SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man who admitted killing his wife and her boyfriend in 2023 is going to prison.

On Friday, Charles Crawford, 63, received two consecutive life sentences&nbsp; for the murders of Vanessa Crawford, 50, and Donald Eckert, 58, on July 25, 2023, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office.

Crawford will not be eligible for parole until 2073.

In December Crawford entered a "no contest" plea to two counts of first-degree felony murder.&nbsp;

"The sentencing of Charles Crawford to two life terms provides a measure of justice for Vanessa Crawford and Donald Eckert, and their families," stated District Attorney Marc Bennett.

The District Attorney's office acknowledges the critical role of the Wichita Police Department. "This conviction and sentence are a testament to the diligent work of the Wichita Police Department whose swift response and thorough investigation were critical in apprehending Crawford and building a strong case. "We especially want to thank Detective Addie Perkins for her tireless efforts in this case."

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690372152213.png" alt="Crawford photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Crawford photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man who admitted killing his wife and her boyfriend in 2023 is going to prison.On Friday, Charles Crawford, 63, received two consecutive life sentences&nbsp; for the murders of Vanessa Crawford, 50, and Donald Eckert, 58, on July 25, 2023, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office.Crawford will not be eligible for parole until 2073.In December Crawford entered a "no contest" plea to two counts of first-degree felony murder.&nbsp;"The sentencing of Charles Crawford to two life terms provides a measure of justice for Vanessa Crawford and Donald Eckert, and their families," stated District Attorney Marc Bennett.The District Attorney's office acknowledges the critical role of the Wichita Police Department. "This conviction and sentence are a testament to the diligent work of the Wichita Police Department whose swift response and thorough investigation were critical in apprehending Crawford and building a strong case. "We especially want to thank Detective Addie Perkins for her tireless efforts in this case."-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man who admitted killing his wife and her boyfriend in 2023 is scheduled for sentencing Friday.In February, 63-year-old Charles Crawford of Wichita,&nbsp; told Judge Jeffrey Goering he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea in the case, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In December, Crawford pled no contest to two counts of 1st&nbsp;degree murder for&nbsp;the deaths of his 50-year-old wife Vanessa Crawford and her 58-year-old boyfriend Donald Eckert.Judge Goering will announce his decision on the request for a change of plea Friday.In July of 2023, a woman dropping off her child at an in-home daycare saw the two homicide victims through a window of a home in the 1100 Block of North Woodrow in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. The victims were identified as Vanessa Crawford and Donald Eckert both of Wichita.While the investigation was taking place on the scene, Charles Crawford arrived with a gun pointed at his own head. Officers took cover for safety and immediately requested the assistance of SWAT and Crisis Negotiators. A standoff ensued with Crawford but it ended peacefully when he surrendered and was taken into custody

Prison: Kansas man killed his estranged wife and her boyfriend

The Supreme Court on Friday issued decisions on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-redistricting-lgbtq-6a22130b823b407c714a8528bd2d1796">the final six cases that were left on its docket</a>&nbsp;for the summer, including emergency appeals relating to Trump’s agenda.

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

(Click below to watch the full press conference)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751042330519.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>The Supreme Court on Friday issued decisions on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-redistricting-lgbtq-6a22130b823b407c714a8528bd2d1796">the final six cases that were left on its docket</a>&nbsp;for the summer, including emergency appeals relating to Trump’s agenda.A divided&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;ruled that individual judges lack the authority to grant nationwide injunctions, but the decision left unclear the fate of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;’s restrictions on birthright citizenship.(Click below to watch the full press conference)<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump Holds a Press Briefing, June 27, 2025 <a href="https://t.co/4BE57TB6e5">https://t.co/4BE57TB6e5</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1938625348129739251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Supreme Court Monumental Victory 🇺🇸 &quot;Thanks to this decision, we can now promptly file to proceed with numerous policies that have been wrongly enjoined on a nationwide basis.&quot; - <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/tdFqP0ESVz">pic.twitter.com/tdFqP0ESVz</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1938634814606934393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 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>: &quot;This is really also a decision based on common sense. It didn&#39;t work the other way. It was a disaster where somebody from a certain location in a very liberal state or a liberal judge or liberal group of judges could tie up a country for years.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/MFcAIjKIVG">pic.twitter.com/MFcAIjKIVG</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1938630127367405710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 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>: &quot;This really brings back the Constitution. This is what it&#39;s all about... the Constitution has been brought back.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/KMmx0e0C8d">pic.twitter.com/KMmx0e0C8d</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1938629850174038075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 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>: &quot;Thanks to this decision, we can now promptly file to proceed with numerous policies that have been wrongly enjoined on a nationwide basis&quot; — such as ending birthright citizenship, ending sanctuary city funding, suspending refugee resettlement, and many more priorities. <a href="https://t.co/Oa4KNNRsor">pic.twitter.com/Oa4KNNRsor</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1938628445053096278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump: “Should we keep this going?” Press: “YES!!!” President Trump: “This is the opposite of Biden!” TRANSPARENCY! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/2XCxfKDCkl">pic.twitter.com/2XCxfKDCkl</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1938637864322929115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 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>: &quot;I think the ruling was a great ruling, and I think it&#39;s a great ruling for parents... they lost control of the schools. They lost control of their child, and this is a tremendous victory for parents.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Pla2qrLE36">https://t.co/Pla2qrLE36</a> <a href="https://t.co/jqySSHA8QM">pic.twitter.com/jqySSHA8QM</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1938631684284432695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 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/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a>: &quot;35 of the 40 nationwide injunctions filed against this President ... came from Maryland, D.C., Massachusetts, California, and Washington. That&#39;s CRAZY.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xffC32Wjvk">pic.twitter.com/xffC32Wjvk</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1938629547928506391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 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/AGPamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AGPamBondi</a>: &quot;Americans are finally getting what they voted for. No longer will we have rogue judges striking down <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>&#39; policies across the entire nation — NO LONGER!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/rqLMAgVKj9">pic.twitter.com/rqLMAgVKj9</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1938627972874854848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The White House press corps has a question for President Trump .. <a href="https://t.co/WTneHzVQjb">pic.twitter.com/WTneHzVQjb</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1938642896145559709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump victory lap on Supreme Court decisions

SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office has identified the individual found deceased in Sedgwick County Park on June 18 as 31-year-old Michael Etchingham, according to a statement from sheriff's department spokesman Braden Stitt.

The Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center confirmed Etchingham’s identity. He had been reported missing to the Wichita Police Department by a family member on May 14. Detectives believe he was homeless and living in a secluded area in the northwest section of the park near 21st Street North and Ridge Road.

