Eagle Media, on behalf of The Schmidt Foundation, presented a $20,000 grant to Rise Up Reno Network, helping strengthen community-based prevention and youth development efforts across Reno County.

Rise Up Reno, now celebrating 20 years of service, operates as a coalition-based community prevention system dedicated to improving youth outcomes. The organization uses a public health approach to reduce youth substance use, promote mental health, and provide leadership opportunities and mentoring programs. Its work has been credited with significantly reducing youth substance abuse and delinquency among local eighth graders within four years of implementation.

The goal of Rise Up Reno Prevention Network is to help the community make informed, evidence-based decisions that protect and support youth. Thre partnership allows us to continue providing proven prevention programs and expand resources that make a measurable difference in the lives of young people.

The Schmidt Foundation—formally known as the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation—was established by the late Bob and Pat Schmidt of Hays. Rooted in the belief that “the rising tide lifts all boats,” the foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Kansas communities through investments in education, healthcare, the arts, and economic development.

Bob Schmidt, a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime leader at Eagle Communications, founded the foundation with his wife Pat to extend their shared commitment to community growth. The foundation has made major contributions to initiatives such as the Schmidt Foundation Center for Art &amp; Design at Fort Hays State University and continues to support projects that build strong, sustainable communities.

With this new grant, Rise Up Reno will continue its mission of guiding community leaders, schools, and families toward evidence-based solutions that create lasting, positive change for Reno County youth.

For more information about Rise Up Reno’s programs, visit <a href="https://www.riseupreno.org/">www.riseupreno.org</a>. To learn more about the Schmidt Foundation, visit <a href="https://www.schmidtfoundation.net">www.schmidtfoundation.net</a>.

Schmidt Foundation donates $20K to Rise Up Reno Prevention Network

By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas City Royals TV broadcaster Joel Goldberg shared lessons on storytelling, trust, and teamwork Tuesday during a press conference ahead of his appearance at Hutchinson Community College’s final Dillon Lecture Series event of the year.

Goldberg, who has been part of the Royals’ television crew since 2008, headlined Tuesday morning’s lecture at the Hutchinson Sports Arena, closing out the 44th season of the series, a HutchCC tradition that has brought more than 170 speakers to Reno County since the early 1980s.

Speaking with local media, Goldberg said his talk would focus on the power of relationships and “making deposits in people.”

“You have to make deposits in people in moments,” Goldberg said. “They may never pay off. First off, it feels good to invest in people, but you just never know. You have to assume your paths will cross again.”

Goldberg said that mindset has guided his 31-year career in broadcasting, especially when covering players who may only spend a short time in Kansas City.

“You never know when a guy you interviewed once will be back,” he said. “That trust you built early, that impression you made, may pay off later. It’s never really a waste of time.”

He also reflected on his front-row view of baseball’s modern era, calling it one of the most exciting periods in the game’s history.

“Every era is amazing,” Goldberg said. “What makes this one unique isn’t just Aaron Judge or Bobby Witt Jr. It’s Shohei Ohtani doing things we never dreamed could be done. At minimum, he’s the most unique player we’ve ever covered.”

Goldberg shared that one of the most meaningful moments of his career came far from the diamond, during a 2018 visit to Kuwait with former Royals great George Brett to meet U.S. servicemembers.

“We went there to thank them and entertain them, but they were the ones thanking us,” Goldberg said. “It ended up being so much bigger than baseball. Standing there with them, watching a Royals game at three in the morning 15 miles from the Iraqi border, I just remember thinking, ‘I can’t believe I’m here.’”

He also gave insight into his interview style, explaining that he rarely writes questions down and prefers to let conversations unfold naturally.

“I want to keep it organic,” he said. “You can’t be so married to a script that you forget to listen. Every guest is different, some talk a lot, some don’t. You have to adapt in real time.”

Goldberg closed the session with a lighter moment, recounting the origins of the Royals’ well-known postgame celebration, the “Salvy Splash.”

“The first bucket wasn’t even Salvador Pérez, it was Alex Gordon,” Goldberg said with a laugh. “Since then, it’s become part of the culture. If Salvy’s my guest, I know I’m getting drenched. But that’s part of it, it shows the joy this team has.”

Goldberg’s presentation, focusing on trust, resilience, and leadership,&nbsp; concluded the 2025 lecture season.

Royals broadcaster Joel Goldberg emphasizes trust and storytelling at Dillon Lecture Series

It seems to have taken longer than usual for fall to arrive this year. Finally, the predominate winds have shifted to the north, bringing the cooler temperatures with them. Soon those winds will carry a killing frost with them sending much of the natural world into dormancy.

