SEDGWICK COUNTY — A driver charged in a crash that killed two Kansas women was due back in court on Monday. The hearing was continued, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Clowie Ann McLaughlin, 80, Augusta, was to appear in Judge Roger Woods courtroom. She&nbsp;is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, severity level 4 person felonies, in the deaths of 42-year-old LaShea Bell and her daughter, 25-year-old A’Niah Bell.

The crash happened around 9:35 p.m.&nbsp; August 30, at the intersection of Central and Webb Road in Wichita

. According to Wichita police, McLaughlin’s black Chevrolet truck collided with a white BMW carrying the Bells and a gray Jeep driven by a 41-year-old man. LaShea Bell was pronounced dead at the scene, while A’Niah Bell later died at a local hospital. The Jeep driver was treated at the scene and released.

Police said speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors in the collision. McLaughlin was taken to a hospital for treatment of her own injuries and was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail after being medically cleared. She bonded out of jail the following day after posting a $100,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757541241700.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A driver charged in a crash that killed two Kansas women was due back in court on Monday. The hearing was continued, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756722147795.png" alt="-Clowie Ann McLaughlin -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>-Clowie Ann McLaughlin -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Clowie Ann McLaughlin, 80, Augusta, was to appear in Judge Roger Woods courtroom. She&nbsp;is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, severity level 4 person felonies, in the deaths of 42-year-old LaShea Bell and her daughter, 25-year-old A’Niah Bell.The crash happened around 9:35 p.m.&nbsp; August 30, at the intersection of Central and Webb Road in Wichita. According to Wichita police, McLaughlin’s black Chevrolet truck collided with a white BMW carrying the Bells and a gray Jeep driven by a 41-year-old man. LaShea Bell was pronounced dead at the scene, while A’Niah Bell later died at a local hospital. The Jeep driver was treated at the scene and released.Police said speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors in the collision. McLaughlin was taken to a hospital for treatment of her own injuries and was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail after being medically cleared. She bonded out of jail the following day after posting a $100,000 bond.

Hearing postponed for driver in crash that killed 2 Kan. women 

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Fort Hays State University released a statement following the posting of comments by an assistant professor on Facebook.

Scott Cason, FHSU’s chief communications officer, said in a <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/09/fort-hays-state-university-statement-regarding-recent-social-media-post-about-race-and-violence#gsc.tab=0">press release</a>&nbsp;the university is aware of content on the X account Libs of TikTok linking a faculty member to social media posts about Charlie Kirk.

"Individuals who post commentaries to their personal social media accounts do not speak for the University, nor does their commentary reflect the views or values of this university," Cason said.

Cason commended the FHSU College Republicans, Young Democrats and American Democracy Project for their efforts to engage with the campus in meaningful dialogue.

Cason said FHSU is reviewing the situation as a confidential personnel matter and asks for patience as they address it.

On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department posted the following:

The X account Libs of TikTok shared the screenshot Sunday, tagging the FHSU X page and asking for comment. The post said Chance called Kirk’s killing “karma” and described white American men as “dangerous animals.”

The post also featured the following screenshot from Chance’s personal Facebook account, which is no longer publicly accessible.

Before making her profile private, Chance responded to the Libs of TikTok posts with a post that read, “Cry me a river.”

The post from Libs of TikTok, which has more than 4.4 million followers on X, also directed users to unrelated FHSU posts, where they left comments about Chance and her remarks on social media.

Chance's work email and phone number were also included in the post. Hays Post reached out to Chance for comment, but she declined to comment until "this all blows over."

Libs of TikTok is a right-wing social media account that curates and reposts videos of LGBTQ+ individuals, educators and health care providers and is designed to provoke outrage among conservative followers.

On Sept. 16, the FHSU American Democracy Project, Student Government Association, College Republicans and Young Democrats hosted a student discussion on political violence in America, which Hays Post was not permitted to attend.

The American Democracy Project also hosted an event to discuss the Constitution and the ideological motivations and influences of its framing, the same week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757536828691.jpeg" alt="Charlie Kirk" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Kirk</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFort Hays State University released a statement following the posting of comments by an assistant professor on Facebook.Scott Cason, FHSU’s chief communications officer, said in a <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/09/fort-hays-state-university-statement-regarding-recent-social-media-post-about-race-and-violence#gsc.tab=0">press release</a>&nbsp;the university is aware of content on the X account Libs of TikTok linking a faculty member to social media posts about Charlie Kirk."Individuals who post commentaries to their personal social media accounts do not speak for the University, nor does their commentary reflect the views or values of this university," Cason said.Cason commended the FHSU College Republicans, Young Democrats and American Democracy Project for their efforts to engage with the campus in meaningful dialogue.Cason said FHSU is reviewing the situation as a confidential personnel matter and asks for patience as they address it.On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department posted the following:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759177549706.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759182814757.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The X account Libs of TikTok shared the screenshot Sunday, tagging the FHSU X page and asking for comment. The post said Chance called Kirk’s killing “karma” and described white American men as “dangerous animals.”The post also featured the following screenshot from Chance’s personal Facebook account, which is no longer publicly accessible.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759177637900.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Before making her profile private, Chance responded to the Libs of TikTok posts with a post that read, “Cry me a river.”The post from Libs of TikTok, which has more than 4.4 million followers on X, also directed users to unrelated FHSU posts, where they left comments about Chance and her remarks on social media.Chance's work email and phone number were also included in the post. Hays Post reached out to Chance for comment, but she declined to comment until "this all blows over."Libs of TikTok is a right-wing social media account that curates and reposts videos of LGBTQ+ individuals, educators and health care providers and is designed to provoke outrage among conservative followers.On Sept. 16, the FHSU American Democracy Project, Student Government Association, College Republicans and Young Democrats hosted a student discussion on political violence in America, which Hays Post was not permitted to attend.The American Democracy Project also hosted an event to discuss the Constitution and the ideological motivations and influences of its framing, the same week.

FHSU assistant professor under review for posts about Charlie Kirk

"We need to stop accepting thoughts and prayers as a substitute for actual investment in saving lives. This officer died trying to protect someone. We owe it to his sacrifice to build a system that works." 

— Jennifer Hecker, director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.

If you are domestic violence victim, you can access help,&nbsp;call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411. For more on Options' services, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/00ebb752-0851-47cb-b62e-cf175f298b31">CLICK HERE.</a>

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Four police officers have been killed this year in the line of duty in Kansas. Two of those four, including Hays Sgt. Scott Heimann, were killed responding to domestic violence calls.