Although the body was found in an advanced state of decomposition, the Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death to be suicide based on evidence collected at the scene and through the course of the Sheriff’s Office investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750295151133.png" alt="Google Map" />
 <figcaption>Google Map</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office has identified the individual found deceased in Sedgwick County Park on June 18 as 31-year-old Michael Etchingham, according to a statement from sheriff's department spokesman Braden Stitt.The Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center confirmed Etchingham’s identity. He had been reported missing to the Wichita Police Department by a family member on May 14. Detectives believe he was homeless and living in a secluded area in the northwest section of the park near 21st Street North and Ridge Road.Although the body was found in an advanced state of decomposition, the Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death to be suicide based on evidence collected at the scene and through the course of the Sheriff’s Office investigation.

Sheriff IDs body of man found near campsite in Kansas park

By DAMIAN J. TROISE and ALEX VEIGA AP Business Writers

U.S. stocks closed at an all-time high Friday, another milestone in the market's remarkable recovery from a springtime plunge caused by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-trump-trade-6ea513a44876c2f4dc948a25c15b0eb0">fears that the Trump administration's trade policies</a>&nbsp;could harm the economy.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.5%, finishing above its previous record set in February. The key measure of Wall Street’s health fell nearly 20% from February 19 through April 8.

The market's complete turnaround from its deep swoon happened in about half the time that it normally takes, said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA.

“Investors will breathe a sigh of relief,” he said.

The Nasdaq composite gained 0.5% and set its own all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1%.

President Donald Trump’s decision Friday to halt trade talks with Canada threatened to derail Wall Street’s run to a record, but the market steadied after the S&amp;P 500 briefly turned negative.

The gains on Friday were broad, with nearly every sector within the S&amp;P 500 rising.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nike-china-tariff-trump-f84fe37e11dbf4b439d8655d3533380c">Nike soared 15.2%</a>&nbsp;for the biggest gain in the market, despite warning of a steep hit from tariffs.

The broader market has seemingly shaken off fears about the Israel-Iran war disrupting the global supply of crude oil and sending prices higher.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-06-27-2025-e30d8ae4e3c6d13e4cfb562c35dd744b">A ceasefire between the two nations</a>&nbsp;is still in place.

The price of crude oil in the U.S. fell 0.4% to $65.52 a barrel. Prices have fallen back to pre-conflict levels.

Investors are also monitoring potential progress on trade conflicts between the U.S. and its trading partners, specifically China. The two countries have signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-trade-earths-tariffs-trump-463ae8d6ccba15b56c7d4d31d3fc42a1">trade deal</a>&nbsp;that will make it easier for American firms to obtain magnets and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rare-earths-trump-tariffs-china-trade-war-effd6a7ec64b5830df9d3c76ab9b607a">rare earth minerals</a>&nbsp;from China that are critical to manufacturing and microchip production, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday.

China’s Commerce Ministry also said that the two sides had “further confirmed the details of the framework” for their trade talks. But its statement did not explicitly mention an agreement to ensure U.S. access to rare earths, and instead said it will review and approve “eligible export applications for controlled items.”

An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-spending-a79d36a04c4ce1e264bc86098e4f5583">update on inflation Friday showed prices ticked higher</a>&nbsp;in May, though the rate mostly matched economists' projections.

Inflation remains a big concern for businesses and consumers. Trump’s on-again-off-again tariff policy has made it difficult for companies to make financial forecasts. It has also put more pressure on consumers worried about already stubborn inflation. A long list of businesses from carmakers to retailers have warned that higher import taxes will likely hurt their revenues and profits.

The U.S. has 10% baseline tariffs on all imported goods, along with higher rates for Chinese goods and other import taxes on steel and autos. The economy and consumers have remained somewhat resilient, though analysts and economists expect to see the impact grow as import taxes continue to work their way through businesses to consumers.

“While we also would have expected to already be seeing a bit more passthrough into the inflation statistics, we still expect these impacts to show up in a more meaningful way in the next few months,” said Greg Wilensky, head of U.S. fixed income and portfolio manager at Janus Henderson.

The threat of more severe tariffs continues to hang over the economy. The current pause on a round of retaliatory tariffs against a long list of nations is set to expire in July. Failure to negotiate deals or further postpone the tariffs could once again rattle investors and consumers.

The Federal Reserve is monitoring the tariff situation with a big focus on inflation. The rate of inflation has been stubbornly sitting just above the central bank's target of 2%. In a report Friday, its preferred gauge, the personal consumption expenditures index, rose to 2.3% in May. That's up from 2.1% the previous month.

The Fed cut interest rates three times in late 2024 following a historic series of rate hikes to cool inflation. The PCE was as high as 7.2% in 2022 while the more commonly used consumer price index hit 9.1%.

The Fed hasn't cut rates so far in 2025 over worries that tariffs could reignite inflation and hamper the economy. Economists still expect at least two rate cuts before the end of the year.

Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.27% from 4.24% late Thursday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for what the Federal Reserve will do, edged up to 3.74% from late Thursday.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 32.05 points to 6,173.07. The Dow gained 432.43 points to 43,819.27, and the Nasdaq added 105.55 points to 20,273.46.

Stocks in Europe were mostly higher, while stocks in Asia finished mixed.

