By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents deleted a quarter-billion dollars Thursday from the extraordinary budget increase sought by public state universities in an effort to prepare a politically credible higher education spending plan for consideration by Gov. Laura Kelly and the 2024 Legislature.

The heavy lift gleaned more than $270 million from budget enhancements envisioned by six universities in the fiscal year starting in July 2024. The higher education system of universities, community colleges and technical colleges was left with a $301 million proposal, with nearly half the amount viewed as one-time allocations.

The amendment process included replacement of a $150 million proposal to supercharge faculty and staff recruiting and retention at research universities in Lawrence, Manhattan and Wichita with a miniaturized $10 million initiative that wouldn’t be part of this budget request but would be sought individually through the legislative process. 

An $18 million earmark for the regional universities in Hays, Pittsburg and Emporia was sliced in half rather than discarded.

The budget outline to be submitted to the governor’s office in October would raise university spending by $30 million for building improvement or demolition, $15 million for IT cybersecurity and $7 million for rising operational expenditures. There also would be $14 million for need-based student aid, $9.5 million for student academic success initiatives and $5 million for a rural Kansas education program.

Jon Rolph, chairman of the Board of Regents and a Wichita businessman, said the board’s how-sausage-was-made vetting process involved articulation of diverse aspirational proposals and subjected to refinement by the board before inserted into the legislative arena.

“The regents had a vigorous and productive discussion about funding priorities and developed an ask focused on the most impactful projects for Kansas families and businesses,” Rolph said. “We’ve got to hold ourselves accountable. Higher education is essential to the prosperity of Kansas and its communities.”

Board members intend to submit a special request in January for restoration of $41 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars stripped from $142 million dedicated to the proposed Wichita Biomedical Campus. It is to be operated by Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. The money for the facility was temporarily withdrawn after the 2023 Legislature redirected too many ARPA dollars to other projects.

Wint Winter, a member of the Board of Regents and a former state senator from Lawrence, said the unprioritized $570 million spending hike offered by the 32 public universities, community colleges and technical colleges for review by the board would be dead on arrival at the Capitol if forwarded without revision.

“I can tell you that many people in the Legislature would look at that and say, ‘What are they thinking?'” Winter said. “I’m concerned that we’re not doing our job by sending over a budget that is $570 million without any indication from us about which of these items are the most important.”

“Most, if not all of that request, would be dismissed. Our advocacy is muted if we send over a budget request that we know is nowhere close to being that which will be funded,” he said.

State lawmakers appropriated slightly more than $1 billion in the current year’s higher education budget. The Republican-led Legislature and the Democratic governor embraced a $220 million increase in spending for higher education. In the previous budget year, the increase in state aid was $162 million. Both were adopted during a period in which the state treasury was flush with surplus tax revenue.

Ken Hush, president of Emporia State University, pleaded with the Board of Regents not to discard the $18 million sought by Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and ESU to deal with financial problems associated with stagnant or declining enrollment. PSU president Dan Shipp urged the board to submit a request for $9 million in the upcoming year and seek a second installment of $9 million in the subsequent year for the three universities.

“This is about stabilization,” said Hush, who faces a deep enrollment drop at ESU tied to controversial realignment of academic programs. “Enrollment is declining nationwide. We’ve all talked about it. This is truly about stabilization and the initiatives that we need.”

Hush did win endorsement by the Board of Regents for three budget requests valued at $17 million, with more than half that total tied to state assistance repaying loans for housing and other obligations that no longer could be repaid through fee assessments.

The Board of Regents endorsed funding for the state’s two-year colleges: $14.3 million for business and industry apprenticeships, $10.5 million for technical college operating grants, $6.5 million for IT cybersecurity, $5 million for state aid of technical education capital projects.

Ethan Erickson, vice president for administration and finance at Kansas State University, received approval from the board for $25 million to support new or renovated buildings that would be tied to an agriculture innovation center dedicated to beef, dairy and grain science research and instruction. This appropriation would be set up as a one-to-one match from the private sector. The land-grant university has identified $133 million for the agricultural development project budgeted at $208 million, he said.

Kansas State earned support from the Board of Regents for $5 million in state tax dollars to create a water research institute to tackle quality and quantity challenges. The institute would delve into water scarcity as well as food production and urban planning for benefit of the state, he said.

“We have to do this,” said Marshall Stewart, a senior vice president at KSU. “It’s a top priority for the state of Kansas.”

KU was granted approval for $75 million in state funding for construction of a new regional cancer research and clinical treatment facility on the medical center campus in Kansas City, Kansas. The funding would be matched by private foundations that have expressed interest in supporting the cancer center project, said KU chancellor Doug Girod.

“We believe we’ve got some champions in the Legislature to carry the water on this one,” Girod said.

The cancer center project could cost as much as $500 million, a Board of Regents document said. In June, KU announced a $100 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation and allocation of $43 million in federal funding for the state-of-the-art facility.

Wichita State convinced the Board of Regents to endorse a $5 million appeal for support of student retention and workforce development through creation of workplace learning opportunities with businesses that go beyond a traditional internship. WSU officials had sought $10 million for this item.

“I think we should be investing in things that we already know is working,” said WSU president Rick Muma.

Fort Hays State would gain access to $15 million for a nursing workforce development facility for benefit of western Kansas.

Meanwhile, Pittsburg State would receive $5 million in state support to improve science laboratories on campus. The proposal also would collaborate with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on construction of a criminology center on the campus in southeast Kansas. The specific budget request by the KBI for the center hasn’t been made public. In 2015, KBI opened a $55 million forensic science laboratory and classroom facility at Washburn University in Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695387001249.png" alt="Jon Rolph, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, led colleagues and higher education officials through a discussion Wednesday to reduce requests for $570 million in new state funding to a more palatable amount. The full board is expected to vote Thursday on a unified higher education budget proposal. (Screen capture from the Kansas Board of Regents livestream)" />
 <figcaption>Jon Rolph, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, led colleagues and higher education officials through a discussion Wednesday to reduce requests for $570 million in new state funding to a more palatable amount. The full board is expected to vote Thursday on a unified higher education budget proposal. (Screen capture from the Kansas Board of Regents livestream)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents deleted a quarter-billion dollars Thursday from the extraordinary budget increase sought by public state universities in an effort to prepare a politically credible higher education spending plan for consideration by Gov. Laura Kelly and the 2024 Legislature.The heavy lift gleaned more than $270 million from budget enhancements envisioned by six universities in the fiscal year starting in July 2024. The higher education system of universities, community colleges and technical colleges was left with a $301 million proposal, with nearly half the amount viewed as one-time allocations.The amendment process included replacement of a $150 million proposal to supercharge faculty and staff recruiting and retention at research universities in Lawrence, Manhattan and Wichita with a miniaturized $10 million initiative that wouldn’t be part of this budget request but would be sought individually through the legislative process. An $18 million earmark for the regional universities in Hays, Pittsburg and Emporia was sliced in half rather than discarded.The budget outline to be submitted to the governor’s office in October would raise university spending by $30 million for building improvement or demolition, $15 million for IT cybersecurity and $7 million for rising operational expenditures. There also would be $14 million for need-based student aid, $9.5 million for student academic success initiatives and $5 million for a rural Kansas education program.Jon Rolph, chairman of the Board of Regents and a Wichita businessman, said the board’s how-sausage-was-made vetting process involved articulation of diverse aspirational proposals and subjected to refinement by the board before inserted into the legislative arena.“The regents had a vigorous and productive discussion about funding priorities and developed an ask focused on the most impactful projects for Kansas families and businesses,” Rolph said. “We’ve got to hold ourselves accountable. Higher education is essential to the prosperity of Kansas and its communities.”Board members intend to submit a special request in January for restoration of $41 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars stripped from $142 million dedicated to the proposed Wichita Biomedical Campus. It is to be operated by Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. The money for the facility was temporarily withdrawn after the 2023 Legislature redirected too many ARPA dollars to other projects.Wint Winter, a member of the Board of Regents and a former state senator from Lawrence, said the unprioritized $570 million spending hike offered by the 32 public universities, community colleges and technical colleges for review by the board would be dead on arrival at the Capitol if forwarded without revision.“I can tell you that many people in the Legislature would look at that and say, ‘What are they thinking?'” Winter said. “I’m concerned that we’re not doing our job by sending over a budget that is $570 million without any indication from us about which of these items are the most important.”“Most, if not all of that request, would be dismissed. Our advocacy is muted if we send over a budget request that we know is nowhere close to being that which will be funded,” he said.State lawmakers appropriated slightly more than $1 billion in the current year’s higher education budget. The Republican-led Legislature and the Democratic governor embraced a $220 million increase in spending for higher education. In the previous budget year, the increase in state aid was $162 million. Both were adopted during a period in which the state treasury was flush with surplus tax revenue.Ken Hush, president of Emporia State University, pleaded with the Board of Regents not to discard the $18 million sought by Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and ESU to deal with financial problems associated with stagnant or declining enrollment. PSU president Dan Shipp urged the board to submit a request for $9 million in the upcoming year and seek a second installment of $9 million in the subsequent year for the three universities.“This is about stabilization,” said Hush, who faces a deep enrollment drop at ESU tied to controversial realignment of academic programs. “Enrollment is declining nationwide. We’ve all talked about it. This is truly about stabilization and the initiatives that we need.”Hush did win endorsement by the Board of Regents for three budget requests valued at $17 million, with more than half that total tied to state assistance repaying loans for housing and other obligations that no longer could be repaid through fee assessments.The Board of Regents endorsed funding for the state’s two-year colleges: $14.3 million for business and industry apprenticeships, $10.5 million for technical college operating grants, $6.5 million for IT cybersecurity, $5 million for state aid of technical education capital projects.Ethan Erickson, vice president for administration and finance at Kansas State University, received approval from the board for $25 million to support new or renovated buildings that would be tied to an agriculture innovation center dedicated to beef, dairy and grain science research and instruction. This appropriation would be set up as a one-to-one match from the private sector. The land-grant university has identified $133 million for the agricultural development project budgeted at $208 million, he said.Kansas State earned support from the Board of Regents for $5 million in state tax dollars to create a water research institute to tackle quality and quantity challenges. The institute would delve into water scarcity as well as food production and urban planning for benefit of the state, he said.“We have to do this,” said Marshall Stewart, a senior vice president at KSU. “It’s a top priority for the state of Kansas.”KU was granted approval for $75 million in state funding for construction of a new regional cancer research and clinical treatment facility on the medical center campus in Kansas City, Kansas. The funding would be matched by private foundations that have expressed interest in supporting the cancer center project, said KU chancellor Doug Girod.“We believe we’ve got some champions in the Legislature to carry the water on this one,” Girod said.The cancer center project could cost as much as $500 million, a Board of Regents document said. In June, KU announced a $100 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation and allocation of $43 million in federal funding for the state-of-the-art facility.Wichita State convinced the Board of Regents to endorse a $5 million appeal for support of student retention and workforce development through creation of workplace learning opportunities with businesses that go beyond a traditional internship. WSU officials had sought $10 million for this item.“I think we should be investing in things that we already know is working,” said WSU president Rick Muma.Fort Hays State would gain access to $15 million for a nursing workforce development facility for benefit of western Kansas.Meanwhile, Pittsburg State would receive $5 million in state support to improve science laboratories on campus. The proposal also would collaborate with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on construction of a criminology center on the campus in southeast Kansas. The specific budget request by the KBI for the center hasn’t been made public. In 2015, KBI opened a $55 million forensic science laboratory and classroom facility at Washburn University in Topeka.

