K-State wants to waive 120 credit hour minimum, offer 90-hour BS in drone science

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents paused review of a proposal from Kansas State University to offer a 90 credit hour bachelor’s degree in uncrewed aircraft systems that necessitated waiver of state policy mandating 120 hours of course credit to earn an undergraduate degree.

The hesitancy resulted from questions about how approval of K-State’s plan could alter the academic landscape of the state’s system of 32 public universities, community colleges and technical colleges. On Thursday, members of the Board of Regents raised issues with how potential students and higher education institutions, as well as business and industry, might respond if Kansas amended the foundational premise of a four-year degree.

The Board of Regents agreed to convene a task force to consider development of a systemwide policy before taking up proposals to sidestep existing rules requiring a bachelor’s degree to represent at least 120 credit hours of study.

“We don’t want to stymie the process,” said Alysia Johnston, a member of the Board of Regents. “This needs a whole lot of thought and input.”

Jesse Perez Mendez, provost at K-State, said the university welcomed the opportunity to participate in the task force’s debate. He said the drone bachelor’s degree for K-State’s aviation campus in Salina had been under consideration along with reduced-credit degrees related to artificial intelligence.

“This is a little bit of a game changer overall and we need to be very cautious,” Mendez said. “What this conversation is not about? It’s not about taking a bachelor’s degree in psychology and reduce that down to three years. It’s with degrees we don’t have on the books.”

He said K-State was committed to collaborating with two-year community colleges and technical colleges on alternative degree offerings.

Board of Regents policy, but not state law, established a bachelor’s degree consist of at least 120 credit hours. Policy says 45 credits must be in upper-division courses. Kansas higher education has been under pressure to recruit students as the U.S. college-age population fell. At the same time, the cost of delivering college instruction kept escalating with inflation.

Heather Morgan, executive director of the Kansas Community College Association, said the 19 community colleges in Kansas had taken a keen interest in reform of laws or policies related to reduced-credit degrees.

She said issues to consider included retention of policy permitting community college students to transfer credits in core subject classes to a university. Supplemental degree models should respond to industry demands and tap into combined potential of the state’s higher education institutions, she said.

“One of the things we’ve been talking about is how do we use the assets we already have more efficiently and deploy expertise from a faculty perspective across all our colleges,” Morgan said.

Rusty Monhollon, vice president for academic affairs with the state Board of Regents, said the system had sought for the past decade to increase on-time graduation rates by reducing baccalaureate programs to 120 credit hours. The percentage of undergraduate programs in the Board of Regents system with more than 120 required credit hours decreased from 67% to 8%.

Nationally, he said, the movement to accredit reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees was deepening. In September 2024, the Higher Learning Commission, which accredits Kansas colleges and universities, released guidelines reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees.

Since March, nine U.S. colleges received HLC accreditation of alternative degrees. The list included business administration, information technology, pre-physical therapy, pre-athletic training, fashion business management, semiconductor materials and devices and applied cybersecurity.

“Proponents of these degrees claim they are affordable and match up well with workplace skills demand,” Monhollon said. “Others dismiss them, arguing industry does not recognize them and that they lack the scope and the depth of traditional bachelor’s degrees.”

He offered a range of questions that might be weighed: Would three-year degrees be valued by students, industry and in academic circles? Could reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees cheapen the value of a four-year degree? What would be cut — basic subjects or advanced classes — to shrink course requirements? What should a reduced-credit degree be called? Could Kansas run a pilot program to test supply and demand? What was the range for reduced-credit programs — 90 to 105 credit hours? How would it impact the system’s general education agreements? How should graduate school process applications from students with three-year degrees?

“Not all segments could fit into the three-year degree,” said Neelima Parasker, a member of the Board of Regents. “We have to go to industry and ask them for their feedback instead of just floating this and seeing what they do.”

Blake Benson, chairman of the Board of Regents, said he was curious if estimates could be made for how many new students would enroll in the state’s public education system if reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees were an option.

Board of Regents member Diana Mendoza said the term used to describe a reduced-credit degree was consequential. She asked if it could be referred to as a workforce specialist degree to help potential employers differentiate between three- and four-year diplomas.

Kathy Wolfe Moore, another member of the state board, said she was concerned Kansas’ higher education system could become “a bit of a slave to the employment fluctuations” in the business cycle.

“I’m quite sure this board … would have no interest in moving our system backward,” said Blake Flanders, who serves as CEO and president of the Board of Regents.

Flanders said expansion of reduced-credit degree programs in Kansas would be complex, but possible if crafted with attention to detail. The cost of eroding confidence in the value of a Kansas bachelor’s degree could be significant, he said.

“If we’re thinking&nbsp; about, ‘Well, let’s just skinny down or gut that systemwide general education and get all of our savings out of those credits,’ I think, obviously, this board would believe that would be a huge mistake,” he said.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758402801381.png" alt=" Seven members of the Kansas Board of Regents — there are two vacancies debated the possibility of allowing creation of new 90 credit-hour bachelor’s degree programs at state universities. Board members, from left: Pamela Clancy Ammar, Neelima Parasker, Diana Mendoza, Blake Benson, Blake Flanders (board CEO), Kathy Wolfe Moore and Alysia Johnston. Board member John Dicus isn’t visible. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> Seven members of the Kansas Board of Regents — there are two vacancies debated the possibility of allowing creation of new 90 credit-hour bachelor’s degree programs at state universities. Board members, from left: Pamela Clancy Ammar, Neelima Parasker, Diana Mendoza, Blake Benson, Blake Flanders (board CEO), Kathy Wolfe Moore and Alysia Johnston. Board member John Dicus isn’t visible. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>K-State wants to waive 120 credit hour minimum, offer 90-hour BS in drone science</h2><p><b>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a><br></b><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a></p><p>TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents paused review of a proposal from Kansas State University to offer a 90 credit hour bachelor’s degree in uncrewed aircraft systems that necessitated waiver of state policy mandating 120 hours of course credit to earn an undergraduate degree.</p><p>The hesitancy resulted from questions about how approval of K-State’s plan could alter the academic landscape of the state’s system of 32 public universities, community colleges and technical colleges. On Thursday, members of the Board of Regents raised issues with how potential students and higher education institutions, as well as business and industry, might respond if Kansas amended the foundational premise of a four-year degree.</p><p>The Board of Regents agreed to convene a task force to consider development of a systemwide policy before taking up proposals to sidestep existing rules requiring a bachelor’s degree to represent at least 120 credit hours of study.</p><p>“We don’t want to stymie the process,” said Alysia Johnston, a member of the Board of Regents. “This needs a whole lot of thought and input.”</p><p>Jesse Perez Mendez, provost at K-State, said the university welcomed the opportunity to participate in the task force’s debate. He said the drone bachelor’s degree for K-State’s aviation campus in Salina had been under consideration along with reduced-credit degrees related to artificial intelligence.</p><p>“This is a little bit of a game changer overall and we need to be very cautious,” Mendez said. “What this conversation is not about? It’s not about taking a bachelor’s degree in psychology and reduce that down to three years. It’s with degrees we don’t have on the books.”</p><p>He said K-State was committed to collaborating with two-year community colleges and technical colleges on alternative degree offerings.</p><p>Board of Regents policy, but not state law, established a bachelor’s degree consist of at least 120 credit hours. Policy says 45 credits must be in upper-division courses. Kansas higher education has been under pressure to recruit students as the U.S. college-age population fell. At the same time, the cost of delivering college instruction kept escalating with inflation.</p><p>Heather Morgan, executive director of the Kansas Community College Association, said the 19 community colleges in Kansas had taken a keen interest in reform of laws or policies related to reduced-credit degrees.</p><p>She said issues to consider included retention of policy permitting community college students to transfer credits in core subject classes to a university. Supplemental degree models should respond to industry demands and tap into combined potential of the state’s higher education institutions, she said.</p><p>“One of the things we’ve been talking about is how do we use the assets we already have more efficiently and deploy expertise from a faculty perspective across all our colleges,” Morgan said.</p><h2>Unanswered questions</h2><p>Rusty Monhollon, vice president for academic affairs with the state Board of Regents, said the system had sought for the past decade to increase on-time graduation rates by reducing baccalaureate programs to 120 credit hours. The percentage of undergraduate programs in the Board of Regents system with more than 120 required credit hours decreased from 67% to 8%.</p><p>Nationally, he said, the movement to accredit reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees was deepening. In September 2024, the Higher Learning Commission, which accredits Kansas colleges and universities, released guidelines reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees.</p><p>Since March, nine U.S. colleges received HLC accreditation of alternative degrees. The list included business administration, information technology, pre-physical therapy, pre-athletic training, fashion business management, semiconductor materials and devices and applied cybersecurity.</p><p>“Proponents of these degrees claim they are affordable and match up well with workplace skills demand,” Monhollon said. “Others dismiss them, arguing industry does not recognize them and that they lack the scope and the depth of traditional bachelor’s degrees.”</p><p>He offered a range of questions that might be weighed: Would three-year degrees be valued by students, industry and in academic circles? Could reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees cheapen the value of a four-year degree? What would be cut — basic subjects or advanced classes — to shrink course requirements? What should a reduced-credit degree be called? Could Kansas run a pilot program to test supply and demand? What was the range for reduced-credit programs — 90 to 105 credit hours? How would it impact the system’s general education agreements? How should graduate school process applications from students with three-year degrees?</p><p>“Not all segments could fit into the three-year degree,” said Neelima Parasker, a member of the Board of Regents. “We have to go to industry and ask them for their feedback instead of just floating this and seeing what they do.”</p><h2>‘Huge mistake’</h2><p>Blake Benson, chairman of the Board of Regents, said he was curious if estimates could be made for how many new students would enroll in the state’s public education system if reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees were an option.</p><p>Board of Regents member Diana Mendoza said the term used to describe a reduced-credit degree was consequential. She asked if it could be referred to as a workforce specialist degree to help potential employers differentiate between three- and four-year diplomas.</p><p>Kathy Wolfe Moore, another member of the state board, said she was concerned Kansas’ higher education system could become “a bit of a slave to the employment fluctuations” in the business cycle.</p><p>“I’m quite sure this board … would have no interest in moving our system backward,” said Blake Flanders, who serves as CEO and president of the Board of Regents.</p><p>Flanders said expansion of reduced-credit degree programs in Kansas would be complex, but possible if crafted with attention to detail. The cost of eroding confidence in the value of a Kansas bachelor’s degree could be significant, he said.</p><p>“If we’re thinking&nbsp; about, ‘Well, let’s just skinny down or gut that systemwide general education and get all of our savings out of those credits,’ I think, obviously, this board would believe that would be a huge mistake,” he said.</p>