This all seems delayed in part because of the 80-plus degree days in mid-October. Also, because the cottonwood trees in the yard are still clinging to a significant portion of their leaves, which are usually gone by now. The oak and sycamore leaves are just starting to turn so they’re on track to fall by Thanksgiving.

While most plants will stop growing soon and crickets will cease chirping, there will still be plenty of work around the house these next few weeks. The lawnmower will be put away for the season, replaced by the leaf blower and rake. Eventually I’ll have to set up the ladder to clean out the gutters and string Christmas lights.

Hoses will be disconnected, drained and stowed away to prevent the cold winter winds from freezing faucets. There are flowerbeds that need a good once over as well, taking care not to disturb any seed heads that can feed the birds that don’t fly south.

After a summer of heavy use, I’ll give the grill a good cleaning, but it won’t be put away. There’s no temperature that’s too cold for cooking over a direct flame, but the grill does lose some of its luster to the expanded menu that arrives with the north winds.

Still, as much as I enjoy cooking outdoors, there are just certain meals that are more appropriate when the air conditioner is turned off and you welcome a kitchen warmed by an oven baking throughout the day. From casseroles and pot roasts to stews and fresh-baked bread, comfort foods are a bright spot as the days grow shorter.

While my family will enjoy all of those, I most enjoy this season for the soups. While you can create a beef stew or chicken noodle soup rather quickly from canned ingredients, they’re better if time isn’t a concern. There’s nothing like the aroma of a simmering stock and knowing that as each hour goes by, the flavors are increasing.

Gumbos, bisques, chowders, consommé and more are all on the menu during soup season. No matter the variety, soup can be economical and versatile from a thin broth to a hearty chili. While I personally prefer thick, savory soups, especially if they begin with a roux, broth-based ones are best for getting over the flu.

Soup is also a great way to use up what’s left from other meals, whether it’s creating stock from the marrow in chicken and beef bones or using up any vegetables on hand before they spoil.

Toasted bread, chips or crackers can also add bulk to a thin soup or replace spoons for thicker stews. While every soup has its basics, there are countless ways to personalize your bowl, whether it’s extra bacon in a potato soup or adding several dashes of hot sauce to your chili.

Like fall itself, soup season is a reminder that slowing down isn’t a terrible thing. Patience offers rewards for those who stir occasionally, taste often and let time work quietly.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Insight: Soup Season 

With Election Day just a week away, Reno County Clerk Jenna Fager says early voting is off to a strong start and even outpacing larger counties.

“We started last Monday, and it’s been pretty busy,” Fager said. “Our early voting numbers were actually higher than Sedgwick County’s, which never happens.”

Early in-person voting is underway at the Reno County Annex, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voters who wish to vote by mail must have their application received by 5 p.m. today (Oct. 28) to receive a ballot.

Ballots can be returned by mail, dropped off at the 24-hour drop box in front of the annex, or delivered to any polling place on Election Day. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by Friday, Nov. 7, to be counted.

Most Hutchinson city voters will cast ballots at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, while others will vote at their assigned precincts. Voters can find their location or preview their ballot at <a href="https://www.renocountyks.gov/Elections">renocountyks.gov</a> under the Elections tab.

Poll workers will begin arriving at 6 a.m. to prepare for a 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day. Reno County continues to use paper ballots, with touchscreens and audio options available for accessibility.

“It’s a long day for our poll workers,” Fager said. “They’re there from before sunrise until everything is wrapped up that night.”

Unofficial results are typically available by 9 to 9:30 p.m., depending on how quickly precincts return their materials. Official results are certified during the County Commission’s canvass on Nov. 12, where commissioners review provisional ballots and confirm totals.

“The canvassing board goes through every provisional ballot to determine if it can be legally counted,” Fager explained. “It’s a detailed process, and sometimes it takes the entire day.”

Although this is her first election as the elected County Clerk, Fager is no stranger to the process. She’s worked in the Reno County Clerk’s Office for 20 years, specializing in elections before assuming the top role earlier this year.

“It’s exciting,” she said. “I’ve been part of elections for two decades, but leading the process as county clerk is definitely a new experience.”

For more information about voting locations, sample ballots, and election updates, visit r<a href="https://www.renocountyks.gov/Elections">enocountyks.gov/elections</a>.

Reno County Clerk shares election updates ahead of Nov. 4 vote

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Corporation Commission’s Cold Weather Rule goes into effect Saturday, Nov. 1, offering protection to Kansans at risk of utility disconnection during the winter months. The rule remains in place through March 31.