Early Sunday morning, a woman called 911 and said she had escaped a domestic violence situation.

The woman reported that while she attempted to flee, her significant other, identified as Zane Wickham, 34, of Hays, drove his truck into her vehicle. She ran to a nearby home to call for help, according to the KBI.

When Heimann and officers were trying to set up a perimeter near the backyard of Wickham’s residence in the 2200 block of Downing, a single shot was fired from inside the house, and the round struck&nbsp;Heimann, according to the KBI.&nbsp;

Despite life-saving efforts, the officer died from his injuries.

Tactical teams entered the house and found Wickham deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In 2023, the Hays Police Department and Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services launched a program to try to intervene before domestic violence escalates to the point of severe injury or death.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0e23095e-92ee-4d2d-81df-6b263d4e263f">At that point, the last six murders in Hays were all connected to domestic violence.&nbsp;</a>

Officers were given a lethality survey to ask domestic violence victims, which was supposed to be accompanied by a call to an advocate at Options.

Jennifer Hecker, Options' executive director, said Options has struggled to fully implement the program because of a lack of funding.

Options has made three attempts for state funding and one attempt for federal funding to support a high-risk team coordinator. All four requests have been denied due to a lack of available funding, Hecker said.

Within the last month, Options reassigned its case manager to a position serving as the high-risk team coordinator.&nbsp;

"We made some internal changes to make that a priority despite the lack of funding for it," Hecker said.

She said this is the fourth domestic violence-related murder in Options' service area in a year.

"We are seeing domestic violence homicides rising sharply at a time when funding for advocacy organizations like ours is facing cuts," she said.

Hecker has also been a vocal advocate, calling for reform within our judicial system.

"Domestic violence is not considered a serious crime," she said. "It's not treated as systemic terrorism that domestic violence actually represents.

"Domestic violence isn't less deadly, because it's happening between a husband and wife or two people in a relationship," she said.

She said that with a well-functioning high-risk team, we can prevent these things from happening.

"We can reduce risk," she said. "If we had a full-operational high-risk team, we could intervene before officers walk into death traps," Hecker said.

Hecker, as well as Kati Blackburn of Jana's Campaign, noted that domestic violence does not only affect the two people in the relationship.

In the incident on Sunday, people were evacuated from their homes.

 Children who witness abuse can face long-term trauma. Families and friends lose loved ones. Coworkers, neighbors, and bystanders can become unintended victims, Blackburn said in a press release issued Monday.

According to national research, 13.9% of officer-involved shootings occur in response to domestic violence incidents (wcadv.org, 2020). This stark reality underscores the urgent need for prevention strategies and education at every level of the community, the release said.

“Our hearts are with all who have been impacted by the recent incidents here in our home community of Hays,” Blackburn added. “Incidents like this remind us why prevention education is necessary.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dd421f47-4d2f-4848-b265-72e711ada80a">SEE THE FULL JANA'S CAMPAIGN HERE.</a>

Jana's Campaign is an organization that promotes education and prevention of relationship violence. It often focuses on youth and young adult programs.

The program was founded by Christine and Curt Brungardt of Hays after a former boyfriend murdered their daughter.

“We know the devastating impacts of domestic violence fatality as our organization was created as a result of our own family tragedy,” said Curt Brungardt, co-founder of Jana’s Campaign in the press release.

“Every call for help represents not just a private dispute, but a potential life-or-death crisis that can ripple outward and harm innocent people.”

Hecker also sent her condolences to the officer's family, first responders, Hays Police Department and the domestic violence victim.

However, she said&nbsp;condolences are not enough.

"We need to stop accepting thoughts and prayers as a substitute for actual investment in saving lives. This officer died trying to protect someone. We owe it to his sacrifice to build a system that works," Hecker said. ...

"Domestic violence is dangerous. When are we going to do something? What will it take?"

She added, "If I could say one thing to the victim, it would be, 'This is not your fault."

Hecker said Options services are available for anyone who has been affected by this tragedy.

Wickham had a criminal history, according to court records.

He was charged with a count of aggravated battery and three counts of battery in 2011. He pleaded no contest to all four charges, according to court records.

In May 2012, he entered a diversion agreement.

He also entered a diversion agreement for a felony as a juvenile, according to court records.

In 2024, he was arrested on charges of DUI, disorderly conduct, interference with a law enforcement officer and other traffic violations. That case was on appeal as of Sept. 5, according to court records.

