WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced Friday that it will begin an orderly wind-down of its operations following the passage of a federal rescissions package and the release of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H) appropriations bill, which excludes funding for CPB for the first time in more than five decades, according to a statement on the organization's web site.

The organization distributed funds to National Public Radio stations and PBS television stations nationwide.

"For nearly 60 years, CPB has carried out its Congressional mission to build and sustain a trusted public media system that informs, educates, and serves communities across the country. Through partnerships with local stations and producers, CPB has supported educational content, locally relevant journalism, emergency communications, cultural programming, and essential services for Americans in every community."

“Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations,” said CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison. “CPB remains committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities and supporting our partners through this transition with transparency and care.”

CPB informed its employees Friday that the majority of staff positions will conclude with the close of the fiscal year on September 30, 2025. A small transition team will remain through January 2026 to ensure a responsible and orderly closeout of operations. This team will focus on compliance, final distributions, and resolution of long-term financial obligations, including ensuring continuity for music rights and royalties that remain essential to the public media system.

“Public media has been one of the most trusted institutions in American life, providing educational opportunity, emergency alerts, civil discourse, and cultural connection to every corner of the country,” Harrison said. “We are deeply grateful to our partners across the system for their resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to serving the American people.”

CPB’s Board of Directors and management are working closely to address the legal, financial, and operational requirements of the closure. CPB will provide regular updates and guidance to stations and producers navigating the profound challenges ahead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754071502049.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced Friday that it will begin an orderly wind-down of its operations following the passage of a federal rescissions package and the release of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H) appropriations bill, which excludes funding for CPB for the first time in more than five decades, according to a statement on the organization's web site.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754071475812.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The organization distributed funds to National Public Radio stations and PBS television stations nationwide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752606245570.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>"For nearly 60 years, CPB has carried out its Congressional mission to build and sustain a trusted public media system that informs, educates, and serves communities across the country. Through partnerships with local stations and producers, CPB has supported educational content, locally relevant journalism, emergency communications, cultural programming, and essential services for Americans in every community."“Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations,” said CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison. “CPB remains committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities and supporting our partners through this transition with transparency and care.”CPB informed its employees Friday that the majority of staff positions will conclude with the close of the fiscal year on September 30, 2025. A small transition team will remain through January 2026 to ensure a responsible and orderly closeout of operations. This team will focus on compliance, final distributions, and resolution of long-term financial obligations, including ensuring continuity for music rights and royalties that remain essential to the public media system.“Public media has been one of the most trusted institutions in American life, providing educational opportunity, emergency alerts, civil discourse, and cultural connection to every corner of the country,” Harrison said. “We are deeply grateful to our partners across the system for their resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to serving the American people.”CPB’s Board of Directors and management are working closely to address the legal, financial, and operational requirements of the closure. CPB will provide regular updates and guidance to stations and producers navigating the profound challenges ahead.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting, funder of NPR and PBS, to close 

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Astronauts sidelined for the past year by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-stuck-astronauts-boeing-starliner-92dca67a1fbecf05f5f0e6e2e79afc3b">Boeing’s Starliner trouble</a>&nbsp;blasted off to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-space-station-spacex-retire-plunge-3076b8f67488a699240b23bc7f27fc8d">International Space Station</a>&nbsp;on Friday, getting a lift from SpaceX.

The U.S.-Japanese-Russian crew of four rocketed from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. They’ll replace colleagues who launched to the space station in March as fill-ins for NASA’s two&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-stuck-astronauts-spacex-boeing-419f98f239a25cfb54f970b8522dc1d2">stuck astronauts.</a>

Their SpaceX capsule should reach the orbiting lab this weekend and stay for at least six months.

Zena Cardman, a biologist and polar explorer who should have launched last year, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-boeing-starliner-stuck-astronauts-6c2db96fa6c6859a48a8c26438fab1d5">yanked</a>&nbsp;along with another NASA crewmate to make room for Starliner’s star-crossed test pilots.

“I have no emotion but joy right now. That was absolutely transcendent. Ride of a lifetime,” Cardman, the flight commander, said after reaching orbit.

The botched Starliner demo forced Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to switch to SpaceX to get back from the space station more than nine months after departing on what should have been a weeklong trip.

“Every astronaut wants to be in space. None of us want to stay on the ground, but it’s not about me,” Cardman said before her flight.

NASA’s Mike Fincke — Cardman’s co-pilot — was the backup for Wilmore and Williams on Starliner, making those three still the only ones certified to fly it. Fincke and Japan’s Kimiya Yui, former military officers with previous spaceflight experience, were training for Starliner’s second astronaut mission. With Starliner grounded until 2026, NASA switched the two to the latest SpaceX flight.

“Boy, it's great to be back in orbit again,” Fincke radioed. He last soared on NASA's next-to-last space shuttle flight in 2011.

Rounding out the crew is Russia’s Oleg Platonov. The former fighter pilot was pulled a few years ago from the Russian Soyuz flight lineup because of an undisclosed health issue that he said has since been resolved.

On hand for the first launch attempt on Thursday, NASA's new acting administrator, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, met with Roscosmos director general Dmitry Bakanov, an invited guest. The two discussed future collaboration, then left town after thick clouds forced a last-minute delay.

“What we learn on these missions is what’s going to get us to the moon and then from the moon to Mars, which is I think the direction that NASA has to be,” Duffy said in a NASA interview. “There's critical real estate on the moon. We want to claim that real estate for ourselves and our partners.”

To save money in light of tight budgets, NASA is looking to increase its space station stays from six months to eight months, a move already adopted by Russia's space agency. SpaceX is close to certifying its Dragon capsules for longer flights, which means the newly launched crew could be up there until April.

NASA is also considering smaller crews — three astronauts launching on SpaceX instead of the typical four — to cut costs.

As for Starliner, NASA is leaning toward launching the next one with cargo before flying another crew.

Engineers are still investigating the thruster failures and helium leaks that bedeviled Starliner following liftoff. Time is running out as NASA looks to abandon the aging space station by 2030. An air leak on the Russian side of the station remains unresolved after years of patching.

“I am not in the least worried” about the leak, which is localized, Platonov said earlier this month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754067765162.png" alt="Image of the astronauts during the launch from NASA video" />
 <figcaption>Image of the astronauts during the launch from NASA video</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Astronauts sidelined for the past year by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-stuck-astronauts-boeing-starliner-92dca67a1fbecf05f5f0e6e2e79afc3b">Boeing’s Starliner trouble</a>&nbsp;blasted off to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-space-station-spacex-retire-plunge-3076b8f67488a699240b23bc7f27fc8d">International Space Station</a>&nbsp;on Friday, getting a lift from SpaceX.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">…And off they go! Crew-11 lifted off from <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAKennedy</a> at 11:43am ET (1543 UTC), headed towards the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>. <a href="https://t.co/VmRfLrIOXC">pic.twitter.com/VmRfLrIOXC</a>&mdash; NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1951308608173437367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S.-Japanese-Russian crew of four rocketed from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. They’ll replace colleagues who launched to the space station in March as fill-ins for NASA’s two&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-stuck-astronauts-spacex-boeing-419f98f239a25cfb54f970b8522dc1d2">stuck astronauts.</a>Their SpaceX capsule should reach the orbiting lab this weekend and stay for at least six months.Zena Cardman, a biologist and polar explorer who should have launched last year, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-boeing-starliner-stuck-astronauts-6c2db96fa6c6859a48a8c26438fab1d5">yanked</a>&nbsp;along with another NASA crewmate to make room for Starliner’s star-crossed test pilots.“I have no emotion but joy right now. That was absolutely transcendent. Ride of a lifetime,” Cardman, the flight commander, said after reaching orbit.The botched Starliner demo forced Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to switch to SpaceX to get back from the space station more than nine months after departing on what should have been a weeklong trip.“Every astronaut wants to be in space. None of us want to stay on the ground, but it’s not about me,” Cardman said before her flight.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Launching tomorrow: L-1. Space has been calling my name ever since I returned from my last mission in 2011. Our crew is ready. Let&#39;s do this! Go Falcon, Go Dragon, Go Crew-11! <a href="https://t.co/f91BPiZ6Lt">pic.twitter.com/f91BPiZ6Lt</a>&mdash; Col. Mike Fincke (@AstroIronMike) <a href="https://twitter.com/AstroIronMike/status/1950605368221983051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>NASA’s Mike Fincke — Cardman’s co-pilot — was the backup for Wilmore and Williams on Starliner, making those three still the only ones certified to fly it. Fincke and Japan’s Kimiya Yui, former military officers with previous spaceflight experience, were training for Starliner’s second astronaut mission. With Starliner grounded until 2026, NASA switched the two to the latest SpaceX flight.“Boy, it's great to be back in orbit again,” Fincke radioed. He last soared on NASA's next-to-last space shuttle flight in 2011.Rounding out the crew is Russia’s Oleg Platonov. The former fighter pilot was pulled a few years ago from the Russian Soyuz flight lineup because of an undisclosed health issue that he said has since been resolved.On hand for the first launch attempt on Thursday, NASA's new acting administrator, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, met with Roscosmos director general Dmitry Bakanov, an invited guest. The two discussed future collaboration, then left town after thick clouds forced a last-minute delay.“What we learn on these missions is what’s going to get us to the moon and then from the moon to Mars, which is I think the direction that NASA has to be,” Duffy said in a NASA interview. “There's critical real estate on the moon. We want to claim that real estate for ourselves and our partners.”To save money in light of tight budgets, NASA is looking to increase its space station stays from six months to eight months, a move already adopted by Russia's space agency. SpaceX is close to certifying its Dragon capsules for longer flights, which means the newly launched crew could be up there until April.NASA is also considering smaller crews — three astronauts launching on SpaceX instead of the typical four — to cut costs.As for Starliner, NASA is leaning toward launching the next one with cargo before flying another crew.Engineers are still investigating the thruster failures and helium leaks that bedeviled Starliner following liftoff. Time is running out as NASA looks to abandon the aging space station by 2030. An air leak on the Russian side of the station remains unresolved after years of patching.“I am not in the least worried” about the leak, which is localized, Platonov said earlier this month.

