Union leaders say more than 3,000 members went on strike because the agreement offered by the aerospace manufacturing company doesn’t equally benefit all employees

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

BERKELEY — Christy Williams stood outside the Boeing facility in St. Louis for hours on Tuesday next to her handwritten sign declaring: “We aren’t building toasters!”

For the last three years, Williams and her son have helped build F-15 fighter jets at Boeing in the St. Louis area — something she called her life’s dream.&nbsp;

“We’re putting our bodies at risk with the physical and strenuous (work), and on top of all the chemicals and other just the dirty air that we’re in there breathing,” said Williams, an assembly mechanic. “We signed on for this because we wanted to build the best fighter jet in the world.”

On Monday, Williams walked out from her job alongside 3,200 workers at Boeing’s three facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles and Mascoutah, Ill., after her fellow members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers voted Sunday to reject a four-year labor agreement.

According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goiam.org/news/iam-district-837-members-in-st-louis-reject-latest-boeing-offer-strike-for-fair-contract/" target="_blank">union statement</a>&nbsp;announcing the strike, its members “assemble and maintain advanced aircraft and weapons systems, including the F-15, F/A-18, and cutting-edge missile and defense technologies.”

Chad Stevenson, a plant chairman for the union at the St. Louis facility, said the company’s offer was rejected because it wouldn’t equally benefit the longtime workers who endured pay freezes when the company’s contracts were “lean” over the last several years.

“Our members took concessions to help this company and continued to produce the same amount and the same quality of work,” said Stevenson, who works as an assembly mechanic. “So really it was over eight years, top-scale wasn’t raised. And we’re ready for them to make a competitive, fair offer in these negotiations and take it back before membership and let them decide again.”

The company issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boeing.com/specialty/iam837#fact-sheets" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;in response to the strike, stating that the employees rejected an offer that “featured 40% average wage growth and resolved their primary issue on alternative work schedules.”&nbsp;

“We are prepared for a strike and have fully implemented our contingency plan to ensure our non-striking workforce can continue supporting our customers,” said Dan Gillian, Boeing Air Dominance vice president, general manager and senior St. Louis site executive.

Williams called the 40% number “a farce” because it was nearly impossible to meet the criteria to earn it.

“If everybody was going to get 40%, we would already be on the floor,” she said. “Just quit playing with the math, give us something fair and let us get back to work.”

The company’s rejected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boeing.com/content/dam/boeing/boeingdotcom/specialty/pdf/iam837/lbafo/STL-IAM-837-LBAFO-Contract-Summary.pdf?v=2" target="_blank">offer</a>&nbsp;included a 20% wage increase over four years and $5,000 ratification bonuses. However, top-scale wage earners wouldn’t see that same increase, Stevenson said.

According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boeing.com/content/dam/boeing/boeingdotcom/specialty/pdf/iam837/lbafo/STL-IAM-837-LBAFO-Wage-Growth-Max.pdf" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>&nbsp;Boeing posted regarding the labor agreement, entry-level workers making $34.25 per hour could potentially go from making $71,240 to $108,222 annually after the four-year contract.

For “max rate” employees, the growth would go from $95,326 to $110,718 after four years, according to a fact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boeing.com/content/dam/boeing/boeingdotcom/specialty/pdf/iam837/lbafo/STL-IAM-837-LBAFO-Wage-Growth-Max.pdf" target="_blank">sheet</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Stevenson said the numbers on the entry-level fact sheet didn’t add up, and the pay progression to get to top-scale pay is much slower than other Boeing sites and other aerospace manufacturers. He explained that in some cases, it takes 20 years to reach top-scale pay, and union members become “highly skilled and versatile” well before that time. The union is looking to decrease the amount of time, he said, which is called auto progression.&nbsp;

“They act like maybe St Louis is less important, in their opinion,” he said, “but it is just important to this company. It’s their hub for the defense sector, and it’s also a matter of national security. We build the aircraft and munitions that defend this country with several of our products.”

Democratic state Rep. Doug Clemens, who represents a district that partially includes St. Louis Lambert International Airport, visited with the workers on the picket line on Tuesday afternoon.&nbsp;

He told them that his father worked for McDonnell Douglas, which was a major&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerospace_manufacturer" target="_blank">aerospace manufacturing</a>&nbsp;corporation and&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_contractor" target="_blank">defense contractor</a>&nbsp;headquartered in St. Louis and was later acquired by Boeing in 1997.&nbsp;

His father retired shortly after Boeing took over, he said, and the first thing the company did was cut health-care benefits to retirees.

“As far as the strike goes, it’s high time to have a strike,” Clemens said. “It’s high time that Boeing is put in its place when it comes to supporting its own workers.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754496573660.png" alt=" Mechanical engineer Christy Williams strikes outside of her employer, Boeing aerospace company, in Berkeley, Mo. She joined 3,200 other union members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers who went on strike at midnight on Sunday to get better wages and retirement plans (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Mechanical engineer Christy Williams strikes outside of her employer, Boeing aerospace company, in Berkeley, Mo. She joined 3,200 other union members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers who went on strike at midnight on Sunday to get better wages and retirement plans (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Union leaders say more than 3,000 members went on strike because the agreement offered by the aerospace manufacturing company doesn’t equally benefit all employees</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>BERKELEY — Christy Williams stood outside the Boeing facility in St. Louis for hours on Tuesday next to her handwritten sign declaring: “We aren’t building toasters!”For the last three years, Williams and her son have helped build F-15 fighter jets at Boeing in the St. Louis area — something she called her life’s dream.&nbsp;“We’re putting our bodies at risk with the physical and strenuous (work), and on top of all the chemicals and other just the dirty air that we’re in there breathing,” said Williams, an assembly mechanic. “We signed on for this because we wanted to build the best fighter jet in the world.”On Monday, Williams walked out from her job alongside 3,200 workers at Boeing’s three facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles and Mascoutah, Ill., after her fellow members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers voted Sunday to reject a four-year labor agreement.According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goiam.org/news/iam-district-837-members-in-st-louis-reject-latest-boeing-offer-strike-for-fair-contract/" target="_blank">union statement</a>&nbsp;announcing the strike, its members “assemble and maintain advanced aircraft and weapons systems, including the F-15, F/A-18, and cutting-edge missile and defense technologies.”Chad Stevenson, a plant chairman for the union at the St. Louis facility, said the company’s offer was rejected because it wouldn’t equally benefit the longtime workers who endured pay freezes when the company’s contracts were “lean” over the last several years.“Our members took concessions to help this company and continued to produce the same amount and the same quality of work,” said Stevenson, who works as an assembly mechanic. “So really it was over eight years, top-scale wasn’t raised. And we’re ready for them to make a competitive, fair offer in these negotiations and take it back before membership and let them decide again.”The company issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boeing.com/specialty/iam837#fact-sheets" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;in response to the strike, stating that the employees rejected an offer that “featured 40% average wage growth and resolved their primary issue on alternative work schedules.”&nbsp;“We are prepared for a strike and have fully implemented our contingency plan to ensure our non-striking workforce can continue supporting our customers,” said Dan Gillian, Boeing Air Dominance vice president, general manager and senior St. Louis site executive.Williams called the 40% number “a farce” because it was nearly impossible to meet the criteria to earn it.“If everybody was going to get 40%, we would already be on the floor,” she said. “Just quit playing with the math, give us something fair and let us get back to work.”The company’s rejected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boeing.com/content/dam/boeing/boeingdotcom/specialty/pdf/iam837/lbafo/STL-IAM-837-LBAFO-Contract-Summary.pdf?v=2" target="_blank">offer</a>&nbsp;included a 20% wage increase over four years and $5,000 ratification bonuses. However, top-scale wage earners wouldn’t see that same increase, Stevenson said.According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boeing.com/content/dam/boeing/boeingdotcom/specialty/pdf/iam837/lbafo/STL-IAM-837-LBAFO-Wage-Growth-Max.pdf" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>&nbsp;Boeing posted regarding the labor agreement, entry-level workers making $34.25 per hour could potentially go from making $71,240 to $108,222 annually after the four-year contract.For “max rate” employees, the growth would go from $95,326 to $110,718 after four years, according to a fact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boeing.com/content/dam/boeing/boeingdotcom/specialty/pdf/iam837/lbafo/STL-IAM-837-LBAFO-Wage-Growth-Max.pdf" target="_blank">sheet</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stevenson said the numbers on the entry-level fact sheet didn’t add up, and the pay progression to get to top-scale pay is much slower than other Boeing sites and other aerospace manufacturers. He explained that in some cases, it takes 20 years to reach top-scale pay, and union members become “highly skilled and versatile” well before that time. The union is looking to decrease the amount of time, he said, which is called auto progression.&nbsp;“They act like maybe St Louis is less important, in their opinion,” he said, “but it is just important to this company. It’s their hub for the defense sector, and it’s also a matter of national security. We build the aircraft and munitions that defend this country with several of our products.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754496537827.png" alt=" Missouri Democratic state Rep. Doug Clemens of St. Ann spoke with Boeing employees on strike on Aug. 5 outside of company facility in Berkeley (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri Democratic state Rep. Doug Clemens of St. Ann spoke with Boeing employees on strike on Aug. 5 outside of company facility in Berkeley (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Democratic state Rep. Doug Clemens, who represents a district that partially includes St. Louis Lambert International Airport, visited with the workers on the picket line on Tuesday afternoon.&nbsp;He told them that his father worked for McDonnell Douglas, which was a major&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerospace_manufacturer" target="_blank">aerospace manufacturing</a>&nbsp;corporation and&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_contractor" target="_blank">defense contractor</a>&nbsp;headquartered in St. Louis and was later acquired by Boeing in 1997.&nbsp;His father retired shortly after Boeing took over, he said, and the first thing the company did was cut health-care benefits to retirees.“As far as the strike goes, it’s high time to have a strike,” Clemens said. “It’s high time that Boeing is put in its place when it comes to supporting its own workers.”

