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

TOPEKA — While Kansas remains one of the last states in the nation without legalized medical or recreational marijuana, THC-infused drinks have evaded scrutiny from officials.

The question of the legality of the drinks came up Thursday at a meeting of a joint legislative committee on security.

Robert Stuart, executive officer for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, explained to lawmakers that while marijuana is illegal in Kansas, THC-infused beverages are considered hemp products and allowed under the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which legalized cannabis plants containing no more than 0.3% of a plant’s weight in tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Products created using hemp are commonly advertised as Delta 9 items, and they can have a weaker effect than marijuana because of their lower THC content.

Rep. Pat Proctor, a Republican from Leavenworth, asked Stuart: “Should we be outlawing it?”

Yes, Stuart said, and he wagered the KBI’s position would be the same.

“If it’s intoxicating, it’s damaging,” he said.

THC drinks are restricted to adults over the age of 21, same as alcoholic beverages.

“You hear all sorts of social arguments and all sorts of different ways of thinking about it,” Stuart said, “but it would be much clearer for any of those distributors, any of those dealers, for any member of the public, to say, OK, this is what’s clearly illegal and clearly what’s not.”

Blurred lines make it difficult for retailers to comply with state laws, for consumers to know the products they purchase are safe and for law enforcement to conduct criminal investigations, Stuart said.

Kansas City, Missouri-based brewer Boulevard Brewing Company announced this month a THC-infused version of its signature Quirk seltzer, which will be called “Berry Jane.” It will be available in two dosages. One containing 5 mg THC and another containing 10 mg, differentiated by a darker can. They are expected to be sold in Kansas and Missouri next month.

The KBI&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/10/01/kansas-officials-crack-down-on-brazen-sales-of-marijuana-and-thc-products-with-statewide-raids/">celebrated a major crackdown</a>&nbsp;on THC products earlier this month, raiding 10 storefronts in six cities across the state. KBI director Tony Mattivi said the products were harming Kansas children.

The Kansas House passed a bill legalizing marijuana in 2021, and a special committee crafted recommendations for the Legislature last year, but Republicans have blocked the legislation from progressing. It could come up during the next session, ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761319700813.png" alt=" Drinks advertised as THC- and cannabis-infused on the shelves of a Rapid City, South Dakota store in July 2024. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)" />
 <figcaption> Drinks advertised as THC- and cannabis-infused on the shelves of a Rapid City, South Dakota store in July 2024. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — While Kansas remains one of the last states in the nation without legalized medical or recreational marijuana, THC-infused drinks have evaded scrutiny from officials.The question of the legality of the drinks came up Thursday at a meeting of a joint legislative committee on security.Robert Stuart, executive officer for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, explained to lawmakers that while marijuana is illegal in Kansas, THC-infused beverages are considered hemp products and allowed under the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which legalized cannabis plants containing no more than 0.3% of a plant’s weight in tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Products created using hemp are commonly advertised as Delta 9 items, and they can have a weaker effect than marijuana because of their lower THC content.Rep. Pat Proctor, a Republican from Leavenworth, asked Stuart: “Should we be outlawing it?”Yes, Stuart said, and he wagered the KBI’s position would be the same.“If it’s intoxicating, it’s damaging,” he said.THC drinks are restricted to adults over the age of 21, same as alcoholic beverages.“You hear all sorts of social arguments and all sorts of different ways of thinking about it,” Stuart said, “but it would be much clearer for any of those distributors, any of those dealers, for any member of the public, to say, OK, this is what’s clearly illegal and clearly what’s not.”Blurred lines make it difficult for retailers to comply with state laws, for consumers to know the products they purchase are safe and for law enforcement to conduct criminal investigations, Stuart said.Kansas City, Missouri-based brewer Boulevard Brewing Company announced this month a THC-infused version of its signature Quirk seltzer, which will be called “Berry Jane.” It will be available in two dosages. One containing 5 mg THC and another containing 10 mg, differentiated by a darker can. They are expected to be sold in Kansas and Missouri next month.The KBI&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/10/01/kansas-officials-crack-down-on-brazen-sales-of-marijuana-and-thc-products-with-statewide-raids/">celebrated a major crackdown</a>&nbsp;on THC products earlier this month, raiding 10 storefronts in six cities across the state. KBI director Tony Mattivi said the products were harming Kansas children.The Kansas House passed a bill legalizing marijuana in 2021, and a special committee crafted recommendations for the Legislature last year, but Republicans have blocked the legislation from progressing. It could come up during the next session, ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.

THC-infused drinks have flown under Kansas lawmakers’ radar — until now

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia tested a new nuclear-capable and powered cruise missile fit to confound existing defenses, inching closer to deploying it to its military, President Vladimir Putin said in remarks released on Sunday.

The announcement, which followed years of tests of the Burevestnik missile, comes as part of nuclear messaging from the Kremlin, which has resisted Western pressure for a ceasefire in Ukraine and strongly warned the U.S. and other NATO allies against sanctioning strikes deep inside Russia with longer-range Western weapons.

A video released by the Kremlin showed Putin, dressed in camouflage fatigues, receiving a report from Gen. Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s chief of general staff, who told the Russian leader that the Burevestnik covered 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles) in a key test Tuesday.

Gerasimov said the Burevestnik, or storm petrel in Russian, spent 15 hours in the air on nuclear power, adding “that’s not the limit.”

Little is known about the Burevestnik, which was code-named Skyfall by NATO, and many Western experts have been skeptical about it, noting that a nuclear engine could be highly unreliable.

