BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>

WASHINGTON — As Congress returns from a five-week recess Monday, House Republicans have attached a provision to bar noncitizens from voting in federal elections — which is already unlawful — to a stopgap funding bill that is already teeing up a battle with the Senate and White House.

The GOP drive in Congress echoes state lawmakers’ push for&nbsp;<a href="https://scdailygazette.com/2024/05/06/though-noncitizens-can-vote-in-few-local-elections-gop-goes-big-to-make-it-illegal/" target="_blank">ballot measures</a>&nbsp;this November that would bar noncitizens from voting in&nbsp;<a href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/06/21/idaho-legislators-approve-ballot-info-for-noncitizen-voting-constitutional-amendment/" target="_blank">Idaho</a>, Iowa,&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2024/06/18/kentucky-elections-officials-say-noncitizens-arent-voting-in-the-state/" target="_blank">Kentucky</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-upholds-ballot-language-to-ban-noncitizen-voting-already-illegal-in-missouri/" target="_blank">Missouri</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://ncnewsline.com/briefs/nc-house-republicans-advance-a-proposed-constitutional-amendment-to-prohibit-non-citizen-voting/" target="_blank">North Carolina</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/2024/06/04/republicans-want-oklahomans-to-reword-constitution-to-make-crystal-clear-noncitizens-cant-vote/" target="_blank">Oklahoma</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://scdailygazette.com/2024/08/12/panel-decides-citizenship-question-on-sc-ballots-needs-no-explanation/" target="_blank">South Carolina</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/legislators-hold-hearing-on-non-citizen-voting/" target="_blank">Wisconsin</a>.

It also comes in the heat of the presidential campaign, as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2024/09/03/trump-promises-mass-deportations-of-undocumented-people-how-would-that-work/" target="_blank">&nbsp;repeatedly calls for mass deportations&nbsp;</a>of undocumented immigrants and faces the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, in a crucial Tuesday night debate.

Current federal government spending will expire Oct. 1, so Congress must pass a continuing resolution, or CR, to approve temporary spending beyond that date or risk a shutdown.

The measure that requires proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, which U.S. House Republicans and some vulnerable Democrats passed in July, has been added by the House GOP to a CR that would extend spending until March 28. A vote by the House is expected this week.

The White House on Monday vowed President Joe Biden would issue a veto if Congress passed the measure in that form.

“Instead of meeting the security and disaster needs of the Nation, this bill includes unrelated cynical legislation that would do nothing to safeguard our elections, but would make it much harder for all eligible Americans to register to vote and increase the risk that eligible voters are purged from voter rolls,” the White House<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/H.R.-9494%E2%80%94-Continuing-Appropriations-and-Other-Matters-Act-2025-Final.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;said in a statement&nbsp;</a>Monday. “It is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in Federal elections — it is a Federal crime punishable by prison and fines.”

The voting language is a nonstarter among Senate Democrats, who hold a slim majority in the chamber.

“As we have said repeatedly, avoiding a government shutdown requires bipartisanship, not a bill drawn up by one party,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray of Washington said in a joint statement Friday.

“If Speaker Johnson drives House Republicans down this highly partisan path, the odds of a shutdown go way up, and Americans will know that the responsibility of a shutdown will be on the House Republicans’ hands,” they continued.

Democrats have argued that the bill is an attempt to sow distrust in U.S. elections ahead of November elections.

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has stressed that noncitizen voting in federal elections is an issue, although research has found&nbsp;<a href="https://campaignlegal.org/update/false-claims-noncitizen-voting-harm-our-democracy" target="_blank">it rarely happens.&nbsp;</a>

“As the 2024 election nears, it is imperative that Congress does everything within our power to protect the integrity of our nation’s election system,” he said in a statement.

In April, Johnson while at Trump’s residence in Palm Beach, Florida,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/04/12/trump-supports-u-s-house-speaker-johnson-elections-agenda-in-joint-appearance/" target="_blank">announced the House would pass a bill relating to noncitizen voting</a>. The former president has often falsely blamed voting by large numbers of undocumented people for his 2016 opponent Hillary Clinton as the reason he lost the popular vote.

Other Democrats objected to passing a CR that would last until next year.

The top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, criticized the six-month measure because it is “shortchanging veterans and jeopardizing their care by kicking the can down the road until March.”

“A continuing resolution to the end of March provides Republicans with more leverage to attempt to force their unpopular cuts to services that American families depend on to make ends meet,” she said in a statement.

The original noncitizen voting bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hr8281rh/pdf/BILLS-118hr8281rh.pdf" target="_blank">H.R.8281,</a>&nbsp;was first introduced by Texas GOP Rep. Chip Roy, a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus. It&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024345?Page=2" target="_blank">passed 221-198</a>, with five Democrats voting with Republicans, but stalled in the Senate.

Those five Democrats who voted in support of the measure are: Reps. Jared Golden of Maine, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Donald Davis of North Carolina, Vicente Gonzalez of Texas and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.

Under current U.S. law, only citizens can vote in federal elections, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/103rd-congress/house-bill/2" target="_blank">National Voter Registration Act</a>&nbsp;of 1993 prohibits states from confirming citizenship status.

Along with the ballot measures, hundreds of Republican state legislators have also signed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.onlycitizensvotecoalition.com/state-leaders-pledge" target="_blank">on to a letter</a>&nbsp;by the Only Citizens Vote Coalition urging Congress to pass a bill to bar noncitizens from voting in federal elections.

The Only Citizens Vote Coalition includes election denier activists, organizations headed by former Trump aides and anti-immigrant groups. It was founded by Cleta Mitchell,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trumps-pick-rnc-chief-worked-top-election-deniers-group" target="_blank">a key figure who tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election&nbsp;</a>and is now running a grassroots organization to aggressively monitor elections in November.

