LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-tax-charges-special-counsel-75b2aa05f247535677454ff2dfa7c71f">federal tax charges</a>&nbsp;Thursday in a surprise move that spares President Joe Biden and his family another likely embarrassing and painful criminal trial of the president’s son.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden’s</a>&nbsp;stunning decision to guilty plea to misdemeanor and felony charges without the benefits of a deal with prosecutors came hours after jury selection was supposed to begin in the case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes.

The president’s son was already facing potential prison time after his June conviction on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-gun-trial-federal-charges-delaware-5dd8a9380235c6360a1ddb691ef24a06">felony gun charges</a>&nbsp;in a trial that aired unflattering and salacious details about his struggles with a crack cocaine addiction. The tax trial was expected to showcase more potentially lurid evidence as well as details about Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings, which Republicans have seized on to try to paint the Biden family as corrupt.

Although President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential election muted the potential political implications of the tax case, the trial was expected to carry a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-tax-trial-justice-department-california-beb51f4a830f4ed87e520dcd1920a5a6">heavy emotional toll</a>&nbsp;for the president in the final months of his five-decade political career.

“Enough is enough,” defense attorney Abbe Lowell told the judge before Hunter Biden entered his plea. “Mr. Biden is prepared, because of the public and private interest, to proceed today and finish this.”

Hunter Biden quickly responded “guilty” as the judge read out each of the nine counts. The charges carry up to 17 years behind bars, but federal sentencing guidelines are likely to call for a much shorter sentence. Sentencing is set for Dec. 16.

More than 100 potential jurors had been brought to the courthouse Thursday to begin the process of picking the panel to hear the case alleging a four-year scheme to avoid paying taxes while spending wildly on things like strippers, luxury hotels and exotic cars.

Prosecutors were caught off guard when Hunter Biden’s lawyer told the judge Thursday morning that Hunter wanted to enter what’s known as an Alford plea, under which a defendant maintains their innocence but acknowledges prosecutors have enough evidence to secure a conviction.

Prosecutors said they objected to such a plea, telling the judge that Hunter Biden “is not entitled to plead guilty on special terms that apply only to him.”

“Hunter Biden is not innocent. Hunter Biden is guilty,” prosecutor Leo Wise said.

Hunter Biden walked into the courtroom holding hands with his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, and flanked by Secret Service agents. Initially, he pleaded not guilty to the charges related to his 2016 through 2019 taxes and his attorneys had indicated they would argue he didn’t act “willfully,” or with the intention to break the law, in part because of his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-ukraine-firm-memoir-beautiful-things-40d98f7edf2e72f84ba2f12856327c5e">well-documented struggles</a>&nbsp;with alcohol and drug addiction.

Hunter Biden had agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax offenses last year in a deal with the Justice Department that would allow him to avoid prosecution in the gun case if he stayed out of trouble. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-plea-deal-taxes-gun-drugs-690d38f1ffae4dfce2c171d21e7d3594">the agreement imploded</a>&nbsp;after a judge questioned unusual aspects of it, and he was subsequently indicted in the two cases.

His decision to change his plea Thursday came after the judge issued some unfavorable pre-trial rulings for the defense, including rejecting a proposed defense expert lined up to testify about addiction.

Scarsi, who was appointed to the bench by former President Donald Trump, also placed some restrictions on what jurors would be allowed to hear about the traumatic events that Hunter Biden's family, friends and attorneys say led to his drug addiction.

The judge barred attorneys from connecting his substance abuse struggles to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">2015 death of his brother Beau Biden</a>&nbsp;from cancer or the car accident that killed his mother and sister when he was a toddler.

The indictment alleged that Hunter Biden lived lavishly while flouting the tax law, spending his cash on things like strippers and luxury hotels — “in short, everything but his taxes.”

Hunter Biden’s attorneys had asked Scarsi to also limit prosecutors from highlighting details of his expenses that they say amount to a “character assassination,” including payments made to strippers or pornographic websites. The judge has said in court papers that he will maintain “strict control” over the presentation of potentially salacious evidence.

Prosecutors had said they want to introduce evidence about Hunter Biden’s overseas dealings, which have been at the center of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-republicans-joe-biden-impeachment-0659ac1d6bca42332647fddd0f9150fb">Republican investigations</a>&nbsp;into the Biden family often seeking — without evidence— to tie the president to an alleged influence peddling scheme.

The special counsel’s team had planned to have a business associate of Hunter Biden's testify about their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-taxes-special-counsel-romanian-businessman-9c1b15a548df02935e2bfa856e485ada">work for a Romanian businessman</a>, who prosecutors say sought to “influence U.S. government policy” while Joe Biden was vice president.

Sentencing in Hunter Biden's Delaware conviction is set for Nov. 13. He could face up to 25 years in prison in that case, though he is likely to get far less time or avoid prison entirely.

Lauer reported from Philadelphia. AP writer Zeke Miller contributed from Washington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717532173443.png" alt="File photo Hunter Biden arrives at federal court in June&nbsp; (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)" />
 <figcaption>File photo Hunter Biden arrives at federal court in June&nbsp; (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-tax-charges-special-counsel-75b2aa05f247535677454ff2dfa7c71f">federal tax charges</a>&nbsp;Thursday in a surprise move that spares President Joe Biden and his family another likely embarrassing and painful criminal trial of the president’s son.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden’s</a>&nbsp;stunning decision to guilty plea to misdemeanor and felony charges without the benefits of a deal with prosecutors came hours after jury selection was supposed to begin in the case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes.The president’s son was already facing potential prison time after his June conviction on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-gun-trial-federal-charges-delaware-5dd8a9380235c6360a1ddb691ef24a06">felony gun charges</a>&nbsp;in a trial that aired unflattering and salacious details about his struggles with a crack cocaine addiction. The tax trial was expected to showcase more potentially lurid evidence as well as details about Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings, which Republicans have seized on to try to paint the Biden family as corrupt.Although President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential election muted the potential political implications of the tax case, the trial was expected to carry a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-tax-trial-justice-department-california-beb51f4a830f4ed87e520dcd1920a5a6">heavy emotional toll</a>&nbsp;for the president in the final months of his five-decade political career.“Enough is enough,” defense attorney Abbe Lowell told the judge before Hunter Biden entered his plea. “Mr. Biden is prepared, because of the public and private interest, to proceed today and finish this.”Hunter Biden quickly responded “guilty” as the judge read out each of the nine counts. The charges carry up to 17 years behind bars, but federal sentencing guidelines are likely to call for a much shorter sentence. Sentencing is set for Dec. 16.More than 100 potential jurors had been brought to the courthouse Thursday to begin the process of picking the panel to hear the case alleging a four-year scheme to avoid paying taxes while spending wildly on things like strippers, luxury hotels and exotic cars.Prosecutors were caught off guard when Hunter Biden’s lawyer told the judge Thursday morning that Hunter wanted to enter what’s known as an Alford plea, under which a defendant maintains their innocence but acknowledges prosecutors have enough evidence to secure a conviction.Prosecutors said they objected to such a plea, telling the judge that Hunter Biden “is not entitled to plead guilty on special terms that apply only to him.”“Hunter Biden is not innocent. Hunter Biden is guilty,” prosecutor Leo Wise said.Hunter Biden walked into the courtroom holding hands with his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, and flanked by Secret Service agents. Initially, he pleaded not guilty to the charges related to his 2016 through 2019 taxes and his attorneys had indicated they would argue he didn’t act “willfully,” or with the intention to break the law, in part because of his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-ukraine-firm-memoir-beautiful-things-40d98f7edf2e72f84ba2f12856327c5e">well-documented struggles</a>&nbsp;with alcohol and drug addiction.Hunter Biden had agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax offenses last year in a deal with the Justice Department that would allow him to avoid prosecution in the gun case if he stayed out of trouble. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-plea-deal-taxes-gun-drugs-690d38f1ffae4dfce2c171d21e7d3594">the agreement imploded</a>&nbsp;after a judge questioned unusual aspects of it, and he was subsequently indicted in the two cases.His decision to change his plea Thursday came after the judge issued some unfavorable pre-trial rulings for the defense, including rejecting a proposed defense expert lined up to testify about addiction.Scarsi, who was appointed to the bench by former President Donald Trump, also placed some restrictions on what jurors would be allowed to hear about the traumatic events that Hunter Biden's family, friends and attorneys say led to his drug addiction.The judge barred attorneys from connecting his substance abuse struggles to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">2015 death of his brother Beau Biden</a>&nbsp;from cancer or the car accident that killed his mother and sister when he was a toddler.The indictment alleged that Hunter Biden lived lavishly while flouting the tax law, spending his cash on things like strippers and luxury hotels — “in short, everything but his taxes.”Hunter Biden’s attorneys had asked Scarsi to also limit prosecutors from highlighting details of his expenses that they say amount to a “character assassination,” including payments made to strippers or pornographic websites. The judge has said in court papers that he will maintain “strict control” over the presentation of potentially salacious evidence.Prosecutors had said they want to introduce evidence about Hunter Biden’s overseas dealings, which have been at the center of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-republicans-joe-biden-impeachment-0659ac1d6bca42332647fddd0f9150fb">Republican investigations</a>&nbsp;into the Biden family often seeking — without evidence— to tie the president to an alleged influence peddling scheme.The special counsel’s team had planned to have a business associate of Hunter Biden's testify about their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-taxes-special-counsel-romanian-businessman-9c1b15a548df02935e2bfa856e485ada">work for a Romanian businessman</a>, who prosecutors say sought to “influence U.S. government policy” while Joe Biden was vice president.Sentencing in Hunter Biden's Delaware conviction is set for Nov. 13. He could face up to 25 years in prison in that case, though he is likely to get far less time or avoid prison entirely.___Lauer reported from Philadelphia. AP writer Zeke Miller contributed from Washington.