When&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d4e05956217d895594bcef491083e950" rel="nofollow">Putin first revealed</a>&nbsp;that Russia was working on the weapon in his 2018 state-of-the-nation address, he claimed it would have an unlimited range, allowing it to circle the globe undetected by missile defense systems.

Many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-nuclear-test-missile-ukraine-war-2204f967c8739216ded2efc3f71a6e0f" rel="nofollow">observers</a>&nbsp;argue such a missile could be difficult to handle and pose an environmental threat. The U.S. and the Soviet Union worked on nuclear-powered missiles during the Cold War, but they eventually shelved the projects, considering them too hazardous.

The Burevestnik&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-57268fa0f9d04161870c2d25b0aaec2a" rel="nofollow">reportedly suffered an explosion</a>&nbsp;in August 2019 during tests at a navy range on the White Sea, killing five nuclear engineers and two service members and resulting in a brief spike in radioactivity that fueled fears in a nearby city.

Russian officials never identified the weapon involved, but the U.S. said it was the Burevestnik.

“We need to determine the possible uses and begin preparing the infrastructure for deploying these weapons to our armed forces,” Putin told Gerasimov.

The Russian leader also claimed it was invulnerable to current and future missile defenses, due to its almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path.

Kirill Dmitriev, a top Putin aide who was in the U.S. as the video surfaced, said his delegation informed U.S. colleagues of the “successful testing” of the Burevestnik, which he said was an “absolutely new class” of weapon.

Earlier this week, Putin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-nuclear-drills-trump-ukraine-a0de66dbf9d5e7771634c4ad5b4fe83e" rel="nofollow">directed drills of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces</a>&nbsp;that featured practice missile launches. The exercise came as his planned summit on Ukraine with U.S. President Donald Trump was put on hold.

The Kremlin said that the maneuvers involved all parts of Moscow’s nuclear triad, including intercontinental ballistic missiles that were test-fired from launch facilities in northwestern Russia and a submarine in the Barents Sea. The drills also involved Tu-95 strategic bombers firing long-range cruise missiles.

The exercise tested the skills of military command structures, the Kremlin said in a statement Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="Image from a video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, Russian President Vladimir Putin -via AP" />
 <figcaption>Image from a video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, Russian President Vladimir Putin -via AP</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) — Russia tested a new nuclear-capable and powered cruise missile fit to confound existing defenses, inching closer to deploying it to its military, President Vladimir Putin said in remarks released on Sunday.The announcement, which followed years of tests of the Burevestnik missile, comes as part of nuclear messaging from the Kremlin, which has resisted Western pressure for a ceasefire in Ukraine and strongly warned the U.S. and other NATO allies against sanctioning strikes deep inside Russia with longer-range Western weapons.A video released by the Kremlin showed Putin, dressed in camouflage fatigues, receiving a report from Gen. Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s chief of general staff, who told the Russian leader that the Burevestnik covered 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles) in a key test Tuesday.Gerasimov said the Burevestnik, or storm petrel in Russian, spent 15 hours in the air on nuclear power, adding “that’s not the limit.”Little is known about the Burevestnik, which was code-named Skyfall by NATO, and many Western experts have been skeptical about it, noting that a nuclear engine could be highly unreliable.When&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d4e05956217d895594bcef491083e950" rel="nofollow">Putin first revealed</a>&nbsp;that Russia was working on the weapon in his 2018 state-of-the-nation address, he claimed it would have an unlimited range, allowing it to circle the globe undetected by missile defense systems.Many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-nuclear-test-missile-ukraine-war-2204f967c8739216ded2efc3f71a6e0f" rel="nofollow">observers</a>&nbsp;argue such a missile could be difficult to handle and pose an environmental threat. The U.S. and the Soviet Union worked on nuclear-powered missiles during the Cold War, but they eventually shelved the projects, considering them too hazardous.The Burevestnik&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-57268fa0f9d04161870c2d25b0aaec2a" rel="nofollow">reportedly suffered an explosion</a>&nbsp;in August 2019 during tests at a navy range on the White Sea, killing five nuclear engineers and two service members and resulting in a brief spike in radioactivity that fueled fears in a nearby city.Russian officials never identified the weapon involved, but the U.S. said it was the Burevestnik.“We need to determine the possible uses and begin preparing the infrastructure for deploying these weapons to our armed forces,” Putin told Gerasimov.The Russian leader also claimed it was invulnerable to current and future missile defenses, due to its almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path.Kirill Dmitriev, a top Putin aide who was in the U.S. as the video surfaced, said his delegation informed U.S. colleagues of the “successful testing” of the Burevestnik, which he said was an “absolutely new class” of weapon.Earlier this week, Putin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-nuclear-drills-trump-ukraine-a0de66dbf9d5e7771634c4ad5b4fe83e" rel="nofollow">directed drills of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces</a>&nbsp;that featured practice missile launches. The exercise came as his planned summit on Ukraine with U.S. President Donald Trump was put on hold.The Kremlin said that the maneuvers involved all parts of Moscow’s nuclear triad, including intercontinental ballistic missiles that were test-fired from launch facilities in northwestern Russia and a submarine in the Barents Sea. The drills also involved Tu-95 strategic bombers firing long-range cruise missiles.The exercise tested the skills of military command structures, the Kremlin said in a statement Wednesday.

Putin: Russia tests new nuclear-capable intercontinental missile

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect charged in connection with a violent abduction shown on a doorbell video earlier this month in Wichita is due back Judge Rodger Woods courtroom on Monday&nbsp;

Daniel T. Espitia Guevara, 22, was charged with&nbsp;aggravated domestic battery and misdemeanor counts of domestic battery and&nbsp; criminal restraint, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He is also on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold.

