“What began as a homework helper gradually turned itself into a confidant and then a suicide coach,” said Matthew Raine, whose 16-year-old son Adam died in April.

“Within a few months, ChatGPT became Adam’s closest companion,” the father told senators. “Always available. Always validating and insisting that it knew Adam better than anyone else, including his own brother.”

EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Happening Now: Sen. Josh Hawley&#39;s opening remarks at the Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing examining the harm of AI chatbots for children. <a href="https://t.co/p4aFWWgfON">pic.twitter.com/p4aFWWgfON</a></p>&mdash; The Alliance for Secure AI (@secureainow) <a href="https://twitter.com/secureainow/status/1968029849010008280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After its chatbot introduced a teenage boy to self-mutilation, <a href="https://twitter.com/character_ai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@character_ai</a> offered his mother $100 in damages<br><br>See that? Zero regard for human life by these Big Tech companies. <br><br>Another kid destroyed = just another casualty on the way to their next payout <a href="https://t.co/eSXMRvHfyS">pic.twitter.com/eSXMRvHfyS</a></p>&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1968062910825107752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This mother - whose son was coached to commit suicide by an AI chatbot - just revealed that Character AI REFUSES to hand over her son&#39;s last words to its chatbot<br><br>Why? Because the company is using that conversation to train its models &amp; shield itself from accountability <a href="https://t.co/QyhLuQmt3N">pic.twitter.com/QyhLuQmt3N</a></p>&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1968059493494952318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Meta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Meta</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/OpenAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OpenAI</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/character_ai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@character_ai</a>, and the rest of Big Tech—<br><br>Stop exploiting our kids. <br><br>If your products are so great and so safe, then come defend your chatbots under oath. <br><br>Right now, it’s an open invitation. But it can be a subpoena <a href="https://t.co/Gz6En2ikFu">pic.twitter.com/Gz6En2ikFu</a></p>&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1968061663380443550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>“What began as a homework helper gradually turned itself into a confidant and then a suicide coach,” said Matthew Raine, whose 16-year-old son Adam died in April.</p><p>“Within a few months, ChatGPT became Adam’s closest companion,” the father told senators. “Always available. Always validating and insisting that it knew Adam better than anyone else, including his own brother.”</p><p>___</p><p>EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.</p>

🎥 Parents testify before Congress about the danger of artificial intelligence

ANDERSON COUNTY —One person was critically injured in a grain cart incident on Tuesday in Anderson County.

 At approximately 11:35 a.m. Tuesday the Anderson County Communications Center received a call reporting a subject trapped in a grain cart in rural Anderson County, west of Garnett, according to the. Sheriff's office.

Deputies, EMS, and Garnett Rescue were dispatched at 11:37 a.m. Based on initial reports, Anderson County EMS requested an air ambulance be placed on standby. By 11:44 a.m., the Anderson County Sheriff, Undersheriff, a Sheriff’s Sergeant, and the County Fire Coordinator were on scene. At 11:45 a.m., Sheriff’s Office personnel entered the grain cart, recognized the patient was experiencing a life-threatening emergency, and immediately applied a tourniquet to control severe bleeding.

At 11:48 a.m., the Anderson County EMS Director and an Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance arrived. A minute later, Garnett Rescue personnel arrived with a rescue truck. Together, law enforcement, EMS, and fire/rescue developed and executed a plan to safely extricate the patient.

By 11:56 a.m., the patient was freed from the grain cart and transported to the Anderson County Hospital helipad via ALS ambulance, receiving advanced care en route. The ambulance arrived at the helipad at 12:09 p.m., where the flight crew transferred the patient to a medical helicopter, which arrived within five minutes.

By 1:01 p.m., the patient was receiving definitive care at a Level 1 Trauma Center in the Kansas City metro—just 1 hour and 26 minutes after the initial 911 call.

“This incident highlights the importance of rapid and accurate information flow,” said Chelsey D’Albini, Anderson County Communications Center Director. “Our dispatchers coordinated multiple agencies, requested the air ambulance, and ensured resources were mobilized quickly. That early coordination was a critical link in the chain of survival.”

Sheriff Wes McClain praised the collaboration: “This was true teamwork. From deputies jumping in to provide immediate aid, to EMS and rescue personnel coordinating the extrication and transport, everyone had one mission—save a life. Today’s response proves the strength of our emergency system in Anderson County.”

Anderson County EMS Director Troy Armstrong commended the quick action of law enforcement and the seamless teamwork: “The Sheriff’s Office deputies made a lifesaving decision by applying a tourniquet in those first critical minutes. That intervention, combined with rapid extrication by rescue and advanced care by EMS, ensured this patient had the best possible chance of survival. I couldn’t be prouder of the collaboration that occurred today.”

• Trauma is the leading cause of death for Americans under age 45.

• Patients injured in rural areas are 50% more likely to die from their injuries than those in urban areas, largely due to time and distance to advanced care.

• The quick recognition, response, and activation of a regional trauma system can mean the difference between life and death.

Today’s outcome underscores the value of training, interagency cooperation, and a pre-identified trauma system in Anderson County.

<p>ANDERSON COUNTY —One person was critically injured in a grain cart incident on Tuesday in Anderson County.</p><p> At approximately 11:35 a.m. Tuesday the Anderson County Communications Center received a call reporting a subject trapped in a grain cart in rural Anderson County, west of Garnett, according to the. Sheriff's office.</p><p>Deputies, EMS, and Garnett Rescue were dispatched at 11:37 a.m. Based on initial reports, Anderson County EMS requested an air ambulance be placed on standby. By 11:44 a.m., the Anderson County Sheriff, Undersheriff, a Sheriff’s Sergeant, and the County Fire Coordinator were on scene. At 11:45 a.m., Sheriff’s Office personnel entered the grain cart, recognized the patient was experiencing a life-threatening emergency, and immediately applied a tourniquet to control severe bleeding.</p><p>At 11:48 a.m., the Anderson County EMS Director and an Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance arrived. A minute later, Garnett Rescue personnel arrived with a rescue truck. Together, law enforcement, EMS, and fire/rescue developed and executed a plan to safely extricate the patient.</p><p>By 11:56 a.m., the patient was freed from the grain cart and transported to the Anderson County Hospital helipad via ALS ambulance, receiving advanced care en route. The ambulance arrived at the helipad at 12:09 p.m., where the flight crew transferred the patient to a medical helicopter, which arrived within five minutes.</p><p>By 1:01 p.m., the patient was receiving definitive care at a Level 1 Trauma Center in the Kansas City metro—just 1 hour and 26 minutes after the initial 911 call.</p><p>“This incident highlights the importance of rapid and accurate information flow,” said Chelsey D’Albini, Anderson County Communications Center Director. “Our dispatchers coordinated multiple agencies, requested the air ambulance, and ensured resources were mobilized quickly. That early coordination was a critical link in the chain of survival.”</p><p>Sheriff Wes McClain praised the collaboration: “This was true teamwork. From deputies jumping in to provide immediate aid, to EMS and rescue personnel coordinating the extrication and transport, everyone had one mission—save a life. Today’s response proves the strength of our emergency system in Anderson County.”</p><p>Anderson County EMS Director Troy Armstrong commended the quick action of law enforcement and the seamless teamwork: “The Sheriff’s Office deputies made a lifesaving decision by applying a tourniquet in those first critical minutes. That intervention, combined with rapid extrication by rescue and advanced care by EMS, ensured this patient had the best possible chance of survival. I couldn’t be prouder of the collaboration that occurred today.”</p><p>Rural Trauma Facts</p><p>• Trauma is the leading cause of death for Americans under age 45.</p><p>• Patients injured in rural areas are 50% more likely to die from their injuries than those in urban areas, largely due to time and distance to advanced care.</p><p>• The quick recognition, response, and activation of a regional trauma system can mean the difference between life and death.</p><p>Today’s outcome underscores the value of training, interagency cooperation, and a pre-identified trauma system in Anderson County.</p>

One airlifted to hospital after Kansas grain cart emergency

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758111550138.png" alt="Image courtesy White House" />
                        <figcaption>Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>, together with Their Majesties, make their way into Windsor Castle.🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/u9gzZ2rr8o">pic.twitter.com/u9gzZ2rr8o</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968283385597726991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and His Majesty The King proceed with the Inspection of the Guard of Honor at Windsor Castle<br><br>🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/Z4Ox6bnd4q">pic.twitter.com/Z4Ox6bnd4q</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968281249728094397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> — alongside <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> and Their Majesties — salutes as The Star-Spangled Banner is played at Windsor Castle.<br><br>GOD BLESS AMERICA! <a href="https://t.co/oVxw5mUYcw">pic.twitter.com/oVxw5mUYcw</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968280183175344138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">📍Windsor Castle <br><br>🇺🇸 🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/T1nt0iVeo7">pic.twitter.com/T1nt0iVeo7</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968280883456299460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Star-Spangled Banner is played for <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> upon their arrival at Windsor Castle with Their Majesties. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/4wcie2Nt3L">pic.twitter.com/4wcie2Nt3L</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968278962691588144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT A SIGHT! Carriages for <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>, and Their Majesties arrive at Windsor Castle in a remarkable welcome for the unprecedented second state visit of President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/NAgxH5XAia">pic.twitter.com/NAgxH5XAia</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968278594318483482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Carriage procession to Windsor Castle for <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>, courtesy of Their Majesties. 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/YAVzp2EjbS">pic.twitter.com/YAVzp2EjbS</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968277732061794451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>, together with Their Majesties, proceed to Windsor Castle in Carriages 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/DiYsOaRDmM">pic.twitter.com/DiYsOaRDmM</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968274993445568913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> are greeted at Victoria House by Their Majesties The King and the Queen 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/HVZQfQVxKl">pic.twitter.com/HVZQfQVxKl</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1968274332628689052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 U.K. gives President, First Lady Royal welcome in 2nd state visit

MORGAN COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Morgan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Mercedes S-Class driven by an 18-year-old Sedalia man was eastbound on U.S. 50 near Old U.S. 50.

