WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and shooting and asking the public for help to identify a suspect

On September 7, the woman seen in the security camera video was involved in the robbery of a business near 60th and Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

She fled the scene i, a blue pickup, driven by a white male.&nbsp; The vehicle and driver were involved in a shooting just a short time later.

If you recognize this woman or know anything about this incident, please, reach out to KCKPD detectives through the Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline, 816-474-TIPS (8477) or at&nbsp;<a href="http://kccrimestoppers.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3kG0Ti1fOUfNY8SAy1RNMY93m3S1DIlstb1E3-wFzTXVVSU-ZLsvi4y6A_aem_CzvFQLCv3N7Kn57pIXZEqQ" target="_blank">kccrimestoppers.com</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/kckpd?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXFNTYHVl3F-cu4fTIawfvOYYE1xdj24IQ7oD4BFaARIJX0POWM8JVg8EoCarJROPL01rY3UiONdDkkgayi76KpRso6XIjC9B4fb_JmIXL9KvZZ4agIZ83fizUIrNJdcVV_QNvpdwE_KUDTgNcVtAbnAfubXsT9Qn_cIb_P3PsXSSiQYC5UqThG2clnWzNCn4Y7sHP6296VDaKKs7E5k5fg&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#kckpd</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/crimestoppers?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXFNTYHVl3F-cu4fTIawfvOYYE1xdj24IQ7oD4BFaARIJX0POWM8JVg8EoCarJROPL01rY3UiONdDkkgayi76KpRso6XIjC9B4fb_JmIXL9KvZZ4agIZ83fizUIrNJdcVV_QNvpdwE_KUDTgNcVtAbnAfubXsT9Qn_cIb_P3PsXSSiQYC5UqThG2clnWzNCn4Y7sHP6296VDaKKs7E5k5fg&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#crimestoppers</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kcmetrocrime?__cft__[0]=AZXFNTYHVl3F-cu4fTIawfvOYYE1xdj24IQ7oD4BFaARIJX0POWM8JVg8EoCarJROPL01rY3UiONdDkkgayi76KpRso6XIjC9B4fb_JmIXL9KvZZ4agIZ83fizUIrNJdcVV_QNvpdwE_KUDTgNcVtAbnAfubXsT9Qn_cIb_P3PsXSSiQYC5UqThG2clnWzNCn4Y7sHP6296VDaKKs7E5k5fg&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission</a>See less

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727397873439.png" alt="KCK Police" />
 <figcaption>KCK Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and shooting and asking the public for help to identify a suspectOn September 7, the woman seen in the security camera video was involved in the robbery of a business near 60th and Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.She fled the scene i, a blue pickup, driven by a white male.&nbsp; The vehicle and driver were involved in a shooting just a short time later.If you recognize this woman or know anything about this incident, please, reach out to KCKPD detectives through the Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline, 816-474-TIPS (8477) or at&nbsp;<a href="http://kccrimestoppers.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3kG0Ti1fOUfNY8SAy1RNMY93m3S1DIlstb1E3-wFzTXVVSU-ZLsvi4y6A_aem_CzvFQLCv3N7Kn57pIXZEqQ" target="_blank">kccrimestoppers.com</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/kckpd?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXFNTYHVl3F-cu4fTIawfvOYYE1xdj24IQ7oD4BFaARIJX0POWM8JVg8EoCarJROPL01rY3UiONdDkkgayi76KpRso6XIjC9B4fb_JmIXL9KvZZ4agIZ83fizUIrNJdcVV_QNvpdwE_KUDTgNcVtAbnAfubXsT9Qn_cIb_P3PsXSSiQYC5UqThG2clnWzNCn4Y7sHP6296VDaKKs7E5k5fg&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#kckpd</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/crimestoppers?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXFNTYHVl3F-cu4fTIawfvOYYE1xdj24IQ7oD4BFaARIJX0POWM8JVg8EoCarJROPL01rY3UiONdDkkgayi76KpRso6XIjC9B4fb_JmIXL9KvZZ4agIZ83fizUIrNJdcVV_QNvpdwE_KUDTgNcVtAbnAfubXsT9Qn_cIb_P3PsXSSiQYC5UqThG2clnWzNCn4Y7sHP6296VDaKKs7E5k5fg&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#crimestoppers</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kcmetrocrime?__cft__[0]=AZXFNTYHVl3F-cu4fTIawfvOYYE1xdj24IQ7oD4BFaARIJX0POWM8JVg8EoCarJROPL01rY3UiONdDkkgayi76KpRso6XIjC9B4fb_JmIXL9KvZZ4agIZ83fizUIrNJdcVV_QNvpdwE_KUDTgNcVtAbnAfubXsT9Qn_cIb_P3PsXSSiQYC5UqThG2clnWzNCn4Y7sHP6296VDaKKs7E5k5fg&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission</a>See less

Police ask for help to ID suspect in Kan. robbery, shooting 

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before noon Thursday in Kansas City.

A Ford Focus was northbound on Troost near 51st Street at a high rate of speed. The car struck a pedestrian operating an HYB15 motorized scooter, crossing Troost from east to west, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

The pedestrian was in the middle of the roadway and within an unmarked cross walk at the time of the accident.

 The driver of the Ford stopped immediately and remained at the scene. EMS transported the pedestrian to a local hospital and they were pronounced deceased. 

The investigation, to include suspected impairment of the driver of the Ford, is ongoing, according to Becchina. The name of the victim has not been released.&nbsp; This is fatality #71 compared to #67 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before noon Thursday in Kansas City.A Ford Focus was northbound on Troost near 51st Street at a high rate of speed. The car struck a pedestrian operating an HYB15 motorized scooter, crossing Troost from east to west, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.The pedestrian was in the middle of the roadway and within an unmarked cross walk at the time of the accident. The driver of the Ford stopped immediately and remained at the scene. EMS transported the pedestrian to a local hospital and they were pronounced deceased. The investigation, to include suspected impairment of the driver of the Ford, is ongoing, according to Becchina. The name of the victim has not been released.&nbsp; This is fatality #71 compared to #67 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri.

KCPD: Electric scooter rider dies after struck by car

WASHINGTON —On Thursday, as part of the surge of assistance that President Biden directed ahead of his meeting with President Zelenskyy, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a significant new security assistance package to ensure Ukraine has the tools it needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense.

This security assistance package commits an additional $2.4 billion in support through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) that will provide Ukraine with additional air defense, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and air-to-ground munitions, as well as strengthen Ukraine’s defense industrial base and support its maintenance and sustainment requirements.&nbsp;

The capabilities in this announcement include:

This is the Biden Administration’s twenty-first USAI package. The United States will continue to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated capability coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to win the war.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727380260471.png" alt="Ukrainian President Zelenskyy watches as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signs bombs that will used in the war against Russia-photo Office of Gov. Shapiro" />
 <figcaption>Ukrainian President Zelenskyy watches as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signs bombs that will used in the war against Russia-photo Office of Gov. Shapiro</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Thursday, as part of the surge of assistance that President Biden directed ahead of his meeting with President Zelenskyy, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a significant new security assistance package to ensure Ukraine has the tools it needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense.This security assistance package commits an additional $2.4 billion in support through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) that will provide Ukraine with additional air defense, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and air-to-ground munitions, as well as strengthen Ukraine’s defense industrial base and support its maintenance and sustainment requirements.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727392281821.png" alt="-President Zelenskyy and Vice President Harris at the White House on Thursday-White House image" />
 <figcaption>-President Zelenskyy and Vice President Harris at the White House on Thursday-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>The capabilities in this announcement include:<ul>
 <li>Munitions and support for Ukrainian air defense systems;</li><li>Air-to-ground munitions;</li><li>Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and components to support Ukrainian production of UAS;</li><li>Counter-UAS equipment;&nbsp; Unmanned surface vessels;</li><li>Secure communications equipment;</li><li>Equipment and materiel to support Ukrainian munitions production; and&nbsp;</li><li>Spare parts, maintenance and sustainment support, and other ancillary equipment.</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727380341399.png" alt="Ukraine President Zelenskyy and President Biden at the White House on Thursday-White House image" />
 <figcaption>Ukraine President Zelenskyy and President Biden at the White House on Thursday-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>This is the Biden Administration’s twenty-first USAI package. The United States will continue to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated capability coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to win the war.

U.S. to spend another $2.4 billion on security assistance for Ukraine

LYON COUNTY —Police departments and school districts across Kansas continue to investigate online school threats and make arrests.

At USD 253 in Emporia, it was reported that a student, in an email, had threatened to bring a gun to school on Thursday and was warning other students not to attend school that day.&nbsp;

Officers located the student making the threats. It was determined the student did not have access to any firearms and no students were at risk.&nbsp;The case will be referred to the Lyon County Attorney’s Office for their review on possible charges.