The Wichita Police Department had asked for the community’s help in identifying and locating a woman in a doorbell video who was seen being taken by force on October 12, at approximately 2 AM., in the 1400 block of North Volutsia in Wichita.

Just after 3p.m. October 14, Wichita Police Investigators received a phone call, from a woman claiming to be the individual investigators were attempting to identify. Investigators immediately responded to her location, made contact, and transported her to City Hall so detectives could conduct a victim interview. Police confirmed the identity of the woman as a 35-year-old who lives in the area where the video was captured. Police determined the incident is a case of domestic violence where the woman was victimized by her boyfriend. The woman did not have any significant injuries.

Just after 7 p.m. October 14, officers with the Wichita Police Domestic Intervention and Violence Reduction team (DIVRT) located and arrested Guevara and booked him into jail.

He remains in custody on a $75,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760555163921.png" alt="ESPITIA GUEVARA-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>ESPITIA GUEVARA-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect charged in connection with a violent abduction shown on a doorbell video earlier this month in Wichita is due back Judge Rodger Woods courtroom on Monday&nbsp;Daniel T. Espitia Guevara, 22, was charged with&nbsp;aggravated domestic battery and misdemeanor counts of domestic battery and&nbsp; criminal restraint, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He is also on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760408562025.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The Wichita Police Department had asked for the community’s help in identifying and locating a woman in a doorbell video who was seen being taken by force on October 12, at approximately 2 AM., in the 1400 block of North Volutsia in Wichita.Just after 3p.m. October 14, Wichita Police Investigators received a phone call, from a woman claiming to be the individual investigators were attempting to identify. Investigators immediately responded to her location, made contact, and transported her to City Hall so detectives could conduct a victim interview. Police confirmed the identity of the woman as a 35-year-old who lives in the area where the video was captured. Police determined the incident is a case of domestic violence where the woman was victimized by her boyfriend. The woman did not have any significant injuries.Just after 7 p.m. October 14, officers with the Wichita Police Domestic Intervention and Violence Reduction team (DIVRT) located and arrested Guevara and booked him into jail.He remains in custody on a $75,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

Suspect in Kan. doorbell camera abduction video is due back in court

By: Everett Kelley,&nbsp;AFGE National President

This week, Congress pushed our nation into the fourth week of a full government shutdown – an avoidable crisis that is harming families, communities, and the very institutions that hold our country together. Both political parties have made their point, and still there is no clear end in sight.&nbsp;

Today I’m making mine: it’s time to pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown today. No half measures, and no gamesmanship. Put every single federal worker back on the job with full back pay — today.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As president of the American Federation of Government Employees, I represent over 800,000 federal and D.C. government workers who serve with pride and professionalism.&nbsp;

They ensure our skies are safe, our veterans receive care, our borders are protected, and our food is inspected. They come from every political background and every corner of this nation. What unites them is a simple belief: that service to country is honorable work.&nbsp;

Today, that belief is being tested. The Army nurse in San Antonio, the TSA officer in Atlanta, the USDA food safety inspector in Iowa, and hundreds of thousands more like them are being asked to keep our country running without the paychecks that keep their own households afloat.&nbsp;

These are patriotic Americans – parents, caregivers, and veterans – forced to work without pay while struggling to cover rent, groceries, gas and medicine because of political disagreements in Washington. That is unacceptable.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, shutdowns have become a recurring tactic in Washington. But there is no “winning” a government shutdown. They cost taxpayers billions, hurt small businesses, and erode confidence in government itself. And the American people know this. That’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/projects/most-see-the-federal-shutdown-as-a-problem-and-think-there-is-plenty-of-blame-to-go-around/" target="_blank">why 9 out of 10 Americans think this government shutdown is a problem</a>.&nbsp;

It’s time for our leaders to start focusing on how to solve problems for the American people, rather than on who is going to get the blame for a shutdown that Americans dislike.&nbsp;

Because when the folks who serve this country are standing in line for food banks after missing a second paycheck because of this shutdown, they aren’t looking for partisan spin. They’re looking for the wages they earned. The fact that they’re being cheated out of it is a national disgrace.&nbsp;

It’s long past time for our leaders to put aside partisan politics and embrace responsible government. A strong America requires a functioning government — one that pays its bills, honors its commitments, and treats its workforce with respect by paying them on time.&nbsp;

The path forward for Congress is clear:&nbsp;

Reopen the government immediately under a clean continuing resolution that allows continued debate on larger issues.&nbsp;

Ensure back pay for every single employee who has served or been forced to stay home through no fault of their own.&nbsp;

Work together on a bipartisan basis to address important policy matters like addressing rising costs and fixing the broken appropriations process.&nbsp;

None of these steps favor one political side over another. They favor the American people – who expect stability from their government and responsibility from their leaders.&nbsp;

The national interest requires Congress to act immediately to bring every federal employee back to work, pay them for the work they’ve already done (or been locked out from doing), and continue having the debates and disagreements that are the hallmark of a strong democracy – without punishing the people who keep our nation running.&nbsp;