Five of the eight states — Idaho, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wisconsin — with votes set on ballot measures have state legislators who sponsored bills to put the question on the ballot and are signed on to the letter by Only Citizens Vote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725930223008.png" alt=" The U.S. House as it returns from a five-week recess is preparing to vote on a stopgap spending bill that also includes a provision to bar noncitizens from voting in federal elections. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption> The U.S. House as it returns from a five-week recess is preparing to vote on a stopgap spending bill that also includes a provision to bar noncitizens from voting in federal elections. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — As Congress returns from a five-week recess Monday, House Republicans have attached a provision to bar noncitizens from voting in federal elections — which is already unlawful — to a stopgap funding bill that is already teeing up a battle with the Senate and White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a>: &quot;I believe we can fund the government responsibly and I believe that we can do right by the American people and ensure the security of our elections. I defy anybody to give me any logical argument why we shouldn&#39;t do that. That&#39;s why I&#39;m so resolute about this.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/SHvLqS0QPj">pic.twitter.com/SHvLqS0QPj</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1833521566954475819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The GOP drive in Congress echoes state lawmakers’ push for&nbsp;<a href="https://scdailygazette.com/2024/05/06/though-noncitizens-can-vote-in-few-local-elections-gop-goes-big-to-make-it-illegal/" target="_blank">ballot measures</a>&nbsp;this November that would bar noncitizens from voting in&nbsp;<a href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/06/21/idaho-legislators-approve-ballot-info-for-noncitizen-voting-constitutional-amendment/" target="_blank">Idaho</a>, Iowa,&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2024/06/18/kentucky-elections-officials-say-noncitizens-arent-voting-in-the-state/" target="_blank">Kentucky</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-upholds-ballot-language-to-ban-noncitizen-voting-already-illegal-in-missouri/" target="_blank">Missouri</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://ncnewsline.com/briefs/nc-house-republicans-advance-a-proposed-constitutional-amendment-to-prohibit-non-citizen-voting/" target="_blank">North Carolina</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/2024/06/04/republicans-want-oklahomans-to-reword-constitution-to-make-crystal-clear-noncitizens-cant-vote/" target="_blank">Oklahoma</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://scdailygazette.com/2024/08/12/panel-decides-citizenship-question-on-sc-ballots-needs-no-explanation/" target="_blank">South Carolina</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/legislators-hold-hearing-on-non-citizen-voting/" target="_blank">Wisconsin</a>.It also comes in the heat of the presidential campaign, as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2024/09/03/trump-promises-mass-deportations-of-undocumented-people-how-would-that-work/" target="_blank">&nbsp;repeatedly calls for mass deportations&nbsp;</a>of undocumented immigrants and faces the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, in a crucial Tuesday night debate.Current federal government spending will expire Oct. 1, so Congress must pass a continuing resolution, or CR, to approve temporary spending beyond that date or risk a shutdown.The measure that requires proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, which U.S. House Republicans and some vulnerable Democrats passed in July, has been added by the House GOP to a CR that would extend spending until March 28. A vote by the House is expected this week.The White House on Monday vowed President Joe Biden would issue a veto if Congress passed the measure in that form.“Instead of meeting the security and disaster needs of the Nation, this bill includes unrelated cynical legislation that would do nothing to safeguard our elections, but would make it much harder for all eligible Americans to register to vote and increase the risk that eligible voters are purged from voter rolls,” the White House<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/H.R.-9494%E2%80%94-Continuing-Appropriations-and-Other-Matters-Act-2025-Final.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;said in a statement&nbsp;</a>Monday. “It is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in Federal elections — it is a Federal crime punishable by prison and fines.”<h2>Senate opposition</h2>The voting language is a nonstarter among Senate Democrats, who hold a slim majority in the chamber.“As we have said repeatedly, avoiding a government shutdown requires bipartisanship, not a bill drawn up by one party,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray of Washington said in a joint statement Friday.“If Speaker Johnson drives House Republicans down this highly partisan path, the odds of a shutdown go way up, and Americans will know that the responsibility of a shutdown will be on the House Republicans’ hands,” they continued.Democrats have argued that the bill is an attempt to sow distrust in U.S. elections ahead of November elections.House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has stressed that noncitizen voting in federal elections is an issue, although research has found&nbsp;<a href="https://campaignlegal.org/update/false-claims-noncitizen-voting-harm-our-democracy" target="_blank">it rarely happens.&nbsp;</a>“As the 2024 election nears, it is imperative that Congress does everything within our power to protect the integrity of our nation’s election system,” he said in a statement.The bill is also supported by Trump.In April, Johnson while at Trump’s residence in Palm Beach, Florida,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/04/12/trump-supports-u-s-house-speaker-johnson-elections-agenda-in-joint-appearance/" target="_blank">announced the House would pass a bill relating to noncitizen voting</a>. The former president has often falsely blamed voting by large numbers of undocumented people for his 2016 opponent Hillary Clinton as the reason he lost the popular vote.Other Democrats objected to passing a CR that would last until next year.The top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, criticized the six-month measure because it is “shortchanging veterans and jeopardizing their care by kicking the can down the road until March.”“A continuing resolution to the end of March provides Republicans with more leverage to attempt to force their unpopular cuts to services that American families depend on to make ends meet,” she said in a statement.<h2>Texas congressman spearheads bill</h2>The original noncitizen voting bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hr8281rh/pdf/BILLS-118hr8281rh.pdf" target="_blank">H.R.8281,</a>&nbsp;was first introduced by Texas GOP Rep. Chip Roy, a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus. It&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024345?Page=2" target="_blank">passed 221-198</a>, with five Democrats voting with Republicans, but stalled in the Senate.Those five Democrats who voted in support of the measure are: Reps. Jared Golden of Maine, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Donald Davis of North Carolina, Vicente Gonzalez of Texas and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.Under current U.S. law, only citizens can vote in federal elections, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/103rd-congress/house-bill/2" target="_blank">National Voter Registration Act</a>&nbsp;of 1993 prohibits states from confirming citizenship status.Along with the ballot measures, hundreds of Republican state legislators have also signed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.onlycitizensvotecoalition.com/state-leaders-pledge" target="_blank">on to a letter</a>&nbsp;by the Only Citizens Vote Coalition urging Congress to pass a bill to bar noncitizens from voting in federal elections.The Only Citizens Vote Coalition includes election denier activists, organizations headed by former Trump aides and anti-immigrant groups. It was founded by Cleta Mitchell,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trumps-pick-rnc-chief-worked-top-election-deniers-group" target="_blank">a key figure who tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election&nbsp;</a>and is now running a grassroots organization to aggressively monitor elections in November.Five of the eight states — Idaho, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wisconsin — with votes set on ballot measures have state legislators who sponsored bills to put the question on the ballot and are signed on to the letter by Only Citizens Vote.

🎥U.S. House GOP sets up fight over noncitizen voting in bill averting government shutdown

Schwab urges U.S. Postal Service to guarantee timely delivery of postmarked ballots

TOPEKA — The Kansas secretary of state said in a letter to the U.S. postmaster general that approximately 1,000 August primary voters in Kansas were disenfranchised because ballots mailed before Election Day in August arrived in county offices more than three days after the deadline or without an essential postmark.

Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican who serves as the state’s chief elections officer, told Postmaster General Louis DeJoy there was cause to be “extremely concerned” about “a troubling pattern that persists in the U.S. Postal Service’s processing and handling of ballots.” He send the same letter to the six members of the Kansas congressional delegation.

During the August primary, Schwab said, 18% of Kansans exercised the constitutional right to vote by sending ballots through the mail. Nearly 1,000 of those individuals, or 2% of ballots transmitted by mail in Kansas, weren’t counted “due to USPS administrative failures,” he said.

In correspondence released Monday, Schwab sought assurances that the USPS would guarantee every mail ballot in the November general election received a postmark so it could be counted. Schwab also asked that ballots placed in USPS custody before Election Day would be delivered to county offices before the three-day, post-election window closed.

“The USPS’ proper and timely handling of mail ballots is a key aspect to maintaining trust in our election system by assuring the public that utmost care is taken to preserve the safety and security of their ballot,” Schwab said. “Kansas has had mail voting in some form since the Civil War, but never has a lack of confidence in the delivery of our ballot been questioned as it has in the 21st century.”

Kansas law requires advance mail-in ballots to be postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Only ballots received in county election offices within three days of a primary or general election could be counted in Kansas.

Schwab said a post-election survey showed county election offices in the state received ballots from the postal service days or weeks after they were mailed. He said some ballots placed in the mail ahead of Election Day didn’t get a postmark.

Approximately half the state’s county clerks reported receiving mail-in ballots without a postmark or after the three-day grace period permitted under statute, he said.

“It is unacceptable that voters, who follow the rules for requesting, voting and returning their mail ballot, are disenfranchised by the USPS because ballots that were properly and timely mailed were delivered without a postmark or not at all,” Schwab said.

In July, the USPS’ office of inspector general recommended the postal service make changes to allow postmarking of ballots that erroneously didn’t receive one. The operational shift could help voters feel more confident their ballot would move efficiently through USPS, the inspector general said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720316487639.png" alt="Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican, send a letter to the U.S. postmaster general and the Kansas congressional delegation complaining that nearly 1,000 advance ballots dropped in the mail before Election Day in the August primary weren't counted because envelopes lacked the required postmark or arrived after the three-day grace period&nbsp;authorized under state law.-Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican, send a letter to the U.S. postmaster general and the Kansas congressional delegation complaining that nearly 1,000 advance ballots dropped in the mail before Election Day in the August primary weren't counted because envelopes lacked the required postmark or arrived after the three-day grace period&nbsp;authorized under state law.-Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Schwab urges U.S. Postal Service to guarantee timely delivery of postmarked ballots</h2>TOPEKA — The Kansas secretary of state said in a letter to the U.S. postmaster general that approximately 1,000 August primary voters in Kansas were disenfranchised because ballots mailed before Election Day in August arrived in county offices more than three days after the deadline or without an essential postmark.Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican who serves as the state’s chief elections officer, told Postmaster General Louis DeJoy there was cause to be “extremely concerned” about “a troubling pattern that persists in the U.S. Postal Service’s processing and handling of ballots.” He send the same letter to the six members of the Kansas congressional delegation.During the August primary, Schwab said, 18% of Kansans exercised the constitutional right to vote by sending ballots through the mail. Nearly 1,000 of those individuals, or 2% of ballots transmitted by mail in Kansas, weren’t counted “due to USPS administrative failures,” he said.In correspondence released Monday, Schwab sought assurances that the USPS would guarantee every mail ballot in the November general election received a postmark so it could be counted. Schwab also asked that ballots placed in USPS custody before Election Day would be delivered to county offices before the three-day, post-election window closed.“The USPS’ proper and timely handling of mail ballots is a key aspect to maintaining trust in our election system by assuring the public that utmost care is taken to preserve the safety and security of their ballot,” Schwab said. “Kansas has had mail voting in some form since the Civil War, but never has a lack of confidence in the delivery of our ballot been questioned as it has in the 21st century.”Kansas law requires advance mail-in ballots to be postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Only ballots received in county election offices within three days of a primary or general election could be counted in Kansas.Schwab said a post-election survey showed county election offices in the state received ballots from the postal service days or weeks after they were mailed. He said some ballots placed in the mail ahead of Election Day didn’t get a postmark.Approximately half the state’s county clerks reported receiving mail-in ballots without a postmark or after the three-day grace period permitted under statute, he said.“It is unacceptable that voters, who follow the rules for requesting, voting and returning their mail ballot, are disenfranchised by the USPS because ballots that were properly and timely mailed were delivered without a postmark or not at all,” Schwab said.In July, the USPS’ office of inspector general recommended the postal service make changes to allow postmarking of ballots that erroneously didn’t receive one. The operational shift could help voters feel more confident their ballot would move efficiently through USPS, the inspector general said.

