MORGAN COUNTY, Missouri—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Sunday at Lake of the Ozarks.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Yamaha Viking driven by a 59-year-old Overland Park woman was southbound on Viewside Drive near Memory Lane at Lake of the Ozarks. The driver lost control of the UTV in a turn. The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, overturned and struck a ditch.

MU Air transported the woman to University Hospital. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

MORGAN COUNTY, Missouri—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Sunday at Lake of the Ozarks.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Yamaha Viking driven by a 59-year-old Overland Park woman was southbound on Viewside Drive near Memory Lane at Lake of the Ozarks. The driver lost control of the UTV in a turn. The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, overturned and struck a ditch.MU Air transported the woman to University Hospital. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Kan. woman airlifted to hospital after UTV crash 

WASHINGTON (AP) —Hamas said Tuesday it will discuss&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-peace-plan-ce2e84de8aa5fd308fe751ae9c3118e8">U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza</a>&nbsp;within the group and with other Palestinian factions before responding. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already thrown his support behind it but it’s unclear whether Hamas will agree and when it would give its response.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plan-gaza-israel-hamas-war-d5bb4097af1d46ba16ab20914d265ff7">proposal demands that Hamas effectively surrender</a>&nbsp;and disarm in return for an end to fighting, humanitarian aid for Palestinians and the promise of reconstruction in Gaza — all desperately hoped for by the population in the devastated territory where the death toll in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;has topped 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, backing and support were pouring in for the proposal from the international community. Trump and Netanyahu said after talks Monday in the White House that they had agreed on the plan.

Israeli foreign minister says it's now up to Hamas

Gideon Saar said that his country has accepted Trump’s "plan for ending the war in Gaza and for a better future" that it is now up to Hamas to announce its position.

“We will now see if Hamas accepts the president’s plan,” Saar said during a visit to Belgrade, Serbia’s capital.

He accused Hamas of trying in the past to change the terms or avoid implementing any past agreements. “We will see," he said.

“We want to see our hostages come home after two years … Alive and dead,” Saar said. “We also want to see a different Gaza: deradicalized, demilitarized and no longer posing a threat to Israel and its citizens.”

Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said Belgrade also backs the peace proposal and demands the release of the hostages held in Gaza, one of whom holds dual Israeli-Serbian citizenship.

The Kremlin says Russia hopes Trump's plan for Gaza succeeds

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a call with reporters that Russia welcomes Trump's efforts aimed at "ending the ongoing tragedy” and that Moscow officials "certainly wish that this plan is implemented and helps achieve peace in the Middle East.”

Peskov noted that Russia has maintained contacts with all parties to the conflict and stands ready to take efforts to help the settlement if asked to do so.

The UN, though not involved in Trump's plan, says it's ready to step up Gaza aid

The United Nations says it's prepared to increase aid deliveries into Gaza whenever possible. Deliveries by U.N. agencies and its partners have been largely limited in recent months as Israel has allowed a separate organization — the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — to ferry in aid.

Trump's plan says that aid entries will proceed “without interference” by Israel or Hamas “through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent” in addition to other international institutions “not associated in any manner with either party.”

Alessandra Vellucci, a U.N. Geneva spokesperson, said the world body is in contact “with the various parties about the peace efforts ... we welcome all the mediation.”

Jens Laerke, a spokesman for U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said the U.N. stands "ready and prepared and capable to increase aid deliveries inside Gaza, whenever the opportunity is such that we are allowed to do so and the ... safety and security of doing so is there indeed.”

China reiterates its support for a 2-state solution

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing calls “on all relevant parties” to “immediately achieve a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, release all detainees and alleviate the humanitarian disaster in the region as soon as possible.”

China supports a two-state solution and is willing to work with the international community for a “comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue,” Guo added.

Germany's chancellor says Trump's plan is ‘best chance for ending the war’

Chancellor Friedrich Merz thanked Trump for his “persistent efforts” and Arab and Muslim countries in the Middle East for their “influence” with Hamas. He said Germany remained in close contact with its European neighbors and the United States on the issue.

Merz's came shortly after Merz on Tuesday hosted relatives of German hostages of Hamas. During the meeting, he said the suffering of the hostages “must end now,” and called on Hamas to release all hostages, according to the statement.

Spain says a 2-state solution is the ‘only possible one’ for Israel and the Palestinians

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez welcomed the U.S. peace proposal and said a two-state solution was “the only possible one” for the Middle East.

“It is time for the violence to cease, for the immediate release of all the hostages to take place, and for humanitarian aid to be provided to the civilian population,” Sánchez wrote on X.

Spain has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, with Sánchez earlier this month calling Israel’s conduct a genocide.

Turkey ready to help the Gaza flotilla with humanitarian needs

Turkey’s defense ministry says it's closely monitoring the eastern Mediterranean and that its ships in the region are prepared to assist “humanitarian missions if needed” — a reference to the Gaza-bound&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-flotilla-italy-spain-000441922caa2c88cf73203e83d3e6e2">Global Sumud Flotilla</a>&nbsp;seeking to break the Israeli blockade of the territory.

A day earlier, Turkish navy helped evacuate activists on board Johnny M, one of the flotilla vessels — after it began taking in water in an area off the coast of Crete, Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

Meanwhile, at least three activists working with the flotilla from Egypt were arrested in Cairo, the flotilla committee said. It's unclear where they are being detained.

Some of the activists in Egypt plan to join the group of more than 50 small vessels carrying activists from dozens of countries attempting to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza.

The flotilla includes 52 mostly small vessels carrying activists from dozens of countries and a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid, mainly food and medicine, for Palestinians in Gaza.

‘Hamas has no choice’ but to release hostages and accept the peace plan, Macron says

French President Emmanuel Macron says he welcomes Trump’s “commitment to ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages.”

“I expect Israel to engage resolutely on this basis. Hamas has no choice but to immediately release all hostages and follow this plan,” Macron posted on X.

