WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government is just hours<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-biden-trump-18ef8a03363d31742c5b4c5ecb23506f">&nbsp;away from a shutdown</a>&nbsp;that will disrupt many services, squeeze workers and roil politics as Republicans in the House, fueled by hard-right demands, force a confrontation over federal spending.

While some government entities will be exempt — Social Security checks, for example, will still go out — other functions will be severely curtailed. Federal agencies will stop all actions deemed non-essential, and millions of federal employees, including members of the military, won't receive paychecks.

A look at what's ahead if&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-mccarthy-congress-house-republicans-biden-249d83636e9d61cdd2aabdf34a129514">the government shuts down</a>&nbsp;on Sunday.

A shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass some type of funding legislation that is signed into law by the president. Lawmakers are supposed to pass 12 different spending bills to fund agencies across the government, but the process is time-consuming. They often resort to passing a temporary extension, called a continuing resolution or CR, to allow the government to keep operating.

When no funding legislation is enacted, federal agencies have to stop all nonessential work and will not send paychecks as long as the shutdown lasts.

Although employees deemed essential to public safety such as air traffic controllers and law enforcement officers still have to report to work, other federal employees are furloughed. Under a 2019 law, those same workers are slated to receive backpay once the funding impasse is resolved.

WHEN WOULD A SHUTDOWN BEGIN AND HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

Government funding expires Oct. 1, the start of the federal budget year. A shutdown will effectively begin at 12:01 a.m. Sunday if Congress is unable to pass a funding plan that the president signs into law.

It is impossible to predict how long a shutdown would last. The Democratic-held Senate and Republican-controlled House are working on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-mccarthy-biden-trump-republicans-e4c37673b6507deaed2902f2166ef759">vastly different plans</a>&nbsp;to avert a shutdown, and House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kevin-mccarthy">Kevin McCarthy</a>&nbsp;is struggling to win&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-biden-trump-18ef8a03363d31742c5b4c5ecb23506f">any support from hard-right</a>&nbsp;conservatives to keep the government open.

Many are bracing for a stoppage that could last weeks.

Millions of federal workers face delayed paychecks when the government shuts down, including many of the roughly 2 million military personnel and more than 2 million civilian workers across the nation.

Nearly 60% of federal workers are stationed in the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security.

While all of the military's active-duty troops and reservists would continue to work, more than half of the Department of Defense's civilian workforce, which is roughly 440,000 people, would be furloughed.

Across federal agencies, workers are stationed in all 50 states and have direct interaction with taxpayers — from Transportation Security Administration agents who operate security at airports to Postal Service workers who deliver mail.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has said new training for air traffic controllers will be halted and another 1,000 controllers in the midst of training will be furloughed. Even a shutdown that lasts a few days will mean the department won't hit its hiring and staffing targets for next year, he said.

“Imagine the pressure that a controller is already under every time they take their position at work, and then imagine the added stress of coming to that job from a household with a family that can no longer count on that paycheck," Buttigieg said.

Beyond federal workers, a shutdown could have far-reaching effects on government services. People applying for government services like clinical trials, firearm permits and passports could see delays.

Some federal offices will also have to close or face shortened hours during a shutdown.

Businesses closely connected to the federal government, such as federal contractors or tourist services around national parks, could see disruptions and downturns. The travel sector could lose $140 million daily in a shutdown, according to the U.S. Travel Industry Association.

Lawmakers also warn that a shutdown could rattle financial markets. Goldman Sachs has estimated that a shutdown would reduce economic growth by 0.2% every week it lasted, but growth would then bounce back after the government reopens.

Others say the disruption in government services has far-reaching impacts because it shakes confidence in the government to fulfill its basic duties. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned, “A well-functioning economy requires a functioning government.”

WHAT ABOUT COURT CASES, THE WORK OF CONGRESS AND PRESIDENTIAL PAY?

The president and members of Congress will continue to work and get paid. However, any members of their staff who are not deemed essential will be furloughed.

The Supreme Court, which begins its new term Monday, would be unaffected by a short shutdown because it can draw on a pot of money provided by court fees, including charges for filing lawsuits and other documents, court spokeswoman Patricia McCabe said.

The rest of the federal judiciary also would operate normally for at least the first two weeks of October, said Peter Kaplan, a spokesman for the judiciary.

Even in a longer shutdown, the entire judiciary would not shut down, and decisions about what activities would continue would be made by each court around the country. The justices and all federal judges would continue to be paid because of the constitutional prohibition on reducing judges’ pay during their tenure, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Notably, funding for the three special counsels appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland would not be affected by a government shutdown because they are paid for through a permanent, indefinite appropriation, an area that’s been exempted from shutdowns in the past.

That means the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">two federal cases</a>&nbsp;against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the former president, as well as the case against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>, the son of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, would not be interrupted. Trump has demanded that Republicans defund the prosecutions against him as a condition of funding the government, declaring it their “last chance” to act.

Prior to the 1980s, lapses in government funding did not result in government operations significantly shuttering. But then-U.S. Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti, in a series of legal opinions in 1980 and 1981, argued that government agencies cannot legally operate during a funding gap.

Federal officials have since operated under an understanding they can make exemptions for functions that are “essential” for public safety and constitutional duties.

Since 1976, there have been 22 funding gaps, with 10 of them leading to workers being furloughed. But most of the significant shutdowns have taken place since Bill Clinton's presidency, when then-Speaker Newt Gingrich and his conservative House majority demanded budget cuts.

The longest government shutdown happened between 2018 and 2019 when then-President Trump and congressional Democrats entered a standoff over his demand for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2f4affc2b2ed426e823fd62102696670">funding for a border wall</a>. The disruption lasted 35 days, through the holiday season, but was also only a partial government shutdown because Congress had passed some appropriations bills to fund parts of the government.

It's the responsibility of Congress to fund the government. The House and Senate have to agree to fund the government in some way, and the president has to sign the legislation into law.

The two sides are deeply entrenched and nowhere near reaching a deal to avert a shutdown.

But if the shutdown lasts for weeks, pressure will build to end the impasse, particularly if active-duty military members miss pay dates on Oct. 13 or Nov. 1. If the wider public starts seeing disruptions in air travel or border security as workers go unpaid, it will further goad Congress to act.

Congress often relies on a so-called continuing resolution, or CR, to provide stopgap money to open government offices at current levels as budget talks are underway. Money for pressing national priorities, such as emergency assistance for victims of natural disasters, is often attached to a short-term bill.

But hardline Republicans say any temporary bill is a non-starter for them. They are pushing to keep the government shut down until Congress negotiates all 12 bills that fund the government, which is historically a laborious undertaking that isn't resolved until December, at the earliest.

