NEW YORK (AP) — Craft labels from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joann-closing-bankruptcy-crafts-retail-b83c68fb641fad18cd6c8be925c6d90b">now-shuttered fabrics seller Joann</a>&nbsp;are making their way to a new home: Michaels.

The Michaels Companies announced on Thursday that it had completed its purchase of Joann's intellectual property and private label brands — in an acquisition that arrives as the Texas-based arts and crafting chain works to expand its own fabric, sewing and yarn offerings.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to welcome JOANN customers into our creative community and are committed to delivering the selection, value, and inspiration they are looking for at Michaels,” Michaels CEO David Boone said in a statement. The deal, he added, allows the company to better “respond to rising demand” among both new and existing customers.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. The Associated Press reached out to Michaels for further information on Friday.

With roots dating back to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joann-bankruptcy-chapter-11-filing-75093d4032907c59a45e472dd4e23229">single Ohio storefront in 1943</a>, Joann had grown into a destination for generations of sewers, quilters, knitters and lovers of other crafts for more than 80 years. But more recently, operational challenges continued to pile up — with the retailer pointing to sluggish consumer demand, inventory shortages and rising competition.

Joann announced it would be going out of business back in February, just one month after filing for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-jobs-consumers-retail-41198c67d1d9b6bcd353a054fb4f7203">Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection</a>&nbsp;for the second time within a year. At the time, the company said financial services company GA Group, together with Joann’s term lenders, had been selected as the winning bidder to “acquire substantially all of Joann’s assets” and conduct going-out-of-business sales at all store locations.

Michaels on Thursday said that its purchase of Joann's IP and private brands included the acquisition of “Big Twist” yarns, which had become a staple in Joann stores over the years.

Those “Big Twist” labels are now being developed as part of Michaels' portfolio — and will be available in-stores and online later this year, the company said. In the meantime, Michaels has also dedicated a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.michaels.com/lp/welcome-joann?joannweb">landing page</a>&nbsp;to welcome former Joann customers online.

And as part of its overall expansion into fabrics, Michaels said on Thursday that its adding more than 600 new products from new and existing brands — including quilting supplies and fabrics, specialty threads, sewing machines and more.

Michaels, founded in 1973, currently operates 1,300 stores across 49 U.S. states and Canada. Its parent company also owns Artistree, a framing merchandise manufacturer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749228946741.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Craft labels from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joann-closing-bankruptcy-crafts-retail-b83c68fb641fad18cd6c8be925c6d90b">now-shuttered fabrics seller Joann</a>&nbsp;are making their way to a new home: Michaels.The Michaels Companies announced on Thursday that it had completed its purchase of Joann's intellectual property and private label brands — in an acquisition that arrives as the Texas-based arts and crafting chain works to expand its own fabric, sewing and yarn offerings.“We’re honored to have the opportunity to welcome JOANN customers into our creative community and are committed to delivering the selection, value, and inspiration they are looking for at Michaels,” Michaels CEO David Boone said in a statement. The deal, he added, allows the company to better “respond to rising demand” among both new and existing customers.Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. The Associated Press reached out to Michaels for further information on Friday.With roots dating back to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joann-bankruptcy-chapter-11-filing-75093d4032907c59a45e472dd4e23229">single Ohio storefront in 1943</a>, Joann had grown into a destination for generations of sewers, quilters, knitters and lovers of other crafts for more than 80 years. But more recently, operational challenges continued to pile up — with the retailer pointing to sluggish consumer demand, inventory shortages and rising competition.Joann announced it would be going out of business back in February, just one month after filing for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-jobs-consumers-retail-41198c67d1d9b6bcd353a054fb4f7203">Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection</a>&nbsp;for the second time within a year. At the time, the company said financial services company GA Group, together with Joann’s term lenders, had been selected as the winning bidder to “acquire substantially all of Joann’s assets” and conduct going-out-of-business sales at all store locations.Michaels on Thursday said that its purchase of Joann's IP and private brands included the acquisition of “Big Twist” yarns, which had become a staple in Joann stores over the years.Those “Big Twist” labels are now being developed as part of Michaels' portfolio — and will be available in-stores and online later this year, the company said. In the meantime, Michaels has also dedicated a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.michaels.com/lp/welcome-joann?joannweb">landing page</a>&nbsp;to welcome former Joann customers online.And as part of its overall expansion into fabrics, Michaels said on Thursday that its adding more than 600 new products from new and existing brands — including quilting supplies and fabrics, specialty threads, sewing machines and more.Michaels, founded in 1973, currently operates 1,300 stores across 49 U.S. states and Canada. Its parent company also owns Artistree, a framing merchandise manufacturer.

Michaels completes acquisition of Joann's intellectual property and fan-favorite labels

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to find driver traveling far above the posted speed limit.

On Thursday night, a deputy was running radar in the block of SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a social media report from the Shawnee County Sheriff.

 This area has had multiple injury accidents and the sheriff's office has had&nbsp; many complaints of speeders.

Around 9:45pm, the deputy stopped a Chrysler 300 southbound on Wanamaker driving at 114 miles per hour.&nbsp; The sheriff's office released no additional details but did encourage driver to "Slow Down."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749222951499.png" alt="Shawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Shawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to find driver traveling far above the posted speed limit.On Thursday night, a deputy was running radar in the block of SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a social media report from the Shawnee County Sheriff. This area has had multiple injury accidents and the sheriff's office has had&nbsp; many complaints of speeders.Around 9:45pm, the deputy stopped a Chrysler 300 southbound on Wanamaker driving at 114 miles per hour.&nbsp; The sheriff's office released no additional details but did encourage driver to "Slow Down."

Sheriff: Driver stopped for 114mph on Kansas street

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in Topeka have identified the victim as 29-year-old&nbsp;Ian A. Mwaniki of Topeka.

Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;responded to reports of gunshots in the 700 block of SW Western in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

First responders located a victim, later identified Mwaniki, with life-threatening injuries. Medical personnel on scene later pronounced him deceased.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

This is the city’s 8th homicide investigation of 2025, according to Eubanks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749233917699.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in Topeka have identified the victim as 29-year-old&nbsp;Ian A. Mwaniki of Topeka.Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;responded to reports of gunshots in the 700 block of SW Western in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.First responders located a victim, later identified Mwaniki, with life-threatening injuries. Medical personnel on scene later pronounced him deceased.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.This is the city’s 8th homicide investigation of 2025, according to Eubanks.

Homicide: Police ID Kansas shooting victim

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

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump late Wednesday ordered the White House legal counsel and U.S. attorney general to investigate when Biden administration staff used an autopen to sign the former president’s name on official documents, alleging that Biden might not have known or approved of their actions.

The inquiry represents an escalation in Trump’s animosity toward and legal action against former President Joe Biden, who vehemently denies the allegations that he didn’t know what executive orders or pardons were signed during his term.

Trump has repeatedly suggested that Biden wasn’t fully cognizant during the end of his administration. Similar concerns were reported on by dozens of news organizations following Biden’s answers and behavior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-and-trump-trade-insults-accusations-lying-acrimonious-presidential-debate" target="_blank">during a debate</a>&nbsp;in June 2024.

Biden’s apparent confusion during some of the debate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-calls-new-nominee-ramp-biden-camp-pledges-stay-course" target="_blank">raised alarm bells among fellow Democrats</a>&nbsp;and eventually&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/president-joe-biden-bows-out-reelection-campaign-harris-vows-win-nomination-8" target="_blank">led him to withdraw</a>&nbsp;from his reelection campaign, later endorsing then-Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/reviewing-certain-presidential-actions/" target="_blank">memorandum</a>&nbsp;alleges “Biden’s aides abused the power of Presidential signatures through the use of an autopen to conceal Biden’s cognitive decline and assert Article II authority.

“This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history. The American public was purposefully shielded from discovering who wielded the executive power, all while Biden’s signature was deployed across thousands of documents to effect radical policy shifts.”&nbsp;

The memo stated that if Biden staff used an autopen, a mechanical device that mimics a person’s signature, “to conceal this incapacity, while taking radical executive actions all in his name, that would constitute an unconstitutional wielding of the power of the Presidency, a circumstance that would have implications for the legality and validity of numerous executive actions undertaken in Biden’s name.”

Trump said Thursday during an appearance in the Oval Office that he hadn’t discovered any evidence that Biden aides violated the law.

“No, but I’ve uncovered the human mind,” Trump said. “I was in a debate with the human mind and I didn’t think he knew what the hell he was doing. So it’s one of those things, one of those problems. We can’t ever allow that to happen to our country.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Biden released a written statement rejecting the claims Trump laid out in the memo, arguing the investigation “is nothing more than a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans who are working to push disastrous legislation that would cut essential programs like Medicaid and raise costs on American families, all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.”

“Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations,” Biden wrote. “Any suggestion that I didn’t is ridiculous and false.”