Kansas Board of Regents sculpt $300 million plan for boosting state aid to public higher education

Awesome Osborne County events to enjoy in October

WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff" target="_blank">federal government shutdown</a>&nbsp;suddenly lifted late Saturday as President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open with little time to spare after Congress rushed to approve the bipartisan deal.

The package drops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Volodymyr,troops%20in%20the%20fight%20against" target="_blank">aid to Ukraine</a>, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hurricane-flooding-fema-disaster-relief-budget-365fc3acd6a12c1f8e67b4926c8dc8b2" target="_blank">federal disaster assistance by $16 billion,</a>&nbsp;meeting Biden’s full request. The bill funds government until Nov. 17.

After chaotic days of turmoil in the House, Speaker Kevin McCarthy abruptly abandoned demands for steep spending cuts from his right flank and instead relied on Democrats to pass the bill, at risk to his own job. The Senate followed with final passage closing a whirlwind day at the Capitol.

“This is good news for the American people,” Biden said in a statement.

He also said the United States “cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted” and expected McCarthy “will keep his commitment to the people of Ukraine and secure passage of the support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment.”

It’s been a sudden head-spinning turn of events in Congress ahead of the midnight funding deadline after grueling days in the House pushed the government to the brink of a disruptive federal shutdown.

The outcome ends, for now, the threat of a shutdown, but the reprieve may be short-lived. Congress will again need to fund the government in coming weeks risking a crisis as views are hardening, particularly among the right-flank lawmakers whose demands were ultimately swept aside this time in favor of a more bipartisan approach.

“We’re going to do our job,” McCarthy, R-Calif., said before the House vote. “We’re going to be adults in the room. And we’re going to keep government open.”

If no deal was in place before Sunday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-gop-federal-workers-congress-government-5978a4c7411eba06261d16c3aff3dfc5" target="_blank">federal workers would have faced furloughs</a>, more than 2 million active-duty and reserve military troops would have had to work without pay and programs and services that Americans rely on from coast to coast would have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c" target="_blank">begun to face shutdown disruptions</a>.

“It has been a day full of twists and turns, but the American people can breathe a sigh of relief: There will be no government shutdown,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

The package funds government at current 2023 levels until mid-November, and also extends other provisions, including for the Federal Aviation Administration. The package was approved by the House 335-91, with most Republicans and almost all Democrats supporting. Senate passage came by an 88-9 vote.&nbsp;Kansas Senator Jerry Moran voted in favor of the measure along with Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt and Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall voted against the bill.

But the loss of Ukraine aid was devastating for lawmakers of both parties vowing to support President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3" target="_blank">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;after his recent Washington visit. The Senate bill included $6 billion for Ukraine, and both chambers came to a standstill Saturday as lawmakers assessed their options.

“The American people deserve better,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, warning in a lengthy floor speech that “extreme” Republicans were risking a shutdown.

For the House package to be approved, McCarthy was forced to rely on Democrats because the speaker’s hard-right flank has said it will oppose any short-term funding measure, denying him the votes needed from his slim majority. It’s a move that is sure to intensify calls for his ouster.

After leaving the conservative holdouts behind, McCarthy is almost certain to be facing a motion to try to remove him from office, though it is not at all certain there would be enough votes to topple the speaker. Most Republicans voted for the package Saturday while 90 opposed.

“If somebody wants to remove me because I want to be the adult in the room, go ahead and try,” McCarthy said of the threat to oust him. “But I think this country is too important.”

The White House was tracking the developments on Capitol Hill and aides were briefing the president, who was spending the weekend in Washington.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who has championed Ukraine aid despite resistance from his own ranks, is expected to keep pursuing U.S. support for Kyiv in the fight against Russia.

“I have agreed to keep fighting for more economic and security aid for Ukraine,” McConnell, R-Ky., said before the vote.

Late at night, the Senate stalled when Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., held up the vote, seeking assurances Ukraine funds would be reconsidered.

“I know important moments are like this, for the United States, to lead the rest of the world,” Bennet said, noting his mother was born in Poland in 1938 and survived the Holocaust. “We can’t fail.”

The House’s quick pivot comes after the collapse Friday of McCarthy’s earlier plan to pass a Republican-only bill with steep spending cuts up to 30% to most government agencies and strict border provisions that the White House and Democrats rejected as too extreme. A faction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-votes-mccarthy-gop-caucus-gaetz-585c82607c00c2cfc45768faff6e1cda" target="_blank">21 hard-right Republican holdouts</a>&nbsp;opposed it.

“Our options are slipping away every minute,” said one senior Republican, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida.

The federal government had been heading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff" target="_blank">straight into a shutdown</a>&nbsp;that posed grave uncertainty for federal workers in states all across America and the people who depend on them — from troops to border control agents to office workers, scientists and others.

Families that rely on Head Start for children, food benefits and countless other programs large and small were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c" target="_blank">confronting potential interruptions or outright closures</a>. At the airports, Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers had been expected to work without pay, but travelers could have faced delays in updating their U.S. passports or other travel documents.

The White House has brushed aside McCarthy’s overtures to meet with Biden after the speaker walked away from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053#:~:text=Washington%20News-,Biden%20signs%20debt%20ceiling%20bill%20that%20pulls,from%20brink%20of%20unprecedented%20default&amp;text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20With%20just,on%20the%20federal%20government's%20debt." target="_blank">debt deal</a>&nbsp;they brokered earlier this year that set budget levels.

Catering to his hard-right flank, McCarthy had made multiple concessions including returning to the spending limits the conservatives demanded back in January as part of the deal-making to help him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15" target="_blank">become the House speaker</a>.

But it was not enough as the conservatives insisted the House follow regular rules, and debate and approve each of the 12 separate spending bills needed to fund the government agencies, typically a months-long process. In the Senate, all the no votes against the package came from Republicans.

McCarthy’s chief Republican critic, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, has warned he will file a motion calling a vote to oust the speaker.

Some of the Republican holdouts, including Gaetz, are allies of former President Donald Trump, who is Biden’s chief rival in the 2024 race. Trump has been encouraging the Republicans to fight hard for their priorities and even to “shut it down.”

At an early closed-door meeting at the Capitol, several House Republicans, particularly those facing tough reelections next year, urged their colleagues to find a way to prevent a shutdown.

“All of us have a responsibility to lead and to govern,” said Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York.