At USD 428 in Great Bend,&nbsp;Superintendent Khris Thexton alerted district families and staff that another social media threat was reported directly to Great Bend Police Department on the evening of&nbsp; Sept. 25.&nbsp; Police determined the threat was not true.

"We are relieved to report that law enforcement officers determined this threat poses no danger to our students."

On Tuesday, Salina South Middle School administration and officers with the Salina Police Department responded to a threat made by a student against the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;The incident took place during the fourth period, around the noon hour, and involved a 13-year-old student who made threatening remarks to other students.

According to Salina Police Captain David Villanueva, the student told classmates not to come to school the next day because there would be a shooting. These comments were corroborated through an investigation by the school's resource officer and staff, who spoke to multiple students.

As a result, the student was arrested and taken to the juvenile detention facility in Junction City on charges of criminal threat.

In Ellis on Thursday, police arrested a 14-year-old for allegedly making a school threat, according to a press release Police Chief Avery Smith.&nbsp; USD 388 and police realized the threat was a hoax and not an active threat. The case was referred to the county attorney for charges.

USD 428 Superintendent Thexton reminded, "It’s also an important to never “share” a threat on social media. Instead, take a screenshot and report it to the police or school officials."

LYON COUNTY —Police departments and school districts across Kansas continue to investigate online school threats and make arrests.At USD 253 in Emporia, it was reported that a student, in an email, had threatened to bring a gun to school on Thursday and was warning other students not to attend school that day.&nbsp;Officers located the student making the threats. It was determined the student did not have access to any firearms and no students were at risk.&nbsp;The case will be referred to the Lyon County Attorney’s Office for their review on possible charges.At USD 428 in Great Bend,&nbsp;Superintendent Khris Thexton alerted district families and staff that another social media threat was reported directly to Great Bend Police Department on the evening of&nbsp; Sept. 25.&nbsp; Police determined the threat was not true."We are relieved to report that law enforcement officers determined this threat poses no danger to our students."On Tuesday, Salina South Middle School administration and officers with the Salina Police Department responded to a threat made by a student against the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;The incident took place during the fourth period, around the noon hour, and involved a 13-year-old student who made threatening remarks to other students.According to Salina Police Captain David Villanueva, the student told classmates not to come to school the next day because there would be a shooting. These comments were corroborated through an investigation by the school's resource officer and staff, who spoke to multiple students.As a result, the student was arrested and taken to the juvenile detention facility in Junction City on charges of criminal threat.In Ellis on Thursday, police arrested a 14-year-old for allegedly making a school threat, according to a press release Police Chief Avery Smith.&nbsp; USD 388 and police realized the threat was a hoax and not an active threat. The case was referred to the county attorney for charges.USD 428 Superintendent Thexton reminded, "It’s also an important to never “share” a threat on social media. Instead, take a screenshot and report it to the police or school officials."

Police across Kansas continue to investigate alleged school threats

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal motorcycle crash have identified the victim as 23-year-old Akari E. Kubo of Olathe.

According to Lenexa Police, a motorcycle driven by Kubo was southbound in the 11200 Block of Strang Line Road. The motorcycle traveled off the road and crashed in the center median.

Johnson County&nbsp; Med-Act transported her to an area hospital where she died. Police released no&nbsp;additional details.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal motorcycle crash have identified the victim as 23-year-old Akari E. Kubo of Olathe.According to Lenexa Police, a motorcycle driven by Kubo was southbound in the 11200 Block of Strang Line Road. The motorcycle traveled off the road and crashed in the center median.Johnson County&nbsp; Med-Act transported her to an area hospital where she died. Police released no&nbsp;additional details.

Police ID Kansas woman who died in motorcycle crash

TOPEKA —David Mark Jones, 33, of Shawnee, was indicted this last week on two counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.

 The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick is prosecuting the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726863460990.png" alt="Jones photo Johnson County." />
 <figcaption>Jones photo Johnson County.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —David Mark Jones, 33, of Shawnee, was indicted this last week on two counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick is prosecuting the case.

Indictment: Kansas man was sending and receiving child porn

PAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect for allegedly selling drugs.

On Tuesday, sheriff's deputies and police&nbsp;executed a search warrant after the culmination of a several weeks narcotics investigation, according to a media release from the Pawnee County Sheriff.

As a result of the search warrant, deputies seized over a pound of marijuana, more than $4,000 in cash and arrested two suspects for crimes related to the distribution of narcotics. Additional arrests are anticipated. The Larned Police Department participated in the raid and Pawnee County EMS was on standby, according to the Sheriff's Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727261591009.png" alt="Photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect for allegedly selling drugs.On Tuesday, sheriff's deputies and police&nbsp;executed a search warrant after the culmination of a several weeks narcotics investigation, according to a media release from the Pawnee County Sheriff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727261570441.png" alt="Photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>As a result of the search warrant, deputies seized over a pound of marijuana, more than $4,000 in cash and arrested two suspects for crimes related to the distribution of narcotics. Additional arrests are anticipated. The Larned Police Department participated in the raid and Pawnee County EMS was on standby, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Deputies seize cash, marijuana after drug bust at Kansas home

NEW YORK (AP) —In her first interview in more than two years, former First Lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/melania-trump">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;said she saw her husband's survival in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/trump-assassination-attempt-butler-pennsylvania/">two attempts on his life</a>&nbsp;as “miracles” and offered new details about the former president, including his desire to have more children.

The Slovenian-born former fashion model has remained somewhat of an enigma in the 2024 election cycle, staying largely absent from the campaign trail, breaking norms in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-ivanka-trump-rnc-republican-convention-8247f321a551b257f37b196358ce8ed4">not speaking at the Republican National Convention</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-donald-campaign-role-first-lady-433bbc2c7d51e6b72a43a831c382c850">skipping key moments</a>&nbsp;for her husband, Donald Trump, including his primary-night victory parties and court appearances in New York and Florida.

In a pre-taped interview aired on Fox News Thursday morning, Melania Trump called for Democrats and members of the media to stop branding her husband as a threat to democracy. She blamed the media for “fueling a toxic atmosphere” and empowering those who “want to do harm to him.” Democrats previously blamed Trump for violent rhetoric, including helping to incite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">an attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021</a>.

"This is not normal," she told&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ainsley-earhardt">Ainsley Earhardt</a>, a “Fox &amp; Friends" co-host.

Melania Trump added: "Is it really shocking that all this egregious violence goes against my husband? Especially that we hear the leaders from the opposition party and mainstream media branding him as a threat to democracy, calling him vile names?”

The former first lady added: "This needs to stop.”

Melania Trump said that a staffer alerted her to the shooting at a July rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Earlier this month, Melania said she was in New York when she saw television reports of the second assassination attempt at his golf course in Florida.

“I think something was watching over him,” she said of her husband surviving both assassination attempts. “It’s almost like" the "country really needs him.”

Melania Trump is promoting her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-president-election-book-memoir-ba562374884a9d4494c658ca248fd32b">new memoir</a>, which is set to release on Oct. 8.

When asked if she and her husband ever discussed growing their family, she revealed that the Republican presidential nominee tried to persuade her to have more children. “I was always perfectly fine with one,” she said. “And Donald was encouraging to have more. And I said like I’m completely fine with one because it’s" a “very busy life, and I know how busy he is. And I am in charge of everything. So that’s why it’s just perfect.”

The Slovenia native said the fashion industry gave her the “thick skin” required to withstand attacks as the wife of a president, who is one of the most polarizing political figures in recent memory.

“The fashion industry, it’s glamorous, but it’s, at the same time, very tough,” she said. “Everybody judges you, look at you" a "certain way, so it can be a mean world as well. So nothing prepared me more for this world than fashion. It gives you a thick skin.” Melania also revealed that her son,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barron-trump-nyu-stern-business-school-bf02754085db99a49429efbb47b64626">Barron Trump</a>, decided to continue living in their New York residence while attending New York University.