Trump, who is Biden's top rival heading into the 2024 election, is urging on the Republican hardliners.

If they are successful, the shutdown could last weeks, perhaps even longer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695951910798.png" alt="FILE - A sign reading "Because of the Federal Government SHUTDOWN All National Parks are Closed" is posted on a barricade in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Oct. 1, 2013. The federal government is heading toward a shutdown at month's end that will disrupt many services, squeeze workers and roil politics. It comes as Republicans in the House, fueled by hard-right demands for deep cuts, force a confrontation over federal spending. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - A sign reading "Because of the Federal Government SHUTDOWN All National Parks are Closed" is posted on a barricade in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Oct. 1, 2013. The federal government is heading toward a shutdown at month's end that will disrupt many services, squeeze workers and roil politics. It comes as Republicans in the House, fueled by hard-right demands for deep cuts, force a confrontation over federal spending. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government is just hours<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-biden-trump-18ef8a03363d31742c5b4c5ecb23506f">&nbsp;away from a shutdown</a>&nbsp;that will disrupt many services, squeeze workers and roil politics as Republicans in the House, fueled by hard-right demands, force a confrontation over federal spending.While some government entities will be exempt — Social Security checks, for example, will still go out — other functions will be severely curtailed. Federal agencies will stop all actions deemed non-essential, and millions of federal employees, including members of the military, won't receive paychecks.A look at what's ahead if&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-mccarthy-congress-house-republicans-biden-249d83636e9d61cdd2aabdf34a129514">the government shuts down</a>&nbsp;on Sunday.WHAT IS A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?A shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass some type of funding legislation that is signed into law by the president. Lawmakers are supposed to pass 12 different spending bills to fund agencies across the government, but the process is time-consuming. They often resort to passing a temporary extension, called a continuing resolution or CR, to allow the government to keep operating.When no funding legislation is enacted, federal agencies have to stop all nonessential work and will not send paychecks as long as the shutdown lasts.Although employees deemed essential to public safety such as air traffic controllers and law enforcement officers still have to report to work, other federal employees are furloughed. Under a 2019 law, those same workers are slated to receive backpay once the funding impasse is resolved.WHEN WOULD A SHUTDOWN BEGIN AND HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?Government funding expires Oct. 1, the start of the federal budget year. A shutdown will effectively begin at 12:01 a.m. Sunday if Congress is unable to pass a funding plan that the president signs into law.It is impossible to predict how long a shutdown would last. The Democratic-held Senate and Republican-controlled House are working on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-mccarthy-biden-trump-republicans-e4c37673b6507deaed2902f2166ef759">vastly different plans</a>&nbsp;to avert a shutdown, and House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kevin-mccarthy">Kevin McCarthy</a>&nbsp;is struggling to win&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-biden-trump-18ef8a03363d31742c5b4c5ecb23506f">any support from hard-right</a>&nbsp;conservatives to keep the government open.Many are bracing for a stoppage that could last weeks.WHO DOES A SHUTDOWN AFFECT?Millions of federal workers face delayed paychecks when the government shuts down, including many of the roughly 2 million military personnel and more than 2 million civilian workers across the nation.Nearly 60% of federal workers are stationed in the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security.While all of the military's active-duty troops and reservists would continue to work, more than half of the Department of Defense's civilian workforce, which is roughly 440,000 people, would be furloughed.Across federal agencies, workers are stationed in all 50 states and have direct interaction with taxpayers — from Transportation Security Administration agents who operate security at airports to Postal Service workers who deliver mail.U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has said new training for air traffic controllers will be halted and another 1,000 controllers in the midst of training will be furloughed. Even a shutdown that lasts a few days will mean the department won't hit its hiring and staffing targets for next year, he said.“Imagine the pressure that a controller is already under every time they take their position at work, and then imagine the added stress of coming to that job from a household with a family that can no longer count on that paycheck," Buttigieg said.Beyond federal workers, a shutdown could have far-reaching effects on government services. People applying for government services like clinical trials, firearm permits and passports could see delays.Some federal offices will also have to close or face shortened hours during a shutdown.Businesses closely connected to the federal government, such as federal contractors or tourist services around national parks, could see disruptions and downturns. The travel sector could lose $140 million daily in a shutdown, according to the U.S. Travel Industry Association.Lawmakers also warn that a shutdown could rattle financial markets. Goldman Sachs has estimated that a shutdown would reduce economic growth by 0.2% every week it lasted, but growth would then bounce back after the government reopens.Others say the disruption in government services has far-reaching impacts because it shakes confidence in the government to fulfill its basic duties. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned, “A well-functioning economy requires a functioning government.”WHAT ABOUT COURT CASES, THE WORK OF CONGRESS AND PRESIDENTIAL PAY?The president and members of Congress will continue to work and get paid. However, any members of their staff who are not deemed essential will be furloughed.The Supreme Court, which begins its new term Monday, would be unaffected by a short shutdown because it can draw on a pot of money provided by court fees, including charges for filing lawsuits and other documents, court spokeswoman Patricia McCabe said.The rest of the federal judiciary also would operate normally for at least the first two weeks of October, said Peter Kaplan, a spokesman for the judiciary.Even in a longer shutdown, the entire judiciary would not shut down, and decisions about what activities would continue would be made by each court around the country. The justices and all federal judges would continue to be paid because of the constitutional prohibition on reducing judges’ pay during their tenure, according to the Congressional Research Service.Notably, funding for the three special counsels appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland would not be affected by a government shutdown because they are paid for through a permanent, indefinite appropriation, an area that’s been exempted from shutdowns in the past.That means the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">two federal cases</a>&nbsp;against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the former president, as well as the case against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>, the son of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, would not be interrupted. Trump has demanded that Republicans defund the prosecutions against him as a condition of funding the government, declaring it their “last chance” to act.HAS THIS HAPPENED BEFORE?Prior to the 1980s, lapses in government funding did not result in government operations significantly shuttering. But then-U.S. Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti, in a series of legal opinions in 1980 and 1981, argued that government agencies cannot legally operate during a funding gap.Federal officials have since operated under an understanding they can make exemptions for functions that are “essential” for public safety and constitutional duties.Since 1976, there have been 22 funding gaps, with 10 of them leading to workers being furloughed. But most of the significant shutdowns have taken place since Bill Clinton's presidency, when then-Speaker Newt Gingrich and his conservative House majority demanded budget cuts.The longest government shutdown happened between 2018 and 2019 when then-President Trump and congressional Democrats entered a standoff over his demand for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2f4affc2b2ed426e823fd62102696670">funding for a border wall</a>. The disruption lasted 35 days, through the holiday season, but was also only a partial government shutdown because Congress had passed some appropriations bills to fund parts of the government.WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO END A SHUTDOWN?It's the responsibility of Congress to fund the government. The House and Senate have to agree to fund the government in some way, and the president has to sign the legislation into law.The two sides are deeply entrenched and nowhere near reaching a deal to avert a shutdown.But if the shutdown lasts for weeks, pressure will build to end the impasse, particularly if active-duty military members miss pay dates on Oct. 13 or Nov. 1. If the wider public starts seeing disruptions in air travel or border security as workers go unpaid, it will further goad Congress to act.Congress often relies on a so-called continuing resolution, or CR, to provide stopgap money to open government offices at current levels as budget talks are underway. Money for pressing national priorities, such as emergency assistance for victims of natural disasters, is often attached to a short-term bill.But hardline Republicans say any temporary bill is a non-starter for them. They are pushing to keep the government shut down until Congress negotiates all 12 bills that fund the government, which is historically a laborious undertaking that isn't resolved until December, at the earliest.Trump, who is Biden's top rival heading into the 2024 election, is urging on the Republican hardliners.If they are successful, the shutdown could last weeks, perhaps even longer.

