” Vought said federal employees should report for their next regularly scheduled tour of duty to undertake shutdown activities.

The consequences of a shutdown will be sweeping in the nation’s capital and across the country, where states are&nbsp;<a href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2025/09/30/arkansas-agencies-directed-to-furlough-employees-if-federal-government-shuts-down/" target="_blank">bracing for the impact.</a>&nbsp;About&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/about-750000-federal-workers-will-be-furloughed-shutdown-nonpartisan-cbo-projects" target="_blank">750,000 federal workers</a>&nbsp;could be furloughed, leading to a $400 million impact a day, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported. All federal employees would go unpaid until the shutdown is over.

Additionally, the Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-threatens-mass-firings-federal-employees-government-shutdown" target="_blank">plans to lay off</a>&nbsp;thousands of federal employees, which would reshape the federal workforce. President Donald Trump again vowed Tuesday to undertake layoffs and a major government employee union filed suit in federal court in advance of such a move.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said hours before the votes there wouldn’t be any talks with Democrats during a shutdown.&nbsp;

“The negotiation happens when the government is open. So let’s keep the government open and then we will have the negotiations,” Thune said.&nbsp;

“We’re happy to sit down and talk about these issues that they’re interested in,” he said. “But it should not have anything to do with whether or not for a seven-week period we keep the government open, so that this government can continue to do its work and that we can do our work through the regular appropriations process to fund the government.”&nbsp;

After the votes failed, Thune expressed his frustration with Democrats during a press conference.&nbsp;

“This is so unnecessary and uncalled for,” he said.&nbsp;

Thune said he plans to bring up a vote on the continuing resolution again. He said as soon as Wednesday the federal government can be funded if five Democrats voted with Republicans.&nbsp;

“Democrats may have chosen to shut down the government, but we can reopen it tomorrow,” Thune said.&nbsp;

Republican Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming said the “cracks in the Democrats are already showing,” noting that three Democrats voted with Republicans Tuesday night.&nbsp;

“There is bipartisan support for keeping the government open,” Barrasso said. “We’re happy to see that the Democrats are already starting to break from (Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer) and we’re going to continue to offer a clean (continuing resolution) on the floor of the Senate to open the government for the next seven weeks.”

Health care tax credits at center of standoff

The disagreement isn’t entirely about GOP lawmakers writing their short-term funding bill behind closed doors and then expecting Democrats to help advance it in the Senate, where bipartisanship is required for major legislation.

Democratic leaders have raised concerns for weeks about the end-of-year sunset of enhanced tax credits for people who buy their health insurance on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, arguing a solution is needed now ahead of the open enrollment period starting on Nov. 1.&nbsp;

Democrats have also grown increasingly frustrated with the White House budget office’s unilateral actions on spending, arguing Vought is significantly eroding Congress’ constitutional power of the purse.&nbsp;Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the Republican chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/maine-gop-sen-collins-says-trump-should-be-sued-gao-illegally-canceling-funds" target="_blank">said Tuesday&nbsp;</a>the Government Accountability Office should sue the Trump administration over its efforts to freeze or unilaterally cancel spending approved by Congress.&nbsp;

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats need an agreement with Republicans to extend the enhanced tax credits.&nbsp;

Schumer said people will begin getting notices in October telling them how much the cost of their ACA plans will increase during the next year, which he expects will ratchet up pressure on Republican leaders to broker a bipartisan agreement.&nbsp;

“We’re going to be right there explaining to them it’s because the Republicans wouldn’t negotiate with us,” Schumer said, referring to consumers. “We’re ready to do it anytime. And there will be huge heat on (Republicans) on this issue.”

People who buy health insurance on the ACA marketplace and receive subsidies through enhanced ACA tax credits could expect to pay on average more than double for annual premiums in 2026 if the credits expire as scheduled at the end of this year, according to an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/aca-marketplace-premium-payments-would-more-than-double-on-average-next-year-if-enhanced-premium-tax-credits-expire/" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday by the nonprofit health policy research organization KFF.&nbsp;

The analysis found premiums could increase from an average of $888 this year to $1,904 in 2026.

Schumer also rebuffed GOP leaders saying that Democrats want to include people without legal immigration status in federal health care programs.&nbsp;

“They say that undocumented people are going to get these credits. That is absolutely false. That is one of the big lies they tell, so they don’t have to discuss the issues,” Schumer said. “The federal government by law that we passed does not fund health insurance for undocumented immigrants in Medicaid, nor the ACA nor Medicare. Undocumented immigrants do not get federal health insurance premiums.”&nbsp;

Immigrants in the country without legal authorization&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/5-key-facts-about-immigrants-and-medicaid/" target="_blank">are not eligible</a>&nbsp;for Medicaid, and neither are most immigrants with legal status, such as those with student visas or enrollment in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA.&nbsp;

Only immigrants with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tbl1_ovrvw-fed-pgms-rev-2024-04-1.pdf" target="_blank">“qualified status,”</a>&nbsp;such as legal permanent residents, asylees and refugees, are able to get Medicaid benefits, and they usually have to wait five years before their coverage can even begin.&nbsp;

Democrats explain why they voted with GOP&nbsp;

Cortez Masto of Nevada wrote in a statement explaining her vote to advance the GOP stopgap bill that she could not support “a costly shutdown that would hurt Nevada families and hand even more power to this reckless administration.”

“We need a bipartisan solution to address this impending health care crisis, but we should not be swapping the pain of one group of Americans for another,” she added. “I remain focused on protecting health care for working families, and I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together to tackle this problem.”

Pennsylvania’s Fetterman wrote in a statement of his own that his vote on the Republican bill “was for our country over my party.

“Together, we must find a better way forward.”

Collins said during a brief interview before the vote she is worried about the broad authority the White House holds during a shutdown and how the Office of Management and Budget has indicated it will use that power.&nbsp;

“I’m much more concerned about OMB sending signals that there should be mass firings of federal employees who have the misfortune to be designated as non-essential, when in fact they’re performing very essential work, they’re just not being paid,” Collins said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Dakota Republican Sen. John Hoeven, chairman of the Agriculture spending subcommittee, said lawmakers will have to sort through how various departments implement their contingency plans as well as the possibility of mass layoffs during a shutdown.&nbsp;

“We’ll have to work through those things and figure out how we do keep things going as best we can during this Democrat shutdown,” Hoeven said.

West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said Republicans are “unified in the belief that this is an easy choice” to fund the government with a stopgap bill that doesn’t include any contentious or political provisions.&nbsp;

Capito — who chairs the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Labor — said there are several programs that will be “missed” during a shutdown.&nbsp;

“And that’s concerning. So I think the option is to keep the government open so we can avoid this pain,” Capito said.&nbsp;

‘I’m not optimistic that we’re going to get a path forward’

Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley said he is worried about the possible impacts of a shutdown on his home state and that keeping the government open is the only way to avoid that.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’m sure the administration will do everything they can,” Hawley said. “But the solution is to not shut the government down. I mean, why would you punish working people because you’re not getting what you want on any issue, whatever it is.”

South Dakota Republican Sen. Mike Rounds said he doesn’t expect a shutdown will end until after Democrats have sent a message to their voters.&nbsp;

“I’m not optimistic that we’re going to get a path forward until they’ve had a shutdown,” he said.&nbsp;

Rounds, who negotiated a handshake agreement with the White House budget director this summer to preserve some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/tribal-radio-stations-wait-9m-pledged-congressional-handshake-deal" target="_blank">funding for rural tribal radio stations</a>&nbsp;after Congress eliminated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, said that deal could be affected by a shutdown.&nbsp;

“They’re putting the administration in a position where they can pick and choose what they’re going to do, and a shutdown is not going to be beneficial to these Native American radio stations,” Rounds said.&nbsp;

Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan said she wants Democrats and Republicans to negotiate on health care provisions.

“I’ve been making the case constantly, that (it) is literally my obligation to try and fight for health care, and I’m willing to talk to anyone,” she said. “I’m willing to accept that I certainly will not get everything I want.”

Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois said that while Democrats agreed to help advance what’s known as a continuing resolution in March, they can’t now because of “what President Trump is doing to this country, particularly when it comes to health care costs for families.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The shutdown will significantly affect the operations of the federal government as lawmakers have not passed any of the dozen full-year appropriations bills that finance agency operations. Oct. 1 is the beginning of the new fiscal year for the federal government.