‘Give us something fair’: Workers in Mo. picket outside Boeing facilities

NEW YORK and BURBANK, Calif. —&nbsp;ESPN, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), and the National Football League (NFL) on Tuesday announced a non-binding agreement under which ESPN will acquire NFL Network and certain other media assets owned and controlled by the NFL – including NFL’s linear RedZone Channel, and NFL Fantasy – &nbsp;in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN. In addition to the sale of NFL Network, the NFL and ESPN are also entering into a second non-binding agreement, under which the NFL will license to ESPN certain NFL content and other intellectual property to be used by NFL Network and other assets, according to a media release from the league.

These transactions between America’s most popular sporting league and the world’s most innovative sports media leader are designed to set a new standard for how professional football is delivered, experienced and celebrated by fans.&nbsp;

“Today’s announcement paves the way for&nbsp;the world's leading sports media brand&nbsp;and America’s most popular sport to deliver an&nbsp;even more compelling experience for NFL fans, in a way that only ESPN and Disney can,” said Robert A. Iger, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company. “Commissioner Goodell and the NFL have built outstanding media assets,&nbsp;and these transactions will add to consumer choice, provide&nbsp;viewers with even greater convenience and quality, and expand the breadth&nbsp;and value&nbsp;proposition of Disney’s streaming ecosystem."

“Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Whether it was debuting Thursday Night Football, televising the Combine, or telling incredible football stories through original shows and breaking news, NFL Network has delivered. The Network’s sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways.”

“This is an exciting day for sports fans,” said Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN. “By combining these NFL media assets with ESPN’s reach and innovation, we’re creating a premier destination for football fans. Together, ESPN and the NFL are redefining how fans engage with the game—anytime, anywhere. This deal helps fuel ESPN’s digital future, laying the foundation for an even more robust offering as we prepare to launch our new direct-to-consumer service.”

This new relationship brings together some of the NFL’s premier media brands and fan-engagement platforms with ESPN’s deep experience in producing and distributing high-quality and innovative sports programming. ESPN intends to deploy its resources and expertise in the development of NFL Network, distribution of the RedZone Channel and fantasy, to expand audience reach, increase accessibility and flexibility for consumers, drive innovation, and offer even more high-quality content to fans at highly competitive prices. As a result of this sale, NFL programming will be available on more platforms than ever before, including ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) service, while remaining on cable, satellite and leading streaming providers. ESPN’s DTC offering will deliver an array of NFL content to subscribers.

The transactions are subject to the parties’ negotiation of definitive agreements, various approvals including by the NFL team owners, and customary closing conditions.

ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The terms “Company,” “we,” and “our” below and “Disney” above are used to refer collectively to The Walt Disney Company and the subsidiaries through which our various businesses are actually conducted.

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward‐looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs and business plans; transactions for which conditions to close have not been satisfied, including entering into definitive agreements, regulatory or other approvals or other conditions; content, benefits and timing of future product offerings; consumer sentiment; and other statements that are not historical in nature. Any information that is not historical in nature is subject to change. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made. Management does not undertake any obligation to update these statements.&nbsp; Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the Company or the discovery of additional information, as well as from developments beyond the Company’s control, including: failure to enter into definitive agreements, obtain regulatory or other approvals or satisfy other conditions; other regulatory and legal developments; the availability of, and competition for, as applicable, programming, subscribers, talent and distribution channels; and consumer preferences and product acceptance. Additional factors are set forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

NEW YORK and BURBANK, Calif. —&nbsp;ESPN, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), and the National Football League (NFL) on Tuesday announced a non-binding agreement under which ESPN will acquire NFL Network and certain other media assets owned and controlled by the NFL – including NFL’s linear RedZone Channel, and NFL Fantasy – &nbsp;in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN. In addition to the sale of NFL Network, the NFL and ESPN are also entering into a second non-binding agreement, under which the NFL will license to ESPN certain NFL content and other intellectual property to be used by NFL Network and other assets, according to a media release from the league.These transactions between America’s most popular sporting league and the world’s most innovative sports media leader are designed to set a new standard for how professional football is delivered, experienced and celebrated by fans.&nbsp;“Today’s announcement paves the way for&nbsp;the world's leading sports media brand&nbsp;and America’s most popular sport to deliver an&nbsp;even more compelling experience for NFL fans, in a way that only ESPN and Disney can,” said Robert A. Iger, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company. “Commissioner Goodell and the NFL have built outstanding media assets,&nbsp;and these transactions will add to consumer choice, provide&nbsp;viewers with even greater convenience and quality, and expand the breadth&nbsp;and value&nbsp;proposition of Disney’s streaming ecosystem."“Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Whether it was debuting Thursday Night Football, televising the Combine, or telling incredible football stories through original shows and breaking news, NFL Network has delivered. The Network’s sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways.”“This is an exciting day for sports fans,” said Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN. “By combining these NFL media assets with ESPN’s reach and innovation, we’re creating a premier destination for football fans. Together, ESPN and the NFL are redefining how fans engage with the game—anytime, anywhere. This deal helps fuel ESPN’s digital future, laying the foundation for an even more robust offering as we prepare to launch our new direct-to-consumer service.”Additional DetailsThis new relationship brings together some of the NFL’s premier media brands and fan-engagement platforms with ESPN’s deep experience in producing and distributing high-quality and innovative sports programming. ESPN intends to deploy its resources and expertise in the development of NFL Network, distribution of the RedZone Channel and fantasy, to expand audience reach, increase accessibility and flexibility for consumers, drive innovation, and offer even more high-quality content to fans at highly competitive prices. As a result of this sale, NFL programming will be available on more platforms than ever before, including ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) service, while remaining on cable, satellite and leading streaming providers. ESPN’s DTC offering will deliver an array of NFL content to subscribers.Under the terms of these agreements:<ul>
 <li>NFL Network, including both linear and digital rights, would be owned and operated by ESPN and fully integrated into ESPN DTC, alongside traditional pay television distribution, increasing accessibility and flexibility for consumers and promoting innovation in sports programming.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>ESPN would own broad rights to the RedZone brand and distribute the NFL RedZone Channel to pay TV operators for continued inclusion into their sports packages.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>NFL Fantasy Football&nbsp;would merge with&nbsp;ESPN Fantasy Football, creating the official Fantasy season-long game of the NFL and one best-in-class digital experience, driving innovation and enabling broader reach to meet global demand.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>In total, ESPN’s platforms will license an additional three NFL games per season to air on NFL Network as a result of today’s news. In addition, ESPN will adjust its overall NFL game schedule, with four games (including some from overlapping windows) shifting to NFL Network, which will continue to present seven games per season.</li><li>The NFL will continue to own and operate its retained media businesses including properties such as NFL Films and key fan-facing platforms such as NFL+, NFL.com, the NFL Podcast Network, the NFL FAST Channel and the official sites for the league’s 32 clubs. It will also continue to own, operate, and produce NFL RedZone, and retain the rights to distribute NFL RedZone digitally.</li>
 </ul>The transactions are subject to the parties’ negotiation of definitive agreements, various approvals including by the NFL team owners, and customary closing conditions.ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.&nbsp;&nbsp;Forward-Looking StatementsThe terms “Company,” “we,” and “our” below and “Disney” above are used to refer collectively to The Walt Disney Company and the subsidiaries through which our various businesses are actually conducted.Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward‐looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs and business plans; transactions for which conditions to close have not been satisfied, including entering into definitive agreements, regulatory or other approvals or other conditions; content, benefits and timing of future product offerings; consumer sentiment; and other statements that are not historical in nature. Any information that is not historical in nature is subject to change. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made. Management does not undertake any obligation to update these statements.&nbsp; Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the Company or the discovery of additional information, as well as from developments beyond the Company’s control, including: failure to enter into definitive agreements, obtain regulatory or other approvals or satisfy other conditions; other regulatory and legal developments; the availability of, and competition for, as applicable, programming, subscribers, talent and distribution channels; and consumer preferences and product acceptance. Additional factors are set forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ESPN agrees to buy NFL Network, RedZone Channel

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, the Justice Department published a list of states, cities, and counties identified as having policies, laws, or regulations that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws, according to a media release from the agency.

“Sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country.”

On April 28, 2025, President Trump signed&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fdocuments%2F2025%2F05%2F02%2F2025-07789%2Fprotecting-american-communities-from-criminal-aliens%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001987a7f581e-e7ba96f7-3157-46ed-b636-9a18a633f11b-000000/KqcWxCq5txkjLj4FN3wILy9JnLN0UPfYHgFEmGFB8jg=416" target="_blank">Executive Order 14287</a>: Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens. The Executive Order recognized that “some State and local officials .&nbsp;.&nbsp;. continue to use their authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of Federal immigration laws” and “[i]t is imperative that the Federal Government restore the enforcement of United States law.” The Executive Order directed the Justice Department, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, to publish a list of such jurisdictions. Accordingly, the following states, cities, and counties have been identified as sanctuary jurisdictions:

In recent months, the Justice Department has filed several lawsuits against sanctuary jurisdictions seeking to compel compliance with federal law, including one against&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fpolitics%2Ftrump-doj-sues-new-york-city-long-standing-sanctuary-immigration-policies%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001987a7f581e-e7ba96f7-3157-46ed-b636-9a18a633f11b-000000/J_vdm5wT7ACLngM1BP_E4yGI1aPj55iPtx9Xz4ZFeOc=416" target="_blank">New York City</a>&nbsp;on July 24th. Recently, the Mayor of Louisville agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fspectrumnews1.com%2Fky%2Flouisville%2Fnews%2F2025%2F07%2F22%2Flouisville-removed-sanctuary-city%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001987a7f581e-e7ba96f7-3157-46ed-b636-9a18a633f11b-000000/rdsDrqtgQU1MJpmKMMWuPdGGClU33IubYdGyRG92SLw=416" target="_blank">revoke their sanctuary policies</a>&nbsp;following a letter from the Justice Department threatening legal action.

Read more about the sanctuary jurisdiction list and the criteria for inclusion&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fag%2Fus-sanctuary-jurisdiction-list-following-executive-order-14287-protecting-american-communities%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001987a7f581e-e7ba96f7-3157-46ed-b636-9a18a633f11b-000000/oBy4iz3avRksViU27GTgcrYPIC4Rivpct3fYWGaxmDU=416" target="_blank">here</a>. This list is not exhaustive and will be updated as federal authorities gather further information. The federal government will assist any jurisdiction that desires to be taken off this list to identify and eliminate their sanctuary policies, so they no longer stand in opposition to federal immigration enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754485085876.png" alt="U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi-courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi-courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, the Justice Department published a list of states, cities, and counties identified as having policies, laws, or regulations that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws, according to a media release from the agency.“Sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country.”On April 28, 2025, President Trump signed&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fdocuments%2F2025%2F05%2F02%2F2025-07789%2Fprotecting-american-communities-from-criminal-aliens%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001987a7f581e-e7ba96f7-3157-46ed-b636-9a18a633f11b-000000/KqcWxCq5txkjLj4FN3wILy9JnLN0UPfYHgFEmGFB8jg=416" target="_blank">Executive Order 14287</a>: Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens. The Executive Order recognized that “some State and local officials .&nbsp;.&nbsp;. continue to use their authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of Federal immigration laws” and “[i]t is imperative that the Federal Government restore the enforcement of United States law.” The Executive Order directed the Justice Department, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, to publish a list of such jurisdictions. Accordingly, the following states, cities, and counties have been identified as sanctuary jurisdictions:STATES:<ul>
 <li>California</li><li>Colorado</li><li>Connecticut</li><li>Delaware</li><li>District of Columbia</li><li>Illinois</li><li>Minnesota</li><li>Nevada</li><li>New York</li><li>Oregon</li><li>Rhode Island</li><li>Vermont</li><li>Washington</li>
 </ul>COUNTIES:<ul>
 <li>Baltimore County, MD</li><li>Cook County, IL</li><li>San Diego County, CA</li><li>San Francisco County, CA</li>
 </ul>CITIES:<ul>
 <li>Albuquerque, NM</li><li>Berkeley, CA</li><li>Boston, MA</li><li>Chicago, IL</li><li>Denver, CO</li><li>East Lansing, MI</li><li>Hoboken, NJ</li><li>Jersey City, NJ</li><li>Los Angeles, CA</li><li>New Orleans, LA</li><li>New York City, NY</li><li>Newark, NJ</li><li>Paterson, NJ</li><li>Philadelphia, PA</li><li>Portland, OR</li><li>Rochester, NY</li><li>Seattle, WA</li><li>San Francisco City, CA</li>
 </ul>In recent months, the Justice Department has filed several lawsuits against sanctuary jurisdictions seeking to compel compliance with federal law, including one against&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fpolitics%2Ftrump-doj-sues-new-york-city-long-standing-sanctuary-immigration-policies%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001987a7f581e-e7ba96f7-3157-46ed-b636-9a18a633f11b-000000/J_vdm5wT7ACLngM1BP_E4yGI1aPj55iPtx9Xz4ZFeOc=416" target="_blank">New York City</a>&nbsp;on July 24th. Recently, the Mayor of Louisville agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fspectrumnews1.com%2Fky%2Flouisville%2Fnews%2F2025%2F07%2F22%2Flouisville-removed-sanctuary-city%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001987a7f581e-e7ba96f7-3157-46ed-b636-9a18a633f11b-000000/rdsDrqtgQU1MJpmKMMWuPdGGClU33IubYdGyRG92SLw=416" target="_blank">revoke their sanctuary policies</a>&nbsp;following a letter from the Justice Department threatening legal action.Read more about the sanctuary jurisdiction list and the criteria for inclusion&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fag%2Fus-sanctuary-jurisdiction-list-following-executive-order-14287-protecting-american-communities%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001987a7f581e-e7ba96f7-3157-46ed-b636-9a18a633f11b-000000/oBy4iz3avRksViU27GTgcrYPIC4Rivpct3fYWGaxmDU=416" target="_blank">here</a>. This list is not exhaustive and will be updated as federal authorities gather further information. The federal government will assist any jurisdiction that desires to be taken off this list to identify and eliminate their sanctuary policies, so they no longer stand in opposition to federal immigration enforcement.

Justice Department publishes new list of "sanctuary" jurisdictions

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after&nbsp;

A Kansas K9 is recovering after being stabbed early Tuesday.

Just before 4a.m. Tuesday, the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department was dispatched to disturbance at a home in the 900 block of Riverview, according to a media release.

At the home, officers spoke with the caller who said a family member had returned to the. home after an earlier assault involving a knife. When officers approached the home to talk to the man, he barricaded himself inside.

The Shawnee Police Department assisted and brought K9 Dagger, a Belgian Malinois, to the scene. When officers went inside the home to take make an arrest, the suspect stabbed the K9 officer.

Dagger was transported to a local veterinarian and is expected to make a full recovery. Dagger has been with the Shawnee Police Department since 2023.

At 7:30 a.m., the suspect surrendered and was arrested.&nbsp;

In 2024 the Kansas legislature passed&nbsp; “Bane’s Law,” that increases penalties for inflicting harm on law enforcement animals, including horses. The felony crime is now punishable by a minimum of 90 days in jail and a minimum fine of $10,000.