Government shutdown is near. What it means, who's hit and what's next?

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Thursday voted to override President Biden’s veto which dismissed the bipartisan Senate Resolution of Disapproval to overturn the listing of the lesser prairie-chicken as part of the&nbsp;Endangered Species Act&nbsp;(ESA):

“Kansas farmers, ranchers and landowners are exceptional stewards of their land because they understand that healthy land is the lifeblood of their communities," Moran wrote in a statement following the vote.

"For years, landowners in Kansas have and continue to work with partners at every level of government to improve wildlife habitat throughout the Plains."

"With the stroke of his pen, President Biden sided against the will of Congress and the interest of Kansans who understand and work their lands. The continued listing of the lesser prairie-chicken will not benefit the species and is counterproductive to conservation efforts throughout the bird’s range.”

After the Biden administration announced its decision to list the lesser prairie-chicken as endangered under the&nbsp;Endangered Species Act, Sen. Moran joined Senator Marshall to introduce a Resolution of Disapproval under the&nbsp;Congressional Review Act.

This resolution passed Congress in May 2023. This week the President vetoed it. The vote to override a presidential veto requires a two-thirds majority vote, and the vote did not reach the necessary threshold to overturn the veto.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936745789.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Photo by CRISTINA JANNEY/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Photo by CRISTINA JANNEY/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Thursday voted to override President Biden’s veto which dismissed the bipartisan Senate Resolution of Disapproval to overturn the listing of the lesser prairie-chicken as part of the&nbsp;Endangered Species Act&nbsp;(ESA):“Kansas farmers, ranchers and landowners are exceptional stewards of their land because they understand that healthy land is the lifeblood of their communities," Moran wrote in a statement following the vote."For years, landowners in Kansas have and continue to work with partners at every level of government to improve wildlife habitat throughout the Plains.""With the stroke of his pen, President Biden sided against the will of Congress and the interest of Kansans who understand and work their lands. The continued listing of the lesser prairie-chicken will not benefit the species and is counterproductive to conservation efforts throughout the bird’s range.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Biden Admin&#39;s war on American agriculture continued with his veto on our Lesser Prairie Chicken resolution. Time and time again they show how out of touch they are with our farmers &amp; ranchers, and rural America’s commitment to the environment. I will keep up our fight. <a href="https://t.co/znLnEA7am7">pic.twitter.com/znLnEA7am7</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1707515359463428164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After the Biden administration announced its decision to list the lesser prairie-chicken as endangered under the&nbsp;Endangered Species Act, Sen. Moran joined Senator Marshall to introduce a Resolution of Disapproval under the&nbsp;Congressional Review Act. This resolution passed Congress in May 2023. This week the President vetoed it. The vote to override a presidential veto requires a two-thirds majority vote, and the vote did not reach the necessary threshold to overturn the veto.

Vote to override Biden's veto of  lesser prairie chicken protections fails

KANSAS CITY —A licensed chiropractor, who has worked since the 1980s at Health Plus in Oak Grove, Missouri, faces multiple criminal charges in connection with sexual assaults of juveniles and adult women, mostly from the Amish community, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

David B. Clark, 70, faces Statutory Sodomy 1st&nbsp;Degree, three counts of Statutory Sodomy 2nd&nbsp;Degree, Sexual Abuse 1st&nbsp;Degree and one count of Sodomy 2nd&nbsp;Degree.

According to court records, multiple victims traveled to Clark’s Clinic in Oak Grove for treatments over decades. Some victims attended many appointments over multiple years and suffered abuse. During their visits he included pelvic and breast examinations under the guise of legitimate medical procedure. Many victims were from the Amish community and lacked sex education and had little interaction with health providers.

This case was investigated by the FBI in Kansas City.

We encourage any other suspected victims of abuse to contact law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695685358261.png" alt="Clark-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Clark-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A licensed chiropractor, who has worked since the 1980s at Health Plus in Oak Grove, Missouri, faces multiple criminal charges in connection with sexual assaults of juveniles and adult women, mostly from the Amish community, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.David B. Clark, 70, faces Statutory Sodomy 1st&nbsp;Degree, three counts of Statutory Sodomy 2nd&nbsp;Degree, Sexual Abuse 1st&nbsp;Degree and one count of Sodomy 2nd&nbsp;Degree.According to court records, multiple victims traveled to Clark’s Clinic in Oak Grove for treatments over decades. Some victims attended many appointments over multiple years and suffered abuse. During their visits he included pelvic and breast examinations under the guise of legitimate medical procedure. Many victims were from the Amish community and lacked sex education and had little interaction with health providers.This case was investigated by the FBI in Kansas City.We encourage any other suspected victims of abuse to contact law enforcement.

KC-area chiropractor charged with multiple sex crimes against patients

MEADE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 12:30 p.m. Thursday in Meade County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Union Pacific train struck a self-propelled swather driven by Seth O. Beaver, 26, Plains, who was eastbound on L Road and crossed the train tracks.

Beaver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Miller Mortuary. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. There were no other injuries reported.

MEADE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 12:30 p.m. Thursday in Meade County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Union Pacific train struck a self-propelled swather driven by Seth O. Beaver, 26, Plains, who was eastbound on L Road and crossed the train tracks.Beaver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Miller Mortuary. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. There were no other injuries reported.

Kansas man dies after train strikes self-propelled swather

SEDGWICK — A 16-year-old Kansas boy has been charged as an adult in connection to the&nbsp;fatal shooting&nbsp; of his friend.

