By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alex-veiga">ALEX VEIGA</a> Associated Press

The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage edged up this week, ending a five-week decline in borrowing costs for homebuyers.

The long-term rate ticked up to 6.72% from 6.67% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.89%.

Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also rose. The average rate increased to 5.86% from 5.80% last week. A year ago, it was 6.17%, Freddie Mac said.

High mortgage rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers and reduce their purchasing power. That’s helped keep the U.S. housing market in a sales slump that dates back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from the rock-bottom lows they reached during the pandemic.

Last year, sales of previously occupied U.S. homes sank to their lowest level in nearly 30 years. They’ve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-2331cd0a212a1c1e8a9d8f0641696203">remained sluggish so far this year</a>, as many prospective homebuyers have been discouraged by elevated mortgage rates and home prices that have continued to climb, albeit more slowly.

Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-interest-rates-fed-fa91e7b38ca858ff54f57bc642111188">interest rate policy decisions</a>&nbsp;to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation.

The key barometer is the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans. The yield was at 4.37% at midday Thursday, up from 4.34% late Wednesday.

Yields moved up last week as traders bet that a better-than-expected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-unemployment-trump-tariff-hiring-1d0ff530d9704e1dd5f4c08205dc0d21">June jobs report</a>&nbsp;could keep the Fed on hold when it comes to interest rates.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has remained relatively close to its high so far this year of just above 7%, set in mid-January. The 30-year rate’s low point this year was in early April when it briefly dipped to 6.62%.

As mortgage rates eased in recent weeks, more home shoppers have been encouraged to wade into the market. Mortgage applications jumped 9.4% last week from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Economists generally expect mortgage rates to stay relatively stable in the coming months, with forecasts calling for the average rate on a 30-year mortgage to remain in a range between 6% and 7% this year.

“Mortgage rates may come down modestly over the coming months but other economic headwinds —- including the impact of tariffs on the prices of consumer goods, weaker labor market conditions and rising consumer debt —- could be what continue to hold the housing market in the second half of 2025,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659001075252.jpeg" alt="AP photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>AP photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alex-veiga">ALEX VEIGA</a> Associated PressThe average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage edged up this week, ending a five-week decline in borrowing costs for homebuyers.The long-term rate ticked up to 6.72% from 6.67% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.89%.Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also rose. The average rate increased to 5.86% from 5.80% last week. A year ago, it was 6.17%, Freddie Mac said.High mortgage rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers and reduce their purchasing power. That’s helped keep the U.S. housing market in a sales slump that dates back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from the rock-bottom lows they reached during the pandemic.Last year, sales of previously occupied U.S. homes sank to their lowest level in nearly 30 years. They’ve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-2331cd0a212a1c1e8a9d8f0641696203">remained sluggish so far this year</a>, as many prospective homebuyers have been discouraged by elevated mortgage rates and home prices that have continued to climb, albeit more slowly.Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-interest-rates-fed-fa91e7b38ca858ff54f57bc642111188">interest rate policy decisions</a>&nbsp;to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation.The key barometer is the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans. The yield was at 4.37% at midday Thursday, up from 4.34% late Wednesday.Yields moved up last week as traders bet that a better-than-expected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-unemployment-trump-tariff-hiring-1d0ff530d9704e1dd5f4c08205dc0d21">June jobs report</a>&nbsp;could keep the Fed on hold when it comes to interest rates.The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has remained relatively close to its high so far this year of just above 7%, set in mid-January. The 30-year rate’s low point this year was in early April when it briefly dipped to 6.62%.As mortgage rates eased in recent weeks, more home shoppers have been encouraged to wade into the market. Mortgage applications jumped 9.4% last week from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.Economists generally expect mortgage rates to stay relatively stable in the coming months, with forecasts calling for the average rate on a 30-year mortgage to remain in a range between 6% and 7% this year.“Mortgage rates may come down modestly over the coming months but other economic headwinds —- including the impact of tariffs on the prices of consumer goods, weaker labor market conditions and rising consumer debt —- could be what continue to hold the housing market in the second half of 2025,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS.

Average long-term US mortgage rate rises, ending a five-week slide

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/will-weissert">WILL WEISSERT</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — Turns out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;gauges his esteem for presidential predecessors by how well their portraits fit into his White House redecorating scheme. Or sometimes how well the frames around those portraits do.

“I’m a frame person,” Trump said Tuesday during a meeting with his Cabinet. “Sometimes I like frames more than I like the pictures.”

Trump wrapped up a 90-plus-minute session by explaining how he personally worked to redecorate the Cabinet Room, seeming to take real joy in choosing which portraits were hung. The president also said he helped choose the room’s drapes and polled those present about whether he should repaint the room in gold leaf. (Cabinet members think he should.)

“I actually spent time in the vaults. The vaults are where we have a lot of great pictures and artwork. And I picked it all myself,” Trump said. “I’m very proud of it.”

The president said that meant “a lot of time, effort” and “very little money.” He even recounted having gone to Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rubio-artificial-intelligence-impersonation-1b3cc78464404b54e63f4eba9dd4f5a9">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;‘s office and directing that a grandfather clock there be moved to the White House.

“As president, you have the power — if I go into the State Department, or Department of Commerce or Treasury — if I see anything that I like, I’m allowed to take it,” Trump said, drawing laughs. He offered the anecdote despite there not being any record of Trump having paid a public visit to the State Department during Rubio’s tenure.

Trump also pointed out each portrait and shared what he thought of each ex-president depicted. He started by indicating “the great&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/22762d14b8884cb58334cddd0a4034ce">Andrew Jackson</a>&nbsp;" and went from there — renewing his frequent praise for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mckinley-ohio-tariffs-imperialism-gilded-age-c85710e032ef68bdf6dda4928c87d977">William McKinley</a>&nbsp;and getting in a dig about how&nbsp;<a href="https://publicintegrity.org/accountability/fat-cat-hotel/" target="_blank">Bill Clinton</a>&nbsp;once offered donors overnight stays in the Lincoln bedroom in exchange for campaign contributions.

Here’s what Trump said about some past presidents:

“A very underrated president. Built the Interstate (Highway) System. And he was the toughest president, I guess, until we came along. But I don’t mind giving up that crown, because, I don’t want to be too tough on it. But we want to be humane. But he was the toughest president on immigration. He was very strong at the borders. Very, very strong. And, sometimes you can be too strong. He was strong at the borders and, during a certain period of time, there was so strong that almost every&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-farmworkers-vermont-aea999892ad6c752a360990e1c071527">farmer in California went bankrupt</a>. And we have to remember that. We have to work together. We have to remember that. But he was a very good president, and a very good general and a very good president and I thought he deserved a position somewhere on this floor.”

“That’s a gentleman named — and we call him —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c891a677583f4ec0a940f1ad0fbc7dc6">President Polk</a>. He was sort of a real-estate guy. He was — people don’t realize — he was a one-termer. But he was a very good president. But, and I’m not sure I should be doing this, he actually gave us the state of California.”

Then Trump revealed that his choice of Polk’s picture might have had more do with the portrait’s frame being almost the same size as the frame surrounding Jackson’s portrait, which he suggested was especially aesthetically pleasing: “Polk is actually a very good president who’s got the same frame that I needed, OK.”

“He was not a Republican, to put it mildly. But he was, you know, a four-termer. He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-145c384e00ac42ec9d7d1e81aed0b508">Franklin Delano Roosevelt</a>. And, if you notice, we have a lot of ramps outside. You have a ramp. People say, ‘It’s an unusual place for a ramp.’ It was because of him. He was wheelchair bound. But he was an amazing man.”

“Over there is ‘Honest’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lincoln-auction-taper-collection-museum-debt-b131070f3f193a36a2812e79ef06e929">Abe Lincoln</a>. And that picture was in his, ugh, in his bedroom. And we thought this would be a very important place because this is where wars are ended. I’m not going to say wars are declared. I’m going to say wars are ended. OK? We’ll be positive. And, that’s the picture of Abe Lincoln from his bedroom, sat in the bedroom for many, many years. That was his favorite picture of himself. And the Lincoln Bedroom’s very famous. You remember when Bill Clinton had it and he rented it out to people. We don’t do that.”

“They were the first occupants of the White House. 1800. And John Quincy Adams, Mrs. Adams, they were the first occupants. So we have them looking at each other and, in between their stares is Abraham Lincoln trying to make peace.”

(Trump is correct that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-san-francisco-opera-2a8c4803058e69f7ecd6d26a8da8b741">John Adams</a>, the nation’s second president, and his wife&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boston-quincy-b6a6baeed90000d051eb1415a7b9e65e">Abigail</a>, were the first first couple to move into the White House in 1800. But he was mistaken about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-inaugurations-302e242646b2bec9838b5e8d9950d164">John Quincy Adams</a>, who was John and Abigail’s son and the sixth president. He served from 1825 to 1829).

