WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump signed his package of tax breaks and spending cuts into law Friday after his cajoling produced almost unanimous Republican support in Congress for the domestic priority that could cement his second-term legacy.

Flanked by Republican legislators including Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and members of his Cabinet, Trump signed the multitrillion-dollar legislation outside the White House, and then banged down the gavel that House Speaker Mike Johnson gifted him that was used during the bill's final passage Thursday.

Against odds that at times seemed improbable, Trump achieved his goal of celebrating a historic — and divisive — legislative victory in time for the nation's birthday. Fighter jets and a stealth bomber streaked through the sky over the annual White House Fourth of July picnic as Trump and first lady Melania Trump stepped out onto the White House balcony.

“America's winning, winning, winning like never before,” Trump said, noting last month's bombing campaign against Iran's nuclear program, which he said the flyover was meant to honor. “Promises made, promises kept and we've kept them.”

The White House was hung with red, white and blue bunting for the regular Fourth of July festivities. The United States Marine Band played patriotic marches — and, in a typical Trumpian touch, tunes by 1980s pop icons Chaka Khan and Huey Lewis. The two separate flyovers bookended Trump’s appearance and the band playing the national anthem.

Democrats assailed the package as a giveaway to the rich that will rob millions more lower-income people of their health insurance, food assistance and financial stability.

"I never thought that I’d be on the House floor saying that this is a crime scene,” Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said during a record-breaking speech that delayed the bill's passage by eight-plus hours. “It’s a crime scene, going after the health, and the safety, and the well-being of the American people.”

The legislation extends Trump’s 2017 multitrillion-dollar tax cuts and cuts Medicaid and food stamps by $1.2 trillion. It provides for a massive increase in immigration enforcement. Congress’ nonpartisan scorekeeper projects that nearly 12 million more people will lose health insurance under the law.

The legislation passed the House on a largely party-line vote Thursday, culminating a monthslong push by the GOP to cram most of its legislative priorities into a single budget bill that could be enacted without Senate Democrats being able to block it indefinitely by filibustering.

It passed by a single vote in the Senate, where North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis announced he would not run for reelection after incurring Trump’s wrath in opposing it. Vice President JD Vance had to cast the tie-breaking vote.

In the House, where two Republicans voted against it, one, conservative maverick Tom Massie of Kentucky, has also become a target of Trump’s well-funded political operation.

The legislation amounts to a repudiation of the agendas of the past two Democratic presidents, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, in rolling back Obama’s Medicaid expansion under his signature health law and Biden’s tax credits for renewable energy.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cbo-big-beautiful-bill-trump-republican-deficit-debt-d432b67a965790e4a26de46ea8db1266">Congressional Budget Office</a>&nbsp;estimates the package will add&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cbo-trump-tax-bill-republicans-senate-5f591bea21bd95eec45ba90c93c50687">$3.3 trillion to the deficit</a>&nbsp;over the decade and 11.8 million more people will go without health coverage.

Trump exulted in his political victory Thursday night in Iowa, where he attended a kickoff of events celebrating the country's 250th birthday next year.

“I want to thank Republican congressmen and women, because what they did is incredible,” he said. The president complained that Democrats voted against the bill because “they hate Trump — but I hate them, too.”

The package is certain to be a flashpoint in next year's midterm elections, and Democrats are making ambitious plans for rallies, voter registration drives, attack ads, bus tours and even a multiday vigil, all intended to highlight the most controversial elements.

Upon his return to Washington early Friday, Trump described the package as “very popular,” though polling suggests that public opinion is mixed at best.

For example, a Washington Post/Ipsos poll found that majorities of U.S. adults support increasing the annual child tax credit and eliminating taxes on earnings from tips, and about half support work requirements for some adults who receive Medicaid.

But the poll found majorities oppose reducing federal funding for food assistance to low-income families and spending about $45 billion to build and maintain migrant detention centers. About 60% said it was “unacceptable” that the bill is expected to increase the $36 trillion U.S. debt by more than $3 trillion over the next decade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751666137902.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall greets President Trump moments before the signing of the Big, Beautiful Bill -image from White House video&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall greets President Trump moments before the signing of the Big, Beautiful Bill -image from White House video&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump signed his package of tax breaks and spending cuts into law Friday after his cajoling produced almost unanimous Republican support in Congress for the domestic priority that could cement his second-term legacy.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL IS NOW OFFICIALLY THE LAW OF THE LAND! <a href="https://t.co/mOpYN0tiZ0">pic.twitter.com/mOpYN0tiZ0</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1941253557665321187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Flanked by Republican legislators including Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and members of his Cabinet, Trump signed the multitrillion-dollar legislation outside the White House, and then banged down the gavel that House Speaker Mike Johnson gifted him that was used during the bill's final passage Thursday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Getting ready to watch President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> sign the One Big, Beautiful Bill on America’s birthday 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/L3NZojsnQ8">pic.twitter.com/L3NZojsnQ8</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1941247991123411282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Against odds that at times seemed improbable, Trump achieved his goal of celebrating a historic — and divisive — legislative victory in time for the nation's birthday. Fighter jets and a stealth bomber streaked through the sky over the annual White House Fourth of July picnic as Trump and first lady Melania Trump stepped out onto the White House balcony.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751666108451.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and Missouri 8th District Rep. Jason Smith greet First Lady Melania Trump-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and Missouri 8th District Rep. Jason Smith greet First Lady Melania Trump-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>“America's winning, winning, winning like never before,” Trump said, noting last month's bombing campaign against Iran's nuclear program, which he said the flyover was meant to honor. “Promises made, promises kept and we've kept them.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> watch B2s, F35s, and F22s fly over the White House for July 4th! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/G7SoA3xlNd">pic.twitter.com/G7SoA3xlNd</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1941247843123277922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The White House was hung with red, white and blue bunting for the regular Fourth of July festivities. The United States Marine Band played patriotic marches — and, in a typical Trumpian touch, tunes by 1980s pop icons Chaka Khan and Huey Lewis. The two separate flyovers bookended Trump’s appearance and the band playing the national anthem.Democrats assailed the package as a giveaway to the rich that will rob millions more lower-income people of their health insurance, food assistance and financial stability."I never thought that I’d be on the House floor saying that this is a crime scene,” Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said during a record-breaking speech that delayed the bill's passage by eight-plus hours. “It’s a crime scene, going after the health, and the safety, and the well-being of the American people.”The legislation extends Trump’s 2017 multitrillion-dollar tax cuts and cuts Medicaid and food stamps by $1.2 trillion. It provides for a massive increase in immigration enforcement. Congress’ nonpartisan scorekeeper projects that nearly 12 million more people will lose health insurance under the law.The legislation passed the House on a largely party-line vote Thursday, culminating a monthslong push by the GOP to cram most of its legislative priorities into a single budget bill that could be enacted without Senate Democrats being able to block it indefinitely by filibustering.It passed by a single vote in the Senate, where North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis announced he would not run for reelection after incurring Trump’s wrath in opposing it. Vice President JD Vance had to cast the tie-breaking vote.In the House, where two Republicans voted against it, one, conservative maverick Tom Massie of Kentucky, has also become a target of Trump’s well-funded political operation.The legislation amounts to a repudiation of the agendas of the past two Democratic presidents, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, in rolling back Obama’s Medicaid expansion under his signature health law and Biden’s tax credits for renewable energy.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cbo-big-beautiful-bill-trump-republican-deficit-debt-d432b67a965790e4a26de46ea8db1266">Congressional Budget Office</a>&nbsp;estimates the package will add&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cbo-trump-tax-bill-republicans-senate-5f591bea21bd95eec45ba90c93c50687">$3.3 trillion to the deficit</a>&nbsp;over the decade and 11.8 million more people will go without health coverage.Trump exulted in his political victory Thursday night in Iowa, where he attended a kickoff of events celebrating the country's 250th birthday next year.“I want to thank Republican congressmen and women, because what they did is incredible,” he said. The president complained that Democrats voted against the bill because “they hate Trump — but I hate them, too.”The package is certain to be a flashpoint in next year's midterm elections, and Democrats are making ambitious plans for rallies, voter registration drives, attack ads, bus tours and even a multiday vigil, all intended to highlight the most controversial elements.Upon his return to Washington early Friday, Trump described the package as “very popular,” though polling suggests that public opinion is mixed at best.For example, a Washington Post/Ipsos poll found that majorities of U.S. adults support increasing the annual child tax credit and eliminating taxes on earnings from tips, and about half support work requirements for some adults who receive Medicaid.But the poll found majorities oppose reducing federal funding for food assistance to low-income families and spending about $45 billion to build and maintain migrant detention centers. About 60% said it was “unacceptable” that the bill is expected to increase the $36 trillion U.S. debt by more than $3 trillion over the next decade.

🎥Kan. U.S. Senator in attendance as Big, Beautiful Bill signed into law

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp;(KDHE)&nbsp;and&nbsp;local health departments&nbsp;continue to respond to measles cases in Kansas.

On Friday, the&nbsp; KDHE reported a measles exposure that occurred at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita&nbsp;so individuals can take steps to protect their health and help prevent further spread.&nbsp;There is no risk of measles exposure outside&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;specific unit,&nbsp;dates and times&nbsp;listed. Individuals who were not in the affected&nbsp;unit&nbsp;during that&nbsp;time, including those in other parts of the hospital or its departments,&nbsp;are&nbsp;not&nbsp;considered exposed.

