GEARY COUNTY —A routine traffic stop on Interstate 70 ended with the discovery of a massive quantity of drugs and two arrests.

On June 1 and 2, a coordinated multi-jurisdictional criminal enforcement effort was conducted along the Interstate 70 corridor through Geary County. The operation was aimed at locating, identifying, and apprehending major criminals using Interstate 70 as a trafficking corridor, according to a media release from the Geary County Sheriff.

On the evening of June 2, Undersheriff Justin Stopper and Sheriff Nate Boeckman, conducted a traffic stop on a Commercial Motor Vehicle&nbsp; near the K-18 East Manhattan exit for traffic infractions.

During the stop indicators of further criminal activity were observed, prompting the deployment of a K9 unit from the Junction City Police Department.

A probable cause search of the CMV revealed approximately 3,280 pounds of marijuana and 260 pounds of cocaine concealed within the trailer. The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $4 million.

Following the discovery, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was notified and responded to assist with the investigation. Two individuals were taken into custody as a result of the traffic stop, 33-year-old Yonas Tsegay and 31-year-old Samson Haliab both of California were taken into custody.

Both subjects are being held on $500,000 bonds each and the investigation is ongoing.

This operation brought together personnel from the Geary County Sheriff's Office, Junction City Police Department, Dickinson County Sheriff's Office, and Marshall County Sheriff's Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749166855562.jpeg" alt="Photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —A routine traffic stop on Interstate 70 ended with the discovery of a massive quantity of drugs and two arrests.On June 1 and 2, a coordinated multi-jurisdictional criminal enforcement effort was conducted along the Interstate 70 corridor through Geary County. The operation was aimed at locating, identifying, and apprehending major criminals using Interstate 70 as a trafficking corridor, according to a media release from the Geary County Sheriff.On the evening of June 2, Undersheriff Justin Stopper and Sheriff Nate Boeckman, conducted a traffic stop on a Commercial Motor Vehicle&nbsp; near the K-18 East Manhattan exit for traffic infractions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749171047422.png" alt="Tsegay photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Tsegay photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the stop indicators of further criminal activity were observed, prompting the deployment of a K9 unit from the Junction City Police Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749166988498.jpeg" alt="Photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>A probable cause search of the CMV revealed approximately 3,280 pounds of marijuana and 260 pounds of cocaine concealed within the trailer. The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $4 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749171107073.png" alt="Haliab photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Haliab photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Following the discovery, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was notified and responded to assist with the investigation. Two individuals were taken into custody as a result of the traffic stop, 33-year-old Yonas Tsegay and 31-year-old Samson Haliab both of California were taken into custody.Both subjects are being held on $500,000 bonds each and the investigation is ongoing.This operation brought together personnel from the Geary County Sheriff's Office, Junction City Police Department, Dickinson County Sheriff's Office, and Marshall County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies seize $4 million worth of cocaine, pot on I-70 

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

On&nbsp;May 30,&nbsp; the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant at 209 E. Clark Street, in Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Deputies arrested 70-year-old Perkins Whitetail of Mayetta on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748869873713.png" alt="Whitetail photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Whitetail photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.On&nbsp;May 30,&nbsp; the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant at 209 E. Clark Street, in Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Deputies arrested 70-year-old Perkins Whitetail of Mayetta on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: 70-year-old Kansas man caught with cocaine, meth

KANSAS CITY – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information related to the April 3, 2025, firebombing at a Tesla collision center in Lenexa. This case is being worked in conjunction with the FBI Kansas City Field Office and the Lenexa Police Department, according to a media release from the ATF.

At approximately 1:05 a.m., surveillance footage captured a vehicle parked on the shoulder of Interstate 435 near the back parking lot of the Tesla collision center located at 15125 W. 101st Terrace. The suspect exited the vehicle, threw two lit Molotov cocktails at the back of the collision center, and left in the same vehicle.

Investigators have determined the fire was an intentional act of arson. They are now seeking public assistance to identify the suspect and advance the investigation.

“This was a calculated attack that could have caused significant harm,” said ATF Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen. “We’re working closely with our partners at the FBI and Lenexa Police to identify the individual responsible, and we need the public’s help. If you saw something or know something—even if it seems minor—now is the time to speak up.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).

To be eligible for the ATF reward, tips must lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. If seeking a reward, individuals must provide their name and contact information. Tipsters are encouraged to share as many details as possible related to the identity and/or whereabouts of the suspect.

KANSAS CITY – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information related to the April 3, 2025, firebombing at a Tesla collision center in Lenexa. This case is being worked in conjunction with the FBI Kansas City Field Office and the Lenexa Police Department, according to a media release from the ATF.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/ATFKansasCity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATFKansasCity</a> offers $5,000 reward in Lenexa Tesla arson case 🤝This investigation is in conjunction with <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIKansasCity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBIKansasCity</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/LenexaPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LenexaPolice</a>. ☎️Send tips to 800-CALL-FBI (225-5325). 🔗See full news release in comments. <a href="https://t.co/gGb5P7wqpR">pic.twitter.com/gGb5P7wqpR</a>&mdash; ATF Kansas City (@ATFKansasCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATFKansasCity/status/1930474198322831364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>At approximately 1:05 a.m., surveillance footage captured a vehicle parked on the shoulder of Interstate 435 near the back parking lot of the Tesla collision center located at 15125 W. 101st Terrace. The suspect exited the vehicle, threw two lit Molotov cocktails at the back of the collision center, and left in the same vehicle.Investigators have determined the fire was an intentional act of arson. They are now seeking public assistance to identify the suspect and advance the investigation.“This was a calculated attack that could have caused significant harm,” said ATF Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen. “We’re working closely with our partners at the FBI and Lenexa Police to identify the individual responsible, and we need the public’s help. If you saw something or know something—even if it seems minor—now is the time to speak up.”Anyone with information is urged to contact FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).To be eligible for the ATF reward, tips must lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. If seeking a reward, individuals must provide their name and contact information. Tipsters are encouraged to share as many details as possible related to the identity and/or whereabouts of the suspect.