Makyh Townes was charged with second-degree murder; unintentionally but reckless, and criminal possession of a firearm by a minor, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after&nbsp;8:30 p.m. Jan. 14, police responded to a shooting call at the 2200 block of South Millwood Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Officers located&nbsp; 16-year-old Seaquori Smith of Wichita inside the residence with a single gunshot wound to his upper body.&nbsp; EMS transported the boy to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The investigation revealed Smith was hanging out inside the residence with then 15-year- Makyh Townes. Townes was recklessly manipulating a firearm when a single shot was fired striking Smith in the upper body.

Townes called 911 and reported the incident.&nbsp; Townes&nbsp; is also charged in two other cases, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp; His next court appearance is scheduled for October 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695856831336.png" alt="Townes-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Townes-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK — A 16-year-old Kansas boy has been charged as an adult in connection to the&nbsp;fatal shooting&nbsp; of his friend.Makyh Townes was charged with second-degree murder; unintentionally but reckless, and criminal possession of a firearm by a minor, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after&nbsp;8:30 p.m. Jan. 14, police responded to a shooting call at the 2200 block of South Millwood Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Officers located&nbsp; 16-year-old Seaquori Smith of Wichita inside the residence with a single gunshot wound to his upper body.&nbsp; EMS transported the boy to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.The investigation revealed Smith was hanging out inside the residence with then 15-year- Makyh Townes. Townes was recklessly manipulating a firearm when a single shot was fired striking Smith in the upper body.Townes called 911 and reported the incident.&nbsp; Townes&nbsp; is also charged in two other cases, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp; His next court appearance is scheduled for October 10.

Murder: Kan. teen recklessly handled a firearm, killed a friend

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Authorities are investigating after a&nbsp;46-year-old Lawrence man tried to repeatedly stab a 38-year-old man.

Just before midnight Tuesday, police were sent to a residence in the 700 block of North 3rd Street for a report of two men allegedly fighting in the street, according to a media release.

When officers arrived on-scene, no one was actively fighting, but they soon learned the suspect had come to the residence intending to stab the victim. 

Witnesses reported the suspect had brandished a knife and made multiple unsuccessful attempts to stab the victim. The suspect and victim were known to each other. The suspect was booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility on requested charges of attempted first-degree murder. Police will present the case will to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration. No injuries were reported in the incident. Police did not release the name of the suspect.

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Authorities are investigating after a&nbsp;46-year-old Lawrence man tried to repeatedly stab a 38-year-old man.Just before midnight Tuesday, police were sent to a residence in the 700 block of North 3rd Street for a report of two men allegedly fighting in the street, according to a media release.When officers arrived on-scene, no one was actively fighting, but they soon learned the suspect had come to the residence intending to stab the victim. Witnesses reported the suspect had brandished a knife and made multiple unsuccessful attempts to stab the victim. The suspect and victim were known to each other. The suspect was booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility on requested charges of attempted first-degree murder. Police will present the case will to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration. No injuries were reported in the incident. Police did not release the name of the suspect.

Man accused in attempted knife attack at Kansas home

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the shooting that injured two men in Wichita.

Just after 10:30 pm, Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 300 block of E. Harry, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Officers located two shooting victims a 25-year-old man and a 23-year-old man.

Both victims were transported to local area hospitals with critical, but non-life-threatening injuries.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the 23-year-old entered a local store attempting to rob the 25-year-old, which resulted in an exchange of gunfire.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695929717353.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCh" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCh</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the shooting that injured two men in Wichita.Just after 10:30 pm, Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 300 block of E. Harry, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.Officers located two shooting victims a 25-year-old man and a 23-year-old man.Both victims were transported to local area hospitals with critical, but non-life-threatening injuries.Preliminary investigation revealed that the 23-year-old entered a local store attempting to rob the 25-year-old, which resulted in an exchange of gunfire.&nbsp;

Robbery gunfight critically injured two Kansas men 

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans launched a formal impeachment hearing Thursday against President Joe Biden, promising to “provide accountability” as they probe the family finances and lucrative business dealings of his son Hunter and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-hunter-house-republicans-impeachment-inquiry-f679eb1239cd4f7b5f06949cc1445567">make their case</a>&nbsp;to the public, colleagues and a skeptical Senate.

(Click below to watch a replay of the hearing.)

The chairmen of the Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means committees used the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-impeachment-6f454b9ea2d38468a848c495bda0b5bf">opening hearing</a>&nbsp;to review the constitutional and legal questions involved with impeachment. They are trying to show what they say are links to Biden's son Hunter’s overseas businesses, though key witnesses said they do not yet see hard evidence of impeachable offenses.

Rep. James Comer, R-Ky, the Oversight chairman, said the lawmakers have “a mountain of evidence” that will show that the elder Biden “abused his public office for his family's financial gain.”

Comer announced he was issuing subpoenas for additional banking records from Hunter Biden and the president's brother, James Biden. He said the panel will continue to “follow the money and the evidence to provide accountability.”

It’s a high-stakes opening act for Republicans, taking place just before a potential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-biden-trump-18ef8a03363d31742c5b4c5ecb23506f">federal government shutdown</a>, as they begin a process that can lead to the ultimate penalty for a president, dismissal from office for what the Constitution describes as “high crimes and misdemeanors.”

The White House pushed back with statements throughout the hearing saying nothing can distract from the Republicans’ inability to govern as the shutdown loomed. Spokesperson Sharon Yang called the hearing a “baseless stunt” and said, “President Biden will always stay focused on the priorities of the American people – not these political games.”

The more than six-hour hearing came as House Republicans face scattered resistance to an impeachment inquiry from their own ranks and deep reluctance in the Senate from Republicans who worry about political ramifications and say Biden’s conviction and removal from office is unlikely.

As the hearing began, Democrats displayed a screen showing the days, hours and minutes left until the government shuts down as Congress struggles to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff">fund the government</a>&nbsp;before Saturday’s deadline.

“We’re 62 hours away from shutting down the government of the United States of America and Republicans are launching an impeachment drive, based on a long debunked and discredited lie,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Oversight panel.

Raskin questioned the legitimacy of the hearing since the House has not voted to formally launch the impeachment inquiry. He said Republicans are rehashing five-year-old allegations raised by Donald Trump, who is Biden’s chief rival in 2024, during the former president's 2019 impeachment over Ukraine.

“They don’t have a shred of evidence against President Biden for an impeachable offense,” he said.

The hearing Thursday did not feature witnesses with information about the Bidens or Hunter Biden's business. Instead, the panel heard from outside experts in tax law, criminal investigations and constitutional legal theory.

