<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756996593037.png" alt="Kennedy waved at protesters and supporters as he entered the hearing room on Thursday -image from CSPAN video" />
                        <figcaption>Kennedy waved at protesters and supporters as he entered the hearing room on Thursday -image from CSPAN video</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> enters Senate hearing, reporters ask if he will resign and supporters chant &quot;We love you Bobby&quot; <a href="https://t.co/XENgdhir7w">pic.twitter.com/XENgdhir7w</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1963606194104172801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 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">Protesters interrupt <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> opening statement at Senate Finance hearing <a href="https://t.co/tj6HARi5oh">pic.twitter.com/tj6HARi5oh</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1963617929938845790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a>: &quot;[CDC] changes were absolutely necessary adjustments to restore the agency to its role as the world&#39;s gold standard... The people at CDC who oversaw [COVID] — who put masks on our children, who closed our schools — are the people that will be leaving.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/HMI4FjXmx1">pic.twitter.com/HMI4FjXmx1</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963611669306736643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 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">We became the sickest country in the world. <br><br>I need to make sure this doesn’t happen again. <a href="https://t.co/ihNBfyDWKd">pic.twitter.com/ihNBfyDWKd</a></p>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1963619420174975317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 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> scorches <a href="https://twitter.com/RonWyden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonWyden</a>: &quot;You&#39;ve sat in that chair for how long — 20, 25 years? — while the chronic disease in our children went up to 76%, and you said nothing. You never asked the question, &#39;Why is this happening?&#39;&quot; <a href="https://t.co/eSmXhlKhof">pic.twitter.com/eSmXhlKhof</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963614447911510036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 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/RonWyden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonWyden</a> asks <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> about former CDC Director Susan Monarez: &quot;So she&#39;s lying today to the American people in the Wall Street Journal?&quot;<br> <br>Kennedy: &quot;Yes sir.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/EseDIvN1fx">pic.twitter.com/EseDIvN1fx</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1963621199109390721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 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;We are ending gain-of-function research, child mutilation, and reducing animal testing. We are addressing cellphone use in schools... sickle cell anemia, Hepatitis C, the East Palestine chemical spill, and many, many others.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/wEScTJ9RAJ">pic.twitter.com/wEScTJ9RAJ</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963614971436163170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 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">We are reorganizing the entire organ procurement industry so that the sanctity of life can never be violated again. <a href="https://t.co/U2jgMbbtbj">pic.twitter.com/U2jgMbbtbj</a></p>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1963626909096436082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 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">Heated exchange between <a href="https://twitter.com/SenWarren?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenWarren</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> on COVID vaccines and fired CDC Director. <a href="https://t.co/Djl7ulVNEJ">pic.twitter.com/Djl7ulVNEJ</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1963644083034841550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 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 never promised that I was going to recommend products for which there is no indication. <a href="https://t.co/L1rcvbdlI0">pic.twitter.com/L1rcvbdlI0</a></p>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1963639455484371299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="da" dir="ltr">Reminder <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSanders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSanders</a> <a href="https://t.co/YLiUfnZlQL">https://t.co/YLiUfnZlQL</a></p>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1963638668662300984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RFK Jr. just went off for 2 minutes straight tearing into the politicization of COVID. <br><br>The entire room went silent. <br><br>Watch: <br><br>“The whole process was politicized. Senator, I mean, we were lied to about everything.”<br><br>“We were lied to about natural immunity. We were lied to… <a href="https://t.co/J4T5OjLEVE">pic.twitter.com/J4T5OjLEVE</a></p>&mdash; Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/1963623144440090821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 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">What <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> and I are fighting for is vaccine transparency — 76 jabs by 18 is excessive without clear justification. <br><br>The CDC needs to get transparent about every vaccine they recommend. <a href="https://t.co/UyPbv0iDAJ">pic.twitter.com/UyPbv0iDAJ</a></p>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1963655720265814427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 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 refuse to sign onto something unless I can stand behind it with scientific certainty. That doesn’t make me ‘anti-vax’ – it makes me pro-science. <a href="https://t.co/8IHLK7Jt76">pic.twitter.com/8IHLK7Jt76</a></p>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1963649578411901137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥RFK Jr. rejects criticism, health data in contentious hearing

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 15-year-old Isaiah Wilson, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to 100 NE St. Luke’s Boulevard on a reported shooting that is believed to have occurred near 88th Place and James A Reed, according to Gonzalez.

Upon arrival, officers were advised a boy later identified as Wilson arrived at the hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. Medical staff made every attempt to perform life saving measures before he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigation indicates the boy was walking outside when he heard several sounds of shots and was struck by gunfire. He was able to call a friend for help and a private vehicle picked him up and transported him to the hospital.

Police do not have any suspect information and no one is currently in custody.

<p>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 15-year-old Isaiah Wilson, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.</p><p>Just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to 100 NE St. Luke’s Boulevard on a reported shooting that is believed to have occurred near 88th Place and James A Reed, according to Gonzalez.</p><p>Upon arrival, officers were advised a boy later identified as Wilson arrived at the hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. Medical staff made every attempt to perform life saving measures before he was pronounced deceased.</p><p>Preliminary investigation indicates the boy was walking outside when he heard several sounds of shots and was struck by gunfire. He was able to call a friend for help and a private vehicle picked him up and transported him to the hospital.</p><p>Police do not have any suspect information and no one is currently in custody.</p>

Police ID Kansas City boy killed by random gunfire

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — Congress returned to Washington, D.C., this week following an uneventful August recess where little to no progress was made on government funding, even though lawmakers have just weeks left until their shutdown deadline.

Republican leaders will need the support of several Democratic senators to approve a stopgap spending bill before Oct. 1, since lawmakers have once again failed to complete the dozen full-year bills on time.&nbsp;

But what was once a routine bipartisan exercise has taken on heightened stakes, with Democrats and some Republicans increasingly frustrated by the Trump administration’s unilateral spending decisions.

The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office has issued&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-illegally-withheld-head-start-payments-government-watchdog-says" target="_blank">several</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-illegally-froze-1800-nih-medical-research-grants-congress-watchdog-says" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;faulting the Trump administration for impounding, or refusing to spend funds approved by Congress, in violation of the law. And dozens of lawsuits&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justsecurity.org/107087/tracker-litigation-legal-challenges-trump-administration/" target="_blank">have been filed</a>, alleging the administration has acted to supersede Congress’ power of the purse.&nbsp;

The ongoing tension, combined with party leaders’ increasing focus on next year’s midterm elections, makes the possibility of a shutdown higher than it has been for years.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said in mid-August he was open to meeting with Democratic leaders once they were back in town to negotiate a government funding deal but minimized the importance of talks.&nbsp;

“Well, I will, I guess, but it’s almost a waste of time to meet because they never approve anything,” Trump said.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries&nbsp;<a href="https://www.democrats.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/schumer_jeffries_letter_re_government_funding.pdf" target="_blank">released a letter</a>&nbsp;last week urging Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to quickly begin negotiating a bipartisan stopgap bill.&nbsp;

“The government funding issue must be resolved in a bipartisan way,” they wrote. “That is the only viable path forward.”

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, said last week that she wants to keep advancing the full-year spending bills, but that a short-term stopgap would be necessary to give lawmakers enough time.&nbsp;

“We need to avoid a government shutdown, which would be horrendous if that were to occur on October 1,” Collins said, according to remarks provided by her office. “And we also need to avoid having a continuing resolution, by that I mean a stopgap bill that just puts government on automatic pilot for the whole year.&nbsp;

“We’re going to have to have a short-term continuing resolution, but we’re making really good progress with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I hope that will continue.”

Congress is supposed to complete work on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-appropriations-status-table" target="_blank">the dozen annual appropriations bills</a>&nbsp;before the start of the new fiscal year but has failed to do so for decades. This year is no different.&nbsp;

The House and Senate are nowhere near finishing their work on the bills, which provide funding for dozens of departments, including Agriculture, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, State, Transportation and Veterans Affairs.

