MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – Ten people received minor injuries Sunday during the slow-moving wet microburst that brought heavy winds, lightning and rain to McConnell Air Force Base.

Six of the individuals were military medical personnel and four were civilian vendors, who each received minor injuries.&nbsp; One civilian male was transported to a local hospital. Another Airman was also transported to the hospital, but has since been discharged.&nbsp; All were outside on the flightline when the damaging winds occurred. Due to the timing of the inclement weather, spectators had not entered the event area.

Sunday's portion of the McConnell Frontiers in Flight Airshow had to be cancelled after a slow-moving wet microburst lingered over the base early Sunday morning.&nbsp; That microburst brought wind gusts of up to 54 mph to the McConnell flightline.

Because of damage to services, the base was unable to execute a safe airshow, and had to make the decision to cancel the airshow. Safety is always our first priority at McConnell, especially when it comes to hosting the community for an airshow.&nbsp;

Saturday’s session of McConnell’s Frontiers in Flight Airshow attracted more than 65,000 visitors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724616021735.png" alt="Photo Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – Ten people received minor injuries Sunday during the slow-moving wet microburst that brought heavy winds, lightning and rain to McConnell Air Force Base.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724616069059.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>Six of the individuals were military medical personnel and four were civilian vendors, who each received minor injuries.&nbsp; One civilian male was transported to a local hospital. Another Airman was also transported to the hospital, but has since been discharged.&nbsp; All were outside on the flightline when the damaging winds occurred. Due to the timing of the inclement weather, spectators had not entered the event area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724616154182.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sunday's portion of the McConnell Frontiers in Flight Airshow had to be cancelled after a slow-moving wet microburst lingered over the base early Sunday morning.&nbsp; That microburst brought wind gusts of up to 54 mph to the McConnell flightline.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724615907118.png" alt="Photo McConnell Air Force Base" />
 <figcaption>Photo McConnell Air Force Base</figcaption>
 </figure>Because of damage to services, the base was unable to execute a safe airshow, and had to make the decision to cancel the airshow. Safety is always our first priority at McConnell, especially when it comes to hosting the community for an airshow.&nbsp;Saturday’s session of McConnell’s Frontiers in Flight Airshow attracted more than 65,000 visitors.

Injuries reported after microburst that ended Kansas air show

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in Overland Park requested assistance in locating a citizen and their dog involved in a dog bite incident.

The incident occurred just after noon on Sunday at the the playground at Young's Park, 7701 Antioch Road, in Overland Park, according to a media release. The dog is a medium size terrier- shepherd mix with smooth, short brown fur and pointy ears. The dog was off leash and with a 60-70-year-old white male who was wearing a blue shirt and red shorts.

If you have any information, please contact Overland Park Police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724636854410.png" alt="Photo Overland Park Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Overland Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in Overland Park requested assistance in locating a citizen and their dog involved in a dog bite incident.The incident occurred just after noon on Sunday at the the playground at Young's Park, 7701 Antioch Road, in Overland Park, according to a media release. The dog is a medium size terrier- shepherd mix with smooth, short brown fur and pointy ears. The dog was off leash and with a 60-70-year-old white male who was wearing a blue shirt and red shorts.If you have any information, please contact Overland Park Police.

Police ask for help to locate dog in bite incident at Kan. park

WASHINGTON —While talks continue to accomplish a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, U.S. forces continue to face attacks in the Red Sea and Yemen.

On Friday&nbsp;U.S. forces killed&nbsp;Abu-’Abd al-Rahman al-Makki, a senior leader and commander with the Al-Qaeda linked terrorist group, Hurras al-Din, in a U.S. drone Strike in northwestern Syria, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

He was responsible for overseeing terrorist operations from Syria.

Also on Friday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi missile system in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen and on August 22, destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi drones over the Red Sea and and another in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.  

On August 21, U.S. forces successfully destroyed an Iranian-backed Houthi surface-to-air missile and radar system in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

WASHINGTON —While talks continue to accomplish a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, U.S. forces continue to face attacks in the Red Sea and Yemen.On Friday&nbsp;U.S. forces killed&nbsp;Abu-’Abd al-Rahman al-Makki, a senior leader and commander with the Al-Qaeda linked terrorist group, Hurras al-Din, in a U.S. drone Strike in northwestern Syria, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.He was responsible for overseeing terrorist operations from Syria.Also on Friday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi missile system in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen and on August 22, destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi drones over the Red Sea and and another in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen. On August 21, U.S. forces successfully destroyed an Iranian-backed Houthi surface-to-air missile and radar system in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

Deadly week for U.S. forces in the Middle East

HARVEY COUNTY— The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) are conducting a death investigation after a fatal crash site was discovered in Harvey County, Kansas.

Just before 3p.m. Sunday, the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a property owner who had located a red 2011 Chevy Silverado crashed on his property.

Deputies responded to the area, which was a field near mile marker 32 at the U.S. Highway 50 and Interstate 135 interchange. A deceased male body was located inside the vehicle.

The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance at approximately 3:10 p.m. KHP’s Critical Highway Accident Response Team also responded to investigate. Investigators suspect the vehicle was driven off the road, where it crashed into a tree.&nbsp;

Positive identification remains pending. The registered owner of the vehicle is Jonathan Clayton, 42, of Peabody. Clayton is a former Kansas Department of Commerce office employee and the interim Peabody city clerk&nbsp; who has been missing since he was last sen on Aug. 3 in Marion County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723660277468.png" alt="Jonathan Clayton -photo from consulting firm site that lists Clayton as the principal owner." />
 <figcaption>Jonathan Clayton -photo from consulting firm site that lists Clayton as the principal owner.</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY— The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) are conducting a death investigation after a fatal crash site was discovered in Harvey County, Kansas.Just before 3p.m. Sunday, the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a property owner who had located a red 2011 Chevy Silverado crashed on his property.Deputies responded to the area, which was a field near mile marker 32 at the U.S. Highway 50 and Interstate 135 interchange. A deceased male body was located inside the vehicle.The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance at approximately 3:10 p.m. KHP’s Critical Highway Accident Response Team also responded to investigate. Investigators suspect the vehicle was driven off the road, where it crashed into a tree.&nbsp;Positive identification remains pending. The registered owner of the vehicle is Jonathan Clayton, 42, of Peabody. Clayton is a former Kansas Department of Commerce office employee and the interim Peabody city clerk&nbsp; who has been missing since he was last sen on Aug. 3 in Marion County.

KBI: Fatal crash involves vehicle registered to missing interim Peabody city clerk 

BATES COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a violent incident involving a child.

On August 20, Sheriffs Deputies responded to a home in rural Butler, Missouri after a juvenile called in and reported a man assaulted him with a tomahawk.

Deputies learned that the juvenile had been hit in the face with a hatchet style weapon by 39-year-old Michael L. Richards at the residence. When deputies collected identifying information from Richards, they discovered that Richards was wanted by U.S. Marshals on a federal warrant for violation of the conditions of probation and/or supervised released. 

Deputies also spoke to the Marshal Service who advised Deputies that during a prior encounter with Richards, he had reportedly shot at the Marshals and was reported to be an absconder. Richards was taken into custody for his active warrant. Charges stemming from the assault on the juvenile with a deadly weapon were submitted to the Bates County Prosecutor for review. Additional charges are expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724499840744.png" alt="Richards-photo Bates County" />
 <figcaption>Richards-photo Bates County</figcaption>
 </figure>BATES COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a violent incident involving a child.On August 20, Sheriffs Deputies responded to a home in rural Butler, Missouri after a juvenile called in and reported a man assaulted him with a tomahawk.Deputies learned that the juvenile had been hit in the face with a hatchet style weapon by 39-year-old Michael L. Richards at the residence. When deputies collected identifying information from Richards, they discovered that Richards was wanted by U.S. Marshals on a federal warrant for violation of the conditions of probation and/or supervised released. Deputies also spoke to the Marshal Service who advised Deputies that during a prior encounter with Richards, he had reportedly shot at the Marshals and was reported to be an absconder. Richards was taken into custody for his active warrant. Charges stemming from the assault on the juvenile with a deadly weapon were submitted to the Bates County Prosecutor for review. Additional charges are expected.

Man arrested after juvenile injured by tomahawk

KANSAS CITY —Two Kansas City men have been charged in connection with several armed robberies of local businesses this summer, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Richard Canton, 20,&nbsp; faces three counts of Robbery in the 1st Degree and three counts of Armed Criminal Action for robberies of businesses on Aug. 13, 15 and 16, while Dimitri DeCarlo McGill, 20,&nbsp; faces charges of Robbery in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action for the Aug. 16 business robbery.