🎥ATF offers reward in Kansas Tesla arson investigation

By the President of the United States of America a proclamation

During my first Administration, I restricted the entry of foreign nationals into the United States, which successfully prevented national security threats from reaching our borders and which the Supreme Court upheld.&nbsp; In Executive Order 14161 of January 20, 2025 (Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats), I stated that it is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.&nbsp;

I also stated that the United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those aliens approved for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans or our national interests.&nbsp; More importantly, the United States must identify such aliens before their admission or entry into the United States. &nbsp;The United States must ensure that admitted aliens and aliens otherwise already present in the United States do not bear hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles, and do not advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists or other threats to our national security.

I directed the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, to identify countries throughout the world for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a full or partial suspension on the admission of nationals from those countries pursuant to section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8&nbsp;U.S.C. 1182(f).&nbsp; After completing that process, the Secretary of State determined that a number of countries remain deficient with regards to screening and vetting.&nbsp; Many of these countries have also taken advantage of the United States in their exploitation of our visa system and their historic failure to accept back their removable nationals.&nbsp;

As President, I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people.&nbsp; I&nbsp;remain committed to engaging with those countries willing to cooperate to improve information-sharing and identity-management procedures, and to address both terrorism-related and public-safety risks. &nbsp;Nationals of some countries also pose significant risks of overstaying their visas in the United States, which increases burdens on immigration and law enforcement components of the United States, and often exacerbates other risks related to national security and public safety.

Some of the countries with inadequacies face significant challenges to reform efforts.&nbsp; Others have made important improvements to their protocols and procedures, and I commend them for these efforts.&nbsp; But until countries with identified inadequacies address them, members of my Cabinet have recommended certain conditional restrictions and limitations. &nbsp;I&nbsp;have considered and largely accepted those recommendations and impose the limitations set forth below on the entry into the United States by the classes of foreign nationals identified in sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United&nbsp;States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the INA, 8&nbsp;U.S.C. 1182(f) and 1185(a), and section 301 of title 3, United&nbsp;States Code, hereby find that, absent the measures set forth in this proclamation, the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of persons described in sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and that their entry should be subject to certain restrictions, limitations, and exceptions.&nbsp; I therefore hereby proclaim the following:

Section&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;Policy and Purpose.&nbsp; (a) &nbsp;It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks and other national security or public-safety threats.&nbsp; Screening and vetting protocols and procedures associated with visa adjudications and other immigration processes play a critical role in implementing that policy. &nbsp;These protocols enhance our ability to detect foreign nationals who may commit, aid, or support acts of terrorism, or otherwise pose a safety threat, and they aid our efforts to prevent such individuals from entering the United States.

(b) &nbsp;Information-sharing and identity-management protocols and practices of foreign governments are important for the effectiveness of the screening and vetting protocols and procedures of the United States. &nbsp;Governments manage the identity and travel documents of their nationals and residents. They also control the circumstances under which they provide information about their nationals to other governments, including information about known or suspected terrorists and criminal-history information.&nbsp; It is, therefore, the policy of the United States to take all necessary and appropriate steps to encourage foreign governments to improve their information-sharing and identity-management protocols and practices and to regularly share their identity and threat information with the immigration screening and vetting systems of the United States.

(c) &nbsp;Section 2(b) of Executive Order 14161 directed the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, within 60 days of the date of that order, to jointly submit to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, a report identifying countries throughout the&nbsp;world for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a full or partial suspension on the entry or admission of nationals from those countries pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)).

(d) &nbsp;On April 9, 2025, the Secretary of State, with the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, presented the report described in subsection (c) of this section, recommending that entry restrictions and limitations be placed on foreign nationals of several countries.&nbsp; The report identified countries for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a full suspension of admissions and countries that warrant a partial suspension of admission.

(e) &nbsp;In evaluating the recommendations from the Secretary of State and in determining what restrictions to impose for each country, I consulted with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, appropriate Assistants to the President, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.&nbsp; I considered foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism goals.&nbsp; And I further considered various factors, including each country’s screening and vetting capabilities, information sharing policies, and country-specific risk factors — including whether each country has a significant terrorist presence within its territory, its visa-overstay rate, and its cooperation with accepting back its removable nationals.&nbsp;

I also considered the different risks posed by aliens admitted on immigrant visas and those admitted on nonimmigrant visas.&nbsp; Persons admitted on immigrant visas become lawful permanent residents of the United States.&nbsp; Such persons may present national security or public-safety concerns that may be distinct from those admitted as nonimmigrants.&nbsp; The United States affords lawful permanent residents more enduring rights than it does to nonimmigrants.&nbsp; Lawful permanent residents are more difficult to remove than nonimmigrants, even after national security concerns arise, which increases the costs and aggravates the dangers of errors associated with admitting such individuals.&nbsp; And although immigrants are generally subject to more extensive vetting than nonimmigrants, such vetting is far less reliable when the country from which someone seeks to emigrate maintains inadequate identity-management or information-sharing policies or otherwise poses risks to the national security of the United States.

I reviewed these factors and assessed these goals, with a&nbsp;particular focus on crafting country-specific restrictions.&nbsp; This approach was designed to encourage cooperation with the subject countries in recognition of each country’s unique circumstances. &nbsp;The restrictions and limitations imposed by this proclamation are, in my judgment, necessary to prevent the entry or admission of foreign nationals about whom the United States Government lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose to the United States.&nbsp; The restrictions and limitations imposed by this proclamation are necessary to garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives.

(f) &nbsp;After reviewing the report described in subsection (d) of this section, and after accounting for the foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives of the United States, I have determined to fully restrict and limit the entry of nationals of the following 12 countries:&nbsp; Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.&nbsp; These restrictions distinguish between, but apply to both, the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants.