🎥4 Astronauts launch to the space station for 6 month mission

<a href="https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=122211&amp;clientkey=550D13AF2DEF9723836028F8FFDCA8CF">CLICK HERE TO APPLY TODAY</a>

<a href="https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=550D13AF2DEF9723836028F8FFDCA8CF">CLICK HERE TO VIEW OTHER OPEN JOBS</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747319414311.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=122211&amp;clientkey=550D13AF2DEF9723836028F8FFDCA8CF">CLICK HERE TO APPLY TODAY</a><div>Marketing Director for Senior Living Community Full-Time
 JOB SUMMARY The Marketing Director&rsquo;s primary focuses are census development in the licensed and non-licensed congregate-living buildings, developing and maintaining positive relationships with referral sources, and tracking marketing efforts in the customer relationship management (CRM) software. Traveling within a 60-mile radius an average of three days per week to fulfill these responsibilities is typical. This position works with the VP of Public Relations (VPPR) to organize and conduct events designed to develop and maintain census and to establish and maintain demand for The Wesley&rsquo;s services. The Marketing Director will assist the VPPR with creative marketing solutions and media advertising and participate in off-campus events. The position requires a friendly, professional, and knowledgeable person to positively represent The Wesley at all times.
 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS Responsibilities: Visit and contact potential referral sources including, but not limited to, hospitals, clinics, doctor offices, home health organizations, funeral homes, private homes, senior centers, financial management companies, referral sources and leads, and any other relevant parties and entities to promote The Wesley. Provide professional and friendly customer service when meeting with prospective residents and others. Maintain expertise regarding The Wesley&rsquo;s services and remain current with upcoming activities and events that are relevant to census development. Document information about prospective residents or relay information to the COO, Director of Nursing (DON), and/or Assisted Living Health Care Director (ALHD) for follow-up when appropriate. Conduct onsite tours for prospective residents, their families, or other interested parties in coordination with the VPPR. Provide management of tasks and supervision of the Marketing Assistant, if any. Assist the VPPR with campus events, innovation, and other marketing-related activities. Assist the VPPR with collateral development, marketing projects, and media advertising. Assist with posting information and advertising on The Wesley website, Facebook, and other social media accounts. Join civic and other organizations in coordination with the COO and VPPR. Maintain confidentiality of protected health information (PHI) and other information per policy. Complete other duties, as assigned by the COO, which are reasonably within the scope of this position.
 QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience: Associate&rsquo;s degree or above in communications, marketing, or related field. Experience in a senior living organization (prefer Continuing Care Retirement Community). Knowledge, skills and experience in sales and marketing. Highly proficient with Microsoft Office programs. Experience using various industry-related software platforms including CRM and EMR. Must have a valid Kansas driver&rsquo;s license and maintain a record acceptable to the insurance company to operate The Wesley&rsquo;s vehicles. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities needed to succeed in this position: A strong desire to work with the elderly and establish effective relationships with businesses, agencies, residents, family members, and staff. The ability to present a positive image to the public in appearance, language, and personality. Strong oral and written communication skills. Strong customer service and sales orientation. Be self-directed and organized with excellent time-management skills.
&nbsp;
WORK ENVIRONMENT
 Special Demands: This position requires the use of a cell phone provided by The Wesley and adherence to the Cell Phone Use Policy. The Marketing Director must convey a professional, positive image for the organization showing an understanding, caring and sensitive attitude when dealing with older adults, their families, and the general public. Must dress to exemplify the appropriate professional appearance expected from the organization. A flexible schedule is necessary to accommodate marketing and community activities. Must be capable of handling job-related stress in a positive manner and deal with staff in a spirit of cooperation.
Physical Demands: Ability to lift 20 pounds and load/unload items from a car with or without accommodation. Ability to sit for long periods while safely driving in all types of weather conditions. Must be able to walk long distances and traverse stairs with or without accommodation. Works in well-lit and ventilated building. May be subjected to stressful situations and uncomfortable surroundings when visiting families. The Wesley is a 50-acre vibrant retirement community nestled in a quiet neighborhood in northwest Hutchinson, Kansas. We offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled home care. We currently have multiple positions available. Join our team TODAY!</div><a href="https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=550D13AF2DEF9723836028F8FFDCA8CF">CLICK HERE TO VIEW OTHER OPEN JOBS</a>

NJCAA announces 2025-26 committee chairs, committee assignments

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced in a&nbsp;July 30, 2025,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2025%2F07%2F30%2Ffile_attachments%2F3339172%2FDCF%2520letter%2520to%2520USDA%2520-%2520July%252030,%25202025.pdf/1/010101985d54ddc8-ef5d2468-ddb0-4bb1-8130-de1dbf8a0ffa-000000/XdIprpo0eYPb9TixJRuK5k2VFDN8lPYS2PXxmPWIrY8=416">letter</a>&nbsp;to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that, at this time, the agency is denying the USDA’s demand for the release of personal information of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants, recipients and members of their households.

The requested data would include sensitive personal information for any Kansan who lived in a household that applied for and/or received SNAP benefits from Jan. 1, 2020, to July 30, 2025. The data request includes, but is not limited to, names, social security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses. The purpose of the USDA demand is to create a federal database of SNAP participant information that may be disclosed to other federal, state and local agencies. In addition to personal data of Kansans, the data request includes retailer and business data documenting SNAP usage.

The USDA stated in its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.fns.usda.gov%2Fsnap%2Fadmin%2Fdatabase-letter-update/1/010101985d54ddc8-ef5d2468-ddb0-4bb1-8130-de1dbf8a0ffa-000000/wQr1PoXj2yMFBVCUI7LjHpxukl43uWdLbf4yTK9bZEg=416">July 25, 2025, letter to state agency directors</a>&nbsp;that state agencies must be compliant with the requirement to transmit this data to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) no later than July 30, 2025.

DCF is required by state and federal law to protect personal identifiable SNAP data except when strictly necessary for the administration of the SNAP program. In response to the USDA data request, states have filed suit,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foag.ca.gov%2Fsystem%2Ffiles%2Fattachments%2Fpress-docs%2FCA%2520et%2520al.%2520v.%2520USDA%2520et%2520al.%2520Complaint%2520%255Bfiled%255D.pdf/1/010101985d54ddc8-ef5d2468-ddb0-4bb1-8130-de1dbf8a0ffa-000000/oBda6RasdRIVpwqg_JpFIpCzyyym3bZKuVb2-qvtXXc=416">see</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foag.ca.gov%2Fsystem%2Ffiles%2Fattachments%2Fpress-docs%2FCA%2520et%2520al.%2520v.%2520USDA%2520et%2520al.%2520Complaint%2520%255Bfiled%255D.pdf/2/010101985d54ddc8-ef5d2468-ddb0-4bb1-8130-de1dbf8a0ffa-000000/JDNEwg25YAxMY-MoV9d4C6nmXfTz7MT5bGiIHW4snr8=416">California et al. v. U.S. Dep’t of Agriculture et al., Civ. Action No. 3:25-6310 (N.D. Cal.)</a>, to stop the forced production of this data. Releasing the requested information at this time could put DCF in the position of potential liability if a court finds that the USDA’s demand violates federal law.

“DCF is committed to the security of Kansans’ personal information and maintaining confidentiality consistent with state and federal law,”&nbsp;said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “This demand for personal information goes beyond the scope of administering the program and puts in jeopardy the privacy of hundreds of thousands of Kansans who depend on SNAP to put food on their tables.”

DCF will monitor the pending litigation and continue to administer and enforce SNAP in accordance with federal and state law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632417020028.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced in a&nbsp;July 30, 2025,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2025%2F07%2F30%2Ffile_attachments%2F3339172%2FDCF%2520letter%2520to%2520USDA%2520-%2520July%252030,%25202025.pdf/1/010101985d54ddc8-ef5d2468-ddb0-4bb1-8130-de1dbf8a0ffa-000000/XdIprpo0eYPb9TixJRuK5k2VFDN8lPYS2PXxmPWIrY8=416">letter</a>&nbsp;to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that, at this time, the agency is denying the USDA’s demand for the release of personal information of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants, recipients and members of their households.The requested data would include sensitive personal information for any Kansan who lived in a household that applied for and/or received SNAP benefits from Jan. 1, 2020, to July 30, 2025. The data request includes, but is not limited to, names, social security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses. The purpose of the USDA demand is to create a federal database of SNAP participant information that may be disclosed to other federal, state and local agencies. In addition to personal data of Kansans, the data request includes retailer and business data documenting SNAP usage.The USDA stated in its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.fns.usda.gov%2Fsnap%2Fadmin%2Fdatabase-letter-update/1/010101985d54ddc8-ef5d2468-ddb0-4bb1-8130-de1dbf8a0ffa-000000/wQr1PoXj2yMFBVCUI7LjHpxukl43uWdLbf4yTK9bZEg=416">July 25, 2025, letter to state agency directors</a>&nbsp;that state agencies must be compliant with the requirement to transmit this data to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) no later than July 30, 2025.DCF is required by state and federal law to protect personal identifiable SNAP data except when strictly necessary for the administration of the SNAP program. In response to the USDA data request, states have filed suit,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foag.ca.gov%2Fsystem%2Ffiles%2Fattachments%2Fpress-docs%2FCA%2520et%2520al.%2520v.%2520USDA%2520et%2520al.%2520Complaint%2520%255Bfiled%255D.pdf/1/010101985d54ddc8-ef5d2468-ddb0-4bb1-8130-de1dbf8a0ffa-000000/oBda6RasdRIVpwqg_JpFIpCzyyym3bZKuVb2-qvtXXc=416">see</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foag.ca.gov%2Fsystem%2Ffiles%2Fattachments%2Fpress-docs%2FCA%2520et%2520al.%2520v.%2520USDA%2520et%2520al.%2520Complaint%2520%255Bfiled%255D.pdf/2/010101985d54ddc8-ef5d2468-ddb0-4bb1-8130-de1dbf8a0ffa-000000/JDNEwg25YAxMY-MoV9d4C6nmXfTz7MT5bGiIHW4snr8=416">California et al. v. U.S. Dep’t of Agriculture et al., Civ. Action No. 3:25-6310 (N.D. Cal.)</a>, to stop the forced production of this data. Releasing the requested information at this time could put DCF in the position of potential liability if a court finds that the USDA’s demand violates federal law.“DCF is committed to the security of Kansans’ personal information and maintaining confidentiality consistent with state and federal law,”&nbsp;said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “This demand for personal information goes beyond the scope of administering the program and puts in jeopardy the privacy of hundreds of thousands of Kansans who depend on SNAP to put food on their tables.”DCF will monitor the pending litigation and continue to administer and enforce SNAP in accordance with federal and state law.

