By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH Associated Press

A judge has ordered a mental evaluation and delayed the trial of an 85-year-old white man who shot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-kansas-city-wrong-door-b27aaabdb132fcb1544c97f7161f0027">Ralph Yarl</a>&nbsp;after the teenage Black honor student came to his Kansas City, Missouri, home by mistake.

Andrew Lester’s lawyer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-wrong-house-missouri-mental-competence-8fa61b24a186e9923fd12ae831b071b0">requested</a>&nbsp;the evaluation last month, saying the retired aircraft mechanic's health has deteriorated so much that he now lacks the capacity to understand the proceedings against him or to assist in his own defense. The prosecution didn’t object to the request.

The trial of Lester had been scheduled to begin Oct. 7. Instead, there will be a hearing the following day.

Lester has pleaded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-court-hearing-not-guilty-e7d992123cc9e1ea4a5237bb08345d12">not guilty</a>&nbsp;to charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the April 13, 2023, shooting of Yarl, then 16. Yarl survived the shooting and graduated from high school in the spring. But his family said the shooting took a big emotional toll and has filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-wrong-house-missouri-lawsuit-d97c54d302212b002351bb72bd7e2562">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against Lester.

The shooting shocked the country and renewed national debates about gun policies and race in the U.S.

Attorney Steve Salmon has long argued that Lester was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-stand-your-ground-69f91b0a09b25f9758219897f5890278">acting in self-defense</a>, terrified by the stranger who knocked on his door as he settled into bed for the night.

Yarl showed up on Lester’s doorstep after he mixed up the streets where he was supposed to pick up his twin siblings. Yarl testified at an earlier hearing that Lester shot him in the head and uttered, “Don’t come here ever again.” Although the bullet didn’t penetrate Yarl’s brain, the impact knocked him to the ground. Yarl said Lester then shot him in the arm.

In the ensuing months, Lester has had heart issues, a broken hip and hospitalizations, Salmon said. Lester also has lost 50 pounds (23 kilograms), which Salmon blames on the stress he has experienced because of intense scrutiny from the news media and death threats.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681844207619.png" alt="Lester photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Lester photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH Associated PressA judge has ordered a mental evaluation and delayed the trial of an 85-year-old white man who shot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-kansas-city-wrong-door-b27aaabdb132fcb1544c97f7161f0027">Ralph Yarl</a>&nbsp;after the teenage Black honor student came to his Kansas City, Missouri, home by mistake.Andrew Lester’s lawyer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-wrong-house-missouri-mental-competence-8fa61b24a186e9923fd12ae831b071b0">requested</a>&nbsp;the evaluation last month, saying the retired aircraft mechanic's health has deteriorated so much that he now lacks the capacity to understand the proceedings against him or to assist in his own defense. The prosecution didn’t object to the request.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681726215314.png" alt="Ralph Yarl photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Ralph Yarl photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>The trial of Lester had been scheduled to begin Oct. 7. Instead, there will be a hearing the following day.Lester has pleaded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-court-hearing-not-guilty-e7d992123cc9e1ea4a5237bb08345d12">not guilty</a>&nbsp;to charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the April 13, 2023, shooting of Yarl, then 16. Yarl survived the shooting and graduated from high school in the spring. But his family said the shooting took a big emotional toll and has filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-wrong-house-missouri-lawsuit-d97c54d302212b002351bb72bd7e2562">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against Lester.The shooting shocked the country and renewed national debates about gun policies and race in the U.S.Attorney Steve Salmon has long argued that Lester was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-stand-your-ground-69f91b0a09b25f9758219897f5890278">acting in self-defense</a>, terrified by the stranger who knocked on his door as he settled into bed for the night.Yarl showed up on Lester’s doorstep after he mixed up the streets where he was supposed to pick up his twin siblings. Yarl testified at an earlier hearing that Lester shot him in the head and uttered, “Don’t come here ever again.” Although the bullet didn’t penetrate Yarl’s brain, the impact knocked him to the ground. Yarl said Lester then shot him in the arm.In the ensuing months, Lester has had heart issues, a broken hip and hospitalizations, Salmon said. Lester also has lost 50 pounds (23 kilograms), which Salmon blames on the stress he has experienced because of intense scrutiny from the news media and death threats.

Judge orders psych evaluation for KC homeowner who shot teen

‘We expect to win,’ a member of the coalition behind Amendment 3 said Sunday as the parties await a heading date from the Missouri Supreme Court

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The Missouri Supreme Court will decide whether an abortion-rights will end up on the Nov. 5 ballot after a Cole County judge ruled the proposed amendment violated state law.&nbsp;

The case bypassed the court of appeals over the weekend and headed straight to the state’s highest court, which scheduled oral arguments for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday — the same day ballots are&nbsp;supposed to be printed for those voting absentee.&nbsp;

Sunday afternoon, attorneys representing the campaign behind the amendment, which would appear on the ballot as&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3,</a>&nbsp;filed an emergency motion asking the court to allow it to proceed to the ballot while the case plays out. Doing so, they argued, would&nbsp;“preserve the status quo and prevent irreparable harm to intervenors-appellants, election officials throughout the state and Missouri voters themselves.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3&nbsp;</a>would establish the constitutional right to an abortion up until fetal viability and grant constitutional protections to other reproductive health care, including in-vitro fertilization and birth control. It would also protect those who assist in an abortion from prosecution.&nbsp;

Abortion is illegal in Missouri, with limited exceptions for the life and health of the mother.

In late August, a group of anti-abortion lawmakers and activists sued Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, accusing him of wrongly&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">certifying the citizen-led ballot initiative for the Nov. 5 ballot&nbsp;</a>nine days earlier.&nbsp;

Late Friday evening,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/06/judge-decides-abortion-amendment-3-missouri-ballot/">Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh&nbsp;ruled in favor of the plaintiffs,&nbsp;</a>saying the text of the initiative petition failed to list what existing laws would be repealed if it passed, as he said is required by state law.&nbsp;

He suggested the amendment be withheld from the ballot, but also left the door open for an appeal to a higher court, saying he recognized&nbsp; “the gravity of the unique issues involved in this case, and the lack of direct precedent on point.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parson-announces-four-judicial-appointments-1" target="_blank">Limbaugh was appointed to the newly-created judicial position</a>&nbsp;in the 19th circuit on Aug. 2 by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, for whom he previously served as general counsel.&nbsp;

He was previously&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/23/gov-mike-parson-picks-staffer-to-replace-eric-schmitt-as-missouri-attorney-general/">a potential candidate to replace Eric Schmitt as Missouri Attorney General</a>&nbsp;after he was elected to the U.S. Senate. His father was a federal court judge and his cousin was the late Rush Limbaugh, a conservative radio host who was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/us/politics/rush-limbaugh-medal-of-freedom.html" target="_blank">awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom&nbsp;</a>by former President Donald Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign behind the amendment, quickly appealed his decision.

“Judges come from their own experience and background, and they’re not imperfect,” Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes, a member of the Missourians for Constitutional Freedom coalition, said Sunday, later adding: “What we’re asking is that the Supreme Court hold us to the same standard everyone else has had.”

Missouri law requires that initiative petitions&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=116.050#:~:text=116.050.,pages%20of%20a%20uniform%20size." target="_blank">“include all sections of existing law or of the constitution which would be repealed by the measure.”&nbsp;</a>

Loretta Haggard, an attorney representing the campaign&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/06/judge-decides-abortion-amendment-3-missouri-ballot/">said during a hearingFriday&nbsp;</a>that the amendment would not literally repeal the state’s current abortion law and take it off the books, but rather would create a new law that would supersede much of the existing one.&nbsp;

She said this is because not every element of the current law would be rendered moot: the two texts overlap in that both protect women who get abortions from prosecution and both restrict abortion after fetal viability, generally seen as the point at which a fetus can outside the womb, generally around 24 weeks pregnancy.&nbsp;

Anything else that falls under the scope of the amendment would be left to the judicial system to interpret, Haggard said.&nbsp;

During the trial, Mary Catherine Martin, an attorney with the Thomas More Society&nbsp;representing the plaintiffs, also&nbsp;argued the initiative petition illegally included more than one subject, pointing to language protecting “a person’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom” and saying such a phrase encompasses “infinite subjects.”

Haggard contended that the single subject was clear: “reproductive freedom.”