Kansas election official says nearly 1,000 primary ballots tossed due to mail processing issues

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will take the stage next week in the only planned debate between the respective Democratic and GOP presidential candidates between now and November.

It’s the first presidential debate since President Joe Biden bowed out of the race following his own disastrous debate performance in late June against Trump. Biden, who faced mounting calls to resign,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pass-torch-biden-addresses-nation-why-he-wont-seek-second-term" target="_blank">passed the torch</a>&nbsp;to Harris back in July.

The veep has embarked on an unprecedented and expedited campaign as she and Trump vie for the Oval Office. The election is just two months away.

Though the Harris and Trump campaigns clashed over debate procedures in recent weeks, both candidates have agreed to the finalized rules. ABC News, host of the debate, released the rules Wednesday.

The debate will be Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. Eastern time at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The debate will be 90 minutes long and include two commercial breaks,&nbsp;<a href="https://abc.com/news/5e38600c-4732-4cd2-a99c-3dedfa81beb0/category/1138628" target="_blank">according to ABC</a>.

The Keystone State — where both Harris and Trump have spent a lot of time campaigning — could determine the outcome of the presidential election. The battleground state has narrowly flip-flopped in recent elections, with Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/2020-election/results/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">turning Pennsylvania blue</a>&nbsp;in 2020 after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/2016-election/results/map/president/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">secured a red win</a>&nbsp;in 2016.

The debate will air live on ABC News and will also be streaming on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu.

ABC News’ David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate the debate.

Harris and Trump will each have two minutes to answer questions and two minutes to give rebuttals. They will also be granted one additional minute to clarify or follow up on anything.

Microphones will be muted when it’s not a candidate’s turn to speak, just like the previous debate between Biden and Trump in June.

The candidates will not give opening statements. Trump won a coin flip to determine the order of closing statements and podium placement. Trump, who selected the statement order, will give the final closing statement.

Each closing statement will be two minutes long.

Harris and Trump are not allowed to bring any props or prewritten notes to the debate stage. They will each receive a pen, a pad of paper and a water bottle.

There will be no live audience at the National Constitution Center, as was the case in the last presidential debate.

Harris and Trump are not permitted to interact with their campaign staff during the two commercial breaks.

Trump went on the attack over the details of the debate, telling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/town-hall-no-questions-trump-grouses-about-polls-attacks-debate-host" target="_blank">Fox News’ Sean Hannity</a>&nbsp;during an interview Wednesday in Pennsylvania that “ABC is the worst network in terms of fairness” and “the most dishonest network, the meanest, the nastiest.”

He accused the network of releasing poor polls on purpose ahead of a previous election to drive down voter turnout.

Trump also claimed, without evidence, that Harris would get the questions in advance of the debate. ABC’s debate rules state that no candidates or campaigns will receive any topics or questions ahead of the event.

Meanwhile, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance will battle it out at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mark-your-calendar-vp-candidates-walz-and-vance-debate-oct-1" target="_blank">vice presidential debate</a>&nbsp;hosted by CBS News on Oct. 1 in New York City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724867447394.png" alt="Photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will take the stage next week in the only planned debate between the respective Democratic and GOP presidential candidates between now and November.It’s the first presidential debate since President Joe Biden bowed out of the race following his own disastrous debate performance in late June against Trump. Biden, who faced mounting calls to resign,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pass-torch-biden-addresses-nation-why-he-wont-seek-second-term" target="_blank">passed the torch</a>&nbsp;to Harris back in July.The veep has embarked on an unprecedented and expedited campaign as she and Trump vie for the Oval Office. The election is just two months away.Though the Harris and Trump campaigns clashed over debate procedures in recent weeks, both candidates have agreed to the finalized rules. ABC News, host of the debate, released the rules Wednesday.<h2>When and where is the debate?</h2>The debate will be Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. Eastern time at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The debate will be 90 minutes long and include two commercial breaks,&nbsp;<a href="https://abc.com/news/5e38600c-4732-4cd2-a99c-3dedfa81beb0/category/1138628" target="_blank">according to ABC</a>.The Keystone State — where both Harris and Trump have spent a lot of time campaigning — could determine the outcome of the presidential election. The battleground state has narrowly flip-flopped in recent elections, with Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/2020-election/results/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">turning Pennsylvania blue</a>&nbsp;in 2020 after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/2016-election/results/map/president/pennsylvania/" target="_blank">secured a red win</a>&nbsp;in 2016.<h2>How can I watch the debate?</h2>The debate will air live on ABC News and will also be streaming on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu.ABC News’ David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate the debate.Harris and Trump will each have two minutes to answer questions and two minutes to give rebuttals. They will also be granted one additional minute to clarify or follow up on anything.<h2>Will the mics be muted?</h2>Microphones will be muted when it’s not a candidate’s turn to speak, just like the previous debate between Biden and Trump in June.The candidates will not give opening statements. Trump won a coin flip to determine the order of closing statements and podium placement. Trump, who selected the statement order, will give the final closing statement.Each closing statement will be two minutes long.Harris and Trump are not allowed to bring any props or prewritten notes to the debate stage. They will each receive a pen, a pad of paper and a water bottle.<h2>Will there be a live audience?</h2>There will be no live audience at the National Constitution Center, as was the case in the last presidential debate.Harris and Trump are not permitted to interact with their campaign staff during the two commercial breaks.<h2>Trump slams ABC ahead of debate</h2>Trump went on the attack over the details of the debate, telling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/town-hall-no-questions-trump-grouses-about-polls-attacks-debate-host" target="_blank">Fox News’ Sean Hannity</a>&nbsp;during an interview Wednesday in Pennsylvania that “ABC is the worst network in terms of fairness” and “the most dishonest network, the meanest, the nastiest.”He accused the network of releasing poor polls on purpose ahead of a previous election to drive down voter turnout.Trump also claimed, without evidence, that Harris would get the questions in advance of the debate. ABC’s debate rules state that no candidates or campaigns will receive any topics or questions ahead of the event.Meanwhile, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance will battle it out at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mark-your-calendar-vp-candidates-walz-and-vance-debate-oct-1" target="_blank">vice presidential debate</a>&nbsp;hosted by CBS News on Oct. 1 in New York City.

5 things to know about the Harris-Trump presidential debate  

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple felony charges for a series of crimes on August 21, in the&nbsp; area of the 3300 block of Linwood Boulevard in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2414/LJohnsonRedacted">Click here to read t</a>he charging documents.

Lorenzo Johnson, 31, faces Murder in the 2nd Degree, Robbery in the 1st Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Resisting Arrest and three Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, on the evening of Aug. 21, Kansas City Police Department officers were dispatched to a shooting at the BP Gas Station in the 3300 block of Linwood Blvd. Officers found the victim at the gas pumps. He had been wounded by a gunshot and Johnson then backed the victim's car over him.

The Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide. Hours earlier the suspect had committed robberies in the area. Johnson took the victim's vehicle after the shooting. Officers later forced the stolen vehicle off the road while the suspect was driving. He attempted to flee on foot and officers took him into custody. He had the victim's vehicle title in his pocket. Johnson remains in custody and is being held on no bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724866518643.png" alt="Johnson photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple felony charges for a series of crimes on August 21, in the&nbsp; area of the 3300 block of Linwood Boulevard in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2414/LJohnsonRedacted">Click here to read t</a>he charging documents.Lorenzo Johnson, 31, faces Murder in the 2nd Degree, Robbery in the 1st Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Resisting Arrest and three Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, on the evening of Aug. 21, Kansas City Police Department officers were dispatched to a shooting at the BP Gas Station in the 3300 block of Linwood Blvd. Officers found the victim at the gas pumps. He had been wounded by a gunshot and Johnson then backed the victim's car over him.The Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide. Hours earlier the suspect had committed robberies in the area. Johnson took the victim's vehicle after the shooting. Officers later forced the stolen vehicle off the road while the suspect was driving. He attempted to flee on foot and officers took him into custody. He had the victim's vehicle title in his pocket. Johnson remains in custody and is being held on no bond.

KC robbery suspect shot and then backed car over victim at gas station

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Ms. Wheelchair America&nbsp;Tamara Blackwell.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GBIy1dfbVY4?si=k3AZxslDQdFrhyJr" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Ms. Wheelchair America&nbsp;Tamara Blackwell.

🎤Forward Ever: Ms. Wheelchair America Tamara Blackwell

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a 7-hour standoff at a Kansas home.

Just before 1:30p.m. Wednesday, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Team which consisted of five deputies and one sergeant responded to a residence in the 8100 block of South Bernice in Haysville attempting to serve an arrest warrant for a 43-year-old Robert Cook and began conducting surveillance on the home, according to statement from Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

Deputies conducted interviews and received information confirming that Cook was inside the home. At 2:55pm deputies requested the assistance of a K9 from the Haysville police department to assist with clearing the residence. 

After the K9 cleared the residence, a team of Deputies entered the residence and believed Cook was locked in a bedroom. A K9 from the Wichita Police Department responded and remained outside the residence for the duration of the incident.

A sergeant and two deputies exited the residence and prepared to deploy chemical munitions into the bedroom to end the barricade. At 3:48pm, a deputy broke out a bedroom window and Cook fired a gun at the deputies multiple times.

Two deputies returned fire. One deputy fired three rounds from a rifle and another fired five rounds from a handgun. Neither Cook nor the involved deputies were injured in the exchange of gunfire.

The combined Wichita Police and Sedgwick County SWAT team and Wichita Police negotiators were activated at 4:03pm.

At 4:41pm, police negotiators contacted Cook by phone. Throughout the ensuing seven-hour negotiation Cook made multiple statements that this was his “last stand” and that he would shoot at officers if they made entry into the home. 

At 9:01pm, after negotiations deteriorated and continued threats by Cook, chemical munitions were deployed into the residence and SWAT operators heard gunshots inside.

Following the deployment of chemical munitions, Cook resumed communication with negotiators, who remained focused on achieving a peaceful resolution. While operators were preparing to introduce a second round of chemical munitions, peacefully surrendered at 11:33pm.

Cook has been booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested chargers that include three counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer. 

This investigation is ongoing as detectives are currently serving a search warrant at the incident location to gather additional information. Cook’s charges may be updated as more information is gathered.

The Wichita Police Department does not typically release the names of arrested individuals until formal charges are filed. In this case, the suspect was arrested on an approved arrest warrant stemming from a charged case in Sedgwick County District Court. The warrant was for Failure to Appear and Contempt of Court stemming from an incident where&nbsp; Cook threatened to shoot bail bondsmen when they made an arrest attempt.

The facts of the incident that occurred Wednesday will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration by investigators from the Wichita Police Department ALERT team members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725569911182.png" alt="-During the standoff, a deputy broke out a bedroom window and Cook fired a gun at the deputies multiple times. Image from police body camera image provided by Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>-During the standoff, a deputy broke out a bedroom window and Cook fired a gun at the deputies multiple times. Image from police body camera image provided by Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a 7-hour standoff at a Kansas home.Just before 1:30p.m. Wednesday, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Team which consisted of five deputies and one sergeant responded to a residence in the 8100 block of South Bernice in Haysville attempting to serve an arrest warrant for a 43-year-old Robert Cook and began conducting surveillance on the home, according to statement from Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725586579656.png" alt="Cook photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Cook photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies conducted interviews and received information confirming that Cook was inside the home. At 2:55pm deputies requested the assistance of a K9 from the Haysville police department to assist with clearing the residence. After the K9 cleared the residence, a team of Deputies entered the residence and believed Cook was locked in a bedroom. A K9 from the Wichita Police Department responded and remained outside the residence for the duration of the incident.A sergeant and two deputies exited the residence and prepared to deploy chemical munitions into the bedroom to end the barricade. At 3:48pm, a deputy broke out a bedroom window and Cook fired a gun at the deputies multiple times.Two deputies returned fire. One deputy fired three rounds from a rifle and another fired five rounds from a handgun. Neither Cook nor the involved deputies were injured in the exchange of gunfire.The combined Wichita Police and Sedgwick County SWAT team and Wichita Police negotiators were activated at 4:03pm.At 4:41pm, police negotiators contacted Cook by phone. Throughout the ensuing seven-hour negotiation Cook made multiple statements that this was his “last stand” and that he would shoot at officers if they made entry into the home. At 9:01pm, after negotiations deteriorated and continued threats by Cook, chemical munitions were deployed into the residence and SWAT operators heard gunshots inside.Following the deployment of chemical munitions, Cook resumed communication with negotiators, who remained focused on achieving a peaceful resolution. While operators were preparing to introduce a second round of chemical munitions, peacefully surrendered at 11:33pm.Cook has been booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested chargers that include three counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer. This investigation is ongoing as detectives are currently serving a search warrant at the incident location to gather additional information. Cook’s charges may be updated as more information is gathered.The Wichita Police Department does not typically release the names of arrested individuals until formal charges are filed. In this case, the suspect was arrested on an approved arrest warrant stemming from a charged case in Sedgwick County District Court. The warrant was for Failure to Appear and Contempt of Court stemming from an incident where&nbsp; Cook threatened to shoot bail bondsmen when they made an arrest attempt.The facts of the incident that occurred Wednesday will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration by investigators from the Wichita Police Department ALERT team members.

Gunfight with deputies during standoff at Kansas home

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — Exactly two months out from the presidential election, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan plans to move ahead with the case accusing former President Donald Trump of subverting the 2020 presidential election results, telling Trump’s attorneys that she is “not concerned with the electoral schedule.”

Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, did not appear in federal court for Thursday’s hearing in Washington, D.C., but his lawyers pleaded not guilty on his behalf to the four charges that remained unchanged in U.S. special counsel Jack Smith’s new indictment, filed last week.

The case had been in a holding pattern for eight months as Trump appealed his claim of presidential immunity all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Chutkan’s anticipated new timeline for the case — which she could release as early as Thursday — is still expected to assure Trump will not face trial before Election Day in November.

U.S. prosecutors say they are ready to restart the case in the coming weeks, while Trump’s team has argued for more time to review evidence and dismiss the superseding indictment.

The Supreme Court returned Trump’s case to the trial court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/presidential-immunity-covers-some-official-acts-supreme-court-rules-trump-case" target="_blank">after ruling</a>&nbsp;that former presidents are immune from criminal charges for official “core constitutional” acts while in office and hold at least presumptive immunity for “outer perimeter” activities, but not for personal actions.

This gave Chutkan, an Obama administration appointee, the major task of parsing Smith’s indictment, deciding which allegations against Trump fall under the umbrella of official acts and which relate to actions taken in a personal capacity.

Chutkan did not issue any decisions on immunity at the Thursday hearing but rather spent significant time grilling Trump’s attorney John Lauro on why he believes it is “unseemly” for Smith’s office to lay out its case this month in an opening brief. Thomas Windom, a federal prosecutor in Smith’s office, said the government would be ready to file the brief by the end of September.

Lauro argued that Smith wanting to file “at breakneck speed” is “incredibly unfair that they are able to put in the public record (evidence) at this sensitive time in our nation’s history.”

