KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City Chiefs superfan known as “ChiefsAholic” and familiar for attending games dressed as a wolf in the NFL team's gear has been indicted by a federal grand jury that accuses him of armed robbery and money laundering in a string of bank heists across four states that netted him almost $700,000.

Xaviar Babudar robbed six banks — and tried unsuccessfully three other times — and laundered the proceeds at casinos and sportsbooks, according to the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Missouri. The 19-count indictment handed down Wednesday replaces and supplements a criminal complaint filed against Babudar in May.

Babudar, 29, is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, said his attorney, Matthew T. Merryman.

“It’s now the fourth quarter of the most important game of Xaviar’s life,” Merryman said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. "And his legal team believes his innocence will ultimately be proven to the public and we are confident that once all of the facts are known that he will be redeemed in the eyes of his supporters, admirers and the Chiefs Kingdom.”

According to the U.S. attorney's office, Babudar robbed banks and credit unions in Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and Oklahoma and used money to finance his Chiefs fandom. The charges include three counts of armed bank robbery, one count of bank theft, 11 counts of money laundering and four counts of transporting stolen property across state lines.

Babudar was active on social media as “ChiefsAholic” and was well known for attending home and road games dressed in his wolf costume. The indictment says he used some of the robbery loot to bet on the team to win the Super Bowl and for quarterback Patrick Mahomes to win the game’s MVP Award — bets that turned $10,000 into $100,000.

After receiving a check for his winnings, Babudar, who had been charged with robbing a Tulsa credit union and was out on bond, cut his ankle monitor and fled the state, the U.S. attorney said in a news release. He was arrested in California last month and remains in federal custody without bond, the release said.

“The government’s announcement today of its 19-count indictment provides an unfair and unjust portrayal of Xaviar," Merryman said. “The truth is that since 2018 Xaviar Babudar, aka ‘ChiefsAholic’ has entertained, inspired, unified and motivated Kansas Citians, the Chiefs Kingdom and hundreds of millions of football fans around the globe.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City Chiefs superfan known as “ChiefsAholic” and familiar for attending games dressed as a wolf in the NFL team's gear has been indicted by a federal grand jury that accuses him of armed robbery and money laundering in a string of bank heists across four states that netted him almost $700,000.Xaviar Babudar robbed six banks — and tried unsuccessfully three other times — and laundered the proceeds at casinos and sportsbooks, according to the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Missouri. The 19-count indictment handed down Wednesday replaces and supplements a criminal complaint filed against Babudar in May.Babudar, 29, is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, said his attorney, Matthew T. Merryman.“It’s now the fourth quarter of the most important game of Xaviar’s life,” Merryman said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. "And his legal team believes his innocence will ultimately be proven to the public and we are confident that once all of the facts are known that he will be redeemed in the eyes of his supporters, admirers and the Chiefs Kingdom.”According to the U.S. attorney's office, Babudar robbed banks and credit unions in Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and Oklahoma and used money to finance his Chiefs fandom. The charges include three counts of armed bank robbery, one count of bank theft, 11 counts of money laundering and four counts of transporting stolen property across state lines.Babudar was active on social media as “ChiefsAholic” and was well known for attending home and road games dressed in his wolf costume. The indictment says he used some of the robbery loot to bet on the team to win the Super Bowl and for quarterback Patrick Mahomes to win the game’s MVP Award — bets that turned $10,000 into $100,000.After receiving a check for his winnings, Babudar, who had been charged with robbing a Tulsa credit union and was out on bond, cut his ankle monitor and fled the state, the U.S. attorney said in a news release. He was arrested in California last month and remains in federal custody without bond, the release said.“The government’s announcement today of its 19-count indictment provides an unfair and unjust portrayal of Xaviar," Merryman said. “The truth is that since 2018 Xaviar Babudar, aka ‘ChiefsAholic’ has entertained, inspired, unified and motivated Kansas Citians, the Chiefs Kingdom and hundreds of millions of football fans around the globe.”

Kansas City Superfan 'ChiefsAholic' charged with stealing almost $700,000 in bank heists

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigating after an&nbsp;8-year-old girl died after a school bus struck and killed her in Wichita.

Just before 7:30a.m. Wednesday, Sedgwick County Deputies responded to the 3300 block of East Locust where a Derby School District 260, 2012 Yellow Blue Bird School Bus struck&nbsp;8-year-old Harmoney Harper of Wichita, according to Robin Bush with the Sheriff's Department.&nbsp; The girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators believe the child ran into the street and was struck by the oncoming bus while it was driving eastbound on Locust. No charges are anticipated at this time, according to Bush.&nbsp; The family has established an <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/harmony-funeral-fund?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=sms&amp;utm_source=customer">online fundraiser</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692292678760.png" alt="Harmony Harper-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Harmony Harper-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigating after an&nbsp;8-year-old girl died after a school bus struck and killed her in Wichita.Just before 7:30a.m. Wednesday, Sedgwick County Deputies responded to the 3300 block of East Locust where a Derby School District 260, 2012 Yellow Blue Bird School Bus struck&nbsp;8-year-old Harmoney Harper of Wichita, according to Robin Bush with the Sheriff's Department.&nbsp; The girl was pronounced dead at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692221177825.png" alt="Sheriff's deputies at the scene of the fatal accident early Wednesday-photo courtesy KWCH TV" />
 <figcaption>Sheriff's deputies at the scene of the fatal accident early Wednesday-photo courtesy KWCH TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators believe the child ran into the street and was struck by the oncoming bus while it was driving eastbound on Locust. No charges are anticipated at this time, according to Bush.&nbsp; The family has established an <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/harmony-funeral-fund?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=sms&amp;utm_source=customer">online fundraiser</a>.

Sheriff: No charges expected in accident that killed Kan. girl

SEDGWICK COUNTY —For second time in three months, law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism at the Great Plains Transportation Museum, 700 East Douglas in Wichita.

On July 22, vandals caused thousands of dollars in damage at the museum and police need the public's help&nbsp;with information on suspects.

In May, vandals damaged museum equipment on display adjacent to the Union Station platform level in Old Town including a locomotive, passenger car, two cabooses and a converted passenger car used as a repair and fabrication shop. A museum building window was also smashed.&nbsp;The Wichita Police Department apprehended three suspects for those crimes.

If you have any information about the suspect in the recent vandalism, please call Crime Stoppers of Wichita/Sedgwick County at 316-267-2111 or download the free P3 App to submit an ANNONYMOUS tip.If your tip leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a CASH reward of up to $2500!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692316679027.png" alt="Photos Great Plains Transportation Museum" />
 <figcaption>Photos Great Plains Transportation Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —For second time in three months, law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism at the Great Plains Transportation Museum, 700 East Douglas in Wichita.On July 22, vandals caused thousands of dollars in damage at the museum and police need the public's help&nbsp;with information on suspects.In May, vandals damaged museum equipment on display adjacent to the Union Station platform level in Old Town including a locomotive, passenger car, two cabooses and a converted passenger car used as a repair and fabrication shop. A museum building window was also smashed.&nbsp;The Wichita Police Department apprehended three suspects for those crimes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692316657209.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you have any information about the suspect in the recent vandalism, please call Crime Stoppers of Wichita/Sedgwick County at 316-267-2111 or download the free P3 App to submit an ANNONYMOUS tip.If your tip leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a CASH reward of up to $2500!

Vandals cause damage again at Kansas museum

PAWNEE COUNTY — A corrections officer at the Larned State Correctional Facility accused of&nbsp;distribution of a controlled substance at the Facility made his first court appearance in court Thursday.

 Jessie Smith, II, 51 of Larned,&nbsp;&nbsp;is charged with Possession of 63.0 Grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; and Traffic in Contraband in a Correctional Facility by an Employee, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

 The charges are alleged to have occurred at the Larned State Correctional Facility on August 13, 2023. He was arrested without incident following an internal investigation by the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Smith faces between 92 months and 144 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections depending on his criminal history.

Smith was released on a supervised bond. A Preliminary Hearing has been scheduled for August 31, according to McNett

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692292868798.png" alt="Smith-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY — A corrections officer at the Larned State Correctional Facility accused of&nbsp;distribution of a controlled substance at the Facility made his first court appearance in court Thursday. Jessie Smith, II, 51 of Larned,&nbsp;&nbsp;is charged with Possession of 63.0 Grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; and Traffic in Contraband in a Correctional Facility by an Employee, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. The charges are alleged to have occurred at the Larned State Correctional Facility on August 13, 2023. He was arrested without incident following an internal investigation by the Kansas Department of Corrections.Smith faces between 92 months and 144 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections depending on his criminal history.Smith was released on a supervised bond. A Preliminary Hearing has been scheduled for August 31, according to McNett

Jail officer accused of distributing meth at Kansas prison

NEW YORK (AP) —The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed this week to its highest level in more than 20 years, grim news for would-be homebuyers already challenged by a housing market that remains competitive due to a dearth of homes for sale.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan rose to 7.09% from 6.96% last week. A year ago, the rate averaged 5.13%.