(g) &nbsp;I have determined to partially restrict and limit the entry of nationals of the following 7 countries: &nbsp;Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.&nbsp; These restrictions distinguish between, but apply to both, the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants.&nbsp;

(h) &nbsp;Sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation describe some of the identity-management or information-sharing inadequacies that led me to impose restrictions.&nbsp; These inadequacies are sufficient to justify my finding that unrestricted entry of nationals from the named countries would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.&nbsp; Publicly disclosing additional details on which I relied in making these determinations, however, would cause serious damage to the national security of the United States, and many such details are classified.

Sec.&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;Full Suspension of Entry for Nationals of Countries of Identified Concern.&nbsp; The entry into the United States of nationals of the following countries is hereby suspended and limited, as follows, subject to the categorical exceptions and case-by-case waivers described in section 5 of this proclamation:

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;The Taliban, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group, controls Afghanistan.&nbsp; Afghanistan lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures.&nbsp; According to the Fiscal Year 2023 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry/Exit Overstay Report (“Overstay Report”), Afghanistan had a&nbsp;business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visa overstay rate of 9.70 percent and a student (F), vocational (M), and exchange visitor (J) visa overstay rate of 29.30 percent.

(ii) &nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Afghanistan as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Overstay Report, Burma had a B‑1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 27.07 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 42.17 percent.&nbsp; Additionally, Burma has historically not cooperated with the United States to accept back their removable nationals.

(ii) &nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Burma as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Overstay Report, Chad had a B‑1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 49.54 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 55.64 percent.&nbsp; According to the Fiscal Year 2022 Overstay Report, Chad had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 37.12 percent.&nbsp; The high visa overstay rate for 2022 and 2023 is unacceptable and indicates a blatant disregard for United States immigration laws.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(ii) &nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Chad as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Overstay Report, the Republic of the Congo had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 29.63 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.14 percent.

(ii) &nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of the Republic of the Congo as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Overstay Report, Equatorial Guinea had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 21.98 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 70.18 percent.

(ii) &nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Equatorial Guinea as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;The United States questions the competence of the central authority for issuance of passports or civil documents in Eritrea. &nbsp;Criminal records are not available to the United States for Eritrean nationals.&nbsp; Eritrea has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.&nbsp; According to the Overstay Report, Eritrea had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 20.09 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 55.43 percent.

(ii) &nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Eritrea as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Overstay Report, Haiti had a B‑1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 31.38 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 25.05 percent.&nbsp; Additionally, hundreds of thousands of illegal Haitian aliens flooded into the United States during the Biden Administration.&nbsp; This influx harms American communities by creating acute risks of increased overstay rates, establishment of criminal networks, and other national security threats. &nbsp;As is widely known, Haiti lacks a central authority with sufficient availability and dissemination of law enforcement information necessary to ensure its nationals do not undermine the national security of the United States.&nbsp;

(ii) &nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Haiti as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism.&nbsp; Iran regularly fails to cooperate with the United States Government in identifying security risks, is the source of significant terrorism around the world, and has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals.&nbsp;

(ii) &nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Iran as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby suspended.

(i)&nbsp; &nbsp;There is no competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents in Libya.&nbsp; The historical terrorist presence within Libya’s territory amplifies the risks posed by the entry into the United States of its nationals.

(ii)&nbsp; The entry into the United States of nationals of Libya as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;Somalia lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures.&nbsp; Somalia stands apart from other countries in the degree to which its government lacks command and control of its territory, which greatly limits the effectiveness of its national capabilities in a variety of respects.&nbsp; A persistent terrorist threat also emanates from Somalia’s territory.&nbsp; The United States Government has identified Somalia as a terrorist safe haven.&nbsp; Terrorists use regions of Somalia as safe havens from which they plan, facilitate, and conduct their operations.&nbsp; Somalia also remains a destination for individuals attempting to join terrorist groups that threaten the national security of the United States.&nbsp; The Government of Somalia struggles to provide governance needed to limit terrorists’ freedom of movement.&nbsp; Additionally, Somalia has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.

(ii) &nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Somalia as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;Sudan lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures.&nbsp; According to the Overstay Report, Sudan had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 26.30 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 28.40 percent.&nbsp;

(ii) &nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Sudan as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

<a>(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;</a>Yemen lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures.&nbsp; The government does not have physical control over its own territory.&nbsp; Since January 20, 2025, Yemen has been the site of active United States military operations.

(ii) &nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Yemen as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

Sec.&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;Partial Suspension of Entry for Nationals of Countries of Identified Concern.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Overstay Report, Burundi had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 15.35 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 17.52 percent.&nbsp;

(ii) &nbsp;&nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Burundi as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

(iii) &nbsp;Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Burundi to the extent permitted by law.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cuba is a state sponsor of terrorism.&nbsp; The Government of Cuba does not cooperate or share sufficient law enforcement information with the United States.&nbsp; Cuba has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.&nbsp; According to the Overstay Report, Cuba had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 7.69 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 18.75 percent.

(ii) &nbsp;&nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Cuba as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B‑2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

(iii) &nbsp;Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Cuba to the extent permitted by law.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Overstay Report, Laos had a B‑1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 34.77 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 6.49 percent.&nbsp; Laos has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals.&nbsp;

(ii) &nbsp;&nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Laos as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B‑2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

(iii) &nbsp;Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Laos to the extent permitted by law.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Overstay Report, Sierra Leone had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 15.43 percent and an&nbsp;F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.83 percent.&nbsp; Sierra Leone has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals.&nbsp;

(ii) &nbsp;&nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Sierra Leone as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is hereby suspended.

(iii) &nbsp;Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Sierra Leone to the extent permitted by law.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Overstay Report, Togo had a B‑1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 19.03 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.05 percent.&nbsp;

(ii) &nbsp;&nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Togo as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B‑2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is hereby suspended.

(iii) &nbsp;Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Togo to the extent permitted by law.