“These elements must pave the way for in-depth discussions with all relevant partners to build a lasting peace in the region, based on the two-state solution,” he wrote. “France stands ready to contribute. It will remain vigilant regarding the commitments of each party.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759172020282.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Hamas said Tuesday it will discuss&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-peace-plan-ce2e84de8aa5fd308fe751ae9c3118e8">U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza</a>&nbsp;within the group and with other Palestinian factions before responding. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already thrown his support behind it but it’s unclear whether Hamas will agree and when it would give its response.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Donald J. Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict: 1. Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors. 2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough. 3. If… <a href="https://t.co/veqhr9MW28">pic.twitter.com/veqhr9MW28</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972726021196562494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plan-gaza-israel-hamas-war-d5bb4097af1d46ba16ab20914d265ff7">proposal demands that Hamas effectively surrender</a>&nbsp;and disarm in return for an end to fighting, humanitarian aid for Palestinians and the promise of reconstruction in Gaza — all desperately hoped for by the population in the devastated territory where the death toll in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;has topped 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.Meanwhile, backing and support were pouring in for the proposal from the international community. Trump and Netanyahu said after talks Monday in the White House that they had agreed on the plan.Here's the latest:<h2>Israeli foreign minister says it's now up to Hamas</h2>Gideon Saar said that his country has accepted Trump’s "plan for ending the war in Gaza and for a better future" that it is now up to Hamas to announce its position.“We will now see if Hamas accepts the president’s plan,” Saar said during a visit to Belgrade, Serbia’s capital.He accused Hamas of trying in the past to change the terms or avoid implementing any past agreements. “We will see," he said.“We want to see our hostages come home after two years … Alive and dead,” Saar said. “We also want to see a different Gaza: deradicalized, demilitarized and no longer posing a threat to Israel and its citizens.”Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said Belgrade also backs the peace proposal and demands the release of the hostages held in Gaza, one of whom holds dual Israeli-Serbian citizenship.<h2>The Kremlin says Russia hopes Trump's plan for Gaza succeeds</h2>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a call with reporters that Russia welcomes Trump's efforts aimed at "ending the ongoing tragedy” and that Moscow officials "certainly wish that this plan is implemented and helps achieve peace in the Middle East.”Peskov noted that Russia has maintained contacts with all parties to the conflict and stands ready to take efforts to help the settlement if asked to do so.<h2>The UN, though not involved in Trump's plan, says it's ready to step up Gaza aid</h2>The United Nations says it's prepared to increase aid deliveries into Gaza whenever possible. Deliveries by U.N. agencies and its partners have been largely limited in recent months as Israel has allowed a separate organization — the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — to ferry in aid.Trump's plan says that aid entries will proceed “without interference” by Israel or Hamas “through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent” in addition to other international institutions “not associated in any manner with either party.”Alessandra Vellucci, a U.N. Geneva spokesperson, said the world body is in contact “with the various parties about the peace efforts ... we welcome all the mediation.”Jens Laerke, a spokesman for U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said the U.N. stands "ready and prepared and capable to increase aid deliveries inside Gaza, whenever the opportunity is such that we are allowed to do so and the ... safety and security of doing so is there indeed.”<h2>China reiterates its support for a 2-state solution</h2>Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing calls “on all relevant parties” to “immediately achieve a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, release all detainees and alleviate the humanitarian disaster in the region as soon as possible.”China supports a two-state solution and is willing to work with the international community for a “comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue,” Guo added.<h2>Germany's chancellor says Trump's plan is ‘best chance for ending the war’</h2>Chancellor Friedrich Merz thanked Trump for his “persistent efforts” and Arab and Muslim countries in the Middle East for their “influence” with Hamas. He said Germany remained in close contact with its European neighbors and the United States on the issue.Merz's came shortly after Merz on Tuesday hosted relatives of German hostages of Hamas. During the meeting, he said the suffering of the hostages “must end now,” and called on Hamas to release all hostages, according to the statement.<h2>Spain says a 2-state solution is the ‘only possible one’ for Israel and the Palestinians</h2>Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez welcomed the U.S. peace proposal and said a two-state solution was “the only possible one” for the Middle East.“It is time for the violence to cease, for the immediate release of all the hostages to take place, and for humanitarian aid to be provided to the civilian population,” Sánchez wrote on X.Spain has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, with Sánchez earlier this month calling Israel’s conduct a genocide.<h2>Turkey ready to help the Gaza flotilla with humanitarian needs</h2>Turkey’s defense ministry says it's closely monitoring the eastern Mediterranean and that its ships in the region are prepared to assist “humanitarian missions if needed” — a reference to the Gaza-bound&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-flotilla-italy-spain-000441922caa2c88cf73203e83d3e6e2">Global Sumud Flotilla</a>&nbsp;seeking to break the Israeli blockade of the territory.A day earlier, Turkish navy helped evacuate activists on board Johnny M, one of the flotilla vessels — after it began taking in water in an area off the coast of Crete, Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported.Meanwhile, at least three activists working with the flotilla from Egypt were arrested in Cairo, the flotilla committee said. It's unclear where they are being detained.Some of the activists in Egypt plan to join the group of more than 50 small vessels carrying activists from dozens of countries attempting to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza.The flotilla includes 52 mostly small vessels carrying activists from dozens of countries and a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid, mainly food and medicine, for Palestinians in Gaza.<h2>‘Hamas has no choice’ but to release hostages and accept the peace plan, Macron says</h2>French President Emmanuel Macron says he welcomes Trump’s “commitment to ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages.”“I expect Israel to engage resolutely on this basis. Hamas has no choice but to immediately release all hostages and follow this plan,” Macron posted on X.“These elements must pave the way for in-depth discussions with all relevant partners to build a lasting peace in the region, based on the two-state solution,” he wrote. “France stands ready to contribute. It will remain vigilant regarding the commitments of each party.”

Hamas says it will study Trump's peace plan before responding

JOHNSON COUNTY –A Kansas man is going to prison for killing a man near a Kansas middle school.

On September 25, a judge sentenced 25-year-old Armando Javier Guerrero&nbsp; to 55 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for the shooting death of 21-year-old Landen Roggenkamp in March, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;Guerrero entered a guilty plea last month to the voluntary manslaughter charge.

On March 25, &nbsp;police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of East Mart-Way Circle in Olathe. The location is less than a quarter of a mile from Santa Fe Trail Middle School. 

First responders found Roggenkamp with multiple wounds, according to a statement from police. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was was pronounced deceased.

The Olathe Police Department took Guerrero into custody, and officers said they believed he and Roggenkamp knew each other.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743418050944.png" alt="GUERRERO photo Johnson COunty" />
 <figcaption>GUERRERO photo Johnson COunty</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY –A Kansas man is going to prison for killing a man near a Kansas middle school.On September 25, a judge sentenced 25-year-old Armando Javier Guerrero&nbsp; to 55 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for the shooting death of 21-year-old Landen Roggenkamp in March, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;Guerrero entered a guilty plea last month to the voluntary manslaughter charge.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759180422399.png" alt="Landen Roggenkamp -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Landen Roggenkamp -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>On March 25, &nbsp;police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of East Mart-Way Circle in Olathe. The location is less than a quarter of a mile from Santa Fe Trail Middle School. First responders found Roggenkamp with multiple wounds, according to a statement from police. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was was pronounced deceased.The Olathe Police Department took Guerrero into custody, and officers said they believed he and Roggenkamp knew each other.&nbsp;

Prison for the death of 21-year-old Kansas man

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect after an altercation between two women in a store parking lot.

Just before 1p.m. September 24, police investigated a disturbance that had occurred in the Walmart parking lot in the 1900 block U.S.73 Highway in the city of Atchson, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

A 72-year-old woman reported being threatened, struck and pulled to the ground by a person known to her. 

The 78 year old suspect had left the scene before officers arrived.&nbsp; At 7p.m. police took 78-year-old Paula Phillips into custody at her residence. She remains jailed on requested charges that includes criminal threat and battery.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759158957289.png" alt="Phillips photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Phillips photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect after an altercation between two women in a store parking lot.Just before 1p.m. September 24, police investigated a disturbance that had occurred in the Walmart parking lot in the 1900 block U.S.73 Highway in the city of Atchson, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.A 72-year-old woman reported being threatened, struck and pulled to the ground by a person known to her. The 78 year old suspect had left the scene before officers arrived.&nbsp; At 7p.m. police took 78-year-old Paula Phillips into custody at her residence. She remains jailed on requested charges that includes criminal threat and battery.&nbsp;

Kansas woman jailed after alleged parking lot fight

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A state agency revoked the professional license of the leader of Iowa’s largest school district on Monday, days after federal agents arrested him on accusations that he was living and working in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-des-moines-superintendent-ian-roberts-b52a9ea28d002d27832c67513403368e">country illegally.</a>

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners said in a letter to Des Moines public schools Superintendent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-des-moines-iowa-school-superintendent-8fbcf8353997c3a3bab10231c16cbf49">Ian Roberts</a>&nbsp;that he was ineligible to hold a license because “you no longer possess legal presence in the United States.”

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Roberts on Friday, saying he was subject to a final removal order that an immigration judge signed in May 2024. Roberts is a native of Guyana who entered the United States on a student visa in 1999, according to ICE. He’s being held at an Iowa jail.

ICE said that Roberts fled after a traffic stop in Des Moines, and that he was apprehended with the assistance of the Iowa State Patrol. The agency said that Roberts, 54, had possessed a loaded handgun in his district-issued vehicle, a hunting knife and $3,000 cash when arrested.

Des Moines school officials said they had known nothing about Roberts being in the country illegally. They said that he had signed a form verifying that he was a citizen when he was hired in 2023 and submitted a driver’s license and Social Security card to verify his eligibility.