On Wednesday, the KDHE reported three new cases of measles over the past week in the state for a total of 83 cases in 11 counties.

The measles virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Because the measles virus is highly contagious, anyone who was a patient, staff or visitor to the fifth-floor pediatric unit in Building 4 at Wesley Medical Center on any of the dates and times listed above may have been exposed to measles and should take the following steps:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus. It spreads easily when an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs. People who are not vaccinated or lack immunity are especially at risk of becoming infected. Symptoms of measles typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Three to five days after symptoms begin, a skin rash develops and usually starts on the face and spreads down to the neck, trunk, arms and legs.&nbsp;

The best way to prevent measles is to get the MMR vaccine. If you have had measles or have been vaccinated, your risk of contracting the disease is very low. However, a few people (about three out of 100) can still get measles even after two MMR vaccine doses if they are near someone who is sick.&nbsp;

For questions, contact the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline by phone at 877-427-7317 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdhe.epihotline@ks.gov">kdhe.epihotline@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information about measles, how to find your vaccine records, and answers to common questions, visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Measles Resource Hub at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2Fmeasles%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000197d6d48f8c-655dcf99-c212-4ab7-9b7a-feb6d4cd27e3-000000/79OTFaS4apBq2mxz6LWVEqeelC6ZsgOfH4u1hSxA6bM=412">www.kdhe.ks.gov/measles</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743085628490.png" alt="Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp;(KDHE)&nbsp;and&nbsp;local health departments&nbsp;continue to respond to measles cases in Kansas.On Friday, the&nbsp; KDHE reported a measles exposure that occurred at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita&nbsp;so individuals can take steps to protect their health and help prevent further spread.&nbsp;There is no risk of measles exposure outside&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;specific unit,&nbsp;dates and times&nbsp;listed. Individuals who were not in the affected&nbsp;unit&nbsp;during that&nbsp;time, including those in other parts of the hospital or its departments,&nbsp;are&nbsp;not&nbsp;considered exposed.<ul>
 <li>Location:&nbsp;Fifth-Floor Pediatric Unit, Building 4, Wesley Medical Center</li><li>Address:&nbsp;550 N Hillside St, Wichita, KS 67214</li><li>Dates and times:&nbsp;Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 10 p.m. until Thursday, July 3, 2025, 4:45 p.m.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>On Wednesday, the KDHE reported three new cases of measles over the past week in the state for a total of 83 cases in 11 counties.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751488873961.png" alt="KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>The measles virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Because the measles virus is highly contagious, anyone who was a patient, staff or visitor to the fifth-floor pediatric unit in Building 4 at Wesley Medical Center on any of the dates and times listed above may have been exposed to measles and should take the following steps:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Understand if you are susceptible to infection.&nbsp;Check if you’ve received a measles-containing vaccine, like the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, have medical documentation of past measles infection, or have laboratory evidence of immunity. People who are not vaccinated and have not previously had measles are especially vulnerable to becoming infected.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Watch for symptoms.&nbsp;Monitor yourself for 21 days after your exposure. Look out for any symptoms—especially a fever and a new or unexplained skin rash—and contact your healthcare provider or local health department if symptoms develop.If you were at the fifth-floor pediatric unit, Building 4, Wesley Medical Center in Wichita on:&nbsp;July 1, 2025, monitor until the end of Tuesday, July 22.July 2, 2025, monitor until the end of Wednesday, July 23.July 3, 2025, monitor until the end of Thursday, July 24.</li><li>If you were at the fifth-floor pediatric unit, Building 4, Wesley Medical Center in Wichita on:&nbsp;July 1, 2025, monitor until the end of Tuesday, July 22.July 2, 2025, monitor until the end of Wednesday, July 23.July 3, 2025, monitor until the end of Thursday, July 24.</li><li>July 1, 2025, monitor until the end of Tuesday, July 22.</li><li>July 2, 2025, monitor until the end of Wednesday, July 23.</li><li>July 3, 2025, monitor until the end of Thursday, July 24.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Avoid high-risk settings.&nbsp;If you are not&nbsp;immune, consider staying home to prevent the spread of measles.&nbsp;If you cannot remain home,&nbsp;stay away from large gatherings and&nbsp;people&nbsp;that&nbsp;might&nbsp;be susceptible to measles, including those&nbsp;who&nbsp;are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants, or people who are immunocompromised.&nbsp;If you need medical care, call your provider ahead of time&nbsp;and let them know you may have been exposed to measles&nbsp;so they can take any necessary steps&nbsp;to&nbsp;protect others from potential measles exposure.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Talk to&nbsp;a healthcare provider.&nbsp;If you have any questions about your health or your immunity status, contact&nbsp;your&nbsp;healthcare provider. If you are not immune to measles,&nbsp;a healthcare provider&nbsp;can&nbsp;determine&nbsp;whether you need&nbsp;treatment&nbsp;to help prevent or lessen the severity of infection.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus. It spreads easily when an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs. People who are not vaccinated or lack immunity are especially at risk of becoming infected. Symptoms of measles typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Three to five days after symptoms begin, a skin rash develops and usually starts on the face and spreads down to the neck, trunk, arms and legs.&nbsp;The best way to prevent measles is to get the MMR vaccine. If you have had measles or have been vaccinated, your risk of contracting the disease is very low. However, a few people (about three out of 100) can still get measles even after two MMR vaccine doses if they are near someone who is sick.&nbsp;For questions, contact the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline by phone at 877-427-7317 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdhe.epihotline@ks.gov">kdhe.epihotline@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information about measles, how to find your vaccine records, and answers to common questions, visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Measles Resource Hub at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2Fmeasles%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000197d6d48f8c-655dcf99-c212-4ab7-9b7a-feb6d4cd27e3-000000/79OTFaS4apBq2mxz6LWVEqeelC6ZsgOfH4u1hSxA6bM=412">www.kdhe.ks.gov/measles</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KDHE: Measles exposure risk at a Wichita hospital

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

Famed competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut reclaimed his title Friday at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joey-chestnut-nathans-hotdog-eating-contest-2024-c1d4ac988ca44ffc1bd5ea691dc161ac">skipping last year’s</a>&nbsp;gastronomic battle in New York for the coveted Mustard Belt.

Chestnut, 41, consumed 70 1/2 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, falling short of his 2021 record of 76 wieners and buns. It marked the 17th win in 20 appearances for the Westfield, Indiana, eater at the internationally televised competition, which he missed last year over a contract dispute.

“I wish I ate a couple more. Sorry guys,” a smiling Chestnut&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/hot-dog-eating-contest-joey-chestnut-nathans-d7dae7c4578e6ed9ac71c5be1d04ab37">told the crowd</a>, many chanting his name. “I’ll be back next year.”

Defending champion in the women’s division, Miki Sudo of Tampa, Florida, won her 11th title, downing 33 dogs, besting a dozen competitors. Last year, she ate a record 51 links. She also was apologetic for her performance.

“I feel like I let the fans down a little bit. I heard people in the crowd saying, ‘Go for 52,’” Sudo told ESPN. “Obviously, I’m always setting my goals high, but the hot dogs weren’t cooperating. For some reason, the buns felt larger today.”

A large crowd, peppered with foam hot dog hats, turned out to witness the annual eat-a-thon, held outside the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn, since 1972. Many fans showed up to see Chestnut’s much-awaited return to an event he has called “a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.”

Chestnut bested 14 fellow competitors from across the U.S. and the world, including Australia, the Czech Republic, Ontario, England and Brazil. Last year's winner, Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago, came in second place after gobbling up 46 1/2 hot dogs and buns, falling short of the 58 he ate to earn the 2024 men’s title.

“I love being here,” Chestnut told ESPN after his win. “As soon as I found out I was coming, my body — it was easy to train. I love doing it. And love pushing myself and beating the heck out of people.”

Last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bb233e8b1ac14ab6aa89ced674ffb420">Major League Eating</a>&nbsp;event organizer George Shea said Chestnut would not be participating in the contest due to a contract dispute. Chestnut had struck a deal with a competing brand, the plant-based meat company Impossible Foods.

Chestnut told The Associated Press last month that he had never appeared in any commercials for the company’s vegan hot dogs and that Nathan’s is the only hot dog company he has worked with. But Chestnut acknowledged he “should have made that more clear with Nathan’s.”

Last year, Chestnut ate 57 dogs — in only five minutes — in an exhibition with soldiers, at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. He said that event was “amazing” and that he was pleased to still have a chance to eat hot dogs — a lot of them — on July Fourth.

