KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a carjacking and wrong-way crash on Interstate 70.

Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, Kansas City Fire Department crews responded to a crash involving an eastbound vehicle in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the Paseo, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.&nbsp;

Police investigators revealed that a Buick Encore was possibly involved in a carjacking, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. After a short police pursuit, the Buick Encore entered the wrong way on Interstate 70 westbound from Locust causing a head on collision with a&nbsp; BMW. 

No police vehicles were in pursuit of the Buick when it entered the wrong way on the highway, according to Gonzalez. The driver of the Buick ran from the crash scene and the passenger from the Buick attempted to carjack another motorist but did not succeed. The passenger from the Buick then jumped on I- 70 Eastbound where he was struck by an unknown vehicle who left the scene. 

Police then apprehended the passenger. The driver of the BMW suffered minor injuries. A total of 5 patients were treated on scene, according to Riley. Two were transported to the hospital for treatment.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a carjacking and wrong-way crash on Interstate 70.Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, Kansas City Fire Department crews responded to a crash involving an eastbound vehicle in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the Paseo, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.&nbsp;Police investigators revealed that a Buick Encore was possibly involved in a carjacking, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. After a short police pursuit, the Buick Encore entered the wrong way on Interstate 70 westbound from Locust causing a head on collision with a&nbsp; BMW. No police vehicles were in pursuit of the Buick when it entered the wrong way on the highway, according to Gonzalez. The driver of the Buick ran from the crash scene and the passenger from the Buick attempted to carjack another motorist but did not succeed. The passenger from the Buick then jumped on I- 70 Eastbound where he was struck by an unknown vehicle who left the scene. Police then apprehended the passenger. The driver of the BMW suffered minor injuries. A total of 5 patients were treated on scene, according to Riley. Two were transported to the hospital for treatment.

2 hospitalized after carjacking, wrong-way I-70 crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY– A woman found guilty of killing her 2-year-old son is going to prison.

On Monday, Sedgwick County Judge Eric Williams sentenced 30-year-old Stephanie Aviles to life up to 25 years, plus 34 months for abuse of a child, and 7 months for aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In July, a jury convicted&nbsp; Aviles of first-degree murder in the&nbsp;death of 2-year-old Jacob Aviles.&nbsp;

Aviles former boyfriend, Bernardo Gonzalez-Mejia is scheduled for a jury trial on similar charges in the boy's death in December.

In September of 2019, officers responded to assist EMS on the report of a toddler not breathing at a home near Kellogg and Seneca in Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police. The child was pronounced dead about 30 minutes after they arrived.&nbsp;.

Two other children were taken into protective custody after Aviles and Gonzalez-Mejia were arrested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756809514623.png" alt="Aviles photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Aviles photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY– A woman found guilty of killing her 2-year-old son is going to prison.On Monday, Sedgwick County Judge Eric Williams sentenced 30-year-old Stephanie Aviles to life up to 25 years, plus 34 months for abuse of a child, and 7 months for aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In July, a jury convicted&nbsp; Aviles of first-degree murder in the&nbsp;death of 2-year-old Jacob Aviles.&nbsp;Aviles former boyfriend, Bernardo Gonzalez-Mejia is scheduled for a jury trial on similar charges in the boy's death in December.In September of 2019, officers responded to assist EMS on the report of a toddler not breathing at a home near Kellogg and Seneca in Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police. The child was pronounced dead about 30 minutes after they arrived.&nbsp;.Two other children were taken into protective custody after Aviles and Gonzalez-Mejia were arrested.

Prison for Kansas woman in abuse death of her 2-year-old son

KANSAS CITY— Sheriff's deputies were involved in a shooting on Saturday afternoon in the 5200 block of North Oak Trafficway in Kansas City, Missouri. The deputies were unharmed, and the individual they shot had non life-threatening injuries.

Aaron M. Perez-Engel, 38, has been charged with first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and armed criminal action in the incident, according to a statement from the Clay County Sheriff's office. Perez-Engel is being held in the Clay County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond. 

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department investigated the incident.

Just after 2p.m. August 30, Kansas City Missouri Police Officers were called to a reported disturbance involving a man later identified as Perez-Engel who armed with a large knife in the shopping center at the intersection of NE Englewood Road and N. Oak Trafficway. 

Perez-Engel had left the scene prior to police arrival. A suspect description was provided to dispatch via police radio and broadcasted out to other patrol officers, to include the Clay County Sheriff’s Office." 

At approximately 2:27 p.m., a Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy was patrolling the area of NE 50th Street and N. Oak Trafficway and located the described suspect involved in the disturbance. 

The deputy attempted to contact the Perez-Engel for further investigation. Perez-Engel presented a large knife from within his waistband and began running northbound on N. Oak Traffickway. A foot chase was initiated, and additional deputies were called to assist with apprehending the suspect.

Perez-Engel refused to comply with verbal commands and ran into a wooded area while being pursued by multiple Clay County Sheriff’s deputies. 

Perez-Engel stopped and was given further verbal commands to drop the knife. The suspect charged at the deputies before coming to a stop again. 

"Additional resources, to include Sheriff K-9’s, were being called to the scene to de-escalate the situation. Deputies continued giving verbal commands for the Perez-Engel to drop the knife and peacefully surrender. He&nbsp; refused to comply and ran towards the deputies a second time while armed with the weapon. 

At 2:33 PM, two Clay County Sheriff’s deputies discharged their duty weapons, striking the Perez-Engel. Deputies on scene immediately began rendering medical aid until EMS responded and transported the suspect to an area hospital for medical treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

A large knife was recovered from the scene where the suspect had been shot. No deputies were injured during this incident."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756864775318.png" alt="Perez-Engel-photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Perez-Engel-photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Sheriff's deputies were involved in a shooting on Saturday afternoon in the 5200 block of North Oak Trafficway in Kansas City, Missouri. The deputies were unharmed, and the individual they shot had non life-threatening injuries.Aaron M. Perez-Engel, 38, has been charged with first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and armed criminal action in the incident, according to a statement from the Clay County Sheriff's office. Perez-Engel is being held in the Clay County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department investigated the incident.Just after 2p.m. August 30, Kansas City Missouri Police Officers were called to a reported disturbance involving a man later identified as Perez-Engel who armed with a large knife in the shopping center at the intersection of NE Englewood Road and N. Oak Trafficway. Perez-Engel had left the scene prior to police arrival. A suspect description was provided to dispatch via police radio and broadcasted out to other patrol officers, to include the Clay County Sheriff’s Office." At approximately 2:27 p.m., a Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy was patrolling the area of NE 50th Street and N. Oak Trafficway and located the described suspect involved in the disturbance. The deputy attempted to contact the Perez-Engel for further investigation. Perez-Engel presented a large knife from within his waistband and began running northbound on N. Oak Traffickway. A foot chase was initiated, and additional deputies were called to assist with apprehending the suspect.Perez-Engel refused to comply with verbal commands and ran into a wooded area while being pursued by multiple Clay County Sheriff’s deputies. Perez-Engel stopped and was given further verbal commands to drop the knife. The suspect charged at the deputies before coming to a stop again. "Additional resources, to include Sheriff K-9’s, were being called to the scene to de-escalate the situation. Deputies continued giving verbal commands for the Perez-Engel to drop the knife and peacefully surrender. He&nbsp; refused to comply and ran towards the deputies a second time while armed with the weapon. At 2:33 PM, two Clay County Sheriff’s deputies discharged their duty weapons, striking the Perez-Engel. Deputies on scene immediately began rendering medical aid until EMS responded and transported the suspect to an area hospital for medical treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.A large knife was recovered from the scene where the suspect had been shot. No deputies were injured during this incident."

KCPD: Man wounded in officer shooting threatened them with a knife

WASHINGTON (AP) — Survivors of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein's</a>&nbsp;sexual abuse made their voices heard Wednesday on Capitol Hill, pressuring lawmakers to force the release of the sex trafficking investigation into the late financier and pushing back on President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;effort to dismiss the issue as a “hoax.”

In a news conference on the Capitol lawn that drew hundreds of supporters and chants of “release the files,” the women shared — some publicly for the first time — how they were lured into Epstein's abuse by his former girlfriend,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-prison-27d53cd22f8c53d9f2b5012cea32eb5e">Ghislaine Maxwell</a>. They demanded that the Trump administration provide transparency and accountability for what they endured as teenagers.

It was a striking stand as the push for disclosure of the so-called Epstein files reaches a pivotal moment in Washington. Lawmakers are battling over how Congress should delve into the Epstein saga while the Republican president, after initially signaling support for transparency on the campaign trail, has been dismissing the matter as a “Democrat hoax.”

“No matter what you do it’s going to keep going,” Trump said Wednesday. He added, “Really, I think it’s enough."

But the survivors on Capitol Hill, as well as at least one of Trump's closest allies in Congress, disagreed. Some of the women pleaded for Trump to support their cause.