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump late Wednesday ordered the White House legal counsel and U.S. attorney general to investigate when Biden administration staff used an autopen to sign the former president’s name on official documents, alleging that Biden might not have known or approved of their actions.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ICYMI 🖊️ <a href="https://t.co/1WVXvSjXLv">pic.twitter.com/1WVXvSjXLv</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1930282954523087179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The inquiry represents an escalation in Trump’s animosity toward and legal action against former President Joe Biden, who vehemently denies the allegations that he didn’t know what executive orders or pardons were signed during his term.Trump has repeatedly suggested that Biden wasn’t fully cognizant during the end of his administration. Similar concerns were reported on by dozens of news organizations following Biden’s answers and behavior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-and-trump-trade-insults-accusations-lying-acrimonious-presidential-debate" target="_blank">during a debate</a>&nbsp;in June 2024.Biden’s apparent confusion during some of the debate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-calls-new-nominee-ramp-biden-camp-pledges-stay-course" target="_blank">raised alarm bells among fellow Democrats</a>&nbsp;and eventually&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/president-joe-biden-bows-out-reelection-campaign-harris-vows-win-nomination-8" target="_blank">led him to withdraw</a>&nbsp;from his reelection campaign, later endorsing then-Vice President Kamala Harris.Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/reviewing-certain-presidential-actions/" target="_blank">memorandum</a>&nbsp;alleges “Biden’s aides abused the power of Presidential signatures through the use of an autopen to conceal Biden’s cognitive decline and assert Article II authority.“This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history. The American public was purposefully shielded from discovering who wielded the executive power, all while Biden’s signature was deployed across thousands of documents to effect radical policy shifts.”&nbsp;The memo stated that if Biden staff used an autopen, a mechanical device that mimics a person’s signature, “to conceal this incapacity, while taking radical executive actions all in his name, that would constitute an unconstitutional wielding of the power of the Presidency, a circumstance that would have implications for the legality and validity of numerous executive actions undertaken in Biden’s name.”Trump said Thursday during an appearance in the Oval Office that he hadn’t discovered any evidence that Biden aides violated the law.“No, but I’ve uncovered the human mind,” Trump said. “I was in a debate with the human mind and I didn’t think he knew what the hell he was doing. So it’s one of those things, one of those problems. We can’t ever allow that to happen to our country.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Biden released a written statement rejecting the claims Trump laid out in the memo, arguing the investigation “is nothing more than a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans who are working to push disastrous legislation that would cut essential programs like Medicaid and raise costs on American families, all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.”“Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations,” Biden wrote. “Any suggestion that I didn’t is ridiculous and false.”

Trump opens investigation into Biden autopen use

SEDGWICK COUNTY– A Kansas teacher, accused of sex crimes involving a student, made her first appearance before a judge Thursday.

Nicole Morgan Baird Hernandez, 30, was charged with four counts of unlawful sexual relations with a student, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She was an art teacher at Wichita North High School, according to the school web site.&nbsp;The student involved was over the age of 16, according to the arrest report.

On May 22, police arrested her in the 300 Block of West Tyler in Wichita, according to Sedgwick County booking reports.&nbsp;

She met the requirements of a $50,000 bond and is no longer in custody, according to online jail records. She is due back in court on June 16, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749221483052.png" alt="Hernandez -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hernandez -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY– A Kansas teacher, accused of sex crimes involving a student, made her first appearance before a judge Thursday.Nicole Morgan Baird Hernandez, 30, was charged with four counts of unlawful sexual relations with a student, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She was an art teacher at Wichita North High School, according to the school web site.&nbsp;The student involved was over the age of 16, according to the arrest report.On May 22, police arrested her in the 300 Block of West Tyler in Wichita, according to Sedgwick County booking reports.&nbsp;She met the requirements of a $50,000 bond and is no longer in custody, according to online jail records. She is due back in court on June 16, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas art teacher accused of sex crimes with student

NEW YORK (AP) —A federal judge signed off on arguably the biggest change in the history of college sports Friday, clearing the way for schools to begin paying their athletes millions of dollars as soon as next month as the multibillion-dollar industry shreds the last vestiges of the amateur model that defined it for more than a century.

Nearly five years after Arizona State swimmer Grant House sued the NCAA and its five biggest conferences to lift restrictions on revenue sharing, U.S. Judge Claudia Wilken approved the final proposal that had been hung up on roster limits, just one of many changes ahead amid concerns that thousands of walk-on athletes will lose their chance to play college sports.

The sweeping terms of the so-called House settlement include approval for each school to share up to $20.5 million with athletes over the next year and $2.7 billion that will be paid over the next decade to thousands of former players who were barred from that revenue for years.

The agreement brings a seismic shift to hundreds of schools that were forced to reckon with the reality that their players are the ones producing the billions in TV and other revenue, mostly through football and basketball, that keep this machine humming.

The scope of the changes — some have already begun — is difficult to overstate. The professionalization of college athletics will be seen in the high-stakes and expensive recruitment of stars on their way to the NFL and NBA, and they will be felt by athletes whose schools have decided to pare their programs. The agreement will resonate in nearly every one of the NCAA’s 1,100 member schools boasting nearly 500,000 athletes.

Wilken’s ruling comes 11 years after she dealt the first significant blow to the NCAA ideal of amateurism when she ruled in favor of former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon and others who were seeking a way to earn money from the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL) — a term that is now as common in college sports as “March Madness” or “Roll Tide.” It was just four years ago that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/laws-sports-6fb10bea4176ac6a912138ce7f0a764e">NCAA cleared the way for NIL money</a>&nbsp;to start flowing, but the changes coming are even bigger.

Wilken granted preliminary approval to the settlement last October. That sent colleges scurrying to determine not only how they were going to afford the payments, but how to regulate an industry that also allows players to cut deals with third parties so long as they are deemed compliant by a newly formed enforcement group that will be run by auditors at Deloitte.

The agreement takes a big chunk of oversight away from the NCAA and puts it in the hands of the four biggest conferences. The ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC hold most of the power and decision-making heft, especially when it comes to the College Football Playoff, which is the most significant financial driver in the industry and is not under the NCAA umbrella like the March Madness tournaments are.

The deal looked ready to go since last fall, but Wilken put a halt to it after listening to a number of players who had lost their spots because of newly imposed roster limits being placed on teams.

The limits were part of a trade-off that allowed the schools to offer scholarships to everyone on the roster, instead of only a fraction, as has been the case for decades. Schools started cutting walk-ons in anticipation of the deal being approved.

Wilken asked for a solution and, after weeks, the parties decided to let anyone cut from a roster — now termed a “Designated Student-Athlete” — return to their old school or play for a new one without counting against the new limit.

Wilken ultimately agreed, going point-by-point through the objectors’ arguments to explain why they didn’t hold up.

“The modifications provide Designated Student-Athletes with what they had prior to the roster limits provisions being implemented, which was the opportunity to be on a roster at the discretion of a Division I school,” Wilken wrote.

The list of winners and losers is long and, in some cases, hard to tease out.

A rough guide of winners would include football and basketball stars at the biggest schools, which will devote much of their bankroll to signing and retaining them. For instance, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood’s NIL deal is reportedly worth between $10.5 million and $12 million.

Losers, despite Wilken’s ruling, figure to be at least some of the walk-ons and partial scholarship athletes whose spots are gone.

Also in limbo are Olympic sports many of those athletes play and that serve as the main pipeline for a U.S. team that has won the most medals at every Olympics since the downfall of the Soviet Union.

All this is a price worth paying, according to the attorneys who crafted the settlement and argue they delivered exactly what they were asked for: an attempt to put more money in the pockets of the players whose sweat and toil keep people watching from the start of football season through March Madness and the College World Series in June.

What the settlement does not solve is the threat of further litigation.