“I understand there’s an election impending,” Chutkan snapped back, reminding him that it “is not relevant here.”

“Three weeks is not exactly breakneck speed,” Chutkan added.

Lauro argues that Chutkan should examine parts of the indictment that accuse Trump of pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence to accept false slates of electors leading up to Pence’s ceremonial role in certifying the election results on Jan. 6, 2021.

“The problem with that issue is if in fact the communications are immune, then the entire indictment fails,” Lauro argued.

“I’m not sure that’s my reading of the case,” Chutkan replied.

The government maintains that all actions and communications by Trump described in the new indictment were “private in nature,” Windom argued.

Chutkan also spent time during the roughly 75-minute hearing questioning Lauro on the Trump legal team’s numerous plans to request the case’s dismissal. One anticipated plan is to try its successful play in Florida, where a Trump-appointed federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-classified-documents-criminal-case" target="_blank">tossed</a>&nbsp;his classified documents case after Trump argued Smith was illegally appointed as special counsel.

Chutkan said she will allow the defense to file that motion but warned that attorneys must provide convincing arguments on why “binding precedent doesn’t hold” for the time-tested position of special prosecutor.

Trump is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67656595/226/united-states-v-trump/" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;with conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights for his alleged role in conspiring to create false electors from seven states and spreading knowingly false information that whipped his supporters into a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

A federal grand jury handed up a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/special-counsel-smith-files-new-indictment-trumps-jan-6-case" target="_blank">revised indictment</a>&nbsp;Aug. 27 in an effort to tailor the charges to the Supreme Court’s July 1 immunity&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdf" target="_blank">ruling</a>. The fresh indictment omitted any references to Trump’s alleged pressure campaign on Justice Department officials to meddle in state election results.

But the document added emphasis on Trump’s personal use of social media outside of his actions as president, and said he and several co-conspirators schemed outside of his official duties. The new indictment also stressed Trump’s pressure on Pence to accept the fake electors in his role outside of the executive branch as president of the Senate.

If Trump wins the Oval Office in November, he would have the power to hinder or altogether shut down the Department of Justice’s election interference case against him.

If he loses to Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, the case is sure to be set back by further delays, as the Trump team plans numerous challenges and will almost certainly appeal — likely to the Supreme Court again — Chutkan’s decisions on which allegations against Trump are or are not subject to immunity.

According to Friday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.229.0_4.pdf" target="_blank">joint filing</a>&nbsp;in which each side laid out plans for the case going forward, Trump’s team also warned they will challenge that Trump’s tweets and communication about the 2020 presidential results should be considered all official acts.

Additionally, Trump plans to file a motion to dismiss the case based on the Supreme Court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-ruling-obstruction-law-helps-cases-jan-6-defendants" target="_blank">June ruling</a>&nbsp;that a Jan. 6 rioter could not be charged with obstructing an official proceeding — a charge that Trump also faces.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725589977937.png" alt="Former President Trump at the Economic Club of New York on Thursday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former President Trump at the Economic Club of New York on Thursday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Exactly two months out from the presidential election, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan plans to move ahead with the case accusing former President Donald Trump of subverting the 2020 presidential election results, telling Trump’s attorneys that she is “not concerned with the electoral schedule.”Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, did not appear in federal court for Thursday’s hearing in Washington, D.C., but his lawyers pleaded not guilty on his behalf to the four charges that remained unchanged in U.S. special counsel Jack Smith’s new indictment, filed last week.The case had been in a holding pattern for eight months as Trump appealed his claim of presidential immunity all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Chutkan’s anticipated new timeline for the case — which she could release as early as Thursday — is still expected to assure Trump will not face trial before Election Day in November.U.S. prosecutors say they are ready to restart the case in the coming weeks, while Trump’s team has argued for more time to review evidence and dismiss the superseding indictment.The Supreme Court returned Trump’s case to the trial court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/presidential-immunity-covers-some-official-acts-supreme-court-rules-trump-case" target="_blank">after ruling</a>&nbsp;that former presidents are immune from criminal charges for official “core constitutional” acts while in office and hold at least presumptive immunity for “outer perimeter” activities, but not for personal actions.This gave Chutkan, an Obama administration appointee, the major task of parsing Smith’s indictment, deciding which allegations against Trump fall under the umbrella of official acts and which relate to actions taken in a personal capacity.<h2>Chutkan skeptical&nbsp;</h2>Chutkan did not issue any decisions on immunity at the Thursday hearing but rather spent significant time grilling Trump’s attorney John Lauro on why he believes it is “unseemly” for Smith’s office to lay out its case this month in an opening brief. Thomas Windom, a federal prosecutor in Smith’s office, said the government would be ready to file the brief by the end of September.Lauro argued that Smith wanting to file “at breakneck speed” is “incredibly unfair that they are able to put in the public record (evidence) at this sensitive time in our nation’s history.”“I understand there’s an election impending,” Chutkan snapped back, reminding him that it “is not relevant here.”“Three weeks is not exactly breakneck speed,” Chutkan added.Lauro argues that Chutkan should examine parts of the indictment that accuse Trump of pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence to accept false slates of electors leading up to Pence’s ceremonial role in certifying the election results on Jan. 6, 2021.“The problem with that issue is if in fact the communications are immune, then the entire indictment fails,” Lauro argued.“I’m not sure that’s my reading of the case,” Chutkan replied.The government maintains that all actions and communications by Trump described in the new indictment were “private in nature,” Windom argued.Chutkan also spent time during the roughly 75-minute hearing questioning Lauro on the Trump legal team’s numerous plans to request the case’s dismissal. One anticipated plan is to try its successful play in Florida, where a Trump-appointed federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-classified-documents-criminal-case" target="_blank">tossed</a>&nbsp;his classified documents case after Trump argued Smith was illegally appointed as special counsel.Chutkan said she will allow the defense to file that motion but warned that attorneys must provide convincing arguments on why “binding precedent doesn’t hold” for the time-tested position of special prosecutor.<h2>New indictment, same charges</h2>Trump is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67656595/226/united-states-v-trump/" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;with conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights for his alleged role in conspiring to create false electors from seven states and spreading knowingly false information that whipped his supporters into a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.A federal grand jury handed up a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/special-counsel-smith-files-new-indictment-trumps-jan-6-case" target="_blank">revised indictment</a>&nbsp;Aug. 27 in an effort to tailor the charges to the Supreme Court’s July 1 immunity&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdf" target="_blank">ruling</a>. The fresh indictment omitted any references to Trump’s alleged pressure campaign on Justice Department officials to meddle in state election results.But the document added emphasis on Trump’s personal use of social media outside of his actions as president, and said he and several co-conspirators schemed outside of his official duties. The new indictment also stressed Trump’s pressure on Pence to accept the fake electors in his role outside of the executive branch as president of the Senate.If Trump wins the Oval Office in November, he would have the power to hinder or altogether shut down the Department of Justice’s election interference case against him.If he loses to Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, the case is sure to be set back by further delays, as the Trump team plans numerous challenges and will almost certainly appeal — likely to the Supreme Court again — Chutkan’s decisions on which allegations against Trump are or are not subject to immunity.According to Friday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149/gov.uscourts.dcd.258149.229.0_4.pdf" target="_blank">joint filing</a>&nbsp;in which each side laid out plans for the case going forward, Trump’s team also warned they will challenge that Trump’s tweets and communication about the 2020 presidential results should be considered all official acts.Additionally, Trump plans to file a motion to dismiss the case based on the Supreme Court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-ruling-obstruction-law-helps-cases-jan-6-defendants" target="_blank">June ruling</a>&nbsp;that a Jan. 6 rioter could not be charged with obstructing an official proceeding — a charge that Trump also faces.

Judge: Trump’s Jan. 6 case won’t be delayed by upcoming election

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an alleged violent fight at Milford Lake.

Just after noon Aug. 18, sheriff's deputies took a report of an alleged physical altercation that took place at Nudie Beach on Milford Lake August. 17, according to a media release.

During the investigation deputies learned Kurtis Geisler of Leonardville&nbsp; was at the beach with family and friends. A suspect identified as&nbsp;42-year-old Ryan Diedrich of Randolph made&nbsp; threats of harm toward Geisler and a physical altercation took place between the two men.