“It feels like you just want to explode inside because nobody, again, is understanding that this is a real situation. These women are real. We’re here in person,” said Haley Robson, one of the survivors who said she is a registered Republican.

Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial in 2019 on charges that said he sexually abused and trafficked dozens of underage girls. The case was brought more than a decade after he secretly cut a deal with federal prosecutors in Florida to dispose of nearly identical allegations. Epstein&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6184561-Jeffrey-Epstein-indictment.html">was accused</a>&nbsp;of paying underage girls hundreds of dollars in cash for massages and then molesting them.

Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime confidant and former girlfriend, was convicted in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-guilty-what-next-5082bd54ec442632c53319e6c43c2dd4">luring teenage girls</a>&nbsp;for him to abuse. Four women testified at her trial that they were abused by Epstein as teens in the 1990s and early 2000s at his homes in Florida, New York and New Mexico. The allegations have also spawned dozens of lawsuits.

Georgia Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-marjorie-taylor-greene-bffe84ad45cdb140ec81b353238b1242">Marjorie Taylor Greene</a>, who is usually closely aligned with Trump, described her support for a bill that would force the Justice Department to release the information it has compiled on Epstein and Maxwell as a moral fight against sexual predation.

“This isn’t one political party or the other. It’s a culmination of everyone working together to silence these women and protect Jeffrey Epstein and his cabal,” Greene said at the news conference.

She also told reporters that she had spoken with Trump on Wednesday to tell him that he should host the survivors in the Oval Office, “not any of Jeffrey Epstein's rich, powerful friends.”

Greene is one of four Republicans — three of them women — who have defied House GOP leadership and the White House in an effort to force a vote on their bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson is trying to quash the effort by putting forward his own resolution and arguing that a concurrent investigation by the House Oversight Committee is the best way for Congress to deliver transparency.

“I think the Oversight probe is going to be wide and expansive, and they’re going to follow the truth wherever it leads," Johnson, R-La., said.

He added that the White House was complying with the committee to release information and that he had spoken with Trump about it Tuesday night. “He says, ‘Get it out there, put it all out there,’" Johnson told reporters.

The Oversight Committee on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-congress-justice-department-trump-3e0d2146ce0cd0f6cecaab0198402ac7">Tuesday night released</a>&nbsp;what it said was the first tranche of documents and files it has received from the Justice Department on the Epstein case. The folders posted on Google Drive contained hundreds of image files of years-old court filings related to Epstein, but contained practically nothing new.

Meanwhile, the White House was warning House members that support for the bill to require the DOJ to release the files would be seen as a hostile act. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-kentucky-thomas-massie-primary-iran-55252ce7fbda9c27f6fbd9123927b1b4">Thomas Massie</a>, a Kentucky Republican who is pressing for the bill, said that the White House was sending that message because “They’ve dug in.”

“They decided they don’t want it released,” he said. “It’s a political threat.”

But with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracies-97200cfab77572a36bc9ab25841a8833">Trump sending a strong message</a>&nbsp;and Republican leadership moving forward with an alternative resolution, Massie was left looking for support from at least two more Republicans willing to cross political lines. It would take six GOP members, as well as all House Democrats, to force a vote on their bill. And even if that passes the House, it would still need to pass the Senate and be signed by Trump.

Still, the survivors saw this moment as their best chance in years to gain some justice for what had been done by Epstein. One survivor, Chauntae Davies said that she remembered feeling powerless when she saw how Epstein was connected to some of the most rich and powerful people in the world. Davies said she once traveled to Africa with Epstein on a trip that included former President Bill Clinton and other notable figures.

“He bragged about his powerful friends, including current President Donald Trump. It was his biggest brag, actually,” Davies said.

Now, the women say it's time to reveal a full accounting of everyone involved or complicit in Epstein's behavior. Several of them are compiling a list of people who may have been involved, but are still deliberating whether to release that publicly, fearing potential repercussions.

Bradley Edwards, an attorney who has represented many of the survivors, refuted the notion that Epstein kept a list of clients, but said others were still involved.

“His scheme was to personally abuse women,” Edwards said. “When they reached a certain age, he did farm a section of them, some of them, out to some of his friends. That doesn’t mean all of his friends.”

Ultimately, the women said they spoke out in hope that lawmakers and federal officials would act to ensure that abusers like Epstein are not let off lightly or allowed to continue their abuse. They were especially affronted that Maxwell had recently been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-prison-27d53cd22f8c53d9f2b5012cea32eb5e">moved to a minimum-security prison camp</a>&nbsp;in Texas.

“Justice and accountability are not favors from the powerful. They are obligations decades overdue” Jess Michaels, a survivor who said she was first abused by Epstein in 1991, told the rally on the Capitol lawn. “This moment began with Epstein’s crimes. But it’s going to be remembered for survivors demanding justice, demanding truth, demanding accountability.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Survivors of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein's</a>&nbsp;sexual abuse made their voices heard Wednesday on Capitol Hill, pressuring lawmakers to force the release of the sex trafficking investigation into the late financier and pushing back on President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;effort to dismiss the issue as a “hoax.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Epstein abuse survivor Haley Robson: &quot;We can&#39;t read the news or do anything without hearing crazy stories that are only able to live on because the government continues to hide the evidence and the truth. So, people just make up stories. Those stories hurt.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/WCcHbdqEhp">pic.twitter.com/WCcHbdqEhp</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1963265219725054229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a news conference on the Capitol lawn that drew hundreds of supporters and chants of “release the files,” the women shared — some publicly for the first time — how they were lured into Epstein's abuse by his former girlfriend,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-prison-27d53cd22f8c53d9f2b5012cea32eb5e">Ghislaine Maxwell</a>. They demanded that the Trump administration provide transparency and accountability for what they endured as teenagers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump on Jeffrey Epstein Files: &quot;This is a Democrat hoax that never ends...I think it&#39;s enough because I think we should talk about the greatness of our country and the success that we&#39;re having...that&#39;s what I want to talk about...not the Epstein hoax.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/0CowxRnOVk">pic.twitter.com/0CowxRnOVk</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1963271648414425599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It was a striking stand as the push for disclosure of the so-called Epstein files reaches a pivotal moment in Washington. Lawmakers are battling over how Congress should delve into the Epstein saga while the Republican president, after initially signaling support for transparency on the campaign trail, has been dismissing the matter as a “Democrat hoax.”“No matter what you do it’s going to keep going,” Trump said Wednesday. He added, “Really, I think it’s enough."But the survivors on Capitol Hill, as well as at least one of Trump's closest allies in Congress, disagreed. Some of the women pleaded for Trump to support their cause.“It feels like you just want to explode inside because nobody, again, is understanding that this is a real situation. These women are real. We’re here in person,” said Haley Robson, one of the survivors who said she is a registered Republican.Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial in 2019 on charges that said he sexually abused and trafficked dozens of underage girls. The case was brought more than a decade after he secretly cut a deal with federal prosecutors in Florida to dispose of nearly identical allegations. Epstein&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6184561-Jeffrey-Epstein-indictment.html">was accused</a>&nbsp;of paying underage girls hundreds of dollars in cash for massages and then molesting them.Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime confidant and former girlfriend, was convicted in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-guilty-what-next-5082bd54ec442632c53319e6c43c2dd4">luring teenage girls</a>&nbsp;for him to abuse. Four women testified at her trial that they were abused by Epstein as teens in the 1990s and early 2000s at his homes in Florida, New York and New Mexico. The allegations have also spawned dozens of lawsuits.<h2>A Trump ally crosses party lines</h2>Georgia Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-marjorie-taylor-greene-bffe84ad45cdb140ec81b353238b1242">Marjorie Taylor Greene</a>, who is usually closely aligned with Trump, described her support for a bill that would force the Justice Department to release the information it has compiled on Epstein and Maxwell as a moral fight against sexual predation.“This isn’t one political party or the other. It’s a culmination of everyone working together to silence these women and protect Jeffrey Epstein and his cabal,” Greene said at the news conference.She also told reporters that she had spoken with Trump on Wednesday to tell him that he should host the survivors in the Oval Office, “not any of Jeffrey Epstein's rich, powerful friends.”Greene is one of four Republicans — three of them women — who have defied House GOP leadership and the White House in an effort to force a vote on their bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson is trying to quash the effort by putting forward his own resolution and arguing that a concurrent investigation by the House Oversight Committee is the best way for Congress to deliver transparency.“I think the Oversight probe is going to be wide and expansive, and they’re going to follow the truth wherever it leads," Johnson, R-La., said.He added that the White House was complying with the committee to release information and that he had spoken with Trump about it Tuesday night. “He says, ‘Get it out there, put it all out there,’" Johnson told reporters.The Oversight Committee on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-congress-justice-department-trump-3e0d2146ce0cd0f6cecaab0198402ac7">Tuesday night released</a>&nbsp;what it said was the first tranche of documents and files it has received from the Justice Department on the Epstein case. The folders posted on Google Drive contained hundreds of image files of years-old court filings related to Epstein, but contained practically nothing new.<h2>Warnings from the White House</h2>Meanwhile, the White House was warning House members that support for the bill to require the DOJ to release the files would be seen as a hostile act. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-kentucky-thomas-massie-primary-iran-55252ce7fbda9c27f6fbd9123927b1b4">Thomas Massie</a>, a Kentucky Republican who is pressing for the bill, said that the White House was sending that message because “They’ve dug in.”“They decided they don’t want it released,” he said. “It’s a political threat.”But with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracies-97200cfab77572a36bc9ab25841a8833">Trump sending a strong message</a>&nbsp;and Republican leadership moving forward with an alternative resolution, Massie was left looking for support from at least two more Republicans willing to cross political lines. It would take six GOP members, as well as all House Democrats, to force a vote on their bill. And even if that passes the House, it would still need to pass the Senate and be signed by Trump.<h2>Survivors speak out</h2>Still, the survivors saw this moment as their best chance in years to gain some justice for what had been done by Epstein. One survivor, Chauntae Davies said that she remembered feeling powerless when she saw how Epstein was connected to some of the most rich and powerful people in the world. Davies said she once traveled to Africa with Epstein on a trip that included former President Bill Clinton and other notable figures.“He bragged about his powerful friends, including current President Donald Trump. It was his biggest brag, actually,” Davies said.Now, the women say it's time to reveal a full accounting of everyone involved or complicit in Epstein's behavior. Several of them are compiling a list of people who may have been involved, but are still deliberating whether to release that publicly, fearing potential repercussions.Bradley Edwards, an attorney who has represented many of the survivors, refuted the notion that Epstein kept a list of clients, but said others were still involved.“His scheme was to personally abuse women,” Edwards said. “When they reached a certain age, he did farm a section of them, some of them, out to some of his friends. That doesn’t mean all of his friends.”Ultimately, the women said they spoke out in hope that lawmakers and federal officials would act to ensure that abusers like Epstein are not let off lightly or allowed to continue their abuse. They were especially affronted that Maxwell had recently been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-prison-27d53cd22f8c53d9f2b5012cea32eb5e">moved to a minimum-security prison camp</a>&nbsp;in Texas.“Justice and accountability are not favors from the powerful. They are obligations decades overdue” Jess Michaels, a survivor who said she was first abused by Epstein in 1991, told the rally on the Capitol lawn. “This moment began with Epstein’s crimes. But it’s going to be remembered for survivors demanding justice, demanding truth, demanding accountability.”