Though this deal brings some uniformity to the rules, states still have separate laws regarding how NIL can be doled out, which could lead to legal challenges. NCAA President Charlie Baker has been consistent in pushing for federal legislation that would put college sports under one rulebook and, if he has his way, provide some form of antitrust protection to prevent the new model from being disrupted again.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726059008795.jpeg" alt="File (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)" />
 <figcaption>File (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —A federal judge signed off on arguably the biggest change in the history of college sports Friday, clearing the way for schools to begin paying their athletes millions of dollars as soon as next month as the multibillion-dollar industry shreds the last vestiges of the amateur model that defined it for more than a century.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/OjqkLJovr1">pic.twitter.com/OjqkLJovr1</a>&mdash; Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) <a href="https://twitter.com/Big12Conference/status/1931181739784691837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Nearly five years after Arizona State swimmer Grant House sued the NCAA and its five biggest conferences to lift restrictions on revenue sharing, U.S. Judge Claudia Wilken approved the final proposal that had been hung up on roster limits, just one of many changes ahead amid concerns that thousands of walk-on athletes will lose their chance to play college sports.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749263208278.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The sweeping terms of the so-called House settlement include approval for each school to share up to $20.5 million with athletes over the next year and $2.7 billion that will be paid over the next decade to thousands of former players who were barred from that revenue for years.The agreement brings a seismic shift to hundreds of schools that were forced to reckon with the reality that their players are the ones producing the billions in TV and other revenue, mostly through football and basketball, that keep this machine humming.The scope of the changes — some have already begun — is difficult to overstate. The professionalization of college athletics will be seen in the high-stakes and expensive recruitment of stars on their way to the NFL and NBA, and they will be felt by athletes whose schools have decided to pare their programs. The agreement will resonate in nearly every one of the NCAA’s 1,100 member schools boasting nearly 500,000 athletes.<h2>The road to a settlement</h2>Wilken’s ruling comes 11 years after she dealt the first significant blow to the NCAA ideal of amateurism when she ruled in favor of former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon and others who were seeking a way to earn money from the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL) — a term that is now as common in college sports as “March Madness” or “Roll Tide.” It was just four years ago that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/laws-sports-6fb10bea4176ac6a912138ce7f0a764e">NCAA cleared the way for NIL money</a>&nbsp;to start flowing, but the changes coming are even bigger.Wilken granted preliminary approval to the settlement last October. That sent colleges scurrying to determine not only how they were going to afford the payments, but how to regulate an industry that also allows players to cut deals with third parties so long as they are deemed compliant by a newly formed enforcement group that will be run by auditors at Deloitte.The agreement takes a big chunk of oversight away from the NCAA and puts it in the hands of the four biggest conferences. The ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC hold most of the power and decision-making heft, especially when it comes to the College Football Playoff, which is the most significant financial driver in the industry and is not under the NCAA umbrella like the March Madness tournaments are.<h2>Roster limits held things up</h2>The deal looked ready to go since last fall, but Wilken put a halt to it after listening to a number of players who had lost their spots because of newly imposed roster limits being placed on teams.The limits were part of a trade-off that allowed the schools to offer scholarships to everyone on the roster, instead of only a fraction, as has been the case for decades. Schools started cutting walk-ons in anticipation of the deal being approved.Wilken asked for a solution and, after weeks, the parties decided to let anyone cut from a roster — now termed a “Designated Student-Athlete” — return to their old school or play for a new one without counting against the new limit.Wilken ultimately agreed, going point-by-point through the objectors’ arguments to explain why they didn’t hold up.“The modifications provide Designated Student-Athletes with what they had prior to the roster limits provisions being implemented, which was the opportunity to be on a roster at the discretion of a Division I school,” Wilken wrote.<h2>Winners and losers</h2>The list of winners and losers is long and, in some cases, hard to tease out.A rough guide of winners would include football and basketball stars at the biggest schools, which will devote much of their bankroll to signing and retaining them. For instance, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood’s NIL deal is reportedly worth between $10.5 million and $12 million.Losers, despite Wilken’s ruling, figure to be at least some of the walk-ons and partial scholarship athletes whose spots are gone.Also in limbo are Olympic sports many of those athletes play and that serve as the main pipeline for a U.S. team that has won the most medals at every Olympics since the downfall of the Soviet Union.All this is a price worth paying, according to the attorneys who crafted the settlement and argue they delivered exactly what they were asked for: an attempt to put more money in the pockets of the players whose sweat and toil keep people watching from the start of football season through March Madness and the College World Series in June.What the settlement does not solve is the threat of further litigation.Though this deal brings some uniformity to the rules, states still have separate laws regarding how NIL can be doled out, which could lead to legal challenges. NCAA President Charlie Baker has been consistent in pushing for federal legislation that would put college sports under one rulebook and, if he has his way, provide some form of antitrust protection to prevent the new model from being disrupted again.___

Judge OKs $2.8B settlement, paving way for US colleges to pay athletes millions

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose mistaken deportation to El Salvador became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/van-hollen-abrego-garcia-el-salvador-deportation-53c7c2dc95486f5f0c4afd96dc0fb01c">a political flashpoint in the Trump administration's stepped-up immigration enforcement</a>, was returned to the United States on Friday to face criminal charges related to what the Trump administration said was a massive human smuggling operation that brought immigrants into the country illegally.

His abrupt release from El Salvador closes one chapter and opens another in a saga that yielded a remarkable, months-long standoff between Trump officials and the courts over a deportation that officials initially acknowledged was done in error but then continued to stand behind in apparent defiance of orders by judges to facilitate his return to the U.S.

The development occurred after U.S. officials presented El Salvador President Nayib Bukele with an arrest warrant for federal charges in Tennessee accusing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">Abrego Garcia</a>&nbsp;of playing a key role in smuggling immigrants into the country for money. He is expected to be prosecuted in the U.S. and, if convicted, will be returned to his home country of El Salvador at the conclusion of the case, officials said Friday.

“This is what American justice looks like,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in announcing Abrego Garcia's return and the unsealing of a grand jury indictment. A court appearance in Nashville was set for Friday.

Abrego Garcia's attorneys called the case “baseless."

“There’s no way a jury is going to see the evidence and agree that this sheet metal worker is the leader of an international MS-13 smuggling conspiracy,” attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said.

Democrats and immigrant rights group had pressed for Abrego Garcia’s release, with several lawmakers — including Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, where Abrego Garcia had lived for years — even traveling to El Salvador to visit him. A federal judge had ordered him to be returned in April and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-deportation-trump-9f46dd62890befdc321ed1ab56107470">Supreme Court rejected an emergency appeal</a>&nbsp;by directing the government to work to bring him back.

But the news that Abrego Garcia, who had an immigration court order preventing his deportation to his native country over fears he would face persecution from local gangs, was being brought back for the purpose of prosecution was greeted with dismay by his lawyers.

Abrego Garcia's lawyer calls charges ‘preposterous’

“This administration ... instead of simply admitting their mistake, they’ll stop at nothing at all, including some of the most preposterous charges imageable," Sandoval-Moshenberg said.

Ama Frimpong, legal director with the group CASA, said Abrego Garcia's family has mixed emotions about his return to the U.S.

“Let him talk to his wife. Let him talk to his children. This family has suffered enough,” she said.

Sandoval-Moshenberg said Abrego Garcia is one of the first, if not the first, person released from a notorious prison in El Salvador, though he was later imprisoned at another facility.

“So it’s going to be very interesting to hear what he has to say about the way in which he was treated,” the attorney said.

The indictment, filed last month and unsealed Friday, lays out a string of allegations that date back to 2016 but are only being disclosed now, nearly three months after Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported and following the Trump administration’s repeated claims that he is a criminal.

It accuses him of smuggling throughout the U.S. thousands of people living in the country illegally, including members of the violent MS-13 gang, from Central America and abusing women he was transporting. A co-conspirator also alleged that he participated in the killing of a gang member’s mother in El Salvador, prosecutors wrote in papers urging the judge to keep him behind bars while he awaits trial.

The indictment does not charge him in connection with that allegation.

“Later, as part of his immigration proceedings in the United States, the defendant claimed he could not return to El Salvador because he was in fear of retribution from the 18th Street gang,” the detention memo states.

“While partially true — the defendant, according to the information received by the Government, was in fear of retaliation by the 18th Street gang — the underlying reason for the retaliation was the defendant’s own actions in participating in the murder of a rival 18th Street gang member’s mother," prosecutors wrote.

The charges stem from a 2022 vehicle stop in which the Tennessee Highway Patrol suspected him of human trafficking. A report released by the Department of Homeland Security in April states that none of the people in the vehicle had luggage, while they listed the same address as Abrego Garcia.

Abrego Garcia was never charged with a crime, while the officers allowed him to drive on with only a warning about an expired driver’s license, according to the DHS report. The report said he was traveling from Texas to Maryland, via Missouri, to bring in people to perform construction work.

In response to the report’s release in April, Abrego Garcia’s wife said in a statement that he sometimes transported groups of workers between job sites, “so it’s entirely plausible he would have been pulled over while driving with others in the vehicle. He was not charged with any crime or cited for any wrongdoing.”

Immigrant rights advocates vs. the Trump administration

Abrego Garcia's background and personal life have been a source of dispute and contested facts. Immigrant rights advocates have cast his arrest as emblematic of an administration whose deportation policy is haphazard and error-prone, while Trump officials have pointed to prior interactions with police and described him as a gang member who fits the mold they are determined to expel from the country.

Abrego Garcia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-deportation-maryland-man-trump-c21e54f77c1e6716e2998c2463f6650b">lived in the U.S.</a>&nbsp;for roughly 14 years, during which he worked construction, got married and was raising three children with disabilities, according to court records. Trump administration officials said he was deported based on a 2019 accusation from Maryland police that he was an MS-13 gang member. Abrego Garcia denied the allegation and was never charged with a crime, his attorneys said.

A U.S. immigration judge subsequently shielded Abrego Garcia from deportation to El Salvador because he likely faced persecution there by local gangs. The Trump administration deported him there in March, later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-deportation-maryland-man-trump-error-818a0fa1218de714448edcb5be1f7347">describing the mistake</a>&nbsp;as “an administrative error” but insisting he was in MS-13.

Even if Abrego Garcia is convicted of the charges announced Friday, the Trump administration would still have to return to a U.S. immigration court if it wanted to deport him to El Salvador, Sandoval-Moshenberg said. He also expects the case in Maryland to continue as the federal judge there considers whether the administration obeyed her orders to return him.