Hunter Biden agrees to surprise guilty plea to avoid tax trial 

‘ChiefsAholic’ Committed 11 Bank Robberies in Seven States, Laundered Proceeds Through Area Casinos

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A man popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic” was sentenced in federal court Thursday&nbsp; on charges related to a string of 11 robberies, or attempted robberies, in which he stole $847,725 from financial institutions in seven states, according to the United State's Attorney. The sentencing occurred as his favorite team begins defense of their Super Bowl title.&nbsp;

“While parading as a social media celebrity, the defendant secretly engaged in a violent crime spree of armed robberies and attempted robberies across seven states,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “Babudar’s robbery spree bankrolled the expensive tickets and travel across the country to attend Kansas City Chiefs games while he cultivated a large fan base online. However, the bank and credit union employees whom he terrorized at gunpoint suffered the brunt of his true nature. He tried to flee from justice, but law enforcement caught up with him and now he will spend a significant portion of his life in prison.”

Xaviar Michael Babudar, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 17 years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Babudar to pay $532,675 in restitution to the victim financial institutions. Some of the stolen money was recovered, but most of it was not.

The court ordered Babudar to forfeit to the government any property involved in his money laundering activity, including an autographed painting of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick L. Mahomes II that has been recovered by the FBI.

“The actions of Babudar were brazen and traumatic for the bank employees robbed in Bixby, Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson of the Northern District of Oklahoma. “A big thank you to the Bixby Police Department for their hard work in collaboration with the FBI Tulsa field office, who helped detain Babudar in Oklahoma.”

“The bank was not the only victim of these crimes,” stated Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “Babudar terrorized bank employees throughout his multi-state crime spree, while relishing his celebrity status. Today’s sentencing speaks to the severity of his actions and the significant law enforcement assistance and resources utilized across multiple states to hold him accountable for his violent and criminal behavior.”

On Feb. 28, 2024, Babudar pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering and one count of transporting stolen property across state lines. Babudar also pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery, which is contained in a separate case filed in the Northern District of Oklahoma. The court today sentenced Babudar to 17 years and six months in federal prison in the Western District of Missouri case and 17 years and six months in prison in the Northern District of Oklahoma case, to be served concurrently.

Babudar also admitted that he engaged in a string of nine bank and credit union robberies (or attempted robberies) in 2022 followed by two bank robberies committed while he was a fugitive from justice. Babudar laundered much of the stolen money through area casinos and online gambling.

Babudar, who lived a nomadic existence at various locations around the Kansas City metropolitan area, enjoyed a robust social media presence as Kansas City Chiefs superfan Twitter user @ChiefsAholic, attending most games dressed as a wolf in Chiefs clothing.

Babudar pleaded guilty to stealing $70,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of Great Western Bank on March 2, 2022. Babudar admitted that he entered the bank wearing a ski mask and handed the bank teller a note demanding money and indicating he had a firearm. As he fled on foot, Babudar left behind a black glove and approximately $1,420 in $20 bills in a wooded area near the bank. Investigators later recovered Babudar’s DNA from the black glove. Babudar then carried this money to Missouri, depositing it in two separate transactions into his personal savings account in an attempt to conceal the criminal nature of the proceeds.

Babudar also pleaded guilty to stealing $139,500 from Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union in Bixby, Okla., on Dec. 16, 2022. Babudar admitted that he entered the credit union armed with what appeared to be a black handgun, jumped the teller counter, and ordered a bank employee at gunpoint to go to the credit union’s vault. Once at the vault, Babudar demanded that bank employees open the vault and put the money from the vault into a plastic bag. During this robbery, Babudar told credit union employees that if they did not comply he would shoot them.

When Babudar was arrested shortly after the robbery, he had a large bag in his possession that contained $139,500 in $100 bills plus $10,750 in $50 bills, totaling $150,250 in cash. When investigators searched his 2019 Mazda 3, they found numerous pairs of goggles and gloves, which Babudar wore during a series of bank robberies. Investigators also found a Barstool Sportsbook Betslip for $20,000, dated Nov. 19, 2022; a FanDuel Betslip for $4,000, dated Dec. 1, 2022; and letters from Community America Credit Union related to his deposits of $20,000 and $50,000 on May 2, 2022.

Babudar also admitted that he committed, or attempted to commit, nine robberies of banks and credit unions in addition to the two to which he pleaded guilty. Those crimes, including two bank robberies committed while Babudar was a fugitive from justice, were considered as relevant conduct for sentencing.

Babudar admitted that he stole $170,860 from the Omaha, Nebraska, branch of First National Bank of Omaha on April 28, 2022. Babudar entered the bank armed with what appeared to be a firearm and ordered bank employees to open their vault. Omaha police officers recovered $163,560 following the theft.

Babudar admitted that he stole $303,845 from the West Des Moines, Iowa, branch of First Class Community Credit Union on July 13, 2022. Babudar brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, jumped over the teller counter, and demanded that the bank employees open the bank vault. After carrying the stolen money back to Missouri, Babudar began laundering this money through area casinos, depositing the cash he received from these casinos into his personal bank account.

Babudar admitted that he stole $125,900 from the Nashville, Tennessee, branch of The Tennessee Credit Union on Nov. 17, 2022. Babudar, armed with what appeared to be a black and silver firearm, climbed over the bank teller counter. He pressed the firearm against the teller’s body and demanded that credit union employees take him to the vault. Employees complied with Babudar’s demands, provided him with cash from the teller drawers, and took him to the vault. Babudar told credit union employees that if he was given a dye pack he would “come back and put a bullet in your head.” After Babudar fled on foot, a hat was recovered; investigators extracted DNA from the hat that matched the DNA extracted from Babudar’s glove in the March 2, 2022, robbery. A few days later, Babudar used some of the stolen money to purchase $20,000 in casino chips in multiple transactions from a local casino.

Babudar admitted that he attempted to rob Wings Financial Credit Union in Savage, Minnesota, on Nov. 29, 2022. Babudar entered this credit union with what appeared to be a firearm and demanded that credit union employees open the vault. Babudar fled from the credit union, however, after seeing the vault only held small bills.

Babudar admitted that he attempted to rob Royal Credit Union in Apple Valley, Minn., on Nov. 29, 2022. Babudar entered the credit union with what appeared to be a firearm and demanded that credit union employees open the vault. When he saw the vault only contained small bills, Babudar demanded $100 bills. Credit union employees told him they didn’t keep $100 bills in the vault, and Babudar fled on foot.

Babudar admitted that he stole $25,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of First Interstate Bank on Nov. 30, 2022. Following the two unsuccessful robberies the previous day, Babudar returned to the same facility he had robbed on March 2, 2022, which had since then become a branch of First Interstate Bank. Babudar entered the bank carrying what appeared to be a firearm and jumped over the teller counter. He ordered the bank employees, at gunpoint, to open the vault. He fled on foot after the bank employees gave him the cash in the vault. Babudar then carried the stolen money back to Missouri, where he deposited a portion of it into his personal bank account.

Babudar admitted that he attempted to rob Pinnacle Bank in Papillon, Nebraska, on Dec. 15, 2022. At approximately 1:55 p.m., Babudar entered the vestibule area of Pinnacle Bank and pulled on the doors, but was unable to open them. He then left the area. The next day, he robbed the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union and was arrested.

Babudar, after being arrested in Oklahoma in December 2022, was released on bond in the state case in February 2023.

Months earlier, Babudar had placed two winning bets at the Argosy Casino in Alton, Ill. On June 10, 2022, Babudar bet $5,000 that Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes II would win the Most Valuable Player at Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $45,000 should that occur. Babudar also bet $5,000 that the Kansas City Chiefs would win Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $55,000 should that occur. When the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, 2023, and Mahomes won the Most Valuable Player award, Babudar won $100,000. Argosy Casino mailed Babudar a $100,000 check in early March 2023.

Days later, Babudar cut his ankle monitor and fled from Oklahoma. According to court documents, Babudar used his gambling winnings to purchase a vehicle in Henderson, Nevada, and evade law enforcement until his arrest in Sacramento on July 7, 2023.

Babudar admitted that he robbed two additional banks while he was a fugitive from justice.

Babudar admitted that he stole $1,100 from Heritage Bank in Sparks, Nevada, on June 8, 2023. Babudar entered the bank wearing a beanie, a Covid-19 mask, a blue long-sleeved shirt, khaki pants, and a fanny pack. Babudar showed a note to the Heritage Bank teller that was composed on his cell phone, which demanded money from the teller.

Babudar admitted that he stole $950 from U.S. Bank in El Dorado Hills, California, on July 3, 2023. Babudar entered the bank wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, a Covid-19 mask, and a yellow reflective vest. Babudar showed a note to the U.S. Bank teller that was composed on his cell phone, which demanded money from the teller.

Babudar has been detained in federal custody without bond since his arrest on July 7, 2023.