First implemented in 1983, the Cold Weather Rule prevents regulated utility companies from disconnecting residential customers’ natural gas, electric, or water service when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the next 48 hours.

In addition to limiting shutoffs, the rule requires utilities to provide 12-month payment plans to help customers maintain or restore service. Residential customers with past-due balances can qualify, but they must contact their utility provider to set up arrangements.

To reconnect or continue service under the rule, customers must agree to pay one-twelfth of the total amount owed, one-twelfth of the current bill, any disconnection or reconnection fees, and any required deposit. The remaining balance is then spread over the next 11 months, along with ongoing monthly bills.

The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers served by utilities regulated by the KCC. However, many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar policies in place.

More information is available on the <a href="https://www.kcc.ks.gov/consumer-information/cold-weather-rule">KCC website.</a> Kansans can also contact their local utility provider or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027 or (785) 271-3140 for assistance.

Cold weather rule takes effect Nov. 1

The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education held its regular meeting Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at the district’s Administration Center, where members heard updates from Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson, approved several key action items, and entered executive session for legal and personnel matters.

During her report, Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson shared a message of gratitude and encouragement to district staff, recognizing their continued dedication to students and families. She acknowledged that the weeks leading up to the upcoming bond vote can be challenging and urged staff not to let online negativity overshadow the positive work happening daily in classrooms.

The board approved minutes from the Oct. 13 regular meeting and the Oct. 17 special meeting, along with two key action items:

The district’s Professional Development Plan, presented by Human Resources Director Julie Schrum, which aligns with Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) standards.

Replacement of a rooftop unit (RTU) at the Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy (HCTEA) for $94,624.

Under the superintendent’s consent agenda, the board approved: •&nbsp; The September 2025 Treasurer’s Report •&nbsp; The annual Lightspeed Renewal for $21,129.29. •&nbsp; Various grants and gifts to schools supporting district programs

The Light speed Renewal is for internet filtering and safety monitoring required for compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act and the Federal E-rate program.&nbsp;

Following discussion items, the board entered executive session for consultation with the district’s attorney and to discuss personnel matters under the non-elected personnel exception of the Kansas Open Meetings Act. Upon returning to open session, members approved the personnel report as presented before adjourning.

The next regular USD 308 Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m. at the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum.

BOE approves RTU replacement, Professional Development Plan

For more than two decades, Wynema Pierson&nbsp;has poured her heart into caring for children and supporting families in Reno County. This month, we’re&nbsp;proud to recognize her as the Reno County Child Care Task Force Provider of the Month&nbsp;for October.&nbsp;

Wynema’s journey into childcare began unexpectedly — with a simple favor for her sister.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“I got started in childcare because of my younger sister,” she shared. “She needed childcare, I was in between jobs at the time, and I said, well, yeah, I guess I can.&nbsp;And&nbsp;then she said, ‘Why don’t you go into doing this full time?’”&nbsp;

That suggestion changed the course of Wynema’s life. “I decided to go ahead and take the classes,” she said. “That’s&nbsp;how I became where I’m&nbsp;at 23 years later. I was really glad&nbsp;that I did.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Transforming a Home into a Haven for Children&nbsp;

Over the years, Wynema has built a home-based program filled with love, learning, and laughter. She operates&nbsp;a&nbsp;licensed group&nbsp;daycare for up to 12 children, ranging from 14 months to 10 years old. “I’ve got lots of room for the kids because the whole house is basically theirs,” she said with a smile.&nbsp;

Wynema’s heart for helping families—especially those facing challenges—is what sets her apart. “I’ve been a single mother before,” she said. “I have a lot of single mothers, and a lot of them are from a lower income. I’ve&nbsp;had mothers come here that were getting away from bad situations… I’ve&nbsp;helped a lot of them out. And the reason for that is because I feel I have been blessed. God has blessed me very well.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Generations of Children, Lifetimes of Impact&nbsp;

Through the years, she’s&nbsp;cared for an estimated 160 children, often spanning multiple generations. “I have watched whole families,” she reflected. “One mother had three kids, and then her sister started bringing her kids here… now you see them in the military, doing nursing, taking college classes, and you’re&nbsp;like, ‘Oh my Lord, I cannot believe.’”&nbsp;

As she looks ahead, Wynema hopes others will follow in her footsteps. “We really do need good childcare providers,” she said. “Within the next two years, I’m&nbsp;planning on retiring, so I would love for&nbsp;somebody to take over. It can be so rewarding. You’re&nbsp;doing a service. You are helping mothers.”&nbsp;

Wynema also expressed her appreciation for the Reno County Child Care Task Force and the resources available to providers. “The Task Force is very good for anybody who’s wanting to start childcare,” she said. “They can come in and help you and tell you what might be best to work for you… whether that’s putting a fence up, getting playground equipment, or riding toys.”&nbsp;

Thank you, Wynema, for 23 years of dedication, compassion, and impact. Your care has shaped the lives of children and families across generations — and your example inspires others to do the same! &nbsp;&nbsp;

Know a childcare provider worthy of this award? We are willing to bet you do! Nominate them today!