🎥Epstein survivors implore Congress to act as push for disclosure builds

WICHITA, Kan. — The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 63-year-old male inmate who was found unresponsive in his cell Tuesday night at the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility.

Just after 10p.m. Tuesday, deputies discovered the inmate, according to sheriff's office spokesman Branden Stitt. Detention staff and on-site medical personnel immediately began life-saving measures. Sedgwick County EMS and the Wichita Fire Department responded and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:44 p.m.

The inmate, identified from county booking records as Timothy Reid Cullen was a resident of Blanchard, Oklahoma, and had been in the custody since Jun 21, 2025, on charges of aggravated assault, criminal threat, violation of a protective order, and possession of narcotics.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has been notified, and detectives are conducting a thorough investigation.

Preliminary evidence indicates the death was the result of suicide through self-asphyxiation. This incident marks the fifth in-custody death at the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility in 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756913280772.png" alt="Timothy Reid Cullen from his Sedgwick County booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Timothy Reid Cullen from his Sedgwick County booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. — The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 63-year-old male inmate who was found unresponsive in his cell Tuesday night at the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737476354827.jpeg" alt="Sedgwick County Jail&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County Jail&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 10p.m. Tuesday, deputies discovered the inmate, according to sheriff's office spokesman Branden Stitt. Detention staff and on-site medical personnel immediately began life-saving measures. Sedgwick County EMS and the Wichita Fire Department responded and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:44 p.m.The inmate, identified from county booking records as Timothy Reid Cullen was a resident of Blanchard, Oklahoma, and had been in the custody since Jun 21, 2025, on charges of aggravated assault, criminal threat, violation of a protective order, and possession of narcotics.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has been notified, and detectives are conducting a thorough investigation.Preliminary evidence indicates the death was the result of suicide through self-asphyxiation. This incident marks the fifth in-custody death at the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility in 2025.

5th in custody death of 2025 reported at Sedgwick Co. Jail

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a homicide at a Kansas City area park and have identified the victim as&nbsp;44-year-old Sean Booth, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just before 8a.m. August 27,&nbsp;&nbsp;patrol officers were dispatched to 23rd and Topping on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they were directed towards Blue Valley Park, to the south end of the park. There, in a wooded area, officers located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.

KCFD EMS responded and transported the victim to a local hospital with critical injuries. A short time later hospital personnel declared the victim deceased, according to DiMartino.

This is being investigated as a homicide. While officers were on scene they received information about the involvement of a vehicle and a subject of interest.

A short distance away, officers took a subject of interest into custody pending further investigation. Detectives are still working to determine what led up to the shots being fired and the victim being struck.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756319368214.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a homicide at a Kansas City area park and have identified the victim as&nbsp;44-year-old Sean Booth, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Just before 8a.m. August 27,&nbsp;&nbsp;patrol officers were dispatched to 23rd and Topping on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.As officers arrived they were directed towards Blue Valley Park, to the south end of the park. There, in a wooded area, officers located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.KCFD EMS responded and transported the victim to a local hospital with critical injuries. A short time later hospital personnel declared the victim deceased, according to DiMartino.This is being investigated as a homicide. While officers were on scene they received information about the involvement of a vehicle and a subject of interest.A short distance away, officers took a subject of interest into custody pending further investigation. Detectives are still working to determine what led up to the shots being fired and the victim being struck.&nbsp;

Police ID homicide victim found near Kansas City park

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/steve-karnowski">STEVE KARNOWSKI</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mark-vancleave">MARK VANCLEAVE</a>

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-vance-leo-vatican-ukraine-russia-trump-c1572b31e231e4eee61baaaad5c1445f">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday met with families and victims of a shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis that killed two schoolchildren and injured 21 people.

Security was heavy outside Annunciation Catholic Church ahead of the visit by Vance, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jd-vance-catholicism-postliberals-social-policy-7e37e43cb1976c516d642a95d495266a">converted to Catholicism</a>&nbsp;in 2019, and second lady Usha Vance. The visit comes one week after an attacker opened fire during the first Mass of the school year for students of the nearby Annuciation Catholic School.

“They will hold a series of private meetings to convey condolences to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-2d6f42878e210383e4b5cef108aa78b0">the families of those affected</a>&nbsp;by the tragedy,” the White House said in a statement but released few other details.

After arriving at the church, the Vances stood in front of a memorial and laid bouquets amid the numerous other flowers before walking to meet the families.

Some family and neighbors gathered across the street as the Vances arrived at the church, holding signs calling for bans on assault weapons. One read, “Pro-Life = Pro-Gun Safety.” Another read, “When you pray, move your feet,” a popular phrase from people who say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-school-shooting-prayers-gun-control-391dddff5e3bcffab4efd3b47500f47c">thoughts and prayers are not enough.</a>

“Nothing is happening,” said Kacie Sharpe, whose 8-year-old son, Trip, was sitting near one of children who was killed. “And it keeps happening over and over and over — and nothing changes. And it’s the most helpless feeling in the world to know that you can’t send your kids to school and have them be safe.”

Vance made no public statement after the meeting, which lasted roughly an hour and 45 minutes. As he left, his motorcade rolled past a few dozen protesters, several holding signs saying, “Hate Won’t Make America Great.”

Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis told Minnesota Public Radio earlier Thursday that he apparently didn’t make the cut for invitations and wouldn’t be there. But Hebda, who has met with the families himself, welcomed Vance’s visit.

“I was happy to hear that the parents were interested in meeting with the vice president,” Hebda told MPR. “I know they’ve met with other politicians as well, and I think it gives an opportunity for them to put a face on this great tragedy.”

Hebda also said it has been edifying to see all the prayers and other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-leo-minnesota-1f96b0e6cf8cfd6307a559b3492fac4d">support from Pope Leo</a>&nbsp;and other clergy, the community and beyond, for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-school-shooting-minneapolis-victims-0a935fe3a8deeb58f4fb119eb2deb928">all the families</a>&nbsp;whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-school-shooting-victims-grief-e116fe0dd0d0662bbe69f5026e3fb313">children attend Annuciation.</a>

“For them to have the opportunity to share, up close, with the vice president and his wife, as they’ve done with our governor and our senator and our mayor, I think is a great opportunity to educate about what occurred and then to begin planning for how we can move forward,” the archbishop said.