The car rear-ended a 2007 Chevy Cobalt driven by a 48-year-old Cole Camp woman. The impact pushed the Chevy into the westbound lane where it struck a 2012 Mazda 3 driven by a 38-year-old Russellville man head-on.

The Russellville man was pronounced dead at the scene. MU Air transported the driver of the Chevy and a 45-year-old male passenger in the Chevy to University Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The driver of the Mazda and the occupants of the Chevy were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

<p>MORGAN COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Morgan County.</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Mercedes S-Class driven by an 18-year-old Sedalia man was eastbound on U.S. 50 near Old U.S. 50.</p><p>The car rear-ended a 2007 Chevy Cobalt driven by a 48-year-old Cole Camp woman. The impact pushed the Chevy into the westbound lane where it struck a 2012 Mazda 3 driven by a 38-year-old Russellville man head-on.</p><p>The Russellville man was pronounced dead at the scene. MU Air transported the driver of the Chevy and a 45-year-old male passenger in the Chevy to University Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.</p><p>The driver of the Mazda and the occupants of the Chevy were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.</p>

2 Missouri men dead after 3-vehicle head-on crash

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —On Sunday, Muang Kyi was reported missing after being dropped off by a family member to go fishing near the Kaw River, according to a statement from Kansas City, Kansas. police.

 When the family returned, Mr. Kyi was no longer at the location other than his personal items. A multi-agency search effort was launched, including the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department Canine Search and Rescue, Overland Park Dive Team, and aerial support via police drones.  

On Tuesday, during the ongoing search, a call for service was received from a fisherman near Kaw Point who reported discovering a body in the river. The Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department, Kansas City, KCKPD Detectives, and Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD) responded to the scene and recovered the body.  He was positively identified by detectives as the missing man. At this time, no foul play is suspected.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758068599578.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
                        <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —On Sunday, Muang Kyi was reported missing after being dropped off by a family member to go fishing near the Kaw River, according to a statement from Kansas City, Kansas. police.</p><p> When the family returned, Mr. Kyi was no longer at the location other than his personal items. A multi-agency search effort was launched, including the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department Canine Search and Rescue, Overland Park Dive Team, and aerial support via police drones.  </p><p>On Tuesday, during the ongoing search, a call for service was received from a fisherman near Kaw Point who reported discovering a body in the river. The Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department, Kansas City, KCKPD Detectives, and Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD) responded to the scene and recovered the body.  He was positively identified by detectives as the missing man. At this time, no foul play is suspected.</p>

Police: Body discovered in river identified as missing Kan. man

WASHINGTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 3p.m. Tuesday in Washington County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022&nbsp;Moto Guzzi motorcycle driven by Thomas G. Lewis, 68, Firestone, Colorado,&nbsp;&nbsp;was eastbound on U.S. 36 just east of Osage Road.&nbsp;

The motorcycle rear-ended a 1981 John Deere Tractor driven by&nbsp;Schmidt, Jonathan E. Schmidt, 26, Diller, Nebraska.&nbsp; Lewis was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene. Schmidt was not injured. The KHP did not information on if Lewis was wearing a helmet at the time of an accident.

<p>WASHINGTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 3p.m. Tuesday in Washington County.</p><p>The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022&nbsp;Moto Guzzi motorcycle driven by Thomas G. Lewis, 68, Firestone, Colorado,&nbsp;&nbsp;was eastbound on U.S. 36 just east of Osage Road.&nbsp;</p><p>The motorcycle rear-ended a 1981 John Deere Tractor driven by&nbsp;Schmidt, Jonathan E. Schmidt, 26, Diller, Nebraska.&nbsp; Lewis was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene. Schmidt was not injured. The KHP did not information on if Lewis was wearing a helmet at the time of an accident.</p>

Man dies after motorcycle rear-ends tractor on Kan. highway

JOHNSON COUNTY—A former school paraprofessional has admitted having a sexual relationship with a student.

In August, Kassidy Alexander, 27, was charged with unlawful sexual relations, according to online jail records in Johnson County.&nbsp; She is a former USD 232 Desoto school district employee at&nbsp;Lexington Trails Middle School.

On September 11,&nbsp; Alexander pleaded guilty to a single count of unlawful sexual relations with a student, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office. Two other counts of unlawful sexual relations were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

The charge involves events occurring from July 25, 2022, to March 2024, according to court documents.&nbsp; Alexander is accused of "unlawfully and feloniously engaging in consensual sexual intercourse" with someone 16 years or older, a student in the school, according to court documents.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723146446335.png" alt="Alexander photo Johnson Co." />
                        <figcaption>Alexander photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>JOHNSON COUNTY—A former school paraprofessional has admitted having a sexual relationship with a student.</p><p>In August, Kassidy Alexander, 27, was charged with unlawful sexual relations, according to online jail records in Johnson County.&nbsp; She is a former USD 232 Desoto school district employee at&nbsp;Lexington Trails Middle School.</p><p>On September 11,&nbsp; Alexander pleaded guilty to a single count of unlawful sexual relations with a student, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office. Two other counts of unlawful sexual relations were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.</p><p>The charge involves events occurring from July 25, 2022, to March 2024, according to court documents.&nbsp; Alexander is accused of "unlawfully and feloniously engaging in consensual sexual intercourse" with someone 16 years or older, a student in the school, according to court documents.</p>

Plea deal: Kansas middle school teacher admits sex with student

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758057135347.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trump is asked about Israel launching a massive new ground offensive in Gaza City, and all he has to say is: &quot;I hear Hamas is trying to use the old Human Shield deal.&quot; In other words, he recycles one of the three or four Gaza-related talking points he&#39;s able to retain in his head <a href="https://t.co/Op0MpxvwGt">pic.twitter.com/Op0MpxvwGt</a></p>&mdash; Michael Tracey (@mtracey) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtracey/status/1968003246053790122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Trump warns Hamas if hostages are used as human shields

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26098852-tyler-robinson-indictment/">Click here to read the full indictment&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758046618970.png" alt="Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announces the charges on Tuesday -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announces the charges on Tuesday -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26098852-tyler-robinson-indictment/">Click here to read the full indictment&nbsp;</a></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758049682220.png" alt="Text message between Tyler Robinson and his roommate and romantic partner, according to the Utah County Attorney" />
                        <figcaption>Text message between Tyler Robinson and his roommate and romantic partner, according to the Utah County Attorney</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray announces charges filed against Tyler James Robinson in the death of Charlie Kirk including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice.&quot;<br><br>He also announces his intent to seek the death penalty. <a href="https://t.co/LqlpmMMR7O">pic.twitter.com/LqlpmMMR7O</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1968018452431380491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757689066912.png" alt="Robinson photo released by the Utah Governor" />
                        <figcaption>Robinson photo released by the Utah Governor</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758049347660.png" alt="Page 1 of the indictment -Utah County Attorney's office" />
                        <figcaption>Page 1 of the indictment -Utah County Attorney's office</figcaption>
                    </figure>

🎥 Read the charges announced against accused Charlie Kirk killer

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 2025 Kansas State Fair drew 300,784 visitors over 10 days, a weather-affected total that trailed the 328,714 reported in 2024 and 330,044 in 2023, organizers said.

The Fair opened Sept. 5 under misty skies, followed by a strong weekend before heavy rain on Monday snarled parking. To keep the grounds accessible, officials rolled out shuttle service from Hutchinson Community College, the Hutchinson Uptown Mall and Bold 3PL.

“We are grateful to the Hutchinson community and our emergency response partners for helping us make these adjustments quickly and safely,” General Manager Bryan Schulz said. “Our staff, Fair Board, and countless supporters worked tirelessly to make this year’s Fair a success despite the weather.”

Grandstand highlights included Ludacris (6,600), Jeff Dunham (just under 6,000), Josiah Queen with Ben Fuller (5,700) and The Fray with Plain White T’s (4,400).