Witnesses told deputies Diedrich had attempted to drown Geisler by holding him underwater, before being pulled off by others. Geisler sustained minor injuries that were later medically treated.

On Wednesday afternoon, deputies arrested Ryan Levi Diedrich on requested charges of Attempted Murder (2nd Degree) and Criminal Threat. He is currently being held at the Geary County Detention Center without bond, pending his first court appearance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725531791535.png" alt="Diedrich photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Diedrich photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an alleged violent fight at Milford Lake.Just after noon Aug. 18, sheriff's deputies took a report of an alleged physical altercation that took place at Nudie Beach on Milford Lake August. 17, according to a media release.During the investigation deputies learned Kurtis Geisler of Leonardville&nbsp; was at the beach with family and friends. A suspect identified as&nbsp;42-year-old Ryan Diedrich of Randolph made&nbsp; threats of harm toward Geisler and a physical altercation took place between the two men.Witnesses told deputies Diedrich had attempted to drown Geisler by holding him underwater, before being pulled off by others. Geisler sustained minor injuries that were later medically treated.On Wednesday afternoon, deputies arrested Ryan Levi Diedrich on requested charges of Attempted Murder (2nd Degree) and Criminal Threat. He is currently being held at the Geary County Detention Center without bond, pending his first court appearance.

Suspect accused of attempting to drown man at Kansas lake

JERUSALEM —Salvage efforts continue in the Red Sea after&nbsp; Iranian-backed Houthis attacked two crude oil tankers, the Panama flagged/owned, Greek operated MV BLUE LAGOON I and the Saudi flagged, owned, and operated MV AMJAD, with two ballistic missiles and a one-way attack drone hitting both vessels, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

 Both vessels are laden with crude oil. The MV AMJAD is carrying approximately two million barrels of oil, almost twice the amount onboard the Greek-owned MV DELTA SOUNION, which the Houthis attacked on Aug. 21. 

The disabled MV DELTA SOUNION was on fire and threatens the possibility of a major environmental disaster.

These reckless acts of terrorism by the Houthis continue to destabilize regional and global commerce, as well as put the lives of civilian mariners and maritime ecosystems at risk.. 

In addition U.S. forces this week successfully destroyed three terrorist missile systems in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708804229711.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —Salvage efforts continue in the Red Sea after&nbsp; Iranian-backed Houthis attacked two crude oil tankers, the Panama flagged/owned, Greek operated MV BLUE LAGOON I and the Saudi flagged, owned, and operated MV AMJAD, with two ballistic missiles and a one-way attack drone hitting both vessels, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. Both vessels are laden with crude oil. The MV AMJAD is carrying approximately two million barrels of oil, almost twice the amount onboard the Greek-owned MV DELTA SOUNION, which the Houthis attacked on Aug. 21. The disabled MV DELTA SOUNION was on fire and threatens the possibility of a major environmental disaster.These reckless acts of terrorism by the Houthis continue to destabilize regional and global commerce, as well as put the lives of civilian mariners and maritime ecosystems at risk.. In addition U.S. forces this week successfully destroyed three terrorist missile systems in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.

US military: Terrorists attack more oil tankers in the Red Sea

BARBER COUNTY —The Silver Alert issued August 3, for 73-year-old David Reese remains active, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. He is still missing. Please keep an eye out for him or his vehicle, a white 2017 Chevy Silverado bearing Kansas tag 885NEW.

On Aug. 5, the Harper Police Department, the Barber County Sheriff’s Office, the Harper County Sheriff’s Office, the Elwood Township Fire, the Kansas Fire Marshall, Kiowa Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Medicine Lodge Fire Department, Kiowa Fire Department, Barber County Rural Fire Department, and Barber County Emergency Management, conducted a search for Reese over 700 square miles in an 8-hour time frame.

The search utilized aircraft, multiple drones, vehicles, and off-road vehicles. The area searched was over half of Barber County surrounding the last known location of Reese which was near Little Mule and Hardtner Shortcut.

 No evidence of Reese or his vehicle were found. If you own property in Barber or Harper County, you are asked to check your land for anything out of the ordinary.&nbsp;Reese is a white male who is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 250 pounds. He has brown eyes, a white beard, and is balding. He may be traveling with a chocolate Labrador retriever, and is likely wearing a baseball cap. Reese has diabetes, anxiety, and a condition impairing cognition and memory. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722706150273.png" alt="David Reese courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>David Reese courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BARBER COUNTY —The Silver Alert issued August 3, for 73-year-old David Reese remains active, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. He is still missing. Please keep an eye out for him or his vehicle, a white 2017 Chevy Silverado bearing Kansas tag 885NEW.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722939061343.png" alt="Photo Barber Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Barber Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>On Aug. 5, the Harper Police Department, the Barber County Sheriff’s Office, the Harper County Sheriff’s Office, the Elwood Township Fire, the Kansas Fire Marshall, Kiowa Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Medicine Lodge Fire Department, Kiowa Fire Department, Barber County Rural Fire Department, and Barber County Emergency Management, conducted a search for Reese over 700 square miles in an 8-hour time frame.The search utilized aircraft, multiple drones, vehicles, and off-road vehicles. The area searched was over half of Barber County surrounding the last known location of Reese which was near Little Mule and Hardtner Shortcut. No evidence of Reese or his vehicle were found. If you own property in Barber or Harper County, you are asked to check your land for anything out of the ordinary.&nbsp;Reese is a white male who is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 250 pounds. He has brown eyes, a white beard, and is balding. He may be traveling with a chocolate Labrador retriever, and is likely wearing a baseball cap. Reese has diabetes, anxiety, and a condition impairing cognition and memory.

After a month, Silver Alert for missing Kansas man still active

GEARY COUNTY —Authorities have identified the victim who drowned Saturday at Milford State Park as 29-year old Pvt. Ismael Ouedraogo with 5/15th Cec-A , according to officials at Fort Riley.

The Geary County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks responded to the drowning at the south boat ramp, swim beach located in the Milford State Park, according to a media release.

Bystanders located Ouedraogo who was reported being under water for more than 10 minutes and began CPR.

Upon arrival of EMS he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;&nbsp;

GEARY COUNTY —Authorities have identified the victim who drowned Saturday at Milford State Park as 29-year old Pvt. Ismael Ouedraogo with 5/15th Cec-A , according to officials at Fort Riley.The Geary County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks responded to the drowning at the south boat ramp, swim beach located in the Milford State Park, according to a media release.Bystanders located Ouedraogo who was reported being under water for more than 10 minutes and began CPR.Upon arrival of EMS he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officials ID drowning victim at Milford State Park

RILEY COUNTY —The Riley County Police Department is actively investigating an incident that occurred near the Aggieville district in the early morning hours of Friday, August 30, in which a young woman sustained injuries.

The initial report received by police indicated the young woman was found in the 800 block of Laramie Street after walking home from a local establishment, according to a media release.

&nbsp;Police are reviewing surveillance footage from Aggieville and surrounding areas and are following up on any leads to determine the cause of the woman's injuries. Police encourage anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has any information to come forward and assist with the investigation. 

Tips may be called in directly to RCPD using 785-537-2112 or you can always contact Crime Stoppers at 785-539-7777 or toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous.

"We understand the concerns that have been raised on social media regarding the safety of our community. It is important to note that based on the information available at this time, there is no evidence to suggest there is an ongoing threat to the public."&nbsp;

"While we take all reports seriously, it is critical to rely on verified information rather than speculation."&nbsp;

"At this time, we want to clarify that this incident is under investigation and we are working diligently to gather all relevant information."

"As the investigation progresses, we will provide updates as appropriate. We ask the community to allow our officers the time to thoroughly investigate this matter."

"Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our community, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all facts are accurately represented."