Kansas Board of Regents to study potential of allowing reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Seven people were injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Sunday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by Julian Wahnee, 34, Topeka, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Bonner Springs exit.&nbsp; The driver lost control and the car began to roll.&nbsp;

The car struck three pedestrians standing on the shoulder of the highway near a disabled Chevrolet Impala in the right ditch.

EMS transported Wahnee and three passengers in the car including Rebecca Unzueta, 27, Topeka, a 14-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy to KU Medical Center.&nbsp; EMS transported two of the pedestrians Dylan Birkenbaugh, 22, Topeka and Jason Kautzman, 23, Osage City, to KU Medical Center. The other pedestrian Jesse Colwell, 26, Topeka, was transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; 

The driver and passengers in the Ford were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<p>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Seven people were injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Sunday in Wyandotte County.</p><p>The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by Julian Wahnee, 34, Topeka, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Bonner Springs exit.&nbsp; The driver lost control and the car began to roll.&nbsp;</p><p>The car struck three pedestrians standing on the shoulder of the highway near a disabled Chevrolet Impala in the right ditch.</p><p>EMS transported Wahnee and three passengers in the car including Rebecca Unzueta, 27, Topeka, a 14-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy to KU Medical Center.&nbsp; EMS transported two of the pedestrians Dylan Birkenbaugh, 22, Topeka and Jason Kautzman, 23, Osage City, to KU Medical Center. The other pedestrian Jesse Colwell, 26, Topeka, was transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; </p><p>The driver and passengers in the Ford were properly restrained, according to the KHP.</p>

7 hospitalized after rollover crash strikes pedestrians on I-70

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen charged for her role in an acid attack on another teen was back in court Friday.&nbsp;

Tayronnia West, who was 18 at the time of the crime, pled guilty to Reckless Aggravated Battery, severity level 5, person felony, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She is scheduled for sentencing on November 5.

In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In May, a jury found Hollins guilty of aggravated battery.

In May of 2024, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a fight.&nbsp;

Immediately following the incident, investigators with the Wichita Police Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for the suspects. On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested Hollins and accomplice&nbsp;Tayronnia Jontashia West. In March of 2025, police also arrested a 17-year-old girl in connection with the case.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717690818288.png" alt="West photo Sedgwick County" />
                        <figcaption>West photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen charged for her role in an acid attack on another teen was back in court Friday.&nbsp;</p><p>Tayronnia West, who was 18 at the time of the crime, pled guilty to Reckless Aggravated Battery, severity level 5, person felony, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She is scheduled for sentencing on November 5.</p><p>In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.</p><p>In May, a jury found Hollins guilty of aggravated battery.</p><p>In May of 2024, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a fight.&nbsp;</p><p>Immediately following the incident, investigators with the Wichita Police Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for the suspects. On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested Hollins and accomplice&nbsp;Tayronnia Jontashia West. In March of 2025, police also arrested a 17-year-old girl in connection with the case.</p>

Kansas teen enters plea for acid attack on another girl

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a woman who took a joy ride in a city bus in Lawrence.

Jut after 11a.m. Friday,&nbsp; a woman forced her way into the driver’s seat and took off in a Lawrence Transit bus, according to a statement from police.  Nobody was hurt. 

 The driver and two passengers got off the bus before the woman  left the Central Transit Station. The woman took the bus north on Iowa, east on 6th, then north on Maine traveling about 35-40 mph.

   Officers were able to surround the bus to pin her in near 2nd and Michigan. Officers safely took her into custody then to the hospital for evaluation.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758456623358.png" alt="Photo courtesy Lawrence Transit" />
                        <figcaption>Photo courtesy Lawrence Transit</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a woman who took a joy ride in a city bus in Lawrence.</p><p>Jut after 11a.m. Friday,&nbsp; a woman forced her way into the driver’s seat and took off in a Lawrence Transit bus, according to a statement from police.  Nobody was hurt. </p><p> The driver and two passengers got off the bus before the woman  left the Central Transit Station. The woman took the bus north on Iowa, east on 6th, then north on Maine traveling about 35-40 mph.</p><p>   Officers were able to surround the bus to pin her in near 2nd and Michigan. Officers safely took her into custody then to the hospital for evaluation.</p>

Police: Kansas woman in custody after driving off in city bus 

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;praised&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;as a “great American hero” and “martyr” for freedom as he and other prominent conservatives gathered Sunday evening to honor the slain conservative political activist whose work they say they must now advance.

The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, drew tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, other senior administration officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand.

Elon Musk arrives at the memorial service- CSPAN

President Trump and Elon Musk shake hands&nbsp; at Charlie Kirk memorial service.

(Click below to watch a replay of the full service)

“He’s a martyr now for America’s freedom,” Trump said in his tribute. “I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie. And neither now will history.”

Speakers highlighted Kirk’s profound faith and his strong belief that young conservatives need to get married, build families and pass on their values to keep building their movement. They also repeatedly told conservative activists, sometimes in confrontational tones, that the best way to honor Kirk was doubling down on his mission to move American politics further to the right.

“For Charlie, we will remember that it is better to stand on our feet defending the United States of America and defending the truth than it is to die on our knees,” Vance said. “My friends, for Charlie, we must remember that he is a hero to the United States of America. And he is a martyr for the Christian faith.”

Kirk’s assassination at a Sept. 10 appearance on a Utah college campus has become a singular moment for the modern-day conservative movement. It also has set off a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-political-violence-shootings-utah-7b4e9b662932943a77635a0f8e839270">fierce debate about violence</a>, decency and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-workplace-speech-firing-29717a8612ccedebabc7cba29e7ef627">free speech</a>&nbsp;in an era of deep political division.

The shooting has stirred fear among some Americans that Trump is trying to harness outrage over the killing as justification to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kirk-trump-cancel-culture-assassination-4d69649e382ea46d8dcf794150a1d3c9">suppress the voices</a>&nbsp;of his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-revenge-bolton-military-deployments-aa2b977621bce563770b60dade581f79">critics and political opponents</a>.

Those close to Kirk prayed and the floors shook from the bass of Christian rock bands as the home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals took on the feel of a megachurch service.

“Charlie looked at politics as an on-ramp to Jesus,” said the Rev. Rob McCoy, Kirk’s pastor.

People began lining up before dawn to secure a spot inside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-memorial-state-farm-stadium-ff4815a8ec8f4eb6f4855360a98a04fa">State Farm Stadium</a>&nbsp;west of Phoenix, where Kirk’s Turning Point organization is based. Security was tight, similar to the Super Bowl or other high-profile event. The speakers delivered their tributes from behind bullet-proof glass.

