BOURBON COUNTY&nbsp;–The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Fort Scott Police Department arrested a Fort Scott man for alleged child sex crimes.

&nbsp;Just after&nbsp; 1 p.m. on Wednesday, KBI agents and the Fort Scott Police Department arrested 24-year-old Micheal Olkowski, of Fort Scott. Olkowski on requested charges of sexual exploitation of a child and aggravated internet trading in child pornography after a search warrant was conducted at 920 W. Park Avenue in Fort Scott, according to a media release from the KBI.

The KBI Child Victims Unit began investigating after multiple cyber tips were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in July.

Following the arrest, Olkowski was booked into the Bourbon County Jail.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.&nbsp;Anonymous tips can be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

&nbsp;The case is expected to be prosecuted by the Bourbon County Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753387895744.png" alt="Olkowski photo Bourbon Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Olkowski photo Bourbon Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BOURBON COUNTY&nbsp;–The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Fort Scott Police Department arrested a Fort Scott man for alleged child sex crimes.&nbsp;Just after&nbsp; 1 p.m. on Wednesday, KBI agents and the Fort Scott Police Department arrested 24-year-old Micheal Olkowski, of Fort Scott. Olkowski on requested charges of sexual exploitation of a child and aggravated internet trading in child pornography after a search warrant was conducted at 920 W. Park Avenue in Fort Scott, according to a media release from the KBI.The KBI Child Victims Unit began investigating after multiple cyber tips were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in July.Following the arrest, Olkowski was booked into the Bourbon County Jail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.&nbsp;Anonymous tips can be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.&nbsp;The case is expected to be prosecuted by the Bourbon County Attorney’s Office.

Kansas man accused of internet trading in child porn

Name of Product: HydroTech 5/8-inch Expandable Burst-Proof Hoses

Hazard: The recalled hoses can burst, posing an impact hazard and a risk of temporarily impaired hearing.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled hoses. Consumers that purchased products from Ace Hardware, Do It Best, Home Depot or Walmart should bring their hoses to those stores to return them for a full refund.

Consumers who purchased products from other retailers should cut off the regulator-end of their hose and contact Winston Products for a full refund. To receive the refund, consumers should submit photos of the cut hose, showing the date code location with the consumer’s initials and the date written in permanent marker on the regulator, to Winston Product’s online form at&nbsp;<a href="https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall">https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall</a>.&nbsp;

The firm has received at least 222 reports of the hoses bursting, resulting in at least 29 injuries, including one bone bruise, two sprains and five reports of temporarily impaired hearing from the sound of the hose bursting.

Sold At:Ace Hardware, Amazon, Do It Best, Home Depot, Target, Walmart and other stores nationwide and online from January 2021 through April 2025 for between $20 and $136.Importer(s):

This recall involves HydroTech 5/8-inch Expandable Burst-Proof Hoses manufactured on or before August 31, 2024. The hoses were sold in lengths of 25, 50, 60, 75, 100 and 200 feet in various colors. Date code markings are located on the end of the hose that attaches to the spigot, visible when the black rubber washer is removed. Hoses with no markings or a marking ending in -211, -212, -213, -214, -221, -222, -223, -224, -231, -232, -233, -234, -241, -242 or -243 are included in this recall. On some hose packages, the manufacture date is listed in the month-year format. For example, 0824 is August 2024 and is included in this recall.

Winston Products toll-free at 888-412-2396 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:HydrotechVoluntaryRecall@hydrotechproducts.com">HydrotechVoluntaryRecall@hydrotechproducts.com</a>, or go to&nbsp;<a href="https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall">https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://hydrotechproducts.com/">https://hydrotechproducts.com/</a>&nbsp;and click on "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL INFORMATION" at the top of the page for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753380204342.png" alt="Photo CPSC" />
 <figcaption>Photo CPSC</figcaption>
 </figure>Name of Product: HydroTech 5/8-inch Expandable Burst-Proof HosesHazard: The recalled hoses can burst, posing an impact hazard and a risk of temporarily impaired hearing.Remedy: RefundRecall Date: July 24, 2025Units: About 3.6 millionemedy:Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled hoses. Consumers that purchased products from Ace Hardware, Do It Best, Home Depot or Walmart should bring their hoses to those stores to return them for a full refund.Consumers who purchased products from other retailers should cut off the regulator-end of their hose and contact Winston Products for a full refund. To receive the refund, consumers should submit photos of the cut hose, showing the date code location with the consumer’s initials and the date written in permanent marker on the regulator, to Winston Product’s online form at&nbsp;<a href="https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall">https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall</a>.&nbsp;Incidents/Injuries:The firm has received at least 222 reports of the hoses bursting, resulting in at least 29 injuries, including one bone bruise, two sprains and five reports of temporarily impaired hearing from the sound of the hose bursting.Sold At:Ace Hardware, Amazon, Do It Best, Home Depot, Target, Walmart and other stores nationwide and online from January 2021 through April 2025 for between $20 and $136.Importer(s):Winston Products, of Glenwillow, OhioThis recall involves HydroTech 5/8-inch Expandable Burst-Proof Hoses manufactured on or before August 31, 2024. The hoses were sold in lengths of 25, 50, 60, 75, 100 and 200 feet in various colors. Date code markings are located on the end of the hose that attaches to the spigot, visible when the black rubber washer is removed. Hoses with no markings or a marking ending in -211, -212, -213, -214, -221, -222, -223, -224, -231, -232, -233, -234, -241, -242 or -243 are included in this recall. On some hose packages, the manufacture date is listed in the month-year format. For example, 0824 is August 2024 and is included in this recall.Winston Products toll-free at 888-412-2396 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:HydrotechVoluntaryRecall@hydrotechproducts.com">HydrotechVoluntaryRecall@hydrotechproducts.com</a>, or go to&nbsp;<a href="https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall">https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://hydrotechproducts.com/">https://hydrotechproducts.com/</a>&nbsp;and click on "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL INFORMATION" at the top of the page for more information.

HydroTech hoses recalled: Hundreds burst, 29 people injured

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.

<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.

Hot weather leads to power grid impacts, requests for some Kansas customers to conserve energy

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacobrichey/">Jacob Richey</a>

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is suing the national Planned Parenthood organization over its claims regarding the abortion drug mifepristone.

Bailey filed the lawsuit against the Planned Parenthood Federation of America on Wednesday in Cole County Circuit Court.

The lawsuit argues Planned Parenthood’s national organization has misled consumers about the safety of mifepristone, which is used in a regimen with another drug to expel a pregnancy.

The lawsuit seeks more than $1.8 million in civil penalties, up to $1,000 in damages or restitution for every Missouri woman Planned Parenthood provided abortion pills to in the past five years, reimbursement to the state for Medicaid and other taxpayer-funded emergency care resulting from abortion pill complications, and a court order for Planned Parenthood to stop certain advertisements for mifepristone.

Mifepristone is a drug used for medication abortions. Planned Parenthood says the drug is safe and effective, but Bailey points to a small percentage of patients who need emergency care after having a medication abortion.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration information and label for the medication says it can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections or bleeding, but that label also says U.S. clinical studies found serious adverse effects in less than 0.5% of patients.

Bailey’s lawsuit points to that label, along with other studies that say 4.6% of women who undergo a medication abortion may need emergency care after the procedure.

The lawsuit takes aim at Planned Parenthood’s comparison between mifepristone and other common medications like Tylenol, penicillin and Viagra. An archived page from Planned Parenthood’s website, which is linked in the lawsuit, said medication abortions are safer than those over-the-counter drugs.

The lawsuit says that claim is misleading, if not false, for reasons including the abortion pill and the other drugs having different uses.

While Bailey’s lawsuit doesn’t directly target Missouri’s Planned Parenthood affiliates, the lawsuit says Planned Parenthood’s advertisements for the abortion pill directs consumers to Missouri’s Planned Parenthood locations.

Medication abortions are not currently available at Missouri Planned Parenthood locations. Planned Parenthood Great Plains President and CEO Emily Wales said in a March statement that the abortion pill hasn’t been available in Missouri since 2018. Bailey’s lawsuit concerns medication abortions women from Missouri have undergone since 2020.