Governor Kelly vetoed the bill but on was overridden 105-20 in the House and 29-10 in the Senate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754443423545.png" alt="Daagger photo Shawnee Police" />
 <figcaption>Daagger photo Shawnee Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after&nbsp;A Kansas K9 is recovering after being stabbed early Tuesday.Just before 4a.m. Tuesday, the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department was dispatched to disturbance at a home in the 900 block of Riverview, according to a media release.At the home, officers spoke with the caller who said a family member had returned to the. home after an earlier assault involving a knife. When officers approached the home to talk to the man, he barricaded himself inside.The Shawnee Police Department assisted and brought K9 Dagger, a Belgian Malinois, to the scene. When officers went inside the home to take make an arrest, the suspect stabbed the K9 officer.Dagger was transported to a local veterinarian and is expected to make a full recovery. Dagger has been with the Shawnee Police Department since 2023.At 7:30 a.m., the suspect surrendered and was arrested.&nbsp;In 2024 the Kansas legislature passed&nbsp; “Bane’s Law,” that increases penalties for inflicting harm on law enforcement animals, including horses. The felony crime is now punishable by a minimum of 90 days in jail and a minimum fine of $10,000.Governor Kelly vetoed the bill but on was overridden 105-20 in the House and 29-10 in the Senate.

Kan. K9 officer stabbed during arrest, suspect surrendered

COMANCHE COUNTY —A suspect wanted in North Dakota is in custody in Kansas after a traffic stop in Comanche County.

On Monday afternoon, Sheriff's Deputy Stetsen Underwood conducted a traffic stop for a speeding violation, according to a social media report from the&nbsp;Comanche County Sheriff’s Office.

 During the stop, Deputy Underwood identified the driver as a wanted fugitive with an active warrant out of North Dakota for Rape, Kidnapping, and Aggravated Assault. 

The suspect, identified from online jail records as 24-year-old Fredi Barrientos Garcia was taken into custody without incident

He is currently being held without bond pending extradition.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754420720068.png" alt="Garcia-photo Kiowa Co." />
 <figcaption>Garcia-photo Kiowa Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>COMANCHE COUNTY —A suspect wanted in North Dakota is in custody in Kansas after a traffic stop in Comanche County.On Monday afternoon, Sheriff's Deputy Stetsen Underwood conducted a traffic stop for a speeding violation, according to a social media report from the&nbsp;Comanche County Sheriff’s Office. During the stop, Deputy Underwood identified the driver as a wanted fugitive with an active warrant out of North Dakota for Rape, Kidnapping, and Aggravated Assault. The suspect, identified from online jail records as 24-year-old Fredi Barrientos Garcia was taken into custody without incidentHe is currently being held without bond pending extradition.&nbsp;

North Dakota man wanted for alleged rape, kidnapping captured in Kansas

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted. BARDA is terminating 22 mRNA vaccine development investments because the data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu. We’re shifting that funding toward… <a href="https://t.co/GPKbuU7ywN">pic.twitter.com/GPKbuU7ywN</a>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1952851097019633766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Why RFK Jr. pulled $500 million in funding for vaccine development

KANSAS CITY —A repeat offender in Kansas City is going back to prison for a long time.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2693/Brown-Otis-2416-CR04140-01-JT-Def-Sent-Judg-Rdctd">Otis W. Brown</a>, 49, was sentenced to 18.5 years in prison&nbsp; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Dangerous Felon, Property Damage, and Interference with the Legal Process, according to the Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

On September 25, 2024,&nbsp; police arrested Brown. He reached into his waistband as he ran from police and officers later found a gun where he had run.

“When officers later attempted to obtain a court-ordered DNA sample to determine whether the firearm was his, Brown refused to comply and flipped chairs and a table inside the interview room, causing damage to the walls,” according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

Brown was previously identified as a SAVE KC individual. SAVE KC is a focused deterrence program that focuses on those involved in or at-risk of becoming involved in violent crime and offers resources and support for them to prevent them living a life of crime, while making it clear that continued participation in crime will result in swift and certain consequences.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740759587497.png" alt="Brown photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A repeat offender in Kansas City is going back to prison for a long time.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2693/Brown-Otis-2416-CR04140-01-JT-Def-Sent-Judg-Rdctd">Otis W. Brown</a>, 49, was sentenced to 18.5 years in prison&nbsp; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Dangerous Felon, Property Damage, and Interference with the Legal Process, according to the Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.On September 25, 2024,&nbsp; police arrested Brown. He reached into his waistband as he ran from police and officers later found a gun where he had run.“When officers later attempted to obtain a court-ordered DNA sample to determine whether the firearm was his, Brown refused to comply and flipped chairs and a table inside the interview room, causing damage to the walls,” according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.Brown was previously identified as a SAVE KC individual. SAVE KC is a focused deterrence program that focuses on those involved in or at-risk of becoming involved in violent crime and offers resources and support for them to prevent them living a life of crime, while making it clear that continued participation in crime will result in swift and certain consequences.&nbsp;

Kansas City repeat offender refused court ordered DNA sample

CLAY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Tuesday in Clay County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Freightliner drump truck driven by a 33-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man was southbound on U.S. 69 at Cameron Road. The driver failed to yield at the intersection and struck a 2013 Ford Transit van driven by a 74-year-old Liberty, Missouri, woman.&nbsp; After impact the van traveled off the road and overturned.

The van driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical. The dump truck driver was not injured. The van driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754438172374.png" alt="Image from the accident scene&nbsp; courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Image from the accident scene&nbsp; courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>CLAY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Tuesday in Clay County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Freightliner drump truck driven by a 33-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man was southbound on U.S. 69 at Cameron Road. The driver failed to yield at the intersection and struck a 2013 Ford Transit van driven by a 74-year-old Liberty, Missouri, woman.&nbsp; After impact the van traveled off the road and overturned.The van driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical. The dump truck driver was not injured. The van driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman dies after crash with a dump truck

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A Hays man was sentenced Monday to more than six years in prison on drug-dealing and sex charges after an emotional morning in court where his victim discussed her turmoil and supporters testified the defendant was a changed man after pursuing recovery for drug addiction.

Jordan Bradley Burgess, 32, was sentenced to 78 months in prison on a charge of distribution of cocaine and 40 months in prison on a charge of possession of cocaine, with both sentences to run concurrently.

He also pleaded to three counts misdemeanor sexual battery through an Alford plea, as well as a DUI charge with those sentences to also run concurrently with his prison sentence on the cocaine charges.

He will also be required to register for life as a sex offender.

Burgess has a criminal record, including sex and drug charges going back to 2018. He had 19 convictions, which put his criminal records score for sentencing at an A, which is the highest level on the sentencing grid.

Based on the Burgess' criminal record and charges, state sentencing guidelines would require a prison sentence.&nbsp;Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham requested 118 months in prison under the plea agreement.

However, Burgess' attorney, Kurt Kerns, filed a motion for a dispositional departure based on Burgess' participation in an intense drug recovery program.&nbsp;

Cunningham repeatedly referred to Burgess as a sexual predator as he cross-examined the six witnesses who were called to testify on Burgess' behalf.

However, before those witnesses took the stand, a victim of Burgess' alleged sexual abuse gave a statement.

She said she was haunted by Burgess' acts against her on May 29, 2021. She said the incident left her a "damaged shell of her former self," and said she was plagued by anxiety attacks and nightmares.

"That one night will last my lifetime," she told the judge, and urged him to do what was just, right and true.

Burgess was originally charged with rape, attempted aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated sexual battery, all felonies. Those charges were amended to misdemeanor sexual battery charges per the plea agreement.

In an Alford plea, a defendant maintains their innocence but acknowledges the prosecution has enough evidence to convict them.

In his address to the court before sentencing, Burgess did not discuss the sex charges or address the victim of his sexual crimes.

Those supporting Burgess testified to a dramatic transformation during the last year after he entered rehab in June 2024, which has included passionately trying to help others who are suffering from addiction and seeking a faith-driven life.

John Trembley, former Community Corrections director, testified he had never seen a more significant transformation than he has seen in Burgess.

Trembley said he regarded Burgess like a son.&nbsp;

"It's rare for someone to walk out of rehab and not use again," he said.

However, he said he believed Burgess was committed to his recovery and was not a threat to the community.

He said he was not attempting to excuse Burgess' behavior. Still, he thought he could be a contributing member of the community, and community corrections was the better alternative for Burgess.