<h2>"We need to stop accepting thoughts and prayers as a substitute for actual investment in saving lives. This officer died trying to protect someone. We owe it to his sacrifice to build a system that works." </h2>— Jennifer Hecker, director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.If you are domestic violence victim, you can access help,&nbsp;call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411. For more on Options' services, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/00ebb752-0851-47cb-b62e-cf175f298b31">CLICK HERE.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759175264871.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFour police officers have been killed this year in the line of duty in Kansas. Two of those four, including Hays Sgt. Scott Heimann, were killed responding to domestic violence calls.Early Sunday morning, a woman called 911 and said she had escaped a domestic violence situation.The woman reported that while she attempted to flee, her significant other, identified as Zane Wickham, 34, of Hays, drove his truck into her vehicle. She ran to a nearby home to call for help, according to the KBI.When Heimann and officers were trying to set up a perimeter near the backyard of Wickham’s residence in the 2200 block of Downing, a single shot was fired from inside the house, and the round struck&nbsp;Heimann, according to the KBI.&nbsp;Despite life-saving efforts, the officer died from his injuries.Tactical teams entered the house and found Wickham deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.In 2023, the Hays Police Department and Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services launched a program to try to intervene before domestic violence escalates to the point of severe injury or death.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0e23095e-92ee-4d2d-81df-6b263d4e263f">At that point, the last six murders in Hays were all connected to domestic violence.&nbsp;</a>Officers were given a lethality survey to ask domestic violence victims, which was supposed to be accompanied by a call to an advocate at Options.Jennifer Hecker, Options' executive director, said Options has struggled to fully implement the program because of a lack of funding.Options has made three attempts for state funding and one attempt for federal funding to support a high-risk team coordinator. All four requests have been denied due to a lack of available funding, Hecker said.Within the last month, Options reassigned its case manager to a position serving as the high-risk team coordinator.&nbsp;"We made some internal changes to make that a priority despite the lack of funding for it," Hecker said.She said this is the fourth domestic violence-related murder in Options' service area in a year."We are seeing domestic violence homicides rising sharply at a time when funding for advocacy organizations like ours is facing cuts," she said.Hecker has also been a vocal advocate, calling for reform within our judicial system."Domestic violence is not considered a serious crime," she said. "It's not treated as systemic terrorism that domestic violence actually represents."Domestic violence isn't less deadly, because it's happening between a husband and wife or two people in a relationship," she said.She said that with a well-functioning high-risk team, we can prevent these things from happening."We can reduce risk," she said. "If we had a full-operational high-risk team, we could intervene before officers walk into death traps," Hecker said.Hecker, as well as Kati Blackburn of Jana's Campaign, noted that domestic violence does not only affect the two people in the relationship.In the incident on Sunday, people were evacuated from their homes. Children who witness abuse can face long-term trauma. Families and friends lose loved ones. Coworkers, neighbors, and bystanders can become unintended victims, Blackburn said in a press release issued Monday.According to national research, 13.9% of officer-involved shootings occur in response to domestic violence incidents (wcadv.org, 2020). This stark reality underscores the urgent need for prevention strategies and education at every level of the community, the release said.“Our hearts are with all who have been impacted by the recent incidents here in our home community of Hays,” Blackburn added. “Incidents like this remind us why prevention education is necessary.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dd421f47-4d2f-4848-b265-72e711ada80a">SEE THE FULL JANA'S CAMPAIGN HERE.</a>Jana's Campaign is an organization that promotes education and prevention of relationship violence. It often focuses on youth and young adult programs.The program was founded by Christine and Curt Brungardt of Hays after a former boyfriend murdered their daughter.“We know the devastating impacts of domestic violence fatality as our organization was created as a result of our own family tragedy,” said Curt Brungardt, co-founder of Jana’s Campaign in the press release.“Every call for help represents not just a private dispute, but a potential life-or-death crisis that can ripple outward and harm innocent people.”Hecker also sent her condolences to the officer's family, first responders, Hays Police Department and the domestic violence victim.However, she said&nbsp;condolences are not enough."We need to stop accepting thoughts and prayers as a substitute for actual investment in saving lives. This officer died trying to protect someone. We owe it to his sacrifice to build a system that works," Hecker said. ..."Domestic violence is dangerous. When are we going to do something? What will it take?"She added, "If I could say one thing to the victim, it would be, 'This is not your fault."Hecker said Options services are available for anyone who has been affected by this tragedy.Wickham had a criminal history, according to court records.He was charged with a count of aggravated battery and three counts of battery in 2011. He pleaded no contest to all four charges, according to court records.In May 2012, he entered a diversion agreement.He also entered a diversion agreement for a felony as a juvenile, according to court records.In 2024, he was arrested on charges of DUI, disorderly conduct, interference with a law enforcement officer and other traffic violations. That case was on appeal as of Sept. 5, according to court records.

Domestic violence prevention groups call for action after shooting; suspect had criminal record

The dignified transfer of Sgt. Scott Heimann from Wichita is expected to arrive in Hays between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30.

They will enter the city of Hays via I-70, Exit 157, traveling south on U.S. 183 Bypass, turning east on 27th Street. They will continue south on Hall Street, east on 13th Street, north on Vine Street, turning west on 20th Street to conclude at Hays Memorial Chapel, 1906 Pine St.

Please be aware traffic delays may be experienced during this time.

The city of Hays appreciates resident patience.

Residents are encouraged to line the route and welcome Scott home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759157806286.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe dignified transfer of Sgt. Scott Heimann from Wichita is expected to arrive in Hays between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30.They will enter the city of Hays via I-70, Exit 157, traveling south on U.S. 183 Bypass, turning east on 27th Street. They will continue south on Hall Street, east on 13th Street, north on Vine Street, turning west on 20th Street to conclude at Hays Memorial Chapel, 1906 Pine St.Please be aware traffic delays may be experienced during this time.The city of Hays appreciates resident patience.Residents are encouraged to line the route and welcome Scott home.See Hays Post for coverage.

Update: Vehicle escort for fallen officer to pass through Hays today, see the Hays Post for coverage

WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congressional-budget-office-swagel-trump-bill-3a76f5ce1f7bd02c1dac2269d87d91db">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;has become a recurring event in Washington, though most of the time lawmakers and the president are able to head it off. This time, however, prospects for a last-minute compromise look rather bleak.

Republicans have crafted a short-term measure to fund the government through Nov. 21, but Democrats have insisted that the measure address their concerns on health care. They want to reverse the Medicaid cuts in President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-un-sabotage-sinister-escalator-teleprompter-4ea2203722a9afabc991ac6626fff948">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;mega-bill passed this summer as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-food-stamps-6542e448a2f6ed7b93ab8f7fe84ac53a">extend tax credits</a>&nbsp;that make health insurance premiums more affordable for millions who purchase through the marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act. Republicans say that’s all a non-starter.

Neither side is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-congress-government-shutdown-99d4cafe53209f6dc6ae5562c2ac79d2">showing any signs of budging</a>, with the House not even expected to be in session before a shutdown has begun.

Here’s a look at how a shutdown would occur.

When a lapse in funding occurs, the law requires agencies to cease activity and furlough their “non-excepted” employees. Excepted employees include those who perform work to protect life and property. They stay on the job but don’t get paid until after the shutdown has ended.

During the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9e91c2875ef244b494b8a5921b1a2138">35-day partial shutdown</a>&nbsp;in Trump’s first term, roughly 340,000 of the 800,000 federal workers at affected agencies were furloughed. The remainder were “excepted” and required to work.

What government work continues during a shutdown?

FBI investigators, CIA officers, air traffic controllers and agents manning airport checkpoints continue to work. So do members of the Armed Forces.

Those programs that rely on mandatory spending also generally continue during a shutdown.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-data-department-of-government-efficiency-f8b842c3eeaea5a304c690fba9b032ef">Social Security checks</a>&nbsp;continue to go out. Seniors who rely on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-trust-fund-trump-74e13292f510739724a555d7ded7c1a3">Medicare coverage</a>&nbsp;can still go see their doctor and health care providers can still submit claims for payment and be reimbursed.

Veteran health care also continues during a shutdown. VA medical centers and outpatient clinics will be open and VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered. Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries.

Will furloughed federal workers get paid?

Congress has historically acted after shutdowns to pay federal workers for the days they were furloughed, though there were no guarantees it would do so. In 2019, however, Congress passed a bill enshrining into law the requirement that furloughed employees get retroactive pay once operations resume.