It’s the fourth consecutive weekly increase for the average rate and the highest since early April 2002, when it averaged 7.13%. The last time the average rate was above 7% was last November, when it stood at 7.08%.

High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can afford in a market already unaffordable to many Americans.

“With prices even higher than they were a year ago in many markets, crossing the 7% mortgage rate threshold again could be what sets in motion a major contraction in the housing market this fall,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist for Bright MLS.

The latest increase in rates follows a sharp uptick in the 10-year Treasury yield, which has been above 4% this month and climbing. The yield, which lenders use to price rates on mortgages and other loans, touched its highest level since October on Thursday morning, and it’s close to where it was in 2007.

The yield has been rising as bond traders react to more reports showing the U.S. economy remains remarkably resilient, which could keep upward pressure on inflation, giving the Federal Reserve reason to keep interest rates higher for longer.

“The economy continues to do better than expected and the 10-year Treasury yield has moved up, causing mortgage rates to climb,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Demand has been impacted by affordability headwinds, but low inventory remains the root cause of stalling home sales.”

High inflation drove the Federal Reserve to raise its benchmark interest rate 11 times since March 2022, lifting the fed funds rate to the highest level in 22 years.

Mortgage rates don’t necessarily mirror the Fed’s rate increases, but tend to track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. Investors’ expectations for future inflation, global demand for U.S. Treasurys and what the Fed does with interest rates can influence rates on home loans.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage remains more than double what it was two years ago, when it was just 2.86%. Those ultra-low rates spurred a wave of home sales and refinancing. The sharply higher rates now are contributing to a dearth of available homes, as homeowners who locked in those lower borrowing costs two years ago are now reluctant to sell and jump into a higher rate on a new property.

The lack of housing supply is also a big reason&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-1cab95227f68f2acd36919e6f4594d45">home sales are down 23% through the first half of this year.</a>

The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with those refinancing their homes, rose to 6.46% from 6.34% last week. A year ago, it averaged 4.55%, Freddie Mac said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647549682911.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can afford in a market already unaffordable to many Americans. photo by James Bell" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can afford in a market already unaffordable to many Americans. photo by James Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed this week to its highest level in more than 20 years, grim news for would-be homebuyers already challenged by a housing market that remains competitive due to a dearth of homes for sale.Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan rose to 7.09% from 6.96% last week. A year ago, the rate averaged 5.13%.It’s the fourth consecutive weekly increase for the average rate and the highest since early April 2002, when it averaged 7.13%. The last time the average rate was above 7% was last November, when it stood at 7.08%.High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can afford in a market already unaffordable to many Americans.“With prices even higher than they were a year ago in many markets, crossing the 7% mortgage rate threshold again could be what sets in motion a major contraction in the housing market this fall,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist for Bright MLS.The latest increase in rates follows a sharp uptick in the 10-year Treasury yield, which has been above 4% this month and climbing. The yield, which lenders use to price rates on mortgages and other loans, touched its highest level since October on Thursday morning, and it’s close to where it was in 2007.The yield has been rising as bond traders react to more reports showing the U.S. economy remains remarkably resilient, which could keep upward pressure on inflation, giving the Federal Reserve reason to keep interest rates higher for longer.“The economy continues to do better than expected and the 10-year Treasury yield has moved up, causing mortgage rates to climb,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Demand has been impacted by affordability headwinds, but low inventory remains the root cause of stalling home sales.”High inflation drove the Federal Reserve to raise its benchmark interest rate 11 times since March 2022, lifting the fed funds rate to the highest level in 22 years.Mortgage rates don’t necessarily mirror the Fed’s rate increases, but tend to track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. Investors’ expectations for future inflation, global demand for U.S. Treasurys and what the Fed does with interest rates can influence rates on home loans.The average rate on a 30-year mortgage remains more than double what it was two years ago, when it was just 2.86%. Those ultra-low rates spurred a wave of home sales and refinancing. The sharply higher rates now are contributing to a dearth of available homes, as homeowners who locked in those lower borrowing costs two years ago are now reluctant to sell and jump into a higher rate on a new property.The lack of housing supply is also a big reason&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-1cab95227f68f2acd36919e6f4594d45">home sales are down 23% through the first half of this year.</a>The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with those refinancing their homes, rose to 6.46% from 6.34% last week. A year ago, it averaged 4.55%, Freddie Mac said.

Home buyers in shock: Mortgage rates hit 21-year high

STONE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 11a.m. Thursday in Stone County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Colorado driven by Raymond L. Lasseter, 73, Green Forest, Arkansas, was eastbound on MO 86 two miles north of Blue Eye.

The pickup traveled off the road, struck a ditch and overturned.&nbsp; Lasseter was pronounced dead at Cox Hospital and was transported to Stumpf Funeral Home in Kimberling City. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

STONE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 11a.m. Thursday in Stone County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Colorado driven by Raymond L. Lasseter, 73, Green Forest, Arkansas, was eastbound on MO 86 two miles north of Blue Eye.The pickup traveled off the road, struck a ditch and overturned.&nbsp; Lasseter was pronounced dead at Cox Hospital and was transported to Stumpf Funeral Home in Kimberling City. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Man dies after pickup overturns on Missouri highway

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect on multiple drug allegations.

Just before 1:30 A.M. August 14,, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2007 Honda Odyssey for an alleged traffic violation near 330th Road and U.S. Highway 75. according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; 

During the traffic stop, the driver, Melissa Marie Marshall, 32, of Twin Falls, Idaho, allegedly provided a false name and date of birth to the deputy.&nbsp; &nbsp;

During the stop, a probable cause search of the vehicle led to the discovery of distribution amounts of methamphetamine and psychedelic mushrooms, as well as hallucinogenic drugs and multiple items of drug paraphernalia. 

In addition, a firearm was also recovered from the vehicle. Marshall and the front seat passenger, Joshua Clay McCoy, 42, of Topeka was arrested.

Marshall was jailed on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of hallucinogenic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony interference with law enforcement, criminal use of weapons and driving without a driver’s license.

McCoy was arrested on a requested charge for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of hallucinogenic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692189700918.png" alt="McCoy-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>McCoy-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect on multiple drug allegations.Just before 1:30 A.M. August 14,, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2007 Honda Odyssey for an alleged traffic violation near 330th Road and U.S. Highway 75. according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; During the traffic stop, the driver, Melissa Marie Marshall, 32, of Twin Falls, Idaho, allegedly provided a false name and date of birth to the deputy.&nbsp; &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692189676767.png" alt="Marshall-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Marshall-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the stop, a probable cause search of the vehicle led to the discovery of distribution amounts of methamphetamine and psychedelic mushrooms, as well as hallucinogenic drugs and multiple items of drug paraphernalia. In addition, a firearm was also recovered from the vehicle. Marshall and the front seat passenger, Joshua Clay McCoy, 42, of Topeka was arrested.Marshall was jailed on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of hallucinogenic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony interference with law enforcement, criminal use of weapons and driving without a driver’s license.McCoy was arrested on a requested charge for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of hallucinogenic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement.

Kan. deputy found psychedelic mushrooms, meth during traffic stop

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to 11600 block of Richmond Avenue on a reported sound of shots, while enroute the call was upgraded to a shooting, according to&nbsp;Captain Corey Carlisle. At the scene, officers located a boy later identified as 15-year-0ld Tywonn S. Greene lying in the parking lot suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. EMS arrived on scene and declared him deceased.&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a subject of interest in custody. Detectives are not seeking any other subjects.&nbsp; Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to process the scene and to recover any evidence and speak to any potential witnesses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting.Just after 12:30 a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to 11600 block of Richmond Avenue on a reported sound of shots, while enroute the call was upgraded to a shooting, according to&nbsp;Captain Corey Carlisle. At the scene, officers located a boy later identified as 15-year-0ld Tywonn S. Greene lying in the parking lot suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. EMS arrived on scene and declared him deceased.&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a subject of interest in custody. Detectives are not seeking any other subjects.&nbsp; Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to process the scene and to recover any evidence and speak to any potential witnesses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Homicide: 15-year-old dead in Kansas City shooting

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Canadian woman was sentenced to nearly 22 years in prison in Washington Thursday in the mailing of a threatening letter containing the poison ricin to then-President Donald Trump at the White House.

Pascale Ferrier, 56, had pleaded guilty to violating biological weapons prohibitions in letters sent to Trump and to police officials in Texas, where she had been jailed in 2019 after refusing to leave a park area as it closed.

Her defense attorney Eugene Ohm said Ferrier has no criminal record prior that and is an “inordinately intelligent” French immigrant who had earned a master’s degree in engineering and raised two children as a single parent.