The 63,400-seat stadium quickly filled with people dressed in red, white and blue, as organizers suggested.

Kirk's widow, Erika, in her own address said in the midst of her grief she was finding comfort that her husband left this world without regrets. She also said she forgives the man who is charged with killing him.

“My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” said Erika Kirk, who is taking over as Turning Point's leader. She added, “I forgive him.”

Comments about Kirk have become a Trump administration target

Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlie-kirk-radical-left-political-opposition-3875efd0674ed2a22a719dfb42ace6ab">blamed the “radical left”</a>&nbsp;for Kirk’s death and threatened to go after liberal organizations and donors or others who he feels are maligning or celebrating Kirk's death.

Dozens of people, from journalists to teachers to late show host Jimmy Kimmel, have faced suspensions or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-speech-republicans-firings-government-vance-e65a4939b80e4f4822db188e978d8812">lost their jobs</a>&nbsp;as prominent conservative activists and administration officials target comments about Kirk that they deem offensive or celebratory. The retaliation has in turn ignited a debate over the First Amendment as the Republican administration promises retribution against those who air what are seen as disparaging remarks in the wake of Kirk’s death.

Some speakers at the memorial said Kirk was battling evil and referred often to a vague “they” as the enemy. Others were blunt.

“You have no idea the dragon you have awakened, you have no idea how determined we will be to save this civilization, to save the West, to save this republic," said White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.

Kirk was a provocateur who at times made statements that some called racist, misogynistic, anti-immigrant and transphobic. That has drawn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-kirk-host-show-husband-father-65cf1d42c2c2f4e85988402b5224da2a">backlash from conservatives</a>&nbsp;who view the criticism as cherry-picking a few select moments to insult the legacy of someone they see as an inspirational conservative leader.

A 22-year-old Utah man,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">Tyler Robinson</a>, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">charged with killing Kirk</a>&nbsp;and faces the death penalty if convicted of the most serious charges. Authorities have not revealed a clear motive in the shooting, but prosecutors say Robinson wrote in a text to his partner following the shooting that he “had enough” of Kirk's hatred.

Kirk's legacy of conservative political influence

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/turning-point-charlie-kirk-erika-kirk-trump-ff9141ca3fd5b8f1a103e7eb03f7535b">Turning Point, the group Kirk founded</a>&nbsp;to mobilize young Christian conservatives, became a multimillion-dollar operation under his leadership with enormous reach.

“Charlie’s having some serious heavenly FOMO right now," Tyler Bower, Turning Point's chief operating officer, said, likening the moment to bringing “the Holy Spirit into a Trump rally."

The crowd was a testament to the massive influence he accumulated in conservative America with his ability to mobilize young people.

Kirk was a MAGA celebrity with a loyal following that turned out to support or argue with him as he traveled the country for the events like the one at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-valley-university-charlie-kirk-fd5ca9b3b7338993970dd0a34dafb64b">Utah Valley University,</a>&nbsp;where he was shot. Kirk grew the organization, in large part, through the force of his personality and debating chops.

“He slayed ignorance,” said Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. “He cut through lies. He woke people’s minds, inspired people’s hearts and imparted wisdom every day.”

Speaker after speaker, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed their awe at Kirk's ability to go into what many conservatives saw as the lion's den to make the conservative case: college campuses.

“Why don’t you start somewhere easier,” Rubio joked when he first heard about Kirk years ago. “Like, for example, communist Cuba?"