While they will eventually get paid, the furloughed workers as well as those who remain on the job may have to go without one or more of their regular paychecks, depending upon how long the shutdown lasts, which will create financial stress for many families.

Service members would receive back pay for any missed paychecks once federal funding resumes.

Yes, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-postal-services-us-suspended-tariffs-d74eb6022e8838f39bba8ed9588c74ba">U.S. Postal Service</a>&nbsp;is not affected by a government shutdown. The U.S. Postal Service is an independent entity that is funded through the sale of its products and services, and not by tax dollars.

All administrations get some leeway to choose which services to freeze and which to maintain in a shutdown.

The first Trump administration worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/66b50739f4b84063a2ff56dff3156712">blunt the impact</a>&nbsp;of what became the country’s longest partial shutdown in 2018 and 2019. But in the selective reopening of offices, experts say they saw a willingness to cut corners, scrap prior plans and wade into legally dubious territory to mitigate the pain.

Each federal agency develops its own shutdown plan that in the past was accessible on the Office of Management and Budget’s public website. So far, those plans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-resources/guidance/agency-contingency-plans/" target="_blank">have not been posted</a>. The plans outline which agency workers would stay on the job during a government shutdown and which would be furloughed.

In a provocative move, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-congress-government-shutdown-99d4cafe53209f6dc6ae5562c2ac79d2">threatened</a>&nbsp;the mass firing of federal workers in the event of a shutdown. An OMB memo released Wednesday said those programs that did not get funding through Trump’s mega-bill this summer would bear the brunt of a shutdown.

Agencies should consider issuing reduction-in-force notices for those programs whose funding expires Oct. 1, that don’t have alternative funding sources and are “not consistent with the President’s priorities,” the memo said.

That would be a much more aggressive step than in previous shutdowns when furloughed federal workers returned to their jobs once Congress approved government spending. A reduction in force would not only lay off employees but eliminate their positions, which would trigger yet another massive upheaval in a federal workforce that has already faced major rounds of cuts this year due to efforts from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-federal-takeover-economy-5a81e02a246995a066db375eb47c5692">Department of Government Efficiency</a>&nbsp;and elsewhere in the Trump administration.

Many shutdown plans submitted during the Biden administration are publicly available and some plans can be found on individual agency websites, providing an indication of past precedent that could guide the Trump administration.

—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-school-bathrooms-magnet-school-grants-06d63798411285a373d03793383199bf">Education Department</a>: “A protracted delay in Department obligations and payments beyond one week would severely curtail the cash flow to school districts, colleges and universities, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and other entities that depend on the Department’s discretionary funds to support their services.”

—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harriet-tubman-park-service-trump-dei-a8dbb6fa252518d0598aad5f0ce6f1ab">National Park Service</a>: As a general rule if a facility or area is inaccessible during non-business hours, it will be locked for the duration of the lapse in funding. At parks where it is impractical or impossible to restrict public access, staffing will vary by park. “Generally, where parks have accessible park areas, including park roads, lookouts, trails, campgrounds, and open-air memorials, these areas will remain physically accessible to the public.”

— Transportation: Air traffic controller hiring and field training would cease, as would routine personnel security background checks and air traffic performance analysis, according to a March 25&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/lapse" target="_blank">update</a>.

—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/smithsonian-trump-history-museum-teachers-3bfba38c574e9b72824f5b4c4f633d52">Smithsonian Institution</a>: “The Smithsonian’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/government-shutdown-faqs" target="_blank">National Zoo</a>&nbsp;and Conservation Biology Institute, like all Smithsonian museums, receives federal funding. Thus, during a government shutdown, the Zoo — and the rest of the Smithsonian museums — must close to the public.”