The lone House Democrat to vote against the package, Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois, the co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, said, “Protecting Ukraine is in our national interest.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696162456881.png" alt="White House photo" />
 <figcaption>White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff" target="_blank">federal government shutdown</a>&nbsp;suddenly lifted late Saturday as President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open with little time to spare after Congress rushed to approve the bipartisan deal.The package drops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Volodymyr,troops%20in%20the%20fight%20against" target="_blank">aid to Ukraine</a>, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hurricane-flooding-fema-disaster-relief-budget-365fc3acd6a12c1f8e67b4926c8dc8b2" target="_blank">federal disaster assistance by $16 billion,</a>&nbsp;meeting Biden’s full request. The bill funds government until Nov. 17.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tonight, Congress voted to keep the government open, preventing an unnecessary crisis that would have inflicted needless pain on millions of hardworking Americans. This is good news, but I want to be clear: we should never have been in this position in the first place. <a href="https://t.co/U28kaX11Rq">pic.twitter.com/U28kaX11Rq</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1708290185505419283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After chaotic days of turmoil in the House, Speaker Kevin McCarthy abruptly abandoned demands for steep spending cuts from his right flank and instead relied on Democrats to pass the bill, at risk to his own job. The Senate followed with final passage closing a whirlwind day at the Capitol.“This is good news for the American people,” Biden said in a statement.He also said the United States “cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted” and expected McCarthy “will keep his commitment to the people of Ukraine and secure passage of the support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment.”It’s been a sudden head-spinning turn of events in Congress ahead of the midnight funding deadline after grueling days in the House pushed the government to the brink of a disruptive federal shutdown.The outcome ends, for now, the threat of a shutdown, but the reprieve may be short-lived. Congress will again need to fund the government in coming weeks risking a crisis as views are hardening, particularly among the right-flank lawmakers whose demands were ultimately swept aside this time in favor of a more bipartisan approach.“We’re going to do our job,” McCarthy, R-Calif., said before the House vote. “We’re going to be adults in the room. And we’re going to keep government open.”If no deal was in place before Sunday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-gop-federal-workers-congress-government-5978a4c7411eba06261d16c3aff3dfc5" target="_blank">federal workers would have faced furloughs</a>, more than 2 million active-duty and reserve military troops would have had to work without pay and programs and services that Americans rely on from coast to coast would have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c" target="_blank">begun to face shutdown disruptions</a>.“It has been a day full of twists and turns, but the American people can breathe a sigh of relief: There will be no government shutdown,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.The package funds government at current 2023 levels until mid-November, and also extends other provisions, including for the Federal Aviation Administration. The package was approved by the House 335-91, with most Republicans and almost all Democrats supporting. Senate passage came by an 88-9 vote.&nbsp;Kansas Senator Jerry Moran voted in favor of the measure along with Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt and Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall voted against the bill.But the loss of Ukraine aid was devastating for lawmakers of both parties vowing to support President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3" target="_blank">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;after his recent Washington visit. The Senate bill included $6 billion for Ukraine, and both chambers came to a standstill Saturday as lawmakers assessed their options.“The American people deserve better,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, warning in a lengthy floor speech that “extreme” Republicans were risking a shutdown.For the House package to be approved, McCarthy was forced to rely on Democrats because the speaker’s hard-right flank has said it will oppose any short-term funding measure, denying him the votes needed from his slim majority. It’s a move that is sure to intensify calls for his ouster.After leaving the conservative holdouts behind, McCarthy is almost certain to be facing a motion to try to remove him from office, though it is not at all certain there would be enough votes to topple the speaker. Most Republicans voted for the package Saturday while 90 opposed.“If somebody wants to remove me because I want to be the adult in the room, go ahead and try,” McCarthy said of the threat to oust him. “But I think this country is too important.”The White House was tracking the developments on Capitol Hill and aides were briefing the president, who was spending the weekend in Washington.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who has championed Ukraine aid despite resistance from his own ranks, is expected to keep pursuing U.S. support for Kyiv in the fight against Russia.“I have agreed to keep fighting for more economic and security aid for Ukraine,” McConnell, R-Ky., said before the vote.Late at night, the Senate stalled when Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., held up the vote, seeking assurances Ukraine funds would be reconsidered.“I know important moments are like this, for the United States, to lead the rest of the world,” Bennet said, noting his mother was born in Poland in 1938 and survived the Holocaust. “We can’t fail.”The House’s quick pivot comes after the collapse Friday of McCarthy’s earlier plan to pass a Republican-only bill with steep spending cuts up to 30% to most government agencies and strict border provisions that the White House and Democrats rejected as too extreme. A faction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-votes-mccarthy-gop-caucus-gaetz-585c82607c00c2cfc45768faff6e1cda" target="_blank">21 hard-right Republican holdouts</a>&nbsp;opposed it.“Our options are slipping away every minute,” said one senior Republican, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida.The federal government had been heading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff" target="_blank">straight into a shutdown</a>&nbsp;that posed grave uncertainty for federal workers in states all across America and the people who depend on them — from troops to border control agents to office workers, scientists and others.Families that rely on Head Start for children, food benefits and countless other programs large and small were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c" target="_blank">confronting potential interruptions or outright closures</a>. At the airports, Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers had been expected to work without pay, but travelers could have faced delays in updating their U.S. passports or other travel documents.The White House has brushed aside McCarthy’s overtures to meet with Biden after the speaker walked away from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053#:~:text=Washington%20News-,Biden%20signs%20debt%20ceiling%20bill%20that%20pulls,from%20brink%20of%20unprecedented%20default&amp;text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20With%20just,on%20the%20federal%20government's%20debt." target="_blank">debt deal</a>&nbsp;they brokered earlier this year that set budget levels.Catering to his hard-right flank, McCarthy had made multiple concessions including returning to the spending limits the conservatives demanded back in January as part of the deal-making to help him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15" target="_blank">become the House speaker</a>.But it was not enough as the conservatives insisted the House follow regular rules, and debate and approve each of the 12 separate spending bills needed to fund the government agencies, typically a months-long process. In the Senate, all the no votes against the package came from Republicans.McCarthy’s chief Republican critic, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, has warned he will file a motion calling a vote to oust the speaker.Some of the Republican holdouts, including Gaetz, are allies of former President Donald Trump, who is Biden’s chief rival in the 2024 race. Trump has been encouraging the Republicans to fight hard for their priorities and even to “shut it down.”At an early closed-door meeting at the Capitol, several House Republicans, particularly those facing tough reelections next year, urged their colleagues to find a way to prevent a shutdown.“All of us have a responsibility to lead and to govern,” said Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York.The lone House Democrat to vote against the package, Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois, the co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, said, “Protecting Ukraine is in our national interest.”<h2>___</h2>

Biden signs bill to keep government funded through Nov. 17

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The New York Yankees clinched their 31st straight winning season by beating the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

They'd rather be clinching something more important.

But the chances of that evaporated long ago, when the Yankees scuffled so badly through the middle part of the season that many wondered whether they would finish with a losing record. With a 5-2 victory in which Frankie Montas got the win out of the bullpen in his season debut, the second-longest streak in major league history at least remained intact.

“I mean, we're going home tomorrow. That's inevitably kind of the takeaway from our season,” countered Yankees manager Aaron Boone, whose club has finished strong after floundering six games below .500 last month. "We expect to be playing in October and the fact that we're not going to be doing that beyond tomorrow is tough."

So much for celebrating a feel-good, come-from-behind win over the Royals.

Montas had surgery on his labrum in late February and spent all season working his way back, even though he will be a free agent after the season and easily could have called it a year. But the long hours of rehab work paid off when Montas walked out of the bullpen and proceeded to retire four hitters while allowing two hits and a walk.

“So many emotions going on,” he said after his first big league appearance since last October's AL Championship Series opener. “It was just like my first time pitching.”

Montas earned the win thanks in part to Gleyber Torres, who drove in a pair of runs during a three-run sixth inning. Oswaldo Cabrera, Everson Pereira and Estevan Florial also drove in runs for New York.

Clay Holmes pitched a perfect ninth for his 24th save in 27 chances.

“You know,” Boone said, “we've been through a lot this year and I'm super, super pleased with how these guys have shown up and continued to get after it day-in and day-out. I'm glad we're finishing this way, and playing with purpose, and playing with meaning, because that wasn't always the case."

Alec Marsh (3-9) replaced opener Steven Cruz and allowed three runs, six hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings for Kansas City, which fell to 55-106 and matched the 2005 team for the most losses in a season in club history.

“I think it was just, maybe, the end of the season and trying to hype up that last outing, go out there and try to do too much,” Marsh said. “I did make some good pitches in some good times in big situations to limit. It could have been a lot worse.”

The Royals, who got their first 10 batters on base and score nine runs in a 12-5 rout the previous night, got off to another hot start on a steamy final night of September. Garcia opened the game with a single and later scored on Nelson Velázquez's single, and Salvador Perez added a homer in the third to give Kansas City a 3-0 lead.

The Yankees got two runs back against Marsh in the fourth before tying the game in the sixth on Florial's single. Collin Snider proceeded to walk DJ LeMahieu and Aaron Judge before Torres ripped a two-run single to give New York the final margin.

The Yankees' Carlos Rodón and pitching coach Matt Blake spent time talking Saturday after clashing on the mound the previous night. Rodón was in the midst of allowing all eight batters he faced to reach and eventually score in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yankees-royals-new-york-kansas-city-baseball-08a05d99dcd3e0be19eee2a6c499ec4c">a 12-5 loss</a>&nbsp;when Blake came out to talk to him. Rodón turned his back on Blake and gestured for him to return to the dugout.

“He’s been in the league for a while. We want him to go out and have a lot of success and behave in the right ways,” Blake said Saturday, “and you know, this is one were going to look back on and wish we had back.”

The Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. was thrown out trying to steal second, tying Atlanta's Ronald Acuna Jr. for the major league lead with 14. Witt needs one steal to become the fourth player in big league history with 50 in a season with at least 30 homers.

Yankees: To reinstate Montas (shoulder inflammation) from the injured list, OF Jasson Domínguez (elbow surgery) was moved to the 60-day list and RHP Randy Vásquez optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Royals OF Drew Waters left after the third inning with tightness in his left quad. He doubled in his only at-bat. ... Velázquez left the game after fouling a pitch a pitch off the top of his knee.

Yankees RHP Michael King (4-7, 2.50 ERA) will start the season finale against Royals RHP Zack Greinke (1-15, 5.18), who could be making his last start with Kansas City. The 39-year-old Greinke will be a free agent after finishing his 20th big league season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696127858563.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) celebrates with Nelson Velazquez, left, after hitting a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) celebrates with Nelson Velazquez, left, after hitting a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The New York Yankees clinched their 31st straight winning season by beating the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.They'd rather be clinching something more important.Like a playoff spot.But the chances of that evaporated long ago, when the Yankees scuffled so badly through the middle part of the season that many wondered whether they would finish with a losing record. With a 5-2 victory in which Frankie Montas got the win out of the bullpen in his season debut, the second-longest streak in major league history at least remained intact.“I mean, we're going home tomorrow. That's inevitably kind of the takeaway from our season,” countered Yankees manager Aaron Boone, whose club has finished strong after floundering six games below .500 last month. "We expect to be playing in October and the fact that we're not going to be doing that beyond tomorrow is tough."So much for celebrating a feel-good, come-from-behind win over the Royals.Montas had surgery on his labrum in late February and spent all season working his way back, even though he will be a free agent after the season and easily could have called it a year. But the long hours of rehab work paid off when Montas walked out of the bullpen and proceeded to retire four hitters while allowing two hits and a walk.“So many emotions going on,” he said after his first big league appearance since last October's AL Championship Series opener. “It was just like my first time pitching.”Montas earned the win thanks in part to Gleyber Torres, who drove in a pair of runs during a three-run sixth inning. Oswaldo Cabrera, Everson Pereira and Estevan Florial also drove in runs for New York.Clay Holmes pitched a perfect ninth for his 24th save in 27 chances.“You know,” Boone said, “we've been through a lot this year and I'm super, super pleased with how these guys have shown up and continued to get after it day-in and day-out. I'm glad we're finishing this way, and playing with purpose, and playing with meaning, because that wasn't always the case."Alec Marsh (3-9) replaced opener Steven Cruz and allowed three runs, six hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings for Kansas City, which fell to 55-106 and matched the 2005 team for the most losses in a season in club history.“I think it was just, maybe, the end of the season and trying to hype up that last outing, go out there and try to do too much,” Marsh said. “I did make some good pitches in some good times in big situations to limit. It could have been a lot worse.”The Royals, who got their first 10 batters on base and score nine runs in a 12-5 rout the previous night, got off to another hot start on a steamy final night of September. Garcia opened the game with a single and later scored on Nelson Velázquez's single, and Salvador Perez added a homer in the third to give Kansas City a 3-0 lead.The Yankees got two runs back against Marsh in the fourth before tying the game in the sixth on Florial's single. Collin Snider proceeded to walk DJ LeMahieu and Aaron Judge before Torres ripped a two-run single to give New York the final margin.SMOOTHING THINGS OVERThe Yankees' Carlos Rodón and pitching coach Matt Blake spent time talking Saturday after clashing on the mound the previous night. Rodón was in the midst of allowing all eight batters he faced to reach and eventually score in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yankees-royals-new-york-kansas-city-baseball-08a05d99dcd3e0be19eee2a6c499ec4c">a 12-5 loss</a>&nbsp;when Blake came out to talk to him. Rodón turned his back on Blake and gestured for him to return to the dugout.“He’s been in the league for a while. We want him to go out and have a lot of success and behave in the right ways,” Blake said Saturday, “and you know, this is one were going to look back on and wish we had back.”ONE MORE SWIPE NEEDEDThe Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. was thrown out trying to steal second, tying Atlanta's Ronald Acuna Jr. for the major league lead with 14. Witt needs one steal to become the fourth player in big league history with 50 in a season with at least 30 homers.ROSTER MOVESYankees: To reinstate Montas (shoulder inflammation) from the injured list, OF Jasson Domínguez (elbow surgery) was moved to the 60-day list and RHP Randy Vásquez optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals OF Drew Waters left after the third inning with tightness in his left quad. He doubled in his only at-bat. ... Velázquez left the game after fouling a pitch a pitch off the top of his knee.UP NEXTYankees RHP Michael King (4-7, 2.50 ERA) will start the season finale against Royals RHP Zack Greinke (1-15, 5.18), who could be making his last start with Kansas City. The 39-year-old Greinke will be a free agent after finishing his 20th big league season.

