SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Salina woman, arrested in January in connection with the death of a baby, is in custody in Wichita.

On Saturday police arrested 42-year-old Amanda Vinardi near Pawnee and Broadway in Wichita, according to Sedgwick County arrest records.&nbsp; Just after 6:30p.m. she was&nbsp; booked into the Sedgwick County jail, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

She walked away from a treatment facility earlier this month.&nbsp; She is currently being held on requested charges of drug possession, according to online jail records.

In January, Vinardi was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless &lt;18, Use/poss drug paraphernalia into human body and Possession of marijuana, according to jail records.

Saline County Sheriff's Deputies and law enforcement in Wichita are searching for a woman facing felony drug charges in Salina after she walked away from a court-ordered assessment center and treatment facility in Wichita before entering.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, 42-year-old Amanda Vinardi was arrested in Wichita on Jan. 9 on a Saline County District Court warrant connected to a case investigated by the Salina Police Department. She was transported to Saline County Jail before being court-ordered to a facility in Wichita.&nbsp;

Vinardi was facing multiple charges, including: Possession of methamphetaminePossession of marijuanaPossession of drug paraphernaliaAggravated endangering a child Vinardi is now facing an additional charge of escape from custody. A warrant has been issued for her arrest, and Wichita Police Officers and Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office have been notified.

According to Saline County Sheriff's Office Capt. Fruits, Vinardi was transported to Miracles Inc. facility in Wichita,&nbsp;not Mirror as had been originally reported by Salina Post.

Capt. Fruits said that Vinardi was transported from the Saline County Jail to a treatment facility in Wichita on February 19 under a court order. On March 4, she failed to attend a required class, and staff later determined she had walked away from the facility.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff's Office at (785) 826-6500.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742130294589.png" alt="Vinardi photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Vinardi photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Salina woman, arrested in January in connection with the death of a baby, is in custody in Wichita.On Saturday police arrested 42-year-old Amanda Vinardi near Pawnee and Broadway in Wichita, according to Sedgwick County arrest records.&nbsp; Just after 6:30p.m. she was&nbsp; booked into the Sedgwick County jail, according to online jail records.&nbsp;She walked away from a treatment facility earlier this month.&nbsp; She is currently being held on requested charges of drug possession, according to online jail records.In January, Vinardi was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless &lt;18, Use/poss drug paraphernalia into human body and Possession of marijuana, according to jail records.-------------------Saline County Sheriff's Deputies and law enforcement in Wichita are searching for a woman facing felony drug charges in Salina after she walked away from a court-ordered assessment center and treatment facility in Wichita before entering.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, 42-year-old Amanda Vinardi was arrested in Wichita on Jan. 9 on a Saline County District Court warrant connected to a case investigated by the Salina Police Department. She was transported to Saline County Jail before being court-ordered to a facility in Wichita.&nbsp;Vinardi was facing multiple charges, including: Possession of methamphetaminePossession of marijuanaPossession of drug paraphernaliaAggravated endangering a child Vinardi is now facing an additional charge of escape from custody. A warrant has been issued for her arrest, and Wichita Police Officers and Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office have been notified.According to Saline County Sheriff's Office Capt. Fruits, Vinardi was transported to Miracles Inc. facility in Wichita,&nbsp;not Mirror as had been originally reported by Salina Post.Capt. Fruits said that Vinardi was transported from the Saline County Jail to a treatment facility in Wichita on February 19 under a court order. On March 4, she failed to attend a required class, and staff later determined she had walked away from the facility.Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff's Office at (785) 826-6500.

Kan. woman who walked away from treatment facility is in custody

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A FHSU presentation highlighted the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion, also known as DEI, initiatives in different institutions.

Presented by FHSU's American Democracy Project, Black Student Union Vice President Genisis Wilson discussed the role of DEI in education, the workforce and minorities' everyday lives.

"Centuries of slavery, segregation and systemic racism have left lasting scars on the black communities. DEI policies address their long-standing disparities by leveling these playing fields in education, employment and health care," she said.

She shared statistics showing that companies with diverse leadership achieve stronger financial performance. They are also 70% more likely to enter new markets and generate 19% higher innovation revenue.

Wilson cited a 2018 McKinsey Global Institute statistic, saying that achieving full gender equality in the workforce could have contributed $28 trillion to global global domestic product by 2025 at its full potential.

"If we just had a labor market that was equal, our GDP would go up every place we look at and everywhere we look, whether it's revenue innovation or GDP. Having more diverse people there overall puts us higher in every sector," Wilson said.

An attendee asked Wilson about the recent push to eliminate DEI initiatives and policies. She explained that it is a political strategy by the Trump administration to rally support around a common cause, drawing parallels to the sense of unity after the World Wars and 9/11.

"The reason that DEI is such a hot topic is it is something to band together with," she said. "Groups of people need shared enemies, sometimes to come together."

In addition to serving as vice president of the Black Student Union, she is an active member of the Young Democrats, Pre-Med Club, Women in STEM and a vocal activist.

Wilson said while executive orders restricting DEI have not yet impacted the Black Student Union’s events or mission, there are growing concerns about potential future effects.

"We're glad that it's not affecting us yet, but when it does affect us, we have to know that there's a community behind us," she said.

Wilson said DEI must go beyond representation, incorporating structural accommodations to ensure marginalized groups have decision-making power and access to opportunities.

However, she acknowledges some groups, particularly disabled individuals and immigrants, often do not benefit from DEI as much as they should.

"DEI is a stepping stone. I don't think it's an end all be all," Wilson said.

Wilson said the historical misrepresentation of Black leaders underscores the need for DEI in education. She elaborated on this by providing additional background on Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver and Dr. Charles Drew.

Wilson highlighted racial disparities in health care, discussing how systemic racism affects Black Americans' health outcomes and access to medical services.

She said medical biases continue to impact health care quality, contributing to higher infant mortality rates, shorter life expectancy and mistreatment in medical settings.

"As recently as 2016, a [NIH] study found that continued widespread beliefs among white medical students that they believe in biological differences between black and white people," Wilson said. "Including believing black people have thicker skin than white people and that their blood coagulates more quickly."

Wilson said some medical students still believe the false notion that Black people have a higher pain tolerance, which fuels mistrust in the health care system and results in delayed or inadequate treatment.

Wilson provided statistics. Black infants have a mortality rate of 39.9 per 100,000 live births, compared to 14.1 for white infants, and that Black Americans have a life expectancy almost five years shorter than their white counterparts.

As some institutions remove DEI in response to political backlash, Wilson urges others to hold leaders accountable and advocate for DEI policies in workplaces and schools, even if they are not explicitly labeled as such.

"The Black Student Union had a lot of conversations, 'OK, how can we word this away from [DEI]... how can we talk about this without saying DEI?'" she said.

An attendee asked Wilson how to engage with someone misinformed or strongly opposed to DEI. She advised starting the conversation with a simple question.