This case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Patrick D. Daly and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie C. Bradshaw in the Western District of Missouri, and U.S. Attorney Clinton J. Johnson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston in the Northern District of Oklahoma. It was investigated by the FBI and the Bixby, Okla., Police Department. The Bixby, Okla., Police Department arrested Babudar in December 2022, and the Placer County, Calif., Sheriff’s Department and the Lincoln, Calif., Police Department assisted the FBI in the July 2023 arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689010403536.png" alt="Babudar from an earlier arrest in Tulsa County" />
 <figcaption>Babudar from an earlier arrest in Tulsa County</figcaption>
 </figure>‘ChiefsAholic’ Committed 11 Bank Robberies in Seven States, Laundered Proceeds Through Area CasinosKANSAS CITY, Mo. – A man popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic” was sentenced in federal court Thursday&nbsp; on charges related to a string of 11 robberies, or attempted robberies, in which he stole $847,725 from financial institutions in seven states, according to the United State's Attorney. The sentencing occurred as his favorite team begins defense of their Super Bowl title.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ejVWEofiHBI?si=5dOjRY5klpUsbPr5" 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>“While parading as a social media celebrity, the defendant secretly engaged in a violent crime spree of armed robberies and attempted robberies across seven states,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “Babudar’s robbery spree bankrolled the expensive tickets and travel across the country to attend Kansas City Chiefs games while he cultivated a large fan base online. However, the bank and credit union employees whom he terrorized at gunpoint suffered the brunt of his true nature. He tried to flee from justice, but law enforcement caught up with him and now he will spend a significant portion of his life in prison.”Xaviar Michael Babudar, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 17 years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Babudar to pay $532,675 in restitution to the victim financial institutions. Some of the stolen money was recovered, but most of it was not.The court ordered Babudar to forfeit to the government any property involved in his money laundering activity, including an autographed painting of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick L. Mahomes II that has been recovered by the FBI.“The actions of Babudar were brazen and traumatic for the bank employees robbed in Bixby, Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson of the Northern District of Oklahoma. “A big thank you to the Bixby Police Department for their hard work in collaboration with the FBI Tulsa field office, who helped detain Babudar in Oklahoma.”“The bank was not the only victim of these crimes,” stated Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “Babudar terrorized bank employees throughout his multi-state crime spree, while relishing his celebrity status. Today’s sentencing speaks to the severity of his actions and the significant law enforcement assistance and resources utilized across multiple states to hold him accountable for his violent and criminal behavior.”On Feb. 28, 2024, Babudar pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering and one count of transporting stolen property across state lines. Babudar also pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery, which is contained in a separate case filed in the Northern District of Oklahoma. The court today sentenced Babudar to 17 years and six months in federal prison in the Western District of Missouri case and 17 years and six months in prison in the Northern District of Oklahoma case, to be served concurrently.Babudar also admitted that he engaged in a string of nine bank and credit union robberies (or attempted robberies) in 2022 followed by two bank robberies committed while he was a fugitive from justice. Babudar laundered much of the stolen money through area casinos and online gambling.Babudar, who lived a nomadic existence at various locations around the Kansas City metropolitan area, enjoyed a robust social media presence as Kansas City Chiefs superfan Twitter user @ChiefsAholic, attending most games dressed as a wolf in Chiefs clothing.Babudar pleaded guilty to stealing $70,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of Great Western Bank on March 2, 2022. Babudar admitted that he entered the bank wearing a ski mask and handed the bank teller a note demanding money and indicating he had a firearm. As he fled on foot, Babudar left behind a black glove and approximately $1,420 in $20 bills in a wooded area near the bank. Investigators later recovered Babudar’s DNA from the black glove. Babudar then carried this money to Missouri, depositing it in two separate transactions into his personal savings account in an attempt to conceal the criminal nature of the proceeds.Babudar also pleaded guilty to stealing $139,500 from Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union in Bixby, Okla., on Dec. 16, 2022. Babudar admitted that he entered the credit union armed with what appeared to be a black handgun, jumped the teller counter, and ordered a bank employee at gunpoint to go to the credit union’s vault. Once at the vault, Babudar demanded that bank employees open the vault and put the money from the vault into a plastic bag. During this robbery, Babudar told credit union employees that if they did not comply he would shoot them.When Babudar was arrested shortly after the robbery, he had a large bag in his possession that contained $139,500 in $100 bills plus $10,750 in $50 bills, totaling $150,250 in cash. When investigators searched his 2019 Mazda 3, they found numerous pairs of goggles and gloves, which Babudar wore during a series of bank robberies. Investigators also found a Barstool Sportsbook Betslip for $20,000, dated Nov. 19, 2022; a FanDuel Betslip for $4,000, dated Dec. 1, 2022; and letters from Community America Credit Union related to his deposits of $20,000 and $50,000 on May 2, 2022.Babudar also admitted that he committed, or attempted to commit, nine robberies of banks and credit unions in addition to the two to which he pleaded guilty. Those crimes, including two bank robberies committed while Babudar was a fugitive from justice, were considered as relevant conduct for sentencing.Babudar admitted that he stole $170,860 from the Omaha, Nebraska, branch of First National Bank of Omaha on April 28, 2022. Babudar entered the bank armed with what appeared to be a firearm and ordered bank employees to open their vault. Omaha police officers recovered $163,560 following the theft.Babudar admitted that he stole $303,845 from the West Des Moines, Iowa, branch of First Class Community Credit Union on July 13, 2022. Babudar brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, jumped over the teller counter, and demanded that the bank employees open the bank vault. After carrying the stolen money back to Missouri, Babudar began laundering this money through area casinos, depositing the cash he received from these casinos into his personal bank account.Babudar admitted that he stole $125,900 from the Nashville, Tennessee, branch of The Tennessee Credit Union on Nov. 17, 2022. Babudar, armed with what appeared to be a black and silver firearm, climbed over the bank teller counter. He pressed the firearm against the teller’s body and demanded that credit union employees take him to the vault. Employees complied with Babudar’s demands, provided him with cash from the teller drawers, and took him to the vault. Babudar told credit union employees that if he was given a dye pack he would “come back and put a bullet in your head.” After Babudar fled on foot, a hat was recovered; investigators extracted DNA from the hat that matched the DNA extracted from Babudar’s glove in the March 2, 2022, robbery. A few days later, Babudar used some of the stolen money to purchase $20,000 in casino chips in multiple transactions from a local casino.Babudar admitted that he attempted to rob Wings Financial Credit Union in Savage, Minnesota, on Nov. 29, 2022. Babudar entered this credit union with what appeared to be a firearm and demanded that credit union employees open the vault. Babudar fled from the credit union, however, after seeing the vault only held small bills.Babudar admitted that he attempted to rob Royal Credit Union in Apple Valley, Minn., on Nov. 29, 2022. Babudar entered the credit union with what appeared to be a firearm and demanded that credit union employees open the vault. When he saw the vault only contained small bills, Babudar demanded $100 bills. Credit union employees told him they didn’t keep $100 bills in the vault, and Babudar fled on foot.Babudar admitted that he stole $25,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of First Interstate Bank on Nov. 30, 2022. Following the two unsuccessful robberies the previous day, Babudar returned to the same facility he had robbed on March 2, 2022, which had since then become a branch of First Interstate Bank. Babudar entered the bank carrying what appeared to be a firearm and jumped over the teller counter. He ordered the bank employees, at gunpoint, to open the vault. He fled on foot after the bank employees gave him the cash in the vault. Babudar then carried the stolen money back to Missouri, where he deposited a portion of it into his personal bank account.Babudar admitted that he attempted to rob Pinnacle Bank in Papillon, Nebraska, on Dec. 15, 2022. At approximately 1:55 p.m., Babudar entered the vestibule area of Pinnacle Bank and pulled on the doors, but was unable to open them. He then left the area. The next day, he robbed the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union and was arrested.Babudar, after being arrested in Oklahoma in December 2022, was released on bond in the state case in February 2023.Months earlier, Babudar had placed two winning bets at the Argosy Casino in Alton, Ill. On June 10, 2022, Babudar bet $5,000 that Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes II would win the Most Valuable Player at Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $45,000 should that occur. Babudar also bet $5,000 that the Kansas City Chiefs would win Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $55,000 should that occur. When the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, 2023, and Mahomes won the Most Valuable Player award, Babudar won $100,000. Argosy Casino mailed Babudar a $100,000 check in early March 2023.Days later, Babudar cut his ankle monitor and fled from Oklahoma. According to court documents, Babudar used his gambling winnings to purchase a vehicle in Henderson, Nevada, and evade law enforcement until his arrest in Sacramento on July 7, 2023.Babudar admitted that he robbed two additional banks while he was a fugitive from justice.Babudar admitted that he stole $1,100 from Heritage Bank in Sparks, Nevada, on June 8, 2023. Babudar entered the bank wearing a beanie, a Covid-19 mask, a blue long-sleeved shirt, khaki pants, and a fanny pack. Babudar showed a note to the Heritage Bank teller that was composed on his cell phone, which demanded money from the teller.Babudar admitted that he stole $950 from U.S. Bank in El Dorado Hills, California, on July 3, 2023. Babudar entered the bank wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, a Covid-19 mask, and a yellow reflective vest. Babudar showed a note to the U.S. Bank teller that was composed on his cell phone, which demanded money from the teller.Babudar has been detained in federal custody without bond since his arrest on July 7, 2023.This case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Patrick D. Daly and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie C. Bradshaw in the Western District of Missouri, and U.S. Attorney Clinton J. Johnson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston in the Northern District of Oklahoma. It was investigated by the FBI and the Bixby, Okla., Police Department. The Bixby, Okla., Police Department arrested Babudar in December 2022, and the Placer County, Calif., Sheriff’s Department and the Lincoln, Calif., Police Department assisted the FBI in the July 2023 arrest.

KC Chiefs 'Superfan' sentenced as team set to open 2024 season

House GOP leader renews call for 2025 Legislature to trim property tax burden

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly said August state government tax revenue of nearly $23 million above projections reflected greater-than-last-year collections of personal income tax and retail sales tax.

Kelly, a Topeka Democrat, said total state revenue for the month hit $665 million, which was $22.8 million and 3.5% above the estimate developed in April by state budget and economic analysts. Tax collections by the Kansas Department of Revenue during August were 4% higher than in August 2023.

The revenue stream to state government hasn’t been fully modified by tax-cut law approved during a special session by the 2024 Legislature and Kelly. In June, the governor signed a bill reducing state taxes by $1.2 billion over three years that was approved with bipartisan support of legislators.

The focus of that compromise law was change to the state income tax rate, but a statewide sales tax on groceries will be fully repealed Jan. 1.

“While we are seeing collections higher than the estimate, we likely won’t see the impact of the income tax cuts from Senate Bill 1 on monthly collections until the beginning of next year,” Kelly said. “Because of that timing, we must continue to be fiscally responsible for our long-term outlook.”