“I could not say I’m an empty nester. I don’t feel that way,” she said. “It was his decision to come here, that he wants to be in New York and study in New York and live in his home. And I respect that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721382561480.png" alt="File photo of Former President Donald Trump and wife Melania during the Republican National Convention in July-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo of Former President Donald Trump and wife Melania during the Republican National Convention in July-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —In her first interview in more than two years, former First Lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/melania-trump">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;said she saw her husband's survival in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/trump-assassination-attempt-butler-pennsylvania/">two attempts on his life</a>&nbsp;as “miracles” and offered new details about the former president, including his desire to have more children.The Slovenian-born former fashion model has remained somewhat of an enigma in the 2024 election cycle, staying largely absent from the campaign trail, breaking norms in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-ivanka-trump-rnc-republican-convention-8247f321a551b257f37b196358ce8ed4">not speaking at the Republican National Convention</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-donald-campaign-role-first-lady-433bbc2c7d51e6b72a43a831c382c850">skipping key moments</a>&nbsp;for her husband, Donald Trump, including his primary-night victory parties and court appearances in New York and Florida.In a pre-taped interview aired on Fox News Thursday morning, Melania Trump called for Democrats and members of the media to stop branding her husband as a threat to democracy. She blamed the media for “fueling a toxic atmosphere” and empowering those who “want to do harm to him.” Democrats previously blamed Trump for violent rhetoric, including helping to incite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">an attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021</a>."This is not normal," she told&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ainsley-earhardt">Ainsley Earhardt</a>, a “Fox &amp; Friends" co-host.Melania Trump added: "Is it really shocking that all this egregious violence goes against my husband? Especially that we hear the leaders from the opposition party and mainstream media branding him as a threat to democracy, calling him vile names?”The former first lady added: "This needs to stop.”Melania Trump said that a staffer alerted her to the shooting at a July rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Earlier this month, Melania said she was in New York when she saw television reports of the second assassination attempt at his golf course in Florida.“I think something was watching over him,” she said of her husband surviving both assassination attempts. “It’s almost like" the "country really needs him.”Melania Trump is promoting her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-president-election-book-memoir-ba562374884a9d4494c658ca248fd32b">new memoir</a>, which is set to release on Oct. 8.When asked if she and her husband ever discussed growing their family, she revealed that the Republican presidential nominee tried to persuade her to have more children. “I was always perfectly fine with one,” she said. “And Donald was encouraging to have more. And I said like I’m completely fine with one because it’s" a “very busy life, and I know how busy he is. And I am in charge of everything. So that’s why it’s just perfect.”The Slovenia native said the fashion industry gave her the “thick skin” required to withstand attacks as the wife of a president, who is one of the most polarizing political figures in recent memory.“The fashion industry, it’s glamorous, but it’s, at the same time, very tough,” she said. “Everybody judges you, look at you" a "certain way, so it can be a mean world as well. So nothing prepared me more for this world than fashion. It gives you a thick skin.” Melania also revealed that her son,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barron-trump-nyu-stern-business-school-bf02754085db99a49429efbb47b64626">Barron Trump</a>, decided to continue living in their New York residence while attending New York University.“I could not say I’m an empty nester. I don’t feel that way,” she said. “It was his decision to come here, that he wants to be in New York and study in New York and live in his home. And I respect that.”

Melania Trump: Miracles saved her husband's life

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman convicted in the methadone death of her 2-year-old son is going to prison for the rest of her life.

On Wednesday&nbsp;District Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 28-year-old Kimberly Compass to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In May of 2021, a jury convicted Compass of first-degree felony murder after her 2-year-old son died from ingesting methadone in a Wichita motel on May 31, 2019. Prosecutors accused Compass of mishandling three bottles of methadone, which had been prescribed to help her kick a heroin habit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621892806239.png" alt="Compass was originally booked into jail in August of 2019- photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Compass was originally booked into jail in August of 2019- photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman convicted in the methadone death of her 2-year-old son is going to prison for the rest of her life.On Wednesday&nbsp;District Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 28-year-old Kimberly Compass to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In May of 2021, a jury convicted Compass of first-degree felony murder after her 2-year-old son died from ingesting methadone in a Wichita motel on May 31, 2019. Prosecutors accused Compass of mishandling three bottles of methadone, which had been prescribed to help her kick a heroin habit.

Kan. mother going to prison for  toddler son’s methadone death

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to another record Thursday as financial markets around the world rallied again.

The S&amp;P 500 added 0.4% to set an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-fed-china-rates-efe102c3b9007cb9abff468aa006f995">all-time high</a>&nbsp;for the third time this week and the 42nd time this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 260 points, or 0.6%, to finish just shy of its record, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.6%.

Micron Technology led the way with a jump of 14.7% after the maker of computer memory and storage delivered stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It benefited from sales related to artificial-intelligence technology, where a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-ai-earnings-stock-464d35670b6e91a698751ec7ee157532">boom</a>&nbsp;has helped drive some stocks to astounding heights.

Jabil climbed 11.7% after the electronics manufacturer likewise reported stronger profit and revenue than expected. It also announced a plan to plow cash to its shareholders by buying back up to $1 billion of its stock.

But drops for Exxon Mobil and other oil-and-gas companies kept the market’s gains in check. Oil prices sank after The Financial Times reported through sources that Saudi Arabia is preparing to abandon its unofficial price target of $100 a barrel for crude.

The price of a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude fell 2.9% to settle at $67.67, while the international standard of Brent crude fell 2.5% to $71.60. That dragged Exxon Mobil’s stock down 1.7%, and it was one of the heaviest weights on the S&amp;P 500. ConocoPhillips sank 3.2%.

The biggest drop in the S&amp;P 500 hit Super Micro Computer, which gave back some of its huge gains after more than tripling last year amid the AI frenzy. Its stock tumbled 12.2% following a report from The Wall Street Journal saying the U.S. Department of Justice is probing the seller of servers and storage systems. The company declined to comment.

A prominent investor, Hindenburg Research, published a report in August that accused the company of accounting red flags and other issues, which CEO Charles Liang later said contained false or inaccurate statements.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 23.11 points to 5,745.37. The Dow rose 260.36 to 42,175.11, and the Nasdaq composite gained 108.09 to 18,190.29.

In stock markets overseas, indexes were more buoyant on hopes for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-economy-banks-jinping-communists-politburo-282c04f87725a0ca14a22bd7874aac10">more moves by China</a>&nbsp;to prop up the world’s second-largest economy. The country’s powerful Politburo on Thursday called for intensified efforts as China tries to meet its goals for economic growth, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

That follows a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-economy-banks-rates-pboc-642053f11cbb9cfa2ca57b38593ce7f8">raft of announcements</a>&nbsp;earlier in the week by the country’s central bank that had also sent global markets jumping. China’s economic growth has been flagging, and officials appear to be making a more coordinated effort following earlier piecemeal attempts to boost it.

In the United States, meanwhile, more encouraging news came after a round of reports on Thursday suggested the world’s largest economy may be doing better than expected.

Fewer U.S. workers applied for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-dbc1e6290f9a2af8659ad47233b472c3">unemployment benefits</a>&nbsp;last week in the latest signal that layoffs remain relatively low across the economy. A separate report said the overall U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-growth-inflation-gdp-consumers-federal-reserve-6ac0d113be186b0e1e9e2c85ce927280">economy grew at a 3% annual rate</a>&nbsp;during the spring, as previously estimated. That’s a solid rate.

The hope on Wall Street is for a form of financial nirvana where the U.S. economy’s growth can hold steady and keep profits for companies humming while the Federal Reserve continues to lower interest rates.

The Fed last week made a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/interest-rates-inflation-prices-federal-reserve-economy-0283bc6f92e9f9920094b78d821df227">drastic turn</a>&nbsp;in how it sets interest rates. It’s now cutting them to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/interest-rates-inflation-prices-federal-reserve-economy-31e05db08464c58ce8a3f2db0270f2d3">make things easier for the U.S. economy</a>&nbsp;after keeping rates high for years in hopes of extinguishing high inflation. Lower rates not only make it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-loan-ba6cacf5d43b97d1fad77c688ef15d70">less expensive to borrow money to buy a house,</a>&nbsp;a car or things on credit cards, they can also boost prices for all kinds of investments.

The fear is that the job market could weaken further as the cumulative effects of all the Fed’s past hikes to interest rates show themselves. The Fed had earlier kept its main interest rate at a two-decade high for more than a year, and U.S. employers have already begun to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-federal-reserve-inflation-unemployment-economy-bac1b453d3873d5f23f2061344d28fd9">slow their hiring</a>.

Many traders on Wall Street are betting the Fed will end up cutting interest rates more deeply this year than officials have indicated. But if economic reports remain strong and keep topping expectations, the Fed may not end up cutting as much as investors are betting. That could make the U.S. stock market, which critics say already looks too expensive, look even pricier.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury remained at 3.79%, where it was late Wednesday. The two-year yield, which more closely follows expectations for what the Federal Reserve will do with short-term interest rates, rose to 3.62% from 3.56%.

In stock markets abroad, jumps of 4.2% in Hong Kong and 3.6% in Shanghai led the way. Indexes also climbed 2.8% in Japan, 2.3% in France and 1.7% in Germany.