—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/autism-drug-leucovorin-trump-kennedy-d2b36faef3c4fc1f85e9fa9f958ad6c6">Food and Drug Administration</a>: “Work to protect animal health would be limited, only addressing imminent threats to human life. Similarly, food safety efforts ... would be reduced to emergency responses, as most of its funding comes from appropriations. Longer-term food safety initiatives, including the prevention of foodborne illnesses and diet-related diseases, would be halted.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691086285875.jpeg" alt="Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congressional-budget-office-swagel-trump-bill-3a76f5ce1f7bd02c1dac2269d87d91db">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;has become a recurring event in Washington, though most of the time lawmakers and the president are able to head it off. This time, however, prospects for a last-minute compromise look rather bleak.Republicans have crafted a short-term measure to fund the government through Nov. 21, but Democrats have insisted that the measure address their concerns on health care. They want to reverse the Medicaid cuts in President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-un-sabotage-sinister-escalator-teleprompter-4ea2203722a9afabc991ac6626fff948">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;mega-bill passed this summer as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-food-stamps-6542e448a2f6ed7b93ab8f7fe84ac53a">extend tax credits</a>&nbsp;that make health insurance premiums more affordable for millions who purchase through the marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act. Republicans say that’s all a non-starter.Neither side is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-congress-government-shutdown-99d4cafe53209f6dc6ae5562c2ac79d2">showing any signs of budging</a>, with the House not even expected to be in session before a shutdown has begun.Here’s a look at how a shutdown would occur.<h2>What happens in a shutdown?</h2>When a lapse in funding occurs, the law requires agencies to cease activity and furlough their “non-excepted” employees. Excepted employees include those who perform work to protect life and property. They stay on the job but don’t get paid until after the shutdown has ended.During the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9e91c2875ef244b494b8a5921b1a2138">35-day partial shutdown</a>&nbsp;in Trump’s first term, roughly 340,000 of the 800,000 federal workers at affected agencies were furloughed. The remainder were “excepted” and required to work.<h2>What government work continues during a shutdown?</h2>A great deal, actually.FBI investigators, CIA officers, air traffic controllers and agents manning airport checkpoints continue to work. So do members of the Armed Forces.Those programs that rely on mandatory spending also generally continue during a shutdown.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-data-department-of-government-efficiency-f8b842c3eeaea5a304c690fba9b032ef">Social Security checks</a>&nbsp;continue to go out. Seniors who rely on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-trust-fund-trump-74e13292f510739724a555d7ded7c1a3">Medicare coverage</a>&nbsp;can still go see their doctor and health care providers can still submit claims for payment and be reimbursed.Veteran health care also continues during a shutdown. VA medical centers and outpatient clinics will be open and VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered. Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries.<h2>Will furloughed federal workers get paid?</h2>Yes, but not until the shutdown is over.Congress has historically acted after shutdowns to pay federal workers for the days they were furloughed, though there were no guarantees it would do so. In 2019, however, Congress passed a bill enshrining into law the requirement that furloughed employees get retroactive pay once operations resume.While they will eventually get paid, the furloughed workers as well as those who remain on the job may have to go without one or more of their regular paychecks, depending upon how long the shutdown lasts, which will create financial stress for many families.Service members would receive back pay for any missed paychecks once federal funding resumes.<h2>Will I still get mail?</h2>Yes, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-postal-services-us-suspended-tariffs-d74eb6022e8838f39bba8ed9588c74ba">U.S. Postal Service</a>&nbsp;is not affected by a government shutdown. The U.S. Postal Service is an independent entity that is funded through the sale of its products and services, and not by tax dollars.<h2>What closes during a shutdown?</h2>All administrations get some leeway to choose which services to freeze and which to maintain in a shutdown.The first Trump administration worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/66b50739f4b84063a2ff56dff3156712">blunt the impact</a>&nbsp;of what became the country’s longest partial shutdown in 2018 and 2019. But in the selective reopening of offices, experts say they saw a willingness to cut corners, scrap prior plans and wade into legally dubious territory to mitigate the pain.Each federal agency develops its own shutdown plan that in the past was accessible on the Office of Management and Budget’s public website. So far, those plans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-resources/guidance/agency-contingency-plans/" target="_blank">have not been posted</a>. The plans outline which agency workers would stay on the job during a government shutdown and which would be furloughed.In a provocative move, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-congress-government-shutdown-99d4cafe53209f6dc6ae5562c2ac79d2">threatened</a>&nbsp;the mass firing of federal workers in the event of a shutdown. An OMB memo released Wednesday said those programs that did not get funding through Trump’s mega-bill this summer would bear the brunt of a shutdown.Agencies should consider issuing reduction-in-force notices for those programs whose funding expires Oct. 1, that don’t have alternative funding sources and are “not consistent with the President’s priorities,” the memo said.That would be a much more aggressive step than in previous shutdowns when furloughed federal workers returned to their jobs once Congress approved government spending. A reduction in force would not only lay off employees but eliminate their positions, which would trigger yet another massive upheaval in a federal workforce that has already faced major rounds of cuts this year due to efforts from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-federal-takeover-economy-5a81e02a246995a066db375eb47c5692">Department of Government Efficiency</a>&nbsp;and elsewhere in the Trump administration.<h2>Shutdown practices in the past</h2>Many shutdown plans submitted during the Biden administration are publicly available and some plans can be found on individual agency websites, providing an indication of past precedent that could guide the Trump administration.Here are some excerpts from those plans:—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-school-bathrooms-magnet-school-grants-06d63798411285a373d03793383199bf">Education Department</a>: “A protracted delay in Department obligations and payments beyond one week would severely curtail the cash flow to school districts, colleges and universities, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and other entities that depend on the Department’s discretionary funds to support their services.”—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harriet-tubman-park-service-trump-dei-a8dbb6fa252518d0598aad5f0ce6f1ab">National Park Service</a>: As a general rule if a facility or area is inaccessible during non-business hours, it will be locked for the duration of the lapse in funding. At parks where it is impractical or impossible to restrict public access, staffing will vary by park. “Generally, where parks have accessible park areas, including park roads, lookouts, trails, campgrounds, and open-air memorials, these areas will remain physically accessible to the public.”— Transportation: Air traffic controller hiring and field training would cease, as would routine personnel security background checks and air traffic performance analysis, according to a March 25&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/lapse" target="_blank">update</a>.—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/smithsonian-trump-history-museum-teachers-3bfba38c574e9b72824f5b4c4f633d52">Smithsonian Institution</a>: “The Smithsonian’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/government-shutdown-faqs" target="_blank">National Zoo</a>&nbsp;and Conservation Biology Institute, like all Smithsonian museums, receives federal funding. Thus, during a government shutdown, the Zoo — and the rest of the Smithsonian museums — must close to the public.”—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/autism-drug-leucovorin-trump-kennedy-d2b36faef3c4fc1f85e9fa9f958ad6c6">Food and Drug Administration</a>: “Work to protect animal health would be limited, only addressing imminent threats to human life. Similarly, food safety efforts ... would be reduced to emergency responses, as most of its funding comes from appropriations. Longer-term food safety initiatives, including the prevention of foodborne illnesses and diet-related diseases, would be halted.”

How the latest government shutdown would unfold

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

More than 125 children in the last 49 years — that's how many Mary Mellick has opened her home to in Hays through her child care.

"The kids are part of our lives. My husband and I, they're just like special grandkids and we're like grandparents to them at this point," Mellick said.

Mellick opened her child care so she could stay home with her four children, but it soon became a lifelong career. Although she faced challenges such as long hours and balancing her family life, she has continued to build lasting relationships.

"A good number of [former children] come by," she said. "They still treat me like family... I don't want that type of relationship and love between us to end."

In the early years, Mellick’s own children helped out at the child care, where she often cared for up to 10 children a day, clocking in from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mellick usually cares for children from infancy through about the age of 9, with many later returning as parents and bringing their own children to the child care.

Mellick said she has no plans to retire, so she has scaled back to caring for about three children a day to continue doing what she loves.

"The biggest challenges are the everyday struggles of toddlers and their mood swings. Raising other people's kids isn't always easy," she said.

Mellick said the close connections she has formed with the children she has cared for have even led to invitations to their weddings and graduations.

At her child care, Mellick employs a play-based learning approach, focusing on activities that teach social skills and promote appropriate public behavior. She added that the toys are purchased out of her own pocket.

Mellick said she has seen many changes since starting her child care, including shifts in family dynamics, generational differences and new state regulations that she has had to adjust to.

"For many years, this profession was not respected as a profession or a career, so I'm glad to see that the mindset is changing," she said.

Mellick advises those entering the child care field not to give up too soon, even when the rules and challenges seem overwhelming.

"The rewards are bigger than a paycheck," she said.

Brandy Ridgway, a parent who brought her children to Mellick years ago, nominated her as September’s Child Care Champion.

"Mary continues to treat them as if they are the most valuable children in the world,"&nbsp;Ridgway said of her children. "She goes out of her way to engage with them, show them love, encourage their growth and challenge them to be their best.