By DAMIAN J. TROISE and ALEX VEIGA AP Business WritersU.S. stocks closed at an all-time high Friday, another milestone in the market's remarkable recovery from a springtime plunge caused by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-trump-trade-6ea513a44876c2f4dc948a25c15b0eb0">fears that the Trump administration's trade policies</a>&nbsp;could harm the economy.The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.5%, finishing above its previous record set in February. The key measure of Wall Street’s health fell nearly 20% from February 19 through April 8.The market's complete turnaround from its deep swoon happened in about half the time that it normally takes, said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA.“Investors will breathe a sigh of relief,” he said.The Nasdaq composite gained 0.5% and set its own all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1%.President Donald Trump’s decision Friday to halt trade talks with Canada threatened to derail Wall Street’s run to a record, but the market steadied after the S&amp;P 500 briefly turned negative.The gains on Friday were broad, with nearly every sector within the S&amp;P 500 rising.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nike-china-tariff-trump-f84fe37e11dbf4b439d8655d3533380c">Nike soared 15.2%</a>&nbsp;for the biggest gain in the market, despite warning of a steep hit from tariffs.The broader market has seemingly shaken off fears about the Israel-Iran war disrupting the global supply of crude oil and sending prices higher.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-06-27-2025-e30d8ae4e3c6d13e4cfb562c35dd744b">A ceasefire between the two nations</a>&nbsp;is still in place.The price of crude oil in the U.S. fell 0.4% to $65.52 a barrel. Prices have fallen back to pre-conflict levels.Investors are also monitoring potential progress on trade conflicts between the U.S. and its trading partners, specifically China. The two countries have signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-trade-earths-tariffs-trump-463ae8d6ccba15b56c7d4d31d3fc42a1">trade deal</a>&nbsp;that will make it easier for American firms to obtain magnets and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rare-earths-trump-tariffs-china-trade-war-effd6a7ec64b5830df9d3c76ab9b607a">rare earth minerals</a>&nbsp;from China that are critical to manufacturing and microchip production, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday.China’s Commerce Ministry also said that the two sides had “further confirmed the details of the framework” for their trade talks. But its statement did not explicitly mention an agreement to ensure U.S. access to rare earths, and instead said it will review and approve “eligible export applications for controlled items.”An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-spending-a79d36a04c4ce1e264bc86098e4f5583">update on inflation Friday showed prices ticked higher</a>&nbsp;in May, though the rate mostly matched economists' projections.Inflation remains a big concern for businesses and consumers. Trump’s on-again-off-again tariff policy has made it difficult for companies to make financial forecasts. It has also put more pressure on consumers worried about already stubborn inflation. A long list of businesses from carmakers to retailers have warned that higher import taxes will likely hurt their revenues and profits.The U.S. has 10% baseline tariffs on all imported goods, along with higher rates for Chinese goods and other import taxes on steel and autos. The economy and consumers have remained somewhat resilient, though analysts and economists expect to see the impact grow as import taxes continue to work their way through businesses to consumers.“While we also would have expected to already be seeing a bit more passthrough into the inflation statistics, we still expect these impacts to show up in a more meaningful way in the next few months,” said Greg Wilensky, head of U.S. fixed income and portfolio manager at Janus Henderson.The threat of more severe tariffs continues to hang over the economy. The current pause on a round of retaliatory tariffs against a long list of nations is set to expire in July. Failure to negotiate deals or further postpone the tariffs could once again rattle investors and consumers.The Federal Reserve is monitoring the tariff situation with a big focus on inflation. The rate of inflation has been stubbornly sitting just above the central bank's target of 2%. In a report Friday, its preferred gauge, the personal consumption expenditures index, rose to 2.3% in May. That's up from 2.1% the previous month.The Fed cut interest rates three times in late 2024 following a historic series of rate hikes to cool inflation. The PCE was as high as 7.2% in 2022 while the more commonly used consumer price index hit 9.1%.The Fed hasn't cut rates so far in 2025 over worries that tariffs could reignite inflation and hamper the economy. Economists still expect at least two rate cuts before the end of the year.Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.27% from 4.24% late Thursday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for what the Federal Reserve will do, edged up to 3.74% from late Thursday.All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 32.05 points to 6,173.07. The Dow gained 432.43 points to 43,819.27, and the Nasdaq added 105.55 points to 20,273.46.Stocks in Europe were mostly higher, while stocks in Asia finished mixed.__

US stocks close at an all-time high just months after plunging on tariff fears

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Hays native is coming home with his own Western feature film, "Was Once a Hero," at the same theatre where he grew up watching classic movies.

The film will screen at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $13.99 and are available <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-fox-theatre-32076173407">online</a> in advance and at the door on both days.

Paige Smith took on multiple roles in the film, as co-writer, co-producer, costume designer and assistant director, after Dan Searles, whom he met at a film festival, approached him with a short script.

"I wrote the first draft based on his outline and then the two of us sort of molded it to our preference," Smith said.

The story centers on a veteran battling PTSD and dementia who sets out on a final journey and forms an unexpected bond along the way. It was primarily shot in Maryland with a small crew and a budget of less than $200,000.

The film stars Darby Hinton as Malcom Hunter and includes performances by Rebecca Holden, Robert Carradine and John Carter Cash. Smith also appears in the film as an actor.

"We really want to push the idea that family comes from anywhere. You can be yourself and still be loved by others who maybe come from somewhere different. ... We come together through diversity and through the tragedies in our lives," he said.

Smith will attend the screening to introduce the film and be available to answer questions.

Smith graduated from Hays High School in 1994 and later attended Kansas State University, where he initially studied biology before transitioning to theater, drawing inspiration from his family.

"As a kid, I watched my dad work on books and bounce ideas off people around him. It's very inspiring to watch somebody go for it," Smith said. "My brother was an actor as well. I watched him go for it and give it a shot."

Smith moved to Chicago after college, where he worked in local theater and began gaining television experience. He later moved to Los Angeles to continue building his career in acting and writing.

Smith has created several short films, including one that won Best Action/Adventure at Comic-Con in San Diego. He has also acted in and been involved in television series such as "Chicago Fire," "Chicago Med," "Shameless," "Goliath" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."

He said most of those roles were “day jobs” and that breaking into the industry was difficult. This led him to create his own projects, which are now set to screen at the same theater he visited as a kid.

"Being able to go full circle and see a movie that I made in the theatre where I grew up watching movies is incredible and quite possibly once in a lifetime for me. It means the world to me," Smith said.

Filming took just a few weeks, but the whole process, from development through post-production and editing, took three years to complete.

You can learn more about Smith on his <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5812325/?ref_=tt_cst_2_2">IMDb page</a>&nbsp;and about "Was Once a Hero"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19715532/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696678689.jpeg" alt="Cast and production members on the set of 'Was Once a Hero'. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cast and production members on the set of 'Was Once a Hero'. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Hays native is coming home with his own Western feature film, "Was Once a Hero," at the same theatre where he grew up watching classic movies.The film will screen at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $13.99 and are available <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-fox-theatre-32076173407">online</a> in advance and at the door on both days.Paige Smith took on multiple roles in the film, as co-writer, co-producer, costume designer and assistant director, after Dan Searles, whom he met at a film festival, approached him with a short script."I wrote the first draft based on his outline and then the two of us sort of molded it to our preference," Smith said.The story centers on a veteran battling PTSD and dementia who sets out on a final journey and forms an unexpected bond along the way. It was primarily shot in Maryland with a small crew and a budget of less than $200,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696866837.jpeg" alt="Cast and production members of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cast and production members of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696939851.jpeg" alt="Cast and production members on the set of "Was Once a Hero" filming a scene. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cast and production members on the set of "Was Once a Hero" filming a scene. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696908901.jpeg" alt="Cast members on the set of "Was Once a Hero."Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cast members on the set of "Was Once a Hero."Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750696819937.jpeg" alt="Darby Hinton as Malcom Hunter on the set of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Darby Hinton as Malcom Hunter on the set of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The film stars Darby Hinton as Malcom Hunter and includes performances by Rebecca Holden, Robert Carradine and John Carter Cash. Smith also appears in the film as an actor."We really want to push the idea that family comes from anywhere. You can be yourself and still be loved by others who maybe come from somewhere different. ... We come together through diversity and through the tragedies in our lives," he said.Smith will attend the screening to introduce the film and be available to answer questions.Smith graduated from Hays High School in 1994 and later attended Kansas State University, where he initially studied biology before transitioning to theater, drawing inspiration from his family."As a kid, I watched my dad work on books and bounce ideas off people around him. It's very inspiring to watch somebody go for it," Smith said. "My brother was an actor as well. I watched him go for it and give it a shot."Smith moved to Chicago after college, where he worked in local theater and began gaining television experience. He later moved to Los Angeles to continue building his career in acting and writing.Smith has created several short films, including one that won Best Action/Adventure at Comic-Con in San Diego. He has also acted in and been involved in television series such as "Chicago Fire," "Chicago Med," "Shameless," "Goliath" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."He said most of those roles were “day jobs” and that breaking into the industry was difficult. This led him to create his own projects, which are now set to screen at the same theater he visited as a kid."Being able to go full circle and see a movie that I made in the theatre where I grew up watching movies is incredible and quite possibly once in a lifetime for me. It means the world to me," Smith said.Filming took just a few weeks, but the whole process, from development through post-production and editing, took three years to complete.You can learn more about Smith on his <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5812325/?ref_=tt_cst_2_2">IMDb page</a>&nbsp;and about "Was Once a Hero"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19715532/">here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750697710259.jpeg" alt="Paige Smith of Hays, co-writer, co-producer, costume designer, actor and assistant director of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Paige Smith of Hays, co-writer, co-producer, costume designer, actor and assistant director of "Was Once a Hero." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