The shooter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-school-shooting-annunciation-c4ebf0eaa7b4f67c697d93d679cb0e4b">23-year-old Robin Westman</a>, died by suicide after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-shooting-vigil-children-killed-c3c31d801273c77f32676f6baf8ec4f4">firing 116 rifle rounds</a>&nbsp;through the church’s stained-glass windows last Wednesday as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-church-shooting-09e2fb36ee076f89b7ffed4f7e371e0d">hundreds of students</a>&nbsp;and others gathered for worship.

While investigators say they have not found a clear motive for the attack, the shooter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-school-shooting-minneapolis-victims-0a935fe3a8deeb58f4fb119eb2deb928">had connections</a>&nbsp;to the school. Westman’s mother worked for the parish before retiring in 2021, and Westman once attended the school.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said last week that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-shooting-vigil-children-killed-c3c31d801273c77f32676f6baf8ec4f4">the shooter left behind videos and writings</a>&nbsp;that “expressed hate towards almost every group imaginable” but admiration for mass killers.

The school has not said when classes will resume or a ceremony will be held to essentially reconsecrate the church so that worship can resume there. The church celebrated its Masses last weekend in the school gym.

One of the children who was injured, 10-year-old Weston Halsne, had surgery Wednesday to remove a bullet fragment from his neck, his family said in a statement issued through Children’s Hospital of Minneapolis.

“The procedure went well, and Weston is expected to make a full physical recovery,” they said.

Weston, a 5th grader, didn’t realize he was hit at the time. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-church-shooting-09e2fb36ee076f89b7ffed4f7e371e0d">told reporters after the shots blasted through the windows</a>&nbsp;that he ducked for the pews, covering his head.

“My friend Victor like saved me though because he laid on top of me. But he got hit,” he said.

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/steve-karnowski">STEVE KARNOWSKI</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mark-vancleave">MARK VANCLEAVE</a>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-vance-leo-vatican-ukraine-russia-trump-c1572b31e231e4eee61baaaad5c1445f">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday met with families and victims of a shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis that killed two schoolchildren and injured 21 people.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VP Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance lay flowers at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis in remembrance of the victims of last week’s shooting. <a href="https://t.co/4AmXFmhx0v">pic.twitter.com/4AmXFmhx0v</a>&mdash; Vice President JD Vance (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1963335839758581825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;I have never had a day that will stay with me like this day did,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> in Minneapolis. &quot;These parents — in the midst of the worst grief of their entire lives — they opened up their lives. They opened up their hearts.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/XqZXKkPLYk">pic.twitter.com/XqZXKkPLYk</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963335590054686901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Security was heavy outside Annunciation Catholic Church ahead of the visit by Vance, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jd-vance-catholicism-postliberals-social-policy-7e37e43cb1976c516d642a95d495266a">converted to Catholicism</a>&nbsp;in 2019, and second lady Usha Vance. The visit comes one week after an attacker opened fire during the first Mass of the school year for students of the nearby Annuciation Catholic School.“They will hold a series of private meetings to convey condolences to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-2d6f42878e210383e4b5cef108aa78b0">the families of those affected</a>&nbsp;by the tragedy,” the White House said in a statement but released few other details.After arriving at the church, the Vances stood in front of a memorial and laid bouquets amid the numerous other flowers before walking to meet the families.Some family and neighbors gathered across the street as the Vances arrived at the church, holding signs calling for bans on assault weapons. One read, “Pro-Life = Pro-Gun Safety.” Another read, “When you pray, move your feet,” a popular phrase from people who say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-school-shooting-prayers-gun-control-391dddff5e3bcffab4efd3b47500f47c">thoughts and prayers are not enough.</a>“Nothing is happening,” said Kacie Sharpe, whose 8-year-old son, Trip, was sitting near one of children who was killed. “And it keeps happening over and over and over — and nothing changes. And it’s the most helpless feeling in the world to know that you can’t send your kids to school and have them be safe.”Vance made no public statement after the meeting, which lasted roughly an hour and 45 minutes. As he left, his motorcade rolled past a few dozen protesters, several holding signs saying, “Hate Won’t Make America Great.”Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis told Minnesota Public Radio earlier Thursday that he apparently didn’t make the cut for invitations and wouldn’t be there. But Hebda, who has met with the families himself, welcomed Vance’s visit.“I was happy to hear that the parents were interested in meeting with the vice president,” Hebda told MPR. “I know they’ve met with other politicians as well, and I think it gives an opportunity for them to put a face on this great tragedy.”Hebda also said it has been edifying to see all the prayers and other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-leo-minnesota-1f96b0e6cf8cfd6307a559b3492fac4d">support from Pope Leo</a>&nbsp;and other clergy, the community and beyond, for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-school-shooting-minneapolis-victims-0a935fe3a8deeb58f4fb119eb2deb928">all the families</a>&nbsp;whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-school-shooting-victims-grief-e116fe0dd0d0662bbe69f5026e3fb313">children attend Annuciation.</a>“For them to have the opportunity to share, up close, with the vice president and his wife, as they’ve done with our governor and our senator and our mayor, I think is a great opportunity to educate about what occurred and then to begin planning for how we can move forward,” the archbishop said.The shooter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-school-shooting-annunciation-c4ebf0eaa7b4f67c697d93d679cb0e4b">23-year-old Robin Westman</a>, died by suicide after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-shooting-vigil-children-killed-c3c31d801273c77f32676f6baf8ec4f4">firing 116 rifle rounds</a>&nbsp;through the church’s stained-glass windows last Wednesday as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-church-shooting-09e2fb36ee076f89b7ffed4f7e371e0d">hundreds of students</a>&nbsp;and others gathered for worship.While investigators say they have not found a clear motive for the attack, the shooter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-school-shooting-minneapolis-victims-0a935fe3a8deeb58f4fb119eb2deb928">had connections</a>&nbsp;to the school. Westman’s mother worked for the parish before retiring in 2021, and Westman once attended the school.Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said last week that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-shooting-vigil-children-killed-c3c31d801273c77f32676f6baf8ec4f4">the shooter left behind videos and writings</a>&nbsp;that “expressed hate towards almost every group imaginable” but admiration for mass killers.The school has not said when classes will resume or a ceremony will be held to essentially reconsecrate the church so that worship can resume there. The church celebrated its Masses last weekend in the school gym.One of the children who was injured, 10-year-old Weston Halsne, had surgery Wednesday to remove a bullet fragment from his neck, his family said in a statement issued through Children’s Hospital of Minneapolis.“The procedure went well, and Weston is expected to make a full physical recovery,” they said.Weston, a 5th grader, didn’t realize he was hit at the time. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-church-shooting-09e2fb36ee076f89b7ffed4f7e371e0d">told reporters after the shots blasted through the windows</a>&nbsp;that he ducked for the pews, covering his head.“My friend Victor like saved me though because he laid on top of me. But he got hit,” he said.

🎥VP Vance meets with families in Minneapolis after church shooting

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An estimated $1.4 billion lottery jackpot will be up for grabs Wednesday night thanks to dozens of drawings without a big winner.

The massive Powerball prize is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpots-mega-millions-powerball-80fcb836622ba8e18883ce778786c1cc">sixth-largest U.S. lottery jackpot</a>. It's a result of 40 consecutive drawings stretching over the summer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh-EUIo12hM">without anyone matching</a>&nbsp;all of the game's six numbers.

No one has won the grand prize since May 31, and the 41st drawing on Wednesday will be just one fewer than the record set last year.

All of that losing stems from Powerball's abysmal odds of 1 in 292.2 million, though lottery officials note that the odds are far better for the game's many smaller prizes. There are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-c750b32664d0b02d318ae8030f671952">three drawings each week</a>.

The $1.4 billion jackpot is for a winner who opts to receive 30 payments over 29 years through an annuity. Winners almost always choose the game's cash option, which for this drawing would be an estimated $634.3 million.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An estimated $1.4 billion lottery jackpot will be up for grabs Wednesday night thanks to dozens of drawings without a big winner.The massive Powerball prize is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpots-mega-millions-powerball-80fcb836622ba8e18883ce778786c1cc">sixth-largest U.S. lottery jackpot</a>. It's a result of 40 consecutive drawings stretching over the summer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh-EUIo12hM">without anyone matching</a>&nbsp;all of the game's six numbers.No one has won the grand prize since May 31, and the 41st drawing on Wednesday will be just one fewer than the record set last year.All of that losing stems from Powerball's abysmal odds of 1 in 292.2 million, though lottery officials note that the odds are far better for the game's many smaller prizes. There are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-c750b32664d0b02d318ae8030f671952">three drawings each week</a>.The $1.4 billion jackpot is for a winner who opts to receive 30 payments over 29 years through an annuity. Winners almost always choose the game's cash option, which for this drawing would be an estimated $634.3 million.Top Ten Powerball® Jackpots<ol>
 <li>$2.04 Billion – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA</li><li>$1.765 Billion – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA</li><li>$1.586 Billion – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN</li><li>$1.40 Billion (estimated) – Sept. 3, 2025</li><li>$1.326 Billion – April 6, 2024 – OR</li><li>$1.08 Billion – July 19, 2023 – CA</li><li>$842.4 Million – January 1, 2024 – MI</li><li>$768.4 Million – March 27, 2019 – WI</li><li>$758.7 Million – Aug. 23, 2017 – MA</li><li>$754.6 Million – Feb. 6, 2023 - WA</li>
 </ol>

Powerball prize is now the sixth-largest U.S. lottery jackpot

WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, the U.S. House Transportation &amp; Infrastructure (T&amp;I) Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://transportation.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=409017" target="_blank">successfully passed</a>&nbsp;two of Kansas Representative Sharice Davids’ bipartisan bills, sending them to the House floor for a full vote. These bills modernize emergency response systems and provide tribal governments with critical resources to respond to disasters.

