NW Kansas News

The 81st anniversary of D-Day was marked by reflections on the historic event that began Europe's liberation from Nazi control. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, a Kansan and future U.S. President, led the operation on June 6, 1944. The bravery shown on the beaches of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword is remembered along with the 9,387 Americans buried in Normandy and the 1,557 still missing.

In related political news, a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing led by a senator reviewed the FY2026 budget request for the Department of Commerce. Secretary Howard Lutnick was questioned about protecting the American aerospace industry's export surplus during trade negotiations. Concerns were also raised about proposed cuts to manufacturing assistance programs and broadband deployment.

A Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing considered Cheryl Mason's nomination as Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Don Bergin's nomination as VA Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs. Both nominees have extensive backgrounds in veterans' advocacy and military service.

Legislation introduced by a senator aims to exempt certain National Weather Service employees from federal hiring freezes to ensure weather preparedness in Kansas communities. This move follows staffing disruptions at Goodland NWS office due to vacancies.

The U.S. Army's 250th anniversary was celebrated with a resolution introduced by a senator who expressed gratitude for the Army's role in national defense over two and a half centuries.

A Senate resolution honoring Sarah Milgrim, a Kansan victim of antisemitic violence, was introduced by two senators who attended her memorial service.

Discussions with ATF Deputy Director Rob Cekeda focused on advanced training at Wichita State University's Crime Gun Intelligence Center and efforts to disrupt illicit gun flows.

Michelle "Miki" Bowman was confirmed as Vice Chair of Supervision at the Federal Reserve. Her Kansas roots provide her with insight into community banking's importance.

Meetings with various Kansas organizations covered topics such as USDA rural development programs, housing market challenges faced by veterans, biofuel industry growth needs, and animal health concerns in livestock farming.

Visits across Kansas included tours of Amberwell Atchison facilities and Sabetha Community Hospital’s expansion plans. Celebrations for National Dairy Month highlighted Kansas' growing dairy industry contributions.