“McKinley was a great president who never got credit. In fact, they changed the name of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-alaska-denali-mckinley-name-39c6e735fc56f4046200259cfe9e9934">Mount McKinley</a>&nbsp;and I changed it back because he should have been — the people of Ohio, he was the governor of Ohio — the people of Ohio were very happy when I did that. I heard they were very insulted. They took the name of Mount McKinley off. That was done by Obama a little while ago and I had to change it back. I changed it back. He actually was a great president. He was a president. He was the tariff, the most, I guess since me — I think I’m gonna outdo him — but he was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-gilded-age-mckinley-grover-cleveland-1592dab80ad7159266db51b5baa774b6">tariff president</a>. He believed that other countries should pay for the privilege of coming into our country and taking our jobs and taking our treasure. That’s the way he explained it. They took our jobs and they took our treasure. And for that he should pay. And he made them pay. And he built a tremendous fortune.”

Will Weissert covers the White House for The Associated Press.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752025412484.png" alt="The portrait of President Eisenhower, upper left, in the Cabinet meeting room. President Trump made his comments during the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The portrait of President Eisenhower, upper left, in the Cabinet meeting room. President Trump made his comments during the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/will-weissert">WILL WEISSERT</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — Turns out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;gauges his esteem for presidential predecessors by how well their portraits fit into his White House redecorating scheme. Or sometimes how well the frames around those portraits do.“I’m a frame person,” Trump said Tuesday during a meeting with his Cabinet. “Sometimes I like frames more than I like the pictures.”Trump wrapped up a 90-plus-minute session by explaining how he personally worked to redecorate the Cabinet Room, seeming to take real joy in choosing which portraits were hung. The president also said he helped choose the room’s drapes and polled those present about whether he should repaint the room in gold leaf. (Cabinet members think he should.)“I actually spent time in the vaults. The vaults are where we have a lot of great pictures and artwork. And I picked it all myself,” Trump said. “I’m very proud of it.”The president said that meant “a lot of time, effort” and “very little money.” He even recounted having gone to Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rubio-artificial-intelligence-impersonation-1b3cc78464404b54e63f4eba9dd4f5a9">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;‘s office and directing that a grandfather clock there be moved to the White House.“As president, you have the power — if I go into the State Department, or Department of Commerce or Treasury — if I see anything that I like, I’m allowed to take it,” Trump said, drawing laughs. He offered the anecdote despite there not being any record of Trump having paid a public visit to the State Department during Rubio’s tenure.Trump also pointed out each portrait and shared what he thought of each ex-president depicted. He started by indicating “the great&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/22762d14b8884cb58334cddd0a4034ce">Andrew Jackson</a>&nbsp;" and went from there — renewing his frequent praise for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mckinley-ohio-tariffs-imperialism-gilded-age-c85710e032ef68bdf6dda4928c87d977">William McKinley</a>&nbsp;and getting in a dig about how&nbsp;<a href="https://publicintegrity.org/accountability/fat-cat-hotel/" target="_blank">Bill Clinton</a>&nbsp;once offered donors overnight stays in the Lincoln bedroom in exchange for campaign contributions.Here’s what Trump said about some past presidents:<h2>Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-61):</h2>“A very underrated president. Built the Interstate (Highway) System. And he was the toughest president, I guess, until we came along. But I don’t mind giving up that crown, because, I don’t want to be too tough on it. But we want to be humane. But he was the toughest president on immigration. He was very strong at the borders. Very, very strong. And, sometimes you can be too strong. He was strong at the borders and, during a certain period of time, there was so strong that almost every&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-farmworkers-vermont-aea999892ad6c752a360990e1c071527">farmer in California went bankrupt</a>. And we have to remember that. We have to work together. We have to remember that. But he was a very good president, and a very good general and a very good president and I thought he deserved a position somewhere on this floor.”<h2>James K. Polk (1845-49):</h2>“That’s a gentleman named — and we call him —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c891a677583f4ec0a940f1ad0fbc7dc6">President Polk</a>. He was sort of a real-estate guy. He was — people don’t realize — he was a one-termer. But he was a very good president. But, and I’m not sure I should be doing this, he actually gave us the state of California.”Then Trump revealed that his choice of Polk’s picture might have had more do with the portrait’s frame being almost the same size as the frame surrounding Jackson’s portrait, which he suggested was especially aesthetically pleasing: “Polk is actually a very good president who’s got the same frame that I needed, OK.”<h2>Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-45):</h2>“He was not a Republican, to put it mildly. But he was, you know, a four-termer. He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-145c384e00ac42ec9d7d1e81aed0b508">Franklin Delano Roosevelt</a>. And, if you notice, we have a lot of ramps outside. You have a ramp. People say, ‘It’s an unusual place for a ramp.’ It was because of him. He was wheelchair bound. But he was an amazing man.”<h2>Abraham Lincoln (1861-65):</h2>“Over there is ‘Honest’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lincoln-auction-taper-collection-museum-debt-b131070f3f193a36a2812e79ef06e929">Abe Lincoln</a>. And that picture was in his, ugh, in his bedroom. And we thought this would be a very important place because this is where wars are ended. I’m not going to say wars are declared. I’m going to say wars are ended. OK? We’ll be positive. And, that’s the picture of Abe Lincoln from his bedroom, sat in the bedroom for many, many years. That was his favorite picture of himself. And the Lincoln Bedroom’s very famous. You remember when Bill Clinton had it and he rented it out to people. We don’t do that.”<h2>John Adams (1797-1801):</h2>“They were the first occupants of the White House. 1800. And John Quincy Adams, Mrs. Adams, they were the first occupants. So we have them looking at each other and, in between their stares is Abraham Lincoln trying to make peace.”(Trump is correct that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-san-francisco-opera-2a8c4803058e69f7ecd6d26a8da8b741">John Adams</a>, the nation’s second president, and his wife&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boston-quincy-b6a6baeed90000d051eb1415a7b9e65e">Abigail</a>, were the first first couple to move into the White House in 1800. But he was mistaken about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-inaugurations-302e242646b2bec9838b5e8d9950d164">John Quincy Adams</a>, who was John and Abigail’s son and the sixth president. He served from 1825 to 1829).<h2>William McKinley (1897-1901):</h2>“McKinley was a great president who never got credit. In fact, they changed the name of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-alaska-denali-mckinley-name-39c6e735fc56f4046200259cfe9e9934">Mount McKinley</a>&nbsp;and I changed it back because he should have been — the people of Ohio, he was the governor of Ohio — the people of Ohio were very happy when I did that. I heard they were very insulted. They took the name of Mount McKinley off. That was done by Obama a little while ago and I had to change it back. I changed it back. He actually was a great president. He was a president. He was the tariff, the most, I guess since me — I think I’m gonna outdo him — but he was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-gilded-age-mckinley-grover-cleveland-1592dab80ad7159266db51b5baa774b6">tariff president</a>. He believed that other countries should pay for the privilege of coming into our country and taking our jobs and taking our treasure. That’s the way he explained it. They took our jobs and they took our treasure. And for that he should pay. And he made them pay. And he built a tremendous fortune.”___Will Weissert covers the White House for The Associated Press.

What Trump said about former Presidents including Eisenhower

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039"></a>TOPEKA — Kansas brought in more than $10 billion in tax revenue in the most recent fiscal year, which is about the same as the previous year’s totals but better than state analysts predicted.

Tax revenues in fiscal year 2025 were about $249 million, or 2.5%, above what state analysts predicted when they revised their forecast in April. In weighing all of the state general fund’s revenues, expenditures and transfers from the past year, total receipts to the state general fund were about $10.02 billion, exceeding estimates by about $132 million, or 1.3%, but dwarfing the previous year’s total by about 1.2%.

Around $124 million was transferred out of the general fund into the state’s rainy day fund, a move that is required under law but was an unexpected transfer to state analysts.

The receipts were a glimpse at the end of the first full year of tax cuts passed during a special session last year, which promised $1.2 billion in tax relief over three years. The 2025 Legislature similarly passed tax relief measures that promised to lower individual and corporate income taxes, but only if the state exceeds revenue estimates and maintains its rainy day fund. The Legislature also passed legislation that will modestly reduce property taxes by eliminating statewide tax levies. Those recent cuts have yet to go into effect.

Gov. Laura Kelly attempted to veto the income tax cut legislation in April, but both chambers overrode the veto almost along party lines.

Kelly warned at the time of a serious “financial predicament ahead,” referring to “bizarre and irresponsible budget gimmicks” from the Republican-led Legislature. When combining the Legislature’s 2025 spending plan with income tax cuts and 2024 relief efforts, the state is expected to be $461 million in the red by fiscal year 2028.