“Why do you think that way?” Wilson said. “It starts to break down their ideas, and if it's not based on any sort of logic, it’s easily [disputable].”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741895189072.jpeg" alt="Black Student Union vice president Genisis Wilson giving a presentation on DEI at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Black Student Union vice president Genisis Wilson giving a presentation on DEI at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA FHSU presentation highlighted the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion, also known as DEI, initiatives in different institutions.Presented by FHSU's American Democracy Project, Black Student Union Vice President Genisis Wilson discussed the role of DEI in education, the workforce and minorities' everyday lives."Centuries of slavery, segregation and systemic racism have left lasting scars on the black communities. DEI policies address their long-standing disparities by leveling these playing fields in education, employment and health care," she said.She shared statistics showing that companies with diverse leadership achieve stronger financial performance. They are also 70% more likely to enter new markets and generate 19% higher innovation revenue.Wilson cited a 2018 McKinsey Global Institute statistic, saying that achieving full gender equality in the workforce could have contributed $28 trillion to global global domestic product by 2025 at its full potential."If we just had a labor market that was equal, our GDP would go up every place we look at and everywhere we look, whether it's revenue innovation or GDP. Having more diverse people there overall puts us higher in every sector," Wilson said.An attendee asked Wilson about the recent push to eliminate DEI initiatives and policies. She explained that it is a political strategy by the Trump administration to rally support around a common cause, drawing parallels to the sense of unity after the World Wars and 9/11."The reason that DEI is such a hot topic is it is something to band together with," she said. "Groups of people need shared enemies, sometimes to come together."In addition to serving as vice president of the Black Student Union, she is an active member of the Young Democrats, Pre-Med Club, Women in STEM and a vocal activist.Wilson said while executive orders restricting DEI have not yet impacted the Black Student Union’s events or mission, there are growing concerns about potential future effects."We're glad that it's not affecting us yet, but when it does affect us, we have to know that there's a community behind us," she said.Wilson said DEI must go beyond representation, incorporating structural accommodations to ensure marginalized groups have decision-making power and access to opportunities.However, she acknowledges some groups, particularly disabled individuals and immigrants, often do not benefit from DEI as much as they should."DEI is a stepping stone. I don't think it's an end all be all," Wilson said.Wilson said the historical misrepresentation of Black leaders underscores the need for DEI in education. She elaborated on this by providing additional background on Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver and Dr. Charles Drew.Wilson highlighted racial disparities in health care, discussing how systemic racism affects Black Americans' health outcomes and access to medical services.She said medical biases continue to impact health care quality, contributing to higher infant mortality rates, shorter life expectancy and mistreatment in medical settings."As recently as 2016, a [NIH] study found that continued widespread beliefs among white medical students that they believe in biological differences between black and white people," Wilson said. "Including believing black people have thicker skin than white people and that their blood coagulates more quickly."Wilson said some medical students still believe the false notion that Black people have a higher pain tolerance, which fuels mistrust in the health care system and results in delayed or inadequate treatment.Wilson provided statistics. Black infants have a mortality rate of 39.9 per 100,000 live births, compared to 14.1 for white infants, and that Black Americans have a life expectancy almost five years shorter than their white counterparts.As some institutions remove DEI in response to political backlash, Wilson urges others to hold leaders accountable and advocate for DEI policies in workplaces and schools, even if they are not explicitly labeled as such."The Black Student Union had a lot of conversations, 'OK, how can we word this away from [DEI]... how can we talk about this without saying DEI?'" she said.An attendee asked Wilson how to engage with someone misinformed or strongly opposed to DEI. She advised starting the conversation with a simple question.“Why do you think that way?” Wilson said. “It starts to break down their ideas, and if it's not based on any sort of logic, it’s easily [disputable].”

FHSU hosts presentation on importance of DEI

HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF March 24 – 28, 2025

THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!

MONDAY --March 24

• Advisory Council Mtg 5:15 p.m. in Lounge.

• Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. • Fathers' Mass was this morning – it’s great to see all of the fathers, step-fathers and special father figures joining us for this special mass! We thank all of our fathers for protecting us, encouraging us to do our best, leading our families and loving us! • Hourly staff timesheets are due to Ms. Karla in the office this morning.

• Spirit Day. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 4th grade at 2:00 p.m. • 5th Gr. will have Joyful Noise this afternoon at 2:45 p.m. • Foundations Team Mtg. 3:40 p.m. in Lounge.

• Sr. Rose Marie will visit 5th grade at 2:30 p.m. • Technology Team Mtg. at 3:40 p.m. in Lounge. • Students &amp; staff, just a reminder that tomorrow you can have Free Dress Day and wear what you’d like to school if you bring a free-will donation to your teacher! We’re still in winter dress-code and you’ll need to follow the school uniform policy! • Happy Birthday to Willow Haselhorst, PK3.

&nbsp;• Today is March Free-Dress for Marcos! Please be sure to give your free-will donations to your teachers. Teachers, you can send your class donations to the office today! All donations will be given to the parents of 5th grader Marcos Villasenor, who is undergoing open heart surgery in April! Thank you all for your donations!! • Stations of the Cross at 2:35 p.m. at IHM. • Greetings to Jeancarlo Delgado, 4A, who will celebrate a birthday this weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737555085782.png" alt="Holy Family Elementary School, Hays. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Holy Family Elementary School, Hays. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>HFEHOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF March 24 – 28, 2025THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!MONDAY --March 24• Advisory Council Mtg 5:15 p.m. in Lounge.TUESDAY --March 25• Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. • Fathers' Mass was this morning – it’s great to see all of the fathers, step-fathers and special father figures joining us for this special mass! We thank all of our fathers for protecting us, encouraging us to do our best, leading our families and loving us! • Hourly staff timesheets are due to Ms. Karla in the office this morning.WEDNESDAY --March 26&nbsp;• Spirit Day. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 4th grade at 2:00 p.m. • 5th Gr. will have Joyful Noise this afternoon at 2:45 p.m. • Foundations Team Mtg. 3:40 p.m. in Lounge.THURSDAY --March 27• Sr. Rose Marie will visit 5th grade at 2:30 p.m. • Technology Team Mtg. at 3:40 p.m. in Lounge. • Students &amp; staff, just a reminder that tomorrow you can have Free Dress Day and wear what you’d like to school if you bring a free-will donation to your teacher! We’re still in winter dress-code and you’ll need to follow the school uniform policy! • Happy Birthday to Willow Haselhorst, PK3.FRIDAY --March 28&nbsp;• Today is March Free-Dress for Marcos! Please be sure to give your free-will donations to your teachers. Teachers, you can send your class donations to the office today! All donations will be given to the parents of 5th grader Marcos Villasenor, who is undergoing open heart surgery in April! Thank you all for your donations!! • Stations of the Cross at 2:35 p.m. at IHM. • Greetings to Jeancarlo Delgado, 4A, who will celebrate a birthday this weekend.

Holy Family Elementary School notes, March 24-28, 2025

WICHITA, KAN. –A man who admitted shoplifting in several stores in Wichita is going to prison.

This week, Judge David Kaufman sentenced 29-year-old D’Amos Dear of Wichita to 21 months in prison with 12 months of post release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In January of 2024, Dear and co-defendant Kara Aukes, 37 of Wichita, took clothing from Academy Sports and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores in Wichita, shoes from Kohl’s, a coffeemaker from JC Penney, and a ceiling fan from Lowe’s. The couple grabbed the items and ran out of the businesses.

Dear pled guilty to nine counts of theft in December. Because of his criminal history, Dear was “presumptive prison” under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines.

His co-defendant, Aukes, had fewer prior convictions than Dear and was “presumptive probation” under the guidelines. She was sentenced to probation in September.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741961359380.png" alt="Aukes photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Aukes photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. –A man who admitted shoplifting in several stores in Wichita is going to prison.This week, Judge David Kaufman sentenced 29-year-old D’Amos Dear of Wichita to 21 months in prison with 12 months of post release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741879567450.png" alt="Dear photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dear photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>In January of 2024, Dear and co-defendant Kara Aukes, 37 of Wichita, took clothing from Academy Sports and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores in Wichita, shoes from Kohl’s, a coffeemaker from JC Penney, and a ceiling fan from Lowe’s. The couple grabbed the items and ran out of the businesses.Dear pled guilty to nine counts of theft in December. Because of his criminal history, Dear was “presumptive prison” under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines.His co-defendant, Aukes, had fewer prior convictions than Dear and was “presumptive probation” under the guidelines. She was sentenced to probation in September.

Prison: Kan. couple went shopping without paying at 5 stores

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22NICHOLAS%20RICCARDI%20and%20DAVID%20BAUDER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By NICHOLAS RICCARDI and DAVID BAUDER Associated Press</a>

President Donald Trump's administration on Saturday began making deep cuts to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voice-of-america-trump-administration-kari-lake-15b585b58f5a510374344b50b1a131b5">Voice of America</a>&nbsp;and other government-run, pro-democracy programming, with the organization's director saying all VOA employees have been put on leave.

On Friday night, shortly after Congress passed its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-3-14-2025">latest funding bill</a>, Trump directed his administration to reduce the functions of several agencies to the minimum required by law. That included the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which houses Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and Asia and Radio Marti, which beams Spanish-language news into Cuba.