NW Kan. native to screen western film 'Was Once a Hero' in Hays

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly has sent two letters to the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting extensions to submit requests for major presidential disasters for the public assistance program for the incident periods of June 3-7, 2025, and June 17-18, 2025, according to a media release from the Adjutant General’s Department.

For the June 3-7 incident, Governor Kelly has requested an extension to Aug. 6, 2025, for the severe thunderstorms, accompanied by large hail, damaging straight-line winds, tornadoes and torrential rainfall resulting in areal flooding as well as flooding along rivers, creeks, and streams.

For the June 17-18 incident, Governor Kelly has requested an extension to Aug. 17, 2025, for the severe thunderstorms, accompanied by large hail, damaging straight-line winds, tornadoes and torrential rainfall resulting in areal flooding, as well as flooding along rivers, creeks, and streams.

“These extensions are required due to challenges in gathering data on sustained damages that will strain local budgets to repair,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am seeking time to collect data and validate all legitimate expenses to aid local governments in restoring the infrastructure so vital to the safety and wellbeing of Kansans.”

Governor Kelly made the request to allow more time for preliminary damage assessments to seek federal assistance through the Public Assistance Program as well as time to review the assessment data. The program provides funds on a cost-share basis to repair damaged public infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751052596147.png" alt="NWS Dodge City image from storms on June 5" />
 <figcaption>NWS Dodge City image from storms on June 5</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly has sent two letters to the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting extensions to submit requests for major presidential disasters for the public assistance program for the incident periods of June 3-7, 2025, and June 17-18, 2025, according to a media release from the Adjutant General’s Department.For the June 3-7 incident, Governor Kelly has requested an extension to Aug. 6, 2025, for the severe thunderstorms, accompanied by large hail, damaging straight-line winds, tornadoes and torrential rainfall resulting in areal flooding as well as flooding along rivers, creeks, and streams.For the June 17-18 incident, Governor Kelly has requested an extension to Aug. 17, 2025, for the severe thunderstorms, accompanied by large hail, damaging straight-line winds, tornadoes and torrential rainfall resulting in areal flooding, as well as flooding along rivers, creeks, and streams.“These extensions are required due to challenges in gathering data on sustained damages that will strain local budgets to repair,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am seeking time to collect data and validate all legitimate expenses to aid local governments in restoring the infrastructure so vital to the safety and wellbeing of Kansans.”Governor Kelly made the request to allow more time for preliminary damage assessments to seek federal assistance through the Public Assistance Program as well as time to review the assessment data. The program provides funds on a cost-share basis to repair damaged public infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.

Kan. gov. requests extensions to file for severe storms disaster declarations

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22LINDSAY%20WHITEHURST%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By LINDSAY WHITEHURST&nbsp;</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Friday upheld a Texas law aimed at blocking children under 18 from seeing online pornography.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/23-1122_3e04.pdf">Click here to read the full Supreme Court ruling</a>

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/23-1122">Click here to listen </a>to the oral argument from January

Nearly half all states have passed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/porn-age-verification-utah-8f8f4960ad1ec4afc5d59fd7d34c3b9d">similar age verification laws</a>&nbsp;as smartphones and other devices make it easier to access&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pornography">online porn</a>, including hardcore obscene material.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25985319-free-speech-coalition-v-paxton/">The 6-3 ruling</a>&nbsp;comes after an adult-entertainment industry trade group called the Free Speech Coalition challenged the Texas law. The court split along ideological lines.

The group said the law puts an unfair free-speech burden on adults by requiring them to submit personal information that could be vulnerable to hacking or tracking. It agreed, though, that children under 18 shouldn’t be seeing porn.

A leading adult-content website, Pornhub, has stopped operating in several states, citing the technical and privacy hurdles in complying with the laws.

The Supreme Court has confronted the issue before. In 1996, it struck down parts of a law banning explicit material viewable by kids online. A divided court also ruled against a different federal law aimed at stopping kids from being exposed to porn in 2004 but said less restrictive measures like content filtering are constitutional.

Texas argues that technology has improved significantly in the last 20 years, allowing online platforms to easily check users’ ages with a quick picture. Those requirements are more like ID checks at brick-and-mortar adult stores that were upheld by the Supreme Court in the 1960s, the state said.

District courts initially blocked laws in Indiana and Tennessee as well as Texas, but appeals courts reversed the decisions and let the laws take effect.

Associated Press writer Jonathan Mattise in Nashville contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706036605430.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22LINDSAY%20WHITEHURST%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By LINDSAY WHITEHURST&nbsp;</a>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Friday upheld a Texas law aimed at blocking children under 18 from seeing online pornography.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/23-1122_3e04.pdf">Click here to read the full Supreme Court ruling</a><a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/23-1122">Click here to listen </a>to the oral argument from JanuaryNearly half all states have passed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/porn-age-verification-utah-8f8f4960ad1ec4afc5d59fd7d34c3b9d">similar age verification laws</a>&nbsp;as smartphones and other devices make it easier to access&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pornography">online porn</a>, including hardcore obscene material.<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25985319-free-speech-coalition-v-paxton/">The 6-3 ruling</a>&nbsp;comes after an adult-entertainment industry trade group called the Free Speech Coalition challenged the Texas law. The court split along ideological lines.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751040262939.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The group said the law puts an unfair free-speech burden on adults by requiring them to submit personal information that could be vulnerable to hacking or tracking. It agreed, though, that children under 18 shouldn’t be seeing porn.A leading adult-content website, Pornhub, has stopped operating in several states, citing the technical and privacy hurdles in complying with the laws.The Supreme Court has confronted the issue before. In 1996, it struck down parts of a law banning explicit material viewable by kids online. A divided court also ruled against a different federal law aimed at stopping kids from being exposed to porn in 2004 but said less restrictive measures like content filtering are constitutional.Texas argues that technology has improved significantly in the last 20 years, allowing online platforms to easily check users’ ages with a quick picture. Those requirements are more like ID checks at brick-and-mortar adult stores that were upheld by the Supreme Court in the 1960s, the state said.District courts initially blocked laws in Indiana and Tennessee as well as Texas, but appeals courts reversed the decisions and let the laws take effect.___Associated Press writer Jonathan Mattise in Nashville contributed to this report.