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Overstay Report, Turkmenistan had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 15.35 percent and an&nbsp;F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 21.74 percent.&nbsp;

(ii) &nbsp;&nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Turkmenistan as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is hereby suspended.

(iii) &nbsp;Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Turkmenistan to the extent permitted by law.

(i)&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Venezuela lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures.&nbsp; Venezuela has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.&nbsp; According to the Overstay Report, Venezuela had a B‑1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 9.83 percent.

(ii) &nbsp;&nbsp;The entry into the United States of nationals of Venezuela as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B‑1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is hereby suspended.

(iii) &nbsp;Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Venezuela to the extent permitted by law.

Sec.&nbsp;4.&nbsp;&nbsp;Scope and Implementation of Suspensions and Limitations.&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) &nbsp;Scope.&nbsp;&nbsp;Subject to the exceptions set forth in subsection (b) of this section and any exceptions made pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the suspensions of and limitations on entry pursuant to sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation shall apply only to foreign nationals of the designated countries who:

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;are outside the United States on the applicable effective date of this proclamation; and

(ii) &nbsp;do not have a valid visa on the applicable effective date of this proclamation.

(b) &nbsp;Exceptions.&nbsp; The suspension of and limitation on entry pursuant to sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation shall not apply to:

(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;any lawful permanent resident of the United States;

(ii) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;any dual national of a country designated under sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation when the individual is traveling on a passport issued by a country not so designated;

(iii) &nbsp;&nbsp;any foreign national traveling with a valid nonimmigrant visa in the following classifications:&nbsp; A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO‑2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6;

(iv) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State;

(v) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;immediate family immigrant visas (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5) with clear and convincing evidence of identity and family relationship (e.g., DNA);

(vi) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;adoptions (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4);

(vii) &nbsp;&nbsp;Afghan Special Immigrant Visas;

(viii) &nbsp;Special Immigrant Visas for United States Government employees; and

(ix) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.

(c) &nbsp;Exceptions to the suspension of and limitation on entry pursuant to sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation may be made for certain individuals for whom the Attorney General finds, in her discretion, that the travel by the individual would advance a critical United States national interest involving the Department of Justice, including when individuals must be present to participate in criminal proceedings as witnesses.&nbsp; These exceptions shall be made only by the Attorney General, or her designee, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security.

(d) &nbsp;Exceptions to the suspension of and limitation on entry pursuant to sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation may be made case-by-case for individuals for whom the Secretary of State finds, in his discretion, that the travel by the individual would serve a United States national interest.&nbsp; These exceptions shall be made by only the Secretary of State or his designee, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security or her designee.

Sec.&nbsp;5.&nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustments to and Removal of Suspensions and Limitations.&nbsp; (a) &nbsp;The Secretary of State shall, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director for National Intelligence, devise a process to assess whether any suspensions and limitations imposed by sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation should be continued, terminated, modified, or supplemented.&nbsp; Within 90 days of the date of this proclamation, and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, shall submit a report to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, describing his assessment and recommending whether any suspensions and limitations imposed by sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation should be continued, terminated, modified, or supplemented.

Read the full text of Trump's new travel ban involving 19 countries

Skeptic argues holding students back carries unintended consequences

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Rep. Kristey Williams and Sen. Beverly Gossage landed on the same page Wednesday in terms of altering the state’s public education system to encourage students to address academic deficiencies by retaking a grade.

“Are we doing these children a favor by just moving them through the grades?” said Gossage, a Eudora Republican serving on the Kansas Legislature’s school finance task force. “We need to take a look at that at each grade level.”

Williams, an Augusta Republican on the task force, said Kansas ought to direct third-graders to summer school programs if those children weren’t academically prepared to enter fourth grade.

In Kansas, however, students couldn’t be compelled to attend summer school. The state’s public schools could mandate a student repeat a grade, Williams said.

“We’re going to have to be a little bit stronger and not just give in on the first whim, the first cry,” Williams said.

Task force member Jim Porter, who serves on the Kansas State Board of Education and couldn’t read when he left third-grade, urged the task force to be wary of unintended consequences tied to holding students back.

“I think the research indicates … that holding kids back one year increases the probability of dropping out. Holding a kid back two years almost guarantees that they will be a dropout,” Porter said.

Task force chairwoman Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican in the Kansas Senate, said students who couldn’t read by third grade were likely to face significant scholarly and behavioral challenges during the remainder of their school years.

“Those are students, in my experience, that become behavior problems in the classroom,” Erickson said. “They’d rather be a behavior problem than look stupid in front of their peers.”

The task force scheduled a series of meetings this summer and fall with the goal of developing by January a blueprint for reforming how the Legislature allocated state tax dollars to K-12 public school districts.

The current education finance system has been found by the Kansas Supreme Court to comply with the state Constitution, but many lawmakers bristle at the cost of public schools and the ability of the state to suitably educate students.

Rep. Susan Estes, a Wichita Republican whose spouse is U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, said the objective should be a formula that guaranteed accountability for spending and improved educational opportunities for students. She said her key priorities were to enhance teacher salaries and concentrate on K-3 student learning.

“It really does come down to being able to redirect money,” she said. “We are trying to put together a 1,000-piece puzzle.”

Democrat Sen. Pat Pettey, a Kansas City, Kansas, member of the task force, said Kansas ought to expand its commitment to preparing 3- and 4-year-old children for public school. She said 90% of brain development occurred before age 5, but Kansas assisted only 47% of families with pre-K programs.

Kansas provided support to at-risk preschoolers for a half-day program despite working parents’ need for a full day of care, said task force member Melissa Rooker, executive director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.

“I would love to see us move from basically grant funding preschool offerings in Kansas to something more stable,” she said.

Rep. Nikki McDonald, an Olathe Democrat on the task force, said lawmakers should resist the temptation to micromanage school districts under the oversight of locally elected school boards and the elected state Board of Education.