“These bills are about keeping communities safe, empowering first responders, and ensuring people get timely alerts and support during emergencies,” said&nbsp;Davids. “In Kansas, where tornadoes, wildfires, and severe storms can strike with little warning, having modern alert systems and strong support for emergency responders isn’t just important — it’s essential for protecting lives and property.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://davids.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/davids.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/Weather%20Alert%20Response%20and%20Notification%20Redraft%20-%20119th.pdf">WARN Act</a>&nbsp;would modernize the nation’s emergency alert systems. It would ensure that federal, state, and local authorities can send timely, reliable alerts during natural disasters, severe weather, or other emergencies — helping communities respond quickly and save lives.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3957/text" target="_blank">second</a>&nbsp;bill would authorize the President to provide fire management assistance directly to Indian Tribal Governments. This ensures tribal nations have the federal support necessary to respond effectively to wildfires and other emergencies, protecting both people and property.

As a member of the House T&amp;I Committee, Davids has championed pragmatic, bipartisan solutions to improve infrastructure, emergency management, and public safety nationwide. Today’s committee action underscores her commitment to delivering results for local communities, tribal nations, and first responders.

With committee approval secured, both bills will now move to the full House for a vote. Davids continues to work across the aisle to ensure these critical measures become law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741033325356.png" alt="File photo Congresswoman Sharice Davids" />
 <figcaption>File photo Congresswoman Sharice Davids</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, the U.S. House Transportation &amp; Infrastructure (T&amp;I) Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://transportation.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=409017" target="_blank">successfully passed</a>&nbsp;two of Kansas Representative Sharice Davids’ bipartisan bills, sending them to the House floor for a full vote. These bills modernize emergency response systems and provide tribal governments with critical resources to respond to disasters.“These bills are about keeping communities safe, empowering first responders, and ensuring people get timely alerts and support during emergencies,” said&nbsp;Davids. “In Kansas, where tornadoes, wildfires, and severe storms can strike with little warning, having modern alert systems and strong support for emergency responders isn’t just important — it’s essential for protecting lives and property.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://davids.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/davids.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/Weather%20Alert%20Response%20and%20Notification%20Redraft%20-%20119th.pdf">WARN Act</a>&nbsp;would modernize the nation’s emergency alert systems. It would ensure that federal, state, and local authorities can send timely, reliable alerts during natural disasters, severe weather, or other emergencies — helping communities respond quickly and save lives.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3957/text" target="_blank">second</a>&nbsp;bill would authorize the President to provide fire management assistance directly to Indian Tribal Governments. This ensures tribal nations have the federal support necessary to respond effectively to wildfires and other emergencies, protecting both people and property.As a member of the House T&amp;I Committee, Davids has championed pragmatic, bipartisan solutions to improve infrastructure, emergency management, and public safety nationwide. Today’s committee action underscores her commitment to delivering results for local communities, tribal nations, and first responders.With committee approval secured, both bills will now move to the full House for a vote. Davids continues to work across the aisle to ensure these critical measures become law.

House will vote on Kan. congresswoman's emergency response bills

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Florida will work to phase out all childhood vaccine mandates in the state, building on the effort by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-desantis-florida-cdc-fda-4c903eae40ef2d9012fef6f6cfa7062e">curb vaccine requirements</a>&nbsp;and other health mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DeSantis also announced on Wednesday the creation of a state-level “Make America Healthy Again” commission modeled after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maha-report-children-health-food-rfk-f0c624d30da939fc9cca09687f8a4273">similar initiatives</a>&nbsp;pushed at the federal level by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

On the vaccines, state Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo cast current requirements in schools and elsewhere as an “immoral” intrusion on people's rights bordering on “slavery,” and hampers parents' ability to make health decisions for their children.

“People have a right to make their own decisions, informed decisions,” said Ladapo, who has frequently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-florida-ron-desantis-ccea6d2ca421f837257b08cb0efe7b4c">clashed with the medical establishment</a>, at a news conference in Valrico, Florida, in the Tampa area. “They don’t have the right to tell you what to put in your body. Take it away from them.”

The state Health Department, Ladapo said, can scrap its own rules for some vaccine mandates, but others would require action by the Florida Legislature. He did not specify any particular vaccines but repeated several times the effort would end “all of them. Every last one of them.”

Florida would be the first state to eliminate so many vaccine mandates, Ladapo added.

Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani, who is running for Orlando mayor, said in a social media post that scrapping vaccines “is reckless and dangerous” and could cause outbreaks of preventable disease.

“This is a public health disaster in the making for the Sunshine State,” she said on the social platform X.

Meanwhile, the Democratic governors of Washington, Oregon and California announced Wednesday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-west-coast-vaccines-trump-fd5ce557532a3c9f37b77ff9f14b07b9">they created an alliance</a>&nbsp;to safeguard health policies, contending that the administration of President Donald Trump is politicizing public health decisions.

The partnership plans to coordinate health guidelines by aligning immunization plans based on recommendations from respected national medical organizations, according to a joint statement from Gov. Bob Ferguson of Washington, Gov. Tina Kotek of Oregon and Gov. Gavin Newsom of California.

In Florida, vaccine mandates for child day care facilities and public schools include shots for measles, chickenpox, hepatitis B, Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP), polio and other diseases, according to the state&nbsp;<a href="https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/immunization/children-and-adolescents/school-immunization-requirements/index.html">Health Department’s website.</a>

Under DeSantis, Florida resisted imposing COVID vaccines on schoolchildren, requiring “passports” for places that draw crowds, school closures and mandates that workers get the shots to keep their jobs.

“I don’t think there’s another state that’s done as much as Florida. We want to stay ahead of the curve,” the governor said.

The state “MAHA” commission would look into such things as allowing informed consent in medical matters, promoting safe and nutritious food, boosting parental rights regarding medical decisions about their children, and eliminating “medical orthodoxy that is not supported by the data,” DeSantis said. The commission will be chaired by Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and Florida first lady Casey DeSantis.

“We’re getting government out of the way, getting government out of your lives," Collins said.

The commission's work will help inform a large “medical freedom package” to be introduced in the Legislature next session, which would address the vaccine mandates required by state law and make permanent the recent state COVID decisions relaxing restrictions, DeSantis said.

“There will be a broad package,” the governor said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756922257490.png" alt="Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo from the video provided Wednesday by the state of Florida." />
 <figcaption>Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo from the video provided Wednesday by the state of Florida.</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Florida will work to phase out all childhood vaccine mandates in the state, building on the effort by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-desantis-florida-cdc-fda-4c903eae40ef2d9012fef6f6cfa7062e">curb vaccine requirements</a>&nbsp;and other health mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Governor DeSantis Announces Florida MAHA Commission and Medical Freedom Protections <a href="https://t.co/o4lglzuXAT">https://t.co/o4lglzuXAT</a>&mdash; Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/1963244415520268670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>DeSantis also announced on Wednesday the creation of a state-level “Make America Healthy Again” commission modeled after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maha-report-children-health-food-rfk-f0c624d30da939fc9cca09687f8a4273">similar initiatives</a>&nbsp;pushed at the federal level by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.On the vaccines, state Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo cast current requirements in schools and elsewhere as an “immoral” intrusion on people's rights bordering on “slavery,” and hampers parents' ability to make health decisions for their children.“People have a right to make their own decisions, informed decisions,” said Ladapo, who has frequently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-florida-ron-desantis-ccea6d2ca421f837257b08cb0efe7b4c">clashed with the medical establishment</a>, at a news conference in Valrico, Florida, in the Tampa area. “They don’t have the right to tell you what to put in your body. Take it away from them.”The state Health Department, Ladapo said, can scrap its own rules for some vaccine mandates, but others would require action by the Florida Legislature. He did not specify any particular vaccines but repeated several times the effort would end “all of them. Every last one of them.”Florida would be the first state to eliminate so many vaccine mandates, Ladapo added.Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani, who is running for Orlando mayor, said in a social media post that scrapping vaccines “is reckless and dangerous” and could cause outbreaks of preventable disease.“This is a public health disaster in the making for the Sunshine State,” she said on the social platform X.Meanwhile, the Democratic governors of Washington, Oregon and California announced Wednesday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-west-coast-vaccines-trump-fd5ce557532a3c9f37b77ff9f14b07b9">they created an alliance</a>&nbsp;to safeguard health policies, contending that the administration of President Donald Trump is politicizing public health decisions.The partnership plans to coordinate health guidelines by aligning immunization plans based on recommendations from respected national medical organizations, according to a joint statement from Gov. Bob Ferguson of Washington, Gov. Tina Kotek of Oregon and Gov. Gavin Newsom of California.In Florida, vaccine mandates for child day care facilities and public schools include shots for measles, chickenpox, hepatitis B, Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP), polio and other diseases, according to the state&nbsp;<a href="https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/immunization/children-and-adolescents/school-immunization-requirements/index.html">Health Department’s website.</a>Under DeSantis, Florida resisted imposing COVID vaccines on schoolchildren, requiring “passports” for places that draw crowds, school closures and mandates that workers get the shots to keep their jobs.“I don’t think there’s another state that’s done as much as Florida. We want to stay ahead of the curve,” the governor said.The state “MAHA” commission would look into such things as allowing informed consent in medical matters, promoting safe and nutritious food, boosting parental rights regarding medical decisions about their children, and eliminating “medical orthodoxy that is not supported by the data,” DeSantis said. The commission will be chaired by Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and Florida first lady Casey DeSantis.“We’re getting government out of the way, getting government out of your lives," Collins said.The commission's work will help inform a large “medical freedom package” to be introduced in the Legislature next session, which would address the vaccine mandates required by state law and make permanent the recent state COVID decisions relaxing restrictions, DeSantis said.“There will be a broad package,” the governor said.