But in September 2020, prosecutors said Ferrier made the ricin, a potentially deadly poison derived from processing castor beans, then mailed it to Trump with a letter that referred to him as “The Ugly Tyrant Clown” and read in part: “If it doesn’t work, I’ll find better recipe for another poison, or I might use my gun when I’ll be able to come. Enjoy! FREE REBEL SPIRIT.”

The letter from Pascale Ferrier, which also told Trump “give up and remove your application for this election,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-news-arrests-quebec-politics-f4806754642c2075a4ddb1f04d4441f5">was intercepted</a>&nbsp;at a mail sorting facility in September 2020, before it could reach the White House.

She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-arrests-canada-donald-trump-2a1c3de40cebc39dab6a4e04d342e631">was arrested</a>&nbsp;trying to enter a border crossing in Buffalo, New York, carrying a gun, a knife and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, authorities said. Investigators also found eight similar letters to Texas officials.

In a winding speech, Ferrier told the judge that she considers herself a “peaceful and genuinely kind person,” but gets angry about problems like unfairness, abuses of power and “stupid rules." She spoke about feeling like she had done little to support her values while raising her children, and considered herself to be an “activist” rather than a “terrorist.”

“I want to find peaceful means to achieve my goals,” she said.

U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich handed down the 262-month sentence outlined in a plea agreement with prosecutors, which also requires Ferrier to leave the country once she is released and be under supervised release for life if she ever returns to the U.S.

The judge noted a “real disconnect" between the Canadian grandmother who has worked toward another degree while behind bars and the crimes Ferrier pleaded guilty to. “That isn't really activism, that's productive,” she said.

Prosecutor Michael Freedman said the sentence was an “appropriately harsh punishment” that sends a clear message.

“There is absolutely no place for politically motivated violence in the United States of America,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600785018276.png" alt="Pascale Ferrier" />
 <figcaption>Pascale Ferrier</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A Canadian woman was sentenced to nearly 22 years in prison in Washington Thursday in the mailing of a threatening letter containing the poison ricin to then-President Donald Trump at the White House.Pascale Ferrier, 56, had pleaded guilty to violating biological weapons prohibitions in letters sent to Trump and to police officials in Texas, where she had been jailed in 2019 after refusing to leave a park area as it closed.Her defense attorney Eugene Ohm said Ferrier has no criminal record prior that and is an “inordinately intelligent” French immigrant who had earned a master’s degree in engineering and raised two children as a single parent.But in September 2020, prosecutors said Ferrier made the ricin, a potentially deadly poison derived from processing castor beans, then mailed it to Trump with a letter that referred to him as “The Ugly Tyrant Clown” and read in part: “If it doesn’t work, I’ll find better recipe for another poison, or I might use my gun when I’ll be able to come. Enjoy! FREE REBEL SPIRIT.”The letter from Pascale Ferrier, which also told Trump “give up and remove your application for this election,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-us-news-arrests-quebec-politics-f4806754642c2075a4ddb1f04d4441f5">was intercepted</a>&nbsp;at a mail sorting facility in September 2020, before it could reach the White House.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692295294433.png" alt="RCMP officers in St. Hubert, Canada, prepare to enter an apartment complex in connection with the mailing of ricin to President Trump -photo courtesy Royal Canadian Mounted Police" />
 <figcaption>RCMP officers in St. Hubert, Canada, prepare to enter an apartment complex in connection with the mailing of ricin to President Trump -photo courtesy Royal Canadian Mounted Police</figcaption>
 </figure>She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-arrests-canada-donald-trump-2a1c3de40cebc39dab6a4e04d342e631">was arrested</a>&nbsp;trying to enter a border crossing in Buffalo, New York, carrying a gun, a knife and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, authorities said. Investigators also found eight similar letters to Texas officials.In a winding speech, Ferrier told the judge that she considers herself a “peaceful and genuinely kind person,” but gets angry about problems like unfairness, abuses of power and “stupid rules." She spoke about feeling like she had done little to support her values while raising her children, and considered herself to be an “activist” rather than a “terrorist.”“I want to find peaceful means to achieve my goals,” she said.U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich handed down the 262-month sentence outlined in a plea agreement with prosecutors, which also requires Ferrier to leave the country once she is released and be under supervised release for life if she ever returns to the U.S.The judge noted a “real disconnect" between the Canadian grandmother who has worked toward another degree while behind bars and the crimes Ferrier pleaded guilty to. “That isn't really activism, that's productive,” she said.Prosecutor Michael Freedman said the sentence was an “appropriately harsh punishment” that sends a clear message.“There is absolutely no place for politically motivated violence in the United States of America,” he said.

Woman sentenced for sending poisoned letter to Trump in White House

IOLA, Kansas—Nine people including 8 women inmates from the Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) were injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Thursday in Allen County.

The TCF inmates had just finished their 3-11 p.m. shift at the Russell Stover plant in Iola and were returning to Topeka, according to David Thompson with the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The&nbsp; transport bus carrying 21 inmates&nbsp;&nbsp;turned onto Highway 169 and collided with a semi.&nbsp; The bus driver was seriously injured and transported to a Kansas City area hospital.

Eight inmates ere injured including 3 with bone fractures. All eight are expected to recover, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The 13 other residents reported no injuries and were transported back to the worksite. As a precautionary measure, they were sent to a local hospital for assessment.

KDOC continues to work with law enforcement to determine the cause of the accident.

The Topeka Correctional Facility is the only correctional facility for female adults operated by the Kansas Department of Corrections. The current population is 762 women.

IOLA, Kansas—Nine people including 8 women inmates from the Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) were injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Thursday in Allen County.The TCF inmates had just finished their 3-11 p.m. shift at the Russell Stover plant in Iola and were returning to Topeka, according to David Thompson with the Kansas Department of Corrections.The&nbsp; transport bus carrying 21 inmates&nbsp;&nbsp;turned onto Highway 169 and collided with a semi.&nbsp; The bus driver was seriously injured and transported to a Kansas City area hospital.Eight inmates ere injured including 3 with bone fractures. All eight are expected to recover, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.The 13 other residents reported no injuries and were transported back to the worksite. As a precautionary measure, they were sent to a local hospital for assessment.KDOC continues to work with law enforcement to determine the cause of the accident.The Topeka Correctional Facility is the only correctional facility for female adults operated by the Kansas Department of Corrections. The current population is 762 women.

Kan. women inmates injured in bus, semi crash leaving job site

By ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice and Department of Education&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/ocr-questionsandanswers-tvi-20230814.pdf?utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_name=&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=">jointly released guidance&nbsp;</a>this week&nbsp;to colleges and universities about how to consider race in admissions decisions, following the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2023/06/29/us-supreme-court-strikes-down-use-of-affirmative-action-in-college-admissions/">Supreme Court’s summer decision</a>&nbsp;that struck down affirmative action in higher education.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, on a call with reporters, said higher education institutions can continue to participate in targeted outreach programs in underserved communities as a way to recruit students from a diverse background.

“Remember, nothing in the court’s decision denied the value of diversity in education,” he said.

Cardona said in the coming weeks, the agency will issue a report that outlines comprehensive strategies for colleges and universities to “lawfully cultivate diverse applicant pools and achieve (a) diverse student body.”

“These resources provide some clarity about the admissions practices for achieving racial diversity that remain lawful,” Cardona said.

On June 29, in a 6-3 decision, the conservative bloc of the Supreme Court ruled that the admissions processes at Harvard University and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ncnewsline.com/2023/06/29/unc-leaders-faculty-and-political-leaders-react-to-u-s-supreme-court-decision-on-admissions/">the University of North Carolina</a>&nbsp;violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment because those institutions considered race in acceptances.

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-20230814.pdf?utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_name=&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=">guidance</a>&nbsp;acknowledges that following the Supreme Court’s decision,&nbsp; higher institutions may have to redouble “efforts to recruit and retain talented students from underserved communities, including those with large numbers of students of color.” Some of those efforts might also include a “greater focus on fostering a sense of belonging for students currently enrolled,” according to the guidance.

Colleges and universities can also partner with school districts in underserved communities by “supporting improved access to high quality advanced courses, and investing time and resources into programs that identify and nurture students’ potential.” By doing so, “colleges and universities can ensure that more students will be prepared to apply to colleges and universities, gain admission, succeed, and graduate,” the department said.

Associate Attorney General of the United States Vanita Gupta said on the call with reporters that the Supreme Court’s decision “should not be used as an excuse to turn away from long-standing efforts to make those institutions more inclusive.”

“On the top line issue of considering race and admissions, colleges and universities can and should continue to ensure that their doors are open to those students of all backgrounds, including students of color, who possess the characteristics necessary to succeed and contribute on college campuses and in the world,” Gupta said.

The guidance clarifies that the court’s decision does not prevent higher education institutions from reviewing data on race and ethnicity, but that “institutions should ensure that the racial demographics of the applicant pool do not influence admissions decisions.”

The top Democrat on the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee, Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, said in a statement that Monday’s guidance “can serve as a resource to help colleges and universities understand the Court’s decision as they commit to pursue diverse campuses.”