While&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/06/missouri-judge-rules-abortion-amendment-vioalates-state-requirements/">Limbaugh ruled the initiative petition did not meet the sufficiency requirement&nbsp;</a>through a “failure to include any statute or provision that will be repealed, especially when many of these statutes are apparent,” he did not address the single subject claims in his decision.&nbsp;

The plaintiffs — state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, state Rep. Hannah Kelly, anti-abortion activist Kathy Forck and shelter operator Marguerite Forrest — said in a statement Friday evening that the amendment’s scope is about more than just abortion and could be interpreted to also include gender-affirming care and human cloning, though neither are mentioned by name in the amendment.&nbsp;

“There is no way to know if the proponents of this radical amendment would have gathered enough signatures to place this on the ballot if the truth about the staggering scope of laws Amendment 3 invalidates had been disclosed,” they said in a statement.&nbsp;

Wales said the campaign behind Amendment 3 remains undeterred despite the ruling.&nbsp;

“We are right on the law. The history of how initiative petitions have worked in this state has meant that they’re able to vote on their rights,” Wales said. “The constitution creates a process for citizens to engage in democracy, not one that’s intended to trip them up or hinder them from participating in democracy. We think the court is going to see that.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

In May, the campaign turned in signatures from more than<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">&nbsp;380,000 Missourians&nbsp;</a>across the state who supported the issue landing on the ballot. If Amendment 3 is ultimately voted on in November and wins by a simple majority, Missouri could be the first state to overturn an abortion ban by citizen-vote.

“These ballot initiatives just go through shenanigans, often at the eleventh hour, and what it does again every time is fire people up,” Wales said. “We expect to win, and we’re going to take all the energy and use it to galvanize folks to win in November.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725887984419.png" alt=" Supporters of a proposed ballot measure to legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability gathered at a rally hosted by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom on Feb. 6 in Kansas City (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Supporters of a proposed ballot measure to legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability gathered at a rally hosted by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom on Feb. 6 in Kansas City (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘We expect to win,’ a member of the coalition behind Amendment 3 said Sunday as the parties await a heading date from the Missouri Supreme Court</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri Supreme Court will decide whether an abortion-rights will end up on the Nov. 5 ballot after a Cole County judge ruled the proposed amendment violated state law.&nbsp;The case bypassed the court of appeals over the weekend and headed straight to the state’s highest court, which scheduled oral arguments for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday — the same day ballots are&nbsp;supposed to be printed for those voting absentee.&nbsp;Sunday afternoon, attorneys representing the campaign behind the amendment, which would appear on the ballot as&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3,</a>&nbsp;filed an emergency motion asking the court to allow it to proceed to the ballot while the case plays out. Doing so, they argued, would&nbsp;“preserve the status quo and prevent irreparable harm to intervenors-appellants, election officials throughout the state and Missouri voters themselves.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3&nbsp;</a>would establish the constitutional right to an abortion up until fetal viability and grant constitutional protections to other reproductive health care, including in-vitro fertilization and birth control. It would also protect those who assist in an abortion from prosecution.&nbsp;Abortion is illegal in Missouri, with limited exceptions for the life and health of the mother.In late August, a group of anti-abortion lawmakers and activists sued Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, accusing him of wrongly&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">certifying the citizen-led ballot initiative for the Nov. 5 ballot&nbsp;</a>nine days earlier.&nbsp;Late Friday evening,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/06/judge-decides-abortion-amendment-3-missouri-ballot/">Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh&nbsp;ruled in favor of the plaintiffs,&nbsp;</a>saying the text of the initiative petition failed to list what existing laws would be repealed if it passed, as he said is required by state law.&nbsp;He suggested the amendment be withheld from the ballot, but also left the door open for an appeal to a higher court, saying he recognized&nbsp; “the gravity of the unique issues involved in this case, and the lack of direct precedent on point.”&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parson-announces-four-judicial-appointments-1" target="_blank">Limbaugh was appointed to the newly-created judicial position</a>&nbsp;in the 19th circuit on Aug. 2 by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, for whom he previously served as general counsel.&nbsp;He was previously&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/23/gov-mike-parson-picks-staffer-to-replace-eric-schmitt-as-missouri-attorney-general/">a potential candidate to replace Eric Schmitt as Missouri Attorney General</a>&nbsp;after he was elected to the U.S. Senate. His father was a federal court judge and his cousin was the late Rush Limbaugh, a conservative radio host who was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/us/politics/rush-limbaugh-medal-of-freedom.html" target="_blank">awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom&nbsp;</a>by former President Donald Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign behind the amendment, quickly appealed his decision.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725887948348.png" alt=" Tori Schafer, an attorney with the ACLU of Missouri, speaks to media following a trial over Amendment 3 on Friday outside the Cole County Courthouse (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Tori Schafer, an attorney with the ACLU of Missouri, speaks to media following a trial over Amendment 3 on Friday outside the Cole County Courthouse (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>“Judges come from their own experience and background, and they’re not imperfect,” Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes, a member of the Missourians for Constitutional Freedom coalition, said Sunday, later adding: “What we’re asking is that the Supreme Court hold us to the same standard everyone else has had.”Missouri law requires that initiative petitions&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=116.050#:~:text=116.050.,pages%20of%20a%20uniform%20size." target="_blank">“include all sections of existing law or of the constitution which would be repealed by the measure.”&nbsp;</a>Loretta Haggard, an attorney representing the campaign&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/06/judge-decides-abortion-amendment-3-missouri-ballot/">said during a hearingFriday&nbsp;</a>that the amendment would not literally repeal the state’s current abortion law and take it off the books, but rather would create a new law that would supersede much of the existing one.&nbsp;She said this is because not every element of the current law would be rendered moot: the two texts overlap in that both protect women who get abortions from prosecution and both restrict abortion after fetal viability, generally seen as the point at which a fetus can outside the womb, generally around 24 weeks pregnancy.&nbsp;Anything else that falls under the scope of the amendment would be left to the judicial system to interpret, Haggard said.&nbsp;During the trial, Mary Catherine Martin, an attorney with the Thomas More Society&nbsp;representing the plaintiffs, also&nbsp;argued the initiative petition illegally included more than one subject, pointing to language protecting “a person’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom” and saying such a phrase encompasses “infinite subjects.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725707612193.png" alt=" Mary Catherine Martin, an attorney with the Thomas Moore Society, represented a group of Missouri anti-abortion lawmakers and activists Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, during a trial at the Cole County Courthouse (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Mary Catherine Martin, an attorney with the Thomas Moore Society, represented a group of Missouri anti-abortion lawmakers and activists Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, during a trial at the Cole County Courthouse (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Haggard contended that the single subject was clear: “reproductive freedom.”While&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/06/missouri-judge-rules-abortion-amendment-vioalates-state-requirements/">Limbaugh ruled the initiative petition did not meet the sufficiency requirement&nbsp;</a>through a “failure to include any statute or provision that will be repealed, especially when many of these statutes are apparent,” he did not address the single subject claims in his decision.&nbsp;The plaintiffs — state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, state Rep. Hannah Kelly, anti-abortion activist Kathy Forck and shelter operator Marguerite Forrest — said in a statement Friday evening that the amendment’s scope is about more than just abortion and could be interpreted to also include gender-affirming care and human cloning, though neither are mentioned by name in the amendment.&nbsp;“There is no way to know if the proponents of this radical amendment would have gathered enough signatures to place this on the ballot if the truth about the staggering scope of laws Amendment 3 invalidates had been disclosed,” they said in a statement.&nbsp;Wales said the campaign behind Amendment 3 remains undeterred despite the ruling.&nbsp;“We are right on the law. The history of how initiative petitions have worked in this state has meant that they’re able to vote on their rights,” Wales said. “The constitution creates a process for citizens to engage in democracy, not one that’s intended to trip them up or hinder them from participating in democracy. We think the court is going to see that.”&nbsp;&nbsp;In May, the campaign turned in signatures from more than<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">&nbsp;380,000 Missourians&nbsp;</a>across the state who supported the issue landing on the ballot. If Amendment 3 is ultimately voted on in November and wins by a simple majority, Missouri could be the first state to overturn an abortion ban by citizen-vote.“These ballot initiatives just go through shenanigans, often at the eleventh hour, and what it does again every time is fire people up,” Wales said. “We expect to win, and we’re going to take all the energy and use it to galvanize folks to win in November.”

Fate of Missouri abortion-rights amendment in hands of state Supreme Court

LONDON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/princess-kate">Kate, the princess of Wales</a>, has completed chemotherapy and will make a limited number of public appearances in the coming months, bolstering Britain’s royal family after it was rocked by the twin cancer diagnoses of the princess and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/king-charles-iii/">King Charles III</a>.