"If we are here for 100% punishment for his past behavior, then there's nothing I can say," Trembley said.

He added, "I know the impact he has had on everybody. I know he is a changed man."

Cunningham asked&nbsp;Trembley if treatment for sex offenders was different from the treatment of substance abuse. Trembley said yes.

Cunningham also asked Trembley if he thought Burgess should have consequences for his crimes.

Trembley said, "Community corrections is not meant to be a cake walk. He is going to have a lot of consequences in his life.

"I have a daughter and granddaughter, and if I thought he was a risk, I wouldn't be here," he said.

Justin MacDonald, who leads a Bible study at the Family Worship Center, testified about Burgess' conversion and baptism.

"I think our city would be better if we had more men like Jordan," he said.

MacDonald said he had only known Burgess for 16 months and was not fully aware of his previous criminal history.

Several witnesses, who had participated in recovery programs with Burgess, also testified on his behalf.

Cade Gerhard said he had been struggling with alcoholism. He called Burgess out of desperation, and Burgess drove him to treatment.

Even after Gerhard relapsed, Burgess continued to call and encourage him in his road to recovery, he said.

Gerhard credited Burgess with saving his life.

"I think sending him to prison would be a disservice to the community," he said.

In his allocution to the court before sentencing, Burgess said he was a changed man. He said he wanted to be a father to his 11-year-old daughter.

He said he wanted to help people and to live as a "Godly man in service moving forward."

In his final statements to the court, Cunningham said Burgess had been given many chances on community corrections and had gone from using alcohol to marijuana to being a cocaine dealer.

"The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior," he said.

He said a prison sentence was not only warranted as punishment and a public deterrent, but also a matter of public safety and again referred to Burgess as a serial sex offender.

In 14 years, probation has not been helpful,&nbsp;Cunningham said.

Despite Burgess' plea to the sex charges, Burgess' attorney Kerns said the charges were based on false accusations.

Kerns said he had never had a client in more than 30 years who had attended recovery meetings every day for more than a year.

He asked the judge to give Burgess "a single opportunity to prove who he is."

Judge Curtis Brown said he was impressed by Burgess' dedication to his recovery and faith. He said deciding on Burgess' sentence was not easy.

However, he denied the defense's motion for a dispositional departure and probation.

"I think this is just, fair and true in regards to this matter," Brown said.

Brown encouraged Burgess to continue his mission to help others during his time incarcerated with the Department of Corrections.

Burgess spent two days in jail, for which he will be given credit toward his sentence, but he had been out on bond for the majority of the time since his arrest.&nbsp;

Burgess was remanded to begin his sentence with the Kansas Department of Corrections immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754420697316.png" alt="Burgess -photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Burgess -photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA Hays man was sentenced Monday to more than six years in prison on drug-dealing and sex charges after an emotional morning in court where his victim discussed her turmoil and supporters testified the defendant was a changed man after pursuing recovery for drug addiction.Jordan Bradley Burgess, 32, was sentenced to 78 months in prison on a charge of distribution of cocaine and 40 months in prison on a charge of possession of cocaine, with both sentences to run concurrently.He also pleaded to three counts misdemeanor sexual battery through an Alford plea, as well as a DUI charge with those sentences to also run concurrently with his prison sentence on the cocaine charges.He will also be required to register for life as a sex offender.Burgess has a criminal record, including sex and drug charges going back to 2018. He had 19 convictions, which put his criminal records score for sentencing at an A, which is the highest level on the sentencing grid.Based on the Burgess' criminal record and charges, state sentencing guidelines would require a prison sentence.&nbsp;Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham requested 118 months in prison under the plea agreement.However, Burgess' attorney, Kurt Kerns, filed a motion for a dispositional departure based on Burgess' participation in an intense drug recovery program.&nbsp;Cunningham repeatedly referred to Burgess as a sexual predator as he cross-examined the six witnesses who were called to testify on Burgess' behalf.However, before those witnesses took the stand, a victim of Burgess' alleged sexual abuse gave a statement.She said she was haunted by Burgess' acts against her on May 29, 2021. She said the incident left her a "damaged shell of her former self," and said she was plagued by anxiety attacks and nightmares."That one night will last my lifetime," she told the judge, and urged him to do what was just, right and true.Burgess was originally charged with rape, attempted aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated sexual battery, all felonies. Those charges were amended to misdemeanor sexual battery charges per the plea agreement.In an Alford plea, a defendant maintains their innocence but acknowledges the prosecution has enough evidence to convict them.In his address to the court before sentencing, Burgess did not discuss the sex charges or address the victim of his sexual crimes.Those supporting Burgess testified to a dramatic transformation during the last year after he entered rehab in June 2024, which has included passionately trying to help others who are suffering from addiction and seeking a faith-driven life.John Trembley, former Community Corrections director, testified he had never seen a more significant transformation than he has seen in Burgess.Trembley said he regarded Burgess like a son.&nbsp;"It's rare for someone to walk out of rehab and not use again," he said.However, he said he believed Burgess was committed to his recovery and was not a threat to the community.He said he was not attempting to excuse Burgess' behavior. Still, he thought he could be a contributing member of the community, and community corrections was the better alternative for Burgess."If we are here for 100% punishment for his past behavior, then there's nothing I can say," Trembley said.He added, "I know the impact he has had on everybody. I know he is a changed man."Cunningham asked&nbsp;Trembley if treatment for sex offenders was different from the treatment of substance abuse. Trembley said yes.Cunningham also asked Trembley if he thought Burgess should have consequences for his crimes.Trembley said, "Community corrections is not meant to be a cake walk. He is going to have a lot of consequences in his life."I have a daughter and granddaughter, and if I thought he was a risk, I wouldn't be here," he said.Justin MacDonald, who leads a Bible study at the Family Worship Center, testified about Burgess' conversion and baptism."I think our city would be better if we had more men like Jordan," he said.MacDonald said he had only known Burgess for 16 months and was not fully aware of his previous criminal history.Several witnesses, who had participated in recovery programs with Burgess, also testified on his behalf.Cade Gerhard said he had been struggling with alcoholism. He called Burgess out of desperation, and Burgess drove him to treatment.Even after Gerhard relapsed, Burgess continued to call and encourage him in his road to recovery, he said.Gerhard credited Burgess with saving his life."I think sending him to prison would be a disservice to the community," he said.In his allocution to the court before sentencing, Burgess said he was a changed man. He said he wanted to be a father to his 11-year-old daughter.He said he wanted to help people and to live as a "Godly man in service moving forward."In his final statements to the court, Cunningham said Burgess had been given many chances on community corrections and had gone from using alcohol to marijuana to being a cocaine dealer."The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior," he said.He said a prison sentence was not only warranted as punishment and a public deterrent, but also a matter of public safety and again referred to Burgess as a serial sex offender.In 14 years, probation has not been helpful,&nbsp;Cunningham said.Despite Burgess' plea to the sex charges, Burgess' attorney Kerns said the charges were based on false accusations.Kerns said he had never had a client in more than 30 years who had attended recovery meetings every day for more than a year.He asked the judge to give Burgess "a single opportunity to prove who he is."Judge Curtis Brown said he was impressed by Burgess' dedication to his recovery and faith. He said deciding on Burgess' sentence was not easy.However, he denied the defense's motion for a dispositional departure and probation."I think this is just, fair and true in regards to this matter," Brown said.Brown encouraged Burgess to continue his mission to help others during his time incarcerated with the Department of Corrections.Burgess spent two days in jail, for which he will be given credit toward his sentence, but he had been out on bond for the majority of the time since his arrest.&nbsp;Burgess was remanded to begin his sentence with the Kansas Department of Corrections immediately.

Plea deal sends NW Kansas sex offender back to prison

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>&nbsp;-

WASHINGTON — The House Committee on Oversight issued subpoenas Tuesday for testimony from former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, among other ex-government officials from both Democratic and Republican administrations, regarding knowledge of Florida sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Committee Chair James Comer of Kentucky also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26040557-20250805-subpoena-and-schedule-to-doj/" target="_blank">subpoenaed</a>&nbsp;the U.S. Department of Justice for records of Epstein’s federal sex trafficking investigation. Comer gave the department until Aug. 19 to turn over the files.

Comer issued the subpoenas following bipartisan committee support in late July to compel the release of records after President Donald Trump backtracked on his promise to open the files.