According to court records, Kansas City police, responding on Aug. 16, to a robbery of a chain drug store, were told by a clerk that a man later identified as McGill pointed a handgun at her and demanded money from her register. 

She also saw a man later determined to be Canton walk around the store, then out toward the direction that McGill left. Detectives identified Canton from clothing he wore while he was captured on surveillance. In addition, evidence obtained from a search of an associate's residence linked the suspects to other robberies that will require more investigation.

Prosecutors noted that KCPD detectives used surveillance and police intelligence to quickly solve these robberies so these defendants could face charges.

Prosecutors requested a $200,000 cash-only bond for Canton and $100,000 for McGill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724337803209.png" alt="McGill photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>McGill photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Two Kansas City men have been charged in connection with several armed robberies of local businesses this summer, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Richard Canton, 20,&nbsp; faces three counts of Robbery in the 1st Degree and three counts of Armed Criminal Action for robberies of businesses on Aug. 13, 15 and 16, while Dimitri DeCarlo McGill, 20,&nbsp; faces charges of Robbery in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action for the Aug. 16 business robbery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724337738453.png" alt="Canton photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Canton photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>According to court records, Kansas City police, responding on Aug. 16, to a robbery of a chain drug store, were told by a clerk that a man later identified as McGill pointed a handgun at her and demanded money from her register. She also saw a man later determined to be Canton walk around the store, then out toward the direction that McGill left. Detectives identified Canton from clothing he wore while he was captured on surveillance. In addition, evidence obtained from a search of an associate's residence linked the suspects to other robberies that will require more investigation.Prosecutors noted that KCPD detectives used surveillance and police intelligence to quickly solve these robberies so these defendants could face charges.Prosecutors requested a $200,000 cash-only bond for Canton and $100,000 for McGill.

Police surveillance helped catch two KC armed robbery suspects

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/caseyquinlan/">CASEY QUINLAN</a>&nbsp; State's Newsroom

Americans are racking up credit card debt as they struggle to keep up with the cost of living, and experts say those who earn the least are the hardest hit.

Total credit card balances rose 5.8% from a year ago, to $1.14 trillion,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;a recent New York Fed report. Equifax credit files through June show that credit card delinquency is still rising but that delinquency on consumer finance loans and retail cards fell and auto loan delinquency was flat.

People use credit cards for all kinds of purchases, and despite the stereotype of consumers getting themselves into too much credit card debt so that they could buy a few extra flashy clothes or vacations, many of them are for necessities.

So what does it mean for the economy that the average rate for people with a credit card balance was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/current/" target="_blank">22.76%</a>&nbsp;in May, that there is an expansion of financial tech products like “buy now, pay later,” and that many Americans find themselves unable to pay off that debt? It depends on your role in the economy, financial experts and economists say.

“If you’re in that half who’s paying your cards in full and taking full advantage of rewards and buyer protections, life is great for you. That’s a very different story from someone who’s trapped in that expensive cycle of 20 to 25 to 30% interest month after month,” said Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior industry analyst.

Still, the rate of growth in credit card debt has accelerated, which Rossman calls “potentially troublesome.”

It’s impossible to look at rising credit card debt without acknowledging the high cost of living, such as housing prices. The Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation, showed that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm" target="_blank">in July</a>, shelter increased 0.4% and made up 90% of that month’s rise in the all items index.

“Inflation is definitely contributing to higher balances. Even if it’s a category like rent, which most people are not putting on a credit card, if you’re getting squeezed on rent, you have less money to go around for groceries and gas and other things that maybe you are putting on a credit card now,” he said.

The Federal Reserve’s campaign to raise interest rates to bring down inflation also affects credit card debt and some economists say it is fueling economic inequality. Although the Fed paused rates last year, they are still fairly high and influence credit card rates. The Fed may cut rates in its September meeting if it continues to see cooling inflation data.

“People who rely on credit cards and other forms of borrowing to finance all sorts of things in their lives, whether that’s food or purchases for investments in their education or purchases for their home or their children, disproportionately folks who are poor – they’re really hurting because interest rates are really high,” said Rakeen Mabud, chief economist and a senior fellow at Groundwork Collaborative, a progressive think tank. “These interest rates are really taking a toll on people’s day-to-day ability to live and finance their lives. It looks to me that the high interest rates at this point are actually causing more pain than the inflation that it is trying to combat.”

In addition to the impact of the federal funds rate on credit cards, consumers are facing high annual percentage rate margins, or APR margins, which the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said were an all-time high in a February&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">report</a>. The agency said rising APR margins are driving people into persistent debt and delinquency.

“Credit card companies are gouging consumers with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">record high</a>&nbsp;APR margins, which sit on top of the Fed’s already high interest rates. Profiteering by credit card companies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">cost</a>&nbsp;people an extra $25 billion last year and is yet another example of corporations using inflation as a cover to rip people off,” Mabud said.

A lack of competition in the credit industry doesn’t help matters for those struggling with credit card debt, added Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, which provides financial intelligence products.

“There is some evidence that there’s less competition in that market and that’s allowing credit card lenders to enjoy wide margins,” he said.

Mitria Wilson-Spotser, vice president and federal policy director at the Center for Responsible Lending, said she partly attributes the rise in credit card debt to some major credit card companies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/why-the-largest-credit-card-companies-are-suppressing-actual-payment-data-on-your-credit-report/" target="_blank">not reporting</a>&nbsp;payment data, which does not make it to their credit reports, hurting their credit score and leaving them with higher credit card rates or extending credit without basing it on an ability to repay.

Consumers also have access to more financial tech products, like earned wage access programs, which let employees access their pay earlier for a fee, and buy now pay later products, said Wilson-Spotser. These products are not regulated in the same way as credit cards. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-takes-action-to-ensure-consumers-can-dispute-charges-and-obtain-refunds-on-buy-now-pay-later-loans/" target="_blank">issued a rule</a>&nbsp;in May to apply the same regulations to “buy now pay later” lenders as traditional credit cards.

“There’s no obligation to ensure an ability to repay for the consumer, so that debt, which is kind of this phantom in the room, is combining with credit card debt, which I think is probably one of the reasons why we’re seeing an increase in delinquency among some consumers,” she said.

Zandi said the people most likely to suffer financially from their credit card debt, lower-income people, only account for a sliver of the consumer spending driving the economy.

“[High interest rates] is adding to the pressure on households who have revolving debt, that aren’t paying off their cards and are using the card as a way to borrow money and have outstanding debt. So that’s a real problem for those households,” he said. “… The economy can move forward and be just fine even if the folks in the bottom third are struggling. The economy can’t flourish but it can do what it’s doing.”

That doesn’t mean the impact of the harms of high credit card rates and inflation, which is cooling but has done damage to households, will go unnoticed, however, Zandi said, alluding to building political pressure to improve people’s economic well-being.

“But the political and social implications are enormous. You can see it in our fracture of politics and what’s going on in terms of the presidential election,” he said. “… Politics has been affected by the fact that lower-income households have seen their share of the economic pie decline from where it was when it was at its peak back in the late 70s, early 80s.”