The 42-year-old wife of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/prince-william">Prince William</a>&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kate-middleton-princess-cancer-chemotherapy-treatment-completed-896ae4939b19eb208f556916836e3680">released a video</a>&nbsp;in which she appeared alongside her husband and children as she described how difficult the past nine months have been for her family and expressed “relief” at completing her course of treatment.

“Life as you know it can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown,’’ she said in the video, which was shot in a woodland near the family’s summer home in Norfolk. “The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.”

The royal family has been buffeted by health concerns for much of this year, beginning with the announcement in January that the king would receive treatment for an enlarged prostate and Kate would undergo&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kate-princess-of-wales-operation-uk-royals-eea1a111a295152b8820b94fd257c12d">abdominal surgery</a>. In February, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles was receiving treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. Six weeks later, Kate said she, too, was undergoing treatment for cancer, quieting the relentless speculation about her condition that had circulated on social media since her surgery.

While the announcements triggered an outpouring of good wishes for the ailing royals, they also put the royal family under tremendous pressure. Queen Camilla and Princess Anne, the king’s sister, took on additional duties to cover the seemingly endless list of public events that make up the daily routine of the House of Windsor. William also took time off to support his wife and their three young children.

Charles began his return to public duties in late April when he visited a cancer treatment center in London. He is scheduled to make the first long-haul trip since his diagnosis when he travels to Australia and Samoa in the fall.

Kate said Monday that while she had completed her chemotherapy treatment, the path to full recovery would be long and she would “take each day as it comes.”

“William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time,” she said. “Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.”

In June, the princess acknowledged that she had good days and bad days while undergoing treatment.

While she stepped away from most public duties during her treatment, Kate has made two appearances this year. First, during the king’s birthday parade in June,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/royalty-wales-united-kingdom-london-27b973f7da6e4f07a32170149c4b555f">known as Trooping the Colour</a>, and most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/princess-wales-kate-wimbledon-db06da1f82fdc81a95992b08748b99bf">recently during the men’s final at Wimbledon in July</a>, where she received a standing ovation.

“To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey — I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand,” Kate said Monday.

“Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718467978018.png" alt="File photo Kate Princess of Wales&nbsp;(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)" />
 <figcaption>File photo Kate Princess of Wales&nbsp;(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/princess-kate">Kate, the princess of Wales</a>, has completed chemotherapy and will make a limited number of public appearances in the coming months, bolstering Britain’s royal family after it was rocked by the twin cancer diagnoses of the princess and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/king-charles-iii/">King Charles III</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an… <a href="https://t.co/9S1W8sDHUL">pic.twitter.com/9S1W8sDHUL</a>&mdash; The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1833165733368574081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 42-year-old wife of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/prince-william">Prince William</a>&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kate-middleton-princess-cancer-chemotherapy-treatment-completed-896ae4939b19eb208f556916836e3680">released a video</a>&nbsp;in which she appeared alongside her husband and children as she described how difficult the past nine months have been for her family and expressed “relief” at completing her course of treatment.“Life as you know it can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown,’’ she said in the video, which was shot in a woodland near the family’s summer home in Norfolk. “The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.”The royal family has been buffeted by health concerns for much of this year, beginning with the announcement in January that the king would receive treatment for an enlarged prostate and Kate would undergo&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kate-princess-of-wales-operation-uk-royals-eea1a111a295152b8820b94fd257c12d">abdominal surgery</a>. In February, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles was receiving treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. Six weeks later, Kate said she, too, was undergoing treatment for cancer, quieting the relentless speculation about her condition that had circulated on social media since her surgery.While the announcements triggered an outpouring of good wishes for the ailing royals, they also put the royal family under tremendous pressure. Queen Camilla and Princess Anne, the king’s sister, took on additional duties to cover the seemingly endless list of public events that make up the daily routine of the House of Windsor. William also took time off to support his wife and their three young children.Charles began his return to public duties in late April when he visited a cancer treatment center in London. He is scheduled to make the first long-haul trip since his diagnosis when he travels to Australia and Samoa in the fall.Kate said Monday that while she had completed her chemotherapy treatment, the path to full recovery would be long and she would “take each day as it comes.”“William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time,” she said. “Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.”In June, the princess acknowledged that she had good days and bad days while undergoing treatment.While she stepped away from most public duties during her treatment, Kate has made two appearances this year. First, during the king’s birthday parade in June,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/royalty-wales-united-kingdom-london-27b973f7da6e4f07a32170149c4b555f">known as Trooping the Colour</a>, and most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/princess-wales-kate-wimbledon-db06da1f82fdc81a95992b08748b99bf">recently during the men’s final at Wimbledon in July</a>, where she received a standing ovation.“To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey — I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand,” Kate said Monday.“Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”___

Princess of Wales makes announcement on health recovery

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Texas man with charges related to drug trafficking.

According to court documents, Mario Guerrero, Jr, 33, of Houston is charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725653408423.png" alt="Guerrero is being held in Kiowa County" />
 <figcaption>Guerrero is being held in Kiowa County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Texas man with charges related to drug trafficking.According to court documents, Mario Guerrero, Jr, 33, of Houston is charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case.

Suspect accused of attempting to sell fentanyl in Kansas

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;will debate for the first — and perhaps, last — time on Tuesday night as the presidential candidates fight to sway voters on the biggest stage in U.S. politics.

The meeting comes just 75 days after President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance triggered a political earthquake that ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">forced him from the race</a>. Few expect such a transformative result this time, but Trump is on a mission to end Harris' “honeymoon."

Harris, a former courtroom prosecutor, will enter the night with relatively high expectations against a Republican opponent with 34 felony convictions and a penchant for false statements. The question is whether Harris, who did not particularly stand out during primary debates in her 2020 presidential campaign, can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fcb3329def3d47b58b1ef735ea18b0a3">prosecute Trump's glaring liabilities</a>&nbsp;in a face-to-face meeting on live television with the world watching.

The 90-minute meeting begins at 8 p.m. CDT Tuesday inside Philadelphia's National Constitutional Center. It will be moderated by ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis. In accordance with rules negotiated by both campaigns, there will be no live audience.

Here’s what we’re watching for on a historic night:

Biden set an incredibly low bar for Harris in the June 27 debate. The president struggled to offer coherent arguments or even finish his sentences. But the anti-Trump coalition was most disappointed that he failed to take advantage of Trump's obvious political liabilities — whether on abortion, the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, character issues or his legal trouble.

Harris is expected to do much better. Polls suggest the Democratic vice president is now even with the Republican former president in some swing states.

But even with such fertile terrain, scoring points against Trump on the debate stage is easier said than done. Trump may be the most experienced debater in modern presidential history. As a former reality television star, he knows how to dominate television coverage. And he clearly likes to fight.

Harris recently suggested that she may be looking forward to a political brawl. “Donald,” she told a cheering audience last month in Atlanta, “if you've got something to say, say it to my face.”

Can she back up the tough talk? The world is about to find out.

Trump is not known for his discipline or preparation. His debate performances, like his governing style, are typically fueled much more by instinct than thoughtful analysis.

Therefore, few expect Trump to offer a clear and concise line of attack against Harris on Tuesday night. Still, he needs to do better than the kitchen-sink approach he's been testing on the campaign trail for much of the last month.

Trump has questioned Harris' racial identity. He's falsely called her a communist. He's questioned her strength. He's jabbed her as a San Francisco liberal. And he's reminded voters that she has served in the Biden White House for nearly four years and would presumably continue the president's policies for another four years if she wins.

It is the Biden connection that many Republicans, inside and outside of Trump's campaign, believe is most effective. They want him to evoke Ronald Reagan's 1980 debate-stage jab — “Are you better off?” — early and often.

The question is whether Trump can deliver that message in a way that isn't immediately overshadowed by a much more controversial statement. Recent history offers reasons to be skeptical.

There will, of course, be an obvious gender dynamic on stage Tuesday night.

Fair or not, body language and tone are viewed differently in a debate between a man and a woman. Just ask Hillary Clinton. She said Trump made her “skin crawl” when he stood behind her as she was speaking during a town hall-style debate in 2016.

The candidates — who have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-harris-walz-interview-94eff1aa1247e471b48948d03faf0edf">never met in person before</a>&nbsp;— will be expected to stay behind their podiums on Tuesday night. But Republicans are hopeful that Trump will avoid any other provocations like pointing, yelling or otherwise approaching Harris in a way that might be off-putting to suburban women or other swing voters.