“Ultimately, this will lead to a historically large budget deficit, rivaling the worst of the Brownback years,” she said in an April 18 statement following the release of updated revenue estimates.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican running for state insurance commissioner in 2026, pushed back against Kelly’s warnings.

“Governor Kelly’s repeated vetoes of tax cuts and her sky-is-falling rhetoric look especially foolish now,” he said in a statement Thursday.

Hawkins credited the Republican supermajorities in both chambers with saving Kansas taxpayer dollars and energizing the economy.

“Moving forward, we will continue with the budgeting reforms we implemented this year to reduce wasteful spending and ensure a strong financial future for our state,” he said.

At the time Republicans passed tax cuts and the budget, Democrats criticized them for failing to deliver on meaningful property tax relief, a major campaign topic for 2024 candidates of both parties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752077701625.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039"></a>TOPEKA — Kansas brought in more than $10 billion in tax revenue in the most recent fiscal year, which is about the same as the previous year’s totals but better than state analysts predicted.Tax revenues in fiscal year 2025 were about $249 million, or 2.5%, above what state analysts predicted when they revised their forecast in April. In weighing all of the state general fund’s revenues, expenditures and transfers from the past year, total receipts to the state general fund were about $10.02 billion, exceeding estimates by about $132 million, or 1.3%, but dwarfing the previous year’s total by about 1.2%.Around $124 million was transferred out of the general fund into the state’s rainy day fund, a move that is required under law but was an unexpected transfer to state analysts.The receipts were a glimpse at the end of the first full year of tax cuts passed during a special session last year, which promised $1.2 billion in tax relief over three years. The 2025 Legislature similarly passed tax relief measures that promised to lower individual and corporate income taxes, but only if the state exceeds revenue estimates and maintains its rainy day fund. The Legislature also passed legislation that will modestly reduce property taxes by eliminating statewide tax levies. Those recent cuts have yet to go into effect.Gov. Laura Kelly attempted to veto the income tax cut legislation in April, but both chambers overrode the veto almost along party lines.Kelly warned at the time of a serious “financial predicament ahead,” referring to “bizarre and irresponsible budget gimmicks” from the Republican-led Legislature. When combining the Legislature’s 2025 spending plan with income tax cuts and 2024 relief efforts, the state is expected to be $461 million in the red by fiscal year 2028.“Ultimately, this will lead to a historically large budget deficit, rivaling the worst of the Brownback years,” she said in an April 18 statement following the release of updated revenue estimates.House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican running for state insurance commissioner in 2026, pushed back against Kelly’s warnings.“Governor Kelly’s repeated vetoes of tax cuts and her sky-is-falling rhetoric look especially foolish now,” he said in a statement Thursday.Hawkins credited the Republican supermajorities in both chambers with saving Kansas taxpayer dollars and energizing the economy.“Moving forward, we will continue with the budgeting reforms we implemented this year to reduce wasteful spending and ensure a strong financial future for our state,” he said.At the time Republicans passed tax cuts and the budget, Democrats criticized them for failing to deliver on meaningful property tax relief, a major campaign topic for 2024 candidates of both parties.

Kansas tax collections better than expected in 2025, exceeding $10 billion

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement officers in the Kansas City were conducting proactive patrols recently and located a stolen vehicle, according to a social media report from Kansas City, Missouri Police. They were able to stop-sticking the vehicle.&nbsp; The driver refused to stop. When the car eventually stopped, the suspect ran, but couldn't outrun officers. 

Officers found cocaine, fentanyl, 2 firearms and 200 rounds of ammo.

The suspect is now facing various felony charges, including drug trafficking. Police did not release the suspect's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751970007851.png" alt="Photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement officers in the Kansas City were conducting proactive patrols recently and located a stolen vehicle, according to a social media report from Kansas City, Missouri Police. They were able to stop-sticking the vehicle.&nbsp; The driver refused to stop. When the car eventually stopped, the suspect ran, but couldn't outrun officers. Officers found cocaine, fentanyl, 2 firearms and 200 rounds of ammo.The suspect is now facing various felony charges, including drug trafficking. Police did not release the suspect's name.

KCPD: Fentanyl, cocaine, firearms and ammo in stolen vehicle

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Iranian attack on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/al-udeid-air-base-military-qatar-iran-501e9e64e80480ef3aa4ee43c1243235">an air base in Qatar</a>&nbsp;that’s key to the U.S. military hit a geodesic dome housing equipment used by the Americans for secure communications, satellite images analyzed Friday by The Associated Press show.

Hours after the publication of this AP report, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell acknowledged that an Iranian ballistic missile had hit the dome. Qatar did not respond to requests for comment about the damage.

The Iranian attack on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-world-cup-sports-soccer-united-states-9beb3f93a06ec0c91a5170bfa9f0218b">Al Udeid Air Base</a>&nbsp;outside of Doha, Qatar’s capital, on June 23 came as a response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-talks-geneva-news-06-21-2025-a7b0cdaba28b5817467ccf712d214579">American bombing of three nuclear sites</a>&nbsp;in Iran — and provided the Islamic Republic a way to retaliate that quickly led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-trump-ceasefire-attacks-continue-f1e60190722cc3410b69f21717872ffa">a ceasefire</a>&nbsp;brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump ending the 12-day Iran-Israel war.

The Iranian attack otherwise did little damage — likely because of the fact that the U.S. evacuated its aircraft from the base, which is home to the forward headquarters of the U.S. military’s Central Command, before the attack.

Trump also has said that Iran signaled when and how it would retaliate, allowing American and Qatari air defense to be ready for the attack, which briefly disrupted air travel in the Middle East, but otherwise didn’t tip over into the regional war long feared by analysts.

Images show burn marks, dome gone after attack

Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC show the geodesic dome visible at the Al Udeid Air Base on the morning of June 23, just hours before the attack.

The U.S. Air Force’s 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which operates out of the base, announced in 2016 the installation of the $15 million piece of equipment, known as a modernized enterprise terminal. Photos show a satellite dish inside of the dome, known as a radome.

Images taken June 25 and every day subsequently show the dome is gone, with some damage visible on a nearby building. The rest of the base appears largely untouched in the images.

In a statement, Parnell said the missile strike “did minimal damage to equipment and structures on the base.”

“Al Udeid Air Base remains fully operational and capable of conducting its mission, alongside our Qatari partners, to provide security and stability in the region,” he added.

The London-based satellite news channel Iran International first reported on the damage, citing satellite photos taken by a different provider.

Trump downplayed attack while Iran boasted about it

In the U.S., Trump described the Iranian attack as a “very weak response.” He had said that Tehran fired 14 missiles, with 13 intercepted and one being “set free” as it was going in a “nonthreatening” direction.

“I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured,” he wrote on his website Truth Social.

The White House had no immediate comment after Parnell’s acknowledgment Friday. Trump visited Al Udeid Air Base on May 15 as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-middle-east-syria-qatar-saudi-arabia-8bd63b3f9fc1856532a00adf1795e38f">part of his Mideast tour</a>.

After the attack, Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard insisted that the air base had been the “target of a destructive and powerful missile attack.” Iran’s Supreme National Security Council also said that the base had been “smashed,” without offering any specific damage assessments.

Potentially signaling that he knew the dome had been hit, an adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei separately said that the base’s communications had been disconnected by the attack.