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/caseyquinlan/">CASEY QUINLAN</a>&nbsp; State's Newsroom Americans are racking up credit card debt as they struggle to keep up with the cost of living, and experts say those who earn the least are the hardest hit.Total credit card balances rose 5.8% from a year ago, to $1.14 trillion,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;a recent New York Fed report. Equifax credit files through June show that credit card delinquency is still rising but that delinquency on consumer finance loans and retail cards fell and auto loan delinquency was flat.People use credit cards for all kinds of purchases, and despite the stereotype of consumers getting themselves into too much credit card debt so that they could buy a few extra flashy clothes or vacations, many of them are for necessities.So what does it mean for the economy that the average rate for people with a credit card balance was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/current/" target="_blank">22.76%</a>&nbsp;in May, that there is an expansion of financial tech products like “buy now, pay later,” and that many Americans find themselves unable to pay off that debt? It depends on your role in the economy, financial experts and economists say.“If you’re in that half who’s paying your cards in full and taking full advantage of rewards and buyer protections, life is great for you. That’s a very different story from someone who’s trapped in that expensive cycle of 20 to 25 to 30% interest month after month,” said Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior industry analyst.Still, the rate of growth in credit card debt has accelerated, which Rossman calls “potentially troublesome.”It’s impossible to look at rising credit card debt without acknowledging the high cost of living, such as housing prices. The Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation, showed that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm" target="_blank">in July</a>, shelter increased 0.4% and made up 90% of that month’s rise in the all items index.“Inflation is definitely contributing to higher balances. Even if it’s a category like rent, which most people are not putting on a credit card, if you’re getting squeezed on rent, you have less money to go around for groceries and gas and other things that maybe you are putting on a credit card now,” he said.The Federal Reserve’s campaign to raise interest rates to bring down inflation also affects credit card debt and some economists say it is fueling economic inequality. Although the Fed paused rates last year, they are still fairly high and influence credit card rates. The Fed may cut rates in its September meeting if it continues to see cooling inflation data.“People who rely on credit cards and other forms of borrowing to finance all sorts of things in their lives, whether that’s food or purchases for investments in their education or purchases for their home or their children, disproportionately folks who are poor – they’re really hurting because interest rates are really high,” said Rakeen Mabud, chief economist and a senior fellow at Groundwork Collaborative, a progressive think tank. “These interest rates are really taking a toll on people’s day-to-day ability to live and finance their lives. It looks to me that the high interest rates at this point are actually causing more pain than the inflation that it is trying to combat.”In addition to the impact of the federal funds rate on credit cards, consumers are facing high annual percentage rate margins, or APR margins, which the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said were an all-time high in a February&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">report</a>. The agency said rising APR margins are driving people into persistent debt and delinquency.“Credit card companies are gouging consumers with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">record high</a>&nbsp;APR margins, which sit on top of the Fed’s already high interest rates. Profiteering by credit card companies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">cost</a>&nbsp;people an extra $25 billion last year and is yet another example of corporations using inflation as a cover to rip people off,” Mabud said.A lack of competition in the credit industry doesn’t help matters for those struggling with credit card debt, added Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, which provides financial intelligence products.“There is some evidence that there’s less competition in that market and that’s allowing credit card lenders to enjoy wide margins,” he said.Mitria Wilson-Spotser, vice president and federal policy director at the Center for Responsible Lending, said she partly attributes the rise in credit card debt to some major credit card companies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/why-the-largest-credit-card-companies-are-suppressing-actual-payment-data-on-your-credit-report/" target="_blank">not reporting</a>&nbsp;payment data, which does not make it to their credit reports, hurting their credit score and leaving them with higher credit card rates or extending credit without basing it on an ability to repay.Consumers also have access to more financial tech products, like earned wage access programs, which let employees access their pay earlier for a fee, and buy now pay later products, said Wilson-Spotser. These products are not regulated in the same way as credit cards. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-takes-action-to-ensure-consumers-can-dispute-charges-and-obtain-refunds-on-buy-now-pay-later-loans/" target="_blank">issued a rule</a>&nbsp;in May to apply the same regulations to “buy now pay later” lenders as traditional credit cards.“There’s no obligation to ensure an ability to repay for the consumer, so that debt, which is kind of this phantom in the room, is combining with credit card debt, which I think is probably one of the reasons why we’re seeing an increase in delinquency among some consumers,” she said.Zandi said the people most likely to suffer financially from their credit card debt, lower-income people, only account for a sliver of the consumer spending driving the economy.“[High interest rates] is adding to the pressure on households who have revolving debt, that aren’t paying off their cards and are using the card as a way to borrow money and have outstanding debt. So that’s a real problem for those households,” he said. “… The economy can move forward and be just fine even if the folks in the bottom third are struggling. The economy can’t flourish but it can do what it’s doing.”That doesn’t mean the impact of the harms of high credit card rates and inflation, which is cooling but has done damage to households, will go unnoticed, however, Zandi said, alluding to building political pressure to improve people’s economic well-being.“But the political and social implications are enormous. You can see it in our fracture of politics and what’s going on in terms of the presidential election,” he said. “… Politics has been affected by the fact that lower-income households have seen their share of the economic pie decline from where it was when it was at its peak back in the late 70s, early 80s.”

US credit card debt continues to rise as housing and other costs remain high for the lowest earners

WASHINGTON (AP) — Recent polls show that Republicans are more likely than Democrats to have a favorable opinion of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suspended his presidential campaign on Friday and gave his support to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

During a speech made in Arizona, Kennedy cited concerns that continuing his campaign would help Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Kennedy’s support appeared to have declined in recent polls as he struggled to find his political lane in a race reshaped by the departure of Democratic President Joe Biden and Harris’ nomination in his place. The developments left relatively narrow room for Kennedy’s presence — or departure — to make a difference in the election outcome. Recent polls don’t give a clear indication that Kennedy’s presence in the race had an outsized impact on support for either major-party candidate.

While some polls earlier in the year put Kennedy’s support in the double digits, his support hovered in&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/harris-trump-poll-election-issues/story?id=112865487">the mid-single digits</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/08/14/harris-energizes-democrats-in-transformed-presidential-race/">most recent polls</a>. It’s unclear if Kennedy would have even received that level of support in the general election, since third-party candidates frequently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-biden-trump-third-party-2024-election-71ffff6d34b0bad8b92cb8e82369d2e8">don’t live up to their early poll numbers</a>&nbsp;when voters actually cast their ballots.

In recent months, Americans overall have been split in their views of Kennedy, 70, the son of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.

About as many people had a favorable as unfavorable view of Kennedy, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/July-2024-W1-topline.pdf">July AP-NORC poll</a>&nbsp;that was conducted before Biden dropped out of the presidential race last month. That marked a decline from February, when more had a positive than negative view of Kennedy, and about 3 in 10 did not have an opinion.

In the most recent poll, about 2 in 10 U.S. adults didn’t know enough about Kennedy to give an opinion.

Republicans were significantly more likely than Democrats and independents to have a favorable view of Kennedy. And those with a positive impression of Kennedy were more likely to also have a favorable view of Trump (52%) than Harris (37%).

Kennedy also struggled to endear himself to political independents. Although he was running as an independent presidential candidate, polling showed about 4 in 10 independents did not know enough to form an opinion. Those who did were divided equally between favorable and unfavorable opinions.

Kennedy's appeal largely rested on being an alternative to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-immigration-economy-inflation-abortion-21b95914866c2af3a1e7af8e302dbe27">match-up many Americans dreaded</a>&nbsp;when Biden was facing Trump in a rematch of the 2020 election won by Biden. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2024/07/PP_2024.7.29_ukraine_REPORT.pdf#page=20">Pew Research Center poll from July</a>&nbsp;found that about half of voters who were supporting Kennedy said the main reason they backed him was because he was neither Biden nor Trump, compared with about 3 in 10 who listed Kennedy's characteristics or policies.

Harris’ move to the top of the Democratic ticket may have further harmed Kennedy’s prospects. An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/08/14/harris-energizes-democrats-in-transformed-presidential-race/">August Pew poll</a>&nbsp;suggested that Harris had gained support at Kennedy’s expense. She appeared to have received the support of some women and non-white voters who previously were considering Kennedy.

Kennedy’s initial pitch was largely focused on his family name and his relation to other famed Kennedys, including his father and his uncle, former President John F. Kennedy.&nbsp;<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23825119/cnn-poll-2024-democratic-primary.pdf#page=12">CNN polling conducted last summer</a>&nbsp;when RFK Jr. was running for the Democratic nomination found that many Democrats said they’d consider supporting him because of the Kennedy name or his family connections. Many members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-kennedy-rfk-trump-pennsylvania-b411e744d3b13fc6365029cb3dfd00c4">Kennedy family endorsed Biden</a>&nbsp;before he withdrew from the race.

John F. Kennedy remains the most highly rated former president in&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/508625/retrospective-approval-jfk-rises-trump.aspx">Gallup’s retrospective approval ratings</a>, and his appeal crosses party lines. Nine in 10 Americans approve of how Kennedy, a Democrat, handled his job as president, according to data from last summer, with Democrats, independents and Republicans in agreement.

