Hutch Post has learned of an ongoing investigation by the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) into suspected drone smuggling activity at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

Sources confirm that drones are being used to drop illegal drugs into the prison yard, where inmates retrieve the contraband. This smuggling method is believed to have contributed to a deadly drug-related incident inside the facility.

Officials have confirmed at least one inmate overdose death tied to the drug issue. The fatality occurred on March 15 of this year.

State Senator Michael Murphy responded to Hutch Post via email, stating, “I have heard there has been a serious issue with drugs getting in to the inmates.” His comments echo growing concerns about prison security and contraband prevention in Kansas correctional institutions.

Hutch Post has reached out to State Representative Bob Lewis of Garden City, who chairs the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee, as well as the Kansas Department of Corrections, for further comment. At this time, no official responses have been provided.

The investigation is ongoing. Hutch Post will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as new information becomes available.

Drones being used to smuggle drugs into Hutchinson Correctional Facility 

PAT MELGARES K-STATE Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. – For many, the onset of summer means outdoor picnics, walks and time at the park, but a blood-sucking insect whose lifespan rarely lasts past two months often can put a bite in those plans.

Kansas State University entomologist Jeff Whitworth said May and June tend to be the time of year when adult mosquito populations rise in Kansas. Many parts of the state received adequate rainfall during those two months, which promoted ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.

“If it keeps raining,” Whitworth said, “you ain’t seen nothing yet, because they’re going to keep coming.”

He said mosquitos lay their eggs on the surface of water, so anywhere that there is standing water – bird baths, old tires, eaves around the house, feeding troughs on farms are among some of the areas – mosquitos are likely to multiply.

“There are 40-50 species of mosquitos in Kansas, and they will lay anywhere from 200 to 300 eggs at a time,” Whitworth said. “Some species will lay eggs in a low spot that’s just damp, and when the water comes in, the eggs will hatch. But they have to have moisture to hatch the eggs, which happens 4-5 days after the adult mosquito lays the eggs.”

Thus, Whitworth said, reducing mosquitoes around a property comes down to reducing areas where water sits idle.

“If you live out in the country, it’s really difficult to get rid of all of these sources of mosquito larvae,” Whitworth said. “But that’s what you want to shoot for. You want to try and get rid of the eggs – the larvae or pupae – before they become adults.”

Once adults, mosquitoes mate. Males have a very short lifespan; typically 10 days during which time they are harmless. Females need a blood meal in order to produce fertilized eggs, so they are aggressively seeking a blood source prior to depositing their eggs.

“They’re very persistent, and very good at finding a source of that blood meal,” Whitworth said.

Whitworth said mosquito control efforts in towns and cities are generally not effective ways to kill adult mosquitoes. The females will fly as far as three miles searching for its next meal, “and by the time they get there, the residual activity (of the insecticide) is very, very little.”

“The chances are very small that they are going to land on something that has a little chemical on it,” Whitworth said. “They fly right in from where they are going and directly on to a human, bird, chicken or whatever their next blood meal is.”

For humans, the best way to protect from mosquitoes is to stay inside. When going outside, wear long sleeve shirts and pants. A repellent containing DEET will work against mosquitoes, but needs to be re-applied every two hours.

“The presence of mosquitoes is not going to get any better until it dries out, or at least until the corn, sorghum and soybeans are harvested and in the bin in the fall,” Whitworh said. “Even so, the mosquito is not going to go away. It's best to try and control the habitat that is producing them.”

Reduce mosquitoes by taking away their habitat

Hutchinson, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair is turning up the excitement for 2025 with the return of the fan-favorite Fairified Golden Ticket Giveaway, offering one lucky winner and three guests the ultimate fair experience — all at no cost.

Entries are now open for the coveted prize package, which includes season passes, concert tickets, ride wristbands, exclusive perks and more. Fairgoers have until July 19 to submit their entry online at <a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/f/221">KansasStateFair.com</a>.

“This is our way of saying thank you to our fair fans and making someone’s Kansas State Fair experience truly unforgettable,” organizers said.

The giveaway is free to enter, with a limit of one entry per person, and is open to individuals 18 and older.