Departments&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/hundreds-thousands-federal-employees-face-furloughs-under-trump-shutdown-plans" target="_blank">began releasing updated contingency plans</a>&nbsp;this weekend, detailing how many of their employees would work during a government shutdown and how many would be furloughed.

The Interior Department, which includes the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doi.gov/shutdown" target="_blank">posted its updated plans</a>&nbsp;late Tuesday.&nbsp;

The National Park Service plans to furlough 9,300 of its 14,500 workers.&nbsp;

The Trump administration will allow several activities necessary for the protection of life or property to continue, including fire suppression for active fires, permitting and monitoring First Amendment activities, border and coastal protection and surveillance, and law enforcement and emergency response.

The contingency plan says that roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will generally remain accessible to visitors,” but it adds that if “access becomes a safety, health or resource protection issue … the area must be closed.”

In anticipation of layoffs by the Trump administration, labor unions representing more than 1 million federal workers&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.457131/gov.uscourts.cand.457131.1.0.pdf" target="_blank">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;in the Northern District of California on Tuesday to block the Trump administration from carrying out mass firings. The suit argues that there is no statutory authority to fire federal employees during a government shutdown.

“These actions are contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious, and the cynical use of federal employees as a pawn in Congressional deliberations should be declared unlawful and enjoined by this Court,” according to the suit filed by the American Federation of Government Employees and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Ashley Murray and Shauneen Miranda contributed to this report.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759022317143.png" alt="U.S. Capitol  (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
                        <figcaption>U.S. Capitol  (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>-</p><p>WASHINGTON — The federal government started shutting down early Wednesday after Congress failed to approve a funding bill before the beginning of the new fiscal year — resulting in widespread ramifications for hundreds of programs and giving the Trump administration an avenue to fire federal workers en masse.</p><p>The U.S. Senate was unable to advance two short-term government funding bills Tuesday when Democrats and Republicans deadlocked for the second time this month, with just hours to go before the midnight Tuesday shutdown deadline.</p><p>Senators voted<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00535.htm" target="_blank">&nbsp;55-45</a>&nbsp;on Republicans’ bill that would fund the government for seven weeks and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00534.htm" target="_blank">47-53</a>&nbsp;on a Democratic stopgap proposal that would keep the lights on for a month and included several health care provisions that they said were needed for their support. Neither had the 60 votes needed to advance.&nbsp;</p><p>Nevada Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman and Maine independent Sen. Angus King voted with GOP senators on their stopgap bill. Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul voted against it.</p><p>White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said in a<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/M-25-35-Status-of-Agency-Operations.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;memo</a>&nbsp;to departments and agencies Tuesday night after the Senate vote that “affected agencies should now execute their plans for an orderly shutdown.” Vought said federal employees should report for their next regularly scheduled tour of duty to undertake shutdown activities.</p><p>The consequences of a shutdown will be sweeping in the nation’s capital and across the country, where states are&nbsp;<a href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2025/09/30/arkansas-agencies-directed-to-furlough-employees-if-federal-government-shuts-down/" target="_blank">bracing for the impact.</a>&nbsp;About&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/about-750000-federal-workers-will-be-furloughed-shutdown-nonpartisan-cbo-projects" target="_blank">750,000 federal workers</a>&nbsp;could be furloughed, leading to a $400 million impact a day, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported. All federal employees would go unpaid until the shutdown is over.</p><p>Additionally, the Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-threatens-mass-firings-federal-employees-government-shutdown" target="_blank">plans to lay off</a>&nbsp;thousands of federal employees, which would reshape the federal workforce. President Donald Trump again vowed Tuesday to undertake layoffs and a major government employee union filed suit in federal court in advance of such a move.</p><h2>More votes on GOP bill planned</h2><p>Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said hours before the votes there wouldn’t be any talks with Democrats during a shutdown.&nbsp;</p><p>“The negotiation happens when the government is open. So let’s keep the government open and then we will have the negotiations,” Thune said.&nbsp;</p><p>“We’re happy to sit down and talk about these issues that they’re interested in,” he said. “But it should not have anything to do with whether or not for a seven-week period we keep the government open, so that this government can continue to do its work and that we can do our work through the regular appropriations process to fund the government.”&nbsp;</p><p>After the votes failed, Thune expressed his frustration with Democrats during a press conference.&nbsp;</p><p>“This is so unnecessary and uncalled for,” he said.&nbsp;</p><p>Thune said he plans to bring up a vote on the continuing resolution again. He said as soon as Wednesday the federal government can be funded if five Democrats voted with Republicans.&nbsp;</p><p>“Democrats may have chosen to shut down the government, but we can reopen it tomorrow,” Thune said.&nbsp;</p><p>Republican Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming said the “cracks in the Democrats are already showing,” noting that three Democrats voted with Republicans Tuesday night.&nbsp;</p><p>“There is bipartisan support for keeping the government open,” Barrasso said. “We’re happy to see that the Democrats are already starting to break from (Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer) and we’re going to continue to offer a clean (continuing resolution) on the floor of the Senate to open the government for the next seven weeks.”</p><h2>Health care tax credits at center of standoff</h2><p>The disagreement isn’t entirely about GOP lawmakers writing their short-term funding bill behind closed doors and then expecting Democrats to help advance it in the Senate, where bipartisanship is required for major legislation.</p><p>Democratic leaders have raised concerns for weeks about the end-of-year sunset of enhanced tax credits for people who buy their health insurance on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, arguing a solution is needed now ahead of the open enrollment period starting on Nov. 1.&nbsp;</p><p>Democrats have also grown increasingly frustrated with the White House budget office’s unilateral actions on spending, arguing Vought is significantly eroding Congress’ constitutional power of the purse.&nbsp;Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the Republican chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/maine-gop-sen-collins-says-trump-should-be-sued-gao-illegally-canceling-funds" target="_blank">said Tuesday&nbsp;</a>the Government Accountability Office should sue the Trump administration over its efforts to freeze or unilaterally cancel spending approved by Congress.&nbsp;</p><p>Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats need an agreement with Republicans to extend the enhanced tax credits.&nbsp;</p><p>Schumer said people will begin getting notices in October telling them how much the cost of their ACA plans will increase during the next year, which he expects will ratchet up pressure on Republican leaders to broker a bipartisan agreement.&nbsp;</p><p>“We’re going to be right there explaining to them it’s because the Republicans wouldn’t negotiate with us,” Schumer said, referring to consumers. “We’re ready to do it anytime. And there will be huge heat on (Republicans) on this issue.”</p><p>People who buy health insurance on the ACA marketplace and receive subsidies through enhanced ACA tax credits could expect to pay on average more than double for annual premiums in 2026 if the credits expire as scheduled at the end of this year, according to an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/aca-marketplace-premium-payments-would-more-than-double-on-average-next-year-if-enhanced-premium-tax-credits-expire/" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday by the nonprofit health policy research organization KFF.&nbsp;</p><p>The analysis found premiums could increase from an average of $888 this year to $1,904 in 2026.</p><h2>Claims about immigrants&nbsp;</h2><p>Schumer also rebuffed GOP leaders saying that Democrats want to include people without legal immigration status in federal health care programs.&nbsp;</p><p>“They say that undocumented people are going to get these credits. That is absolutely false. That is one of the big lies they tell, so they don’t have to discuss the issues,” Schumer said. “The federal government by law that we passed does not fund health insurance for undocumented immigrants in Medicaid, nor the ACA nor Medicare. Undocumented immigrants do not get federal health insurance premiums.”&nbsp;</p><p>Immigrants in the country without legal authorization&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/5-key-facts-about-immigrants-and-medicaid/" target="_blank">are not eligible</a>&nbsp;for Medicaid, and neither are most immigrants with legal status, such as those with student visas or enrollment in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA.&nbsp;</p><p>Only immigrants with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tbl1_ovrvw-fed-pgms-rev-2024-04-1.pdf" target="_blank">“qualified status,”</a>&nbsp;such as legal permanent residents, asylees and refugees, are able to get Medicaid benefits, and they usually have to wait five years before their coverage can even begin.&nbsp;</p><h2>Democrats explain why they voted with GOP&nbsp;</h2><p>Cortez Masto of Nevada wrote in a statement explaining her vote to advance the GOP stopgap bill that she could not support “a costly shutdown that would hurt Nevada families and hand even more power to this reckless administration.”</p><p>“We need a bipartisan solution to address this impending health care crisis, but we should not be swapping the pain of one group of Americans for another,” she added. “I remain focused on protecting health care for working families, and I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together to tackle this problem.”</p><p>Pennsylvania’s Fetterman wrote in a statement of his own that his vote on the Republican bill “was for our country over my party.</p><p>“Together, we must find a better way forward.”</p><p>Collins said during a brief interview before the vote she is worried about the broad authority the White House holds during a shutdown and how the Office of Management and Budget has indicated it will use that power.&nbsp;</p><p>“I’m much more concerned about OMB sending signals that there should be mass firings of federal employees who have the misfortune to be designated as non-essential, when in fact they’re performing very essential work, they’re just not being paid,” Collins said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>North Dakota Republican Sen. John Hoeven, chairman of the Agriculture spending subcommittee, said lawmakers will have to sort through how various departments implement their contingency plans as well as the possibility of mass layoffs during a shutdown.&nbsp;</p><p>“We’ll have to work through those things and figure out how we do keep things going as best we can during this Democrat shutdown,” Hoeven said.</p><p>West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said Republicans are “unified in the belief that this is an easy choice” to fund the government with a stopgap bill that doesn’t include any contentious or political provisions.&nbsp;</p><p>Capito — who chairs the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Labor — said there are several programs that will be “missed” during a shutdown.&nbsp;</p><p>“And that’s concerning. So I think the option is to keep the government open so we can avoid this pain,” Capito said.&nbsp;</p><h2>‘I’m not optimistic that we’re going to get a path forward’</h2><p>Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley said he is worried about the possible impacts of a shutdown on his home state and that keeping the government open is the only way to avoid that.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I’m sure the administration will do everything they can,” Hawley said. “But the solution is to not shut the government down. I mean, why would you punish working people because you’re not getting what you want on any issue, whatever it is.”</p><p>South Dakota Republican Sen. Mike Rounds said he doesn’t expect a shutdown will end until after Democrats have sent a message to their voters.&nbsp;</p><p>“I’m not optimistic that we’re going to get a path forward until they’ve had a shutdown,” he said.&nbsp;</p><p>Rounds, who negotiated a handshake agreement with the White House budget director this summer to preserve some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/tribal-radio-stations-wait-9m-pledged-congressional-handshake-deal" target="_blank">funding for rural tribal radio stations</a>&nbsp;after Congress eliminated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, said that deal could be affected by a shutdown.&nbsp;</p><p>“They’re putting the administration in a position where they can pick and choose what they’re going to do, and a shutdown is not going to be beneficial to these Native American radio stations,” Rounds said.&nbsp;</p><p>Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan said she wants Democrats and Republicans to negotiate on health care provisions.</p><p>“I’ve been making the case constantly, that (it) is literally my obligation to try and fight for health care, and I’m willing to talk to anyone,” she said. “I’m willing to accept that I certainly will not get everything I want.”</p><p>Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois said that while Democrats agreed to help advance what’s known as a continuing resolution in March, they can’t now because of “what President Trump is doing to this country, particularly when it comes to health care costs for families.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The shutdown will significantly affect the operations of the federal government as lawmakers have not passed any of the dozen full-year appropriations bills that finance agency operations. Oct. 1 is the beginning of the new fiscal year for the federal government.</p><h2>Shutdown plan for national parks</h2><p>Departments&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/hundreds-thousands-federal-employees-face-furloughs-under-trump-shutdown-plans" target="_blank">began releasing updated contingency plans</a>&nbsp;this weekend, detailing how many of their employees would work during a government shutdown and how many would be furloughed.</p><p>The Interior Department, which includes the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doi.gov/shutdown" target="_blank">posted its updated plans</a>&nbsp;late Tuesday.&nbsp;</p><p>The National Park Service plans to furlough 9,300 of its 14,500 workers.&nbsp;</p><p>The Trump administration will allow several activities necessary for the protection of life or property to continue, including fire suppression for active fires, permitting and monitoring First Amendment activities, border and coastal protection and surveillance, and law enforcement and emergency response.</p><p>The contingency plan says that roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will generally remain accessible to visitors,” but it adds that if “access becomes a safety, health or resource protection issue … the area must be closed.”</p><h2>Union files suit</h2><p>In anticipation of layoffs by the Trump administration, labor unions representing more than 1 million federal workers&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.457131/gov.uscourts.cand.457131.1.0.pdf" target="_blank">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;in the Northern District of California on Tuesday to block the Trump administration from carrying out mass firings. The suit argues that there is no statutory authority to fire federal employees during a government shutdown.</p><p>“These actions are contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious, and the cynical use of federal employees as a pawn in Congressional deliberations should be declared unlawful and enjoined by this Court,” according to the suit filed by the American Federation of Government Employees and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.</p><p>Ashley Murray and Shauneen Miranda contributed to this report.&nbsp;</p>