“All equipment of the base was completely destroyed and now the U.S. command stream and connection from Al Udeid base to its other military bases have been completely cut,” said Ahmad Alamolhoda, a hard-line cleric.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734556522043.png" alt="Photo Associated Presss" />
 <figcaption>Photo Associated Presss</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Iranian attack on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/al-udeid-air-base-military-qatar-iran-501e9e64e80480ef3aa4ee43c1243235">an air base in Qatar</a>&nbsp;that’s key to the U.S. military hit a geodesic dome housing equipment used by the Americans for secure communications, satellite images analyzed Friday by The Associated Press show.Hours after the publication of this AP report, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell acknowledged that an Iranian ballistic missile had hit the dome. Qatar did not respond to requests for comment about the damage.The Iranian attack on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-world-cup-sports-soccer-united-states-9beb3f93a06ec0c91a5170bfa9f0218b">Al Udeid Air Base</a>&nbsp;outside of Doha, Qatar’s capital, on June 23 came as a response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-talks-geneva-news-06-21-2025-a7b0cdaba28b5817467ccf712d214579">American bombing of three nuclear sites</a>&nbsp;in Iran — and provided the Islamic Republic a way to retaliate that quickly led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-trump-ceasefire-attacks-continue-f1e60190722cc3410b69f21717872ffa">a ceasefire</a>&nbsp;brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump ending the 12-day Iran-Israel war.The Iranian attack otherwise did little damage — likely because of the fact that the U.S. evacuated its aircraft from the base, which is home to the forward headquarters of the U.S. military’s Central Command, before the attack.Trump also has said that Iran signaled when and how it would retaliate, allowing American and Qatari air defense to be ready for the attack, which briefly disrupted air travel in the Middle East, but otherwise didn’t tip over into the regional war long feared by analysts.<h2>Images show burn marks, dome gone after attack</h2>Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC show the geodesic dome visible at the Al Udeid Air Base on the morning of June 23, just hours before the attack.The U.S. Air Force’s 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which operates out of the base, announced in 2016 the installation of the $15 million piece of equipment, known as a modernized enterprise terminal. Photos show a satellite dish inside of the dome, known as a radome.Images taken June 25 and every day subsequently show the dome is gone, with some damage visible on a nearby building. The rest of the base appears largely untouched in the images.In a statement, Parnell said the missile strike “did minimal damage to equipment and structures on the base.”“Al Udeid Air Base remains fully operational and capable of conducting its mission, alongside our Qatari partners, to provide security and stability in the region,” he added.The London-based satellite news channel Iran International first reported on the damage, citing satellite photos taken by a different provider.<h2>Trump downplayed attack while Iran boasted about it</h2>In the U.S., Trump described the Iranian attack as a “very weak response.” He had said that Tehran fired 14 missiles, with 13 intercepted and one being “set free” as it was going in a “nonthreatening” direction.“I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured,” he wrote on his website Truth Social.The White House had no immediate comment after Parnell’s acknowledgment Friday. Trump visited Al Udeid Air Base on May 15 as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-middle-east-syria-qatar-saudi-arabia-8bd63b3f9fc1856532a00adf1795e38f">part of his Mideast tour</a>.After the attack, Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard insisted that the air base had been the “target of a destructive and powerful missile attack.” Iran’s Supreme National Security Council also said that the base had been “smashed,” without offering any specific damage assessments.Potentially signaling that he knew the dome had been hit, an adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei separately said that the base’s communications had been disconnected by the attack.“All equipment of the base was completely destroyed and now the U.S. command stream and connection from Al Udeid base to its other military bases have been completely cut,” said Ahmad Alamolhoda, a hard-line cleric.___

Pentagon confirms U.S. air base hit with an Iranian ballistic missile during June attack

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations after an encounter with a deputy sheriff.

Just after 8p.m. June 29,&nbsp; a sheriff's deputy made contact with a man in the 200 block of NE Norris Street in rural Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the encounter, it was discovered that the individual, identified as 37-year-old Daniel S. Brewer of Topeka had a warrant for his arrest. The deputy also found illegal narcotics.

The deputy arrested Brewer booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on the requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body

Brewer had a parole violation hold for the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has previous convictions for burglary, theft and drugs according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751380706320.png" alt="Brewer photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Brewer photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations after an encounter with a deputy sheriff.Just after 8p.m. June 29,&nbsp; a sheriff's deputy made contact with a man in the 200 block of NE Norris Street in rural Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the encounter, it was discovered that the individual, identified as 37-year-old Daniel S. Brewer of Topeka had a warrant for his arrest. The deputy also found illegal narcotics.The deputy arrested Brewer booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on the requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human bodyBrewer had a parole violation hold for the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has previous convictions for burglary, theft and drugs according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Wanted Kansas felon remains jailed after encounter with deputy

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry&nbsp;Moran&nbsp;of Kansas emphasized in a speech the importance of sustained support for Ukraine in the battle against Russia’s invasion and praised President Donald Trump’s commitment to resume weapon shipments authorized by Congress.

Moran, a Republican, said Trump would rely on authority granted the administration to oppose aggression of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who dramatically escalated conflict in Ukraine during 2022. This week, Trump said Russian forces were violating human rights and Ukraine needed arms such as the Patriot air defense missile.

“This commitment is vital, ensuring that Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to protect its people and its territory against ongoing aggression,” Moran said. “If we allow a dictator to redraw borders by force, then what message does that send to other authoritarian regimes watching closely around the globe, including China? It sends a message of weakness, it invites further aggression and it threatens our allies and partners around the globe.”

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jw0KF8TxmU" target="_blank">speech on the floor of the Senate</a>&nbsp;this week, Moran said the cost of inaction by the United States would far outweigh the cost of action.

“If Putin is not stopped in Ukraine, the likelihood of a direct confrontation between Russia and a NATO ally dramatically increases. That would mean a far greater cost, not just in resources, but potentially in American lives,” the Kansas senator said.

On Thursday, Trump said U.S. weapons would be transferred to NATO for delivery to Ukraine. The military alliance would pay the brunt of the cost.

“We need to make certain Ukraine has the equipment necessary to win a just and lasting peace,” Moran said. “We are interested in that peace. We want that peace.”

Moran said one goal should be to strengthen domestic defense production capabilities to “ensure that we have a resilient industrial base with the ability to handle all the possible threats the United States faces now and into the future.”

He said 90% of aid delivered to Ukraine would create jobs and bolster defense manufacturing in the United States.

“By aiding Ukraine, we are replenishing our own stockpiles with new, more advanced equipment and demonstrating American leadership on the global stage,” Moran said.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry&nbsp;Moran&nbsp;of Kansas emphasized in a speech the importance of sustained support for Ukraine in the battle against Russia’s invasion and praised President Donald Trump’s commitment to resume weapon shipments authorized by Congress.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump tried to negotiate a peace agreement, but Putin made it clear he is not interested in peace. If we allow a dictator to redraw borders by force, what message does that send to other authoritarian regimes watching around the globe. I applaud President Trump’s… <a href="https://t.co/nTNTe5L3za">pic.twitter.com/nTNTe5L3za</a>&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1943301932585472085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Moran, a Republican, said Trump would rely on authority granted the administration to oppose aggression of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who dramatically escalated conflict in Ukraine during 2022. This week, Trump said Russian forces were violating human rights and Ukraine needed arms such as the Patriot air defense missile.“This commitment is vital, ensuring that Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to protect its people and its territory against ongoing aggression,” Moran said. “If we allow a dictator to redraw borders by force, then what message does that send to other authoritarian regimes watching closely around the globe, including China? It sends a message of weakness, it invites further aggression and it threatens our allies and partners around the globe.”In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jw0KF8TxmU" target="_blank">speech on the floor of the Senate</a>&nbsp;this week, Moran said the cost of inaction by the United States would far outweigh the cost of action.“If Putin is not stopped in Ukraine, the likelihood of a direct confrontation between Russia and a NATO ally dramatically increases. That would mean a far greater cost, not just in resources, but potentially in American lives,” the Kansas senator said.On Thursday, Trump said U.S. weapons would be transferred to NATO for delivery to Ukraine. The military alliance would pay the brunt of the cost.“We need to make certain Ukraine has the equipment necessary to win a just and lasting peace,” Moran said. “We are interested in that peace. We want that peace.”Moran said one goal should be to strengthen domestic defense production capabilities to “ensure that we have a resilient industrial base with the ability to handle all the possible threats the United States faces now and into the future.”He said 90% of aid delivered to Ukraine would create jobs and bolster defense manufacturing in the United States.“By aiding Ukraine, we are replenishing our own stockpiles with new, more advanced equipment and demonstrating American leadership on the global stage,” Moran said.

🎥 Moran urges sustained U.S. military aid to Ukraine to stem Russian aggression

FINNEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Friday in Finney County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Ford F150 driven by&nbsp;Alondra Felix, 28, Garden City, was westbound in the 4300 Block of U.S. 50. The pickup attempted to turn south in front of an eastbound 2009 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Jeff Bogner, 50, Cimmaron, into the trailer park at 4170 E U.S. 50.&nbsp; The motorcycle struck the passenger side of the pickup.

EMS transported Bogner to St. Catherine's where he was pronounced deceased just before 8p.m.&nbsp; Felix was not injured and not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Bogner was not wearing a helmet, according to the crash log report.

FINNEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Friday in Finney County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Ford F150 driven by&nbsp;Alondra Felix, 28, Garden City, was westbound in the 4300 Block of U.S. 50. The pickup attempted to turn south in front of an eastbound 2009 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Jeff Bogner, 50, Cimmaron, into the trailer park at 4170 E U.S. 50.&nbsp; The motorcycle struck the passenger side of the pickup.EMS transported Bogner to St. Catherine's where he was pronounced deceased just before 8p.m.&nbsp; Felix was not injured and not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Bogner was not wearing a helmet, according to the crash log report.

Kansas man dies after motorcycle, pickup crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.&nbsp;

Just before 4a.m. July 9, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist near NE Paramore Street and NE Quincy Street for a traffic violation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, the individual initially gave a false name and date of birth. 

When notified that he had a warrant for his arrest, the man then gave his real name and date of birth, in which he also had a warrant for his arrest. Illegal narcotics were also located.