⚾ Yankees clinch 31st straight winning season with victory over Royals

WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff">federal government shutdown</a>&nbsp;suddenly lifted late Saturday hours before a midnight deadline as Congress approved a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open and sent the measure to President Joe Biden to become law.

The rushed package drops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Volodymyr,troops%20in%20the%20fight%20against">aid to Ukraine</a>, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hurricane-flooding-fema-disaster-relief-budget-365fc3acd6a12c1f8e67b4926c8dc8b2">federal disaster assistance by $16 billion,</a>&nbsp;meeting Biden’s full request. The bill funds government until Nov. 17.

He also said the United States “cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted" and expected McCarthy "will keep his commitment to the people of Ukraine and secure passage of the support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment."

It’s been a sudden head-spinning turn of events in Congress after days of House chaos pushed the government to the brink of a disruptive federal shutdown.

The outcome ends, for now, the threat of a shutdown, but the reprieve may be short lived. Congress will again need to fund the government in coming weeks risking a crisis as views are hardening, particularly among the right-flank lawmakers whose demands were ultimately swept aside this time in favor of a more bipartisan approach.

If no deal was in place before Sunday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-gop-federal-workers-congress-government-5978a4c7411eba06261d16c3aff3dfc5">federal workers would have faced furloughs</a>, more than 2 million active-duty and reserve military troops would have had to work without pay and programs and services that Americans rely on from coast to coast would have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c">begun to face shutdown disruptions</a>.

“It has been a day full of twists and turns, but the American people can breathe a sigh of relief: There will be no government shutdown," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

But the loss of Ukraine aid was devastating for lawmakers of both parties vowing to support President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;after his recent Washington visit. The Senate bill included $6 billion for Ukraine, and both chambers came to a standstill Saturday as lawmakers assessed their options.

"The American people deserve better," said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, warning in a lengthy floor speech that “extreme" Republicans were risking a shutdown.

For the House package to be approved, McCarthy, R-Calif., was forced to rely on Democrats because the speaker's hard-right flank has said it will oppose any short-term funding measure, denying him the votes needed from his slim majority. It's a move that risks his job amid calls for his ouster.

After leaving his the conservative holdouts behind, McCarthy is almost certain to be facing a motion to try to remove from office, though it is not at all certain there would be enough votes to topple the speaker. Most Republicans voted for the package Saturday while 90 opposed.

"If somebody wants to remove me because I want to be the adult in the room, go ahead and try,” McCarthy said of the threat to oust him. “But I think this country is too important.”

"I have agreed to keep fighting for more economic and security aid for Ukraine,” McConnell, R-Ky., said before the vote.

Late at night, the Senate came to a standstill when Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., held up the vote, seeking assurances Ukraine funds would be reconsidered.

The House's quick pivot comes after the collapse Friday of McCarthy's earlier plan to pass a Republican-only bill with steep spending cuts up to 30% to most government agencies that the White House and Democrats rejected as too extreme.

"Our options are slipping away every minute,” said one senior Republican, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida.

The federal government was heading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff">straight into a shutdown</a>&nbsp;that posed grave uncertainty for federal workers in states all across America and the people who depend on them — from troops to border control agents to office workers, scientists and others.

Families that rely on Head Start for children, food benefits and countless other programs large and small were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c">confronting potential interruptions or outright closures</a>. At the airports, Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers are expected to work without pay, but travelers could face delays in updating their U.S. passports or other travel documents.

An earlier McCarthy plan to keep the government open collapsed Friday due to opposition from a faction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-votes-mccarthy-gop-caucus-gaetz-585c82607c00c2cfc45768faff6e1cda">21 hard-right holdouts</a>&nbsp;despite steep spending cuts of nearly 30% to many agencies and severe border security provisions.

The White House has brushed aside McCarthy's overtures to meet with Biden after the speaker walked away from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053#:~:text=Washington%20News-,Biden%20signs%20debt%20ceiling%20bill%20that%20pulls,from%20brink%20of%20unprecedented%20default&amp;text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20With%20just,on%20the%20federal%20government's%20debt.">debt deal</a>&nbsp;they brokered earlier this year that set budget levels.

Catering to his hard-right flank, McCarthy had made multiple concessions including returning to the spending limits the conservatives demanded back in January as part of the deal-making to help him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">become the House speaker</a>.

But it was not enough as the right flank insisted the House follow regular rules, and debate and approve each of the 12 separate spending bills needed to fund the government agencies, typically a months-long process.

Some of the Republican holdouts, including Gaetz, are allies of former President Donald Trump, who is Biden's chief rival in the 2024 race. Trump has been encouraging the Republicans to fight hard for their priorities and even to “shut it down.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696122590629.png" alt="“We’re going to do our job,” House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said before the House vote. “We’re going to be adults in the room. And we’re going to keep government open.” photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>“We’re going to do our job,” House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said before the House vote. “We’re going to be adults in the room. And we’re going to keep government open.” photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff">federal government shutdown</a>&nbsp;suddenly lifted late Saturday hours before a midnight deadline as Congress approved a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open and sent the measure to President Joe Biden to become law.The rushed package drops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Volodymyr,troops%20in%20the%20fight%20against">aid to Ukraine</a>, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hurricane-flooding-fema-disaster-relief-budget-365fc3acd6a12c1f8e67b4926c8dc8b2">federal disaster assistance by $16 billion,</a>&nbsp;meeting Biden’s full request. The bill funds government until Nov. 17.After chaotic days of turmoil in the House, Speaker Kevin McCarthy abruptly abandoned demands for steep spending cuts from his right flank and instead relied on Democrats to pass the bill, at risk to his own job. The Senate followed with final passage closing a whirlwind day at the Capitol.“This is good news for the American people,” Biden said in a statement.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tonight, Congress voted to keep the government open, preventing an unnecessary crisis that would have inflicted needless pain on millions of hardworking Americans. This is good news, but I want to be clear: we should never have been in this position in the first place. <a href="https://t.co/U28kaX11Rq">pic.twitter.com/U28kaX11Rq</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1708290185505419283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He also said the United States “cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted" and expected McCarthy "will keep his commitment to the people of Ukraine and secure passage of the support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment."It’s been a sudden head-spinning turn of events in Congress after days of House chaos pushed the government to the brink of a disruptive federal shutdown.The outcome ends, for now, the threat of a shutdown, but the reprieve may be short lived. Congress will again need to fund the government in coming weeks risking a crisis as views are hardening, particularly among the right-flank lawmakers whose demands were ultimately swept aside this time in favor of a more bipartisan approach.“We’re going to do our job,” McCarthy, R-Calif., said before the House vote. “We’re going to be adults in the room. And we’re going to keep government open.”If no deal was in place before Sunday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-gop-federal-workers-congress-government-5978a4c7411eba06261d16c3aff3dfc5">federal workers would have faced furloughs</a>, more than 2 million active-duty and reserve military troops would have had to work without pay and programs and services that Americans rely on from coast to coast would have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c">begun to face shutdown disruptions</a>.“It has been a day full of twists and turns, but the American people can breathe a sigh of relief: There will be no government shutdown," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.The package funds government at current 2023 levels until mid-November, and also extends other provisions, including for the Federal Aviation Administration. The package was approved by the House 335-91, with most Republicans and almost all Democrats supporting. Senate passage came by an 88-9 vote.&nbsp;Kansas Senator Jerry Moran voted in favor of the measure along with Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt and Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall voted against the bill.But the loss of Ukraine aid was devastating for lawmakers of both parties vowing to support President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;after his recent Washington visit. The Senate bill included $6 billion for Ukraine, and both chambers came to a standstill Saturday as lawmakers assessed their options."The American people deserve better," said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, warning in a lengthy floor speech that “extreme" Republicans were risking a shutdown.For the House package to be approved, McCarthy, R-Calif., was forced to rely on Democrats because the speaker's hard-right flank has said it will oppose any short-term funding measure, denying him the votes needed from his slim majority. It's a move that risks his job amid calls for his ouster.After leaving his the conservative holdouts behind, McCarthy is almost certain to be facing a motion to try to remove from office, though it is not at all certain there would be enough votes to topple the speaker. Most Republicans voted for the package Saturday while 90 opposed."If somebody wants to remove me because I want to be the adult in the room, go ahead and try,” McCarthy said of the threat to oust him. “But I think this country is too important.”The White House was tracking the developments on Capitol Hill and aides were briefing the president, who was spending the weekend in Washington.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who has championed Ukraine aid despite resistance from his own ranks, is expected to keep pursuing U.S. support for Kyiv in the fight against Russia."I have agreed to keep fighting for more economic and security aid for Ukraine,” McConnell, R-Ky., said before the vote.Late at night, the Senate came to a standstill when Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., held up the vote, seeking assurances Ukraine funds would be reconsidered.“I know important moments are like this, for the United States, to lead the rest of the world,” Bennet said, noting his mother was born in Poland in 1938 and survived the Holocaust. “We can’t fail.”The House's quick pivot comes after the collapse Friday of McCarthy's earlier plan to pass a Republican-only bill with steep spending cuts up to 30% to most government agencies that the White House and Democrats rejected as too extreme."Our options are slipping away every minute,” said one senior Republican, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida.The federal government was heading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff">straight into a shutdown</a>&nbsp;that posed grave uncertainty for federal workers in states all across America and the people who depend on them — from troops to border control agents to office workers, scientists and others.Families that rely on Head Start for children, food benefits and countless other programs large and small were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-loans-travel-97b3a3b30624704da6eb204837a9135c">confronting potential interruptions or outright closures</a>. At the airports, Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers are expected to work without pay, but travelers could face delays in updating their U.S. passports or other travel documents.An earlier McCarthy plan to keep the government open collapsed Friday due to opposition from a faction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-votes-mccarthy-gop-caucus-gaetz-585c82607c00c2cfc45768faff6e1cda">21 hard-right holdouts</a>&nbsp;despite steep spending cuts of nearly 30% to many agencies and severe border security provisions.The White House has brushed aside McCarthy's overtures to meet with Biden after the speaker walked away from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-budget-signing-f78a000d83cf85ffbaa2d08637844053#:~:text=Washington%20News-,Biden%20signs%20debt%20ceiling%20bill%20that%20pulls,from%20brink%20of%20unprecedented%20default&amp;text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20With%20just,on%20the%20federal%20government's%20debt.">debt deal</a>&nbsp;they brokered earlier this year that set budget levels.Catering to his hard-right flank, McCarthy had made multiple concessions including returning to the spending limits the conservatives demanded back in January as part of the deal-making to help him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">become the House speaker</a>.But it was not enough as the right flank insisted the House follow regular rules, and debate and approve each of the 12 separate spending bills needed to fund the government agencies, typically a months-long process.McCarthy’s chief Republican critic, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, has warned he will file a motion calling a vote to oust the speaker.Some of the Republican holdouts, including Gaetz, are allies of former President Donald Trump, who is Biden's chief rival in the 2024 race. Trump has been encouraging the Republicans to fight hard for their priorities and even to “shut it down.”At an early closed-door meeting at the Capitol, several House Republicans, particularly those facing tough reelections next year, urged their colleagues to find a way to prevent a shutdown.“All of us have a responsibility to lead and to govern,” said Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York.The lone House Democrat to vote against the package, Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois, the co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, said, “Protecting Ukraine is in our national interest.”