Harris, too, will face unique challenges related to her race and gender as voters consider whether to make her the nation's first female president. Some voters still say they're not comfortable with the idea. If she comes across as angry, she risks playing into racist tropes about Black women.

While the gender dynamic looms, do not underestimate the significance of their age difference, either.

Harris is almost two decades younger than the 78-year-old Trump. Age was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-age-biden-trump-gaffes-flubs-c46427d30471f79ee695d3e76f4d17f4">viewed as a political advantage</a>&nbsp;for Trump when he was facing the 81-year-old Biden, but the situation is now reversed against the 59-year-old Harris. If he wins, Trump would be the oldest U.S. president ever elected.

The format will be somewhat different as well, in accordance with a set of rules the candidates agreed upon this week.

There will be no live audience, no opening statements and no props allowed. Candidates’ microphones will be muted when their opponent is on the clock, a stipulation that created some controversy in recent days.

Trump reluctantly agreed to the mute function when he faced Biden in June, but after that debate, his team determined it was a net positive if voters did not hear from the Republican former president while his opponent was speaking. Harris' team was pushing to return to a normal format without mute buttons.

Policy sometimes plays second to personality in presidential debates, but there are dramatic differences between the candidates on key issues that are on the minds of millions of voters.

Republicans hope Trump makes immigration a defining issue of the debate.

The GOP has effectively condemned the Biden administration's handling of illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border for much of the last four years. Once an issue that appealed mostly to the Republican base, illegal immigration — and related concerns about drugs, crime and national security — is now a top issue for voters across the political spectrum.

Harris will be eager to remind voters that Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-aid-border-security-386dcc54b29a5491f8bd87b727a284f8">helped kill a bipartisan immigration bill</a>&nbsp;that would have done much to fix the problem. But overall, Harris is likely to be on the defensive when the issue comes up.

Democrats, meanwhile, want to focus on abortion.

Trump, of course, appointed three Supreme Court justices who later overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that protected a woman's right to choose abortion. Trump has repeatedly said he was proud that Roe was defeated. But aware that such a view isn't popular among many women, he has tried to moderate his stance on the divisive issue.

Harris won't make that easy. Stating the obvious, as a woman, she is positioned to be a much more effective messenger on the issue than Biden was. And Trump can't afford to lose many more female voters.

If you ask Trump's previous debate opponents what they're watching for on Tuesday night — and we did — many say the same thing: Look out for the thing he says or does that Harris can't possibly prepare for.

Trump is the ultimate wild card who has found tremendous political success by ignoring the traditional rules of politics. He will say or do whatever he thinks is best in the moment. And Harris, who has dedicated several days to debate prep, can't make a plan for everything.

At this point, it's hard to imagine Trump surprising anyone with new material. He has praised dictators, talked about genitalia size, suggested suspending the U.S. Constitution and said that Harris only recently “turned Black.”

Trump's own team doesn't know what he'll do or say on any given day. That's incredibly risky for Trump. But it also puts enormous pressure on Harris.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724867447394.png" alt="File photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>File photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;will debate for the first — and perhaps, last — time on Tuesday night as the presidential candidates fight to sway voters on the biggest stage in U.S. politics.The meeting comes just 75 days after President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance triggered a political earthquake that ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">forced him from the race</a>. Few expect such a transformative result this time, but Trump is on a mission to end Harris' “honeymoon."Harris, a former courtroom prosecutor, will enter the night with relatively high expectations against a Republican opponent with 34 felony convictions and a penchant for false statements. The question is whether Harris, who did not particularly stand out during primary debates in her 2020 presidential campaign, can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fcb3329def3d47b58b1ef735ea18b0a3">prosecute Trump's glaring liabilities</a>&nbsp;in a face-to-face meeting on live television with the world watching.The 90-minute meeting begins at 8 p.m. CDT Tuesday inside Philadelphia's National Constitutional Center. It will be moderated by ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis. In accordance with rules negotiated by both campaigns, there will be no live audience.Here’s what we’re watching for on a historic night:<h2>Can Harris do what Biden could not?</h2>Biden set an incredibly low bar for Harris in the June 27 debate. The president struggled to offer coherent arguments or even finish his sentences. But the anti-Trump coalition was most disappointed that he failed to take advantage of Trump's obvious political liabilities — whether on abortion, the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, character issues or his legal trouble.Harris is expected to do much better. Polls suggest the Democratic vice president is now even with the Republican former president in some swing states.But even with such fertile terrain, scoring points against Trump on the debate stage is easier said than done. Trump may be the most experienced debater in modern presidential history. As a former reality television star, he knows how to dominate television coverage. And he clearly likes to fight.Harris recently suggested that she may be looking forward to a political brawl. “Donald,” she told a cheering audience last month in Atlanta, “if you've got something to say, say it to my face.”Can she back up the tough talk? The world is about to find out.<h2>Can Trump focus?</h2>Trump is not known for his discipline or preparation. His debate performances, like his governing style, are typically fueled much more by instinct than thoughtful analysis.Therefore, few expect Trump to offer a clear and concise line of attack against Harris on Tuesday night. Still, he needs to do better than the kitchen-sink approach he's been testing on the campaign trail for much of the last month.Trump has questioned Harris' racial identity. He's falsely called her a communist. He's questioned her strength. He's jabbed her as a San Francisco liberal. And he's reminded voters that she has served in the Biden White House for nearly four years and would presumably continue the president's policies for another four years if she wins.It is the Biden connection that many Republicans, inside and outside of Trump's campaign, believe is most effective. They want him to evoke Ronald Reagan's 1980 debate-stage jab — “Are you better off?” — early and often.The question is whether Trump can deliver that message in a way that isn't immediately overshadowed by a much more controversial statement. Recent history offers reasons to be skeptical.<h2>Body language matters</h2>There will, of course, be an obvious gender dynamic on stage Tuesday night.Fair or not, body language and tone are viewed differently in a debate between a man and a woman. Just ask Hillary Clinton. She said Trump made her “skin crawl” when he stood behind her as she was speaking during a town hall-style debate in 2016.The candidates — who have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-harris-walz-interview-94eff1aa1247e471b48948d03faf0edf">never met in person before</a>&nbsp;— will be expected to stay behind their podiums on Tuesday night. But Republicans are hopeful that Trump will avoid any other provocations like pointing, yelling or otherwise approaching Harris in a way that might be off-putting to suburban women or other swing voters.Harris, too, will face unique challenges related to her race and gender as voters consider whether to make her the nation's first female president. Some voters still say they're not comfortable with the idea. If she comes across as angry, she risks playing into racist tropes about Black women.While the gender dynamic looms, do not underestimate the significance of their age difference, either.Harris is almost two decades younger than the 78-year-old Trump. Age was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-age-biden-trump-gaffes-flubs-c46427d30471f79ee695d3e76f4d17f4">viewed as a political advantage</a>&nbsp;for Trump when he was facing the 81-year-old Biden, but the situation is now reversed against the 59-year-old Harris. If he wins, Trump would be the oldest U.S. president ever elected.The format will be somewhat different as well, in accordance with a set of rules the candidates agreed upon this week.There will be no live audience, no opening statements and no props allowed. Candidates’ microphones will be muted when their opponent is on the clock, a stipulation that created some controversy in recent days.Trump reluctantly agreed to the mute function when he faced Biden in June, but after that debate, his team determined it was a net positive if voters did not hear from the Republican former president while his opponent was speaking. Harris' team was pushing to return to a normal format without mute buttons.<h2>Abortion vs Immigration</h2>Policy sometimes plays second to personality in presidential debates, but there are dramatic differences between the candidates on key issues that are on the minds of millions of voters.Republicans hope Trump makes immigration a defining issue of the debate.The GOP has effectively condemned the Biden administration's handling of illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border for much of the last four years. Once an issue that appealed mostly to the Republican base, illegal immigration — and related concerns about drugs, crime and national security — is now a top issue for voters across the political spectrum.Harris will be eager to remind voters that Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-aid-border-security-386dcc54b29a5491f8bd87b727a284f8">helped kill a bipartisan immigration bill</a>&nbsp;that would have done much to fix the problem. But overall, Harris is likely to be on the defensive when the issue comes up.Democrats, meanwhile, want to focus on abortion.Trump, of course, appointed three Supreme Court justices who later overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that protected a woman's right to choose abortion. Trump has repeatedly said he was proud that Roe was defeated. But aware that such a view isn't popular among many women, he has tried to moderate his stance on the divisive issue.Harris won't make that easy. Stating the obvious, as a woman, she is positioned to be a much more effective messenger on the issue than Biden was. And Trump can't afford to lose many more female voters.<h2>Look out for wild card Trump</h2>If you ask Trump's previous debate opponents what they're watching for on Tuesday night — and we did — many say the same thing: Look out for the thing he says or does that Harris can't possibly prepare for.Trump is the ultimate wild card who has found tremendous political success by ignoring the traditional rules of politics. He will say or do whatever he thinks is best in the moment. And Harris, who has dedicated several days to debate prep, can't make a plan for everything.At this point, it's hard to imagine Trump surprising anyone with new material. He has praised dictators, talked about genitalia size, suggested suspending the U.S. Constitution and said that Harris only recently “turned Black.”Trump's own team doesn't know what he'll do or say on any given day. That's incredibly risky for Trump. But it also puts enormous pressure on Harris.