Geddy L. Barlow, 37, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Dept. of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and Interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751971521153.png" alt="Barlow photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Barlow photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.&nbsp;Just before 4a.m. July 9, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist near NE Paramore Street and NE Quincy Street for a traffic violation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, the individual initially gave a false name and date of birth. When notified that he had a warrant for his arrest, the man then gave his real name and date of birth, in which he also had a warrant for his arrest. Illegal narcotics were also located.Geddy L. Barlow, 37, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Dept. of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and Interference with law enforcement.

Kan. drug suspect on bicycle lied to deputy about his name

WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided federal appeals court on Friday threw out an agreement that would have allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/guantanamo-911-detainees-biden-trump-2216929adc77c376edef66290d781850">accused Sept. 11 mastermind</a>&nbsp;Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to plead guilty in a deal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/guantanamo-plea-deal-911-austin-death-penalty-073c3455e27ecbfd0f7dd524ccffdef3">sparing him the risk of execution</a>&nbsp;for al-Qaida’s 2001 attacks.

The decision by a panel of the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., undoes an attempt to wrap up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sept-11-guantanamo-plea-deal-families-trial-aa0b4ec72cac3dfdcaeb515371b3129e">more than two decades of military prosecution</a>&nbsp;beset by legal and logistical troubles. It signals there will be no quick end to the long struggle by the U.S. military and successive administrations to bring to justice the man charged with planning one of the deadliest attacks ever on the United States.

The deal, negotiated over two years and approved by military prosecutors and the Pentagon’s senior official for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a year ago, stipulated life sentences without parole for Mohammed and two co-defendants.

Mohammed is accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/september-11-attacks-khalid-sheikh-mohammed-guantanamo-ad3dec0045f642194d06730b00e78cb2">developing and directing the plot</a>&nbsp;to crash hijacked airliners into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Another of the hijacked planes flew into a field in Pennsylvania.

Relatives of the Sept. 11 victims were split on the plea deal. Some objected to it, saying a trial was the best path to justice and to gaining more information about the attacks, while others saw it as the best hope for bringing the painful case to a conclusion and getting some answers from the defendants.

The plea deal would have obligated the men to answer any lingering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sept-11-guantanamo-plea-deal-families-trial-aa0b4ec72cac3dfdcaeb515371b3129e">questions that families of the victims have</a>&nbsp;about the attacks.

But then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/guantanamo-sept-11-defendants-austin-defense-bf450589039b761c028492a348da4ea5">repudiated the deal</a>, saying a decision on the death penalty in an attack as grave as Sept. 11 should only be made by the defense secretary.

Attorneys for the defendants had argued that the agreement was already legally in effect and that Austin, who served under President Joe Biden, acted too late to try to throw it out. A military judge at Guantanamo and a military appeals panel agreed with the defense lawyers.

But, by a 2-1 vote, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found Austin acted within his authority and faulted the military judge’s ruling.

The panel had previously put the agreement on hold while it considered the appeal,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/911-khalid-sheikh-mohammed-plea-guantanamo-austin-02fc64818a46a4bed14742bffa80db3c">first filed by the Biden administration</a>&nbsp;and then continued under President Donald Trump.

“Having properly assumed the convening authority, the Secretary determined that the ‘families and the American public deserve the opportunity to see military commission trials carried out.’ The Secretary acted within the bounds of his legal authority, and we decline to second-guess his judgment,” judges Patricia Millett and Neomi Rao wrote.

Millett was an appointee of President Barack Obama while Rao was appointed by Trump.

In a dissent, Judge Robert Wilkins, an Obama appointee, wrote, “The government has not come within a country mile of proving clearly and indisputably that the Military Judge erred.”

Brett Eagleson, who was among the family members who objected to the deal, called Friday’s appellate ruling “a good win, for now.”

“A plea deal allows this to be tucked away into a nice, pretty package, wrapped into a bow and put on a shelf and forgotten about,” said Eagleson, who was 15 when his father, shopping center executive John Bruce Eagleson, was killed in the attacks.

Brett Eagleson was unmoved by the deal’s provisions for the defendants to answer Sept. 11 families’ questions; he wonders how truthful the men would be. In his view, “the only valid way to get answers and seek the truth is through a trial” and pretrial fact-finding.

Elizabeth Miller, who was 6 when the attacks killed her father, firefighter Douglas Miller, was among those who supported the deal.

“Of course, growing up, a trial would have been great initially,” she said. But “we’re in 2025, and we’re still at the pretrial stage.”

“I just really don’t think a trial is possible,” said Miller, who also favored the deal because of her opposition to the death penalty in general.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722465359811.jpeg" alt="FILE - This Monday, Dec. 8, 2008 courtroom drawing by artist Janet Hamlin and reviewed by the U.S. military, shows Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, center, and co-defendant Walid Bin Attash, left, attending a pre-trial session at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba. The man accused of being the main plotter in al-Qaeda's Sept. 11, 2001 attacks has agreed to plead guilty, The Defense Department said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Janet Hamlin, Pool, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - This Monday, Dec. 8, 2008 courtroom drawing by artist Janet Hamlin and reviewed by the U.S. military, shows Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, center, and co-defendant Walid Bin Attash, left, attending a pre-trial session at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba. The man accused of being the main plotter in al-Qaeda's Sept. 11, 2001 attacks has agreed to plead guilty, The Defense Department said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Janet Hamlin, Pool, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided federal appeals court on Friday threw out an agreement that would have allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/guantanamo-911-detainees-biden-trump-2216929adc77c376edef66290d781850">accused Sept. 11 mastermind</a>&nbsp;Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to plead guilty in a deal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/guantanamo-plea-deal-911-austin-death-penalty-073c3455e27ecbfd0f7dd524ccffdef3">sparing him the risk of execution</a>&nbsp;for al-Qaida’s 2001 attacks.The decision by a panel of the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., undoes an attempt to wrap up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sept-11-guantanamo-plea-deal-families-trial-aa0b4ec72cac3dfdcaeb515371b3129e">more than two decades of military prosecution</a>&nbsp;beset by legal and logistical troubles. It signals there will be no quick end to the long struggle by the U.S. military and successive administrations to bring to justice the man charged with planning one of the deadliest attacks ever on the United States.The deal, negotiated over two years and approved by military prosecutors and the Pentagon’s senior official for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a year ago, stipulated life sentences without parole for Mohammed and two co-defendants.Mohammed is accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/september-11-attacks-khalid-sheikh-mohammed-guantanamo-ad3dec0045f642194d06730b00e78cb2">developing and directing the plot</a>&nbsp;to crash hijacked airliners into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Another of the hijacked planes flew into a field in Pennsylvania.Relatives of the Sept. 11 victims were split on the plea deal. Some objected to it, saying a trial was the best path to justice and to gaining more information about the attacks, while others saw it as the best hope for bringing the painful case to a conclusion and getting some answers from the defendants.The plea deal would have obligated the men to answer any lingering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sept-11-guantanamo-plea-deal-families-trial-aa0b4ec72cac3dfdcaeb515371b3129e">questions that families of the victims have</a>&nbsp;about the attacks.But then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/guantanamo-sept-11-defendants-austin-defense-bf450589039b761c028492a348da4ea5">repudiated the deal</a>, saying a decision on the death penalty in an attack as grave as Sept. 11 should only be made by the defense secretary.Attorneys for the defendants had argued that the agreement was already legally in effect and that Austin, who served under President Joe Biden, acted too late to try to throw it out. A military judge at Guantanamo and a military appeals panel agreed with the defense lawyers.But, by a 2-1 vote, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found Austin acted within his authority and faulted the military judge’s ruling.The panel had previously put the agreement on hold while it considered the appeal,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/911-khalid-sheikh-mohammed-plea-guantanamo-austin-02fc64818a46a4bed14742bffa80db3c">first filed by the Biden administration</a>&nbsp;and then continued under President Donald Trump.“Having properly assumed the convening authority, the Secretary determined that the ‘families and the American public deserve the opportunity to see military commission trials carried out.’ The Secretary acted within the bounds of his legal authority, and we decline to second-guess his judgment,” judges Patricia Millett and Neomi Rao wrote.Millett was an appointee of President Barack Obama while Rao was appointed by Trump.In a dissent, Judge Robert Wilkins, an Obama appointee, wrote, “The government has not come within a country mile of proving clearly and indisputably that the Military Judge erred.”Brett Eagleson, who was among the family members who objected to the deal, called Friday’s appellate ruling “a good win, for now.”“A plea deal allows this to be tucked away into a nice, pretty package, wrapped into a bow and put on a shelf and forgotten about,” said Eagleson, who was 15 when his father, shopping center executive John Bruce Eagleson, was killed in the attacks.Brett Eagleson was unmoved by the deal’s provisions for the defendants to answer Sept. 11 families’ questions; he wonders how truthful the men would be. In his view, “the only valid way to get answers and seek the truth is through a trial” and pretrial fact-finding.Elizabeth Miller, who was 6 when the attacks killed her father, firefighter Douglas Miller, was among those who supported the deal.“Of course, growing up, a trial would have been great initially,” she said. But “we’re in 2025, and we’re still at the pretrial stage.”“I just really don’t think a trial is possible,” said Miller, who also favored the deal because of her opposition to the death penalty in general.