Individual income tax collections for Kansas were $329 million, or $19.4 million, more than the August estimate. That represented a 10.1% surge from August one year ago. In terms of corporate income tax collections, the state took in $20.2 million during the month. That meant the state received $9.8 million and 32% less than the official projection for August. Kansas corporate tax revenue was 19% higher in August 2023.

Combined retail sales tax receipts to Kansas grew to $294 million in August. That was $12.6 million or 4.5% more than the estimate and up $2.2 million or 0.7% from August 2023.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said the revenue report demonstrated the “state continues to take in more taxpayers’ dollars than needed.”

He said the 2025 Legislature — the entire House and Senate are up for election in November — should work on property tax reform when the session opened in January.

The special session tax bill was endorsed 121-2 in the House and 34-4 in the Senate in June, but there was bipartisan disappointment the final compromise didn’t do much to moderate state property taxes.

“To help get Kansans’ taxpayer money back in their hands where it belongs, House Republicans are already working on legislation for the 2025 session that would help ease the burden of rising property taxes,” Hawkins said. “These revenue numbers (for August) provide even more proof that additional tax relief, especially property tax relief, is not only needed but can be implemented responsibly.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725564007659.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, said the surge in state individual income tax and sales tax collections in August didn't mean the state could go on a spending spree because tax cuts signed into law in June won't fully be felt until Jan. 1. Meanwhile, GOP House Speaker Dan Hawkins said the August revenue surge indicated the state had the resources to cut property taxes during the 2025 legislative session. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, said the surge in state individual income tax and sales tax collections in August didn't mean the state could go on a spending spree because tax cuts signed into law in June won't fully be felt until Jan. 1. Meanwhile, GOP House Speaker Dan Hawkins said the August revenue surge indicated the state had the resources to cut property taxes during the 2025 legislative session. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>House GOP leader renews call for 2025 Legislature to trim property tax burden</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly said August state government tax revenue of nearly $23 million above projections reflected greater-than-last-year collections of personal income tax and retail sales tax.Kelly, a Topeka Democrat, said total state revenue for the month hit $665 million, which was $22.8 million and 3.5% above the estimate developed in April by state budget and economic analysts. Tax collections by the Kansas Department of Revenue during August were 4% higher than in August 2023.The revenue stream to state government hasn’t been fully modified by tax-cut law approved during a special session by the 2024 Legislature and Kelly. In June, the governor signed a bill reducing state taxes by $1.2 billion over three years that was approved with bipartisan support of legislators.The focus of that compromise law was change to the state income tax rate, but a statewide sales tax on groceries will be fully repealed Jan. 1.“While we are seeing collections higher than the estimate, we likely won’t see the impact of the income tax cuts from Senate Bill 1 on monthly collections until the beginning of next year,” Kelly said. “Because of that timing, we must continue to be fiscally responsible for our long-term outlook.”Individual income tax collections for Kansas were $329 million, or $19.4 million, more than the August estimate. That represented a 10.1% surge from August one year ago. In terms of corporate income tax collections, the state took in $20.2 million during the month. That meant the state received $9.8 million and 32% less than the official projection for August. Kansas corporate tax revenue was 19% higher in August 2023.Combined retail sales tax receipts to Kansas grew to $294 million in August. That was $12.6 million or 4.5% more than the estimate and up $2.2 million or 0.7% from August 2023.House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said the revenue report demonstrated the “state continues to take in more taxpayers’ dollars than needed.”He said the 2025 Legislature — the entire House and Senate are up for election in November — should work on property tax reform when the session opened in January.The special session tax bill was endorsed 121-2 in the House and 34-4 in the Senate in June, but there was bipartisan disappointment the final compromise didn’t do much to moderate state property taxes.“To help get Kansans’ taxpayer money back in their hands where it belongs, House Republicans are already working on legislation for the 2025 session that would help ease the burden of rising property taxes,” Hawkins said. “These revenue numbers (for August) provide even more proof that additional tax relief, especially property tax relief, is not only needed but can be implemented responsibly.”

Gov. Kelly urges caution in terms of state spending despite tax revenue bump

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;has accepted the rules set forth for next week's debate with former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, although the Democratic nominee says the decision not to keep both candidates' microphones live throughout the matchup will be to her disadvantage.

The development, which came Wednesday by way of a letter from Harris' campaign to host network ABC News, seemed to mark a conclusion to the debate over microphone muting, which had for a time threatened to derail the Sept. 10 presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

Harris’ acceptance of the debate rules came as Trump — using a night he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-debate-abc-fox-news-0d0be341bbe7877a71bfc4bed40610fa">proposed as a debate with Harris</a>&nbsp;on Fox News Channel — instead participated in a solo town hall with host Sean Hannity in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a version of debate preparation with a longtime ally who queried him about his plans to take on the Democratic nominee.

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden’s</a>&nbsp;campaign had made the muting of microphones, except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak, a condition of his decision to accept any debates this year. Some aides have said they now regret that decision, saying voters were shielded from hearing Trump’s outbursts during the June debate. A disastrous performance for the incumbent Democrat fueled his exit from the campaign.

Once Harris rose in Biden's stead and became their party's pick for president, her campaign had advocated for live microphones for the whole debate, saying previously that the practice would “fully allow for substantive exchanges between the candidates.”

But on Wednesday, in a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Harris’ advisers wrote that the former prosecutor will be “fundamentally disadvantaged by this format, which will serve to shield Donald Trump from direct exchanges with the Vice President."

“We suspect this is the primary reason for his campaign’s insistence on muted microphones,” her campaign added.

Despite those concerns, Harris' campaign wrote, “we understand that Donald Trump is a risk to skip the debate altogether, as he has threatened to do previously, if we do not accede to his preferred format.” So as not to “jeopardize the debate,” Harris' campaign wrote, “we accepted the full set of rules proposed by ABC, including muted microphones.”

According to an official with Harris’ campaign, a pool of journalists will be on hand to hear what the muted candidate may be trying to say when his or her microphone is turned off. That detail was not in the full debate rules, also released Wednesday by ABC, which are essentially the same as they were for the June debate between Trump and Biden.

The network laid out parameters from the basic format — 90 minutes, with two commercial breaks — to specifications that moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis “will be the only people asking questions,” perhaps hoping to avert a free-for-all between the candidates.

“Moderators will seek to enforce timing agreements and ensure a civilized discussion,” the network noted.

The Harris campaign official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss planning around the debate, said a candidate who repeatedly interrupts will receive a warning from a moderator, and both candidates' microphones may be unmuted if there is significant crosstalk so the audience can understand what's happening.

After a virtual coin flip held Tuesday and won by Trump, the GOP nominee opted to offer the final closing statement, while Harris chose the podium on the right side of viewers’ screens. There will be no audience, written notes or any topics or questions shared with campaigns or candidates in advance, the network said.

In the town hall on Wednesday, Hannity steered Trump through many of the topics typical of the GOP nominee's campaign events, with a heavy focus on immigration, and posed questions after showing video clips of Harris in media interviews and other appearances.

Trump also repeatedly returned his focus from Harris to Biden, calling Democrats' substitution of their top candidate “a coup” and saying he would have preferred a debate with Harris, rather than the town hall.

Asked about next week's debate, Trump repeated his former criticism of ABC as a “dishonest” and “unfair” network, also reiterating his previous claims that Harris' campaign is "going to get the questions in advance.”

The location of Trump's town hall, coupled with next week's debate in Philadelphia, highlights the importance of battleground Pennsylvania, where 19 Electoral College votes are up for grabs in the November election.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723838589358.png" alt="File photo Vice President Kamala Harris on the campaign trail last month -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Vice President Kamala Harris on the campaign trail last month -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;has accepted the rules set forth for next week's debate with former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, although the Democratic nominee says the decision not to keep both candidates' microphones live throughout the matchup will be to her disadvantage.The development, which came Wednesday by way of a letter from Harris' campaign to host network ABC News, seemed to mark a conclusion to the debate over microphone muting, which had for a time threatened to derail the Sept. 10 presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.Harris’ acceptance of the debate rules came as Trump — using a night he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-debate-abc-fox-news-0d0be341bbe7877a71bfc4bed40610fa">proposed as a debate with Harris</a>&nbsp;on Fox News Channel — instead participated in a solo town hall with host Sean Hannity in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a version of debate preparation with a longtime ally who queried him about his plans to take on the Democratic nominee.President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden’s</a>&nbsp;campaign had made the muting of microphones, except for the candidate whose turn it is to speak, a condition of his decision to accept any debates this year. Some aides have said they now regret that decision, saying voters were shielded from hearing Trump’s outbursts during the June debate. A disastrous performance for the incumbent Democrat fueled his exit from the campaign.Once Harris rose in Biden's stead and became their party's pick for president, her campaign had advocated for live microphones for the whole debate, saying previously that the practice would “fully allow for substantive exchanges between the candidates.”But on Wednesday, in a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Harris’ advisers wrote that the former prosecutor will be “fundamentally disadvantaged by this format, which will serve to shield Donald Trump from direct exchanges with the Vice President."“We suspect this is the primary reason for his campaign’s insistence on muted microphones,” her campaign added.Despite those concerns, Harris' campaign wrote, “we understand that Donald Trump is a risk to skip the debate altogether, as he has threatened to do previously, if we do not accede to his preferred format.” So as not to “jeopardize the debate,” Harris' campaign wrote, “we accepted the full set of rules proposed by ABC, including muted microphones.”According to an official with Harris’ campaign, a pool of journalists will be on hand to hear what the muted candidate may be trying to say when his or her microphone is turned off. That detail was not in the full debate rules, also released Wednesday by ABC, which are essentially the same as they were for the June debate between Trump and Biden.The network laid out parameters from the basic format — 90 minutes, with two commercial breaks — to specifications that moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis “will be the only people asking questions,” perhaps hoping to avert a free-for-all between the candidates.“Moderators will seek to enforce timing agreements and ensure a civilized discussion,” the network noted.The Harris campaign official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss planning around the debate, said a candidate who repeatedly interrupts will receive a warning from a moderator, and both candidates' microphones may be unmuted if there is significant crosstalk so the audience can understand what's happening.After a virtual coin flip held Tuesday and won by Trump, the GOP nominee opted to offer the final closing statement, while Harris chose the podium on the right side of viewers’ screens. There will be no audience, written notes or any topics or questions shared with campaigns or candidates in advance, the network said.In the town hall on Wednesday, Hannity steered Trump through many of the topics typical of the GOP nominee's campaign events, with a heavy focus on immigration, and posed questions after showing video clips of Harris in media interviews and other appearances.Trump also repeatedly returned his focus from Harris to Biden, calling Democrats' substitution of their top candidate “a coup” and saying he would have preferred a debate with Harris, rather than the town hall.Asked about next week's debate, Trump repeated his former criticism of ABC as a “dishonest” and “unfair” network, also reiterating his previous claims that Harris' campaign is "going to get the questions in advance.”The location of Trump's town hall, coupled with next week's debate in Philadelphia, highlights the importance of battleground Pennsylvania, where 19 Electoral College votes are up for grabs in the November election.