Federal government shutdown begins, with no easy exit in sight

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Authorities are still investigating the cause of a fire that took the life of a 15-year-old, authorities reported on Tuesday.

Just before 6p.m. September 25, the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department responded to the apartment fire on South 71st Street, according to a media release.

First responders observed smoke coming from the upper apartment windows and were told someone may still be inside. Firefighters found an unresponsive 15-year-old boy on the second floor of the unit.

He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased abound 90 minutes later. A resident was transported to a hospital for treatment of lacerations from breaking a window to help another resident. That occupant was also taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.&nbsp;One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion.

<p>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Authorities are still investigating the cause of a fire that took the life of a 15-year-old, authorities reported on Tuesday.</p><p>Just before 6p.m. September 25, the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department responded to the apartment fire on South 71st Street, according to a media release.</p><p>First responders observed smoke coming from the upper apartment windows and were told someone may still be inside. Firefighters found an unresponsive 15-year-old boy on the second floor of the unit.</p><p>He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased abound 90 minutes later. A resident was transported to a hospital for treatment of lacerations from breaking a window to help another resident. That occupant was also taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.&nbsp;One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion.</p>

15-year-old dies in Kansas apartment fire

By:<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/author/ropshal/">Robin Opsahl</a><br><a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts has resigned from his position effective immediately, lawyers representing him said Tuesday.

Roberts, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/26/des-moines-public-schools-superintendent-in-ice-custody-after-arrest/">detained by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement Friday</a>, had been&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/29/state-board-revokes-dmps-superintendent-ian-roberts-license-after-ice-arrest/">placed on unpaid administrative leave</a>&nbsp;by the Des Moines School Board Monday after the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked his license. ICE agents had arrested the superintendent, who was born in Guyana, during a “targeted enforcement operation” Friday, and he allegedly evaded arrest. According to an ICE news release, Roberts’ vehicle contained a handgun, hunting knife and $3,000 in cash.

ICE stated Roberts had been given a “final order of removal by an immigration judge” in May 2024. The federal agency stated Roberts was in the country unlawfully, having first come to the U.S. in 1999 on a student visa.

Attorney Alfredo Parrish, representing Roberts, confirmed that Roberts was a citizen of Guyana and served in the country’s military, but said his office was trying to work on getting more information on the immigration case proceedings that led to his arrest by ICE. In April 2025, a Texas immigration judge had decided not to reopen Roberts’ case in absentia.

Parrish said Roberts had received a letter from the prior attorney for his immigration case in Texas which said “his case had been closed successfully, and he was under the impression that it had been.” Parrish said his firm is in the process of filing a motion to reopen Roberts’ immigration case.

The attorney said it was a “complex case.”

“There are several jurisdictions that are involved, there are several law enforcement entities that are involved,” Parrish said. “… There (are) so many entities involved that we have touched bases with to try to work through this, through the consulate in New York for Guyana, through all the many other entities we’ve been trying to work through this case with. We want you to know that Dr. Roberts’ greatest concern is about his students who he actually loves, and the students who love him back, and his staff.”

While Roberts is resigning from the superintendent position, Parrish said his law firm has filed a request for stay on behalf of Roberts in the Omaha, Nebraska, federal immigration court. Roberts is currently being held at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City. Parrish said two of his staff drove to Omaha to file the motion Monday, and that earlier Tuesday, the law firm was in communication with Roberts.