A top Republican-called witness, Jonathan Turley, a George Washington University law professor who is an expert in impeachment issues, said he believed the House had passed the threshold for an inquiry but that the current evidence was not enough for charges.

“I do not believe that the current evidence would support articles of impeachment,” Turley said.

Democrats, who decry the investigation as a political ploy aimed at hurting Biden and helping Trump as he runs again for president, brought in Michael Gerhardt, a law professor who has also appeared as an expert in previous impeachment proceedings.

In detailing the reasons Republicans say they have to impeach Biden, Gerhardt concluded: “If that’s what exists, as a basis for this inquiry, it is not sufficient. I say that with all respect.”

Still, questions remain as Republicans dig into the Biden family finances and the overseas business dealings of Hunter Biden, who has acknowledged being a drug user during much of the time under scrutiny. The president's brother, James, was also involved in some work with Hunter.

Republicans have been investigating Hunter Biden for years, since his father was vice president. And while there have been questions raised about the ethics around the family’s international business, none of the evidence so far has proven that the president, in his current or previous office, abused his role, accepted bribes or both.

One former business partner of Hunter Biden has told House investigators the son was selling the “illusion of access” to his father.

Turley told the lawmakers the question remains, “Was the president involved?”

In the run-up to the hearing, Republicans unveiled a tranche of new documents and bank records that detail wire transfers from a Chinese businessman to Hunter Biden in 2019. Hunter Biden had listed his father’s address on the wire transfer form, which Republicans say provided a clear link to the president.

Abbe Lowell, an attorney for Hunter Biden, said the address on the wire transfer, which he says was a loan, was listed to the president's Delaware home because it was the address on Hunter Biden's driver's license and "his only permanent address at the time.”

“Once again Rep. Comer peddles lies to support a premise — some wrongdoing by Hunter Biden or his family — that evaporates in thin air the moment facts come out,” Lowell said in a statement.

House Republicans are also looking into the Justice Department investigation into Hunter Biden's taxes and gun use that began in 2018.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-justice-department-congress-republicans-32d9f33fb0d05c483d76926504d45bef">Two IRS whistleblowers came forward to Congress</a>&nbsp;in the spring with claims that department officials thwarted their efforts to fully investigate Hunter Biden and that they faced retaliation when they pushed back.

The claims have since been disputed by the Department of Justice, the IRS and FBI agents who worked on the case.

“The Biden Justice Department protected the Biden family brand.” said Rep. Jason Smith, a Missouri Republican and Ways and Means chairman.

What Smith did not mention was that the discussions occurred during the Trump Justice Department and were likely in keeping with the agency’s practice of avoiding overt investigative steps concerning political candidates in the immediate run-up to an election.

But Republicans have pointed to a failed plea deal over the summer as proof that Hunter Biden received preferential treatment because of who his father was.

“They tried to put together this sweetheart deal,” said Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, the Judiciary chairman.

The impeachment inquiry hearing is taking place as the federal government is days away from what is likely to be a damaging government shutdown that would halt paychecks for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-gop-federal-workers-congress-government-5978a4c7411eba06261d16c3aff3dfc5">millions of federal workers</a>&nbsp;and the military and disrupt services for millions of Americans.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced the impeachment inquiry this month egged on by Trump and with mounting pressure from his right flank to take action against Biden or risk being ousted from his leadership job.

Trump is the only president to be twice impeached, first over accusations he pressured Ukraine to dig up dirt on Biden and later over accusations that he incited the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol. He was acquitted in both cases by the Senate.

The hearing Thursday is expected to be the first of many as House Republicans explore whether or not they will pursue articles of impeachment against the president.

It's unclear if McCarthy has support from his slim Republican majority to impeach Biden. If Biden was impeached, the charges would then be sent to the Senate for a trial.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans launched their formal impeachment hearing Thursday against President Joe Biden, saying they intend to “provide accountability” as they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-hunter-house-republicans-impeachment-inquiry-f679eb1239cd4f7b5f06949cc1445567">make their case</a>&nbsp;to the public, their colleagues and skeptics in the Senate.

The chairmen of the Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means committees are using the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-impeachment-6f454b9ea2d38468a848c495bda0b5bf">first hearing</a>&nbsp;of their impeachment inquiry to review the constitutional and legal questions involved. They are trying to show what they say are links to his son Hunter’s overseas businesses, though key witnesses said they do not yet see hard evidence of impeachable offenses.

Comer said the panel will continue to “follow the money and the evidence to provide accountability” to the American people.

It’s a high-stakes opening act for Republicans, coming in the midst of a potential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-biden-trump-18ef8a03363d31742c5b4c5ecb23506f">federal government shutdown</a>, as they begin a process that can lead to the ultimate penalty for a president, punishment for what the Constitution describes as “high crimes and misdemeanors.”

The hearing comes as House Republicans face scattered reluctance from their own ranks to the inquiry and deep resistance in the Senate from Republicans who worry about political ramifications of impeachment — and who say Biden’s conviction and removal from office is a near impossibility.

As the hearing began, Democrats displayed a screen showing the days, hours and minutes left until the government shuts down as Congress struggles to fund the government before Saturday’s deadline.

Raskin questioned the legitimacy of the hearing since the House has not voted to formally launch the impeachment inquiry. He said Republicans are rehashing five-year-old allegations from Donald Trump, who is Biden’s chief rival in 2024, first raised during the former president's first impeachment in 2019.

The hearing Thursday is not featuring witnesses with information about the Bidens or Hunter Biden's business work. Instead, the panel heard from outside experts in tax law, criminal investigations and constitutional legal theory.

A top Republican witness, Jonathan Turley, a George Washington University law professor who is an expert in impeachment issues, said he believed the House had passed the threshold for an inquiry but that the current evidence was not enough for charges.

Gerhardt said, “A fishing expedition is not a legitimate purpose.”

Still, questions remain as Republicans dig into the Biden family finances and Hunter Biden, who has acknowledged being a drug user during much of the time under scrutiny.

The hearing Thursday is expected to be the first of many as House Republicans explore how this inquiry will end and whether or not they will pursue articles of impeachment against the president.

It's unclear if McCarthy has support from his slim Republican majority to impeach Biden, as rank-and-file lawmakers have expressed reservations about the inquiry. If Biden was impeached, the charges would then be sent to the Senate for a trial.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have insisted for months that they have the grounds to launch&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-impeachment-57c5b1b40d19ede4ecf7fde08c027cee">impeachment proceedings against President Joe Biden</a>. On Thursday, they will begin formally making their case to the public and their skeptical colleagues in the Senate.