<p>GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;praised&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;as a “great American hero” and “martyr” for freedom as he and other prominent conservatives gathered Sunday evening to honor the slain conservative political activist whose work they say they must now advance.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump and Erika Kirk at the Memorial Service for Charlie Kirk. <a href="https://t.co/c27ViuD7Yw">pic.twitter.com/c27ViuD7Yw</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1969907727984996794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, drew tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, other senior administration officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Erika Kirk: &quot;My husband Charlie he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life...On the cross, our savior said, &#39;Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do.&#39; That young man. I forgive him.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/jy8W7YrmVs">pic.twitter.com/jy8W7YrmVs</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1969891437153022226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Charlie, we all thank you. <br><br>God Bless Charlie Kirk. God Bless <a href="https://twitter.com/MrsErikaKirk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MrsErikaKirk</a>. God Bless the United States of America. ❤️🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/Su8XcdnIfK">pic.twitter.com/Su8XcdnIfK</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1969908965657157966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;What was even more important to Charlie than politics and service was the choice he made in the fifth grade — which he called the &#39;most important decision of his life&#39; — to become a Christian and a follower of his savior, Jesus Christ.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ILCrfawb72">pic.twitter.com/ILCrfawb72</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1969894622492242407?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Charlie&#39;s murder was not just an attack on one man or one movement — it was an attack on our entire nation.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/KH143fYf28">pic.twitter.com/KH143fYf28</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1969900488742039948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Elon Musk arrives at the memorial service- CSPAN</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Elon Musk arrives Charlie Kirk memorial service ... <a href="https://t.co/mxq5uJRoQo">pic.twitter.com/mxq5uJRoQo</a></p>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1969853380995760613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>President Trump and Elon Musk shake hands&nbsp; at Charlie Kirk memorial service.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pres. Trump and Elon Musk shake hands ... Charlie Kirk memorial service <a href="https://t.co/SnEHLFIkYH">pic.twitter.com/SnEHLFIkYH</a></p>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1969872157762330760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> speaks at State Farm Stadium to celebrate the life of <a href="https://twitter.com/charliekirk11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@charliekirk11</a> 🙏🏼🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/LWzldXJ4I0">pic.twitter.com/LWzldXJ4I0</a></p>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1969898402562605190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Charlie Kirk was a hero to this country and a faithful servant of God.<br><br>Every day that we continue his mission is an honor to his memory.<br><br>We&#39;ve got it from here, my friend. <a href="https://t.co/Bh7NnEwsX4">pic.twitter.com/Bh7NnEwsX4</a></p>&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1969915771875623159?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">For Charlie, we will speak the truth every single day.<br><br>For Charlie, we will rebuild this United States to greatness.<br><br>For Charlie, we will never shrink, we will never cower, and we will never falter — even when staring down the barrel of a gun.<br><br>For Charlie, we will remember… <a href="https://t.co/zgbZLPMvvi">pic.twitter.com/zgbZLPMvvi</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1969883258138542350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!<br><br>Then I shall bow in humble adoration — and there proclaim, &#39;My God! How great Thou art!&#39;&quot;<br><br>❤️ <a href="https://t.co/6Dw5giPkpm">pic.twitter.com/6Dw5giPkpm</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1969797502086865182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stephen Miller: &quot;We will prevail over the forces of wickedness and evil. They cannot imagine what they have awakened...You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk? You have made him immortal!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/uMZfkmjSdF">pic.twitter.com/uMZfkmjSdF</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1969866326492475512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Full remarks from White House Chief of Staff <a href="https://twitter.com/SusieWiles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SusieWiles</a> at Charlie Kirk&#39;s memorial service:<br><br>&quot;When <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>&#39; 2024 campaign partnered with <a href="https://twitter.com/TPUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TPUSA</a>, Charlie did not just promise, he delivered... Charlie just didn&#39;t help, he made the winning difference — I promise you that.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/r1fFurhYLY">pic.twitter.com/r1fFurhYLY</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1969866346751021116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a>&#39;s full remarks at Charlie Kirk&#39;s memorial service: &quot;A couple of days ago, my granddaughter left for college in Europe. Her mother noticed that she packed a Bible. When her mother asked her why she made that choice, she said, &#39;I want to live more like Charlie.&#39;&quot; <a href="https://t.co/u2BIBVc1AI">pic.twitter.com/u2BIBVc1AI</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1969875978475143241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a>&#39;s full remarks at Charlie Kirk&#39;s memorial service: &quot;Charlie Kirk was a citizen who had the Biblical heart of a soldier of the faith — who put on, every single day, the full armor of God with a smile, as the Scriptures tell all Christ followers to do.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ZvvRVtZz7s">pic.twitter.com/ZvvRVtZz7s</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1969875365813276815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Marco Rubio breaks down what’s important.<a href="https://twitter.com/marcorubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marcorubio</a> <a href="https://t.co/fhORQkE4Lv">pic.twitter.com/fhORQkE4Lv</a></p>&mdash; Turning Point Action (@TPAction_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TPAction_/status/1969871975163236667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DNIGabbard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DNIGabbard</a>&#39;s full remarks at Charlie Kirk&#39;s memorial service: &quot;By trying to silence Charlie, his voice is now louder than ever.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/JCoI9moZgs">pic.twitter.com/JCoI9moZgs</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1969870322804425215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>(Click below to watch a replay of the full service)</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DKGRfogo-l0?si=Ojm1zR4G3eUXUMTw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p>“He’s a martyr now for America’s freedom,” Trump said in his tribute. “I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie. And neither now will history.”</p><p>Speakers highlighted Kirk’s profound faith and his strong belief that young conservatives need to get married, build families and pass on their values to keep building their movement. They also repeatedly told conservative activists, sometimes in confrontational tones, that the best way to honor Kirk was doubling down on his mission to move American politics further to the right.</p><p>“For Charlie, we will remember that it is better to stand on our feet defending the United States of America and defending the truth than it is to die on our knees,” Vance said. “My friends, for Charlie, we must remember that he is a hero to the United States of America. And he is a martyr for the Christian faith.”</p><p>Kirk’s assassination at a Sept. 10 appearance on a Utah college campus has become a singular moment for the modern-day conservative movement. It also has set off a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-political-violence-shootings-utah-7b4e9b662932943a77635a0f8e839270">fierce debate about violence</a>, decency and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-workplace-speech-firing-29717a8612ccedebabc7cba29e7ef627">free speech</a>&nbsp;in an era of deep political division.</p><p>The shooting has stirred fear among some Americans that Trump is trying to harness outrage over the killing as justification to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kirk-trump-cancel-culture-assassination-4d69649e382ea46d8dcf794150a1d3c9">suppress the voices</a>&nbsp;of his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-revenge-bolton-military-deployments-aa2b977621bce563770b60dade581f79">critics and political opponents</a>.</p><h2>High security and a full stadium</h2><p>Those close to Kirk prayed and the floors shook from the bass of Christian rock bands as the home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals took on the feel of a megachurch service.</p><p>“Charlie looked at politics as an on-ramp to Jesus,” said the Rev. Rob McCoy, Kirk’s pastor.</p><p>People began lining up before dawn to secure a spot inside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-memorial-state-farm-stadium-ff4815a8ec8f4eb6f4855360a98a04fa">State Farm Stadium</a>&nbsp;west of Phoenix, where Kirk’s Turning Point organization is based. Security was tight, similar to the Super Bowl or other high-profile event. The speakers delivered their tributes from behind bullet-proof glass.</p><p>The 63,400-seat stadium quickly filled with people dressed in red, white and blue, as organizers suggested.</p><p>Kirk's widow, Erika, in her own address said in the midst of her grief she was finding comfort that her husband left this world without regrets. She also said she forgives the man who is charged with killing him.</p><p>“My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” said Erika Kirk, who is taking over as Turning Point's leader. She added, “I forgive him.”</p><h2>Comments about Kirk have become a Trump administration target</h2><p>Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlie-kirk-radical-left-political-opposition-3875efd0674ed2a22a719dfb42ace6ab">blamed the “radical left”</a>&nbsp;for Kirk’s death and threatened to go after liberal organizations and donors or others who he feels are maligning or celebrating Kirk's death.</p><p>Dozens of people, from journalists to teachers to late show host Jimmy Kimmel, have faced suspensions or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-speech-republicans-firings-government-vance-e65a4939b80e4f4822db188e978d8812">lost their jobs</a>&nbsp;as prominent conservative activists and administration officials target comments about Kirk that they deem offensive or celebratory. The retaliation has in turn ignited a debate over the First Amendment as the Republican administration promises retribution against those who air what are seen as disparaging remarks in the wake of Kirk’s death.</p><p>Some speakers at the memorial said Kirk was battling evil and referred often to a vague “they” as the enemy. Others were blunt.</p><p>“You have no idea the dragon you have awakened, you have no idea how determined we will be to save this civilization, to save the West, to save this republic," said White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.</p><p>Kirk was a provocateur who at times made statements that some called racist, misogynistic, anti-immigrant and transphobic. That has drawn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-kirk-host-show-husband-father-65cf1d42c2c2f4e85988402b5224da2a">backlash from conservatives</a>&nbsp;who view the criticism as cherry-picking a few select moments to insult the legacy of someone they see as an inspirational conservative leader.</p><p>A 22-year-old Utah man,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">Tyler Robinson</a>, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">charged with killing Kirk</a>&nbsp;and faces the death penalty if convicted of the most serious charges. Authorities have not revealed a clear motive in the shooting, but prosecutors say Robinson wrote in a text to his partner following the shooting that he “had enough” of Kirk's hatred.</p><h2>Kirk's legacy of conservative political influence</h2><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/turning-point-charlie-kirk-erika-kirk-trump-ff9141ca3fd5b8f1a103e7eb03f7535b">Turning Point, the group Kirk founded</a>&nbsp;to mobilize young Christian conservatives, became a multimillion-dollar operation under his leadership with enormous reach.</p><p>“Charlie’s having some serious heavenly FOMO right now," Tyler Bower, Turning Point's chief operating officer, said, likening the moment to bringing “the Holy Spirit into a Trump rally."</p><p>The crowd was a testament to the massive influence he accumulated in conservative America with his ability to mobilize young people.</p><p>Kirk was a MAGA celebrity with a loyal following that turned out to support or argue with him as he traveled the country for the events like the one at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-valley-university-charlie-kirk-fd5ca9b3b7338993970dd0a34dafb64b">Utah Valley University,</a>&nbsp;where he was shot. Kirk grew the organization, in large part, through the force of his personality and debating chops.</p><p>“He slayed ignorance,” said Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. “He cut through lies. He woke people’s minds, inspired people’s hearts and imparted wisdom every day.”</p><p>Speaker after speaker, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed their awe at Kirk's ability to go into what many conservatives saw as the lion's den to make the conservative case: college campuses.</p><p>“Why don’t you start somewhere easier,” Rubio joked when he first heard about Kirk years ago. “Like, for example, communist Cuba?"</p><p>___</p>

🎥Some of the best moments of Charlie Kirk's memorial service

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— On September 20, 2025, at approximately 11:07 p.m., Wichita Police Officers responded to an injury accident in the 1900 block of South Southwest Boulevard.

Upon arrival, officers located two injured pedestrians: a 26-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man. Both were transported to a local hospital, where the man identified as Joseph Cox of Wichita, succumbed to his injuries.

The driver has been identified, our investigation is still ongoing, and when completed we will present the case to the DA for potential charging considerations.

The Wichita Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance. If you witnessed this accident or have any information, please contact the Accident Follow-Up Investigators at (316) 350-3689. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can submit a tip through Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.

<p>WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— On September 20, 2025, at approximately 11:07 p.m., Wichita Police Officers responded to an injury accident in the 1900 block of South Southwest Boulevard.</p><p>Upon arrival, officers located two injured pedestrians: a 26-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man. Both were transported to a local hospital, where the man identified as Joseph Cox of Wichita, succumbed to his injuries.</p><p>The driver has been identified, our investigation is still ongoing, and when completed we will present the case to the DA for potential charging considerations.</p><p>The Wichita Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance. If you witnessed this accident or have any information, please contact the Accident Follow-Up Investigators at (316) 350-3689. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can submit a tip through Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.</p>

Police look for possible witnesses to crash that killed Kansas man

FRANKLIN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a train,&nbsp; pedestrian crash in Franklin County.

Just after 12:30a.m. Sunday,&nbsp; police were called to the Main Street rail crossing in Wellsville, according to a media release from the Franklin County Sheriff.&nbsp; First responders found a man in the road with severe injuries. He was transported to a hospital for treatment.

The Franklin County Crash team is in charge of the investigation. Authorities released no additional details late Sunday.

<p>FRANKLIN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a train,&nbsp; pedestrian crash in Franklin County.</p><p>Just after 12:30a.m. Sunday,&nbsp; police were called to the Main Street rail crossing in Wellsville, according to a media release from the Franklin County Sheriff.&nbsp; First responders found a man in the road with severe injuries. He was transported to a hospital for treatment.</p><p>The Franklin County Crash team is in charge of the investigation. Authorities released no additional details late Sunday.</p>

Sheriff: Kansas man hospitalized after struck by a train

PRATT COUNTY—A Pratt man is in custody after a standoff Friday evening in which police said he barricaded himself inside a home and resisted arrest.

Just before 5p.m. September 19, officers responded&nbsp; to a reported disturbance in the 700 block of Champa Street, according to&nbsp;According to the Pratt Police Department. A woman caller identified Jacob Davis, 36, of Pratt, as the suspect and reported there was an active protection-from-abuse order against him.

Police said Davis left the scene in a tan Chevrolet Suburban. A short time later, officers received another report that a vehicle matching that description nearly struck another driver near Champa and Green Street.

By 6 p.m., the reporting party told officers that Davis had driven past her residence honking his horn, and minutes later alleged that he returned and threw mortar-style fireworks toward children in the area. No injuries were reported.