DCF denies demand for personal information from USDA

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my dear wife, Janet Susan Regier (née Fields), of Hutchinson, Kansas on July 27, 2025, at the age of 79. &nbsp;She passed peacefully, with her husband Jerold at her bedside, after a courageous battle with diabetes and multiple strokes. &nbsp;Janet was born on June 19, 1946, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Robert Edward “Bob” Fields and Lucy Louise Fields Charbeneau (née Bryan). In 1964, Janet graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas, Texas. She attended the University of Texas at Austin as an English major. While attending UT, Janet met Gary Rock at Atlantic Richfield Company (Arco). Janet and Gary married in 1967 and had two children, Wendy and Tom. &nbsp;They lived in Dallas, Texas, and, in 1980, relocated to Claremont, California.

&nbsp;Janet participated in extensive volunteer work, including many years of service with the Claremont Junior Women’s Club, where she passionately served her community through various fundraisers benefiting worthy causes and service projects such as Meals on Wheels and Special Olympics. She held several leadership roles including president. &nbsp;She also mentored young women by leading the Juniorettes. &nbsp;

She launched a catering company with her friend, Ann Stagnaro. Janet subsequently worked for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (now known as CAL FIRE) as a writer and the California Office of Tourism as a tour director. Janet and Gary later divorced, and in 1996, Janet became the Main Street Director in Temecula, California, a position she held until 1998 at which time she became a partner with Jerold Wayne “Jerry” Regier in Cutting Edge Marketing, a full-service marketing firm located in Temecula, California. The two partners quickly formed a special bond and found something lasting which led to their 24-year marriage. &nbsp;Janet, as the creative writer in the firm, was instrumental in the firm receiving multiple ADDY’s, a national advertising/marketing award for successful client campaigns. In 2008, Janet and her husband relocated to Hutchinson, Kansas (Jerry’s hometown) where they created and managed until 2014, “The Downtown Hutchinson Rod Run and Classic Car Show.” Now, 17 years later, the car show is still a downtown success.

Janet found immense joy in spending time with her kitty, Sir Delgado, and dog, Lacy, and pursuing her passion to feed every bird in town. Her love for all of God’s creatures brought so much happiness for Janet. She was also a wonderful cook and loved to entertain friends and family.

&nbsp;Janet will be remembered by her husband, Jerold “Jerry” Regier; children, Wendy (Steve) Benjamin, Thomas Rock; stepchildren, Kimberly Lilleholm, Natalie (Kevin) Bright, Justin (Heather) Regier; grandchildren, Alyssa (AJ) Yoxsimer, Cassandra (Ryan) Geraghty; eleven step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Riley Geraghty, Claire Yoxsimer; sibling, Nancy Nelson; and numerous other family members and friends.&nbsp;

Janet is preceded in death by her father and mother, Bob Fields and Louise Charbeneau, as well as her stepdaughter Kimberly Lilleholm’s husband, Dale Lilleholm.

Private family services will be held at a date to be determined.&nbsp;

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hutchinson Animal Shelter,&nbsp; in care of Elliot Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St. Hutchinson, KS 67501.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753758252757.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my dear wife, Janet Susan Regier (née Fields), of Hutchinson, Kansas on July 27, 2025, at the age of 79. &nbsp;She passed peacefully, with her husband Jerold at her bedside, after a courageous battle with diabetes and multiple strokes. &nbsp;Janet was born on June 19, 1946, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Robert Edward “Bob” Fields and Lucy Louise Fields Charbeneau (née Bryan). In 1964, Janet graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas, Texas. She attended the University of Texas at Austin as an English major. While attending UT, Janet met Gary Rock at Atlantic Richfield Company (Arco). Janet and Gary married in 1967 and had two children, Wendy and Tom. &nbsp;They lived in Dallas, Texas, and, in 1980, relocated to Claremont, California.&nbsp;Janet participated in extensive volunteer work, including many years of service with the Claremont Junior Women’s Club, where she passionately served her community through various fundraisers benefiting worthy causes and service projects such as Meals on Wheels and Special Olympics. She held several leadership roles including president. &nbsp;She also mentored young women by leading the Juniorettes. &nbsp;She launched a catering company with her friend, Ann Stagnaro. Janet subsequently worked for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (now known as CAL FIRE) as a writer and the California Office of Tourism as a tour director. Janet and Gary later divorced, and in 1996, Janet became the Main Street Director in Temecula, California, a position she held until 1998 at which time she became a partner with Jerold Wayne “Jerry” Regier in Cutting Edge Marketing, a full-service marketing firm located in Temecula, California. The two partners quickly formed a special bond and found something lasting which led to their 24-year marriage. &nbsp;Janet, as the creative writer in the firm, was instrumental in the firm receiving multiple ADDY’s, a national advertising/marketing award for successful client campaigns. In 2008, Janet and her husband relocated to Hutchinson, Kansas (Jerry’s hometown) where they created and managed until 2014, “The Downtown Hutchinson Rod Run and Classic Car Show.” Now, 17 years later, the car show is still a downtown success.Janet found immense joy in spending time with her kitty, Sir Delgado, and dog, Lacy, and pursuing her passion to feed every bird in town. Her love for all of God’s creatures brought so much happiness for Janet. She was also a wonderful cook and loved to entertain friends and family.&nbsp;Janet will be remembered by her husband, Jerold “Jerry” Regier; children, Wendy (Steve) Benjamin, Thomas Rock; stepchildren, Kimberly Lilleholm, Natalie (Kevin) Bright, Justin (Heather) Regier; grandchildren, Alyssa (AJ) Yoxsimer, Cassandra (Ryan) Geraghty; eleven step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Riley Geraghty, Claire Yoxsimer; sibling, Nancy Nelson; and numerous other family members and friends.&nbsp;Janet is preceded in death by her father and mother, Bob Fields and Louise Charbeneau, as well as her stepdaughter Kimberly Lilleholm’s husband, Dale Lilleholm.Private family services will be held at a date to be determined.&nbsp;In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hutchinson Animal Shelter,&nbsp; in care of Elliot Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St. Hutchinson, KS 67501.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Janet Susan Regier |1946-2025|

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Monday that he ended his friendship with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;and threw the now-disgraced financier out of his private club in Florida after Epstein betrayed him more than once by hiring people who had worked for him.

Trump did not say what his employees did or where they worked, and the White House declined further comment. But the White House had previously offered a different explanation for the falling-out. Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, said in a statement last week: “The fact is that the President kicked him out of his club for being a creep.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188">Epstein</a>&nbsp;killed himself, authorities say, in a New York jail cell in 2019 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. Trump and his top allies stoked conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death before Trump returned to power. They are now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracies-97200cfab77572a36bc9ab25841a8833">struggling to manage the fallout</a>&nbsp;after the Justice Department said Epstein did, in fact, die by suicide and that it would not release additional documents about the case.

The president and his allies, some of whom are now in the administration, had promised to release the files.

The case has dogged Trump at home and abroad and even followed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jd-vance-trump-taxes-border-medicaid-ohio-2fcf19e5b449d1835a99c224a2e231e0">Vice President JD Vance</a>&nbsp;during an appearance in his home state of Ohio on Monday. A small group of protesters assembled outside a factory in Canton that Vance toured, holding signs that spelled out “JD Protects Pedophiles” and indicating that “GOP” stands for “Guardians Of Pedophiles.”

The Republican president spoke at his golf property in Turnberry, Scotland, as he sat with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the leaders had met and were answering questions from U.S. and U.K. journalists. Asked to explain why the relationship had faltered, Trump said, “That's such old history, very easy to explain, but I don't want to waste your time by explaining it.”

He then explained, saying he stopped talking to Epstein after “he did something that was inappropriate.”

“He hired help and I said, ‘Don’t ever do that again,’” Trump said. “He stole people that worked for me. I said, ‘Don’t ever do that again.’ He did it again, and I threw him out of the place, persona non grata.”

“I threw him out and that was it. I’m glad I did, if you want to know the truth,” Trump added.

Trump recently directed Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;to seek the public release of sealed grand jury transcripts in the case. One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-grand-jury-records-florida-3254decc623fbf2a5ee2967c7adfa2e6">federal judge has denied that request</a>; a second judge has yet to rule.

Vance on Monday visited the factory to promote Trump's tax cut and border bill, but also addressed the Epstein matter, saying the president wants “full transparency” in the case.

“The president has been very clear. We're not shielding anything,” Vance said in response to a reporter's question. “The president has directed the attorney general to release all credible information and, frankly, to go and find additional credible information related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.”

“Some of that stuff takes time,” Vance said, adding that Trump has been “very clear. He wants full transparency.”

Trump had said back in 2019 that Epstein was a fixture in Palm Beach but that the two had had a falling-out a long time ago and he hadn't spoken with Epstein for 15 years.

Trump on Monday also denied contributing to a compilation of letters and drawings to mark Epstein's 50th birthday, first reported on by the Wall Street Journal. The newspaper said the letter, believed to be from Trump, included a drawing of a woman's body.

“I'm not a drawing person,” Trump said. “I don't do drawings of women, that I can tell you.”

Trump also said he declined Epstein's invitation to visit a private island the financier owned.

“I never had the privilege of going to his island, and I did turn it down, but a lot of people in Palm Beach were invited to his island,” Trump said. “In one of my very good moments, I turned it down. I didn't want to go to his island.”