(click below to watch the hearing 9a.m. CDT)

The chairmen of Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means will hold the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-oversight-republicans-impeachment-6f454b9ea2d38468a848c495bda0b5bf">opening hearing</a>&nbsp;of their impeachment inquiry by reviewing the constitutional and legal questions surrounding their investigation of Biden and what they say are links to his son Hunter’s overseas businesses.

“Based on the evidence, Congress has a duty to open an impeachment inquiry into President Biden’s corruption,” Rep. James Comer, the Oversight chairman, said in a statement this week.

Comer added that the committee plans to "present evidence uncovered to date and hear from legal and financial experts about crimes the Bidens may have committed as they brought in millions at the expense of U.S. interests.”

It’s a high-stakes opening act for Republicans as they begin a process that can lead to the ultimate penalty for a president, punishment for what the Constitution describes as “high crimes and misdemeanors.” This is all while they face a resistance in the Senate from Republicans who are worried about the political ramifications of another impeachment — and who say Biden’s conviction and removal from office is a near impossibility.

But House Republicans say they are only investigating and have made no final decision on impeaching the president.

The hearing Thursday will not feature witnesses with information about the Bidens or Hunter Biden's business work. Instead, it will be a soft launch of sorts with testimony from outside experts in tax law, criminal investigations and constitutional legal theory.

Democrats, who decry the investigation as a political ploy aimed at hurting Biden and helping Donald Trump as he runs again for president, said they plan to bring Michael Gerhardt, a law professor who has appeared as expert on two previous impeachment efforts.

In the run-up to the hearing, Republicans were touting a tranche of new documents and bank records that detail wire transfers from a Chinese businessman to Hunter Biden in 2019. Hunter Biden had listed his father’s address on the wire transfer form, which Republicans said provided a clear link to the president.

Abbe Lowell, an attorney for Hunter Biden, said the address on the wire transfer, which he says was a loan, was listed to the president's Delaware home only because it was the address on Hunter Biden's driver's license and "his only permanent address at the time.”

Republicans have been investigating Hunter Biden for years, since his father was vice president. And while there has been questions raised about the ethics around the family's international business, none of the evidence so far has proven that the president, in his current or previous office, abused his role, accepted bribes or both.

House Republicans are also looking into the Justice Department investigation in Hunter Biden's taxes and gun use that began in 2018.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-irs-justice-department-congress-republicans-32d9f33fb0d05c483d76926504d45bef">Two IRS whistleblowers came forward to Congress</a>&nbsp;in the spring with claims that department officials thwarted their efforts to fully investigate Hunter Biden and his business dealings and the agents faced retaliation when they pushed back.

The claims have since been disputed by IRS and FBI agents who worked on the case.

The central focus of the testimonies have been surrounding an Oct. 7, 2022 meeting that agents from both the IRS and FBI had with David Weiss, U.S. attorney for Delaware, who has been charged with investigating Hunter Biden.

Gary Shapley, a veteran IRS agent who had been assigned to case, testified to Ways and Means committee in May that Weiss said during that meeting that he was not the “deciding person whether charges are filed” against Hunter Biden.

Two FBI agents who were in attendance told lawmakers this month that they have no recollection of Weiss saying that.

Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo, the chair of the Ways &amp; Means committee, said that their investigation has shown that “Biden family were afforded special treatment that no other American would receive were they not the son of the President of the United States.”

The impeachment inquiry hearing is taking place as the federal government is days away from what is likely to be a damaging government shutdown that would halt paychecks for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-gop-federal-workers-congress-government-5978a4c7411eba06261d16c3aff3dfc5">millions of federal workers</a>&nbsp;and the military.

Democrats say they plan to use the impending fiscal disaster to question Republicans' priorities.

“Three days before they’re set to shut down the United States government, Republicans launch a baseless impeachment drive against President Biden,” Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on Oversight, said Wednesday. “No one can figure out the logic of either course of action.”

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced the impeachment inquiry this month after he yielded to mounting pressure from his right flank to take action against Biden or risk being ousted from his leadership job.

🎥 House Republicans make their case for Biden impeachment inquiry at hearing

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The American soldier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-citizen-crossed-border-e4aaa883901052e65f5c400c8279438b">who sprinted into North Korea</a>&nbsp;across the heavily fortified border between the Koreas more than two months ago was whisked to a Texas Army base Thursday for medical checks and interviews after his return to the U.S., according to the Pentagon.

North Korea&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-travis-king-quick-release-analysis-e0e1a2e3a90097c0d666cb385b185071">abruptly announced</a>&nbsp;a day earlier that it would expel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-king/">Pvt. Travis King</a>. His return was organized with the help of ally Sweden and rival China, according to the White House.

While officials have said King, 23, is in good health and the immediate focus will be on caring for him and reintegrating him into U.S. society, his troubles are likely far from over.

King, who had served in South Korea, ran into the North while on a civilian tour of a border village on July 18, becoming the first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-king-americans-north-korea-detained-715d3fd4c85d5457237624e5110452c0">American confirmed to be detained</a>&nbsp;in the isolated country in nearly five years. At the time, he was supposed to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-border-fe5da15f52122af9acc45412fe391465">heading to Fort Bliss, Texas</a>, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.

He was declared AWOL from the Army, but not considered a deserter. Punishment for going AWOL can vary, and it depends in part on whether the service member voluntarily returned or was apprehended. King’s two-month absence and ultimate handover by the North Koreans makes that more complicated.

King arrived in the early hours of Thursday at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center, according to the Pentagon. He will undergo an array of medical and psychological assessments and debriefings, and he will also get a chance to meet with family.

Video aired by a Texas news station showed King walking off a plane. Dressed in a dark top and pants, he could be seen speaking briefly with people waiting on the tarmac. He shook hands with one before being led into a building.

Many questions remain about King's case, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-border-7b0b2f3b87f4cb9352c1cc458ab576b6">why he fled in the first place</a>&nbsp;and why the North — which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-peninsula-nuclear-b23f9c70307cfd095dc9a5cceecb1f5e">tense relations</a>&nbsp;with Washington over Pyongyang’s nuclear program, support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and other issues — agreed to turn him over.

The White House has not addressed North Korean state media reports that King fled because of his dismay about racial discrimination and inequality in the military and U.S. society.

The North’s official Korean Central News Agency reported that King made such complaints but verifying that is impossible.

On Wednesday, Swedish officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-00c171778e378d95fe1115fe31612ec2">took King to the Chinese border</a>, where he was met by U.S. Ambassador to China&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-china-beijing-xi-jinping-foreign-policy-11da755d1e1d8e5ae904648bc8c4dc99">Nicholas Burns,</a>&nbsp;the Swedish ambassador to China, and at least one U.S. Defense Department official.