South Korean stocks jumped 2.9%, led by semiconductor maker SK Hynix, which launched production of a new memory chip for artificial intelligence.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to another record Thursday as financial markets around the world rallied again.The S&amp;P 500 added 0.4% to set an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-fed-china-rates-efe102c3b9007cb9abff468aa006f995">all-time high</a>&nbsp;for the third time this week and the 42nd time this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 260 points, or 0.6%, to finish just shy of its record, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.6%.Micron Technology led the way with a jump of 14.7% after the maker of computer memory and storage delivered stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It benefited from sales related to artificial-intelligence technology, where a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-ai-earnings-stock-464d35670b6e91a698751ec7ee157532">boom</a>&nbsp;has helped drive some stocks to astounding heights.Jabil climbed 11.7% after the electronics manufacturer likewise reported stronger profit and revenue than expected. It also announced a plan to plow cash to its shareholders by buying back up to $1 billion of its stock.But drops for Exxon Mobil and other oil-and-gas companies kept the market’s gains in check. Oil prices sank after The Financial Times reported through sources that Saudi Arabia is preparing to abandon its unofficial price target of $100 a barrel for crude.The price of a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude fell 2.9% to settle at $67.67, while the international standard of Brent crude fell 2.5% to $71.60. That dragged Exxon Mobil’s stock down 1.7%, and it was one of the heaviest weights on the S&amp;P 500. ConocoPhillips sank 3.2%.The biggest drop in the S&amp;P 500 hit Super Micro Computer, which gave back some of its huge gains after more than tripling last year amid the AI frenzy. Its stock tumbled 12.2% following a report from The Wall Street Journal saying the U.S. Department of Justice is probing the seller of servers and storage systems. The company declined to comment.A prominent investor, Hindenburg Research, published a report in August that accused the company of accounting red flags and other issues, which CEO Charles Liang later said contained false or inaccurate statements.All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 23.11 points to 5,745.37. The Dow rose 260.36 to 42,175.11, and the Nasdaq composite gained 108.09 to 18,190.29.In stock markets overseas, indexes were more buoyant on hopes for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-economy-banks-jinping-communists-politburo-282c04f87725a0ca14a22bd7874aac10">more moves by China</a>&nbsp;to prop up the world’s second-largest economy. The country’s powerful Politburo on Thursday called for intensified efforts as China tries to meet its goals for economic growth, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.That follows a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-economy-banks-rates-pboc-642053f11cbb9cfa2ca57b38593ce7f8">raft of announcements</a>&nbsp;earlier in the week by the country’s central bank that had also sent global markets jumping. China’s economic growth has been flagging, and officials appear to be making a more coordinated effort following earlier piecemeal attempts to boost it.In the United States, meanwhile, more encouraging news came after a round of reports on Thursday suggested the world’s largest economy may be doing better than expected.Fewer U.S. workers applied for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-dbc1e6290f9a2af8659ad47233b472c3">unemployment benefits</a>&nbsp;last week in the latest signal that layoffs remain relatively low across the economy. A separate report said the overall U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-growth-inflation-gdp-consumers-federal-reserve-6ac0d113be186b0e1e9e2c85ce927280">economy grew at a 3% annual rate</a>&nbsp;during the spring, as previously estimated. That’s a solid rate.The hope on Wall Street is for a form of financial nirvana where the U.S. economy’s growth can hold steady and keep profits for companies humming while the Federal Reserve continues to lower interest rates.The Fed last week made a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/interest-rates-inflation-prices-federal-reserve-economy-0283bc6f92e9f9920094b78d821df227">drastic turn</a>&nbsp;in how it sets interest rates. It’s now cutting them to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/interest-rates-inflation-prices-federal-reserve-economy-31e05db08464c58ce8a3f2db0270f2d3">make things easier for the U.S. economy</a>&nbsp;after keeping rates high for years in hopes of extinguishing high inflation. Lower rates not only make it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-loan-ba6cacf5d43b97d1fad77c688ef15d70">less expensive to borrow money to buy a house,</a>&nbsp;a car or things on credit cards, they can also boost prices for all kinds of investments.The fear is that the job market could weaken further as the cumulative effects of all the Fed’s past hikes to interest rates show themselves. The Fed had earlier kept its main interest rate at a two-decade high for more than a year, and U.S. employers have already begun to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-federal-reserve-inflation-unemployment-economy-bac1b453d3873d5f23f2061344d28fd9">slow their hiring</a>.Many traders on Wall Street are betting the Fed will end up cutting interest rates more deeply this year than officials have indicated. But if economic reports remain strong and keep topping expectations, the Fed may not end up cutting as much as investors are betting. That could make the U.S. stock market, which critics say already looks too expensive, look even pricier.In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury remained at 3.79%, where it was late Wednesday. The two-year yield, which more closely follows expectations for what the Federal Reserve will do with short-term interest rates, rose to 3.62% from 3.56%.In stock markets abroad, jumps of 4.2% in Hong Kong and 3.6% in Shanghai led the way. Indexes also climbed 2.8% in Japan, 2.3% in France and 1.7% in Germany.South Korean stocks jumped 2.9%, led by semiconductor maker SK Hynix, which launched production of a new memory chip for artificial intelligence.

Wall Street ticks to another record as stocks worldwide rally

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted Thursday on federal charges alleging that he took illegal campaign contributions and bribes from foreign nationals in exchange for favors that included helping Turkish officials get fire safety approvals for a new diplomatic building in the city.

In March of 2023, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly asked for an apology after Adams made remarks critical of Kansas for the second time in six months.

(click to watch Mayor Adams' comment on Kansas)

In September of 2022, Adams said Kansas doesn't have a brand. "New York has a brand, and when people see it means something. Kansas doesn't have a brand. When you go there it's OK, you’re from Kansas," Adams said.

In October of 2022, Big 12 Conference commissioner Brett Yormark visited with Adams and took him a basketball jersey from the University of Kansas.

Adams, a former captain in the New York City police department, faces conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery charges in a five-count indictment that describes a decade-long trail of crimes.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25175479-eric-adams-indictment-unsealed">Click here to read</a> the indictment

Despite the corruption case, Adams said he does not plan to resign from his job running the country's largest city, telling reporters he hopes New Yorkers will wait to hear his legal team's defense before making any judgments.

“From here, my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city,” he said at a hastily assembled news conference outside Gracie Mansion after the charges were made public. “It's an unfortunate day. And its a painful day. But inside all of that is a day when we will finally reveal why, for 10 months, I’ve gone through this. And I look forward to defending myself,” he said.

As Adams and others close to him addressed the media, protesters heckled them, with some chanting “abuse of power" as police circled them and one shouting, “He’s a corrupt mayor. He deserves to be in handcuffs.”

The U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan alleges in the indictment that Adams “not only accepted, but sought illegal campaign contributions” to his mayoral campaign. A senior official in the Turkish diplomatic establishment “facilitated many straw donations” to Adams and arranged for Adams and his companions to receive free or discounted travel on Turkey’s national airline to destinations including France, China, Sri Lanka, India, Hungary, and Turkey, the indictment alleges.

Adams “compounded his gains” from the illegal campaign contributions by gaming the city’s matching funds program, which provides a generous match for small dollar donations. His campaign received more than $10,000 in matching funds as a result of the false certifications, according to the indictment.

Adams allegedly “solicited and demanded” bribes, including free and heavily discounted luxury travel benefits from a Turkish official, the indictment alleges, noting that the official was seeking Adams’ help pertaining to regulations of the Turkish consulate in Manhattan. Adams created and instructed others to create fake paper trails in order to falsely suggest he had paid for travel benefits that were actually free, prosecutors allege. He also deleted messages with others involved in his misconduct, at one point assuring a co-conspirator that he “always” deleted her text messages, according to the indictment.

The charges were made public hours after FBI agents entered the mayor’s official residence and seized his phone early Thursday.

The U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan scheduled a late-morning news conference to discuss the case.

Adams spent 22 years in New York City’s police department before going into politics, first as a state senator and then as Brooklyn borough president. He was elected as the city’s second Black mayor in 2021.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has the power to remove Adams from office. Her spokesperson, Avi Small, issued a statement late Wednesday that said “Governor Hochul is aware of these concerning news reports and is monitoring the situation. It would be premature to comment further until the matter is confirmed by law enforcement.”

The indictment caps an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-mayor-eric-adams-federal-prosecutors-2887c1f2e7097cb19b17a7d2659135bb">extraordinary few weeks</a>&nbsp;in New York City, as federal investigators have honed in on members of Adams’ inner circle, producing a drum-beat of raids, subpoenas and high-level resignations that have thrust City Hall into crisis.