Associated Press writer Julie Carr Smyth in Canton, Ohio, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Monday that he ended his friendship with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;and threw the now-disgraced financier out of his private club in Florida after Epstein betrayed him more than once by hiring people who had worked for him.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump on his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein: &quot;That&#39;s such old history. It&#39;s very easy to explain, but I don&#39;t want to waste your time.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/bCQqlkK7gB">pic.twitter.com/bCQqlkK7gB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1949835820619215027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump did not say what his employees did or where they worked, and the White House declined further comment. But the White House had previously offered a different explanation for the falling-out. Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, said in a statement last week: “The fact is that the President kicked him out of his club for being a creep.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188">Epstein</a>&nbsp;killed himself, authorities say, in a New York jail cell in 2019 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. Trump and his top allies stoked conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death before Trump returned to power. They are now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracies-97200cfab77572a36bc9ab25841a8833">struggling to manage the fallout</a>&nbsp;after the Justice Department said Epstein did, in fact, die by suicide and that it would not release additional documents about the case.The president and his allies, some of whom are now in the administration, had promised to release the files.The case has dogged Trump at home and abroad and even followed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jd-vance-trump-taxes-border-medicaid-ohio-2fcf19e5b449d1835a99c224a2e231e0">Vice President JD Vance</a>&nbsp;during an appearance in his home state of Ohio on Monday. A small group of protesters assembled outside a factory in Canton that Vance toured, holding signs that spelled out “JD Protects Pedophiles” and indicating that “GOP” stands for “Guardians Of Pedophiles.”The Republican president spoke at his golf property in Turnberry, Scotland, as he sat with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the leaders had met and were answering questions from U.S. and U.K. journalists. Asked to explain why the relationship had faltered, Trump said, “That's such old history, very easy to explain, but I don't want to waste your time by explaining it.”He then explained, saying he stopped talking to Epstein after “he did something that was inappropriate.”“He hired help and I said, ‘Don’t ever do that again,’” Trump said. “He stole people that worked for me. I said, ‘Don’t ever do that again.’ He did it again, and I threw him out of the place, persona non grata.”“I threw him out and that was it. I’m glad I did, if you want to know the truth,” Trump added.Trump recently directed Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;to seek the public release of sealed grand jury transcripts in the case. One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-grand-jury-records-florida-3254decc623fbf2a5ee2967c7adfa2e6">federal judge has denied that request</a>; a second judge has yet to rule.Vance on Monday visited the factory to promote Trump's tax cut and border bill, but also addressed the Epstein matter, saying the president wants “full transparency” in the case.“The president has been very clear. We're not shielding anything,” Vance said in response to a reporter's question. “The president has directed the attorney general to release all credible information and, frankly, to go and find additional credible information related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.”“Some of that stuff takes time,” Vance said, adding that Trump has been “very clear. He wants full transparency.”Trump had said back in 2019 that Epstein was a fixture in Palm Beach but that the two had had a falling-out a long time ago and he hadn't spoken with Epstein for 15 years.Trump on Monday also denied contributing to a compilation of letters and drawings to mark Epstein's 50th birthday, first reported on by the Wall Street Journal. The newspaper said the letter, believed to be from Trump, included a drawing of a woman's body.“I'm not a drawing person,” Trump said. “I don't do drawings of women, that I can tell you.”Trump also said he declined Epstein's invitation to visit a private island the financier owned.“I never had the privilege of going to his island, and I did turn it down, but a lot of people in Palm Beach were invited to his island,” Trump said. “In one of my very good moments, I turned it down. I didn't want to go to his island.”___Associated Press writer Julie Carr Smyth in Canton, Ohio, contributed to this report.

🎥 President Trump explains why he ended friendship with Jeffrey Epstein

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/kimberlee-kruesi">KIMBERLEE KRUESI</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/the-associated-press">THE ASSOCIATED PRESS</a>

A federal judge on Monday ruled Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide must continue to be reimbursed for Medicaid funding as the nation’s largest abortion provider fights President Donald Trump’s administration over efforts to defund the organization in his signature tax legislation.

The new order replaces a previous edict handed down by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston last week. Talwani&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/planned-parenthood-medicaid-funding-cuts-trump-0bc2c9fc09bce3f0453f0995025bd85f">initially granted a preliminary injunction specifically blocking</a>&nbsp;the government from cutting Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood members that didn’t provide abortion care or didn’t meet a threshold of at least $800,000 in Medicaid reimbursements in a given year.

“Patients are likely to suffer adverse health consequences where care is disrupted or unavailable,” Talwani wrote in her Monday order. “In particular, restricting Members’ ability to provide healthcare services threatens an increase in unintended pregnancies and attendant complications because of reduced access to effective contraceptives, and an increase in undiagnosed and untreated STIs.”

A provision in Trump’s tax bill instructed the federal government to end Medicaid payments for one year to abortion providers that received more than $800,000 from Medicaid in 2023, even to those like Planned Parenthood that also offer medical services like contraception, pregnancy tests and STD testing.

Although Planned Parenthood is not specifically named in the statute, which went into effect July 4, the organization’s leaders say it was meant to affect their nearly 600 centers in 48 states. However, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-provider-defunding-maine-planned-parenthood-005a43ca6f0d06a0c3173452a315b3cc">major medical provider in Maine</a>&nbsp;and likely others have also been hit.

In her Monday order, Talwani said that the court was “not enjoining the federal government from regulating abortion and is not directing the federal government to fund elective abortions or any healthcare service not otherwise eligible for Medicaid coverage.” Instead, Talwani said that her decision would block the federal government from excluding groups like Planned Parenthood from Medicaid reimbursements when they have demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success in their legal challenge.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/planned-parenthood-funding-medicaid-cuts-ed41fcdc824573c51b66571dacbe7a8f">In its lawsuit</a>, Planned Parenthood had argued that they would be at risk of closing nearly 200 clinics in 24 states if they are cut off from Medicaid funds. They estimated this would result in more than 1 million patients losing care.

“We’re suing the Trump administration over this targeted attack on Planned Parenthood health centers and the patients who rely on them for care,” said Planned Parenthood’s president and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson in a statement on Monday. “This case is about making sure that patients who use Medicaid as their insurance to get birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing and treatment can continue to do so at their local Planned Parenthood health center, and we will make that clear in court.”

The lawsuit was filed earlier this month against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its member organizations in Massachusetts and Utah.

The federal department of health did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Previously, the department said it strongly disagreed with the judge’s initial order that allowed some Planned Parenthood members to receive Medicaid funding.

“States should not be forced to fund organizations that have chosen political advocacy over patient care,” said the department’s communication director, Andrew Nixon. Doing so, he said, “undermines state flexibility” and “concerns about accountability.”

Medicaid is a government health care program that serves millions of low-income and disabled Americans. Nearly half of Planned Parenthood’s patients rely on Medicaid.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665657486023.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/kimberlee-kruesi">KIMBERLEE KRUESI</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/the-associated-press">THE ASSOCIATED PRESS</a>A federal judge on Monday ruled Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide must continue to be reimbursed for Medicaid funding as the nation’s largest abortion provider fights President Donald Trump’s administration over efforts to defund the organization in his signature tax legislation.The new order replaces a previous edict handed down by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston last week. Talwani&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/planned-parenthood-medicaid-funding-cuts-trump-0bc2c9fc09bce3f0453f0995025bd85f">initially granted a preliminary injunction specifically blocking</a>&nbsp;the government from cutting Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood members that didn’t provide abortion care or didn’t meet a threshold of at least $800,000 in Medicaid reimbursements in a given year.“Patients are likely to suffer adverse health consequences where care is disrupted or unavailable,” Talwani wrote in her Monday order. “In particular, restricting Members’ ability to provide healthcare services threatens an increase in unintended pregnancies and attendant complications because of reduced access to effective contraceptives, and an increase in undiagnosed and untreated STIs.”A provision in Trump’s tax bill instructed the federal government to end Medicaid payments for one year to abortion providers that received more than $800,000 from Medicaid in 2023, even to those like Planned Parenthood that also offer medical services like contraception, pregnancy tests and STD testing.Although Planned Parenthood is not specifically named in the statute, which went into effect July 4, the organization’s leaders say it was meant to affect their nearly 600 centers in 48 states. However, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-provider-defunding-maine-planned-parenthood-005a43ca6f0d06a0c3173452a315b3cc">major medical provider in Maine</a>&nbsp;and likely others have also been hit.In her Monday order, Talwani said that the court was “not enjoining the federal government from regulating abortion and is not directing the federal government to fund elective abortions or any healthcare service not otherwise eligible for Medicaid coverage.” Instead, Talwani said that her decision would block the federal government from excluding groups like Planned Parenthood from Medicaid reimbursements when they have demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success in their legal challenge.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/planned-parenthood-funding-medicaid-cuts-ed41fcdc824573c51b66571dacbe7a8f">In its lawsuit</a>, Planned Parenthood had argued that they would be at risk of closing nearly 200 clinics in 24 states if they are cut off from Medicaid funds. They estimated this would result in more than 1 million patients losing care.“We’re suing the Trump administration over this targeted attack on Planned Parenthood health centers and the patients who rely on them for care,” said Planned Parenthood’s president and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson in a statement on Monday. “This case is about making sure that patients who use Medicaid as their insurance to get birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing and treatment can continue to do so at their local Planned Parenthood health center, and we will make that clear in court.”The lawsuit was filed earlier this month against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its member organizations in Massachusetts and Utah.The federal department of health did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Previously, the department said it strongly disagreed with the judge’s initial order that allowed some Planned Parenthood members to receive Medicaid funding.“States should not be forced to fund organizations that have chosen political advocacy over patient care,” said the department’s communication director, Andrew Nixon. Doing so, he said, “undermines state flexibility” and “concerns about accountability.”Medicaid is a government health care program that serves millions of low-income and disabled Americans. Nearly half of Planned Parenthood’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Judge blocks Trump administration's efforts to defund Planned Parenthood

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado coach Deion Sanders disclosed Monday that he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer but after surgery his oncologist considered him cured, so he plans to coach this season.

Dr. Janet Kukreja, the director of urologic oncology at the CU Cancer Center/UCHealth University of Colorado hospital, said Sanders had his bladder removed as part of the surgical plan.

“It was dynamic. It was tough. It wasn’t a cakewalk. It wasn’t easy,” said Sanders, who arrived to his news conference wearing a cowboy hat and overalls along with sunglasses, which he took off after getting choked up. “That was a fight, but we made it.”

Sanders, who turns 58 next month, spoke on the eve of fall camp as he enters his third season overseeing the Buffaloes. He brought his medical team with him to discuss his diagnosis. A section of his intestine was reconstructed to function as a bladder.

Sanders said he lost about 25 pounds, leading him to joke, “I was like Atlanta Falcons Prime at one point.”

He remained upbeat through the entire ordeal.

“He never folded one time and never wavered,” team trainer Lauren Askevold said. "You couldn’t ask for a better patient because he wants to get up and get going right. So it’s been awesome. It’s been a hectic journey, but there’s a blessing very in disguise with all this.”