<p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 2025 Kansas State Fair drew 300,784 visitors over 10 days, a weather-affected total that trailed the 328,714 reported in 2024 and 330,044 in 2023, organizers said.</p><p>The Fair opened Sept. 5 under misty skies, followed by a strong weekend before heavy rain on Monday snarled parking. To keep the grounds accessible, officials rolled out shuttle service from Hutchinson Community College, the Hutchinson Uptown Mall and Bold 3PL.</p><p>“We are grateful to the Hutchinson community and our emergency response partners for helping us make these adjustments quickly and safely,” General Manager Bryan Schulz said. “Our staff, Fair Board, and countless supporters worked tirelessly to make this year’s Fair a success despite the weather.”</p><p>Grandstand highlights included Ludacris (6,600), Jeff Dunham (just under 6,000), Josiah Queen with Ben Fuller (5,700) and The Fray with Plain White T’s (4,400).</p>

Kansas State Fair attendance down due to wet weather

By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/michelle/">Michelle Griffith</a><br><a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a>

Gov. Tim Walz typically treats the Minnesota State Fair like his personal Super Bowl — trying new foods (this year the Uncrustaburger), touting one of his favorite rides (the Ye Old Mill) and making the rounds at TV and radio station booths for softball interviews.

Walz’s State Fair interviews this year centered around one question: Will you run for reelection? The governor was coy and reserved. He said he was taking his time assessing what was best for Minnesotans. Also, he said, the June death of his friend and close governing ally Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman weighed on him and delayed his reelection announcement.

“This one about broke me,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jks8AaxqbXY" target="_blank">Walz told WCCO</a>&nbsp;at the fair on Aug. 24, referring to Hortman’s death.

Nine days later, Walz was&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/09/02/walz-to-call-special-session-on-gun-control-propose-assault-weapons-ban/">speaking in front of Deerwood Elementary School</a>&nbsp;in Eagan. This time, he seemed more determined and animated, promising he was going to make Minnesota safer for children by pushing for gun control measures like a ban on so-called assault weapons.

What happened in those nine days? Yet another crisis that Walz had to manage, this time the killing of two children and wounding of 21 others in the&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/08/27/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-horrific-act-of-violence-at-south-minneapolis-school/">Church of the Annunciation mass shooting.</a>

The second-term DFL governor announced Tuesday that he’ll seek a third term, launching a campaign that will require him to convince Minnesotans that he’s been a steadying hand in the face of the multiple crises that have enveloped the state in recent years, including a once-in-a-century pandemic, civil unrest after the police murder of George Floyd, emerging fiscal instability and shocking political violence.

“We’re not done yet. And that’s why I’m running for reelection. I want to make Minnesota a place where everyone has a chance to succeed — in every corner of the state,” Walz said in his&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Tim_Walz/status/1967936393747063151" target="_blank">campaign launch video.</a>

Another crisis has been state government’s own making: A wave of fraud in public programs is sure to be a centerpiece of the Republican campaign against him.

He’ll also need to persuade skeptical Minnesotans that he has a vision for another four years — a June KSTP poll found that just 43% of Minnesotans surveyed say Walz should r<a href="https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/kstp-surveyusa-results-gov-walz-to-testify-before-congress/" target="_blank">un for a third term even though he remains broadly popular.</a>&nbsp;The last time Minnesota voters were faced with a governor seeking a third term, they rejected Iron Range Democrat Gov. Rudy Perpich in 1990.

West metro Republican Rep. Kristin Robbins, 2022 GOP nominee for governor Scott Jensen and Kendall Qualls, an army veteran and health care executive, are challenging Walz. If they can raise money and blanket the media, they’ll have plenty to work with to attack Walz’s nearly eight years in office, from flagging school test scores to fraud-riddled public programs.

“Minnesotans cannot afford four more years of higher taxes, failing schools, unsafe streets, fraud and policies that undermine fairness for women and girls,” said Minnesota Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash in a statement. “… Minnesota families are worse off under his leadership. It’s time for new leadership and a fresh direction. Minnesota deserves better.”

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who is leaving Walz’s side to run for U.S. Senate, said Walz has a strong record to run on — Minnesotans make better wages and live healthier, longer lives than other Midwesterners — and an energetic personality that’s repeatedly won over Minnesotans.

“He’s an incredible effective campaigner, and I think once he’s on the road, he’s unstoppable,” said Flanagan, who added that “of course” she’ll endorse him.&nbsp;

Running in a midterm election during President Donald Trump’s second term, Walz also has an ace: He can sell himself as a Democratic bulwark against an increasingly hostile federal government led by a president Minnesotans have rejected three times.

“Minnesotans trust that Tim Walz is ready to stand up for them, for their liberties and their constitutional rights and defend them from an authoritarian in the White House. People are going to look to Tim Walz for that leadership,” said DFL Chair Richard Carlbom, who’s worked for Walz off-and-on since 2007.

The governor was elected in 2018, campaigning under the slogan “One Minnesota.” Walz represented a purple district in Congress for more than a decade and when first elected he was seen as a centrist bridge-builder.

But he’s become a champion of progressive policies — in 2022 with Walz at the top of the ticket, Democrats swept control of state government and passed one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/08/07/heres-what-tim-walz-has-done-as-governor-of-minnesota/">most significant progressive agendas</a>&nbsp;in the nation’s recent history with just a single-seat Senate majority. Walz’s signature is on laws providing all students with free lunch, legalizing marijuana, codifying abortion rights, providing drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants, creating a paid leave program, mandating paid sick leave, restoring voting rights to people after they serve prison sentences, protecting warehouse and meat processing workers, creating a free college program for working class families and requiring universal background checks for gun purchases, among many others.

Republicans were aghast, both by his policies and also his management of several crises.

Like many Democratic governors in 2020, Walz put in place&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/08/07/heres-what-tim-walz-has-done-as-governor-of-minnesota/">a stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;at the beginning of the pandemic, and later an indoor mask mandate and restrictions on schools and churches at the urging of public health authorities and institutions like the Mayo Clinic.

He required state workers to be vaccinated before they could return to the workplace.

The pandemic decisions were polarizing and at times faced legal challenges. By the time the worst of the pandemic was over, Minnesota had lower COVID-19 death rates than most other states.

The aftermath of the police murder of George Floyd in 2020 presented another political and governing challenge. The widespread destruction of the riots, which followed decades of police abuses, created a lasting liability for him.

In 2018, Walz, alongside Flanagan, won 21 of 87 counties. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.startribune.com/many-of-minnesotas-counties-shifted-right-why-that-wasnt-enough-for-jensen-to-beat-walz/600224371/?_gl=1*munmte*_gcl_au*MTc3MjY2NDMzNy4xNzUxMzk2NTUz*_ga*NzE2Nzk0MjEwLjE3Mjc3MjIxNDc.*_ga_SG3Y2YJFRQ*czE3NTgwMjQ3ODkkbzk0MiRnMSR0MTc1ODAyNDkwNyRqNDYkbDAkaDEwOTAyNDAy" target="_blank">Walz won 13.</a>&nbsp;

“‘One Minnesota’ means working together across lines of difference to get good work done for people,” Flanagan said, acknowledging that the country is more divided now than when the duo was first elected.

“We are in a time when people feel incredibly divided, which means this requires us to lean in even more, to listen to folks, to hear their concerns and take action whenever and wherever we can. And I think that is what Gov. Walz’s reelection will be grounded in,” Flanagan said.

One year ago, Walz was thrust into the national spotlight after Vice President Kamala Harris picked&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/08/06/from-a-mankato-classroom-to-the-white-house-harris-names-walz-her-vice-presidential-nominee/">him as her running mate.</a>&nbsp;Harris had hoped that Walz’s rural background, Midwest demeanor and military, teaching and coaching resume would win over working-class voters.

Republicans and the national press during the accelerated campaign scrutinized Walz’s past and propensity to misspeak — what he called “knucklehead” misstatements.

After a resounding&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/11/06/weird-won-now-walz-comes-home/">defeat on the national stage,</a>&nbsp;Walz returned to a different Minnesota, one with a divided Legislature after Republicans won seats for shared control of the Minnesota House. The state was also facing a long-term deficit.

Walz spent weeks negotiating with legislative leaders of both parties to come to&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/06/gov-tim-walz-to-call-special-session-for-monday-legislature-aims-to-pass-14-bills-in-one-day/">a two-year budget agreement,</a>&nbsp;requiring him to acquiesce to the GOP’s top demand: Eliminate state-funded health insurance for undocumented adults. The progressive Democratic base was outraged.

Just days after the Legislature passed the two-year budget, a man&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/14/minnesota-house-democratic-leader-dead-after-targeted-shooting-democratic-senator-also-shot/">shot and killed Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark</a>&nbsp;in their Brooklyn Park home and shot Democratic Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. Walz oversaw the two-day manhunt to apprehend the shooter of his friend. Hortman’s assassination gave Walz pause about whether he wanted to continue to serve as governor.

This summer was bookended by tragedies after a shooter opened fire outside of Church of Annunciation last month. Walz again headed the response to the mass shooting and is now pushing lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/walz-says-he-will-call-special-session-one-way-or-another-on-gun-control/">to return for a special session</a>&nbsp;to get Republicans on the record regarding gun control.

In 2023, Walz&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/walzs-proposes-child-tax-credits-universal-free-lunch-boost-in-k-12-education-funding/">began the historic legislative session</a>&nbsp;under the DFL trifecta by saying that Minnesota was going to become “the best state in the country to raise a family.”

That year, the governor shepherded legislation that he frequently brags about to this day: the school meals program and a child tax credit that could slash childhood poverty by 33%.

But Walz’s lengthy record may fade into the background in the face of the second Trump earthquake and the administration’s aggressive incursions into state policies.

Attorney General Keith Ellison, who has sued the Trump administration some 30 times so far, said that Walz is the right person to stand up to Trump.