Federal prosecutors are believed to be leading multiple, separate inquiries involving Adams and his senior aides, relatives of those aides, campaign fundraising and possible influence peddling of the police and fire departments.

In the last two weeks alone, the city’s police commissioner and head of the school’s system have announced their resignations.

FBI agents had seized Adams’ electronic devices nearly a year ago as part of an investigation focused, at least partly, on campaign contributions and Adams’ interactions with the Turkish government. Because the charges were sealed, it was unknown whether they dealt with those same matters.

In early September, federal investigators seized devices from his police commissioner, schools chancellor, two deputy mayors and other trusted confidants both in and out of City Hall.

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted Thursday on federal charges alleging that he took illegal campaign contributions and bribes from foreign nationals in exchange for favors that included helping Turkish officials get fire safety approvals for a new diplomatic building in the city.In March of 2023, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly asked for an apology after Adams made remarks critical of Kansas for the second time in six months.(click to watch Mayor Adams' comment on Kansas)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HfoSj55HEOU?start=3777" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYCMayor</a> I was in NYC visiting my granddaughter when you disparaged my hometown Topeka KS. It was this granddaughter who, with her parents, delivered Kansas kindness to you at Gracie Mansion when you disparaged my state last September. Enough already. You owe Kansas an apology.&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1631703549137518635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In September of 2022, Adams said Kansas doesn't have a brand. "New York has a brand, and when people see it means something. Kansas doesn't have a brand. When you go there it's OK, you’re from Kansas," Adams said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It’s true, I got a BRAND new feeling about Kansas. <a href="https://t.co/iIKdjHpKjH">https://t.co/iIKdjHpKjH</a>&mdash; Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/1580203094977044480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In October of 2022, Big 12 Conference commissioner Brett Yormark visited with Adams and took him a basketball jersey from the University of Kansas.Adams, a former captain in the New York City police department, faces conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery charges in a five-count indictment that describes a decade-long trail of crimes.<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25175479-eric-adams-indictment-unsealed">Click here to read</a> the indictmentDespite the corruption case, Adams said he does not plan to resign from his job running the country's largest city, telling reporters he hopes New Yorkers will wait to hear his legal team's defense before making any judgments.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">New York City Mayor Eric Adams on federal indictment on campaign finance, bribery, and conspiracy charges: &quot;We are not surprised. We expected this. This is not surprising to us at all...my day to day will not change.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/c1O4Wo7duB">pic.twitter.com/c1O4Wo7duB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1839380464127312002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“From here, my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city,” he said at a hastily assembled news conference outside Gracie Mansion after the charges were made public. “It's an unfortunate day. And its a painful day. But inside all of that is a day when we will finally reveal why, for 10 months, I’ve gone through this. And I look forward to defending myself,” he said.As Adams and others close to him addressed the media, protesters heckled them, with some chanting “abuse of power" as police circled them and one shouting, “He’s a corrupt mayor. He deserves to be in handcuffs.”The U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan alleges in the indictment that Adams “not only accepted, but sought illegal campaign contributions” to his mayoral campaign. A senior official in the Turkish diplomatic establishment “facilitated many straw donations” to Adams and arranged for Adams and his companions to receive free or discounted travel on Turkey’s national airline to destinations including France, China, Sri Lanka, India, Hungary, and Turkey, the indictment alleges.Adams “compounded his gains” from the illegal campaign contributions by gaming the city’s matching funds program, which provides a generous match for small dollar donations. His campaign received more than $10,000 in matching funds as a result of the false certifications, according to the indictment.Adams allegedly “solicited and demanded” bribes, including free and heavily discounted luxury travel benefits from a Turkish official, the indictment alleges, noting that the official was seeking Adams’ help pertaining to regulations of the Turkish consulate in Manhattan. Adams created and instructed others to create fake paper trails in order to falsely suggest he had paid for travel benefits that were actually free, prosecutors allege. He also deleted messages with others involved in his misconduct, at one point assuring a co-conspirator that he “always” deleted her text messages, according to the indictment.The charges were made public hours after FBI agents entered the mayor’s official residence and seized his phone early Thursday.The U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan scheduled a late-morning news conference to discuss the case.Adams spent 22 years in New York City’s police department before going into politics, first as a state senator and then as Brooklyn borough president. He was elected as the city’s second Black mayor in 2021.Gov. Kathy Hochul has the power to remove Adams from office. Her spokesperson, Avi Small, issued a statement late Wednesday that said “Governor Hochul is aware of these concerning news reports and is monitoring the situation. It would be premature to comment further until the matter is confirmed by law enforcement.”The indictment caps an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-mayor-eric-adams-federal-prosecutors-2887c1f2e7097cb19b17a7d2659135bb">extraordinary few weeks</a>&nbsp;in New York City, as federal investigators have honed in on members of Adams’ inner circle, producing a drum-beat of raids, subpoenas and high-level resignations that have thrust City Hall into crisis.Federal prosecutors are believed to be leading multiple, separate inquiries involving Adams and his senior aides, relatives of those aides, campaign fundraising and possible influence peddling of the police and fire departments.In the last two weeks alone, the city’s police commissioner and head of the school’s system have announced their resignations.FBI agents had seized Adams’ electronic devices nearly a year ago as part of an investigation focused, at least partly, on campaign contributions and Adams’ interactions with the Turkish government. Because the charges were sealed, it was unknown whether they dealt with those same matters.In early September, federal investigators seized devices from his police commissioner, schools chancellor, two deputy mayors and other trusted confidants both in and out of City Hall.All have denied wrongdoing.

🎥Mayor who was critical of Kansas charged with taking bribes from foreign sources

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. slipped to its lowest level in two years this week, boosting home shoppers’ purchasing power as they navigate a housing market with prices near all-time highs.

The rate dipped to 6.08% from to 6.09% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 7.31%.

The last time the average rate was lower was on Sept. 15, 2022, when it was 6.02%.

Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners seeking to refinance their home loan to a lower rate, increased slightly this week. The average rate rose to 5.16% from 5.15% last week. A year ago, it averaged 6.72%, Freddie Mac said.

Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, including how the bond market reacts to the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy decisions. That can move the trajectory of the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage is down from 7.22% in May, its peak so far this year. Rates have been mostly declining since July in anticipation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/interest-rates-inflation-prices-federal-reserve-economy-0283bc6f92e9f9920094b78d821df227">last week’s move by the Fed to cut its main interest rate</a>&nbsp;for the first time in more than four years.

Fed officials also signaled they expect further cuts this year and in 2025 and 2026. The rate cuts should, over time, lead to lower borrowing costs on mortgages.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose from below 3% in September 2021 to a 23-year high of 7.8% last October. That coincided with the Fed increasing its benchmark interest rate to fight inflation.

When mortgage rates rise they can can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers. The housing market has been in a sales slump going back to 2022 as elevated mortgage rates put off many would-be homebuyers.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-05edbb072112edfddcd9114405f5affa">Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell in August even as mortgage rates began easing.</a>

Still, as rates have looked more attractive in recent weeks, more homeowners have applied for home loans.

Mortgage applications jumped 11% last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The strong gain was due partly to a 20% increase in applications by homeowners seeking to refinance their existing loan to a lower rate.

“Given the downward trajectory of rates, refinance activity continues to pick up, creating opportunities for many homeowners to trim their monthly mortgage payment.,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Meanwhile, many looking to purchase a home are playing the waiting game to see if rates decrease further as additional economic data is released over the next several weeks.”

While lower rates give home shoppers more purchasing power, a mortgage around 6% is still not low enough for many Americans struggling to afford a home. That’s mostly because home prices have soared 49% over the past five years, roughly double the growth in wages. They remain near record highs, propped up by a shortage of homes in many markets.

Mortgage rates would have to drop back to near rock-bottom lows from three years ago, or home prices would have to fall sharply for many buyers to afford a home. Neither scenario is likely to happen any time soon.