Harris says she will be "disadvantaged" by the debate format with Trump

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged computer crime in Manhattan.

Just before 5p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of theft/unlawful acts concerning computers in the 500 block of Richards Drive, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;Four Points by Sheraton reported an estimated $20,000 had been stolen through hacking by an unknown subject through fraudulent credit card transaction that started in July and extending through August. 

Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged computer crime in Manhattan.Just before 5p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of theft/unlawful acts concerning computers in the 500 block of Richards Drive, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;Four Points by Sheraton reported an estimated $20,000 had been stolen through hacking by an unknown subject through fraudulent credit card transaction that started in July and extending through August. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Police: Kan. hotel lost $20,000 in alleged computer hack

Our annual Pioneer Day will be held on October 12th with a focus on the history of Nicodemus through a bike tour over gravel roads throughout the historic Nicodemus Township and neighboring Wild Horse Township, and town of Damar. For the serious bikers the 33.5mile tour is recommended. You’ll see the entire area with stops at 14 historic signs along the way. For a shorter trek we recommend the 21.5-mile tour. It will include 11 sign stops, if you trek only within the historic Nicodemus township, 13 signs if you go into Bogue and see 2 other signs then return to Nicodemus. 4 SAGS stops will provide riders with water, snacks and fruit. The SAGS are sponsored by Walmart of Hays, The Kansas Black Farmers Association, The Citizens of Bogue, and the Switzer/KSU Ag Camp for Youth. Registration can be done on line at nicodemushistoricalsociety.org. Register before Sept. 27th to ensure that you get a t-shirt!

When riders, guests, and spectators arrive at the Visitor Center for registration, they will be treated to a FREE ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAKFAST 8 a.m.-10:00 a.m. at ERNESTINE’S BBQ MUSEUM. The free breakfast is sponsored by the Kansas Black Farmers Association and The Land Institute and will include pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee.

Riders will leave on tours starting at 9:00 and are expected to return between noon-3:00. Food will be provided for a nominal cost for those not registered to ride and who want to enjoy the park with live music (bring your lawn chairs). For those who missed our history documentary, a free showing of the Ellis Trail to Nicodemus will be featured at 2:00 in the Visitor Center.

The day is expected to be great fun day for all. Everyone is welcome to ride and/or enjoy the free breakfast and a day of history with us. We encourage even the youth that have bikes to take a shorter route that will tour around the historic town of Nicodemus to various silhouettes and historic building sites. A longer ‘short’ tour will take you around to some of the historic tour signs, like the original baseball diamond and location of the early Emancipation Celebrations just south of Nicodemus. Pick the tour or the mileage you’d like to travel and be our guest to learn more about this history of one the nation’s most iconic African American national sites in the West.

The 14 large historic signs were made possible with funding from the Sunflower Foundation.

For More Information Contact: Angela Bates (785) 839-8200.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725391816127.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOur annual Pioneer Day will be held on October 12th with a focus on the history of Nicodemus through a bike tour over gravel roads throughout the historic Nicodemus Township and neighboring Wild Horse Township, and town of Damar. For the serious bikers the 33.5mile tour is recommended. You’ll see the entire area with stops at 14 historic signs along the way. For a shorter trek we recommend the 21.5-mile tour. It will include 11 sign stops, if you trek only within the historic Nicodemus township, 13 signs if you go into Bogue and see 2 other signs then return to Nicodemus. 4 SAGS stops will provide riders with water, snacks and fruit. The SAGS are sponsored by Walmart of Hays, The Kansas Black Farmers Association, The Citizens of Bogue, and the Switzer/KSU Ag Camp for Youth. Registration can be done on line at nicodemushistoricalsociety.org. Register before Sept. 27th to ensure that you get a t-shirt!When riders, guests, and spectators arrive at the Visitor Center for registration, they will be treated to a FREE ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAKFAST 8 a.m.-10:00 a.m. at ERNESTINE’S BBQ MUSEUM. The free breakfast is sponsored by the Kansas Black Farmers Association and The Land Institute and will include pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee.Riders will leave on tours starting at 9:00 and are expected to return between noon-3:00. Food will be provided for a nominal cost for those not registered to ride and who want to enjoy the park with live music (bring your lawn chairs). For those who missed our history documentary, a free showing of the Ellis Trail to Nicodemus will be featured at 2:00 in the Visitor Center.The day is expected to be great fun day for all. Everyone is welcome to ride and/or enjoy the free breakfast and a day of history with us. We encourage even the youth that have bikes to take a shorter route that will tour around the historic town of Nicodemus to various silhouettes and historic building sites. A longer ‘short’ tour will take you around to some of the historic tour signs, like the original baseball diamond and location of the early Emancipation Celebrations just south of Nicodemus. Pick the tour or the mileage you’d like to travel and be our guest to learn more about this history of one the nation’s most iconic African American national sites in the West.The 14 large historic signs were made possible with funding from the Sunflower Foundation.For More Information Contact: Angela Bates (785) 839-8200.

Historic Nicodemus Township Bike Tour scheduled

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The chief executive officer of Kroger insisted Wednesday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-grocery-merger-ftc-9fdb26cc044ee21a7a486c03caae6a5d">merging with rival Albertsons</a>&nbsp;would allow the two supermarket companies to lower prices and more effectively compete with retail giants like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/walmart-inc">Walmart</a>, Costco and Amazon.

Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen argued in favor of what would be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-albertsons-companies-inc-0cfbd68f81ba8aab7c1d3012c69804d9">largest grocery chain merger</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history while testifying during a federal court hearing in Oregon on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-antitrust-grocery-merger-competition-71b47dc86ec7449f29b2b488c1d3f9de">U.S. government's request</a>&nbsp;for a preliminary injunction that would block the $24.6 billion deal.

“The day that we merge is the day that we will begin lowering prices,” McMullen said while under questioning by a lawyer representing his company.

Addressing another issue that has worried shoppers in communities with both Albertson and Kroger-run stores, McMullen said Kroger was committed to not closing any branches immediately if the merger is finalized but might down the road if it decides location changes or consolidations are needed.

The Federal Trade Commission sued early this year to stop the merger the two companies proposed in Oct. 2022 after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opioid-crisis-settlement-kroger-79356d42ded9c5099e1c2b88d3ffc061">Kroger</a>&nbsp;agreed to purchase Albertsons. The commission alleged the deal would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-federal-trade-commission-2fda44d9d8b82ef20d6c7e7cffb2ccc3">eliminate competition</a>&nbsp;and lead to higher food prices for already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-price-gouging-ban-inflation-65dc8844bb41159d76886f752b6cab28">struggling consumers</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opioid-crisis-settlement-kroger-79356d42ded9c5099e1c2b88d3ffc061">Kroger</a>, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, including brands like Dillons,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralphs-supermarkets-california-job-applicants-46a287ac76515ffbbd196202c4ee3c38">Ralphs</a>, Smith’s and Harris Teeter.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-dividends-8c6e67bf9fb0cc3da523c672a6ca9141">Albertsons</a>, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw’s. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people.

FTC attorneys argued during the U.S. District Court proceedings on the commission’s injunction request that in the 22 states where the two companies compete now, they closely match each other on price, quality, private label products and services like store pickup. Shoppers benefit from that competition and would lose out if the merger is allowed to proceed, they said.

McMullen countered that argument by saying that Albertsons prices are 10-12% higher than Kroger’s and that the merged company would try to reduce the disparity as part of a strategy for keeping customers.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-settlement-weighted-grocery-class-action-62405b8c5fda5e63f0b0e4f1f64949e6">Walmart</a>&nbsp;now controls around 22% of U.S. grocery sales. Combined, Kroger and Albertsons would control around 13%.

“We know that pricing is going to continue to go down,” McMullen said.

His statements and the upcoming testimony of Albertsons CEO Vivek Sankaran were expected to be critical components of the three-week hearing, which is at its mid-point. What the two say under oath about prices, potential store closures and the impact on workers will likely be scrutinized in the years ahead if the merger goes through.

FTC Chief Trial Counsel Susan Musser referred to Kroger’s 2021 investor fact book to make the argument that the merger would affect competition in areas where the two company’s stores overlap. According to figures included in the document, Albertsons is Kroger’s biggest competitor in multiple metropolitan areas, including Portland.

A Kroger attorney countered by saying that Walmart remains Kroger's largest competitor in a majority of markets around the country.