The government belongs to all of us. Let’s open it back up and keep America moving forward.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759315687610.png" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Everett Kelley,&nbsp;AFGE National PresidentThis week, Congress pushed our nation into the fourth week of a full government shutdown – an avoidable crisis that is harming families, communities, and the very institutions that hold our country together. Both political parties have made their point, and still there is no clear end in sight.&nbsp;Today I’m making mine: it’s time to pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown today. No half measures, and no gamesmanship. Put every single federal worker back on the job with full back pay — today.&nbsp;&nbsp;As president of the American Federation of Government Employees, I represent over 800,000 federal and D.C. government workers who serve with pride and professionalism.&nbsp;They ensure our skies are safe, our veterans receive care, our borders are protected, and our food is inspected. They come from every political background and every corner of this nation. What unites them is a simple belief: that service to country is honorable work.&nbsp;Today, that belief is being tested. The Army nurse in San Antonio, the TSA officer in Atlanta, the USDA food safety inspector in Iowa, and hundreds of thousands more like them are being asked to keep our country running without the paychecks that keep their own households afloat.&nbsp;These are patriotic Americans – parents, caregivers, and veterans – forced to work without pay while struggling to cover rent, groceries, gas and medicine because of political disagreements in Washington. That is unacceptable.&nbsp;Unfortunately, shutdowns have become a recurring tactic in Washington. But there is no “winning” a government shutdown. They cost taxpayers billions, hurt small businesses, and erode confidence in government itself. And the American people know this. That’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/projects/most-see-the-federal-shutdown-as-a-problem-and-think-there-is-plenty-of-blame-to-go-around/" target="_blank">why 9 out of 10 Americans think this government shutdown is a problem</a>.&nbsp;It’s time for our leaders to start focusing on how to solve problems for the American people, rather than on who is going to get the blame for a shutdown that Americans dislike.&nbsp;Because when the folks who serve this country are standing in line for food banks after missing a second paycheck because of this shutdown, they aren’t looking for partisan spin. They’re looking for the wages they earned. The fact that they’re being cheated out of it is a national disgrace.&nbsp;It’s long past time for our leaders to put aside partisan politics and embrace responsible government. A strong America requires a functioning government — one that pays its bills, honors its commitments, and treats its workforce with respect by paying them on time.&nbsp;The path forward for Congress is clear:&nbsp;Reopen the government immediately under a clean continuing resolution that allows continued debate on larger issues.&nbsp;Ensure back pay for every single employee who has served or been forced to stay home through no fault of their own.&nbsp;Work together on a bipartisan basis to address important policy matters like addressing rising costs and fixing the broken appropriations process.&nbsp;None of these steps favor one political side over another. They favor the American people – who expect stability from their government and responsibility from their leaders.&nbsp;The national interest requires Congress to act immediately to bring every federal employee back to work, pay them for the work they’ve already done (or been locked out from doing), and continue having the debates and disagreements that are the hallmark of a strong democracy – without punishing the people who keep our nation running.&nbsp;The government belongs to all of us. Let’s open it back up and keep America moving forward.

Largest federal worker union calls on Congress to end shutdown

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff in Topeka.

Just before 9:30a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of an Aggravated Battery in the 1200 block of SW Washburn Avenue in Topeka, according to Police LT John Trimble.

Through the investigation, officers were led to an address in the 5000 block of SW 28th Street in Topeka. Multiple resources from the Topeka Police Department were utilized at this secondary location. Police didn't find the suspect.

The investigation led police to the 2100 block of SW Potomac Drive. After a brief standoff, 37-year-old Dylan James Gragson was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated Intimidation of a Victim, Criminal Threat, Criminal Restraint, Domestic Battery and Felony Interference.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761413717803.png" alt="Gragson photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Gragson photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff in Topeka.Just before 9:30a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of an Aggravated Battery in the 1200 block of SW Washburn Avenue in Topeka, according to Police LT John Trimble.Through the investigation, officers were led to an address in the 5000 block of SW 28th Street in Topeka. Multiple resources from the Topeka Police Department were utilized at this secondary location. Police didn't find the suspect.The investigation led police to the 2100 block of SW Potomac Drive. After a brief standoff, 37-year-old Dylan James Gragson was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated Intimidation of a Victim, Criminal Threat, Criminal Restraint, Domestic Battery and Felony Interference.

Standoff arrest: Kansas man accused of violent attack

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/adriana-gomez-licon">ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON</a> Associated Press

Former President Joe Biden called these “dark days” as he urged Americans to stay optimistic and not to check out in response to what he says are attacks on free speech and tests on the limits of executive power by President Donald Trump.

“Since its founding, America served as a beacon for the most powerful idea ever in government in the history of the world,” Biden said. “The idea is stronger than any army. We’re more powerful than any dictator.”

Biden, 82, speaking publicly for the first time since completing a round of radiation therapy for an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cancer-prostate-be18c98abe341cd91277e1d3b75d5cd5" rel="nofollow">aggressive form of prostate cancer</a>, addressed an audience in Boston on Sunday night after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Edward M. Kennedy Institute.

He said America depends on a presidency with limited power, a functioning Congress and an autonomous judiciary. With the federal government facing its second-longest shutdown on record, Trump has used the funding laps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-congress-presidential-power-157d0d2d6d00d273dca722232ff252ad" rel="nofollow">as way to exercise new command over the government.</a>

“Friends, I can’t sugar coat any of this. These are dark days” Biden said before predicting the country would “find our true compass again” and “emerge as we always have — stronger, wiser and more resilient, more just, so long as we keep the faith.”

Biden listed examples of people who are standing their ground against threats from the current administration, citing the example of federal employees who resign in protest, and universities and comedians that have been targeted by Trump.

“The late night hosts continue to shine a light on free speech knowing their careers are on the line,” he said.

Biden also shouted out elected Republican officials who vote or openly go against the Trump administration.

“America is not a fairy tale,” he said. “For 250 years, it’s been a constant push and pull, an existential struggle between peril and possibility.”

He finished the speech by telling people to “get back up.”

The Democrat left office in January after serving one term in the White House. Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6" rel="nofollow">dropped his bid for reelection</a>&nbsp;after facing pressure following a disastrous debate against Trump and concerns about his age, health and mental fitness. Vice President Kamala Harris launched her bid right after, but lost to Trump last November.