“He understands that he has the support (of the community), and it really gives him inspiration,” Parrish said. “His spirits are high. He was very well-engaged in all our discussions this morning, for about the last two hours.”

District’s hiring procedures questioned

Some of the questions surrounding the case are focused on the Des Moines school district’s vetting process for hiring Roberts. DMPS officials have said Roberts completed the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and submitted the required documentation showing his employment eligibility when hired.

The National School Board Coalition, a conservative K-12 advocacy organization, claimed in a news release the consultant Baker-Eubanks, one of the entities hired by DMPS to perform third-party background checks during Roberts’ hiring process, “admitted that it did not perform a basic I-9 verification.”

This claim is referring to a statement made by&nbsp;Baker-Eubanks CEO Kim Cockerham&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/2025/09/28/des-moines-public-schools-superintendent-background-check-ian-roberts/86375977007/" target="_blank">to the Des Moines Register</a>. Cockerham said the criminal background check performed does not confirm a person’s ability to legally work in the U.S., saying “that’s not even a service that we offer.” Cockerham said, according to the Register.

Laura Zorc, chair of the National School Board Coalition, said Roberts’ hiring process “reveals a critical oversight” in schools boards hiring search firms to fill school administration positions.

“If advising the Des Moines school board, NSBC would recommend working with their board attorney to review their contract agreement with consultants JQ Consultants and Baker-Eubanks for potential recourse, including seeking a full refund, legal, staff time, and covering the costs of rehiring a new superintendent if the contract was breached,” Zorc said in the release.

Board President Jackie Norris said Monday that the board asked Roberts’ attorney to provide documentation and verification of his citizenship status by 12 p.m. Tuesday, with plans to meet at 7:30 p.m. that day to discuss ending Roberts’ employment contract. Parrish said the letter of resignation was being sent to school officials Tuesday.

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn said late Monday the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed with the U.S. Department of Justice through a Freedom of Information Act and formal inquiry that Roberts was subject to a final removal order under the Immigration and Nationality Act. He also said in a statement it was “unacceptable that someone under a final order of deportation and without legal work authorization was allowed to lead Iowa’s largest public school system.”

“Every parent should be able to trust that school leaders are fully vetted, legally employed, and held to the highest standards of accountability,” Nunn said. “I want to thank our federal agencies for their timely response and commitment to transparency as we work to protect our communities.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759275598772.png" alt="Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts made remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Lincoln High School’s new athletic complex Aug. 21, 2025 in Des Moines. (Photo courtesy of Des Moines Public Schools)" />
                        <figcaption>Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts made remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Lincoln High School’s new athletic complex Aug. 21, 2025 in Des Moines. (Photo courtesy of Des Moines Public Schools)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/author/ropshal/">Robin Opsahl</a><br><a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a></p><p>Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts has resigned from his position effective immediately, lawyers representing him said Tuesday.</p><p>Roberts, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/26/des-moines-public-schools-superintendent-in-ice-custody-after-arrest/">detained by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement Friday</a>, had been&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/29/state-board-revokes-dmps-superintendent-ian-roberts-license-after-ice-arrest/">placed on unpaid administrative leave</a>&nbsp;by the Des Moines School Board Monday after the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked his license. ICE agents had arrested the superintendent, who was born in Guyana, during a “targeted enforcement operation” Friday, and he allegedly evaded arrest. According to an ICE news release, Roberts’ vehicle contained a handgun, hunting knife and $3,000 in cash.</p><p>ICE stated Roberts had been given a “final order of removal by an immigration judge” in May 2024. The federal agency stated Roberts was in the country unlawfully, having first come to the U.S. in 1999 on a student visa.</p><p>Attorney Alfredo Parrish, representing Roberts, confirmed that Roberts was a citizen of Guyana and served in the country’s military, but said his office was trying to work on getting more information on the immigration case proceedings that led to his arrest by ICE. In April 2025, a Texas immigration judge had decided not to reopen Roberts’ case in absentia.</p><p>Parrish said Roberts had received a letter from the prior attorney for his immigration case in Texas which said “his case had been closed successfully, and he was under the impression that it had been.” Parrish said his firm is in the process of filing a motion to reopen Roberts’ immigration case.</p><p>The attorney said it was a “complex case.”</p><p>“There are several jurisdictions that are involved, there are several law enforcement entities that are involved,” Parrish said. “… There (are) so many entities involved that we have touched bases with to try to work through this, through the consulate in New York for Guyana, through all the many other entities we’ve been trying to work through this case with. We want you to know that Dr. Roberts’ greatest concern is about his students who he actually loves, and the students who love him back, and his staff.”</p><p>While Roberts is resigning from the superintendent position, Parrish said his law firm has filed a request for stay on behalf of Roberts in the Omaha, Nebraska, federal immigration court. Roberts is currently being held at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City. Parrish said two of his staff drove to Omaha to file the motion Monday, and that earlier Tuesday, the law firm was in communication with Roberts.</p><p>“He understands that he has the support (of the community), and it really gives him inspiration,” Parrish said. “His spirits are high. He was very well-engaged in all our discussions this morning, for about the last two hours.”</p><h2>District’s hiring procedures questioned</h2><p>Some of the questions surrounding the case are focused on the Des Moines school district’s vetting process for hiring Roberts. DMPS officials have said Roberts completed the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and submitted the required documentation showing his employment eligibility when hired.</p><p>The National School Board Coalition, a conservative K-12 advocacy organization, claimed in a news release the consultant Baker-Eubanks, one of the entities hired by DMPS to perform third-party background checks during Roberts’ hiring process, “admitted that it did not perform a basic I-9 verification.”</p><p>This claim is referring to a statement made by&nbsp;Baker-Eubanks CEO Kim Cockerham&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/2025/09/28/des-moines-public-schools-superintendent-background-check-ian-roberts/86375977007/" target="_blank">to the Des Moines Register</a>. Cockerham said the criminal background check performed does not confirm a person’s ability to legally work in the U.S., saying “that’s not even a service that we offer.” Cockerham said, according to the Register.</p><p>Laura Zorc, chair of the National School Board Coalition, said Roberts’ hiring process “reveals a critical oversight” in schools boards hiring search firms to fill school administration positions.</p><p>“If advising the Des Moines school board, NSBC would recommend working with their board attorney to review their contract agreement with consultants JQ Consultants and Baker-Eubanks for potential recourse, including seeking a full refund, legal, staff time, and covering the costs of rehiring a new superintendent if the contract was breached,” Zorc said in the release.</p><p>Board President Jackie Norris said Monday that the board asked Roberts’ attorney to provide documentation and verification of his citizenship status by 12 p.m. Tuesday, with plans to meet at 7:30 p.m. that day to discuss ending Roberts’ employment contract. Parrish said the letter of resignation was being sent to school officials Tuesday.</p><p>U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn said late Monday the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed with the U.S. Department of Justice through a Freedom of Information Act and formal inquiry that Roberts was subject to a final removal order under the Immigration and Nationality Act. He also said in a statement it was “unacceptable that someone under a final order of deportation and without legal work authorization was allowed to lead Iowa’s largest public school system.”</p><p>“Every parent should be able to trust that school leaders are fully vetted, legally employed, and held to the highest standards of accountability,” Nunn said. “I want to thank our federal agencies for their timely response and commitment to transparency as we work to protect our communities.”</p>