The bills, which make up about one-third of federal spending, also fund smaller agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation and the National Weather Service.

The House has approved two of the dozen bills — Defense and Military Construction-VA. The Senate has passed its Agriculture, Legislative Branch and Military Construction-VA bills.

The House bills have only been supported by GOP lawmakers, while the Senate’s bills are broadly bipartisan, giving that chamber an upper hand if the two chambers begin conferencing full-year bills later this year.&nbsp;

Without a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on how much to spend on all of the bills, it’s highly unlikely Congress will be able to complete its work before the Oct. 1 deadline.

Leaders will instead need to reach agreement on a stopgap spending bill that essentially keeps government funding on autopilot until lawmakers can work out a final deal on the full-year bills.&nbsp;

The calendar doesn’t give Speaker Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader Thune, R-S.D., much time to find compromise with their Democratic counterparts.&nbsp;

Both chambers are in session for three weeks at the beginning of September before breaking for Rosh Hashanah. They’ll return to Capitol Hill on Sept. 29 with less than two days to fund the government or begin a partial shutdown.

Thune said in mid-August at the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Inside Washington luncheon&nbsp;<a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/08/12/thune-anticipates-big-fight-in-september-over-potential-government-shutdown/" target="_blank">that he expects lawmakers</a>&nbsp;will “have a big fight at the end of September.”

It’s been almost seven years since some federal departments and agencies had to navigate a shutdown, when Congress and the first Trump administration were unable to broker a funding deal before a deadline.

A shutdown this year would have substantially more impact than that 35-day debacle since, when that funding lapse began, Congress had approved the Defense, Energy-Water, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch and Military Construction-VA spending bills.

The departments and agencies funded by those laws, including Congress, weren’t affected by the shutdown.

Lawmakers have failed to send any of the full-year bills to Trump so far this year, so every department and agency would need to implement a shutdown plan if Congress doesn’t approve a stopgap spending bill before Oct. 1.

Federal employees who deal with the preservation of life and property as well as national security will likely be deemed exempt and work without pay until the shutdown ends.

Workers who are not considered essential to the federal government’s operations would be furloughed until Congress and the president broker some sort of funding deal.

Both categories of employees receive back pay once the lapse ends, though that doesn’t extend to federal contractors.

Congress regularly approves a stopgap spending bill in September to gain more time to complete negotiations on the full-year appropriations bills.

That continuing resolution, as it’s sometimes called, usually lasts until the last Friday in December when both chambers of Congress are scheduled to be in Washington, D.C.

So a September stopgap would likely last until Friday, Dec. 19, assuming the House and Senate can reach an agreement and hold floor votes in the weeks ahead.

Last year, in the lead-up to the presidential election,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-poised-race-out-dc-after-dodging-shutdown" target="_blank">lawmakers approved a stopgap bill&nbsp;</a>in September that funded the government through mid-December.

Following the Republican sweep of the November elections, GOP leaders opted not to negotiate the full-year bills and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-clears-bill-avert-government-shutdown-extend-farm-bill" target="_blank">used a second stopgap bill</a>&nbsp;to fund the government until March after a raucous 48 hours on Capitol Hill.

Speaker Johnson took a go-it-alone approach on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-signs-stopgap-spending-bill-law-following-us-senate-passage" target="_blank">a third stopgap spending bill</a>, leaving Democrats completely out of the negotiations and jamming the Senate with the legislation.

Schumer and several Democrats ultimately helped Republicans get past the 60-vote legislative filibuster, but most voted against actually passing the stopgap.

The dilemma over forcing a shutdown or helping Republicans pass a stopgap bill will resurface for Schumer in the weeks ahead as he tries to navigate another shutdown deadline amid unified GOP control of Washington.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691086285875.jpeg" alt="U.S. Capitol (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
                        <figcaption>U.S. Capitol (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — Congress returned to Washington, D.C., this week following an uneventful August recess where little to no progress was made on government funding, even though lawmakers have just weeks left until their shutdown deadline.</p><p>Republican leaders will need the support of several Democratic senators to approve a stopgap spending bill before Oct. 1, since lawmakers have once again failed to complete the dozen full-year bills on time.&nbsp;</p><p>But what was once a routine bipartisan exercise has taken on heightened stakes, with Democrats and some Republicans increasingly frustrated by the Trump administration’s unilateral spending decisions.</p><p>The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office has issued&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-illegally-withheld-head-start-payments-government-watchdog-says" target="_blank">several</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-illegally-froze-1800-nih-medical-research-grants-congress-watchdog-says" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;faulting the Trump administration for impounding, or refusing to spend funds approved by Congress, in violation of the law. And dozens of lawsuits&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justsecurity.org/107087/tracker-litigation-legal-challenges-trump-administration/" target="_blank">have been filed</a>, alleging the administration has acted to supersede Congress’ power of the purse.&nbsp;</p><p>The ongoing tension, combined with party leaders’ increasing focus on next year’s midterm elections, makes the possibility of a shutdown higher than it has been for years.&nbsp;</p><p>President Donald Trump said in mid-August he was open to meeting with Democratic leaders once they were back in town to negotiate a government funding deal but minimized the importance of talks.&nbsp;</p><p>“Well, I will, I guess, but it’s almost a waste of time to meet because they never approve anything,” Trump said.</p><p>Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries&nbsp;<a href="https://www.democrats.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/schumer_jeffries_letter_re_government_funding.pdf" target="_blank">released a letter</a>&nbsp;last week urging Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to quickly begin negotiating a bipartisan stopgap bill.&nbsp;</p><p>“The government funding issue must be resolved in a bipartisan way,” they wrote. “That is the only viable path forward.”</p><p>Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, said last week that she wants to keep advancing the full-year spending bills, but that a short-term stopgap would be necessary to give lawmakers enough time.&nbsp;</p><p>“We need to avoid a government shutdown, which would be horrendous if that were to occur on October 1,” Collins said, according to remarks provided by her office. “And we also need to avoid having a continuing resolution, by that I mean a stopgap bill that just puts government on automatic pilot for the whole year.&nbsp;</p><p>“We’re going to have to have a short-term continuing resolution, but we’re making really good progress with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I hope that will continue.”</p><h2>Another failure</h2><p>Congress is supposed to complete work on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-appropriations-status-table" target="_blank">the dozen annual appropriations bills</a>&nbsp;before the start of the new fiscal year but has failed to do so for decades. This year is no different.&nbsp;</p><p>The House and Senate are nowhere near finishing their work on the bills, which provide funding for dozens of departments, including Agriculture, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, State, Transportation and Veterans Affairs.</p><p>The bills, which make up about one-third of federal spending, also fund smaller agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation and the National Weather Service.</p><p>The House has approved two of the dozen bills — Defense and Military Construction-VA. The Senate has passed its Agriculture, Legislative Branch and Military Construction-VA bills.</p><p>The House bills have only been supported by GOP lawmakers, while the Senate’s bills are broadly bipartisan, giving that chamber an upper hand if the two chambers begin conferencing full-year bills later this year.&nbsp;</p><p>Without a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on how much to spend on all of the bills, it’s highly unlikely Congress will be able to complete its work before the Oct. 1 deadline.</p><p>Leaders will instead need to reach agreement on a stopgap spending bill that essentially keeps government funding on autopilot until lawmakers can work out a final deal on the full-year bills.&nbsp;</p><p>The calendar doesn’t give Speaker Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader Thune, R-S.D., much time to find compromise with their Democratic counterparts.&nbsp;</p><p>Both chambers are in session for three weeks at the beginning of September before breaking for Rosh Hashanah. They’ll return to Capitol Hill on Sept. 29 with less than two days to fund the government or begin a partial shutdown.</p><p>Thune said in mid-August at the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Inside Washington luncheon&nbsp;<a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/08/12/thune-anticipates-big-fight-in-september-over-potential-government-shutdown/" target="_blank">that he expects lawmakers</a>&nbsp;will “have a big fight at the end of September.”</p><h2>Last shutdown stretched 35 days</h2><p>It’s been almost seven years since some federal departments and agencies had to navigate a shutdown, when Congress and the first Trump administration were unable to broker a funding deal before a deadline.</p><p>A shutdown this year would have substantially more impact than that 35-day debacle since, when that funding lapse began, Congress had approved the Defense, Energy-Water, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch and Military Construction-VA spending bills.</p><p>The departments and agencies funded by those laws, including Congress, weren’t affected by the shutdown.</p><p>Lawmakers have failed to send any of the full-year bills to Trump so far this year, so every department and agency would need to implement a shutdown plan if Congress doesn’t approve a stopgap spending bill before Oct. 1.</p><p>Federal employees who deal with the preservation of life and property as well as national security will likely be deemed exempt and work without pay until the shutdown ends.</p><p>Workers who are not considered essential to the federal government’s operations would be furloughed until Congress and the president broker some sort of funding deal.</p><p>Both categories of employees receive back pay once the lapse ends, though that doesn’t extend to federal contractors.</p><h2>On to the stopgap</h2><p>Congress regularly approves a stopgap spending bill in September to gain more time to complete negotiations on the full-year appropriations bills.</p><p>That continuing resolution, as it’s sometimes called, usually lasts until the last Friday in December when both chambers of Congress are scheduled to be in Washington, D.C.</p><p>So a September stopgap would likely last until Friday, Dec. 19, assuming the House and Senate can reach an agreement and hold floor votes in the weeks ahead.</p><p>Last year, in the lead-up to the presidential election,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-poised-race-out-dc-after-dodging-shutdown" target="_blank">lawmakers approved a stopgap bill&nbsp;</a>in September that funded the government through mid-December.</p><p>Following the Republican sweep of the November elections, GOP leaders opted not to negotiate the full-year bills and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-clears-bill-avert-government-shutdown-extend-farm-bill" target="_blank">used a second stopgap bill</a>&nbsp;to fund the government until March after a raucous 48 hours on Capitol Hill.</p><p>Speaker Johnson took a go-it-alone approach on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-signs-stopgap-spending-bill-law-following-us-senate-passage" target="_blank">a third stopgap spending bill</a>, leaving Democrats completely out of the negotiations and jamming the Senate with the legislation.</p><p>Schumer and several Democrats ultimately helped Republicans get past the 60-vote legislative filibuster, but most voted against actually passing the stopgap.</p><p>The dilemma over forcing a shutdown or helping Republicans pass a stopgap bill will resurface for Schumer in the weeks ahead as he tries to navigate another shutdown deadline amid unified GOP control of Washington.</p>