In May, Biden’s post presidential office announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and that it had spread to his bones.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-prostate-cancer-2acca9da55ea0f0a09546cd918437444" rel="nofollow">Prostate cancers</a>&nbsp;are graded for aggressiveness using what is known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-cancer-prostate-cc8e4fce80a0a6d531370a7e1ba0b8ae" rel="nofollow">Gleason score</a>. The scores range from 6 to 10, with 8, 9 and 10 prostate cancers behaving more aggressively. Biden’s office said his score was 9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761572039355.png" alt="Former President Joe Biden during his speech on Sunday- image courtesy WBZ video" />
 <figcaption>Former President Joe Biden during his speech on Sunday- image courtesy WBZ video</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/adriana-gomez-licon">ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON</a> Associated PressFormer President Joe Biden called these “dark days” as he urged Americans to stay optimistic and not to check out in response to what he says are attacks on free speech and tests on the limits of executive power by President Donald Trump.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Former President Joe Biden spoke publicly for the first time since completing a round of radiation therapy for an aggressive form of prostate cancer. He addressed an audience in Boston on Sunday after winning the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Edward M. Kennedy Institute. <a href="https://t.co/7leJAKrcWk">pic.twitter.com/7leJAKrcWk</a>&mdash; The Associated Press (@AP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AP/status/1982807757884371014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Since its founding, America served as a beacon for the most powerful idea ever in government in the history of the world,” Biden said. “The idea is stronger than any army. We’re more powerful than any dictator.”Biden, 82, speaking publicly for the first time since completing a round of radiation therapy for an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cancer-prostate-be18c98abe341cd91277e1d3b75d5cd5" rel="nofollow">aggressive form of prostate cancer</a>, addressed an audience in Boston on Sunday night after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Edward M. Kennedy Institute.He said America depends on a presidency with limited power, a functioning Congress and an autonomous judiciary. With the federal government facing its second-longest shutdown on record, Trump has used the funding laps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-congress-presidential-power-157d0d2d6d00d273dca722232ff252ad" rel="nofollow">as way to exercise new command over the government.</a>“Friends, I can’t sugar coat any of this. These are dark days” Biden said before predicting the country would “find our true compass again” and “emerge as we always have — stronger, wiser and more resilient, more just, so long as we keep the faith.”Biden listed examples of people who are standing their ground against threats from the current administration, citing the example of federal employees who resign in protest, and universities and comedians that have been targeted by Trump.“The late night hosts continue to shine a light on free speech knowing their careers are on the line,” he said.Biden also shouted out elected Republican officials who vote or openly go against the Trump administration.“America is not a fairy tale,” he said. “For 250 years, it’s been a constant push and pull, an existential struggle between peril and possibility.”He finished the speech by telling people to “get back up.”The Democrat left office in January after serving one term in the White House. Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6" rel="nofollow">dropped his bid for reelection</a>&nbsp;after facing pressure following a disastrous debate against Trump and concerns about his age, health and mental fitness. Vice President Kamala Harris launched her bid right after, but lost to Trump last November.In May, Biden’s post presidential office announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and that it had spread to his bones.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-prostate-cancer-2acca9da55ea0f0a09546cd918437444" rel="nofollow">Prostate cancers</a>&nbsp;are graded for aggressiveness using what is known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-cancer-prostate-cc8e4fce80a0a6d531370a7e1ba0b8ae" rel="nofollow">Gleason score</a>. The scores range from 6 to 10, with 8, 9 and 10 prostate cancers behaving more aggressively. Biden’s office said his score was 9.

🎥Biden issues warning while speaking at the Kennedy Institute 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating and searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred Thursday evening at Dr. Glen Dey Park, located at 2801 N. Grove in Wichnita.

At approximately 7:03 p.m. an off-duty WPD detective working secondary employment at&nbsp; the park heard multiple gunshots from another area of the park. The detective immediately ran toward the scene and found 32-year-old Travon Stewart suffering from gunshot wounds.

The detective called for backup and emergency medical services, then began life-saving measures until EMS arrived. Stewart was transported to a local hospital in extremely critical condition and later died from his injuries.

Preliminary findings indicate that around 200 to 300 people were in attendance at the football games. Stewart was at the park selling concessions as a fundraiser for a football team not affiliated with the Wichita Junior Football League.

Homicide investigators responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses who remained in the area. Detectives believe this was a targeted shooting and not connected to the youth football games.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest in the shooting.

Anyone who attended the games or may have information is urged to contact the Wichita Police Department Investigations Section at 316-268-4407.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761331970728.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating and searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred Thursday evening at Dr. Glen Dey Park, located at 2801 N. Grove in Wichnita.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tipsters, we need your help! The Wichita Police Department is seeking information regarding the homicide that occurred at Glen Dey Park, 2801 N. Grove. If you have any information about the suspect, submit your anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers. <a href="https://t.co/xBLLGoJ8fv">pic.twitter.com/xBLLGoJ8fv</a>&mdash; Crime Stoppers ICT (@crimestoppers) <a href="https://twitter.com/crimestoppers/status/1981758227835424944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>At approximately 7:03 p.m. an off-duty WPD detective working secondary employment at&nbsp; the park heard multiple gunshots from another area of the park. The detective immediately ran toward the scene and found 32-year-old Travon Stewart suffering from gunshot wounds.The detective called for backup and emergency medical services, then began life-saving measures until EMS arrived. Stewart was transported to a local hospital in extremely critical condition and later died from his injuries.Preliminary findings indicate that around 200 to 300 people were in attendance at the football games. Stewart was at the park selling concessions as a fundraiser for a football team not affiliated with the Wichita Junior Football League.Homicide investigators responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses who remained in the area. Detectives believe this was a targeted shooting and not connected to the youth football games.Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest in the shooting.Anyone who attended the games or may have information is urged to contact the Wichita Police Department Investigations Section at 316-268-4407.&nbsp;