First state will end all vaccine requirements for kids to attend school

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man who pleaded guilty in connection with the 2023 shooting death of a man in Wichita is going to prison.

On Wednesday, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 21-year-old James Sawyer to more than 31-years in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections for the murder of 34-year-old Daniel McPherson during an attempted robbery,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man who pleaded guilty in connection with the 2023 shooting death of a man in Wichita will learn his fate Wednesday.

Judge Jeffrey Goering will sentence 21-year-old James Sawyer for the murder of 34-year-old Daniel McPherson during an attempted robbery,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In July, Sawyer pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery.

On Dec. 6, 2023, the Blackwell, Oklahoma Police Department contacted Sedgwick County Dispatch, reporting a shooting investigation involving two individuals including Sawyer and 18-year-old Phillip Walls who had entered a Blackwell hospital, with one of them sustaining a gunshot wound, according to Officer Andrew Ford.

Following discussions with the subjects, Blackwell Police shared information with Sedgwick County Dispatch. Consequently, the Wichita Police Department was alerted to respond to the Hydraulic and MacArthur area based on information suggesting that the shooting victim, 34-year-old Daniel McPherson, would be found there.

Upon arrival, officers discovered McPherson with a gunshot wound to his head. He&nbsp;was pronounced dead at the scene. Homicide investigators were dispatched to conduct the investigation and later traveled to Blackwell, Oklahoma where Walls and Sawyer were in custody.&nbsp;

In May of 2024, Walls pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the shooting and&nbsp;was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752095618673.png" alt="-Sawyer photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>-Sawyer photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man who pleaded guilty in connection with the 2023 shooting death of a man in Wichita is going to prison.On Wednesday, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 21-year-old James Sawyer to more than 31-years in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections for the murder of 34-year-old Daniel McPherson during an attempted robbery,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.---------------SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man who pleaded guilty in connection with the 2023 shooting death of a man in Wichita will learn his fate Wednesday.Judge Jeffrey Goering will sentence 21-year-old James Sawyer for the murder of 34-year-old Daniel McPherson during an attempted robbery,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In July, Sawyer pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery.On Dec. 6, 2023, the Blackwell, Oklahoma Police Department contacted Sedgwick County Dispatch, reporting a shooting investigation involving two individuals including Sawyer and 18-year-old Phillip Walls who had entered a Blackwell hospital, with one of them sustaining a gunshot wound, according to Officer Andrew Ford.Following discussions with the subjects, Blackwell Police shared information with Sedgwick County Dispatch. Consequently, the Wichita Police Department was alerted to respond to the Hydraulic and MacArthur area based on information suggesting that the shooting victim, 34-year-old Daniel McPherson, would be found there.Upon arrival, officers discovered McPherson with a gunshot wound to his head. He&nbsp;was pronounced dead at the scene. Homicide investigators were dispatched to conduct the investigation and later traveled to Blackwell, Oklahoma where Walls and Sawyer were in custody.&nbsp;In May of 2024, Walls pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the shooting and&nbsp;was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison, according to the district attorney's office.---------------

Kan. man captured in Oklahoma sentenced for murder

On Tuesday, Kansas game wardens used their social media page to remind hunters the importance of knowing of how to clean your gun before you go hunting.&nbsp; They shared photos of a weapon damaged by mud.

"This is why it is so important and why it is talked about in Hunter Education, to ensure the muzzle does not get obstructed and how to properly clear an obstruction."

"This happened on the opening of Dove season on Monday and was the result of mud obstructing the muzzle." Fortunately, no one was injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756847375036.png" alt="Photos Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photos Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, Kansas game wardens used their social media page to remind hunters the importance of knowing of how to clean your gun before you go hunting.&nbsp; They shared photos of a weapon damaged by mud."This is why it is so important and why it is talked about in Hunter Education, to ensure the muzzle does not get obstructed and how to properly clear an obstruction."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756847431957.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"This happened on the opening of Dove season on Monday and was the result of mud obstructing the muzzle." Fortunately, no one was injured.

Kan. game wardens: Know how to clean your gun before hunting

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/anne-dinnocenzio">ANNE D’INNOCENZIO</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon is ending a program that allows members of its Prime membership subscription program to share their free shipping benefits with people who don’t have the same primary address.

In an update to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GXULX24SE2RD7EXS" target="_blank">customer service section</a>&nbsp;of its website, the online behemoth says it will eliminate the sharing on Oct. 1 and is encouraging users outside the household of the account holder to sign up for their own Prime subscription.

Amazon is encouraging users who don’t live with the account holder to subscribe to their own membership at a discounted rate of $14.99 for one year. After that, it’s $14.99 per month or $139 annually. The offer starts this Friday and is valid until Dec. 31, 2025.

Amazon is replacing the so-called Prime Invitee program with Amazon Family, which lets account holders share the free two-day shipping perk as well as a broad range of other perks like exclusive deals and movies with only one other adult in their household, up to four teens (who were added before April 7) and up to four profiles for children, according to Amazon’s website. Amazon said that the adult could be a spouse, family member or roommate.

The news comes as the Seattle-based company is making big investments in expanding its network to bring faster delivery to customers in less densely populated areas across the U.S. The service is available in 1,000 of the more than 4,000 smaller cities, towns and rural communities targeted by year-end, the company said in late July.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687370941423.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/anne-dinnocenzio">ANNE D’INNOCENZIO</a>NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon is ending a program that allows members of its Prime membership subscription program to share their free shipping benefits with people who don’t have the same primary address.In an update to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GXULX24SE2RD7EXS" target="_blank">customer service section</a>&nbsp;of its website, the online behemoth says it will eliminate the sharing on Oct. 1 and is encouraging users outside the household of the account holder to sign up for their own Prime subscription.Amazon is encouraging users who don’t live with the account holder to subscribe to their own membership at a discounted rate of $14.99 for one year. After that, it’s $14.99 per month or $139 annually. The offer starts this Friday and is valid until Dec. 31, 2025.Amazon is replacing the so-called Prime Invitee program with Amazon Family, which lets account holders share the free two-day shipping perk as well as a broad range of other perks like exclusive deals and movies with only one other adult in their household, up to four teens (who were added before April 7) and up to four profiles for children, according to Amazon’s website. Amazon said that the adult could be a spouse, family member or roommate.The news comes as the Seattle-based company is making big investments in expanding its network to bring faster delivery to customers in less densely populated areas across the U.S. The service is available in 1,000 of the more than 4,000 smaller cities, towns and rural communities targeted by year-end, the company said in late July.

Amazon announced major change to prime benefits

SEDGWICK COUNTY –Law enforcement are investigating a fatal gunfight and have made an arrest.&nbsp;

Just after 2p.m. Monday, officers were called to a liquor store on North Broadway in Wichita, according to a media release. First responders found three men with gunshot wounds including&nbsp;19-year-old Mario Gustavo. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect and another man were taken to a hospital in critical condition.

Investigators learned that&nbsp;a disturbance in the parking lot led to gunfire.

A retired Wichita police lieutenant saw a vehicle flee the scene and followed it. Officers stopped the car, driven by a woman, near the 800 block of North Main Street. A male passenger, identified as an associate of Gustavo, had a gunshot wound to the hand and was taken to a hospital in critical but stable condition. Investigators believe he was shot at the exact location as the other three men.