News of Robert Kennedy’s withdrawal comes a little over a week since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-rfk-jr-ballot-new-york-residency-faaf0c8d7638cdfcdbe3c4eb7b542eef">a New York judge ruled</a>&nbsp;that he should not appear on the ballot in the state because he listed a “sham” address on nominating petitions. Kennedy appealed the ruling, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-rfk-jr-ballot-new-york-residency-states-f96d46318524fad967271fed292aa212">has faced several similar challenges</a>&nbsp;around the country.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724461649763.png" alt="RJK, Jr. and Donald Trump during a rally Friday night -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>RJK, Jr. and Donald Trump during a rally Friday night -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Recent polls show that Republicans are more likely than Democrats to have a favorable opinion of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suspended his presidential campaign on Friday and gave his support to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am sharing a personal statement that my family and I have made in response to my brother’s announcement. <a href="https://t.co/j7vTTabNYZ">pic.twitter.com/j7vTTabNYZ</a>&mdash; Kerry Kennedy (@KerryKennedyRFK) <a href="https://twitter.com/KerryKennedyRFK/status/1827061350452887816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>During a speech made in Arizona, Kennedy cited concerns that continuing his campaign would help Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Kennedy’s support appeared to have declined in recent polls as he struggled to find his political lane in a race reshaped by the departure of Democratic President Joe Biden and Harris’ nomination in his place. The developments left relatively narrow room for Kennedy’s presence — or departure — to make a difference in the election outcome. Recent polls don’t give a clear indication that Kennedy’s presence in the race had an outsized impact on support for either major-party candidate.While some polls earlier in the year put Kennedy’s support in the double digits, his support hovered in&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/harris-trump-poll-election-issues/story?id=112865487">the mid-single digits</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/08/14/harris-energizes-democrats-in-transformed-presidential-race/">most recent polls</a>. It’s unclear if Kennedy would have even received that level of support in the general election, since third-party candidates frequently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-biden-trump-third-party-2024-election-71ffff6d34b0bad8b92cb8e82369d2e8">don’t live up to their early poll numbers</a>&nbsp;when voters actually cast their ballots.<h2>Partisan appeal</h2>In recent months, Americans overall have been split in their views of Kennedy, 70, the son of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.About as many people had a favorable as unfavorable view of Kennedy, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/July-2024-W1-topline.pdf">July AP-NORC poll</a>&nbsp;that was conducted before Biden dropped out of the presidential race last month. That marked a decline from February, when more had a positive than negative view of Kennedy, and about 3 in 10 did not have an opinion.In the most recent poll, about 2 in 10 U.S. adults didn’t know enough about Kennedy to give an opinion.Republicans were significantly more likely than Democrats and independents to have a favorable view of Kennedy. And those with a positive impression of Kennedy were more likely to also have a favorable view of Trump (52%) than Harris (37%).Kennedy also struggled to endear himself to political independents. Although he was running as an independent presidential candidate, polling showed about 4 in 10 independents did not know enough to form an opinion. Those who did were divided equally between favorable and unfavorable opinions.<h2>The base of support</h2>Kennedy's appeal largely rested on being an alternative to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-immigration-economy-inflation-abortion-21b95914866c2af3a1e7af8e302dbe27">match-up many Americans dreaded</a>&nbsp;when Biden was facing Trump in a rematch of the 2020 election won by Biden. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2024/07/PP_2024.7.29_ukraine_REPORT.pdf#page=20">Pew Research Center poll from July</a>&nbsp;found that about half of voters who were supporting Kennedy said the main reason they backed him was because he was neither Biden nor Trump, compared with about 3 in 10 who listed Kennedy's characteristics or policies.Harris’ move to the top of the Democratic ticket may have further harmed Kennedy’s prospects. An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/08/14/harris-energizes-democrats-in-transformed-presidential-race/">August Pew poll</a>&nbsp;suggested that Harris had gained support at Kennedy’s expense. She appeared to have received the support of some women and non-white voters who previously were considering Kennedy.<h2>About that family name</h2>Kennedy’s initial pitch was largely focused on his family name and his relation to other famed Kennedys, including his father and his uncle, former President John F. Kennedy.&nbsp;<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23825119/cnn-poll-2024-democratic-primary.pdf#page=12">CNN polling conducted last summer</a>&nbsp;when RFK Jr. was running for the Democratic nomination found that many Democrats said they’d consider supporting him because of the Kennedy name or his family connections. Many members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-kennedy-rfk-trump-pennsylvania-b411e744d3b13fc6365029cb3dfd00c4">Kennedy family endorsed Biden</a>&nbsp;before he withdrew from the race.John F. Kennedy remains the most highly rated former president in&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/508625/retrospective-approval-jfk-rises-trump.aspx">Gallup’s retrospective approval ratings</a>, and his appeal crosses party lines. Nine in 10 Americans approve of how Kennedy, a Democrat, handled his job as president, according to data from last summer, with Democrats, independents and Republicans in agreement.News of Robert Kennedy’s withdrawal comes a little over a week since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-rfk-jr-ballot-new-york-residency-faaf0c8d7638cdfcdbe3c4eb7b542eef">a New York judge ruled</a>&nbsp;that he should not appear on the ballot in the state because he listed a “sham” address on nominating petitions. Kennedy appealed the ruling, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-rfk-jr-ballot-new-york-residency-states-f96d46318524fad967271fed292aa212">has faced several similar challenges</a>&nbsp;around the country.__

What polling shows about Americans' views of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

DICKINSON 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.

Kansas Highway Trooper Rice was in Salina for specialized training at the KHP Academy this week. On his way back east, heading towards his home county, he encountered a vehicle traveling 112 mph in a 75 mph zone on Interstate 70 in Dickinson County, according to a social media report.

Later Saturday, KHP Trooper Fraser ticketed a driver for going 100 mph in a 75 mph zone on Interstate 135 in McPherson County.

"One of the many benefits of being part of the Kansas Highway Patrol is our statewide jurisdiction. Unlike local agencies restricted by city limits or county lines, our enforcement abilities span across the entire state. While we each have specific roles, the most foundational responsibility we all share as troopers is ensuring the safety of our roadways," Trooper Ben Gardner wrote on his social media account.

"Whether it’s our pilots, truck-checking troopers, training instructors, supervisors, K-9 handlers, bomb technicians, or administrative lieutenants—we all work the road. Service comes whenever we’re out driving, committed to keeping you and others safe."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724518531319.png" alt="Photos KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photos KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON 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.Kansas Highway Trooper Rice was in Salina for specialized training at the KHP Academy this week. On his way back east, heading towards his home county, he encountered a vehicle traveling 112 mph in a 75 mph zone on Interstate 70 in Dickinson County, according to a social media report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724585586787.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Later Saturday, KHP Trooper Fraser ticketed a driver for going 100 mph in a 75 mph zone on Interstate 135 in McPherson County."One of the many benefits of being part of the Kansas Highway Patrol is our statewide jurisdiction. Unlike local agencies restricted by city limits or county lines, our enforcement abilities span across the entire state. While we each have specific roles, the most foundational responsibility we all share as troopers is ensuring the safety of our roadways," Trooper Ben Gardner wrote on his social media account."Whether it’s our pilots, truck-checking troopers, training instructors, supervisors, K-9 handlers, bomb technicians, or administrative lieutenants—we all work the road. Service comes whenever we’re out driving, committed to keeping you and others safe."

Driver ticketed for traveling 112mph on Interstate 70

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – The portion of the McConnell Frontiers in Flight Airshow for Sunday has been cancelled, according to a statement from the air base.

A slow-moving storm brought wind gusts in excess of 50mph to the McConnell flightline.&nbsp; Because of damage to services, we are unable to execute a safe airshow.

The pyrotechnics planned for use in Sunday's airshow will be detonated&nbsp; by McConnell’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, between noon and 4 p.m.

There will be multiple detonations planned and those will sound louder than normal, with the low cloud coverage potentially reflecting the sound.

"While we apologize for this late cancellation and regret having to make this decision, Safety is always our first priority at McConnell, especially when it comes to hosting the public for an airshow."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724615907118.png" alt="Photo McConnell Air Force Base" />
 <figcaption>Photo McConnell Air Force Base</figcaption>
 </figure>MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – The portion of the McConnell Frontiers in Flight Airshow for Sunday has been cancelled, according to a statement from the air base.A slow-moving storm brought wind gusts in excess of 50mph to the McConnell flightline.&nbsp; Because of damage to services, we are unable to execute a safe airshow.The pyrotechnics planned for use in Sunday's airshow will be detonated&nbsp; by McConnell’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, between noon and 4 p.m.There will be multiple detonations planned and those will sound louder than normal, with the low cloud coverage potentially reflecting the sound."While we apologize for this late cancellation and regret having to make this decision, Safety is always our first priority at McConnell, especially when it comes to hosting the public for an airshow."

Storm damage forces cancellation of Sunday McConnell Airshow 

WICHITA (AP) —A federal judge in Kansas has tossed out a machine gun possession charge and questioned if bans on the weapons violate the Second Amendment.

If upheld on appeal, the ruling by U.S. District Judge John W. Broomes in Wichita could have a sweeping impact on the regulation of machine guns, including homemade automatic weapons that many police and prosecutors blame for fueling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives-crime-5797d08e27b4904c4a6b68d88cf544c1">gun violence.</a>

Broomes, an appointee of President Donald Trump, on Wednesday dismissed two machine gun possession counts against Tamori Morgan, who was indicted last year. Morgan was accused of possessing a model AM-15 .300-caliber machine gun and a machine gun conversion device known as a “Glock switch” that can make a semi-automatic weapon fire like a machine gun.