For more details and official rules, visit <a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/f/221">KansasStateFair.com</a>.

The 2025 Kansas State Fair runs from September 5–14 in Hutchinson.

Kansas State Fair Launches “Golden Ticket Giveaway” for Ultimate Fair Experience

Debra Teufel of the Hutchinson / Reno County Chamber of Commerce stopped by and visited recent and upcoming activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Debra Teufel, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber 

Keith Neill stopped by the BW Morning Show to talk about the Ulster Project.&nbsp; Nine teens from Northern Ireland will be arriving to spend 24 days in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Keith Neill

A wide range of health services and family-friendly activities will be available at a free Community Health Fair open to the public, thanks to a partnership of local and state organizations focused on wellness and veterans' support.

The health fair is Friday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Guard Armory at 1111 North Severance here in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

The event is sponsored by the VFW, KS4Vets, the Kansas Army National Guard, the Kansas Office of Veterans Services, the Reno County Community Wellness Coalition, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Sunflower Health Plan, KanCare, and Healthy Blue.

Attendees will have access to a variety of basic health services, including a mobile mammogram unit, mental health resources, and general wellness screenings. Special services for veterans will also be available, offering information on benefits and support programs.

In addition to health resources, the fair will feature free haircuts and barbering, as well as a “Touch-a-Truck” activity that lets children and families get up close with emergency and service vehicles.

Organizers say the event is designed to serve everyone in the community while raising awareness about the many resources available in the region.

Free community health fair offers services and resources for all ages 

Local residents are being called to action to help support the unhoused with a special donation event set for Friday, June 27.

The “Unhoused Drop Off Drive” will take place at the Avenue A Park Building from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Organizers are collecting new, unopened essential items to stock the shelves of the local homeless shelter.

Donations of hygiene products and daily necessities are especially needed. Requested items include toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, tampons, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, razors, shaving cream, laundry pods, and deodorant. Other helpful donations include socks, bottled water, bandages, sunscreen, chapstick, baby wipes, diapers, diaper rash cream, blankets, backpacks, trash bags, and new underwear.

Volunteers ask that all items be unopened and in good condition. “We’ll take just about anything—except opened or used products,” said a member of the Hutchison Youth Council. “It’s all about giving our unhoused neighbors the dignity and support they deserve.”

All collected goods will be donated directly to the local homeless shelter for immediate distribution.

Community encouraged to support local homeless shelter with donation drive at Avenue A Park

Nominations are now open for farmers and ranchers to serve on their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees play a crucial role in shaping how federal farm programs are carried out at the local level. 

To be eligible, nominees must either participate in or cooperate with a USDA program or reside in the county. 

All nomination forms must be postmarked or submitted to the local FSA office by August 1.

Here's John Jenkinson's ag minute&nbsp;

Ag Minute:  Farm Service Agency county committees

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. ——————————————

Shailyn	Renee&nbsp;Rowlison&nbsp;6/25/2025 5:29 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,&nbsp;Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant, Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Sabrina	Rose&nbsp;Adelhardt&nbsp;6/26/2025 1:04 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000,&nbsp;Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

Quinton	James&nbsp;Bower&nbsp;6/26/2025 11:57 AM&nbsp;Theft; Property or Services; More than $100,000

Janeth Farias&nbsp;6/26/2025 2:52 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;DL Violation; Drive in Violation of Restrictions,&nbsp;Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction

Montre	Tyrell Toney&nbsp;6/26/2025 7:50 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000

Michelle Nicole Jeanson&nbsp;6/26/2025 10:15 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,&nbsp;Possession of marijuana

Kyler	Kenneth&nbsp;Milbrandt&nbsp;6/26/2025 10:23 PM&nbsp; Probation Violation,&nbsp;Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant,&nbsp;Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,&nbsp;Possession of marijuana,&nbsp;Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant



Justin	Thomas Masters&nbsp;6/26/2025 11:33 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Pedestrian; Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs upon Roadway,&nbsp;Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct

Mark Lee Pritchard&nbsp;&nbsp;6/26/2025 11:36 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Possession of marijuana,&nbsp;Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Bryan	Wayne&nbsp;Kilpatrick&nbsp;6/27/2025 2:38 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Stalking; Course of conduct knowing the conduct will cause fear to person or family

Daily Bookings 

This is day 5 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Harvest is progressing steadily across parts of Kansas, with yields generally around average despite challenges like strong winds, scattered rain and wheat streak mosaic virus. Weather and market conditions remain obstacles. Growers are staying optimistic and focused on finishing the season successfully.