The school board voted 6-0 Monday evening to put Roberts on unpaid leave from his job, which has an annual salary of $286,716. His contract, which the board had voted to extend in May through June 30, 2028, requires that he hold a state certification to serve as superintendent.

Board chair Jackie Norris said the district received notice Monday afternoon from the Department of Homeland Security that Roberts was unauthorized to work in the country, and a copy of the removal order issued by the Department of Justice.

Norris said the board would give Roberts’ attorney until noon on Tuesday to challenge those facts, and would otherwise move to fire him.

“We need to understand what happened and why,” she said.

Roberts’ attorney, Alfredo Parrish, didn’t respond to messages seeking comment.

The district, which has more than 30,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees, has said Roberts was identified as a candidate for the job by a search firm and that a “comprehensive background check” was completed as part of the process.

The state board that granted Roberts a license to serve as superintendent said the process included background checks by the state police and FBI. The Iowa Department of Education said it was the school district’s responsibility to verify employees’ eligibility to work, and that it would investigate the district’s practices.

The arrest shocked a district where he was known as a frequent presence at community events and a champion of students during his two-year tenure. Roberts had been in education for the last two decades, and served as a superintendent in Pennsylvania before his hiring in Iowa.

The school board put Roberts on paid leave during a brief special meeting Saturday but decided to cut off his pay Monday evening after a closed session held for about 90 minutes. The board has appointed district administrator Matt Smith to serve as interim superintendent.

Norris said that Des Moines students had identified with Roberts “and the enthusiasm he brought to our classroom,” and were scared and concerned by his arrest. She called on critics to stop “the hateful rhetoric directed at our district” to minimize the impact to education.

Norris said district officials were shocked to learn that Roberts allegedly had a gun in a school vehicle, which would violate policy.

ICE said that it had asked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate how Roberts obtained the handgun. People in the country illegally are ineligible to possess firearms. Roberts had a history of gun ownership, however, and had been cited in 2021 in Pennsylvania and fined $100 for storing a loaded hunting rifle in his vehicle.

ICE has alleged that Roberts also had a separate, pending weapons charge dating to February 2020, but has not provided further details. ICE media representatives didn’t respond to inquiries about the claim Monday.

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, a Republican who represents the Des Moines area in Congress, wrote to ICE on Saturday requesting records related to the case. He said he was alarmed by the circumstances of the arrest.

“At the same time, it is important to our community to establish a clear, verifiable timeline and to confirm that ICE’s enforcement actions involving a senior public official were supported by proper documentation,” he wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758925503158.png" alt="&nbsp;Ian Roberts in February 2020.- photo ICE" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Ian Roberts in February 2020.- photo ICE</figcaption>
 </figure>IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A state agency revoked the professional license of the leader of Iowa’s largest school district on Monday, days after federal agents arrested him on accusations that he was living and working in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-des-moines-superintendent-ian-roberts-b52a9ea28d002d27832c67513403368e">country illegally.</a>The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners said in a letter to Des Moines public schools Superintendent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-des-moines-iowa-school-superintendent-8fbcf8353997c3a3bab10231c16cbf49">Ian Roberts</a>&nbsp;that he was ineligible to hold a license because “you no longer possess legal presence in the United States.”U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Roberts on Friday, saying he was subject to a final removal order that an immigration judge signed in May 2024. Roberts is a native of Guyana who entered the United States on a student visa in 1999, according to ICE. He’s being held at an Iowa jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758925645393.png" alt="-Roberts Photo from September 26, 2025- image ICE" />
 <figcaption>-Roberts Photo from September 26, 2025- image ICE</figcaption>
 </figure>ICE said that Roberts fled after a traffic stop in Des Moines, and that he was apprehended with the assistance of the Iowa State Patrol. The agency said that Roberts, 54, had possessed a loaded handgun in his district-issued vehicle, a hunting knife and $3,000 cash when arrested.Des Moines school officials said they had known nothing about Roberts being in the country illegally. They said that he had signed a form verifying that he was a citizen when he was hired in 2023 and submitted a driver’s license and Social Security card to verify his eligibility.The school board voted 6-0 Monday evening to put Roberts on unpaid leave from his job, which has an annual salary of $286,716. His contract, which the board had voted to extend in May through June 30, 2028, requires that he hold a state certification to serve as superintendent.Board chair Jackie Norris said the district received notice Monday afternoon from the Department of Homeland Security that Roberts was unauthorized to work in the country, and a copy of the removal order issued by the Department of Justice.Norris said the board would give Roberts’ attorney until noon on Tuesday to challenge those facts, and would otherwise move to fire him.“We need to understand what happened and why,” she said.Roberts’ attorney, Alfredo Parrish, didn’t respond to messages seeking comment.The district, which has more than 30,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees, has said Roberts was identified as a candidate for the job by a search firm and that a “comprehensive background check” was completed as part of the process.The state board that granted Roberts a license to serve as superintendent said the process included background checks by the state police and FBI. The Iowa Department of Education said it was the school district’s responsibility to verify employees’ eligibility to work, and that it would investigate the district’s practices.The arrest shocked a district where he was known as a frequent presence at community events and a champion of students during his two-year tenure. Roberts had been in education for the last two decades, and served as a superintendent in Pennsylvania before his hiring in Iowa.The school board put Roberts on paid leave during a brief special meeting Saturday but decided to cut off his pay Monday evening after a closed session held for about 90 minutes. The board has appointed district administrator Matt Smith to serve as interim superintendent.Norris said that Des Moines students had identified with Roberts “and the enthusiasm he brought to our classroom,” and were scared and concerned by his arrest. She called on critics to stop “the hateful rhetoric directed at our district” to minimize the impact to education.Norris said district officials were shocked to learn that Roberts allegedly had a gun in a school vehicle, which would violate policy.ICE said that it had asked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate how Roberts obtained the handgun. People in the country illegally are ineligible to possess firearms. Roberts had a history of gun ownership, however, and had been cited in 2021 in Pennsylvania and fined $100 for storing a loaded hunting rifle in his vehicle.ICE has alleged that Roberts also had a separate, pending weapons charge dating to February 2020, but has not provided further details. ICE media representatives didn’t respond to inquiries about the claim Monday.U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, a Republican who represents the Des Moines area in Congress, wrote to ICE on Saturday requesting records related to the case. He said he was alarmed by the circumstances of the arrest.“At the same time, it is important to our community to establish a clear, verifiable timeline and to confirm that ICE’s enforcement actions involving a senior public official were supported by proper documentation,” he wrote.

Iowa revokes license of schools superintendent arrested by ICE

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A driver charged in a crash that killed two Kansas women was due back in court on Monday. The hearing was continued, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Clowie Ann McLaughlin, 80, Augusta, was to appear in Judge Roger Woods courtroom. She&nbsp;is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, severity level 4 person felonies, in the deaths of 42-year-old LaShea Bell and her daughter, 25-year-old A’Niah Bell.

The crash happened around 9:35 p.m.&nbsp; August 30, at the intersection of Central and Webb Road in Wichita

. According to Wichita police, McLaughlin’s black Chevrolet truck collided with a white BMW carrying the Bells and a gray Jeep driven by a 41-year-old man. LaShea Bell was pronounced dead at the scene, while A’Niah Bell later died at a local hospital. The Jeep driver was treated at the scene and released.

Police said speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors in the collision. McLaughlin was taken to a hospital for treatment of her own injuries and was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail after being medically cleared. She bonded out of jail the following day after posting a $100,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757541241700.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A driver charged in a crash that killed two Kansas women was due back in court on Monday. The hearing was continued, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756722147795.png" alt="-Clowie Ann McLaughlin -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>-Clowie Ann McLaughlin -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Clowie Ann McLaughlin, 80, Augusta, was to appear in Judge Roger Woods courtroom. She&nbsp;is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, severity level 4 person felonies, in the deaths of 42-year-old LaShea Bell and her daughter, 25-year-old A’Niah Bell.The crash happened around 9:35 p.m.&nbsp; August 30, at the intersection of Central and Webb Road in Wichita. According to Wichita police, McLaughlin’s black Chevrolet truck collided with a white BMW carrying the Bells and a gray Jeep driven by a 41-year-old man. LaShea Bell was pronounced dead at the scene, while A’Niah Bell later died at a local hospital. The Jeep driver was treated at the scene and released.Police said speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors in the collision. McLaughlin was taken to a hospital for treatment of her own injuries and was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail after being medically cleared. She bonded out of jail the following day after posting a $100,000 bond.