Her care and influence extend far beyond the walls of child care, leaving a lasting impact on both the children and their families. Mary truly embodies what it means to be a Child Care Champion."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f64ddb1-ba92-40fa-a22f-94a557aaf629">Nominate a Child Care Champion here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758825309285.jpeg" alt="Mary Mellick, September's Child Care Champion, of Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Mary Mellick, September's Child Care Champion, of Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostMore than 125 children in the last 49 years — that's how many Mary Mellick has opened her home to in Hays through her child care."The kids are part of our lives. My husband and I, they're just like special grandkids and we're like grandparents to them at this point," Mellick said.Mellick opened her child care so she could stay home with her four children, but it soon became a lifelong career. Although she faced challenges such as long hours and balancing her family life, she has continued to build lasting relationships."A good number of [former children] come by," she said. "They still treat me like family... I don't want that type of relationship and love between us to end."In the early years, Mellick’s own children helped out at the child care, where she often cared for up to 10 children a day, clocking in from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.Mellick usually cares for children from infancy through about the age of 9, with many later returning as parents and bringing their own children to the child care.Mellick said she has no plans to retire, so she has scaled back to caring for about three children a day to continue doing what she loves."The biggest challenges are the everyday struggles of toddlers and their mood swings. Raising other people's kids isn't always easy," she said.Mellick said the close connections she has formed with the children she has cared for have even led to invitations to their weddings and graduations.At her child care, Mellick employs a play-based learning approach, focusing on activities that teach social skills and promote appropriate public behavior. She added that the toys are purchased out of her own pocket.Mellick said she has seen many changes since starting her child care, including shifts in family dynamics, generational differences and new state regulations that she has had to adjust to."For many years, this profession was not respected as a profession or a career, so I'm glad to see that the mindset is changing," she said.Mellick advises those entering the child care field not to give up too soon, even when the rules and challenges seem overwhelming."The rewards are bigger than a paycheck," she said.Brandy Ridgway, a parent who brought her children to Mellick years ago, nominated her as September’s Child Care Champion."Mary continues to treat them as if they are the most valuable children in the world,"&nbsp;Ridgway said of her children. "She goes out of her way to engage with them, show them love, encourage their growth and challenge them to be their best.Her care and influence extend far beyond the walls of child care, leaving a lasting impact on both the children and their families. Mary truly embodies what it means to be a Child Care Champion."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f64ddb1-ba92-40fa-a22f-94a557aaf629">Nominate a Child Care Champion here.</a>

Child Care Champion scales back to continue her passion

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegset announced that he has decided that the 20 soldiers who received the Medal of Honor for their actions in 1890 at Wounded Knee will keep their awards&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecWar/status/1971342502650429458" target="_blank">in a video posted to social media</a>&nbsp;Thursday evening.

Hegseth’s predecessor, Lloyd Austin,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-medals-soldiers-wounded-knee-7c6a7cfd2b2d9ce6b4ce0d9731439cb4">ordered the review of the awards in 2024</a>&nbsp;after a Congressional recommendation in the 2022 defense bill — itself a reflection of efforts by some lawmakers to rescind the awards for those who participated in the bloody massacre on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation near Wounded Knee Creek.

While the events of that day are sometimes described as a battle, historical records show that the U.S. Army, which was in the midst of amid a campaign to repress the tribes in the area, killed an estimated 250 Native Americans, including women and children, of the Lakota Sioux tribe, while attempting to disarm Native American fighters who had already surrendered at their camp.

“We’re making it clear that (the soldiers) deserve those medals,” Hegseth said in the video, before adding that “their place in our nation’s history is no longer up for debate.”

After the fighting, Medals of Honor were given to 20 soldiers from the 7th Cavalry Regiment, and their awards cite a range of actions including bravery, efforts to rescue fellow troops and actions to “dislodge Sioux Indians” who were concealed in a ravine.

The event also became a celebrated part of the regiment’s history, with their&nbsp;<a href="https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/HeraldryMulti.aspx?CategoryId=3116&amp;grp=2&amp;menu=Uniformed%20Services" target="_blank">coat of arms still featuring the head of a Native American chief</a>&nbsp;to “commemorate Indian campaigns,” according to the military’s Institute of Heraldry.

In 1990, Congress apologized to the descendants of those killed at Wounded Knee but did not revoke the medals.

According to Hegseth, the review panel ordered by Austin “concluded that these brave soldiers should, in fact, rightfully keep their medals from actions,” but an official from the defense secretary’s office couldn’t say if the report he was referencing in the video would be made public.

President Donald Trump issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/restoring-truth-and-sanity-to-american-history/" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;in March titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” that decried efforts to reinterpret American history and, since then, Hegseth has undertaken multiple actions that have subverted the recommendations of a Congressionally-mandated commission that examined the use of Confederate names and references in the military.

He reverted the names of several Army bases back to their original, Confederate-linked names, though by honoring different figures.

Hegseth also restored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/confederate-memorial-arlington-national-cemetery-39de92aaafbe3765ca8fb8c343445c98">a 1914 memorial to the Confederacy</a>&nbsp;that was removed from Arlington National Cemetery. The monument features a classical female figure, crowned with olive leaves, representing the American South, alongside sanitized depictions of slavery.