The FTC and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-contract-west-virginia-471b61f4212e4a803e0777c9a6b0ab67">labor union leaders</a>&nbsp;also claim that workers’ wages and benefits would decline if Kroger and Albertsons no longer compete with each other. They’ve additionally expressed concern that potential store closures could create so-called food and pharmacy “deserts” for consumers.

Albertsons has argued the deal could actually bolster union jobs, since many of it and Kroger’s competitors, like Walmart, have few unionized workers. McMullen said Wednesday that Kroger was committed to honoring existing labor contracts.

FTC lawyer Musser said the merger still might affect working conditions since union contracts are typically renegotiated every three years.

Under the proposed deal, Kroger and Albertsons would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-grocery-9a1d40ba06f752d3c5c3d5db78fede4c">sell 579 stores</a>&nbsp;in places where their locations overlap to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-wholesale-grocer-401520f2a25ea2ae5fd06be4973b7c48">C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers</a>, a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b50f18e7e7dc4701823b2d4346a8bd28">Piggly Wiggly</a>&nbsp;store brands.

The FTC alleges that C&amp;S is ill-prepared to take on those stores. Laura Hall, the FTC’s senior trial counsel, cited internal documents that indicated C&amp;S executives were skeptical about the quality of the stores they would get and may want the option to sell or close them.

C&amp;S CEO Eric Winn, for his part, testified last week that he thinks his company can be successful in the venture.

The FTC is seeking the injunction to block the merger temporarily while its lawsuit against the deal goes before an administrative law judge. U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson was expected to hear from around 40 witnesses before deciding whether to grant the request.

If Nelson agrees to issue the injunction, the FTC plans to hold the in-house hearings starting Oct. 1. Kroger sued the FTC last month, however, alleging the agency’s internal proceedings are unconstitutional and saying it wants the merger’s merits decided in federal court.

The attorneys general of Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming all joined the FTC's lawsuit on the commission's side. Washington and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-colorado-06a59a420139ef8f4400b128778d408d">Colorado filed</a>&nbsp;separate cases in state courts seeking to block the merger.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694444368400.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The chief executive officer of Kroger insisted Wednesday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-grocery-merger-ftc-9fdb26cc044ee21a7a486c03caae6a5d">merging with rival Albertsons</a>&nbsp;would allow the two supermarket companies to lower prices and more effectively compete with retail giants like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/walmart-inc">Walmart</a>, Costco and Amazon.Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen argued in favor of what would be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-albertsons-companies-inc-0cfbd68f81ba8aab7c1d3012c69804d9">largest grocery chain merger</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history while testifying during a federal court hearing in Oregon on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-antitrust-grocery-merger-competition-71b47dc86ec7449f29b2b488c1d3f9de">U.S. government's request</a>&nbsp;for a preliminary injunction that would block the $24.6 billion deal.“The day that we merge is the day that we will begin lowering prices,” McMullen said while under questioning by a lawyer representing his company.Addressing another issue that has worried shoppers in communities with both Albertson and Kroger-run stores, McMullen said Kroger was committed to not closing any branches immediately if the merger is finalized but might down the road if it decides location changes or consolidations are needed.The Federal Trade Commission sued early this year to stop the merger the two companies proposed in Oct. 2022 after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opioid-crisis-settlement-kroger-79356d42ded9c5099e1c2b88d3ffc061">Kroger</a>&nbsp;agreed to purchase Albertsons. The commission alleged the deal would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-federal-trade-commission-2fda44d9d8b82ef20d6c7e7cffb2ccc3">eliminate competition</a>&nbsp;and lead to higher food prices for already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-price-gouging-ban-inflation-65dc8844bb41159d76886f752b6cab28">struggling consumers</a>.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opioid-crisis-settlement-kroger-79356d42ded9c5099e1c2b88d3ffc061">Kroger</a>, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, including brands like Dillons,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralphs-supermarkets-california-job-applicants-46a287ac76515ffbbd196202c4ee3c38">Ralphs</a>, Smith’s and Harris Teeter.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-dividends-8c6e67bf9fb0cc3da523c672a6ca9141">Albertsons</a>, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw’s. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people.FTC attorneys argued during the U.S. District Court proceedings on the commission’s injunction request that in the 22 states where the two companies compete now, they closely match each other on price, quality, private label products and services like store pickup. Shoppers benefit from that competition and would lose out if the merger is allowed to proceed, they said.McMullen countered that argument by saying that Albertsons prices are 10-12% higher than Kroger’s and that the merged company would try to reduce the disparity as part of a strategy for keeping customers.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-settlement-weighted-grocery-class-action-62405b8c5fda5e63f0b0e4f1f64949e6">Walmart</a>&nbsp;now controls around 22% of U.S. grocery sales. Combined, Kroger and Albertsons would control around 13%.“We know that pricing is going to continue to go down,” McMullen said.His statements and the upcoming testimony of Albertsons CEO Vivek Sankaran were expected to be critical components of the three-week hearing, which is at its mid-point. What the two say under oath about prices, potential store closures and the impact on workers will likely be scrutinized in the years ahead if the merger goes through.FTC Chief Trial Counsel Susan Musser referred to Kroger’s 2021 investor fact book to make the argument that the merger would affect competition in areas where the two company’s stores overlap. According to figures included in the document, Albertsons is Kroger’s biggest competitor in multiple metropolitan areas, including Portland.A Kroger attorney countered by saying that Walmart remains Kroger's largest competitor in a majority of markets around the country.The FTC and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-contract-west-virginia-471b61f4212e4a803e0777c9a6b0ab67">labor union leaders</a>&nbsp;also claim that workers’ wages and benefits would decline if Kroger and Albertsons no longer compete with each other. They’ve additionally expressed concern that potential store closures could create so-called food and pharmacy “deserts” for consumers.Albertsons has argued the deal could actually bolster union jobs, since many of it and Kroger’s competitors, like Walmart, have few unionized workers. McMullen said Wednesday that Kroger was committed to honoring existing labor contracts.FTC lawyer Musser said the merger still might affect working conditions since union contracts are typically renegotiated every three years.Under the proposed deal, Kroger and Albertsons would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-grocery-9a1d40ba06f752d3c5c3d5db78fede4c">sell 579 stores</a>&nbsp;in places where their locations overlap to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-wholesale-grocer-401520f2a25ea2ae5fd06be4973b7c48">C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers</a>, a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b50f18e7e7dc4701823b2d4346a8bd28">Piggly Wiggly</a>&nbsp;store brands.The FTC alleges that C&amp;S is ill-prepared to take on those stores. Laura Hall, the FTC’s senior trial counsel, cited internal documents that indicated C&amp;S executives were skeptical about the quality of the stores they would get and may want the option to sell or close them.C&amp;S CEO Eric Winn, for his part, testified last week that he thinks his company can be successful in the venture.The FTC is seeking the injunction to block the merger temporarily while its lawsuit against the deal goes before an administrative law judge. U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson was expected to hear from around 40 witnesses before deciding whether to grant the request.If Nelson agrees to issue the injunction, the FTC plans to hold the in-house hearings starting Oct. 1. Kroger sued the FTC last month, however, alleging the agency’s internal proceedings are unconstitutional and saying it wants the merger’s merits decided in federal court.The attorneys general of Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming all joined the FTC's lawsuit on the commission's side. Washington and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-colorado-06a59a420139ef8f4400b128778d408d">Colorado filed</a>&nbsp;separate cases in state courts seeking to block the merger.

Kroger CEO: Shoppers would see lower prices after merger with Albertsons

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement&nbsp; investigating a gunfight in Kansas City have identified the man who died as 19-year-old&nbsp;Tondre Turner,&nbsp; according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just before 11.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a house in 9600 block of Ditman Way, according to Becchina.

First responders located two shooting victims in front of the home. EMS transported both men to the hospital with gunshot injuries. One of the victims was being treated for non-life threatening injuries. Turner was declared deceased by hospital staff, according to Becchina.

Preliminary information according to people that were at the scene when police arrived indicates that prior to the shooting the Turner arrived at the residence and an argument erupted which escalated and led to gunfire between both shooting victims, and both victims were struck. The victims are known to one another and detectives are not looking for any additional suspects.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement&nbsp; investigating a gunfight in Kansas City have identified the man who died as 19-year-old&nbsp;Tondre Turner,&nbsp; according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just before 11.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a house in 9600 block of Ditman Way, according to Becchina.First responders located two shooting victims in front of the home. EMS transported both men to the hospital with gunshot injuries. One of the victims was being treated for non-life threatening injuries. Turner was declared deceased by hospital staff, according to Becchina.Preliminary information according to people that were at the scene when police arrived indicates that prior to the shooting the Turner arrived at the residence and an argument erupted which escalated and led to gunfire between both shooting victims, and both victims were struck. The victims are known to one another and detectives are not looking for any additional suspects.

Police ID man who died in gunfight outside KC home

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri judge will rule Thursday on whether the Republican secretary of state's official description of an abortion-rights amendment on November's ballot is misleading.

At issue is a proposed amendment to Missouri's Constitution that would restore abortion rights in the state, which banned almost all abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

At least nine&nbsp;<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/embeds/051pI/33/">other states</a>&nbsp;will consider constitutional amendments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-election-2024-roe-ballot-4403190b898e501b0834053c3417d072">enshrining abortion rights</a>&nbsp;this fall — Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada and South Dakota.

In Missouri, ballot language is displayed at polling centers to help voters understand the impact of voting “yes” or “no” on sometimes complicated ballot measures.

Ballot language written by Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft's office says a “yes” vote on the abortion-rights measure would enshrine “the right to abortion at any time of a pregnancy in the Missouri Constitution.”

“Additionally, it will prohibit any regulation of abortion, including regulations designed to protect women undergoing abortions and prohibit any civil or criminal recourse against anyone who performs an abortion and hurts or kills the pregnant women,” according to Ashcroft’s language.