“I’m happy I did that, but I’m really happy to be back at Coney Island,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751665442234.jpeg" alt="Competitive eater Joey Chestnut eats hot dogs during the 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in the Coney Island section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Thursday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)" />
 <figcaption>Competitive eater Joey Chestnut eats hot dogs during the 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in the Coney Island section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Thursday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22SUSAN%20HAIGH%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By SUSAN HAIGH Associated Press</a>Famed competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut reclaimed his title Friday at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joey-chestnut-nathans-hotdog-eating-contest-2024-c1d4ac988ca44ffc1bd5ea691dc161ac">skipping last year’s</a>&nbsp;gastronomic battle in New York for the coveted Mustard Belt.Chestnut, 41, consumed 70 1/2 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, falling short of his 2021 record of 76 wieners and buns. It marked the 17th win in 20 appearances for the Westfield, Indiana, eater at the internationally televised competition, which he missed last year over a contract dispute.“I wish I ate a couple more. Sorry guys,” a smiling Chestnut&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/hot-dog-eating-contest-joey-chestnut-nathans-d7dae7c4578e6ed9ac71c5be1d04ab37">told the crowd</a>, many chanting his name. “I’ll be back next year.”Defending champion in the women’s division, Miki Sudo of Tampa, Florida, won her 11th title, downing 33 dogs, besting a dozen competitors. Last year, she ate a record 51 links. She also was apologetic for her performance.“I feel like I let the fans down a little bit. I heard people in the crowd saying, ‘Go for 52,’” Sudo told ESPN. “Obviously, I’m always setting my goals high, but the hot dogs weren’t cooperating. For some reason, the buns felt larger today.”A large crowd, peppered with foam hot dog hats, turned out to witness the annual eat-a-thon, held outside the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn, since 1972. Many fans showed up to see Chestnut’s much-awaited return to an event he has called “a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.”Chestnut bested 14 fellow competitors from across the U.S. and the world, including Australia, the Czech Republic, Ontario, England and Brazil. Last year's winner, Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago, came in second place after gobbling up 46 1/2 hot dogs and buns, falling short of the 58 he ate to earn the 2024 men’s title.“I love being here,” Chestnut told ESPN after his win. “As soon as I found out I was coming, my body — it was easy to train. I love doing it. And love pushing myself and beating the heck out of people.”Last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bb233e8b1ac14ab6aa89ced674ffb420">Major League Eating</a>&nbsp;event organizer George Shea said Chestnut would not be participating in the contest due to a contract dispute. Chestnut had struck a deal with a competing brand, the plant-based meat company Impossible Foods.Chestnut told The Associated Press last month that he had never appeared in any commercials for the company’s vegan hot dogs and that Nathan’s is the only hot dog company he has worked with. But Chestnut acknowledged he “should have made that more clear with Nathan’s.”Last year, Chestnut ate 57 dogs — in only five minutes — in an exhibition with soldiers, at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. He said that event was “amazing” and that he was pleased to still have a chance to eat hot dogs — a lot of them — on July Fourth.“I’m happy I did that, but I’m really happy to be back at Coney Island,” he said.

Joey Chestnut reclaims title in Nathan's Famous hot dog eating contest

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Thursday that he’s thinking of staging a UFC match on the White House grounds with upwards 20,000 spectators to celebrate 250 years of American independence.

“We have a lot of land there,” said Trump, a UFC enthusiast who has attended several of its mixed martial arts matches in recent months and is close friends with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ufc-mma-white-trump-boxing-46293310e62565e99b28b99acf0f4fff">Dana White</a>, the league’s president.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-america-250th-birthday-iowa-e6fb5df832cdba107ae4e9c62f2577e9">announced his plan in Iowa</a>&nbsp;during the kickoff for a year’s worth of festivities to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

The Republican president also announced a culminating festival on the National Mall in Washington, and a separate athletic competition featuring high school athletes from across the country.

“So every one of our national parks, battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250. And I even think we’re going to have a UFC fight,” Trump said.

″Think of this on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there,” he said, adding that it would be a “full fight” with 20,000 to 25,000 people.

A White House spokesperson said they had no details to share beyond the president’s announcement, but White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later said Trump was “dead serious” about those plans.

Trump has recently enjoyed standing ovations and cage-side seats for several UFC fights, including an appearance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-match-new-york-8d5bfbccd32c1115cf2f6b54b8c58a0e">immediately after his 2024 reelection</a>&nbsp;and another just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mma-ufc-trump-tyson-c0d9279b626e69cc0ca62474c7dafa2f">last month</a>&nbsp;alongside White for two championship fights.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Thursday that he’s thinking of staging a UFC match on the White House grounds with upwards 20,000 spectators to celebrate 250 years of American independence.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">“We’re going to have a UFC fight, think of this, on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there. We&#39;re gonna build a little - Dana&#39;s gonna do it... Championship fight, full fight, like 20, 25,000 people. And we&#39;re going to do that as part of A250&quot; - Trump in Iowa <a href="https://t.co/5Dkam2IFWU">pic.twitter.com/5Dkam2IFWU</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1941078076903043230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We have a lot of land there,” said Trump, a UFC enthusiast who has attended several of its mixed martial arts matches in recent months and is close friends with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ufc-mma-white-trump-boxing-46293310e62565e99b28b99acf0f4fff">Dana White</a>, the league’s president.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-america-250th-birthday-iowa-e6fb5df832cdba107ae4e9c62f2577e9">announced his plan in Iowa</a>&nbsp;during the kickoff for a year’s worth of festivities to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.The Republican president also announced a culminating festival on the National Mall in Washington, and a separate athletic competition featuring high school athletes from across the country.“So every one of our national parks, battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250. And I even think we’re going to have a UFC fight,” Trump said.″Think of this on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there,” he said, adding that it would be a “full fight” with 20,000 to 25,000 people.A White House spokesperson said they had no details to share beyond the president’s announcement, but White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later said Trump was “dead serious” about those plans.Trump has recently enjoyed standing ovations and cage-side seats for several UFC fights, including an appearance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-match-new-york-8d5bfbccd32c1115cf2f6b54b8c58a0e">immediately after his 2024 reelection</a>&nbsp;and another just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mma-ufc-trump-tyson-c0d9279b626e69cc0ca62474c7dafa2f">last month</a>&nbsp;alongside White for two championship fights.

🎥Trump says he plans to host UFC fight at the White House

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/hillel-italie">Hillel Italie</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — Alarmed by the policies of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, millions turned out last month for protests around the United States and overseas. Mindful of next year’s 250th anniversary of American independence, organizers called the movement&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protest-things-to-know-trump-8d37f2bb2bf20ab503205b277e92b885">“No Kings.”</a>

Had the same kind of rallies been called for in the summer of 1775, the response likely would have been more cautious.

“It (‘No Kings’) was probably a minority opinion in July 1775,” says H.W. Brands, a prize-winning scholar and chair of the history department at the University of Texas at Austin.

“There was a lot of passion for revolution in New England, but that was different from the rest of the country,” says Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Joseph Ellis. “There were still people who don’t want to drawn into what they feared was an unnecessary war.”

This month marks the 250th anniversary — the semiquincentennial — of a document enacted almost exactly a year before the Declaration of Independence: “The Olive Branch Petition,” ratified July 5, 1775 by the Continental Congress. Its primary author was John Dickinson, a Pennsylvanian whose writing skills led some to call him the “Penman of the Revolution,” and would stand as a final, desperate plea to reconcile with Britain.

They put forth a pre-revolutionary argument

The notion of “No Kings” is a foundation of democracy. But over the first half of 1775 Dickinson and others still hoped that King George III could be reasoned with and would undo the tax hikes and other alleged abuses they blamed on the British Parliament and other officials. Ellis calls it the “Awkward Interval,” when Americans had fought the British in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lexington-concord-battles-250-independence-history-debate-031df77dc1cfa5cf669b6694dfe509ee">Lexington and Concord</a>&nbsp;and around Bunker Hill, while holding off from a full separation.

“Public opinion is changing during this time, but it still would have been premature to issue a declaration of independence,” says Ellis, whose books include “Founding Brothers,” “The Cause” and the upcoming “The Great Contradiction.”

The Continental Congress projected unity in its official statements. But privately, like the colonies overall, members differed. Jack Rakove, a professor of history at Stanford University and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Original Meanings,” noted that delegates to Congress ranged from “radicals” such as Samuel Adams who were avid for independence to such “moderates” as Dickinson and New York’s John Jay.

The Olive Branch resolution balanced references to “the delusive pretences, fruitless terrors, and unavailing severities” administered by British officials with dutiful tributes to shared ties and to the king’s “royal magnanimity and benevolence.”

“(N)otwithstanding the sufferings of your loyal Colonists during the course of this present controversy, our Breasts retain too tender a regard for the Kingdom from which we derive our Origin to request such a Reconciliation as might in any manner be inconsistent with her Dignity or her welfare,” the sometimes obsequious petition reads in part.

The American Revolution didn’t arise at a single moment but through years of anguished steps away from the “mother” country — a kind of weaning that at times suggested a coming of age, a young person’s final departure from home. In letters and diaries written in the months before July 1775, American leaders often referred to themselves as children, the British as parents and the conflict a family argument.

Edmund Pendleton, a Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, urged “a reconciliation with Our mother Country.” Jay, who would later help negotiate the treaty formally ending the Revolutionary War, proposed informing King George that “your majesty’s American subjects” are “bound to your majesty by the strongest ties of allegiance and affection and attached to their parent country by every bond that can unite societies.”

In the Olive Branch paper, Dickinson would offer tribute to “the union between our Mother country and these colonies.”

An early example of ‘peace through strength’

The Congress, which had been formed the year before, relied in the first half of 1775 on a dual strategy that now might be called “peace through strength,” a blend of resolve and compromise. John Adams defined it as “to hold the sword in one hand, the olive branch in the other.” Dickinson’s petition was a gesture of peace. A companion document, “The Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms,” was a statement of resolve.