He added that the Department of Education should also investigate “how race unjustly permeates many other policies and practices in our educational system.”

“This is important because race-conscious admissions policies were able to provide a counterbalance to factors — such as inequitable K-12 schools, racially biased admissions tests, and developmental and legacy admissions — that have discriminatory impact against students of color,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569013305712.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice and Department of Education&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/ocr-questionsandanswers-tvi-20230814.pdf?utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_name=&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=">jointly released guidance&nbsp;</a>this week&nbsp;to colleges and universities about how to consider race in admissions decisions, following the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2023/06/29/us-supreme-court-strikes-down-use-of-affirmative-action-in-college-admissions/">Supreme Court’s summer decision</a>&nbsp;that struck down affirmative action in higher education.Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, on a call with reporters, said higher education institutions can continue to participate in targeted outreach programs in underserved communities as a way to recruit students from a diverse background.“Remember, nothing in the court’s decision denied the value of diversity in education,” he said.Cardona said in the coming weeks, the agency will issue a report that outlines comprehensive strategies for colleges and universities to “lawfully cultivate diverse applicant pools and achieve (a) diverse student body.”“These resources provide some clarity about the admissions practices for achieving racial diversity that remain lawful,” Cardona said.On June 29, in a 6-3 decision, the conservative bloc of the Supreme Court ruled that the admissions processes at Harvard University and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ncnewsline.com/2023/06/29/unc-leaders-faculty-and-political-leaders-react-to-u-s-supreme-court-decision-on-admissions/">the University of North Carolina</a>&nbsp;violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment because those institutions considered race in acceptances.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-20230814.pdf?utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_name=&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=">guidance</a>&nbsp;acknowledges that following the Supreme Court’s decision,&nbsp; higher institutions may have to redouble “efforts to recruit and retain talented students from underserved communities, including those with large numbers of students of color.” Some of those efforts might also include a “greater focus on fostering a sense of belonging for students currently enrolled,” according to the guidance.Colleges and universities can also partner with school districts in underserved communities by “supporting improved access to high quality advanced courses, and investing time and resources into programs that identify and nurture students’ potential.” By doing so, “colleges and universities can ensure that more students will be prepared to apply to colleges and universities, gain admission, succeed, and graduate,” the department said.Associate Attorney General of the United States Vanita Gupta said on the call with reporters that the Supreme Court’s decision “should not be used as an excuse to turn away from long-standing efforts to make those institutions more inclusive.”“On the top line issue of considering race and admissions, colleges and universities can and should continue to ensure that their doors are open to those students of all backgrounds, including students of color, who possess the characteristics necessary to succeed and contribute on college campuses and in the world,” Gupta said.The guidance clarifies that the court’s decision does not prevent higher education institutions from reviewing data on race and ethnicity, but that “institutions should ensure that the racial demographics of the applicant pool do not influence admissions decisions.”The top Democrat on the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee, Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, said in a statement that Monday’s guidance “can serve as a resource to help colleges and universities understand the Court’s decision as they commit to pursue diverse campuses.”He added that the Department of Education should also investigate “how race unjustly permeates many other policies and practices in our educational system.”“This is important because race-conscious admissions policies were able to provide a counterbalance to factors — such as inequitable K-12 schools, racially biased admissions tests, and developmental and legacy admissions — that have discriminatory impact against students of color,” he said.

Biden administration provides guidance on diversity in college admissions 

White House expresses concern for raid. Magistrate who signed search warrant faces complaint.

BY:&nbsp;SHERMAN SMITH AND TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach says state authorities reviewing alleged crimes associated with the raid of a Marion newspaper are interested in whether someone breached the Kansas Criminal Justice Information System.

Police raided the Marion County Record last week after the newspaper received information from a confidential source about the criminal history of a restaurant owner who wanted a liquor license.

In an interview with reporters Wednesday, Kobach said county officials asked the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to “get involved” after news of the raid brought widespread attention and scrutiny.

“The KBI was not, of course, involved in these searches and was not notified of the searches prior to their taking place,” Kobach said.

He said the KBI agreed to review the case because there were allegations of improper access to information in the KCJIS, and the KBI is the custodian of that system.

KCJIS is a secure system of connected data sources that supports the electronic exchange of information for local, state and national criminal justice interests. Access to KCJIS is restricted to authorized criminal justice agencies and non-criminal justice agencies with a need and right to know.

“That was another reason the KBI responded affirmatively to get involved,” Kobach said.

“Their role as I understand it is not an evaluation of constitutional claims about the raid,” he added.

Marion County Record publisher Eric Meyer praised KBI director Tony Mattivi for his efforts to coordinate the return of property taken from the newspaper office. The computers, cellphones, hard drivers, router and other materials were signed over Wednesday afternoon to a forensic expert who is working for the newspaper. Meyer said he wanted to know whether authorities had accessed those devices after confiscating them in the Aug. 11 raid.

Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed the search warrant that&nbsp;Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody used to seize the newspaper’s equipment, records about the restaurant owner, utility bills, and other materials. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the paper. The stress of the raid contributed to her death a day later, Meyer said.

On Wednesday, county attorney Joel Ensey said he had determined there was “insufficient evidence” to support the search and seizure.

PEN America, which advocates for free speech, said in a statement that the prosecutor’s decision and the return of newspaper property was “a first step toward accountability in this unconscionable breach of press freedom.”

“Local police tragically cannot undo the death of the newspaper’s 98-year-old co-owner, Joan Meyer, who collapsed and died after police rifled through papers and seized materials from her home,” the organization said. “Nor can the police reverse the damage that has resulted to the newspaper staff, its confidential sources, and the chill on press freedom writ large from the raid.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/17/kansas-reporters-shield-law-passed-by-huge-majorities-should-have-prevented-raid-on-marion-paper/">State and federal law protects journalists</a>&nbsp;and news organizations from police raids. Journalism advocates couldn’t find another example of police raiding a newsroom anywhere in the United States.

It still isn’t clear what evidence Cody provided to support the search warrant, or why Viar signed it.

Topeka resident Keri Strahler has filed a formal complaint against Viar with the Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct, which has the authority to investigate allegations of judicial misconduct or disability in state courts.

Her complaint notes the legal protections for journalists and Ensey’s finding of insufficient evidence for the search.

“I humbly beg for your attention to Judge Laura Viar’s mental capacity in her decision to seemingly circumvent federal law,” Strahler wrote in the complaint.

(click below to listen to the White House press secretary's statment)

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Wednesday that the raid on the Marion County Record office raises “a lot of concerns and a lot of questions for us.”

She said freedom of the press “is the core value when we think about our democracy. When you think about the cornerstone of our democracy, the freedom of press is right there.”

“We’ll continue to reaffirm and protect this fundamental right enshrined in the First Amendment,” Jean-Pierre added. “And so, you can certainly count on us to continue to do that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692291997309.png" alt=" Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn and Sheriff Jeff Soyez stand outside the evidence room where an undersheriff signs over newspaper property to a forensic expert. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn and Sheriff Jeff Soyez stand outside the evidence room where an undersheriff signs over newspaper property to a forensic expert. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>White House expresses concern for raid. Magistrate who signed search warrant faces complaint.</h2>BY:&nbsp;SHERMAN SMITH AND TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach says state authorities reviewing alleged crimes associated with the raid of a Marion newspaper are interested in whether someone breached the Kansas Criminal Justice Information System.Police raided the Marion County Record last week after the newspaper received information from a confidential source about the criminal history of a restaurant owner who wanted a liquor license.In an interview with reporters Wednesday, Kobach said county officials asked the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to “get involved” after news of the raid brought widespread attention and scrutiny.“The KBI was not, of course, involved in these searches and was not notified of the searches prior to their taking place,” Kobach said.He said the KBI agreed to review the case because there were allegations of improper access to information in the KCJIS, and the KBI is the custodian of that system.KCJIS is a secure system of connected data sources that supports the electronic exchange of information for local, state and national criminal justice interests. Access to KCJIS is restricted to authorized criminal justice agencies and non-criminal justice agencies with a need and right to know.“That was another reason the KBI responded affirmatively to get involved,” Kobach said.“Their role as I understand it is not an evaluation of constitutional claims about the raid,” he added.Marion County Record publisher Eric Meyer praised KBI director Tony Mattivi for his efforts to coordinate the return of property taken from the newspaper office. The computers, cellphones, hard drivers, router and other materials were signed over Wednesday afternoon to a forensic expert who is working for the newspaper. Meyer said he wanted to know whether authorities had accessed those devices after confiscating them in the Aug. 11 raid.Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed the search warrant that&nbsp;Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody used to seize the newspaper’s equipment, records about the restaurant owner, utility bills, and other materials. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the paper. The stress of the raid contributed to her death a day later, Meyer said.On Wednesday, county attorney Joel Ensey said he had determined there was “insufficient evidence” to support the search and seizure.PEN America, which advocates for free speech, said in a statement that the prosecutor’s decision and the return of newspaper property was “a first step toward accountability in this unconscionable breach of press freedom.”“Local police tragically cannot undo the death of the newspaper’s 98-year-old co-owner, Joan Meyer, who collapsed and died after police rifled through papers and seized materials from her home,” the organization said. “Nor can the police reverse the damage that has resulted to the newspaper staff, its confidential sources, and the chill on press freedom writ large from the raid.”<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/17/kansas-reporters-shield-law-passed-by-huge-majorities-should-have-prevented-raid-on-marion-paper/">State and federal law protects journalists</a>&nbsp;and news organizations from police raids. Journalism advocates couldn’t find another example of police raiding a newsroom anywhere in the United States.It still isn’t clear what evidence Cody provided to support the search warrant, or why Viar signed it.Topeka resident Keri Strahler has filed a formal complaint against Viar with the Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct, which has the authority to investigate allegations of judicial misconduct or disability in state courts.Her complaint notes the legal protections for journalists and Ensey’s finding of insufficient evidence for the search.“I humbly beg for your attention to Judge Laura Viar’s mental capacity in her decision to seemingly circumvent federal law,” Strahler wrote in the complaint.(click below to listen to the White House press secretary's statment)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F6579634838818472%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=3711" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Wednesday that the raid on the Marion County Record office raises “a lot of concerns and a lot of questions for us.”She said freedom of the press “is the core value when we think about our democracy. When you think about the cornerstone of our democracy, the freedom of press is right there.”“We’ll continue to reaffirm and protect this fundamental right enshrined in the First Amendment,” Jean-Pierre added. “And so, you can certainly count on us to continue to do that.”