Abrego Garcia's return comes days after the Trump administration complied with a court order to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-deportation-guatemala-trump-return-64602344d97ef93529ef5f21b4fd5807">return a Guatemalan man</a>&nbsp;deported to Mexico despite his fears of being harmed there. The man, identified in court papers as O.C.G, was the first person known to have been returned to U.S. custody after deportation since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745499007975.png" alt="U.S. Senator Chis Van Hollen with with Garcia in El Salvador in March-photo from the Senator's office" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senator Chis Van Hollen with with Garcia in El Salvador in March-photo from the Senator's office</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose mistaken deportation to El Salvador became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/van-hollen-abrego-garcia-el-salvador-deportation-53c7c2dc95486f5f0c4afd96dc0fb01c">a political flashpoint in the Trump administration's stepped-up immigration enforcement</a>, was returned to the United States on Friday to face criminal charges related to what the Trump administration said was a massive human smuggling operation that brought immigrants into the country illegally.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746223900563.png" alt="Kilmar Abrego Garcia as seen body cam video released by the Tennessee Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Kilmar Abrego Garcia as seen body cam video released by the Tennessee Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>His abrupt release from El Salvador closes one chapter and opens another in a saga that yielded a remarkable, months-long standoff between Trump officials and the courts over a deportation that officials initially acknowledged was done in error but then continued to stand behind in apparent defiance of orders by judges to facilitate his return to the U.S.The development occurred after U.S. officials presented El Salvador President Nayib Bukele with an arrest warrant for federal charges in Tennessee accusing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">Abrego Garcia</a>&nbsp;of playing a key role in smuggling immigrants into the country for money. He is expected to be prosecuted in the U.S. and, if convicted, will be returned to his home country of El Salvador at the conclusion of the case, officials said Friday.“This is what American justice looks like,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in announcing Abrego Garcia's return and the unsealing of a grand jury indictment. A court appearance in Nashville was set for Friday.Abrego Garcia's attorneys called the case “baseless."“There’s no way a jury is going to see the evidence and agree that this sheet metal worker is the leader of an international MS-13 smuggling conspiracy,” attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said.Democrats and immigrant rights group had pressed for Abrego Garcia’s release, with several lawmakers — including Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, where Abrego Garcia had lived for years — even traveling to El Salvador to visit him. A federal judge had ordered him to be returned in April and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-deportation-trump-9f46dd62890befdc321ed1ab56107470">Supreme Court rejected an emergency appeal</a>&nbsp;by directing the government to work to bring him back.But the news that Abrego Garcia, who had an immigration court order preventing his deportation to his native country over fears he would face persecution from local gangs, was being brought back for the purpose of prosecution was greeted with dismay by his lawyers.<h2>Abrego Garcia's lawyer calls charges ‘preposterous’</h2>“This administration ... instead of simply admitting their mistake, they’ll stop at nothing at all, including some of the most preposterous charges imageable," Sandoval-Moshenberg said.Ama Frimpong, legal director with the group CASA, said Abrego Garcia's family has mixed emotions about his return to the U.S.“Let him talk to his wife. Let him talk to his children. This family has suffered enough,” she said.Sandoval-Moshenberg said Abrego Garcia is one of the first, if not the first, person released from a notorious prison in El Salvador, though he was later imprisoned at another facility.“So it’s going to be very interesting to hear what he has to say about the way in which he was treated,” the attorney said.The indictment, filed last month and unsealed Friday, lays out a string of allegations that date back to 2016 but are only being disclosed now, nearly three months after Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported and following the Trump administration’s repeated claims that he is a criminal.It accuses him of smuggling throughout the U.S. thousands of people living in the country illegally, including members of the violent MS-13 gang, from Central America and abusing women he was transporting. A co-conspirator also alleged that he participated in the killing of a gang member’s mother in El Salvador, prosecutors wrote in papers urging the judge to keep him behind bars while he awaits trial.The indictment does not charge him in connection with that allegation.“Later, as part of his immigration proceedings in the United States, the defendant claimed he could not return to El Salvador because he was in fear of retribution from the 18th Street gang,” the detention memo states.“While partially true — the defendant, according to the information received by the Government, was in fear of retaliation by the 18th Street gang — the underlying reason for the retaliation was the defendant’s own actions in participating in the murder of a rival 18th Street gang member’s mother," prosecutors wrote.The charges stem from a 2022 vehicle stop in which the Tennessee Highway Patrol suspected him of human trafficking. A report released by the Department of Homeland Security in April states that none of the people in the vehicle had luggage, while they listed the same address as Abrego Garcia.Abrego Garcia was never charged with a crime, while the officers allowed him to drive on with only a warning about an expired driver’s license, according to the DHS report. The report said he was traveling from Texas to Maryland, via Missouri, to bring in people to perform construction work.In response to the report’s release in April, Abrego Garcia’s wife said in a statement that he sometimes transported groups of workers between job sites, “so it’s entirely plausible he would have been pulled over while driving with others in the vehicle. He was not charged with any crime or cited for any wrongdoing.”<h2>Immigrant rights advocates vs. the Trump administration</h2>Abrego Garcia's background and personal life have been a source of dispute and contested facts. Immigrant rights advocates have cast his arrest as emblematic of an administration whose deportation policy is haphazard and error-prone, while Trump officials have pointed to prior interactions with police and described him as a gang member who fits the mold they are determined to expel from the country.Abrego Garcia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-deportation-maryland-man-trump-c21e54f77c1e6716e2998c2463f6650b">lived in the U.S.</a>&nbsp;for roughly 14 years, during which he worked construction, got married and was raising three children with disabilities, according to court records. Trump administration officials said he was deported based on a 2019 accusation from Maryland police that he was an MS-13 gang member. Abrego Garcia denied the allegation and was never charged with a crime, his attorneys said.A U.S. immigration judge subsequently shielded Abrego Garcia from deportation to El Salvador because he likely faced persecution there by local gangs. The Trump administration deported him there in March, later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-deportation-maryland-man-trump-error-818a0fa1218de714448edcb5be1f7347">describing the mistake</a>&nbsp;as “an administrative error” but insisting he was in MS-13.Even if Abrego Garcia is convicted of the charges announced Friday, the Trump administration would still have to return to a U.S. immigration court if it wanted to deport him to El Salvador, Sandoval-Moshenberg said. He also expects the case in Maryland to continue as the federal judge there considers whether the administration obeyed her orders to return him.Abrego Garcia's return comes days after the Trump administration complied with a court order to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-deportation-guatemala-trump-return-64602344d97ef93529ef5f21b4fd5807">return a Guatemalan man</a>&nbsp;deported to Mexico despite his fears of being harmed there. The man, identified in court papers as O.C.G, was the first person known to have been returned to U.S. custody after deportation since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term.

Abrego Garcia is back in the US to face human smuggling charges 

LITTLE ROCK (AP) —A former police chief and convicted killer known as the “Devil in the Ozarks” was captured by law enforcement 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) northwest of the prison&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-prison-escape-police-chief-grant-hardin-934e7fe6a45d3eafb18443f5b2bc5680?utm_source=Facebook&amp;utm_medium=share&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawKjFE9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF4MmxjbUJyV05JWjVpTWZxAR7HdBxBzlrOzjOfYiCdChZPCLBAhbxLUw0ibnBZA-1ZgEI9955QwHFHVGhqmw_aem_bQ6Hm8suIdhTYD_ucbzvWg">he escaped from</a>&nbsp;following a massive, nearly two-week-long manhunt in the rugged mountains of northern Arkansas, authorities announced Friday.

Grant Hardin, a former police chief in the small town of Gateway near the Arkansas-Missouri border, was serving lengthy sentences&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-chief-arkansas-prison-escape-grant-hardin-280127e9737bc8e8e0d6388d7f268bd1">for murder and rape</a>. Eventually, his notoriety led to a TV documentary, “Devil in the Ozarks.”

Hardin briefly attempted to run from officers when he saw them approach Friday afternoon, but he was quickly tackled to the ground, said Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas prison system.

“He’d been on the run for a week and a half and probably didn’t have any energy left in him,” he added.

Hardin’s identity was confirmed through fingerprinting, the Izard County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.

There’s no indication that Hardin was injured, though he will be checked for dehydration and other medical problems.

Now, investigators are “chomping at the bit and really ready to talk to him,” said Champion, who used his cellphone to capture an image of Hardin being led away by officers. Hardin said nothing during those moments.

Hardin had been held at the Calico Rock prison since 2017 after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in a fatal shooting. In order to escape, he impersonated a corrections officer “in dress and manner,” according to a court document. A prison officer in one of the guard towers opened a secure gate, allowing him to walk out of the facility.

Champion said that someone should have checked Hardin’s identity before he was allowed to leave, describing the lack of verification as a “lapse” that’s being investigated.

Searchers had been using bloodhounds, officers on horseback, drones and helicopters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-prison-escape-police-chief-grant-hardin-b48323fc891ac94d04209b50caa2a04d">in their hunt for Hardin</a>&nbsp;since he escaped on May 25.