The 1775 declaration was drafted by Thomas Jefferson, who a year later would be the principal writer of the Declaration of Independence, revised by Dickinson and approved by the Congress on July 6. The language anticipated the Declaration of Independence with its condemnation of the British for “their intemperate Rage for unlimited Domination” and its vows to “make known the Justice of our Cause.”

But while the Declaration of Independence ends with the 13 colonies “absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown,” the authors in 1775 assured a nervous public “that we mean not to dissolve that Union which has so long and so happily subsisted between us, and which we sincerely wish to see restored.”

“Necessity has not yet driven us into that desperate Measure, or induced us to excite any other Nation to war against them,” they wrote.

John Adams and Benjamin Franklin were among the peers of Dickinson who thought him naive about the British, and were unfazed when the king refused even to look at the Olive Branch petition and ruled that the colonies were in a state of rebellion. Around the same time Dickinson was working on his draft, the Continental Congress readied for further conflict. It appointed a commander of the newly-formed Continental Army, a renowned Virginian whom Adams praised as “modest and virtuous ... amiable, generous and brave.”

His name: George Washington. His ascension, Adams wrote, “will have a great effect, in cementing and securing the Union of these Colonies.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749929043459.png" alt="No Kings rally on June 14 in Philadelphia -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>No Kings rally on June 14 in Philadelphia -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/hillel-italie">Hillel Italie</a>NEW YORK (AP) — Alarmed by the policies of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, millions turned out last month for protests around the United States and overseas. Mindful of next year’s 250th anniversary of American independence, organizers called the movement&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protest-things-to-know-trump-8d37f2bb2bf20ab503205b277e92b885">“No Kings.”</a>Had the same kind of rallies been called for in the summer of 1775, the response likely would have been more cautious.“It (‘No Kings’) was probably a minority opinion in July 1775,” says H.W. Brands, a prize-winning scholar and chair of the history department at the University of Texas at Austin.“There was a lot of passion for revolution in New England, but that was different from the rest of the country,” says Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Joseph Ellis. “There were still people who don’t want to drawn into what they feared was an unnecessary war.”This month marks the 250th anniversary — the semiquincentennial — of a document enacted almost exactly a year before the Declaration of Independence: “The Olive Branch Petition,” ratified July 5, 1775 by the Continental Congress. Its primary author was John Dickinson, a Pennsylvanian whose writing skills led some to call him the “Penman of the Revolution,” and would stand as a final, desperate plea to reconcile with Britain.<h2>They put forth a pre-revolutionary argument</h2>The notion of “No Kings” is a foundation of democracy. But over the first half of 1775 Dickinson and others still hoped that King George III could be reasoned with and would undo the tax hikes and other alleged abuses they blamed on the British Parliament and other officials. Ellis calls it the “Awkward Interval,” when Americans had fought the British in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lexington-concord-battles-250-independence-history-debate-031df77dc1cfa5cf669b6694dfe509ee">Lexington and Concord</a>&nbsp;and around Bunker Hill, while holding off from a full separation.“Public opinion is changing during this time, but it still would have been premature to issue a declaration of independence,” says Ellis, whose books include “Founding Brothers,” “The Cause” and the upcoming “The Great Contradiction.”The Continental Congress projected unity in its official statements. But privately, like the colonies overall, members differed. Jack Rakove, a professor of history at Stanford University and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Original Meanings,” noted that delegates to Congress ranged from “radicals” such as Samuel Adams who were avid for independence to such “moderates” as Dickinson and New York’s John Jay.The Olive Branch resolution balanced references to “the delusive pretences, fruitless terrors, and unavailing severities” administered by British officials with dutiful tributes to shared ties and to the king’s “royal magnanimity and benevolence.”“(N)otwithstanding the sufferings of your loyal Colonists during the course of this present controversy, our Breasts retain too tender a regard for the Kingdom from which we derive our Origin to request such a Reconciliation as might in any manner be inconsistent with her Dignity or her welfare,” the sometimes obsequious petition reads in part.The American Revolution didn’t arise at a single moment but through years of anguished steps away from the “mother” country — a kind of weaning that at times suggested a coming of age, a young person’s final departure from home. In letters and diaries written in the months before July 1775, American leaders often referred to themselves as children, the British as parents and the conflict a family argument.Edmund Pendleton, a Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, urged “a reconciliation with Our mother Country.” Jay, who would later help negotiate the treaty formally ending the Revolutionary War, proposed informing King George that “your majesty’s American subjects” are “bound to your majesty by the strongest ties of allegiance and affection and attached to their parent country by every bond that can unite societies.”In the Olive Branch paper, Dickinson would offer tribute to “the union between our Mother country and these colonies.”<h2>An early example of ‘peace through strength’</h2>The Congress, which had been formed the year before, relied in the first half of 1775 on a dual strategy that now might be called “peace through strength,” a blend of resolve and compromise. John Adams defined it as “to hold the sword in one hand, the olive branch in the other.” Dickinson’s petition was a gesture of peace. A companion document, “The Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms,” was a statement of resolve.The 1775 declaration was drafted by Thomas Jefferson, who a year later would be the principal writer of the Declaration of Independence, revised by Dickinson and approved by the Congress on July 6. The language anticipated the Declaration of Independence with its condemnation of the British for “their intemperate Rage for unlimited Domination” and its vows to “make known the Justice of our Cause.”But while the Declaration of Independence ends with the 13 colonies “absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown,” the authors in 1775 assured a nervous public “that we mean not to dissolve that Union which has so long and so happily subsisted between us, and which we sincerely wish to see restored.”“Necessity has not yet driven us into that desperate Measure, or induced us to excite any other Nation to war against them,” they wrote.John Adams and Benjamin Franklin were among the peers of Dickinson who thought him naive about the British, and were unfazed when the king refused even to look at the Olive Branch petition and ruled that the colonies were in a state of rebellion. Around the same time Dickinson was working on his draft, the Continental Congress readied for further conflict. It appointed a commander of the newly-formed Continental Army, a renowned Virginian whom Adams praised as “modest and virtuous ... amiable, generous and brave.”His name: George Washington. His ascension, Adams wrote, “will have a great effect, in cementing and securing the Union of these Colonies.”

Before declaring independence, colonists offered 'Olive Branch' petition to King George III

By:&nbsp;NICOLAS FIERRO Salina Post

ELLSWORTH COUNTY - The search for two people missing at Kanopolis Lake in Ellsworth County continued Friday morning.

According to Ellsworth County Sheriff Kenny Bernard, at around&nbsp;7:15-7:30pm&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday,&nbsp;Ellsworth County dispatch reported three people who went missing after being on a boat at the lake.

A 14-year old girl was recovered by an individual in the area and was taken for treatment.

According to Sheriff  Bernard, a 40-year old man and a 14-year old girl are the two who are still reportedly missing.

Multiple agencies including the Rice County Sheriff's Office, Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office, Marquette County Sheriff's Office, Marquette Fire Department, Ellsworth Fire Department and Law Enforcement Dive Teams from Salina and the Kansas Game Wardens were assisting with the investigating at the scene.

Sheila Watkins a resident of Salina who was at the scene after the report, commented on the investigation. "It is scary and sad," said Watkins. "I am hoping for the best possible scenario and I am just praying for the families."

This investigation is currently ongoing.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available..

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751619956983.png" alt="Scene at 11:30p.m. at Kanopolis Lake as multiple agencies search for two people, photo by Nicolas Fierro Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Scene at 11:30p.m. at Kanopolis Lake as multiple agencies search for two people, photo by Nicolas Fierro Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;NICOLAS FIERRO Salina PostELLSWORTH COUNTY - The search for two people missing at Kanopolis Lake in Ellsworth County continued Friday morning.According to Ellsworth County Sheriff Kenny Bernard, at around&nbsp;7:15-7:30pm&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday,&nbsp;Ellsworth County dispatch reported three people who went missing after being on a boat at the lake.A 14-year old girl was recovered by an individual in the area and was taken for treatment.According to Sheriff Bernard, a 40-year old man and a 14-year old girl are the two who are still reportedly missing.Multiple agencies including the Rice County Sheriff's Office, Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office, Marquette County Sheriff's Office, Marquette Fire Department, Ellsworth Fire Department and Law Enforcement Dive Teams from Salina and the Kansas Game Wardens were assisting with the investigating at the scene.Sheila Watkins a resident of Salina who was at the scene after the report, commented on the investigation. "It is scary and sad," said Watkins. "I am hoping for the best possible scenario and I am just praying for the families."This investigation is currently ongoing.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available..

Search continues: Man and teen missing at Kanopolis Lake

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri judge blocked many of the state's abortion restrictions Thursday, reimposing a preliminary injunction against them just a little over a month after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ruling-missouri-supreme-court-0030d333e95de0ed2aebcf114b25aeba">the state's highest court</a>&nbsp;had lifted a previous hold.

The order by Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang said the abortion restrictions likely violate a state constitutional right to abortion that was approved by voters last year.

Planned Parenthood said the order clears the way for it to again provide procedural abortions in Missouri.

But Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said his office “will expeditiously appeal this ruling.”