🎧Supreme Court rules to stop children from being exposed to porn online

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman accused in the death of a 7-year-old boy was back in court Thursday.&nbsp;

Judge Sean Hatfield set a trial date for September 15, according to the SedgwickCounty District Attorney's Office. She has been charged with 1st degree murder and 7 counts of aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On March 16, police responded to a call of a shooting at an apartment in the 3700 block of E Ross Parkway, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The caller reported that someone had been shot and that a child was bleeding.

When officers arrived, they found 7-year-old Davion Gunter suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. Davion was transported to a local hospital, where he was&nbsp; pronounced deceased.

At the scene, officers found seven other children and multiple adults. Wichita Police homicide investigators and the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit responded immediately, conducting interviews and gathered evidence.

As a result, police took Dillard into custody, and the children were placed in protective care. Dillard remains jailed on a&nbsp; bond of $500,000.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742206494454.png" alt="DILLARD photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>DILLARD photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman accused in the death of a 7-year-old boy was back in court Thursday.&nbsp;Judge Sean Hatfield set a trial date for September 15, according to the SedgwickCounty District Attorney's Office. She has been charged with 1st degree murder and 7 counts of aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On March 16, police responded to a call of a shooting at an apartment in the 3700 block of E Ross Parkway, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The caller reported that someone had been shot and that a child was bleeding.When officers arrived, they found 7-year-old Davion Gunter suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. Davion was transported to a local hospital, where he was&nbsp; pronounced deceased.At the scene, officers found seven other children and multiple adults. Wichita Police homicide investigators and the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit responded immediately, conducting interviews and gathered evidence.As a result, police took Dillard into custody, and the children were placed in protective care. Dillard remains jailed on a&nbsp; bond of $500,000.&nbsp;

Trial date set for Kansas woman in death of 7-year-old

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745333128428.png" alt="File photo A pride flag is seen in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)" />
 <figcaption>File photo A pride flag is seen in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK SHERMAN Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that Maryland parents who have religious objections can pull their children from public school lessons using LGBTQ storybooks.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24-297_4f14.pdf">Click here to read the full Supreme Court ruling</a><a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/24-297">Click here to listen</a>&nbsp;to the complete oral argument from AprilThe justices reversed lower-court rulings in favor of the Montgomery County school system in suburban Washington. The high court ruled that the schools likely could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;I think the ruling was a great ruling, and I think it&#39;s a great ruling for parents... they lost control of the schools. They lost control of their child, and this is a tremendous victory for parents.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Pla2qrLE36">https://t.co/Pla2qrLE36</a> <a href="https://t.co/jqySSHA8QM">pic.twitter.com/jqySSHA8QM</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1938631684284432695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751037175947.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The decision was not a final ruling in the case, but the justices strongly suggested that the parents will win in the end.The court ruled that policies like the one at issue in the case are subjected to the strictest level of review, nearly always dooming them.The school district introduced the storybooks, including "Prince &amp; Knight" and "Uncle Bobby's Wedding," in 2022 as part of an effort to better reflect the district's diversity. In "Uncle Bobby's Wedding," a niece worries that her uncle won't have as much time for her after he gets married to another man.The justices have repeatedly endorsed claims of religious discrimination in recent years and the case is among several religious-rights cases at the court this term. The decision also comes amid increases in recent years in books being banned from public school and public libraries.Many of the removals were organized by Moms for Liberty and other conservative organizations that advocate for more parental input over what books are available to students. Soon after President Donald Trump, a Republican, took office in January, the Education Department called the book bans a "hoax" and dismissed 11 complaints that had been filed under Trump's predecessor, President Joe Biden, a Democrat.The writers' group Pen America said in a court filing in the Maryland case that the objecting parents wanted "a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name." Pen America reported more than 10,000 books were banned in the last school year.Parents initially had been allowed to opt their children out of the lessons for religious and other reasons, but the school board reversed course a year later, prompting protests and eventually a lawsuit.At arguments in April, a lawyer for the school district told the justices that the "opt outs" had become disruptive. Sex education is the only area of instruction in Montgomery schools that students can be excused from, lawyer Alan Schoenfeld said.The case hit unusually close to home, as three justices live in the county, though they didn't send their children to public schools.___Follow the AP's coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Judges have uniformly ruled against the administration.

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747336226952.png" alt="Protesters outside the Supreme Court during the arguments on the case in May-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Protesters outside the Supreme Court during the arguments on the case in May-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Friday ruled that individual judges lack the authority to grant nationwide injunctions, but the decision left unclear the fate of President Donald Trump’s restrictions on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/birthright-citizenship-immigration-trump-20919d26029cf0f98ecb0dc7f90a066b">birthright citizenship</a>.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24a884_8n59.pdf">Click here to read the full order from the court&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2024/24A884">Click here to listen to</a>&nbsp;a replay of the oral argument<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/T4SIRwsXOX">pic.twitter.com/T4SIRwsXOX</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1938611988697080142?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The outcome was a victory for the Republican president, who has complained about individual judges throwing up obstacles to his agenda.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, the Supreme Court instructed district courts to STOP the endless barrage of nationwide injunctions against President Trump. This would not have been possible without tireless work from our excellent lawyers <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJusticeDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheJusticeDept</a> and our Solicitor General John Sauer. This…&mdash; Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/1938602739157570000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But a conservative majority left open the possibility that the birthright citizenship changes could remain blocked nationwide. Trump's order would deny citizenship to U.S.-born children of people who are in the country illegally.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751034373464.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Birthright citizenship automatically makes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-immigration-trump-f01b6c942c4969628ef2e774029c6a0e">anyone born in the United States</a>&nbsp;an American citizen, including children born to mothers in the country illegally. The right was enshrined soon after the Civil War in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/800b0a2005254ec58369b9564f53be8f?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">the Constitution’s 14th Amendment</a>.In a notable Supreme Court decision from 1898, United States v. Wong Kim Ark, the court held that the only children who did not automatically receive U.S. citizenship upon being born on U.S. soil were the children of diplomats, who have allegiance to another government; enemies present in the U.S. during hostile occupation; those born on foreign ships; and those born to members of sovereign Native American tribes.The U.S. is among about 30 countries where birthright citizenship — the principle of jus soli or “right of the soil” — is applied. Most are in the Americas, and Canada and Mexico are among them.Trump and his supporters have argued that there should be tougher standards for becoming an American citizen, which he called “a priceless and profound gift” in the executive order he signed on his first day in office.The Trump administration has asserted that children of noncitizens are not&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-trump-immigration-735d28a2572f623f199f97b3bc97644a">“subject to the jurisdiction”</a>&nbsp;of the United States, a phrase used in the amendment, and therefore are not entitled to citizenship.But states, immigrants and rights groups that have sued to block the executive order have accused the administration of trying to unsettle the broader understanding of birthright citizenship that has been accepted since the amendment’s adoption.Judges have uniformly ruled against the administration.The Justice Department had argued that individual judges lack the power to give nationwide effect to their rulings.The Trump administration instead wanted the justices to allow Trump’s plan to go into effect for everyone except the handful of people and groups that sued. Failing that, the administration argued that the plan could remain blocked for now in the 22 states that sued. New Hampshire is covered by a separate order that is not at issue in this case.As a further fallback, the administration asked “at a minimum” to be allowed to make public announcements about how it plans to carry out the policy if it eventually is allowed to take effect.___