AG: KBI looking into possible data breach in Kan. newspaper case

BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating one of their own for alleged child sex crimes.

On Tuesday, the El Dorado Police Department with the assistance of Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children's Task Force and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation reported by way of a cyber tip, received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), alleging the sexual exploitation of children through the use of electronic devices, according to a media release from El Dorado Police. This investigation led to the arrest of<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=742109"> 38-year-old Joel Womochil</a> of El Dorado, and requested charges have been submitted through the Butler County District Court.&nbsp;

Womochil resigned as Burns police chief last week and the city is searching for a new police chief, according to the mayor's office. The El Dorado Police Department is dedicated to investigating these crimes to aid in the protection of children in our community. We are pleased to announce that the El Dorado Police Department is now an affiliate with the Internet Crimes Against Children task force. This will greatly benefit the community in addressing this particular heinous crime. Cyber tips can be made&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missingkids.org/?fbclid=IwAR0wNcuj449euF80f6rMkqx3d-HDnEA7kovoMv_-hGkb8GNkJcM6IoMS_vk" target="_blank">https://www.missingkids.org/</a>&nbsp;or via phone at 1-800-843-5678 Or you can contact El Dorado Crime Stoppers through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile/index.htm?fbclid=IwAR34oVDTu0OKxJF6M4KrrXReaPAmVACTm6v5G_ewC77wkRuXd25OiEodsmo" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/co</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692237873123.png" alt="Womochil is in custody in Sedgwick County-photo El Dorado Police." />
 <figcaption>Womochil is in custody in Sedgwick County-photo El Dorado Police.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating one of their own for alleged child sex crimes.On Tuesday, the El Dorado Police Department with the assistance of Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children's Task Force and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation reported by way of a cyber tip, received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), alleging the sexual exploitation of children through the use of electronic devices, according to a media release from El Dorado Police. This investigation led to the arrest of<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=742109"> 38-year-old Joel Womochil</a> of El Dorado, and requested charges have been submitted through the Butler County District Court.&nbsp;Womochil resigned as Burns police chief last week and the city is searching for a new police chief, according to the mayor's office. The El Dorado Police Department is dedicated to investigating these crimes to aid in the protection of children in our community. We are pleased to announce that the El Dorado Police Department is now an affiliate with the Internet Crimes Against Children task force. This will greatly benefit the community in addressing this particular heinous crime. Cyber tips can be made&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missingkids.org/?fbclid=IwAR0wNcuj449euF80f6rMkqx3d-HDnEA7kovoMv_-hGkb8GNkJcM6IoMS_vk" target="_blank">https://www.missingkids.org/</a>&nbsp;or via phone at 1-800-843-5678 Or you can contact El Dorado Crime Stoppers through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile/index.htm?fbclid=IwAR34oVDTu0OKxJF6M4KrrXReaPAmVACTm6v5G_ewC77wkRuXd25OiEodsmo" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/co</a>

Kansas police chief resigns and is accused of child sex crimes

COFFEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a phone scam.

According to police a Burlington, Kansas woman&nbsp; was scammed out of $1,100 August 8.

 She received a call from someone posing as David Thirolf with PayPal. The man told her someone had taken money from her account but he could help her get it back and catch the thief. 

He told her to purchase prepaid cards and give him the information on the back of them. 

She went to Dollar General and Family Dollar and purchased one Gamestop card at each store. 

The victim claims she only gave Thirolf information off one card, but when police checked the cards, all the money was gone from both cards.

COFFEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a phone scam.According to police a Burlington, Kansas woman&nbsp; was scammed out of $1,100 August 8. She received a call from someone posing as David Thirolf with PayPal. The man told her someone had taken money from her account but he could help her get it back and catch the thief. He told her to purchase prepaid cards and give him the information on the back of them. She went to Dollar General and Family Dollar and purchased one Gamestop card at each store. The victim claims she only gave Thirolf information off one card, but when police checked the cards, all the money was gone from both cards.

Police: Kansas woman lost $1,100 in Paypal scam

KANSAS CITY– A man popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic” was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday for robbing several financial institutions and laundering the proceeds through area casinos, according to the United State's Attorney.

Xaviar Michael Babudar, 29, was charged in a 19-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Babudar on May 24, 2023, and includes additional charges.

Babudar, who lived a nomadic existence at various locations around the Kansas City metropolitan area, enjoyed a robust social media presence as Kansas City Chiefs superfan Twitter user @ChiefsAholic, attending most games dressed as a wolf in Chiefs clothing. According to the indictment, Babudar’s ability to attend these games and sustain this lifestyle was funded by his perpetration of a string of bank and credit union robberies throughout 2022. Babudar laundered the robbery proceeds through area casinos, and used the robbery proceeds to attend numerous Chiefs home and away games. He also placed various wagers on the outcomes of Chiefs games. During this time, the indictment says, Babudar did not report any wages earned in the states of Missouri or Kansas.

The indictment charges Babudar with three counts of armed bank robbery, one count of bank theft, 11 counts of money laundering, and four counts of transporting stolen property across state lines.

Babudar allegedly stole $70,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of Great Western Bank on March 2, 2022. He then carried this money to Missouri, depositing it in two separate transactions into his personal savings account.

Babudar allegedly stole $170,860 from the Omaha, Nebraska, branch of First National Bank of Omaha on April 28, 2022. Omaha police officers recovered $163,560 following the theft.

Babudar allegedly stole $303,845 from the West Des Moines, Iowa, branch of First Class Community Credit Union on July 13, 2022. In the course of this robbery, Babudar allegedly brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, jumped over the teller counter, and demanded that the bank employees open the bank vault. He carried this money back to Missouri, and the next day deposited $23,000 into his savings account. He used some of the proceeds to make various casino chip purchases over the next three months at casinos in Missouri and Illinois, then cashed out his winnings and deposited them into his savings account.

Babudar allegedly stole $125,900 from the Nashville, Tennessee, branch of The Tennessee Credit Union on Nov. 17, 2022. In the course of this robbery, Babudar allegedly brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, climbed over the teller counter, and demanded that the bank employees take him to the bank vault. A few days later, he used some of the stolen money to purchase $20,000 in casino chips in multiple transactions from a local casino.

Babudar allegedly stole $25,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of First Interstate Bank on Nov. 30, 2022. Following two unsuccessful robberies of the Wings Financial Credit Union in Savage, Minn., and the Royal Credit Union in Apple Valley, Minn., on Nov. 29, 2022, the indictment says, Babudar returned to Clive, Iowa. The Great Western Bank that he had robbed on March 2, 2022, had become a branch of First Interstate Bank. In the course of this robbery, Babudar allegedly brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, jumped over the teller counter, and ordered the bank employees at gunpoint to open the bank vault. Babudar then carried the stolen money back to Missouri, where he deposited a portion of it into his personal checking account.

Babudar was charged in Tulsa County, Okla., with the robbery of the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union on Dec. 16, 2022. Babudar was released on bond in February 2023.

Months earlier, the indictment says, Babudar had placed two winning bets at the Argosy Casino in Alton, Ill. On June 10, 2022, Babudar bet $5,000 that Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes II would win the Most Valuable Player at Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $45,000 should that occur. Babudar also bet $5,000 that the Kansas City Chiefs would win Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $55,000 should that occur. When the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, 2023, and Mahomes won the Most Valuable Player award, Babudar won $100,000. Argosy Casino mailed Babudar a $100,000 check in early March 2023.