At 6:48 p.m., officers located Davis at his residence at 1002 Champa. Police said he refused commands, retreated into the house and barricaded himself inside after officers used pepper spray to deter two aggressive dogs.

The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team was called to assist. After deploying chemical agents and clearing the home’s main floor and attic, officers discovered a crawl space with two tunnels. Davis was ultimately found there and taken into custody after resisting arrest, police said.

He was booked into the Pratt County Jail on requested charges of violating a protection order, assault, assault of a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement and stalking.

No officers or citizens were injured during the incident.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758469619399.jpeg" alt="Photo Pratt County Sheriff's Office" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Pratt County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>PRATT COUNTY—A Pratt man is in custody after a standoff Friday evening in which police said he barricaded himself inside a home and resisted arrest.</p><p>Just before 5p.m. September 19, officers responded&nbsp; to a reported disturbance in the 700 block of Champa Street, according to&nbsp;According to the Pratt Police Department. A woman caller identified Jacob Davis, 36, of Pratt, as the suspect and reported there was an active protection-from-abuse order against him.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758498462693.png" alt="Davis photo Pratt Co. Sheriff" />
                        <figcaption>Davis photo Pratt Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Police said Davis left the scene in a tan Chevrolet Suburban. A short time later, officers received another report that a vehicle matching that description nearly struck another driver near Champa and Green Street.</p><p>By 6 p.m., the reporting party told officers that Davis had driven past her residence honking his horn, and minutes later alleged that he returned and threw mortar-style fireworks toward children in the area. No injuries were reported.</p><p>At 6:48 p.m., officers located Davis at his residence at 1002 Champa. Police said he refused commands, retreated into the house and barricaded himself inside after officers used pepper spray to deter two aggressive dogs.</p><p>The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team was called to assist. After deploying chemical agents and clearing the home’s main floor and attic, officers discovered a crawl space with two tunnels. Davis was ultimately found there and taken into custody after resisting arrest, police said.</p><p>He was booked into the Pratt County Jail on requested charges of violating a protection order, assault, assault of a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement and stalking.</p><p>No officers or citizens were injured during the incident.</p>

Assault suspect found hiding in crawl space of Kansas home

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused of child sex crimes in Wichita made his first court appearance in the case Friday. Gonzalo Ramirez was charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent solicitation of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 6a.m. on Sept. 15, police were dispatched to a report of a sexual assault of a minor that occurred in the 1500 block of South Kansas in Wichita, according to a media release.

The investigation revealed that a minor was waiting for the school bus when they were approached by a 31-year-old male suspect, not known to her.&nbsp; The suspect, identified according to Sedgwick County booking records as Gonzalo Ramirez, lured the minor into a vehicle and committed the assault.

Officers quickly located Ramirez who was taken into custody and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp; He remains in custody on a $500,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

The Wichita Police Department reminds parents and guardians to:

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758056137846.png" alt="Ramirez photo Sedgwick County" />
                        <figcaption>Ramirez photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused of child sex crimes in Wichita made his first court appearance in the case Friday. Gonzalo Ramirez was charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent solicitation of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.</p><p>Just before 6a.m. on Sept. 15, police were dispatched to a report of a sexual assault of a minor that occurred in the 1500 block of South Kansas in Wichita, according to a media release.</p><p>The investigation revealed that a minor was waiting for the school bus when they were approached by a 31-year-old male suspect, not known to her.&nbsp; The suspect, identified according to Sedgwick County booking records as Gonzalo Ramirez, lured the minor into a vehicle and committed the assault.</p><p>Officers quickly located Ramirez who was taken into custody and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp; He remains in custody on a $500,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.</p><p>The Wichita Police Department reminds parents and guardians to:</p><ul>
                        <li>Speak with their children about the dangers of speaking with strangers or entering vehicles with unknown individuals.</li><li>Encourage children to immediately notify a trusted adult and call 911 if they feel unsafe or encounter a similar situation.</li>
                    </ul>

Suspect in Kan. school bus stop sex assault faced a judge

KANSAS CITY —A child was injured in an accident that occurred just after 1p.m. Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri.

A black SUV was northbound on N. Jackson approaching East Windsor Street, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. At the same time a boy&nbsp; under the age of 10 was riding a scooter on East Windsor. The child failed to stop at the stop sign causing a collision. 

EMS transported the child to an area hospital for treatment of critical injuries, according to Becchina.&nbsp; The driver of the SUV remained at the scene and is cooperating with officers. The accident remains under investigation.

<p>KANSAS CITY —A child was injured in an accident that occurred just after 1p.m. Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p>A black SUV was northbound on N. Jackson approaching East Windsor Street, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. At the same time a boy&nbsp; under the age of 10 was riding a scooter on East Windsor. The child failed to stop at the stop sign causing a collision. </p><p>EMS transported the child to an area hospital for treatment of critical injuries, according to Becchina.&nbsp; The driver of the SUV remained at the scene and is cooperating with officers. The accident remains under investigation.</p>

Child hospitalized in Kansas City after SUV, scooter crash 

WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. Treasure is proposing regulations for President Trump's ' no tax on tips.'&nbsp; The regulations proposed by the U.S. Treasury on Friday detail the occupations covered, who will qualify and what counts as a qualified tip:

1. The tip must be voluntarily given, so mandatory tips or auto-gratuities would not qualify for the “no tax on tips” benefit.

2. Tip pools and similar arrangements qualify, so long as they are reported to the IRS and voluntary.

3. The benefit is not available to married individuals who file their taxes separately.

4. The tip must be given in cash, check, debit card, gift card or any item exchangeable for a fixed amount of cash, unlike digital assets.

5. Any amount received for illegal activity, prostitution services, or pornographic activity does not qualify as a tip

A provision in the Republicans’ massive tax and spending law allows certain workers to deduct up to $25,000 in “qualified tips” from their federal income taxes each year from 2025 through 2028. The deduction phases out for taxpayers with a modified adjusted gross income over $150,000.

<p>WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. Treasure is proposing regulations for President Trump's ' no tax on tips.'&nbsp; The regulations proposed by the U.S. Treasury on Friday detail the occupations covered, who will qualify and what counts as a qualified tip:</p><p>1. The tip must be voluntarily given, so mandatory tips or auto-gratuities would not qualify for the “no tax on tips” benefit.</p><p>2. Tip pools and similar arrangements qualify, so long as they are reported to the IRS and voluntary.</p><p>3. The benefit is not available to married individuals who file their taxes separately.</p><p>4. The tip must be given in cash, check, debit card, gift card or any item exchangeable for a fixed amount of cash, unlike digital assets.</p><p>5. Any amount received for illegal activity, prostitution services, or pornographic activity does not qualify as a tip</p><p>A provision in the Republicans’ massive tax and spending law allows certain workers to deduct up to $25,000 in “qualified tips” from their federal income taxes each year from 2025 through 2028. The deduction phases out for taxpayers with a modified adjusted gross income over $150,000.</p>

Treasury proposes regulations for the ‘no tax on tips’ law

Drugstores are ready to deliver updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall and insurers plan to pay for them, even though the shots no longer come recommended by an important government committee.

On Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-advisers-vaccines-hepatitis-b-covid19-a1fb61ef7e29d93d2828618d890cceb3">vaccine advisers</a>&nbsp;picked by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declined to specifically recommend the shots but said people could make individual decisions on whether to get them.

The recommendations from the advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention require sign-off by the agency's director, but they are almost always adopted.

Those recommendations normally trigger several layers of insurance coverage and allow drugstores in many states to deliver the shots. But insurers and government officials have said coverage will continue, and several states have allowed for vaccine access through pharmacies, the most common place to get shots.

Many people start seeking vaccinations in the late summer or early fall to get protection against any winter surges in cases.

Many are expected to do so, but you still may want to check with yours.

The Department of Health and Human Services said Friday that the committee vote “provides for immunization coverage through all payment mechanisms.” An HHS spokesperson said that includes Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, commercial coverage sold through health insurance marketplaces and the federal Vaccines for Children program, which pays for roughly half of childhood vaccinations in the U.S. each year.

The VFC program normally automatically covers any vaccines recommended by the CDC committee.

The trade group America's Health Insurance Plans said earlier this week that its members will continue to cover the shots at no cost to patients through 2026.

That group includes every major insurer except UnitedHealthcare. And that insurer has said it will continue covering the vaccine at no cost for its standard commercial coverage, which includes plans offered for individuals and through small businesses.

One caveat: Large employers that offer coverage will make their own decisions on the vaccines.

They may be motivated to continue coverage: The vaccines can help ward off expensive hospital bills from people who develop a bad case of COVID-19.

About two-thirds of adults get COVID-19 shots at pharmacies, and around 30% receive them at doctors’ offices, according to CDC data.