Economists generally expect mortgage rates to remain near their current levels, at least this year. Fannie Mae projects the rate on a 30-year mortgage will average 6.2% in the October-December quarter and decline to an average of 5.7% in the same quarter next year. It averaged 7.3% in the same period in 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659001075252.jpeg" alt="File photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>File photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. slipped to its lowest level in two years this week, boosting home shoppers’ purchasing power as they navigate a housing market with prices near all-time highs.The rate dipped to 6.08% from to 6.09% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 7.31%.The last time the average rate was lower was on Sept. 15, 2022, when it was 6.02%.Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners seeking to refinance their home loan to a lower rate, increased slightly this week. The average rate rose to 5.16% from 5.15% last week. A year ago, it averaged 6.72%, Freddie Mac said.Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, including how the bond market reacts to the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy decisions. That can move the trajectory of the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans.The average rate on a 30-year mortgage is down from 7.22% in May, its peak so far this year. Rates have been mostly declining since July in anticipation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/interest-rates-inflation-prices-federal-reserve-economy-0283bc6f92e9f9920094b78d821df227">last week’s move by the Fed to cut its main interest rate</a>&nbsp;for the first time in more than four years.Fed officials also signaled they expect further cuts this year and in 2025 and 2026. The rate cuts should, over time, lead to lower borrowing costs on mortgages.The average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose from below 3% in September 2021 to a 23-year high of 7.8% last October. That coincided with the Fed increasing its benchmark interest rate to fight inflation.When mortgage rates rise they can can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers. The housing market has been in a sales slump going back to 2022 as elevated mortgage rates put off many would-be homebuyers.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-05edbb072112edfddcd9114405f5affa">Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell in August even as mortgage rates began easing.</a>Still, as rates have looked more attractive in recent weeks, more homeowners have applied for home loans.Mortgage applications jumped 11% last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The strong gain was due partly to a 20% increase in applications by homeowners seeking to refinance their existing loan to a lower rate.“Given the downward trajectory of rates, refinance activity continues to pick up, creating opportunities for many homeowners to trim their monthly mortgage payment.,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Meanwhile, many looking to purchase a home are playing the waiting game to see if rates decrease further as additional economic data is released over the next several weeks.”While lower rates give home shoppers more purchasing power, a mortgage around 6% is still not low enough for many Americans struggling to afford a home. That’s mostly because home prices have soared 49% over the past five years, roughly double the growth in wages. They remain near record highs, propped up by a shortage of homes in many markets.Mortgage rates would have to drop back to near rock-bottom lows from three years ago, or home prices would have to fall sharply for many buyers to afford a home. Neither scenario is likely to happen any time soon.Economists generally expect mortgage rates to remain near their current levels, at least this year. Fannie Mae projects the rate on a 30-year mortgage will average 6.2% in the October-December quarter and decline to an average of 5.7% in the same quarter next year. It averaged 7.3% in the same period in 2023.

Average rate on a 30-year mortgage slips to lowest level in 2 years

JOHNSON COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement are investigating a rural Missouri couple in connection with years of alleged child sex abuse.

According to the Johnson County Sheriff 56-year-old Gregory D. Arnold and his wife 55-year-old Yvonne P. Arnold both of Chilhowee, Missouri, have been charged with Statutory Sodomy 1st Degree

The charges mark the beginning of what is anticipated to be a comprehensive and detailed investigation.&nbsp; The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is actively looking into additional potential crimes that may have been committed as early as 2005.

Investigators are working to uncover all facts and ensure justice is served&nbsp; the sheriff's office is committed to support for the victims in this case.&nbsp;Chilhowee is located approximately 65 miles southeast of Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727345833618.png" alt="Arnold photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Arnold photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement are investigating a rural Missouri couple in connection with years of alleged child sex abuse.According to the Johnson County Sheriff 56-year-old Gregory D. Arnold and his wife 55-year-old Yvonne P. Arnold both of Chilhowee, Missouri, have been charged with Statutory Sodomy 1st Degree<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727345792127.png" alt="Arnold-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Arnold-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The charges mark the beginning of what is anticipated to be a comprehensive and detailed investigation.&nbsp; The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is actively looking into additional potential crimes that may have been committed as early as 2005.Investigators are working to uncover all facts and ensure justice is served&nbsp; the sheriff's office is committed to support for the victims in this case.&nbsp;Chilhowee is located approximately 65 miles southeast of Kansas City.

Rural Missouri couple face years of child sex crime allegations

LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement and USD 253 officials are investigating an alleged school threat and have increased police presence at schools in Emporia.

Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, the Emporia Police Department was notified of a possible threat to the Emporia Middle School, according to Police Captain Ray Mattas 

It was reported that a student, in an email, had threatened to bring a gun to school on Thursday and was warning other students not to attend school that day. 

Officers located the student making the threats. It was determined the student did not have access to any firearms and no students were at risk. 

The case will be referred to the Lyon County Attorney’s Office for their review.

USD 253 was informed of the threats, and it was decided that the Emporia Police Department would be present at Emporia Middle School to provide reassurance to parents, students, and staff regarding their safety.

LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement and USD 253 officials are investigating an alleged school threat and have increased police presence at schools in Emporia.Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, the Emporia Police Department was notified of a possible threat to the Emporia Middle School, according to Police Captain Ray Mattas It was reported that a student, in an email, had threatened to bring a gun to school on Thursday and was warning other students not to attend school that day. Officers located the student making the threats. It was determined the student did not have access to any firearms and no students were at risk. The case will be referred to the Lyon County Attorney’s Office for their review.USD 253 was informed of the threats, and it was decided that the Emporia Police Department would be present at Emporia Middle School to provide reassurance to parents, students, and staff regarding their safety.

Police: Student sent email of bringing gun to Kansas middle school

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating an armed carjacking and have made two arrests.

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, an armed carjacking occurred on southbound Interstate 49, south at the 163rd Street exit in Belton, approximately 20 minutes south of Kansas City.

A dark blue Kia Optima occupied by three suspects rear-ended a 2022 Dodge Charger driven by a victim, who was the sole occupant.

Both drivers pulled over. While checking the rear of the Dodge Charger, one of the occupants from the Kia entered the victim’s Dodge Charger and fled the scene. 

A check of the Kia Optima license plate revealed it was a stolen vehicle.&nbsp; Police reported on Wednesday that two are in custody.&nbsp; Names of the suspects and possible charges have not been release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727306331271.png" alt="Photo Belton Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Belton Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating an armed carjacking and have made two arrests.Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, an armed carjacking occurred on southbound Interstate 49, south at the 163rd Street exit in Belton, approximately 20 minutes south of Kansas City.A dark blue Kia Optima occupied by three suspects rear-ended a 2022 Dodge Charger driven by a victim, who was the sole occupant.Both drivers pulled over. While checking the rear of the Dodge Charger, one of the occupants from the Kia entered the victim’s Dodge Charger and fled the scene. A check of the Kia Optima license plate revealed it was a stolen vehicle.&nbsp; Police reported on Wednesday that two are in custody.&nbsp; Names of the suspects and possible charges have not been release.

2 in custody for armed carjacking after KC area rear-end crash

Washington D.C.&nbsp; -&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall on Wednesday called for the immediate passage of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/5/lee-and-roy-partner-on-legislation-to-secure-federal-elections">Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act</a>&nbsp;on the Senate floor.&nbsp; The SAVE Act is crucial for protecting the integrity of our elections by requiring proof of American citizenship when registering to vote. Our elections must be decided by American citizens.&nbsp;

Recently, states like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/virginia-governor-youngkin-voter-purge-noncitizens-errors-election-rcna167925">Virginia</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-announces-over-1m-ineligible-voters-removed-voting-rolls-since-last-presidential-election">Texas</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-2024-election-citizen-voter-registration-18d3c0bda65a5030cd07f1d536e39ab7">Oregon</a>&nbsp;found noncitizens had registered to vote in our elections. Requiring proof of citizenship to vote is not controversial, it’s common sense.

“Free, safe, secure and fair elections are integral to the survival of our republic. Without election integrity, the voice of American citizens, the foundation of a republic, is at risk of being silenced.”

“Unfortunately, millions of Americans have lost confidence in the security of our elections. They question whether their vote truly matters or if their vote is being diluted by noncitizens. We must ensure that the outcome of our elections is determined by our own citizens, uninfluenced by illegal ballots.”

“This shouldn't be a divisive issue. Nearly 80% of Americans - Democrats, Republicans, independents - all agree on this simple requirement, 80%. Now, again, this is common sense. You need an ID to drive, you need an ID to board a plane, you need an ID to get a fishing license. But voting is a sacred right with even a higher value than those other examples, that voting should demand the same standard.”

“Protecting this right isn't controversial, it’s common sense. Right now, due to the crisis of our open southern border, at least 11 million illegal immigrants are in the United States today. That number alone could replace the population of 36 states, almost four times the population of Kansas. Imagine what that could do to our electoral process if left unchecked.”

“Noncitizen voting is real. This isn't hypothetical. In Texas, Virginia, and Oregon, noncitizens have been found on the voting rosters. Additionally, California, Maryland, Vermont and Washington, D.C. already allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. This is an immediate threat to the future of our democracy, and it demands action.”&nbsp;

“This is a nonpartisan American issue. It's about protecting our country. Just as we reject foreign interference in our elections, we must reject noncitizen voting with equal seriousness, and this is why Congress must act, and it can act today.”