Congress averts government shutdown passing short-term funding bill

Fort Hays State (2-2, 1-2 MIAA) vs.&nbsp;Lincoln (0-4) Saturday, September 30 - 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State will take on Lincoln University in the annual Homecoming football game on Saturday night at Lewis Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. It is a non-conference game this year as Lincoln moves to the Great Lakes Valley Conference next year. FHSU enters the game at 2-2, while Lincoln is 0-4.

Fort Hays State is 7-4 in head coach Chris Brown's&nbsp;tenure on Homecoming. The Tigers won six straight Homecoming games from 2015 to 2021 until the streak was snapped last year at the hands of Washburn. All seven wins have been against different opponents and this is the first time the Tigers are playing Lincoln for Homecoming on Brown's watch.

FHSU holds a 10-2 advantage in the all-time series with Lincoln. FHSU has won nine straight games against LU going back to the 1985 season. FHSU went 6-0 against Lincoln in MIAA play from 2011 to 2022.

FHSU won last year's meeting between the teams in Jefferson City by a score of 51-14. After the Blue Tigers scored the game's first touchdown in the first quarter, FHSU reeled off 48 straight points before Lincoln scored again with about nine minutes remaining in the game. FHSU has scored at least 50 points against Lincoln in the last three meetings, including 72 in a shutout win the last time the teams met in Hays (2021).

Though Lincoln is playing all but one MIAA team this year (Pittsburg State), they are a non-conference game for all schools in the conference. The Blue Tigers have not won a game since the 2019 season when they defeated Northeastern State at home on October 19. Lincoln has dropped 31 straight contests since. Lincoln will still be a conference opponent for all MIAA schools in every other sport it competes in this year except for football.

For FHSU on offense, Jack Dawson&nbsp;has thrown for 1,024 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He averages 257 passing yards per game and has went past the 250-yard mark in three of four games this season. Trevor Watts and Jayden Horace&nbsp;are tied for the team lead in receiving yards with 243 each, and Horace is tied with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/bryson-smith/7640">Bryson Smith</a>&nbsp;for the most receiving touchdowns each with three.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/travis-dixon/7511">Travis Dixon</a>&nbsp;leads the Tigers in rushing with 119 yards for the season.

On the defensive side of the ball, John Johnson&nbsp;leads the Tigers in tackles with 31. He and fellow inside linebacker Makel Williams&nbsp;have combined for 59 tackles this season and rank first and second in tackles on the team. Jason Wallace&nbsp;has a team-high 2.0 sacks, while Myles Menges and Parrish Terry&nbsp;are tied for the team lead in tackles for loss with 3.0 each. Williams is the team leader in interceptions with two. The team has seven interceptions for the season, which ties for eighth-most in NCAA Division II.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695928678429.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (2-2, 1-2 MIAA) vs.&nbsp;Lincoln (0-4) Saturday, September 30 - 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State will take on Lincoln University in the annual Homecoming football game on Saturday night at Lewis Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. It is a non-conference game this year as Lincoln moves to the Great Lakes Valley Conference next year. FHSU enters the game at 2-2, while Lincoln is 0-4.Fort Hays State is 7-4 in head coach Chris Brown's&nbsp;tenure on Homecoming. The Tigers won six straight Homecoming games from 2015 to 2021 until the streak was snapped last year at the hands of Washburn. All seven wins have been against different opponents and this is the first time the Tigers are playing Lincoln for Homecoming on Brown's watch.FHSU holds a 10-2 advantage in the all-time series with Lincoln. FHSU has won nine straight games against LU going back to the 1985 season. FHSU went 6-0 against Lincoln in MIAA play from 2011 to 2022.FHSU won last year's meeting between the teams in Jefferson City by a score of 51-14. After the Blue Tigers scored the game's first touchdown in the first quarter, FHSU reeled off 48 straight points before Lincoln scored again with about nine minutes remaining in the game. FHSU has scored at least 50 points against Lincoln in the last three meetings, including 72 in a shutout win the last time the teams met in Hays (2021).Though Lincoln is playing all but one MIAA team this year (Pittsburg State), they are a non-conference game for all schools in the conference. The Blue Tigers have not won a game since the 2019 season when they defeated Northeastern State at home on October 19. Lincoln has dropped 31 straight contests since. Lincoln will still be a conference opponent for all MIAA schools in every other sport it competes in this year except for football.For FHSU on offense, Jack Dawson&nbsp;has thrown for 1,024 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He averages 257 passing yards per game and has went past the 250-yard mark in three of four games this season. Trevor Watts and Jayden Horace&nbsp;are tied for the team lead in receiving yards with 243 each, and Horace is tied with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/bryson-smith/7640">Bryson Smith</a>&nbsp;for the most receiving touchdowns each with three.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/travis-dixon/7511">Travis Dixon</a>&nbsp;leads the Tigers in rushing with 119 yards for the season.On the defensive side of the ball, John Johnson&nbsp;leads the Tigers in tackles with 31. He and fellow inside linebacker Makel Williams&nbsp;have combined for 59 tackles this season and rank first and second in tackles on the team. Jason Wallace&nbsp;has a team-high 2.0 sacks, while Myles Menges and Parrish Terry&nbsp;are tied for the team lead in tackles for loss with 3.0 each. Williams is the team leader in interceptions with two. The team has seven interceptions for the season, which ties for eighth-most in NCAA Division II.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈🎙️ LISTEN - FHSU hosts Lincoln for Homecoming

MILFORD LAKE - The Hays High boys and girls cross country teams both finished third at the Bob Schmoeckel Invitational hosted by Junction City at Milford Lake. Hays returned with 11 total medalists between the varsity and junior varsity races.

Elijah McCullough was the boys individual champ, pacing the field at 16:40.80. Taevian Maupin finished 10th. Freshman Logan Leiker medaled at 19th.

McCullough won the race by nearly three seconds.

The girls were led by Arely Maldonado in 6th place with a 19:53. Three more runners medaled. Julia Zadina placed 14th, Brenlynn Albers 15th and Addison Otte 20th.

Salina Central's Katelyn Rupe won the race in a course record time of 17:05.90. She won by a full minute ahead her own teammate.

The Indians will next compete in the Salina Central Invitational held at Bill Burk Park on Saturday, October 7th.

Hays PostMILFORD LAKE - The Hays High boys and girls cross country teams both finished third at the Bob Schmoeckel Invitational hosted by Junction City at Milford Lake. Hays returned with 11 total medalists between the varsity and junior varsity races.Elijah McCullough was the boys individual champ, pacing the field at 16:40.80. Taevian Maupin finished 10th. Freshman Logan Leiker medaled at 19th.McCullough won the race by nearly three seconds.The girls were led by Arely Maldonado in 6th place with a 19:53. Three more runners medaled. Julia Zadina placed 14th, Brenlynn Albers 15th and Addison Otte 20th.Salina Central's Katelyn Rupe won the race in a course record time of 17:05.90. She won by a full minute ahead her own teammate.The Indians will next compete in the Salina Central Invitational held at Bill Burk Park on Saturday, October 7th.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Hays High cross country third, McCullough champion

Richard "Dick" Romig Sheets, 99, of Leoti, Kansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 28, 2023. He was born on March 11, 1924, in Topeka, Kansas to Edvin and Hazel Sheets.

Dick was a loving husband to his late wife, Rosamary, who passed away March 8, 2020. She truly was the love of his life as evidenced by the suitcase of love letters they each wrote to each other before they married and have saved throughout the years. &nbsp;

Dick was a devoted father to his children and is survived by; son, Scott Sheets and his wife Vicki of Brewster, Kansas, daughter, Becky Miller and her husband Richard of Leoti, Kansas, daughter, Peggy Wolken and her husband Dan of Gravette, Arkansas, and son, Ted Sheets and his wife Brenda from Poteau, Oklahoma. He took great joy in his role as a grandfather to Sondra (Jeff) Brown of Riverton, Wyoming, Beau (Tara) Sheets of Riverton, Wyoming, and Tad Sheets of Woodward, Oklahoma, Drew (Rachel) Miller of Lakin, Kansas and Lindsey Miller of Dallas, Texas, Jessica Wolken of Gravette, Arkansas and Spenser (Maura) Wolken of Knoxville, Tennessee, Colton (Holly) Sheets of Houston, Texas, and Lucas Sheets of Austin, Texas. Dick had 13 great-grandchildren, Jaylee, Macee and Blaine Brown of Riverton, Wyoming; Kamdyn, Ty, Clay, Kynnedy and Karsyn Sheets of Riverton, Wyoming; Emma, Kate, Luke and James Miller of Lakin, KS; and Frances Ann Sheets of Houston, Texas.