“The court finds that the Second Amendment applies to the weapons charged because they are ‘bearable arms’ within the original meaning of the amendment,” Broomes wrote. He added that the government “has the burden to show that the regulation is consistent with this nation’s historical firearm regulation tradition.”

As of Friday, no appeal had been filed. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Wichita declined comment.

Federal prosecutors in the case said in earlier court filings that the “Supreme Court has made clear that regulations of machineguns fall outside the Second Amendment.”

A June 2022 Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle &amp; Pistol Association v. Bruen was seen as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">major expansion of gun rights</a>. The ruling said Americans have a right to carry firearms in public for self-defense.

Jacob Charles, an associate law professor at Pepperdine University who tracks Second Amendment cases, said the Kansas ruling is direct fallout from the Bruen decision.

“It gives lower court judges the ability to pick and choose the historical record in a way that they think the Second Amendment should be read,” Charles said.

Charles expects Broomes' ruling to be overturned, citing Supreme Court precedent allowing for regulation of machine guns.

Eric Ruben, a fellow at the Brennan Center and an associate law professor of Southern Methodist University, agreed.

“As far as I know, this is the first time in American history that a machine gun ban has been found unconstitutional in its application,” Ruben said.

Shira Feldman of Brady United Against Gun Violence, called the ruling “an incredibly dangerous decision, and it’s inconsistent with what the Supreme Court has said the Second Amendment means.”

A message left Friday with the National Rifle Association wasn't immediately returned.

Communities across the U.S. have dealt with a surge of shootings carried out with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/machine-guns-modified-illegal-switches-gun-violence-ddc2e9b6602ee1eb62e75732bbd54784">weapons converted to fully automatic</a>&nbsp;in recent years. These weapons are typically converted using small pieces of metal made with a 3D printer or ordered online.

Guns with conversion devices have been used in several mass shootings, including one that left four dead at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-sweet-16-party-shooting-1f3435fc2c4666d5338ee15f4d03bb79">Sweet Sixteen party</a>&nbsp;in Alabama last year and another that left six people dead in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-california-sacramento-homicide-arrests-f51504d50dce632d0c10424ffbe03e47">bar district in Sacramento, California</a>, in 2022. In Houston,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houston-305708b538b334df1a529c4f15eb689b">police officer William Jeffrey</a>&nbsp;died in 2021 after being shot with a converted gun while serving a warrant.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reported a 570% increase in the number of conversion devices collected by police departments between 2017 and 2021, the most recent data available, The Associated Press reported in March.

By JIM SALTERWICHITA (AP) —A federal judge in Kansas has tossed out a machine gun possession charge and questioned if bans on the weapons violate the Second Amendment.If upheld on appeal, the ruling by U.S. District Judge John W. Broomes in Wichita could have a sweeping impact on the regulation of machine guns, including homemade automatic weapons that many police and prosecutors blame for fueling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bureau-of-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives-crime-5797d08e27b4904c4a6b68d88cf544c1">gun violence.</a>Broomes, an appointee of President Donald Trump, on Wednesday dismissed two machine gun possession counts against Tamori Morgan, who was indicted last year. Morgan was accused of possessing a model AM-15 .300-caliber machine gun and a machine gun conversion device known as a “Glock switch” that can make a semi-automatic weapon fire like a machine gun.“The court finds that the Second Amendment applies to the weapons charged because they are ‘bearable arms’ within the original meaning of the amendment,” Broomes wrote. He added that the government “has the burden to show that the regulation is consistent with this nation’s historical firearm regulation tradition.”As of Friday, no appeal had been filed. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Wichita declined comment.Federal prosecutors in the case said in earlier court filings that the “Supreme Court has made clear that regulations of machineguns fall outside the Second Amendment.”A June 2022 Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle &amp; Pistol Association v. Bruen was seen as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">major expansion of gun rights</a>. The ruling said Americans have a right to carry firearms in public for self-defense.Jacob Charles, an associate law professor at Pepperdine University who tracks Second Amendment cases, said the Kansas ruling is direct fallout from the Bruen decision.“It gives lower court judges the ability to pick and choose the historical record in a way that they think the Second Amendment should be read,” Charles said.Charles expects Broomes' ruling to be overturned, citing Supreme Court precedent allowing for regulation of machine guns.Eric Ruben, a fellow at the Brennan Center and an associate law professor of Southern Methodist University, agreed.“As far as I know, this is the first time in American history that a machine gun ban has been found unconstitutional in its application,” Ruben said.Shira Feldman of Brady United Against Gun Violence, called the ruling “an incredibly dangerous decision, and it’s inconsistent with what the Supreme Court has said the Second Amendment means.”A message left Friday with the National Rifle Association wasn't immediately returned.Communities across the U.S. have dealt with a surge of shootings carried out with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/machine-guns-modified-illegal-switches-gun-violence-ddc2e9b6602ee1eb62e75732bbd54784">weapons converted to fully automatic</a>&nbsp;in recent years. These weapons are typically converted using small pieces of metal made with a 3D printer or ordered online.Guns with conversion devices have been used in several mass shootings, including one that left four dead at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-sweet-16-party-shooting-1f3435fc2c4666d5338ee15f4d03bb79">Sweet Sixteen party</a>&nbsp;in Alabama last year and another that left six people dead in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-california-sacramento-homicide-arrests-f51504d50dce632d0c10424ffbe03e47">bar district in Sacramento, California</a>, in 2022. In Houston,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houston-305708b538b334df1a529c4f15eb689b">police officer William Jeffrey</a>&nbsp;died in 2021 after being shot with a converted gun while serving a warrant.The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reported a 570% increase in the number of conversion devices collected by police departments between 2017 and 2021, the most recent data available, The Associated Press reported in March.

Kan. judge throws out machine gun possession charge, cites 2nd Amendment

WASHINGTON (AP) —Kansas, Missouri and 14 other Republican-led states are suing to end a federal program that could potentially give nearly half a million immigrants without legal status who are married to U.S. citizens a path to citizenship.

The coalition&nbsp; filed suit Friday to halt the program launched by President Joe Biden in June, saying in court filings that the administration bypassed Congress to create a pathway to citizenship for “blatant political purposes.”

“This action incentivizes illegal immigration and will irreparably harm the Plaintiff states,” the suit filed in federal court in Tyler, Texas, says.

Under the policy, which started&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-spouses-citizenship-registration-da37d9cbdb45a4baca837f6dc2a09aba">taking applications Monday</a>, many spouses without legal status can apply for something called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-parole-trump-biden-latin-america-hungary-vietnam-cuba-venezuela-6deab463a9cc596b2cd1adc6443da787">“parole in place,”</a>&nbsp;offering permission to stay in the U.S., apply for a green card and eventually get on a path to citizenship.

But the program has been particularly contentious in an election year where immigration is one of the biggest issues, with many Republicans attacking the policy and contending it is essentially a form of amnesty for people who broke the law.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement Friday that the plan "violates the Constitution and actively worsens the illegal immigration disaster that is hurting Texas and our country.”

The suit filed against the Department of Homeland Security, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other Biden administration officials accuses the agency of attempting to parole spouses “en masse,” which the states contend is an abuse of power. The states also filed a motion asking for the program to be put on hold while the lawsuit proceeds.

In a post on X, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said her state is challenging the parole in place policy because she believes the Biden administration “is illegally using ‘parole’ in a systematic way to advance their open-borders agenda.”

The conservative nonprofit America First Legal, which is headed by Stephen Miller, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, is serving as co-counsel in the lawsuit.

Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Mayra Alejandra said the agency will defend the Keeping Families Together program in court and continues to process already submitted applications as well as accept new applications.

“Keeping Families Together is grounded in well-established legal authority, and its purpose — enabling the families of U.S. Citizens to live without fear of separation — is consistent with fundamental American values,” Alejandra said.

White House spokesperson Angelo Fernández Hernández fired back against Republicans “playing politics” and characterized the lawsuit as another form of family separation.

“This lawsuit is seeking to force U.S. citizens and their families, people who have lived in the United States for more than ten years, to continue to live in the shadows,” Fernandez said in a statement.

The bipartisan immigration and criminal justice organization FWD.us said the program is in compliance with the law and noted the timing of the lawsuit — as Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic nomination for president.

“The only motivation behind this lawsuit is the cruelty of tearing families apart and the crass politics of hoping a judge might do the bidding of the anti-immigrant movement,” the organization said in a statement.