Hearing postponed for driver in crash that killed 2 Kan. women 

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Fort Hays State University released a statement following the posting of comments by an assistant professor on Facebook.

Scott Cason, FHSU’s chief communications officer, said in a <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/09/fort-hays-state-university-statement-regarding-recent-social-media-post-about-race-and-violence#gsc.tab=0">press release</a>&nbsp;the university is aware of content on the X account Libs of TikTok linking a faculty member to social media posts about Charlie Kirk.

"Individuals who post commentaries to their personal social media accounts do not speak for the University, nor does their commentary reflect the views or values of this university," Cason said.

Cason commended the FHSU College Republicans, Young Democrats and American Democracy Project for their efforts to engage with the campus in meaningful dialogue.

Cason said FHSU is reviewing the situation as a confidential personnel matter and asks for patience as they address it.

On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department posted the following:

The X account Libs of TikTok shared the screenshot Sunday, tagging the FHSU X page and asking for comment. The post said Chance called Kirk’s killing “karma” and described white American men as “dangerous animals.”

The post also featured the following screenshot from Chance’s personal Facebook account, which is no longer publicly accessible.\

Before making her profile private, Chance responded to the Libs of TikTok posts with a post that read, “Cry me a river.”

The post from Libs of TikTok, which has more than 4.4 million followers on X, also directed users to unrelated FHSU posts, where they left comments about Chance and her remarks on social media.

Chance's work email and phone number were also included in the post. Hays Post reached out to Chance for comment, but she declined to comment until "this all blows over."

Libs of TikTok is a right-wing social media account that curates and reposts videos of LGBTQ+ individuals, educators and health care providers and is designed to provoke outrage among conservative followers.

On Sept. 16, the FHSU American Democracy Project, Student Government Association, College Republicans and Young Democrats hosted a student discussion on political violence in America, which Hays Post was not permitted to attend.

The American Democracy Project also hosted an event to discuss the Constitution and the ideological motivations and influences of its framing, the same week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759180614227.png" alt="Charlie Kirk -courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Kirk -courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFort Hays State University released a statement following the posting of comments by an assistant professor on Facebook.Scott Cason, FHSU’s chief communications officer, said in a <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/09/fort-hays-state-university-statement-regarding-recent-social-media-post-about-race-and-violence#gsc.tab=0">press release</a>&nbsp;the university is aware of content on the X account Libs of TikTok linking a faculty member to social media posts about Charlie Kirk."Individuals who post commentaries to their personal social media accounts do not speak for the University, nor does their commentary reflect the views or values of this university," Cason said.Cason commended the FHSU College Republicans, Young Democrats and American Democracy Project for their efforts to engage with the campus in meaningful dialogue.Cason said FHSU is reviewing the situation as a confidential personnel matter and asks for patience as they address it.On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department posted the following:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759177549706.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759182814757.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The X account Libs of TikTok shared the screenshot Sunday, tagging the FHSU X page and asking for comment. The post said Chance called Kirk’s killing “karma” and described white American men as “dangerous animals.”The post also featured the following screenshot from Chance’s personal Facebook account, which is no longer publicly accessible.\<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759177637900.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Before making her profile private, Chance responded to the Libs of TikTok posts with a post that read, “Cry me a river.”The post from Libs of TikTok, which has more than 4.4 million followers on X, also directed users to unrelated FHSU posts, where they left comments about Chance and her remarks on social media.Chance's work email and phone number were also included in the post. Hays Post reached out to Chance for comment, but she declined to comment until "this all blows over."Libs of TikTok is a right-wing social media account that curates and reposts videos of LGBTQ+ individuals, educators and health care providers and is designed to provoke outrage among conservative followers.On Sept. 16, the FHSU American Democracy Project, Student Government Association, College Republicans and Young Democrats hosted a student discussion on political violence in America, which Hays Post was not permitted to attend.The American Democracy Project also hosted an event to discuss the Constitution and the ideological motivations and influences of its framing, the same week.

Fort Hays State professor under review for posts about Charlie Kirk

WASHINGTON (AP) — A government shutdown fast approaching, Democratic and Republican congressional leaders left a White House meeting with President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;Monday afternoon showing little willingness to compromise from their entrenched positions in order to avoid a lapse in funding.

If government funding legislation isn't passed by Congress and signed by Trump on Tuesday night, many government offices across the nation will be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-omb-government-shutdown-mass-firings-41e2bb0ebd2d2cc13b2894721d6b6641">temporarily shuttered</a>&nbsp;and nonexempt federal employees will be furloughed, adding to the strain on workers and the nation's economy.

But lawmakers were locked in an impasse Monday as Democrats demanded legislation to extend health care benefits and Republicans dared them to vote against legislation that would keep government funding mostly at current levels.

“There are still large differences between us,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said as he left the White House.

Vice President JD Vance told reporters after the meeting, “I think we’re headed into a shutdown because the Democrats won’t do the right thing.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-democrats-health-care-blame-ee852953197b7b59f3447aa3a2167ac0">Trump has shown little interest</a>&nbsp;in entertaining Democrats' demands on health care, even as he agreed to hold a sit-down meeting Monday with Schumer, along with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. The Republican president has said repeatedly he fully expects the government to enter a shutdown this week.

“If it has to shut down, it’ll have to shut down,” Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-democrats-health-care-blame-ee852953197b7b59f3447aa3a2167ac0">said Friday</a>. “But they’re the ones that are shutting down government.”

The Trump administration has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-health-care-subsidies-schumer-6b0d64fe442fc4fa8a8daf283a30ce76">tried to pressure Democratic lawmakers</a>&nbsp;into backing away from their demands, warning that federal employees could be permanently laid off in a funding lapse.

“Chuck Schumer said a few months ago that a government shutdown would be chaotic, harmful and painful. He’s right, and that's why we shouldn't do it,” Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said Sunday on NBC's “Meet the Press.”

Still, Democrats argued Trump's agreement to hold a meeting shows he's feeling the pressure to negotiate. They say that because Republicans control the White House and Congress, Americans will mostly blame them for any&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdowns-history-schumer-trump-f442ba1392fab3e7cab37756302e829c">government shutdown</a>.

Democrats are pushing for an extension to Affordable Care Act&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economic-bill-house-vote-be99d8db5bd610c5b1d78bc047a03e77">tax credits</a>&nbsp;that have subsidized health insurance for millions of people since the COVID-19 pandemic. The credits, which are designed to expand coverage for low- and middle-income people, are set to expire at the end of the year.

At a Monday news conference, Jeffries, a New York Democrat, called health care cuts a “five-alarm fire” that is rippling across communities nationwide.

“We’re not going to simply go along to get along with a Republican bill that continues to gut the health care of everyday Americans who are already living with this Trump economy, where costs aren’t going down but they’re going up,” he said.

The pandemic-era ACA subsidies are set to expire in a matter of months if Congress fails to act.

Some Republicans are open to extending the tax credits but want changes. Thune said Sunday that the program is “desperately in need of reform” and Republicans want to address&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-doge-waste-fraud-abuse-635b1419014a43e061f548c9713860c4">“waste, fraud and abuse.”</a>&nbsp;He has pressed Democrats to vote for the funding bill and take up the debate on tax credits later.