Des Moines Public Schools superintendent resigns, lawyer says

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759249113526.png" alt="Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, President Trump, RFK, Jr. and Dr. Oz enjoy a laugh in the Oval Office during the announcement -image from White House video" />
                        <figcaption>Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, President Trump, RFK, Jr. and Dr. Oz enjoy a laugh in the Oval Office during the announcement -image from White House video</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;For many years, Americans have paid the highest prices anywhere in the world for prescription drugs... a major reason is that American consumers have been subsidizing Research and Development costs for the entire planet... it&#39;s being changed as of today.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/T22cIT16Ws">pic.twitter.com/T22cIT16Ws</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1973054472046727434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> announces that <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pfizer</a> will provide some of their most popular medications to all Americans at heavily discounted prices of between 50%-100% off — and all new medications introduced to the U.S. market will be sold at the reduced Most Favored Nation cost 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/YC0f8hzdAQ">pic.twitter.com/YC0f8hzdAQ</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1973055859233034542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pfizer</a> CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBourla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlbertBourla</a>: The big winner of this deal clearly will be the American patient — there&#39;s no doubt about it. They are the ones that will see significant impact in their ability to buy medicines... We are ready to UNLEASH our investment portfolio in this country. 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/SDmcFItFKf">https://t.co/SDmcFItFKf</a> <a href="https://t.co/G9V32nxZOD">pic.twitter.com/G9V32nxZOD</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1973062219211354327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT. <a href="https://t.co/lWu3MGc9fh">https://t.co/lWu3MGc9fh</a> <a href="https://t.co/X0C3sitmDN">pic.twitter.com/X0C3sitmDN</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1973072382324625602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a>: *Sneezes in the Oval Office*<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;God bless you Bobby. I hope I didn&#39;t catch COVID just there.&quot;<br><br>&quot;Give me a Paxlovid immediately,&quot; he says to the CEO of Pfizer. 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/IbsJy9x3Gr">pic.twitter.com/IbsJy9x3Gr</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1973065585773674946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DrMakaryFDA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrMakaryFDA</a>: &quot;Today marks the the beginning of the end of the great American rip off, and it also marks the beginning of the end of a great American tragedy; something I’ve seen as a physician at the bedside — patients getting spun up into a financial rage... to try to get… <a href="https://t.co/SD0iKsZR2B">pic.twitter.com/SD0iKsZR2B</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1973063636395373048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT: President Trump Delivers LOWER DRUG PRICES for Americans <a href="https://t.co/nA4tPrmcXt">pic.twitter.com/nA4tPrmcXt</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1973062430591692829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Pfizer is committing to offer all of their prescription medications to Medicaid and it will be at the Most Favored Nation prices. It&#39;s going to have a huge impact on bringing Medicaid prices down.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ftq4ElmZEY">pic.twitter.com/ftq4ElmZEY</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1973056170777616593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a>: &quot;For the mother trying to help her child get better, for the grandmother at the pharmacy counter, and for millions of Americans who want to restore their health — today is about another promise made by <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and another promise KEPT by <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/SDmcFItFKf">https://t.co/SDmcFItFKf</a> <a href="https://t.co/n3w6sQY44W">pic.twitter.com/n3w6sQY44W</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1973057794178691448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DrOzCMS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrOzCMS</a>: &quot;We’re going to finally deliver on the fair drug prices that President Trump has been speaking about for two terms. We’re going to celebrate this historic day—I predict... in the medical field, for generations to come.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ojlFZOC2pm">pic.twitter.com/ojlFZOC2pm</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1973059658400022829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Pfizer to lower prescription drug costs in a deal with Trump

<b>By TONY GUERRERO<br></b><i>Hays Post</i>

The Fort Hays State University assistant professor defended her Facebook posts about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department posted a TikTok video Monday saying she is being targeted online by Libs of TikTok, an X account with 4.4 million followers, and other online accounts.

On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Chance posted the following the same day:

"In my post, I just stated that there's karma," Chance said in the TikTok video. "There's irony associated with that, and that's by no means to celebrate someone's death."

Chance added when she thinks of karma and irony, she thinks of it in a scientific sense rather than a mythical one. Chance compared the death of Kirk to Newton's laws of physics, saying that energy is not destroyed.&nbsp;

"I believe that it's passed and transferred. The energy that one puts out, one receives," Chance said.

Chance also made the following post on her social media:

In her video response, she pointed out FBI statistics about the demographics of mass shooters.&nbsp;

"Not that I conclude that every single white American man is a terrorist or potentially violent. I mean, I come from a white home. I'm actually biracial, and I'm half white myself," Chance said.

Chance said that events like 9/11 and the Virginia Tech shooting have shaped her views on gun control and that they should not impact her work.

"Who I am as a person outside of my professional spaces should never be put under attack," she said. "The institution that I am an employee at has been put in a hard place. I'm black in America. I get hard places."

Scott Cason, FHSU’s chief communications officer, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/09/fort-hays-state-university-statement-regarding-recent-social-media-post-about-race-and-violence#gsc.tab=0">press release</a>&nbsp;the university is aware of content on the X account Libs of TikTok linking a faculty member to social media posts about Charlie Kirk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Individuals who post commentaries to their personal social media accounts do not speak for the University, nor does their commentary reflect the views or values of this university," Cason said.

Cason said FHSU is reviewing the situation as a confidential personnel matter and asks for patience as they address it.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/67bf5501-02df-472c-a43a-a4ff11ff5305">SEE RELATED STORY: FHSU assistant professor under review for posts about Charlie Kirk</a>

"Although I am mentally exhausted, I realized that no one's going to speak up for you but yourself. You have to be your own advocate," Chance said. "I refuse to be anyone's victim."

Libs of TikTok, a right-wing social media account that curates and reposts videos designed to provoke outrage among conservative followers, posted the following Sunday and tagged the FHSU X page.&nbsp;

The university also shared its press release on its X page, where Libs of TikTok responded with criticism.

"Sorry, but I don't have 'patience' for professors who call white Americans 'dangerous animals' and mock the murder of a young father. This statement says absolutely nothing," the X post said.

<p><b>By TONY GUERRERO<br></b><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The Fort Hays State University assistant professor defended her Facebook posts about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.</p><p>Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department posted a TikTok video Monday saying she is being targeted online by Libs of TikTok, an X account with 4.4 million followers, and other online accounts.</p><div><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@drchancespeaks/video/7555678574372490527" data-video-id="7555678574372490527" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@drchancespeaks" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@drchancespeaks?refer=embed">@drchancespeaks</a> When <a title="maga" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/maga?refer=embed">#MAGA</a> attacks.... your <a title="academicfreedom" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/academicfreedom?refer=embed">#academicfreedom</a> and <a title="firstamendment" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/firstamendment?refer=embed">#firstamendment</a> rights are discarded.  <a title="charliekirk" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/charliekirk?refer=embed">#CharlieKirk</a> sympathizers think they can break me..... but my resolve is different.  Thanks @xx_shotgunmary_xx <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - dr.chance_speaks" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7555678616902798111?refer=embed">♬ original sound - dr.chance_speaks</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script></div><p>On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Chance posted the following the same day:</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759177549706.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>"In my post, I just stated that there's karma," Chance said in the TikTok video. "There's irony associated with that, and that's by no means to celebrate someone's death."</p><p>Chance added when she thinks of karma and irony, she thinks of it in a scientific sense rather than a mythical one. Chance compared the death of Kirk to Newton's laws of physics, saying that energy is not destroyed.&nbsp;</p><p>"I believe that it's passed and transferred. The energy that one puts out, one receives," Chance said.</p><p>Chance also made the following post on her social media:</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759177637900.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>In her video response, she pointed out FBI statistics about the demographics of mass shooters.&nbsp;</p><p>"Not that I conclude that every single white American man is a terrorist or potentially violent. I mean, I come from a white home. I'm actually biracial, and I'm half white myself," Chance said.</p><p>Chance said that events like 9/11 and the Virginia Tech shooting have shaped her views on gun control and that they should not impact her work.</p><p>"Who I am as a person outside of my professional spaces should never be put under attack," she said. "The institution that I am an employee at has been put in a hard place. I'm black in America. I get hard places."</p><p>Scott Cason, FHSU’s chief communications officer, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/09/fort-hays-state-university-statement-regarding-recent-social-media-post-about-race-and-violence#gsc.tab=0">press release</a>&nbsp;the university is aware of content on the X account Libs of TikTok linking a faculty member to social media posts about Charlie Kirk.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>"Individuals who post commentaries to their personal social media accounts do not speak for the University, nor does their commentary reflect the views or values of this university," Cason said.</p><p>Cason said FHSU is reviewing the situation as a confidential personnel matter and asks for patience as they address it.</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/67bf5501-02df-472c-a43a-a4ff11ff5305">SEE RELATED STORY: FHSU assistant professor under review for posts about Charlie Kirk</a></p><p>"Although I am mentally exhausted, I realized that no one's going to speak up for you but yourself. You have to be your own advocate," Chance said. "I refuse to be anyone's victim."</p><p>Libs of TikTok, a right-wing social media account that curates and reposts videos designed to provoke outrage among conservative followers, posted the following Sunday and tagged the FHSU X page.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759182814757.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The university also shared its press release on its X page, where Libs of TikTok responded with criticism.</p><p>"Sorry, but I don't have 'patience' for professors who call white Americans 'dangerous animals' and mock the murder of a young father. This statement says absolutely nothing," the X post said.</p>