“(Walz) has been a real asset in my opinion, and he’s been a great partner,” Ellison said. “The governor’s office and the AG’s office historically have not always worked well together, but me and Gov. Walz work seamlessly, and I’m glad to keep him as a partner.”

Paradoxically, Trump is both a challenge but also a political gift to Walz — an easy foil.

Voters will go to the polls next year with Trump top of mind, said Jeff Blodgett, who was chief strategist for Sens. Paul Wellstone and Al Franken.

“This is going to be a much bigger election about how our state is faring in the midst of Donald Trump’s presidency,” Blodgett said. “It will be a contrast between Trump’s style and Tim Walz’s style and the fact that he’s ushered the state through many, many crises and come out on the other side stronger and better — I think that will only help him.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758034568019.jpeg" alt=" Gov. Tim Walz and First Lady Gwen Walz read to a class of preschoolers during a visit to Pine Bend Elementary School in Inver Grove Heights for a meeting of the Children’s Cabinet Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)" />
                        <figcaption> Gov. Tim Walz and First Lady Gwen Walz read to a class of preschoolers during a visit to Pine Bend Elementary School in Inver Grove Heights for a meeting of the Children’s Cabinet Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/michelle/">Michelle Griffith</a><br><a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a></p><p>Gov. Tim Walz typically treats the Minnesota State Fair like his personal Super Bowl — trying new foods (this year the Uncrustaburger), touting one of his favorite rides (the Ye Old Mill) and making the rounds at TV and radio station booths for softball interviews.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m running for reelection to continue serving as Governor of Minnesota.<br><br>We’ve made historic progress in our state, but we’re not done yet. I’m staying in the fight — and I need you with me. <a href="https://t.co/NsVCXfq4M2">pic.twitter.com/NsVCXfq4M2</a></p>&mdash; Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Walz/status/1967936393747063151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Walz’s State Fair interviews this year centered around one question: Will you run for reelection? The governor was coy and reserved. He said he was taking his time assessing what was best for Minnesotans. Also, he said, the June death of his friend and close governing ally Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman weighed on him and delayed his reelection announcement.</p><p>“This one about broke me,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jks8AaxqbXY" target="_blank">Walz told WCCO</a>&nbsp;at the fair on Aug. 24, referring to Hortman’s death.</p><p>Nine days later, Walz was&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/09/02/walz-to-call-special-session-on-gun-control-propose-assault-weapons-ban/">speaking in front of Deerwood Elementary School</a>&nbsp;in Eagan. This time, he seemed more determined and animated, promising he was going to make Minnesota safer for children by pushing for gun control measures like a ban on so-called assault weapons.</p><p>What happened in those nine days? Yet another crisis that Walz had to manage, this time the killing of two children and wounding of 21 others in the&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/08/27/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-horrific-act-of-violence-at-south-minneapolis-school/">Church of the Annunciation mass shooting.</a></p><p>The second-term DFL governor announced Tuesday that he’ll seek a third term, launching a campaign that will require him to convince Minnesotans that he’s been a steadying hand in the face of the multiple crises that have enveloped the state in recent years, including a once-in-a-century pandemic, civil unrest after the police murder of George Floyd, emerging fiscal instability and shocking political violence.</p><p>“We’re not done yet. And that’s why I’m running for reelection. I want to make Minnesota a place where everyone has a chance to succeed — in every corner of the state,” Walz said in his&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Tim_Walz/status/1967936393747063151" target="_blank">campaign launch video.</a></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724014226536.png" alt="Walz and VP Kamala Harris on the campaign trail-image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Walz and VP Kamala Harris on the campaign trail-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Another crisis has been state government’s own making: A wave of fraud in public programs is sure to be a centerpiece of the Republican campaign against him.</p><p>He’ll also need to persuade skeptical Minnesotans that he has a vision for another four years — a June KSTP poll found that just 43% of Minnesotans surveyed say Walz should r<a href="https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/kstp-surveyusa-results-gov-walz-to-testify-before-congress/" target="_blank">un for a third term even though he remains broadly popular.</a>&nbsp;The last time Minnesota voters were faced with a governor seeking a third term, they rejected Iron Range Democrat Gov. Rudy Perpich in 1990.</p><p>West metro Republican Rep. Kristin Robbins, 2022 GOP nominee for governor Scott Jensen and Kendall Qualls, an army veteran and health care executive, are challenging Walz. If they can raise money and blanket the media, they’ll have plenty to work with to attack Walz’s nearly eight years in office, from flagging school test scores to fraud-riddled public programs.</p><p>“Minnesotans cannot afford four more years of higher taxes, failing schools, unsafe streets, fraud and policies that undermine fairness for women and girls,” said Minnesota Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash in a statement. “… Minnesota families are worse off under his leadership. It’s time for new leadership and a fresh direction. Minnesota deserves better.”</p><p>Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who is leaving Walz’s side to run for U.S. Senate, said Walz has a strong record to run on — Minnesotans make better wages and live healthier, longer lives than other Midwesterners — and an energetic personality that’s repeatedly won over Minnesotans.</p><p>“He’s an incredible effective campaigner, and I think once he’s on the road, he’s unstoppable,” said Flanagan, who added that “of course” she’ll endorse him.&nbsp;</p><p>Running in a midterm election during President Donald Trump’s second term, Walz also has an ace: He can sell himself as a Democratic bulwark against an increasingly hostile federal government led by a president Minnesotans have rejected three times.</p><p>“Minnesotans trust that Tim Walz is ready to stand up for them, for their liberties and their constitutional rights and defend them from an authoritarian in the White House. People are going to look to Tim Walz for that leadership,” said DFL Chair Richard Carlbom, who’s worked for Walz off-and-on since 2007.</p><h2>A tenure defined by crises</h2><p>The governor was elected in 2018, campaigning under the slogan “One Minnesota.” Walz represented a purple district in Congress for more than a decade and when first elected he was seen as a centrist bridge-builder.</p><p>But he’s become a champion of progressive policies — in 2022 with Walz at the top of the ticket, Democrats swept control of state government and passed one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/08/07/heres-what-tim-walz-has-done-as-governor-of-minnesota/">most significant progressive agendas</a>&nbsp;in the nation’s recent history with just a single-seat Senate majority. Walz’s signature is on laws providing all students with free lunch, legalizing marijuana, codifying abortion rights, providing drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants, creating a paid leave program, mandating paid sick leave, restoring voting rights to people after they serve prison sentences, protecting warehouse and meat processing workers, creating a free college program for working class families and requiring universal background checks for gun purchases, among many others.</p><p>Republicans were aghast, both by his policies and also his management of several crises.</p><p>Like many Democratic governors in 2020, Walz put in place&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/08/07/heres-what-tim-walz-has-done-as-governor-of-minnesota/">a stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;at the beginning of the pandemic, and later an indoor mask mandate and restrictions on schools and churches at the urging of public health authorities and institutions like the Mayo Clinic.</p><p>He required state workers to be vaccinated before they could return to the workplace.</p><p>The pandemic decisions were polarizing and at times faced legal challenges. By the time the worst of the pandemic was over, Minnesota had lower COVID-19 death rates than most other states.</p><p>The aftermath of the police murder of George Floyd in 2020 presented another political and governing challenge. The widespread destruction of the riots, which followed decades of police abuses, created a lasting liability for him.</p><p>In 2018, Walz, alongside Flanagan, won 21 of 87 counties. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.startribune.com/many-of-minnesotas-counties-shifted-right-why-that-wasnt-enough-for-jensen-to-beat-walz/600224371/?_gl=1*munmte*_gcl_au*MTc3MjY2NDMzNy4xNzUxMzk2NTUz*_ga*NzE2Nzk0MjEwLjE3Mjc3MjIxNDc.*_ga_SG3Y2YJFRQ*czE3NTgwMjQ3ODkkbzk0MiRnMSR0MTc1ODAyNDkwNyRqNDYkbDAkaDEwOTAyNDAy" target="_blank">Walz won 13.</a>&nbsp;</p><p>“‘One Minnesota’ means working together across lines of difference to get good work done for people,” Flanagan said, acknowledging that the country is more divided now than when the duo was first elected.</p><p>“We are in a time when people feel incredibly divided, which means this requires us to lean in even more, to listen to folks, to hear their concerns and take action whenever and wherever we can. And I think that is what Gov. Walz’s reelection will be grounded in,” Flanagan said.</p><p>One year ago, Walz was thrust into the national spotlight after Vice President Kamala Harris picked&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/08/06/from-a-mankato-classroom-to-the-white-house-harris-names-walz-her-vice-presidential-nominee/">him as her running mate.</a>&nbsp;Harris had hoped that Walz’s rural background, Midwest demeanor and military, teaching and coaching resume would win over working-class voters.</p><p>Republicans and the national press during the accelerated campaign scrutinized Walz’s past and propensity to misspeak — what he called “knucklehead” misstatements.</p><p>After a resounding&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/11/06/weird-won-now-walz-comes-home/">defeat on the national stage,</a>&nbsp;Walz returned to a different Minnesota, one with a divided Legislature after Republicans won seats for shared control of the Minnesota House. The state was also facing a long-term deficit.</p><p>Walz spent weeks negotiating with legislative leaders of both parties to come to&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/06/gov-tim-walz-to-call-special-session-for-monday-legislature-aims-to-pass-14-bills-in-one-day/">a two-year budget agreement,</a>&nbsp;requiring him to acquiesce to the GOP’s top demand: Eliminate state-funded health insurance for undocumented adults. The progressive Democratic base was outraged.</p><p>Just days after the Legislature passed the two-year budget, a man&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/14/minnesota-house-democratic-leader-dead-after-targeted-shooting-democratic-senator-also-shot/">shot and killed Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark</a>&nbsp;in their Brooklyn Park home and shot Democratic Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. Walz oversaw the two-day manhunt to apprehend the shooter of his friend. Hortman’s assassination gave Walz pause about whether he wanted to continue to serve as governor.</p><p>This summer was bookended by tragedies after a shooter opened fire outside of Church of Annunciation last month. Walz again headed the response to the mass shooting and is now pushing lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/walz-says-he-will-call-special-session-one-way-or-another-on-gun-control/">to return for a special session</a>&nbsp;to get Republicans on the record regarding gun control.</p><h2>Walz’s vision for the next four years</h2><p>In 2023, Walz&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/walzs-proposes-child-tax-credits-universal-free-lunch-boost-in-k-12-education-funding/">began the historic legislative session</a>&nbsp;under the DFL trifecta by saying that Minnesota was going to become “the best state in the country to raise a family.”</p><p>That year, the governor shepherded legislation that he frequently brags about to this day: the school meals program and a child tax credit that could slash childhood poverty by 33%.</p><p>But Walz’s lengthy record may fade into the background in the face of the second Trump earthquake and the administration’s aggressive incursions into state policies.</p><p>Attorney General Keith Ellison, who has sued the Trump administration some 30 times so far, said that Walz is the right person to stand up to Trump.</p><p>“(Walz) has been a real asset in my opinion, and he’s been a great partner,” Ellison said. “The governor’s office and the AG’s office historically have not always worked well together, but me and Gov. Walz work seamlessly, and I’m glad to keep him as a partner.”</p><p>Paradoxically, Trump is both a challenge but also a political gift to Walz — an easy foil.</p><p>Voters will go to the polls next year with Trump top of mind, said Jeff Blodgett, who was chief strategist for Sens. Paul Wellstone and Al Franken.</p><p>“This is going to be a much bigger election about how our state is faring in the midst of Donald Trump’s presidency,” Blodgett said. “It will be a contrast between Trump’s style and Tim Walz’s style and the fact that he’s ushered the state through many, many crises and come out on the other side stronger and better — I think that will only help him.”</p>