The key measure of the state’s finance formula should be whether students sufficiently broadened their ability to process information, said Rep. Scott Hill, a task force member and Abilene Republican.

He said reading ability was a leading determinant of whether people were successful people were in life.

“Change for the sake of change is worse than no change,” he said. “Sometimes I think we want to not provide for the garden, but mow the weeds.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749139132635.png" alt="Sen. Beverly Gossage of Eudora, center, and Rep. Kristey Williams of Augusta, right, agreed Kansas ought to increase pressure on parents to encourage their children to repeat a grade level if confronted with fundamental academic deficiencies. Other members of the Kansas Legislature’s school finance task force pushed back, saying repeating a grade carried unintended consequences for students. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Beverly Gossage of Eudora, center, and Rep. Kristey Williams of Augusta, right, agreed Kansas ought to increase pressure on parents to encourage their children to repeat a grade level if confronted with fundamental academic deficiencies. Other members of the Kansas Legislature’s school finance task force pushed back, saying repeating a grade carried unintended consequences for students. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Skeptic argues holding students back carries unintended consequences</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Rep. Kristey Williams and Sen. Beverly Gossage landed on the same page Wednesday in terms of altering the state’s public education system to encourage students to address academic deficiencies by retaking a grade.“Are we doing these children a favor by just moving them through the grades?” said Gossage, a Eudora Republican serving on the Kansas Legislature’s school finance task force. “We need to take a look at that at each grade level.”Williams, an Augusta Republican on the task force, said Kansas ought to direct third-graders to summer school programs if those children weren’t academically prepared to enter fourth grade.In Kansas, however, students couldn’t be compelled to attend summer school. The state’s public schools could mandate a student repeat a grade, Williams said.“We’re going to have to be a little bit stronger and not just give in on the first whim, the first cry,” Williams said.Task force member Jim Porter, who serves on the Kansas State Board of Education and couldn’t read when he left third-grade, urged the task force to be wary of unintended consequences tied to holding students back.“I think the research indicates … that holding kids back one year increases the probability of dropping out. Holding a kid back two years almost guarantees that they will be a dropout,” Porter said.Task force chairwoman Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican in the Kansas Senate, said students who couldn’t read by third grade were likely to face significant scholarly and behavioral challenges during the remainder of their school years.“Those are students, in my experience, that become behavior problems in the classroom,” Erickson said. “They’d rather be a behavior problem than look stupid in front of their peers.”The task force scheduled a series of meetings this summer and fall with the goal of developing by January a blueprint for reforming how the Legislature allocated state tax dollars to K-12 public school districts.The current education finance system has been found by the Kansas Supreme Court to comply with the state Constitution, but many lawmakers bristle at the cost of public schools and the ability of the state to suitably educate students.Rep. Susan Estes, a Wichita Republican whose spouse is U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, said the objective should be a formula that guaranteed accountability for spending and improved educational opportunities for students. She said her key priorities were to enhance teacher salaries and concentrate on K-3 student learning.“It really does come down to being able to redirect money,” she said. “We are trying to put together a 1,000-piece puzzle.”Democrat Sen. Pat Pettey, a Kansas City, Kansas, member of the task force, said Kansas ought to expand its commitment to preparing 3- and 4-year-old children for public school. She said 90% of brain development occurred before age 5, but Kansas assisted only 47% of families with pre-K programs.Kansas provided support to at-risk preschoolers for a half-day program despite working parents’ need for a full day of care, said task force member Melissa Rooker, executive director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.“I would love to see us move from basically grant funding preschool offerings in Kansas to something more stable,” she said.Rep. Nikki McDonald, an Olathe Democrat on the task force, said lawmakers should resist the temptation to micromanage school districts under the oversight of locally elected school boards and the elected state Board of Education.The key measure of the state’s finance formula should be whether students sufficiently broadened their ability to process information, said Rep. Scott Hill, a task force member and Abilene Republican.He said reading ability was a leading determinant of whether people were successful people were in life.“Change for the sake of change is worse than no change,” he said. “Sometimes I think we want to not provide for the garden, but mow the weeds.”

GOP members of Kansas task force want more struggling students to repeat a grade

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KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.

The driver of a light green Mercury was operating his vehicle at a high rate of speed Northbound on Blue Ridge Cut-of near 39th, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

As the Mercury was passing vehicles in a careless manner, the driver lost the control of his vehicle, struck a tree and a pedestrian who was waiting for the bus in the grassy area. EMS transported the pedestrian to a local hospital in a critical condition. The incident remains under investigation. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details

KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.The driver of a light green Mercury was operating his vehicle at a high rate of speed Northbound on Blue Ridge Cut-of near 39th, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.As the Mercury was passing vehicles in a careless manner, the driver lost the control of his vehicle, struck a tree and a pedestrian who was waiting for the bus in the grassy area. EMS transported the pedestrian to a local hospital in a critical condition. The incident remains under investigation. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details

KCPD: Careless driver struck pedestrian waiting for a bus

Two tornadoes occurred in eastern Kansas City, Missouri through Independence, Missouri, on Tuesday, according the National Weather Service office in Kansas City.

 The first tornado is only confirmed via a radar debris signature and video footage and damage is limited, therefore it's EF rating is unknown. The second tornado is rated EF-1 with several damaged trees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749118184030.png" alt="Image NWS" />
 <figcaption>Image NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>Two tornadoes occurred in eastern Kansas City, Missouri through Independence, Missouri, on Tuesday, according the National Weather Service office in Kansas City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749118117681.png" alt="Image NWS" />
 <figcaption>Image NWS</figcaption>
 </figure> The first tornado is only confirmed via a radar debris signature and video footage and damage is limited, therefore it's EF rating is unknown. The second tornado is rated EF-1 with several damaged trees.

NWS: Two tornadoes in Kansas City area on Tuesday

JOHNSON COUNTY —Police are seeking assistance locating a stolen SUV and the 2 suspects inside it. In the early morning hours of June 2, a silver 2014 Acura RDX was stolen from a residence near 87th Street and Renner in Lenexa, according to a social media report from Lenexa Police.