Access to the shots has grown after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-access-limitations-645d64cee13664840fc9a39ff2d309c0">a clunky start</a>&nbsp;to vaccine season that saw some people travel to nearby states when they couldn't make appointments at pharmacies closer to home.

Drugstore chains like CVS say their locations are stocked with the latest vaccines, and they now are able to deliver vaccinations in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Prescriptions are required in D.C. and a handful of states, including Florida and Georgia, CVS Health spokeswoman Amy Thibault said.

Walgreens also requires prescriptions in a few states, a company spokesperson said.

Until now, the U.S. has recommended yearly COVID-19 shots for everyone age 6 months and older.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-covid-shots-fda-kennedy-pfizer-children-9ce19908ae7afb354732aa162fd28532">recently approved</a>&nbsp;the shots for all people age 65 and older, and for younger adults and children with conditions that put them at high risk for catching a bad case of COVID-19.

The CDC maintains&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html">a long list</a>&nbsp;of conditions that would put someone at high risk, including asthma, cancer, heart or lung problems, obesity, depression and a history of smoking. It also includes those who are physically inactive, and the agency notes that this list is not conclusive.

Patients can consult with their doctor or care provider to decide whether they are high risk if they don't have a condition on that list.

Both CVS and Walgreens representatives say their companies will ask patients under age 65 if they have any of these factors. They won't require proof.

“In simplest terms, if a patient says they’re eligible, they will get the vaccine,” said Thibault, the CVS Health spokeswoman.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<p>By TOM MURPHY <br>AP Health Writer</p><p>Drugstores are ready to deliver updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall and insurers plan to pay for them, even though the shots no longer come recommended by an important government committee.</p><p>On Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-advisers-vaccines-hepatitis-b-covid19-a1fb61ef7e29d93d2828618d890cceb3">vaccine advisers</a>&nbsp;picked by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declined to specifically recommend the shots but said people could make individual decisions on whether to get them.</p><p>The recommendations from the advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention require sign-off by the agency's director, but they are almost always adopted.</p><p>Those recommendations normally trigger several layers of insurance coverage and allow drugstores in many states to deliver the shots. But insurers and government officials have said coverage will continue, and several states have allowed for vaccine access through pharmacies, the most common place to get shots.</p><p>Many people start seeking vaccinations in the late summer or early fall to get protection against any winter surges in cases.</p><p>Here's a closer look at the issue.</p><h2>Will insurers cover these shots?</h2><p>Many are expected to do so, but you still may want to check with yours.</p><p>The Department of Health and Human Services said Friday that the committee vote “provides for immunization coverage through all payment mechanisms.” An HHS spokesperson said that includes Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, commercial coverage sold through health insurance marketplaces and the federal Vaccines for Children program, which pays for roughly half of childhood vaccinations in the U.S. each year.</p><p>The VFC program normally automatically covers any vaccines recommended by the CDC committee.</p><p>The trade group America's Health Insurance Plans said earlier this week that its members will continue to cover the shots at no cost to patients through 2026.</p><p>That group includes every major insurer except UnitedHealthcare. And that insurer has said it will continue covering the vaccine at no cost for its standard commercial coverage, which includes plans offered for individuals and through small businesses.</p><p>One caveat: Large employers that offer coverage will make their own decisions on the vaccines.</p><p>They may be motivated to continue coverage: The vaccines can help ward off expensive hospital bills from people who develop a bad case of COVID-19.</p><h2>Where people can get vaccinations</h2><p>About two-thirds of adults get COVID-19 shots at pharmacies, and around 30% receive them at doctors’ offices, according to CDC data.</p><p>Access to the shots has grown after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-access-limitations-645d64cee13664840fc9a39ff2d309c0">a clunky start</a>&nbsp;to vaccine season that saw some people travel to nearby states when they couldn't make appointments at pharmacies closer to home.</p><p>Drugstore chains like CVS say their locations are stocked with the latest vaccines, and they now are able to deliver vaccinations in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Prescriptions are required in D.C. and a handful of states, including Florida and Georgia, CVS Health spokeswoman Amy Thibault said.</p><p>Walgreens also requires prescriptions in a few states, a company spokesperson said.</p><h2>Who can get the shot</h2><p>Until now, the U.S. has recommended yearly COVID-19 shots for everyone age 6 months and older.</p><p>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-covid-shots-fda-kennedy-pfizer-children-9ce19908ae7afb354732aa162fd28532">recently approved</a>&nbsp;the shots for all people age 65 and older, and for younger adults and children with conditions that put them at high risk for catching a bad case of COVID-19.</p><p>The CDC maintains&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html">a long list</a>&nbsp;of conditions that would put someone at high risk, including asthma, cancer, heart or lung problems, obesity, depression and a history of smoking. It also includes those who are physically inactive, and the agency notes that this list is not conclusive.</p><p>Patients can consult with their doctor or care provider to decide whether they are high risk if they don't have a condition on that list.</p><p>Both CVS and Walgreens representatives say their companies will ask patients under age 65 if they have any of these factors. They won't require proof.</p><p>“In simplest terms, if a patient says they’re eligible, they will get the vaccine,” said Thibault, the CVS Health spokeswoman.</p><p>___</p><p>The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.</p>

How to get a COVID-19 shot and ensure it's covered by your insurance

ROME (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-leo-xiv">Pope Leo XIV</a>&nbsp;said in his first interview as history's first American pope that he has no intention of getting involved in U.S. politics but will raise his voice on issues of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-trump-migration-09a89091f8e7dc3270099f0947d04e90">concern to the Catholic Church, including on immigration</a>.

Leo spoke on a range of topics — from the Trump administration to the clergy sexual abuse crisis, welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics and Vatican-China relations — in the interview, published Thursday. It was conducted by Vatican correspondent Elise Ann Allen of the news site Crux for a biography of Leo that was published Thursday in Peru, where Leo was bishop for many years.

Leo embraced Pope Francis’ message for LGBTQ+ Catholics that “todos, todos, todos” are welcome in the Catholic Church but said that he found “it highly unlikely” the church’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-comments-about-lgbtq-people-e34d133b77ee692141a22626c4e18eec">core doctrine about sexuality</a>&nbsp;would change anytime soon.

The Catholic Church teaches that homosexual people must be treated with dignity and respect, but that homosexual activity is “intrinsically disordered.” It opposes gay marriage, saying marriage is a union between a man and woman.

“Everyone’s invited in, but I don’t invite a person in because they are or are not of any specific identity. I invite a person in because they are a son or daughter of God,” he said.

“I think we have to change attitudes before we even think about changing what the church says about any given question,” he said.

Leo said he didn’t foresee any short-term changes in the Vatican's controversial&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-china-pope-beijing-e322c14ea9ceae11fd72e90b7bc73076">2018 agreement with Beijing</a>&nbsp;over bishop nominations.

The Vatican under Pope Francis had inked the accord hoping it would help unite China’s estimated 12 million Catholics, long divided between those belonging to an official, state-sanctioned church and an underground church loyal to Rome.

“I in no way pretend to be wiser or more experienced than all those who have come before me,” Leo said, adding he was studying the issue and speaking with Chinese people “on both sides" about it.

The Vatican has defended the 2018 accord against criticism that Francis sold out the underground faithful, who endured decades of persecution by the Beijing authorities. The Vatican has said the deal was necessary to prevent an even worse schism in the Chinese church after China named bishops without the pope’s consent.

Leo said the sex abuse crisis is “a real crisis” that has not yet been solved, and that the church&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-abuse-victim-survivor-trauma-6cfef8f4e77db777df660bbc4d855758">still hasn't found a way</a>&nbsp;to help victims heal. But he also said the rights of priests must be respected.

“Statistics show that well over 90% of people who come forward and make accusations, they are authentically victims. They are telling the truth. They are not making this up," he said. "But there have also been proven cases of some kind of false accusation. There have been priests whose lives have been destroyed because of that.”

The pope also said the scandal “cannot become the center focus of the church.”

Leo was instrumental in helping victims of an abusive Peruvian group find justice but he has been accused by a U.S. victim advocacy group of not doing enough to help other Peruvian victims.

Leo said he recognized the influence of the United States on world affairs and mentioned migration as one of the issue important to the Catholic Church.

He recalled a letter Francis sent to U.S. bishops earlier this year rebuking the Trump administration's plans for mass deportations of migrants. The letter took direct aim at Vice President JD&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jd-vance-catholic-bishops-migration-94138954824b68dbd0b29b28504e056e">Vance’s defense of the deportation program</a>&nbsp;on theological grounds.

Leo praised Francis' initiative and said U.S. bishops showed “courage” in confronting the administration, expressing hopes they would continue to take the lead on such issues.