Pierson named Reno County Childcare Provider of the Month for October

Jenna Fager the Reno County Clerk stopped by to visit about the upcoming election.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Jenna Fager, Reno County Clerk

Joe Godina from Trinity Jr/Sr High School stopped by to visit about happenings at the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Joe Godina, Trinity Jr./Sr. High School 

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

Cortney	Lynn	Randolph	10/27/2025 7:25&nbsp;AM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

Michael		Pena	10/27/2025 6:35&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Traffic Contraband in Correctional Institution; Unauthorized Possession; Any Item,				Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case

Troy	Lee	Harlin	10/27/2025 2:47&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Troy	Powell	Ottinger	10/27/2025 3:19&nbsp;PM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case,				Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Gavin	Mitchell	Tobias Simmons	10/27/2025 6:17&nbsp;PM	DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving

Shakur	Devon	Reed	10/27/2025 6:19&nbsp;PM	Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Possession of marijuana,				Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon; Conviction in Previous 5 Years of specified KSA,				Possession of depressant

Carlos	Fernando	Hernandez Silos	10/27/2025 7:24&nbsp;PM	Traffic Contraband in Correctional Institution; Unauthorized Possession; Any Item

Jonathan		Padilla Marquez	10/27/2025 9:55&nbsp;PM	DUI; 3rd conv; incapable of safely driving,				Failure to Appear

Daily Bookings

The largest college and career planning event in Kansas is back and ready to help students chart their post-high school futures.

The ESSDACK Career Planning Expo will take place on Wednesday, October 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and again on Thursday, October 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

With over 5,000 students attending the two-day event last year, ESSDACK says the expo is designed to be “the perfect place to start exploring their post-high school futures.”

Students will have the opportunity to explore a wide array of post-secondary pathways including:

Two-year and four-year college degrees Industry certifications and apprenticeships&nbsp; Military service opportunities&nbsp; Direct connections with business and public-service employers

Why it Matters for Employers and Institutions

For businesses and public-sector organizations, the event serves as a critical pipeline for future employees. For colleges and technical schools, it offers a recruiting platform to connect with motivated students. ESSDACK notes that the expo “improves the industry employee pipeline” and “is a great recruiting opportunity” for educational institutions.

Exhibitor registration is already closed for this year’s event. Students still interested in attending can register online via the student-registration link on the ESSDACK website. &nbsp;For more information, contact ESSDACK at (620) 663-9566 or email <a>careerexpo@essdack.org</a>.

Based in Hutchinson and celebrating over 40 years of service, ESSDACK is a regional educational service center that partners with school districts, businesses, and public agencies across Kansas to support career-technical education, workforce development, and student success.

ESSDACK to host Career Planning Expo

PHELPS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect for alleged sex crimes involving a juvenile.

This week, 36-year-old Elizabeth Jamie Love and her boyfriend, 43-year-old Jarid “Jack” Krause both of Holdrege, were arrested pursuant to a warrant and criminal complaint filed by the Phelps County Attorney’s Office that charges each with one count of Sex Trafficking of a Minor, according to a statment from Holdredge Police.

 The criminal complaint filed against Love also alleges an additional count of Sexual Grooming by a School Employee.. 

The investigation into Love and Krause began after a current high school student, whom Ms. Love was instructing through her employment as a transition coordinator and teacher in ESU-11, reported inappropriate interactions with the couple over the past few weeks.  

While the investigation into this matter is still ongoing and law enforcement is not aware of any inappropriate interactions with other current or former students. The Holdrege Police Department is interested in speaking with anyone who has any additional information about this current allegation or who may have had prior interactions with Love or Krause, which they now believe is suspicious. 

It is law enforcement’s understanding that Love has been an educator/transition coordinator within ESU-11 for a number of years and in that role, she travels to as many as 15 schools or public-school districts throughout South Central Nebraska.&nbsp; &nbsp;ESU-11 provides educational services to&nbsp; public school districts in south-central Nebraska.

&nbsp;Love and Krause are currently being held in the Phelps County Jail on separate bonds of $250,000 each.