Suspect in fatal shooting near Kan. youth football game still at large

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a series of bank robberies have a suspect on custody. On October 24,&nbsp; police arrested 24-year-old Weston R. Womack, of Kansas City, according to a statement from the FBI.&nbsp;

He has been charged&nbsp; with multiple counts of bank robbery in the Western District of Missouri. The charges are for alleged bank robberies that occurred on October 22nd and October 23rd in Kansas City and Gladstone, Missouri.

 This investigation was conducted by the KCPD Career Criminal Task Force and the FBI’s Metro Kansas City Violent Crime Task Force. Significant assistance was provided by Gladstone Police.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761179822531.png" alt="Photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>Photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a series of bank robberies have a suspect on custody. On October 24,&nbsp; police arrested 24-year-old Weston R. Womack, of Kansas City, according to a statement from the FBI.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761528334285.png" alt="Photo Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Photo Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>He has been charged&nbsp; with multiple counts of bank robbery in the Western District of Missouri. The charges are for alleged bank robberies that occurred on October 22nd and October 23rd in Kansas City and Gladstone, Missouri. This investigation was conducted by the KCPD Career Criminal Task Force and the FBI’s Metro Kansas City Violent Crime Task Force. Significant assistance was provided by Gladstone Police.&nbsp;

Suspect jailed for series of Kansas City bank robberies 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted a notice on its website saying federal food aid will not go out Nov. 1,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-snap-nutrition-food-banks-states-4a7c3c96507779441a7d1cfe10895606" rel="nofollow">raising the stakes for families</a>&nbsp;nationwide as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-senate-paychecks-trump-federal-workers-11088c71589297be2ce616525c582b13" rel="nofollow">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;drags on.

The new notice comes after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-food-assistance-government-shutdown-9cece00f9d6ef39fc5a0240ca2374696" rel="nofollow">Trump administration said it would not tap roughly $5 billion</a>&nbsp;in contingency funds to keep benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as SNAP, flowing into November. That program helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries.

“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/" target="_blank">USDA notice</a>&nbsp;says. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats.”

The shutdown, which began Oct. 1, is now the second-longest on record. While the Republican administration took steps leading up to the shutdown to ensure SNAP benefits were paid this month, the cutoff would expand the impact of the impasse to a wider swath of Americans — and some of those most in need — unless a political resolution is found in just a few days.

The administration blames Democrats, who say they will not agree to reopen the government until Republicans negotiate with them on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-care-subsidies-obamacare-congress-10b2ae9648bc5252fc2bd485ddc83493" rel="nofollow">extending expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act</a>. Republicans say Democrats must first agree to reopen the government before negotiation.

Democratic lawmakers have written to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting to use contingency funds to cover the bulk of next month’s benefits.

But a USDA memo that surfaced Friday says “contingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits.” The document says the money is reserved for such things such as helping people in disaster areas.

It cited a storm named Melissa, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melissa-caribbean-jamaica-haiti-storm-hurricane-14b83a39f16babd796a745ece21d7022" rel="nofollow">has strengthened into a major hurricane,</a>&nbsp;as an example of why it’s important to have the money available to mobilize quickly in the event of a disaster.

The prospect of families not receiving food aid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-snap-nutrition-food-banks-states-4a7c3c96507779441a7d1cfe10895606" rel="nofollow">has deeply concerned states</a>&nbsp;run by both parties.

Some states have pledged to keep SNAP benefits flowing even if the federal program halts payments, but there are questions about whether U.S. government directives may allow that to happen. The USDA memo also says states would not be reimbursed for temporarily picking up the cost.

Other states are telling SNAP recipients to be ready for the benefits to stop. Arkansas and Oklahoma, for example, are advising recipients to identify food pantries and other groups that help with food.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., accused Republicans and Trump of not agreeing to negotiate.

“The reality is, if they sat down to try to negotiate, we could probably come up with something pretty quickly,” Murphy said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “We could open up the government on Tuesday or Wednesday, and there wouldn’t be any crisis in the food stamp program.”