Since the lawsuit does not target abortions performed in Missouri, but abortions Missouri women have received, it applies to out-of-state medication abortions.

In the roughly two and a half years between the overturning of Roe v. Wade and abortions becoming available in Missouri again, Missouri residents had to go to other states like Kansas or Illinois, where abortion was legal, to obtain medication abortions.

“Planned Parenthood’s false advertising has a national reach,” Bailey said in a press release, “including targeted claims against Missouri women.”

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/attorney-general-sues-planned-parenthood-claims-it-misled-patients-over-safety-of-abortion-pill/article_ccab6146-3b98-523d-96ca-9310b4d7567d.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582813176978.jpeg" alt=" Mifepristone / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Mifepristone / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacobrichey/">Jacob Richey</a>Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is suing the national Planned Parenthood organization over its claims regarding the abortion drug mifepristone.Bailey filed the lawsuit against the Planned Parenthood Federation of America on Wednesday in Cole County Circuit Court.The lawsuit argues Planned Parenthood’s national organization has misled consumers about the safety of mifepristone, which is used in a regimen with another drug to expel a pregnancy.The lawsuit seeks more than $1.8 million in civil penalties, up to $1,000 in damages or restitution for every Missouri woman Planned Parenthood provided abortion pills to in the past five years, reimbursement to the state for Medicaid and other taxpayer-funded emergency care resulting from abortion pill complications, and a court order for Planned Parenthood to stop certain advertisements for mifepristone.Mifepristone is a drug used for medication abortions. Planned Parenthood says the drug is safe and effective, but Bailey points to a small percentage of patients who need emergency care after having a medication abortion.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration information and label for the medication says it can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections or bleeding, but that label also says U.S. clinical studies found serious adverse effects in less than 0.5% of patients.Bailey’s lawsuit points to that label, along with other studies that say 4.6% of women who undergo a medication abortion may need emergency care after the procedure.The lawsuit takes aim at Planned Parenthood’s comparison between mifepristone and other common medications like Tylenol, penicillin and Viagra. An archived page from Planned Parenthood’s website, which is linked in the lawsuit, said medication abortions are safer than those over-the-counter drugs.The lawsuit says that claim is misleading, if not false, for reasons including the abortion pill and the other drugs having different uses.While Bailey’s lawsuit doesn’t directly target Missouri’s Planned Parenthood affiliates, the lawsuit says Planned Parenthood’s advertisements for the abortion pill directs consumers to Missouri’s Planned Parenthood locations.Medication abortions are not currently available at Missouri Planned Parenthood locations. Planned Parenthood Great Plains President and CEO Emily Wales said in a March statement that the abortion pill hasn’t been available in Missouri since 2018. Bailey’s lawsuit concerns medication abortions women from Missouri have undergone since 2020.Since the lawsuit does not target abortions performed in Missouri, but abortions Missouri women have received, it applies to out-of-state medication abortions.In the roughly two and a half years between the overturning of Roe v. Wade and abortions becoming available in Missouri again, Missouri residents had to go to other states like Kansas or Illinois, where abortion was legal, to obtain medication abortions.“Planned Parenthood’s false advertising has a national reach,” Bailey said in a press release, “including targeted claims against Missouri women.”This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/attorney-general-sues-planned-parenthood-claims-it-misled-patients-over-safety-of-abortion-pill/article_ccab6146-3b98-523d-96ca-9310b4d7567d.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Missouri AG sues Planned Parenthood, claims it misled patients over safety of abortion pill

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753374239472.png" alt="Hulk Hogan spoke on the final night of the Republican National Convention last July-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Hulk Hogan spoke on the final night of the Republican National Convention last July-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.&mdash; WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1948414335153230023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FClearwaterPolice%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0272xskH6HPZZSAZefBwY23wP1UjQgC1dJjALZMEbkSHrLxhoG8dSZRnPG7YKFWhtml&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="469" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/HulkHogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HulkHogan</a>: &quot;As an entertainer I try to stay out of politics, but after everything that&#39;s happened to our country over the past four years and after everything that happened last weekend I can no longer stay silent...Donald Trump is a real American hero!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UxM0ZieYfM">pic.twitter.com/UxM0ZieYfM</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1814113807662567834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">From 2024 RNC. Watch the full video here: <a href="https://t.co/10hAILirT9">https://t.co/10hAILirT9</a> <a href="https://t.co/lsr2lFymhn">https://t.co/lsr2lFymhn</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1948426827858354619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">An American Legend. <a href="https://t.co/DVQuR2YIxJ">pic.twitter.com/DVQuR2YIxJ</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1948419594827235760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Hulk Hogan, pro westling superstar, dead at 71

WICHITA, KAN. – A Georgia man was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered forever banned from hunting and fishing in Kansas after illegally hunting game, according to the United State's Attorney.

Matt Jennings, 35, of Bowdon, Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal taking of a white tail deer in interstate commerce, according to court documents.

On November 11, 2022, Jennings killed an antlered deer near Florence, Kansas. His antlered deer tag did not allow him to take a deer in this part of the state. The next day the Jennings drove to Oklahoma where he fraudulently registered the kill in Oklahoma using an Oklahoma electronic tag.

On November 19, 2022, the Jennings killed another antlered deer near Wakeeney. Although he had a valid tag for that area of Kansas, killing of a second antlered deer in the same year is a violation of state law. He illegally exceeded the bag limit of one antlered deer per season.

Jennings hosts a hunting show titled “The Game”. These two illegal hunts were featured as part of his show.

A federal judge ordered Jennings to pay $15,000 in restitution to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, pay a $10,000 fine, and forfeit the antlers from the white tail deer he illegally hunted.

During his five-year probation, Jennings is prohibited from guiding, hunting, trapping, fishing, or being with anyone engaged in those activities in Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks investigated the case with assistance provided by the U.S. Secret Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Missouri Department of Conservation, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753309370799.png" alt="Matt Jennings as seen in a video from his online show" />
 <figcaption>Matt Jennings as seen in a video from his online show</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Georgia man was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered forever banned from hunting and fishing in Kansas after illegally hunting game, according to the United State's Attorney.Matt Jennings, 35, of Bowdon, Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal taking of a white tail deer in interstate commerce, according to court documents.On November 11, 2022, Jennings killed an antlered deer near Florence, Kansas. His antlered deer tag did not allow him to take a deer in this part of the state. The next day the Jennings drove to Oklahoma where he fraudulently registered the kill in Oklahoma using an Oklahoma electronic tag.On November 19, 2022, the Jennings killed another antlered deer near Wakeeney. Although he had a valid tag for that area of Kansas, killing of a second antlered deer in the same year is a violation of state law. He illegally exceeded the bag limit of one antlered deer per season.Jennings hosts a hunting show titled “The Game”. These two illegal hunts were featured as part of his show.A federal judge ordered Jennings to pay $15,000 in restitution to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, pay a $10,000 fine, and forfeit the antlers from the white tail deer he illegally hunted.During his five-year probation, Jennings is prohibited from guiding, hunting, trapping, fishing, or being with anyone engaged in those activities in Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks investigated the case with assistance provided by the U.S. Secret Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Missouri Department of Conservation, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

Hunting show host receives lifetime hunting ban in Kansas 

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a homicide that occurred earlier this month in Kansas City have identified the victim as 51-year-old Jorge Grageda,&nbsp; according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez

just after 5a.m. July 5, police were dispatched to the&nbsp;100&nbsp;block&nbsp;of&nbsp;N&nbsp;Belliare on reported shooting. Upon arrival, officers were directed to the rear&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;nearby residence where a victim later identified as Jorge Grageda was located suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. 

Emergency aid was immediately rendered by responding&nbsp;officers until EMS arrived on scene. EMS declared him deceased at that time. Preliminary investigation indicates this occurred as a result&nbsp;of&nbsp;an argument that escalated to gunfire.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751741015533.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a homicide that occurred earlier this month in Kansas City have identified the victim as 51-year-old Jorge Grageda,&nbsp; according to Officer Alayna Gonzalezjust after 5a.m. July 5, police were dispatched to the&nbsp;100&nbsp;block&nbsp;of&nbsp;N&nbsp;Belliare on reported shooting. Upon arrival, officers were directed to the rear&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;nearby residence where a victim later identified as Jorge Grageda was located suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency aid was immediately rendered by responding&nbsp;officers until EMS arrived on scene. EMS declared him deceased at that time. Preliminary investigation indicates this occurred as a result&nbsp;of&nbsp;an argument that escalated to gunfire.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.