Days later, the indictment says, Babudar cut his ankle monitor and fled from Oklahoma. Babudar evaded law enforcement until his arrest in Sacramento on July 7, 2023. He remains detained in federal custody without bond.

Following Babudar’s arrest in Oklahoma last December, FBI investigators began reviewing bank records, casino transaction records, and sensitive financial reporting to determine the breadth and scope of additional potential criminal activities. According to the affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Babudar purchased and redeemed more than $1 million in chips from various casinos in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois between April and December 2022. Investigators also reviewed previously unsolved bank robberies throughout the Midwest during that time frame. Babudar’s cell phone was placed in the same cities and locations for these previously unsolved bank robberies and attempted robberies, the affidavit says.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689010403536.png" alt="Babudar from an earlier arrest in Tulsa County" />
 <figcaption>Babudar from an earlier arrest in Tulsa County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A man popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic” was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday for robbing several financial institutions and laundering the proceeds through area casinos, according to the United State's Attorney.Xaviar Michael Babudar, 29, was charged in a 19-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Babudar on May 24, 2023, and includes additional charges.Babudar, who lived a nomadic existence at various locations around the Kansas City metropolitan area, enjoyed a robust social media presence as Kansas City Chiefs superfan Twitter user @ChiefsAholic, attending most games dressed as a wolf in Chiefs clothing. According to the indictment, Babudar’s ability to attend these games and sustain this lifestyle was funded by his perpetration of a string of bank and credit union robberies throughout 2022. Babudar laundered the robbery proceeds through area casinos, and used the robbery proceeds to attend numerous Chiefs home and away games. He also placed various wagers on the outcomes of Chiefs games. During this time, the indictment says, Babudar did not report any wages earned in the states of Missouri or Kansas.The indictment charges Babudar with three counts of armed bank robbery, one count of bank theft, 11 counts of money laundering, and four counts of transporting stolen property across state lines.Babudar allegedly stole $70,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of Great Western Bank on March 2, 2022. He then carried this money to Missouri, depositing it in two separate transactions into his personal savings account.Babudar allegedly stole $170,860 from the Omaha, Nebraska, branch of First National Bank of Omaha on April 28, 2022. Omaha police officers recovered $163,560 following the theft.Babudar allegedly stole $303,845 from the West Des Moines, Iowa, branch of First Class Community Credit Union on July 13, 2022. In the course of this robbery, Babudar allegedly brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, jumped over the teller counter, and demanded that the bank employees open the bank vault. He carried this money back to Missouri, and the next day deposited $23,000 into his savings account. He used some of the proceeds to make various casino chip purchases over the next three months at casinos in Missouri and Illinois, then cashed out his winnings and deposited them into his savings account.Babudar allegedly stole $125,900 from the Nashville, Tennessee, branch of The Tennessee Credit Union on Nov. 17, 2022. In the course of this robbery, Babudar allegedly brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, climbed over the teller counter, and demanded that the bank employees take him to the bank vault. A few days later, he used some of the stolen money to purchase $20,000 in casino chips in multiple transactions from a local casino.Babudar allegedly stole $25,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of First Interstate Bank on Nov. 30, 2022. Following two unsuccessful robberies of the Wings Financial Credit Union in Savage, Minn., and the Royal Credit Union in Apple Valley, Minn., on Nov. 29, 2022, the indictment says, Babudar returned to Clive, Iowa. The Great Western Bank that he had robbed on March 2, 2022, had become a branch of First Interstate Bank. In the course of this robbery, Babudar allegedly brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, jumped over the teller counter, and ordered the bank employees at gunpoint to open the bank vault. Babudar then carried the stolen money back to Missouri, where he deposited a portion of it into his personal checking account.Babudar was charged in Tulsa County, Okla., with the robbery of the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union on Dec. 16, 2022. Babudar was released on bond in February 2023.Months earlier, the indictment says, Babudar had placed two winning bets at the Argosy Casino in Alton, Ill. On June 10, 2022, Babudar bet $5,000 that Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes II would win the Most Valuable Player at Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $45,000 should that occur. Babudar also bet $5,000 that the Kansas City Chiefs would win Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $55,000 should that occur. When the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, 2023, and Mahomes won the Most Valuable Player award, Babudar won $100,000. Argosy Casino mailed Babudar a $100,000 check in early March 2023.Days later, the indictment says, Babudar cut his ankle monitor and fled from Oklahoma. Babudar evaded law enforcement until his arrest in Sacramento on July 7, 2023. He remains detained in federal custody without bond.Following Babudar’s arrest in Oklahoma last December, FBI investigators began reviewing bank records, casino transaction records, and sensitive financial reporting to determine the breadth and scope of additional potential criminal activities. According to the affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Babudar purchased and redeemed more than $1 million in chips from various casinos in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois between April and December 2022. Investigators also reviewed previously unsolved bank robberies throughout the Midwest during that time frame. Babudar’s cell phone was placed in the same cities and locations for these previously unsolved bank robberies and attempted robberies, the affidavit says.

KC Chiefs ‘Superfan’ indicted for thousands in bank robberies

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Mail-order access to a drug used in the most common form of abortion in the U.S. would end under a federal appeals court ruling issued Wednesday that cannot take effect until the Supreme Court weighs in.

The decision by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifepristone-appeals-court-341bc44446e4b99071f0d8edb81ad4b8">three judges on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;in New Orleans overturned part of a lower court ruling that would have revoked the Food and Drug Administration’s 23-year-old approval of mifepristone. But it left intact part of the ruling that would end the availability of the drug by mail, allow it to be used through only the seventh week of pregnancy rather than the 10th, and require that it be administered in the presence of a physician.

Those restrictions won’t take effect right away because the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-pill-mifepristone-access-f781488016640bf571faf36096339ea4">previously intervened</a>&nbsp;to keep the drug available during the legal fight.

The panel’s ruling would reverse changes the FDA made in 2016 and 2021 that eased some conditions for administering the drug.

“In loosening mifepristone’s safety restrictions, FDA failed to address several important concerns about whether the drug would be safe for the women who use it,” Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod wrote for the panel. She was joined by Judge Cory Wilson. Judge James Ho dissented, arguing to fully uphold a Texas-based federal judge’s April ruling that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">revoke the drug’s approval</a>, which the FDA granted in 2000.

President Joe Biden's administration said it would appeal, with Vice President Kamala Harris decrying the potential effect on abortion rights, as well as on the availability of other medications.

“It endangers our entire system of drug approval and regulation by undermining the independent, expert judgment of the FDA,” Harris' statement said.

Abortion rights advocates said the ruling poses a major threat to abortion availability following last year's Supreme Court ruling that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;and the nationwide right to abortion.

"If the Supreme Court affirms this decision, it will prevent patients from receiving their medication in the mail in all 50 states in the nation," Jennifer Dalven of the American Civil Liberties Union said during an online news conference. “That means that patients will have to travel often hundreds of miles, especially if they’re coming from a state that has banned abortion, for the sole purpose of picking up a pill.”

Abortion opponents hailed the ruling, although they, too, might appeal to seek full revocation of the FDA's approval of the drug.

“Chemical Abortion Pills take one life almost every time, an innocent child, and exposes women to all kinds of known problems,” said a statement from the anti-abortion Students for Life of America.

Erin Hawley, an attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom, which filed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-food-and-drug-administration-donald-trump-texas-medication-bdd99c39613c71f62d10dfc2f2d1bf07">Texas lawsuit</a>, said her organization had not yet decided whether to appeal to the Supreme Court to try to get mifepristone's approval fully revoked. The conservative Christian legal group was also involved in the Mississippi case that led to the June 2002 Supreme Court ruling that has allowed states to ban abortion.

An attorney for drugmaker Danco Laboratories, which argued in favor of upholding the FDA approval and revisions, did not respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment. Drugmaker GenBioPro, which was not part of the lawsuit, noted that the ruling would keep its generic mifepristone available, subject to the restrictions.

There is virtually no precedent for a U.S. court overturning the approval of a drug that the FDA has deemed safe and effective. While new drug safety issues often emerge after FDA approval, the agency is required to monitor medicines on the market, evaluate emerging issues and take action to protect U.S. patients. Congress delegated that responsibility to the FDA — not the courts— more than a century ago.

However, during a May 17 hearing, the 5th Circuit panel pushed back frequently against assertions that U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s April 7 ruling was unprecedented and unwarranted.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">Kacsmaryk,</a>&nbsp;Ho and Wilson are all appointees of former President Donald Trump. Elrod was appointed to the 5th Circuit by former President George W. Bush. All of the judges have a history of supporting abortion restrictions.