To hold on to their negotiating leverage, Senate Democrats will likely have to vote against a bill to temporarily extend government funding on Tuesday, just hours before a shutdown — an uncomfortable position for a party that has long denounced shutdowns as pointless and destructive.

The bill has already passed the Republican-controlled House and would keep the government funded for seven more weeks while Congress works on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-gdp-spending-trump-federal-reserve-rates-97346d37c4edaa00f519e45941f75264">annual spending legislation</a>.

Any legislation to fund the government will need support from at least 60 senators in the 100-member chamber. That means that at least eight Democrats would have to vote for the short-term funding bill, because Republican Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thomas-massie-trump-kentucky-primary-rand-paul-bc447fc30c913f520459f8f63e5d50ca">Rand Paul</a>&nbsp;of Kentucky is expected to vote against it.

During the last potential government shutdown in March, Schumer and nine other Democrats voted to break a filibuster and allow a Republican-led funding bill to advance to a final vote. The New York Democrat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-congress-chuck-schumer-government-funding-shutdown-43d1acea20c34ad28d848edc08ad6375">faced fierce backlash</a>&nbsp;from many in his own party for that decision, with some even calling for him to step down as Democratic leader.

Senate Democrats have begun to discuss some possible next steps if the government does shut down — potentially a proposal for a one- or two-week stopgap if Republicans will work with them on a health care fix, according to several people familiar with the private talks who requested anonymity to discuss them. But there is no consensus in the caucus about how to proceed, or guarantees that Republicans and Trump would negotiate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759179453157.jpeg" alt="Vice President JD Vance and other GOP leaders spoke to reporters after the unsuccessful meeting on Monday-photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>Vice President JD Vance and other GOP leaders spoke to reporters after the unsuccessful meeting on Monday-photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A government shutdown fast approaching, Democratic and Republican congressional leaders left a White House meeting with President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;Monday afternoon showing little willingness to compromise from their entrenched positions in order to avoid a lapse in funding.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SCHUMER: &quot;We have very large differences on health care...&quot; Yes, Democrats want taxpayers to fund free health care for illegals and Republicans do not. <a href="https://t.co/ZkA9HaJEBX">pic.twitter.com/ZkA9HaJEBX</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972763437567816170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>If government funding legislation isn't passed by Congress and signed by Trump on Tuesday night, many government offices across the nation will be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-omb-government-shutdown-mass-firings-41e2bb0ebd2d2cc13b2894721d6b6641">temporarily shuttered</a>&nbsp;and nonexempt federal employees will be furloughed, adding to the strain on workers and the nation's economy.But lawmakers were locked in an impasse Monday as Democrats demanded legislation to extend health care benefits and Republicans dared them to vote against legislation that would keep government funding mostly at current levels.“There are still large differences between us,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said as he left the White House.Vice President JD Vance told reporters after the meeting, “I think we’re headed into a shutdown because the Democrats won’t do the right thing.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>: Democrats want a $1.5 TRILLION spending package that funded free health care for illegals. We told them that was absurd — and now they&#39;re willing to shut down the government over it. It&#39;s unacceptable. <a href="https://t.co/B8aUN9cp4i">pic.twitter.com/B8aUN9cp4i</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972765852484391095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a>: &quot;During the Biden Administration, there were 13 threatened shutdowns. The Republicans, in the minority, did the right thing — we kept the government open. We&#39;re simply asking for the Democrats to do the same.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/PqPKlOGjN4">pic.twitter.com/PqPKlOGjN4</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972766650626920751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderJohnThune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeaderJohnThune</a> on the Democrats pulling America towards a government shutdown over their partisan demands: &quot;This is a hijacking of the American people — and it&#39;s the American people that are going to pay the price.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/GvHzHgEKMk">pic.twitter.com/GvHzHgEKMk</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972767146515337390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/WHOMB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHOMB</a> Director <a href="https://twitter.com/russvought?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@russvought</a>: This can all be avoided if Democrats accept the reasonable position, which the House has already passed — a short term Continuing Resolution. Democrats&#39; $1.5 TRILLION demand is hostage taking and it&#39;s unacceptable. <a href="https://t.co/MjRuTLayhj">pic.twitter.com/MjRuTLayhj</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972767237678526903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Just left the White House meeting with Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans. This fight is about the healthcare of the American people. <a href="https://t.co/q0HALCVKhq">pic.twitter.com/q0HALCVKhq</a>&mdash; Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJeffries/status/1972773826875556098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Democrats' health care demands</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-democrats-health-care-blame-ee852953197b7b59f3447aa3a2167ac0">Trump has shown little interest</a>&nbsp;in entertaining Democrats' demands on health care, even as he agreed to hold a sit-down meeting Monday with Schumer, along with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. The Republican president has said repeatedly he fully expects the government to enter a shutdown this week.“If it has to shut down, it’ll have to shut down,” Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-democrats-health-care-blame-ee852953197b7b59f3447aa3a2167ac0">said Friday</a>. “But they’re the ones that are shutting down government.”The Trump administration has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-health-care-subsidies-schumer-6b0d64fe442fc4fa8a8daf283a30ce76">tried to pressure Democratic lawmakers</a>&nbsp;into backing away from their demands, warning that federal employees could be permanently laid off in a funding lapse.“Chuck Schumer said a few months ago that a government shutdown would be chaotic, harmful and painful. He’s right, and that's why we shouldn't do it,” Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said Sunday on NBC's “Meet the Press.”Still, Democrats argued Trump's agreement to hold a meeting shows he's feeling the pressure to negotiate. They say that because Republicans control the White House and Congress, Americans will mostly blame them for any&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdowns-history-schumer-trump-f442ba1392fab3e7cab37756302e829c">government shutdown</a>.Democrats are pushing for an extension to Affordable Care Act&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economic-bill-house-vote-be99d8db5bd610c5b1d78bc047a03e77">tax credits</a>&nbsp;that have subsidized health insurance for millions of people since the COVID-19 pandemic. The credits, which are designed to expand coverage for low- and middle-income people, are set to expire at the end of the year.At a Monday news conference, Jeffries, a New York Democrat, called health care cuts a “five-alarm fire” that is rippling across communities nationwide.“We’re not going to simply go along to get along with a Republican bill that continues to gut the health care of everyday Americans who are already living with this Trump economy, where costs aren’t going down but they’re going up,” he said.The pandemic-era ACA subsidies are set to expire in a matter of months if Congress fails to act.Some Republicans are open to extending the tax credits but want changes. Thune said Sunday that the program is “desperately in need of reform” and Republicans want to address&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-doge-waste-fraud-abuse-635b1419014a43e061f548c9713860c4">“waste, fraud and abuse.”</a>&nbsp;He has pressed Democrats to vote for the funding bill and take up the debate on tax credits later.<h2>How will Democrats vote?</h2>To hold on to their negotiating leverage, Senate Democrats will likely have to vote against a bill to temporarily extend government funding on Tuesday, just hours before a shutdown — an uncomfortable position for a party that has long denounced shutdowns as pointless and destructive.The bill has already passed the Republican-controlled House and would keep the government funded for seven more weeks while Congress works on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-gdp-spending-trump-federal-reserve-rates-97346d37c4edaa00f519e45941f75264">annual spending legislation</a>.Any legislation to fund the government will need support from at least 60 senators in the 100-member chamber. That means that at least eight Democrats would have to vote for the short-term funding bill, because Republican Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thomas-massie-trump-kentucky-primary-rand-paul-bc447fc30c913f520459f8f63e5d50ca">Rand Paul</a>&nbsp;of Kentucky is expected to vote against it.During the last potential government shutdown in March, Schumer and nine other Democrats voted to break a filibuster and allow a Republican-led funding bill to advance to a final vote. The New York Democrat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-congress-chuck-schumer-government-funding-shutdown-43d1acea20c34ad28d848edc08ad6375">faced fierce backlash</a>&nbsp;from many in his own party for that decision, with some even calling for him to step down as Democratic leader.Senate Democrats have begun to discuss some possible next steps if the government does shut down — potentially a proposal for a one- or two-week stopgap if Republicans will work with them on a health care fix, according to several people familiar with the private talks who requested anonymity to discuss them. But there is no consensus in the caucus about how to proceed, or guarantees that Republicans and Trump would negotiate.