KCPD: 51-year-old died after argument led to gunfire

MORGAN COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a drowning that occurred just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Morgan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 13-year-old boy entered a pond at a private residence at&nbsp;21071 Rock Quarry Road in Barnett. The boy did resurface, according to the patrol.&nbsp; The Moreau Fire Department crews helped recover the body and he was pronounced dead just before 5p.m.&nbsp; The patrol no longer releases names of drowning victims. 

Barnett is located approximately 2 and one half hours east of Kansas City.

MORGAN COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a drowning that occurred just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Morgan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 13-year-old boy entered a pond at a private residence at&nbsp;21071 Rock Quarry Road in Barnett. The boy did resurface, according to the patrol.&nbsp; The Moreau Fire Department crews helped recover the body and he was pronounced dead just before 5p.m.&nbsp; The patrol no longer releases names of drowning victims. Barnett is located approximately 2 and one half hours east of Kansas City.

13-year-old Mo. boy drowns in private pond

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement across Kansas continue to stop drivers traveling far above the legal speed limit.

On Sunday, KHP Trooper Lauren Braun was on patrol in Douglas County when she saw a white SUV driving at high speeds in her rearview mirror, according to a social media report from the KHP.

 She stopped the vehicle for 111mph in a posted 75 mph zone.  The driver was on their way to church and had a small child in the vehicle with them. 

"This is a good reminder to make sure that you are driving safe at all times, no matter where you are going.  The youngest travelers in Kansas are depending on drivers to make sure they arrive alive to all of their destinations."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753201622438.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement across Kansas continue to stop drivers traveling far above the legal speed limit.On Sunday, KHP Trooper Lauren Braun was on patrol in Douglas County when she saw a white SUV driving at high speeds in her rearview mirror, according to a social media report from the KHP.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753201607239.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> She stopped the vehicle for 111mph in a posted 75 mph zone. The driver was on their way to church and had a small child in the vehicle with them. "This is a good reminder to make sure that you are driving safe at all times, no matter where you are going. The youngest travelers in Kansas are depending on drivers to make sure they arrive alive to all of their destinations."

KHP: Driver on the way to church stopped for 111mph

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a large commercial building in Kansas City.

Just after noon Wednesday, crews responded to a reported fire in a large commercial building in the 7400 block of E. 12th Street in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;

 Evacuating employees stated that there was a fire in the roof line. KCFD quickly deployed units to the interior and to the roof to investigate. Upon investigation it was discovered that a roof top air handling unit had caught fire and had began to spread into the roof line and structure.

 KCFD quickly got the fire under control and checked for fire extension. No injuries were reported. All employees were able to evacuate.

 Quick action by employees using extinguishers to contain the fire and rapid response of KCFD, worked together to avoid what could have been a disastrous fire.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753300957008.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a large commercial building in Kansas City.Just after noon Wednesday, crews responded to a reported fire in a large commercial building in the 7400 block of E. 12th Street in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp; Evacuating employees stated that there was a fire in the roof line. KCFD quickly deployed units to the interior and to the roof to investigate. Upon investigation it was discovered that a roof top air handling unit had caught fire and had began to spread into the roof line and structure.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753300936008.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> KCFD quickly got the fire under control and checked for fire extension. No injuries were reported. All employees were able to evacuate. Quick action by employees using extinguishers to contain the fire and rapid response of KCFD, worked together to avoid what could have been a disastrous fire.&nbsp;

Quick action by employees helped stop spread of KC business fire

BARTON COUNTY —A father and son are facing multiple allegations after a tip led to a traffic stop in Barton County.

On Tuesday, the Barton County Sheriff’s office received information from the Kansas Department of Corrections EAI unit, that a quantity of drugs would be entering Barton County on K-156 Highway sometime during the day, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The Department of Corrections was able to provide suspect information as well as a vehicle description and tag number. Deputies and detectives were positioned in a number of locations in northeastern Barton County to intercept the vehicle. 

Just after 4 p.m., sheriff’s deputies observed the vehicle enter Barton County. It was known to the Barton County Sheriff's Office that the occupants were wanted for parole violations on a warrant.

A felony traffic stop was conducted and the subjects were removed from the vehicle and taken into custody without incident. The Sheriff’s Office K9 indicated the presence of controlled substances inside the 2008 Ford Taurus. Further investigation revealed a quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids. Two handguns were also located in the vehicle.

The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Jerry Wayne Smith, Jr., 43, of Salina, and Christopher Lee Smith, 21,&nbsp; of Abilene. Jerry is Christopher's father, according to Bellendir.

Both were transported to the Barton County Jail where they were booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, criminal use of a firearm as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. Both had outstanding warrants from the Kansas Department of Corrections for parole violation. The drug charges carry a $100,000 bond. The warrants for parole violation have no bond. The Sheriff’s office was assisted in this operation by detectives from the Great Bend Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753293963993.png" alt="Jerry Smith photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Jerry Smith photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —A father and son are facing multiple allegations after a tip led to a traffic stop in Barton County.On Tuesday, the Barton County Sheriff’s office received information from the Kansas Department of Corrections EAI unit, that a quantity of drugs would be entering Barton County on K-156 Highway sometime during the day, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753293995823.png" alt="Chris Smith photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Chris Smith photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>The Department of Corrections was able to provide suspect information as well as a vehicle description and tag number. Deputies and detectives were positioned in a number of locations in northeastern Barton County to intercept the vehicle. Just after 4 p.m., sheriff’s deputies observed the vehicle enter Barton County. It was known to the Barton County Sheriff's Office that the occupants were wanted for parole violations on a warrant.A felony traffic stop was conducted and the subjects were removed from the vehicle and taken into custody without incident. The Sheriff’s Office K9 indicated the presence of controlled substances inside the 2008 Ford Taurus. Further investigation revealed a quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids. Two handguns were also located in the vehicle.The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Jerry Wayne Smith, Jr., 43, of Salina, and Christopher Lee Smith, 21,&nbsp; of Abilene. Jerry is Christopher's father, according to Bellendir.Both were transported to the Barton County Jail where they were booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, criminal use of a firearm as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. Both had outstanding warrants from the Kansas Department of Corrections for parole violation. The drug charges carry a $100,000 bond. The warrants for parole violation have no bond. The Sheriff’s office was assisted in this operation by detectives from the Great Bend Police Department.

Kansas father, son caught transporting cocaine, meth and guns

Columbia University has finalized an&nbsp;<a href="https://president.columbia.edu/content/our-resolution-federal-government" target="_blank">agreement with the federal government</a>,&nbsp;ending a period of considerable institutional uncertainty, according to a statement from&nbsp;Claire Shipman Acting President.

This agreement resolves multiple federal agency investigations and protects Columbia’s academic mission, research enterprise, and independence. 

The resolution will allow the University to move forward with clarity and focus—returning our full attention to the work of teaching, discovery, and public service. It will also enable all of us to turn our attention to mending and rebuilding our community.With the agreement, our access to billions of dollars in federal research funding will resume. 

Terminated grants will be reinstated and our faculty will become eligible again for future grants, as well as continuations of existing grants. Not only will this resolution restore Columbia’s ability to fully participate in its longstanding federal research partnerships, but it also will ensure critical continuity for faculty, students, and staff across every discipline—many of whom have seen years, even decades, of progress toward medical and scientific discoveries placed at risk.

 I’ve received an outpouring of relief from our scientists in recent days as they started to learn that restored grant funding will allow their vital work to continue.Critically, Columbia retains control over its academic and operational decisions. 

As set forth in the agreement: “No provision of this agreement, individually or taken together, shall be construed as giving the United States authority to dictate faculty hiring, university hiring, admissions decisions, or the content of academic speech.” This was our north star, and we did not waver from it. Columbia’s governance remains in our control. The federal government will not dictate what we teach, who teaches, or which students we admit.