The vehicle had a Kansas tag of 275-RVB. Street cameras captured the vehicle occupied by 2 suspects near 95th Street and Interstate 35 highway at about <a href="https://x.com/LenexaPolice/status/1930351872369389830?t=150">2:30</a> AM on June 2.


If you have any information about this crime, including the identity of either suspect pictured inside, please call our detective at 913-825-8120 or send us a DM. Thank you for helping us fight crime in Lenexa.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Police are seeking assistance locating a stolen SUV and the 2 suspects inside it. In the early morning hours of June 2, a silver 2014 Acura RDX was stolen from a residence near 87th Street and Renner in Lenexa, according to a social media report from Lenexa Police.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">We are seeking assistance locating this stolen vehicle and the 2 suspects inside it. In the early morning hours of June 2, this silver 2014 Acura RDX was stolen from a residence near 87th Street and Renner. The vehicle had a Kansas tag of 275-RVB. Street cameras captured the… <a href="https://t.co/h2Hoe61881">pic.twitter.com/h2Hoe61881</a>&mdash; Lenexa Police (@LenexaPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/LenexaPolice/status/1930351872369389830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The vehicle had a Kansas tag of 275-RVB. Street cameras captured the vehicle occupied by 2 suspects near 95th Street and Interstate 35 highway at about <a href="https://x.com/LenexaPolice/status/1930351872369389830?t=150">2:30</a> AM on June 2.

If you have any information about this crime, including the identity of either suspect pictured inside, please call our detective at 913-825-8120 or send us a DM. Thank you for helping us fight crime in Lenexa.

Police ask for help to locate SUV taken from Kan. home and ID suspects

KANSAS CITY, MO. –&nbsp;Anthony Mansfield, a minimum-custody resident of the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JCDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) has been apprehended, according to a media release from the State of Kansas.

Mansfield was taken into custody Wednesday night, June 4, 2025, by U.S. Marshalls in Kansas City, Missouri. He was arrested without incident.

Mansfield was placed on escape status after not returning to the facility Wednesday, May 28, 2025.&nbsp;Mansfield was convicted in Johnson County for eight-months of incarceration for criminal damage to property convictions. He is serving that sentence at the JCDOC-ARC from which he walked away.&nbsp;

No other details on the capture are being released as the investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748524255503.png" alt="Mansfield photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Mansfield photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, MO. –&nbsp;Anthony Mansfield, a minimum-custody resident of the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JCDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) has been apprehended, according to a media release from the State of Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749118499361.png" alt="Mansfield is now being held in the Jackson Co. Missouri Jail" />
 <figcaption>Mansfield is now being held in the Jackson Co. Missouri Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Mansfield was taken into custody Wednesday night, June 4, 2025, by U.S. Marshalls in Kansas City, Missouri. He was arrested without incident.Mansfield was placed on escape status after not returning to the facility Wednesday, May 28, 2025.&nbsp;Mansfield was convicted in Johnson County for eight-months of incarceration for criminal damage to property convictions. He is serving that sentence at the JCDOC-ARC from which he walked away.&nbsp;No other details on the capture are being released as the investigation is ongoing.

U.S. Marshals capture Kan. inmate who escaped from work release 

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JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating three suspect on multiple allegations

Just after 5:30p.m May 29, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Fusion on 94th Road and Deer Trail Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies located items believed to be illegal drug contraband.  Lasha Dupree Williams Sr., 46, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on a requested charge of violation of a protection order, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.

 Abbygail Elizabeth Council, 36, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

  Jeannette Lea Henry, 27, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of opiate, opium narcotics or certain stimulant, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748441884812.png" alt="Henry photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Henry photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating three suspect on multiple allegationsJust after 5:30p.m May 29, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Fusion on 94th Road and Deer Trail Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748441954577.png" alt="Williams photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Williams photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies located items believed to be illegal drug contraband. Lasha Dupree Williams Sr., 46, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on a requested charge of violation of a protection order, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748442010043.png" alt="Council photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Council photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Abbygail Elizabeth Council, 36, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jeannette Lea Henry, 27, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of opiate, opium narcotics or certain stimulant, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

3 accused of THC possession after Kansas traffic stop

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper was arrested in Hays on suspicion of DUI after a minor vehicle crash.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said officers arrested 37-year-old Davis Jay Whisman of Ellis after officers heard a collision at about 12:30 a.m. on May 31 in the 600 block of Park Street.

Scheibler said officers allegedly saw Whisman leave the scene in a white pickup truck with two passengers and located him within the area.

Whisman exited the vehicle and was arrested for alleged DUI and leaving the scene of an accident,&nbsp;Scheibler said. Officers observed the vehicle had damage consistent with a collision, but no injuries were reported, Scheibler said.

Kansas Highway Patrol Public Information Officer April M. McCollum confirmed Whisman's arrest and that he is a probationary employee undergoing field training.

McCollum said Whisman has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcomes of the DUI case and an internal investigation.

Whisman was booked into the Ellis County Jail but has since been released.&nbsp;Scheibler said all parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

McCollum said the&nbsp;Kansas Highway Patrol maintains high standards concerning the conduct and&nbsp;integrity of its employees and is dedicated to ensuring accountability and preserving public trust.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749068201139.png" alt="Whisman photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Whisman photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Kansas Highway Patrol trooper was arrested in Hays on suspicion of DUI after a minor vehicle crash.Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said officers arrested 37-year-old Davis Jay Whisman of Ellis after officers heard a collision at about 12:30 a.m. on May 31 in the 600 block of Park Street.Scheibler said officers allegedly saw Whisman leave the scene in a white pickup truck with two passengers and located him within the area.Whisman exited the vehicle and was arrested for alleged DUI and leaving the scene of an accident,&nbsp;Scheibler said. Officers observed the vehicle had damage consistent with a collision, but no injuries were reported, Scheibler said.Kansas Highway Patrol Public Information Officer April M. McCollum confirmed Whisman's arrest and that he is a probationary employee undergoing field training.McCollum said Whisman has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcomes of the DUI case and an internal investigation.Whisman was booked into the Ellis County Jail but has since been released.&nbsp;Scheibler said all parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.McCollum said the&nbsp;Kansas Highway Patrol maintains high standards concerning the conduct and&nbsp;integrity of its employees and is dedicated to ensuring accountability and preserving public trust.