On Saturday morning, Kari Lake, the failed Arizona gubernatorial and U.S. Senate candidate whom Trump named a senior adviser to the agency, posted on X that employees should check their email. That coincided with notices going out placing Voice of America staff on paid administrative leave.

“For the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced,” Michael Abramowitz, the organization's director, said in a statement. He added that “virtually” the entire 1300-person staff was placed on leave.

“VOA promotes freedom and democracy around the world by telling America's story and by providing objective and balanced news and information, especially for those living under tyranny," Abramowitz said.

One reporter, who spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press, said: “We expected something like this to happen, and it just happened to be today.”

The press advocacy group Reporters Without Borders said it “condemns this decision as a departure from the U.S.’s historic role as a defender of free information and calls on the U.S. government to restore VOA and urges Congress and the international community to take action against this unprecedented move.”

The Agency for Global Media also sent notices terminating grants to Radio Free Asia and other programming run by the agency. Voice of America transmits United States domestic news into other countries, often translated into local languages. Radio Free Asia, Europe and Marti beam news into countries with authoritarian regimes in those regions like China, North Korea and Russia.

“The cancellation of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s grant agreement would be a massive gift to America’s enemies," said the network's President and CEO, Stephen Capus, in a statement.

Combined, the networks reach an estimated 427 million people. They date back to the Cold War and are part of a network of government-funded organizations trying to extend U.S. influence and combat authoritarianism that includes USAID, another agency targeted by Trump.

The reduction is a dramatic blow at a staple of post-Cold War order that has long had bipartisan support. Voice of America's directors have included Dick Carlson, the father of conservative commentator Tucker Carlson.

Thomas Kent, former president and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, said that Trump’s intentions for the agencies are still foggy. Without these news sources, it will be that much harder for the country to get its messages to the world, he said.

“Without the international broadcasting, the image of the United States and the Trump administration will be in the hands of others, including the administration’s opponents, (and) countries and people who consider the United States an enemy,” said Kent, an international consultant on media ethics.

A video posted on X by Lake on Saturday talked about cost-cutting measures, not mentioning the employees and the mission of Voice of America. Her video was made at a building leased by VOA that Lake described as a waste of money. She said she would try to break the agency's 15-year lease on the building.

“We're doing everything we can to cancel contracts that can be cancelled, save more, downsize and make sure there's no misuse of your dollars,” she said.

The letter places employees on administrative leave and says staff would continue to receive pay and benefits “until otherwise notified.” It ordered employees not to use Agency for Global Media facilities and return equipment like phones and computers.

The Trump administration has already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voice-of-america-trump-administration-kari-lake-15b585b58f5a510374344b50b1a131b5">made other steps to assert its authority</a>&nbsp;over Voice of America, and this week canceled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voa-government-media-contracts-2bd47cf0c1bbcdc5cbe08eea030c1454">contracts</a>&nbsp;that allowed VOA to use material from independent news organizations, such as The Associated Press.

The administration has also banned the AP from press pools that cover the president and moved to take charge of what news organizations are members of the pools, and the FCC is investigating news organizations like CBS.

Trump's order requiring reductions also includes several other, lesser-known government agencies such as the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, a nonpartisan think tank, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.

Associated Press writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22NICHOLAS%20RICCARDI%20and%20DAVID%20BAUDER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By NICHOLAS RICCARDI and DAVID BAUDER Associated Press</a>President Donald Trump's administration on Saturday began making deep cuts to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voice-of-america-trump-administration-kari-lake-15b585b58f5a510374344b50b1a131b5">Voice of America</a>&nbsp;and other government-run, pro-democracy programming, with the organization's director saying all VOA employees have been put on leave.On Friday night, shortly after Congress passed its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-3-14-2025">latest funding bill</a>, Trump directed his administration to reduce the functions of several agencies to the minimum required by law. That included the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which houses Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and Asia and Radio Marti, which beams Spanish-language news into Cuba.On Saturday morning, Kari Lake, the failed Arizona gubernatorial and U.S. Senate candidate whom Trump named a senior adviser to the agency, posted on X that employees should check their email. That coincided with notices going out placing Voice of America staff on paid administrative leave.“For the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced,” Michael Abramowitz, the organization's director, said in a statement. He added that “virtually” the entire 1300-person staff was placed on leave.“VOA promotes freedom and democracy around the world by telling America's story and by providing objective and balanced news and information, especially for those living under tyranny," Abramowitz said.One reporter, who spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press, said: “We expected something like this to happen, and it just happened to be today.”The press advocacy group Reporters Without Borders said it “condemns this decision as a departure from the U.S.’s historic role as a defender of free information and calls on the U.S. government to restore VOA and urges Congress and the international community to take action against this unprecedented move.”The Agency for Global Media also sent notices terminating grants to Radio Free Asia and other programming run by the agency. Voice of America transmits United States domestic news into other countries, often translated into local languages. Radio Free Asia, Europe and Marti beam news into countries with authoritarian regimes in those regions like China, North Korea and Russia.“The cancellation of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s grant agreement would be a massive gift to America’s enemies," said the network's President and CEO, Stephen Capus, in a statement.Combined, the networks reach an estimated 427 million people. They date back to the Cold War and are part of a network of government-funded organizations trying to extend U.S. influence and combat authoritarianism that includes USAID, another agency targeted by Trump.The reduction is a dramatic blow at a staple of post-Cold War order that has long had bipartisan support. Voice of America's directors have included Dick Carlson, the father of conservative commentator Tucker Carlson.Thomas Kent, former president and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, said that Trump’s intentions for the agencies are still foggy. Without these news sources, it will be that much harder for the country to get its messages to the world, he said.“Without the international broadcasting, the image of the United States and the Trump administration will be in the hands of others, including the administration’s opponents, (and) countries and people who consider the United States an enemy,” said Kent, an international consultant on media ethics.A video posted on X by Lake on Saturday talked about cost-cutting measures, not mentioning the employees and the mission of Voice of America. Her video was made at a building leased by VOA that Lake described as a waste of money. She said she would try to break the agency's 15-year lease on the building.“We're doing everything we can to cancel contracts that can be cancelled, save more, downsize and make sure there's no misuse of your dollars,” she said.The letter places employees on administrative leave and says staff would continue to receive pay and benefits “until otherwise notified.” It ordered employees not to use Agency for Global Media facilities and return equipment like phones and computers.The Trump administration has already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voice-of-america-trump-administration-kari-lake-15b585b58f5a510374344b50b1a131b5">made other steps to assert its authority</a>&nbsp;over Voice of America, and this week canceled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voa-government-media-contracts-2bd47cf0c1bbcdc5cbe08eea030c1454">contracts</a>&nbsp;that allowed VOA to use material from independent news organizations, such as The Associated Press.The administration has also banned the AP from press pools that cover the president and moved to take charge of what news organizations are members of the pools, and the FCC is investigating news organizations like CBS.Trump's order requiring reductions also includes several other, lesser-known government agencies such as the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, a nonpartisan think tank, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.___Associated Press writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.

Voice of America channels silent as Trump admin. guts agency

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said he ordered a series of airstrikes on Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on Saturday, promising to use “overwhelming lethal force” until Iranian-backed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;cease their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor. The Houthis said 13 civilians were killed.

“Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,” Trump said in a social media post. “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”

He also warned Iran to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-navy-houthi-attacks-red-sea-shipping-iran-8e55669e4d18cbc7007654640fa5fdc1">stop supporting the rebel group</a>, promising to hold the country “fully accountable” for the actions of its proxy. It comes two weeks after the U.S leader sent a letter to Iranian leaders offering a path to restarting bilateral talks between the countries on Iran’s advancing nuclear weapons program. Trump has said he will not allow it to become operational.

The Houthis reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-yemen-houthis-airstrikes-iran-explainer-06e5676098543ebab53a0cdeefd83731">explosions in their territory</a>&nbsp;Saturday evening, in Sanaa and in the northern province of Saada, the rebels’ stronghold on the border with Saudi Arabia. Images online showed plumes of black smoke over the area of the Sanaa airport complex, which includes a sprawling military facility.