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751029214593.png" alt="Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough&nbsp; -photo U.S. Senate" />
 <figcaption>Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough&nbsp; -photo U.S. Senate</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON–&nbsp;On Thursday, U.S. Senators Roger Marshall,&nbsp; Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), introduced a resolution to implement term limits on the Senate Parliamentarian, a key figure in the United States Senate who advises on rules, procedures, and precedents as it relates to the reconciliation process, according to a statement from Marshall's office.Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/BIN25098-1.pdf">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the full text of the resolution<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751027942171.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In 2001 Leader Trent Lott fired the Senate Parliamentarian during reconciliation. It’s 2025 during reconciliation &amp; we need to again fire the Senate Parliamentarian. My resolution to term limit the parliamentarian will settle this now &amp; in the future.<a href="https://t.co/7XcVaNgcGH">https://t.co/7XcVaNgcGH</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1938258594178211995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Senators call for the parliamentarian to serve one six-year term, which would prevent power entrenchment, promote accountability, and encourage fresh perspectives.“Based upon early reports, the Senate Parliamentarian may eliminate some $500 billion in savings for the American people, all of which are arbitrary decisions, with minimal guidance,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“The current parliamentarian has been in office since 2012, appointed by former Democrat Senator Harry Reid. This is NOT an elected position. Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Term limits on a person with this absolute power need to be implemented. Therefore, we are dropping a resolution calling for just that, limiting a parliamentarian of the Senate to a maximum of 6 years.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Did Harry Reid’s Senate Parliamentarian not get the memo? President Trump’s landslide victory was a MANDATE from 77 million Americans. The One Big Beautiful Bill delivers on that mandate. The Parliamentarian is trying to UNDERMINE the President’s mandate and should be fired.&mdash; Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenTuberville/status/1938259471467438355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“The woke, Radical Left Senate Parliamentarian, who was appointed by Harry Reid and was an advisor to Al Gore, is actively trying to&nbsp;undermine&nbsp;President Trump’s agenda,”&nbsp;said Senator Tuberville.&nbsp;“Unelected bureaucrats should not be able to overturn the will of the 77 million Americans who voted for President Trump and his agenda. This is exactly why Americans hate the swamp. Proud to join my friend Senator Roger Marshall in introducing&nbsp;this resolution imposing 6-year term limits for the Senate Parliamentarian.”“The Senate parliamentarian holds unchecked power over major legislation, despite never being elected by the American people,”&nbsp;said Senator Blackburn.&nbsp;“This individual has served for a decade, having been appointed by Harry Reid, we must act now to impose term limits on the Senate parliamentarian&nbsp;to ensure this position&nbsp;is accountable to the will of the people.”Background:<ul>
 <li>The parliamentarian of the Senate serves at the will of the Secretary of the Senate, who is chosen by the Senate Majority Leader.</li><li>Since 1981 only three different individuals have served as parliamentarian of the Senate. Each served on average 15 years.</li>
 </ul>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750974087831.png" alt="Image from the committee hearing" />
 <figcaption>Image from the committee hearing</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — The Trump administration’s new vaccine advisers on Thursday endorsed this fall’s flu vaccinations for just about every American — but only if they use certain shots free of an ingredient antivaccine groups have falsely tied to autism.(click below to watch the full meeting)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z-16fImZoEc?si=RfPDCTz9gEs1Oz2Z&amp;start=1250" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>What is normally a routine step in preparing for the upcoming flu season drew intense scrutiny after U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-cdc-acip-vaccines-3790c89f45b6314c5c7b686db0e3a8f9">abruptly fired</a>&nbsp;the influential 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-acip-vaccine-committee-9f58e1f004075b081718ff078de88d76">handpicked replacements</a>&nbsp;that include several vaccine skeptics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750973658608.png" alt="Lyn Redwood, a nurse practitioner who once ran the anti-vaccine group that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. founded, spoke at the meeting on Thursday -image from the CDC video" />
 <figcaption>Lyn Redwood, a nurse practitioner who once ran the anti-vaccine group that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. founded, spoke at the meeting on Thursday -image from the CDC video</figcaption>
 </figure>(Click below to watch Redwood's presentation on thimerosal)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z-16fImZoEc?si=z33-dj87jdPiqZRU&amp;start=10151" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The seven-member panel bucked another norm Thursday as it discussed the safety of a preservative used in less than 5% of U.S. flu vaccinations: It deliberated based only on a presentation from an antivaccine group’s former leader — without allowing the usual public airing of scientific data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The preservative,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thimerosal-mercury-vaccine-preservative-7626ec1455ad98228cf8b041f6388bab">thimerosal</a>, has long been used in certain vaccines that come in multi-dose vials, to prevent contamination as each dose is withdrawn. But it has been controversial because it contains a small amount of a particular form of mercury.Study after study has found no evidence that thimerosal causes autism or other harm. Yet since 2001, all vaccines routinely used for U.S. children age 6 years or younger have come in thimerosal-free formulas — including single-dose flu shots that account for the vast majority of influenza vaccinations.The advisory panel first voted, with one abstention, to back the usual U.S. recommendation that nearly everyone age 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination. Then the advisers decided people should only be given thimerosal-free single-dose formulations, voting 5-1 with one abstention.That would include single-dose shots that already are the most common type of flu vaccination, as well as the nasal spray FluMist. It would rule out the subset of flu vaccine dispensed in multi-dose vials.“There is still no demonstrable evidence of harm,” one panelist, Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, a psychiatrist formerly with the National Institutes of Health, said in acknowledging the committee wasn’t following its usual practice of acting on evidence.But he added that “whether the actual molecule is a risk or not, we have to respect the fear of mercury” that might dissuade some people from getting vaccinated.The ACIP helps the CDC determine who should be vaccinated against a long list of diseases, and when. Those recommendations have a big impact on whether insurance covers vaccinations and where they’re available.Normally the CDC’s director would decide whether to accept ACIP’s recommendation, but the Senate has not yet confirmed nominee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/susan-monarez-cdc-director-senate-hearing-rfk-c7c883f604711238643a9ffd1681bcc0">Susan Monarez</a>. Administration officials said Kennedy would make that decision.Medical groups decried the panel’s lack of transparency in blocking a CDC analysis of thimerosal that concluded there was no link between the preservative and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20250624164828/https://www.cdc.gov/acip/downloads/slides-2025-06-25-26/Thimerosal-Containing-Vaccines-Summary-of-Evidence-508.pdf" target="_blank">The data</a>&nbsp;had been posted on the committee’s website Tuesday, but was later removed — because, according to ACIP member Dr. Robert Malone, the report hadn’t been authorized by Kennedy’s office. Panel members said they had read it.While Thursday’s debate involved only a small fraction of flu vaccines, some public health experts contend the discussion unnecessarily raised doubt about vaccine safety. Already, fewer than half of Americans get their yearly flu vaccinations, and mistrust in vaccines overall is growing.“Selective use of data and omission of established science undermines public trust and fuels misinformation,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He said of the new panelists, “Nothing about their recent actions have been science-based or transparent.”The flu votes marked the final step of a two-day meeting that alarmed pediatricians and other doctors’ groups, who pointed to new panelists’ lack of expertise in how to properly track vaccine safety — and a shift in focus to some longtime messages of antivaccine groups.“What should have been a rigorous, evidence-based discussion on the national vaccine schedule instead appeared to be a predetermined exercise orchestrated to undermine the well-established safety and efficacy of vaccines and fundamental basics of science,” said Dr. Jason Goldman of the American College of Physicians.Of special concern was the announcement by panel chairman Martin Kulldorff to reevaluate the “cumulative effect” of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/childhood-vaccines-schedule-kennedy-trump-hhs-4d5e6c52c602f5edbcd837748605e9d0">children’s vaccine schedule</a>&nbsp;— the list of immunizations given at different times throughout childhood. That reflects the scientifically debunked notion that children today get too many vaccinations, somehow overwhelming their immune system.Doctors say improved vaccine technology means kids today are exposed to fewer antigens — substances that the immune system reacts to — than their grandparents despite getting more doses.U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, a pediatrician and Democrat from Washington state, told reporters Thursday that children are exposed to more antigens “in one day of day care” than in all their vaccinations.Also at the ACIP meeting:— The panel backed a new option to protect infants against RSV, a virus especially dangerous to babies. It voted 5-2 that a newly approved antibody shot from Merck could be used alongside two existing options.— Kulldorff said the panel may look into whether hepatitis B vaccination of newborns is appropriate if the mother doesn’t carry the liver-destroying virus. Pediatricians counter that babies can catch the virus in other ways, such as from other caregivers who don’t know they’re infected.— Kennedy already sidestepped the advisory group and announced the COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be recommended for healthy children or pregnant women. But CDC scientists told the panel that vaccination is “the best protection” during pregnancy and that most children hospitalized for COVID-19 over the past year were unvaccinated. Some advisers questioned if the CDC’s extensive tracking of vaccine safety is trustworthy.___Neergaard reported from Washington.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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