Every fall there’s a government shutdown warning. This time it could happen.

<b>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a><br></b><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA&nbsp; — New federal guidelines to wind and solar tax credits took effect Monday, but large solar projects planned by Evergy won’t be affected, a spokeswoman said.

The massive tax cut and spending law that Congress passed in July, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,&nbsp; limited tax credits for green energy projects, such as the two solar farms Evergy&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/01/evergy-receives-missouri-approval-to-build-gas-plants-solar-farms-after-kansas-thumbs-up/">received regulatory approval</a>&nbsp;to build in Kansas and Missouri.

Two weeks ago the U.S. Treasury Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-25-42.pdf" target="_blank">published its interpretation of the bill</a>, outlining deadlines for beginning construction and clarifying when certain tax credits would go away. That allowed companies to determine the viability of planned projects.&nbsp;

“The solar power plants that have been approved by the Kansas and Missouri commissions will be generating electricity for customers in time to qualify for the existing tax credits,” said Gina Penzig, Evergy spokeswoman.&nbsp;

Joseph Astrab, consumer counsel at the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board, said tax credits are taken into account when determining expected costs on green energy projects.&nbsp;

“It’s going to be hard to tell what the immediate impacts will be. It’s going to be a process,” he said. “The biggest importance of these tax credits was to help make renewable resources, such as wind or solar, more cost competitive with other types of resources, such as natural gas.”

Astrab said the integrated resource planning, which utility companies complete on a regular basis, will address the effects federal changes will have on how energy is distributed in Kansas. In that process, the companies are considering resources, needs in the generation system and making a future-looking plan, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“From CURB’s perspective, we’re looking at both trying to balance affordability and reliability,” he said. “But clearly from the public hearings we’ve seen in the past and recently with different rate cases, a lot of people are concerned about affordability.”

“In the last few years, we’ve been able to compare solar and wind projects to thermal projects, including the offset of those tax credits to make it more economical,” Astrab added. “That analysis will change going forward.”

A lot depends on how Evergy will evaluate projects going forward, he said.&nbsp;

“Looking at Evergy’s 2025 (integrated resource plan), the question becomes whether or not Evergy is going to be shifting away from procuring more solar, renewable types of resources in a system, and falling back on — and I’m not saying it’s a sure thing — more readily accessible, economical natural gas resources and procuring more of those.”

Evergy&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/08/kansas-regulators-approve-evergy-natural-gas-plants-solar-plant-despite-rate-concerns/">received approval from the Kansas Corporation Commission</a>&nbsp;to build two new natural gas plants, as well as the Kansas solar field, to the tune of about $2 billion.&nbsp;

Penzig said Evergy develops a long-term outlook for expected electricity demand every three years and a plan to meet needs.

“We create a plan that will provide reliable electricity for the least expected cost,” she said. “Plans are updated annually between the triennial filings as factors change.”

The plans look at multiple factors that affect generation costs, Penzig said.&nbsp;

“Some of the most significant impacts include expected demand for electricity, construction costs including any related transmission expansion, fuel, plant maintenance, major plant upgrades, environmental regulation and state or federal policy treatment including tax benefits,” she said.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757001497748.png" alt=" Evergy's plans to build a solar farm in Kansas are not affected by changes to green energy tax credits at the federal level, a spokeswoman said. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> Evergy's plans to build a solar farm in Kansas are not affected by changes to green energy tax credits at the federal level, a spokeswoman said. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a><br></b><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a></p><p>TOPEKA&nbsp; — New federal guidelines to wind and solar tax credits took effect Monday, but large solar projects planned by Evergy won’t be affected, a spokeswoman said.</p><p>The massive tax cut and spending law that Congress passed in July, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,&nbsp; limited tax credits for green energy projects, such as the two solar farms Evergy&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/01/evergy-receives-missouri-approval-to-build-gas-plants-solar-farms-after-kansas-thumbs-up/">received regulatory approval</a>&nbsp;to build in Kansas and Missouri.</p><p>Two weeks ago the U.S. Treasury Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-25-42.pdf" target="_blank">published its interpretation of the bill</a>, outlining deadlines for beginning construction and clarifying when certain tax credits would go away. That allowed companies to determine the viability of planned projects.&nbsp;</p><p>“The solar power plants that have been approved by the Kansas and Missouri commissions will be generating electricity for customers in time to qualify for the existing tax credits,” said Gina Penzig, Evergy spokeswoman.&nbsp;</p><p>Joseph Astrab, consumer counsel at the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board, said tax credits are taken into account when determining expected costs on green energy projects.&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s going to be hard to tell what the immediate impacts will be. It’s going to be a process,” he said. “The biggest importance of these tax credits was to help make renewable resources, such as wind or solar, more cost competitive with other types of resources, such as natural gas.”</p><p>Astrab said the integrated resource planning, which utility companies complete on a regular basis, will address the effects federal changes will have on how energy is distributed in Kansas. In that process, the companies are considering resources, needs in the generation system and making a future-looking plan, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“From CURB’s perspective, we’re looking at both trying to balance affordability and reliability,” he said. “But clearly from the public hearings we’ve seen in the past and recently with different rate cases, a lot of people are concerned about affordability.”</p><p>“In the last few years, we’ve been able to compare solar and wind projects to thermal projects, including the offset of those tax credits to make it more economical,” Astrab added. “That analysis will change going forward.”</p><p>A lot depends on how Evergy will evaluate projects going forward, he said.&nbsp;</p><p>“Looking at Evergy’s 2025 (integrated resource plan), the question becomes whether or not Evergy is going to be shifting away from procuring more solar, renewable types of resources in a system, and falling back on — and I’m not saying it’s a sure thing — more readily accessible, economical natural gas resources and procuring more of those.”</p><p>Evergy&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/08/kansas-regulators-approve-evergy-natural-gas-plants-solar-plant-despite-rate-concerns/">received approval from the Kansas Corporation Commission</a>&nbsp;to build two new natural gas plants, as well as the Kansas solar field, to the tune of about $2 billion.&nbsp;</p><p>Penzig said Evergy develops a long-term outlook for expected electricity demand every three years and a plan to meet needs.</p><p>“We create a plan that will provide reliable electricity for the least expected cost,” she said. “Plans are updated annually between the triennial filings as factors change.”</p><p>The plans look at multiple factors that affect generation costs, Penzig said.&nbsp;</p><p>“Some of the most significant impacts include expected demand for electricity, construction costs including any related transmission expansion, fuel, plant maintenance, major plant upgrades, environmental regulation and state or federal policy treatment including tax benefits,” she said.</p>