🎥Vice President: “I think we’re headed into a government shutdown"

PROVO, Utah (AP) — An attorney for the 22-year-old man charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">killing Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;asked a judge Monday for more time to review the large amount of evidence in the case before deciding if the defense will seek a preliminary hearing.

A preliminary hearing would determine if there is enough evidence against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-tyler-robinson-suspect-d893cc16fb0937d507283c710c551ef0">Tyler Robinson</a>&nbsp;to go forward with a trial. Defendants can waive that step, but Robinson's newly appointed attorney Kathryn Nester said her team did not intend to do so.

Utah prosecutors have charged Robinson with aggravated murder and plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">seek the death penalty</a>.

Both the defense and prosecution acknowledged at a brief hearing Monday that the amount of evidence that prosecutors have is “voluminous.” Robinson was not present for the hearing and appeared via audio from jail at his defense team’s request.

Judge Tony Graf set the next hearing for Oct. 30.

Defense attorneys for Robinson and prosecutors with the Utah County Attorney's Office declined to comment after Monday's hearing. It took place in Provo, just a few miles from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-valley-university-charlie-kirk-fd5ca9b3b7338993970dd0a34dafb64b">Utah Valley University</a>&nbsp;campus in Orem where many students are still&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university-students-bc78cfd86a9911b44c9279e32be442bf">processing trauma</a>&nbsp;from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Sept. 10 shooting</a>&nbsp;and the day-and-a-half search for the suspect.

Authorities arrested Robinson when he showed up with his parents at his hometown sheriff's office in southwest Utah, more than a three-hour drive from the site of the shooting, to turn himself in. Prosecutors have since revealed incriminating text messages and DNA evidence that they say connect Robinson to the killing.

A note that Robinson left for his romantic partner before the shooting said he had the opportunity to kill one of the nation’s leading conservative voices, “and I’m going to take it,” Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray told reporters before the first hearing. Gray also said Robinson wrote in a text about Kirk to his partner: “I had enough of his hatred.”

The assassination of Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump who worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-trump-cf2a68e4303c5628299ffe383d09c1e9">steer young voters toward conservatism</a>, has galvanized Republicans who have vowed to carry on Kirk's mission of moving American politics further right.

Trump has declared Kirk a “martyr” for freedom and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlie-kirk-radical-left-political-opposition-3875efd0674ed2a22a719dfb42ace6ab">threatened to crack down</a>&nbsp;on what he called the “radical left.”

Workers across the U.S. have been punished or fired for speaking out about Kirk after his death, including teachers, public and private employees and media personalities — most notably&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-show-suspended-charlie-kirk-ae43c600bd0f2a4c7d3c12077e91b211">Jimmy Kimmel</a>, whose late-night show was suspended then reinstated by ABC.

Kirk’s political organization, Arizona-based Turning Point USA, brought young, evangelical Christians into politics through his podcast, social media and campus events. Many prominent Republicans are filling in at the upcoming campus events Kirk planned to attend, including Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Sen. Mike Lee at Utah State University on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757689066912.png" alt="Robinson photo&nbsp; released by Utah governor" />
 <figcaption>Robinson photo&nbsp; released by Utah governor</figcaption>
 </figure>PROVO, Utah (AP) — An attorney for the 22-year-old man charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">killing Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;asked a judge Monday for more time to review the large amount of evidence in the case before deciding if the defense will seek a preliminary hearing.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨 BREAKING: Utah prosecutors reveal they have a voluminous amount of discovery evidence against Tyler Robinson! The entire truth is coming out. Robinson is appearing via video from jail today watching closely for updates. <a href="https://t.co/3jnW2DMQ47">pic.twitter.com/3jnW2DMQ47</a>&mdash; Fearless (@FearlessSteps1) <a href="https://twitter.com/FearlessSteps1/status/1972697146873762018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A preliminary hearing would determine if there is enough evidence against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-tyler-robinson-suspect-d893cc16fb0937d507283c710c551ef0">Tyler Robinson</a>&nbsp;to go forward with a trial. Defendants can waive that step, but Robinson's newly appointed attorney Kathryn Nester said her team did not intend to do so.Utah prosecutors have charged Robinson with aggravated murder and plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">seek the death penalty</a>.Both the defense and prosecution acknowledged at a brief hearing Monday that the amount of evidence that prosecutors have is “voluminous.” Robinson was not present for the hearing and appeared via audio from jail at his defense team’s request.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759168023518.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Judge Tony Graf set the next hearing for Oct. 30.Defense attorneys for Robinson and prosecutors with the Utah County Attorney's Office declined to comment after Monday's hearing. It took place in Provo, just a few miles from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-valley-university-charlie-kirk-fd5ca9b3b7338993970dd0a34dafb64b">Utah Valley University</a>&nbsp;campus in Orem where many students are still&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university-students-bc78cfd86a9911b44c9279e32be442bf">processing trauma</a>&nbsp;from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Sept. 10 shooting</a>&nbsp;and the day-and-a-half search for the suspect.Authorities arrested Robinson when he showed up with his parents at his hometown sheriff's office in southwest Utah, more than a three-hour drive from the site of the shooting, to turn himself in. Prosecutors have since revealed incriminating text messages and DNA evidence that they say connect Robinson to the killing.A note that Robinson left for his romantic partner before the shooting said he had the opportunity to kill one of the nation’s leading conservative voices, “and I’m going to take it,” Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray told reporters before the first hearing. Gray also said Robinson wrote in a text about Kirk to his partner: “I had enough of his hatred.”The assassination of Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump who worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-trump-cf2a68e4303c5628299ffe383d09c1e9">steer young voters toward conservatism</a>, has galvanized Republicans who have vowed to carry on Kirk's mission of moving American politics further right.Trump has declared Kirk a “martyr” for freedom and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlie-kirk-radical-left-political-opposition-3875efd0674ed2a22a719dfb42ace6ab">threatened to crack down</a>&nbsp;on what he called the “radical left.”Workers across the U.S. have been punished or fired for speaking out about Kirk after his death, including teachers, public and private employees and media personalities — most notably&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-show-suspended-charlie-kirk-ae43c600bd0f2a4c7d3c12077e91b211">Jimmy Kimmel</a>, whose late-night show was suspended then reinstated by ABC.Kirk’s political organization, Arizona-based Turning Point USA, brought young, evangelical Christians into politics through his podcast, social media and campus events. Many prominent Republicans are filling in at the upcoming campus events Kirk planned to attend, including Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Sen. Mike Lee at Utah State University on Tuesday.

🎥Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing appears virtually for hearing

President Donald J. Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict:

1. Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.



2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.



3. If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.



4. Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.



5. Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1700 Gazans who were detained after October 7th 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.



6. Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.



7. Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.



8. Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under the January 19, 2025 agreement.



9. Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the “Board of Peace,” which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform program, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump’s peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.



10. A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energize Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesize the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza.



11. A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.



12. No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.



13. Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarization of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration program all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.



14. A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors or its people.



15. The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalize Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.



16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the Unites States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the IDF will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.



17. In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF.



18. An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasizing the benefits that can be derived from peace.



19. While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.



20. The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759172560666.png" alt="President Trump and the Prime Minister of Israel during a White House&nbsp; press conference on Monday-photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and the Prime Minister of Israel during a White House&nbsp; press conference on Monday-photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;To ensure the success of this effort, my plan calls for a new international oversight body — the Board of Peace... which will be headed, not at my request... by a gentleman known as President Donald J. Trump of the United States.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/h0nFKR3JJA">pic.twitter.com/h0nFKR3JJA</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972734222315184529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Donald J. Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict:

1. Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759172020282.png" alt="White House image" />
 <figcaption>White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>
2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.