FHSU assistant professor under review for Charlie Kirk posts responds

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759245859063.jpeg" alt="Image from Department of War video" />
                        <figcaption>Image from Department of War video</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> Pete Hegseth FULL REMARKS at the WAR DEPARTMENT ADDRESS: <a href="https://t.co/dbvmQg3FT6">pic.twitter.com/dbvmQg3FT6</a></p>&mdash; Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar/status/1973041625447235876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> &quot;Simply put, if you do not meet the male level physical standards for a combat position, cannot pass a PT test or don&#39;t want to shave and look professional. It’s time for a new position.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/IWJKshcUtd">pic.twitter.com/IWJKshcUtd</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/1973012711115284940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ATTENTION: NEW GROOMING STANDARDS:<br><br>THE ERA OF UNPROFESSIONAL APPEARANCES IS OVER. <a href="https://t.co/WpLXngC8Bc">pic.twitter.com/WpLXngC8Bc</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/1973013702321586176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@secwar</a> &quot;If the words I am speaking today are making your hearts sink, then you should do the honorable thing and RESIGN.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/nEzFOkq978">pic.twitter.com/nEzFOkq978</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/1973018750929776926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today, we end the War on Warriors.</p>&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/1972995564007743919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECWAR</a> &quot;Should our enemies choose foolishly to challenge us, they will be crushed by the violence, precision, and ferocity of the War Department. <br><br>In other words, to our enemies, FAFO.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/I5lZlbmj34">pic.twitter.com/I5lZlbmj34</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/1973002202399768668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;From Sparta, to Rome, to the British Empire, to the United States of America, history has shown that military supremacy has never been simply a matter of money or manpower. At the end of the day, it is the culture and SPIRIT of our military that truly sets us apart from… <a href="https://t.co/ojRLuSEK3P">pic.twitter.com/ojRLuSEK3P</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1973034843563843939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Grover Cleveland... and others all used the Armed Forces to keep domestic order and peace... So today, I want to thank every servicemember who has bravely helped us secure the nation’s capital and make America safe for the people. <a href="https://t.co/pWfunrQWWZ">pic.twitter.com/pWfunrQWWZ</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1973030155535950000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Together with the leaders here today, we&#39;re also restoring a needed focus on defeating threats in the Western Hemisphere. Throughout this region, cartel terrorists have been allowed to wage a relentless campaign of death and destruction on our country... Under our… <a href="https://t.co/4CqOCinKjt">pic.twitter.com/4CqOCinKjt</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1973030884686107073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Trump, Hegseth declare end to 'politically correct' leadership in US military

On Monday afternoon and overnight, members of the community left flowers, stuffed animals and other items at Police Sergeant Scott&nbsp;Heimann's patrol vehicle, which is parked in front of the Hays Police Department office on 12th Street in Hays.

Children have colored pictures among the many tribute items left as memorials.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d47e259b-e783-4435-9af2-c91b85b73b66">Heimann was killed in the line of duty while responding to a barricaded subject incident on Sunday.</a>

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, at Gross Memorial Coliseum with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Scott-Heimann">Click here to read</a> the full obituary

Memorials are suggested for&nbsp;Heimann’s children’s education with checks payable to F.O.P. Lodge 48.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759243132349.jpeg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>On Monday afternoon and overnight, members of the community left flowers, stuffed animals and other items at Police Sergeant Scott&nbsp;Heimann's patrol vehicle, which is parked in front of the Hays Police Department office on 12th Street in Hays.</p><p>Children have colored pictures among the many tribute items left as memorials.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759243214266.jpeg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d47e259b-e783-4435-9af2-c91b85b73b66">Heimann was killed in the line of duty while responding to a barricaded subject incident on Sunday.</a></p><p>Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, at Gross Memorial Coliseum with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Scott-Heimann">Click here to read</a> the full obituary</p><p>Memorials are suggested for&nbsp;Heimann’s children’s education with checks payable to F.O.P. Lodge 48.</p>

Funeral scheduled for fallen Kansas Police Sergeant 

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/firemarshal.ks.gov?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Fire Marshal</a>&nbsp; announced the availability of their newest team member, a human remains detection (HRD) dog, according to a social media report from the Fire Marshal's office.

K9 Gator, a year and one half-old Belgian Malinois, was imported from Mexico and purchased by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HillCountryDogCenter?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Hill Country Dog Center</a> in Pipe Creek, Texas. 

 Gator is assigned to his handler, Special Agent Melanie Miller, in the Investigation Division. Gator and S.A. Miller are certified through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedpolicek9?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">United Police Work Dog Association</a> in Human Remains Detection on land and water, as well as obedience. 

K9 Gator and S.A. Miller are currently working towards their FEMA dog team certifications and will be rostered on Kansas Task Force 1 after those certifications are completed. 

Gator and SA Miller will play a crucial role in providing closure to families and aiding search and rescue efforts. K9 Gator is currently available for mutual aid response through communication with the Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759196937561.png" alt="Gator courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Gator courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/firemarshal.ks.gov?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Fire Marshal</a>&nbsp; announced the availability of their newest team member, a human remains detection (HRD) dog, according to a social media report from the Fire Marshal's office.</p><p>K9 Gator, a year and one half-old Belgian Malinois, was imported from Mexico and purchased by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HillCountryDogCenter?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Hill Country Dog Center</a> in Pipe Creek, Texas. </p><p> Gator is assigned to his handler, Special Agent Melanie Miller, in the Investigation Division. Gator and S.A. Miller are certified through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedpolicek9?__cft__[0]=AZV27LE80Q-6MMo-gpH3SFQmDEBZsL6OGNGmYIx2V6om4ye_t4JSEuFXuoly6sQKryTOEsnG6YHDOPiTyiQ0wof8HY2iE-qWzv5LvmkDxRfItSjvu0mBdSa6asnZhVuALKeXhzug9jP8YeQuGwdezSeWtro8OME8l0J3g24zUdvbzYMgjbfE16CFjDGVKeXZ7Wk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">United Police Work Dog Association</a> in Human Remains Detection on land and water, as well as obedience. </p><p>K9 Gator and S.A. Miller are currently working towards their FEMA dog team certifications and will be rostered on Kansas Task Force 1 after those certifications are completed. </p><p>Gator and SA Miller will play a crucial role in providing closure to families and aiding search and rescue efforts. K9 Gator is currently available for mutual aid response through communication with the Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office.</p>

Kan. Fire Marshal ads K9 certified in human remains detection

SEWARD COUNTY– The U.S. Marshals are seeking the public’s help and offering a reward of up to&nbsp;$5,000&nbsp;for information leading to the arrest of a Guatemalan man wanted in Seward County on multiple counts of crimes against children, according to a media release.

Juan Ralios-Batz, (estimated age) 30, is wanted on three counts of rape of a child, one count of aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated human trafficking, and one count of abuse of a child.