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

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

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

As for the involved driver, KCPD investigators are putting together the entire crash summary into an investigative case file, according to Becchina. That case file is comprised of crash reconstruction, witness/involved driver interviews, and any surveillance or evidence analysis. That case file is then presented to prosecutors for their determination of applicable charges. The process of compiling the case file usually takes several weeks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750897462101.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal. hit-and-run have identified as 61-year-old Joseph R. Caldwell, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.Just after 10:30a.m. Wednesday, a midsize SUV was westbound on Barry Road from N Boardwalk, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.The SUV struck a construction worker later identified as Caldwell and left the scene. A few minutes later, KC Fire Department paramedics pronounced the Caldwell deceased. The driver of the vehicle was apprehended shortly after, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp;&nbsp;As for the involved driver, KCPD investigators are putting together the entire crash summary into an investigative case file, according to Becchina. That case file is comprised of crash reconstruction, witness/involved driver interviews, and any surveillance or evidence analysis. That case file is then presented to prosecutors for their determination of applicable charges. The process of compiling the case file usually takes several weeks.

Police ID construction worker killed in hit-and-run crash

Mayor Quinton Lucas issued a statement Thursday on the retention of the Chiefs and Royals in Kansas City, Missouri

Mayor Quinton Lucas issued a statement Thursday on the retention of the Chiefs and Royals in Kansas City, Missouri<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750991539385.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KCMO Mayor issues a statement on retention of the Chief and Royals

By MARK SHERMAN and LINDSAY WHITEHURST&nbsp;

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is meeting Friday to decide the final six cases of its term, including President Donald Trump's bid to enforce his executive order denying birthright citizenship to U.S.-born children of parents who are in the country illegally.

The justices take the bench at 10 a.m. for their last public session until the start of their new term on Oct. 6.

The birthright citizenship order has been blocked nationwide by three lower courts. The Trump administration made an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court to narrow the court orders that have prevented the citizenship changes from taking effect anywhere in the U.S.

The issue before the justices is whether to limit the authority of judges to issue nationwide injunctions, which have plagued both Republican and Democratic administrations in the past 10 years.

These nationwide court orders have emerged as an important check on Trump's efforts and a source of mounting frustration to the Republican president and his allies.

Decisions also are expected in several other important cases.

The court seemed likely during arguments in April to side with Maryland parents in a religious rights case over LGBTQ storybooks in public schools.

Parents in the Montgomery County school system, in suburban Washington, want to be able to pull their children out of lessons that use the storybooks, which the county added to the curriculum to better reflect the district's diversity.

The school system at one point allowed parents to remove their children from those lessons, but then reversed course because it found the opt-out policy to be disruptive. Sex education is the only area of instruction with an opt-out provision in the county's schools.

The justices also are weighing a three-year battle over congressional districts in Louisiana that is making its second trip to the Supreme Court.

Before the court now is a map that created a second Black majority congressional district among Louisiana's six seats in the House of Representatives. The district elected a Black Democrat in 2024.