Epstein, who pleaded guilty to sex crimes in Florida in 2008, died in a New York City jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting federal trial on sex trafficking charges. Epstein’s co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell, daughter of a wealthy media mogul, is serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison for her role in the sex trafficking scheme.

The former financier had surrounded himself with wealthy and powerful figures, including Trump and the Clintons, among many other influential people.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26040555-20250805-subpoena-cover-letters/" target="_blank">letters</a>&nbsp;to several former government officials, Comer wrote that congressional oversight of the government’s investigation of Epstein is “imperative.”

“The Committee may use the results of this investigation to inform legislative solutions to improve federal efforts to combat sex trafficking and reform the use of non-prosecution agreements and/or plea agreements in sex-crime investigations. Given your past relationships with Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell, the Committee believes that you have information regarding their activities that is relevant to the Committee’s investigation,” according to the letters.

In addition to the Clintons, Comer also subpoenaed testimony from:

Comer outlined a span of deadlines for the depositions into early October.

Comer previously subpoenaed Maxwell for an Aug. 11 deposition. The Kentucky lawmaker denied Maxwell’s request for immunity but agreed to delay her testimony to the committee, according to multiple media&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/08/01/congress/maxwell-hearing-postponed-00489019" target="_blank">reports</a>.

Attention on the federal case against Epstein swelled after the Justice Department, under current Attorney General Pam Bondi, declined to publicly release case files, as Trump had promised on the campaign trail.

According to an unsigned July 7 Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1407001/dl?inline" target="_blank">memo</a>, “a systemic review revealed no incriminating ‘client list,’” and department and FBI officials concluded that “no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.”

The declaration sparked an uproar among lawmakers and Trump’s voter base, including some in his own administration. The president’s supporters, and Trump himself, have long been fixated on what they describe as the “Epstein files,” with some perpetuating conspiracy theories.

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana sent lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-gop-scatter-early-august-break-amid-pressure-epstein-files" target="_blank">home early</a>&nbsp;for August break to avoid votes compelling the release of material.&nbsp;

Details of the president’s past relationship with Epstein also surfaced, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/trump-jeffrey-epstein-birthday-letter-we-have-certain-things-in-common-f918d796?mod=Searchresults_pos1&amp;page=1" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the Wall Street Journal that Trump gave the financier a 50th birthday note featuring a cryptic message and the outline of a naked woman with Trump’s signature mimicking pubic hair. The president denied making the note and swiftly sued the Journal.

The outlet also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/justice-department-told-trump-name-in-epstein-files-727a8038?mod=hp_lead_pos1" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that Bondi briefed Trump in May that his name appeared in the Epstein materials. The context in which Trump appeared in the files is unknown.

Trump has since called for the release of grand jury testimony in the case, which a Florida judge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/07/23/nx-s1-5477567/jeffrey-epstein-transcripts-florida" target="_blank">denied</a>.

Trump also dispatched Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, his former criminal defense lawyer, to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/tumult-over-epstein-files-dogs-trump-both-dc-and-florida" target="_blank">interview</a>&nbsp;Maxwell in Florida where she was being held.

The administration has since&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd049y2qymo" target="_blank">moved</a>&nbsp;Maxwell to a Texas facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein photo NY Sex Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein photo NY Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>&nbsp;-WASHINGTON — The House Committee on Oversight issued subpoenas Tuesday for testimony from former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, among other ex-government officials from both Democratic and Republican administrations, regarding knowledge of Florida sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754412751686.png" alt="File image Hillary Clinton from the Aug. 2024 funeral for Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee-courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File image Hillary Clinton from the Aug. 2024 funeral for Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee-courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Committee Chair James Comer of Kentucky also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26040557-20250805-subpoena-and-schedule-to-doj/" target="_blank">subpoenaed</a>&nbsp;the U.S. Department of Justice for records of Epstein’s federal sex trafficking investigation. Comer gave the department until Aug. 19 to turn over the files.Comer issued the subpoenas following bipartisan committee support in late July to compel the release of records after President Donald Trump backtracked on his promise to open the files.Epstein, who pleaded guilty to sex crimes in Florida in 2008, died in a New York City jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting federal trial on sex trafficking charges. Epstein’s co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell, daughter of a wealthy media mogul, is serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison for her role in the sex trafficking scheme.The former financier had surrounded himself with wealthy and powerful figures, including Trump and the Clintons, among many other influential people.<h2>Subpoena list</h2>In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26040555-20250805-subpoena-cover-letters/" target="_blank">letters</a>&nbsp;to several former government officials, Comer wrote that congressional oversight of the government’s investigation of Epstein is “imperative.”“The Committee may use the results of this investigation to inform legislative solutions to improve federal efforts to combat sex trafficking and reform the use of non-prosecution agreements and/or plea agreements in sex-crime investigations. Given your past relationships with Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell, the Committee believes that you have information regarding their activities that is relevant to the Committee’s investigation,” according to the letters.In addition to the Clintons, Comer also subpoenaed testimony from:<ul>
 <li>Former U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland</li><li>Former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr</li><li>Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions</li><li>Former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch</li><li>Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder</li><li>Former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales</li><li>Former FBI Director James Comey</li><li>Former FBI Director Robert Mueller</li>
 </ul>Comer outlined a span of deadlines for the depositions into early October.Comer previously subpoenaed Maxwell for an Aug. 11 deposition. The Kentucky lawmaker denied Maxwell’s request for immunity but agreed to delay her testimony to the committee, according to multiple media&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/08/01/congress/maxwell-hearing-postponed-00489019" target="_blank">reports</a>.<h2>Bondi won’t release Epstein files</h2>Attention on the federal case against Epstein swelled after the Justice Department, under current Attorney General Pam Bondi, declined to publicly release case files, as Trump had promised on the campaign trail.According to an unsigned July 7 Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1407001/dl?inline" target="_blank">memo</a>, “a systemic review revealed no incriminating ‘client list,’” and department and FBI officials concluded that “no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.”The declaration sparked an uproar among lawmakers and Trump’s voter base, including some in his own administration. The president’s supporters, and Trump himself, have long been fixated on what they describe as the “Epstein files,” with some perpetuating conspiracy theories.House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana sent lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-gop-scatter-early-august-break-amid-pressure-epstein-files" target="_blank">home early</a>&nbsp;for August break to avoid votes compelling the release of material.&nbsp;Details of the president’s past relationship with Epstein also surfaced, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/trump-jeffrey-epstein-birthday-letter-we-have-certain-things-in-common-f918d796?mod=Searchresults_pos1&amp;page=1" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the Wall Street Journal that Trump gave the financier a 50th birthday note featuring a cryptic message and the outline of a naked woman with Trump’s signature mimicking pubic hair. The president denied making the note and swiftly sued the Journal.The outlet also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/justice-department-told-trump-name-in-epstein-files-727a8038?mod=hp_lead_pos1" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;that Bondi briefed Trump in May that his name appeared in the Epstein materials. The context in which Trump appeared in the files is unknown.Trump has since called for the release of grand jury testimony in the case, which a Florida judge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/07/23/nx-s1-5477567/jeffrey-epstein-transcripts-florida" target="_blank">denied</a>.Trump also dispatched Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, his former criminal defense lawyer, to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/tumult-over-epstein-files-dogs-trump-both-dc-and-florida" target="_blank">interview</a>&nbsp;Maxwell in Florida where she was being held.The administration has since&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd049y2qymo" target="_blank">moved</a>&nbsp;Maxwell to a Texas facility.

US House panel subpoenas DOJ’s Epstein files, Bill and Hillary Clinton

HARVEY COUNTY – Samara Maple, 25, of Hutchinson, Kansas, pled guilty in Harvey County District Court on Tuesday to one count of Leaving the Scene of a Fatality Accident, according to the Harvey County Attorney's office.

The charge stems from a collision that occurred on April 8, 2024, when Laurie Oswald Robinson, of Newton, Kansas, was found deceased on the embankment beneath the SE 24th Street bridge over Interstate 135. 

Subsequent investigation determined that Ms. Robinson had been struck by a vehicle while walking across the bridge, and that the driver had left the scene without notifying authorities.

Following a thorough investigation by law enforcement, Maple was identified and charged in connection with the fatal hit-and-run.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 14, 2025, before District Judge Jason Lane in Harvey County District Court.

The Harvey County Attorney’s Office extends its appreciation to the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office and the Newton Police Department for their diligent work in bringing this case to resolution.

NEWTON, Kan. — Newton Police arrested a Hutchinson woman Monday evening in the fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a Newton woman Monday morning.