If convicted of the crimes alleged, Love and&nbsp; Krause face up to life imprisonment and lifetime placement on the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry. They made an initial court appearance on Monday in the Phelps County Court.

Anyone with any additional information about Ms. Love and/or Mr. Krause, that may be pertinent to this case or prior contacts with either of them that they now find to be unusual or suspicious, are urged to contact the Holdrege Police Department at (308) 995-4407.

Teacher, boyfriend accused of grooming, sex trafficking student

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—One person died in an accident on Tuesday morning in Montgomery County.

According to Sheriff Ron Wade, a 2024 Kia passenger vehicle driven by Heath Ellis, 21, Caney, was traveling on U.S. 75 near County Road 3600 southwest of Independence, Kansas.&nbsp; The vehicle left the road, overturned, struck a culvert and caught fire.&nbsp; Ellis was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

The accident remains under investigation, according to Wade.

Kansas man killed in rollover crash and fire

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a drug bust in Manhattan.

Just before 5:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;executed a search warrant in the 700 block of Colorado Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

As a result, officers arrested 60-year-old Joseph Fabre of Manhattan on requested charges of distribution of opiate/narcotic/certain stim/heroin within 1000 feet of a school; possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia; possession of a depressant and possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance. Fabre remains jailed on a $40,000 bond.

He has previous convictions that include Forgery, Robbery, Criminal Threat, Intent or reckless cause child less than 18 in situation w/childs life, body, health is injured or endangered and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon accused of selling heroin

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans on Tuesday unveiled their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-autopen-investigation-house-republicans-34d14c02bd905b0021a546c24337106f" rel="nofollow">long-promised report</a>&nbsp;on former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden" rel="nofollow">Joe Biden’s</a>&nbsp;use of the autopen, delivering a blistering critique of his time in office and inner circle that largely rehashes public information while making sweeping accusations about the workings of his White House.

<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/landing/the-biden-autopen-presidency/">Click here to read </a>the Oversight Committee report

The GOP report does not include any concrete evidence that aides conspired to enact policies without Biden’s knowledge or that the president was unaware of laws, pardons or executive orders signed in his name. But Republicans said their findings cast doubt on all of Biden’s actions in office. They sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi urging a full investigation. President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-investigation-autopen-pardons-explainer-e033f6a9d8ecc65a68990f73dd0e718a" rel="nofollow">ordered a similar inquiry</a>&nbsp;earlier this year.

At its core, the report&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-age-probe-steve-richetti-664295c69e71d13a5231c221469170f1" rel="nofollow">advances contested claims</a>&nbsp;that Biden’s mental state declined to a degree that allowed White House officials to enact policies without his knowledge. It focuses heavily on the pardons he granted in office, including to his son, Hunter Biden, based on depositions with close Biden aides.

“The cost of the scheme to hide the fallout of President Biden’s diminished physical and mental acuity was great but will likely never be fully calculated,” the report reads. “The cover-up put American national security at risk and the nation’s trust in its leaders in jeopardy.”

Biden has strenuously denied he was unaware of his administration’s actions, calling such claims “ridiculous and false.” Democrats on the House Oversight committee denounced the probe as a distraction and waste of time.

Republicans are shifting attention&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-biden-election-democrat-midterm-78b6e3998772b987625abbbc9bebf3d0" rel="nofollow">back to Biden</a>&nbsp;at a tumultuous time, 10 months into Trump’s presidency, with the government shut down and Congress at a standstill over legislation to fund it. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has kept the House out of session for nearly a month, with most public-facing committee work grinding to a halt.

The report on Biden was largely compiled over several months before the shutdown began. Based on interviews with more than a dozen members of Biden’s inner circle, the report offers few new revelations, instead drawing broad conclusions from unanswered questions.

It includes repeated references to polls of Biden’s approval rating and perceptions of his public gaffes and apparent aging, much of it publicly known.

It alleges a “cover-up of the president’s cognitive decline” orchestrated by Biden’s inner circle and takes particular aim at Biden’s doctor, Kevin O’Connor, who invoked his Fifth Amendment right against testifying. Republicans also singled out senior aides Anthony Bernal and Annie Tomasini, who similarly pleaded the Fifth. All three “should face further scrutiny” from the Justice Department, Republicans said.

Republicans also sent a letter to the D.C. Board of Medicine urging that O’Connor face “discipline, sanction or revocation of his medical license” and “be barred from the practice of medicine in the District of Columbia.”

The report does not include full transcripts of the at-times multiple hours of recorded testimony that witnesses delivered before the committee. It repeatedly scolds Biden officials and Democratic allies for defending Biden’s mental state.