He was then flown to a U.S. military base in South Korea before heading to the U.S.

His detention was relatively short by North Korean standards.

Several&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-king-americans-north-korea-detained-715d3fd4c85d5457237624e5110452c0">recent American detainees</a>&nbsp;had been held for over a year — 17 months in the case of Otto Warmbier, a college student who was arrested during a group tour. Warmbier was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3811ef56c16b4170b50fe12b4bedad6e">in a coma when he was deported</a>, and later died.

North Korea has often been accused of using American detainees as bargaining chips, and there had also been speculation that the North would try to maximize the propaganda value of a U.S. soldier.

But analysts say King’s legal troubles could have limited his propaganda value, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Biden administration</a>&nbsp;officials insisted they provided no concessions to North Korea to secure his release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692140954260.png" alt="A TV screen shows a file image of American soldier Travis King during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, July 24, 2023. The deputy commander of the U.N. Command said Monday it has started conversations with North Korea over King who ran into the North last week across the Koreas' heavily armed border. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)" />
 <figcaption>A TV screen shows a file image of American soldier Travis King during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, July 24, 2023. The deputy commander of the U.N. Command said Monday it has started conversations with North Korea over King who ran into the North last week across the Koreas' heavily armed border. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The American soldier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-citizen-crossed-border-e4aaa883901052e65f5c400c8279438b">who sprinted into North Korea</a>&nbsp;across the heavily fortified border between the Koreas more than two months ago was whisked to a Texas Army base Thursday for medical checks and interviews after his return to the U.S., according to the Pentagon.North Korea&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-travis-king-quick-release-analysis-e0e1a2e3a90097c0d666cb385b185071">abruptly announced</a>&nbsp;a day earlier that it would expel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-king/">Pvt. Travis King</a>. His return was organized with the help of ally Sweden and rival China, according to the White House.While officials have said King, 23, is in good health and the immediate focus will be on caring for him and reintegrating him into U.S. society, his troubles are likely far from over.King, who had served in South Korea, ran into the North while on a civilian tour of a border village on July 18, becoming the first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-king-americans-north-korea-detained-715d3fd4c85d5457237624e5110452c0">American confirmed to be detained</a>&nbsp;in the isolated country in nearly five years. At the time, he was supposed to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-border-fe5da15f52122af9acc45412fe391465">heading to Fort Bliss, Texas</a>, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.He was declared AWOL from the Army, but not considered a deserter. Punishment for going AWOL can vary, and it depends in part on whether the service member voluntarily returned or was apprehended. King’s two-month absence and ultimate handover by the North Koreans makes that more complicated.King arrived in the early hours of Thursday at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center, according to the Pentagon. He will undergo an array of medical and psychological assessments and debriefings, and he will also get a chance to meet with family.Video aired by a Texas news station showed King walking off a plane. Dressed in a dark top and pants, he could be seen speaking briefly with people waiting on the tarmac. He shook hands with one before being led into a building.Many questions remain about King's case, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-border-7b0b2f3b87f4cb9352c1cc458ab576b6">why he fled in the first place</a>&nbsp;and why the North — which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-peninsula-nuclear-b23f9c70307cfd095dc9a5cceecb1f5e">tense relations</a>&nbsp;with Washington over Pyongyang’s nuclear program, support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and other issues — agreed to turn him over.The White House has not addressed North Korean state media reports that King fled because of his dismay about racial discrimination and inequality in the military and U.S. society.The North’s official Korean Central News Agency reported that King made such complaints but verifying that is impossible.On Wednesday, Swedish officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-00c171778e378d95fe1115fe31612ec2">took King to the Chinese border</a>, where he was met by U.S. Ambassador to China&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-china-beijing-xi-jinping-foreign-policy-11da755d1e1d8e5ae904648bc8c4dc99">Nicholas Burns,</a>&nbsp;the Swedish ambassador to China, and at least one U.S. Defense Department official.He was then flown to a U.S. military base in South Korea before heading to the U.S.His detention was relatively short by North Korean standards.Several&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-king-americans-north-korea-detained-715d3fd4c85d5457237624e5110452c0">recent American detainees</a>&nbsp;had been held for over a year — 17 months in the case of Otto Warmbier, a college student who was arrested during a group tour. Warmbier was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3811ef56c16b4170b50fe12b4bedad6e">in a coma when he was deported</a>, and later died.North Korea has often been accused of using American detainees as bargaining chips, and there had also been speculation that the North would try to maximize the propaganda value of a U.S. soldier.But analysts say King’s legal troubles could have limited his propaganda value, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Biden administration</a>&nbsp;officials insisted they provided no concessions to North Korea to secure his release.___

American soldier who bolted into North Korea has returned to the US

FINNEY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Thursday in Finney County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp;&nbsp; Victor&nbsp; Espino-Gallardo, 39, Garden City, was&nbsp;eastbound on U.S. 50 near&nbsp;Aerodrome Road 

The pickup left the roadway to the left, crossed the median, rolled and came to rest in the north ditch.

&nbsp;Espino-Gallardo was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

FINNEY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Thursday in Finney County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp;&nbsp; Victor&nbsp; Espino-Gallardo, 39, Garden City, was&nbsp;eastbound on U.S. 50 near&nbsp;Aerodrome Road The pickup left the roadway to the left, crossed the median, rolled and came to rest in the north ditch.&nbsp;Espino-Gallardo was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies in pickup rollover crash

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation at 9 a.m. Thursday due to increased fire weather conditions that begin Thursday and continuing through the middle of next week, according to a statement from the Adjutant General’s Department. This declaration allows resources to be prepositioned to provide state assistance.

Warmer conditions, strong winds and low relative humidities, will create high to very-high fire weather conditions especially in the central and western regions of the state.&nbsp;

“I urge everyone across the state to use extreme caution and avoid burning, if at all possible,” Governor Kelly said. “Please keep yourself and your community safe and use extra precautions anytime you are doing any burning.”

“This declaration will allow Kansas Forest Service and our partners to be prepared with resources readily available if needed,” said Mark Neely, State Fire Management Officer.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management is at an enhanced steady state to assist counties and local responders if requested.