Jess Schwieterman, who farms with his wife Laryce in Hamilton County near Syracuse, reports that this year’s harvest has been going well, despite strong winds and a few rain showers. They received a good November rain, but no winter moisture and a dry March and April until it started raining the week after Easter. The grain fill conditions were excellent, and yields have been right around average, similar to last year. Test weights have held up around 60 to 61 pounds per bushel.&nbsp;

High winds brought in a spring infection of Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus, turning the fields yellow. Schwieterman mentioned several varieties that have proven to have good resistance - KS Territory, KS Bill Snyder and KS Dallas. Their harvest began on June 20 and is nearly halfway finished. However, others in the area are just getting started. They have been pleased with yields, noting that the longer the fields are in no-till, the better they yield. They also manage for higher yields and have a strong fertility program. The biggest challenge this year has been the depressed wheat prices.

Kris Allen, general manager of Randall Farmers Coop in Jewell County, reports that harvest has been moving steadily across their two locations. Since taking in their first load on June 16, they’ve brought in around 700,000 bushels. Yields are ranging from 45 to 60 bushels per acre, and protein levels are holding solid at 12.6. Depending on the area, fields are about halfway to two-thirds cut, with combines rolling steadily. While this year isn’t quite as massive as last year’s crop, fueled by failed acres the season before, it’s still shaping up to be a strong and successful year.&nbsp;

Over halfway done with harvest, Brian Sieker, a farmer in Rice county, is facing the challenges of a wet season head-on, and staying optimistic.

“Mud is a challenge, but we’re grateful for it,” Sieker said. “Moisture is a welcome sight for our crop.”

On average, fields have produced 40-70 bushels per acre. Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV) has taken a toll on both yield and test weight this year, prompting a change in how he’ll select varieties going forward.

“In the future, I will be taking varieties for WSMV; I haven’t in the past,” Sieker said. “We have to protect our neighbors because the investment is huge and margins are thin.”

With winter in mind, Sieker said he’s glad to have residue left in the fields. “It’s nice to have the stubble. It will hold us through the winter.”

Above all, he encourages others to check in with each other and find joy in the season.

“Check on your neighbors," he said. "Enjoy the process. Harvest is a fun but stressful time.”

Kansas Wheat: Harvest day five 

&nbsp; &nbsp; C<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">lick here for your KSStormInfo weather forecast.&nbsp;</a>

Three day weather outlook 

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

WICHITA, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College student-athletes swept the Junior College Athlete of the Year honors Thursday evening at the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet at INTRUST Bank Arena.

Hailey Jackson was named the Junior College Female Athlete of the Year. A first-team all-conference selection, Jackson helped lead the Blue Dragon women’s basketball team back to the NJCAA national tournament in March. She started all 34 games this past season, averaging a conference-best 18.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game while shooting 46% from the field.

Waymond Jordan Jr. earned the Junior College Male Athlete of the Year award after leading the Blue Dragon football team to its second national championship in program history. Hutchinson defeated Iowa Western 28-23 on Dec. 18, 2024. Jordan Jr. was named the NJCAA National Offensive Player of the Year and the KJCCC Offensive Player of the Year after leading the nation in rushing yards and touchdowns. He finished the season with 1,614 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in 12 games.

Jordan Jr. is currently in Los Angeles, California, and will play for the University of Southern California Trojans this fall.&nbsp;

🏈🏀 Blue Dragons sweep JUCO honors at Greater Wichita Sports Banquet

🎧⚾ Royals swept by Rays; ⚾ Wind Surge blank Cards; ⚾ Monarchs lose in Newton

NEWTON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs’ late-game rally came up short as the Newton Rebels held on for a 5-3 victory Thursday night at Klein-Scott Field.