The court order marks the latest twist in a multiyear battle that has seen Missouri swing back and forth between banning and allowing most abortions.

When the U.S. Supreme Court ended a nationwide right to abortion by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturning Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in 2022, it triggered a Missouri law to take effect banning abortions “except in cases of medical emergency." But abortion-rights activists gathered initiative petition signatures to reverse that law.

Last November, voters narrowly approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a right to abortion until fetal viability, generally considered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-science-health-birmingham-7fc806f3c06aeae94c5d6ed1b06a6461">sometime past 21 weeks of pregnancy</a>. That made Missouri the only state where voters have used a ballot measure to overturn a ban on abortion at all stages of pregnancy.

The state Supreme Court ruled in May that Zhang had applied the wrong standard when issuing rulings in February&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-ruling-missouri-8a846e1490a965977133eb5854a7602e">and December</a>&nbsp;that blocked Missouri's abortion restrictions.

Upon reconsideration, Zhang again issued preliminary injunctions against the abortion ban. The judge also reimposed a hold on various other laws, including a 72-hour waiting period for abortions, numerous abortion facility licensure requirements and a mandate that physicians performing abortions have admitting privileges at certain types of hospitals located within 30 miles (48 kilometers) or 15 minutes of where an abortion is provided.

“Abortion is legal again in Missouri because voters demanded it and we fought for it,” said Emily Wales, president and CEO of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains. “Care starts again on Monday in Kansas City."

Planned Parenthood clinics in central Missouri and St. Louis also "will work as quickly as possible to resume scheduling abortion appointments,” said Margot Riphagen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers.

The attorney general's office said it will keep up the legal fight.

“Missouri will not stand idly by while the abortion industry seeks to strip away basic medical safeguards,” Bailey's office said in a statement. "We will continue to uphold the State’s compelling interest in protecting women’s health, safety, and informed consent.”

Thursday's order did not address&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-planned-parenthood-st-louis-975a18e93c90ae7037dbd359dd7aac18">medication abortions, which remain on hold</a>&nbsp;while Planned Parenthood wrangles with the state over abortion regulations.

The court battle is just one part of Missouri's ongoing abortion debate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726417302150.png" alt="Supporters of Amendment 3 celebrate on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, on the steps of the Missouri Capitol after the state Supreme Court ruled the abortion-rights measure could remain on the ballot (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Supporters of Amendment 3 celebrate on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, on the steps of the Missouri Capitol after the state Supreme Court ruled the abortion-rights measure could remain on the ballot (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri judge blocked many of the state's abortion restrictions Thursday, reimposing a preliminary injunction against them just a little over a month after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ruling-missouri-supreme-court-0030d333e95de0ed2aebcf114b25aeba">the state's highest court</a>&nbsp;had lifted a previous hold.The order by Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang said the abortion restrictions likely violate a state constitutional right to abortion that was approved by voters last year.Planned Parenthood said the order clears the way for it to again provide procedural abortions in Missouri.But Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said his office “will expeditiously appeal this ruling.”The court order marks the latest twist in a multiyear battle that has seen Missouri swing back and forth between banning and allowing most abortions.When the U.S. Supreme Court ended a nationwide right to abortion by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturning Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in 2022, it triggered a Missouri law to take effect banning abortions “except in cases of medical emergency." But abortion-rights activists gathered initiative petition signatures to reverse that law.Last November, voters narrowly approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a right to abortion until fetal viability, generally considered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-science-health-birmingham-7fc806f3c06aeae94c5d6ed1b06a6461">sometime past 21 weeks of pregnancy</a>. That made Missouri the only state where voters have used a ballot measure to overturn a ban on abortion at all stages of pregnancy.The state Supreme Court ruled in May that Zhang had applied the wrong standard when issuing rulings in February&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-ruling-missouri-8a846e1490a965977133eb5854a7602e">and December</a>&nbsp;that blocked Missouri's abortion restrictions.Upon reconsideration, Zhang again issued preliminary injunctions against the abortion ban. The judge also reimposed a hold on various other laws, including a 72-hour waiting period for abortions, numerous abortion facility licensure requirements and a mandate that physicians performing abortions have admitting privileges at certain types of hospitals located within 30 miles (48 kilometers) or 15 minutes of where an abortion is provided.“Abortion is legal again in Missouri because voters demanded it and we fought for it,” said Emily Wales, president and CEO of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains. “Care starts again on Monday in Kansas City."Planned Parenthood clinics in central Missouri and St. Louis also "will work as quickly as possible to resume scheduling abortion appointments,” said Margot Riphagen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers.The attorney general's office said it will keep up the legal fight.“Missouri will not stand idly by while the abortion industry seeks to strip away basic medical safeguards,” Bailey's office said in a statement. "We will continue to uphold the State’s compelling interest in protecting women’s health, safety, and informed consent.”Thursday's order did not address&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-planned-parenthood-st-louis-975a18e93c90ae7037dbd359dd7aac18">medication abortions, which remain on hold</a>&nbsp;while Planned Parenthood wrangles with the state over abortion regulations.The court battle is just one part of Missouri's ongoing abortion debate.

Missouri judge again blocks many of the state's anti-abortion laws

KANSAS CITY—A second person has died from a mass shooting that occurred June 14 in Kansas City.

KCPD homicide detectives were notified 44-year-old Ronnie Hardman was pronounced deceased by hospital staff Thursday morning, according to&nbsp; Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just after 1:30 a.m.&nbsp; June 14, patrol officers were dispatched to 35th and Prospect on a reported shooting. When officers arrived they were directed to the gas station parking lot. They located multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Officers began performing live saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. On scene officers located a total of four victims. An adult female victim had critical injuries, one adult male victim had critical injuries, and two adult male victims had non life threatening injuries. 

All of the victims were transported to local hospitals. The adult female victim, later identified as&nbsp;24-year-old Monique K. Smith was pronounced deceased a short time later by medical personnel.

Additional officers responded to a separate shooting, a short distance away, in the 2000 block of East Linwood where an adult male victim was located. 

Police determined his injuries were as a result of the shooting at 35th and Prospect. He was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. Police have not reported an arrest or possible suspect details in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749903126084.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A second person has died from a mass shooting that occurred June 14 in Kansas City.KCPD homicide detectives were notified 44-year-old Ronnie Hardman was pronounced deceased by hospital staff Thursday morning, according to&nbsp; Officer Alayna Gonzalez.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749903072954.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte." />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 1:30 a.m.&nbsp; June 14, patrol officers were dispatched to 35th and Prospect on a reported shooting. When officers arrived they were directed to the gas station parking lot. They located multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Officers began performing live saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. On scene officers located a total of four victims. An adult female victim had critical injuries, one adult male victim had critical injuries, and two adult male victims had non life threatening injuries. All of the victims were transported to local hospitals. The adult female victim, later identified as&nbsp;24-year-old Monique K. Smith was pronounced deceased a short time later by medical personnel.Additional officers responded to a separate shooting, a short distance away, in the 2000 block of East Linwood where an adult male victim was located. Police determined his injuries were as a result of the shooting at 35th and Prospect. He was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. Police have not reported an arrest or possible suspect details in the case.

KCPD: 2nd victim dies from injuries in June mass shooting

WASHINGTON —<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-big-beautiful-gop-taxes-ced365c347de9320eef2ccb8df16dda2">House Republicans lifted</a>&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inside-trump-republican-spending-bill-provisions-details-06eb10bad4fd2a7ea2ac236e6535e61d">$4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill</a>&nbsp;to final passage Thursday, overcoming multiple setbacks to approve his signature second-term policy package before a self-imposed Fourth of July deadline. On social media, members of the Kansas Congressional delegation shared their thoughts on passage of the bill.

WASHINGTON —<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-big-beautiful-gop-taxes-ced365c347de9320eef2ccb8df16dda2">House Republicans lifted</a>&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inside-trump-republican-spending-bill-provisions-details-06eb10bad4fd2a7ea2ac236e6535e61d">$4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill</a>&nbsp;to final passage Thursday, overcoming multiple setbacks to approve his signature second-term policy package before a self-imposed Fourth of July deadline. On social media, members of the Kansas Congressional delegation shared their thoughts on passage of the bill.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am proud to have voted today for the One Big Beautiful Bill, which prevents each Kansan from a $2,200 tax hike next year while delivering no taxes on tips or overtime and making targeted investments in the agricultural economy. This pro-growth, pro-worker legislation now goes… <a href="https://t.co/35jzwCXJ5m">pic.twitter.com/35jzwCXJ5m</a>&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1940891252146557141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congressman Schmidt issued the following statement celebrating the passage of the &quot;One Big Beautiful Bill&quot;: “Last November, Americans voted for change in Washington, D.C. Today, Congress is delivering much of the change promised by President Trump’s America First agenda that…&mdash; Rep. Derek Schmidt Press (@RepDerekSchmidt) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDerekSchmidt/status/1940842306162102639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">✔️ PASSED! The most pro-worker piece of legislation now heads to the <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteHouse</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>&#39; signature. The tax cuts in the One Big, Beautiful Bill will raise the wages for Kansas workers by $3,300.&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1940842831402487856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This bill delivers on what Americans voted for in November - it&#39;s time to pass the One Big, Beautiful Bill. <a href="https://t.co/Kj4LlnSq24">pic.twitter.com/Kj4LlnSq24</a>&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1940736458027159886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Senate budget reconciliation bill provides certainty for Kansans by preventing a tax hike on middle-class families and small businesses, while also investing in the long-term security of our southern border and bolstering our military’s capabilities at a time when threats…&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1940082244200407180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HUGE win for every American! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/4B2VuGuEA5">https://t.co/4B2VuGuEA5</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1940848438125777319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Next stop: <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>’ desk! <a href="https://t.co/aU131m5UEf">pic.twitter.com/aU131m5UEf</a>&mdash; House Republicans (@HouseGOP) <a href="https://twitter.com/HouseGOP/status/1940841210341741052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump on reconciliation bill: &quot;We&#39;re sort of celebrating the biggest bill of its kind ever signed and it&#39;s going to make this country into a rocket ship.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/A3DWWGMvUc">pic.twitter.com/A3DWWGMvUc</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1940886285498851567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a> signs GOP Tax &amp; Spending Cuts Bill. Goes now to the president. <a href="https://t.co/xuaSF5WWzE">pic.twitter.com/xuaSF5WWzE</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1940851195502825702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kan. GOP lawmakers celebrate passage of the Big, Beautiful Bill

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 1a.m. Thursday in Kansas City.