The charismatic coach returned to campus last week and announced on social media, “Back and Feeling Great!” He’s missed football camps in Boulder this summer amid reports that he’s been ill.

On Sunday, the production crew of “Well Off Media,” which chronicles Sanders and the Buffaloes, posted a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6igq44y-7BI">video on YouTube</a>&nbsp;of the coach’s first meeting with the team. In the middle of the clip, there was a scene, dated May 9, where Sanders said: “I don’t know if I’m ready mentally, emotionally. Last night was tough, yesterday was tough, because I had to make a will. That’s not easy at all, to think that you may not be here.”

Sanders has dealt with other health issues. Many of them have involved his left foot since having two toes amputated in 2021 because of blood clot issues while he was coaching at Jackson State. He missed media day in 2023, his inaugural year at Colorado, after a procedure to remove a blood clot from his right leg and another to straighten toes on his left foot.

In March,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/deion-sanders-contract-extension-colorado-55b2d4471c40ca552d895d196ec5b3b3">Sanders signed a contract</a>&nbsp;extension through the 2029 season.

The Buffaloes kick off the season on Aug. 29 against Georgia Tech at Folsom Field. It will be the first season in quite some time that he hasn’t coached one of his sons. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders was drafted by the Cleveland Browns while Shilo, a safety, is in camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes went 4-8 in his first season and 9-4 last season, with an appearance in the Alamo Bowl. They have big shoes to fill in replacing Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado coach Deion Sanders disclosed Monday that he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer but after surgery his oncologist considered him cured, so he plans to coach this season.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B2TXLKzLShQ?si=ObfFKbXI3vIOdBrt&amp;start=43" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Dr. Janet Kukreja, the director of urologic oncology at the CU Cancer Center/UCHealth University of Colorado hospital, said Sanders had his bladder removed as part of the surgical plan.“It was dynamic. It was tough. It wasn’t a cakewalk. It wasn’t easy,” said Sanders, who arrived to his news conference wearing a cowboy hat and overalls along with sunglasses, which he took off after getting choked up. “That was a fight, but we made it.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you GOD&mdash; Shedeur Sanders (@ShedeurSanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShedeurSanders/status/1949640128730911117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sanders, who turns 58 next month, spoke on the eve of fall camp as he enters his third season overseeing the Buffaloes. He brought his medical team with him to discuss his diagnosis. A section of his intestine was reconstructed to function as a bladder.Sanders said he lost about 25 pounds, leading him to joke, “I was like Atlanta Falcons Prime at one point.”He remained upbeat through the entire ordeal.“He never folded one time and never wavered,” team trainer Lauren Askevold said. "You couldn’t ask for a better patient because he wants to get up and get going right. So it’s been awesome. It’s been a hectic journey, but there’s a blessing very in disguise with all this.”The charismatic coach returned to campus last week and announced on social media, “Back and Feeling Great!” He’s missed football camps in Boulder this summer amid reports that he’s been ill.On Sunday, the production crew of “Well Off Media,” which chronicles Sanders and the Buffaloes, posted a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6igq44y-7BI">video on YouTube</a>&nbsp;of the coach’s first meeting with the team. In the middle of the clip, there was a scene, dated May 9, where Sanders said: “I don’t know if I’m ready mentally, emotionally. Last night was tough, yesterday was tough, because I had to make a will. That’s not easy at all, to think that you may not be here.”Sanders has dealt with other health issues. Many of them have involved his left foot since having two toes amputated in 2021 because of blood clot issues while he was coaching at Jackson State. He missed media day in 2023, his inaugural year at Colorado, after a procedure to remove a blood clot from his right leg and another to straighten toes on his left foot.In March,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/deion-sanders-contract-extension-colorado-55b2d4471c40ca552d895d196ec5b3b3">Sanders signed a contract</a>&nbsp;extension through the 2029 season.The Buffaloes kick off the season on Aug. 29 against Georgia Tech at Folsom Field. It will be the first season in quite some time that he hasn’t coached one of his sons. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders was drafted by the Cleveland Browns while Shilo, a safety, is in camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes went 4-8 in his first season and 9-4 last season, with an appearance in the Alamo Bowl. They have big shoes to fill in replacing Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.

🎥Deion Sanders discusses cancer diagnosis; will coach this season

Visit Hutch is excited to announce that Hutchinson, Kansas, has been selected by the National Horseshoe Pitching Association (NHPA) to host the 2026 World Doubles Championship, taking place October 9–11, 2026. The event will be held at the horseshoe pitching mounds in Rice Park and will be hosted in conjunction with the Rice Park Ringers Horseshoe Club, a dedicated local organization that has long supported the sport and its community.

“This marks a significant milestone for the local community and highlights Hutchinson’s growing reputation as a premier destination for national sporting events. After years of building the relationship with the NHPA, we are excited to work with their team and the Rice Park Ringers to host this Championship”, said Holly Leiker, Director of National Sales&nbsp;and Sports Events for Visit Hutch.

The announcement was made during this year’s NHPA World Championship in Salt Lake City, where representatives from Visit Hutch were present to celebrate the exciting news. The World Doubles Championship will bring hundreds of elite horseshoe pitchers from across the globe to Hutchinson for three days of competitive play, camaraderie, and community engagement. With Rice Park’s top-notch facilities and the support of the Rice Park Ringers, Hutchinson is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans alike.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753653962089.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>VISIT HUTCH&nbsp;Visit Hutch is excited to announce that Hutchinson, Kansas, has been selected by the National Horseshoe Pitching Association (NHPA) to host the 2026 World Doubles Championship, taking place October 9–11, 2026. The event will be held at the horseshoe pitching mounds in Rice Park and will be hosted in conjunction with the Rice Park Ringers Horseshoe Club, a dedicated local organization that has long supported the sport and its community.“This marks a significant milestone for the local community and highlights Hutchinson’s growing reputation as a premier destination for national sporting events. After years of building the relationship with the NHPA, we are excited to work with their team and the Rice Park Ringers to host this Championship”, said Holly Leiker, Director of National Sales&nbsp;and Sports Events for Visit Hutch.The announcement was made during this year’s NHPA World Championship in Salt Lake City, where representatives from Visit Hutch were present to celebrate the exciting news. The World Doubles Championship will bring hundreds of elite horseshoe pitchers from across the globe to Hutchinson for three days of competitive play, camaraderie, and community engagement. With Rice Park’s top-notch facilities and the support of the Rice Park Ringers, Hutchinson is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans alike.

Horeshoe World Double Championships coming to Hutch 

Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County is preparing to host its 24th Annual Festival of Remembrance, a signature fundraising event that supports compassionate end-of-life care and home health services throughout the region. This year’s event will take place on Friday, Aug. 15, at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds, with doors opening at 6 p.m.&nbsp;

The festival serves as a vital fundraiser for the Hospice House and other essential programs provided by the organization. Funds raised help offset the costs of care, allowing the nonprofit to continue providing services regardless of a patient’s financial situation.&nbsp;

“We provide care wherever someone calls home,” said Tara Dahlstrom, Ancillary Service and Business Development Director. “That includes everything from hospice and home health to emergency alert systems and private duty services like bathing assistance and housekeeping.”&nbsp;

One of the event’s most anticipated features is the grand prize drawing for a three-year lease on a 2024 Ford Maverick, donated by longtime community partner Mel Hambelton Ford. Raffle tickets are available now—one for $25, six for $100, or fifteen for $200—and can be purchased online at hospicerenocounty.com, at the Hospice and HomeCare office at 2020 N. Waldron, Suite 100, or by calling 620-665-2473.&nbsp;

Pre-event raffle sales will close at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10. Five finalists will be drawn at 7:45 a.m. on Aug. 11, during the KWBW Morning Show, with five more finalists selected during the festival. Those ten finalists will each try a key in the Maverick’s ignition—whoever’s key starts the vehicle will win the lease on the truck.&nbsp;

Mel Hambelton Ford has been a sponsor of the festival for 14 years. “They do more than donate a vehicle,” said Rachel Nelson, Advisory Board Chair. “They attend, they care, and they are truly part of our mission.”&nbsp;

The festival will also feature a silent auction, which opens online on Aug. 11, a live auction, raffles, food, drinks, and entertainment. Donations are still being accepted for both silent and live auctions.&nbsp;

This year’s “itemless item” fundraising focus will go toward purchasing a new Whirlpool tub for the Hospice House and upgrading mobile technology for in-home care staff. Previous donations have funded patient recliners and overnight accommodations for families staying with loved ones in hospice.&nbsp;

“Every gift enhances our ability to provide comfort and dignity,” Nelson said. “Whether it’s a warm bath or a place to rest for a loved one, these details matter.”&nbsp;