At least 13 people were killed, said Anees al-Asbahi, spokesman for the Houthi-run health ministry. In a statement on social media, he said another nine were wounded.

A U.S. official said this was the beginning of air strikes on Houthi targets that are expected to continue. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the press.

Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, said the airstrikes won’t deter them and they would retaliate against the U.S. “Sanaa will remain Gaza’s shield and support and will not abandon it no matter the challenges,” he added on social media.

Another spokesman, Mohamed Abdulsalam, on X, called Trump’s claims that the Houthis threaten international shipping routes “false and misleading.”

The airstrikes come a few days after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-gaza-aid-ship-attacks-0da6c2453fe2c4e5f81923c84c7d3f3a">Houthis said they would resume attacks</a>&nbsp;on Israeli vessels sailing off Yemen in response to Israel’s latest blockade on Gaza. They described the warning as affecting the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Arabian Sea.

There have been no Houthi attacks reported since then.

Earlier this month, Israel halted all aid coming into Gaza and warned of “additional consequences” for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hamas">Hamas</a>&nbsp;if their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">fragile ceasefire</a>&nbsp;in the war isn’t extended as negotiations continue over starting a second phase.

The Houthis had targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-rebels-ship-attack-red-sea-yemen-bfa7d321e55c5bb59b268b82ef3c56ba">sinking two vessels</a>&nbsp;and killing four sailors, during their campaign targeting military and civilian ships between the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in late 2023 and January of this year, when this ceasefire in Gaza took effect.

The attacks raised the Houthis’ profile as they faced economic and other problems at home amid Yemen’s decade-long stalemated war that’s torn apart the Arab world’s poorest nation.

The Houthi media office said the U.S. strikes hit a residential neighborhood in Sanaa’s northern district of Shouab. Residents said at least four airstrikes rocked the Eastern Geraf neighborhood there, terrifying women and children.

“The explosions were very strong,” said Abdallah al-Alffi. “It was like an earthquake.”

The Eastern Geraf is home to Houthi-held military facilities and a headquarters for the rebels' political bureau, located in a densely populated area.

The Houthis reported fresh strikes on the southwestern Dhamar province late Saturday. They said the strikes hit the outskirts of the provincial capital, also named Dhamar, and the district of Abs.

The United States, Israel and Britain have previously hit Houthi-held areas in Yemen. Israel’s military declined to comment.

However, Saturday's operation was conducted solely by the U.S., according to a U.S. official. It was the first strike on the Yemen-based Houthis under the second Trump administration.

Such broad-based missile strikes against the Houthis were carried out multiple times by the Biden administration in response to frequent attacks by the Houthis against commercial and military vessels in the region.

The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, which includes the carrier, three Navy destroyers and one cruiser, are in the Red Sea and were part of Saturday's mission. The USS Georgia cruise missile submarine has also been operating in the region.

Trump announced the strikes as he spent the day at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“These relentless assaults have cost the U.S. and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk,” Trump said.

Baldor reported from Washington and Magdy reported from Cairo. AP White House Correspondent Zeke Miller and AP writer Tara Copp contributed from Washington.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CENTCOM Forces Launch Large Scale Operation Against Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen On March 15, U.S. Central Command initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and… <a href="https://t.co/u5yx8WneoG">pic.twitter.com/u5yx8WneoG</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1901001417831150000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said he ordered a series of airstrikes on Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on Saturday, promising to use “overwhelming lethal force” until Iranian-backed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;cease their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor. The Houthis said 13 civilians were killed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742067087417.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742067133086.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,” Trump said in a social media post. “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”He also warned Iran to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-navy-houthi-attacks-red-sea-shipping-iran-8e55669e4d18cbc7007654640fa5fdc1">stop supporting the rebel group</a>, promising to hold the country “fully accountable” for the actions of its proxy. It comes two weeks after the U.S leader sent a letter to Iranian leaders offering a path to restarting bilateral talks between the countries on Iran’s advancing nuclear weapons program. Trump has said he will not allow it to become operational.The Houthis reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-yemen-houthis-airstrikes-iran-explainer-06e5676098543ebab53a0cdeefd83731">explosions in their territory</a>&nbsp;Saturday evening, in Sanaa and in the northern province of Saada, the rebels’ stronghold on the border with Saudi Arabia. Images online showed plumes of black smoke over the area of the Sanaa airport complex, which includes a sprawling military facility.At least 13 people were killed, said Anees al-Asbahi, spokesman for the Houthi-run health ministry. In a statement on social media, he said another nine were wounded.A U.S. official said this was the beginning of air strikes on Houthi targets that are expected to continue. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the press.Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, said the airstrikes won’t deter them and they would retaliate against the U.S. “Sanaa will remain Gaza’s shield and support and will not abandon it no matter the challenges,” he added on social media.Another spokesman, Mohamed Abdulsalam, on X, called Trump’s claims that the Houthis threaten international shipping routes “false and misleading.”The airstrikes come a few days after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-gaza-aid-ship-attacks-0da6c2453fe2c4e5f81923c84c7d3f3a">Houthis said they would resume attacks</a>&nbsp;on Israeli vessels sailing off Yemen in response to Israel’s latest blockade on Gaza. They described the warning as affecting the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Arabian Sea.There have been no Houthi attacks reported since then.Earlier this month, Israel halted all aid coming into Gaza and warned of “additional consequences” for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hamas">Hamas</a>&nbsp;if their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">fragile ceasefire</a>&nbsp;in the war isn’t extended as negotiations continue over starting a second phase.The Houthis had targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-rebels-ship-attack-red-sea-yemen-bfa7d321e55c5bb59b268b82ef3c56ba">sinking two vessels</a>&nbsp;and killing four sailors, during their campaign targeting military and civilian ships between the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in late 2023 and January of this year, when this ceasefire in Gaza took effect.The attacks raised the Houthis’ profile as they faced economic and other problems at home amid Yemen’s decade-long stalemated war that’s torn apart the Arab world’s poorest nation.The Houthi media office said the U.S. strikes hit a residential neighborhood in Sanaa’s northern district of Shouab. Residents said at least four airstrikes rocked the Eastern Geraf neighborhood there, terrifying women and children.“The explosions were very strong,” said Abdallah al-Alffi. “It was like an earthquake.”The Eastern Geraf is home to Houthi-held military facilities and a headquarters for the rebels' political bureau, located in a densely populated area.The Houthis reported fresh strikes on the southwestern Dhamar province late Saturday. They said the strikes hit the outskirts of the provincial capital, also named Dhamar, and the district of Abs.The United States, Israel and Britain have previously hit Houthi-held areas in Yemen. Israel’s military declined to comment.However, Saturday's operation was conducted solely by the U.S., according to a U.S. official. It was the first strike on the Yemen-based Houthis under the second Trump administration.Such broad-based missile strikes against the Houthis were carried out multiple times by the Biden administration in response to frequent attacks by the Houthis against commercial and military vessels in the region.The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, which includes the carrier, three Navy destroyers and one cruiser, are in the Red Sea and were part of Saturday's mission. The USS Georgia cruise missile submarine has also been operating in the region.Trump announced the strikes as he spent the day at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.“These relentless assaults have cost the U.S. and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk,” Trump said.___Baldor reported from Washington and Magdy reported from Cairo. AP White House Correspondent Zeke Miller and AP writer Tara Copp contributed from Washington.

Trump orders strikes on Iran-backed terrorists, issues new warning

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed into law legislation funding the government through the end of September, ending the threat of a partial government shutdown and capping off a struggle in Congress that deeply divided Democrats.

Harrison Fields, White House principal deputy press secretary, said in a post on X that Trump signed the continuing resolution Saturday.

The bill largely keeps government funding at levels set during Joe Biden's presidency, though with changes. It trims non-defense spending by about $13 billion from the previous year and increases defense spending by about $6 billion, which are marginal changes when talking about a topline spending level of nearly $1.7 trillion.