A northbound Ford Focus struck the pedestrian. EMS pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene.&nbsp;The driver of the Ford was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is currently in stable condition. 

All lanes of northbound Interstate 435 were closed to traffic at 87th Street for approximately three hours.&nbsp; 

This is fatality #42 compared to #49 at this time last, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 1a.m. Thursday in Kansas City.A northbound Ford Focus struck the pedestrian. EMS pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene.&nbsp;The driver of the Ford was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is currently in stable condition. All lanes of northbound Interstate 435 were closed to traffic at 87th Street for approximately three hours.&nbsp; This is fatality #42 compared to #49 at this time last, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

Pedestrian struck, killed on Kansas City highway

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;turned a heartland festival for the United States'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/america-250th-anniversary-independence-trump-monument-27709d81cc4842fc88ac2c4c883a576b">upcoming 250th anniversary</a>&nbsp;into a celebration of himself, basking in a crowd of supporters Thursday night shortly after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-big-beautiful-gop-taxes-ced365c347de9320eef2ccb8df16dda2">Congress approved</a>&nbsp;tax cut legislation that he championed.

On the eve of the July 4th holiday, Trump said “there could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved just hours ago, when Congress passed the one big beautiful bill to make America great again.”

The Republican president plans to sign the legislation Friday during a picnic at the White House, while stealth bombers and fighter jets that participated in recent airstrikes in Iran fly overhead, a symbolic synthesis of the overwhelming force that he’s deployed to reshape Washington and the country.

“We’ve saved our country,” he boasted after taking the stage, pumping his fists while singer Lee Greenwood belted out Trump’s campaign trail anthem “God Bless the USA.” In addition to tax breaks, the legislation boosts funding for deportations while cutting back on healthcare and food assistance for low income people.

The event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines was the opening act for a yearlong birthday party to mark two and a half centuries of American independence. The plans will culminate next summer with a massive fair on the National Mall in Washington featuring exhibits from every state.

Organizers see the coming year of festivities as a way to help unite a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/polarization-republicans-democrats-abortion-gender-colorado-idaho-406b5a841d4d47c8a08cf054c38bb2a0">polarized nation</a>&nbsp;and bridge political divides. But Trump left no doubt during his speech that he views patriotism as inseparable from his own agenda, saying Democrats who voted against his legislation “hate our country."

U.S. Ambassador Monica Crowley, Trump’s liaison to the organizing group, America250, said in an interview that the anniversary events are “something that I think that all Americans can come together to celebrate and honor our history as well as our present and our future.”

However, when she took the stage to introduce the president, she delivered an ode to Trump, describing him as the inheritor of the country’s original revolutionary spirit.

“I don’t know what more people expect or want from an American president,” Crowley said. “He is literally fulfilling the entire job description, and so much more.”

A few thousand spectators waited for Trump for hours in 90-plus degree Fahrenheit (32 degree Celsius) heat. The audience was awash in Trump paraphernalia, including “Make America Great Again” hats, shirts that said “Ultra MAGA” and a stuffed monkey with its own miniature Trump shirt.

During the speech, Trump heard what sounded like fireworks. The anniversary of his attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania, was only ten days away.

“It’s only fireworks, I hope,” he said. “Famous last words.”

Unlike a year ago, Trump was speaking from behind thick bulletproof glass.

“You always have to think positive,” he said. “I didn’t like that sound either.”

The reminder of one of the darkest moments in recent political history did little to dampen Trump’s political euphoria. He boasted about the recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the declining price of eggs, the lower number of migrants crossing the southern border with Mexico and his election victories.

“We got great marks in the first term, and this is going to blow it away," Trump said. He said he likes calling his wife Melania “first lady” because “it reminds me that I’m president.”

Trump has occasionally mused about the fortuitous timing of serving in the White House during the country's 250th anniversary, a chronological overlap that only became possible because he lost his initial bid for a second term — a defeat he's never accepted.

He promised during last year's campaign to create an epic series of festivities and convene a task force to coordinate with state and local governments. On Thursday night, he announced plans for the “Patriot Games," sports contests featuring high school athletes from across the country "to show off the best of American skill, sportsmanship and competitive spirit.”

Trump also suggesting hosting UFC matches at the White House.

A recent Gallup poll showed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patriotism-america-national-pride-decline-poll-gallup-0411dd2f28329a6b640d404db8626d3f">widest partisan split</a>&nbsp;in patriotism in over two decades, with only about a third of Democrats saying they are proud to be American, compared with about 9 in 10 Republicans.

About 4 in 10 U.S. adults approve of Trump’s performance as president, according to a June AP-NORC poll, while about 6 in 10 disapprove.

The Trump administration’s own cost-cutting moves this year threaten to complicate the celebrations. Reduced funding led the National Endowment for the Humanities to send letters to state humanities councils across the country saying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-cuts-humanities-america250-anniversary-doge-572cf095773c66856a1da94030ffd5a9">their federal grants had been terminated</a>. Many of those councils had been working on programming to commemorate the 250th anniversary and had already dedicated some of their federal grants for events at libraries, schools and museums.

Gabrielle Lyon, executive director of Illinois Humanities and chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission, said the cuts already have curtailed some of the planned programs, including community readings of the Declaration of Independence.

“It is very hard to understand how we can protect and preserve people’s ability locally to make this mean something for them, and to celebrate what they want to celebrate, if you’re not funding the humanities councils,” Lyon said.