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation at 9 a.m. Thursday due to increased fire weather conditions that begin Thursday and continuing through the middle of next week, according to a statement from the Adjutant General’s Department. This declaration allows resources to be prepositioned to provide state assistance.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Still looking at a higher fire danger Thursday and Friday. Burning is highly discouraged. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wxtwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wxtwitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/firewx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#firewx</a> <a href="https://t.co/o33iVqJ8Bv">pic.twitter.com/o33iVqJ8Bv</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1706988988144509017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Gusty south winds and low relative humidity will result in very high grassland fire danger for much of the area for today and especially Friday. Outdoor burning is not recommended and be sure to be mindful of anything that may cause a spark. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/wHKE0FJhih">pic.twitter.com/wHKE0FJhih</a>&mdash; NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWichita/status/1707344344284631423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Warmer conditions, strong winds and low relative humidities, will create high to very-high fire weather conditions especially in the central and western regions of the state.&nbsp;“I urge everyone across the state to use extreme caution and avoid burning, if at all possible,” Governor Kelly said. “Please keep yourself and your community safe and use extra precautions anytime you are doing any burning.”“This declaration will allow Kansas Forest Service and our partners to be prepared with resources readily available if needed,” said Mark Neely, State Fire Management Officer.The Kansas Division of Emergency Management is at an enhanced steady state to assist counties and local responders if requested.

Governor issues state of disaster emergency for wildland fires

KANSAS CITY —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly joined auto workers local 31 at a solidarity rally in Kansas City, Kansas Wednesday.

She followed President Joe Biden's lead. The President grabbed a bullhorn on the picket line in Michigan Tuesday and urged striking auto workers to “stick with it”&nbsp; in an unparalleled show of support for organized labor by a modern president.

On social media, the governor wrote, "Kansas Autoworkers and General Motors play a key role in our economy, contributing to the success and growth of our state."

On September 20, General Motors announced they were going to stop work at the Fairfax plant in Kansas City due to the walkout at the Wentzville, Missouri plant. Workers at the Kansas plant&nbsp;build the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac XT4.

The union says it will announce on Friday how it plans to expand its strike against Detroit's three automakers.&nbsp;Additional walkouts will take place at noon Friday without serious progress in contract talks, the union said.

Auto workers went on strike Sept. 14 when the union couldn't reach agreements on new contracts with Ford, General Motors and Jeep maker Stellantis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695850060526.png" alt="Photo courtesy Gov. Kelly" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Gov. Kelly</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly joined auto workers local 31 at a solidarity rally in Kansas City, Kansas Wednesday.She followed President Joe Biden's lead. The President grabbed a bullhorn on the picket line in Michigan Tuesday and urged striking auto workers to “stick with it”&nbsp; in an unparalleled show of support for organized labor by a modern president.On social media, the governor wrote, "Kansas Autoworkers and General Motors play a key role in our economy, contributing to the success and growth of our state."On September 20, General Motors announced they were going to stop work at the Fairfax plant in Kansas City due to the walkout at the Wentzville, Missouri plant. Workers at the Kansas plant&nbsp;build the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac XT4.The union says it will announce on Friday how it plans to expand its strike against Detroit's three automakers.&nbsp;Additional walkouts will take place at noon Friday without serious progress in contract talks, the union said.Auto workers went on strike Sept. 14 when the union couldn't reach agreements on new contracts with Ford, General Motors and Jeep maker Stellantis.

Gov. Kelly joins Kansas auto workers during union rally

KIOWA COUNTY, CO. — Human remains found in Kiowa County, Colorado on Sept. 20 were positively identified as two women from Kansas and a suspect is in custody.

On Wednesday, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reported the Kiowa County Coroner’s Office confirmed the remains belong to Linda Estrada, 44, and Amy Ford, 39, both of Emporia, Kansas, according to a media release.

An arrest warrant was issued for a suspect in this case identified as 36-year-old&nbsp; Phillip Lieurence. He being held at a jail in Emporia on unrelated charges including Aggravated Assault; Use of Deadly Weapon• Agg Battery While DUI, Distribute Marijuana 25-450 grams, Reckless Driving, Flee or Attempt to Elude LEO; motor vehicle accident or damage property, Reckless Driving, Duty of Driver Dmg Unattnd Veh, DUI, Agg Battery;intent physical contact weap, Criminal Damage to Property.

The Emporia Police Department began their investigation in the case September 11, after a family member reported Linda Estrada as missing.

Police learned Estrada and Amy Ford had been together in Colorado the previous weekend. Amy was reported missing shortly after the investigation began.

Emporia Police Investigations Division utilized cellular phone technology, along with security videos and solid police work to track the&nbsp; the two woman throughout Colorado. The investigation led detectives to portions of eastern Colorado and western Kansas.

Authorities in Colorado spent 5 days searching with the aid of K9s, airplanes, drones and ground searches. On September 18, Emporia detectives traveled to eastern Colorado where they coordinated with local authorities. Just before 4p.m. CDT, Wednesday, the bodies were found in rural eastern Colorado.

The Kiowa County Sheriff's office is in charge of the homicide&nbsp; investigation in conjunction with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695896585153.png" alt="Lieurence -photo Lyon Co." />
 <figcaption>Lieurence -photo Lyon Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KIOWA COUNTY, CO. — Human remains found in Kiowa County, Colorado on Sept. 20 were positively identified as two women from Kansas and a suspect is in custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695324168687.png" alt="Amy Ford and Linda Estrada-photo Emporia Police" />
 <figcaption>Amy Ford and Linda Estrada-photo Emporia Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reported the Kiowa County Coroner’s Office confirmed the remains belong to Linda Estrada, 44, and Amy Ford, 39, both of Emporia, Kansas, according to a media release.An arrest warrant was issued for a suspect in this case identified as 36-year-old&nbsp; Phillip Lieurence. He being held at a jail in Emporia on unrelated charges including Aggravated Assault; Use of Deadly Weapon• Agg Battery While DUI, Distribute Marijuana 25-450 grams, Reckless Driving, Flee or Attempt to Elude LEO; motor vehicle accident or damage property, Reckless Driving, Duty of Driver Dmg Unattnd Veh, DUI, Agg Battery;intent physical contact weap, Criminal Damage to Property.The Emporia Police Department began their investigation in the case September 11, after a family member reported Linda Estrada as missing.Police learned Estrada and Amy Ford had been together in Colorado the previous weekend. Amy was reported missing shortly after the investigation began.Emporia Police Investigations Division utilized cellular phone technology, along with security videos and solid police work to track the&nbsp; the two woman throughout Colorado. The investigation led detectives to portions of eastern Colorado and western Kansas.Authorities in Colorado spent 5 days searching with the aid of K9s, airplanes, drones and ground searches. On September 18, Emporia detectives traveled to eastern Colorado where they coordinated with local authorities. Just before 4p.m. CDT, Wednesday, the bodies were found in rural eastern Colorado.The Kiowa County Sheriff's office is in charge of the homicide&nbsp; investigation in conjunction with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;