As part of the agreement, Columbia will pay a $200 million settlement to the federal government over three years, and $21 million to settle investigations involving the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. I recognize these are substantial settlements. 

As Acting President, together with our Board of Trustees, we had to look at all the facts. We have seen not only $400 million in federal grants frozen, but also the majority of our $1.3 billion a year in federal funding placed on hold. 

The prospect of that continuing indefinitely, along with the potential loss of top scientists, would jeopardize our status as a world-leading research institution.Furthermore, as I have discussed on many occasions with our community, we carefully explored all options open to us. We might have achieved short-term litigation victories, but not without incurring deeper long-term damage—the likely loss of future federal funding, the possibility of losing accreditation, and the potential revocation of visa status of thousands of international students.

As part of the settlement, the University has not admitted wrongdoing and does not agree with the government’s conclusion that it violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. We are not, however, denying the very serious and painful challenges our institution has faced with antisemitism. For these reasons, we took several important corrective steps in March, many of which are in this agreement, including a new provision for a liaison to the Jewish community, situated in University Life.Our commitment to creating a safe, respectful community must extend well beyond any agreement with the government. 

I announced additional measures to combat antisemitism last week. We know there is still more to do. We will work on multiple fronts to combat all forms of hatred and intolerance at Columbia, and you will see more efforts to that end in the coming months.The success of the agreement requires that both parties honor it, and commit to the processes laid out in the event of disputes. To that end, we have agreed on a robust dispute resolution process that includes a mutually agreed upon independent monitor and arbitrator as neutral third parties, rather than ceding authority to the government or a court. 

The process requires that the government go through a very specific, prescribed set of steps if it believes we are not meeting the terms of the agreement. If the parties can’t agree, the matter goes to the arbitrator, and then, as needed, to court. The agreement allows us to hold the government to that process with respect to any concerns about compliance. This predictable structure is far preferable, in our view, to piecemeal scrutiny, and will allow us to focus on long-term progress for our institution.Certain terms of this settlement pertain to admissions and hiring and are wholly consistent with existing federal anti-discrimination laws, which our institution has always followed, and will always follow. That language was carefully drafted; we have agreed to provide data to which the government is entitled, and is currently requesting from scores of institutions, including ours.

 In several instances, the agreement codifies other practices or policies already in existence, or reviews already underway. We must always comply with government regulations regarding the international student visa program, for example.For months, Columbia’s discussions with the federal government have been set up as a test of principle—a binary fight between courage and capitulation. 

But like most things in life, the reality is far more complex. We established our non-negotiable academic and institutional boundaries clearly, and we chose to talk and to listen. We certainly did not always agree with the government’s proposals, nor they with ours. It is important for the community to know that a broad academic leadership team worked with me closely, as well as with our Board of Trustees, to achieve this resolution. 

I consulted widely outside of the institution as well. In the end, we have arrived at a carefully crafted agreement that protects our institution and our values, and that will allow us to move forward, with strength, resuming the vital work we do in service to the nation and to humanity.Countless faculty members and administrators have already been doing the nearly impossible, often invisible work, under enormous pressure, of safeguarding Columbia’s future. 

They’ve confronted the real hardship caused by the loss of federal funding to our research enterprise, borne witness to the painful divides that have opened in our community, and labored to find constructive solutions to all of it. For this wisdom and dedication, I am grateful. It is the best of Columbia on display.My hope is that the Columbia University community is ready to reset, to focus again on academic rigor and respectful debate, and to use this moment of challenge as a chance to imagine and build a stronger institution than ever.

 I am committed to that process.We understand that members of our community will hold different views about this decision. We made it with care, with seriousness, and with an unwavering commitment to the mission, values, and future of Columbia University.

Columbia University has finalized an&nbsp;<a href="https://president.columbia.edu/content/our-resolution-federal-government" target="_blank">agreement with the federal government</a>,&nbsp;ending a period of considerable institutional uncertainty, according to a statement from&nbsp;Claire Shipman Acting President.This agreement resolves multiple federal agency investigations and protects Columbia’s academic mission, research enterprise, and independence. The resolution will allow the University to move forward with clarity and focus—returning our full attention to the work of teaching, discovery, and public service. It will also enable all of us to turn our attention to mending and rebuilding our community.With the agreement, our access to billions of dollars in federal research funding will resume. Terminated grants will be reinstated and our faculty will become eligible again for future grants, as well as continuations of existing grants. Not only will this resolution restore Columbia’s ability to fully participate in its longstanding federal research partnerships, but it also will ensure critical continuity for faculty, students, and staff across every discipline—many of whom have seen years, even decades, of progress toward medical and scientific discoveries placed at risk. I’ve received an outpouring of relief from our scientists in recent days as they started to learn that restored grant funding will allow their vital work to continue.Critically, Columbia retains control over its academic and operational decisions. As set forth in the agreement: “No provision of this agreement, individually or taken together, shall be construed as giving the United States authority to dictate faculty hiring, university hiring, admissions decisions, or the content of academic speech.” This was our north star, and we did not waver from it. Columbia’s governance remains in our control. The federal government will not dictate what we teach, who teaches, or which students we admit.As part of the agreement, Columbia will pay a $200 million settlement to the federal government over three years, and $21 million to settle investigations involving the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. I recognize these are substantial settlements. As Acting President, together with our Board of Trustees, we had to look at all the facts. We have seen not only $400 million in federal grants frozen, but also the majority of our $1.3 billion a year in federal funding placed on hold. The prospect of that continuing indefinitely, along with the potential loss of top scientists, would jeopardize our status as a world-leading research institution.Furthermore, as I have discussed on many occasions with our community, we carefully explored all options open to us. We might have achieved short-term litigation victories, but not without incurring deeper long-term damage—the likely loss of future federal funding, the possibility of losing accreditation, and the potential revocation of visa status of thousands of international students.As part of the settlement, the University has not admitted wrongdoing and does not agree with the government’s conclusion that it violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. We are not, however, denying the very serious and painful challenges our institution has faced with antisemitism. For these reasons, we took several important corrective steps in March, many of which are in this agreement, including a new provision for a liaison to the Jewish community, situated in University Life.Our commitment to creating a safe, respectful community must extend well beyond any agreement with the government. I announced additional measures to combat antisemitism last week. We know there is still more to do. We will work on multiple fronts to combat all forms of hatred and intolerance at Columbia, and you will see more efforts to that end in the coming months.The success of the agreement requires that both parties honor it, and commit to the processes laid out in the event of disputes. To that end, we have agreed on a robust dispute resolution process that includes a mutually agreed upon independent monitor and arbitrator as neutral third parties, rather than ceding authority to the government or a court. The process requires that the government go through a very specific, prescribed set of steps if it believes we are not meeting the terms of the agreement. If the parties can’t agree, the matter goes to the arbitrator, and then, as needed, to court. The agreement allows us to hold the government to that process with respect to any concerns about compliance. This predictable structure is far preferable, in our view, to piecemeal scrutiny, and will allow us to focus on long-term progress for our institution.Certain terms of this settlement pertain to admissions and hiring and are wholly consistent with existing federal anti-discrimination laws, which our institution has always followed, and will always follow. That language was carefully drafted; we have agreed to provide data to which the government is entitled, and is currently requesting from scores of institutions, including ours. In several instances, the agreement codifies other practices or policies already in existence, or reviews already underway. We must always comply with government regulations regarding the international student visa program, for example.For months, Columbia’s discussions with the federal government have been set up as a test of principle—a binary fight between courage and capitulation. But like most things in life, the reality is far more complex. We established our non-negotiable academic and institutional boundaries clearly, and we chose to talk and to listen. We certainly did not always agree with the government’s proposals, nor they with ours. It is important for the community to know that a broad academic leadership team worked with me closely, as well as with our Board of Trustees, to achieve this resolution. I consulted widely outside of the institution as well. In the end, we have arrived at a carefully crafted agreement that protects our institution and our values, and that will allow us to move forward, with strength, resuming the vital work we do in service to the nation and to humanity.Countless faculty members and administrators have already been doing the nearly impossible, often invisible work, under enormous pressure, of safeguarding Columbia’s future. They’ve confronted the real hardship caused by the loss of federal funding to our research enterprise, borne witness to the painful divides that have opened in our community, and labored to find constructive solutions to all of it. For this wisdom and dedication, I am grateful. It is the best of Columbia on display.My hope is that the Columbia University community is ready to reset, to focus again on academic rigor and respectful debate, and to use this moment of challenge as a chance to imagine and build a stronger institution than ever. I am committed to that process.We understand that members of our community will hold different views about this decision. We made it with care, with seriousness, and with an unwavering commitment to the mission, values, and future of Columbia University.