Samara Maple, 23, was booked into Harvey County Jail on preliminary charges of failure to stop at an accident resulting in death, which is a felony. She is being held without bond.

Laurie Robinson, 64, of Newton, died Monday morning after she was struck by a car while walking on Southeast 24th Street just east of I-135 in Newton. Police began searching for a white Honda or Acura with passenger-side damage. Maple’s white Honda was taken by police after her arrest.

NEWTON, Kan. —Police have located the vehicle and driver involved in fatal hit-and-run that occurred Monday morning in Newton, according to a social media report from Newton Police.

The City of Newton identified the victim as 64-year-old Laurie Robinson of Newton.&nbsp; She was killed in the hit-and-run on Southeast 24th Street just east of I-135 in Newton.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712698752314.png" alt="Maple photo Harvey County" />
 <figcaption>Maple photo Harvey County</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY – Samara Maple, 25, of Hutchinson, Kansas, pled guilty in Harvey County District Court on Tuesday to one count of Leaving the Scene of a Fatality Accident, according to the Harvey County Attorney's office.The charge stems from a collision that occurred on April 8, 2024, when Laurie Oswald Robinson, of Newton, Kansas, was found deceased on the embankment beneath the SE 24th Street bridge over Interstate 135. Subsequent investigation determined that Ms. Robinson had been struck by a vehicle while walking across the bridge, and that the driver had left the scene without notifying authorities.Following a thorough investigation by law enforcement, Maple was identified and charged in connection with the fatal hit-and-run.Sentencing is scheduled for October 14, 2025, before District Judge Jason Lane in Harvey County District Court.The Harvey County Attorney’s Office extends its appreciation to the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office and the Newton Police Department for their diligent work in bringing this case to resolution.-----------------NEWTON, Kan. — Newton Police arrested a Hutchinson woman Monday evening in the fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a Newton woman Monday morning.Samara Maple, 23, was booked into Harvey County Jail on preliminary charges of failure to stop at an accident resulting in death, which is a felony. She is being held without bond.Laurie Robinson, 64, of Newton, died Monday morning after she was struck by a car while walking on Southeast 24th Street just east of I-135 in Newton. Police began searching for a white Honda or Acura with passenger-side damage. Maple’s white Honda was taken by police after her arrest.------------NEWTON, Kan. —Police have located the vehicle and driver involved in fatal hit-and-run that occurred Monday morning in Newton, according to a social media report from Newton Police.The City of Newton identified the victim as 64-year-old Laurie Robinson of Newton.&nbsp; She was killed in the hit-and-run on Southeast 24th Street just east of I-135 in Newton.

Driver enters plea for hit-and-run that killed Kansas woman

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is bringing back a physical fitness test to public schools after over a decade, but details of the new test, including timing and implementation, remain to be seen.

Trump signed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/presidents-council-on-sports-fitness-and-nutrition-and-the-reesetablishment-of-the-presidential-fitness-test/" target="_blank">an executive order</a>&nbsp;July 31 that reestablished the Presidential Fitness Test — a source of both fear and achievement among youth — and committed to revitalizing the “President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition,” which would develop the test.

“Rates of obesity, chronic disease, inactivity, and poor nutrition are at crisis levels, particularly among our children,” the executive order notes. “These trends weaken our economy, military readiness, academic performance, and national morale.”

The president designated Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to administer the test.

The council is tasked with creating “school-based programs that reward excellence in physical education and develop criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award,” according to a White House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/07/fact-sheet-presidents-council-on-sports-fitness-and-nutrition-and-the-reestablishment-of-the-presidential-fitness-test/" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>.

The order did not provide any details on what the test will look like or how or when it will roll out.

Laura Richardson, a clinical associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Michigan, said she hoped to see an updated version of the test that focused more on level of activity than on a student’s performance.

“I’m hopeful that maybe it will be reevaluated and revised and really have some tools that don’t just look at how fast you are or how strong you are, but more holistic in the tools we need to get our children to be active in childhood that should then continue through the trajectory into adulthood,” Richardson told States Newsroom.

Richardson added that testing alone would not be sufficient to see improvement in kids’ physical fitness, and called for increasing resources to schools to help students be more active.

“Sedentary behavior is really widespread — we’re seeing increasing obesity among all ages,” Richardson told States Newsroom. “We can test … but if we’re not giving the tools to the teachers and the students and the parents, we may continue to see the same data.”

Rep. Jeff Van Drew&nbsp;<a href="https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1887" target="_blank">announced last week</a>&nbsp;that he will introduce a bill to codify Trump’s executive order.

In a statement, the New Jersey Republican said he coordinated with the administration, including Kennedy, when writing the bill.

“Every parent wants their kid to grow up strong and healthy,” he added. “This bill is about making sure they are given the tools to do just that.”

The Presidential Fitness Test dates back to President Dwight Eisenhower, who set up the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/executive-order-10673-fitness-american-youth" target="_blank">President’s Council on Youth Fitness</a>&nbsp;in 1956 following&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vox.com/2015/4/24/8489501/presidential-fitness-test" target="_blank">alarming findings</a>&nbsp;on the state of youth fitness in the United States compared to youth in European nations.

The test initially included sit-ups, a mile run, a shuttle run, pull-ups or push-ups and a sit-and-reach, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/taking-the-presidential-physical-fitness-test" target="_blank">Harvard Health</a>.

Since then, the test has seen several versions. The most recent major revamp was in 2012, when President Barack Obama’s administration replaced the Presidential Fitness Test with the&nbsp;<a href="https://fitness.foundation/presidential-youth-fitness-program-2" target="_blank">Presidential Youth Fitness Program</a>, which aimed for a more individualized and health-focused approach.

The program, which came after criticism of the Presidential Fitness Test and concerns about its psychological effects on youth, aimed to minimize “comparisons between children and instead supports students as they pursue personal fitness goals for lifelong health,” according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://odphp.health.gov/pcsfn/programs-awards/presidential-youth-fitness-program" target="_blank">Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion</a>&nbsp;within the Department of Health and Human Services.&nbsp;

President John F. Kennedy, an uncle of the current HHS secretary, expanded on Eisenhower’s efforts. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.org/stream/the-soft-american-kennedy/The%20Soft%20American%20-%20Kennedy_djvu.txt" target="_blank">1960 essay</a>, “The Soft American,” the president-elect at the time described physical fitness as a “vital prerequisite to America’s realization of its full potential as a nation.”

According to HHS’&nbsp;<a href="https://odphp.health.gov/pcsfn/history-council" target="_blank">Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion</a>, President Kennedy also promoted “taking the 50 mile hikes previously required of U.S. Marine officers” in a national public service advertising campaign.

President Lyndon B. Johnson established the Presidential Physical Fitness Award Program in 1966 for “exceptional achievement by 10- to 17-year-old boys and girls,” per HHS.&nbsp;