Elrod’s opinion said the full revocation of FDA’s approval of the drug was likely barred by legal time limits. Ho argued that the approval violated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/comstock-act-abortion-pills-dbf61e25f6f23cd3772c597dd6d4e337">the 19th century Comstock Act.</a>&nbsp;He also said the FDA gave the green light to mifepristone under a law that allows approval for drugs that treat serious or life threatening illness. “Pregnancy is not an illness,” Ho wrote.

Mifepristone is one of two pills used in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">medication abortions</a>. The other drug, misoprostol, is also used to treat other medical conditions. Health care providers have said they could switch to misoprostol if mifepristone is no longer available or is too hard to obtain. Misoprostol is somewhat less effective in ending pregnancies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="At issue is a Texas-based federal judge’s April ruling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">revoking the drug’s approval</a>, which was granted more than 20 years ago by the Food and Drug Administration-AP photo" />
 <figcaption>At issue is a Texas-based federal judge’s April ruling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">revoking the drug’s approval</a>, which was granted more than 20 years ago by the Food and Drug Administration-AP photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Mail-order access to a drug used in the most common form of abortion in the U.S. would end under a federal appeals court ruling issued Wednesday that cannot take effect until the Supreme Court weighs in.The decision by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifepristone-appeals-court-341bc44446e4b99071f0d8edb81ad4b8">three judges on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;in New Orleans overturned part of a lower court ruling that would have revoked the Food and Drug Administration’s 23-year-old approval of mifepristone. But it left intact part of the ruling that would end the availability of the drug by mail, allow it to be used through only the seventh week of pregnancy rather than the 10th, and require that it be administered in the presence of a physician.Those restrictions won’t take effect right away because the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-pill-mifepristone-access-f781488016640bf571faf36096339ea4">previously intervened</a>&nbsp;to keep the drug available during the legal fight.The panel’s ruling would reverse changes the FDA made in 2016 and 2021 that eased some conditions for administering the drug.“In loosening mifepristone’s safety restrictions, FDA failed to address several important concerns about whether the drug would be safe for the women who use it,” Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod wrote for the panel. She was joined by Judge Cory Wilson. Judge James Ho dissented, arguing to fully uphold a Texas-based federal judge’s April ruling that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">revoke the drug’s approval</a>, which the FDA granted in 2000.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mifepristone is approved by the FDA as safe and effective. <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to make decisions about her own health care. Read my full statement: <a href="https://t.co/GAWz375gWe">pic.twitter.com/GAWz375gWe</a>&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1691936314201874448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Joe Biden's administration said it would appeal, with Vice President Kamala Harris decrying the potential effect on abortion rights, as well as on the availability of other medications.“It endangers our entire system of drug approval and regulation by undermining the independent, expert judgment of the FDA,” Harris' statement said.Abortion rights advocates said the ruling poses a major threat to abortion availability following last year's Supreme Court ruling that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;and the nationwide right to abortion."If the Supreme Court affirms this decision, it will prevent patients from receiving their medication in the mail in all 50 states in the nation," Jennifer Dalven of the American Civil Liberties Union said during an online news conference. “That means that patients will have to travel often hundreds of miles, especially if they’re coming from a state that has banned abortion, for the sole purpose of picking up a pill.”Abortion opponents hailed the ruling, although they, too, might appeal to seek full revocation of the FDA's approval of the drug.“Chemical Abortion Pills take one life almost every time, an innocent child, and exposes women to all kinds of known problems,” said a statement from the anti-abortion Students for Life of America.Erin Hawley, an attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom, which filed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-food-and-drug-administration-donald-trump-texas-medication-bdd99c39613c71f62d10dfc2f2d1bf07">Texas lawsuit</a>, said her organization had not yet decided whether to appeal to the Supreme Court to try to get mifepristone's approval fully revoked. The conservative Christian legal group was also involved in the Mississippi case that led to the June 2002 Supreme Court ruling that has allowed states to ban abortion.An attorney for drugmaker Danco Laboratories, which argued in favor of upholding the FDA approval and revisions, did not respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment. Drugmaker GenBioPro, which was not part of the lawsuit, noted that the ruling would keep its generic mifepristone available, subject to the restrictions.There is virtually no precedent for a U.S. court overturning the approval of a drug that the FDA has deemed safe and effective. While new drug safety issues often emerge after FDA approval, the agency is required to monitor medicines on the market, evaluate emerging issues and take action to protect U.S. patients. Congress delegated that responsibility to the FDA — not the courts— more than a century ago.However, during a May 17 hearing, the 5th Circuit panel pushed back frequently against assertions that U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s April 7 ruling was unprecedented and unwarranted.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">Kacsmaryk,</a>&nbsp;Ho and Wilson are all appointees of former President Donald Trump. Elrod was appointed to the 5th Circuit by former President George W. Bush. All of the judges have a history of supporting abortion restrictions.Elrod’s opinion said the full revocation of FDA’s approval of the drug was likely barred by legal time limits. Ho argued that the approval violated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/comstock-act-abortion-pills-dbf61e25f6f23cd3772c597dd6d4e337">the 19th century Comstock Act.</a>&nbsp;He also said the FDA gave the green light to mifepristone under a law that allows approval for drugs that treat serious or life threatening illness. “Pregnancy is not an illness,” Ho wrote.Mifepristone is one of two pills used in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-medication-abortion-works-f913375ec6f8ebcb1f1055e57a3aef63">medication abortions</a>. The other drug, misoprostol, is also used to treat other medical conditions. Health care providers have said they could switch to misoprostol if mifepristone is no longer available or is too hard to obtain. Misoprostol is somewhat less effective in ending pregnancies.

US appeals court backs abortion pill restrictions

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a restaurant in Johnson County.

Just before 10p.m. Wednesday, crews from Overland Park and Lenexa fire departments responded to a building fire at the Q39 restaurant at College Blvd. and Antioch, according to a media release.

Smoke was coming from the roof of the single story commercial building as crews arrived. Everyone was reported out safely.

Firefighters realized the fire was coming from a gas appliance in the kitchen area. They shut gas off to the building, extinguished the fire and checked to make sure the fire had not extended into the structure.

It took fire crews approximately 15 minutes to bring the fire under control. There were no injuries. The damage was contained to the kitchen area. However, the suppression system and sprinkler system activated which will require clean up and repair.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692272979341.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a restaurant in Johnson County.Just before 10p.m. Wednesday, crews from Overland Park and Lenexa fire departments responded to a building fire at the Q39 restaurant at College Blvd. and Antioch, according to a media release.Smoke was coming from the roof of the single story commercial building as crews arrived. Everyone was reported out safely.Firefighters realized the fire was coming from a gas appliance in the kitchen area. They shut gas off to the building, extinguished the fire and checked to make sure the fire had not extended into the structure.It took fire crews approximately 15 minutes to bring the fire under control. There were no injuries. The damage was contained to the kitchen area. However, the suppression system and sprinkler system activated which will require clean up and repair.

Cause of fire at KC-area BBQ restaurant under investigation

JOHNSON COUNTY —A woman involved in chase and deadly exchange of gunfire that left a Kansas police officer and her accomplice dead is now facing a murder charges.

On Wednesday, the Johnson County attorney's office charged 32-year-old Angela Cothran of&nbsp; Portland, Tennessee, with first degree murder in the death of Fairway Police officer Johan Oswald.

Cothran was originally charges with aggravated battery, fleeing law enforcement, felony theft and reckless driving.&nbsp;&nbsp;She remains jailed on a $1 million bond, according to online jail records.&nbsp; She is due back in court September 20.

Just after 7:30 a.m August 6, police responded to a stolen vehicle call at the QuikTrip at 95th Street and Interstate 35, according to a media release from Lenexa Police.

 Officers located that car and the suspect in the stolen vehicle struck one of Lenexa police department's patrol vehicles and drove away.

Police pursued the suspect northbound on Interstate 35 until the suspects left the vehicle and ran to a QuikTrip in the 4700 Block of Lamar Avenue in Mission.

Police from multiple agencies were trying to arrest the suspects when gunfire broke out. A suspect later identified as 40-year-old&nbsp;Shannon Wayne Marshall of Ashland City, Tennessee was shot and killed and&nbsp; Fairway Kansas police officer Jonah Oswald was shot, hospitalized and died on August 7.

The other suspect later identified as&nbsp; Cothran was arrested.