Evergy says federal changes won’t affect planned solar projects in Kansas and Missouri

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another mass shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 9p.m. Wednesday, emergency crews&nbsp;responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Harrison Street and Armour Boulevard, according to KC Fire Department Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

Emergency crews encountered 4 gunshot victims.&nbsp;All four patients were transported to area hospitals. 3 of the patients were in critical condition and 1 was in stable condition, according to Riley.

Police have not released ages of those injured or additional details.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756983477251.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
                        <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another mass shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p>Just before 9p.m. Wednesday, emergency crews&nbsp;responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Harrison Street and Armour Boulevard, according to KC Fire Department Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.</p><p>Emergency crews encountered 4 gunshot victims.&nbsp;All four patients were transported to area hospitals. 3 of the patients were in critical condition and 1 was in stable condition, according to Riley.</p><p>Police have not released ages of those injured or additional details.</p>

Police investigating another mass shooting in Kansas City

MCPHERSON COUNTY —A dangerous storm with very large hail up to baseball size and damaging winds up 70mph moved through portions of central and southeastern Kansas Wednesday evening.

Baseball size hail was reported in portions of Saline County northwest of Smolan; Marion County near Lost Springs; McPherson County near Moundridge; Harvy County near Halstead and in portions of Wichita, according to the National Weather Service.

&nbsp;Elyria Christian School in McPherson is closed Thursday due to the storm damage and some of the sports activities were postponed. On social media the school wrote, 'while there is damage, we are so thankful for the many hands that showed up to help clean up the outside."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756980514589.png" alt="Clean up after Wednesday night storm -photo courtesy Elyria Christian School&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>Clean up after Wednesday night storm -photo courtesy Elyria Christian School&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>MCPHERSON COUNTY —A dangerous storm with very large hail up to baseball size and damaging winds up 70mph moved through portions of central and southeastern Kansas Wednesday evening.</p><p>Baseball size hail was reported in portions of Saline County northwest of Smolan; Marion County near Lost Springs; McPherson County near Moundridge; Harvy County near Halstead and in portions of Wichita, according to the National Weather Service.</p><p>&nbsp;Elyria Christian School in McPherson is closed Thursday due to the storm damage and some of the sports activities were postponed. On social media the school wrote, 'while there is damage, we are so thankful for the many hands that showed up to help clean up the outside."</p>

Late summer storm brought large hail to portions of Kansas

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a carjacking and wrong-way crash on Interstate 70.

Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, Kansas City Fire Department crews responded to a crash involving an eastbound vehicle in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the Paseo, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.&nbsp;

Police investigators revealed that a Buick Encore was possibly involved in a carjacking, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. After a short police pursuit, the Buick Encore entered the wrong way on Interstate 70 westbound from Locust causing a head on collision with a&nbsp; BMW. 

No police vehicles were in pursuit of the Buick when it entered the wrong way on the highway, according to Gonzalez. The driver of the Buick ran from the crash scene and the passenger from the Buick attempted to carjack another motorist but did not succeed. The passenger from the Buick then jumped on I- 70 Eastbound where he was struck by an unknown vehicle who left the scene. 

Police then apprehended the passenger. The driver of the BMW suffered minor injuries. A total of 5 patients were treated on scene, according to Riley. Two were transported to the hospital for treatment.

<p>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a carjacking and wrong-way crash on Interstate 70.</p><p>Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, Kansas City Fire Department crews responded to a crash involving an eastbound vehicle in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the Paseo, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.&nbsp;</p><p>Police investigators revealed that a Buick Encore was possibly involved in a carjacking, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. After a short police pursuit, the Buick Encore entered the wrong way on Interstate 70 westbound from Locust causing a head on collision with a&nbsp; BMW. </p><p>No police vehicles were in pursuit of the Buick when it entered the wrong way on the highway, according to Gonzalez. The driver of the Buick ran from the crash scene and the passenger from the Buick attempted to carjack another motorist but did not succeed. The passenger from the Buick then jumped on I- 70 Eastbound where he was struck by an unknown vehicle who left the scene. </p><p>Police then apprehended the passenger. The driver of the BMW suffered minor injuries. A total of 5 patients were treated on scene, according to Riley. Two were transported to the hospital for treatment.</p>

2 hospitalized after carjacking, wrong-way I-70 crash

The Powerball® jackpot has continued its ascent – now estimated at $1.70 billion for the next drawing on Saturday night. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $770.3 million, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association

Saturday’s Powerball jackpot ranks as the third-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history, only behind the world-record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won on Nov. 7, 2022, and the $1.765 billion Powerball jackpot won on Oct. 11, 2023. Both of those record-setting prizes were won in California.

The Powerball jackpot scaled higher after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn last night – white balls 3, 16, 29, 61, 69 and red Powerball 22. The Power Play® multiplier was 2.

Despite there being no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as prizes are awarded for matching the red Powerball or a portion of the winning numbers.

Nationwide, eleven tickets matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes. The $1 million-winning tickets were sold in California (2), Colorado, Florida, Georgia (2), Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania.&nbsp;Note: In California, prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.

Four tickets matched all five white balls and increased their winnings to $2 million, by including the Power Play® option for $1 more at purchase. The $2 million-winning tickets were sold in Michigan, Oregon, Texas and Wyoming.

There were also 117 tickets that won $50,000 prizes (Match 4 + PB) and 36 tickets that won $100,000 prizes (Match 4 + PB + Power Play).

In total, more than 6.3 million tickets won cash prizes in last night’s Powerball drawing.

In the Double Play® drawing, two tickets sold in Pennsylvania and Maine, each won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play® is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to play their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. Double Play drawings are held after each Powerball drawing.

Saturday’s drawing will be the 42nd since the Powerball jackpot was last won on May 31, 2025, in California. The current streak is the game record for the most consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner. Previously, the record stood at 41 drawings, which occurred last on April 6, 2024, with a $1.326 billion jackpot won in Oregon.