Columbia to pay more than $220M in deal with Trump to restore federal funding

COWLEY COUNTY—Authorities are working to identify human remains found by a pond in Cowley County.

Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, deputies with the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a private residence in the Southwest portion of Cowley County for the report of a possible human body by a pond, according to Sheriff Dave Faletti.

When Deputies arrived, the homeowner took them to the location where the remains were located.

The Sumner County Sheriff’s Office (SUSO) was contacted as they had recently issued a missing person report. Investigators contacted the Arkansas City Fire Department (ACFD) who assisted by retrieving the remains.

At this time the identity of the remains has not been made. An autopsy has been scheduled at the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center (SCRFSC) in Wichita, Kansas. The Cowley County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office on this on-going investigation.

COWLEY COUNTY—Authorities are working to identify human remains found by a pond in Cowley County.Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, deputies with the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a private residence in the Southwest portion of Cowley County for the report of a possible human body by a pond, according to Sheriff Dave Faletti.When Deputies arrived, the homeowner took them to the location where the remains were located.The Sumner County Sheriff’s Office (SUSO) was contacted as they had recently issued a missing person report. Investigators contacted the Arkansas City Fire Department (ACFD) who assisted by retrieving the remains.At this time the identity of the remains has not been made. An autopsy has been scheduled at the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center (SCRFSC) in Wichita, Kansas. The Cowley County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office on this on-going investigation.

Sheriff: Human remains found near a pond in rural Kansas

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">This is sending SHOCKWAVES through DC and the Democrats KNOW IT! This is perhaps one of the most crucial video segments of 2025. <a href="https://t.co/PMpxlbZwz6">pic.twitter.com/PMpxlbZwz6</a>&mdash; Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) <a href="https://twitter.com/GuntherEagleman/status/1948083367909405136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DNIGabbard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DNIGabbard</a>: If Russia was trying to influence the election like Democrats said in order to boost Donald Trump, they&#39;d have released the most damning information on Hillary prior to the election. They specifically withheld it because they thought she&#39;d win. <a href="https://t.co/XQQgXzmUNE">https://t.co/XQQgXzmUNE</a> <a href="https://t.co/8oSTEf8EVb">pic.twitter.com/8oSTEf8EVb</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1948090161100718176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a>: &quot;Tulsi Gabbard unveiled shocking new evidence that former President Barack Obama and top aides in the Obama administration conspired to subvert President Trump&#39;s 2016 election victory and undermined the democratic will of the American people.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/pLo9jiutaH">pic.twitter.com/pLo9jiutaH</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1948083824442638462?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🧵 New evidence has emerged of the most egregious weaponization and politicization of intelligence in American history. Per President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>&#39;s directive, I have declassified a <a href="https://twitter.com/HouseIntel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HouseIntel</a> oversight majority staff report that exposes how the Obama Administration… <a href="https://t.co/0sS4Df8yoI">pic.twitter.com/0sS4Df8yoI</a>&mdash; DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) <a href="https://twitter.com/DNIGabbard/status/1948007534960198036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">LIE: Putin and the Russian Government helped Trump win the 2016 election TRUTH: President Obama, former Director of the CIA John Brennan, and others fabricated the Russia Hoax, suppressed intelligence showing Putin was preparing for a Clinton victory, manufactured findings from… <a href="https://t.co/nkaLDMrUSv">pic.twitter.com/nkaLDMrUSv</a>&mdash; DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) <a href="https://twitter.com/DNIGabbard/status/1948007538902904833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DNIGabbard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DNIGabbard</a> on new Obama report: &quot;There is irrefutable evidence that detail how President Obama and his national security team directed the creation of an intelligence community assessment that they knew was false.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/sCOivLlCDL">pic.twitter.com/sCOivLlCDL</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1948104168587010258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥DNI lashes out at Obama administration on Russia investigation

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction Monday, blocking a provision in Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law that would have barred Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood for one year.

District Court Judge Indira Talwani wrote in a&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.286600/gov.uscourts.mad.286600.62.0_1.pdf" target="_blank">36-page opinion</a>&nbsp;that Planned Parenthood established “a substantial likelihood of success on their equal protection claim” since the new law “burdens” the organization’s First Amendment rights. But she limited the protections to only certain Planned Parenthood clinics.

“A preliminary injunction maintains Planned Parenthood Members’ ability to seek Medicaid reimbursements—and maintain their status quo level of service to patients,” Talwani wrote. “And an injunction requiring Defendants to continue funding Medicaid reimbursements in accordance with the status quo imposes no additional Medicaid costs on Defendants, where there is no dispute that Medicaid funds will still be provided only for reimbursable healthcare services.”

Congress has barred federal taxpayer dollars from going to abortion services with limited exceptions for decades. But GOP lawmakers used their sweeping tax and spending cuts package to eliminate Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood for other types of health care, like annual physicals and cancer screenings.

The original House version of the bill included a 10-year moratorium on Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood, but that was changed to a one-year prohibition in the Senate.

Planned Parenthood&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/planned-parenthood-sues-trump-administration-officials-over-defunding-provision-budget-bill" target="_blank">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;challenging the new law just days after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fourth-july-trump-signs-his-big-beautiful-bill-law" target="_blank">signed it</a>&nbsp;during a ceremony on the Fourth of July.

Talwani, who was nominated to the bench by former President Barack Obama,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-quickly-rules-favor-planned-parenthood-suit-over-medicaid-funding" target="_blank">issued a temporary restraining order</a>&nbsp;the same day the case was filed, blocking that provision’s implementation.

The Trump administration argued against the court issuing a preliminary injunction, writing in&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.286600/gov.uscourts.mad.286600.53.0.pdf" target="_blank">a 58-page motion</a>&nbsp;submitted last week that Planned Parenthood’s “constitutional claims are utterly meritless.”

“All three democratically elected components of the Federal Government collaborated to enact that provision consistent with their electoral mandates from the American people as to how they want their hard-earned taxpayer dollars spent,” the brief states. “But Plaintiffs—Planned Parenthood Federation of America (“PPFA”) and its members (together, “Planned Parenthood”)—now want this Court to reject that judgment and supplant duly enacted legislation with their own policy preferences.”

Talwani wrote in her ruling that it would apply to “Planned Parenthood Association of Utah and other Planned Parenthood Federation of America Members who will not provide abortion services as of October 1, 2025, or for which the total amount of Federal and State expenditures under the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act for medical assistance furnished in fiscal year 2023 made directly to them did not exceed $800,000.”

Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Association of Utah — the three organizations that filed the suit — issued a written statement after the ruling that they were “disappointed that not all members were granted the necessary relief today.”

“Patients across the country should be able to go to their trusted Planned Parenthood provider for birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing and treatment,” they wrote. “This is about patients and their right to get care — no matter their insurance. The court has not yet ruled on whether it will grant preliminary injunctive relief to other members. We remain hopeful that the court will grant this relief. There will be nothing short of a public health crisis if Planned Parenthood members are allowed to be ‘defunded.’”

The Department of Justice declined to comment whether it would appeal the preliminary injunction, though a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said it doesn’t agree with the ruling.

“We strongly disagree with the court’s decision,” HHS Director of Communications Andrew Nixon wrote in a statement. “States should not be forced to fund organizations that have chosen political advocacy over patient care. This ruling undermines state flexibility and disregards longstanding concerns about accountability.”

The Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.286600/gov.uscourts.mad.286600.63.0.pdf" target="_blank">filed a notice</a>&nbsp;later Tuesday it intends to appeal the preliminary injunction to the United States Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit.&nbsp;

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction Monday, blocking a provision in Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law that would have barred Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood for one year.District Court Judge Indira Talwani wrote in a&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.286600/gov.uscourts.mad.286600.62.0_1.pdf" target="_blank">36-page opinion</a>&nbsp;that Planned Parenthood established “a substantial likelihood of success on their equal protection claim” since the new law “burdens” the organization’s First Amendment rights. But she limited the protections to only certain Planned Parenthood clinics.“A preliminary injunction maintains Planned Parenthood Members’ ability to seek Medicaid reimbursements—and maintain their status quo level of service to patients,” Talwani wrote. “And an injunction requiring Defendants to continue funding Medicaid reimbursements in accordance with the status quo imposes no additional Medicaid costs on Defendants, where there is no dispute that Medicaid funds will still be provided only for reimbursable healthcare services.”Congress has barred federal taxpayer dollars from going to abortion services with limited exceptions for decades. But GOP lawmakers used their sweeping tax and spending cuts package to eliminate Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood for other types of health care, like annual physicals and cancer screenings.The original House version of the bill included a 10-year moratorium on Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood, but that was changed to a one-year prohibition in the Senate.Planned Parenthood&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/planned-parenthood-sues-trump-administration-officials-over-defunding-provision-budget-bill" target="_blank">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;challenging the new law just days after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fourth-july-trump-signs-his-big-beautiful-bill-law" target="_blank">signed it</a>&nbsp;during a ceremony on the Fourth of July.Talwani, who was nominated to the bench by former President Barack Obama,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-quickly-rules-favor-planned-parenthood-suit-over-medicaid-funding" target="_blank">issued a temporary restraining order</a>&nbsp;the same day the case was filed, blocking that provision’s implementation.The Trump administration argued against the court issuing a preliminary injunction, writing in&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.286600/gov.uscourts.mad.286600.53.0.pdf" target="_blank">a 58-page motion</a>&nbsp;submitted last week that Planned Parenthood’s “constitutional claims are utterly meritless.”“All three democratically elected components of the Federal Government collaborated to enact that provision consistent with their electoral mandates from the American people as to how they want their hard-earned taxpayer dollars spent,” the brief states. “But Plaintiffs—Planned Parenthood Federation of America (“PPFA”) and its members (together, “Planned Parenthood”)—now want this Court to reject that judgment and supplant duly enacted legislation with their own policy preferences.”Talwani wrote in her ruling that it would apply to “Planned Parenthood Association of Utah and other Planned Parenthood Federation of America Members who will not provide abortion services as of October 1, 2025, or for which the total amount of Federal and State expenditures under the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act for medical assistance furnished in fiscal year 2023 made directly to them did not exceed $800,000.”Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Association of Utah — the three organizations that filed the suit — issued a written statement after the ruling that they were “disappointed that not all members were granted the necessary relief today.”“Patients across the country should be able to go to their trusted Planned Parenthood provider for birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing and treatment,” they wrote. “This is about patients and their right to get care — no matter their insurance. The court has not yet ruled on whether it will grant preliminary injunctive relief to other members. We remain hopeful that the court will grant this relief. There will be nothing short of a public health crisis if Planned Parenthood members are allowed to be ‘defunded.’”The Department of Justice declined to comment whether it would appeal the preliminary injunction, though a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said it doesn’t agree with the ruling.“We strongly disagree with the court’s decision,” HHS Director of Communications Andrew Nixon wrote in a statement. “States should not be forced to fund organizations that have chosen political advocacy over patient care. This ruling undermines state flexibility and disregards longstanding concerns about accountability.”The Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.286600/gov.uscourts.mad.286600.63.0.pdf" target="_blank">filed a notice</a>&nbsp;later Tuesday it intends to appeal the preliminary injunction to the United States Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit.&nbsp;

‘One big, beautiful’ law provision on Planned Parenthood funding partly blocked by judge

TOPEKA — Regulators questioned Evergy officials Monday about its rate case, honing in on why the company was willing to accept a $69 million decrease from its initial request.

Evergy had asked the Kansas Corporation Commission for a $197 million base rate increase. Instead, after hours of negotiations with KCC staff, attorneys for industrial consumers, the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board and others, they&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/16/evergy-kansas-agreement-raises-residential-base-rates-9-6-pending-regulator-approval/">agreed to a $128 million increase</a>.

The unanimous settlement agreement increases residential base rates by 9.6%, which will bump an average homeowner’s bill by about $9 per month.

Darrin Ives, Evergy vice president for regulatory affairs, said much of the difference in the two amounts is attributed to a lower return on equity and changes to capital structure. Capital structure affects how the utility finances and manages its operations.

Evergy asked for a 10.5% return on equity for investors and settled at 9.7%, Ives said, calling it a “significant move.” Evergy ROE currently is set at 9.4% by the commission.

“It may be a little bit low from our view of a peer utility perspective, but it certainly is within the range of reasonableness and within a range that we feel comfortable that we can tell our investors that Kansas is supportive of continued investment and continued economic development in the state,” he said.

Ives said the settlement agreement was “moderate to slightly below average” compared to peer states and utilities.

Other Midwest utilities, such as Ameren and Xcel Energy, reported return on equities of more than 10%, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/AEE/ameren/roe" target="_blank">data on Macrotrends.</a>

Panasonic’s new $4 billion battery plant in De Soto is a new customer on Evergy’s grid that has the potential to bring in large revenue increases over time. In the settlement agreement, Evergy and KCC staff had opposing views on how to share those revenues between investors and ratepayers, Ives said.

Commissioner Dwight Keen asked Ives to explain his willingness to agree to a completely different outcome than Ives expressed in prefiled testimony.

The issue was whether the company would keep 100% of the Panasonic revenue increases between rate cases. Ives said he felt that should be the case, as Evergy is responsible for all costs between cases.

Staff took the opposite viewpoint, and parties to the settlement agreement compromised. If Evergy, between this current rate case and the next, reached the 9.7% ROE, then 50% of Panasonic’s revenue would be shared back to consumers.

Keen noted that ensuring fairness between investors and ratepayers is important work of KCC.

“The balancing proposition we have is between making sure that the monopolies, the utilities, we regulate can derive a fair rate of return, on the one hand,” he said. “We have to balance that against the affordability to the ratepayers.”

Commissioner Andrew French questioned Ives “out of curiosity” about&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/11/panasonic-to-delay-production-at-kansas-battery-plant-as-electric-car-sales-decline-policies-shift/">media reports that Panasonic would not achieve full production</a>&nbsp;on its original schedule. He said a Bloomberg interview with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-07-14/bloomberg-tech-7-14-2025-video" target="_blank">Panasonic North American president Megan Myungwon Lee</a>&nbsp;indicated that was misinformation and that the plant would be at full production by the end of the year.

Panasonic spokeswoman Alison Klooster, responding to a Kansas Reflector inquiry, said in an email the company would not be at full production by the end of the year.

“Megan Lee was referring to De Soto getting to the point of full&nbsp;mass&nbsp;production this year, meaning that the lines that are currently operational will reach that point of full mass production,” Klooster said. “She was not referring to the current maximum planned production capacity of the entire facility.”

In response to questions whether the company still planned to meet its full production capacity by the original date of spring 2027, she said the company is excited to have begun production.&nbsp;

“It has always been our plan to grow our North American business in a sustainable manner within the market,” she said. “We have seen 11% growth in U.S. electric vehicle sales in Q1 this year compared with last year, and we are carefully assessing demand trends to expand production capacity while responding to the needs and requests of our customers.