Cothran is listed on the Tennessee sex offender registry for a July 2019 conviction for solicitation to commit sexual exploitation of a minor. She has three previous convictions for child abuse and a probation violation for drugs, according to the Tennessee offender registry.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691521167515.png" alt="Cothran is listed on the Tennessee sex offender registry for a July 2019 conviction for solicitation to commit sexual exploitation of a minor.-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Cothran is listed on the Tennessee sex offender registry for a July 2019 conviction for solicitation to commit sexual exploitation of a minor.-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A woman involved in chase and deadly exchange of gunfire that left a Kansas police officer and her accomplice dead is now facing a murder charges.On Wednesday, the Johnson County attorney's office charged 32-year-old Angela Cothran of&nbsp; Portland, Tennessee, with first degree murder in the death of Fairway Police officer Johan Oswald.Cothran was originally charges with aggravated battery, fleeing law enforcement, felony theft and reckless driving.&nbsp;&nbsp;She remains jailed on a $1 million bond, according to online jail records.&nbsp; She is due back in court September 20.Just after 7:30 a.m August 6, police responded to a stolen vehicle call at the QuikTrip at 95th Street and Interstate 35, according to a media release from Lenexa Police. Officers located that car and the suspect in the stolen vehicle struck one of Lenexa police department's patrol vehicles and drove away.Police pursued the suspect northbound on Interstate 35 until the suspects left the vehicle and ran to a QuikTrip in the 4700 Block of Lamar Avenue in Mission.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691356366635.png" alt="Police on the scene near the shooting&nbsp; on Sunday-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene near the shooting&nbsp; on Sunday-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Police from multiple agencies were trying to arrest the suspects when gunfire broke out. A suspect later identified as 40-year-old&nbsp;Shannon Wayne Marshall of Ashland City, Tennessee was shot and killed and&nbsp; Fairway Kansas police officer Jonah Oswald was shot, hospitalized and died on August 7.The other suspect later identified as&nbsp; Cothran was arrested.Cothran is listed on the Tennessee sex offender registry for a July 2019 conviction for solicitation to commit sexual exploitation of a minor. She has three previous convictions for child abuse and a probation violation for drugs, according to the Tennessee offender registry.&nbsp;

Sex offender now charged with murder in Kan. officer's shooting death 

MARION, Kansas (AP) — A police raid that drew national attention to a small Kansas newspaper over threats to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-county-record-kansas-newspaper-raid-f1e49c4e542ddb3cf19c9ca02a0a21fb">press freedoms</a>&nbsp;wasn’t supported by evidence, a prosecutor said Wednesday, as the paper’s staff scrambled to print its first weekly edition since their cellphones and computers were seized.

(click below to watch comments from White House on the&nbsp; case)

Forced to rewrite stories and reproduce ads from scratch, the four-person newsroom toiled overnight to print Wednesday's edition, with a defiant front-page headline that read: “SEIZED … but not silenced.” Under the 2-inch-tall (5-centimeter) typeface, they published stories on the raid and the influx of support the weekly newspaper has since received.

On Wednesday, Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey said his review of police seizures from the Marion County Record offices and the publisher's home found “insufficient evidence exists to establish a legally sufficient nexus between this alleged crime and the places searched and the items seized."

“As a result, I have submitted a proposed order asking the court to release the evidence seized. I have asked local law enforcement to return the material seized to the owners of the property,” Ensey said in a news release.

But in a statement released along with the county attorney's, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said it still is examining whether the newspaper violated state laws. A warrant for the raid, signed by a local judge, suggested the raid was over whether the paper improperly used a local restaurant owner's personal information to access her state driving record online. Editor and Publisher Eric Meyer has said the paper did nothing illegal.

In Topeka, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, a conservative Republican who oversees the KBI, said its “principal interest” remains the computer access allegations. He told reporters he didn't understand the KBI's role to include "an evaluation of constitutional claims about the raid."

The KBI said it would continue its work without examining any evidence seized last Friday. Once the state investigators finish, Kobach said, the county attorney will decide whether to prosecute.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692219843330.png" alt="he Kansas Bureau of Investigation said it still is examining whether the newspaper violated state laws-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>he Kansas Bureau of Investigation said it still is examining whether the newspaper violated state laws-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>MARION, Kansas (AP) — A police raid that drew national attention to a small Kansas newspaper over threats to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-county-record-kansas-newspaper-raid-f1e49c4e542ddb3cf19c9ca02a0a21fb">press freedoms</a>&nbsp;wasn’t supported by evidence, a prosecutor said Wednesday, as the paper’s staff scrambled to print its first weekly edition since their cellphones and computers were seized.(click below to watch comments from White House on the&nbsp; case)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F6579634838818472%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=3711" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Forced to rewrite stories and reproduce ads from scratch, the four-person newsroom toiled overnight to print Wednesday's edition, with a defiant front-page headline that read: “SEIZED … but not silenced.” Under the 2-inch-tall (5-centimeter) typeface, they published stories on the raid and the influx of support the weekly newspaper has since received.On Wednesday, Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey said his review of police seizures from the Marion County Record offices and the publisher's home found “insufficient evidence exists to establish a legally sufficient nexus between this alleged crime and the places searched and the items seized."“As a result, I have submitted a proposed order asking the court to release the evidence seized. I have asked local law enforcement to return the material seized to the owners of the property,” Ensey said in a news release.But in a statement released along with the county attorney's, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said it still is examining whether the newspaper violated state laws. A warrant for the raid, signed by a local judge, suggested the raid was over whether the paper improperly used a local restaurant owner's personal information to access her state driving record online. Editor and Publisher Eric Meyer has said the paper did nothing illegal.In Topeka, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, a conservative Republican who oversees the KBI, said its “principal interest” remains the computer access allegations. He told reporters he didn't understand the KBI's role to include "an evaluation of constitutional claims about the raid."The KBI said it would continue its work without examining any evidence seized last Friday. Once the state investigators finish, Kobach said, the county attorney will decide whether to prosecute.Meyer said that the county sheriff's office, which had been storing the items for the police, released them Wednesday afternoon to a computer forensics firm from the Kansas City area hired by the newspaper's attorney. It is reviewing their files and programs to see whether materials on the devices have been copied, Meyer said.“You cannot let bullies win,” Meyer said. “We have a staff that’s very experienced, including myself, and we’re not going to take crap.”Meyer has said that the stress from the raid of his home caused the death Saturday of his 98-year-old mother, Joan, the paper’s co-owner.Last week's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-kansas-newspaper-raid-aca057365ea3925328a69acd615c9893">police raid</a>&nbsp;put the town into the center of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-county-record-kansas-newspaper-raid-f1e49c4e542ddb3cf19c9ca02a0a21fb">a national debate about press freedom</a>, with watchdog groups condemning the department's actions. Meyer said he believes the raid was carried out because the newspaper was investigating why the police chief left his previous post as an officer in Kansas City, Missouri.Police Chief Gideon Cody left the Missouri department earlier this year and began the job in Marion in June. He has not responded to interview requests, and he did not reply to an email seeking comment about Wednesday's developments.Meyer said police seized a computer tower and cellphone belonging to a reporter who wasn’t part of the effort to check on the business owner’s background — but who was looking into Cody's background.Asked if the newspaper’s investigation of Cody may have had anything to do with the decision to raid it, Bernie Rhodes, the newspaper's attorney, responded: “I think it is a remarkable coincidence if it didn’t.”Meyer's family has long published the newspaper in the town of about 1,900 among rolling hills about 150 miles (241 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City, an area that once was a sea of tall prairie grass. It's known for its aggresive coverage of local politics, and some residents have accused it of driving businesses away, something Meyer dismisses.Dennis Calvert, a 67-year-old Wichita resident and U.S. Navy nuclear submarine veteran, drove more than an hour to get a copy of Wednesday's edition and sign up for a six-month subscription.Asked about the role of local journalists, he said, “It'd be equal to, how important is your doctor if you're going into surgery?”At one point, a couple visiting from Arizona stopped at the front desk to buy a subscription, just to show their support, said Emily Bradbury, executive director of the Kansas Press Association, who was helping at the paper. Many others from around the country have purchased subscriptions since the raids. An office manager told Bradbury that she’s having a hard time keeping up with demand.Even the White House weighed in. “This administration has been vocal about the importance of the freedom of press, here and around the globe,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at her daily briefing on Wednesday. “That is the core value when you think about our democracy, when you think about the cornerstone of our democracy, the freedom of press is right there.”She said the raid raises “a lot of concerns and a lot of questions for us.”To put out the Wednesday edition of the paper, journalists and those involved in the business side of the newspaper used a couple of old computers that police didn’t confiscate, taking turns to get stories to the printer, to assemble ads and to check email.Because electronics were so scarce, it took the newsroom until 5 a.m. to finish the paper, Bradbury said. She chipped in herself by answering phones and ordering meals for staffers.“There were literally index cards going back and forth,” said Rhodes, who was also in the office. “They had all the classified ads, all the legal notices that they had to recreate. All of those were on the computers.”The newspaper’s press run is normally 4,000 papers. But since the raids, they have received more than 2,000 new subscriptions, Meyer said.A warrant signed by a magistrate about two hours before Friday's raid said that local police sought to gather evidence of potential identity theft and other computer crimes stemming from a conflict between the newspaper and the local restaurant owner, Kari Newell.Newell accuses the newspaper of violating her privacy and illegally obtaining personal information about her, while the newspaper has countered that it received information about her unsolicited, then verified its authenticity through public records online.Meyer said the newspaper ultimately decided not to write a story about Newell, but later reported about a city council meeting, in which Newell confirmed she’d had a DUI conviction and drove after her license was suspended.