3. If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.

4. Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.

5. Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1700 Gazans who were detained after October 7th 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.

6. Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.

7. Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.

8. Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under the January 19, 2025 agreement.

9. Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the “Board of Peace,” which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform program, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump’s peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.

10. A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energize Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesize the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza.

11. A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.

12. No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.

13. Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarization of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration program all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.

14. A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors or its people.

15. The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalize Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.

16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the Unites States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the IDF will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.

17. In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF.

18. An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasizing the benefits that can be derived from peace.

19. While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.

20. The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.

Read President Trump’s 'Eternal Peace Plan' to end the Gaza conflict

&nbsp;Children’s Mercy hosted a topping off ceremony last week for families, team members and community leaders to celebrate the expansion of their multi-specialty clinic, that has been a cornerstone for families in Wichita since 2012.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;new 18,000 square foot standalone facility&nbsp;will be designed to&nbsp;optimize&nbsp;space, foster&nbsp;collaboration&nbsp;and allow for expanded services, according to Lisa Augustine Sr. Manager, Media Relations

On track to open&nbsp;in the summer of 2026, Children’s Mercy Wichita will have 16 in-person providers in 11 specialties, 30 exam rooms,&nbsp;and an&nbsp;on-site&nbsp;lab&nbsp;and imaging.

Amy Fallon, MPH, PhD, President of Regional&nbsp;Operations,&nbsp;shared&nbsp;what it means to bring&nbsp;the renowned Children’s Mercy&nbsp;“built for kids”&nbsp;experience to the families&nbsp;of&nbsp;south central&nbsp;Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This expansion will help address the growing needs of the community and serve more than 10,000 pediatric patients in the region.&nbsp;It means shorter travel times, faster access to specialists, and care&nbsp;that’s&nbsp;delivered with compassion and&nbsp;understanding,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Amy.&nbsp;“Every detail of our care — from the size of the equipment to the tone of our conversations — is designed with children in mind. We are excited to bring more to the families of Wichita.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Event attendees inscribed the ceremonial beam with their names and messages of gratitude for the future of children in south central Kansas. It was more than a construction milestone. It symbolizes the region coming together to build something extraordinary for its youngest members.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The expansion deeply resonates with Ruse Brown, a father and lead donor, who shared his family’s journey with Children’s Mercy in Wichita and Kansas City. Ruse shared the life-changing impact Children’s Mercy had on his two children, Nora and Bennett, and explained how relieved he is that families are now able to receive world-class care close to home. “Not having to spend days in Kansas City worried about a hotel or taking time off work, but to have specialists in our backyard is amazing,” Ruse said. “We’ve seen team members walking the halls that treated our kids and still remember our kids’ names. This speaks to the quality of the organization and that kids aren’t just a patient or a chart — it’s truly family care.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mary Ann Queen, MD, FAAP, Vice President and Associate Chief Medical Officer for Regional and Outreach Services, has been part of the Wichita clinic from day one and reflected on its growth. “Children’s Mercy has been in this market since 2012&nbsp;providing world-class pediatric care in more than 30 specialty clinics, including Cardiology, Endocrinology and Nephrology,” Dr. Queen&nbsp;said. “We’re thrilled to expand our ability to deliver exceptional clinical care to more children and families in the region.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ale Quiroga, MD, MBA, President and CEO, closed the event with an inspirational reflection of what the beam means for the Wichita community and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Children’s Mercy is built for kids,”&nbsp;said Ale. “We’re not just building a clinic — we’re building brighter futures. With this single beam, we are bringing care closer to home for Wichita patients and families.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759173104194.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Children's Mercy" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Children's Mercy</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Children’s Mercy hosted a topping off ceremony last week for families, team members and community leaders to celebrate the expansion of their multi-specialty clinic, that has been a cornerstone for families in Wichita since 2012.&nbsp;The&nbsp;new 18,000 square foot standalone facility&nbsp;will be designed to&nbsp;optimize&nbsp;space, foster&nbsp;collaboration&nbsp;and allow for expanded services, according to Lisa Augustine Sr. Manager, Media RelationsOn track to open&nbsp;in the summer of 2026, Children’s Mercy Wichita will have 16 in-person providers in 11 specialties, 30 exam rooms,&nbsp;and an&nbsp;on-site&nbsp;lab&nbsp;and imaging.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759173184727.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Children's Mercy" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Children's Mercy</figcaption>
 </figure>Amy Fallon, MPH, PhD, President of Regional&nbsp;Operations,&nbsp;shared&nbsp;what it means to bring&nbsp;the renowned Children’s Mercy&nbsp;“built for kids”&nbsp;experience to the families&nbsp;of&nbsp;south central&nbsp;Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“This expansion will help address the growing needs of the community and serve more than 10,000 pediatric patients in the region.&nbsp;It means shorter travel times, faster access to specialists, and care&nbsp;that’s&nbsp;delivered with compassion and&nbsp;understanding,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Amy.&nbsp;“Every detail of our care — from the size of the equipment to the tone of our conversations — is designed with children in mind. We are excited to bring more to the families of Wichita.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Event attendees inscribed the ceremonial beam with their names and messages of gratitude for the future of children in south central Kansas. It was more than a construction milestone. It symbolizes the region coming together to build something extraordinary for its youngest members.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The expansion deeply resonates with Ruse Brown, a father and lead donor, who shared his family’s journey with Children’s Mercy in Wichita and Kansas City. Ruse shared the life-changing impact Children’s Mercy had on his two children, Nora and Bennett, and explained how relieved he is that families are now able to receive world-class care close to home. “Not having to spend days in Kansas City worried about a hotel or taking time off work, but to have specialists in our backyard is amazing,” Ruse said. “We’ve seen team members walking the halls that treated our kids and still remember our kids’ names. This speaks to the quality of the organization and that kids aren’t just a patient or a chart — it’s truly family care.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Mary Ann Queen, MD, FAAP, Vice President and Associate Chief Medical Officer for Regional and Outreach Services, has been part of the Wichita clinic from day one and reflected on its growth. “Children’s Mercy has been in this market since 2012&nbsp;providing world-class pediatric care in more than 30 specialty clinics, including Cardiology, Endocrinology and Nephrology,” Dr. Queen&nbsp;said. “We’re thrilled to expand our ability to deliver exceptional clinical care to more children and families in the region.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Ale Quiroga, MD, MBA, President and CEO, closed the event with an inspirational reflection of what the beam means for the Wichita community and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Children’s Mercy is built for kids,”&nbsp;said Ale. “We’re not just building a clinic — we’re building brighter futures. With this single beam, we are bringing care closer to home for Wichita patients and families.”

Children's Mercy celebrates expansion of Kansas clinic

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court sided Friday with a woman who lost a job offer when she refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine, rejecting the employer’s arguments that federal law supersedes a state law restriction on questioning the sincerity of religious beliefs.

Katlin Keeran, an occupational therapist who lived in Johnson County, initially cited concerns about the use of fetal cells in the development of COVID-19 vaccines. But under questioning by Powerback Rehabilitation, she said she had previously gotten the flu vaccine but didn’t want to get the COVID-19 vaccine because “I am not familiar with it.” The company rescinded its employment offer.

Keeran filed a complaint with the Kansas Department of Labor, saying the company violated a law passed by the Legislature during a 2021 special session that allowed individuals to opt out of a federal vaccine mandate and made it illegal for employers to question the sincerity of religious beliefs.

Because Powerback receives Medicare and Medicaid funding, it was subject to the vaccine mandate as a condition for receiving those dollars. Federal law empowers employers to question the sincerity of a religious belief.

Powerback argued it was impossible to comply with both federal and state laws, and that federal law should prevail.