AP Polling Editor Amelia Thomson DeVeaux in Washington contributed to this report. AP writers Gary Fields and Chris Megerian also contributed.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;turned a heartland festival for the United States'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/america-250th-anniversary-independence-trump-monument-27709d81cc4842fc88ac2c4c883a576b">upcoming 250th anniversary</a>&nbsp;into a celebration of himself, basking in a crowd of supporters Thursday night shortly after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-big-beautiful-gop-taxes-ced365c347de9320eef2ccb8df16dda2">Congress approved</a>&nbsp;tax cut legislation that he championed.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: “From 1776 all the way through today, American patriots have won triumph after triumph, we’ve had victory after victory, and let nothing stand in the way of the USA.” 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/hfq0JoVIgu">pic.twitter.com/hfq0JoVIgu</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1940947450841518461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">“We’re going to have a UFC fight, think of this, on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there. We&#39;re gonna build a little - Dana&#39;s gonna do it... Championship fight, full fight, like 20, 25,000 people. And we&#39;re going to do that as part of A250&quot; - Trump in Iowa <a href="https://t.co/5Dkam2IFWU">pic.twitter.com/5Dkam2IFWU</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1941078076903043230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: Exactly one year from tomorrow, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America&#39;s founding... This evening, we are officially launching &quot;AMERICA 250&quot; — an enormous, year-long, nationwide celebration of our heritage, our flag, and our glorious American freedom. 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/ffQuiio1WY">pic.twitter.com/ffQuiio1WY</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1940938639464452197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;As we prepare to celebrate two and a half centuries of freedom, I am inviting America’s great religious communities to pray for our nation and for our people... as we chart our course toward the next 250 years, let us rededicate ourselves to ONE NATION UNDER GOD.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ooso9kLNZf">pic.twitter.com/ooso9kLNZf</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1940945209661043064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> announces the &quot;Patriot Games&quot; as part of the America 250 celebration — in which top high school athletes from all 50 states participate in a nationally televised sporting event. <a href="https://t.co/02rnXtfgzV">pic.twitter.com/02rnXtfgzV</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1940942910167326808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On the eve of the July 4th holiday, Trump said “there could be no better birthday present for America than the phenomenal victory we achieved just hours ago, when Congress passed the one big beautiful bill to make America great again.”The Republican president plans to sign the legislation Friday during a picnic at the White House, while stealth bombers and fighter jets that participated in recent airstrikes in Iran fly overhead, a symbolic synthesis of the overwhelming force that he’s deployed to reshape Washington and the country.“We’ve saved our country,” he boasted after taking the stage, pumping his fists while singer Lee Greenwood belted out Trump’s campaign trail anthem “God Bless the USA.” In addition to tax breaks, the legislation boosts funding for deportations while cutting back on healthcare and food assistance for low income people.The event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines was the opening act for a yearlong birthday party to mark two and a half centuries of American independence. The plans will culminate next summer with a massive fair on the National Mall in Washington featuring exhibits from every state.Organizers see the coming year of festivities as a way to help unite a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/polarization-republicans-democrats-abortion-gender-colorado-idaho-406b5a841d4d47c8a08cf054c38bb2a0">polarized nation</a>&nbsp;and bridge political divides. But Trump left no doubt during his speech that he views patriotism as inseparable from his own agenda, saying Democrats who voted against his legislation “hate our country."U.S. Ambassador Monica Crowley, Trump’s liaison to the organizing group, America250, said in an interview that the anniversary events are “something that I think that all Americans can come together to celebrate and honor our history as well as our present and our future.”However, when she took the stage to introduce the president, she delivered an ode to Trump, describing him as the inheritor of the country’s original revolutionary spirit.“I don’t know what more people expect or want from an American president,” Crowley said. “He is literally fulfilling the entire job description, and so much more.”A few thousand spectators waited for Trump for hours in 90-plus degree Fahrenheit (32 degree Celsius) heat. The audience was awash in Trump paraphernalia, including “Make America Great Again” hats, shirts that said “Ultra MAGA” and a stuffed monkey with its own miniature Trump shirt.During the speech, Trump heard what sounded like fireworks. The anniversary of his attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania, was only ten days away.“It’s only fireworks, I hope,” he said. “Famous last words.”Unlike a year ago, Trump was speaking from behind thick bulletproof glass.“You always have to think positive,” he said. “I didn’t like that sound either.”The reminder of one of the darkest moments in recent political history did little to dampen Trump’s political euphoria. He boasted about the recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the declining price of eggs, the lower number of migrants crossing the southern border with Mexico and his election victories.“We got great marks in the first term, and this is going to blow it away," Trump said. He said he likes calling his wife Melania “first lady” because “it reminds me that I’m president.”Trump has occasionally mused about the fortuitous timing of serving in the White House during the country's 250th anniversary, a chronological overlap that only became possible because he lost his initial bid for a second term — a defeat he's never accepted.He promised during last year's campaign to create an epic series of festivities and convene a task force to coordinate with state and local governments. On Thursday night, he announced plans for the “Patriot Games," sports contests featuring high school athletes from across the country "to show off the best of American skill, sportsmanship and competitive spirit.”Trump also suggesting hosting UFC matches at the White House.A recent Gallup poll showed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patriotism-america-national-pride-decline-poll-gallup-0411dd2f28329a6b640d404db8626d3f">widest partisan split</a>&nbsp;in patriotism in over two decades, with only about a third of Democrats saying they are proud to be American, compared with about 9 in 10 Republicans.About 4 in 10 U.S. adults approve of Trump’s performance as president, according to a June AP-NORC poll, while about 6 in 10 disapprove.The Trump administration’s own cost-cutting moves this year threaten to complicate the celebrations. Reduced funding led the National Endowment for the Humanities to send letters to state humanities councils across the country saying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-cuts-humanities-america250-anniversary-doge-572cf095773c66856a1da94030ffd5a9">their federal grants had been terminated</a>. Many of those councils had been working on programming to commemorate the 250th anniversary and had already dedicated some of their federal grants for events at libraries, schools and museums.Gabrielle Lyon, executive director of Illinois Humanities and chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission, said the cuts already have curtailed some of the planned programs, including community readings of the Declaration of Independence.“It is very hard to understand how we can protect and preserve people’s ability locally to make this mean something for them, and to celebrate what they want to celebrate, if you’re not funding the humanities councils,” Lyon said.___AP Polling Editor Amelia Thomson DeVeaux in Washington contributed to this report. AP writers Gary Fields and Chris Megerian also contributed.

🎥Trump kicks off yearlong celebration of America's 250th anniversary 

OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) — Former University of Kansas and NBA player Ben McLemore has been found guilty of raping a 21-year-old woman during a lake house party attended by many of his then-teammates from the Portland Trail Blazers, a jury ruled Thursday.

The jury in Clackamas County, located directly south of Portland, found McLemore, 32, guilty of rape, unlawful sexual penetration and one count of sexual abuse. He was found not guilty on another count of sexual abuse,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kptv.com/2025/07/03/former-portland-trail-blazer-found-guilty-rape-trial/">Portland television station KGW</a>&nbsp;reported.

"We recognize there are those who fear individuals with celebrity status or a position of prominence can avoid prosecution. Not in Clackamas County. This case demonstrates my office prosecutes criminal acts regardless of the offender’s community status,” District Attorney John Wentworth said in a statement.

The charges stemmed from a party Oct. 3, 2021, at the Lake Oswego home owned by his Trail Blazers teammate Robert Covington.

Prosecutors claimed during the trial that the sexual encounter was rape, while McLemore’s attorney countered it was consensual sex.

The woman said she was incapacitated after a night of heavy drinking and was unable to give consent. Prosecutors submitted photos of the woman hovering over a toilet and then passed out on a couch,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oregonlive.com/crime/2025/06/ex-trail-blazer-robert-covington-testifies-in-former-teammates-rape-trial.html">The Oregonian/Oregon Live</a>&nbsp;earlier reported.

She said she woke up at one point during the rape and froze in terror.

“I don’t know who this person is,” she testified. “This is a random person that is doing something like this to me.” The Associated Press generally does not identify victims of sexual assault.

At one point, she said she let her body slide to the floor in an effort to stop the assault. The woman testified McLemore pulled her back onto the couch and continued.

Covington earlier testified he saw the woman flirting with McLemore while they sat on a couch.

McLemore testified he was also drinking but claimed the sex was consensual. He also said he and the woman did not have a conversation before, during or after the act, after which he immediately left the home.

One of his attorneys, Kris Winemiller, said McLemore left after receiving an angry message from this then-wife, who tracked him and wanted to know why he wasn’t in their own Lake Oswego home.

Clackamas County prosecutor Scott Healy said there was no confusion. “When you look at all the surrounding circumstances and you assess the evidence in this case, I submit to you that the defendant is guilty,” he said during closing arguments Tuesday.

Another defense attorney, Lisa Maxfield, argued for McLemore’s acquittal.

“The only reasonable verdict in a case where two people get drunk and have sex and the man is drunker than the woman, the only reasonable verdict in a case like that is not guilty,” she said.

The woman said she did not hire an attorney to sue McLemore and didn’t seek money from him. Instead she pursued the criminal case because “you can’t do that to somebody, let alone somebody that you don’t know.”

McLemore, who played college at Kansas, was the seventh pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. He also played for Memphis, Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers before his last NBA season with Portland in 2021-2022.

Since then, he has played in Europe and China. Last August he signed with a team in Turkey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751586386443.png" alt="McLemore&nbsp;Clackamas County" />
 <figcaption>McLemore&nbsp;Clackamas County</figcaption>
 </figure>OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) — Former University of Kansas and NBA player Ben McLemore has been found guilty of raping a 21-year-old woman during a lake house party attended by many of his then-teammates from the Portland Trail Blazers, a jury ruled Thursday.The jury in Clackamas County, located directly south of Portland, found McLemore, 32, guilty of rape, unlawful sexual penetration and one count of sexual abuse. He was found not guilty on another count of sexual abuse,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kptv.com/2025/07/03/former-portland-trail-blazer-found-guilty-rape-trial/">Portland television station KGW</a>&nbsp;reported.Sentencing was scheduled for Wednesday."We recognize there are those who fear individuals with celebrity status or a position of prominence can avoid prosecution. Not in Clackamas County. This case demonstrates my office prosecutes criminal acts regardless of the offender’s community status,” District Attorney John Wentworth said in a statement.The charges stemmed from a party Oct. 3, 2021, at the Lake Oswego home owned by his Trail Blazers teammate Robert Covington.Prosecutors claimed during the trial that the sexual encounter was rape, while McLemore’s attorney countered it was consensual sex.The woman said she was incapacitated after a night of heavy drinking and was unable to give consent. Prosecutors submitted photos of the woman hovering over a toilet and then passed out on a couch,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oregonlive.com/crime/2025/06/ex-trail-blazer-robert-covington-testifies-in-former-teammates-rape-trial.html">The Oregonian/Oregon Live</a>&nbsp;earlier reported.She said she woke up at one point during the rape and froze in terror.“I don’t know who this person is,” she testified. “This is a random person that is doing something like this to me.” The Associated Press generally does not identify victims of sexual assault.At one point, she said she let her body slide to the floor in an effort to stop the assault. The woman testified McLemore pulled her back onto the couch and continued.Covington earlier testified he saw the woman flirting with McLemore while they sat on a couch.McLemore testified he was also drinking but claimed the sex was consensual. He also said he and the woman did not have a conversation before, during or after the act, after which he immediately left the home.One of his attorneys, Kris Winemiller, said McLemore left after receiving an angry message from this then-wife, who tracked him and wanted to know why he wasn’t in their own Lake Oswego home.Clackamas County prosecutor Scott Healy said there was no confusion. “When you look at all the surrounding circumstances and you assess the evidence in this case, I submit to you that the defendant is guilty,” he said during closing arguments Tuesday.Another defense attorney, Lisa Maxfield, argued for McLemore’s acquittal.“The only reasonable verdict in a case where two people get drunk and have sex and the man is drunker than the woman, the only reasonable verdict in a case like that is not guilty,” she said.The woman said she did not hire an attorney to sue McLemore and didn’t seek money from him. Instead she pursued the criminal case because “you can’t do that to somebody, let alone somebody that you don’t know.”McLemore, who played college at Kansas, was the seventh pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. He also played for Memphis, Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers before his last NBA season with Portland in 2021-2022.Since then, he has played in Europe and China. Last August he signed with a team in Turkey.