Court throws out plea deal for 9/11 mastermind

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752266854590.png" alt="President Trump and the first lady with first responders in Texas-image courtesy White House video" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and the first lady with first responders in Texas-image courtesy White House video</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>: &quot;My deepest sympathy to all of the parents who lost beautiful young souls ... We are grieving with you. Our nation is grieving with you.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xYKFsBJ4Hu">pic.twitter.com/xYKFsBJ4Hu</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1943764177593807032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump gets a question about possible delays to flood warnings: &quot;I just have admiration for the job that everybody did. Only a bad person would ask a question like that...I don&#39;t know who you are but only a very evil person would ask a question like that.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/55lk5GoFK9">pic.twitter.com/55lk5GoFK9</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1943778362008199397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump&#39;s opening remarks at roundtable on Texas floods: &quot;Our nation, we mourn for every life that was swept away in the flood and we pray for the families that are left behind.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/GAGMwsSekw">pic.twitter.com/GAGMwsSekw</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1943769914629591536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DrPhil?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrPhil</a> at roundtable on Texas floods: &quot;We know, psychologically, that the number one stressor that we can experience in life is the loss of a child…The truth is you never get over it. You get through it.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UtFCpJ9tKo">pic.twitter.com/UtFCpJ9tKo</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1943775546623627268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A Texas State Trooper tells President Trump on the recovery from the devastating flood: &quot;I want to thank you, too, sir — because if we didn&#39;t have a secure border, we wouldn&#39;t have this many assets to move. I wanted to say that to you personally.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/kht5XpIkha">pic.twitter.com/kht5XpIkha</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1943774212667113594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> gives his thanks to first responders in Kerrville, Texas: &quot;This was a terrible situation but we appreciate the job you&#39;ve done very much — very special people.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/A66w51IBn4">pic.twitter.com/A66w51IBn4</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1943773106289713474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sec_Noem</a>: &quot;What we are doing here, sir, is empowering the state and the local officials to make the best decisions for their people — because they know their people, they know their community... So thank you for being a President who trusts people.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/aF0BLFuiXe">pic.twitter.com/aF0BLFuiXe</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1943766247629263326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Governor <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GregAbbott_TX</a>: &quot;We cannot thank you enough for deploying the <a href="https://twitter.com/USCG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USCG</a>, deploying the resources... When I made a request for a disaster declaration, you and your Administration granted that. This is the fastest that I&#39;m aware of, of any Administration responding...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/zoeXqV0whf">pic.twitter.com/zoeXqV0whf</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1943765422408335465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> honors the memory of the girls of Camp Mystic: &quot;They were there because they loved God. And as we grieve this unthinkable tragedy, we take comfort in the knowledge that God has welcomed those little beautiful girls into his comforting arms in heaven.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/XPo2H46U51">pic.twitter.com/XPo2H46U51</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1943762101903688131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> in Kerrville, Texas: &quot;The people here — first responders, the sheriff&#39;s office, all of police, law enforcement — they&#39;ve done an unbelievable job.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/0s5uVZmKqo">pic.twitter.com/0s5uVZmKqo</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1943760942073819426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥First lady, President share thoughts after seeing Texas flood damage

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Panasonic is delaying full production in its De Soto battery plant because of dropping electric car sales and U.S. policies that do not support electric cars, international media reports.&nbsp;

The $4 billion economic development project, billed as the largest in Kansas history, is threatened because of decreased electric car sales at Tesla and skepticism from President Donald Trump about encouraging electric vehicle adoption, according to the Nikkei Asia news outlet.&nbsp;

The plant was expected to reach full production by March 2027, and a new target date has not been set, Nikkei reported.

The president’s “big, beautiful bill” eliminates tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles as of Sept. 30, along with eliminating or decreasing multiple green energy tax credits.&nbsp;

The De Soto plant, which was projected to create 4,000 jobs, has a grand opening scheduled Monday.&nbsp;

The Panasonic plant began construction in 2023 after receiving Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/10/kansas-officials-pursue-new-megadeals-with-semiconductor-makers/">tax credits</a>, through a program known as APEX that the state created to draw in large economic development projects. Incentives include rebates on capital investments, payroll and staff training.&nbsp;

The APEX program also lowers the corporate income tax rate by 0.5% for Kansas businesses for the fiscal year after a megadeal is signed. Under the APEX deal, Panasonic was expected to receive $829.2 million over 10 years.&nbsp;

The company had plans to provide at least 4,000 jobs, increasing the state’s annual labor income by more than $505 million. The state anticipated the project will create an additional 4,000 jobs through suppliers and community businesses. The state expected to see a $26 return for every $1 invested in tax incentives.

The De Soto community&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desotoks.us/417/Development-Agreement" target="_blank">also offered incentives&nbsp;</a>that were based on the company agreeing to employ 2,500 employees, well below the estimated full employment of 4,000.&nbsp;

The city offered to complete $229 million of public infrastructure projects, such as road improvements, and water and sewer projects, using Tax Increment Financing funds, a common economic development tool that uses increased property taxes received from developments to fund projects.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667413001389.png" alt="Governor Kelly and Congresswoman Sharice Davids during the ground breaking for the Plant in Nov. 2022 -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly and Congresswoman Sharice Davids during the ground breaking for the Plant in Nov. 2022 -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Panasonic is delaying full production in its De Soto battery plant because of dropping electric car sales and U.S. policies that do not support electric cars, international media reports.&nbsp;The $4 billion economic development project, billed as the largest in Kansas history, is threatened because of decreased electric car sales at Tesla and skepticism from President Donald Trump about encouraging electric vehicle adoption, according to the Nikkei Asia news outlet.&nbsp;The plant was expected to reach full production by March 2027, and a new target date has not been set, Nikkei reported.The president’s “big, beautiful bill” eliminates tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles as of Sept. 30, along with eliminating or decreasing multiple green energy tax credits.&nbsp;The De Soto plant, which was projected to create 4,000 jobs, has a grand opening scheduled Monday.&nbsp;The Panasonic plant began construction in 2023 after receiving Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/10/kansas-officials-pursue-new-megadeals-with-semiconductor-makers/">tax credits</a>, through a program known as APEX that the state created to draw in large economic development projects. Incentives include rebates on capital investments, payroll and staff training.&nbsp;The APEX program also lowers the corporate income tax rate by 0.5% for Kansas businesses for the fiscal year after a megadeal is signed. Under the APEX deal, Panasonic was expected to receive $829.2 million over 10 years.&nbsp;The company had plans to provide at least 4,000 jobs, increasing the state’s annual labor income by more than $505 million. The state anticipated the project will create an additional 4,000 jobs through suppliers and community businesses. The state expected to see a $26 return for every $1 invested in tax incentives.The De Soto community&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desotoks.us/417/Development-Agreement" target="_blank">also offered incentives&nbsp;</a>that were based on the company agreeing to employ 2,500 employees, well below the estimated full employment of 4,000.&nbsp;The city offered to complete $229 million of public infrastructure projects, such as road improvements, and water and sewer projects, using Tax Increment Financing funds, a common economic development tool that uses increased property taxes received from developments to fund projects.&nbsp;

Panasonic to delay production at Kansas battery plant as electric car sales decline, policies shift

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/walmart-inc">Walmart</a>&nbsp;is recalling about 850,000 stainless steel water bottles because the lid can “forcefully eject” and unexpectedly strike consumers — resulting in permanent vision loss for two people to date.

The recall covers Walmart's “Ozark Trail 64 oz Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottles," which have been sold at the chain's stores across the country since 2017. According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Walmart-Recalls-Ozark-Trail-64-oz-Water-Bottles-Due-to-Serious-Impact-and-Laceration-Hazards">notice</a>&nbsp;published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday, these products pose “serious impact and laceration hazards.”

That's because when a consumer attempts to open the bottles “after food, carbonated beverages or perishable beverages, such as juice or milk, are stored inside over time,” the lid can eject forcefully, the CPSC notes.

As of Thursday's announcement, Walmart had received three reports of consumers who were injured after being struck in the face by these lids when opening their bottles. And two of those people “suffered permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye,” the CPSC added.

Consumers are urged to stop using the now-recalled Ozark Trail bottles — and contact Walmart for a full refund. Shoppers can also bring the products to their local Walmart store for that compensation.