“The inner-most circle, or cocoon, of the White House senior staff organized one of the largest scandals in American history — hiding a cognitively failing president and refusing any means of confirmation of such demise,” the report says.

While the report claims that record-keeping policies in the Biden White House “were so lax that the chain of custody for a given decision is difficult or impossible to establish,” Republicans do not offer any concrete instances of the chain of command being violated or a policy being enacted without Biden’s knowledge.

Still, Republicans argue that Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-pardons-autopen-capitol-riot-1956c5dcb44ecba10cd9b01171ca9efa" rel="nofollow">use of the autopen</a>&nbsp;should be considered invalid unless there is documented proof of him approving a decision.

“Barring evidence of executive actions taken during the Biden presidency showing that President Biden indeed took a particular executive action, the committee deems those actions taken through use of the autopen as void,” the report says.

Democrats and legal experts have warned that broad scrutiny of executive actions could pose future legal headaches for the Trump administration and congressional Republicans, who also often enact policies directed by lawmakers through devices like the presidential autopen.

Read the report: Biden use of autopen sent to the Justice Department

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday, joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general and two governors in filing a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Secretary Brooke Rollins for unlawfully suspending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.&nbsp;

“States cannot, and should not, take on the federal government’s responsibility to fund SNAP,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Cutting off SNAP payments is an unprecedented choice made by the Trump Administration and Congress that will harm millions of families across the country. I joined this lawsuit to protect Kansans, because the federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to fund this program, not to take food out of the mouths of Kansas children.”

On October 1, 2025, the new federal fiscal year began without an appropriation by Congress to fund the federal government, creating a government shutdown. On October 10, the USDA sent a letter to state SNAP agencies saying that if the shutdown continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for the approximately 42 million Americans that rely on them. &nbsp;

Despite USDA’s claim of insufficient funds, the agency has access to billions of dollars in SNAP-specific contingency funds appropriated by Congress for this purpose. Furthermore, USDA has funded other programs with emergency funds during this shutdown, but has refused to fund SNAP, leaving millions of Americans without the assistance they need to buy food. It is clear the federal government is making a deliberate, illegal, and inhumane choice not to fund the crucial SNAP program.&nbsp;

The lapse in benefits will have dire consequences for the health and well-being of millions across the country, who rely on the program to feed themselves and their families. This lapse will also put unnecessary strain on state and local governments and community organizations, as families increasingly rely on emergency services and local food pantries that are already struggling to fill a growing nutrition gap. It will affect school systems, including college and university communities, where food insecurity will stand in the way of educating students. Suspending SNAP benefits will also harm the hundreds of thousands of grocers and merchants that accept SNAP payment for food purchases across the country. The USDA has estimated that in a slowing economy, every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.54 in economic activity.&nbsp;

In Kansas, nearly 188,000 children, families, and seniors rely on SNAP each month to meet their needs. Ordinarily, more than 93,000 Kansas households would receive a total distribution of more than $34.4 million in SNAP benefits. The Kansas Department for Children and Families, which administers the SNAP program, will continue to closely monitor the situation and its impacts on services the agency provides.

While the federal government funds and sets the monthly amount of SNAP benefits, states are responsible for administering programs in their state. Suspending SNAP benefits in this manner is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. Where Congress has clearly spoken, providing that SNAP benefits should continue even during a government shutdown, USDA does not have the authority to say otherwise. The coalition will also be filing a temporary restraining order later today asking the court to immediately turn benefits back on.&nbsp;

Joining&nbsp;Governor Kelly in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon,&nbsp;Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. The Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania have also joined.

Information about federal shutdown impacts on DCF programs and services is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2FPages%2Fdefault.aspx/1/0101019a2c925b18-1a97ee00-5c46-46fa-81bf-8fdbbe95f1b6-000000/5VIAYM9XO3ktK7g_ze-kJeW4ZRwH1bkUQnl31aoZJFY=428">dcf.ks.gov.</a>

Kansas sues Trump Admin. for 'illegally suspending SNAP benefits'

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating and searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred October 23 eat Dr. Glen Dey Park, located at 2801 N. Grove in Wichita. During a press conference on Tuesday, police announced&nbsp; Crime Stoppers is now offering a $5,000 reward in the case.&nbsp; Police also indicated they have only received three tips on the investigation since the crime occurred.

At approximately 7:03 p.m. an off-duty WPD detective working secondary employment at&nbsp; the park heard multiple gunshots from another area of the park. The detective immediately ran toward the scene and found 32-year-old Travon Stewart suffering from gunshot wounds.