If a player wins the Powerball jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.70 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $770.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $36 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

<p>The Powerball® jackpot has continued its ascent – now estimated at $1.70 billion for the next drawing on Saturday night. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $770.3 million, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association</p><p>Saturday’s Powerball jackpot ranks as the third-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history, only behind the world-record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won on Nov. 7, 2022, and the $1.765 billion Powerball jackpot won on Oct. 11, 2023. Both of those record-setting prizes were won in California.</p><p>The Powerball jackpot scaled higher after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn last night – white balls 3, 16, 29, 61, 69 and red Powerball 22. The Power Play® multiplier was 2.</p><p>Despite there being no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as prizes are awarded for matching the red Powerball or a portion of the winning numbers.</p><p>Nationwide, eleven tickets matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes. The $1 million-winning tickets were sold in California (2), Colorado, Florida, Georgia (2), Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania.&nbsp;Note: In California, prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.</p><p>Four tickets matched all five white balls and increased their winnings to $2 million, by including the Power Play® option for $1 more at purchase. The $2 million-winning tickets were sold in Michigan, Oregon, Texas and Wyoming.</p><p>There were also 117 tickets that won $50,000 prizes (Match 4 + PB) and 36 tickets that won $100,000 prizes (Match 4 + PB + Power Play).</p><p>In total, more than 6.3 million tickets won cash prizes in last night’s Powerball drawing.</p><p>In the Double Play® drawing, two tickets sold in Pennsylvania and Maine, each won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play® is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to play their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. Double Play drawings are held after each Powerball drawing.</p><p>Saturday’s drawing will be the 42nd since the Powerball jackpot was last won on May 31, 2025, in California. The current streak is the game record for the most consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner. Previously, the record stood at 41 drawings, which occurred last on April 6, 2024, with a $1.326 billion jackpot won in Oregon.</p><p>If a player wins the Powerball jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.70 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $770.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.</p><p>Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $36 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.</p><p>Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.</p><p>The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.</p><p>Top Ten Powerball® Jackpots</p><ol>
                        <li>$2.04 Billion – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA</li><li>$1.765 Billion – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA</li><li>$1.70 Billion (estimated) – Sept. 6, 2025</li><li>$1.586 Billion – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN</li><li>$1.326 Billion – April 6, 2024 – OR</li><li>$1.08 Billion – July 19, 2023 – CA</li><li>$842.4 Million – January 1, 2024 – MI</li><li>$768.4 Million – March 27, 2019 – WI</li><li>$758.7 Million – Aug. 23, 2017 – MA</li><li>$754.6 Million – Feb. 6, 2023 - WA</li>
                    </ol>

Powerball jackpot skyrockets to $1.70 billion; no big winner Wednesday

KANSAS CITY— Sheriff's deputies were involved in a shooting on Saturday afternoon in the 5200 block of North Oak Trafficway in Kansas City, Missouri. The deputies were unharmed, and the individual they shot had non life-threatening injuries.

Aaron M. Perez-Engel, 38, has been charged with first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and armed criminal action in the incident, according to a statement from the Clay County Sheriff's office. Perez-Engel is being held in the Clay County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond. 

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department investigated the incident.

Just after 2p.m. August 30, Kansas City Missouri Police Officers were called to a reported disturbance involving a man later identified as Perez-Engel who armed with a large knife in the shopping center at the intersection of NE Englewood Road and N. Oak Trafficway. 

Perez-Engel had left the scene prior to police arrival. A suspect description was provided to dispatch via police radio and broadcasted out to other patrol officers, to include the Clay County Sheriff’s Office." 

At approximately 2:27 p.m., a Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy was patrolling the area of NE 50th Street and N. Oak Trafficway and located the described suspect involved in the disturbance. 

The deputy attempted to contact the Perez-Engel for further investigation. Perez-Engel presented a large knife from within his waistband and began running northbound on N. Oak Traffickway. A foot chase was initiated, and additional deputies were called to assist with apprehending the suspect.

Perez-Engel refused to comply with verbal commands and ran into a wooded area while being pursued by multiple Clay County Sheriff’s deputies. 

Perez-Engel stopped and was given further verbal commands to drop the knife. The suspect charged at the deputies before coming to a stop again. 

"Additional resources, to include Sheriff K-9’s, were being called to the scene to de-escalate the situation. Deputies continued giving verbal commands for the Perez-Engel to drop the knife and peacefully surrender. He&nbsp; refused to comply and ran towards the deputies a second time while armed with the weapon. 

At 2:33 PM, two Clay County Sheriff’s deputies discharged their duty weapons, striking the Perez-Engel. Deputies on scene immediately began rendering medical aid until EMS responded and transported the suspect to an area hospital for medical treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

A large knife was recovered from the scene where the suspect had been shot. No deputies were injured during this incident."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756864775318.png" alt="Perez-Engel-photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
                        <figcaption>Perez-Engel-photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY— Sheriff's deputies were involved in a shooting on Saturday afternoon in the 5200 block of North Oak Trafficway in Kansas City, Missouri. The deputies were unharmed, and the individual they shot had non life-threatening injuries.</p><p>Aaron M. Perez-Engel, 38, has been charged with first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and armed criminal action in the incident, according to a statement from the Clay County Sheriff's office. Perez-Engel is being held in the Clay County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond. </p><p>The Kansas City Missouri Police Department investigated the incident.</p><p>Just after 2p.m. August 30, Kansas City Missouri Police Officers were called to a reported disturbance involving a man later identified as Perez-Engel who armed with a large knife in the shopping center at the intersection of NE Englewood Road and N. Oak Trafficway. </p><p>Perez-Engel had left the scene prior to police arrival. A suspect description was provided to dispatch via police radio and broadcasted out to other patrol officers, to include the Clay County Sheriff’s Office." </p><p>At approximately 2:27 p.m., a Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy was patrolling the area of NE 50th Street and N. Oak Trafficway and located the described suspect involved in the disturbance. </p><p>The deputy attempted to contact the Perez-Engel for further investigation. Perez-Engel presented a large knife from within his waistband and began running northbound on N. Oak Traffickway. A foot chase was initiated, and additional deputies were called to assist with apprehending the suspect.</p><p>Perez-Engel refused to comply with verbal commands and ran into a wooded area while being pursued by multiple Clay County Sheriff’s deputies. </p><p>Perez-Engel stopped and was given further verbal commands to drop the knife. The suspect charged at the deputies before coming to a stop again. </p><p>"Additional resources, to include Sheriff K-9’s, were being called to the scene to de-escalate the situation. Deputies continued giving verbal commands for the Perez-Engel to drop the knife and peacefully surrender. He&nbsp; refused to comply and ran towards the deputies a second time while armed with the weapon. </p><p>At 2:33 PM, two Clay County Sheriff’s deputies discharged their duty weapons, striking the Perez-Engel. Deputies on scene immediately began rendering medical aid until EMS responded and transported the suspect to an area hospital for medical treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.</p><p>A large knife was recovered from the scene where the suspect had been shot. No deputies were injured during this incident."</p>

KCPD: Man wounded in officer shooting threatened them with a knife

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a><br><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/"><i>Missouri Independent</i></a>

The push to gerrymander Missouri’s congressional districts to create another GOP-leaning seat officially kicked off Wednesday with Democrats alleging the House violated the constitution by conducting business without a quorum.&nbsp;

Only around 20 lawmakers were present Wednesday afternoon when the Missouri House convened for the beginning of a special legislative session focused on changing the congressional map and making it harder for voters to amend the state constitution.&nbsp;

Bills were introduced and public hearings were scheduled for Thursday.&nbsp;

Democrats were quick to point out a quorum of 82 members is required by the constitution for the House to conduct business. And although historically the chamber has utilized “technical sessions” for routine business when a quorum is not present, House Minority Leader Ashley Aune said “that doesn’t make it legal or right.”

“The stakes are too high in this special session to allow this illegal practice to continue unchallenged,” said Aune, a Kansas City Democrat.&nbsp;

Mid-decade redistricting is rare. In Missouri, it hasn’t happened since the 1960s.&nbsp;

But President Donald Trump, facing a potentially difficult midterm election cycle next year, has demanded GOP-controlled states redraw maps to add more Republican seats.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe answered the call last week, ordering the legislature back into session to carve up one of the state’s two districts held by a Democrat.

The goal is to ensure seven of Missouri’s eight congressional districts are controlled by Republicans. In the crosshairs is the 5th District, based in Kansas City and currently held by 11-term U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.&nbsp;

While eliminating a Democratic congressional seat has taken center stage, Republican lawmakers are also hoping to change the initiative petition process to require a statewide majority and a majority vote in all eight of the state’s congressional districts in order to approve a constitutional amendment.&nbsp;

Currently, a simple majority is all that is required.&nbsp;

The redistricting plan is being shepherded through the legislative process by state Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Noel Republican and chairman of the House Budget Committee. A special committee created by Speaker Jon Patterson will hold a public hearing Thursday at noon in the Missouri Capitol.