“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority," Walmart said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. The company added that it had “fully cooperated” with the CPSC and the manufacturer of the recalled product “to remove it from our stores and notify consumers"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752254959750.png" alt="Photo Consumer Product Safety Commission" />
 <figcaption>Photo Consumer Product Safety Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/walmart-inc">Walmart</a>&nbsp;is recalling about 850,000 stainless steel water bottles because the lid can “forcefully eject” and unexpectedly strike consumers — resulting in permanent vision loss for two people to date.The recall covers Walmart's “Ozark Trail 64 oz Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottles," which have been sold at the chain's stores across the country since 2017. According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Walmart-Recalls-Ozark-Trail-64-oz-Water-Bottles-Due-to-Serious-Impact-and-Laceration-Hazards">notice</a>&nbsp;published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday, these products pose “serious impact and laceration hazards.”That's because when a consumer attempts to open the bottles “after food, carbonated beverages or perishable beverages, such as juice or milk, are stored inside over time,” the lid can eject forcefully, the CPSC notes.As of Thursday's announcement, Walmart had received three reports of consumers who were injured after being struck in the face by these lids when opening their bottles. And two of those people “suffered permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye,” the CPSC added.Consumers are urged to stop using the now-recalled Ozark Trail bottles — and contact Walmart for a full refund. Shoppers can also bring the products to their local Walmart store for that compensation.“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority," Walmart said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. The company added that it had “fully cooperated” with the CPSC and the manufacturer of the recalled product “to remove it from our stores and notify consumers"

Walmart recalls water bottles after 2 blinded by exploding caps

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jon-gambrell">JON GAMBRELL</a>

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Iranian attack on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/al-udeid-air-base-military-qatar-iran-501e9e64e80480ef3aa4ee43c1243235">an air base in Qatar key to the U.S. military</a>&nbsp;likely hit a geodesic dome housing equipment used by the Americans for secure communications, satellite images analyzed Friday by The Associated Press show.

The U.S. military and Qatar did not immediately respond to requests for comment over the damage, which so far has not been publicly acknowledged. The Iranian attack on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-world-cup-sports-soccer-united-states-9beb3f93a06ec0c91a5170bfa9f0218b">Al Udeid Air Base</a>&nbsp;outside of Doha, Qatar’s capital, on June 23 came as a response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-talks-geneva-news-06-21-2025-a7b0cdaba28b5817467ccf712d214579">the American bombing of three nuclear sites in Tehran</a>&nbsp;— and provided the Islamic Republic a way to retaliate that quickly led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-trump-ceasefire-attacks-continue-f1e60190722cc3410b69f21717872ffa">a ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;ending the 12-day Iran-Israel war.

The Iranian attack otherwise did little damage — likely due to the fact that the U.S. evacuated its aircraft from the base home to the forward headquarters of the U.S. military’s Central Command ahead of the attack. Trump also has said Iran signaled when and how it would retaliate, allowing American and Qatari air defense to be ready for the attack, which briefly disrupted air travel in the Middle East but otherwise didn’t tip over into the regional war long feared by analysts.

Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC show the geodesic dome visible at the Al Udeid Air Base on the morning of June 23, just hours before the attack. The U.S. Air Force’s 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which operates out of the base, in 2016 announced the installation of the $15 million piece of equipment, known as a modernized enterprise terminal. Photos show a satellite dish inside of the dome, known as a radome.

It’s possible a fragment or something else struck the dome, but given the destruction of the dome, it was likely an Iranian attack, possibly with a bomb-carrying drone given the limited visible damage to surrounding structures.

In the U.S., Trump described the Iranian attack as a “very weak response.” He had said Tehran fired 14 missiles, with 13 intercepted and one being “set free” as it was going in a “nonthreatening” direction.

After the attack, Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard insisted the air base had been the “target of a destructive and powerful missile attack.” Iran’s Supreme National Security Council also claimed the base had been “smashed,” without offering any specific damage assessments.

Potentially signaling he knew the dome had been hit, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei separately claimed the base’s communications had been disconnected by the attack.

Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750936010746.png" alt="In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks to a group of people and officials in Tehran, Iran, Friday, March 21, 2025. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks to a group of people and officials in Tehran, Iran, Friday, March 21, 2025. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jon-gambrell">JON GAMBRELL</a>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Iranian attack on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/al-udeid-air-base-military-qatar-iran-501e9e64e80480ef3aa4ee43c1243235">an air base in Qatar key to the U.S. military</a>&nbsp;likely hit a geodesic dome housing equipment used by the Americans for secure communications, satellite images analyzed Friday by The Associated Press show.The U.S. military and Qatar did not immediately respond to requests for comment over the damage, which so far has not been publicly acknowledged. The Iranian attack on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-world-cup-sports-soccer-united-states-9beb3f93a06ec0c91a5170bfa9f0218b">Al Udeid Air Base</a>&nbsp;outside of Doha, Qatar’s capital, on June 23 came as a response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-talks-geneva-news-06-21-2025-a7b0cdaba28b5817467ccf712d214579">the American bombing of three nuclear sites in Tehran</a>&nbsp;— and provided the Islamic Republic a way to retaliate that quickly led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-trump-ceasefire-attacks-continue-f1e60190722cc3410b69f21717872ffa">a ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;ending the 12-day Iran-Israel war.The Iranian attack otherwise did little damage — likely due to the fact that the U.S. evacuated its aircraft from the base home to the forward headquarters of the U.S. military’s Central Command ahead of the attack. Trump also has said Iran signaled when and how it would retaliate, allowing American and Qatari air defense to be ready for the attack, which briefly disrupted air travel in the Middle East but otherwise didn’t tip over into the regional war long feared by analysts.<h2>Images show burn marks, dome gone after attack</h2>Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC show the geodesic dome visible at the Al Udeid Air Base on the morning of June 23, just hours before the attack. The U.S. Air Force’s 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which operates out of the base, in 2016 announced the installation of the $15 million piece of equipment, known as a modernized enterprise terminal. Photos show a satellite dish inside of the dome, known as a radome.Images taken June 25 and every day subsequently show the dome is gone, with some damage visible on a nearby building. The rest of the base appears largely untouched in the images.It’s possible a fragment or something else struck the dome, but given the destruction of the dome, it was likely an Iranian attack, possibly with a bomb-carrying drone given the limited visible damage to surrounding structures.The London-based satellite news channel Iran International first reported on the damage, citing satellite photos taken by a different provider.<h2>Trump downplayed attack while Iran boasted about it</h2>In the U.S., Trump described the Iranian attack as a “very weak response.” He had said Tehran fired 14 missiles, with 13 intercepted and one being “set free” as it was going in a “nonthreatening” direction.“I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured,” he wrote on his website Truth Social.After the attack, Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard insisted the air base had been the “target of a destructive and powerful missile attack.” Iran’s Supreme National Security Council also claimed the base had been “smashed,” without offering any specific damage assessments.Potentially signaling he knew the dome had been hit, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei separately claimed the base’s communications had been disconnected by the attack.“All equipment of the base was completely destroyed and now the U.S. command stream and connection from Al Udeid base to its other military bases have been completely cut,” said Ahmad Alamolhoda, a hard-line cleric.___Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.

New details show damage from Iran strike on US air base

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man injured in a fatal fight on July 4, made his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.

&nbsp;Eduardo Diaz-Yobal, 33, is charged with first-degree murder in&nbsp;the death of 43-year-old Cesar Gonzalez, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Early Friday, police responded to a report of an assault in the 3000 block of North Fairview in Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police. A caller reported witnessing a man attacking another man. The victim was later identified as 33-year-old Cesar Gonzalez of Wichita.&nbsp;

Before officers arrived, the suspect fled the scene. Officers found Gonzalez unresponsive in the parking lot. Sedgwick County EMS transported him to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased at 1:54 a.m.

Officers located the suspect identified in Sedgwick County arrest records as&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/inmatesearch/Details.aspx?Id=254855">Eduardo Diaz-Yorbal, 33, Wichita,</a>&nbsp;in the 300 block of W. 29th Street and took him into custody without incident.

Diaz-Yorbal had injuries consistent with the altercation and was admitted to an area hospital for treatment, released and then booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of first-degree murder and for a probation violation, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751715135638.png" alt="DIAZ-YOBAL-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>DIAZ-YOBAL-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man injured in a fatal fight on July 4, made his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.&nbsp;Eduardo Diaz-Yobal, 33, is charged with first-degree murder in&nbsp;the death of 43-year-old Cesar Gonzalez, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Early Friday, police responded to a report of an assault in the 3000 block of North Fairview in Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police. A caller reported witnessing a man attacking another man. The victim was later identified as 33-year-old Cesar Gonzalez of Wichita.&nbsp;Before officers arrived, the suspect fled the scene. Officers found Gonzalez unresponsive in the parking lot. Sedgwick County EMS transported him to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased at 1:54 a.m.Officers located the suspect identified in Sedgwick County arrest records as&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/inmatesearch/Details.aspx?Id=254855">Eduardo Diaz-Yorbal, 33, Wichita,</a>&nbsp;in the 300 block of W. 29th Street and took him into custody without incident.Diaz-Yorbal had injuries consistent with the altercation and was admitted to an area hospital for treatment, released and then booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of first-degree murder and for a probation violation, according to online jail records.