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is bringing back a physical fitness test to public schools after over a decade, but details of the new test, including timing and implementation, remain to be seen.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> on the Presidential Fitness Test: &quot;We need to re-instill that spirit of competition and that commitment to nutrition and physical fitness — and I&#39;m so grateful to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> for your leadership in bringing this back for our country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/f0KOxlwsdJ">pic.twitter.com/f0KOxlwsdJ</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1951020726292545607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump signed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/presidents-council-on-sports-fitness-and-nutrition-and-the-reesetablishment-of-the-presidential-fitness-test/" target="_blank">an executive order</a>&nbsp;July 31 that reestablished the Presidential Fitness Test — a source of both fear and achievement among youth — and committed to revitalizing the “President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition,” which would develop the test.“Rates of obesity, chronic disease, inactivity, and poor nutrition are at crisis levels, particularly among our children,” the executive order notes. “These trends weaken our economy, military readiness, academic performance, and national morale.”The president designated Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to administer the test.The council is tasked with creating “school-based programs that reward excellence in physical education and develop criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award,” according to a White House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/07/fact-sheet-presidents-council-on-sports-fitness-and-nutrition-and-the-reestablishment-of-the-presidential-fitness-test/" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>.<h2>Expert hopes for ‘holistic’ revamp</h2>The order did not provide any details on what the test will look like or how or when it will roll out.Laura Richardson, a clinical associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Michigan, said she hoped to see an updated version of the test that focused more on level of activity than on a student’s performance.“I’m hopeful that maybe it will be reevaluated and revised and really have some tools that don’t just look at how fast you are or how strong you are, but more holistic in the tools we need to get our children to be active in childhood that should then continue through the trajectory into adulthood,” Richardson told States Newsroom.Richardson added that testing alone would not be sufficient to see improvement in kids’ physical fitness, and called for increasing resources to schools to help students be more active.“Sedentary behavior is really widespread — we’re seeing increasing obesity among all ages,” Richardson told States Newsroom. “We can test … but if we’re not giving the tools to the teachers and the students and the parents, we may continue to see the same data.”<h2>Bill would codify test</h2>Rep. Jeff Van Drew&nbsp;<a href="https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1887" target="_blank">announced last week</a>&nbsp;that he will introduce a bill to codify Trump’s executive order.In a statement, the New Jersey Republican said he coordinated with the administration, including Kennedy, when writing the bill.“Every parent wants their kid to grow up strong and healthy,” he added. “This bill is about making sure they are given the tools to do just that.”<h2>Latest version of test</h2>The Presidential Fitness Test dates back to President Dwight Eisenhower, who set up the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/executive-order-10673-fitness-american-youth" target="_blank">President’s Council on Youth Fitness</a>&nbsp;in 1956 following&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vox.com/2015/4/24/8489501/presidential-fitness-test" target="_blank">alarming findings</a>&nbsp;on the state of youth fitness in the United States compared to youth in European nations.The test initially included sit-ups, a mile run, a shuttle run, pull-ups or push-ups and a sit-and-reach, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/taking-the-presidential-physical-fitness-test" target="_blank">Harvard Health</a>.Since then, the test has seen several versions. The most recent major revamp was in 2012, when President Barack Obama’s administration replaced the Presidential Fitness Test with the&nbsp;<a href="https://fitness.foundation/presidential-youth-fitness-program-2" target="_blank">Presidential Youth Fitness Program</a>, which aimed for a more individualized and health-focused approach.The program, which came after criticism of the Presidential Fitness Test and concerns about its psychological effects on youth, aimed to minimize “comparisons between children and instead supports students as they pursue personal fitness goals for lifelong health,” according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://odphp.health.gov/pcsfn/programs-awards/presidential-youth-fitness-program" target="_blank">Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion</a>&nbsp;within the Department of Health and Human Services.&nbsp;President John F. Kennedy, an uncle of the current HHS secretary, expanded on Eisenhower’s efforts. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.org/stream/the-soft-american-kennedy/The%20Soft%20American%20-%20Kennedy_djvu.txt" target="_blank">1960 essay</a>, “The Soft American,” the president-elect at the time described physical fitness as a “vital prerequisite to America’s realization of its full potential as a nation.”According to HHS’&nbsp;<a href="https://odphp.health.gov/pcsfn/history-council" target="_blank">Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion</a>, President Kennedy also promoted “taking the 50 mile hikes previously required of U.S. Marine officers” in a national public service advertising campaign.President Lyndon B. Johnson established the Presidential Physical Fitness Award Program in 1966 for “exceptional achievement by 10- to 17-year-old boys and girls,” per HHS.&nbsp;

President Trump pledges overhaul of school fitness tests

PAWNEE COUNTY —On Aug. 1, the Kansas Court of Appeals issued a 33 page memorandum opinion upholding the felony convictions and sentence of Justin W. Hammond, 41 of Larned, according to a statement from Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

In March of 2023, a Pawnee County Jury found Hammond Guilty of four counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberty with a Child, to wit: sexual intercourse with a child 14 or 15 years of age, and one count of Indecent Liberties with a Child, to wit: lewd fondling of child 14 or 15 years of age, following a five-day trial.

The crimes were alleged to have occurred in Pawnee County between July 8, 2018, and December 15, 2018. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation handled the investigation following a referral by the Pawnee County Sheriff.

At the sentencing held June 30, 2023, Judge Bruce Gatterman denied a defense request for probation and sentenced Hammond on the primary offense to the standard sentence of 59 months with an additional 37 month consecutive sentence on the additional counts for a total sentence of 96 months in the department of corrections. Hammond is also subject to lifetime post-release supervision and lifetime offender registration as a sex offender.

Hammond is currently incarcerated at the Lansing Correctional Facility.

On May 20, 2025, a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals heard appellate oral arguments. On appeal, the defendant argued the District Court errored when it failed to grant a mistrial when an alternate juror was released on the fourth day of the jury trial due to a family emergency. The defendant also argued that the District Court errored when it failed to grant probation and by sentencing him to lifetime post-release supervision.

Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett presented the State’s case at trial. The Kansas Solicitor General’s Office represented the State on Appeal. Hammond was represented by Jonathon McConnell of Wichita, Kansas at trial and Jonathan Laurans of Kansas City on Appeal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688158843330.png" alt="Hammond from his arrest in Pawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Hammond from his arrest in Pawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —On Aug. 1, the Kansas Court of Appeals issued a 33 page memorandum opinion upholding the felony convictions and sentence of Justin W. Hammond, 41 of Larned, according to a statement from Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.In March of 2023, a Pawnee County Jury found Hammond Guilty of four counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberty with a Child, to wit: sexual intercourse with a child 14 or 15 years of age, and one count of Indecent Liberties with a Child, to wit: lewd fondling of child 14 or 15 years of age, following a five-day trial.The crimes were alleged to have occurred in Pawnee County between July 8, 2018, and December 15, 2018. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation handled the investigation following a referral by the Pawnee County Sheriff.At the sentencing held June 30, 2023, Judge Bruce Gatterman denied a defense request for probation and sentenced Hammond on the primary offense to the standard sentence of 59 months with an additional 37 month consecutive sentence on the additional counts for a total sentence of 96 months in the department of corrections. Hammond is also subject to lifetime post-release supervision and lifetime offender registration as a sex offender.Hammond is currently incarcerated at the Lansing Correctional Facility.On May 20, 2025, a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals heard appellate oral arguments. On appeal, the defendant argued the District Court errored when it failed to grant a mistrial when an alternate juror was released on the fourth day of the jury trial due to a family emergency. The defendant also argued that the District Court errored when it failed to grant probation and by sentencing him to lifetime post-release supervision.Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett presented the State’s case at trial. The Kansas Solicitor General’s Office represented the State on Appeal. Hammond was represented by Jonathon McConnell of Wichita, Kansas at trial and Jonathan Laurans of Kansas City on Appeal.

Court upholds conviction and sentence of Kan. child sex offender

SALINE COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed a home and barn in rural Saline County.

On Monday, Rural Fire District 5 responded to report of the fire at 3008 N. Gypsum Valley, according to the Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan. A neighbor called to report the house and barn were on fire.

The barn was owned by 67-year old Billy Jeffrey. He was not present when the fire happened.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported. Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754406887419.jpeg" alt="Barn completely consumed after fire on 3008 N Gypsum Valley; photo&nbsp; Saline County Sheriff's Office." />
 <figcaption>Barn completely consumed after fire on 3008 N Gypsum Valley; photo&nbsp; Saline County Sheriff's Office.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed a home and barn in rural Saline County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754408117778.png" alt="Photo Saline Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Saline Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, Rural Fire District 5 responded to report of the fire at 3008 N. Gypsum Valley, according to the Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan. A neighbor called to report the house and barn were on fire.The barn was owned by 67-year old Billy Jeffrey. He was not present when the fire happened.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported. Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

Home, barn destroyed in rural Kansas fire

HORRY COUNTY, So. Carolina—Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run incident have identified the victim as 26-year-old Dezhon Overton of Kansas City, Kansas, according to the Horry County South Carolina Coroner's office.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a call for service related to a leaving the scene of a traffic collision with injuries at 21st Avenue South and Kings Highway, according to a statement from Myrtle Beach Police. 

HORRY COUNTY, So. Carolina—Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run incident have identified the victim as 26-year-old Dezhon Overton of Kansas City, Kansas, according to the Horry County South Carolina Coroner's office.Just after 12:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a call for service related to a leaving the scene of a traffic collision with injuries at 21st Avenue South and Kings Highway, according to a statement from Myrtle Beach Police. First responders determined that two pedestrians were struck by the vehicle and the suspect vehicle had fled. The victims including Overton&nbsp; were immediately transported to Grand Strand Medical Center for treatment of their injuries. Overton was pronounced deceased a short time later. He was on vacation at the time of the incident, according to police.The Myrtle Beach Police Real Time Crime Unit along with assisting units had already started investigating which led them to the location of the suspect vehicle. The driver of the vehicle has been arrested.&nbsp;