Another committee will hold a public hearing Thursday at 1 p.m. for the proposed changes to the initiative petition process. State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Moberly Republican, is sponsoring the legislation which, if passed by both the House and Senate, would require voter approval next year.&nbsp;

The House is expected to debate and vote on both bills early next week. The Senate is scheduled to convene Wednesday to begin its work.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756504994284.png" alt=" Proposed Missouri congressional maps released Friday by the governor’s office." />
                        <figcaption> Proposed Missouri congressional maps released Friday by the governor’s office.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a><br><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/"><i>Missouri Independent</i></a></p><p>The push to gerrymander Missouri’s congressional districts to create another GOP-leaning seat officially kicked off Wednesday with Democrats alleging the House violated the constitution by conducting business without a quorum.&nbsp;</p><p>Only around 20 lawmakers were present Wednesday afternoon when the Missouri House convened for the beginning of a special legislative session focused on changing the congressional map and making it harder for voters to amend the state constitution.&nbsp;</p><p>Bills were introduced and public hearings were scheduled for Thursday.&nbsp;</p><p>Democrats were quick to point out a quorum of 82 members is required by the constitution for the House to conduct business. And although historically the chamber has utilized “technical sessions” for routine business when a quorum is not present, House Minority Leader Ashley Aune said “that doesn’t make it legal or right.”</p><p>“The stakes are too high in this special session to allow this illegal practice to continue unchallenged,” said Aune, a Kansas City Democrat.&nbsp;</p><p>Mid-decade redistricting is rare. In Missouri, it hasn’t happened since the 1960s.&nbsp;</p><p>But President Donald Trump, facing a potentially difficult midterm election cycle next year, has demanded GOP-controlled states redraw maps to add more Republican seats.</p><p>Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe answered the call last week, ordering the legislature back into session to carve up one of the state’s two districts held by a Democrat.</p><p>The goal is to ensure seven of Missouri’s eight congressional districts are controlled by Republicans. In the crosshairs is the 5th District, based in Kansas City and currently held by 11-term U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.&nbsp;</p><p>While eliminating a Democratic congressional seat has taken center stage, Republican lawmakers are also hoping to change the initiative petition process to require a statewide majority and a majority vote in all eight of the state’s congressional districts in order to approve a constitutional amendment.&nbsp;</p><p>Currently, a simple majority is all that is required.&nbsp;</p><p>The redistricting plan is being shepherded through the legislative process by state Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Noel Republican and chairman of the House Budget Committee. A special committee created by Speaker Jon Patterson will hold a public hearing Thursday at noon in the Missouri Capitol.</p><p>Another committee will hold a public hearing Thursday at 1 p.m. for the proposed changes to the initiative petition process. State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Moberly Republican, is sponsoring the legislation which, if passed by both the House and Senate, would require voter approval next year.&nbsp;</p><p>The House is expected to debate and vote on both bills early next week. The Senate is scheduled to convene Wednesday to begin its work.</p>

Missouri lawmakers begin work on Trump-backed congressional redistricting plan

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Epstein abuse survivor Haley Robson: &quot;We can&#39;t read the news or do anything without hearing crazy stories that are only able to live on because the government continues to hide the evidence and the truth. So, people just make up stories. Those stories hurt.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/WCcHbdqEhp">pic.twitter.com/WCcHbdqEhp</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1963265219725054229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 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">President Trump on Jeffrey Epstein Files: &quot;This is a Democrat hoax that never ends...I think it&#39;s enough because I think we should talk about the greatness of our country and the success that we&#39;re having...that&#39;s what I want to talk about...not the Epstein hoax.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/0CowxRnOVk">pic.twitter.com/0CowxRnOVk</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1963271648414425599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Epstein survivors implore Congress to act to release more files

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">VP Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance lay flowers at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis in remembrance of the victims of last week’s shooting. <a href="https://t.co/4AmXFmhx0v">pic.twitter.com/4AmXFmhx0v</a></p>&mdash; Vice President JD Vance (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1963335839758581825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 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">&quot;I have never had a day that will stay with me like this day did,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> in Minneapolis.<br><br>&quot;These parents — in the midst of the worst grief of their entire lives — they opened up their lives. They opened up their hearts.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/XqZXKkPLYk">pic.twitter.com/XqZXKkPLYk</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963335590054686901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥VP Vance meets with families in Minneapolis after church shooting

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a homicide at a Kansas City area park and have identified the victim as&nbsp;44-year-old Sean Booth, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just before 8a.m. August 27,&nbsp;&nbsp;patrol officers were dispatched to 23rd and Topping on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they were directed towards Blue Valley Park, to the south end of the park. There, in a wooded area, officers located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.

KCFD EMS responded and transported the victim to a local hospital with critical injuries. A short time later hospital personnel declared the victim deceased, according to DiMartino.

This is being investigated as a homicide. While officers were on scene they received information about the involvement of a vehicle and a subject of interest.

A short distance away, officers took a subject of interest into custody pending further investigation. Detectives are still working to determine what led up to the shots being fired and the victim being struck.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756319368214.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a homicide at a Kansas City area park and have identified the victim as&nbsp;44-year-old Sean Booth, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.</p><p>Just before 8a.m. August 27,&nbsp;&nbsp;patrol officers were dispatched to 23rd and Topping on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.</p><p>As officers arrived they were directed towards Blue Valley Park, to the south end of the park. There, in a wooded area, officers located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.</p><p>KCFD EMS responded and transported the victim to a local hospital with critical injuries. A short time later hospital personnel declared the victim deceased, according to DiMartino.</p><p>This is being investigated as a homicide. While officers were on scene they received information about the involvement of a vehicle and a subject of interest.</p><p>A short distance away, officers took a subject of interest into custody pending further investigation. Detectives are still working to determine what led up to the shots being fired and the victim being struck.&nbsp;</p>

Police ID homicide victim found near Kansas City park

WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, the U.S. House Transportation &amp; Infrastructure (T&amp;I) Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://transportation.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=409017" target="_blank">successfully passed</a>&nbsp;two of Kansas Representative Sharice Davids’ bipartisan bills, sending them to the House floor for a full vote. These bills modernize emergency response systems and provide tribal governments with critical resources to respond to disasters.

“These bills are about keeping communities safe, empowering first responders, and ensuring people get timely alerts and support during emergencies,” said&nbsp;Davids. “In Kansas, where tornadoes, wildfires, and severe storms can strike with little warning, having modern alert systems and strong support for emergency responders isn’t just important — it’s essential for protecting lives and property.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://davids.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/davids.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/Weather%20Alert%20Response%20and%20Notification%20Redraft%20-%20119th.pdf">WARN Act</a>&nbsp;would modernize the nation’s emergency alert systems. It would ensure that federal, state, and local authorities can send timely, reliable alerts during natural disasters, severe weather, or other emergencies — helping communities respond quickly and save lives.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3957/text" target="_blank">second</a>&nbsp;bill would authorize the President to provide fire management assistance directly to Indian Tribal Governments. This ensures tribal nations have the federal support necessary to respond effectively to wildfires and other emergencies, protecting both people and property.

As a member of the House T&amp;I Committee, Davids has championed pragmatic, bipartisan solutions to improve infrastructure, emergency management, and public safety nationwide. Today’s committee action underscores her commitment to delivering results for local communities, tribal nations, and first responders.