Detectives continue to investigate the sequence of events and the individuals involved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756850370219.png" alt="Police on the scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY –Law enforcement are investigating a fatal gunfight and have made an arrest.&nbsp;Just after 2p.m. Monday, officers were called to a liquor store on North Broadway in Wichita, according to a media release. First responders found three men with gunshot wounds including&nbsp;19-year-old Mario Gustavo. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect and another man were taken to a hospital in critical condition.Investigators learned that&nbsp;a disturbance in the parking lot led to gunfire.A retired Wichita police lieutenant saw a vehicle flee the scene and followed it. Officers stopped the car, driven by a woman, near the 800 block of North Main Street. A male passenger, identified as an associate of Gustavo, had a gunshot wound to the hand and was taken to a hospital in critical but stable condition. Investigators believe he was shot at the exact location as the other three men.Detectives continue to investigate the sequence of events and the individuals involved.

Suspect in deadly Kan. liquor store gunfight remains hospitalized

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court panel ruled Tuesday that President Donald Trump cannot use an 18th-century wartime law to speed the deportations of people his administration accuses of membership in a Venezuelan gang, blocking a signature administration push that is destined for a final showdown at the U.S. Supreme Court.

A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, one of the most conservative federal appeals courts in the country, agreed with immigrant rights lawyers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-alien-enemies-act-judge-ruling-f1988c63140c95f8228b42368caed96b">lower court judges</a>&nbsp;who argued the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alien-enemies-trump-immigration-deportations-21a62ede23b8c493b60d00a9c125722f">Alien Enemies Act</a>&nbsp;of 1798 was not intended to be used against gangs like Tren de Aragua, the Venezuelan group Trump targeted in his March invocation.

Lee Gelernt, who argued the case for the ACLU, said Tuesday: “The Trump administration’s use of a wartime statute during peacetime to regulate immigration was rightly shut down by the court. This is a critically important decision reining in the administration’s view that it can simply declare an emergency without any oversight by the courts.”

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The administration deported people designated as Tren de Aragua members to a notorious prison in El Salvador where, it argued, U.S. courts could not order them freed.

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prisoner-swap-venezuela-united-states-el-salvador-a0c3070355fbdc31f028a16096c5655c">deal announced in July</a>, more than 250 of the deported migrants returned to Venezuela.

The Alien Enemies Act was only used three times before in U.S. history, all during declared wars — in the War of 1812 and the two World Wars. The Trump administration unsuccessfully argued that courts cannot second-guess the president’s determination that Tren de Aragua was connected to Venezuela’s government and represented a danger to the United States, meriting use of the act.

In a 2-1 ruling, the judges said they granted the preliminary injunction sought by the plaintiffs because they “found no invasion or predatory incursion” in this case.

The decision bars deportations from Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. In the majority were U.S. Circuit Judges Leslie Southwick, a George W. Bush appointee, and Irma Carrillo Ramirez, a Joe Biden appointee. Andrew Oldham, a Trump appointee, dissented.

The majority opinion said Trump’s allegations about Tren de Aragua do not meet the historical levels of national conflict that Congress intended for the act.

“A country’s encouraging its residents and citizens to enter this country illegally is not the modern-day equivalent of sending an armed, organized force to occupy, to disrupt, or to otherwise harm the United States,” the judges wrote.

In a lengthy dissent, Oldham complained his two colleagues were second-guessing Trump’s conduct of foreign affairs and national security, realms where courts usually give the president great deference.

“The majority’s approach to this case is not only unprecedented—it is contrary to more than 200 years of precedent,” Oldham wrote.

The panel did grant the Trump administration one legal victory, finding the procedures it uses to advise detainees under the Alien Enemies Act of their legal rights is appropriate.

The ruling can be appealed to the full 5th Circuit or directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is likely to make the ultimate decision on the issue.

Indeed, the ruling and dissent both seemed to acknowledge the judges were weighing in on issues destined to be settled only by the nation's highest court, repeatedly noting the unprecedented nature of the case and delving into 18th century conflicts and other landmark events in the nation's early decades as justification.

The Supreme Court has already gotten involved twice before in the tangled history of the Trump administration's use of the AEA. In the initial weeks after the March declaration, the court ruled that the administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-deportations-el-salvador-9988b667199e1b02fc0a6a83570225c1">could deport people under the act</a>, but unanimously found that those targeted needed to be given a reasonable chance to argue their case before judges in the areas where they were held.

Then, as the administration moved to rapidly deport more Venezuelans from Texas, the high court stepped in again with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aclu-trump-deport-venezuelans-supreme-court-5d85ffec44fca7c267315b34cec9ddb2">an unusual, post-midnight ruling</a>&nbsp;that they couldn't do so until the 5th Circuit decided whether the administration was providing adequate notice to the immigrants and could weigh in on the broader legal issues of the case. The high court has yet to address whether a gang can be cited as an alien enemy under the AEA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743444105379.png" alt="Image from video provided by U.S. Senator from Missouri Eric Schmitt" />
 <figcaption>Image from video provided by U.S. Senator from Missouri Eric Schmitt</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court panel ruled Tuesday that President Donald Trump cannot use an 18th-century wartime law to speed the deportations of people his administration accuses of membership in a Venezuelan gang, blocking a signature administration push that is destined for a final showdown at the U.S. Supreme Court.A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, one of the most conservative federal appeals courts in the country, agreed with immigrant rights lawyers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-alien-enemies-act-judge-ruling-f1988c63140c95f8228b42368caed96b">lower court judges</a>&nbsp;who argued the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alien-enemies-trump-immigration-deportations-21a62ede23b8c493b60d00a9c125722f">Alien Enemies Act</a>&nbsp;of 1798 was not intended to be used against gangs like Tren de Aragua, the Venezuelan group Trump targeted in his March invocation.Lee Gelernt, who argued the case for the ACLU, said Tuesday: “The Trump administration’s use of a wartime statute during peacetime to regulate immigration was rightly shut down by the court. This is a critically important decision reining in the administration’s view that it can simply declare an emergency without any oversight by the courts.”The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The administration deported people designated as Tren de Aragua members to a notorious prison in El Salvador where, it argued, U.S. courts could not order them freed.In a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prisoner-swap-venezuela-united-states-el-salvador-a0c3070355fbdc31f028a16096c5655c">deal announced in July</a>, more than 250 of the deported migrants returned to Venezuela.The Alien Enemies Act was only used three times before in U.S. history, all during declared wars — in the War of 1812 and the two World Wars. The Trump administration unsuccessfully argued that courts cannot second-guess the president’s determination that Tren de Aragua was connected to Venezuela’s government and represented a danger to the United States, meriting use of the act.In a 2-1 ruling, the judges said they granted the preliminary injunction sought by the plaintiffs because they “found no invasion or predatory incursion” in this case.The decision bars deportations from Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. In the majority were U.S. Circuit Judges Leslie Southwick, a George W. Bush appointee, and Irma Carrillo Ramirez, a Joe Biden appointee. Andrew Oldham, a Trump appointee, dissented.The majority opinion said Trump’s allegations about Tren de Aragua do not meet the historical levels of national conflict that Congress intended for the act.“A country’s encouraging its residents and citizens to enter this country illegally is not the modern-day equivalent of sending an armed, organized force to occupy, to disrupt, or to otherwise harm the United States,” the judges wrote.In a lengthy dissent, Oldham complained his two colleagues were second-guessing Trump’s conduct of foreign affairs and national security, realms where courts usually give the president great deference.“The majority’s approach to this case is not only unprecedented—it is contrary to more than 200 years of precedent,” Oldham wrote.The panel did grant the Trump administration one legal victory, finding the procedures it uses to advise detainees under the Alien Enemies Act of their legal rights is appropriate.The ruling can be appealed to the full 5th Circuit or directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is likely to make the ultimate decision on the issue.Indeed, the ruling and dissent both seemed to acknowledge the judges were weighing in on issues destined to be settled only by the nation's highest court, repeatedly noting the unprecedented nature of the case and delving into 18th century conflicts and other landmark events in the nation's early decades as justification.The Supreme Court has already gotten involved twice before in the tangled history of the Trump administration's use of the AEA. In the initial weeks after the March declaration, the court ruled that the administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-deportations-el-salvador-9988b667199e1b02fc0a6a83570225c1">could deport people under the act</a>, but unanimously found that those targeted needed to be given a reasonable chance to argue their case before judges in the areas where they were held.Then, as the administration moved to rapidly deport more Venezuelans from Texas, the high court stepped in again with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aclu-trump-deport-venezuelans-supreme-court-5d85ffec44fca7c267315b34cec9ddb2">an unusual, post-midnight ruling</a>&nbsp;that they couldn't do so until the 5th Circuit decided whether the administration was providing adequate notice to the immigrants and could weigh in on the broader legal issues of the case. The high court has yet to address whether a gang can be cited as an alien enemy under the AEA.