RILEY COUNTY —The Riley County Police Department is actively investigating an incident that occurred near the Aggieville district in the early morning hours of Friday, August 30, in which a young woman sustained injuries.The initial report received by police indicated the young woman was found in the 800 block of Laramie Street after walking home from a local establishment, according to a media release.&nbsp;Police are reviewing surveillance footage from Aggieville and surrounding areas and are following up on any leads to determine the cause of the woman's injuries. Police encourage anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has any information to come forward and assist with the investigation. Tips may be called in directly to RCPD using 785-537-2112 or you can always contact Crime Stoppers at 785-539-7777 or toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous."We understand the concerns that have been raised on social media regarding the safety of our community. It is important to note that based on the information available at this time, there is no evidence to suggest there is an ongoing threat to the public."&nbsp;"While we take all reports seriously, it is critical to rely on verified information rather than speculation."&nbsp;"At this time, we want to clarify that this incident is under investigation and we are working diligently to gather all relevant information." "As the investigation progresses, we will provide updates as appropriate. We ask the community to allow our officers the time to thoroughly investigate this matter." "Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our community, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all facts are accurately represented."

Police asks for help with Aggieville incident that injured woman

DAMASCUS —U.S. forces, partnered with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and captured an ISIS leader, who was assessed as helping ISIS fighters after escape from a Raqqah Detention Facility in Syria, according to statement from the U.S. Central Command.

During the early morning hours of Sept. 1, U.S. forces and SDF captured Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal, an ISIS facilitator assessed to be aiding efforts of detained ISIS fighters to include recently escaped fighters.

Previously, on Aug. 29, five ISIS Foreign Terrorist Fighter detainees (Two Russians, two Afghans, and one Libyan) escaped from the Raqqah Detention Facility. SDF recaptured two escapees: Imam Abdulwahed Akhwan (Russian) and Muhammad Noh Muhammad (Libyan). The search continues for the three who remain at large: Timor Talbrken Abdash (Russian) and Shuab Muhammad Al-Abdli and Atal Khaled Zar (both Afghans).

A primary objective of ISIS remains to free their fighters currently held in detention and subsequently fuel an ISIS revival. CENTCOM forces, in coordination with SDF, will continue to mitigate threats of future escapes and to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.

“Over 9,000 ISIS detainees remain in over 20 SDF detention facilities in Syria, a literal and figurative ‘ISIS Army’ in detention. If a large number of these ISIS fighters escaped, it would pose an extreme danger to the region and beyond. We will continue to work with the international community to repatriate these ISIS fighters to their countries of origin for final adjudication,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command.

CENTCOM remains committed to supporting our SDF partners to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and to promote regional stability.

DAMASCUS —U.S. forces, partnered with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and captured an ISIS leader, who was assessed as helping ISIS fighters after escape from a Raqqah Detention Facility in Syria, according to statement from the U.S. Central Command.During the early morning hours of Sept. 1, U.S. forces and SDF captured Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal, an ISIS facilitator assessed to be aiding efforts of detained ISIS fighters to include recently escaped fighters.Previously, on Aug. 29, five ISIS Foreign Terrorist Fighter detainees (Two Russians, two Afghans, and one Libyan) escaped from the Raqqah Detention Facility. SDF recaptured two escapees: Imam Abdulwahed Akhwan (Russian) and Muhammad Noh Muhammad (Libyan). The search continues for the three who remain at large: Timor Talbrken Abdash (Russian) and Shuab Muhammad Al-Abdli and Atal Khaled Zar (both Afghans).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725315215033.png" alt="-On Monday, President Biden and VP Harris met in the Situation Room with the U.S. hostage deal negotiation team following the murder of American&nbsp; Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages by Hamas. -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>-On Monday, President Biden and VP Harris met in the Situation Room with the U.S. hostage deal negotiation team following the murder of American&nbsp; Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages by Hamas. -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A primary objective of ISIS remains to free their fighters currently held in detention and subsequently fuel an ISIS revival. CENTCOM forces, in coordination with SDF, will continue to mitigate threats of future escapes and to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.“Over 9,000 ISIS detainees remain in over 20 SDF detention facilities in Syria, a literal and figurative ‘ISIS Army’ in detention. If a large number of these ISIS fighters escaped, it would pose an extreme danger to the region and beyond. We will continue to work with the international community to repatriate these ISIS fighters to their countries of origin for final adjudication,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command.CENTCOM remains committed to supporting our SDF partners to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and to promote regional stability.

US troops capture ISIS leader in Syria linked to prison break

KANSAS CITY —Officials are investigating the cause of a Labor Day house fire in Kansas City.

Just after 1p.m., crews responded to a fire at a home in the 500 block of Lawndale, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First arriving crews reported heavy fire and smoke from a single-story residence. An offensive interior attack was initiated to included searches of the home.

The searches came back all clear. The fire was extremely advanced and was impeding on the house to the south. Crews had to stretch additional lines to extinguish and protect that home.&nbsp; 

The fire spread through the attic and broke through the roof leading to a temporary evacuation and defensive operation. Crews were able to get the fire under control after approximately 30 minutes. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725310927576.png" alt="Photos Kansas City Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos Kansas City Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Officials are investigating the cause of a Labor Day house fire in Kansas City.Just after 1p.m., crews responded to a fire at a home in the 500 block of Lawndale, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First arriving crews reported heavy fire and smoke from a single-story residence. An offensive interior attack was initiated to included searches of the home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725310961834.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The searches came back all clear. The fire was extremely advanced and was impeding on the house to the south. Crews had to stretch additional lines to extinguish and protect that home.&nbsp; The fire spread through the attic and broke through the roof leading to a temporary evacuation and defensive operation. Crews were able to get the fire under control after approximately 30 minutes. There were no injuries reported.

Cause of Labor Day house fire in Kansas City under investigation

TOPEKA – Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially been approved to securing his place on the November ballot in Kansas, according to a statement on Friday from&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab 

According to Schwab, "Mr. Kennedy met the candidate filing deadline of Monday, August 5, by noon, submitting the necessary petition. To qualify as an independent candidate for President and appear on the state’s ballot, a minimum of 5,000 signatures from registered Kansas voters was required. “He has met these requirements.”

On August 23, Kennedy&nbsp; suspended his independent campaign for president and endorsed&nbsp;Donald Trump. He said his internal polls had shown that his presence in the race would hurt Trump and help Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

However, Kennedy also made it clear that he wasn’t formally ending his bid for the White House and said his supporters could continue to back him in the majority of states where they are unlikely to sway the outcome. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719668235039.png" alt="Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. -courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. -courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially been approved to securing his place on the November ballot in Kansas, according to a statement on Friday from&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab According to Schwab, "Mr. Kennedy met the candidate filing deadline of Monday, August 5, by noon, submitting the necessary petition. To qualify as an independent candidate for President and appear on the state’s ballot, a minimum of 5,000 signatures from registered Kansas voters was required. “He has met these requirements.”On August 23, Kennedy&nbsp; suspended his independent campaign for president and endorsed&nbsp;Donald Trump. He said his internal polls had shown that his presence in the race would hurt Trump and help Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.However, Kennedy also made it clear that he wasn’t formally ending his bid for the White House and said his supporters could continue to back him in the majority of states where they are unlikely to sway the outcome.

RFK Jr. will officially be on the November ballot in Kansas

WASHINGTON —The Defense Department has approved a request by the Department of Homeland Security to provide assistance to the Secret Service for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates during the 2024 campaigns through Inauguration Day 2025, the deputy pentagon press secretary said Thursday.

"The secretary of defense approved the request and directed the commander of U.S. Northern Command to plan and provide and execute increased support to the United States Secret Service at various locations across the United States during the 2024 election campaigns," Sabrina Singh said during a briefing&nbsp; at the Pentagon.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720953321409.png" alt="File photo&nbsp; courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo&nbsp; courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The Defense Department has approved a request by the Department of Homeland Security to provide assistance to the Secret Service for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates during the 2024 campaigns through Inauguration Day 2025, the deputy pentagon press secretary said Thursday."The secretary of defense approved the request and directed the commander of U.S. Northern Command to plan and provide and execute increased support to the United States Secret Service at various locations across the United States during the 2024 election campaigns," Sabrina Singh said during a briefing&nbsp; at the Pentagon.&nbsp;

Pentagon approves additional support to Secret Service

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Judge Tommy Webb.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/toeed9oN0ik?si=Pq2NXG8GGlbXhy_3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Judge Tommy Webb.

🎤Forward Ever: Judge Tommy Webb

DOUGLAS COUNTY —The FBI is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual responsible for a bank robbery, which occurred at the Bank of America located at 900 Ohio St., Lawrence, KS, on July 2, 2024, at approximately 9:21 a.m.