Hutchinson (13-4) fell behind early and couldn't recover despite cutting the deficit to one run in the fifth. Newton capitalized on timely hitting and a few Monarch miscues.

The Rebels plated one run in the first and added two more in the second, aided by a hit batter and a pair of walks. Hutchinson fought back in the third when AJ Mustow doubled home a run and later scored on a single by Jackson Legg to make it 3-2. The Monarchs tied it in the fifth on another RBI single from Mustow.

But Newton regained the lead in the seventh without recording a hit—scoring on a throwing error following a leadoff single. They added an insurance run in the eighth when Alex Downing’s two-out single brought in Caden Ehardt.

The Monarchs threatened in the ninth, loading the bases with two outs, but Mustow grounded out to end the game.

Newton starter Kyle Lockhart was solid, striking out six in three innings, while reliever Jeffrey Neill earned the win and Jeremy Bingesser notched the hold. Colton Jones came on in the ninth to get the final out and pick up the save.

Hutchinson used four pitchers, with Cole Toureau earning the start. Daegan Vinduska took the loss.

The Monarchs will look to bounce back Friday night as they travel to Derby to face the Twins before returning home for a weekend set at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson on Saturday versus the Twins and Sunday hosting the Cannons..

⚾ Rebels hold off Monarchs late rally in tight battle at Newton

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Shane Baz allowed three hits over a career-best eight innings, Brandon Lowe and Junior Caminero hit back-to-back homers in the sixth, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 on Thursday for a three-game sweep.

Baz (8-3) struck out nine and walked one. Jacob Lowe had three hits for the Rays, and Jake Mangum hit a run-scoring triple.

Tampa Bay has won five of six to move a season-high 11 games above .500 (46-35) and a half-game behind the AL East-leading New York Yankees, who were off Thursday.

Paul Gervase gave up singles to Jonathan India and Vinnie Pasquantino before Pete Fairbanks came on with one out in the ninth and got Maikel Garcia to ground into a 6-4-3 double play for his 15th save.

Tampa Bay starters have thrown 22 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings.

The Royals were also shut out on Wednesday and scored one run in their three losses to the Rays. Kansas City has gone 14-27 (.341) — third worst in the majors over that span — since starting the season 24-16 (.600).

Jonathan Aranda hit a two-out double and then scored on Mangum’s triple off starter Michael Lorenzen (4-8) before Josh Lowe added an RBI single to cap Tampa Bay’s two-run fourth.

The Rays are the first team in the majors to sweep three road series this season. Tampa Bay swept a three-game series at the New York Mets earlier this month and won three straight at San Diego in April.

⚾ Royals shut out by Rays for 10th straight loss at home

Bobby Witt Jr. announced Thursday morning that he will represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) that will take place March 5-17, 2026 in four cities — San Juan, Houston, Tokyo and Miami.

Witt Jr. played in the 2023 WBC with Team USA, going 1-for-2 in limited reps as a bench player.&nbsp;

Witt’s experience with Team USA goes back well before the 2023 World Baseball Classic. In 2018, he starred on the USA Baseball U-18 team at the Pan-American Championships, earning MVP honors after batting .576 with three triples, three home runs, and hitting for the cycle in the gold medal game against Panama.

His father, Bobby Witt Sr., also represented Team USA, winning a silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Witt Jr. is hitting .281 at the plate in 2025 with 88 hits, including 27 doubles, three triples and 10 home runs. He has 40 RBIs through the first 81 games of the season.

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr. to play for Team USA in 2026 WBC

🏀 K-State men to play Mississippi State at Hall of Fame Classic

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Bravin Powell-Brown, a standout student-athlete from Gardner-Edgerton High School and Hutchinson Community College football signee, has been named to the 2025 National Football Foundation (NFF) Team of Distinction, the organization announced Wednesday.

Selected from a national pool of 3,500 scholar-athletes, Powell-Brown was one of 82 honorees recognized for their academic excellence, athletic achievements and leadership in the community. He was chosen as the top scholar-athlete from his NFF chapter region.

A two-time football state champion and Class 6A Offensive Player of the Year, Powell-Brown earned first team all-state honors at quarterback while serving as a two-year team captain for the Blazers. He also excelled in track and field, winning the 6A state title in the 110-meter high hurdles this spring.