The detective called for backup and emergency medical services, then began life-saving measures until EMS arrived. Stewart was transported to a local hospital in extremely critical condition and later died from his injuries.

Preliminary findings indicate that around 200 to 300 people were in attendance at the football games. Stewart was at the park selling concessions as a fundraiser for a football team not affiliated with the Wichita Junior Football League.

Homicide investigators responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses who remained in the area. Detectives believe this was a targeted shooting and not connected to the youth football games.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $5,00 reward for information leading to an arrest in the shooting.

Anyone who attended the games or may have information is urged to contact the Wichita Police Department Investigations Section at 316-268-4407.&nbsp;

Police: Few tips so far on fatal shooting at Kan. youth football game

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market pushed further into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-nikkei-trump-china-7d7150df20283db5a295abc64d225a63">record heights</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday.

The S&amp;P 500 added 0.2%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 161 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8%. All three indexes set all-time highs for a third straight day.

Moves were also relatively modest in the bond market as Wall Street waits for a few&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/investors-401k-what-to-do-bb0663da4643e8c3dbe08a4092482aa5">events that could shake things up</a>. On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-jobs-federal-reserve-aefac7cc9eb26d5cbf57c386a8f65839">Federal Reserve will announce</a>&nbsp;its latest move on interest rates, while some of the stock market’s most influential companies will report how much profit they made during the summer. On Thursday, President Donald&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-china-tariffs-rare-earths-soybeans-exports-efa3b57ce5cd94ee5bfcad1988d9fccd">Trump will meet China’s leader</a>, Xi Jinping, in hopes of smoothing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Until then, profit reports from overnight and the morning were the main drivers of Tuesday’s action.

United Parcel Service rallied 8% after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-amazon-layoffs-turnaround-85afc1c459883f41a2283c8394ce1eaf">delivering stronger profit</a>&nbsp;and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. UPS also gave a forecast for revenue in the all-important holiday shipping season that was slightly above analysts’ expectations.

PayPal climbed 3.9% after saying it made a bigger profit during the summer than analysts expected. It also said it plans to pay its shareholders a dividend every three months, while announcing a deal where internet users will be able to pay for purchases through OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Skyworks Solutions climbed 5.8% after saying it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/skyworks-qorvo-merger-semiconductors-df463ada8345a3b18c5339a307191b15">merge with Qorvo</a>&nbsp;in a cash-and-stock deal where Skyworks shareholders will own roughly 63% of the combined company, valued at $22 billion. Qorvo’s stock rose nearly as much, 5.7%.

Microsoft was one of the strongest forces lifting the market after rising 2%. That sent the company's total value on Wall Street above $4 trillion.

On the losing end of Wall Street was Royal Caribbean, which lost 8.5% despite reporting a stronger profit than analysts expected. Its revenue for the latest quarter fell short of expectations. The cruise operator also said it’s seen a “minimal” hit to its business this quarter because of bad weather, along with the temporary closure of one of its exclusive destinations in Haiti.

Homebuilder D.R. Horton sank 3.2% after reporting a weaker profit for the summer than analysts expected. Executive Chairman David Auld said his company is still dealing with homebuyers finding it challenging to afford a house, along with cautious consumer sentiment. He said D.R. Horton will likely have to keep offering incentives in the upcoming fiscal year to attract buyers.

Amazon, meanwhile, rose 1% after saying it will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-layoff-ai-14000-artificial-intelligence-cb64af47ebb794541fbdfa8fd264932c">cut about 14,000 corporate jobs</a>, or about 4% of its corporate workforce, as it ramps up spending on artificial intelligence while cutting costs elsewhere.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/layoffs-2025-amazon-ups-job-cuts-8413af9ac5b434b092ed76d6fa6cd196">slowing job market</a>&nbsp;is one of the main reasons Wall Street expects the Fed to announce another cut to interest rates on Wednesday. It would be the second time this year that it’s lowered the federal funds rate in hopes of helping the job market.

The widespread expectation is that the Fed will also cut rates for a third time at its final meeting of the year. A lot is riding on that, in part because U.S. stock prices have already rallied to records on expectations for it. That means the most important part of Wednesday’s announcement for Wall Street will be whether Fed Chair Jerome Powell gives any hints about upcoming moves.

Fed officials have indicated that they’re likely to keep cutting interest rates next year, but they may have to change course if inflation accelerates beyond its still-high level. That’s because low interest rates can make inflation worse.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 3.97% from 4.01% late Monday. A report showing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-conference-board-economy-spending-d406ec7cdf046a4c365a72672fdfbb8d">confidence among U.S. consumers</a>&nbsp;is a smidgen better than economists expected had little effect on the market.