The Senate cleared the legislation on Friday in a 54-46 party line vote, with 10 members of the Senate Democratic caucus helping the bill advance to passage despite opposition from within their party —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-congress-chuck-schumer-government-funding-shutdown-43d1acea20c34ad28d848edc08ad6375">most vocally</a>&nbsp;from colleagues in the House, who exhorted them to reject the bill out of hand.

Senate Democrats argued for days over whether to force a shutdown, livid that Republicans in the House had drafted and passed the spending measure without their input. Democrats said the legislation shortchanges health care, housing and other priorities and gives Trump wide leeway to redirect federal spending even as his administration and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-government-trump-executive-order-1a2fb7235b9d6f178c764cf6c78d3317">Department of Government Efficiency</a>&nbsp;rapidly dismantle congressionally approved agencies and programs.

In the end, enough of the Democratic senators decided a government shutdown would be even worse than letting the funding bill pass.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said a shutdown would have given the Trump administration the ability to deem whole agencies, programs and personnel non-essential,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-elon-musk-johnson-schumer-jeffries-cf75ae3c5f04207980cb96b286e70c09">furloughing staff</a>&nbsp;with no promise they would ever be rehired.

“A shutdown will allow DOGE to shift into overdrive,” Schumer said. “Donald Trump and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;would be free to destroy vital government services at a much faster rate.”

Passage of the funding bill through the House earlier in the week was a victory for Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who managed to hold Republicans together and muscle the bill to passage without support from Democrats — something they've&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-doge-musk-speaker-johnson-budget-funding-ccc539ae6298ab205f36babbaf71a232">rarely been able to achieve</a>&nbsp;in the past.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742060863888.png" alt="President Trump arrived in Florida Friday night-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump arrived in Florida Friday night-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed into law legislation funding the government through the end of September, ending the threat of a partial government shutdown and capping off a struggle in Congress that deeply divided Democrats.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> signed the CR. Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderJohnThune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeaderJohnThune</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSchumer</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/HouseGOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HouseGOP</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SenateGOP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenateGOP</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SenFettermanPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenFettermanPA</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SenCortezMasto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenCortezMasto</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SenBrianSchatz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenBrianSchatz</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorDurbin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorDurbin</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SenGillibrand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenGillibrand</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SenGaryPeters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenGaryPeters</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorHassan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorHassan</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorShaheen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorShaheen</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/SenAngusKing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenAngusKing</a>. <a href="https://t.co/HQiZY4t65T">https://t.co/HQiZY4t65T</a>&mdash; Harrison Fields (@HFields47) <a href="https://twitter.com/HFields47/status/1900956504443822092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Harrison Fields, White House principal deputy press secretary, said in a post on X that Trump signed the continuing resolution Saturday.The bill largely keeps government funding at levels set during Joe Biden's presidency, though with changes. It trims non-defense spending by about $13 billion from the previous year and increases defense spending by about $6 billion, which are marginal changes when talking about a topline spending level of nearly $1.7 trillion.The Senate cleared the legislation on Friday in a 54-46 party line vote, with 10 members of the Senate Democratic caucus helping the bill advance to passage despite opposition from within their party —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-congress-chuck-schumer-government-funding-shutdown-43d1acea20c34ad28d848edc08ad6375">most vocally</a>&nbsp;from colleagues in the House, who exhorted them to reject the bill out of hand.Senate Democrats argued for days over whether to force a shutdown, livid that Republicans in the House had drafted and passed the spending measure without their input. Democrats said the legislation shortchanges health care, housing and other priorities and gives Trump wide leeway to redirect federal spending even as his administration and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-government-trump-executive-order-1a2fb7235b9d6f178c764cf6c78d3317">Department of Government Efficiency</a>&nbsp;rapidly dismantle congressionally approved agencies and programs.In the end, enough of the Democratic senators decided a government shutdown would be even worse than letting the funding bill pass.Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said a shutdown would have given the Trump administration the ability to deem whole agencies, programs and personnel non-essential,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-elon-musk-johnson-schumer-jeffries-cf75ae3c5f04207980cb96b286e70c09">furloughing staff</a>&nbsp;with no promise they would ever be rehired.“A shutdown will allow DOGE to shift into overdrive,” Schumer said. “Donald Trump and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;would be free to destroy vital government services at a much faster rate.”Passage of the funding bill through the House earlier in the week was a victory for Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who managed to hold Republicans together and muscle the bill to passage without support from Democrats — something they've&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-doge-musk-speaker-johnson-budget-funding-ccc539ae6298ab205f36babbaf71a232">rarely been able to achieve</a>&nbsp;in the past.

President signs bill funding government for 6 months, avoiding a shutdown

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Two weeks after claiming the top spot
in the high jump at the MIAA Indoor Championships, former Hays High standout
and current Washburn Ichabod Jordan Dale found himself on the podium once
again, finishing fifth at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in
Indianapolis, Indiana.

On Friday, Dale came up just short of his school record
2.16m (7-01.00), which won him the MIAA Championship. 

He cleared 2.14m (7-00.25) in Indianapolis for the fifth-place
finish.

His teammate, Matthew Heckman, broke Dale's record last week
and finished fourth with a height of 2.17m (7-01.50).

Dale is now a three-time All-American at Washburn.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742061037950.png" alt="INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Two weeks after claiming the top spot in the high jump at the MIAA Indoor Championships, Former Hays High standout Jordan Dale finished fifth at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana. – Photo courtesy WUSports" />
 <figcaption>INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Two weeks after claiming the top spot in the high jump at the MIAA Indoor Championships, Former Hays High standout Jordan Dale finished fifth at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana. – Photo courtesy WUSports</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsINDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Two weeks after claiming the top spot
in the high jump at the MIAA Indoor Championships, former Hays High standout
and current Washburn Ichabod Jordan Dale found himself on the podium once
again, finishing fifth at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in
Indianapolis, Indiana.On Friday, Dale came up just short of his school record
2.16m (7-01.00), which won him the MIAA Championship. He cleared 2.14m (7-00.25) in Indianapolis for the fifth-place
finish.His teammate, Matthew Heckman, broke Dale's record last week
and finished fourth with a height of 2.17m (7-01.50).Dale is now a three-time All-American at Washburn.

🏃Former HHS Indian Dale earns All-American award

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) have approved funding to implement the SNF Clinic quality improvement program in 43 nursing homes across the state, including in Osborne.

 This initiative aims to enhance staff training, improve resident care, and elevate overall facility performance through an advanced electronic learning management system (eLMS).

SNF Clinic is a web-based platform that provides nursing home staff with easy access to essential education and care resources. The program ensures residents receive high-quality, person-centered care by equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools.

“The implementation of SNF Clinic in Kansas nursing homes represents a significant investment in the well-being of our elderly population,”&nbsp;KDADS Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Program Manager Rebecca Hedrick said. “By prioritizing education and quality improvement, we ensure that staff members are fully prepared to provide exceptional care to residents.”

Long-Term Care Consultants, LLC (LTCC), the developer and owner of SNF Clinic, has collaborated with CMS and 20 states to provide this system to thousands of nursing homes through the CMP Grant Program. This federal initiative reinvests penalties assessed against nursing homes into programs that directly benefit residents, reinforcing a commitment to improving long-term care standards.

“We’re excited to work with KDADS in providing SNF Clinic to more than 3,000 licensed nursing home beds in the state,”&nbsp;LTCC’s General Legal Counsel Benjamin Meeker said. “Together, we can make a difference in the quality of care provided to thousands of Kansas’s&nbsp;citizens.”