The suspect is described as African American, athletic build and approximately 6-foot to 6-foot-5 and 190pounds. He is described as wearing a black zip-up hooded jacket with a dark colored undershirt, black pant with a white emblem on the left upper leg, multicolored shoes, light blue “HyFlex” gloves, large black squared sunglasses, and multicolored (black, red, yellow) face mask.

The suspect entered the bank carrying a black bag and approached a teller making a&nbsp;verbal demand for cash. The suspect fled the bank on foot in a southward direction with an undisclosed amount of currency

Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to call the FBI Kansas City at 816-512-8200, Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at 785-843-TIPS or tips.fbi.gov. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724954681155.png" alt="Photos Lawrence police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Lawrence police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —The FBI is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual responsible for a bank robbery, which occurred at the Bank of America located at 900 Ohio St., Lawrence, KS, on July 2, 2024, at approximately 9:21 a.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724954659018.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect is described as African American, athletic build and approximately 6-foot to 6-foot-5 and 190pounds. He is described as wearing a black zip-up hooded jacket with a dark colored undershirt, black pant with a white emblem on the left upper leg, multicolored shoes, light blue “HyFlex” gloves, large black squared sunglasses, and multicolored (black, red, yellow) face mask.The suspect entered the bank carrying a black bag and approached a teller making a&nbsp;verbal demand for cash. The suspect fled the bank on foot in a southward direction with an undisclosed amount of currencyAnyone with information about this robbery is asked to call the FBI Kansas City at 816-512-8200, Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at 785-843-TIPS or tips.fbi.gov.

FBI offers reward for information on Kansas bank robbery

By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

A proposal to allow a new casino to be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/backers-of-a-new-missouri-casino-near-the-lake-of-the-ozarks-submit-signatures-seeking-ballot-slot/">licensed on the Osage River</a>&nbsp;near the Lake of the Ozarks will be on the November ballot, a Cole County judge ruled Friday.

The initiative, which was initially found to be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/sports-wagering-minimum-wage-hike-headed-for-november-vote-in-missouri/">2,031 signatures short</a>&nbsp;in the 2nd Congressional District, actually did have enough valid signatures, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s office conceded when a planned trial over the petition opened before Judge Daniel Green.

The proposed constitutional amendment initially failed to qualify for the ballot because of signatures disallowed by local election officials. An additional 2,230 valid signatures were found by the proponents, Osage River Gaming and Convention, by reviewing the rejections.

Signature verification is “a massive, messy process that does not always produce perfect results,” Chuck Hatfield, the attorney representing the campaign, told Green.

The proposal will be Amendment 5 on the Nov. 5 ballot and joins three other initiative proposals —&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">protecting reproductive rights</a>, listed as Amendment 3;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/01/group-turns-in-signatures-to-put-minimum-wage-hike-paid-sick-leave-on-missouri-ballot/">increasing the minimum wage</a>, listed as Proposition A; and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/pro-sports-teams-submit-petition-signatures-to-legalize-sports-gambling-in-missouri/">legalizing sports betting</a>, listed as Amendment 2.

There are pending court challenges to the reproductive rights and sports wagering proposals that could strike them from the ballot.

The Osage River casino is being pushed by a committee that wants to build a casino to compete with a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/29/osage-nation-plans-casino-hotel-for-missouris-lake-of-the-ozarks/">planned Osage Nation casino</a>&nbsp;in the same area.

“Today is a victory for the initiative petition process and for voters who will benefit from our proposed development at the Lake of the Ozarks,” the committee said in a statement issued after Green ruled.&nbsp;

The proposal would amend the Missouri Constitution to allow a casino along the Osage River between Bagnell Dam and the confluence with the Missouri River. The constitution currently authorizes casinos only along&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++39(e)&amp;bid=31794&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">the Missouri and Mississippi rivers</a>.

The proposal would also override a state law limiting the state&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=313.780&amp;bid=16856&amp;hl=" target="_blank">to 13 licensed casinos</a>, passed in 2008 as a result of an initiative sponsored by casino operators.

The Lake of the Ozarks is one of Missouri’s busiest tourism destinations. The casino proposal is being bankrolled by Bally’s, which currently operates a casino in Kansas City, and RIS Inc., a major regional developer.&nbsp;

Each has contributed about half of the $4.3 million raised for the petition drive.

The casino will support more than 700 new jobs in the lake area. The project, if approved, would generate admission and other fee revenue of $2.1 million annually, according to the language appearing on the ballot, and annual gaming tax revenue of $14.3 million.

There are also two constitutional amendments proposed by the General Assembly on the ballot.&nbsp; Amendment 6 would give the courts power to enforce payment of fees that support retirement benefits for sheriffs and prosecutors. Amendment 7 would ban the use of ranked-choice voting in Missouri elections and restate the current ban on voting by people who are not U.S. citizens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646149812641.jpg" alt="The Osage River casino is being pushed by a committee that wants to build a casino to compete with a planned Osage Nation casino in the same area&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Osage River casino is being pushed by a committee that wants to build a casino to compete with a planned Osage Nation casino in the same area&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A proposal to allow a new casino to be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/backers-of-a-new-missouri-casino-near-the-lake-of-the-ozarks-submit-signatures-seeking-ballot-slot/">licensed on the Osage River</a>&nbsp;near the Lake of the Ozarks will be on the November ballot, a Cole County judge ruled Friday.The initiative, which was initially found to be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/sports-wagering-minimum-wage-hike-headed-for-november-vote-in-missouri/">2,031 signatures short</a>&nbsp;in the 2nd Congressional District, actually did have enough valid signatures, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s office conceded when a planned trial over the petition opened before Judge Daniel Green.The proposed constitutional amendment initially failed to qualify for the ballot because of signatures disallowed by local election officials. An additional 2,230 valid signatures were found by the proponents, Osage River Gaming and Convention, by reviewing the rejections.Signature verification is “a massive, messy process that does not always produce perfect results,” Chuck Hatfield, the attorney representing the campaign, told Green.The proposal will be Amendment 5 on the Nov. 5 ballot and joins three other initiative proposals —&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">protecting reproductive rights</a>, listed as Amendment 3;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/01/group-turns-in-signatures-to-put-minimum-wage-hike-paid-sick-leave-on-missouri-ballot/">increasing the minimum wage</a>, listed as Proposition A; and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/pro-sports-teams-submit-petition-signatures-to-legalize-sports-gambling-in-missouri/">legalizing sports betting</a>, listed as Amendment 2.There are pending court challenges to the reproductive rights and sports wagering proposals that could strike them from the ballot.The Osage River casino is being pushed by a committee that wants to build a casino to compete with a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/29/osage-nation-plans-casino-hotel-for-missouris-lake-of-the-ozarks/">planned Osage Nation casino</a>&nbsp;in the same area.“Today is a victory for the initiative petition process and for voters who will benefit from our proposed development at the Lake of the Ozarks,” the committee said in a statement issued after Green ruled.&nbsp;The proposal would amend the Missouri Constitution to allow a casino along the Osage River between Bagnell Dam and the confluence with the Missouri River. The constitution currently authorizes casinos only along&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++39(e)&amp;bid=31794&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">the Missouri and Mississippi rivers</a>.The proposal would also override a state law limiting the state&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=313.780&amp;bid=16856&amp;hl=" target="_blank">to 13 licensed casinos</a>, passed in 2008 as a result of an initiative sponsored by casino operators.The Lake of the Ozarks is one of Missouri’s busiest tourism destinations. The casino proposal is being bankrolled by Bally’s, which currently operates a casino in Kansas City, and RIS Inc., a major regional developer.&nbsp;Each has contributed about half of the $4.3 million raised for the petition drive.The casino will support more than 700 new jobs in the lake area. The project, if approved, would generate admission and other fee revenue of $2.1 million annually, according to the language appearing on the ballot, and annual gaming tax revenue of $14.3 million.There are also two constitutional amendments proposed by the General Assembly on the ballot.&nbsp; Amendment 6 would give the courts power to enforce payment of fees that support retirement benefits for sheriffs and prosecutors. Amendment 7 would ban the use of ranked-choice voting in Missouri elections and restate the current ban on voting by people who are not U.S. citizens.

Kbct