Washington D.C.&nbsp; -&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall on Wednesday called for the immediate passage of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/5/lee-and-roy-partner-on-legislation-to-secure-federal-elections">Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act</a>&nbsp;on the Senate floor.&nbsp; The SAVE Act is crucial for protecting the integrity of our elections by requiring proof of American citizenship when registering to vote. Our elections must be decided by American citizens.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Why won’t Democrats work to secure our elections and pass a policy that 80% of Americans support and does just that? Protecting election integrity is not a partisan issue—it’s an American issue. Let’s pass the SAVE Act to ensure our elections remain free, fair, &amp; secure. <a href="https://t.co/IeoTDskdZl">pic.twitter.com/IeoTDskdZl</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1839024251002622306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Recently, states like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/virginia-governor-youngkin-voter-purge-noncitizens-errors-election-rcna167925">Virginia</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-announces-over-1m-ineligible-voters-removed-voting-rolls-since-last-presidential-election">Texas</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-2024-election-citizen-voter-registration-18d3c0bda65a5030cd07f1d536e39ab7">Oregon</a>&nbsp;found noncitizens had registered to vote in our elections. Requiring proof of citizenship to vote is not controversial, it’s common sense.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In America, you need an ID to do all of the following things, yet the Democrat party finds it controversial to need an ID to participate in our electoral process. <a href="https://t.co/pJ4UBAQuwC">pic.twitter.com/pJ4UBAQuwC</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1839008515194507515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Free, safe, secure and fair elections are integral to the survival of our republic. Without election integrity, the voice of American citizens, the foundation of a republic, is at risk of being silenced.”“Unfortunately, millions of Americans have lost confidence in the security of our elections. They question whether their vote truly matters or if their vote is being diluted by noncitizens. We must ensure that the outcome of our elections is determined by our own citizens, uninfluenced by illegal ballots.”“This shouldn't be a divisive issue. Nearly 80% of Americans - Democrats, Republicans, independents - all agree on this simple requirement, 80%. Now, again, this is common sense. You need an ID to drive, you need an ID to board a plane, you need an ID to get a fishing license. But voting is a sacred right with even a higher value than those other examples, that voting should demand the same standard.”“Protecting this right isn't controversial, it’s common sense. Right now, due to the crisis of our open southern border, at least 11 million illegal immigrants are in the United States today. That number alone could replace the population of 36 states, almost four times the population of Kansas. Imagine what that could do to our electoral process if left unchecked.”“Noncitizen voting is real. This isn't hypothetical. In Texas, Virginia, and Oregon, noncitizens have been found on the voting rosters. Additionally, California, Maryland, Vermont and Washington, D.C. already allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. This is an immediate threat to the future of our democracy, and it demands action.”&nbsp;“This is a nonpartisan American issue. It's about protecting our country. Just as we reject foreign interference in our elections, we must reject noncitizen voting with equal seriousness, and this is why Congress must act, and it can act today.”

🎥Marshall: Why won't Democrats work to secure our elections?

SEDGWICK COUNTY — The suspect involved in a shooting near a school on Monday has been moved from the hospital to jail, according to <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752257">Sedgwick County Booking records.</a>

Vincent Solomon is being held on <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752257">requested charges</a> of attempted murder, aggravated battery, domestic battery, criminal restraint, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal use of weapons and interference with law enforcement, according to online jail records.

Just after 9a.m. Monday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications began to receive reports of a shooting outside Cessna Elementary School, 2101 West 45th Street South in Wichita, according to a statement from Police Chief Joe Sullivan during a Tuesday afternoon news conference.

The call was broadcast on all law enforcement radio channels. A Sedgwick County Deputy heard the call and responded. When the deputy arrived, he located a 46-year-old man from Wichita who was armed with a handgun. The man made statements that the deputy would kill him while pointing the gun at the deputy, according to Sullivan.

The suspect than ran to and laid on top of a 30-year-old woman. The deputy gave commands for the man to drop his gun and observed the suspect place the gun to the woman's head.

In defense of the woman, the deputy fired his gun twice. The suspect would not let go of the woman. The deputy then attempted to disarm the man physically. It took two Wichita Police officers and the deputy to disarm the suspect.

Investigators have learned that the man and woman live together and have children together. The couple had an argument in a vehicle on the way to the school which led to the suspect shooting the woman multiple times. The woman ran toward the school and the suspect chased her. A Wichita Public School staff member saw the suspect with the gun approaching the school and pulled the door of the school shut and locked it so the suspect could not get inside.

EMS transported the suspect and the woman to an area hospital. Both are expected to survive, according to Sullivan.&nbsp;

The Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) was activated to conduct this investigation. ALERT team investigators will present the facts of this case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727347075515.png" alt="Solomon -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Solomon -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — The suspect involved in a shooting near a school on Monday has been moved from the hospital to jail, according to <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752257">Sedgwick County Booking records.</a>Vincent Solomon is being held on <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=752257">requested charges</a> of attempted murder, aggravated battery, domestic battery, criminal restraint, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal use of weapons and interference with law enforcement, according to online jail records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727210527551.png" alt="Image from security camera shows Solomon chasing the woman, after she had been shot, as they approach the entrance to the school.- image from Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image from security camera shows Solomon chasing the woman, after she had been shot, as they approach the entrance to the school.- image from Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 9a.m. Monday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications began to receive reports of a shooting outside Cessna Elementary School, 2101 West 45th Street South in Wichita, according to a statement from Police Chief Joe Sullivan during a Tuesday afternoon news conference.The call was broadcast on all law enforcement radio channels. A Sedgwick County Deputy heard the call and responded. When the deputy arrived, he located a 46-year-old man from Wichita who was armed with a handgun. The man made statements that the deputy would kill him while pointing the gun at the deputy, according to Sullivan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727106753444.png" alt="Police on the scene near the school-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene near the school-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect than ran to and laid on top of a 30-year-old woman. The deputy gave commands for the man to drop his gun and observed the suspect place the gun to the woman's head.In defense of the woman, the deputy fired his gun twice. The suspect would not let go of the woman. The deputy then attempted to disarm the man physically. It took two Wichita Police officers and the deputy to disarm the suspect.Investigators have learned that the man and woman live together and have children together. The couple had an argument in a vehicle on the way to the school which led to the suspect shooting the woman multiple times. The woman ran toward the school and the suspect chased her. A Wichita Public School staff member saw the suspect with the gun approaching the school and pulled the door of the school shut and locked it so the suspect could not get inside.EMS transported the suspect and the woman to an area hospital. Both are expected to survive, according to Sullivan.&nbsp;The Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) was activated to conduct this investigation. ALERT team investigators will present the facts of this case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.

Kan. suspect who shot woman near school moved from hospital to jail

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Two students were injured in a school bus accident just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Wyandotte County.

According to Edwardsville Police Chief Rance Quinn, the school bus was negotiating a curve in the road in the area of 700 Beach Street, turning right.&nbsp;The bus left the road and struck a tree in a yard. The tree damaged several windows on the bus. 

Two of the 17 children on board reported minor injuries from falling glass.&nbsp; &nbsp;Edwardsville Fire and EMS treated the two injured students on scene and they were released. All other students were examined by EMS and no other injuries were found.&nbsp; All the students, ages 11-15, were released to relatives or transferred to another school bus.&nbsp;

Police did not release details on the bus driver.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Two students were injured in a school bus accident just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Wyandotte County.According to Edwardsville Police Chief Rance Quinn, the school bus was negotiating a curve in the road in the area of 700 Beach Street, turning right.&nbsp;The bus left the road and struck a tree in a yard. The tree damaged several windows on the bus. Two of the 17 children on board reported minor injuries from falling glass.&nbsp; &nbsp;Edwardsville Fire and EMS treated the two injured students on scene and they were released. All other students were examined by EMS and no other injuries were found.&nbsp; All the students, ages 11-15, were released to relatives or transferred to another school bus.&nbsp;Police did not release details on the bus driver.

Students injured in Kansas school bus crash into tree

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Johnson County.

According to Lenexa Police, a motorcycle driven by a 23-year-old woman was southbound in the 11200 Block of Strang Line Road. The motorcycle traveled off the road and crashed in the center median.

Johnson County&nbsp; Med-Act transported the driver to an area hospital where she died.

Police have not released the name of the victim or additional details.

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Johnson County.According to Lenexa Police, a motorcycle driven by a 23-year-old woman was southbound in the 11200 Block of Strang Line Road. The motorcycle traveled off the road and crashed in the center median.Johnson County&nbsp; Med-Act transported the driver to an area hospital where she died.Police have not released the name of the victim or additional details.