The 43 homes taking part in this initiative are:

The Kansas SNF Clinic project is scheduled for three years, with regular progress and performance reports published on the KDADS&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kdads.ks.gov/1/01010195819c8db9-982741c7-5e3a-41bb-9410-4dd0d23256a8-000000/kKlxhUDeXyb_jBA3Ta0TC6z3mnBM4dnkZNviDG-AvoM=395">website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569334233722.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDADSTOPEKA — The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) have approved funding to implement the SNF Clinic quality improvement program in 43 nursing homes across the state, including in Osborne. This initiative aims to enhance staff training, improve resident care, and elevate overall facility performance through an advanced electronic learning management system (eLMS).SNF Clinic is a web-based platform that provides nursing home staff with easy access to essential education and care resources. The program ensures residents receive high-quality, person-centered care by equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools.“The implementation of SNF Clinic in Kansas nursing homes represents a significant investment in the well-being of our elderly population,”&nbsp;KDADS Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Program Manager Rebecca Hedrick said. “By prioritizing education and quality improvement, we ensure that staff members are fully prepared to provide exceptional care to residents.”Long-Term Care Consultants, LLC (LTCC), the developer and owner of SNF Clinic, has collaborated with CMS and 20 states to provide this system to thousands of nursing homes through the CMP Grant Program. This federal initiative reinvests penalties assessed against nursing homes into programs that directly benefit residents, reinforcing a commitment to improving long-term care standards.“We’re excited to work with KDADS in providing SNF Clinic to more than 3,000 licensed nursing home beds in the state,”&nbsp;LTCC’s General Legal Counsel Benjamin Meeker said. “Together, we can make a difference in the quality of care provided to thousands of Kansas’s&nbsp;citizens.”The 43 homes taking part in this initiative are:<ul>
 <li>Advena Living of Bonner Springs, Bonner Springs</li><li>Advena Living of Cherryvale, Cherryvale</li><li>Advena Living of Clay Center, Clay Center</li><li>Advena Living of Clearwater, Clearwater</li><li>Advena Living of Fountainview, Rose Hill</li><li>Advena Living on Tenth, Topeka</li><li>Advena Living on Woodlawn, Wichita</li><li>Baldwin Healthcare &amp; Rehab Center, Baldwin City</li><li>Belleville Healthcare &amp; Rehab Center, Belleville</li><li>Brighton Place West Healthcare &amp; Rehab Center, Topeka</li><li>Cambridge Place Senior Village, Marysville</li><li>Countryside Mental Health, Topeka</li><li>Dooley Center, Atchison</li><li>Flint Hills Care &amp; Rehab Center, Emporia</li><li>Halstead Health &amp; Rehab, Halstead</li><li>Heritage Gardens Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Oskaloosa</li><li>Hilltop Lodge Health and Rehabilitation, Beloit</li><li>Holiday Resort Health &amp; Rehab, Salina</li><li>Kenwood View Health and Rehabilitation Center, Salina</li><li>Lexington Park Nursing and Post Acute Center, Topeka</li><li>Louisburg Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Louisburg</li><li>Meadowbrook Rehabilitation Hospital, Gardner</li><li>Meriam Gardens Healthcare &amp; Rehab, Merriam</li><li>Minneapolis Healthcare &amp; Rehab, Minneapolis</li><li>Parkview Healthcare &amp; Rehab, Osborne</li><li>Parkview Heights Nursing &amp; Rehab Center, Garnett</li><li>Pinnacle Park Nursing and Rehab Center, Salina</li><li>Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community, Lawrence</li><li>Plaza West Healthcare &amp; Rehab Center, Topeka</li><li>Pleasant View Home, Inman</li><li>Ranch House Senior Living Community, Garden City</li><li>Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Richmond</li><li>Rolling Hills Health &amp; Rehab of Topeka, Topeka</li><li>Rossville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Rossville</li><li>Sandpiper Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Wichita</li><li>Shawnee Gardens Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Shawnee</li><li>Spring View Manor Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Conway Springs</li><li>Stoneybrook Retirement Community, Manhattan</li><li>The Gardens at Aldersgate, Topeka</li><li>Twin Oaks Retirement Community, Lansing</li><li>Valley Health Care Center, Valley Falls</li><li>Wathena Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Wathena</li><li>Western Prairie Senior Living, Ulysses</li>
 </ul>The Kansas SNF Clinic project is scheduled for three years, with regular progress and performance reports published on the KDADS&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kdads.ks.gov/1/01010195819c8db9-982741c7-5e3a-41bb-9410-4dd0d23256a8-000000/kKlxhUDeXyb_jBA3Ta0TC6z3mnBM4dnkZNviDG-AvoM=395">website</a>.

Osborne nursing home part of new quality improvement online program

On this edition of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about alcohol consumption and its effects on the body with Jessica Phelan, assistant professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Alcohol consumption and its effects on the body" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=79jva-1840ae2-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this edition of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about alcohol consumption and its effects on the body with Jessica Phelan, assistant professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance.&nbsp;

🎙 POST PODCAST: Alcohol consumption and its effects on the body

The Kansas 5A Basketball State Tournament was abruptly canceled on Thursday, March 12, 2020, due to concerns about the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. 

Hays High School's boys' basketball team had advanced to the state tournament the night before and was set to compete in the quarterfinals on Friday at White Auditorium in Emporia.

The tournament began as scheduled, with the first-round games being played, but was ultimately halted before the semifinals, leaving teams, including Hays High, unable to complete their championship run.

Hays High entered the tournament on an impressive eight-game winning streak, showcasing their dominance late in the season.

They continued their strong play in the first round by defeating Topeka Highland Park, further solidifying their championship aspirations.

The cancellation disappointed players, coaches and fans, as many teams, including Hays, had strong hopes for a state title.

The Hays High roster featured a talented and determined group of athletes, including Jason Krannawitter, Wesley Oakley, Carson Kieffer, TJ Nunnery, Noah Weimer, Jace Linenberger, Jordan Dale, Dylan Ruder, Nate Brooks, Ashton Hernandez, Dayln Swartz, Brock Lummus, and Garrett Wellbrock. 

Each player contributed to the team’s success, helping them build momentum heading into the tournament. 

Their chemistry and dedication made them a formidable opponent, adding to the heartbreak of the tournament’s cancellation.

Basehor Linwood,&nbsp;Andover, Kapaun and Hays will forever be known as The Forever 4.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/thxHsG4hcg4"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Kansas 5A Basketball State Tournament was abruptly canceled on Thursday, March 12, 2020, due to concerns about the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. Hays High School's boys' basketball team had advanced to the state tournament the night before and was set to compete in the quarterfinals on Friday at White Auditorium in Emporia.The tournament began as scheduled, with the first-round games being played, but was ultimately halted before the semifinals, leaving teams, including Hays High, unable to complete their championship run.Hays High entered the tournament on an impressive eight-game winning streak, showcasing their dominance late in the season.They continued their strong play in the first round by defeating Topeka Highland Park, further solidifying their championship aspirations.The cancellation disappointed players, coaches and fans, as many teams, including Hays, had strong hopes for a state title.The Hays High roster featured a talented and determined group of athletes, including Jason Krannawitter, Wesley Oakley, Carson Kieffer, TJ Nunnery, Noah Weimer, Jace Linenberger, Jordan Dale, Dylan Ruder, Nate Brooks, Ashton Hernandez, Dayln Swartz, Brock Lummus, and Garrett Wellbrock. Each player contributed to the team’s success, helping them build momentum heading into the tournament. Their chemistry and dedication made them a formidable opponent, adding to the heartbreak of the tournament’s cancellation.Basehor Linwood,&nbsp;Andover, Kapaun and Hays will forever be known as The Forever 4.

🎥🏀 Remembering Hays High, Forever 4 after 5 years

DECATUR COUNTY —Law enforcement across the state continue to encounter driver traveling well beyone the posted speed limit.

On Friday, Decatur County Sheriff Dave Wachendorfer stopped a vehicle for 111 mph in a posted 65 mph zone south of Oberlin, acording to a social media report from the sheriff's office.

  The driver admitted to doing 80, which is still well above the speed limit. "There were a lot of trucks on the road Friday morning interspersed with drivers traveling to work," the sheriff's office wrote.&nbsp; "The potential for a catastrophic collision was pretty high.