“One of the last conversations I had with the vice president of the United States – I have not had direct conversations with or have not met the president – I talked about human dignity and how important that is for all people, wherever you’re born, and hopefully to find ways to respect human beings and the way we treat them in the policies and choices we make," Leo said.

Leo made clear he is not a Trump supporter, adding that he and his brother Luis Prevost, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-vance-leo-vatican-ukraine-russia-trump-c1572b31e231e4eee61baaaad5c1445f">self-described “MAGA-type,” who has met the U.S. president</a>&nbsp;are in "different places.”

“The United States is a power player on the world level, we have to recognize that, and sometimes decisions are made more based on economics than on human dignity and human support, but (we have to) continue to challenge and to raise some questions and to see the best way to do that,” Leo said.

Leo vowed to continue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-leo-women-priests-ordination-42d51fae16606dd561553362b16e500f">appointing women to leadership positions</a>&nbsp;in the church, but tamped down any hopes of ordaining women as deacons or as priests. He pointed to an ongoing study by the Vatican’s doctrine office on the issue.

“I at the moment don’t have an intention of changing the teaching of the church on the topic,” he said. “I am certainly willing to continue to listen to people.”

Leo inherited a longstanding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-leo-finance-donations-0daf975d09f477bd6f7f03eb8b737d6a">financial crunch at the Vatican</a>, which has been running a 50 million to 60 million euro ($57 million to $68 million) structural deficit, a 1 billion euro ($1.14 billion)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pension-pope-a48ab7b6392e1821388aa498d94c0a19">pension fund shortfall</a>&nbsp;and declining donations.

The crisis hit hardest during the pandemic when the Holy See’s main source of revenue — the Vatican Museums — closed down.

But things are improving and “it is not the crisis that people have been led to believe,” Leo said.

“I’m not saying we can relax," he said. "I don’t think the crisis is over, I think we have to continue to work on this, but I’m not losing sleep over it, and I think that it’s important that we communicate a different message.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747390720796.png" alt="Pope Leo XIV image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Pope Leo XIV image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>ROME (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-leo-xiv">Pope Leo XIV</a>&nbsp;said in his first interview as history's first American pope that he has no intention of getting involved in U.S. politics but will raise his voice on issues of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-trump-migration-09a89091f8e7dc3270099f0947d04e90">concern to the Catholic Church, including on immigration</a>.</p><p>Leo spoke on a range of topics — from the Trump administration to the clergy sexual abuse crisis, welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics and Vatican-China relations — in the interview, published Thursday. It was conducted by Vatican correspondent Elise Ann Allen of the news site Crux for a biography of Leo that was published Thursday in Peru, where Leo was bishop for many years.</p><p>Here are some highlights:</p><h2>Welcoming the LGBTQ+ community</h2><p>Leo embraced Pope Francis’ message for LGBTQ+ Catholics that “todos, todos, todos” are welcome in the Catholic Church but said that he found “it highly unlikely” the church’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-comments-about-lgbtq-people-e34d133b77ee692141a22626c4e18eec">core doctrine about sexuality</a>&nbsp;would change anytime soon.</p><p>The Catholic Church teaches that homosexual people must be treated with dignity and respect, but that homosexual activity is “intrinsically disordered.” It opposes gay marriage, saying marriage is a union between a man and woman.</p><p>“Everyone’s invited in, but I don’t invite a person in because they are or are not of any specific identity. I invite a person in because they are a son or daughter of God,” he said.</p><p>“I think we have to change attitudes before we even think about changing what the church says about any given question,” he said.</p><h2>Ties with China</h2><p>Leo said he didn’t foresee any short-term changes in the Vatican's controversial&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-china-pope-beijing-e322c14ea9ceae11fd72e90b7bc73076">2018 agreement with Beijing</a>&nbsp;over bishop nominations.</p><p>The Vatican under Pope Francis had inked the accord hoping it would help unite China’s estimated 12 million Catholics, long divided between those belonging to an official, state-sanctioned church and an underground church loyal to Rome.</p><p>“I in no way pretend to be wiser or more experienced than all those who have come before me,” Leo said, adding he was studying the issue and speaking with Chinese people “on both sides" about it.</p><p>The Vatican has defended the 2018 accord against criticism that Francis sold out the underground faithful, who endured decades of persecution by the Beijing authorities. The Vatican has said the deal was necessary to prevent an even worse schism in the Chinese church after China named bishops without the pope’s consent.</p><h2>Sex abuse scandals</h2><p>Leo said the sex abuse crisis is “a real crisis” that has not yet been solved, and that the church&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-abuse-victim-survivor-trauma-6cfef8f4e77db777df660bbc4d855758">still hasn't found a way</a>&nbsp;to help victims heal. But he also said the rights of priests must be respected.</p><p>“Statistics show that well over 90% of people who come forward and make accusations, they are authentically victims. They are telling the truth. They are not making this up," he said. "But there have also been proven cases of some kind of false accusation. There have been priests whose lives have been destroyed because of that.”</p><p>The pope also said the scandal “cannot become the center focus of the church.”</p><p>Leo was instrumental in helping victims of an abusive Peruvian group find justice but he has been accused by a U.S. victim advocacy group of not doing enough to help other Peruvian victims.</p><h2>Trump and US politics</h2><p>Leo said he recognized the influence of the United States on world affairs and mentioned migration as one of the issue important to the Catholic Church.</p><p>He recalled a letter Francis sent to U.S. bishops earlier this year rebuking the Trump administration's plans for mass deportations of migrants. The letter took direct aim at Vice President JD&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jd-vance-catholic-bishops-migration-94138954824b68dbd0b29b28504e056e">Vance’s defense of the deportation program</a>&nbsp;on theological grounds.</p><p>Leo praised Francis' initiative and said U.S. bishops showed “courage” in confronting the administration, expressing hopes they would continue to take the lead on such issues.</p><p>“One of the last conversations I had with the vice president of the United States – I have not had direct conversations with or have not met the president – I talked about human dignity and how important that is for all people, wherever you’re born, and hopefully to find ways to respect human beings and the way we treat them in the policies and choices we make," Leo said.</p><p>Leo made clear he is not a Trump supporter, adding that he and his brother Luis Prevost, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-vance-leo-vatican-ukraine-russia-trump-c1572b31e231e4eee61baaaad5c1445f">self-described “MAGA-type,” who has met the U.S. president</a>&nbsp;are in "different places.”</p><p>“The United States is a power player on the world level, we have to recognize that, and sometimes decisions are made more based on economics than on human dignity and human support, but (we have to) continue to challenge and to raise some questions and to see the best way to do that,” Leo said.</p><h2>Women's voices</h2><p>Leo vowed to continue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-leo-women-priests-ordination-42d51fae16606dd561553362b16e500f">appointing women to leadership positions</a>&nbsp;in the church, but tamped down any hopes of ordaining women as deacons or as priests. He pointed to an ongoing study by the Vatican’s doctrine office on the issue.</p><p>“I at the moment don’t have an intention of changing the teaching of the church on the topic,” he said. “I am certainly willing to continue to listen to people.”</p><h2>Vatican finances</h2><p>Leo inherited a longstanding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-leo-finance-donations-0daf975d09f477bd6f7f03eb8b737d6a">financial crunch at the Vatican</a>, which has been running a 50 million to 60 million euro ($57 million to $68 million) structural deficit, a 1 billion euro ($1.14 billion)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pension-pope-a48ab7b6392e1821388aa498d94c0a19">pension fund shortfall</a>&nbsp;and declining donations.</p><p>The crisis hit hardest during the pandemic when the Holy See’s main source of revenue — the Vatican Museums — closed down.</p><p>But things are improving and “it is not the crisis that people have been led to believe,” Leo said.</p><p>“I’m not saying we can relax," he said. "I don’t think the crisis is over, I think we have to continue to work on this, but I’m not losing sleep over it, and I think that it’s important that we communicate a different message.”</p><p>___</p>

Highlights from Pope Leo's first interview as history's first American pope

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/cora-lewis">CORA LEWIS</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate Wednesday for the first time in nine months. Since the last cut,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">progress on inflation has slowed</a>&nbsp;while the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-a69fc3afbbebe731c29824b855e3c83f">labor market has cooled</a>. That means Americans are dealing with both high prices and a challenging job market.

The federal funds rate, set by the Federal Reserve, is the rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another. While the rates that consumers pay to borrow money aren’t directly linked to this rate, shifts in Fed policy affect what people pay for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and other financial products.

Wednesday’s quarter-point cut is the first since December and lowers the Fed’s short-term rate to about 4.1%, down from 4.3%. The Fed projected it will cut rates two more times before the end of the year.