Key questions to consider ahead of Harris, Trump debate

HARVEY COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol has identified the woman who died in a pedestrian accident just before 10:30p.m. Saturday in Harvey County.

&nbsp;According to the Patrol, Aubrie-Li C.&nbsp;Lakey, 22, Newton,&nbsp; was walking north in the southbound lanes of Interstate 135 just south of East First Street.

A southbound 2004 Dodge Durango driven by Aaron K. Dietz, 46, Wichita, struck Lakey.&nbsp; She was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp;Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center. Dietz and two passengers in the SUV were properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725882795788.png" alt="Photo Harvey Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Harvey Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol has identified the woman who died in a pedestrian accident just before 10:30p.m. Saturday in Harvey County.&nbsp;According to the Patrol, Aubrie-Li C.&nbsp;Lakey, 22, Newton,&nbsp; was walking north in the southbound lanes of Interstate 135 just south of East First Street.A southbound 2004 Dodge Durango driven by Aaron K. Dietz, 46, Wichita, struck Lakey.&nbsp; She was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp;Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center. Dietz and two passengers in the SUV were properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

KHP IDs Kansas woman who died in pedestrian accident

KANSAS CITY —The medical examiner has listed the manner of death of the victim found in a house fire in Kansas City on Saturday as homicide, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.

Just before 11:30p.m. Friday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 5700 block of Bales in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp; First responders reported smoke and fire showing from the front of the home.

The fire was quickly brought under control. During the search of the home, crews discovered the body of a man. Kansas City police homicide detectives were notified and responded to investigate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY —The medical examiner has listed the manner of death of the victim found in a house fire in Kansas City on Saturday as homicide, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.Just before 11:30p.m. Friday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 5700 block of Bales in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp; First responders reported smoke and fire showing from the front of the home.The fire was quickly brought under control. During the search of the home, crews discovered the body of a man. Kansas City police homicide detectives were notified and responded to investigate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Homicide: Victim found in Kansas City house fire

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Members of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Explosive ordinance Disposal Unit were dispatched Saturday to an abandoned property in the 7200 Block of Forest Driver in Kansas City, according to a media release.&nbsp;

An individual conducting a walkthrough of the property reported what they believed was a Claymore, a type of compact anti-personnel mine/bomb used by the military.

The police bomb disposal unit was unable to determine if the device was active. Using approproate safety precautions and procedures, along with ATF and FBI, the device was transported to a secure locattion for investigation and disposal.&nbsp; KCK Police released no additional details

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Members of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Explosive ordinance Disposal Unit were dispatched Saturday to an abandoned property in the 7200 Block of Forest Driver in Kansas City, according to a media release.&nbsp;An individual conducting a walkthrough of the property reported what they believed was a Claymore, a type of compact anti-personnel mine/bomb used by the military.The police bomb disposal unit was unable to determine if the device was active. Using approproate safety precautions and procedures, along with ATF and FBI, the device was transported to a secure locattion for investigation and disposal.&nbsp; KCK Police released no additional details

Bomb squad removes Claymore from property in Kansas  

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit, despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding.

&nbsp;On Saturday night, a trooper working the State Fair checked the speed of a Camaro on Kansas 96 in Reno County at 151 mph, according to a social media report from Trooper Chad Crittenden.

&nbsp; A pursuit ensued and the driver was eventually taken into custody. Some of the requested charges included DUI, a felony warrant and a list of other traffic violations.&nbsp; The KHP did not release the name of the driver.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725844889539.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit, despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding.&nbsp;On Saturday night, a trooper working the State Fair checked the speed of a Camaro on Kansas 96 in Reno County at 151 mph, according to a social media report from Trooper Chad Crittenden.&nbsp; A pursuit ensued and the driver was eventually taken into custody. Some of the requested charges included DUI, a felony warrant and a list of other traffic violations.&nbsp; The KHP did not release the name of the driver.

Driver accused  of traveling 151 mph on Kansas highway

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal crash involving two vehicles in Shawnee County.

According to Deputy Abigail Christian, a southbound Dodge sedan with two occupants and a Buick SUV with four occupants collided at NE Kincaid Road and 62nd Street.&nbsp;

One individual was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to Deputy Christian. American Medical Response transported four others to a local hospital.&nbsp; The names of those involved have not been released.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725840465323.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the crash photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the crash photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal crash involving two vehicles in Shawnee County.According to Deputy Abigail Christian, a southbound Dodge sedan with two occupants and a Buick SUV with four occupants collided at NE Kincaid Road and 62nd Street.&nbsp;One individual was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to Deputy Christian. American Medical Response transported four others to a local hospital.&nbsp; The names of those involved have not been released.&nbsp;

Sheriff: 1 dead, 4 hospitalized after Kansas crash

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating the connection between a shooting and traffic crash in Kansas City.

Just after 4a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to reported non-injury accident at 12th and Benton in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Jake Becchina.

Officers located a vehicle, unoccupied, just west of the intersection on 12th Street that appeared to have been involved in a crash. Upon close investigation of the vehicle it appeared there was indications of potential gunshot activity into the vehicle, as well as indications that someone may have been injured inside the vehicle.

Responding officers began gathering information to determine the sequence of events and additional officers responded and began canvassing for anyone that maybe injured. 

Officers canvassing were led to an apartment building diagonal from the intersection to the south and east. Behind that apartment they located a man, later identified as 20-year-old&nbsp;Michael B. Waylee who appeared to have been shot, unresponsive there. Officers called for EMS who declared him deceased at the scene. 

Preliminary Investigation indicates that the vehicle initially reported in the crash was westbound on 12th just after 1am at a high rate of speed. At the intersection of Benton the vehicle sideswiped a vehicle and the driver lost control and crashed into a parked vehicle west of Benton. 

Following the crash the victim exited the vehicle and fled the scene. Detectives are also investigating a reported shooting that took place at 12th and Hardesty just after 1am. 

At that shooting scene one man was shot and transported to the hospital with what is thought to be non-life threatening injuries. Detectives are investigating the potential connection between the two scenes. 

Detectives and crime scene investigators processed the scene for evidence.

If anyone heard or saw anything in this area between 1 am and 4 am, or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating the connection between a shooting and traffic crash in Kansas City.Just after 4a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to reported non-injury accident at 12th and Benton in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Jake Becchina.Officers located a vehicle, unoccupied, just west of the intersection on 12th Street that appeared to have been involved in a crash. Upon close investigation of the vehicle it appeared there was indications of potential gunshot activity into the vehicle, as well as indications that someone may have been injured inside the vehicle.Responding officers began gathering information to determine the sequence of events and additional officers responded and began canvassing for anyone that maybe injured. Officers canvassing were led to an apartment building diagonal from the intersection to the south and east. Behind that apartment they located a man, later identified as 20-year-old&nbsp;Michael B. Waylee who appeared to have been shot, unresponsive there. Officers called for EMS who declared him deceased at the scene. Preliminary Investigation indicates that the vehicle initially reported in the crash was westbound on 12th just after 1am at a high rate of speed. At the intersection of Benton the vehicle sideswiped a vehicle and the driver lost control and crashed into a parked vehicle west of Benton. Following the crash the victim exited the vehicle and fled the scene. Detectives are also investigating a reported shooting that took place at 12th and Hardesty just after 1am. At that shooting scene one man was shot and transported to the hospital with what is thought to be non-life threatening injuries. Detectives are investigating the potential connection between the two scenes. Detectives and crime scene investigators processed the scene for evidence.If anyone heard or saw anything in this area between 1 am and 4 am, or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

Homicide: KCPD responds to car crash, found shooting victim

RENO COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating three suspect on multiple allegations after a chase in Reno County.