"Slow down"&nbsp; "Speed can kill, and the time you save is not worth the potential disaster awaiting you down the road and extremely high fine. This driver is facing a fine of approximately $550. "Drive safely and Arrive Alive."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741981137290.png" alt="Photos Decatur Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Decatur Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>DECATUR COUNTY —Law enforcement across the state continue to encounter driver traveling well beyone the posted speed limit.On Friday, Decatur County Sheriff Dave Wachendorfer stopped a vehicle for 111 mph in a posted 65 mph zone south of Oberlin, acording to a social media report from the sheriff's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741981112508.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> The driver admitted to doing 80, which is still well above the speed limit. "There were a lot of trucks on the road Friday morning interspersed with drivers traveling to work," the sheriff's office wrote.&nbsp; "The potential for a catastrophic collision was pretty high."Slow down"&nbsp; "Speed can kill, and the time you save is not worth the potential disaster awaiting you down the road and extremely high fine. This driver is facing a fine of approximately $550. "Drive safely and Arrive Alive."

Driver caught traveling 111mph on northwest Kansas highway

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle 1 was northbound on Interstate 635 one mile south of Interstate 70. 

The vehicle struck a pedestrian walking in lane one of the Interstate.&nbsp; The Patrol released no additional details early Saturday. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle 1 was northbound on Interstate 635 one mile south of Interstate 70. The vehicle struck a pedestrian walking in lane one of the Interstate.&nbsp; The Patrol released no additional details early Saturday. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

One dead after pedestrian accident on Kansas highway

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays High School principal told the Hays school board on March 3, at its work session, the school plans to introduce more cell phone restrictions for the next school year.

Hays High Principal Shawn Henderson spoke to the board, and it heard a report on the state's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Screen Time.

The state task force report highlighted concerns that cell phones are detrimental to students' mental health and distract them from learning.

The task force quoted a 2024 Pew Research Center study that revealed 72% of high school teachers, 33% of middle school teachers, and 6%&nbsp;of elementary school teachers say students distracted by cell phones in class are major problems.

Almost a third of students surveyed in another study said they were distracted by cell phones when they were used during math lessons, and 21 percent said they were distracted by other students using phones during those lessons.

A study published by the&nbsp;Social Science Research Network showed a correlation between cell phone bans and higher GPAs.

Hays High High School has a red/green policy for cell phones.

Red means cell phones are not to be used in class. Green means a teacher will allow cell phones to be out for specific uses.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said no action was taken regarding the cell phone policy during the work session. Staff was interested in getting the board's feedback as it prepares to revise its policy, he said. The new policy will be a part of student handbooks approved by the board this summer.

Wilson said the school is considering more device restrictions but acknowledged enforcement will be difficult.

A study cited by the state task force indicated although 77% of schools have some device restrictions, 97% of teens say they use their cell phones during the school day.

Wilson said the school is still working on a disciplinary policy that would accompany the device restrictions. However, he said it could include confiscating the cell phone or device.

Wilson said the HHS staff said most of their disciplinary issues revolve around cell phone use.

Hays Middle School has a no cell phone policy. They must be in lockers during school hours. Tom Albers told the board the school intends to retain its current policy.

The board also discussed the possibility of moving Hays High students to iPads instead of laptops.

Wilson said the staff thought the district could save money using iPads. However, iPad prices have increased, decreasing the potential savings.

Because lower grades use iPads, students would not need to learn a new device as they transition to high school. There also would be some cost and labor savings in only having to maintain one type of device.

The iPads also have built-in classroom management software, while software must be purchased separately for the laptops, Wilson said. The iPads have the capability for English language learning to plug headphones into the devices and have classroom lectures translated into Spanish.

The board did not take a vote, but Wilson said he thought the consensus was to continue using laptops at the high school.

The board heard a clarification on the bid process for the Hays High tennis courts. The district rejected a bid because it did not meet specifications.

The board tabled a discussion on electing board leadership. A discussion on having an owner representative specifically for the bond projects will likely be on the next board agenda.&nbsp;

The next school board meeting is March 24.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741893062134.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays High School principal told the Hays school board on March 3, at its work session, the school plans to introduce more cell phone restrictions for the next school year.Hays High Principal Shawn Henderson spoke to the board, and it heard a report on the state's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Screen Time.The state task force report highlighted concerns that cell phones are detrimental to students' mental health and distract them from learning.The task force quoted a 2024 Pew Research Center study that revealed 72% of high school teachers, 33% of middle school teachers, and 6%&nbsp;of elementary school teachers say students distracted by cell phones in class are major problems.Almost a third of students surveyed in another study said they were distracted by cell phones when they were used during math lessons, and 21 percent said they were distracted by other students using phones during those lessons.A study published by the&nbsp;Social Science Research Network showed a correlation between cell phone bans and higher GPAs.Hays High High School has a red/green policy for cell phones.Red means cell phones are not to be used in class. Green means a teacher will allow cell phones to be out for specific uses.Superintendent Ron Wilson said no action was taken regarding the cell phone policy during the work session. Staff was interested in getting the board's feedback as it prepares to revise its policy, he said. The new policy will be a part of student handbooks approved by the board this summer.Wilson said the school is considering more device restrictions but acknowledged enforcement will be difficult.A study cited by the state task force indicated although 77% of schools have some device restrictions, 97% of teens say they use their cell phones during the school day.Wilson said the school is still working on a disciplinary policy that would accompany the device restrictions. However, he said it could include confiscating the cell phone or device.Wilson said the HHS staff said most of their disciplinary issues revolve around cell phone use.Hays Middle School has a no cell phone policy. They must be in lockers during school hours. Tom Albers told the board the school intends to retain its current policy.<h2>iPads</h2>The board also discussed the possibility of moving Hays High students to iPads instead of laptops.Wilson said the staff thought the district could save money using iPads. However, iPad prices have increased, decreasing the potential savings.Because lower grades use iPads, students would not need to learn a new device as they transition to high school. There also would be some cost and labor savings in only having to maintain one type of device.The iPads also have built-in classroom management software, while software must be purchased separately for the laptops, Wilson said. The iPads have the capability for English language learning to plug headphones into the devices and have classroom lectures translated into Spanish.The board did not take a vote, but Wilson said he thought the consensus was to continue using laptops at the high school.The board heard a clarification on the bid process for the Hays High tennis courts. The district rejected a bid because it did not meet specifications.The board tabled a discussion on electing board leadership. A discussion on having an owner representative specifically for the bond projects will likely be on the next board agenda.&nbsp;The next school board meeting is March 24.

Hays High makes plans to further restrict cell phones

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed a six-month spending bill on Friday hours before a government shutdown, overcoming sharp Democratic opposition to the measure and sending it to President Donald Trump to be signed into law.

The vote was 54-46. Both Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted for the bill.&nbsp; Only one Republican, Senator Rand Paul, voted against the measure.

In a statement from his office Moran wrote,&nbsp; “This continuing resolution will make certain our troops and critical government workers, like air traffic controllers, continue to receive a paycheck and veterans continue to have access to the benefits they have earned.

“As an appropriator, I have long been a supporter of funding the government through regular process, including 12 individual appropriations bills that are debated, amended and passed. Last year, the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced 11 of the 12 Senate appropriations bills, yet Sen. Schumer chose to not bring a single one to the Senate floor for a vote.

“Congress must move on from Biden-era budgets and introduce appropriations bills which adequately fund the Department of Defense to address new and emerging threats, provide the government with the resources necessary to secure the border and put public resources to work in communities across Kansas. Congress has a constitutional obligation to make certain public funds are used in a manner consistent with the principles of public safety, national security and fiscal responsibility. I commit to working with the White House and my colleagues to produce legislation which accomplishes these goals for fiscal year 2026.”

 Democrats voiced frustration that Republicans went ahead with a measure they said included little input from them, and one they viewed as shortchanging key priorities such as health care and housing assistance. But in the end, some of them viewed a shutdown as a worse outcome and supported Democratic leader Chuck Schumer's effort to allow the bill to come to a final vote.

Democrats were confronted with two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting a funding lapse ensue.

Schumer gave members of his caucus days to vent their frustration about the options before them, but abruptly switched course and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-trump-musk-doge-democrats-1aa4edf64103b0cf49dd26a0487ea9e6">made clear</a>&nbsp;on the eve of voting that he will not allow a government shutdown. His move outraged many in the party who want to fight the Trump agenda, but gave senators room to side with Republicans and allow the continuing resolution, often described as a CR, to advance.