Off the field, Powell-Brown compiled a 4.18 GPA, earned membership in the National Honor Society and exemplified the scholar-athlete ideal that lies at the heart of the NFF’s mission.

“Each year, the NFF Team of Distinction represents the very best of what high school football has to offer, young men who lead with character, perform with excellence, and give back to their communities,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “These 82 honorees exemplify the scholar-athlete ideal.”

The NFF Team of Distinction program highlights the top graduating high school football players nationwide. Criteria include academic performance, athletic success and community service. Chapters are limited to one honoree each year, spotlighting the most well-rounded individuals in their respective regions.

Powell-Brown will join the Hutchinson Community College football program this fall.

🏈 HutchCC signee Bravin Powell-Brown named to NFF Team of Distinction

🎧⚾ Royals drop second straight; ⚾ Monarchs beat Rebels; ⚾ Wind Surge rout Cardinals

NEWTON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs held off a furious Newton Rebels comeback before erupting for five runs in the ninth inning to claim a 13-8 victory Wednesday night at Klein-Scott Field.

After jumping out to a 6-0 lead by the third inning, the Monarchs saw their advantage evaporate when the Rebels plated five runs in the bottom of the fifth to take an 8-7 lead. Hutchinson tied it in the sixth and then delivered the knockout blow in the ninth.

Brayden McClure was dominant in relief for the Monarchs, tossing 2.2 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out six. Aiden Sowers closed it out in the ninth, walking two but fanning two to seal the win.

Blake Bradford sparked the offense, going 3-for-6 with three RBIs, including a first-inning two-run single and an RBI single in the ninth. Keegan Demmer added a two-run homer in the third inning to cap an early offensive burst that staked Hutchinson to a commanding lead.

In the ninth, the Monarchs capitalized on wildness from the Rebels’ bullpen and defensive miscues. After a throwing error allowed the go-ahead run to score, Hutchinson drew three consecutive bases-loaded walks to push the lead to 11-8. Bradford followed with an RBI single before Demmer added a sacrifice fly to complete the six-run rally.

The Rebels took advantage of several Monarch defensive lapses in the fourth and fifth innings, scoring five unearned runs during their rally. Spencer Goldston led the Rebels with two RBIs and two hits, while Tanner Peoples added a run-scoring double.

With the win, Hutchinson improves its summer record to 13-3 and will match up with the Rebels again tonight in Newton.

It was announced Wednesday that the game suspended by rain and lightning last Monday versus the Wichita Wildcats will be played on Monday, July 7th at Hobart-Detter field. Hutchinson leads in that game 3-1 in the bottom of the 1st inning with 1 out.

⚾ Hutch Monarchs pull away late to defeat Rebels

⚾ Wind Surge rout Cardinals Wednesday

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that Maryland parents who have religious objections can pull their children from public school lessons using LGBTQ storybooks.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24-297_4f14.pdf">Click here to read the full Supreme Court ruling</a>

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/24-297">Click here to listen</a>&nbsp;to the complete oral argument from April

The justices reversed lower-court rulings in favor of the Montgomery County school system in suburban Washington. The high court ruled that the schools likely could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material.

The decision was not a final ruling in the case, but the justices strongly suggested that the parents will win in the end.

The court ruled that policies like the one at issue in the case are subjected to the strictest level of review, nearly always dooming them.

The school district introduced the storybooks, including "Prince &amp; Knight" and "Uncle Bobby's Wedding," in 2022 as part of an effort to better reflect the district's diversity. In "Uncle Bobby's Wedding," a niece worries that her uncle won't have as much time for her after he gets married to another man.

The justices have repeatedly endorsed claims of religious discrimination in recent years and the case is among several religious-rights cases at the court this term. The decision also comes amid increases in recent years in books being banned from public school and public libraries.

Many of the removals were organized by Moms for Liberty and other conservative organizations that advocate for more parental input over what books are available to students. Soon after President Donald Trump, a Republican, took office in January, the Education Department called the book bans a "hoax" and dismissed 11 complaints that had been filed under Trump's predecessor, President Joe Biden, a Democrat.