Individual tickets and reserved tables are still available. For more information, to donate, or to purchase raffle tickets, visit <a href="https://secure.qgiv.com/event/hospicehomecareofrenocountyauction2025/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLzffhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFXS3AxVEhISnFSaVJKejgzAR4QKzszhETu5UaOaXqkLjhde5io9yWfyvPhlo6XkovpVWMVIna61zkSXO9-NA_aem_Sj8YmWjKRAzNFCeHhsUwSQ">hospicerenocounty.com </a>or call 620-665-2473.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753451247353.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County is preparing to host its 24th Annual Festival of Remembrance, a signature fundraising event that supports compassionate end-of-life care and home health services throughout the region. This year’s event will take place on Friday, Aug. 15, at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds, with doors opening at 6 p.m.&nbsp;The festival serves as a vital fundraiser for the Hospice House and other essential programs provided by the organization. Funds raised help offset the costs of care, allowing the nonprofit to continue providing services regardless of a patient’s financial situation.&nbsp;“We provide care wherever someone calls home,” said Tara Dahlstrom, Ancillary Service and Business Development Director. “That includes everything from hospice and home health to emergency alert systems and private duty services like bathing assistance and housekeeping.”&nbsp;One of the event’s most anticipated features is the grand prize drawing for a three-year lease on a 2024 Ford Maverick, donated by longtime community partner Mel Hambelton Ford. Raffle tickets are available now—one for $25, six for $100, or fifteen for $200—and can be purchased online at hospicerenocounty.com, at the Hospice and HomeCare office at 2020 N. Waldron, Suite 100, or by calling 620-665-2473.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753652088615.png" alt="<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/b9709389-e807-4001-a6a6-8767f8eb8d87">Click here for the BW Morning Show interview with Tara Dahlstrom and Rachel Nelson&nbsp;</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/b9709389-e807-4001-a6a6-8767f8eb8d87">Click here for the BW Morning Show interview with Tara Dahlstrom and Rachel Nelson&nbsp;</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Pre-event raffle sales will close at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10. Five finalists will be drawn at 7:45 a.m. on Aug. 11, during the KWBW Morning Show, with five more finalists selected during the festival. Those ten finalists will each try a key in the Maverick’s ignition—whoever’s key starts the vehicle will win the lease on the truck.&nbsp;Mel Hambelton Ford has been a sponsor of the festival for 14 years. “They do more than donate a vehicle,” said Rachel Nelson, Advisory Board Chair. “They attend, they care, and they are truly part of our mission.”&nbsp;The festival will also feature a silent auction, which opens online on Aug. 11, a live auction, raffles, food, drinks, and entertainment. Donations are still being accepted for both silent and live auctions.&nbsp;This year’s “itemless item” fundraising focus will go toward purchasing a new Whirlpool tub for the Hospice House and upgrading mobile technology for in-home care staff. Previous donations have funded patient recliners and overnight accommodations for families staying with loved ones in hospice.&nbsp;“Every gift enhances our ability to provide comfort and dignity,” Nelson said. “Whether it’s a warm bath or a place to rest for a loved one, these details matter.”&nbsp;Individual tickets and reserved tables are still available. For more information, to donate, or to purchase raffle tickets, visit <a href="https://secure.qgiv.com/event/hospicehomecareofrenocountyauction2025/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLzffhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFXS3AxVEhISnFSaVJKejgzAR4QKzszhETu5UaOaXqkLjhde5io9yWfyvPhlo6XkovpVWMVIna61zkSXO9-NA_aem_Sj8YmWjKRAzNFCeHhsUwSQ">hospicerenocounty.com </a>or call 620-665-2473.&nbsp;

Festival of Remembrance set for Aug. 15

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Nancy Jensen believes she’d still be living in an abusive group home if it wasn’t shut down in 2004 with the help of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, which for decades has received federal money to look out for Americans with disabilities.

But the flow of funding under the Trump administration is now in question, disability rights groups nationwide say, dampening their mood as Saturday marks the 35th anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act. Federal dollars pay for much of their work, including helping people who seek government-funded services and lawsuits now pushing Iowa and Texas toward better community services.

Documents outlining President Donald Trump's budget proposals show they would zero out funds earmarked for three grants to disability rights centers and slash funding for a fourth. Congress' first discussion of them, by the Senate Appropriations Committee, is set for Thursday, but the centers fear losing more than 60% of their federal dollars.

The threat of cuts comes as the groups expect more demand for help after Republicans’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-republican-trump-tax-bill-f65be44e1050431a601320197322551b">tax and budget law</a>&nbsp;complicated Medicaid health coverage with a new work-reporting requirement.

There’s also the sting of the timing: this year is the 50th anniversary of another federal law that created the network of state groups to protect people with disabilities, and Trump's proposals represent the largest potential cuts in that half-century, advocates said. The groups are authorized to make unannounced visits to group homes and interview residents alone.

“You’re going to have lots of people with disabilities lost,” said Jensen, now president of Colorado’s advisory council for federal funding of efforts to protect people with mental illnesses. She worries people with disabilities will have “no backstop” for fighting housing discrimination or seeking services at school or accommodations at work.

The potential budget savings are a shaving of copper from each federal tax penny. The groups receive not quite $180 million a year — versus $1.8 trillion in discretionary spending.

Trump's administration touts flexibility for sta

The president's Office of Management and Budget didn't respond to an email seeking a response to the disability rights groups' criticism. But in budget documents, the administration argued its proposals would give states needed flexibility.

The U.S. Department of Education said earmarking funds for disability rights centers created an unnecessary administrative burden for states. Trump's top budget adviser, Russell Vought, told senators in a letter that a review of 2025 spending showed too much went to “niche” groups outside government.

“We also considered, for each program, whether the governmental service provided could be provided better by State or local governments (if provided at all),” Vought wrote.

Disability rights advocates doubt that state protection and advocacy groups — known as P&amp;As — would see any dollar not specifically earmarked for them.

They sue states, so the advocates don’t want states deciding whether their work gets funded. The 1975 federal law setting up P&amp;As declared them independent of the states, and newer laws reinforced that.

“We do need an independent system that can hold them and other wrongdoers accountable,” said Rocky Nichols, the Kansas center's executive director.

Helping people with disabilities navigate Medicaid

Nichols' center has helped Matthew Hull for years with getting the state to cover services, and Hull hopes to find a job. He uses a wheelchair; a Medicaid-provided nurse helps him run errands.

“I need to be able to do that so I can keep my strength up,” he said, adding that activity preserves his health.

Medicaid applicants often had a difficult time working through its rules even before the tax and budget law's recent changes, said Sean Jackson, Disability Rights Texas’ executive director.

With fewer dollars, he said, “As cases are coming into us, we’re going to have to take less cases.”

The Texas group receives money from a legal aid foundation and other sources, but federal funds still are 68% of its dollars. The Kansas center and Disability Rights Iowa rely entirely on federal funds.

“For the majority it would probably be 85% or higher,” said Marlene Sallo, executive director of the National Disability Rights Network, which represents P&amp;As.

The Trump administration's proposals suggest it wants to shut down P&amp;As, said Steven Schwartz, who founded the Center for Public Representation, a Massachusetts-based organization that works with them on lawsuits.

Investigating allegations of abuse and pushing states

Federal funding meant a call in 2009 to Disability Rights Iowa launched an immediate investigation of a program employing men with developmental disabilities in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c5e4cda51e39460c871a3640dde830e7">turkey processing plant.</a>&nbsp;Authorities said they lived in a dangerous, bug-infested bunkhouse and were financially exploited.

Without the dollars, executive director Catherine Johnson said, “That’s maybe not something we could have done.”

The Kansas center's private interview in 2004 with one of Jensen's fellow residents eventually led to long federal prison sentences for the couple operating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-e25e69676846b78307759b7a4caeac06">the Kaufman House,</a>&nbsp;a home for people with mental illnesses about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Wichita.

And it wasn't until Disability Rights Iowa filed a federal lawsuit in 2023 that the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-child-mental-health-medicaid-services-de4b085722a3b2d8c7fa17c1c58f7622">agreed to draft a plan</a>&nbsp;to provide community services for children with severe mental and behavioral needs.

For 15 years, Schwartz's group and Disability Rights Texas have pursued a federal lawsuit alleging Texas warehouses several thousand people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in nursing homes without adequate services. Texas put at least three men in homes after they'd worked in the Iowa turkey plant.

Last month, a federal judge ordered work to start on a plan to end the “severe and ongoing” problems. Schwartz said Disability Rights Texas did interviews and gathered documents crucial to the case.

“There are no better eyes or ears,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753561947286.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA and KENYA HUNTER&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Nancy Jensen believes she’d still be living in an abusive group home if it wasn’t shut down in 2004 with the help of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, which for decades has received federal money to look out for Americans with disabilities.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we remember the activists, lawmakers, and citizens who fought for equality—including Kansas&#39; own Senator Bob Dole—and we recommit ourselves to breaking down the barriers that still exist today. <a href="https://t.co/KU3Fwavbin">pic.twitter.com/KU3Fwavbin</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1949157643596988422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But the flow of funding under the Trump administration is now in question, disability rights groups nationwide say, dampening their mood as Saturday marks the 35th anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act. Federal dollars pay for much of their work, including helping people who seek government-funded services and lawsuits now pushing Iowa and Texas toward better community services.Documents outlining President Donald Trump's budget proposals show they would zero out funds earmarked for three grants to disability rights centers and slash funding for a fourth. Congress' first discussion of them, by the Senate Appropriations Committee, is set for Thursday, but the centers fear losing more than 60% of their federal dollars.The threat of cuts comes as the groups expect more demand for help after Republicans’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-republican-trump-tax-bill-f65be44e1050431a601320197322551b">tax and budget law</a>&nbsp;complicated Medicaid health coverage with a new work-reporting requirement.There’s also the sting of the timing: this year is the 50th anniversary of another federal law that created the network of state groups to protect people with disabilities, and Trump's proposals represent the largest potential cuts in that half-century, advocates said. The groups are authorized to make unannounced visits to group homes and interview residents alone.“You’re going to have lots of people with disabilities lost,” said Jensen, now president of Colorado’s advisory council for federal funding of efforts to protect people with mental illnesses. She worries people with disabilities will have “no backstop” for fighting housing discrimination or seeking services at school or accommodations at work.The potential budget savings are a shaving of copper from each federal tax penny. The groups receive not quite $180 million a year — versus $1.8 trillion in discretionary spending.<h2>Trump's administration touts flexibility for sta</h2><h2>tes</h2>The president's Office of Management and Budget didn't respond to an email seeking a response to the disability rights groups' criticism. But in budget documents, the administration argued its proposals would give states needed flexibility.The U.S. Department of Education said earmarking funds for disability rights centers created an unnecessary administrative burden for states. Trump's top budget adviser, Russell Vought, told senators in a letter that a review of 2025 spending showed too much went to “niche” groups outside government.“We also considered, for each program, whether the governmental service provided could be provided better by State or local governments (if provided at all),” Vought wrote.Disability rights advocates doubt that state protection and advocacy groups — known as P&amp;As — would see any dollar not specifically earmarked for them.They sue states, so the advocates don’t want states deciding whether their work gets funded. The 1975 federal law setting up P&amp;As declared them independent of the states, and newer laws reinforced that.“We do need an independent system that can hold them and other wrongdoers accountable,” said Rocky Nichols, the Kansas center's executive director.<h2>Helping people with disabilities navigate Medicaid</h2>Nichols' center has helped Matthew Hull for years with getting the state to cover services, and Hull hopes to find a job. He uses a wheelchair; a Medicaid-provided nurse helps him run errands.“I need to be able to do that so I can keep my strength up,” he said, adding that activity preserves his health.Medicaid applicants often had a difficult time working through its rules even before the tax and budget law's recent changes, said Sean Jackson, Disability Rights Texas’ executive director.With fewer dollars, he said, “As cases are coming into us, we’re going to have to take less cases.”The Texas group receives money from a legal aid foundation and other sources, but federal funds still are 68% of its dollars. The Kansas center and Disability Rights Iowa rely entirely on federal funds.“For the majority it would probably be 85% or higher,” said Marlene Sallo, executive director of the National Disability Rights Network, which represents P&amp;As.The Trump administration's proposals suggest it wants to shut down P&amp;As, said Steven Schwartz, who founded the Center for Public Representation, a Massachusetts-based organization that works with them on lawsuits.<h2>Investigating allegations of abuse and pushing states</h2>Federal funding meant a call in 2009 to Disability Rights Iowa launched an immediate investigation of a program employing men with developmental disabilities in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c5e4cda51e39460c871a3640dde830e7">turkey processing plant.</a>&nbsp;Authorities said they lived in a dangerous, bug-infested bunkhouse and were financially exploited.Without the dollars, executive director Catherine Johnson said, “That’s maybe not something we could have done.”The Kansas center's private interview in 2004 with one of Jensen's fellow residents eventually led to long federal prison sentences for the couple operating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-e25e69676846b78307759b7a4caeac06">the Kaufman House,</a>&nbsp;a home for people with mental illnesses about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Wichita.And it wasn't until Disability Rights Iowa filed a federal lawsuit in 2023 that the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-child-mental-health-medicaid-services-de4b085722a3b2d8c7fa17c1c58f7622">agreed to draft a plan</a>&nbsp;to provide community services for children with severe mental and behavioral needs.For 15 years, Schwartz's group and Disability Rights Texas have pursued a federal lawsuit alleging Texas warehouses several thousand people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in nursing homes without adequate services. Texas put at least three men in homes after they'd worked in the Iowa turkey plant.Last month, a federal judge ordered work to start on a plan to end the “severe and ongoing” problems. Schwartz said Disability Rights Texas did interviews and gathered documents crucial to the case.“There are no better eyes or ears,” he said.