&nbsp;Just after 4:30 p.m. Saturday, police were sent to&nbsp;Dunham’s Sports, 1500 East 11th Avenue in Hutchinson in reference to a reported theft, according to&nbsp;According to Hutchinson Police Capt. Dayton Gates in a media release. Three suspects left the area in a U-Haul box truck.

Shortly after being dispatched, Kansas Highway Patrol located and attempted to make a traffic stop on the truck near 15th Avenue and Halstead Street. Kansas Highway Patrol initiated a vehicle pursuit after the driver of the truck refused to pull over.

Hutchinson Police Department assisted with the vehicle pursuit. Officers were able to successfully stop-stick the truck and it came to a stop in the 500 block of West 1st Avenue.

The driver, Charles Bogguess, 44, Wichita, was arrested on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, felony flee and elude, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of stolen property, possession of opiates, possession of stolen&nbsp;property; 2 or more convictions in 5 years, theft; property or services; less than $1,500, reckless&nbsp;driving, driving while suspended; 3rd or subsequent conviction and possession of drug&nbsp;paraphernalia.

Jamie Batres, 39, Wichita, was arrested on requestd charges of felony interference&nbsp;with law enforcement, possession of opiates; 2 or more prior convictions, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property and theft; property or services; less than $1,500.

Jasmine Gray, 34 YOA female from Wichita, was arrested and charged with possession of stolen&nbsp;property; less than $1,500 and theft; property or services; less than $1,500. No injuries were reported. &nbsp;

Kansas Highway Patrol, Reno County&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office, and South Hutchinson Police Department assisted in the pursuit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725820336605.png" alt="Bogguess has ten previous convictions for theft, aggravated robbery, burglary, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and criminal possession of a firearm, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Bogguess has ten previous convictions for theft, aggravated robbery, burglary, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and criminal possession of a firearm, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating three suspect on multiple allegations after a chase in Reno County.&nbsp;Just after 4:30 p.m. Saturday, police were sent to&nbsp;Dunham’s Sports, 1500 East 11th Avenue in Hutchinson in reference to a reported theft, according to&nbsp;According to Hutchinson Police Capt. Dayton Gates in a media release. Three suspects left the area in a U-Haul box truck.Shortly after being dispatched, Kansas Highway Patrol located and attempted to make a traffic stop on the truck near 15th Avenue and Halstead Street. Kansas Highway Patrol initiated a vehicle pursuit after the driver of the truck refused to pull over.Hutchinson Police Department assisted with the vehicle pursuit. Officers were able to successfully stop-stick the truck and it came to a stop in the 500 block of West 1st Avenue.The driver, Charles Bogguess, 44, Wichita, was arrested on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, felony flee and elude, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of stolen property, possession of opiates, possession of stolen&nbsp;property; 2 or more convictions in 5 years, theft; property or services; less than $1,500, reckless&nbsp;driving, driving while suspended; 3rd or subsequent conviction and possession of drug&nbsp;paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725820679346.png" alt="Batres has over two dozen previous convictions that include forgery, ID theft, theft and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Batres has over two dozen previous convictions that include forgery, ID theft, theft and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>Jamie Batres, 39, Wichita, was arrested on requestd charges of felony interference&nbsp;with law enforcement, possession of opiates; 2 or more prior convictions, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property and theft; property or services; less than $1,500.Jasmine Gray, 34 YOA female from Wichita, was arrested and charged with possession of stolen&nbsp;property; less than $1,500 and theft; property or services; less than $1,500. No injuries were reported. &nbsp;Kansas Highway Patrol, Reno County&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office, and South Hutchinson Police Department assisted in the pursuit.

Police catch Kan. felons after chase with U-Haul box truck

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — A police officer was put on administrative leave after being involved in an incident where the Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill was handcuffed and placed face down on a street outside the team's home stadium following a traffic stop Sunday morning, hours before the star wide receiver played in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jaguars-dolphins-score-d3e04db401687f343f4d9097f6d35780">first game</a>&nbsp;of the season.

The officer, who was not identified, was one of at least three involved in detaining Hill, who said he was stopped for speeding and reckless driving. Some fans saw the incident and captured video on their way to the game, and it quickly went viral on social media.

Miami-Dade Police director Stephanie V. Daniels said she launched an internal affairs investigation.

Told postgame that the officer was placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation, Hill said “that should tell you everything you need to know.”

Added defensive tackle Calais Campbell, who was also briefly handcuffed after coming to his teammate's aid: “That makes sense based on the situation.”

Hill, who said he respects police officers and wants to be one when he retires from football, said he "had no idea” why police placed him in handcuffs.

Hill said he didn't want to use his status to get out of the situation but wondered what would’ve happened if he weren’t an NFL star.

“I don’t want to bring race into it, but sometimes it gets kind of iffy when you do,” Hill said. “What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill? Lord knows what that guy or guys would have done. I was just making sure that I was doing what my uncle always told me to do whenever you’re in a situation like that: ‘Just listen, put your hands on the steering wheel and just listen.’”

Daniels said in a statement earlier Sunday that she requested an “immediate review” of the details surrounding the incident, adding that the department would review available body camera footage.

In a later statement, Daniels said: “I'm committed to transparency and accountability to the community with any situation involving my officers."

Hill said everything happened so fast it caught him off guard.

“I’m just glad that my teammates were there to support me in that situation because I felt alone,” Hill added.

Campbell said he was driving into Hard Rock Stadium when he saw Hill handcuffed, and he stopped to help. The 17-year NFL veteran ended up in handcuffs as well, saying officers told him it was because he disobeyed their direct orders.

“I’d seen, I feel like excessive force, so I get out of the car to kind of just try to de-escalate the situation,” Campbell said, also calling the incident “a bit extreme.”

Hill, who led the NFL in receiving yards in 2023, said he spoke to his wife and family after the incident and before the game kicked off.

He led Miami's receivers with seven catches for 130 yards Sunday, including an 80-yard touchdown in the third quarter that helped the Dolphins rally past the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17. Hill celebrated the score by placing his hands behind his back as if to simulate being handcuffed.

Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, called it a “heartbreaking situation” on ESPN.

“How things escalated into the situation that they were in, in handcuffs and being held on the ground with police, is mindboggling to me,” Rosenhaus said. "I'm deeply concerned by that. Very troubled. We will be looking into it. We will be investigating this. We will look out for Tyreek, but I'm not going to make any allegations at this time. The most important thing is Tyreek is OK physically, mentally he was very distraught about what happened.”

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league has been in contact with the Dolphins, but declined to comment further.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — A police officer was put on administrative leave after being involved in an incident where the Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill was handcuffed and placed face down on a street outside the team's home stadium following a traffic stop Sunday morning, hours before the star wide receiver played in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jaguars-dolphins-score-d3e04db401687f343f4d9097f6d35780">first game</a>&nbsp;of the season.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1️⃣ to 🔟 real quick <a href="https://t.co/vx5zUf5JQs">pic.twitter.com/vx5zUf5JQs</a>&mdash; Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiDolphins/status/1832862052425277874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The officer, who was not identified, was one of at least three involved in detaining Hill, who said he was stopped for speeding and reckless driving. Some fans saw the incident and captured video on their way to the game, and it quickly went viral on social media.Miami-Dade Police director Stephanie V. Daniels said she launched an internal affairs investigation.Told postgame that the officer was placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation, Hill said “that should tell you everything you need to know.”Added defensive tackle Calais Campbell, who was also briefly handcuffed after coming to his teammate's aid: “That makes sense based on the situation.”Hill, who said he respects police officers and wants to be one when he retires from football, said he "had no idea” why police placed him in handcuffs.Hill said he didn't want to use his status to get out of the situation but wondered what would’ve happened if he weren’t an NFL star.“I don’t want to bring race into it, but sometimes it gets kind of iffy when you do,” Hill said. “What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill? Lord knows what that guy or guys would have done. I was just making sure that I was doing what my uncle always told me to do whenever you’re in a situation like that: ‘Just listen, put your hands on the steering wheel and just listen.’”Daniels said in a statement earlier Sunday that she requested an “immediate review” of the details surrounding the incident, adding that the department would review available body camera footage.In a later statement, Daniels said: “I'm committed to transparency and accountability to the community with any situation involving my officers."Hill said everything happened so fast it caught him off guard.“I’m just glad that my teammates were there to support me in that situation because I felt alone,” Hill added.Campbell said he was driving into Hard Rock Stadium when he saw Hill handcuffed, and he stopped to help. The 17-year NFL veteran ended up in handcuffs as well, saying officers told him it was because he disobeyed their direct orders.“I’d seen, I feel like excessive force, so I get out of the car to kind of just try to de-escalate the situation,” Campbell said, also calling the incident “a bit extreme.”Hill, who led the NFL in receiving yards in 2023, said he spoke to his wife and family after the incident and before the game kicked off.He led Miami's receivers with seven catches for 130 yards Sunday, including an 80-yard touchdown in the third quarter that helped the Dolphins rally past the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17. Hill celebrated the score by placing his hands behind his back as if to simulate being handcuffed.Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, called it a “heartbreaking situation” on ESPN.“How things escalated into the situation that they were in, in handcuffs and being held on the ground with police, is mindboggling to me,” Rosenhaus said. "I'm deeply concerned by that. Very troubled. We will be looking into it. We will be investigating this. We will look out for Tyreek, but I'm not going to make any allegations at this time. The most important thing is Tyreek is OK physically, mentally he was very distraught about what happened.”NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league has been in contact with the Dolphins, but declined to comment further.