Shortly after the escape,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-prison-escape-police-chief-grant-hardin-b48323fc891ac94d04209b50caa2a04d">a bloodhound found — then quickly lost — Hardin’s scent</a>&nbsp;when heavy rains blew through the area, Champion said. The bloodhound tracked Hardin's path for less than a quarter of a mile, after which could have gone in any direction.

“That was one of the most frustrating things, that they were able to track him but then they lost him because of the rain,” Champion said.

An elite and highly trained U.S. Border Patrol team had recently joined the search, federal authorities announced this week.

The Border Patrol Tactical Team known as BORTAC provided “advanced search capabilities and operational support," U.S. Customs and Border Protection said. Its members are experienced in navigating complex terrain, the agency said. The Ozark Mountains region is known for its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-prison-escape-police-chief-grant-hardin-441d37501f2ab0de8af27501546dfb13">rocky and rugged landscape,</a>&nbsp;thick forests and an extensive cave network.

Hardin pleaded guilty in 2017 to first-degree murder for the killing of James Appleton, 59. Appleton worked for the Gateway water department when he was shot in the head Feb. 23, 2017, near Garfield. Police found Appleton’s body inside a car. Hardin was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Hardin’s DNA was also matched to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-5a4557c60ac6484887303e37bd86a477">1997 rape of a teacher</a>&nbsp;at an elementary school in Rogers, north of Fayetteville. He was sentenced to 50 years for that crime.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-prison-escape-police-chief-grant-hardin-441d37501f2ab0de8af27501546dfb13">Cheryl Tillman, Appleton's sister</a>, was with her mother and sister at a flea market in Ozark, Missouri, when law enforcement called to tell her Hardin had been captured. Tillman is also the mayor of Gateway, the 450-person town where Hardin was briefly police chief.

Tillman told The Associated Press that Hardin's capture was a “big sigh of relief” for her whole family.

“We don’t have to walk around, turning around all the time, thinking somebody’s on our back,” Tillman said, emphasizing her appreciation for the officers who helped capture Hardin.

Though Hardin was police chief in Gateway for just four months, he had served as an officer in multiple communities around northwest Arkansas, his police records show.

In his first job as a police officer 35 years ago in Fayetteville, Hardin struggled almost immediately, his supervisors said. He was dismissed by Fayetteville police, but kept getting hired for other law enforcement jobs in northwest Arkansas over the years.

Hardin worked about six months at the Huntsville Police Department before resigning, but records do not give a reason for his resignation.

He later worked at the Eureka Springs Police Department from 1993 to 1996. Former Chief Earl Hyatt said Hardin resigned because Hyatt was going to fire him over incidents that included the use of excessive force.

“He did not need to be a police officer at all,” Hyatt told television station KNWA.

By the time he was the police chief in Gateway in 2016, “he was out chasing cars for no reason,” Tillman recalled in the documentary “Devil in the Ozarks.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749255342198.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LITTLE ROCK (AP) —A former police chief and convicted killer known as the “Devil in the Ozarks” was captured by law enforcement 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) northwest of the prison&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-prison-escape-police-chief-grant-hardin-934e7fe6a45d3eafb18443f5b2bc5680?utm_source=Facebook&amp;utm_medium=share&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawKjFE9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF4MmxjbUJyV05JWjVpTWZxAR7HdBxBzlrOzjOfYiCdChZPCLBAhbxLUw0ibnBZA-1ZgEI9955QwHFHVGhqmw_aem_bQ6Hm8suIdhTYD_ucbzvWg">he escaped from</a>&nbsp;following a massive, nearly two-week-long manhunt in the rugged mountains of northern Arkansas, authorities announced Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749249432578.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Grant Hardin, a former police chief in the small town of Gateway near the Arkansas-Missouri border, was serving lengthy sentences&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-chief-arkansas-prison-escape-grant-hardin-280127e9737bc8e8e0d6388d7f268bd1">for murder and rape</a>. Eventually, his notoriety led to a TV documentary, “Devil in the Ozarks.”Hardin briefly attempted to run from officers when he saw them approach Friday afternoon, but he was quickly tackled to the ground, said Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas prison system.“He’d been on the run for a week and a half and probably didn’t have any energy left in him,” he added.Hardin’s identity was confirmed through fingerprinting, the Izard County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.There’s no indication that Hardin was injured, though he will be checked for dehydration and other medical problems.Now, investigators are “chomping at the bit and really ready to talk to him,” said Champion, who used his cellphone to capture an image of Hardin being led away by officers. Hardin said nothing during those moments.<h2>How the escape happened</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748354598066.png" alt="Hardin escape -photo Arkansas Dept. of Corections" />
 <figcaption>Hardin escape -photo Arkansas Dept. of Corections</figcaption>
 </figure>Hardin had been held at the Calico Rock prison since 2017 after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in a fatal shooting. In order to escape, he impersonated a corrections officer “in dress and manner,” according to a court document. A prison officer in one of the guard towers opened a secure gate, allowing him to walk out of the facility.Champion said that someone should have checked Hardin’s identity before he was allowed to leave, describing the lack of verification as a “lapse” that’s being investigated.Searchers had been using bloodhounds, officers on horseback, drones and helicopters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-prison-escape-police-chief-grant-hardin-b48323fc891ac94d04209b50caa2a04d">in their hunt for Hardin</a>&nbsp;since he escaped on May 25.Shortly after the escape,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-prison-escape-police-chief-grant-hardin-b48323fc891ac94d04209b50caa2a04d">a bloodhound found — then quickly lost — Hardin’s scent</a>&nbsp;when heavy rains blew through the area, Champion said. The bloodhound tracked Hardin's path for less than a quarter of a mile, after which could have gone in any direction.“That was one of the most frustrating things, that they were able to track him but then they lost him because of the rain,” Champion said.An elite and highly trained U.S. Border Patrol team had recently joined the search, federal authorities announced this week.The Border Patrol Tactical Team known as BORTAC provided “advanced search capabilities and operational support," U.S. Customs and Border Protection said. Its members are experienced in navigating complex terrain, the agency said. The Ozark Mountains region is known for its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-prison-escape-police-chief-grant-hardin-441d37501f2ab0de8af27501546dfb13">rocky and rugged landscape,</a>&nbsp;thick forests and an extensive cave network.<h2>Hardin's criminal convictions</h2>Hardin pleaded guilty in 2017 to first-degree murder for the killing of James Appleton, 59. Appleton worked for the Gateway water department when he was shot in the head Feb. 23, 2017, near Garfield. Police found Appleton’s body inside a car. Hardin was sentenced to 30 years in prison.Hardin’s DNA was also matched to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-5a4557c60ac6484887303e37bd86a477">1997 rape of a teacher</a>&nbsp;at an elementary school in Rogers, north of Fayetteville. He was sentenced to 50 years for that crime.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-prison-escape-police-chief-grant-hardin-441d37501f2ab0de8af27501546dfb13">Cheryl Tillman, Appleton's sister</a>, was with her mother and sister at a flea market in Ozark, Missouri, when law enforcement called to tell her Hardin had been captured. Tillman is also the mayor of Gateway, the 450-person town where Hardin was briefly police chief.Tillman told The Associated Press that Hardin's capture was a “big sigh of relief” for her whole family.“We don’t have to walk around, turning around all the time, thinking somebody’s on our back,” Tillman said, emphasizing her appreciation for the officers who helped capture Hardin.<h2>A problematic past in law enforcement</h2>Though Hardin was police chief in Gateway for just four months, he had served as an officer in multiple communities around northwest Arkansas, his police records show.In his first job as a police officer 35 years ago in Fayetteville, Hardin struggled almost immediately, his supervisors said. He was dismissed by Fayetteville police, but kept getting hired for other law enforcement jobs in northwest Arkansas over the years.Hardin worked about six months at the Huntsville Police Department before resigning, but records do not give a reason for his resignation.He later worked at the Eureka Springs Police Department from 1993 to 1996. Former Chief Earl Hyatt said Hardin resigned because Hyatt was going to fire him over incidents that included the use of excessive force.“He did not need to be a police officer at all,” Hyatt told television station KNWA.By the time he was the police chief in Gateway in 2016, “he was out chasing cars for no reason,” Tillman recalled in the documentary “Devil in the Ozarks.”

 ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ who escaped from Arkansas jail captured

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for child sex crimes.

Just after 1:30p.m. June 3, police&nbsp;responded to Salina Regional Health Center reference a possible sexual assault. The investigation determined that during the early morning hours on June 2, Christopher Terry, a 31-year-old of Salina, reportedly had touched a child who was under the age of 10 years old inappropriately at a residence in eastern central Salina. 

The incident was discovered by a family member of the child. Terry was taken into custody at the residence without incident. He was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of three counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749212728702.png" alt="Terry photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Terry photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for child sex crimes.Just after 1:30p.m. June 3, police&nbsp;responded to Salina Regional Health Center reference a possible sexual assault. The investigation determined that during the early morning hours on June 2, Christopher Terry, a 31-year-old of Salina, reportedly had touched a child who was under the age of 10 years old inappropriately at a residence in eastern central Salina. The incident was discovered by a family member of the child. Terry was taken into custody at the residence without incident. He was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of three counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child.