As ADA turns 35, groups fighting for disability rights could see their federal dollars slashed

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

&nbsp;TOPEKA — Black Hills Energy residential customers will see natural gas bills increase nearly $6 per month after state regulators approved a unanimous settlement agreement Thursday.&nbsp;

The increase is based on a residential average use of about 50 therms per month.

The Kansas Corporation Commission approved&nbsp;<a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202506131332113129.pdf?Id=950c5caf-0aa0-4380-aca7-ce2fa3a3b137&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">the settlement agreement</a>&nbsp;that will increase base rates by $10.8 million, less than the $17.2 million the company initially requested.

Black Hills Energy provides natural gas services primarily to southwest and south-central Kansas customers. The new rates will go into effect August 1, a KCC press release said.&nbsp;

The settlement agreement included approval of Black Hills’ request to refund nearly $3 million in excess deferred income tax to customers and allows the company to file an abbreviated rate case later this year to recover capital investments, the press release said.&nbsp;

In testimony filed in the rate case, Black Hills Energy officials said the company has experienced declining natural gas usage per customer since its last rate case filed in 2021.&nbsp;

Robert Daniel, Black Hills director of regulatory affairs for Kansas and Arkansas, testified the company had one new revenue increase in the past decade. He said a 2014 rate case resulted in about $800,000 in new revenue and a 2021 rate case brought no new revenue.

The settlement is a “black box” settlement, which means some items, such as capital structure, return on equity or overall rate of return, are not defined in the agreement, said Audrey Benham, regulatory accountant for the Citizen’s Utility Ratepayer Board. She filed documents for CURB in support of the agreement.

Other parties to the settlement agreement are KCC staff, Black Hills Energy, WoodRiver Energy, Kansas Municipal Energy Agency, Symmetry Energy, Freedom Pipeline and Seaboard Energy Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753559400888.png" alt=" The Kansas Corporation Commission’s three-member board approved a Black Hills Energy rate case on Thursday. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> The Kansas Corporation Commission’s three-member board approved a Black Hills Energy rate case on Thursday. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>&nbsp;TOPEKA — Black Hills Energy residential customers will see natural gas bills increase nearly $6 per month after state regulators approved a unanimous settlement agreement Thursday.&nbsp;The increase is based on a residential average use of about 50 therms per month.The Kansas Corporation Commission approved&nbsp;<a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202506131332113129.pdf?Id=950c5caf-0aa0-4380-aca7-ce2fa3a3b137&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">the settlement agreement</a>&nbsp;that will increase base rates by $10.8 million, less than the $17.2 million the company initially requested.Black Hills Energy provides natural gas services primarily to southwest and south-central Kansas customers. The new rates will go into effect August 1, a KCC press release said.&nbsp;The settlement agreement included approval of Black Hills’ request to refund nearly $3 million in excess deferred income tax to customers and allows the company to file an abbreviated rate case later this year to recover capital investments, the press release said.&nbsp;In testimony filed in the rate case, Black Hills Energy officials said the company has experienced declining natural gas usage per customer since its last rate case filed in 2021.&nbsp;Robert Daniel, Black Hills director of regulatory affairs for Kansas and Arkansas, testified the company had one new revenue increase in the past decade. He said a 2014 rate case resulted in about $800,000 in new revenue and a 2021 rate case brought no new revenue.The settlement is a “black box” settlement, which means some items, such as capital structure, return on equity or overall rate of return, are not defined in the agreement, said Audrey Benham, regulatory accountant for the Citizen’s Utility Ratepayer Board. She filed documents for CURB in support of the agreement.Other parties to the settlement agreement are KCC staff, Black Hills Energy, WoodRiver Energy, Kansas Municipal Energy Agency, Symmetry Energy, Freedom Pipeline and Seaboard Energy Kansas.

Kansas regulators approve 9% rate increase for Black Hills Energy customers

KANSAS — July 26, 2025 — Federal education officials have announced the release of more than $5 billion in previously withheld education funds nationwide, with Kansas set to benefit ahead of the 2025-2026 academic year.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) had frozen approximately $45 million in education funds for Kansas earlier this year, part of a broader delay involving grants approved by Congress. Those funds are now being released and include critical support for migrant students, teacher training, English learners, and academic enrichment.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8f7c3382-11d5-41ab-8ed6-1b5944c19a21">LINK:&nbsp;Kansas schools face uncertainty after federal title funds delayed </a>

The Associated Press said on Friday that the Trump Administration is releasing billions of dollars in withheld grants for schools. These include:

&nbsp; Last week, the Education Department said it would release $1.3 billion of the money for after-school and summer programming. Without the money, school districts and nonprofits such as the YMCA and Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of America&nbsp;had said they would have to close or scale back educational offerings this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/54c47dc0-c7c5-4a5c-8f88-bd654a0193c5">LINK:&nbsp;Education Department will release some frozen grants supporting after-school, summer programs</a>

During the 2024-2025 school year, Kansas received approximately $42.9 million through these Title programs. Final allocations for the 2025-2026 school year are expected to be announced next week.

The restoration of funding comes as a relief to school districts and community programs across Kansas, many of which had been forced to make contingency plans in anticipation of potential budget shortfalls.

Hutch Post reached out to Buhler USD 313 and Hutchinson USD 308 to see if they had received any official notification from the KSDE.&nbsp; Cindy Couchman of Buhler USD 313 told us via email, "KSDE has not sent us anything official yet."&nbsp; and Hutchinson USD 308 Director of Communications Marketing and Public Relations Stacy Goss sent us the following statement:&nbsp;

We will keep monitoring this story and pass on information as we recieve it.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753487786830.png" alt=" The Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building in Washington, D.C., in a file photo from November 2024. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption> The Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building in Washington, D.C., in a file photo from November 2024. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp; KANSAS — July 26, 2025 — Federal education officials have announced the release of more than $5 billion in previously withheld education funds nationwide, with Kansas set to benefit ahead of the 2025-2026 academic year.The U.S. Department of Education (ED) had frozen approximately $45 million in education funds for Kansas earlier this year, part of a broader delay involving grants approved by Congress. Those funds are now being released and include critical support for migrant students, teacher training, English learners, and academic enrichment.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8f7c3382-11d5-41ab-8ed6-1b5944c19a21">LINK:&nbsp;Kansas schools face uncertainty after federal title funds delayed </a>The Associated Press said on Friday that the Trump Administration is releasing billions of dollars in withheld grants for schools. These include:<ul>
 <li>Title I, Part C – Migrant Education: Supports students from mobile families employed in seasonal industries such as agriculture and food processing.
</li><li>Title II, Part A – Teacher and School Leader Supports: Provides professional development for educators, helping them adopt new curriculum strategies and technologies.
</li><li>Title III, Part A – English Learners: Assists the state’s fastest-growing student population by ensuring equal educational access for non-native English speakers.
</li><li>Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment: Helps schools deliver well-rounded education, improve learning environments, and enhance digital literacy.
</li>
 </ul>&nbsp; Last week, the Education Department said it would release $1.3 billion of the money for after-school and summer programming. Without the money, school districts and nonprofits such as the YMCA and Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of America&nbsp;had said they would have to close or scale back educational offerings this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/54c47dc0-c7c5-4a5c-8f88-bd654a0193c5">LINK:&nbsp;Education Department will release some frozen grants supporting after-school, summer programs</a>During the 2024-2025 school year, Kansas received approximately $42.9 million through these Title programs. Final allocations for the 2025-2026 school year are expected to be announced next week.The restoration of funding comes as a relief to school districts and community programs across Kansas, many of which had been forced to make contingency plans in anticipation of potential budget shortfalls.Hutch Post reached out to Buhler USD 313 and Hutchinson USD 308 to see if they had received any official notification from the KSDE.&nbsp; Cindy Couchman of Buhler USD 313 told us via email, "KSDE has not sent us anything official yet."&nbsp; and Hutchinson USD 308 Director of Communications Marketing and Public Relations Stacy Goss sent us the following statement:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753493636786.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>We will keep monitoring this story and pass on information as we recieve it.&nbsp;

Dept. of Ed to release frozen funds 

NEW YORK (AP) — Two-time Grammy Award-winning musician&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c617bed75b01421dac0bb68424756775">Chuck Mangione,</a>&nbsp;who achieved international success in 1977 with his jazz-flavored single “Feels So Good” and later became a voice actor on the animated TV comedy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-mike-judge-ap-top-news-tv-b110858783619ab165efe1373c584f0a">“King of the Hill,”</a>&nbsp;has died. He was 84.