The writers' group Pen America said in a court filing in the Maryland case that the objecting parents wanted "a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name." Pen America reported more than 10,000 books were banned in the last school year.

Parents initially had been allowed to opt their children out of the lessons for religious and other reasons, but the school board reversed course a year later, prompting protests and eventually a lawsuit.

At arguments in April, a lawyer for the school district told the justices that the "opt outs" had become disruptive. Sex education is the only area of instruction in Montgomery schools that students can be excused from, lawyer Alan Schoenfeld said.

The case hit unusually close to home, as three justices live in the county, though they didn't send their children to public schools.

Follow the AP's coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court.

🎧Supreme Court: Parents allowed to opt children out of LGBTQ books

WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Friday ruled that individual judges lack the authority to grant nationwide injunctions, but the decision left unclear the fate of President Donald Trump’s restrictions on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/birthright-citizenship-immigration-trump-20919d26029cf0f98ecb0dc7f90a066b">birthright citizenship</a>.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24a884_8n59.pdf">Click here to read the full order from the court&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/24A884">Click here to listen to</a>&nbsp;a replay of the oral argument

The outcome was a victory for the Republican president, who has complained about individual judges throwing up obstacles to his agenda.

But a conservative majority left open the possibility that the birthright citizenship changes could remain blocked nationwide. Trump's order would deny citizenship to U.S.-born children of people who are in the country illegally.

Birthright citizenship automatically makes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-immigration-trump-f01b6c942c4969628ef2e774029c6a0e">anyone born in the United States</a>&nbsp;an American citizen, including children born to mothers in the country illegally. The right was enshrined soon after the Civil War in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/800b0a2005254ec58369b9564f53be8f?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">the Constitution’s 14th Amendment</a>.

In a notable Supreme Court decision from 1898, United States v. Wong Kim Ark, the court held that the only children who did not automatically receive U.S. citizenship upon being born on U.S. soil were the children of diplomats, who have allegiance to another government; enemies present in the U.S. during hostile occupation; those born on foreign ships; and those born to members of sovereign Native American tribes.

The U.S. is among about 30 countries where birthright citizenship — the principle of jus soli or “right of the soil” — is applied. Most are in the Americas, and Canada and Mexico are among them.

Trump and his supporters have argued that there should be tougher standards for becoming an American citizen, which he called “a priceless and profound gift” in the executive order he signed on his first day in office.

The Trump administration has asserted that children of noncitizens are not&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-trump-immigration-735d28a2572f623f199f97b3bc97644a">“subject to the jurisdiction”</a>&nbsp;of the United States, a phrase used in the amendment, and therefore are not entitled to citizenship.

But states, immigrants and rights groups that have sued to block the executive order have accused the administration of trying to unsettle the broader understanding of birthright citizenship that has been accepted since the amendment’s adoption.

Judges have uniformly ruled against the administration.

The Justice Department had argued that individual judges lack the power to give nationwide effect to their rulings.

The Trump administration instead wanted the justices to allow Trump’s plan to go into effect for everyone except the handful of people and groups that sued. Failing that, the administration argued that the plan could remain blocked for now in the 22 states that sued. New Hampshire is covered by a separate order that is not at issue in this case.

As a further fallback, the administration asked “at a minimum” to be allowed to make public announcements about how it plans to carry out the policy if it eventually is allowed to take effect.

🎧Supreme Court sides with Trump admin. to enforce  birthright citizenship order

WASHINGTON–&nbsp;On Thursday, U.S. Senators Roger Marshall,&nbsp; Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), introduced a resolution to implement term limits on the Senate Parliamentarian, a key figure in the United States Senate who advises on rules, procedures, and precedents as it relates to the reconciliation process, according to a statement from Marshall's office.

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/BIN25098-1.pdf">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the full text of the resolution

The Senators call for the parliamentarian to serve one six-year term, which would prevent power entrenchment, promote accountability, and encourage fresh perspectives.