Lower courts have struck down two Louisiana congressional maps since 2022 and the justices are considering whether to send state lawmakers back to the map-drawing board for a third time.

The case involves the interplay between race and politics in drawing political boundaries in front of a conservative-led court that has been skeptical of considerations of race in public life.

At arguments in March, several of the court's conservative justices suggested they could vote to throw out the map and make it harder, if not impossible, to bring redistricting lawsuits under the Voting Rights Act.

Free speech rights are at the center of a case over a Texas law aimed at blocking kids from seeing online pornography.

Texas is among more than a dozen states with age verification laws. The states argue the laws are necessary as smartphones have made access to online porn, including hardcore obscene material, almost instantaneous.

The question for the court is whether the measure infringes on the constitutional rights of adults as well. The Free Speech Coalition, an adult-entertainment industry trade group, agrees that children shouldn't be seeing pornography. But it says the Texas law is written too broadly and wrongly affects adults by requiring them to submit personal identifying information online that is vulnerable to hacking or tracking.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672235865420.png" alt="Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States" />
 <figcaption>Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK SHERMAN and LINDSAY WHITEHURST&nbsp;WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is meeting Friday to decide the final six cases of its term, including President Donald Trump's bid to enforce his executive order denying birthright citizenship to U.S.-born children of parents who are in the country illegally.The justices take the bench at 10 a.m. for their last public session until the start of their new term on Oct. 6.The birthright citizenship order has been blocked nationwide by three lower courts. The Trump administration made an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court to narrow the court orders that have prevented the citizenship changes from taking effect anywhere in the U.S.The issue before the justices is whether to limit the authority of judges to issue nationwide injunctions, which have plagued both Republican and Democratic administrations in the past 10 years.These nationwide court orders have emerged as an important check on Trump's efforts and a source of mounting frustration to the Republican president and his allies.Decisions also are expected in several other important cases.The court seemed likely during arguments in April to side with Maryland parents in a religious rights case over LGBTQ storybooks in public schools.Parents in the Montgomery County school system, in suburban Washington, want to be able to pull their children out of lessons that use the storybooks, which the county added to the curriculum to better reflect the district's diversity.The school system at one point allowed parents to remove their children from those lessons, but then reversed course because it found the opt-out policy to be disruptive. Sex education is the only area of instruction with an opt-out provision in the county's schools.The justices also are weighing a three-year battle over congressional districts in Louisiana that is making its second trip to the Supreme Court.Before the court now is a map that created a second Black majority congressional district among Louisiana's six seats in the House of Representatives. The district elected a Black Democrat in 2024.Lower courts have struck down two Louisiana congressional maps since 2022 and the justices are considering whether to send state lawmakers back to the map-drawing board for a third time.The case involves the interplay between race and politics in drawing political boundaries in front of a conservative-led court that has been skeptical of considerations of race in public life.At arguments in March, several of the court's conservative justices suggested they could vote to throw out the map and make it harder, if not impossible, to bring redistricting lawsuits under the Voting Rights Act.Free speech rights are at the center of a case over a Texas law aimed at blocking kids from seeing online pornography.Texas is among more than a dozen states with age verification laws. The states argue the laws are necessary as smartphones have made access to online porn, including hardcore obscene material, almost instantaneous.The question for the court is whether the measure infringes on the constitutional rights of adults as well. The Free Speech Coalition, an adult-entertainment industry trade group, agrees that children shouldn't be seeing pornography. But it says the Texas law is written too broadly and wrongly affects adults by requiring them to submit personal identifying information online that is vulnerable to hacking or tracking.

Supreme Court tees up blockbuster final day of term

ATCHISON COUNTY —A joint investigation conducted by the Atchison Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation resulted in a number of arrests on Wednesday night, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The investigation continued throughout the night with police officers, detectives, and KBI agents taking into seven into custody.

Allison R. Blakley, 29, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 600 block College Street on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a controlled substance. Taken to County Jail.

Ivan Cushinberry, Jr., 66, Atchison, arrested at 1518 South 7th Street on requested charges of distribution and possession of cocaine, manufacturing a controlled substance, and distribution and possession of methamphetamine. Shortly before 2:00AM on Thursday officers and agents executed a search warrant at 1518 South 7th Street where numerous items of evidence were seized. Cushinberry was taken to the County Jail.

Cecilia Y. Daniels, 57, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 600 block Commercial on requested charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and several traffic charges. Taken to County Jail.

Harold D. Bowen, 76, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 600 block Commercial on requested charges of possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.

Felicia K. Lynch, 33, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 1200 block South 6th Street on requested charges of possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.

Kevin V. Maxey, Jr., 37, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 600 block College Street and charged with felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a controlled substance, and disorderly conduct. Taken to County Jail.

Kattibrie D. Lynch, 30, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 800 block Raven Hill Road on requested charges with possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.

ATCHISON COUNTY —A joint investigation conducted by the Atchison Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation resulted in a number of arrests on Wednesday night, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The investigation continued throughout the night with police officers, detectives, and KBI agents taking into seven into custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969497358.png" alt="Blakley has previous convictions for aggravated arson, interference with law enforcement, criminal damage to property and for drugs, according to the KDOC." />
 <figcaption>Blakley has previous convictions for aggravated arson, interference with law enforcement, criminal damage to property and for drugs, according to the KDOC.</figcaption>
 </figure>Allison R. Blakley, 29, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 600 block College Street on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a controlled substance. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969734157.png" alt="Cushinberry photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Cushinberry photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ivan Cushinberry, Jr., 66, Atchison, arrested at 1518 South 7th Street on requested charges of distribution and possession of cocaine, manufacturing a controlled substance, and distribution and possession of methamphetamine. Shortly before 2:00AM on Thursday officers and agents executed a search warrant at 1518 South 7th Street where numerous items of evidence were seized. Cushinberry was taken to the County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969800559.png" alt="Daniels photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Daniels photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cecilia Y. Daniels, 57, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 600 block Commercial on requested charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and several traffic charges. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969850282.png" alt="Bowen photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Bowen photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Harold D. Bowen, 76, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 600 block Commercial on requested charges of possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750969976133.png" alt="Felicia Lynch-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Felicia Lynch-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Felicia K. Lynch, 33, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 1200 block South 6th Street on requested charges of possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750970116281.png" alt="Maxey photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Maxey photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kevin V. Maxey, Jr., 37, Atchison, arrested on a traffic stop in the 600 block College Street and charged with felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a controlled substance, and disorderly conduct. Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750970037950.png" alt="Kattibrie Lynch -photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Kattibrie Lynch -photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kattibrie D. Lynch, 30, Atchison, arrested following a traffic stop in the 800 block Raven Hill Road on requested charges with possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.