The amendment itself states that the government shall not infringe on an individual’s right to “reproductive freedom,” which is defined as “all matters relating to reproductive health care, including but not limited to prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion care, miscarriage care, and respectful birthing conditions.”

Tori Schafer, a lawyer for the woman who proposed the amendment, said Ashcroft’s official description of the measure is “argumentative, misleading and inaccurate.” She asked Cole County Judge Cotton Walker to rewrite Ashcroft’s ballot language.

“Missourians are entitled to fair, accurate, and sufficient language that will allow them to cast an informed vote for or against the Amendment without being subjected to the Secretary of State’s disinformation,” the plaintiff's lawyers wrote in a court brief.

Assistant Attorney General Andrew Crane defended Ashcroft's summary in court. He pointed to a clause in the amendment protecting “any person" from prosecution or penalties if they consentually assist a person exercise their right to reproductive freedom. Crane said if enacted, that provision would render any abortion regulations toothless.

“The government will be effectively unable to enforce any restrictions on abortions,” Crane said.

Walker said he will make a decision Thursday.

This is the second time Ashcroft and the abortion-rights campaign have clashed over his official descriptions of the amendment.

The campaign in 2023 also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitution-amendment-ballot-31e5d91121b0be6ae41548eb11f2e751">sued Ashcroft</a>&nbsp;over how his office described the amendment in a ballot summary. Ballot summaries are high-level overviews of amendments, similar to ballot language. But summaries are included on ballots.

Ashcroft’s ballot summary said the measure would allow “dangerous and unregulated abortions until live birth."

A three-judge panel of the Western District Court of Appeals Ashcroft's summary was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-constitution-ruling-edb5f44fc0f9799d01cda22cd1f70b40">politically partisan</a>&nbsp;and rewrote it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714753237039.png" alt="Photo Missourians for constitutional freedom" />
 <figcaption>Photo Missourians for constitutional freedom</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri judge will rule Thursday on whether the Republican secretary of state's official description of an abortion-rights amendment on November's ballot is misleading.At issue is a proposed amendment to Missouri's Constitution that would restore abortion rights in the state, which banned almost all abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.At least nine&nbsp;<a href="https://interactives.ap.org/embeds/051pI/33/">other states</a>&nbsp;will consider constitutional amendments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-election-2024-roe-ballot-4403190b898e501b0834053c3417d072">enshrining abortion rights</a>&nbsp;this fall — Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada and South Dakota.In Missouri, ballot language is displayed at polling centers to help voters understand the impact of voting “yes” or “no” on sometimes complicated ballot measures.Ballot language written by Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft's office says a “yes” vote on the abortion-rights measure would enshrine “the right to abortion at any time of a pregnancy in the Missouri Constitution.”“Additionally, it will prohibit any regulation of abortion, including regulations designed to protect women undergoing abortions and prohibit any civil or criminal recourse against anyone who performs an abortion and hurts or kills the pregnant women,” according to Ashcroft’s language.The amendment itself states that the government shall not infringe on an individual’s right to “reproductive freedom,” which is defined as “all matters relating to reproductive health care, including but not limited to prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion care, miscarriage care, and respectful birthing conditions.”Tori Schafer, a lawyer for the woman who proposed the amendment, said Ashcroft’s official description of the measure is “argumentative, misleading and inaccurate.” She asked Cole County Judge Cotton Walker to rewrite Ashcroft’s ballot language.“Missourians are entitled to fair, accurate, and sufficient language that will allow them to cast an informed vote for or against the Amendment without being subjected to the Secretary of State’s disinformation,” the plaintiff's lawyers wrote in a court brief.Assistant Attorney General Andrew Crane defended Ashcroft's summary in court. He pointed to a clause in the amendment protecting “any person" from prosecution or penalties if they consentually assist a person exercise their right to reproductive freedom. Crane said if enacted, that provision would render any abortion regulations toothless.“The government will be effectively unable to enforce any restrictions on abortions,” Crane said.Walker said he will make a decision Thursday.This is the second time Ashcroft and the abortion-rights campaign have clashed over his official descriptions of the amendment.The campaign in 2023 also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitution-amendment-ballot-31e5d91121b0be6ae41548eb11f2e751">sued Ashcroft</a>&nbsp;over how his office described the amendment in a ballot summary. Ballot summaries are high-level overviews of amendments, similar to ballot language. But summaries are included on ballots.Ashcroft’s ballot summary said the measure would allow “dangerous and unregulated abortions until live birth."A three-judge panel of the Western District Court of Appeals Ashcroft's summary was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-constitution-ruling-edb5f44fc0f9799d01cda22cd1f70b40">politically partisan</a>&nbsp;and rewrote it.

Advocates seek rewrite of Missouri abortion-rights ballot measure language

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an alleged violent fight at Milford Lake.

Just after noon Aug. 18, sheriff's deputies took a report of an alleged physical altercation that took place at Nudie Beach on Milford Lake August. 17, according to a media release.

During the investigation deputies learned Kurtis Geisler of Leonardville&nbsp; was at the beach with family and friends. A suspect identified as&nbsp;42-year-old Ryan Diedrich of Randolph made&nbsp; threats of harm toward Geisler and a physical altercation took place between the two men.

Witnesses told deputies Diedrich had attempted to drown Geisler by holding him underwater, before being pulled off by others. Geisler sustained minor injuries that were later medically treated.

On Wednesday afternoon, deputies arrested Ryan Levi Diedrich on requested charges of Attempted Murder (2nd Degree) and Criminal Threat. He is currently being held at the Geary County Detention Center without bond, pending his first court appearance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725531791535.png" alt="Diedrich photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Diedrich photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an alleged violent fight at Milford Lake.Just after noon Aug. 18, sheriff's deputies took a report of an alleged physical altercation that took place at Nudie Beach on Milford Lake August. 17, according to a media release.During the investigation deputies learned Kurtis Geisler of Leonardville&nbsp; was at the beach with family and friends. A suspect identified as&nbsp;42-year-old Ryan Diedrich of Randolph made&nbsp; threats of harm toward Geisler and a physical altercation took place between the two men.Witnesses told deputies Diedrich had attempted to drown Geisler by holding him underwater, before being pulled off by others. Geisler sustained minor injuries that were later medically treated.On Wednesday afternoon, deputies arrested Ryan Levi Diedrich on requested charges of Attempted Murder (2nd Degree) and Criminal Threat. He is currently being held at the Geary County Detention Center without bond, pending his first court appearance.

Suspect accused of attempting to drown man at Kansas lake

WINDER, Ga. (AP) — A 14-year-old student opened fire at a Georgia high school and killed four people on Wednesday, authorities said, sending students scrambling for shelter in their classrooms — and eventually to the football stadium — as officers swarmed the campus and parents raced to find out if their children were safe.

The dead were identified as two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder, about an hour’s drive from Atlanta. Killed were two other 14-year-olds, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, and instructors Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey said in a nighttime news conference.

At least nine other people — eight students and one teacher — were taken to hospitals with injuries. All were expected to survive, Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said.

The words “hard lockdown” appeared on a screen in junior Layla Ferrell's health class and lights began flashing. She and her frightened classmates piled desks and chairs in front of the door to create a barricade, she recalled.

Sophomore Kaylee Abner was in geometry class when she heard the gunshots. She and her classmates ducked behind their teacher’s desk, and then the teacher began flipping the desk in an attempt to barricade the classroom door, Abner said. A classmate beside her was praying, and she held his hand while they all waited for police.

After students poured into the football stadium, Abner saw teachers who had taken off their shirts to help treat gunshot wounds.

Two school resource officers encountered the shooter within minutes after a report of shots fired went out, Hosey said. The suspect, a student at the school, immediately surrendered and was taken into custody. He is being charged as an adult with murder. Authorities said the weapon was an assault-style rifle.

The teen had been interviewed after the FBI received anonymous tips in May 2023 about online threats to commit an unspecified school shooting, the agency said in a statement.

The FBI narrowed the threats down and referred to the case to the sheriff’s department in Jackson County, which is adjacent to Barrow County.

The sheriff’s office interviewed the then-13-year-old and his father, who said there were hunting guns in the house but the teen did not have unsupervised access to them. The teen also denied making any online threats.

The sheriff’s office alerted local schools for continued monitoring of the teen, but there was no probable cause for arrest to additional action, the FBI said.

Hosey said the state Division of Family and Children’s Services also had previous contact with the teen and will investigate whether that has any connection with the shooting.

Authorities were still looking into how the suspect obtained the gun used in the shooting and got it into the school in Barrow County, a rapidly suburbanizing area on the edge of metro Atlanta's ever-expanding sprawl.

At an afternoon news conference, Smith choked up as he began to speak. He said he was born and raised in the community and his kids are in the school system.

“My heart hurts for these kids. My heart hurts for our community,” he said. “But I want to make it very clear that hate will not prevail in this county. I want that to be very clear and known. Love will prevail over what happened today.”

It was the&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/mass-killings/index.html">the latest</a>&nbsp;among dozens of school shootings across the U.S. in recent years, including especially deadly ones in Newtown, Connecticut, Parkland, Florida, and Uvalde, Texas. The classroom killings have set off fervent debates about gun control and frayed the nerves of parents whose children are growing up accustomed to active shooter drills in classrooms. But they have done little to move the needle on national gun laws.

Before Wednesday, there had been 29&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-mass-killings-list-14a356281ba8da1d72931cd6f56c41ba">mass killings</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. so far this year, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. At least 127 people have died in those killings, which are defined as incidents in which four or more people die within a 24-hour period, not including the killer — the same definition used by the FBI.

Last year ended with 217 deaths from 42 mass killings, making 2023 one of the deadliest years on record for such shootings in the country.

On Wednesday in Winder, Landon Culver, an 11th grader, said he had stepped out of his algebra class to get a drink of water when he heard shots and then saw someone wearing a black hoodie with a long gun.