“Based upon early reports, the Senate Parliamentarian may eliminate some $500 billion in savings for the American people, all of which are arbitrary decisions, with minimal guidance,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“The current parliamentarian has been in office since 2012, appointed by former Democrat Senator Harry Reid. This is NOT an elected position. Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Term limits on a person with this absolute power need to be implemented. Therefore, we are dropping a resolution calling for just that, limiting a parliamentarian of the Senate to a maximum of 6 years.”

“The woke, Radical Left Senate Parliamentarian, who was appointed by Harry Reid and was an advisor to Al Gore, is actively trying to&nbsp;undermine&nbsp;President Trump’s agenda,”&nbsp;said Senator Tuberville.&nbsp;“Unelected bureaucrats should not be able to overturn the will of the 77 million Americans who voted for President Trump and his agenda. This is exactly why Americans hate the swamp. Proud to join my friend Senator Roger Marshall in introducing&nbsp;this resolution imposing 6-year term limits for the Senate Parliamentarian.”

“The Senate parliamentarian holds unchecked power over major legislation, despite never being elected by the American people,”&nbsp;said Senator Blackburn.&nbsp;“This individual has served for a decade, having been appointed by Harry Reid, we must act now to impose term limits on the Senate parliamentarian&nbsp;to ensure this position&nbsp;is accountable to the will of the people.”

Kan. U.S. Senator calls for action to replace Senate Parliamentarian

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man who admitted killing his wife and her boyfriend in 2023 is scheduled for sentencing Friday.

In February, 63-year-old Charles Crawford of Wichita,&nbsp; told Judge Jeffrey Goering he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea in the case, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In December, Crawford pled no contest to two counts of 1st&nbsp;degree murder for&nbsp;the deaths of his 50-year-old wife Vanessa Crawford and her 58-year-old boyfriend Donald Eckert.

Judge Goering will announce his decision on the request for a change of plea Friday.

In July of 2023, a woman dropping off her child at an in-home daycare saw the two homicide victims through a window of a home in the 1100 Block of North Woodrow in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. The victims were identified as Vanessa Crawford and Donald Eckert both of Wichita.

While the investigation was taking place on the scene, Charles Crawford arrived with a gun pointed at his own head. Officers took cover for safety and immediately requested the assistance of SWAT and Crisis Negotiators. A standoff ensued with Crawford but it ended peacefully when he surrendered and was taken into custody

Sentencing Day: Kansas man killed wife, her boyfriend

ATLANTA (AP) — The Trump administration’s new vaccine advisers on Thursday endorsed this fall’s flu vaccinations for just about every American — but only if they use certain shots free of an ingredient antivaccine groups have falsely tied to autism.

What is normally a routine step in preparing for the upcoming flu season drew intense scrutiny after U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-cdc-acip-vaccines-3790c89f45b6314c5c7b686db0e3a8f9">abruptly fired</a>&nbsp;the influential 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-acip-vaccine-committee-9f58e1f004075b081718ff078de88d76">handpicked replacements</a>&nbsp;that include several vaccine skeptics.

(Click below to watch Redwood's presentation on thimerosal)

The seven-member panel bucked another norm Thursday as it discussed the safety of a preservative used in less than 5% of U.S. flu vaccinations: It deliberated based only on a presentation from an antivaccine group’s former leader — without allowing the usual public airing of scientific data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The preservative,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thimerosal-mercury-vaccine-preservative-7626ec1455ad98228cf8b041f6388bab">thimerosal</a>, has long been used in certain vaccines that come in multi-dose vials, to prevent contamination as each dose is withdrawn. But it has been controversial because it contains a small amount of a particular form of mercury.

Study after study has found no evidence that thimerosal causes autism or other harm. Yet since 2001, all vaccines routinely used for U.S. children age 6 years or younger have come in thimerosal-free formulas — including single-dose flu shots that account for the vast majority of influenza vaccinations.

The advisory panel first voted, with one abstention, to back the usual U.S. recommendation that nearly everyone age 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination. Then the advisers decided people should only be given thimerosal-free single-dose formulations, voting 5-1 with one abstention.

That would include single-dose shots that already are the most common type of flu vaccination, as well as the nasal spray FluMist. It would rule out the subset of flu vaccine dispensed in multi-dose vials.