KCC will make a decision on the rate case by Sept. 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753292958707.png" alt=" Kansas Corporation Commissioner Dwight Keen questioned Evergy officials about why they were willing to accept a settlement of about $69 million less than they originally requested. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Corporation Commissioner Dwight Keen questioned Evergy officials about why they were willing to accept a settlement of about $69 million less than they originally requested. (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>TOPEKA — Regulators questioned Evergy officials Monday about its rate case, honing in on why the company was willing to accept a $69 million decrease from its initial request.Evergy had asked the Kansas Corporation Commission for a $197 million base rate increase. Instead, after hours of negotiations with KCC staff, attorneys for industrial consumers, the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board and others, they&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/16/evergy-kansas-agreement-raises-residential-base-rates-9-6-pending-regulator-approval/">agreed to a $128 million increase</a>.The unanimous settlement agreement increases residential base rates by 9.6%, which will bump an average homeowner’s bill by about $9 per month.Darrin Ives, Evergy vice president for regulatory affairs, said much of the difference in the two amounts is attributed to a lower return on equity and changes to capital structure. Capital structure affects how the utility finances and manages its operations.Evergy asked for a 10.5% return on equity for investors and settled at 9.7%, Ives said, calling it a “significant move.” Evergy ROE currently is set at 9.4% by the commission.“It may be a little bit low from our view of a peer utility perspective, but it certainly is within the range of reasonableness and within a range that we feel comfortable that we can tell our investors that Kansas is supportive of continued investment and continued economic development in the state,” he said.Ives said the settlement agreement was “moderate to slightly below average” compared to peer states and utilities.Other Midwest utilities, such as Ameren and Xcel Energy, reported return on equities of more than 10%, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/AEE/ameren/roe" target="_blank">data on Macrotrends.</a><h2>Panasonic allocations</h2>Panasonic’s new $4 billion battery plant in De Soto is a new customer on Evergy’s grid that has the potential to bring in large revenue increases over time. In the settlement agreement, Evergy and KCC staff had opposing views on how to share those revenues between investors and ratepayers, Ives said.Commissioner Dwight Keen asked Ives to explain his willingness to agree to a completely different outcome than Ives expressed in prefiled testimony.The issue was whether the company would keep 100% of the Panasonic revenue increases between rate cases. Ives said he felt that should be the case, as Evergy is responsible for all costs between cases.Staff took the opposite viewpoint, and parties to the settlement agreement compromised. If Evergy, between this current rate case and the next, reached the 9.7% ROE, then 50% of Panasonic’s revenue would be shared back to consumers.Keen noted that ensuring fairness between investors and ratepayers is important work of KCC.“The balancing proposition we have is between making sure that the monopolies, the utilities, we regulate can derive a fair rate of return, on the one hand,” he said. “We have to balance that against the affordability to the ratepayers.”<h2>Panasonic production</h2>Commissioner Andrew French questioned Ives “out of curiosity” about&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/11/panasonic-to-delay-production-at-kansas-battery-plant-as-electric-car-sales-decline-policies-shift/">media reports that Panasonic would not achieve full production</a>&nbsp;on its original schedule. He said a Bloomberg interview with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-07-14/bloomberg-tech-7-14-2025-video" target="_blank">Panasonic North American president Megan Myungwon Lee</a>&nbsp;indicated that was misinformation and that the plant would be at full production by the end of the year.Panasonic spokeswoman Alison Klooster, responding to a Kansas Reflector inquiry, said in an email the company would not be at full production by the end of the year.“Megan Lee was referring to De Soto getting to the point of full&nbsp;mass&nbsp;production this year, meaning that the lines that are currently operational will reach that point of full mass production,” Klooster said. “She was not referring to the current maximum planned production capacity of the entire facility.”In response to questions whether the company still planned to meet its full production capacity by the original date of spring 2027, she said the company is excited to have begun production.&nbsp;“It has always been our plan to grow our North American business in a sustainable manner within the market,” she said. “We have seen 11% growth in U.S. electric vehicle sales in Q1 this year compared with last year, and we are carefully assessing demand trends to expand production capacity while responding to the needs and requests of our customers.KCC will make a decision on the rate case by Sept. 29.

Kansas regulators question Evergy about rate increases, Panasonic revenue

CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement are investigating a Missouri State Park Ranger for alleged sexual assault.

On Monday, Camden County Sheriff&nbsp;Chris Edgar confirmed the arrest of 34-year-old Billy G Stephens III, a suspect in a sexual assault investigation. 

Stephens, a Missouri State Park Ranger, was taken into custody late Saturday night while on duty.

On July 19th, Camden County Sheriff’s Detectives conducted an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving an active-duty Missouri State Park Ranger. After attending a forensic interview of an alleged child victim, detectives contacted command staff at the Missouri State Park Rangers and advised them of the situation.

 Rangers command staff cooperated fully with the investigation and assisted in devising a plan to take Stephens into custody. Stephens was arrested at the Camden County Adult Detention Facility. He is charged with the Class B Felony of 2nd Degree Child Molestation, two counts of the Class D Felony of Statutory Rape, the Class D Felony of Tampering with a Witness, and the Class E Felony of Tampering with Physical Evidence.  He is being held without bond 

A statement from the sheriff's office said, "The allegations against Stephens are disturbing and, frankly, a betrayal of the trust our community puts in its law enforcement officers. This office is committed to the equal administration of justice regardless of a suspect’s status as a law enforcement officer."

"While this office does not regularly put out press release information on sex crimes cases, I felt in this case the public needed to know about the alleged misconduct of one of their law enforcement officers."&nbsp;

"We are extremely grateful to the Missouri State Park Rangers for their assistance in this investigation and their commitment to helping us fight crime in our communities.  We will not waiver when it comes to our pursuit of justice. No one gets a pass from us.  A personal message to all law enforcement officers in Camden County and the surrounding communities This is the second local law enforcement officer this month my staff has arrested for felony crimes. Let this be a warning to you. If you are a law enforcement officer and you are involved in criminal activity; we will find you. We will not harbor you. We will hold you accountable."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753180737433.png" alt="Stephens photo Camden County" />
 <figcaption>Stephens photo Camden County</figcaption>
 </figure>CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement are investigating a Missouri State Park Ranger for alleged sexual assault.On Monday, Camden County Sheriff&nbsp;Chris Edgar confirmed the arrest of 34-year-old Billy G Stephens III, a suspect in a sexual assault investigation. Stephens, a Missouri State Park Ranger, was taken into custody late Saturday night while on duty.On July 19th, Camden County Sheriff’s Detectives conducted an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving an active-duty Missouri State Park Ranger. After attending a forensic interview of an alleged child victim, detectives contacted command staff at the Missouri State Park Rangers and advised them of the situation. Rangers command staff cooperated fully with the investigation and assisted in devising a plan to take Stephens into custody. Stephens was arrested at the Camden County Adult Detention Facility. He is charged with the Class B Felony of 2nd Degree Child Molestation, two counts of the Class D Felony of Statutory Rape, the Class D Felony of Tampering with a Witness, and the Class E Felony of Tampering with Physical Evidence. He is being held without bond A statement from the sheriff's office said, "The allegations against Stephens are disturbing and, frankly, a betrayal of the trust our community puts in its law enforcement officers. This office is committed to the equal administration of justice regardless of a suspect’s status as a law enforcement officer." "While this office does not regularly put out press release information on sex crimes cases, I felt in this case the public needed to know about the alleged misconduct of one of their law enforcement officers."&nbsp;"We are extremely grateful to the Missouri State Park Rangers for their assistance in this investigation and their commitment to helping us fight crime in our communities. We will not waiver when it comes to our pursuit of justice. No one gets a pass from us. A personal message to all law enforcement officers in Camden County and the surrounding communities This is the second local law enforcement officer this month my staff has arrested for felony crimes. Let this be a warning to you. If you are a law enforcement officer and you are involved in criminal activity; we will find you. We will not harbor you. We will hold you accountable."

Sheriff: Park ranger accused of child sex crimes

RILEY COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a burglary in Manhattan and asking the public for help with information.

Just after 1:30p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for burglary in the 1800 block of Priboth Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Jeffery Jones reported an unknown suspect took 80 pheasants and three firearms. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $3,000. 

Anyone with information, contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a burglary in Manhattan and asking the public for help with information.Just after 1:30p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for burglary in the 1800 block of Priboth Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Jeffery Jones reported an unknown suspect took 80 pheasants and three firearms. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $3,000. Anyone with information, contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000.

Police: Kan. burglary suspect took 80 pheasants, 3 firearms

COLES COUNTY, Illinois –A Kansas Amber Alert suspect is in custody and police in Illinois released new details on the capture of 32-year-old&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Christopher K. Barnshaw.

Just after noon Tuesday, police in Mattoon, Illinois, were notified that a suspect in a kidnapping incident in Topeka was possibly in their city, according to a media release from police.