Karen Tumlin, founder and director of the Justice Action Center, called the legal challenge “unsurprising yet extremely disappointing and cruel.”

“However, it’s important to emphasize that nothing changes for now, and the process is still open and accepting applications,” she said.

To be eligible for the program, immigrants must have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least 10 years, not pose a security threat or have a disqualifying criminal history, and have been married to a citizen by June 17 — the day before the program was announced.

They must pay a $580 fee to apply and fill out a lengthy application, including an explanation of why they deserve humanitarian parole and a long list of supporting documents proving how long they have been in the country.

If approved, applicants have three years to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-immigration-border-immigrants-11486c86ba620a04ae9dc66a3d44f346">seek permanent residency</a>. During that period, they can get work authorization. The administration estimates about 500,000 people could be eligible, plus about 50,000 of their children.

Before this program, it was complicated for people who were in the U.S. illegally to get a green card after marrying an American citizen. They can be required to return to their home country — often for years — and they always face the risk they may not be allowed back in.

The lawsuit contends that states will bear the burden of additional immigrants staying in the country.

Texas, the suit says, spends tens of millions of dollars each year on a program that provides health insurance for children, including those in the country illegally. It says that the state also spends millions each year “for increased law enforcement as its citizens suffer increased crime, unemployment, environmental harm, and social disorder due to illegal immigration.”

Because the program beneficiaries will be entitled to work authorization, those additional workers “will drive down the wages of Texas residents, directly harming the State and its citizens,” the lawsuit says.

Evelyn Wiese, an immigration attorney at Americans for Immigrant Justice, described the lawsuit as an “attack” on mixed status families who have spent years contributing to their communities in the United States.

“Trying to rip apart these families and prevent them from accessing a lawful pathway to status in the U.S. is cruel and reflective of anti-immigrant extremism,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724510077030.png" alt="President Biden during the announcement in June-White House image" />
 <figcaption>President Biden during the announcement in June-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Kansas, Missouri and 14 other Republican-led states are suing to end a federal program that could potentially give nearly half a million immigrants without legal status who are married to U.S. citizens a path to citizenship.The coalition&nbsp; filed suit Friday to halt the program launched by President Joe Biden in June, saying in court filings that the administration bypassed Congress to create a pathway to citizenship for “blatant political purposes.”“This action incentivizes illegal immigration and will irreparably harm the Plaintiff states,” the suit filed in federal court in Tyler, Texas, says.Under the policy, which started&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-spouses-citizenship-registration-da37d9cbdb45a4baca837f6dc2a09aba">taking applications Monday</a>, many spouses without legal status can apply for something called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-parole-trump-biden-latin-america-hungary-vietnam-cuba-venezuela-6deab463a9cc596b2cd1adc6443da787">“parole in place,”</a>&nbsp;offering permission to stay in the U.S., apply for a green card and eventually get on a path to citizenship.But the program has been particularly contentious in an election year where immigration is one of the biggest issues, with many Republicans attacking the policy and contending it is essentially a form of amnesty for people who broke the law.Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement Friday that the plan "violates the Constitution and actively worsens the illegal immigration disaster that is hurting Texas and our country.”The suit filed against the Department of Homeland Security, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other Biden administration officials accuses the agency of attempting to parole spouses “en masse,” which the states contend is an abuse of power. The states also filed a motion asking for the program to be put on hold while the lawsuit proceeds.In a post on X, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said her state is challenging the parole in place policy because she believes the Biden administration “is illegally using ‘parole’ in a systematic way to advance their open-borders agenda.”The conservative nonprofit America First Legal, which is headed by Stephen Miller, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, is serving as co-counsel in the lawsuit.Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Mayra Alejandra said the agency will defend the Keeping Families Together program in court and continues to process already submitted applications as well as accept new applications.“Keeping Families Together is grounded in well-established legal authority, and its purpose — enabling the families of U.S. Citizens to live without fear of separation — is consistent with fundamental American values,” Alejandra said.White House spokesperson Angelo Fernández Hernández fired back against Republicans “playing politics” and characterized the lawsuit as another form of family separation.“This lawsuit is seeking to force U.S. citizens and their families, people who have lived in the United States for more than ten years, to continue to live in the shadows,” Fernandez said in a statement.The bipartisan immigration and criminal justice organization FWD.us said the program is in compliance with the law and noted the timing of the lawsuit — as Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic nomination for president.“The only motivation behind this lawsuit is the cruelty of tearing families apart and the crass politics of hoping a judge might do the bidding of the anti-immigrant movement,” the organization said in a statement.Karen Tumlin, founder and director of the Justice Action Center, called the legal challenge “unsurprising yet extremely disappointing and cruel.”“However, it’s important to emphasize that nothing changes for now, and the process is still open and accepting applications,” she said.To be eligible for the program, immigrants must have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least 10 years, not pose a security threat or have a disqualifying criminal history, and have been married to a citizen by June 17 — the day before the program was announced.They must pay a $580 fee to apply and fill out a lengthy application, including an explanation of why they deserve humanitarian parole and a long list of supporting documents proving how long they have been in the country.If approved, applicants have three years to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-immigration-border-immigrants-11486c86ba620a04ae9dc66a3d44f346">seek permanent residency</a>. During that period, they can get work authorization. The administration estimates about 500,000 people could be eligible, plus about 50,000 of their children.Before this program, it was complicated for people who were in the U.S. illegally to get a green card after marrying an American citizen. They can be required to return to their home country — often for years — and they always face the risk they may not be allowed back in.The lawsuit contends that states will bear the burden of additional immigrants staying in the country.Texas, the suit says, spends tens of millions of dollars each year on a program that provides health insurance for children, including those in the country illegally. It says that the state also spends millions each year “for increased law enforcement as its citizens suffer increased crime, unemployment, environmental harm, and social disorder due to illegal immigration.”Because the program beneficiaries will be entitled to work authorization, those additional workers “will drive down the wages of Texas residents, directly harming the State and its citizens,” the lawsuit says.Evelyn Wiese, an immigration attorney at Americans for Immigrant Justice, described the lawsuit as an “attack” on mixed status families who have spent years contributing to their communities in the United States.“Trying to rip apart these families and prevent them from accessing a lawful pathway to status in the U.S. is cruel and reflective of anti-immigrant extremism,” she said.

Kan. joins lawsuit over plan to give immigrant spouses of US citizens legal status

WYANDOTTE COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another with critical injuries.

Just before 1:30 a.m., police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 900 block of Washington Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

First responders found a man outside and alert. EMS transported him to hospital for treatment of critical injuries.

A short time later,&nbsp; police discovered a second victim&nbsp; near the 800 block of Washington Boulevard. He was taken to a hospital, but he later died from his injuries.

According to KCKPD, this case is currently under investigation, and anyone with information regarding the deadly shooting is encouraged to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another with critical injuries.Just before 1:30 a.m., police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 900 block of Washington Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.First responders found a man outside and alert. EMS transported him to hospital for treatment of critical injuries.A short time later,&nbsp; police discovered a second victim&nbsp; near the 800 block of Washington Boulevard. He was taken to a hospital, but he later died from his injuries.According to KCKPD, this case is currently under investigation, and anyone with information regarding the deadly shooting is encouraged to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

One dead, one hospitalized after Kansas shooting

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A man drowned at a Kansas lake on Saturday.

Just after 5p.m. Saturday, emergency crews responded to report of a body in Wyandotte Co. Lake,&nbsp;91st and Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

First responders including the Kansas City, Kansas fire department helped recover the body. The man, identified as in his 60s, was pronounced deceased. Authorities are working to confirm his identity.

Anyone with information about the incident should report it to the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724585291515.png" alt="Anyone with information about the incident should report it to the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.-File photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Anyone with information about the incident should report it to the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.-File photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A man drowned at a Kansas lake on Saturday.Just after 5p.m. Saturday, emergency crews responded to report of a body in Wyandotte Co. Lake,&nbsp;91st and Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.First responders including the Kansas City, Kansas fire department helped recover the body. The man, identified as in his 60s, was pronounced deceased. Authorities are working to confirm his identity.Anyone with information about the incident should report it to the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Police: Body of man recovered from Kansas lake 

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Saturday in Johnson County.

The crash involving a minivan and a semi-truck occurred in&nbsp; area of East Old 56 Highway and South Lone Elm Road in Olathe, according to Olathe Police&nbsp;Sergeant John Moncayo.

First responders observed found the driver and sole occupant of the minivan was a 77-year-old woman who was unresponsive. Life-saving measures were performed on the woman while on scene, but she was later declared deceased., according to Moncayo. The 42-year-old male driver of the semi-truck remained on scene.