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz launches reelection campaign for third term

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 5a.m. Tuesday in Montgomery County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp;: Cassandra L&nbsp;: Lukens, 41, Coffeyville, was northbound on County Road 4300 at County Road 2000 approximately one mile north of U.S. 166. The driver failed to yield at the stop sign. The Silverado struck a westbound 2001 Buick LeSabre driven by Brian R.&nbsp;Griswold, 65, Coffeyville.

Griswold was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Frontier Forensics.&nbsp;Lukens was not injured.&nbsp; Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<p>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 5a.m. Tuesday in Montgomery County.</p><p>The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp;: Cassandra L&nbsp;: Lukens, 41, Coffeyville, was northbound on County Road 4300 at County Road 2000 approximately one mile north of U.S. 166. The driver failed to yield at the stop sign. The Silverado struck a westbound 2001 Buick LeSabre driven by Brian R.&nbsp;Griswold, 65, Coffeyville.</p><p>Griswold was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Frontier Forensics.&nbsp;Lukens was not injured.&nbsp; Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.</p>

Kansas man killed in pickup, car crash

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a>

TOPEKA — Kansas lawmakers skewered the state agency that oversees nursing licenses, alleging it has contributed to the state’s nursing shortage and demanding action before the next legislative session.

At a Sept. 8 meeting of the House Select Committee on Government Oversight, legislators urged the Kansas State Board of Nursing to make substantial changes to policies, procedures and regulations that govern the state’s relicensing and disciplinary processes.

Legislators used words such as “perplexed,” “horrified,” and “egregious” to describe their feelings about the state nursing board and its leadership. They passed resolutions that are likely to guide future changes.

Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican, hurled jabs at the board, which he described as having “no regard for human life.”

He accused the agency of being filled with “power-hungry individuals that are ruining people’s lives,” and he favored extracting some of the board’s $4 million budget to share with those he thinks have been wronged by the board.

Over months of hearings, the committee has listened to hours of testimony from health care professionals. The testimony detailed the nursing board’s delays in licensing, inadequate communication, leadership issues, dated technology, inconsistent fees for the same infractions, clerical errors, coercion, conflicts of interest, flawed investigations and an approach to discipline with “an attitude of guilty until proven innocent,” said Rep. Sandy Pickert, a Wichita Republican.

Pickert does not sit on the oversight committee. She is a nurse and has followed the committee’s hearings.

Brenda Sharpe, a board member, said the board agrees with some recommendations for change.

“This board would like more tools in its toolbox,” she said.

She also strongly encouraged the committee to consider facts and circumstances not available in an open forum, referencing the long list of testimony about individual disciplinary cases. She maintained the board has acted in good faith, taking into account facts and circumstances “that may appear one way to this group but, in fact, we believe are another.”

“I would never say we follow everything perfectly,” Sharpe said. “We’re human beings. The licensees are human beings. This is a human process. That’s where we’re at.”

Michael Schommer told the committee about his 23-year-old son, Connor, who is on the autism spectrum and was diagnosed with depression. Connor attempted suicide twice, Schommer said. It wasn’t until the family found a nurse, Ana Ahrens, and a therapist who discovered the perfect combination of medication and counseling that stabilized Connor, he said.

“You know, she has a unique, no-nonsense, stern yet compassionate method of getting his attention, and he would look her in the eye and respond to the questions she was asking him,” Schommer said. “She held him accountable for what he was doing and started to get through to him.”

But then Ahrens made an error while renewing her licenses online. The state nursing board revoked her prescribing privileges, and Ahrens couldn’t refill Connor Schommer’s medication.

Michael Schommer and his wife frantically tried to find another prescriber.

“It went about two weeks too far, unfortunately,” Schommer said. “And, I just — one day he got up and there he was walking through the house talking to the ceiling again for eight hours nonstop.”

That could have been prevented, Schommer said, expressing confusion about the nursing board’s procedures.

“Thank God we still have him today, and he’s doing much better,” Schommer said.

Schommer’s story was one of dozens, but its gravity struck legislators and underscored their crusade for change.

“He could’ve lost his son, and that’s serious,” said Rep. Barbara Ballard, a Lawrence Democrat.

The committee deliberated two resolutions that encouraged considering a grace period for nurses who are late to apply for relicensing, IT updates and regular digital notifications leading up to a nurse’s relicensing deadline. The committee also discussed changing the makeup of the state board, favoring a mix of legislative and gubernatorial appointments.

The resolutions allude to a bill for the 2026 session, but lawmakers urged the board to review its policies without legislative action. The committee also discussed the possibility of a future subcommittee that could provide further recommendations.

The nursing board is responsible for more than 70,000 Kansas nurses.

Maggie Ortiz, a nurse from Texas who advocates across the country for changing nursing regulations, said the issues Kansas is facing are not unique.

“The elephant in the room is the investigative process,” she said.

House lawmakers expressed frustration with the lack of oversight of the board. Complaints about the board are investigated by the board, leading to concerns about conflicts of interest.

Rep. Susan Humphries, a Wichita Republican, said disciplinary processes seem inconsistent, which many legislators on the committee find egregious.