In September, the US Military Academy at West Point, New York, also confirmed that a painting of Gen. Robert E. Lee dressed in his Confederate uniform was back on display in the school’s library after being removed in 2022. The portrait shows a Black man leading Lee’s horse in the background, which had been hanging in the library since the 1950s before it was placed in storage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759066705724.png" alt="Plastic flowers and American flags are placed atop graves at the Wounded Knee Memorial and cemetery on June 30, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)" />
 <figcaption>Plastic flowers and American flags are placed atop graves at the Wounded Knee Memorial and cemetery on June 30, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegset announced that he has decided that the 20 soldiers who received the Medal of Honor for their actions in 1890 at Wounded Knee will keep their awards&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecWar/status/1971342502650429458" target="_blank">in a video posted to social media</a>&nbsp;Thursday evening.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Under my direction, the soldiers who fought at the Battle of Wounded Knee will keep their medals. This decision is final. Their place in history is settled. <a href="https://t.co/klQlB6MZ6l">pic.twitter.com/klQlB6MZ6l</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1971342502650429458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Hegseth’s predecessor, Lloyd Austin,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-medals-soldiers-wounded-knee-7c6a7cfd2b2d9ce6b4ce0d9731439cb4">ordered the review of the awards in 2024</a>&nbsp;after a Congressional recommendation in the 2022 defense bill — itself a reflection of efforts by some lawmakers to rescind the awards for those who participated in the bloody massacre on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation near Wounded Knee Creek.While the events of that day are sometimes described as a battle, historical records show that the U.S. Army, which was in the midst of amid a campaign to repress the tribes in the area, killed an estimated 250 Native Americans, including women and children, of the Lakota Sioux tribe, while attempting to disarm Native American fighters who had already surrendered at their camp.“We’re making it clear that (the soldiers) deserve those medals,” Hegseth said in the video, before adding that “their place in our nation’s history is no longer up for debate.”After the fighting, Medals of Honor were given to 20 soldiers from the 7th Cavalry Regiment, and their awards cite a range of actions including bravery, efforts to rescue fellow troops and actions to “dislodge Sioux Indians” who were concealed in a ravine.The event also became a celebrated part of the regiment’s history, with their&nbsp;<a href="https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/HeraldryMulti.aspx?CategoryId=3116&amp;grp=2&amp;menu=Uniformed%20Services" target="_blank">coat of arms still featuring the head of a Native American chief</a>&nbsp;to “commemorate Indian campaigns,” according to the military’s Institute of Heraldry.In 1990, Congress apologized to the descendants of those killed at Wounded Knee but did not revoke the medals.According to Hegseth, the review panel ordered by Austin “concluded that these brave soldiers should, in fact, rightfully keep their medals from actions,” but an official from the defense secretary’s office couldn’t say if the report he was referencing in the video would be made public.President Donald Trump issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/restoring-truth-and-sanity-to-american-history/" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;in March titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” that decried efforts to reinterpret American history and, since then, Hegseth has undertaken multiple actions that have subverted the recommendations of a Congressionally-mandated commission that examined the use of Confederate names and references in the military.He reverted the names of several Army bases back to their original, Confederate-linked names, though by honoring different figures.Hegseth also restored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/confederate-memorial-arlington-national-cemetery-39de92aaafbe3765ca8fb8c343445c98">a 1914 memorial to the Confederacy</a>&nbsp;that was removed from Arlington National Cemetery. The monument features a classical female figure, crowned with olive leaves, representing the American South, alongside sanitized depictions of slavery.In September, the US Military Academy at West Point, New York, also confirmed that a painting of Gen. Robert E. Lee dressed in his Confederate uniform was back on display in the school’s library after being removed in 2022. The portrait shows a Black man leading Lee’s horse in the background, which had been hanging in the library since the 1950s before it was placed in storage.___

 🎥Wounded Knee soldiers, many based in Kan., will keep Medals of Honor

On Sept. 27 at 10:58 p.m., Hays Police Department responded to a domestic violence call in the 2200 block of Downing Street.

Upon arrival, the suspect fired at the responding officer. &nbsp;The suspect was pronounced dead on the scene. &nbsp;The officer was transported to a local hospital and succumbed to injuries sustained at the scene.

There are no additional suspects being sought in connection to this investigation.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will be handling the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692189791424.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Sept. 27 at 10:58 p.m., Hays Police Department responded to a domestic violence call in the 2200 block of Downing Street.Upon arrival, the suspect fired at the responding officer. &nbsp;The suspect was pronounced dead on the scene. &nbsp;The officer was transported to a local hospital and succumbed to injuries sustained at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759083305785.jpeg" alt="Officers at the corner of 22nd and Downing near the shooting incident on Sunday morning. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Officers at the corner of 22nd and Downing near the shooting incident on Sunday morning. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>There are no additional suspects being sought in connection to this investigation.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will be handling the investigation.

City of Hays officer killed in the line of duty

On Sept. 27 at 10:58 p.m., the Hays Police Department responded to a domestic violence call in the 2200 block of Downing Street.

Law enforcement, including the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, is investigating a crime that occurred north of the corner of 22nd and Downing in Hays this morning.

There is currently no threat to the public, according to officials.

More on this incident is expected to be released by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation or the Hays Police Department.&nbsp;

The Hays Post will update the public on this story as more information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756498934945.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>1:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28Hays Police DepartmentOn Sept. 27 at 10:58 p.m., the Hays Police Department responded to a domestic violence call in the 2200 block of Downing Street.Upon arrival, the suspect fired at the responding officer. &nbsp;The suspect was pronounced dead on the scene. &nbsp;The officer was transported to a local hospital and succumbed to injuries sustained at the scene.There are no additional suspects being sought in connection to this investigation.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will be handling the investigation.-------By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostLaw enforcement, including the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, is investigating a crime that occurred north of the corner of 22nd and Downing in Hays this morning.There is currently no threat to the public, according to officials.More on this incident is expected to be released by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation or the Hays Police Department.&nbsp;The Hays Post will update the public on this story as more information becomes available.

UPDATE: Law enforcement investigating incident near 22nd, Downing, no current threat to public

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>

WASHINGTON — Congress’ failure to pass a short-term government funding bill before midnight Tuesday will lead to the first shutdown in nearly seven years and give President Donald Trump broad authority to determine what federal operations keep running — which will have a huge impact on the government, its employees, states and Americans.&nbsp;

A funding lapse this year would have a considerably wider effect than the 35-day one that took place during Trump’s first term and could last longer, given heightened political tensions.&nbsp;

The last shutdown didn’t affect the departments of Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Labor and Veterans Affairs, since Congress had approved those agencies’ full-year funding bills.

Lawmakers had also enacted the Legislative Branch appropriations bill, exempting Capitol Hill from any repercussions.&nbsp;

That isn’t the case this time around since none of the dozen government spending bills have become law. That means nearly every corner of the federal government will feel the pain in some way&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/chance-government-shutdown-rises-us-senate-fails-advance-spending-bill" target="_blank">if a compromise isn’t reached</a>&nbsp;by the start of the fiscal year on Oct. 1.&nbsp;

States Newsroom’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/category/dc-bureau" target="_blank">Washington, D.C. Bureau</a>&nbsp;offers you a quick guide to what could happen if Republicans and Democrats don’t broker an agreement in time.

How does the White House budget office determine what government operations are essential during a shutdown?