Kansas Highway Patrol trooper accused of DUI after hit-and-run 

Gov. Mike Kehoe’s request for $50 million in state funds for MOScholars was hotly discussed during legislative session, and if funded, sets up future debates

&nbsp;BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Gov. Mike Kehoe’s first budget proposal launched a tug of war between public-school advocates and those hoping to use state funds for private education. Both sides ultimately came away with what they wanted — but neither expects this to be the final showdown.

State Treasurer Vivek Malek, who oversees the state’s tax-credit scholarship program, told The Independent in an interview last week that he expects to more than double the number of scholarships administered by MOScholars in the upcoming school year.

Those students would have a “reasonable expectation,” he said, to be funded through graduation. And if donor funds continue to come up short, state funds would be required to support them.

In January, Kehoe laid out a budget that did not fully fund public education while giving state funds for private-school scholarships.

His request cut back $300 for the formula that determines state aid for public schools, contrary to the state education department’s recommendation. But he added a $50 million appropriation to the State Treasurer’s budget to help fund private-school scholarships through the MOScholars program. This windfall&nbsp;<a href="https://oa.mo.gov/sites/default/files/FY_2026_MO_State_Treasurer_Gov_Rec_Appropriation_Book.pdf" target="_blank">was not part of the treasurer’s initial</a>&nbsp;request.

“The governor made a policy or a budgetary decision to invest in one form of education and not fully invest in the other,” said state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Democrat from Springfield and ranking minority member of the House Budget Committee.

The House kept the governor’s recommendations, and the Senate flipped the two priorities: restoring full funding to public schools but axing the $50 million for MOScholars.

In May, state lawmakers reached an agreement to fund both and are awaiting the governor’s signature.

But the infusion of funds to MOScholars is likely to create more need in the program.

Malek said he expects to use the $50 million to offer more scholarships than the current pot of donations could provide. There are 6,000 students ready to participate in the upcoming year, and he expects more to sign up. This past year, 2,700 students received scholarships.

Malek hopes to make MOScholars self-sufficient, with enough donations to meet demand. But until then, he will request funds to, at a minimum, sustain aid for students already enrolled.

“I’ll be working through the years to make sure the tax credits are still utilized and nobody is depending on a direct appropriation from (general revenue),” he said.

Fogle told The Independent that the $50 million did not appear to be a one-time request.

“The $50 million that was put in general revenue was done, in part, because the tax credit program wasn’t very popular, and donors weren’t giving to that,” she contends. “And the governor wanted to figure out another solution to privatizing education.”

MOScholars currently operates through taxpayer-directed spending, where state funds are given to scholarship organizations through donations that receive a 100% tax credit. The program has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/21/funding-lag-creates-barrier-for-missouri-private-school-tax-credit-program/">faced issues funding scholarships</a>&nbsp;each fall with the majority of donations coming at the end of the year.

An additional $50 million — more than double the amount of donations received last year — would solve the funding lag, Malek said.

“Our calendars were misaligned, so now we will be opening (enrollment) up for next year, starting early in the fall so that people can sign up for next year’s academic school year,” he said. “This will give us the flexibility of doing that, which was not possible before.”

The program has a $75 million expandable cap thanks to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=244" target="_blank">large education package</a>&nbsp;passed last year.

State Rep. Stephanie Hein, a Springfield Democrat, said during debate in April that she wondered why the legislature expanded the donation limit from $50 million to $75 million when there have been $23.4 million in donations in 2024.&nbsp;

In 2023, donations&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/05/major-corporations-wealthy-donors-fuel-growth-of-missouri-private-school-scholarship/">totaled $16.6 million</a>.

“Donors just are not that excited to give to this program, even at a 100% tax credit,” she said.

The program is in its infancy, with just three years of scholarships completed. The increased funding could help grow MOScholars to meet outsized demand — or it could create dependency on general revenue.

Hein said this problem would be exacerbated by tax cutbacks planned by Republican state lawmakers.

“We are setting a precedent,” she said. “And if we eliminate state income taxes, tax credits go away and we are going to be on the hook with (general revenue) to cover this program.”

Even if the appropriation is signed by the governor, it might face legal challenges as some question the constitutionality of using general revenue for MOScholars.

The 2021 law that established MOScholars prescribes that scholarships are funded by tax-deductible donations to educational assistance organizations, which are nonprofits that apply to administer the scholarships.

But 2% of donations are directed to an account dubbed the “Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Fund” overseen by the Treasurer’s Office. The fund is “to be used by the state treasurer&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=135.716&amp;bid=49827" target="_blank">for marketing and administrative expenses</a>&nbsp;or the costs incurred in administering the program.”

Some believe the law does not authorize the program to use general revenue. Fogle expects legal “challenges that argue that directly appropriating tax dollars to private schools is unconstitutional.”