Rep. Emil Bergquist, a Wichita Republican who was sitting on the committee Monday as a substitute, said he didn’t think nurses in Kansas are being protected. And disciplinary processes seem “like a knifepoint rather than a corrective point,” he said.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757962679630.png" alt=" Rep. Sandy Pickert, shown here at Gov. Laura Kelly's State of the State address on Jan. 15, 2025, used her experience as a nurse to advise a House oversight committee in September on changes to the Kansas State Board of Nursing. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> Rep. Sandy Pickert, shown here at Gov. Laura Kelly's State of the State address on Jan. 15, 2025, used her experience as a nurse to advise a House oversight committee in September on changes to the Kansas State Board of Nursing. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a></p><p>TOPEKA — Kansas lawmakers skewered the state agency that oversees nursing licenses, alleging it has contributed to the state’s nursing shortage and demanding action before the next legislative session.</p><p>At a Sept. 8 meeting of the House Select Committee on Government Oversight, legislators urged the Kansas State Board of Nursing to make substantial changes to policies, procedures and regulations that govern the state’s relicensing and disciplinary processes.</p><p>Legislators used words such as “perplexed,” “horrified,” and “egregious” to describe their feelings about the state nursing board and its leadership. They passed resolutions that are likely to guide future changes.</p><p>Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican, hurled jabs at the board, which he described as having “no regard for human life.”</p><p>He accused the agency of being filled with “power-hungry individuals that are ruining people’s lives,” and he favored extracting some of the board’s $4 million budget to share with those he thinks have been wronged by the board.</p><p>Over months of hearings, the committee has listened to hours of testimony from health care professionals. The testimony detailed the nursing board’s delays in licensing, inadequate communication, leadership issues, dated technology, inconsistent fees for the same infractions, clerical errors, coercion, conflicts of interest, flawed investigations and an approach to discipline with “an attitude of guilty until proven innocent,” said Rep. Sandy Pickert, a Wichita Republican.</p><p>Pickert does not sit on the oversight committee. She is a nurse and has followed the committee’s hearings.</p><p>“Pandora’s box is open,” she said.</p><p>Brenda Sharpe, a board member, said the board agrees with some recommendations for change.</p><p>“This board would like more tools in its toolbox,” she said.</p><p>She also strongly encouraged the committee to consider facts and circumstances not available in an open forum, referencing the long list of testimony about individual disciplinary cases. She maintained the board has acted in good faith, taking into account facts and circumstances “that may appear one way to this group but, in fact, we believe are another.”</p><p>“I would never say we follow everything perfectly,” Sharpe said. “We’re human beings. The licensees are human beings. This is a human process. That’s where we’re at.”</p><p>Michael Schommer told the committee about his 23-year-old son, Connor, who is on the autism spectrum and was diagnosed with depression. Connor attempted suicide twice, Schommer said. It wasn’t until the family found a nurse, Ana Ahrens, and a therapist who discovered the perfect combination of medication and counseling that stabilized Connor, he said.</p><p>“You know, she has a unique, no-nonsense, stern yet compassionate method of getting his attention, and he would look her in the eye and respond to the questions she was asking him,” Schommer said. “She held him accountable for what he was doing and started to get through to him.”</p><p>But then Ahrens made an error while renewing her licenses online. The state nursing board revoked her prescribing privileges, and Ahrens couldn’t refill Connor Schommer’s medication.</p><p>Michael Schommer and his wife frantically tried to find another prescriber.</p><p>“It went about two weeks too far, unfortunately,” Schommer said. “And, I just — one day he got up and there he was walking through the house talking to the ceiling again for eight hours nonstop.”</p><p>That could have been prevented, Schommer said, expressing confusion about the nursing board’s procedures.</p><p>“Thank God we still have him today, and he’s doing much better,” Schommer said.</p><p>Schommer’s story was one of dozens, but its gravity struck legislators and underscored their crusade for change.</p><p>“He could’ve lost his son, and that’s serious,” said Rep. Barbara Ballard, a Lawrence Democrat.</p><p>The committee deliberated two resolutions that encouraged considering a grace period for nurses who are late to apply for relicensing, IT updates and regular digital notifications leading up to a nurse’s relicensing deadline. The committee also discussed changing the makeup of the state board, favoring a mix of legislative and gubernatorial appointments.</p><p>The resolutions allude to a bill for the 2026 session, but lawmakers urged the board to review its policies without legislative action. The committee also discussed the possibility of a future subcommittee that could provide further recommendations.</p><p>The nursing board is responsible for more than 70,000 Kansas nurses.</p><p>Maggie Ortiz, a nurse from Texas who advocates across the country for changing nursing regulations, said the issues Kansas is facing are not unique.</p><p>“The elephant in the room is the investigative process,” she said.</p><p>House lawmakers expressed frustration with the lack of oversight of the board. Complaints about the board are investigated by the board, leading to concerns about conflicts of interest.</p><p>Rep. Susan Humphries, a Wichita Republican, said disciplinary processes seem inconsistent, which many legislators on the committee find egregious.</p><p>Rep. Emil Bergquist, a Wichita Republican who was sitting on the committee Monday as a substitute, said he didn’t think nurses in Kansas are being protected. And disciplinary processes seem “like a knifepoint rather than a corrective point,” he said.</p>

Voicing outrage, Kansas lawmakers outline potential changes for state nursing board

MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement in McPherson are investigating a day care owner for alleged child abuse.

On September 11, Police arrested 50-year-old Kimberly Horn on requested charges of endangering a child, abuse of a child; knowingly cause great bodily harm/abuse head trauma and permit a dangerous animal to be at large, according to online jail records.

The following day, the Kansas Department of Health issued an <a href="https://khap.kdhe.ks.gov/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=gZHsN3Fp83scAM%2bpg20HPMfv8XtG9WEFWjhCJI44Hy9U%2b0Jc%2frJgLVsHKR%2fA2co4a8rwzYKVIwo%3d">emergency order of suspension</a> for&nbsp;Kimberly Kay Horn Day Care Home, 705 Hunter Court in McPherson, according to the KDHE website.

Just before 6p.m. on September 12 she met the requirement of bond and was released from jail and charged with child abuse involving a child, according to court documents.

Horn's preliminary hearing was scheduled for Tuesday.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758018037806.png" alt="Horn photo McPherson County" />
                        <figcaption>Horn photo McPherson County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement in McPherson are investigating a day care owner for alleged child abuse.</p><p>On September 11, Police arrested 50-year-old Kimberly Horn on requested charges of endangering a child, abuse of a child; knowingly cause great bodily harm/abuse head trauma and permit a dangerous animal to be at large, according to online jail records.</p><p>The following day, the Kansas Department of Health issued an <a href="https://khap.kdhe.ks.gov/OIDS/OIDS_ViewFacility.aspx?facilitysearch=gZHsN3Fp83scAM%2bpg20HPMfv8XtG9WEFWjhCJI44Hy9U%2b0Jc%2frJgLVsHKR%2fA2co4a8rwzYKVIwo%3d">emergency order of suspension</a> for&nbsp;Kimberly Kay Horn Day Care Home, 705 Hunter Court in McPherson, according to the KDHE website.</p><p>Just before 6p.m. on September 12 she met the requirement of bond and was released from jail and charged with child abuse involving a child, according to court documents.</p><p>Horn's preliminary hearing was scheduled for Tuesday.</p>

Police arrest Kansas daycare owner for alleged child abuse

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a double homicide in Kansas City have released the name of one of the victims as 49-year-old Gande A. Salamed, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just after&nbsp;7a.m. Sunday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 6800 block of Longview Road on a reported shooting.

Upon arrival officers were directed to the front of a grocery store where they located Salamed suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers began to render aid as KCFD Medics simultaneously arrived. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

Other officers arriving were directed to the north side of the grocery store parking lot where they located an additional male victim, also suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital by ambulance, with life threatening injuries. Just before 9 a.m., investigators were notified that he died of his injuries at the hospital. Police have not released his name.

&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates there was an interaction outside of the grocery store between multiple individuals just prior to the shots being fired.&nbsp;This is being investigated as a homicide, and no one is in custody.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757900925738.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a double homicide in Kansas City have released the name of one of the victims as 49-year-old Gande A. Salamed, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.</p><p>Just after&nbsp;7a.m. Sunday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 6800 block of Longview Road on a reported shooting.</p><p>Upon arrival officers were directed to the front of a grocery store where they located Salamed suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers began to render aid as KCFD Medics simultaneously arrived. He was pronounced deceased on scene.</p><p>Other officers arriving were directed to the north side of the grocery store parking lot where they located an additional male victim, also suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital by ambulance, with life threatening injuries. Just before 9 a.m., investigators were notified that he died of his injuries at the hospital. Police have not released his name.</p><p>&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates there was an interaction outside of the grocery store between multiple individuals just prior to the shots being fired.&nbsp;This is being investigated as a homicide, and no one is in custody.</p>

Police ID victim in KC grocery store parking lot gunfight

OSAGE COUNTY — A woman is recovering from injuries after a crash involving a train and a multi-agency effort to find her.

Just after 7:30a.m. Monday, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting collision involving a train and a vehicle near K-276 Highway and South Lewelling Road, near Olivet, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

Deputies from the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, along with Osage County EMS and Fire District #3, responded immediately. While the scene was located, no individuals were found with the vehicle, prompting a full-scale search of the surrounding area.

A multi-agency effort was launched, covering an estimated 2–3-mile radius. This included ground crews, aerial support, and numerous community volunteers who stepped forward to assist in the search.

At approximately 3:15 p.m., the missing individual — an 82-year-old woman — was located alive in a heavily wooded area near the railroad tracks. She was transported to a Topeka hospital for treatment.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office thanked the volunteers and assisting agencies for their efforts, time, and care shown during the&nbsp; search. The successful outcome was made possible through the combined efforts of trained responders and the supportive Osage County community.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758019675130.png" alt="Rail line near Olivet, Kansas -google image" />
                        <figcaption>Rail line near Olivet, Kansas -google image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>OSAGE COUNTY — A woman is recovering from injuries after a crash involving a train and a multi-agency effort to find her.</p><p>Just after 7:30a.m. Monday, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting collision involving a train and a vehicle near K-276 Highway and South Lewelling Road, near Olivet, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.</p><p>Deputies from the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, along with Osage County EMS and Fire District #3, responded immediately. While the scene was located, no individuals were found with the vehicle, prompting a full-scale search of the surrounding area.</p><p>A multi-agency effort was launched, covering an estimated 2–3-mile radius. This included ground crews, aerial support, and numerous community volunteers who stepped forward to assist in the search.</p><p>At approximately 3:15 p.m., the missing individual — an 82-year-old woman — was located alive in a heavily wooded area near the railroad tracks. She was transported to a Topeka hospital for treatment.</p><p>The Osage County Sheriff’s Office thanked the volunteers and assisting agencies for their efforts, time, and care shown during the&nbsp; search. The successful outcome was made possible through the combined efforts of trained responders and the supportive Osage County community.</p>

Deputies searched for Kan. woman injured after crash with a train

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two Kansas woman who police believe came to Lawrence&nbsp;on a retail crime spree, but were stopped by an alert officer. 