With committee approval secured, both bills will now move to the full House for a vote. Davids continues to work across the aisle to ensure these critical measures become law.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741033325356.png" alt="File photo Congresswoman Sharice Davids" />
                        <figcaption>File photo Congresswoman Sharice Davids</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, the U.S. House Transportation &amp; Infrastructure (T&amp;I) Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://transportation.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=409017" target="_blank">successfully passed</a>&nbsp;two of Kansas Representative Sharice Davids’ bipartisan bills, sending them to the House floor for a full vote. These bills modernize emergency response systems and provide tribal governments with critical resources to respond to disasters.</p><p>“These bills are about keeping communities safe, empowering first responders, and ensuring people get timely alerts and support during emergencies,” said&nbsp;Davids. “In Kansas, where tornadoes, wildfires, and severe storms can strike with little warning, having modern alert systems and strong support for emergency responders isn’t just important — it’s essential for protecting lives and property.”</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://davids.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/davids.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/Weather%20Alert%20Response%20and%20Notification%20Redraft%20-%20119th.pdf">WARN Act</a>&nbsp;would modernize the nation’s emergency alert systems. It would ensure that federal, state, and local authorities can send timely, reliable alerts during natural disasters, severe weather, or other emergencies — helping communities respond quickly and save lives.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3957/text" target="_blank">second</a>&nbsp;bill would authorize the President to provide fire management assistance directly to Indian Tribal Governments. This ensures tribal nations have the federal support necessary to respond effectively to wildfires and other emergencies, protecting both people and property.</p><p>As a member of the House T&amp;I Committee, Davids has championed pragmatic, bipartisan solutions to improve infrastructure, emergency management, and public safety nationwide. Today’s committee action underscores her commitment to delivering results for local communities, tribal nations, and first responders.</p><p>With committee approval secured, both bills will now move to the full House for a vote. Davids continues to work across the aisle to ensure these critical measures become law.</p>

House will vote on Kan. congresswoman's emergency response bills

On Tuesday, Kansas game wardens used their social media page to remind hunters the importance of knowing of how to clean your gun before you go hunting.&nbsp; They shared photos of a weapon damaged by mud.

"This is why it is so important and why it is talked about in Hunter Education, to ensure the muzzle does not get obstructed and how to properly clear an obstruction."

"This happened on the opening of Dove season on Monday and was the result of mud obstructing the muzzle." Fortunately, no one was injured.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756847375036.png" alt="Photos Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens" />
                        <figcaption>Photos Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>On Tuesday, Kansas game wardens used their social media page to remind hunters the importance of knowing of how to clean your gun before you go hunting.&nbsp; They shared photos of a weapon damaged by mud.</p><p>"This is why it is so important and why it is talked about in Hunter Education, to ensure the muzzle does not get obstructed and how to properly clear an obstruction."</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756847431957.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>"This happened on the opening of Dove season on Monday and was the result of mud obstructing the muzzle." Fortunately, no one was injured.</p>

Kan. game wardens: Know how to clean your gun before hunting

Officer Hunter Simoncic will be honored at a public funeral service at 10a.m. Wednesday at Children's Mercy Park. 

Parking lots will open at 7:30 AM, and stadium gates will open at 8:00 AM. Attendees should approach Children’s Mercy Park from State Avenue. Public parking will be located on the south side of the stadium in Blue Lot 2 on the grounds of the Kansas Speedway. 

Please, be aware that Village West Parkway and France Family Drive will be closed to public traffic.

For those unable to attend, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEwJIrCt-Bk">click here to view</a> the funeral. The feed will go live 10 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEwJIrCt-Bk&amp;fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExeUlXV0FoWFh4TlRuTDJubwEepGX-Q2BBKK_8uRZXSc5PbMc2vAUyUpUsX8Ib1qE8_OUaboScNv7ZMHiGwSs_aem_tP-TflS0nBPVRKT80SQWuA" target="_blank"></a>A procession through the KCK community will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the funeral service. We encourage residents and businesses to line the route and display blue ribbons along the route as a sign of support for the Simoncic family and the men and women of the KCKPD.

 It is a small gesture, but a very powerful and unifying one. 

The procession route is as follows:- France Family Drive to Village West Parkway- Village West Parkway south to State Avenue- State Avenue east to Interstate 635- I-635 north to Parallel Parkway- Parallel Parkway east to North Fifth Street- North Fifth Street north to Stewart Avenue- Stewart Avenue east to North Third Street- North Third Street south to Interstate 70- I-70 west to Interstate 435 northOutside agency and the public vehicles in the procession will be dismissed at the interchange of I-70 W and 435 N.

Hunter Lee Simoncic, age 26, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away on August 26, 2025, while proudly serving his community as a police officer with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.

Born on April 16, 1999, Hunter grew up on a small farm in Galesburg, Kansas, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family and community. He was accomplished in his academic pursuits, graduating from Erie High School in 2018 and Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 2021. His passion for justice and science led him to further his education at Oklahoma State University, where he earned a Master’s in Forensic Science in 2023.

In November of 2023, Hunter fulfilled his calling to public service by graduating from the KCKPD Academy and beginning his career as a police officer. His dedication, courage, and compassion quickly became evident to both his colleagues and the community he served.

Hunter was energetic, adventurous, and full of life. He embraced new experiences wholeheartedly — recently serving as an extra in the Hallmark movie Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story and exploring opportunities in modeling. In his free time, he enjoyed painting, lifting weights, writing his book, and training as an avid CrossFitter at Mission Barbell Club.

Hunter had a heart for giving back. He served as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City, forming meaningful connections with the youth he mentored. He also volunteered through the Lead to Read program, spending time each week reading to students at Banneker Elementary School — a role he cherished deeply.

Above all, Hunter will be remembered for his kind spirit, his love of family, and his unwavering devotion to serving others both in and out of uniform.

He is survived by his father, Ron Simoncic of Franklin, KS; his mother, Christine Brungardt of Galesburg, KS; his brother, Fischer Simoncic of Wichita, KS; his grandmother, Rose Brungardt of Parsons, KS; and his aunts and uncles, including Rick and Jacque Simoncic of Frontenac, KS and Rod and Denise Fleming of Parsons, KS.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Shirley Simoncic, and Francis Brungardt; and his aunt and uncle, Terri Brungardt and Kirk Brungardt. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow officers, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A gathering of family and friends will begin at 1:30 pm, Thursday September 4, 2025 followed by a Rosary service at 2:00 pm with Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 2:30 pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1807 Stevens Avenue, Parsons, Kansas 67357. Hunter's final resting place will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Parsons, KS.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756332955180.png" alt="Officer Hunder Simoncic courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Officer Hunder Simoncic courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Officer Hunter Simoncic will be honored at a public funeral service at 10a.m. Wednesday at Children's Mercy Park. </p><p>Parking lots will open at 7:30 AM, and stadium gates will open at 8:00 AM. Attendees should approach Children’s Mercy Park from State Avenue. Public parking will be located on the south side of the stadium in Blue Lot 2 on the grounds of the Kansas Speedway. </p><p>Please, be aware that Village West Parkway and France Family Drive will be closed to public traffic.</p><p>For those unable to attend, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEwJIrCt-Bk">click here to view</a> the funeral. The feed will go live 10 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756333095649.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEwJIrCt-Bk&amp;fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExeUlXV0FoWFh4TlRuTDJubwEepGX-Q2BBKK_8uRZXSc5PbMc2vAUyUpUsX8Ib1qE8_OUaboScNv7ZMHiGwSs_aem_tP-TflS0nBPVRKT80SQWuA" target="_blank"></a>A procession through the KCK community will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the funeral service. We encourage residents and businesses to line the route and display blue ribbons along the route as a sign of support for the Simoncic family and the men and women of the KCKPD.</p><p> It is a small gesture, but a very powerful and unifying one. </p><p>The procession route is as follows:- France Family Drive to Village West Parkway- Village West Parkway south to State Avenue- State Avenue east to Interstate 635- I-635 north to Parallel Parkway- Parallel Parkway east to North Fifth Street- North Fifth Street north to Stewart Avenue- Stewart Avenue east to North Third Street- North Third Street south to Interstate 70- I-70 west to Interstate 435 northOutside agency and the public vehicles in the procession will be dismissed at the interchange of I-70 W and 435 N.</p><p>Hunter Lee Simoncic, age 26, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away on August 26, 2025, while proudly serving his community as a police officer with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.</p><p>Born on April 16, 1999, Hunter grew up on a small farm in Galesburg, Kansas, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family and community. He was accomplished in his academic pursuits, graduating from Erie High School in 2018 and Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 2021. His passion for justice and science led him to further his education at Oklahoma State University, where he earned a Master’s in Forensic Science in 2023.</p><p>In November of 2023, Hunter fulfilled his calling to public service by graduating from the KCKPD Academy and beginning his career as a police officer. His dedication, courage, and compassion quickly became evident to both his colleagues and the community he served.</p><p>Hunter was energetic, adventurous, and full of life. He embraced new experiences wholeheartedly — recently serving as an extra in the Hallmark movie Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story and exploring opportunities in modeling. In his free time, he enjoyed painting, lifting weights, writing his book, and training as an avid CrossFitter at Mission Barbell Club.</p><p>Hunter had a heart for giving back. He served as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City, forming meaningful connections with the youth he mentored. He also volunteered through the Lead to Read program, spending time each week reading to students at Banneker Elementary School — a role he cherished deeply.</p><p>Above all, Hunter will be remembered for his kind spirit, his love of family, and his unwavering devotion to serving others both in and out of uniform.</p><p>He is survived by his father, Ron Simoncic of Franklin, KS; his mother, Christine Brungardt of Galesburg, KS; his brother, Fischer Simoncic of Wichita, KS; his grandmother, Rose Brungardt of Parsons, KS; and his aunts and uncles, including Rick and Jacque Simoncic of Frontenac, KS and Rod and Denise Fleming of Parsons, KS.</p><p>He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Shirley Simoncic, and Francis Brungardt; and his aunt and uncle, Terri Brungardt and Kirk Brungardt. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow officers, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.</p><p>A gathering of family and friends will begin at 1:30 pm, Thursday September 4, 2025 followed by a Rosary service at 2:00 pm with Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 2:30 pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1807 Stevens Avenue, Parsons, Kansas 67357. Hunter's final resting place will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Parsons, KS.</p>