Officer placed on leave after former KC Chief handcuffed before game

KANSAS CITY—Just after 6:20p.m. Sunday, the patrol reported the girls were located safe and Hardy was in custody.&nbsp; The patrol reported no additional details.

KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued an Amber Alert involving&nbsp; two 9-month year olds Iris and Halo Gannaway.&nbsp; Police are looking for a Silver 2016 Ford Fusion with Missouri Plate TK7Z6U driven by 21-year-old Malik Hardy.

According to the Patrol, Hardy threatened the mother of the children with a firearm before taking both children from a&nbsp; residence at 8201  Valley Road in Belton.

The car was traveling northbound on Interstate 49 from MO 58.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725835931257.png" alt="Hardy photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Hardy photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Just after 6:20p.m. Sunday, the patrol reported the girls were located safe and Hardy was in custody.&nbsp; The patrol reported no additional details.------------KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued an Amber Alert involving&nbsp; two 9-month year olds Iris and Halo Gannaway.&nbsp; Police are looking for a Silver 2016 Ford Fusion with Missouri Plate TK7Z6U driven by 21-year-old Malik Hardy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725836107918.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to the Patrol, Hardy threatened the mother of the children with a firearm before taking both children from a&nbsp; residence at 8201 Valley Road in Belton.The car was traveling northbound on Interstate 49 from MO 58.

Amber Alert for two 9-month-old girls canceled, suspect in custody

KANSAS CITY —A Denver, Colorado, man was sentenced in federal court last week for transporting thousands of fentanyl pills and methamphetamine through Kansas City aboard a bus and for illegally possessing a firearm.

Ahmad Rashad Rhodes, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Rhodes was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions.

On December 7, 2023, Rhodes was found guilty at trial of one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Officers with the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station on March 20, 2023, when Rhodes arrived on a bus that originated in Los Angeles, California. As passengers disembarked, a police drug-sniffing dog alerted to the scent of illegal drugs in a suitcase in the undercarriage of the bus as well as a backpack in the passenger compartment of the bus. Officers determined both items belonged to Rhodes and contacted him.

After a brief struggle, Rhodes was taken into custody when he admitted to officers he had a gun in the crossbody bag he was wearing. Officers searched Rhodes and found a key chain in his coat with two metal pill holders attached; one pill holder contained 61 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl and the other contained 33 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl.

In the crossbody bag Rhodes was wearing, officers discovered 3,200 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl, a clear plastic baggie that contained 60 grams of pure methamphetamine, and a loaded Smith &amp; Wesson .38-caliber pistol. Officers searched the rest of Rhodes’s luggage and found a digital scale, over 100 unused small, plastic baggies and marijuana.

Rhodes told officers he was enroute to Louisville, Kentucky, and was fleeing from Colorado due to a pending drug-trafficking case in which he was set to be sentenced.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Rhodes has eight prior felony convictions related to the use or trafficking of illegal drugs, including two convictions in Colorado to which he pled guilty and then failed to appear for sentencing, and a prior felony conviction for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents, Rhodes has spent most of his adult life under some sort of criminal justice sentence or supervision, meaning that nearly all of his violations of the law were committed while he was being supervised for a previous crime.

KANSAS CITY —A Denver, Colorado, man was sentenced in federal court last week for transporting thousands of fentanyl pills and methamphetamine through Kansas City aboard a bus and for illegally possessing a firearm.Ahmad Rashad Rhodes, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Rhodes was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions.On December 7, 2023, Rhodes was found guilty at trial of one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.Officers with the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station on March 20, 2023, when Rhodes arrived on a bus that originated in Los Angeles, California. As passengers disembarked, a police drug-sniffing dog alerted to the scent of illegal drugs in a suitcase in the undercarriage of the bus as well as a backpack in the passenger compartment of the bus. Officers determined both items belonged to Rhodes and contacted him.After a brief struggle, Rhodes was taken into custody when he admitted to officers he had a gun in the crossbody bag he was wearing. Officers searched Rhodes and found a key chain in his coat with two metal pill holders attached; one pill holder contained 61 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl and the other contained 33 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl.In the crossbody bag Rhodes was wearing, officers discovered 3,200 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl, a clear plastic baggie that contained 60 grams of pure methamphetamine, and a loaded Smith &amp; Wesson .38-caliber pistol. Officers searched the rest of Rhodes’s luggage and found a digital scale, over 100 unused small, plastic baggies and marijuana.Rhodes told officers he was enroute to Louisville, Kentucky, and was fleeing from Colorado due to a pending drug-trafficking case in which he was set to be sentenced.Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Rhodes has eight prior felony convictions related to the use or trafficking of illegal drugs, including two convictions in Colorado to which he pled guilty and then failed to appear for sentencing, and a prior felony conviction for illegally possessing a firearm.According to court documents, Rhodes has spent most of his adult life under some sort of criminal justice sentence or supervision, meaning that nearly all of his violations of the law were committed while he was being supervised for a previous crime.

Man caught transporting fentanyl pills on a bus in Kansas City

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/johnmccracken/">JOHN MCCRACKEN</a>

Tyson Foods annual sales have doubled in the past two decades, increasing from $26 billion to $53 billion from 2004 to 2023, according to a review of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Yet Tyson, which is the country’s largest chicken company, has closed nine meatpacking plants over the past year — including two in Missouri impacting more than 2,000 workers.

The plant closures and the company’s contracts with affected chicken farmers sparked an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The meatpacking company is also being sued for allegations of&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/06/17/tyson-foods-cal-maine-foods-sued-for-alleged-antitrust-action/" target="_blank">antitrust violations</a>.

The Arkansas-based company operates 183 chicken facilities in the U.S., including hatcheries, processing plants and feed mills. In addition to chicken, the company’s sales come from beef, pork and prepared foods.

In July, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14435QQQ9195332QQQ8060478QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2024%2f07%2fHawley-Letter-to-Tyson-Foods-re-antitrust-class-action-lawsuit.pdf&amp;redir_log=764621686329852" target="_blank">sent</a>&nbsp;a letter to Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King demanding transparency and accountability after a lawsuit brought against his company alleged that Tyson lied about its intentions to sell its chicken plant in Dexter, Missouri, to a competitor.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/09/04/tyson-foods-annual-sales-have-doubled-in-the-past-two-decades/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725803498976.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/johnmccracken/">JOHN MCCRACKEN</a>Tyson Foods annual sales have doubled in the past two decades, increasing from $26 billion to $53 billion from 2004 to 2023, according to a review of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings.Yet Tyson, which is the country’s largest chicken company, has closed nine meatpacking plants over the past year — including two in Missouri impacting more than 2,000 workers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725657292379.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The plant closures and the company’s contracts with affected chicken farmers sparked an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The meatpacking company is also being sued for allegations of&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/06/17/tyson-foods-cal-maine-foods-sued-for-alleged-antitrust-action/" target="_blank">antitrust violations</a>.The Arkansas-based company operates 183 chicken facilities in the U.S., including hatcheries, processing plants and feed mills. In addition to chicken, the company’s sales come from beef, pork and prepared foods.In July, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14435QQQ9195332QQQ8060478QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2024%2f07%2fHawley-Letter-to-Tyson-Foods-re-antitrust-class-action-lawsuit.pdf&amp;redir_log=764621686329852" target="_blank">sent</a>&nbsp;a letter to Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King demanding transparency and accountability after a lawsuit brought against his company alleged that Tyson lied about its intentions to sell its chicken plant in Dexter, Missouri, to a competitor.This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/09/04/tyson-foods-annual-sales-have-doubled-in-the-past-two-decades/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Tyson Foods annual sales have doubled in the past two decades

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

WASHINGTON — Latino voters are concerned with the high cost of living, the minimum wage and rising housing costs heading into the November elections, according to a comprehensive survey released Wednesday by UnidosUS, the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy center in the nation.