Democrats from all corners looked to pressure senators to kill the bill. House members wrote letters, posted on social media and held press conferences in the hours before the vote.

“The American people sent Democrats to Congress to fight against Republican dysfunction and chaos,” said a letter from 66 House Democrats to Schumer.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and his team dashed back to the Capitol urging senators to block the bill and negotiate a true compromise with Republicans.

Some Democrats also argued that Republicans would take the blame for a shutdown, given they controlled all the levers of power in Congress and the White House.

“If you refuse to put forward an offer that includes any Democratic input and you don’t get Democratic votes, that’s on Republicans,” said Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

In contrast, Schumer picked up one unexpected nod of support — from Trump himself, who just a day earlier was gearing up to blame Democrats for any shutdown.

“Congratulations to Chuck Schumer for doing the right thing — Took ‘guts’ and courage!” the president posted on his social media account.

Schumer has acknowledged the difficult choice he faced, but insisted Democrats would not allow a government shutdown and warned of the havoc Trump and Musk could bring if federal offices shuttered.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741987651863.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (center) during vote counting Friday in the U.S. Senate -image courtesy CSPAN.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (center) during vote counting Friday in the U.S. Senate -image courtesy CSPAN.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed a six-month spending bill on Friday hours before a government shutdown, overcoming sharp Democratic opposition to the measure and sending it to President Donald Trump to be signed into law.The vote was 54-46. Both Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted for the bill.&nbsp; Only one Republican, Senator Rand Paul, voted against the measure.In a statement from his office Moran wrote,&nbsp; “This continuing resolution will make certain our troops and critical government workers, like air traffic controllers, continue to receive a paycheck and veterans continue to have access to the benefits they have earned.“As an appropriator, I have long been a supporter of funding the government through regular process, including 12 individual appropriations bills that are debated, amended and passed. Last year, the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced 11 of the 12 Senate appropriations bills, yet Sen. Schumer chose to not bring a single one to the Senate floor for a vote.“Congress must move on from Biden-era budgets and introduce appropriations bills which adequately fund the Department of Defense to address new and emerging threats, provide the government with the resources necessary to secure the border and put public resources to work in communities across Kansas. Congress has a constitutional obligation to make certain public funds are used in a manner consistent with the principles of public safety, national security and fiscal responsibility. I commit to working with the White House and my colleagues to produce legislation which accomplishes these goals for fiscal year 2026.” Democrats voiced frustration that Republicans went ahead with a measure they said included little input from them, and one they viewed as shortchanging key priorities such as health care and housing assistance. But in the end, some of them viewed a shutdown as a worse outcome and supported Democratic leader Chuck Schumer's effort to allow the bill to come to a final vote.Democrats were confronted with two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting a funding lapse ensue.Schumer gave members of his caucus days to vent their frustration about the options before them, but abruptly switched course and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-trump-musk-doge-democrats-1aa4edf64103b0cf49dd26a0487ea9e6">made clear</a>&nbsp;on the eve of voting that he will not allow a government shutdown. His move outraged many in the party who want to fight the Trump agenda, but gave senators room to side with Republicans and allow the continuing resolution, often described as a CR, to advance.Democrats from all corners looked to pressure senators to kill the bill. House members wrote letters, posted on social media and held press conferences in the hours before the vote.“The American people sent Democrats to Congress to fight against Republican dysfunction and chaos,” said a letter from 66 House Democrats to Schumer.House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and his team dashed back to the Capitol urging senators to block the bill and negotiate a true compromise with Republicans.Some Democrats also argued that Republicans would take the blame for a shutdown, given they controlled all the levers of power in Congress and the White House.“If you refuse to put forward an offer that includes any Democratic input and you don’t get Democratic votes, that’s on Republicans,” said Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.In contrast, Schumer picked up one unexpected nod of support — from Trump himself, who just a day earlier was gearing up to blame Democrats for any shutdown.“Congratulations to Chuck Schumer for doing the right thing — Took ‘guts’ and courage!” the president posted on his social media account.Schumer has acknowledged the difficult choice he faced, but insisted Democrats would not allow a government shutdown and warned of the havoc Trump and Musk could bring if federal offices shuttered.“A shutdown will allow DOGE to shift into overdrive,” Schumer said, referring to the Musk-led&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-government-trump-executive-order-1a2fb7235b9d6f178c764cf6c78d3317">Department of Government Efficiency.</a>&nbsp;“Donald Trump and Elon Musk would be free to destroy vital government services at a much faster rate.”Congress has been unable to pass the annual appropriations bills designed to fund the government, so they've resorted to passing short-term extensions instead. The legislation before the Senate is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-disaster-aid-debt-limit-trump-5a78b3c8c7aedc9384842fae83d78f5b">the third</a>&nbsp;such continuing resolution for the current fiscal year, now nearly half over.The legislation would fund the federal government through the end of September. It would trim non-defense spending by about $13 billion from the previous year and increase defense spending by about $6 billion, which are marginal changes when talking about a topline spending level of nearly $1.7 trillion.The Republican-led House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-budget-funding-government-shutdown-e027a644af4152377b8cf99f6a91102f">passed</a>&nbsp;the spending bill on Tuesday and then adjourned. The move left senators with a decision to either take it or leave it. And while Democrats have been pushing for a vote on a fourth short-term extension, GOP leadership made clear that option was a non-starter.Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and others made the case that any blame for a shutdown would fall squarely on Democrats.“Democrats need to decide if they're going to support funding legislation that came over from the House, or if they're going to shut down the government,” Thune said.Progressive groups urged Democratic lawmakers to insist on the 30-day extension and oppose the spending bill, saying business as usual must not continue.“There’s still time,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico at a House Democratic retreat in Leesburg, Virginia. “So, any of my colleagues in the Senate who are considering voting on cloture, the American people are shouting: Please do not hand the keys over to Elon Musk."But Schumer said Trump would seize more power during a shutdown, because it would give the administration the ability to deem whole agencies, programs and personnel non-essential,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-elon-musk-johnson-schumer-jeffries-cf75ae3c5f04207980cb96b286e70c09">furloughing staff</a>&nbsp;with no promise they would ever be rehired.Democrats have been critical of the funding levels in the bill. But they are more worried about the discretion the bill gives the Trump administration on spending decisions. Many Democrats are referring to the measure as a “blank check” for Trump.Spending bills typically come with specific funding directives for key programs, but hundreds of those directives fall away under the continuing resolution passed by the House. So the administration will have more leeway to decide where the money goes.For example, a Democratic memo said the bill would allow the administration to steer money away from combating fentanyl and instead use it on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-deportations-border-immigration-bcd2737e6f9b482ec500238c6caa4f35">mass deportation initiatives</a>.Democrats also object to clawing back $20 billion in special IRS funding, on top of the $20 billion rescission approved the year before through legislation passed by Democrats during Joe Biden's presidency.The spending bill before the Senate is separate from the GOP effort to extend tax cuts for individuals passed in Trump's first term and to partially pay for them with spending cuts elsewhere in government.That second package will be developed in the months ahead, but it was clearly part of the political calculus.“You're looking at a one-two punch, a very bad CR, then a reconciliation bill coming down, which will be the final kick in the teeth for the American people,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said the Democratic arguments for voting against the bill were hypocritical because they were essentially calling for shutting down the government to protect the government.“Democrats are fighting to withhold the paychecks of air traffic controllers, our troops, federal custodial staff,” Cotton said. “They can't be serious.”Senators also announced they would be voting on a bill to fix an unexpected provision in the spending measure that hit the District of Columbia. The spending package effectively forced the District to revert to prior year’s budget levels, requiring a cut of some $1.1 billion over the months ahead, even though the district raises most of its own money. Mayor Muriel Bowser objected and residents have been flooding senators’ offices. The Senate bill, which would next go to the House, would reverse that provision and allow the spending at 2025 levels.___