Kansas man injured in deadly July 4, fight goes before a judge

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating vandalism to a school in rural Barton County.

Just after 5 p.m. on Thursday., the Barton County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to St. Anne's Catholic School in the rural Barton County community of Olmitz, located approximately 17 miles northwest of Great Bend, for a report of vandalism, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

 Deputies found the school had been broken into. Unknown persons entered the building causing extensive damage to the interior of the building and other property inside the building. 

Authorities are working to determine the total cost of the damage.

If you have information about this crime or any other crime, please call crime stoppers at 620-792-1300 or 888-305-1300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752242797645.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating vandalism to a school in rural Barton County.Just after 5 p.m. on Thursday., the Barton County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to St. Anne's Catholic School in the rural Barton County community of Olmitz, located approximately 17 miles northwest of Great Bend, for a report of vandalism, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752242765453.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752242727109.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure> Deputies found the school had been broken into. Unknown persons entered the building causing extensive damage to the interior of the building and other property inside the building. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752242779438.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities are working to determine the total cost of the damage.If you have information about this crime or any other crime, please call crime stoppers at 620-792-1300 or 888-305-1300.

Sheriff: Racist graffiti amid vandalism at Kan. Catholic school

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 4p.m. Thursday, patrol officers were dispatched to report of a shooting at 118th and Winchester, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

.As officers arrived they located a man and a woman in the street, suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. The man was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported the woman to a local hospital with serious injuries.

This is being investigated as a homicide. Preliminary information indicated there was an altercation between several individuals. The argument escalated into a physical confrontation, which led to shots being fired, and the victims being struck. 

Police have not released the names of the victims or reported suspect information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752194452854.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 4p.m. Thursday, patrol officers were dispatched to report of a shooting at 118th and Winchester, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino..As officers arrived they located a man and a woman in the street, suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. The man was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported the woman to a local hospital with serious injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752194481952.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>This is being investigated as a homicide. Preliminary information indicated there was an altercation between several individuals. The argument escalated into a physical confrontation, which led to shots being fired, and the victims being struck. Police have not released the names of the victims or reported suspect information.

KCPD: Man dead, woman wounded in shooting

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration will restrict immigrants in the country illegally from enrolling in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-office-closures-hhs-trump-00b1a6b33ef918cb66e59b7ffb07ac13">Head Start</a>, a federally funded preschool program, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday. The move is part of a broad effort to limit access to federal benefits for immigrants who lack legal status.

People in the country illegally are largely ineligible for federal public benefits such as food stamps, student loans and financial aid for higher education. But for decades they have been able to access some community-level programs such as Head Start and community health centers.

HHS said it will reclassify those programs as federal public benefits, excluding immigrants in the country illegally from accessing them. Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-ultraprocessed-foods-diet-maha-trump-018a808efcf059eadfab2f8fc93fad4d">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;said the changes were part of a larger effort to protect American citizens' interests.

“For too long, the government has diverted hardworking Americans’ tax dollars to incentivize illegal immigration,” Kennedy said in a statement. “Today’s action changes that — it restores integrity to federal social programs, enforces the rule of law, and protects vital resources for the American people.”

A spokesperson for the Administration for Children and Families, which administers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-budget-head-start-cuts-survive-f55be05f92250ab3ac5d5bcb389ded47">Head Start</a>, said that eligibility will be determined based on the child’s immigration status.

Requiring proof of immigration status would likely create&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-immigration-raids-detainee-families-los-angeles-651d8bba4752553a67eb53db084677b2">fear and confusion</a>&nbsp;among families seeking to enroll their children, said Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Association.

“This decision undermines the fundamental commitment that the country has made to children and disregards decades of evidence that Head Start is essential to our collective future,” Vinci said.

The changes are part of a multi-agency announcement rescinding an interpretation of federal law dating to former President Bill Clinton's administration, which had allowed immigrants in the country illegally to access some programs. The Education Department, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor announced similar changes affecting a range of workforce development and adult education programs.

The changes will affect community health centers that immigrants rely on for a wide range of services, said Shelby Gonzales, vice president of immigration policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

“People depend on those services to get cancer treatment, to get ongoing maintenance for a variety of different health needs," she said.

Students in the country illegally will no longer be eligible to participate in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/community-college-trade-school-075d7e7e2b0dc659920a9be6d054c8b2">postsecondary career and technical education programs</a>&nbsp;or adult education programs, the Education Department announced. The department also issued a notice to grant recipients to ensure programs receiving federal money do not provide services to immigrants without legal status.

Education advocates said the decision would harm young people who have grown up in this country. EdTrust Vice President Augustus Mays said the intention appears to be creating fear among immigrant communities.

“Policies like this don’t exist in a vacuum," Mays said. “They are rooted in a political agenda that scapegoats immigrants and uses fear to strip rights and resources from the most vulnerable among us.”

Head Start was started six decades ago as part of Democratic President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lbj-stolen-election-box-13-mangan-c818e478ec509c65585d3094bda69f96">Lyndon B. Johnson’s</a>&nbsp;War on Poverty. It operates in all 50 states, providing preschool, developmental therapy and child care for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-preschool-child-care-teacher-pay-256a66cc4df8a331a2d0badcba7f72e8">families who are homeless</a>&nbsp;or are in poverty. ___

Associated Press writer Cheyanne Mumphrey in Phoenix contributed to this report.

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743539562670.png" alt="National Head Start Association" />
 <figcaption>National Head Start Association</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration will restrict immigrants in the country illegally from enrolling in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-office-closures-hhs-trump-00b1a6b33ef918cb66e59b7ffb07ac13">Head Start</a>, a federally funded preschool program, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday. The move is part of a broad effort to limit access to federal benefits for immigrants who lack legal status.People in the country illegally are largely ineligible for federal public benefits such as food stamps, student loans and financial aid for higher education. But for decades they have been able to access some community-level programs such as Head Start and community health centers.HHS said it will reclassify those programs as federal public benefits, excluding immigrants in the country illegally from accessing them. Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-ultraprocessed-foods-diet-maha-trump-018a808efcf059eadfab2f8fc93fad4d">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;said the changes were part of a larger effort to protect American citizens' interests.“For too long, the government has diverted hardworking Americans’ tax dollars to incentivize illegal immigration,” Kennedy said in a statement. “Today’s action changes that — it restores integrity to federal social programs, enforces the rule of law, and protects vital resources for the American people.”A spokesperson for the Administration for Children and Families, which administers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-budget-head-start-cuts-survive-f55be05f92250ab3ac5d5bcb389ded47">Head Start</a>, said that eligibility will be determined based on the child’s immigration status.Requiring proof of immigration status would likely create&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-immigration-raids-detainee-families-los-angeles-651d8bba4752553a67eb53db084677b2">fear and confusion</a>&nbsp;among families seeking to enroll their children, said Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Association.“This decision undermines the fundamental commitment that the country has made to children and disregards decades of evidence that Head Start is essential to our collective future,” Vinci said.The changes are part of a multi-agency announcement rescinding an interpretation of federal law dating to former President Bill Clinton's administration, which had allowed immigrants in the country illegally to access some programs. The Education Department, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor announced similar changes affecting a range of workforce development and adult education programs.The changes will affect community health centers that immigrants rely on for a wide range of services, said Shelby Gonzales, vice president of immigration policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.“People depend on those services to get cancer treatment, to get ongoing maintenance for a variety of different health needs," she said.Students in the country illegally will no longer be eligible to participate in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/community-college-trade-school-075d7e7e2b0dc659920a9be6d054c8b2">postsecondary career and technical education programs</a>&nbsp;or adult education programs, the Education Department announced. The department also issued a notice to grant recipients to ensure programs receiving federal money do not provide services to immigrants without legal status.Education advocates said the decision would harm young people who have grown up in this country. EdTrust Vice President Augustus Mays said the intention appears to be creating fear among immigrant communities.“Policies like this don’t exist in a vacuum," Mays said. “They are rooted in a political agenda that scapegoats immigrants and uses fear to strip rights and resources from the most vulnerable among us.”Head Start was started six decades ago as part of Democratic President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lbj-stolen-election-box-13-mangan-c818e478ec509c65585d3094bda69f96">Lyndon B. Johnson’s</a>&nbsp;War on Poverty. It operates in all 50 states, providing preschool, developmental therapy and child care for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-preschool-child-care-teacher-pay-256a66cc4df8a331a2d0badcba7f72e8">families who are homeless</a>&nbsp;or are in poverty. ___Associated Press writer Cheyanne Mumphrey in Phoenix contributed to this report.___The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.