“The direct appropriation of general revenue is a completely different foundation than the tax credit,” she said. “There are people on both sides of the aisle, whether they’re voting in favor of it or not, who have considerable doubts and concerns.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739387068156.png" alt="&nbsp;Gov. Mike Kehoe announces a plan to give state funding to the MOScholars program during his State of the State speech Jan. 28 in the Missouri House chamber (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Gov. Mike Kehoe announces a plan to give state funding to the MOScholars program during his State of the State speech Jan. 28 in the Missouri House chamber (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Gov. Mike Kehoe’s request for $50 million in state funds for MOScholars was hotly discussed during legislative session, and if funded, sets up future debates</h2>&nbsp;BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Gov. Mike Kehoe’s first budget proposal launched a tug of war between public-school advocates and those hoping to use state funds for private education. Both sides ultimately came away with what they wanted — but neither expects this to be the final showdown.State Treasurer Vivek Malek, who oversees the state’s tax-credit scholarship program, told The Independent in an interview last week that he expects to more than double the number of scholarships administered by MOScholars in the upcoming school year.Those students would have a “reasonable expectation,” he said, to be funded through graduation. And if donor funds continue to come up short, state funds would be required to support them.In January, Kehoe laid out a budget that did not fully fund public education while giving state funds for private-school scholarships.His request cut back $300 for the formula that determines state aid for public schools, contrary to the state education department’s recommendation. But he added a $50 million appropriation to the State Treasurer’s budget to help fund private-school scholarships through the MOScholars program. This windfall&nbsp;<a href="https://oa.mo.gov/sites/default/files/FY_2026_MO_State_Treasurer_Gov_Rec_Appropriation_Book.pdf" target="_blank">was not part of the treasurer’s initial</a>&nbsp;request.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749060626931.png" alt=" State Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Springfield Democrat, speaks May 9 at a news conference about the budget, surrounded by other members of the Democratic caucus. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Springfield Democrat, speaks May 9 at a news conference about the budget, surrounded by other members of the Democratic caucus. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure>“The governor made a policy or a budgetary decision to invest in one form of education and not fully invest in the other,” said state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Democrat from Springfield and ranking minority member of the House Budget Committee.The House kept the governor’s recommendations, and the Senate flipped the two priorities: restoring full funding to public schools but axing the $50 million for MOScholars.In May, state lawmakers reached an agreement to fund both and are awaiting the governor’s signature.But the infusion of funds to MOScholars is likely to create more need in the program.Malek said he expects to use the $50 million to offer more scholarships than the current pot of donations could provide. There are 6,000 students ready to participate in the upcoming year, and he expects more to sign up. This past year, 2,700 students received scholarships.Malek hopes to make MOScholars self-sufficient, with enough donations to meet demand. But until then, he will request funds to, at a minimum, sustain aid for students already enrolled.“I’ll be working through the years to make sure the tax credits are still utilized and nobody is depending on a direct appropriation from (general revenue),” he said.Fogle told The Independent that the $50 million did not appear to be a one-time request.“The $50 million that was put in general revenue was done, in part, because the tax credit program wasn’t very popular, and donors weren’t giving to that,” she contends. “And the governor wanted to figure out another solution to privatizing education.”MOScholars currently operates through taxpayer-directed spending, where state funds are given to scholarship organizations through donations that receive a 100% tax credit. The program has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/21/funding-lag-creates-barrier-for-missouri-private-school-tax-credit-program/">faced issues funding scholarships</a>&nbsp;each fall with the majority of donations coming at the end of the year.An additional $50 million — more than double the amount of donations received last year — would solve the funding lag, Malek said.“Our calendars were misaligned, so now we will be opening (enrollment) up for next year, starting early in the fall so that people can sign up for next year’s academic school year,” he said. “This will give us the flexibility of doing that, which was not possible before.”The program has a $75 million expandable cap thanks to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=244" target="_blank">large education package</a>&nbsp;passed last year.State Rep. Stephanie Hein, a Springfield Democrat, said during debate in April that she wondered why the legislature expanded the donation limit from $50 million to $75 million when there have been $23.4 million in donations in 2024.&nbsp;In 2023, donations&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/05/major-corporations-wealthy-donors-fuel-growth-of-missouri-private-school-scholarship/">totaled $16.6 million</a>.“Donors just are not that excited to give to this program, even at a 100% tax credit,” she said.The program is in its infancy, with just three years of scholarships completed. The increased funding could help grow MOScholars to meet outsized demand — or it could create dependency on general revenue.Hein said this problem would be exacerbated by tax cutbacks planned by Republican state lawmakers.“We are setting a precedent,” she said. “And if we eliminate state income taxes, tax credits go away and we are going to be on the hook with (general revenue) to cover this program.”Even if the appropriation is signed by the governor, it might face legal challenges as some question the constitutionality of using general revenue for MOScholars.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749060589582.png" alt=" State Treasurer Vivek Malek speaks during the Disability Advocacy Day rally in the Missouri State Capitol Wednesday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Treasurer Vivek Malek speaks during the Disability Advocacy Day rally in the Missouri State Capitol Wednesday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>The 2021 law that established MOScholars prescribes that scholarships are funded by tax-deductible donations to educational assistance organizations, which are nonprofits that apply to administer the scholarships.But 2% of donations are directed to an account dubbed the “Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Fund” overseen by the Treasurer’s Office. The fund is “to be used by the state treasurer&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=135.716&amp;bid=49827" target="_blank">for marketing and administrative expenses</a>&nbsp;or the costs incurred in administering the program.”Some believe the law does not authorize the program to use general revenue. Fogle expects legal “challenges that argue that directly appropriating tax dollars to private schools is unconstitutional.”“The direct appropriation of general revenue is a completely different foundation than the tax credit,” she said. “There are people on both sides of the aisle, whether they’re voting in favor of it or not, who have considerable doubts and concerns.”Malek did not speculate on the possibility of a lawsuit.“We will deal with it and when that happens, we will defer that to our general counsel, the attorney general,” he said. “I cannot predict which course it will take.”Malek says MOScholars is “another tool” for educating children, in addition to the public school system.“I don’t see why people would be nervous. This is not taking away any funding dollars from our traditional educational institutions,” he said.As State Treasurer, Malek was not part of the governor’s decision on public-education funding and considers himself a “big proponent of public schools.”“My focus was just for the MOScholars program,” he said. “We need some help to strengthen this program… and I’m glad that need was listened to.”