The Fed has two goals when it sets the rate: one, to manage prices for goods and services, and two, to encourage full employment. This is known as the “dual mandate.” Typically, the Fed might increase the rate to try to bring down inflation and decrease it to encourage faster economic growth and more hiring. The challenge now is that inflation is higher than the Fed’s 2% target but the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-revisions-labor-department-f4a29a2b948f7bce0d6558824ffe0fd5">job market is weak</a>, putting the Fed in a difficult position.

“The dual mandate is always a balancing act,” said Elizabeth Renter, senior economist at personal finance site NerdWallet.

For prospective homebuyers, the market has already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-0006ffb29d80352c87da5b2b5b08e8fa">priced in the rate cut</a>, which means it’s “unlikely to make a noticeable difference for most consumers at the time of the announcement,” according to Bankrate financial analyst Stephen Kates.

“Much of the impact on mortgage rates has already occurred through anticipation alone,” he said. "(Mortgage) rates have been falling since January and dropped further as weaker-than-expected economic data pointed to a cooling economy.”

Still, Kates said a declining interest rate environment will provide some relief for borrowers over time.

“Whether it’s a homeowner with a 7% mortgage or a recent graduate hoping to refinance student loans and credit card debt, lower rates can ease the burden on many indebted households by opening opportunities to refinance or consolidate,” he said.

Interest on savings accounts won’t be as appealing

For savers, falling interest rates will slowly erode attractive yields currently on offer with certificates of deposit (CDs) and high-yield savings accounts.

Right now, the best rates on offer for each have been hovering at or above 4% for CDs and at 4.6% for high-yield savings accounts, according to DepositAccounts.com.

Those are still better than the trends of recent years, and a good option for consumers who want to earn a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bank-accounts-economy-savings-dbf6c9d356de2349ec89ed9e3c99168c">return on money</a>&nbsp;they may want to access in the near-term. A high-yield savings account generally has a much higher annual percentage yield than a traditional savings account. The national average for traditional savings accounts is currently 0.38%.

There may be a few accounts with returns of about 4% through the end of 2025, according to Ken Tumin, founder of DepositAccounts.com, but the Fed cuts will filter down to these offerings, lowering the average yields as they do.

Auto loans are not expected to decline soon

Americans have faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/cars">steeper auto loan rates</a>&nbsp;over the last three years after the Fed raised its benchmark interest rate starting in early 2022. Those are not expected to decline any time soon. While a cut will contribute to eventual relief, it might be slow in arriving, analysts say.

“If the auto market starts to freeze up and people aren’t buying cars, then we may see lending margins start to shrink, but auto loan rates don’t move in lockstep with the Fed rate,” said Bankrate analyst Stephen Kates.

Prices for new cars have leveled off recently, but remain at historically high levels, not adjusting for inflation.

Generally speaking, an auto loan annual percentage rate can run from about 4% to 30%. Bankrate’s most recent weekly survey found that average auto loan interest rates are currently at 7.19% on a 60-month new car loan.

Interest rates for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/credit-cards-trump-usury-vanderbilt-university-51e378f1d7bb29ed904e15e170ba3f89">credit cards</a>&nbsp;are currently at an average of 20.13%, and the Fed’s rate cut may be slow to be felt by anyone carrying a large amount of credit card debt. That said, any reduction is positive news.

“While the broader impact of a rate reduction on consumers’ financial health remains to be fully seen, it could offer some relief from the persistent budgetary pressures driven by inflation,” said Michele Raneri, vice president and head of U.S. research at credit reporting agency TransUnion.

“These savings could contribute to a reduction in delinquency rates across credit card and unsecured personal loan segments,” she said.

Still, the best thing for anyone carrying a large credit card balance is to prioritize paying down high-interest-rate debt, and to seek to transfer any amounts possible to lower APR cards or negotiate directly with credit card companies for accommodation.

The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.

<p>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/cora-lewis">CORA LEWIS</a></p><p>NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate Wednesday for the first time in nine months. Since the last cut,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">progress on inflation has slowed</a>&nbsp;while the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-a69fc3afbbebe731c29824b855e3c83f">labor market has cooled</a>. That means Americans are dealing with both high prices and a challenging job market.</p><p>The federal funds rate, set by the Federal Reserve, is the rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another. While the rates that consumers pay to borrow money aren’t directly linked to this rate, shifts in Fed policy affect what people pay for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and other financial products.</p><p>Wednesday’s quarter-point cut is the first since December and lowers the Fed’s short-term rate to about 4.1%, down from 4.3%. The Fed projected it will cut rates two more times before the end of the year.</p><p>The Fed has two goals when it sets the rate: one, to manage prices for goods and services, and two, to encourage full employment. This is known as the “dual mandate.” Typically, the Fed might increase the rate to try to bring down inflation and decrease it to encourage faster economic growth and more hiring. The challenge now is that inflation is higher than the Fed’s 2% target but the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-revisions-labor-department-f4a29a2b948f7bce0d6558824ffe0fd5">job market is weak</a>, putting the Fed in a difficult position.</p><p>“The dual mandate is always a balancing act,” said Elizabeth Renter, senior economist at personal finance site NerdWallet.</p><p>Here’s what to know:</p><h2>A cut will impact mortgages gradually</h2><p>For prospective homebuyers, the market has already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-0006ffb29d80352c87da5b2b5b08e8fa">priced in the rate cut</a>, which means it’s “unlikely to make a noticeable difference for most consumers at the time of the announcement,” according to Bankrate financial analyst Stephen Kates.</p><p>“Much of the impact on mortgage rates has already occurred through anticipation alone,” he said. "(Mortgage) rates have been falling since January and dropped further as weaker-than-expected economic data pointed to a cooling economy.”</p><p>Still, Kates said a declining interest rate environment will provide some relief for borrowers over time.</p><p>“Whether it’s a homeowner with a 7% mortgage or a recent graduate hoping to refinance student loans and credit card debt, lower rates can ease the burden on many indebted households by opening opportunities to refinance or consolidate,” he said.</p><h2>Interest on savings accounts won’t be as appealing</h2><p>For savers, falling interest rates will slowly erode attractive yields currently on offer with certificates of deposit (CDs) and high-yield savings accounts.</p><p>Right now, the best rates on offer for each have been hovering at or above 4% for CDs and at 4.6% for high-yield savings accounts, according to DepositAccounts.com.</p><p>Those are still better than the trends of recent years, and a good option for consumers who want to earn a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bank-accounts-economy-savings-dbf6c9d356de2349ec89ed9e3c99168c">return on money</a>&nbsp;they may want to access in the near-term. A high-yield savings account generally has a much higher annual percentage yield than a traditional savings account. The national average for traditional savings accounts is currently 0.38%.</p><p>There may be a few accounts with returns of about 4% through the end of 2025, according to Ken Tumin, founder of DepositAccounts.com, but the Fed cuts will filter down to these offerings, lowering the average yields as they do.</p><h2>Auto loans are not expected to decline soon</h2><p>Americans have faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/cars">steeper auto loan rates</a>&nbsp;over the last three years after the Fed raised its benchmark interest rate starting in early 2022. Those are not expected to decline any time soon. While a cut will contribute to eventual relief, it might be slow in arriving, analysts say.</p><p>“If the auto market starts to freeze up and people aren’t buying cars, then we may see lending margins start to shrink, but auto loan rates don’t move in lockstep with the Fed rate,” said Bankrate analyst Stephen Kates.</p><p>Prices for new cars have leveled off recently, but remain at historically high levels, not adjusting for inflation.</p><p>Generally speaking, an auto loan annual percentage rate can run from about 4% to 30%. Bankrate’s most recent weekly survey found that average auto loan interest rates are currently at 7.19% on a 60-month new car loan.</p><h2>Credit card rate relief could be slow</h2><p>Interest rates for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/credit-cards-trump-usury-vanderbilt-university-51e378f1d7bb29ed904e15e170ba3f89">credit cards</a>&nbsp;are currently at an average of 20.13%, and the Fed’s rate cut may be slow to be felt by anyone carrying a large amount of credit card debt. That said, any reduction is positive news.</p><p>“While the broader impact of a rate reduction on consumers’ financial health remains to be fully seen, it could offer some relief from the persistent budgetary pressures driven by inflation,” said Michele Raneri, vice president and head of U.S. research at credit reporting agency TransUnion.</p><p>“These savings could contribute to a reduction in delinquency rates across credit card and unsecured personal loan segments,” she said.</p><p>Still, the best thing for anyone carrying a large credit card balance is to prioritize paying down high-interest-rate debt, and to seek to transfer any amounts possible to lower APR cards or negotiate directly with credit card companies for accommodation.</p><p>___</p><p>The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.</p>