Dick is also survived by his sisters, Dorothy Ann Streeter of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Virginia Lee Fryer of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and his brother, Scott Sheets of Los Molinos, California.

Dick had a strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and dedicated his life to sharing his love for Christ with others. He lived his life as an example of that love, always pointing people towards Christ. &nbsp;He was an original member of Christ Covenant EPC Church in Leoti. &nbsp;He and Rosamary served in the church for many years.

Dick enlisted in the Army Air Corps right after his high school graduation and was trained and served as a pilot and flight instructor in the Army Air Corp during World War II. He was known for his skill in aerobatics and his passion for flying which he continued after his service to his country.&nbsp;

Dick loved to golf and he and his wife, Rosamary, were regulars on the golf course in Leoti. &nbsp;They enjoyed many hours together and with friends on the course. &nbsp;He and his beloved Rosamary also cherished the time they would spend at their son Scott’s ranch near Brewster, Kansas. &nbsp;They were quite handy and took enormous pride in checking and fixing the miles and miles of fence.&nbsp;

Another one of Dick's favorite pastimes was spending time in the Sangre de Cristo mountains above Westcliffe, Colorado. He always found solace and peace in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature's beauty. He also loved to sit for hours on the prairie of western Kansas calling in coyotes.&nbsp;

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 3, at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Covenant Church in Leoti, Kansas. The Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Leoti is assisting the family with the arrangements.

The family is immensely grateful and deeply appreciative of the exceptional attention and support provided to dick by the exceptional staff of Wichita County Long term care, as well as the previous care he received at Lakin Assisted Living.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Christ Covenant Church in Leoti, Kansas or Wichita County long Term Care &nbsp;c/o Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 202 N. 4th &nbsp;Street, Leoti, KS 67861, in memory of Dick Sheets. 

His legacy of faith and love will continue to inspire those who knew him.

To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/be57efa3-2901-47bd-89f6-8c52ea17e532" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Sheets, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/be57efa3-2901-47bd-89f6-8c52ea17e532" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

<h2>Richard Sheets, Leoti</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696090314507.jpeg" alt="Richard Sheets" />
 <figcaption>Richard Sheets</figcaption>
 </figure>March 11, 1924 - September 28, 2023Richard "Dick" Romig Sheets, 99, of Leoti, Kansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 28, 2023. He was born on March 11, 1924, in Topeka, Kansas to Edvin and Hazel Sheets.Dick was a loving husband to his late wife, Rosamary, who passed away March 8, 2020. She truly was the love of his life as evidenced by the suitcase of love letters they each wrote to each other before they married and have saved throughout the years. &nbsp;Dick was a devoted father to his children and is survived by; son, Scott Sheets and his wife Vicki of Brewster, Kansas, daughter, Becky Miller and her husband Richard of Leoti, Kansas, daughter, Peggy Wolken and her husband Dan of Gravette, Arkansas, and son, Ted Sheets and his wife Brenda from Poteau, Oklahoma. He took great joy in his role as a grandfather to Sondra (Jeff) Brown of Riverton, Wyoming, Beau (Tara) Sheets of Riverton, Wyoming, and Tad Sheets of Woodward, Oklahoma, Drew (Rachel) Miller of Lakin, Kansas and Lindsey Miller of Dallas, Texas, Jessica Wolken of Gravette, Arkansas and Spenser (Maura) Wolken of Knoxville, Tennessee, Colton (Holly) Sheets of Houston, Texas, and Lucas Sheets of Austin, Texas. Dick had 13 great-grandchildren, Jaylee, Macee and Blaine Brown of Riverton, Wyoming; Kamdyn, Ty, Clay, Kynnedy and Karsyn Sheets of Riverton, Wyoming; Emma, Kate, Luke and James Miller of Lakin, KS; and Frances Ann Sheets of Houston, Texas.Dick is also survived by his sisters, Dorothy Ann Streeter of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Virginia Lee Fryer of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and his brother, Scott Sheets of Los Molinos, California.Dick had a strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and dedicated his life to sharing his love for Christ with others. He lived his life as an example of that love, always pointing people towards Christ. &nbsp;He was an original member of Christ Covenant EPC Church in Leoti. &nbsp;He and Rosamary served in the church for many years.Dick enlisted in the Army Air Corps right after his high school graduation and was trained and served as a pilot and flight instructor in the Army Air Corp during World War II. He was known for his skill in aerobatics and his passion for flying which he continued after his service to his country.&nbsp;Dick loved to golf and he and his wife, Rosamary, were regulars on the golf course in Leoti. &nbsp;They enjoyed many hours together and with friends on the course. &nbsp;He and his beloved Rosamary also cherished the time they would spend at their son Scott’s ranch near Brewster, Kansas. &nbsp;They were quite handy and took enormous pride in checking and fixing the miles and miles of fence.&nbsp;Another one of Dick's favorite pastimes was spending time in the Sangre de Cristo mountains above Westcliffe, Colorado. He always found solace and peace in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature's beauty. He also loved to sit for hours on the prairie of western Kansas calling in coyotes.&nbsp;A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 3, at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Covenant Church in Leoti, Kansas. The Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Leoti is assisting the family with the arrangements.The family is immensely grateful and deeply appreciative of the exceptional attention and support provided to dick by the exceptional staff of Wichita County Long term care, as well as the previous care he received at Lakin Assisted Living.In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Christ Covenant Church in Leoti, Kansas or Wichita County long Term Care &nbsp;c/o Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 202 N. 4th &nbsp;Street, Leoti, KS 67861, in memory of Dick Sheets. His legacy of faith and love will continue to inspire those who knew him.To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/o/v2/trees/be57efa3-2901-47bd-89f6-8c52ea17e532" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Sheets, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/be57efa3-2901-47bd-89f6-8c52ea17e532" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

Richard Sheets

The Coyotes play McPherson in their final game against teams from the Kessinger Division on Saturday. Kickoff is 1 p.m. on Bissell Field at JRI Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.

Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary</a>

Radio coverage can be heard locally on KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM

The online stream is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2.">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2.</a>

Tyler Henry will have the call with pregame starting at 5:00 p.m.

KWU has won the last eight games including a 14-12 victory last season in McPherson. The Coyotes averaged 43.6 points in the seven games before last season's defensive duel. They have a 16-6 advantage since the 2001 season.. It's the 100th all-time meeting between the teams. KWU leads the all-time series 58-37-4.

The Coyotes enter the game having won their last two - 35-28 over McPherson two weeks ago at JRI Stadium and 24-14 over Bethel last week in North Newton. They scored 17 points in the second quarter against Bethel, led 17-14 at intermission and held the Threshers scoreless in the second half.

The offense has come around the last two weeks after a slow start. Quarterback Richard Lara was 28 of 42 passing (66.7 percent) for 340 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in the two contests. He had a huge game against Bethel going 19 of 29 for 232 yards and three touchdowns.

Nick Allsman is the top rusher on the season with 239 yards on 61 carries and two touchdowns. Tyler Boston has 204 yards on 57 tries and one touchdown. Rhadarious Lomax-Spivey has a team-best eight receptions while Luke Armstrong and Boston each have seven.

Defense has been KWU's forte. Opponents are averaging 17.2 points, 287 total yards - 157.2 passing and 129.8 rushing. The Coyotes have forced 11 turnovers, six fumbles and five interceptions.

Placekicker Talon Cope has been superb. He has made three of four field goals - the longest from 45 yards out last week - and is perfect on 13 extra point attempts.

The Bulldogs have been a surprise this season. They have won their last two games - 60-17 over Ottawa in Ottawa and 42-21 versus Avila last week in McPherson. The loss was to Saint Mary 36-32 September 9 in McPherson. They're 2-0 on the road this season.

McPherson's offense has been outstanding. The Bulldogs are averaging 43.8 points and 473.6 total yards that includes 289.4 passing.

Junior quarterback Tristan Szabo has had a hot hand through five games, completing 56 percent of his passes for 1,407 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also has 179 yards rushing three more scores. Traven Lewis-Johnson and Alex Hill are the top receivers - Lewis-Johnson 19 receptions for 389 yards and Hill 15 for 209 yards. Each has four touchdowns.

Linebacker Marquis Willoughby has a team-best 49 tackles that include 6.5 for loss and has an interception. Nehemiah Figueroa has four interceptions. Opponents average 24.4 points and 333.6 yards.

The Bulldogs were 5-5 in last season but three of the losses were by one point along with the two-point setback against KWU.

"The defenses that we're playing are statistically very good so it's good to see the (offense) go out and perform. (The line) is not blowing assignments up front, we're taking care of the ball and we're protecting the quarterback. (McPherson) is going to drop back and pass 25, 30 times. We just need to make sure the quarterback is uncomfortable as possible and that relates to condensing the pocket which takes all the guys up front. (McPherson) is certainly tough, coach (Jeremiah) Fiscus does an excellent job down there. They have a very dynamic offense, honestly, and are very good at what they do. We expect a lot of shifts and motions and we need to make sure we're prepared. It will be a big challenge and we look forward to it."