Batz and his sister are alleged to have sponsored a 13-year-old unaccompanied alien child and, over a two-year-period, Batz allegedly raped the child and forced the child to do manual labor. &nbsp;The child eventually became pregnant and has a child with Batz. When Batz became aware of his wanted status, his family allegedly helped him escape to Fremont, Nebraska, to evade the charges against him. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Batz is a white or Hispanic man, stands 5-feet-1 inch and weighs approximately 115 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair and a tattoo of the letter J on his right arm.&nbsp;

Batz, who is in the U.S. illegally, is known to use multiple aliases, including Juan Ralios, Juan Batz, Randy Guerro, Juan Ramos-Batz, Juan Ramos and Omar Gonzalez.&nbsp;

Anyone with information regarding his location is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at&nbsp;1-877-WANTED-2&nbsp;or send tip information via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/submitting-a-tip">USMS Tips App</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758163504048.png" alt="Batz photo Seward Co." />
                        <figcaption>Batz photo Seward Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SEWARD COUNTY– The U.S. Marshals are seeking the public’s help and offering a reward of up to&nbsp;$5,000&nbsp;for information leading to the arrest of a Guatemalan man wanted in Seward County on multiple counts of crimes against children, according to a media release.</p><p>Juan Ralios-Batz, (estimated age) 30, is wanted on three counts of rape of a child, one count of aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated human trafficking, and one count of abuse of a child.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758163443530.png" alt="Batz photo Seward Co." />
                        <figcaption>Batz photo Seward Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Batz and his sister are alleged to have sponsored a 13-year-old unaccompanied alien child and, over a two-year-period, Batz allegedly raped the child and forced the child to do manual labor. &nbsp;The child eventually became pregnant and has a child with Batz. When Batz became aware of his wanted status, his family allegedly helped him escape to Fremont, Nebraska, to evade the charges against him. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Batz is a white or Hispanic man, stands 5-feet-1 inch and weighs approximately 115 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair and a tattoo of the letter J on his right arm.&nbsp;</p><p>Batz, who is in the U.S. illegally, is known to use multiple aliases, including Juan Ralios, Juan Batz, Randy Guerro, Juan Ramos-Batz, Juan Ramos and Omar Gonzalez.&nbsp;</p><p>Anyone with information regarding his location is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at&nbsp;1-877-WANTED-2&nbsp;or send tip information via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/submitting-a-tip">USMS Tips App</a>.</p>

Still hiding: Man in U.S. illegally is wanted for child sex crimes in Kansas

MORGAN COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Sunday at Lake of the Ozarks.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Yamaha Viking driven by a 59-year-old Overland Park woman was southbound on Viewside Drive near Memory Lane at Lake of the Ozarks. The driver lost control of the UTV in a turn. The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, overturned and struck a ditch.

MU Air transported the woman to University Hospital. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

<p>MORGAN COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Sunday at Lake of the Ozarks.</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Yamaha Viking driven by a 59-year-old Overland Park woman was southbound on Viewside Drive near Memory Lane at Lake of the Ozarks. The driver lost control of the UTV in a turn. The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, overturned and struck a ditch.</p><p>MU Air transported the woman to University Hospital. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.</p>

Woman airlifted to hospital after UTV crash at Lake of the Ozarks

Democratic and Republican congressional leaders met at the White House with President Donald Trump on Monday to try to prevent a government shutdown. They made no progress. If the two sides don't reach a deal and have it signed by the President on Tuesday night, the government will shut down.

On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "Republicans are committed to keeping the government funded — but not at the cost of reckless spending."

"Dems are quick to blame Republicans for the healthcare crisis—skyrocketing costs and rural hospitals shutting down. Newsflash: This mess is the direct result of dem policies in action."

<p>Democratic and Republican congressional leaders met at the White House with President Donald Trump on Monday to try to prevent a government shutdown. They made no progress. If the two sides don't reach a deal and have it signed by the President on Tuesday night, the government will shut down.</p><p>On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "Republicans are committed to keeping the government funded — but not at the cost of reckless spending."</p><p>"Dems are quick to blame Republicans for the healthcare crisis—skyrocketing costs and rural hospitals shutting down. Newsflash: This mess is the direct result of dem policies in action."</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just left the White House meeting with Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans.<br><br>This fight is about the healthcare of the American people. <a href="https://t.co/q0HALCVKhq">pic.twitter.com/q0HALCVKhq</a></p>&mdash; Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJeffries/status/1972773826875556098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kansas U.S. Senator's statement on government shutdown fight

JOHNSON COUNTY –A Kansas man is going to prison for killing a man near a Kansas middle school.

On September 25, a judge sentenced 25-year-old Armando Javier Guerrero&nbsp; to 55 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for the shooting death of 21-year-old Landen Roggenkamp in March, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;Guerrero entered a guilty plea last month to the voluntary manslaughter charge.

On March 25, &nbsp;police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of East Mart-Way Circle in Olathe. The location is less than a quarter of a mile from Santa Fe Trail Middle School. 

First responders found Roggenkamp with multiple wounds, according to a statement from police. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was was pronounced deceased.

The Olathe Police Department took Guerrero into custody, and officers said they believed he and Roggenkamp knew each other.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743418050944.png" alt="GUERRERO photo Johnson COunty" />
                        <figcaption>GUERRERO photo Johnson COunty</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>JOHNSON COUNTY –A Kansas man is going to prison for killing a man near a Kansas middle school.</p><p>On September 25, a judge sentenced 25-year-old Armando Javier Guerrero&nbsp; to 55 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for the shooting death of 21-year-old Landen Roggenkamp in March, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;Guerrero entered a guilty plea last month to the voluntary manslaughter charge.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759180422399.png" alt="Landen Roggenkamp -photo GoFundMe" />
                        <figcaption>Landen Roggenkamp -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>On March 25, &nbsp;police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of East Mart-Way Circle in Olathe. The location is less than a quarter of a mile from Santa Fe Trail Middle School. </p><p>First responders found Roggenkamp with multiple wounds, according to a statement from police. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was was pronounced deceased.</p><p>The Olathe Police Department took Guerrero into custody, and officers said they believed he and Roggenkamp knew each other.&nbsp;</p>

Prison for the death of 21-year-old Kansas man

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked the state license of Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts Monday following his detainment and arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Des Moines School Board was scheduled to meet Monday night to place Roberts on unpaid leave following the BOEE decision on<a href="https://iowaboee.my.site.com/LicenseSearchDetailPage?licenseId=0038y000008suVnAAI&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">&nbsp;Sunday</a>. The school board had met Saturday to put Roberts on paid administrative leave. A news release published Monday from the DMPS school district said the action to place Roberts on unpaid leave after this decision is required by law.

The school board meeting is one of the latest actions in response to Roberts’ detainment.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-arrests-criminal-alien-serving-des-moines-public-schools-superintendent-prior" target="_blank">According to ICE officials</a>, Roberts was approached by ICE agents in his vehicle during a “targeted enforcement operation” Friday. The agency reported Roberts was found in possession of a handgun, a hunting knife and $3,000 in cash. He then allegedly attempted to evade arrest, the ICE press release stated, and Iowa State Patrol officers assisted the federal agents in locating Roberts after his vehicle was found abandoned.

Roberts was given a “final order of removal by an immigration judge” in May 2024, according to ICE, after he had come to the U.S. in 1999 on a student visa.

There have been several questions about DMPS’ vetting process for Roberts. Officials with the school district have said they were unaware of the 2024 removal order or that Roberts may have misrepresented himself as a U.S. citizen, though school board president Jackie Norris said the district has not yet been able to independently verify much of the new information shared following his arrest.

School officials have confirmed Roberts completed the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and submitted the required documentation showing he was eligible for employment with the district when hired. In a news release, officials also highlighted that Roberts’ license had been approved by the BOEE in July 2023 and that he had worked in education leadership positions in other U.S. states, including in California, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, for more than 20 years.

At the Saturday board meeting, DMPS associate superintendent Matt Smith was appointed to serve as interim superintendent. On Sunday, Smith sent a letter addressed to families in the school district acknowledging the “difficult time” parents, educators and students in Des Moines schools are facing following the arrest and detention of Roberts. Smith said he was working with Norris, members of the DMPS executive cabinet and school leaders over the weekend to “to process and distribute factual information as it becomes available to us.”

“What we cannot lose focus on is our children,” Smith wrote. “Communities show their identity in times of crisis and the way we respond will make a difference in the lives of the children we love and serve. We all have strong feelings about what we are experiencing, and healthy expression of those feelings is appropriate. But we must remember to move with empathy and self-regulation and know that our children are watching.”

But others have criticized Des Moines school officials for hiring Roberts, who ICE alleged was arrested on a gun charge in Feb. 5, 2020. DMPS officials said they were informed of a firearms offense in 2022 and that Roberts had pleaded guilty to a charge related to having a loaded weapon in his vehicle while hunting. District officials said they were not informed of any other offenses.

The situation has drawn national attention and political fallout.

Samantha Cantrell, regional press secretary for the Senate Republicans’ campaign arm the National Republican Senate Committee criticized Norris, who is running for U.S. Senate in 2026, for hiring “an illegal alien with a rap sheet to be her Superintendent and work with children.”

“Jackie Norris has put every single Des Moines student and family in danger,” Cantrell said in a statement Friday. “Democrats will stop at nothing to protect criminal illegal aliens.”