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/adriana-gomez-licon">ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON</a> Associated PressThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted a notice on its website saying federal food aid will not go out Nov. 1,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-snap-nutrition-food-banks-states-4a7c3c96507779441a7d1cfe10895606" rel="nofollow">raising the stakes for families</a>&nbsp;nationwide as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-senate-paychecks-trump-federal-workers-11088c71589297be2ce616525c582b13" rel="nofollow">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;drags on.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761520402195.png" alt="Notice posted on USDA web site on Sunday" />
 <figcaption>Notice posted on USDA web site on Sunday</figcaption>
 </figure>The new notice comes after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-food-assistance-government-shutdown-9cece00f9d6ef39fc5a0240ca2374696" rel="nofollow">Trump administration said it would not tap roughly $5 billion</a>&nbsp;in contingency funds to keep benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as SNAP, flowing into November. That program helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries.“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/" target="_blank">USDA notice</a>&nbsp;says. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats.”The shutdown, which began Oct. 1, is now the second-longest on record. While the Republican administration took steps leading up to the shutdown to ensure SNAP benefits were paid this month, the cutoff would expand the impact of the impasse to a wider swath of Americans — and some of those most in need — unless a political resolution is found in just a few days.The administration blames Democrats, who say they will not agree to reopen the government until Republicans negotiate with them on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-care-subsidies-obamacare-congress-10b2ae9648bc5252fc2bd485ddc83493" rel="nofollow">extending expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act</a>. Republicans say Democrats must first agree to reopen the government before negotiation.Democratic lawmakers have written to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting to use contingency funds to cover the bulk of next month’s benefits.But a USDA memo that surfaced Friday says “contingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits.” The document says the money is reserved for such things such as helping people in disaster areas.It cited a storm named Melissa, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melissa-caribbean-jamaica-haiti-storm-hurricane-14b83a39f16babd796a745ece21d7022" rel="nofollow">has strengthened into a major hurricane,</a>&nbsp;as an example of why it’s important to have the money available to mobilize quickly in the event of a disaster.The prospect of families not receiving food aid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-snap-nutrition-food-banks-states-4a7c3c96507779441a7d1cfe10895606" rel="nofollow">has deeply concerned states</a>&nbsp;run by both parties.Some states have pledged to keep SNAP benefits flowing even if the federal program halts payments, but there are questions about whether U.S. government directives may allow that to happen. The USDA memo also says states would not be reimbursed for temporarily picking up the cost.Other states are telling SNAP recipients to be ready for the benefits to stop. Arkansas and Oklahoma, for example, are advising recipients to identify food pantries and other groups that help with food.Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., accused Republicans and Trump of not agreeing to negotiate.“The reality is, if they sat down to try to negotiate, we could probably come up with something pretty quickly,” Murphy said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “We could open up the government on Tuesday or Wednesday, and there wouldn’t be any crisis in the food stamp program.”

Read the notice: No federal food aid will go out Nov. 1

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago (AP) — A U.S. warship docked in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/trinidad-and-tobago">Trinidad and Tobago</a>&nbsp;'s capital Sunday as the Trump administration boosts military pressure on neighboring Venezuela and its President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro.</a>

The arrival of the USS Gravely, a guided missile destroyer, in the capital of the Caribbean nation is in addition to the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which is moving closer to Venezuela. Maduro criticized the movement of the carrier as an attempt by the U.S government to fabricate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-warship-maduro-uss-gerald-ford-21cc3ac03f755a657c0541667246c007">"a new eternal war”</a>&nbsp;against his country.

U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Maduro,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-alien-enemies-act-venezuela-tren-de-aragua-103919f71db9a9e7a9a3de1028585483">without providing evidence</a>, of being the leader of the organized crime gang&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-strike-caribbean-rubio-trump-tren-de-aragua-9e0dac7dee5a3fb14a16370508fc460d">Tren de Aragua</a>.

Government officials from the twin-island nation and the U.S. said the massive warship will remain in Trinidad until Thursday so both countries can carry out training exercises.

A senior military official in Trinidad and Tobago told The Associated Press that the move was only recently scheduled. The official spoke under condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has been a vocal supporter of the U.S. military presence and the deadly strikes on suspected drug boats in waters off Venezuela.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz said in a statement that the exercises seek to "address shared threats like transnational crime and build resilience through training, humanitarian missions, and security efforts.”

On Sunday, Venezuela said the “dangerous conduct of military exercises” in the waters of a neighboring country constitute a “serious threat” to the Caribbean region and a “hostile provocation” toward the South American nation, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.

The visit by the warship comes one week after the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago warned Americans to stay away from U.S. government facilities there. Local authorities said a reported threat against Americans prompted the warning.

Many people in Trinidad and Tobago criticize the warship's docking in town.

At a recent demonstration outside the U.S. Embassy, David Abdulah, the leader of the Movement for Social Justice political party, said Trinidad and Tobago should not have allowed the warship into its waters.

“This is a warship in Trinidad, which will be anchored here for several days just miles off Venezuela when there’s a threat of war,” he said. “That’s an abomination.”

Caricom, a regional trade bloc made up of 15 Caribbean countries, has called for dialogue. Trinidad and Tobago is a member of the group, but Persad-Bissessar has said the region is not a zone of peace, citing the number of murders and other violent crimes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761510303447.png" alt="&nbsp;USS Gravely image courtesy the ship's social media page&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;USS Gravely image courtesy the ship's social media page&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago (AP) — A U.S. warship docked in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/trinidad-and-tobago">Trinidad and Tobago</a>&nbsp;'s capital Sunday as the Trump administration boosts military pressure on neighboring Venezuela and its President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro.</a>The arrival of the USS Gravely, a guided missile destroyer, in the capital of the Caribbean nation is in addition to the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which is moving closer to Venezuela. Maduro criticized the movement of the carrier as an attempt by the U.S government to fabricate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-warship-maduro-uss-gerald-ford-21cc3ac03f755a657c0541667246c007">"a new eternal war”</a>&nbsp;against his country.U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Maduro,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-alien-enemies-act-venezuela-tren-de-aragua-103919f71db9a9e7a9a3de1028585483">without providing evidence</a>, of being the leader of the organized crime gang&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-strike-caribbean-rubio-trump-tren-de-aragua-9e0dac7dee5a3fb14a16370508fc460d">Tren de Aragua</a>.Government officials from the twin-island nation and the U.S. said the massive warship will remain in Trinidad until Thursday so both countries can carry out training exercises.A senior military official in Trinidad and Tobago told The Associated Press that the move was only recently scheduled. The official spoke under condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly.Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has been a vocal supporter of the U.S. military presence and the deadly strikes on suspected drug boats in waters off Venezuela.U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz said in a statement that the exercises seek to "address shared threats like transnational crime and build resilience through training, humanitarian missions, and security efforts.”On Sunday, Venezuela said the “dangerous conduct of military exercises” in the waters of a neighboring country constitute a “serious threat” to the Caribbean region and a “hostile provocation” toward the South American nation, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.The visit by the warship comes one week after the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago warned Americans to stay away from U.S. government facilities there. Local authorities said a reported threat against Americans prompted the warning.Many people in Trinidad and Tobago criticize the warship's docking in town.At a recent demonstration outside the U.S. Embassy, David Abdulah, the leader of the Movement for Social Justice political party, said Trinidad and Tobago should not have allowed the warship into its waters.“This is a warship in Trinidad, which will be anchored here for several days just miles off Venezuela when there’s a threat of war,” he said. “That’s an abomination.”Caricom, a regional trade bloc made up of 15 Caribbean countries, has called for dialogue. Trinidad and Tobago is a member of the group, but Persad-Bissessar has said the region is not a zone of peace, citing the number of murders and other violent crimes.