🎥Funeral service honoring life of Officer Hunter Simoncic

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;

Just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to 100 NE St. Luke’s Boulevard on a reported shooting that is believed to have occurred near 88th Place and James A Reed, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Upon arrival, officers were advised a boy under 16 arrived at the hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. Medical staff made every attempt to perform life saving measures before subsequently being pronounced deceased.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756859767882.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;</p><p>Just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to 100 NE St. Luke’s Boulevard on a reported shooting that is believed to have occurred near 88th Place and James A Reed, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.</p><p>Upon arrival, officers were advised a boy under 16 arrived at the hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. Medical staff made every attempt to perform life saving measures before subsequently being pronounced deceased.</p><p>Preliminary investigation indicates the boy was walking outside when he heard several sounds of shots and was struck by gunfire. He was able to call a friend for help and a private vehicle picked him up and transported him to the hospital.</p><p>Police do not have any suspect information and no one is currently in custody.</p>

KCPD: Boy shot and killed by random gunfire

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/o5xOQ6HRFg">https://t.co/o5xOQ6HRFg</a> <a href="https://t.co/s9ktAlDQUi">pic.twitter.com/s9ktAlDQUi</a></p>&mdash; Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/1962992360822104110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: We just, over the last few minutes, shot out a drug-carrying boat... and there&#39;s more where that came from... These came out of Venezuela. <a href="https://t.co/JlurCZWBpG">pic.twitter.com/JlurCZWBpG</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1962955342523879613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Video shows US launch deadly strike on drug boat in the Caribbean 

KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson last week announced the office secured a seven-year sentence for a man involved in a drug trafficking case.

In May,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2715/BYRON-D-KITCHEN-2416-CR00381-01-Judgment_Redacted_FINAL">Byron D. Kitchen</a>, 46,&nbsp;pleaded guilty to 2nd Degree Trafficking Drugs and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2716/Redacted-Probable-Cause-1">According to court records</a>, the Jackson County Drug Task Force began investigating Kitchen in September 2023 after receiving intelligence that he was selling fentanyl pills. Following about five months of the Task Force’s surveillance, the Blue Springs Police Department executed a search warrant, seizing two firearms, ammunition, about 90 fentanyl pills, and other controlled substances.&nbsp;

The Jackson County Drug Task Force brings together detectives from multiple county police departments and sheriff’s offices with federal, state, and local agencies to target drug dealers across the metro. Their outstanding work has earned national recognition:

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756498463427.png" alt="Kitchen photo Jackson County" />
                        <figcaption>Kitchen photo Jackson County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson last week announced the office secured a seven-year sentence for a man involved in a drug trafficking case.</p><p>In May,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2715/BYRON-D-KITCHEN-2416-CR00381-01-Judgment_Redacted_FINAL">Byron D. Kitchen</a>, 46,&nbsp;pleaded guilty to 2nd Degree Trafficking Drugs and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.</p><p><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2716/Redacted-Probable-Cause-1">According to court records</a>, the Jackson County Drug Task Force began investigating Kitchen in September 2023 after receiving intelligence that he was selling fentanyl pills. Following about five months of the Task Force’s surveillance, the Blue Springs Police Department executed a search warrant, seizing two firearms, ammunition, about 90 fentanyl pills, and other controlled substances.&nbsp;</p><p>The Jackson County Drug Task Force brings together detectives from multiple county police departments and sheriff’s offices with federal, state, and local agencies to target drug dealers across the metro. Their outstanding work has earned national recognition:</p><ul>
                        <li>Missouri Narcotics Officer’s Association’s Law Enforcement Unit of the Year&nbsp;seven times in 13 years, including 2024</li><li>Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Outstanding Community Impact Investigation in 2023</li><li>More than $35 million in controlled substances&nbsp;seized in 2024 alone</li><li>127 firearms confiscated&nbsp;last year, including illegal machine switches and silencers</li>
                    </ul>

Prison for selling fentanyl pills in Kansas City area

WASHINGTON—Today, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released 33,295 pages of Epstein-related records that were provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. 

<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/98fthv8otekjk28lcrnc5/AIn3egnE58MYe4Bn4fliVBw?rlkey=m7p8e9omml96fgxl13kr2nuyt&amp;e=2&amp;st=0xvm0p08&amp;dl=0">Click here to view the files</a>

On August 5, Chairman Comer issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/release/chairman-comer-subpoenas-bill-and-hillary-clinton-former-u-s-attorneys-general-and-fbi-directors-and-records-related-to-jeffrey-epstein/">subpoena</a>&nbsp;for records related to Mr. Jeffrey Epstein, and the Department of Justice has indicated it will continue producing those records while ensuring the redaction of victim identities and any child sexual abuse material.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TrGxDGQLDLZu1vvvZDBAh-e7wN3y6Hoz?usp=sharing">here</a>&nbsp;to read Epstein-related documents&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/98fthv8otekjk28lcrnc5/AIn3egnE58MYe4Bn4fliVBw?rlkey=m7p8e9omml96fgxl13kr2nuyt&amp;st=0xvm0p08&amp;dl=0">here</a>. for back up access to the files.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein photo New York Sex Offender Registry" />
                        <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein photo New York Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON—Today, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released 33,295 pages of Epstein-related records that were provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. </p><p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/98fthv8otekjk28lcrnc5/AIn3egnE58MYe4Bn4fliVBw?rlkey=m7p8e9omml96fgxl13kr2nuyt&amp;e=2&amp;st=0xvm0p08&amp;dl=0">Click here to view the files</a></p><p>On August 5, Chairman Comer issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/release/chairman-comer-subpoenas-bill-and-hillary-clinton-former-u-s-attorneys-general-and-fbi-directors-and-records-related-to-jeffrey-epstein/">subpoena</a>&nbsp;for records related to Mr. Jeffrey Epstein, and the Department of Justice has indicated it will continue producing those records while ensuring the redaction of victim identities and any child sexual abuse material.</p><p>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TrGxDGQLDLZu1vvvZDBAh-e7wN3y6Hoz?usp=sharing">here</a>&nbsp;to read Epstein-related documents&nbsp;</p><p>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/98fthv8otekjk28lcrnc5/AIn3egnE58MYe4Bn4fliVBw?rlkey=m7p8e9omml96fgxl13kr2nuyt&amp;st=0xvm0p08&amp;dl=0">here</a>. for back up access to the files.</p>