On Sunday, police were called to Dick’s Sporting Goods, 2727 Iowa Street after an employee said the two women walked out with a full cart then sped off. 

 The employee provided a description of the vehicle and an officer spotted it in the nearby Walmart parking lot. 

 The officer approached the women, later identified as from Topeka, and ultimately learned they also had likely stolen items from Dillon’s. 

The total value of the recovered items is at least $1,800, making the alleged crime a felony.  The driver also didn’t have a valid license. Just after 7p.m., officers transported the women to the Douglas County Correctional Facility. Police did not release their names or possible charges they face.

<p>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two Kansas woman who police believe came to Lawrence&nbsp;on a retail crime spree, but were stopped by an alert officer. </p><p>On Sunday, police were called to Dick’s Sporting Goods, 2727 Iowa Street after an employee said the two women walked out with a full cart then sped off. </p><p> The employee provided a description of the vehicle and an officer spotted it in the nearby Walmart parking lot. </p><p> The officer approached the women, later identified as from Topeka, and ultimately learned they also had likely stolen items from Dillon’s. </p><p>The total value of the recovered items is at least $1,800, making the alleged crime a felony.  The driver also didn’t have a valid license. Just after 7p.m., officers transported the women to the Douglas County Correctional Facility. Police did not release their names or possible charges they face.</p>

2 Kansas woman jailed after retail crime spree

WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Monday applauded the decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to approve Kansas’ 2025 provider tax preprint, increasing the provider tax to 6% from 3%, according to a media release from Moran's office.

This will generate revenue from prospective payment system (PPS) hospitals in Kansas, which in turn is matched by federal Medicaid dollars. This change will increase Medicaid rates to Kansas hospitals and physicians and is expected to generate approximately $1 billion annually for Kansas hospitals.

“Last year, the Kansas legislature passed a bill to increase the state’s hospital provider tax, enabling Kansas hospitals and physicians to receive additional federal dollars from Medicaid,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran<b>.</b>&nbsp;“Considering Kansas’ pending application before CMS, I worked to make certain the Medicaid reforms in the Reconciliation Bill would permit Kansas’ pending application to still be considered and approved. I worked with Kansas hospitals, the Kelly administration and Administrator Oz to make certain Kansas’ application was submitted and considered in a timely manner. This change will allow Kansas hospitals to receive additional resources to provide quality, affordable care to Kansans.”

“Kansas hospitals were pleased to learn that the 2025 provider tax preprint, which allows the state to draw down federal matching funds to match the provider assessment at 6%, was approved,”&nbsp;said Chad Austin, President &amp; CEO, Kansas Hospital Association.&nbsp;“As with any significant achievement, it took many to reach this goal including our congressional delegation, led by Senator Moran, as well as the Governor, KDHE leadership and the Medicaid finance team.”

“Senator Moran and his team are long-time champions of healthcare in Kansas<b>,”&nbsp;</b>said Bob Page, President &amp; CEO, The University of Kansas Health System.&nbsp;“We greatly appreciate his efforts to ensure qualifying hospitals across the state, particularly those in rural areas, can now receive much needed additional reimbursement for care provided to Medicaid patients. Access to quality healthcare close to home is critical for rural vitality across Kansas. With current anticipated changes and uncertainty in health care, this is an important step forward for hospitals in our state.”

“We were excited and grateful to learn of the CMS approval of the 2025 Provider Tax preprint,”&nbsp;said Brian Williams, President &amp; CEO, Labette Health.&nbsp;“These resources will help us ensure uninterrupted access to safe, high quality hospital services in the rural Kansas communities that we serve. Senator Moran’s leadership on this issue during the approval process of the One Big Beautiful Bill was exceptionally important to its approval, and our words fall short on the difference this will make in so many Kansans lives.”

“We are grateful to Sen. Moran for his work to ensure Kansas’ pending CMS application remained eligible for consideration amid changes to the Medicaid program,”&nbsp;said Benjamin Anderson, President &amp; CEO, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.&nbsp;“CMS’s decision to approve Kansas’ 2025 Provider Tax increase means more federal support will be available for rural hospitals to continue our work of providing critical services and care to communities across our state.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758016720694.png" alt="Google image" />
                        <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Monday applauded the decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to approve Kansas’ 2025 provider tax preprint, increasing the provider tax to 6% from 3%, according to a media release from Moran's office.</p><p>This will generate revenue from prospective payment system (PPS) hospitals in Kansas, which in turn is matched by federal Medicaid dollars. This change will increase Medicaid rates to Kansas hospitals and physicians and is expected to generate approximately $1 billion annually for Kansas hospitals.</p><p>“Last year, the Kansas legislature passed a bill to increase the state’s hospital provider tax, enabling Kansas hospitals and physicians to receive additional federal dollars from Medicaid,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran<b>.</b>&nbsp;“Considering Kansas’ pending application before CMS, I worked to make certain the Medicaid reforms in the Reconciliation Bill would permit Kansas’ pending application to still be considered and approved. I worked with Kansas hospitals, the Kelly administration and Administrator Oz to make certain Kansas’ application was submitted and considered in a timely manner. This change will allow Kansas hospitals to receive additional resources to provide quality, affordable care to Kansans.”</p><p>“Kansas hospitals were pleased to learn that the 2025 provider tax preprint, which allows the state to draw down federal matching funds to match the provider assessment at 6%, was approved,”&nbsp;said Chad Austin, President &amp; CEO, Kansas Hospital Association.&nbsp;“As with any significant achievement, it took many to reach this goal including our congressional delegation, led by Senator Moran, as well as the Governor, KDHE leadership and the Medicaid finance team.”</p><p>“Senator Moran and his team are long-time champions of healthcare in Kansas<b>,”&nbsp;</b>said Bob Page, President &amp; CEO, The University of Kansas Health System.&nbsp;“We greatly appreciate his efforts to ensure qualifying hospitals across the state, particularly those in rural areas, can now receive much needed additional reimbursement for care provided to Medicaid patients. Access to quality healthcare close to home is critical for rural vitality across Kansas. With current anticipated changes and uncertainty in health care, this is an important step forward for hospitals in our state.”</p><p>“We were excited and grateful to learn of the CMS approval of the 2025 Provider Tax preprint,”&nbsp;said Brian Williams, President &amp; CEO, Labette Health.&nbsp;“These resources will help us ensure uninterrupted access to safe, high quality hospital services in the rural Kansas communities that we serve. Senator Moran’s leadership on this issue during the approval process of the One Big Beautiful Bill was exceptionally important to its approval, and our words fall short on the difference this will make in so many Kansans lives.”</p><p>“We are grateful to Sen. Moran for his work to ensure Kansas’ pending CMS application remained eligible for consideration amid changes to the Medicaid program,”&nbsp;said Benjamin Anderson, President &amp; CEO, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.&nbsp;“CMS’s decision to approve Kansas’ 2025 Provider Tax increase means more federal support will be available for rural hospitals to continue our work of providing critical services and care to communities across our state.”</p><p><b>Background information:</b></p><ol>
                        <li>In the 2024 legislative session, the Kansas State Legislature passed legislation to increase the state provider tax for prospective payment system (PPS) hospitals, raising the cap from 3% to 6%. The increase passed by the Kansas State Legislature had to be approved by CMS.</li><li>This change means PPS hospitals will have a higher assessment rate, which in turn will allow them and all hospitals to access increased federal Medicaid reimbursements.</li><li>The&nbsp;<i>One Big Beautiful Bill Act</i>&nbsp;capped state provider taxes at 3.5% for Medicaid expansion states, but non-expansion states, like Kansas, are not subject to the federal state provider tax cap.</li><li>With the increased state provider tax cap, Kansas providers will receive increased Medicaid reimbursements for the next decade.</li>
                    </ol>

Kan. U.S. Senator applauds good financial news for Kan. hospitals

A well known Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper used social media to announce his retirement Monday evening.

KHP Trooper Ben Gardner wrote he was deeply fatigued after 26-years with the Patrol.&nbsp; The news comes after the Patrol earlier this month was forced to issue a statement involving&nbsp;confusion over a personal social media post by Gardner. The KHP wrote, "The KHP is aware of a social media post by an employee who appears to be either soliciting or accepting donations in furtherance of personal travel."

On his private social media page September 1, <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/55d07e51-697f-4176-9206-a43710f4937a">Gardner wrote that he was</a> driving his Jeep back and forth to Michigan and using a lot of gas. He wrote, "folks had already reached out, so he shared ways that others could help."

Not everyone believed the post was actually from beloved Trooper Ben.

The Kansas Highway Patrol responded, "Because the employee's private posts are often difficult to distinguish from their professional posts, the messages can be confusing and are neither approved by nor associated with KHP business."

On Monday night, Gardner wrote about his retirement.