On Wall Street, the S&amp;P 500 rose 15.73 points to 6,890.89. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 161.78 to 47,706.37, and the Nasdaq composite gained 190.04 to 23,827.49.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in Europe following modest losses in Asia.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.6% from its record high. South Korea’s Kospi sank 0.8% for another one of the world’s larger moves.

Some of the strongest action in financial markets was again for the price of gold. It’s been struggling after an astonishing run this year, setting records and nearly reaching $4,400 per ounce last week. It’s since dropped back below $4,000 per ounce, and its gain for the year so far has trimmed to roughly 50%.

Stocks close at record highs for second day led by PayPal and UPS

WASHINGTON (AP) —The administration says it will appeal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-mental-health-dei-ruling-8cb195602cffff3ee20724a9fbcd1bb1">a ruling</a>&nbsp;that it must release millions of dollars in grants meant to address a shortage of mental health workers in schools.

The Education Department said in a statement Tuesday that it is working with the Justice Department to appeal the Monday ruling by a federal judge in Seattle.

U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson ruled the administration’s move in April to cancel school mental health grants starting in December 2025 was arbitrary and capricious. The ruling applies only to some grantees in the 16 Democratic-led states that challenged the decision. Congress funded the mental health program after the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

The administration opposed aspects of the grant programs that touched on race, saying they were harmful to students. The department said in its statement Tuesday the grants, which were first awarded under the Biden administration, were used “to promote divisive ideologies based on race and sex.”

Trump admin. to appeal court order to restore grants for school counselors

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas farm leaders are pushing Congress to get back to work and solve problems facing the agriculture industry, pointing out that a closed government doesn’t mean U.S. lawmakers can’t be in session.

“I’m up here in Republic County and there’s a lot of activity going around harvest,” said Nick Levendofsky, executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union. “And then, of course, wheat drilling and all that, too, and getting ready to move cattle off of pastures. The work doesn’t stop for farmers. We don’t pause, we don’t shut down. We have to keep going.”

Levendofsky, speaking earlier this month in a virtual press conference arranged by Kansas Congresswoman Sharice Davids, echoed comments from Kansas agriculture secretary Mike Beam to get Congress back to work.

“It’s time to get back to work on and really address some things, particularly some things that really don’t cost money — it’s just public policy that we need to address,” Beam said on the same call.

Levendofsky said the farm bill was allowed to expire, and even though some agricultural issues were addressed in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, much is left to do.

“I’ve talked with farmers in our organization, farmers in my area, and farmers all across the state, and they’re very frustrated with what’s going on right now,” he said.

As farmers are grappling with increased input expenses, tariffs and weather, Davids said she was “p***ed” about President Donald Trump’s expressed intentions to import more Argentinian beef.

“I think we need to be doing everything we can to support American ranchers and producers and farmers and not importing in stuff that we’re growing here,” she said.

Matthew Steele, CEO and executive director of the Kansas Cattlemen’s Association, listens to news every day with a strong dose of caution and “trying to read through the lines.” As an engineer with a compliance background, he’s always looking deeper, he said.

“You’ve got to always be thinking about this is the black and white, what does all the gray around it mean?” he said in a call with the Kansas Reflector.

For instance, outcry about the potential of Mexico reopening its U.S. border to import feeder cattle doesn’t have as big of an impact as people might expect, Steele said.

About 1 million head a year come in from Mexico, out of 83 million head produced in the U.S., he said.

“It’s not that big of a number,” Steele said. “They’re still anywhere from three to eight or nine months from being ready for harvest anyway. Where the impact comes is those aren’t prime animals that are coming up. It’s not like they’re bringing in certified Angus roasts and steaks. It’s lower quality we grind up and serve as hamburgers.”

Still, the market took that news and went “crazy,” he said. Live cattle contracts fell Monday, dropping about $7 on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/future/lc00?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqe5Xw6SQAaUNwGs9A2aB5ASjPdCoXZgWQjhkC7P1xNSJF4pjUBVwcdsSUxoQ54%3D&amp;gaa_ts=6900dd4b&amp;gaa_sig=Lbzoo0bAhVTAV00lcfxF6snutG3jmoxhqzu_x9PHRP9kDvieAxABx0qDmPz3uZmoJfgkA4qY-GOI_WMvS5ytDA%3D%3D" target="_blank">according to Marketwatch</a>.

Steele said his organization is telling farmers to call their representatives to share stories and help them understand how the system works. Although organizations like Kansas Cattlemen’s are advocating, it means more coming from the people who are doing the work, he said.

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