Mangione died at his home in Rochester, New York, on Tuesday in his sleep, said his attorney, Peter S. Matorin of Beldock Levine &amp; Hoffman LLP. The musician had been retired since 2015.

Perhaps his biggest hit — “Feels So Good” — is a staple on most smooth-jazz radio stations and has been called one of the most recognized melodies since “Michelle” by the Beatles. It hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top of the Billboard adult contemporary chart.

“It identified for a lot of people a song with an artist, even though I had a pretty strong base audience that kept us out there touring as often as we wanted to, that song just topped out there and took it to a whole other level,” Mangione told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2008.

He followed that hit with “Give It All You Got,” commissioned for the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, and he performed it at the closing ceremony.

Mangione, a flugelhorn and trumpet player and jazz composer, released more than 30 albums during a career in which he built a sizable following after recording several albums, doing all the writing.

He won his first Grammy Award in 1977 for his album “Bellavia,” which was named in honor of his mother. Another album, “Friends and Love,” was also Grammy-nominated, and he earned a best original score Golden Globe nomination and a second Grammy for the movie “The Children of Sanchez.”

Mangione introduced himself to a new audience when he appeared on the first several seasons of “King of the Hill,” appearing as a commercial spokesman for Mega Lo Mart, where “shopping feels so good.”

Mangione, brother of jazz pianist Gap Mangione, with whom he partnered in The Jazz Brothers, started his career as a bebop jazz musician heavily inspired by Dizzy Gillespie.

“He also was one of the first musicians I saw who had a rapport with the audience by just telling the audience what he was going to play and who was in his band,” Mangione told the Post-Gazette.

Mangione earned a bachelor's degree from the Eastman School of Music — where he would eventually return as director of the school’s jazz ensemble — and left home to play with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.

He donated his signature brown felt hat and the score of his Grammy-winning single “Feels So Good,” as well as albums, songbooks and other ephemera from his long and illustrious career to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in 2009.

FILE - In this June 18, 2006 file photo, Chuck Mangione performs during the Playboy Jazz Festival in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Lucas Jackson, file)

DateJul 24, 2025 12:34 PMHeadlineObit-Chuck MangioneSourceAPNotesFILE PHOTORestrictionsEds: UPDATES: Updates Media.Use informationUse of this content is for editorial purposes only. For inquiries regarding non-editorial uses, contact your licensing representative.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753397092755.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Two-time Grammy Award-winning musician&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c617bed75b01421dac0bb68424756775">Chuck Mangione,</a>&nbsp;who achieved international success in 1977 with his jazz-flavored single “Feels So Good” and later became a voice actor on the animated TV comedy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-mike-judge-ap-top-news-tv-b110858783619ab165efe1373c584f0a">“King of the Hill,”</a>&nbsp;has died. He was 84.Mangione died at his home in Rochester, New York, on Tuesday in his sleep, said his attorney, Peter S. Matorin of Beldock Levine &amp; Hoffman LLP. The musician had been retired since 2015.Perhaps his biggest hit — “Feels So Good” — is a staple on most smooth-jazz radio stations and has been called one of the most recognized melodies since “Michelle” by the Beatles. It hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top of the Billboard adult contemporary chart.“It identified for a lot of people a song with an artist, even though I had a pretty strong base audience that kept us out there touring as often as we wanted to, that song just topped out there and took it to a whole other level,” Mangione told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2008.He followed that hit with “Give It All You Got,” commissioned for the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, and he performed it at the closing ceremony.Mangione, a flugelhorn and trumpet player and jazz composer, released more than 30 albums during a career in which he built a sizable following after recording several albums, doing all the writing.He won his first Grammy Award in 1977 for his album “Bellavia,” which was named in honor of his mother. Another album, “Friends and Love,” was also Grammy-nominated, and he earned a best original score Golden Globe nomination and a second Grammy for the movie “The Children of Sanchez.”Mangione introduced himself to a new audience when he appeared on the first several seasons of “King of the Hill,” appearing as a commercial spokesman for Mega Lo Mart, where “shopping feels so good.”Mangione, brother of jazz pianist Gap Mangione, with whom he partnered in The Jazz Brothers, started his career as a bebop jazz musician heavily inspired by Dizzy Gillespie.“He also was one of the first musicians I saw who had a rapport with the audience by just telling the audience what he was going to play and who was in his band,” Mangione told the Post-Gazette.Mangione earned a bachelor's degree from the Eastman School of Music — where he would eventually return as director of the school’s jazz ensemble — and left home to play with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.He donated his signature brown felt hat and the score of his Grammy-winning single “Feels So Good,” as well as albums, songbooks and other ephemera from his long and illustrious career to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in 2009.Slide 1 of 3PreviousNextFILE - In this June 18, 2006 file photo, Chuck Mangione performs during the Playboy Jazz Festival in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Lucas Jackson, file)<h2>Photo Details&nbsp;(1&nbsp;of&nbsp;3)</h2>DateJul 24, 2025 12:34 PMHeadlineObit-Chuck MangioneSourceAPNotesFILE PHOTORestrictionsEds: UPDATES: Updates Media.Use informationUse of this content is for editorial purposes only. For inquiries regarding non-editorial uses, contact your licensing representative.

Jazz legend Chuck Mangione, known for 'Feels So Good,' dies at 84

TOPEKA — High temperatures this week drew a caution from the regional organization that ensures reliability of the power grid and led Evergy to ask some customers to conserve energy usage.

The Southwest Power Pool is one of nine regional transmission organizations approved by federal regulators to support reliable power supplies and infrastructure. SPP works with energy companies to make sure that when customers set their thermostat, they&nbsp; soon hear the answering hum of the air conditioner.

SPP issued a low-level weather advisory for Tuesday through Thursday, warning of hot weather, said spokeswoman Meghan Sever.

“This is because of the high temperatures, and while it does include Kansas, a weather advisory does not require the public to conserve energy,” she said.

Such a situation isn’t unusual during hot Kansas summers. In fact, Kansas City meteorologist Joe Lauria vented on Facebook that people are using “extreme” too often in describing weather.

“What used to be an ‘excessive’ heat warning has been replaced with the phrase ‘extreme,’ ” he wrote. “I can sort of get behind that in the ‘extreme’ sense IF something extreme was going to happen, but what’s ahead, at least into Monday is NORMAL HEAT. 90-95° days are NORMAL for us in the hottest part of the year. We average around 40 days/year of 90°+ days, and YES they’re supposed to be humid and YES we’re supposed to have heat indices 100°-105°+ seemingly every day.”

This week was initially supposed to see temps spike over 100 degrees. Still, even with staying in the 90s across the state, the load on the power grid gets intense.

On Wednesday, Evergy reached out to residential and business customers that signed up to be part of its demand response program to manage that load.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753388788309.jpeg" alt=" Staff in Southwest Power Pool’s coordination center continuously monitor the power grid, weather conditions and other factors that affect the delivery of electricity. (Southwest Power Pool)" />
 <figcaption> Staff in Southwest Power Pool’s coordination center continuously monitor the power grid, weather conditions and other factors that affect the delivery of electricity. (Southwest Power Pool)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — High temperatures this week drew a caution from the regional organization that ensures reliability of the power grid and led Evergy to ask some customers to conserve energy usage.The Southwest Power Pool is one of nine regional transmission organizations approved by federal regulators to support reliable power supplies and infrastructure. SPP works with energy companies to make sure that when customers set their thermostat, they&nbsp; soon hear the answering hum of the air conditioner.SPP issued a low-level weather advisory for Tuesday through Thursday, warning of hot weather, said spokeswoman Meghan Sever.“This is because of the high temperatures, and while it does include Kansas, a weather advisory does not require the public to conserve energy,” she said.Such a situation isn’t unusual during hot Kansas summers. In fact, Kansas City meteorologist Joe Lauria vented on Facebook that people are using “extreme” too often in describing weather.“What used to be an ‘excessive’ heat warning has been replaced with the phrase ‘extreme,’ ” he wrote. “I can sort of get behind that in the ‘extreme’ sense IF something extreme was going to happen, but what’s ahead, at least into Monday is NORMAL HEAT. 90-95° days are NORMAL for us in the hottest part of the year. We average around 40 days/year of 90°+ days, and YES they’re supposed to be humid and YES we’re supposed to have heat indices 100°-105°+ seemingly every day.”This week was initially supposed to see temps spike over 100 degrees. Still, even with staying in the 90s across the state, the load on the power grid gets intense.On Wednesday, Evergy reached out to residential and business customers that signed up to be part of its demand response program to manage that load.That program asks willing customers to curtail their energy load, said Evergy spokeswoman Courtney Lewis.“Business customers may participate in a variety of ways, which may&nbsp;include turning off lights, changing their production process, increasing temperature at their facilities, or using back-up generation,” she said in an email.Washburn University, a large-load user, sent a campuswide email telling staff to adapt building temperatures.An email from Lori Hutchinson, executive director of strategic communications and marketing, asked Washburn staff in most campus buildings to turn up thermostats from 74 to 80 degrees between 2 and 6 p.m. Wednesday.Washburn participates in Evergy’s Generation Substitution Service, a special tariff for larger customers in Evergy’s Kansas Central territory, Lewis said.Those customers are willing to switch to back-up generation when Evergy asks them, she said.Evergy works with customers willing to adapt their energy use during high-use times, and customers receive a break in their rates,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evergy.com/ways-to-save/incentives-link/demand-response" target="_blank">the company’s website said</a>.“It’s been interesting — a lot of the largest customers have not been motivated by the demand response piece, notwithstanding the potential rate benefits for them,” said David Campbell, Evergy president and CEO, in a Monday Kansas Corporation Commission hearing. “I’m sure that will be a dialogue that continues over time.”Campbell said the number of times that Evergy needs to call on customers to interrupt their energy usage is low, although the program does require flexibility.“I think that the range of opportunities of large customers bringing solutions to be more proactive in how you think about demand-response is a way that we can meet the moment historically,” he said.The summer seasonal forecast this year showed a 40-60% chance of higher temperatures than usual across the SPP territory, Sever said. The organization uses various tools and systems to mitigate risk.“Under different scenarios, like when we experience higher-than-normal temperatures that drive increased load, we may call on generating units to commit to run earlier or more often than usual, delay planned outages, import energy from neighboring systems or tap into available reserves, depending on the severity and duration of events affecting energy reliability,” she said.