The Coyotes and the entire Kansas Conference are idle October 7. Play resumes with a full slate of games October 14; KWU plays Bissell Division rival Avila at 1 p.m. in Kansas City, Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696089570140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Coyotes play McPherson in their final game against teams from the Kessinger Division on Saturday. Kickoff is 1 p.m. on Bissell Field at JRI Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.<h2>LIVE COVERAGE</h2>The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary</a>Radio coverage can be heard locally on KINA 910 AM/107.5 FMThe online stream is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2.">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2.</a>Tyler Henry will have the call with pregame starting at 5:00 p.m.<h2>RECORDS</h2>Kansas Wesleyan 3-2.McPherson 4-1<h2>THE SERIES</h2>KWU has won the last eight games including a 14-12 victory last season in McPherson. The Coyotes averaged 43.6 points in the seven games before last season's defensive duel. They have a 16-6 advantage since the 2001 season.. It's the 100th all-time meeting between the teams. KWU leads the all-time series 58-37-4.<h2>KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE</h2>The Coyotes enter the game having won their last two - 35-28 over McPherson two weeks ago at JRI Stadium and 24-14 over Bethel last week in North Newton. They scored 17 points in the second quarter against Bethel, led 17-14 at intermission and held the Threshers scoreless in the second half.The offense has come around the last two weeks after a slow start. Quarterback Richard Lara was 28 of 42 passing (66.7 percent) for 340 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in the two contests. He had a huge game against Bethel going 19 of 29 for 232 yards and three touchdowns.Nick Allsman is the top rusher on the season with 239 yards on 61 carries and two touchdowns. Tyler Boston has 204 yards on 57 tries and one touchdown. Rhadarious Lomax-Spivey has a team-best eight receptions while Luke Armstrong and Boston each have seven.Defense has been KWU's forte. Opponents are averaging 17.2 points, 287 total yards - 157.2 passing and 129.8 rushing. The Coyotes have forced 11 turnovers, six fumbles and five interceptions.Placekicker Talon Cope has been superb. He has made three of four field goals - the longest from 45 yards out last week - and is perfect on 13 extra point attempts.<h2>McPHERSON AT A GLANCE</h2>The Bulldogs have been a surprise this season. They have won their last two games - 60-17 over Ottawa in Ottawa and 42-21 versus Avila last week in McPherson. The loss was to Saint Mary 36-32 September 9 in McPherson. They're 2-0 on the road this season.McPherson's offense has been outstanding. The Bulldogs are averaging 43.8 points and 473.6 total yards that includes 289.4 passing.Junior quarterback Tristan Szabo has had a hot hand through five games, completing 56 percent of his passes for 1,407 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also has 179 yards rushing three more scores. Traven Lewis-Johnson and Alex Hill are the top receivers - Lewis-Johnson 19 receptions for 389 yards and Hill 15 for 209 yards. Each has four touchdowns.Linebacker Marquis Willoughby has a team-best 49 tackles that include 6.5 for loss and has an interception. Nehemiah Figueroa has four interceptions. Opponents average 24.4 points and 333.6 yards.The Bulldogs were 5-5 in last season but three of the losses were by one point along with the two-point setback against KWU.<h2>KWU COACH MATT MYERS</h2>"The defenses that we're playing are statistically very good so it's good to see the (offense) go out and perform. (The line) is not blowing assignments up front, we're taking care of the ball and we're protecting the quarterback. (McPherson) is going to drop back and pass 25, 30 times. We just need to make sure the quarterback is uncomfortable as possible and that relates to condensing the pocket which takes all the guys up front. (McPherson) is certainly tough, coach (Jeremiah) Fiscus does an excellent job down there. They have a very dynamic offense, honestly, and are very good at what they do. We expect a lot of shifts and motions and we need to make sure we're prepared. It will be a big challenge and we look forward to it."<h2>NEXT WEEK</h2>The Coyotes and the entire Kansas Conference are idle October 7. Play resumes with a full slate of games October 14; KWU plays Bissell Division rival Avila at 1 p.m. in Kansas City, Missouri.

Wesleyan faces McPherson in 100th meeting between teams Saturday

Gerald G. “Gary” Arnhold – age 86, of Hays, Kansas passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the University of Kansas Health Center, Kansas City, Kansas.

He was born January 30, 1937, in Hays, Kansas to Edgar J. and Beatrice (Karlin) Arnhold. He married Bernadette “Bernie” (Sander) on June 14, 1958, in Victoria, Kansas.

He was a road grader driver for the Ellis county road and bridge department for 14 years and retired in 1999. He worked in construction for 10 years with Allied Construction Company, and lived in Hutchinson for a few years working for Cessna before moving back to Hays in 1969.

Gary grew up in Hays and attended St. Joseph Academy and Hays High School. He worked at L-K Dairy, Cross Manufacturing, and in the oil fields. He was an outdoors person enjoying fishing, hunting, coaching baseball, vegetable and flower gardening, and an avid Chiefs fan. He was a self-taught in many areas and his family always came first.

He was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and St. Nicholas of Myra Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree.

His survivors include his wife, Bernie, of the home; his children, Karla Byfield and husband, Martin, of Hays, KS; Kelly Leiker, of Alpharetta, GA; Kristie Arnhold, of Hays;&nbsp;Kurt Arnhold and wife, Lynda, of Hays, KS; his ten grandchildren, Brandon and Blake Byfield; Kaycie Byfield; Aaron and Cheryl Leiker; Shawn Leiker; Jordyn and Blake Irwin; Jason and Meagan Englert; Jared Englert; Scott Englert; Ashley Lang; Adam and Malory Arnhold; and his 13 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Beatrice; his son-in-law, Ron Leiker; his granddaughter, Sarah Marie Arnhold; his brothers, Leroy Arnhold; Daniel Arnhold; Edgar Arnhold, Jr.; his sisters, Rita Pfannenstiel; and Lorraine Dinges.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas with Father Trinity Savariyar officiating. A family rosary will be said at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, at the Church. A private family inurnment will be held later.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas. 

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net or left at guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.

<h2>Gerald G. 'Gary' Arnhold, Hays</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696086508309.jpeg" alt="Gerald G. 'Gary' Arnhold.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Gerald G. 'Gary' Arnhold.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Gerald G. “Gary” Arnhold – age 86, of Hays, Kansas passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the University of Kansas Health Center, Kansas City, Kansas.He was born January 30, 1937, in Hays, Kansas to Edgar J. and Beatrice (Karlin) Arnhold. He married Bernadette “Bernie” (Sander) on June 14, 1958, in Victoria, Kansas.He was a road grader driver for the Ellis county road and bridge department for 14 years and retired in 1999. He worked in construction for 10 years with Allied Construction Company, and lived in Hutchinson for a few years working for Cessna before moving back to Hays in 1969.Gary grew up in Hays and attended St. Joseph Academy and Hays High School. He worked at L-K Dairy, Cross Manufacturing, and in the oil fields. He was an outdoors person enjoying fishing, hunting, coaching baseball, vegetable and flower gardening, and an avid Chiefs fan. He was a self-taught in many areas and his family always came first.He was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and St. Nicholas of Myra Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree.His survivors include his wife, Bernie, of the home; his children, Karla Byfield and husband, Martin, of Hays, KS; Kelly Leiker, of Alpharetta, GA; Kristie Arnhold, of Hays;&nbsp;Kurt Arnhold and wife, Lynda, of Hays, KS; his ten grandchildren, Brandon and Blake Byfield; Kaycie Byfield; Aaron and Cheryl Leiker; Shawn Leiker; Jordyn and Blake Irwin; Jason and Meagan Englert; Jared Englert; Scott Englert; Ashley Lang; Adam and Malory Arnhold; and his 13 great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Beatrice; his son-in-law, Ron Leiker; his granddaughter, Sarah Marie Arnhold; his brothers, Leroy Arnhold; Daniel Arnhold; Edgar Arnhold, Jr.; his sisters, Rita Pfannenstiel; and Lorraine Dinges.A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas with Father Trinity Savariyar officiating. A family rosary will be said at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, at the Church. A private family inurnment will be held later.The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, at the church.In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net or left at guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.

Gerald G. 'Gary' Arnhold  

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man accused in a 16-year-old sex assault cause as due to be formally charged this week.&nbsp;

The arraignment for 52-year-old Ted Foy was delayed until October 24 at the request of the defense attorney, according to the Sedgwick County. District Attorney's office.

In May, the district attorney charged Foy charged with aggravated criminal sodomy, rape, aggravated sexual battery, and attempted rape.

In November of 2007, police were dispatched to a reported sex assault case at 1900 S Tara Falls in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Investigators learned that a suspect later identified as Foy had broken into a home and sexually assaulted a female victim. Investigators worked to identify a suspect but were unable to despite exhausting all available resources at the time.

In a collaboration with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Cold Case Team and the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center, Wichita Police Investigators were able to utilize genealogical investigative techniques to assist them in identifying a potential suspect.

The suspect’s identity was confirmed through DNA as Ted Foy and on May 1, police arrested him. He remains in jail on a $500,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682984799056.png" alt="Foy-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Foy-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man accused in a 16-year-old sex assault cause as due to be formally charged this week.&nbsp;The arraignment for 52-year-old Ted Foy was delayed until October 24 at the request of the defense attorney, according to the Sedgwick County. District Attorney's office.In May, the district attorney charged Foy charged with aggravated criminal sodomy, rape, aggravated sexual battery, and attempted rape.In November of 2007, police were dispatched to a reported sex assault case at 1900 S Tara Falls in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.Investigators learned that a suspect later identified as Foy had broken into a home and sexually assaulted a female victim. Investigators worked to identify a suspect but were unable to despite exhausting all available resources at the time.In a collaboration with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Cold Case Team and the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center, Wichita Police Investigators were able to utilize genealogical investigative techniques to assist them in identifying a potential suspect.The suspect’s identity was confirmed through DNA as Ted Foy and on May 1, police arrested him. He remains in jail on a $500,000 bond.

Arraignment in 16-year-old Kansas sex assault case delayed 

RUSSELL – Russell Community Theater's fall production of "Vino Veritas" will be the organization’s 106th production. "Vino Veritas", by David MacGregor&nbsp; is presented with special permission by Playscripts. Performances are October 17-21, 2023, with curtain at 8 p.m., in the RCT Playhouse, 5th and Kansas, Russell.

Casting has been completed and rehearsals are underway to bring you a quality theater experience.

On Halloween night, two couples, Lauren and Phil (Becky Anschutz and Dalton Mauro, respectively), and their neighbors, Ridley and Claire (Dalton Davis and Cat Webling, respectively), meet at Lauren and Phil’s house for drinks and hors d'oeuvres before planning on heading out to a massive party. 

Dressed in their finest costumes (witch, cowboy, doctor, and Queen Elizabeth I), the hostess, Lauren, brings out a bottle of blue wine she picked up in Peru. Based on an old Incan recipe, the wine supposedly has truth-telling properties and is brewed from the skins of blue dart tree frogs. 