Kansas man accused of sex crimes with child under age 10

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks gained ground on Wall Street Friday following a better-than-expected report on the U.S. job market.

The gains were broad, with every sector in the S&amp;P 500 rising. That solidified a second consecutive winning week for the benchmark index, which has rallied back from a slump two months ago to come within striking distance of its record high.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 61.06 points, or 1%, to 6,000.36. It is now within 2.3% of its record.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 443.13 points, or 1%, to 42,762.87. The Nasdaq rose 231.50 points, or 1.2%, to 19,529.95.

Technology stocks, with their outsized values, led the broad gains. Chipmaker Nvidia jumped 1.2% and iPhone maker Apple rose 1.6%.

Tesla rose 3.7%, regaining some of the big&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-tesla-robotaxi-trump-tax-bill-budget-359f8ddd3739793b3c5e8ab92d191879">losses it suffered on Thursday</a>&nbsp;when Trump and Musk&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-trump-spacex-dragon-capsule-e1fa0607a8e69bc2ad1677f5920b5f56">sparred feverishly on social media</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/circle-ipo-stablecoin-usdc-tether-nyse-b39736690f28824bdd06cfd2ad98dcf3">Circle Internet Group</a>, the U.S.-based issuer of one of the most popular cryptocurrencies, rose 29.4%. That adds to its 168% gain from Thursday when it debuted on the New York Stock Exchange.

U.S. employers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-trump-tariffs-economy-fdd4d1075b2b4490993a863ccb6950c1">slowed their hiring last month</a>, but still added a solid 139,000 jobs amid uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s trade war. The closely watched monthly update reaffirmed that the job market remains resilient, despite worries from businesses and consumers about the impact of tariffs on goods going to and coming from the U.S. and its most important trading partners.

“It looks like, for now, everything is kind of running smoothly,” said Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer for Northlight Asset Management. “Investors see that as a positive, but we also haven't seen the full effect of tariffs yet.”

President Donald Trump’s on-again-off-again tariffs continue to weigh on companies. Lululemon Athletica plunged 19.8% after the maker of yoga clothing cut its profit expectations late Thursday as it tries to offset the impact of tariffs while being buffeted by competition from start-up brands.

Lululemon joins a wide range of companies, from retailers to airlines, who have warned investors about the potential hit to their revenue and profits because of tariffs raising costs and consumers potentially tightening their spending.

Hopes that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;will lower his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-trump-trade-6ea513a44876c2f4dc948a25c15b0eb0">tariffs</a>&nbsp;after reaching trade deals with other countries have been among the main reasons the S&amp;P 500 has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-tariffs-trump-china-e2b0968cc5f496fa0dd1cdb33d30a7c7">rallied back so furiously</a>&nbsp;since dropping roughly 20% from its record two months ago. Senior U.S. administration officials will meet with a Chinese delegation on Monday in London for the next round of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-china-xi-jinping-trade-81af927e3003610bbad7d84a154c6354">trade negotiations</a>&nbsp;between Washington and Beijing.

The economy is already absorbing the impact from tariffs on a wide range of goods from key trading partners, along with raw materials such as steel. Heavier tariffs could hit businesses and consumers in the coming months.

The U.S. economy contracted during the first quarter. Recent surveys by the Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing managers, found that both American manufacturing and services businesses contracted last month. On Tuesday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oecd-economy-growth-us-tariffs-b0e7a05c80035bc41f600d7710919730">Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development</a>&nbsp;forecast 1.6% growth for the U.S. economy this year, down from 2.8% last year.

The uncertainty over tariffs and their economic impact has put the Federal Reserve in a delicate position.

“All things being equal, you can clearly see they are on hold,” Zaccarelli said.

The central bank is holding its benchmark interest rate steady as it worries about tariffs reigniting inflation. It fought hard, using interest rate increases, to ease inflation back toward its target of 2% and rates have been hovering just above that level.

The Fed has been hesitant to cut interest rates in 2025 after trimming rates three times late last year. While lower interest rates can give the economy a boost, they can also push inflation higher. That could be especially damaging if import taxes are also raising costs for businesses and consumers.

Wall Street expects the central bank to hold rates steady at its June meeting, but traders are forecasting that it will have to cut interest rates later this year in an effort to prop up the economy.

In the bond market, Treasury yields made significant gains. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.51% from 4.39% late Thursday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks traders’ expectations for what the Federal Reserve will do with overnight interest rates, rose to 4.04% from 3.92% late Thursday.

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks gained ground on Wall Street Friday following a better-than-expected report on the U.S. job market.The gains were broad, with every sector in the S&amp;P 500 rising. That solidified a second consecutive winning week for the benchmark index, which has rallied back from a slump two months ago to come within striking distance of its record high.The S&amp;P 500 rose 61.06 points, or 1%, to 6,000.36. It is now within 2.3% of its record.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 443.13 points, or 1%, to 42,762.87. The Nasdaq rose 231.50 points, or 1.2%, to 19,529.95.Technology stocks, with their outsized values, led the broad gains. Chipmaker Nvidia jumped 1.2% and iPhone maker Apple rose 1.6%.Tesla rose 3.7%, regaining some of the big&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-tesla-robotaxi-trump-tax-bill-budget-359f8ddd3739793b3c5e8ab92d191879">losses it suffered on Thursday</a>&nbsp;when Trump and Musk&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-trump-spacex-dragon-capsule-e1fa0607a8e69bc2ad1677f5920b5f56">sparred feverishly on social media</a>.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/circle-ipo-stablecoin-usdc-tether-nyse-b39736690f28824bdd06cfd2ad98dcf3">Circle Internet Group</a>, the U.S.-based issuer of one of the most popular cryptocurrencies, rose 29.4%. That adds to its 168% gain from Thursday when it debuted on the New York Stock Exchange.U.S. employers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-trump-tariffs-economy-fdd4d1075b2b4490993a863ccb6950c1">slowed their hiring last month</a>, but still added a solid 139,000 jobs amid uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s trade war. The closely watched monthly update reaffirmed that the job market remains resilient, despite worries from businesses and consumers about the impact of tariffs on goods going to and coming from the U.S. and its most important trading partners.“It looks like, for now, everything is kind of running smoothly,” said Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer for Northlight Asset Management. “Investors see that as a positive, but we also haven't seen the full effect of tariffs yet.”President Donald Trump’s on-again-off-again tariffs continue to weigh on companies. Lululemon Athletica plunged 19.8% after the maker of yoga clothing cut its profit expectations late Thursday as it tries to offset the impact of tariffs while being buffeted by competition from start-up brands.Lululemon joins a wide range of companies, from retailers to airlines, who have warned investors about the potential hit to their revenue and profits because of tariffs raising costs and consumers potentially tightening their spending.Hopes that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;will lower his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-trump-trade-6ea513a44876c2f4dc948a25c15b0eb0">tariffs</a>&nbsp;after reaching trade deals with other countries have been among the main reasons the S&amp;P 500 has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-tariffs-trump-china-e2b0968cc5f496fa0dd1cdb33d30a7c7">rallied back so furiously</a>&nbsp;since dropping roughly 20% from its record two months ago. Senior U.S. administration officials will meet with a Chinese delegation on Monday in London for the next round of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-china-xi-jinping-trade-81af927e3003610bbad7d84a154c6354">trade negotiations</a>&nbsp;between Washington and Beijing.The economy is already absorbing the impact from tariffs on a wide range of goods from key trading partners, along with raw materials such as steel. Heavier tariffs could hit businesses and consumers in the coming months.The U.S. economy contracted during the first quarter. Recent surveys by the Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing managers, found that both American manufacturing and services businesses contracted last month. On Tuesday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oecd-economy-growth-us-tariffs-b0e7a05c80035bc41f600d7710919730">Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development</a>&nbsp;forecast 1.6% growth for the U.S. economy this year, down from 2.8% last year.The uncertainty over tariffs and their economic impact has put the Federal Reserve in a delicate position.“All things being equal, you can clearly see they are on hold,” Zaccarelli said.The central bank is holding its benchmark interest rate steady as it worries about tariffs reigniting inflation. It fought hard, using interest rate increases, to ease inflation back toward its target of 2% and rates have been hovering just above that level.The Fed has been hesitant to cut interest rates in 2025 after trimming rates three times late last year. While lower interest rates can give the economy a boost, they can also push inflation higher. That could be especially damaging if import taxes are also raising costs for businesses and consumers.Wall Street expects the central bank to hold rates steady at its June meeting, but traders are forecasting that it will have to cut interest rates later this year in an effort to prop up the economy.In the bond market, Treasury yields made significant gains. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.51% from 4.39% late Thursday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks traders’ expectations for what the Federal Reserve will do with overnight interest rates, rose to 4.04% from 3.92% late Thursday.

Wall Street marks another winning week following a solid jobs report 

SEATTLE —The body of a deceased ski mountaineer was recovered on Wednesday, according to a statement form the National Park Service.