23-year-old woman dies in Kansas motorcycle crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress on Wednesday passed a temporary measure that keeps government agencies funded into December, avoiding a shutdown for now while punting final spending decisions until after the Nov. 5 election.

The Senate approved the measure by a vote of 78-18 shortly after the House easily approved it. Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran voted with the majority. Senator Roger Marshall voted against punting the spending decisions to December.&nbsp; In the House&nbsp;Representative Tracey Mann and Fourth District Representative Ron Estes voted against the bill.  Kansas 2nd District Representative Jake LaTurner and Democrat Representative Sharice Davids voted to approve the measure.

The bill generally funds agencies at current levels through Dec. 20. But an additional $231 million was included to bolster the Secret Service after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-gunshots-florida-f62f8378d3a8ce7b2e99d6a8fb40aba9">two assassination attempts</a>&nbsp;against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Money was also added to aid with the presidential transition, among other things.

The bill now goes to President Joe Biden's desk to be signed into law.

“This bipartisanship is a good outcome for America,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said moments before the vote. “I hope it sets the tone for more constructive, bipartisan work when we return in the fall.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., billed the measure as doing “only what's absolutely necessary," a statement directed at members of his own conference concerned about spending levels.

Still, it was a no-go for some Republicans, which forced House GOP leadership to rely on Democratic votes to pass the bill through a process that requires at least two-thirds support from voting members. The final vote was 341-82, with Republicans supplying all the no votes in both chambers. Johnson said the only alternative to the continuing resolution at this stage would have been a government shutdown.

“It would be political malpractice to shut the government down," Johnson said. "I think everyone understands that.”

The House floor was largely empty during debate on the measure. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, was the lone critic among the speakers, saying, “We end up in a vicious circle every year, the same vicious circle.”

Lawmakers in both chambers are anxious to return to their home states and districts to campaign, smoothing the path for passage of the temporary funding fix. But more arduous fiscal negotiations await them at the end of the year.

Under terms of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-deal-biden-mccarthy-default-01657c829be119850cd65ab9ffb0626a">previous deal</a>&nbsp;to avoid a federal default and allow the government to continue paying its bills, spending for defense and nondefense programs would rise 1% next year.

The Senate has been charting a course to go above that level, while House Republicans have been voting for steep cuts to many nondefense programs, and they have attached policy mandates to the spending bills that Democrats overwhelmingly oppose. So a final agreement will be difficult to reach.

In the meantime, the temporary bill will mostly fund the government at current levels, with a few exceptions like the funding infusion for the Secret Service.

The $231 million for the Secret Service does come with strings attached. It's contingent upon the agency complying with congressional oversight. The bill also allows the Secret Service to spend its allocations faster if needed.

“Everybody understands that's critically important right now,” Johnson said of the Secret Service money.

Trump thanked lawmakers for the extra Secret Service funding at a campaign event Wednesday. He had earlier called on Republicans not to move forward on a spending bill without also including a requirement that people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-funding-speaker-johnson-b77fc73b1474cbee5213219358985f71">provide proof of citizenship</a>&nbsp;when registering to vote. That legislation failed in the House last week.

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

“The Secret Service has asked for this additional funding. It's absolutely essential as they deal with the increased threat environment,” said Sen. Susan Collins, the top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The continuing resolution is needed because Congress is nowhere close to completing work on the dozen annual appropriations bills that fund much of the federal government. The House has passed five of the 12 bills, mostly along party lines. The Senate has passed zero.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727307762286.png" alt="Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, -We have voted to avoid an unnecessary government shutdown at the end of the month. The government will stay open. image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, -We have voted to avoid an unnecessary government shutdown at the end of the month. The government will stay open. image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress on Wednesday passed a temporary measure that keeps government agencies funded into December, avoiding a shutdown for now while punting final spending decisions until after the Nov. 5 election.The Senate approved the measure by a vote of 78-18 shortly after the House easily approved it. Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran voted with the majority. Senator Roger Marshall voted against punting the spending decisions to December.&nbsp; In the House&nbsp;Representative Tracey Mann and Fourth District Representative Ron Estes voted against the bill. Kansas 2nd District Representative Jake LaTurner and Democrat Representative Sharice Davids voted to approve the measure. The bill generally funds agencies at current levels through Dec. 20. But an additional $231 million was included to bolster the Secret Service after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-gunshots-florida-f62f8378d3a8ce7b2e99d6a8fb40aba9">two assassination attempts</a>&nbsp;against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Money was also added to aid with the presidential transition, among other things.The bill now goes to President Joe Biden's desk to be signed into law.“This bipartisanship is a good outcome for America,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said moments before the vote. “I hope it sets the tone for more constructive, bipartisan work when we return in the fall.”House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., billed the measure as doing “only what's absolutely necessary," a statement directed at members of his own conference concerned about spending levels.Still, it was a no-go for some Republicans, which forced House GOP leadership to rely on Democratic votes to pass the bill through a process that requires at least two-thirds support from voting members. The final vote was 341-82, with Republicans supplying all the no votes in both chambers. Johnson said the only alternative to the continuing resolution at this stage would have been a government shutdown.“It would be political malpractice to shut the government down," Johnson said. "I think everyone understands that.”The House floor was largely empty during debate on the measure. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, was the lone critic among the speakers, saying, “We end up in a vicious circle every year, the same vicious circle.”Lawmakers in both chambers are anxious to return to their home states and districts to campaign, smoothing the path for passage of the temporary funding fix. But more arduous fiscal negotiations await them at the end of the year.Under terms of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-deal-biden-mccarthy-default-01657c829be119850cd65ab9ffb0626a">previous deal</a>&nbsp;to avoid a federal default and allow the government to continue paying its bills, spending for defense and nondefense programs would rise 1% next year.The Senate has been charting a course to go above that level, while House Republicans have been voting for steep cuts to many nondefense programs, and they have attached policy mandates to the spending bills that Democrats overwhelmingly oppose. So a final agreement will be difficult to reach.In the meantime, the temporary bill will mostly fund the government at current levels, with a few exceptions like the funding infusion for the Secret Service.The $231 million for the Secret Service does come with strings attached. It's contingent upon the agency complying with congressional oversight. The bill also allows the Secret Service to spend its allocations faster if needed.“Everybody understands that's critically important right now,” Johnson said of the Secret Service money.Trump thanked lawmakers for the extra Secret Service funding at a campaign event Wednesday. He had earlier called on Republicans not to move forward on a spending bill without also including a requirement that people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-funding-speaker-johnson-b77fc73b1474cbee5213219358985f71">provide proof of citizenship</a>&nbsp;when registering to vote. That legislation failed in the House last week.In a recent letter, the Secret Service told lawmakers that a funding shortfall was not the reason for lapses in Trump’s security when a gunman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-fbi-secret-service-a382e3ec081dd13e85eaa9e726cca02c">climbed onto an unsecured roof</a>&nbsp;on July 13 at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and opened fire. But acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr., also made clear the agency had “immediate needs” and that he’s talking to Congress.“The Secret Service has asked for this additional funding. It's absolutely essential as they deal with the increased threat environment,” said Sen. Susan Collins, the top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee.The continuing resolution is needed because Congress is nowhere close to completing work on the dozen annual appropriations bills that fund much of the federal government. The House has passed five of the 12 bills, mostly along party lines. The Senate has passed zero.Republicans blame the impasse on Senate Democrats for not putting the dozen appropriations bills on the Senate floor for a vote, where they then could be reconciled with the House bills during negotiations. But Democrats counter that House Republicans are acting in bad faith, bogging the process down by undercutting the agreement that former Speaker Kevin McCarthy negotiated with the White House over spending caps for the 2024 and 2025 budget years.Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rosa-delauro">Rosa DeLauro</a>, the top Democratic member of the House Appropriations Committee, said her party will accept nothing less than the 1% increase specified in that agreement. Also, if Republicans seek more than that for defense, there must be “dollar for dollar parity for nondefense," she said.The White House called on both chambers to pass the stopgap bill, while cautioning that it did not provide adequate funding to help communities recover from natural disasters and failed to include enough funding for health care provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs.Johnson warned that when the temporary extension expires in December, he will not support a massive, catchall bill to fund the government, referred to as an omnibus, so another stopgap may be needed that would allow the new president and Congress to have the final say on fiscal year 2025 spending levels.“I have no intention of going back to that terrible tradition,” Johnson said.Sen. Patty Murray, the Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, urged House Republicans not to “follow the loudest voices on the far right” in the negotiations for the full-year bill.“You cannot strike a deal to govern with people who do not really want to govern," Murray said.