Justice Caleb Stegall, who was appointed by Gov. Sam Brownback, wrote the opinion for a 4-2 majority. He said the company’s argument was “simple and alluring at first blush” but “incorporates a deft sleight-of-hand.”

Federal law allows, but doesn’t require, an inquiry, Stegall wrote, and the state has an interest in preserving religious liberty.

“Prohibiting an inquiry by an employer into the sincerity of a religious belief is clearly rationally related to protecting cherished liberty interests,” Stegall wrote.

The court reversed a Johnson County District Court ruling that found the state law unconstitutional.

Justice Melissa Standridge, who was appointed by Gov. Laura Kelly, wrote a dissent that was joined by Justice Eric Rosen, who was appointed&nbsp; by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Standridge wrote that Kansas law “stands as an obstacle” to federal objectives. An employer should be justified, she wrote, in seeking supporting information about an prospective employee’s religious accommodation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759168436822.png" alt=" Kansas Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall authored an opinion in favor of a woman who was denied an employment opportunity because she refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine. (Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall authored an opinion in favor of a woman who was denied an employment opportunity because she refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine. (Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflecto</a>rTOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court sided Friday with a woman who lost a job offer when she refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine, rejecting the employer’s arguments that federal law supersedes a state law restriction on questioning the sincerity of religious beliefs.Katlin Keeran, an occupational therapist who lived in Johnson County, initially cited concerns about the use of fetal cells in the development of COVID-19 vaccines. But under questioning by Powerback Rehabilitation, she said she had previously gotten the flu vaccine but didn’t want to get the COVID-19 vaccine because “I am not familiar with it.” The company rescinded its employment offer.Keeran filed a complaint with the Kansas Department of Labor, saying the company violated a law passed by the Legislature during a 2021 special session that allowed individuals to opt out of a federal vaccine mandate and made it illegal for employers to question the sincerity of religious beliefs.Because Powerback receives Medicare and Medicaid funding, it was subject to the vaccine mandate as a condition for receiving those dollars. Federal law empowers employers to question the sincerity of a religious belief.Powerback argued it was impossible to comply with both federal and state laws, and that federal law should prevail.Justice Caleb Stegall, who was appointed by Gov. Sam Brownback, wrote the opinion for a 4-2 majority. He said the company’s argument was “simple and alluring at first blush” but “incorporates a deft sleight-of-hand.”Federal law allows, but doesn’t require, an inquiry, Stegall wrote, and the state has an interest in preserving religious liberty.“Prohibiting an inquiry by an employer into the sincerity of a religious belief is clearly rationally related to protecting cherished liberty interests,” Stegall wrote.The court reversed a Johnson County District Court ruling that found the state law unconstitutional.Justice Melissa Standridge, who was appointed by Gov. Laura Kelly, wrote a dissent that was joined by Justice Eric Rosen, who was appointed&nbsp; by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.Standridge wrote that Kansas law “stands as an obstacle” to federal objectives. An employer should be justified, she wrote, in seeking supporting information about an prospective employee’s religious accommodation.

Kan. Supreme Court sides with woman who lost job offer after she refused COVID-19 vaccine

ELLIS COUNTY—The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues their investigation of the shooting on Sunday that killed a police officer in Hays.

On Monday, the City of Hays confirmed the tragic loss of Hays Police Department Sgt. Scott Heimann, according to a statement from the city. He served Hays with honor, courage, and dedication since 2016.

Heimann was killed in the line of duty while responding to a barricaded subject incident.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, just before midnight, Hays Police Department (HPD) received a 911 call indicating a woman had escaped a domestic violence incident at a residence in the 2000 block of E. 21st Street in Hays, according to a media release from the KBI.

The woman reported that while she attempted to flee, her significant other, identified as Zane Wickham, 34, of Hays, drove his truck into her vehicle. She ran to a nearby home to call for help.

Preliminary information indicates that Sept. 28, at approximately 1:55 a.m., officers from HPD and a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were setting up a perimeter near the backyard of Wickham’s residence in the 2200 block of Downing Street. A single shot was fired from inside the house, and the round struck Police Sgt. Heimann

Officers immediately performed life-saving measures.&nbsp;Heimann was then transported via air to a regional hospital. Despite efforts, he died from his injuries, just after 4 a.m.

The HPD Special Situation Response Team, the KHP Special Response Team, and the KBI High Risk Warrant Team responded to the residence where Wickham had barricaded. The teams negotiated with the suspect. Gas munitions, projectiles intended to break windows, and a surveillance drone were deployed into the residence during the standoff. No law enforcement officers fired their duty weapons throughout the incident.

At approximately, 6:15 a.m., tactical teams entered the house and found Wickham deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

As a city, we mourn together. We will remember Scott not only for how he served, but for who he was: a dedicated professional who served our city with unwavering commitment, integrity, and bravery. We ask the community to keep Scott’s loved ones in your thoughts and respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

“The City Commission extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of our fallen officer,” said Mayor Sandy Jacobs. “His service and sacrifice in protecting our community will never be forgotten. We stand united with our Police Department and with the entire community as we navigate this difficult time. We ask everyone to keep all those affected in their thoughts and prayers."

“Today we are tragically reminded that Police Officers serve and protect their communities putting the lives of others above their own,” said Police Chief Don Scheibler. “Sgt. Scott Heimann gave his life in this service exemplifying dedication to the community and the safety of others.”

“Our department, and community alike, will greatly miss his involvement, professionalism, and positive impact in the City of Hays. I hope the community recognizes the service of Sgt. Heimann and takes this moment to honor his service.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759157806286.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY—The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues their investigation of the shooting on Sunday that killed a police officer in Hays.On Monday, the City of Hays confirmed the tragic loss of Hays Police Department Sgt. Scott Heimann, according to a statement from the city. He served Hays with honor, courage, and dedication since 2016.Heimann was killed in the line of duty while responding to a barricaded subject incident.On Saturday, Sept. 27, just before midnight, Hays Police Department (HPD) received a 911 call indicating a woman had escaped a domestic violence incident at a residence in the 2000 block of E. 21st Street in Hays, according to a media release from the KBI.The woman reported that while she attempted to flee, her significant other, identified as Zane Wickham, 34, of Hays, drove his truck into her vehicle. She ran to a nearby home to call for help.Preliminary information indicates that Sept. 28, at approximately 1:55 a.m., officers from HPD and a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were setting up a perimeter near the backyard of Wickham’s residence in the 2200 block of Downing Street. A single shot was fired from inside the house, and the round struck Police Sgt. HeimannOfficers immediately performed life-saving measures.&nbsp;Heimann was then transported via air to a regional hospital. Despite efforts, he died from his injuries, just after 4 a.m.The HPD Special Situation Response Team, the KHP Special Response Team, and the KBI High Risk Warrant Team responded to the residence where Wickham had barricaded. The teams negotiated with the suspect. Gas munitions, projectiles intended to break windows, and a surveillance drone were deployed into the residence during the standoff. No law enforcement officers fired their duty weapons throughout the incident.At approximately, 6:15 a.m., tactical teams entered the house and found Wickham deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.As a city, we mourn together. We will remember Scott not only for how he served, but for who he was: a dedicated professional who served our city with unwavering commitment, integrity, and bravery. We ask the community to keep Scott’s loved ones in your thoughts and respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.“The City Commission extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of our fallen officer,” said Mayor Sandy Jacobs. “His service and sacrifice in protecting our community will never be forgotten. We stand united with our Police Department and with the entire community as we navigate this difficult time. We ask everyone to keep all those affected in their thoughts and prayers."“Today we are tragically reminded that Police Officers serve and protect their communities putting the lives of others above their own,” said Police Chief Don Scheibler. “Sgt. Scott Heimann gave his life in this service exemplifying dedication to the community and the safety of others.”“Our department, and community alike, will greatly miss his involvement, professionalism, and positive impact in the City of Hays. I hope the community recognizes the service of Sgt. Heimann and takes this moment to honor his service.”