This case remains under investigation by the Olathe Police Department. Police have not released the name of the woman who died.&nbsp; Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Saturday in Johnson County.The crash involving a minivan and a semi-truck occurred in&nbsp; area of East Old 56 Highway and South Lone Elm Road in Olathe, according to Olathe Police&nbsp;Sergeant John Moncayo.First responders observed found the driver and sole occupant of the minivan was a 77-year-old woman who was unresponsive. Life-saving measures were performed on the woman while on scene, but she was later declared deceased., according to Moncayo. The 42-year-old male driver of the semi-truck remained on scene.This case remains under investigation by the Olathe Police Department. Police have not released the name of the woman who died.&nbsp; Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

Woman dies after minivan, semi crash on Kansas highway

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A former babysitter pleaded guilty to manslaughter Wednesday for the 2019 death of a man she was accused of disabling as an infant 40 years ago.

Terry McKirchy, 62, accepted a plea deal for the death of Benjamin Dowling, who died at 35 after a life of severe disabilities caused by a brain hemorrhage he suffered in 1984 when he was 5 months old while at McKirchy’s suburban Fort Lauderdale home. Investigators believed she caused the injury by shaking him.

In a letter of apology read to Dowling's parents by her attorney, assistant public defender David Fry, McKirchy said she was feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by taking care of numerous children and struck him, causing his injuries.

McKirchy, who now lives in Sugar Land, Texas, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-fort-lauderdale-a214d18c2228d8485079d64ded606fbe">indicted with first-degree murder</a>&nbsp;by a Broward County grand jury three years ago after an autopsy concluded Dowling died from his decades-old injuries. He never crawled, walked, talked or fed himself, his family has said.

She voluntarily entered the Broward County Jail on May 29 after having been free on $100,000 bail since shortly after her indictment.

This isn't the first time McKirchy has taken a deal in connection with Dowling's injuries, receiving an exceptionally light sentence after pleading no contest to attempted murder in 1985. Then six months pregnant with her third child and facing 12 to 17 years in prison, she was sentenced to weekends in jail until giving birth. She was then freed and put on probation for three years.

At the time, she insisted she was innocent, telling reporters that her “conscience is clear." She said then that she took the deal because wanted to put the case behind her and be with her children.

Prosecutors called the sentence “therapeutic” but didn’t explain at the time. Ryal Gaudiosi, then McKirchy’s public defender, said the sentence was “fair under the circumstances.” He died in 2009.

Rae and Joe Dowling had been married four years when Benjamin was born Jan. 13, 1984. Both Dowlings worked, so they hired McKirchy, then 22, to babysit him at her home.

Rae Dowling told investigators that when she picked up Benjamin from McKirchy on July 3, 1984, his body was limp and his fists were clenched. She rushed him to the hospital, where doctors concluded he had suffered a brain hemorrhage from severe shaking. McKirchy was arrested within days.

The Dowlings told reporters in 1985 they were stunned when prosecutors told them minutes before a court hearing of the plea deal McKirchy would receive.

The Dowlings said in a 2021 statement that Benjamin endured several surgeries in his life, including having metal rods placed along his spine. He got nourishment through a feeding tube and attended rehab and special schools. The Dowlings had two more children and would take Benjamin to their games and performances. The family moved to Florida’s Gulf Coast in the late 1990s. He died at their home on Sept. 16, 2019.

“Benjamin would never know how much he was loved and could never tell others of his love for them,” they said. “Benjamin did smile when he was around his family, although he could never verbalize anything, we believe he knew who we were and that we were working hard to help him.”

Shaken baby syndrome first gained national attention in the 1970s as an explanation for the sudden deaths of infants and young children who had no outward signs of abuse. It would be diagnosed if the child had swelling of the brain, bleeding on the brain’s surface and bleeding behind the retinas.

But over the past 25 years, research has shown that those symptoms can also be caused by genetic problems, disease and accidents. The University of Michigan’s National Registry of Exonerations lists 29 shaken baby convictions that have been overturned since 2000.

<a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/145/4/e20200203/36936/Abusive-Head-Trauma-in-Infants-and-Children?autologincheck=redirected">The American Academy of Pediatrics</a>, which now uses the term “abusive head trauma,” says about 1 in 3,000 babies under 1 are abused annually by shaking and about a quarter of those are fatally injured.

It says doctors should be alert to bruising of the torso, ears and neck in children under 4 years old and any bruising in infants younger than 4 months as signs of possible shaking.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724264687411.png" alt="McKirchy photo Broward Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>McKirchy photo Broward Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A former babysitter pleaded guilty to manslaughter Wednesday for the 2019 death of a man she was accused of disabling as an infant 40 years ago.Terry McKirchy, 62, accepted a plea deal for the death of Benjamin Dowling, who died at 35 after a life of severe disabilities caused by a brain hemorrhage he suffered in 1984 when he was 5 months old while at McKirchy’s suburban Fort Lauderdale home. Investigators believed she caused the injury by shaking him.In a letter of apology read to Dowling's parents by her attorney, assistant public defender David Fry, McKirchy said she was feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by taking care of numerous children and struck him, causing his injuries.McKirchy, who now lives in Sugar Land, Texas, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-fort-lauderdale-a214d18c2228d8485079d64ded606fbe">indicted with first-degree murder</a>&nbsp;by a Broward County grand jury three years ago after an autopsy concluded Dowling died from his decades-old injuries. He never crawled, walked, talked or fed himself, his family has said.She voluntarily entered the Broward County Jail on May 29 after having been free on $100,000 bail since shortly after her indictment.This isn't the first time McKirchy has taken a deal in connection with Dowling's injuries, receiving an exceptionally light sentence after pleading no contest to attempted murder in 1985. Then six months pregnant with her third child and facing 12 to 17 years in prison, she was sentenced to weekends in jail until giving birth. She was then freed and put on probation for three years.At the time, she insisted she was innocent, telling reporters that her “conscience is clear." She said then that she took the deal because wanted to put the case behind her and be with her children.Prosecutors called the sentence “therapeutic” but didn’t explain at the time. Ryal Gaudiosi, then McKirchy’s public defender, said the sentence was “fair under the circumstances.” He died in 2009.Rae and Joe Dowling had been married four years when Benjamin was born Jan. 13, 1984. Both Dowlings worked, so they hired McKirchy, then 22, to babysit him at her home.Rae Dowling told investigators that when she picked up Benjamin from McKirchy on July 3, 1984, his body was limp and his fists were clenched. She rushed him to the hospital, where doctors concluded he had suffered a brain hemorrhage from severe shaking. McKirchy was arrested within days.The Dowlings told reporters in 1985 they were stunned when prosecutors told them minutes before a court hearing of the plea deal McKirchy would receive.The Dowlings said in a 2021 statement that Benjamin endured several surgeries in his life, including having metal rods placed along his spine. He got nourishment through a feeding tube and attended rehab and special schools. The Dowlings had two more children and would take Benjamin to their games and performances. The family moved to Florida’s Gulf Coast in the late 1990s. He died at their home on Sept. 16, 2019.“Benjamin would never know how much he was loved and could never tell others of his love for them,” they said. “Benjamin did smile when he was around his family, although he could never verbalize anything, we believe he knew who we were and that we were working hard to help him.”Shaken baby syndrome first gained national attention in the 1970s as an explanation for the sudden deaths of infants and young children who had no outward signs of abuse. It would be diagnosed if the child had swelling of the brain, bleeding on the brain’s surface and bleeding behind the retinas.But over the past 25 years, research has shown that those symptoms can also be caused by genetic problems, disease and accidents. The University of Michigan’s National Registry of Exonerations lists 29 shaken baby convictions that have been overturned since 2000.<a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/145/4/e20200203/36936/Abusive-Head-Trauma-in-Infants-and-Children?autologincheck=redirected">The American Academy of Pediatrics</a>, which now uses the term “abusive head trauma,” says about 1 in 3,000 babies under 1 are abused annually by shaking and about a quarter of those are fatally injured.It says doctors should be alert to bruising of the torso, ears and neck in children under 4 years old and any bruising in infants younger than 4 months as signs of possible shaking.

Babysitter pleads guilty in 2019 death of man she injured as a baby

BARBER COUNTY —It was very hot in Kansas Saturday. At 7p.m. Satuday the&nbsp;National Weather Service said Medicine Lodge reached 115 degrees.