Court: Trump cannot use 1798 law to deport members of Venezuelan gang

Officer Hunter Simoncic will be honored at a public funeral service at 10a.m. Wednesday at Children's Mercy Park. 

Parking lots will open at 7:30 AM, and stadium gates will open at 8:00 AM. Attendees should approach Children’s Mercy Park from State Avenue. Public parking will be located on the south side of the stadium in Blue Lot 2 on the grounds of the Kansas Speedway. 

Please, be aware that Village West Parkway and France Family Drive will be closed to public traffic.

For those unable to attend, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEwJIrCt-Bk">click here to view</a> the funeral. The feed will go live 10 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEwJIrCt-Bk&amp;fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExeUlXV0FoWFh4TlRuTDJubwEepGX-Q2BBKK_8uRZXSc5PbMc2vAUyUpUsX8Ib1qE8_OUaboScNv7ZMHiGwSs_aem_tP-TflS0nBPVRKT80SQWuA" target="_blank"></a>A procession through the KCK community will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the funeral service. We encourage residents and businesses to line the route and display blue ribbons along the route as a sign of support for the Simoncic family and the men and women of the KCKPD.

 It is a small gesture, but a very powerful and unifying one. 

The procession route is as follows:- France Family Drive to Village West Parkway- Village West Parkway south to State Avenue- State Avenue east to Interstate 635- I-635 north to Parallel Parkway- Parallel Parkway east to North Fifth Street- North Fifth Street north to Stewart Avenue- Stewart Avenue east to North Third Street- North Third Street south to Interstate 70- I-70 west to Interstate 435 northOutside agency and the public vehicles in the procession will be dismissed at the interchange of I-70 W and 435 N.

Hunter Lee Simoncic, age 26, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away on August 26, 2025, while proudly serving his community as a police officer with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.

Born on April 16, 1999, Hunter grew up on a small farm in Galesburg, Kansas, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family and community. He was accomplished in his academic pursuits, graduating from Erie High School in 2018 and Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 2021. His passion for justice and science led him to further his education at Oklahoma State University, where he earned a Master’s in Forensic Science in 2023.

In November of 2023, Hunter fulfilled his calling to public service by graduating from the KCKPD Academy and beginning his career as a police officer. His dedication, courage, and compassion quickly became evident to both his colleagues and the community he served.

Hunter was energetic, adventurous, and full of life. He embraced new experiences wholeheartedly — recently serving as an extra in the Hallmark movie Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story and exploring opportunities in modeling. In his free time, he enjoyed painting, lifting weights, writing his book, and training as an avid CrossFitter at Mission Barbell Club.

Hunter had a heart for giving back. He served as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City, forming meaningful connections with the youth he mentored. He also volunteered through the Lead to Read program, spending time each week reading to students at Banneker Elementary School — a role he cherished deeply.

Above all, Hunter will be remembered for his kind spirit, his love of family, and his unwavering devotion to serving others both in and out of uniform.

He is survived by his father, Ron Simoncic of Franklin, KS; his mother, Christine Brungardt of Galesburg, KS; his brother, Fischer Simoncic of Wichita, KS; his grandmother, Rose Brungardt of Parsons, KS; and his aunts and uncles, including Rick and Jacque Simoncic of Frontenac, KS and Rod and Denise Fleming of Parsons, KS.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Shirley Simoncic, and Francis Brungardt; and his aunt and uncle, Terri Brungardt and Kirk Brungardt. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow officers, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A gathering of family and friends will begin at 1:30 pm, Thursday September 4, 2025 followed by a Rosary service at 2:00 pm with Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 2:30 pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1807 Stevens Avenue, Parsons, Kansas 67357. Hunter's final resting place will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Parsons, KS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756332955180.png" alt="Officer Hunder Simoncic courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Officer Hunder Simoncic courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Officer Hunter Simoncic will be honored at a public funeral service at 10a.m. Wednesday at Children's Mercy Park. Parking lots will open at 7:30 AM, and stadium gates will open at 8:00 AM. Attendees should approach Children’s Mercy Park from State Avenue. Public parking will be located on the south side of the stadium in Blue Lot 2 on the grounds of the Kansas Speedway. Please, be aware that Village West Parkway and France Family Drive will be closed to public traffic.For those unable to attend, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEwJIrCt-Bk">click here to view</a> the funeral. The feed will go live 10 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756333095649.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEwJIrCt-Bk&amp;fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExeUlXV0FoWFh4TlRuTDJubwEepGX-Q2BBKK_8uRZXSc5PbMc2vAUyUpUsX8Ib1qE8_OUaboScNv7ZMHiGwSs_aem_tP-TflS0nBPVRKT80SQWuA" target="_blank"></a>A procession through the KCK community will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the funeral service. We encourage residents and businesses to line the route and display blue ribbons along the route as a sign of support for the Simoncic family and the men and women of the KCKPD. It is a small gesture, but a very powerful and unifying one. The procession route is as follows:- France Family Drive to Village West Parkway- Village West Parkway south to State Avenue- State Avenue east to Interstate 635- I-635 north to Parallel Parkway- Parallel Parkway east to North Fifth Street- North Fifth Street north to Stewart Avenue- Stewart Avenue east to North Third Street- North Third Street south to Interstate 70- I-70 west to Interstate 435 northOutside agency and the public vehicles in the procession will be dismissed at the interchange of I-70 W and 435 N.Hunter Lee Simoncic, age 26, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away on August 26, 2025, while proudly serving his community as a police officer with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.Born on April 16, 1999, Hunter grew up on a small farm in Galesburg, Kansas, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family and community. He was accomplished in his academic pursuits, graduating from Erie High School in 2018 and Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 2021. His passion for justice and science led him to further his education at Oklahoma State University, where he earned a Master’s in Forensic Science in 2023.In November of 2023, Hunter fulfilled his calling to public service by graduating from the KCKPD Academy and beginning his career as a police officer. His dedication, courage, and compassion quickly became evident to both his colleagues and the community he served.Hunter was energetic, adventurous, and full of life. He embraced new experiences wholeheartedly — recently serving as an extra in the Hallmark movie Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story and exploring opportunities in modeling. In his free time, he enjoyed painting, lifting weights, writing his book, and training as an avid CrossFitter at Mission Barbell Club.Hunter had a heart for giving back. He served as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City, forming meaningful connections with the youth he mentored. He also volunteered through the Lead to Read program, spending time each week reading to students at Banneker Elementary School — a role he cherished deeply.Above all, Hunter will be remembered for his kind spirit, his love of family, and his unwavering devotion to serving others both in and out of uniform.He is survived by his father, Ron Simoncic of Franklin, KS; his mother, Christine Brungardt of Galesburg, KS; his brother, Fischer Simoncic of Wichita, KS; his grandmother, Rose Brungardt of Parsons, KS; and his aunts and uncles, including Rick and Jacque Simoncic of Frontenac, KS and Rod and Denise Fleming of Parsons, KS.He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Shirley Simoncic, and Francis Brungardt; and his aunt and uncle, Terri Brungardt and Kirk Brungardt. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow officers, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.A gathering of family and friends will begin at 1:30 pm, Thursday September 4, 2025 followed by a Rosary service at 2:00 pm with Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 2:30 pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1807 Stevens Avenue, Parsons, Kansas 67357. Hunter's final resting place will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Parsons, KS.

🎥Funeral service honoring life of Officer Hunter Simoncic

LYON COUNTY —Following a joint investigation by the Emporia Fire Department, Emporia Police Department, and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire and explosion that occurred June 18 at a home at 1814 E 6th Avenue in Emporia has been determined to be an accidental natural gas explosion originating within the interior of the home, according to city of Emporia spokesperson&nbsp;Christine Torrens.

Just before 5:00 p.m. June 18,&nbsp; emergency crews were dispatched to a report of a house explosion near E 6th Avenue and Weaver Street,&nbsp; according to Torrens.&nbsp;&nbsp;The home had collapsed, and was fully engulfed with fire within minutes.

Around 8:30 pm, emergency workers found the bodies of 78-year-old Darrell Bontrager and 73-year-old Terry Bontrager both of home. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756864483095.png" alt="Photo Courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY —Following a joint investigation by the Emporia Fire Department, Emporia Police Department, and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire and explosion that occurred June 18 at a home at 1814 E 6th Avenue in Emporia has been determined to be an accidental natural gas explosion originating within the interior of the home, according to city of Emporia spokesperson&nbsp;Christine Torrens.Just before 5:00 p.m. June 18,&nbsp; emergency crews were dispatched to a report of a house explosion near E 6th Avenue and Weaver Street,&nbsp; according to Torrens.&nbsp;&nbsp;The home had collapsed, and was fully engulfed with fire within minutes.Around 8:30 pm, emergency workers found the bodies of 78-year-old Darrell Bontrager and 73-year-old Terry Bontrager both of home.