“Laying out a coherent economic policy agenda that will resonate with Latinos … would go a long way, I think, for our community,” Janet Murguía, the president and CEO of UnidosUS, said on a call with reporters detailing the&nbsp;<a href="https://unidosus.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Natl-deck-UnidosUS-2024-Pre-Election-Poll-of-Hispanic-Electorate.pdf" target="_blank">results of the survey.</a>

The&nbsp;<a href="https://unidosus.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/National-crosstabs-UnidosUS-2024-Pre-Election-Poll-of-the-Hispanic-Electorate.pdf" target="_blank">survey included 3,000 eligible Hispanic voters</a>&nbsp;who were interviewed in either English or Spanish, from Aug. 5-23, with oversampling of residents of Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Florida, Texas and California. The poll, conducted by BSP Research, had a margin of error of plus or minus 1.8 percentage points.

Murguía said Latinos are the second-largest voting-age population and 1 in 5 of them will be casting ballots for the first time in a presidential election this November.

“Top of mind are pocketbook issues,” she said. “Hispanic voters are most deeply concerned, like many of their fellow Americans, about the rising cost of living.”

Another issue that Latinos strongly supported is access to abortion. By a 71% to 21% margin, Latinos oppose abortion bans, according to the survey.

“They do not support making it illegal,” Murguía said.

Wages and jobs that provide economic security are a top priority for Latino voters, Gary Segura, who conducted the research poll for UnidosUS, said.

<a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/swa-wages-2022/#:~:text=Low%2Dwage%20workers%20are%20disproportionately%20women%20and%20Black%20and%20Hispanic" target="_blank">Latino workers are disproportionately workers</a>&nbsp;who earn the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, which has not increased since 2009. If the federal minimum wage had kept pace with inflation, it would be around $24 an hour,&nbsp;<a href="https://aflcio.org/what-unions-do/social-economic-justice/minimum-wage#:~:text=Since%20then%2C%20it%20has%20lost,would%20be%20%2424%20an%20hour." target="_blank">according to the AFL-CIO.</a>

“The lived economy for Latinos is different than the lived economy for the nation as a whole,” Segura said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725564419417.png" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — Latino voters are concerned with the high cost of living, the minimum wage and rising housing costs heading into the November elections, according to a comprehensive survey released Wednesday by UnidosUS, the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy center in the nation.“Laying out a coherent economic policy agenda that will resonate with Latinos … would go a long way, I think, for our community,” Janet Murguía, the president and CEO of UnidosUS, said on a call with reporters detailing the&nbsp;<a href="https://unidosus.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Natl-deck-UnidosUS-2024-Pre-Election-Poll-of-Hispanic-Electorate.pdf" target="_blank">results of the survey.</a>The&nbsp;<a href="https://unidosus.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/National-crosstabs-UnidosUS-2024-Pre-Election-Poll-of-the-Hispanic-Electorate.pdf" target="_blank">survey included 3,000 eligible Hispanic voters</a>&nbsp;who were interviewed in either English or Spanish, from Aug. 5-23, with oversampling of residents of Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Florida, Texas and California. The poll, conducted by BSP Research, had a margin of error of plus or minus 1.8 percentage points.Murguía said Latinos are the second-largest voting-age population and 1 in 5 of them will be casting ballots for the first time in a presidential election this November.“Top of mind are pocketbook issues,” she said. “Hispanic voters are most deeply concerned, like many of their fellow Americans, about the rising cost of living.”Another issue that Latinos strongly supported is access to abortion. By a 71% to 21% margin, Latinos oppose abortion bans, according to the survey.“They do not support making it illegal,” Murguía said.<h2>Minimum-wage workers</h2>Wages and jobs that provide economic security are a top priority for Latino voters, Gary Segura, who conducted the research poll for UnidosUS, said.<a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/swa-wages-2022/#:~:text=Low%2Dwage%20workers%20are%20disproportionately%20women%20and%20Black%20and%20Hispanic" target="_blank">Latino workers are disproportionately workers</a>&nbsp;who earn the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, which has not increased since 2009. If the federal minimum wage had kept pace with inflation, it would be around $24 an hour,&nbsp;<a href="https://aflcio.org/what-unions-do/social-economic-justice/minimum-wage#:~:text=Since%20then%2C%20it%20has%20lost,would%20be%20%2424%20an%20hour." target="_blank">according to the AFL-CIO.</a>“The lived economy for Latinos is different than the lived economy for the nation as a whole,” Segura said.Segura said during the poll, interviewers followed up with respondents on their concerns about jobs and wages and found that being able to afford necessities like food and housing were top issues.“People are struggling to make ends meet,” he said.The number one response was that “jobs don’t pay enough, or I have to take a second job to make ends meet,” Segura said. “We talk a lot about the low levels of unemployment in this society now, which is certainly good news, but the issue is that many of those jobs do not pay enough for the holder of that job to essentially pay their basic living expenses.”<h2>Opinions on immigration</h2>Murguía noted that immigration, which the Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump, has made a core campaign issue, ranks fifth in priorities among Latino voters, tied with concern about gun violence and too-easy access to assault weapons.“We want to be crystal clear that Latino voters overall are not buying into campaign tactics that demonize immigrants,” Murguía said. “They know the difference between those who mean us harm and those who are contributing to the fabric of our nation.”Latino voters strongly support a legal pathway to citizenship for those in the &nbsp;Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, referred to as Dreamers, and for long-term undocumented immigrants, the survey found.<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-promises-mass-deportations-undocumented-people-how-would-work" target="_blank">Trump has promised mass deportations</a>&nbsp;should he win a second term, a policy issue that has “virtually no support” by Latino voters sampled in the survey, Segura said.Segura added that while Trump has campaigned on the issue, his promise to launch mass deportations is not particularly well known in Latino communities.“Many of the people we speak to believe that (Trump) will do it if he can, but they just don’t actually believe that he can pull that off,” Segura said. “So there’s both a lack of awareness of these really draconian measures or proposals and then a lack of belief that they would actually come to pass.”He added that he thinks it’s an opportunity for Democrats to campaign on the issue, but Vice President Kamala Harris has mainly criticized Trump for tanking a bipartisan border security deal.“Our own results suggest that the primary border concern comes from voters who lean in the GOP direction in the first place, and so I don’t see a lot of movement there or a lot of risk for (Democrats), particularly in targeted advertisements and Hispanic voters,” Segura said.<h2>‘Dismissive and diminishing language’</h2>The poll found that 55% of those Latinos had not been contacted by either political party this year.“We often hear a really dismissive and diminishing language about Latino participation in elections,” Segura said. “‘Latinos don’t vote as often as they should. Latinos will let you down’ and so forth, and no one ever wants to address the elephant in the room, which is that no one is asking Latinos to vote.”The Harris campaign last month launched a bilingual WhatsApp campaign to target Latino voters. Michelle Villegas, the national Latino engagement director for the Harris campaign, said during a Hispanic Caucus meeting at the Democratic National Convention that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/harris-campaign-launches-bilingual-whatsapp-channel-draw-latino-voters-swing-states" target="_blank">the Latino vote is key to victory in three battleground states</a>&nbsp;— Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania.The survey also found that running mates had an impact on Latino voters. Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, gave her a 3-point boost, Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, made his rating drop by 3 points.“Vance has (a) negative impact on the Republican ticket, which is consistent with his low favorability among Latino voters,” according to the survey.While Democrats have an advantage with Latino voters, and Harris has seen a boost in support compared to when President Joe Biden was in the race, she is still not reaching the levels of Latino support seen in previous elections, Clarissa Martinez De Castro, the vice president of the Latino Vote Initiative at UnidosUS, said.“There is work to be done to reach the levels of support Democrats need and had achieved in previous elections, and more intense communication with these voters is needed, particularly on economic issues and immigration,” Martinez De Castro said.Equis Research, which conducts research and polling specifically about Latino voters,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weareequis.us/research/xssaug2024bgmemo" target="_blank">found in a recent poll t</a>hat Harris has gained significant support from Latinos but that Harris “remains a few points shy of what Biden received in 2020” across battleground states.