Generally, federal programs that include the preservation of life or property as well as those addressing national security continue during a shutdown, while all other activities are supposed to cease until a funding bill becomes law.&nbsp;

But the president holds expansive power to determine what activities within the executive branch are essential and which aren’t, making the effects of a shutdown hard to pinpoint unless the Trump administration shares that information publicly.&nbsp;

Presidential administrations have&nbsp;<a href="https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/omb/information-for-agencies/agency-contingency-plans/" target="_blank">traditionally posted</a>&nbsp;contingency plans on the White House budget office’s website, detailing how each agency would shut down — explaining which employees are exempt and need to keep working, and which are furloughed.&nbsp;

That appears to have changed this year. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-resources/guidance/agency-contingency-plans/" target="_blank">web page</a>&nbsp;that would normally host dozens of contingency plans remained blank until late September, when the White House budget office posted that a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/a11.pdf" target="_blank">940-page document</a>&nbsp;released in August calls for the plans to be “hosted solely on each agency’s website.”

Only a few departments had plans from this year posted on their websites as of Friday afternoon.

The White House budget office expects agencies to develop Reduction in Force plans as part of their shutdown preparation, signaling a prolonged funding lapse will include mass firings and layoffs.

While the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-threatens-mass-firings-federal-employees-government-shutdown" target="_blank">two-page memo</a>&nbsp;doesn’t detail which agencies would be most affected, it says layoffs will apply to programs, projects, or activities that are “not consistent with the President’s priorities.”

Trump will be paid during a shutdown since&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/article-2/section-1/" target="_blank">Article II, Section 1, Clause 7</a>&nbsp;of the Constitution prevents the president’s salary from being increased or decreased during the current term.

No one else in the executive branch — including Cabinet secretaries, more than 2 million civilian employees and over 1 million active duty military personnel — will receive their paycheck until after the shutdown ends.&nbsp;

Are federal courts exempt from a shutdown since they’re a separate branch of government?

The Supreme Court will continue to conduct normal operations in the event of a shutdown, according to its Public Information Office.&nbsp;

The office said the court “will rely on permanent funds not subject to annual approval, as it has in the past, to maintain operations through the duration of short-term lapses of annual appropriations,” in a statement shared with States Newsroom.&nbsp;

As for any impact on lower federal courts, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts said the federal judiciary was still assessing the fiscal 2026 outlook and had no comment.&nbsp;

The office serves as the central support arm of the federal judiciary.&nbsp;

During the last&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscourts.gov/data-news/judiciary-news/2018/12/22/judiciary-operating-during-shutdown" target="_blank">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;from late 2018 into early 2019,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscourts.gov/data-news/judiciary-news/2019/01/07/judiciary-operating-limited-funds-during-shutdown" target="_blank">federal courts</a>&nbsp;remained open using court fee balances and “no-year” funds, which are available for an indefinite period.&nbsp;

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts has said that if those funds run out, they would operate under the terms of the Anti-Deficiency Act, which “allows work to continue during a lapse in appropriations if it is necessary to support the exercise of Article III judicial powers.”&nbsp;

Supreme Court justices and appointed federal judges continue to get paid during a government shutdown, as&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-3/" target="_blank">Article III</a>&nbsp;of the Constitution says the judges’ compensation “shall not be diminished” during their term.

What happens to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid?

The three programs exist largely outside of the annual appropriations process, since lawmakers categorized them as “mandatory spending.”&nbsp;

This means Social Security checks as well as reimbursements to health care providers for Medicare and Medicaid services should continue as normal.

One possible hitch is the salaries for people who run those programs are covered by annual appropriations bills, so there could be some staffing problems for the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, depending on their contingency plans.&nbsp;

The first Trump administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201026053427/https://www.ssa.gov/agency/shutdown/materials/contingency-plan-09-23-20.pdf" target="_blank">shutdown guidance</a>&nbsp;for the Social Security Administration showed 54,000 of 63,000 employees at that agency would have kept working. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/budget/fy-2021-cms-contingency-staffing-plan/index.html" target="_blank">CMS plan</a>&nbsp;from 2020 shows that it intended to keep about 50% of its employees working in the event of a shutdown. Neither had a current plan as of Friday.

Will the Department of Veterans Affairs be able to keep providing health care and benefits?

Veterans can expect health care to continue uninterrupted at VA medical centers and outpatient clinics in the event of a shutdown. Vets would also continue to receive benefits, including compensation, pension, education and housing, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs&nbsp;<a href="https://department.va.gov/contingency-planning/" target="_blank">contingency planning</a>&nbsp;for a funding lapse that is currently published on the department’s website. It’s unclear if the plan will be the one the Trump administration puts into action.

But a shutdown would affect other VA services. For example, the GI Bill hotline would close, and all in-person and virtual career counseling and transition assistance services would be unavailable.

Additionally, all regional VA benefits offices would shutter until Congress agreed to fund the government. The closures would include the Manila Regional Office in the Philippines that serves veterans in the Pacific region.

All department public outreach to veterans would also cease.

Will Hubbard, spokesperson for Veterans Education Success, said his advocacy organization is bracing for increased phone calls and emails from veterans who would normally call the GI Bill hotline.

“Questions are going to come up, veterans are going to be looking for answers, and they’re not going to be able to call like they would be able to normally, that’s going to be a big problem,” Hubbard said.

“Most of the benefits that people are going to be most concerned about will not be affected, but the ones that do get affected, for the people that that hits, I mean, it’s going to matter a lot to them. It’s going to change the direction of their planning, and potentially the direction of their life,” Hubbard said.

The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Office of Management and Budget did not respond to a request for current VA shutdown guidance.

What happens to immigration enforcement and immigration courts?&nbsp;

As the Trump administration continues with its aggressive immigration tactics in cities with high immigrant populations, that enforcement is likely to continue during a government shutdown, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/2025_0303_dhs_procedures_related_to_a_lapse_in_appropriations.pdf" target="_blank">March guidance</a>&nbsp;for operating in a government shutdown.

Immigration-related fees will continue, such as for processing visas and applications from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.&nbsp;

And DHS expects nearly all of its U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees to be exempt — 17,500 out of 20,500 — and continue working without pay amid a government shutdown.&nbsp;

That means that ICE officers will continue to arrest, detain and remove from the country immigrants without legal status. DHS is currently concentrating immigration enforcement efforts in Chicago, known as “Operation Midway Blitz.”

Other employees within DHS, such as those in Transportation Security Administration, will also be retained during a government shutdown. There are about 58,000 TSA employees that would be exempt and continue to work without pay in airports across the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

DHS did not respond to States Newsroom’s request for a contingency plan if there is a government shutdown.