“There is still no demonstrable evidence of harm,” one panelist, Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, a psychiatrist formerly with the National Institutes of Health, said in acknowledging the committee wasn’t following its usual practice of acting on evidence.

But he added that “whether the actual molecule is a risk or not, we have to respect the fear of mercury” that might dissuade some people from getting vaccinated.

The ACIP helps the CDC determine who should be vaccinated against a long list of diseases, and when. Those recommendations have a big impact on whether insurance covers vaccinations and where they’re available.

Normally the CDC’s director would decide whether to accept ACIP’s recommendation, but the Senate has not yet confirmed nominee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/susan-monarez-cdc-director-senate-hearing-rfk-c7c883f604711238643a9ffd1681bcc0">Susan Monarez</a>. Administration officials said Kennedy would make that decision.

Medical groups decried the panel’s lack of transparency in blocking a CDC analysis of thimerosal that concluded there was no link between the preservative and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20250624164828/https://www.cdc.gov/acip/downloads/slides-2025-06-25-26/Thimerosal-Containing-Vaccines-Summary-of-Evidence-508.pdf" target="_blank">The data</a>&nbsp;had been posted on the committee’s website Tuesday, but was later removed — because, according to ACIP member Dr. Robert Malone, the report hadn’t been authorized by Kennedy’s office. Panel members said they had read it.

While Thursday’s debate involved only a small fraction of flu vaccines, some public health experts contend the discussion unnecessarily raised doubt about vaccine safety. Already, fewer than half of Americans get their yearly flu vaccinations, and mistrust in vaccines overall is growing.

“Selective use of data and omission of established science undermines public trust and fuels misinformation,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He said of the new panelists, “Nothing about their recent actions have been science-based or transparent.”

The flu votes marked the final step of a two-day meeting that alarmed pediatricians and other doctors’ groups, who pointed to new panelists’ lack of expertise in how to properly track vaccine safety — and a shift in focus to some longtime messages of antivaccine groups.

“What should have been a rigorous, evidence-based discussion on the national vaccine schedule instead appeared to be a predetermined exercise orchestrated to undermine the well-established safety and efficacy of vaccines and fundamental basics of science,” said Dr. Jason Goldman of the American College of Physicians.

Of special concern was the announcement by panel chairman Martin Kulldorff to reevaluate the “cumulative effect” of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/childhood-vaccines-schedule-kennedy-trump-hhs-4d5e6c52c602f5edbcd837748605e9d0">children’s vaccine schedule</a>&nbsp;— the list of immunizations given at different times throughout childhood. That reflects the scientifically debunked notion that children today get too many vaccinations, somehow overwhelming their immune system.

Doctors say improved vaccine technology means kids today are exposed to fewer antigens — substances that the immune system reacts to — than their grandparents despite getting more doses.

U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, a pediatrician and Democrat from Washington state, told reporters Thursday that children are exposed to more antigens “in one day of day care” than in all their vaccinations.

— The panel backed a new option to protect infants against RSV, a virus especially dangerous to babies. It voted 5-2 that a newly approved antibody shot from Merck could be used alongside two existing options.

— Kulldorff said the panel may look into whether hepatitis B vaccination of newborns is appropriate if the mother doesn’t carry the liver-destroying virus. Pediatricians counter that babies can catch the virus in other ways, such as from other caregivers who don’t know they’re infected.

— Kennedy already sidestepped the advisory group and announced the COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be recommended for healthy children or pregnant women. But CDC scientists told the panel that vaccination is “the best protection” during pregnancy and that most children hospitalized for COVID-19 over the past year were unvaccinated. Some advisers questioned if the CDC’s extensive tracking of vaccine safety is trustworthy.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

🎥RFK Jr’s vaccine panel votes against preservative in flu shots 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal. hit-and-run have identified as 61-year-old Joseph R. Caldwell, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.

Just after 10:30a.m. Wednesday, a midsize SUV was westbound on Barry Road from N Boardwalk, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

The SUV struck a construction worker later identified as Caldwell and left the scene. A few minutes later, KC Fire Department paramedics pronounced the Caldwell deceased. The driver of the vehicle was apprehended shortly after, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp;&nbsp;