“I didn’t really stick around too long to look,” he said.

Instead he ran back inside the classroom and locked the door. The class huddled in the back in the dark and waited for the rampage to end. Culver listened as gunshots rang out in the building.

“You’re just wondering like, which one of those is going to be somebody that you’re best friends with or somebody that you love?” he said.

Later police officers arrived and escorted the students out. As they were leaving the building, Culver saw “multiple people who had been shot.”

“You hear about this kind of stuff, but you like never think it’s going to happen to you until like it’s happening.”

When Erin Clark, 42, received a text from her son Ethan, a senior, saying there was an active shooter, she rushed from her job at the Amazon warehouse to the school. The two texted “I love you,” and Clark prayed for her him as she drove.

With the main road to the school blocked, she parked and ran with other parents. They were directed to the football field, and amid the chaos, Clark found Ethan sitting on the bleachers.

Clark said her son was writing an essay in class when he first heard gunfire. He worked with his classmates to barricade the door and hide.

“I’m so proud of him for doing that,” she said. “He was so brave.”

“It makes me scared to send him back,” Clark said. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

Traffic going to the school was backed up for more than a mile as parents tried to get to their children. Barrow County schools will be closed for the rest of the week as they cooperate with the investigation, but grief counseling will be available.

“It’s just outrageous that every day, in our country, in the United States of America, that parents have to send their children to school worried about whether or not their child will come home alive," Vice President Kamala Harris said during a campaign stop in New Hampshire.

In a message posted to social media, former President Donald Trump said: “These cherished children were taken from us far too soon by a sick and deranged monster.”

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who canceled a speech planned for the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas and returned to the state, said in a statement: “This is a day every parent dreads, and Georgians everywhere will hug their children tighter this evening because of this painful event.”

Apalachee High School opened in 2000 and has about 1,900 students, according to records from Georgia education officials.

On Wednesday evening, hundreds gathered in Jug Tavern Park in downtown Winder for a vigil. Volunteers handed out candles and also water, pizza and tissues. Some knelt as a Methodist minister led the crowd in prayer after a Barrow County commissioner read a Jewish prayer of mourning.

Some were clad in athletic gear from Apalachee’s crosstown rival, Winder-Barrow High School. At the end of the vigil, someone released balloons in Apalachee’s blue, gold and white.

Sophomore Shantal Sanvee, who was in a classroom near the gunshots, said she saw “a whole lot of blood. And it was just, it was just horrible.”

“I don't think I want to be here for like a long time now,” Sanvee said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725532431031.png" alt="Richard Aspinwal courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Richard Aspinwal courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WINDER, Ga. (AP) — A 14-year-old student opened fire at a Georgia high school and killed four people on Wednesday, authorities said, sending students scrambling for shelter in their classrooms — and eventually to the football stadium — as officers swarmed the campus and parents raced to find out if their children were safe.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725532456462.png" alt="Christina Irimie courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Christina Irimie courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The dead were identified as two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder, about an hour’s drive from Atlanta. Killed were two other 14-year-olds, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, and instructors Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey said in a nighttime news conference.At least nine other people — eight students and one teacher — were taken to hospitals with injuries. All were expected to survive, Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said.The words “hard lockdown” appeared on a screen in junior Layla Ferrell's health class and lights began flashing. She and her frightened classmates piled desks and chairs in front of the door to create a barricade, she recalled.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/QZxD3TqFbp">pic.twitter.com/QZxD3TqFbp</a>&mdash; FBI Atlanta (@FBIAtlanta) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIAtlanta/status/1831479818749141244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sophomore Kaylee Abner was in geometry class when she heard the gunshots. She and her classmates ducked behind their teacher’s desk, and then the teacher began flipping the desk in an attempt to barricade the classroom door, Abner said. A classmate beside her was praying, and she held his hand while they all waited for police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725468533716.png" alt="photo courtesy WAGA TV" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy WAGA TV</figcaption>
 </figure>After students poured into the football stadium, Abner saw teachers who had taken off their shirts to help treat gunshot wounds.Two school resource officers encountered the shooter within minutes after a report of shots fired went out, Hosey said. The suspect, a student at the school, immediately surrendered and was taken into custody. He is being charged as an adult with murder. Authorities said the weapon was an assault-style rifle.The teen had been interviewed after the FBI received anonymous tips in May 2023 about online threats to commit an unspecified school shooting, the agency said in a statement.The FBI narrowed the threats down and referred to the case to the sheriff’s department in Jackson County, which is adjacent to Barrow County.The sheriff’s office interviewed the then-13-year-old and his father, who said there were hunting guns in the house but the teen did not have unsupervised access to them. The teen also denied making any online threats.The sheriff’s office alerted local schools for continued monitoring of the teen, but there was no probable cause for arrest to additional action, the FBI said.Hosey said the state Division of Family and Children’s Services also had previous contact with the teen and will investigate whether that has any connection with the shooting.Authorities were still looking into how the suspect obtained the gun used in the shooting and got it into the school in Barrow County, a rapidly suburbanizing area on the edge of metro Atlanta's ever-expanding sprawl.At an afternoon news conference, Smith choked up as he began to speak. He said he was born and raised in the community and his kids are in the school system.“My heart hurts for these kids. My heart hurts for our community,” he said. “But I want to make it very clear that hate will not prevail in this county. I want that to be very clear and known. Love will prevail over what happened today.”It was the&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/mass-killings/index.html">the latest</a>&nbsp;among dozens of school shootings across the U.S. in recent years, including especially deadly ones in Newtown, Connecticut, Parkland, Florida, and Uvalde, Texas. The classroom killings have set off fervent debates about gun control and frayed the nerves of parents whose children are growing up accustomed to active shooter drills in classrooms. But they have done little to move the needle on national gun laws.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725473398427.png" alt="Photo courtesy WAGA TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WAGA TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Before Wednesday, there had been 29&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-mass-killings-list-14a356281ba8da1d72931cd6f56c41ba">mass killings</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. so far this year, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. At least 127 people have died in those killings, which are defined as incidents in which four or more people die within a 24-hour period, not including the killer — the same definition used by the FBI.Last year ended with 217 deaths from 42 mass killings, making 2023 one of the deadliest years on record for such shootings in the country.On Wednesday in Winder, Landon Culver, an 11th grader, said he had stepped out of his algebra class to get a drink of water when he heard shots and then saw someone wearing a black hoodie with a long gun.“I didn’t really stick around too long to look,” he said.Instead he ran back inside the classroom and locked the door. The class huddled in the back in the dark and waited for the rampage to end. Culver listened as gunshots rang out in the building.“You’re just wondering like, which one of those is going to be somebody that you’re best friends with or somebody that you love?” he said.Later police officers arrived and escorted the students out. As they were leaving the building, Culver saw “multiple people who had been shot.”“You hear about this kind of stuff, but you like never think it’s going to happen to you until like it’s happening.”When Erin Clark, 42, received a text from her son Ethan, a senior, saying there was an active shooter, she rushed from her job at the Amazon warehouse to the school. The two texted “I love you,” and Clark prayed for her him as she drove.With the main road to the school blocked, she parked and ran with other parents. They were directed to the football field, and amid the chaos, Clark found Ethan sitting on the bleachers.Clark said her son was writing an essay in class when he first heard gunfire. He worked with his classmates to barricade the door and hide.“I’m so proud of him for doing that,” she said. “He was so brave.”“It makes me scared to send him back,” Clark said. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.”Traffic going to the school was backed up for more than a mile as parents tried to get to their children. Barrow County schools will be closed for the rest of the week as they cooperate with the investigation, but grief counseling will be available.“It’s just outrageous that every day, in our country, in the United States of America, that parents have to send their children to school worried about whether or not their child will come home alive," Vice President Kamala Harris said during a campaign stop in New Hampshire.In a message posted to social media, former President Donald Trump said: “These cherished children were taken from us far too soon by a sick and deranged monster.”Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who canceled a speech planned for the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas and returned to the state, said in a statement: “This is a day every parent dreads, and Georgians everywhere will hug their children tighter this evening because of this painful event.”Apalachee High School opened in 2000 and has about 1,900 students, according to records from Georgia education officials.On Wednesday evening, hundreds gathered in Jug Tavern Park in downtown Winder for a vigil. Volunteers handed out candles and also water, pizza and tissues. Some knelt as a Methodist minister led the crowd in prayer after a Barrow County commissioner read a Jewish prayer of mourning.Some were clad in athletic gear from Apalachee’s crosstown rival, Winder-Barrow High School. At the end of the vigil, someone released balloons in Apalachee’s blue, gold and white.Sophomore Shantal Sanvee, who was in a classroom near the gunshots, said she saw “a whole lot of blood. And it was just, it was just horrible.”“I don't think I want to be here for like a long time now,” Sanvee said.

Police ID teachers, students killed in Georgia school shooting

MEADE COUNTY —One person died in accident just after 10:30p.m. Wednesday in Meade County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Kia Forte driven by Austin J. Wagoner,&nbsp; 37, Albuquerque, New Mexico, was westbound on U.S. 54 one mile east of Meade.

The vehicle crossed the center line and the eastbound lanes, traveled through the median, struck a culvert, vaulted over U.S. 160, rolled an unknown amount of times, vaulted again over a barbed wire fence and came to rest.

Wagoner was pronounced dead at the scene. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

MEADE COUNTY —One person died in accident just after 10:30p.m. Wednesday in Meade County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Kia Forte driven by Austin J. Wagoner,&nbsp; 37, Albuquerque, New Mexico, was westbound on U.S. 54 one mile east of Meade.The vehicle crossed the center line and the eastbound lanes, traveled through the median, struck a culvert, vaulted over U.S. 160, rolled an unknown amount of times, vaulted again over a barbed wire fence and came to rest.Wagoner was pronounced dead at the scene. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.