The temperature made the Barber County community the hottest city in the contiguous United States.

he excessive heat will continue Sunday with heat indices approaching 110 degrees once again. A stray storm cannot be ruled out, especially west of Interstate 135, according to the National Weather Service.&nbsp;

BARBER COUNTY —It was very hot in Kansas Saturday. At 7p.m. Satuday the&nbsp;National Weather Service said Medicine Lodge reached 115 degrees.The temperature made the Barber County community the hottest city in the contiguous United States.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As of 7 pm CDT this evening, Medicine Lodge, KS was the hottest temperature in contiguous U.S. today with a high of 115F! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/nA6V3PiB3U">pic.twitter.com/nA6V3PiB3U</a>&mdash; NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWichita/status/1827508661943681228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>he excessive heat will continue Sunday with heat indices approaching 110 degrees once again. A stray storm cannot be ruled out, especially west of Interstate 135, according to the National Weather Service.&nbsp;

Kan. town records hottest temperature in U.S. on Saturday

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an alleged violent crime.&nbsp;

Just after 11 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a reported domestic disturbance in the 1100 block of SW Medford Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Michael Hren.

 It was reported that a man who was experiencing a mental health crisis was acting erratically.

Police responded and made every attempt to make contact with the suspect later identified as 24-year-old Lucas Martin, but he refused to exit the home.

&nbsp;Around 2:45 p.m., police left the scene. No injuries were reported from the incident. Around 3:30 p.m., police received the report that Martin had battered someone who is known to him and was walking in the area. 

Officers responded and took the suspect into custody. As a result of the investigation Martin was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/ family member or dating relationship.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724422250104.png" alt="Martin -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Martin -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an alleged violent crime.&nbsp;Just after 11 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a reported domestic disturbance in the 1100 block of SW Medford Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Michael Hren. It was reported that a man who was experiencing a mental health crisis was acting erratically.Police responded and made every attempt to make contact with the suspect later identified as 24-year-old Lucas Martin, but he refused to exit the home.&nbsp;Around 2:45 p.m., police left the scene. No injuries were reported from the incident. Around 3:30 p.m., police received the report that Martin had battered someone who is known to him and was walking in the area. Officers responded and took the suspect into custody. As a result of the investigation Martin was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/ family member or dating relationship.

Kan. man accused of violent attack on family member

TOPEKA—A federal grand jury in Kansas returned an indictment this week charging seven defendants, including five current and former high-level officers of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmith, Forgers and Helpers (Boilermakers Union) for their alleged roles in a 15-year, $20 million embezzlement scheme, according to the United State's Attorney.

The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit offenses under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, as well as other charges including embezzlement, health care fraud, wire fraud, and theft in connection with health care and retirement plans.

“As alleged in the indictment, these defendants, including two former presidents of the Boilermakers Union, enriched themselves by spending millions of dollars in union funds for their own benefit, including for salary and benefits for no-show jobs, tuition, rent, luxury international travel, meals, vacation payouts, and unauthorized loans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This indictment marks an important step in restoring financial security to the Boilermakers Union and control of the union’s future to its membership. The department is committed to protecting union members from officials who abuse their positions of authority for their own personal ends.”

The defendants are former union president Newton Jones, 71, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; former secretary-treasurer William Creeden, 76, of Kearney, Missouri; former president Truman “Warren” Fairley, 59, of Chapel Hill; current secretary-treasurer Kathy Stapp, 53, of Shawnee, Kansas; former vice president Lawrence McManamon, 76, of Rocky River, Ohio; Kateryna Jones, 32, of Chapel Hill; and Cullen Jones 35, of Chapel Hill.

“Union members pay their dues believing union leaders will use the money in support of the organization’s mission to advocate for and protect employment rights,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. “The Department of Justice is deeply concerned whenever there are accusations of fraud and misappropriation of union funds.”

“The employees believed the Union executives would promote and protect their best interests. Instead, they allegedly utilized their positions for personal and financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “By allegedly unlawfully misappropriating Union funds, the defendants betrayed their members’ trust and confidence. Anyone who unlawfully profits at the expense of others will be held accountable.”

“We would like to thank our fellow law enforcement partners, the Criminal Division, and the United States Attorney’s Office for working collaboratively to bring change within the Boilermakers International Union,” said District Director Christiane Abendroth of the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS). “Today’s indictment of seven defendants, including five current and former high-level officers, is a direct result of OLMS’s audit findings and a multi-agency criminal investigation. We look forward to obtaining justice for the rank-and-file union members by removing officers who allegedly treated the union as their personal piggy bank.”

Over the course of 15 years, the defendants, led by Newton Jones and William Creeden, allegedly engaged in widespread embezzlement of the funds of the Boilermakers Union including:

The indictment also charges Newton Jones and Creeden with wire fraud relating to their alleged demand and acceptance of no-show employment with the Bank of Labor for which they were paid more than $3.4 million each in salary, benefit contributions, and other paid benefits. The indictment additionally seeks forfeiture of $20 million.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the RICO conspiracy count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580399075295.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—A federal grand jury in Kansas returned an indictment this week charging seven defendants, including five current and former high-level officers of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmith, Forgers and Helpers (Boilermakers Union) for their alleged roles in a 15-year, $20 million embezzlement scheme, according to the United State's Attorney.The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit offenses under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, as well as other charges including embezzlement, health care fraud, wire fraud, and theft in connection with health care and retirement plans.“As alleged in the indictment, these defendants, including two former presidents of the Boilermakers Union, enriched themselves by spending millions of dollars in union funds for their own benefit, including for salary and benefits for no-show jobs, tuition, rent, luxury international travel, meals, vacation payouts, and unauthorized loans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This indictment marks an important step in restoring financial security to the Boilermakers Union and control of the union’s future to its membership. The department is committed to protecting union members from officials who abuse their positions of authority for their own personal ends.”The defendants are former union president Newton Jones, 71, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; former secretary-treasurer William Creeden, 76, of Kearney, Missouri; former president Truman “Warren” Fairley, 59, of Chapel Hill; current secretary-treasurer Kathy Stapp, 53, of Shawnee, Kansas; former vice president Lawrence McManamon, 76, of Rocky River, Ohio; Kateryna Jones, 32, of Chapel Hill; and Cullen Jones 35, of Chapel Hill.“Union members pay their dues believing union leaders will use the money in support of the organization’s mission to advocate for and protect employment rights,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. “The Department of Justice is deeply concerned whenever there are accusations of fraud and misappropriation of union funds.”“The employees believed the Union executives would promote and protect their best interests. Instead, they allegedly utilized their positions for personal and financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “By allegedly unlawfully misappropriating Union funds, the defendants betrayed their members’ trust and confidence. Anyone who unlawfully profits at the expense of others will be held accountable.”“We would like to thank our fellow law enforcement partners, the Criminal Division, and the United States Attorney’s Office for working collaboratively to bring change within the Boilermakers International Union,” said District Director Christiane Abendroth of the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS). “Today’s indictment of seven defendants, including five current and former high-level officers, is a direct result of OLMS’s audit findings and a multi-agency criminal investigation. We look forward to obtaining justice for the rank-and-file union members by removing officers who allegedly treated the union as their personal piggy bank.”Over the course of 15 years, the defendants, led by Newton Jones and William Creeden, allegedly engaged in widespread embezzlement of the funds of the Boilermakers Union including:<ul>
 <li>Over $5 million in unnecessary luxury international travel;</li><li>Over $2 million in salary and benefits to Kateryna Jones and Cullen Jones for no-show jobs, at which they were not required to work, including payment of two years of salary to Kateryna Jones for a period when she resided in Ukraine and was dating Newton Jones;</li><li>Hundreds of thousands of dollars in tuition, rent, and relocation expenses for members of the family of Newton Jones;</li><li>Millions of dollars in cash payments relating to fraudulently claimed vacation time;</li><li>Hundreds of fraudulent restaurant charges by Newton Jones and Kateryna Jones in their hometown;</li><li>Funds wrongly expended to engage in email surveillance of Union employees to defend Newton Jones and McManamon from internal union charges; and</li><li>$7 million in loans from the Boilermakers Union MORE Fund executed by Newton Jones and Creeden to the Bank of Labor, which were not authorized under the terms of the Boilermakers Union constitution or its conflict-of-interest policy.</li>
 </ul>The indictment also charges Newton Jones and Creeden with wire fraud relating to their alleged demand and acceptance of no-show employment with the Bank of Labor for which they were paid more than $3.4 million each in salary, benefit contributions, and other paid benefits. The indictment additionally seeks forfeiture of $20 million.If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the RICO conspiracy count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.The FBI Kansas City Field Office and the Department of Labor are investigating the case.Trial Attorney Vincent Falvo of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Faiza Alhambra and Jabari Wamble for the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case.An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.