Former KU player convicted of rape, sexual assault in Oregon

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 1a.m. June 30, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota Highlander on U.S. Highway 75, near 118th Road for an alleged traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The traffic stop led to a search of the vehicle. The front seat passenger, Janette Pendleton, 54, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751298972628.png" alt="Pendleton" />
 <figcaption>Pendleton</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 1a.m. June 30, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota Highlander on U.S. Highway 75, near 118th Road for an alleged traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The traffic stop led to a search of the vehicle. The front seat passenger, Janette Pendleton, 54, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Passenger caught with meth during Kan. traffic stop

PHILLIPSBURG, Kan. —&nbsp;The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday evening, June 27, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, resulting in the deaths of Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Gaede and suspect Kolton Griffith.

Over the past several days, detectives and forensic investigators have processed the scene, conducted interviews, and collected evidence. The Sheriff’s Office is now providing new details about the sequence of events that led to the deadly encounter, according Sedgwick County Sheriff's Spokesman Brandon Stitt.

At approximately 6:02 p.m., the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received its first report of an explosion near 1st and E Streets. The responding deputy was initially unable to locate the source and cleared the area, believing fireworks may have caused the noise.

By 8:31 p.m., dispatchers received three additional calls reporting loud booms in the same vicinity. Deputy Gaede responded, spoke with concerned residents, and began searching for the source of the explosions. He contacted Griffith, who lived at 899 1st Street. Griffith denied involvement in the detonations, and Deputy Gaede cleared the call around 8:48 p.m. but remained nearby.

Believing the explosions were not commercial-grade fireworks, Deputy Gaede began reviewing Kansas statutes related to the criminal use of explosives.

At 9:18 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office received another report of an explosion from the same area. Deputy Gaede, who was still in the area, observed smoke and made contact with Griffith, who was standing in his front yard. Griffith admitted setting off the explosive device, stating he intended to provoke one of the citizens who had reported the previous explosion.

Determining that Griffith had violated state law regarding the criminal use of explosives—a felony in Kansas—Deputy Gaede attempted to arrest him. After securing one handcuff on Griffith’s left wrist, Griffith resisted, turned away, and drew a concealed revolver from his waistband. He fired five rounds, critically wounding Deputy Gaede. Despite his injuries, Deputy Gaede returned fire, discharging eight rounds and killing Griffith.

A backup deputy arrived within seconds and began life-saving efforts. Deputy Gaede was transported to a local hospital, where he died shortly after arrival.

As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for Griffith’s residence. The Kansas Highway Patrol Hazardous Devices Unit assisted with the search, which uncovered more than 33 pounds of explosive materials, including ammonium perchlorate, ammonium nitrate, and commercial blasting caps. Investigators also recovered over 20 firearms and a large stockpile of ammunition.

The investigation has not revealed that Griffith targeted Deputy Gaede.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate. Upon completion, the case will be submitted to the Phillips County Attorney for review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751127258786.png" alt="Deputy Brandon Gaede" />
 <figcaption>Deputy Brandon Gaede</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPSBURG, Kan. —&nbsp;The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday evening, June 27, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, resulting in the deaths of Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Gaede and suspect Kolton Griffith.Over the past several days, detectives and forensic investigators have processed the scene, conducted interviews, and collected evidence. The Sheriff’s Office is now providing new details about the sequence of events that led to the deadly encounter, according Sedgwick County Sheriff's Spokesman Brandon Stitt.At approximately 6:02 p.m., the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received its first report of an explosion near 1st and E Streets. The responding deputy was initially unable to locate the source and cleared the area, believing fireworks may have caused the noise.By 8:31 p.m., dispatchers received three additional calls reporting loud booms in the same vicinity. Deputy Gaede responded, spoke with concerned residents, and began searching for the source of the explosions. He contacted Griffith, who lived at 899 1st Street. Griffith denied involvement in the detonations, and Deputy Gaede cleared the call around 8:48 p.m. but remained nearby.Believing the explosions were not commercial-grade fireworks, Deputy Gaede began reviewing Kansas statutes related to the criminal use of explosives.At 9:18 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office received another report of an explosion from the same area. Deputy Gaede, who was still in the area, observed smoke and made contact with Griffith, who was standing in his front yard. Griffith admitted setting off the explosive device, stating he intended to provoke one of the citizens who had reported the previous explosion.Determining that Griffith had violated state law regarding the criminal use of explosives—a felony in Kansas—Deputy Gaede attempted to arrest him. After securing one handcuff on Griffith’s left wrist, Griffith resisted, turned away, and drew a concealed revolver from his waistband. He fired five rounds, critically wounding Deputy Gaede. Despite his injuries, Deputy Gaede returned fire, discharging eight rounds and killing Griffith.A backup deputy arrived within seconds and began life-saving efforts. Deputy Gaede was transported to a local hospital, where he died shortly after arrival.As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for Griffith’s residence. The Kansas Highway Patrol Hazardous Devices Unit assisted with the search, which uncovered more than 33 pounds of explosive materials, including ammonium perchlorate, ammonium nitrate, and commercial blasting caps. Investigators also recovered over 20 firearms and a large stockpile of ammunition.The investigation has not revealed that Griffith targeted Deputy Gaede.The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate. Upon completion, the case will be submitted to the Phillips County Attorney for review.

New details on the encounter that left Kan. sheriff's deputy, suspect dead

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

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday that she and her husband of more than 40 years were granted a divorce.

She decided to speak publicly about the amicable end of her marriage because of inquiries about the status of her relationship with retired physician Ted Daughety.

Kelly, 75, said the pair remained on friendly terms before and after the divorce was finalized in October. They were married in 1983 and have two adult daughters.

“Throughout my time in public office, I’ve always guarded my family’s privacy. It’s been my policy to keep my personal life separate from my public one to the extent possible,” Kelly said.

She said it had “come to my attention that my marital status has become a topic of some speculation, so I will share that Ted and I divorced in October of 2024.”

“It was amicable and mutual, and we both continue to share in the lives of our family,” the governor said.

The Democratic governor’s brief statement was the first official confirmation of a split. The governor resides at the Topeka residence for Kansas governors known as Cedar Crest. Her family home in the Potwin neighborhood of central Topeka has been sold.

In a statement, Daughety said that “Laura and I made this decision together, based on what worked best for us and for our family.”

Kelly was elected to the Kansas Senate to represent a Topeka-area district in 2005 and remained in that job for nearly 15 years. She was elected governor in 2018 and reelected in 2022.

Daughety was a pulmonary and sleep disorder specialist who practiced medicine for decades in Kansas.

Divorce among sitting U.S. governors hasn’t been common, but Democrat John Carlin ended two marriages while serving as governor of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751579549104.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said she and former Topeka physician Ted Daughety, shown together during Kelly's inauguration ceremony in 2023, have been granted a divorce. They were married in 1983 and moved to Topeka in the late 1980s. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said she and former Topeka physician Ted Daughety, shown together during Kelly's inauguration ceremony in 2023, have been granted a divorce. They were married in 1983 and moved to Topeka in the late 1980s. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday that she and her husband of more than 40 years were granted a divorce.She decided to speak publicly about the amicable end of her marriage because of inquiries about the status of her relationship with retired physician Ted Daughety.Kelly, 75, said the pair remained on friendly terms before and after the divorce was finalized in October. They were married in 1983 and have two adult daughters.“Throughout my time in public office, I’ve always guarded my family’s privacy. It’s been my policy to keep my personal life separate from my public one to the extent possible,” Kelly said.She said it had “come to my attention that my marital status has become a topic of some speculation, so I will share that Ted and I divorced in October of 2024.”“It was amicable and mutual, and we both continue to share in the lives of our family,” the governor said.The Democratic governor’s brief statement was the first official confirmation of a split. The governor resides at the Topeka residence for Kansas governors known as Cedar Crest. Her family home in the Potwin neighborhood of central Topeka has been sold.In a statement, Daughety said that “Laura and I made this decision together, based on what worked best for us and for our family.”Kelly was elected to the Kansas Senate to represent a Topeka-area district in 2005 and remained in that job for nearly 15 years. She was elected governor in 2018 and reelected in 2022.Daughety was a pulmonary and sleep disorder specialist who practiced medicine for decades in Kansas.Divorce among sitting U.S. governors hasn’t been common, but Democrat John Carlin ended two marriages while serving as governor of Kansas.Carlin took office in 1979 and received a divorce from Ramona Hawkinson in 1980. Carlin and his second wife, Karen Bigsby Hurley, were divorced in 1985 during his second term.