Police in Topeka reported that Barshaw was believed to be a suspect in the death of a man and woman the 500 Block of NE Wabash in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Daniel Garrett. Barnshaw was also believed to have taken a child of one of the victims and fled the area. He was reported to be driving a Lexus passenger vehicle bearing Kansas License 4003AHF.

At 12:16p.m. a police officer in Mattoon, who was actively on a traffic stop on Route 16 observed the suspect vehicle pass him.&nbsp; The officer cleared from the traffic stop and began following the suspect in the Lexus eastboun toward Charleston, Illinois. After several other officers arrived in the area, they conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle at the intersection of Route 16 and Beechtree Road.&nbsp; Barnshaw was take into custody without incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the arrest, officers found a firearm concealed on Barnshaw.&nbsp; The 2-year-old boy who the subject of the Amber Alert was in the back seat unharmed.

Barnshaw is being held in the Coles County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Mattoon Police are working with Topeka Police.&nbsp; Barshaw could face additional charges.&nbsp; Arrangements are being made to reunite the&nbsp; child with a family member.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753203309827.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>COLES COUNTY, Illinois –A Kansas Amber Alert suspect is in custody and police in Illinois released new details on the capture of 32-year-old&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Christopher K. Barnshaw.Just after noon Tuesday, police in Mattoon, Illinois, were notified that a suspect in a kidnapping incident in Topeka was possibly in their city, according to a media release from police.Police in Topeka reported that Barshaw was believed to be a suspect in the death of a man and woman the 500 Block of NE Wabash in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Daniel Garrett. Barnshaw was also believed to have taken a child of one of the victims and fled the area. He was reported to be driving a Lexus passenger vehicle bearing Kansas License 4003AHF.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753228568726.png" alt="Barnshaw photo Coles Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Barnshaw photo Coles Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>At 12:16p.m. a police officer in Mattoon, who was actively on a traffic stop on Route 16 observed the suspect vehicle pass him.&nbsp; The officer cleared from the traffic stop and began following the suspect in the Lexus eastboun toward Charleston, Illinois. After several other officers arrived in the area, they conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle at the intersection of Route 16 and Beechtree Road.&nbsp; Barnshaw was take into custody without incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the arrest, officers found a firearm concealed on Barnshaw.&nbsp; The 2-year-old boy who the subject of the Amber Alert was in the back seat unharmed.Barnshaw is being held in the Coles County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Mattoon Police are working with Topeka Police.&nbsp; Barshaw could face additional charges.&nbsp; Arrangements are being made to reunite the&nbsp; child with a family member.

Police: Kan. Amber Alert suspect took child after double-murder

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>

WASHINGTON — House Republicans are headed home early for their August break after an uproar over the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files all but halted any possibility of floor action.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday he’s sending his members back to their districts until September to avoid “political games” relating to a bipartisan effort pressuring the release of government investigative documents on Epstein. The financier was a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/01/us/jeffrey-epstein-grand-jury" target="_blank">Florida sex offender</a>&nbsp;who died by suicide in 2019 in his New York City jail cell, according to authorities, where he was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Epstein enjoyed a wide circle of wealthy, powerful friends, including President Donald Trump. The Wall Street Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/trump-jeffrey-epstein-birthday-letter-we-have-certain-things-in-common-f918d796?mod=Searchresults_pos1&amp;page=1" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;Friday that it reviewed a 2003 birthday greeting from Trump to Epstein featuring a cryptic message and hand-drawn naked woman, leading Trump to promptly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23g5xpggzmo" target="_blank">sue</a>&nbsp;the publication.

“We’re for maximum transparency. We’re engaging in that right now. We don’t need political games,” Johnson said at a weekly press conference where the Louisiana Republican was asked about an effort by his own members to compel the release of case material.

GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has joined California Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna in spearheading an effort to force a vote on releasing what are commonly referred to as the Epstein files. The procedural move, called a discharge petition, could be ready for the floor in September if Massie and Khanna can gather signatures from a majority of members.

<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>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>WASHINGTON — House Republicans are headed home early for their August break after an uproar over the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files all but halted any possibility of floor action.House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday he’s sending his members back to their districts until September to avoid “political games” relating to a bipartisan effort pressuring the release of government investigative documents on Epstein. The financier was a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/01/us/jeffrey-epstein-grand-jury" target="_blank">Florida sex offender</a>&nbsp;who died by suicide in 2019 in his New York City jail cell, according to authorities, where he was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.Epstein enjoyed a wide circle of wealthy, powerful friends, including President Donald Trump. The Wall Street Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/trump-jeffrey-epstein-birthday-letter-we-have-certain-things-in-common-f918d796?mod=Searchresults_pos1&amp;page=1" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;Friday that it reviewed a 2003 birthday greeting from Trump to Epstein featuring a cryptic message and hand-drawn naked woman, leading Trump to promptly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23g5xpggzmo" target="_blank">sue</a>&nbsp;the publication.“We’re for maximum transparency. We’re engaging in that right now. We don’t need political games,” Johnson said at a weekly press conference where the Louisiana Republican was asked about an effort by his own members to compel the release of case material.GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has joined California Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna in spearheading an effort to force a vote on releasing what are commonly referred to as the Epstein files. The procedural move, called a discharge petition, could be ready for the floor in September if Massie and Khanna can gather signatures from a majority of members.“I don’t understand Thomas Massie’s motivation. I really don’t. I don’t know how his mind works,” Johnson continued.He said the White House needs “space” to produce documents and is “in the process” of releasing materials related to the Epstein case.“There’s no purpose for Congress to push the administration to do something it’s already doing,” he said.On a separate track, the GOP-led House Rules Committee, the last stop for legislation before it reaches the floor, recessed Monday evening before Democrats on the panel could force their Republican counterparts to vote on amendments related to release of the Epstein information.The bills stuck in that committee, largely to do with immigration, permitting and public lands, will no longer go to the floor this week.Last floor votes are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. House members will not return until Sept. 2.<h2>Interview sought with Ghislaine Maxwell</h2>Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TheJusticeDept/status/1947670804122001581" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;on social media Tuesday that federal prosecutors are seeking an interview with Epstein’s one-time girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a lengthy prison sentence for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/ghislaine-maxwell-sentenced-20-years-prison-conspiring-jeffrey-epstein-sexually-abuse" target="_blank">conspiring</a>&nbsp;with the financier to sexually abuse girls.Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Tuesday that the department’s attempt to interview Maxwell “sounds appropriate,” adding that he was uninformed about the matter and downplaying the relevance of the Epstein case.“I don’t know about it, but I think it’s something that … sounds appropriate,” he said.Blanche was Trump’s personal criminal defense attorney. Asked if Blanche’s involvement in the interview raised any concerns, Trump said no. Democrats have used Trump’s social relationship with Epstein to imply he may have been aware of Epstein’s illegal activities.Trump urged reporters to drop the Epstein case and instead focus on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/19/politics/gabbard-threatens-obama-officials-2016-election" target="_blank">recent declaration</a>&nbsp;from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard that former President Barack Obama improperly ordered an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election that Trump eventually won. Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://democrats-intelligence.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1397" target="_blank">denounced</a>&nbsp;the report.<h2>Trump tries to dismiss Epstein uproar</h2>Trump has spent the last couple weeks dismissing loud concerns from Republicans and his voter base since a July 7 Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1407001/dl?inline" target="_blank">memo</a>&nbsp;denied the existence of an Epstein “client list” and concluded the department would not publish any of the files.After receiving intense criticism, Trump ordered the department on July 17 to release grand jury testimony in the case.The president called his supporters “weaklings” for expressing concern about the Epstein “hoax,” in a July 16 post on his online platform Truth Social. Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-asked-if-his-name-appears-in-epstein-files-trump-claims-comey-obama-and-biden-made-them-up" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;reporters last week that the so-called Epstein files were “made up” by former presidents Obama and Joe Biden.The president’s supporters, including members of his current administration, have fixated for years on unreleased details surrounding the financier’s involvement in sex trafficking, including possible names of clients and the circumstances around Epstein’s death.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/1180481/dl" target="_blank">federal charging documents</a>, Epstein sexually abused dozens of teenage girls at his residences in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida. The Justice Department has concluded that Epstein likely had more than 1,000&nbsp;<a href="http://victims.to/" target="_blank">victims</a>.Jacob Fischler contributed to this report.