Three of the four drink the wine and the conversation begins to take odd turns. Some of the "truths" are harmless enough, but progressively get darker and more disturbing. It gradually becomes clear that the marriage of one of the couples is disintegrating due to a lack of truthfulness, and the other marriage is only held together by lies.

This insightful and thought-provoking play will leave you thinking long after it’s over.

Russell Community Theater is a non-profit theater company in Russell, Kansas. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. Since its inception in 1986, RCT has presented 105 full-scale theatrical productions.

For more information, call 785-483-4057. Find us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/russelltheater">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695218843764.jpeg" alt="Dalton Mauro, Becky Anschutz, Dalton Davis, Cat Webling. Photo by Charissa Roe" />
 <figcaption>Dalton Mauro, Becky Anschutz, Dalton Davis, Cat Webling. Photo by Charissa Roe</figcaption>
 </figure>RCTRUSSELL – Russell Community Theater's fall production of "Vino Veritas" will be the organization’s 106th production. "Vino Veritas", by David MacGregor&nbsp; is presented with special permission by Playscripts. Performances are October 17-21, 2023, with curtain at 8 p.m., in the RCT Playhouse, 5th and Kansas, Russell.Casting has been completed and rehearsals are underway to bring you a quality theater experience.On Halloween night, two couples, Lauren and Phil (Becky Anschutz and Dalton Mauro, respectively), and their neighbors, Ridley and Claire (Dalton Davis and Cat Webling, respectively), meet at Lauren and Phil’s house for drinks and hors d'oeuvres before planning on heading out to a massive party. Dressed in their finest costumes (witch, cowboy, doctor, and Queen Elizabeth I), the hostess, Lauren, brings out a bottle of blue wine she picked up in Peru. Based on an old Incan recipe, the wine supposedly has truth-telling properties and is brewed from the skins of blue dart tree frogs. Three of the four drink the wine and the conversation begins to take odd turns. Some of the "truths" are harmless enough, but progressively get darker and more disturbing. It gradually becomes clear that the marriage of one of the couples is disintegrating due to a lack of truthfulness, and the other marriage is only held together by lies.This insightful and thought-provoking play will leave you thinking long after it’s over.**Adult themes and language present**Russell Community Theater is a non-profit theater company in Russell, Kansas. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. Since its inception in 1986, RCT has presented 105 full-scale theatrical productions. For more information, call 785-483-4057. Find us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/russelltheater">Facebook</a>.

Russell Community Theater fall production cast announcement

NEW YORK (AP) — With gridlock persisting in Washington, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff" target="_blank">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;is looking all but inevitable ahead of the Saturday night deadline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695951910798.png" alt="FILE - A sign reading "Because of the Federal Government SHUTDOWN All National Parks are Closed" is posted on a barricade in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Oct. 1, 2013. The federal government is heading toward a shutdown at month's end that will disrupt many services, squeeze workers and roil politics. It comes as Republicans in the House, fueled by hard-right demands for deep cuts, force a confrontation over federal spending. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - A sign reading "Because of the Federal Government SHUTDOWN All National Parks are Closed" is posted on a barricade in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Oct. 1, 2013. The federal government is heading toward a shutdown at month's end that will disrupt many services, squeeze workers and roil politics. It comes as Republicans in the House, fueled by hard-right demands for deep cuts, force a confrontation over federal spending. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — With gridlock persisting in Washington, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-biden-trump-mccarthy-f1b06964cf549b09977677e5f70bf9ff" target="_blank">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;is looking all but inevitable ahead of the Saturday night deadline.While the Senate pushes forward with bipartisan approach aimed at keeping the government open, the Republican-controlled House has made little progress — most recently with Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-house-republicans-biden-4b6644959722dbbbed654768bd9fc653" target="_blank">last-ditch plan collapsing</a>&nbsp;Friday. If spending measures aren’t passed by Saturday night, millions of federal employees&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-park-grand-canyon-shutdown-budget-congress-55c06261c51650e34f4591626bd9f236" target="_blank">will be furloughed</a>&nbsp;and many others will be forced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-gop-federal-workers-congress-government-5978a4c7411eba06261d16c3aff3dfc5" target="_blank">to work without pay</a>&nbsp;until the shutdown ends.A handful of federal safety services that people rely on everyday are also in jeopardy. From dwindling funds for critical food assistance programs to potential delays in customer service for recipients of low-staffed Medicare and Social Security offices. The ripple effects would come down to how long the shutdown lasts and varying contingency plans in place at impacted agencies.“Collectively, hundreds of millions of Americans, a majority of the population, are receiving some kind of benefits from the government,” said Forrest V. Morgeson III, an associate professor at Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business. He noted a shutdown would bring significant financial uncertainty and economic implications down the road.<h2>Will SNAP be affected by a government shutdown? What about WIC?</h2>A government shutdown could risk millions of low-income Americans’ access to food and nutrition assistance programs — with impacts depending on how long the shutdown lasts and program-by-program contingency funds.Nearly 7 million women and children who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) could be at risk of losing assistance almost immediately into a shutdown, according to the Biden Administration. That’s because the federal contingency fund supporting normal WIC operations will likely run out in a matter of days — pushing states to rely on their own money or carryover funds.Impacted families are “going to be going to food pantries,” said Dr. Nancy Nielsen, senior associate dean for health policy at the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine &amp; Biomedical Sciences. “These are people who need the help. These are moms. These are infants. So this is a real problem.”Families who receive benefits from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program" target="_blank">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a>&nbsp;could also lose assistance if a shutdown drags out for a more significant period of time. According to the Agriculture Department, regardless of what happens in Washington this weekend, households will receive SNAP assistance as usual through October.<h2>What about Head Start programs and free school lunch?</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/head-start-program" target="_blank">Head Start</a>&nbsp;programs serving more than 10,000 disadvantaged children&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-preschool-shutdown-budget-congress-199fcb7da90479e3f4dc3b17f6b07c43" target="_blank">would immediately lose federal funding</a>, although they might be able to stave off immediate closure if the shutdown doesn’t last long.Those 10 programs, which are located in Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts and South Carolina, serve just a fraction of the 820,000 children enrolled in the program at any given time.Tommy Sheridan, the deputy director for the National Head Start Association, said the programs are in trouble because their grants start on Oct. 1. Programs with grants that don’t start on that date will continue getting money. But if the shutdown drags on, the number of affected programs will grow as more grants come up for renewal.Beyond Head Start, concerns have also arisen around&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/free-school-meals-usda-lunch-1b5a3a5209ef76c6260e64bcb44650e8" target="_blank">free school meals</a>. But the Agriculture Department says it does not anticipate any immediate issues with federal child nutrition programs, including school meals because support for these programs is provided in part by a permanent and mandatory funding authority.In the event of a government shutdown, state and federal operations for child nutrition are set to continue through October and potentially a few months beyond that, according to the department. But the department would not be able to support these programs for the full year without appropriations.<h2>Will I continue to receive Social Security checks?</h2>Regardless of what happens in Washington this weekend, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients will continue to receive payments. But response times for people with issues could be delayed due to furloughs.“If you have a question about Social Security, you may not be able to find anybody to answer your questions,” Nielsen said. “But the everyday transactions of sending checks out will still continue.”According to a recent contingency plan from the Social Security Administration, the agency will cease non-critical actions and those “not directly related to the accurate and timely payment of benefits.” The issuance of new social security cards and replacements will continue.<h2>Would a shutdown impact Medicare and other health services?</h2>Medicare and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-eligibility-states-health-care-1cfb633c932c5e9e57567f1b138280a7" target="_blank">Medicaid</a>&nbsp;benefits will also continue — as both are mandatory programs funded separately from annual appropriations. That means that patients should still be able to see their doctors and have medical bills paid.But, similar to Social Security, there could be delays and disruptions to customer service due to furloughs. According to contingency details published by the Health and Human Services Department last week, about half of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is set to be furloughed in the event of a lapse of appropriations.Beyond Medicare and Medicaid, health care services for veterans are set to continue in the event of a shutdown. The majority of programs funded by the Indian Health Service would also remain in operation and IHS has received advanced appropriations for the 2024 fiscal year, per a recent contingency plan.<h2>How could flights and other travel be impacted?</h2>The nation’s air-travel system is expected to operate relatively normally during a shutdown. Air traffic controllers and TSA screeners are deemed essential workers — however, those people won’t be paid until the shutdown ends, and TSA lines could grow longer if enough screeners stay home.Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Wednesday that air travel will remain safe in a shutdown, but that the training of new air traffic controllers will stop and 1,000 trainees will be furloughed.Long before this week’s deadline, airlines were already been complaining that a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/faa-congress-spending-summer-travel-8b9c7cb54933fe0e5c591dab27e20b2a" target="_blank">shortage</a>&nbsp;of air traffic controllers has been causing flight delays and cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration said in August it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/faa-limits-new-york-flights-6992dfe968891b414901f5bd2fef9de7" target="_blank">hired 1,500 new controllers</a>&nbsp;in the past year and asked Congress for money to hire another 1,800 in the new fiscal year.The processing of passports and visas will continue in a shutdown “as the situation permits,” according to guidance that the State Department gave employees last week. The department said consulates in the U.S. and abroad will say open “as long as there are sufficient fees to support operations,” but passport work could stop if the building where the work is done gets shuttered.The time it takes to get a passport or visa already is much longer than before the pandemic. Most Customs and Border Protection agents are also considered essential and would be expected to work at airports and border crossings.<h2>Could there be student loan disruptions?</h2>If spending measures aren’t passed by Saturday’s deadline, the government shutdown would start the same day that student loans emerge from the pandemic pause after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-interest-repayment-payments-plans-1e35445c34a73f0b7b02c7296a84722a" target="_blank">beginning to accrue interest again</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 1.But, shutdown or not, borrowers’ payments will still be due. For the most part, loan servicers will be able to continue to process payments regularly — but there could be delays for those who need to consult with or seek help from the Education Department due to the potential of agency furloughs.Students applying for federal aid during a shutdown can expect similar delays because of this. Officials have pointed to potential disruptions to processing FAFSA applications, disbursing Pell Grants and pursuing public loan forgiveness, for example.<h2>Would mail services slow down?</h2>The United States Postal Service will not be affected by a government shutdown. The Postal Service doesn’t rely on taxpayer dollars because it generally gets its funding through the sales of products and services.<h2>___</h2>Associated Press writers David Koenig in Dallas and Heather Hollingsworth in Kansas City contributed to this report.