 Alex Chiu, 41 of Seattle, died as a result of a 3,000-foot fall from the Mt. McKinley West Buttress climbing route on to the Peters Glacier. After recovery, rangers returned to Denali National Park and Preserve headquarters where his body was transferred to the state medical examiner.

On Monday, the other two members of Chiu’s expedition reported that the un-roped ski mountaineer fell at a location known as Squirrel Point towards the Peters Glacier, an exposed rocky and serac covered 3000-foot face.

After witnessing the fall, the reporting party lowered over the edge as far as possible but was unable to see or hear Chiu.&nbsp;They then descended the West Buttress route for additional help before proceeding to Camp 1.

Due to high winds and snow, ground and air search was unable to access the accident site until the early morning hours of June 4. Clearing weather on the north side of the Alaska Range provided the opportunity for two mountaineering rangers to depart Talkeetna for an ariel helicopter search to locate and recover the body.

In 2010, an un-roped French mountaineer fell to his death near this same location towards the Peters Glacier.&nbsp;His body was never recovered.

There are currently 500 climbers on the mountain. The climbing season typically begins in early May and ends in early July.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749225512809.png" alt="Photo National Park Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo National Park Service</figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE —The body of a deceased ski mountaineer was recovered on Wednesday, according to a statement form the National Park Service. Alex Chiu, 41 of Seattle, died as a result of a 3,000-foot fall from the Mt. McKinley West Buttress climbing route on to the Peters Glacier. After recovery, rangers returned to Denali National Park and Preserve headquarters where his body was transferred to the state medical examiner.On Monday, the other two members of Chiu’s expedition reported that the un-roped ski mountaineer fell at a location known as Squirrel Point towards the Peters Glacier, an exposed rocky and serac covered 3000-foot face.After witnessing the fall, the reporting party lowered over the edge as far as possible but was unable to see or hear Chiu.&nbsp;They then descended the West Buttress route for additional help before proceeding to Camp 1.Due to high winds and snow, ground and air search was unable to access the accident site until the early morning hours of June 4. Clearing weather on the north side of the Alaska Range provided the opportunity for two mountaineering rangers to depart Talkeetna for an ariel helicopter search to locate and recover the body.In 2010, an un-roped French mountaineer fell to his death near this same location towards the Peters Glacier.&nbsp;His body was never recovered.There are currently 500 climbers on the mountain. The climbing season typically begins in early May and ends in early July.

Body of climber recovered after fall from Mount McKinley

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's administration on Friday asked the Supreme Court to pause a court order to reinstate Education Department employees who were fired in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-layoffs-job-cuts-linda-mcmahon-ce9f6a8a63972aede0d8fbdf057ab788">mass layoffs</a>&nbsp;as part of his plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-shutdown-b1d25a2e1bdcd24cfde8ad8b655b9843">dismantle the agency</a>.

The Justice Department’s emergency appeal to the high court said U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston exceeded his authority last month when he issued a preliminary injunction reversing the layoffs of nearly 1,400 people and putting the broader plan on hold.

Joun’s order has blocked one of the Republican president’s biggest campaign promises and effectively stalled the effort to wind down the department. A federal appeals court refused to put the order on hold while the administration appealed.

The judge wrote that the layoffs “will likely cripple the department.”

But Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote on Friday that Joun was substituting his policy preferences for those of the Trump administration.

The layoffs help put in the place the “policy of streamlining the department and eliminating discretionary functions that, in the administration’s view, are better left to the states,” Sauer wrote.

He also pointed out that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;in April voted 5-4 to block Joun's earlier order seeking to keep in place Education Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-teacher-training-cuts-trump-a400126052c736d262c143bf994b8dda">teacher-training grants</a>.

The current case involves two consolidated lawsuits that said Trump’s plan amounted to an illegal closure of the Education Department.

One suit was filed by the Somerville and Easthampton school districts in Massachusetts along with the American Federation of Teachers and other education groups. The other suit was filed by a coalition of 21 Democratic attorneys general.

The suits argued that layoffs left the department unable to carry out responsibilities required by Congress, including duties to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-disability-civil-rights-complaint-218a04f50bcf21cb02175e8565a3a287">support special education</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-education-department-outage-layoffs-5afb5a0a1b51bbe50e5961a63b419041">distribute financial aid</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-civil-rights-special-education-antisemitism-764c1298a4ba856ce793249cdb57e6d6">enforce civil rights laws</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741729690736.png" alt="Photo AP" />
 <figcaption>Photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's administration on Friday asked the Supreme Court to pause a court order to reinstate Education Department employees who were fired in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-layoffs-job-cuts-linda-mcmahon-ce9f6a8a63972aede0d8fbdf057ab788">mass layoffs</a>&nbsp;as part of his plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-shutdown-b1d25a2e1bdcd24cfde8ad8b655b9843">dismantle the agency</a>.The Justice Department’s emergency appeal to the high court said U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston exceeded his authority last month when he issued a preliminary injunction reversing the layoffs of nearly 1,400 people and putting the broader plan on hold.Joun’s order has blocked one of the Republican president’s biggest campaign promises and effectively stalled the effort to wind down the department. A federal appeals court refused to put the order on hold while the administration appealed.The judge wrote that the layoffs “will likely cripple the department.”But Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote on Friday that Joun was substituting his policy preferences for those of the Trump administration.The layoffs help put in the place the “policy of streamlining the department and eliminating discretionary functions that, in the administration’s view, are better left to the states,” Sauer wrote.He also pointed out that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;in April voted 5-4 to block Joun's earlier order seeking to keep in place Education Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-teacher-training-cuts-trump-a400126052c736d262c143bf994b8dda">teacher-training grants</a>.The current case involves two consolidated lawsuits that said Trump’s plan amounted to an illegal closure of the Education Department.One suit was filed by the Somerville and Easthampton school districts in Massachusetts along with the American Federation of Teachers and other education groups. The other suit was filed by a coalition of 21 Democratic attorneys general.The suits argued that layoffs left the department unable to carry out responsibilities required by Congress, including duties to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-disability-civil-rights-complaint-218a04f50bcf21cb02175e8565a3a287">support special education</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-education-department-outage-layoffs-5afb5a0a1b51bbe50e5961a63b419041">distribute financial aid</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-civil-rights-special-education-antisemitism-764c1298a4ba856ce793249cdb57e6d6">enforce civil rights laws</a>.

Trump admin. asks Supreme Court to lift ban on Education Dept. layoffs

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations,

Just after 10:30a.m.&nbsp; June 2, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Buick Century passenger car on J. Road near 150th Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The driver, Scott Phillip Carter, 67, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and no insurance. Also, a previous passenger of the vehicle was later arrested.  Sarah Louise Leonard, 40, of Topeka, was booked into the Jackson County Jail on a requested charge of forgery, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748870019063.png" alt="Carter photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Carter photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations,Just after 10:30a.m.&nbsp; June 2, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Buick Century passenger car on J. Road near 150th Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748869961080.png" alt="Leonard photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Leonard photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> The driver, Scott Phillip Carter, 67, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and no insurance. Also, a previous passenger of the vehicle was later arrested. Sarah Louise Leonard, 40, of Topeka, was booked into the Jackson County Jail on a requested charge of forgery, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kansas suspects accused of forgery, drug possession

Washington&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Roger&nbsp;Marshall, M.D.&nbsp; and Jerry Moran introduced a resolution today honoring the life of Sarah Milgrim, an Overland Park&nbsp;native, and her soon-to-be-fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, who were brutally murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC,&nbsp;on May 21, 2025.

&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/RIL25591.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;to read the full text of the resolution.

“At just 26 years old, Sarah Milgrim’s impact on our country and her community was profound,”&nbsp;said Senator&nbsp;Marshall.&nbsp;“An Overland Park native, she was a talented musician and chorus singer, deeply devoted to her faith, exceptionally intelligent, and selflessly committed to the well-being of others. Sarah and her soon-to-be fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, were victims of an unspeakable murder in Washington, DC. While we can never remove the pain of this loss, I hope that this resolution stands as a lasting tribute to Sarah’s remarkable life, her enduring legacy,&nbsp;and the light she brought to all who knew her.”