"Of all the posts I’ve ever made, this one may be the most important. A significant shift from what life has been…"

"This evening, I sat at my laptop and typed the words that made it real. I sent the email. My official notice of retirement.For years, I’ve struggled with this decision. Do I hold on longer, or do I take the step forward?

"So many of us wait.Wait until 5 PM.Wait for Friday.Wait for summer.Wait for adulthood. Wait for happiness.Always waiting for the right moment. But in the waiting, we miss living in the now."

"After over 26 years of service, I am fatigued. Deeply fatigued…That fatigue does not come from the people of Kansas or the countless lives I’ve had the honor of serving."

"Being a servant has been one of the greatest joys of my life.The strain has come from within. From the inner spaces I’ve devoted myself to. Spaces I have deeply loved, but also where I have faced some of my greatest challenges.Through my entire career, I’ve always tried to make decisions that were about purpose, not paycheck. I never sought promotion. I rarely looked for overtime."

"The choices I made were always about moments where I could make a meaningful impact with the people around me. To break the mold a little.To blaze a trail.To show what I believe the service of this position was always meant to be.￼To leave the space I held better than when I received it.I have full faith that I have done just that.It seems that so many individuals in this profession exit long before they ever make it to retirement."

And standing here now, I can understand why. It has been such an honor to serve as I have over these last 26 years. Pride, laughter, fear, embarrassment, and deep sadness have all been part of my journey."

"After traveling to Michigan for my dad’s graveside ceremony, I found some clarity."

"Being there reminded me that the time we have is so, so valuable.This will work out. It might be bumpy for a little bit, but eventually we grow past the tightness, the worry, and the fatigue of trying to fit in."

"It’s my belief, two weeks is what I have left of this career. It’s hard. It’s emotional. But it’s time." 

"The past will always be part of me, but the future is calling. And I’m choosing to live it now.When the time is right, I want to be more transparent. To share more openly about what I have experienced throughout my career, and especially over these last five years leading up to retirement.  In that moment, you will see my heart more clearly than ever before."

"What I haven’t shared over the last five years… I will.To those who have openly supported me, cheered for me, and defended me when I wasn’t around, thank you. You have carried me further than you know."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757986303750.png" alt="Image from Gardner's social media page Monday night" />
                        <figcaption>Image from Gardner's social media page Monday night</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>A well known Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper used social media to announce his retirement Monday evening.</p><p>KHP Trooper Ben Gardner wrote he was deeply fatigued after 26-years with the Patrol.&nbsp; The news comes after the Patrol earlier this month was forced to issue a statement involving&nbsp;confusion over a personal social media post by Gardner. The KHP wrote, "The KHP is aware of a social media post by an employee who appears to be either soliciting or accepting donations in furtherance of personal travel."</p><p>On his private social media page September 1, <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/55d07e51-697f-4176-9206-a43710f4937a">Gardner wrote that he was</a> driving his Jeep back and forth to Michigan and using a lot of gas. He wrote, "folks had already reached out, so he shared ways that others could help."</p><p>Not everyone believed the post was actually from beloved Trooper Ben.</p><p>The Kansas Highway Patrol responded, "Because the employee's private posts are often difficult to distinguish from their professional posts, the messages can be confusing and are neither approved by nor associated with KHP business."</p><p>On Monday night, Gardner wrote about his retirement.</p><p>"Of all the posts I’ve ever made, this one may be the most important. A significant shift from what life has been…"</p><p>"This evening, I sat at my laptop and typed the words that made it real. I sent the email. My official notice of retirement.For years, I’ve struggled with this decision. Do I hold on longer, or do I take the step forward?</p><p>"So many of us wait.Wait until 5 PM.Wait for Friday.Wait for summer.Wait for adulthood. Wait for happiness.Always waiting for the right moment. But in the waiting, we miss living in the now."</p><p>"After over 26 years of service, I am fatigued. Deeply fatigued…That fatigue does not come from the people of Kansas or the countless lives I’ve had the honor of serving."</p><p>"Being a servant has been one of the greatest joys of my life.The strain has come from within. From the inner spaces I’ve devoted myself to. Spaces I have deeply loved, but also where I have faced some of my greatest challenges.Through my entire career, I’ve always tried to make decisions that were about purpose, not paycheck. I never sought promotion. I rarely looked for overtime."</p><p>"The choices I made were always about moments where I could make a meaningful impact with the people around me. To break the mold a little.To blaze a trail.To show what I believe the service of this position was always meant to be.￼To leave the space I held better than when I received it.I have full faith that I have done just that.It seems that so many individuals in this profession exit long before they ever make it to retirement."</p><p>And standing here now, I can understand why. It has been such an honor to serve as I have over these last 26 years. Pride, laughter, fear, embarrassment, and deep sadness have all been part of my journey."</p><p>"After traveling to Michigan for my dad’s graveside ceremony, I found some clarity."</p><p>"Being there reminded me that the time we have is so, so valuable.This will work out. It might be bumpy for a little bit, but eventually we grow past the tightness, the worry, and the fatigue of trying to fit in."</p><p>"It’s my belief, two weeks is what I have left of this career. It’s hard. It’s emotional. But it’s time." </p><p>"The past will always be part of me, but the future is calling. And I’m choosing to live it now.When the time is right, I want to be more transparent. To share more openly about what I have experienced throughout my career, and especially over these last five years leading up to retirement.  In that moment, you will see my heart more clearly than ever before."</p><p>"What I haven’t shared over the last five years… I will.To those who have openly supported me, cheered for me, and defended me when I wasn’t around, thank you. You have carried me further than you know."</p>

Well known State Trooper makes emotional announcement

BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kanas sex offender on new allegations.

Just before 3p.m. Friday, the El Dorado Police Department booked 44-year-old Peter Ferley of El Dorado into the Butler County jail on 23 counts of alleged sexual exploitation of a child, according to a media releas.

The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children task force and police executed a search warrant after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber tip that alleged sexual exploitation of children through the use of electronic devices. The investigation led to police arrested Ferley.&nbsp; He has been a registered offender since November of 2012 following a conviction for attempted sexual exploit of child; Poss of visual depiction of a child under the age of 18, according to the KBI sex offender registry.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757855211896.png" alt="Ferley photo KBI offender registry" />
                        <figcaption>Ferley photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BUTLER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kanas sex offender on new allegations.</p><p>Just before 3p.m. Friday, the El Dorado Police Department booked 44-year-old Peter Ferley of El Dorado into the Butler County jail on 23 counts of alleged sexual exploitation of a child, according to a media releas.</p><p>The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children task force and police executed a search warrant after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber tip that alleged sexual exploitation of children through the use of electronic devices. The investigation led to police arrested Ferley.&nbsp; He has been a registered offender since November of 2012 following a conviction for attempted sexual exploit of child; Poss of visual depiction of a child under the age of 18, according to the KBI sex offender registry.</p>

Kansas sex offender back in jail on new sex crime allegations

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WATCH IN FULL: <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>&#39;s opening comments on The Charlie Kirk Show <a href="https://t.co/J2i3uAI4x2">pic.twitter.com/J2i3uAI4x2</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1967626357568942346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Kaelan47?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kaelan47</a> describes his last interaction with <a href="https://twitter.com/charliekirk11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@charliekirk11</a>, in which Charlie prayed for him and his wife as they dealt with the struggles of being first-time parents. <br><br>That&#39;s who Charlie was. ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/DhW5rppryY">pic.twitter.com/DhW5rppryY</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1967632525016314212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a>: &quot;He inspired me as a young voice... before every briefing, I always pray to Jesus Christ, and Charlie was so outspoken with his faith — and I will continue to be in honor of him.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/3CocAfdkbR">pic.twitter.com/3CocAfdkbR</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1967634277434282105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> recites Psalm 133 in a powerful message to the American people: &quot;Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head...&quot;<br><br>&quot;Oh, how badly have I craved that precious ointment in recent days, and I… <a href="https://t.co/UQ5RHd1yue">pic.twitter.com/UQ5RHd1yue</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1967651075256717434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MUST WATCH: <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> powerfully delivers some hard truths on political violence in America.<br><br>&quot;While our side of the aisle certainly has its crazies, it is a statistical FACT that most of the lunatics in American politics today are proud members of the Far Left.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/mYnkCZhuXU">pic.twitter.com/mYnkCZhuXU</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1967652535679721576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">White House Chief of Staff <a href="https://twitter.com/SusieWiles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SusieWiles</a> says <a href="https://twitter.com/charliekirk11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@charliekirk11</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TPUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TPUSA</a> &quot;delivered 110%&quot; in re-electing President Trump:<br><br>&quot;I don&#39;t know that Charlie gets enough credit for that... it was an immeasurable help.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/vrcQGbaDkn">pic.twitter.com/vrcQGbaDkn</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1967645301717733687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/StephenM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StephenM</a> on organized Radical Left violence: &quot;With God as my witness, we are going to use every resource we have at the DOJ, Homeland Security, and throughout this government, to identify, disrupt, dismantle, and destroy these networks... We will do it in Charlie&#39;s name.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xGXYXR5bi5">pic.twitter.com/xGXYXR5bi5</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1967627684886061110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Vance hosts Kirk's radio show, shares how he'll honor his friend 

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/gqH4MHjbg2">pic.twitter.com/gqH4MHjbg2</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1967680808128483764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>