Norris gave a statement on behalf of the school board Saturday saying she wanted to be clear “about one fact that cannot be ignored: of course, the school district ensured that a background check was conducted before hiring Dr. Roberts. That is done for every person who is hired by the district and periodic reviews are conducted on a regular basis for all current employees.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758925503158.png" alt="&nbsp;Ian Roberts in February 2020.- photo ICE" />
                        <figcaption>&nbsp;Ian Roberts in February 2020.- photo ICE</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/author/ropshal/">Robin Opsahl</a><br><a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a></p><p>The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked the state license of Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts Monday following his detainment and arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.</p><p>The Des Moines School Board was scheduled to meet Monday night to place Roberts on unpaid leave following the BOEE decision on<a href="https://iowaboee.my.site.com/LicenseSearchDetailPage?licenseId=0038y000008suVnAAI&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">&nbsp;Sunday</a>. The school board had met Saturday to put Roberts on paid administrative leave. A news release published Monday from the DMPS school district said the action to place Roberts on unpaid leave after this decision is required by law.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758925645393.png" alt="-Roberts Photo from September 26, 2025- image ICE" />
                        <figcaption>-Roberts Photo from September 26, 2025- image ICE</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The school board meeting is one of the latest actions in response to Roberts’ detainment.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-arrests-criminal-alien-serving-des-moines-public-schools-superintendent-prior" target="_blank">According to ICE officials</a>, Roberts was approached by ICE agents in his vehicle during a “targeted enforcement operation” Friday. The agency reported Roberts was found in possession of a handgun, a hunting knife and $3,000 in cash. He then allegedly attempted to evade arrest, the ICE press release stated, and Iowa State Patrol officers assisted the federal agents in locating Roberts after his vehicle was found abandoned.</p><p>Roberts was given a “final order of removal by an immigration judge” in May 2024, according to ICE, after he had come to the U.S. in 1999 on a student visa.</p><p>There have been several questions about DMPS’ vetting process for Roberts. Officials with the school district have said they were unaware of the 2024 removal order or that Roberts may have misrepresented himself as a U.S. citizen, though school board president Jackie Norris said the district has not yet been able to independently verify much of the new information shared following his arrest.</p><p>School officials have confirmed Roberts completed the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and submitted the required documentation showing he was eligible for employment with the district when hired. In a news release, officials also highlighted that Roberts’ license had been approved by the BOEE in July 2023 and that he had worked in education leadership positions in other U.S. states, including in California, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, for more than 20 years.</p><p>At the Saturday board meeting, DMPS associate superintendent Matt Smith was appointed to serve as interim superintendent. On Sunday, Smith sent a letter addressed to families in the school district acknowledging the “difficult time” parents, educators and students in Des Moines schools are facing following the arrest and detention of Roberts. Smith said he was working with Norris, members of the DMPS executive cabinet and school leaders over the weekend to “to process and distribute factual information as it becomes available to us.”</p><p>“What we cannot lose focus on is our children,” Smith wrote. “Communities show their identity in times of crisis and the way we respond will make a difference in the lives of the children we love and serve. We all have strong feelings about what we are experiencing, and healthy expression of those feelings is appropriate. But we must remember to move with empathy and self-regulation and know that our children are watching.”</p><p>But others have criticized Des Moines school officials for hiring Roberts, who ICE alleged was arrested on a gun charge in Feb. 5, 2020. DMPS officials said they were informed of a firearms offense in 2022 and that Roberts had pleaded guilty to a charge related to having a loaded weapon in his vehicle while hunting. District officials said they were not informed of any other offenses.</p><p>The situation has drawn national attention and political fallout.</p><p>Samantha Cantrell, regional press secretary for the Senate Republicans’ campaign arm the National Republican Senate Committee criticized Norris, who is running for U.S. Senate in 2026, for hiring “an illegal alien with a rap sheet to be her Superintendent and work with children.”</p><p>“Jackie Norris has put every single Des Moines student and family in danger,” Cantrell said in a statement Friday. “Democrats will stop at nothing to protect criminal illegal aliens.”</p><p>Norris gave a statement on behalf of the school board Saturday saying she wanted to be clear “about one fact that cannot be ignored: of course, the school district ensured that a background check was conducted before hiring Dr. Roberts. That is done for every person who is hired by the district and periodic reviews are conducted on a regular basis for all current employees.”</p>

  State revokes Des Moines superintendent license after ICE arrest

<b>By TONY GUERRERO</b><br><i>Hays Post</i>

Fort Hays State University released a statement following the posting of comments by an assistant professor on Facebook.

Scott Cason, FHSU’s chief communications officer, said in a <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/09/fort-hays-state-university-statement-regarding-recent-social-media-post-about-race-and-violence#gsc.tab=0">press release</a>&nbsp;the university is aware of content on the X account Libs of TikTok linking a faculty member to social media posts about Charlie Kirk.

Cason commended the FHSU College Republicans, Young Democrats and American Democracy Project for their efforts to engage with the campus in meaningful dialogue.

On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department posted the following:

The X account Libs of TikTok shared the screenshot Sunday, tagging the FHSU X page and asking for comment. The post said Chance called Kirk’s killing “karma” and described white American men as “dangerous animals.”

The post also featured the following screenshot from Chance’s personal Facebook account, which is no longer publicly accessible.\

Before making her profile private, Chance responded to the Libs of TikTok posts with a post that read, “Cry me a river.”

The post from Libs of TikTok, which has more than 4.4 million followers on X, also directed users to unrelated FHSU posts, where they left comments about Chance and her remarks on social media.

Chance's work email and phone number were also included in the post. Hays Post reached out to Chance for comment, but she declined to comment until "this all blows over."

Libs of TikTok is a right-wing social media account that curates and reposts videos of LGBTQ+ individuals, educators and health care providers and is designed to provoke outrage among conservative followers.

On Sept. 16, the FHSU American Democracy Project, Student Government Association, College Republicans and Young Democrats hosted a student discussion on political violence in America, which Hays Post was not permitted to attend.

The American Democracy Project also hosted an event to discuss the Constitution and the ideological motivations and influences of its framing, the same week.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759180614227.png" alt="Charlie Kirk -courtesy image" />
                        <figcaption>Charlie Kirk -courtesy image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By TONY GUERRERO</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Fort Hays State University released a statement following the posting of comments by an assistant professor on Facebook.</p><p>Scott Cason, FHSU’s chief communications officer, said in a <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/09/fort-hays-state-university-statement-regarding-recent-social-media-post-about-race-and-violence#gsc.tab=0">press release</a>&nbsp;the university is aware of content on the X account Libs of TikTok linking a faculty member to social media posts about Charlie Kirk.</p><p>"Individuals who post commentaries to their personal social media accounts do not speak for the University, nor does their commentary reflect the views or values of this university," Cason said.</p><p>Cason commended the FHSU College Republicans, Young Democrats and American Democracy Project for their efforts to engage with the campus in meaningful dialogue.</p><p>Cason said FHSU is reviewing the situation as a confidential personnel matter and asks for patience as they address it.</p><p>On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department posted the following:</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759177549706.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759182814757.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The X account Libs of TikTok shared the screenshot Sunday, tagging the FHSU X page and asking for comment. The post said Chance called Kirk’s killing “karma” and described white American men as “dangerous animals.”</p><p>The post also featured the following screenshot from Chance’s personal Facebook account, which is no longer publicly accessible.\</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759177637900.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Before making her profile private, Chance responded to the Libs of TikTok posts with a post that read, “Cry me a river.”</p><p>The post from Libs of TikTok, which has more than 4.4 million followers on X, also directed users to unrelated FHSU posts, where they left comments about Chance and her remarks on social media.</p><p>Chance's work email and phone number were also included in the post. Hays Post reached out to Chance for comment, but she declined to comment until "this all blows over."</p><p>Libs of TikTok is a right-wing social media account that curates and reposts videos of LGBTQ+ individuals, educators and health care providers and is designed to provoke outrage among conservative followers.</p><p>On Sept. 16, the FHSU American Democracy Project, Student Government Association, College Republicans and Young Democrats hosted a student discussion on political violence in America, which Hays Post was not permitted to attend.</p><p>The American Democracy Project also hosted an event to discuss the Constitution and the ideological motivations and influences of its framing, the same week.</p>