“The loss of Kansan Sarah Milgrim and her soon-to-be fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, to a sickening act of antisemitic violence is a tragedy that should never have happened,”&nbsp;said Senator Moran.&nbsp;“This violence and hatred must end. I join Kansans and the Jewish community in mourning the loss of these two young people, honoring their memories and reaffirming my unwavering support for all our Jewish friends and neighbors.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747923211105.png" alt="Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Roger&nbsp;Marshall, M.D.&nbsp; and Jerry Moran introduced a resolution today honoring the life of Sarah Milgrim, an Overland Park&nbsp;native, and her soon-to-be-fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, who were brutally murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC,&nbsp;on May 21, 2025.&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/RIL25591.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;to read the full text of the resolution.“At just 26 years old, Sarah Milgrim’s impact on our country and her community was profound,”&nbsp;said Senator&nbsp;Marshall.&nbsp;“An Overland Park native, she was a talented musician and chorus singer, deeply devoted to her faith, exceptionally intelligent, and selflessly committed to the well-being of others. Sarah and her soon-to-be fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, were victims of an unspeakable murder in Washington, DC. While we can never remove the pain of this loss, I hope that this resolution stands as a lasting tribute to Sarah’s remarkable life, her enduring legacy,&nbsp;and the light she brought to all who knew her.”“The loss of Kansan Sarah Milgrim and her soon-to-be fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, to a sickening act of antisemitic violence is a tragedy that should never have happened,”&nbsp;said Senator Moran.&nbsp;“This violence and hatred must end. I join Kansans and the Jewish community in mourning the loss of these two young people, honoring their memories and reaffirming my unwavering support for all our Jewish friends and neighbors.”Background:<ul>
 <li>On May 21, 2025, Sarah Milgrim and her soon-to-be-fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, were brutally murdered by a pro-Palestinian terrorist outside the Capital Jewish Museum as they left the American Jewish Committee’s ACCESS Young Diplomats Reception in Washington, DC, an event to foster unity and celebrate Jewish heritage.</li><li>Sarah and Yaron both worked out of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, where they met and fell in love.</li><li>Sarah, a Kansas-native, earned degrees from the University of Kansas and American University.</li><li>Sarah began working as the Director of Civil Society Affairs at the Embassy of Israel in 2023.</li>
 </ul>

Kan. U.S. Senators' resolution honors the Life of Sarah Milgrim

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement and fire officials investigating an arson fire at a bank in Salina have made an arrest.

Just after 11p.m. Thursday, a citizen was driving past First Bank Kansas, 1333 W. Crawford in Salina, when they observed the side of the building on fire, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

As the citizen pulled up to the bank, they observed an SUV leaving the area. The suspect had set plywood, which had been used to cover the previous damage, on fire. 

Damage was valued at about $20. The citizen stomped out some wood which was on fire. Bank employees advised officers of a subject, 43-year-old Mathew Phouthavong of Salina, who was disgruntled with the bank. 

Officers proceeded to Phouthavong’s residence in the 1600 block of W. Republic in Salina where they located him and the vehicle matching the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was still warm to the touch. Phouthavong was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Saline County Jail on two counts of Arson.

Just after 8a.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;responded to First Bank in reference to a damage to property, according to&nbsp; Feldman.

It was determined when employees arrived they located a window along the west side of the building had been broken out with an unknown object.

The suspect then started a fire in the area of the window, damaging some window trim and carpet just inside the damaged window.

No entry was gained into the building. The damage is valued at $4,000. Salina Fire Department Fire Inspectors assisted with the investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749212089655.png" alt="Phouthavong photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Phouthavong photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement and fire officials investigating an arson fire at a bank in Salina have made an arrest.Just after 11p.m. Thursday, a citizen was driving past First Bank Kansas, 1333 W. Crawford in Salina, when they observed the side of the building on fire, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.As the citizen pulled up to the bank, they observed an SUV leaving the area. The suspect had set plywood, which had been used to cover the previous damage, on fire. Damage was valued at about $20. The citizen stomped out some wood which was on fire. Bank employees advised officers of a subject, 43-year-old Mathew Phouthavong of Salina, who was disgruntled with the bank. Officers proceeded to Phouthavong’s residence in the 1600 block of W. Republic in Salina where they located him and the vehicle matching the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was still warm to the touch. Phouthavong was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Saline County Jail on two counts of Arson.Just after 8a.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;responded to First Bank in reference to a damage to property, according to&nbsp; Feldman.It was determined when employees arrived they located a window along the west side of the building had been broken out with an unknown object.The suspect then started a fire in the area of the window, damaging some window trim and carpet just inside the damaged window.No entry was gained into the building. The damage is valued at $4,000. Salina Fire Department Fire Inspectors assisted with the investigation.&nbsp;

Arson suspect arrested after starting second fire at Kansas bank

CHASE COUNTY—Two people and a dog are safe after they were caught in flash flooding in Chase County.

Late Wednesday afternoon, Kansas Search and Rescue Task Forces 5 and 6 water teams were mission-assigned by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasEmergency?__cft__[0]=AZXyc7-eURCASRfcxKjCWHnjK4vroGKIcvsJox5x8To0Xaf3sFWQkJfRcSThTAiRzbn6TPlumuWNRitXtaxR8C6lAEtEwHGo3ms-XavCjC_RSLvQhQ9agP0aCqSKa1TqgQ9odKLKnJ29mcez2EHebPtbl9_jSatU1fxfr_ngavdDAUM7VFktGdTjLBA3MuMVBuO7Qeix4B-DUkEEoWZHUzvf&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Division of Emergency Management</a> and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/firemarshal.ks.gov?__cft__[0]=AZXyc7-eURCASRfcxKjCWHnjK4vroGKIcvsJox5x8To0Xaf3sFWQkJfRcSThTAiRzbn6TPlumuWNRitXtaxR8C6lAEtEwHGo3ms-XavCjC_RSLvQhQ9agP0aCqSKa1TqgQ9odKLKnJ29mcez2EHebPtbl9_jSatU1fxfr_ngavdDAUM7VFktGdTjLBA3MuMVBuO7Qeix4B-DUkEEoWZHUzvf&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Fire Marshal</a> to assist Chase County Emergency Management with a critical water rescue, according to a social media report.

Due to rising floodwaters, two residents and their dogs were unable to evacuate on their own. Thanks to the swift response from the water teams, all were safely brought to dry ground.

Task Force 5 and Task Force 6 had already been deployed in preparation for potential flooding-highlighting how vital proactive planning and training are during disasters. Their readiness made all the difference.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749213301533.png" alt="Images Kansas Fire Marshal's office drone video" />
 <figcaption>Images Kansas Fire Marshal's office drone video</figcaption>
 </figure>CHASE COUNTY—Two people and a dog are safe after they were caught in flash flooding in Chase County.Late Wednesday afternoon, Kansas Search and Rescue Task Forces 5 and 6 water teams were mission-assigned by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasEmergency?__cft__[0]=AZXyc7-eURCASRfcxKjCWHnjK4vroGKIcvsJox5x8To0Xaf3sFWQkJfRcSThTAiRzbn6TPlumuWNRitXtaxR8C6lAEtEwHGo3ms-XavCjC_RSLvQhQ9agP0aCqSKa1TqgQ9odKLKnJ29mcez2EHebPtbl9_jSatU1fxfr_ngavdDAUM7VFktGdTjLBA3MuMVBuO7Qeix4B-DUkEEoWZHUzvf&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Division of Emergency Management</a> and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/firemarshal.ks.gov?__cft__[0]=AZXyc7-eURCASRfcxKjCWHnjK4vroGKIcvsJox5x8To0Xaf3sFWQkJfRcSThTAiRzbn6TPlumuWNRitXtaxR8C6lAEtEwHGo3ms-XavCjC_RSLvQhQ9agP0aCqSKa1TqgQ9odKLKnJ29mcez2EHebPtbl9_jSatU1fxfr_ngavdDAUM7VFktGdTjLBA3MuMVBuO7Qeix4B-DUkEEoWZHUzvf&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Fire Marshal</a> to assist Chase County Emergency Management with a critical water rescue, according to a social media report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749213282170.png" alt="Photo Kansas State Fire Marshal-Kansas Division of Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas State Fire Marshal-Kansas Division of Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>Due to rising floodwaters, two residents and their dogs were unable to evacuate on their own. Thanks to the swift response from the water teams, all were safely brought to dry ground.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Here&#39;s a look at the two day rainfall totals that brought the significant flooding to the area. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/jCKAnTyOkE">pic.twitter.com/jCKAnTyOkE</a>&mdash; NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWichita/status/1930311315198713936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Task Force 5 and Task Force 6 had already been deployed in preparation for potential flooding-highlighting how vital proactive planning and training are during disasters. Their readiness made all the difference.&nbsp;

Kansas couple and dog rescued from rising flood waters 

JOHNSON COUNTY—A Kansas woman is accused in the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.

Izabel Reed, 25, has been charged with first-degree murder, distribution of drugs causing death, distribution of fentanyl and distribution of meth, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749172613786.png" alt="Reed photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Reed photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—A Kansas woman is accused in the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.Izabel Reed, 25, has been charged with first-degree murder, distribution of drugs causing death, distribution of fentanyl and distribution of meth, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.The charges are in connection with the death of Alexandrea Hunter and her unborn child on Christmas Eve in 2023.On Wednesday, police booked Reed into the Johnson County Detention Center where she is being held on a $1 million bond.&nbsp; She is due back in court June 12, according ot the district attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://gray-kctv-prod.gtv-cdn.com/resizer/v2/F74MD3VS5VE4HJV6XNNPXSJMWU.jpg?auth=3b2499b3670da04c14467f0a5159b4f0c881f16cc00741bb9291fd0c5a680d1d&amp;width=980&amp;height=551&amp;smart=true" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>