US warship docks in Trinidad and Tobago; more pressure on Venezuela

JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement are investigating an officer involved shooting involving a member of the Buckner, Missouri police department, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control.

Just before 1:30a.m. Sunday, an officer with the Buckner police department reported they were in pursuit of a vehicle westbound on U.S. 24 near Hoover Road. As the suspect vehicle approached Blue Mills Road, it crossed over to the eastbound lanes and briefly&nbsp; traveled in the wrong direction.&nbsp; The suspect vehicle traveled in reverse and then accelerated forward striking the officer's patrol vehicle. The officer fired his duty weapon at the suspect vehicle. 

The driver, whose has not been released, was taken into custody and was found to have a gunshot wound. EMS transported the driver to a local hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury. The officer was not injured.&nbsp; Buckner is located in Jackson County just east of Kansas City, Missouri.

JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement are investigating an officer involved shooting involving a member of the Buckner, Missouri police department, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control.Just before 1:30a.m. Sunday, an officer with the Buckner police department reported they were in pursuit of a vehicle westbound on U.S. 24 near Hoover Road. As the suspect vehicle approached Blue Mills Road, it crossed over to the eastbound lanes and briefly&nbsp; traveled in the wrong direction.&nbsp; The suspect vehicle traveled in reverse and then accelerated forward striking the officer's patrol vehicle. The officer fired his duty weapon at the suspect vehicle. The driver, whose has not been released, was taken into custody and was found to have a gunshot wound. EMS transported the driver to a local hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury. The officer was not injured.&nbsp; Buckner is located in Jackson County just east of Kansas City, Missouri.

Suspect wounded in KC area officer-involved shooting

KANSAS CITY —Matthew Johnson, a former Kansas City area credit union employee, received a two-year prison sentence for aggravated identity theft for orchestrating a financial scheme involving Kansas City Chiefs tickets., according to the FBI office in Kansas City.

&nbsp;In his plea deal, Johnson admitted to using his position to misappropriate game tickets and submit fraudulent expense reports. 

After the credit union bought tickets, Johnson transferred them into his own ticketing accounts for resell or personal use without his employer’s knowledge or consent, defrauding the credit union of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

KANSAS CITY —Matthew Johnson, a former Kansas City area credit union employee, received a two-year prison sentence for aggravated identity theft for orchestrating a financial scheme involving Kansas City Chiefs tickets., according to the FBI office in Kansas City.&nbsp;In his plea deal, Johnson admitted to using his position to misappropriate game tickets and submit fraudulent expense reports. After the credit union bought tickets, Johnson transferred them into his own ticketing accounts for resell or personal use without his employer’s knowledge or consent, defrauding the credit union of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Prison for man in financial scheme involving Chiefs tickets

HAMILTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 8a.m. Sunday in Hamilton County.

The. Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Ram 2500 driven by Morgan Nikolai&nbsp;Stephens, 36,&nbsp; Burlington, Colorado, was traveling on Kansas 27 Highway just north of Road 15. The truck traveled onto the right shoulder and the driver overcorrected to the left. The vehicle spun clockwise into the ditch and rolled an undetermined amount of times.

Stephens&nbsp; was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to St. Catherine's. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the. KHP.

HAMILTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 8a.m. Sunday in Hamilton County.The. Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Ram 2500 driven by Morgan Nikolai&nbsp;Stephens, 36,&nbsp; Burlington, Colorado, was traveling on Kansas 27 Highway just north of Road 15. The truck traveled onto the right shoulder and the driver overcorrected to the left. The vehicle spun clockwise into the ditch and rolled an undetermined amount of times.Stephens&nbsp; was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to St. Catherine's. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the. KHP.

Man dies after pickup rollover accident on Kansas highway

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/amelia-thomson-deveaux">AMELIA THOMSON-DEVEAUX</a> Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — As legalized&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sports-betting" rel="nofollow">sports betting</a>&nbsp;expands, recent polling suggests that Americans have become increasingly critical of its role in U.S. society and sports — although they’re more tolerant of it for professional sports.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biggest-sports-betting-scandals-0098b62195eab133d4d03f143db42445" rel="nofollow">Betting scandals</a>&nbsp;have multiplied since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f3fa1f71b8f44378a7e2c51d321b13b4" rel="nofollow">a U.S. Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;in May 2018 struck down a federal law that barred sports betting in most states. That includes a wave of incidents involving athletes and officials. Most recently, dozens of people, including Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, were arrested in connection with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-heat-terry-rozier-gambling-probe-de98ecb76bb8f13b85f4c5ac62f66221" rel="nofollow">a federal investigation into sports betting and illegal gambling</a>, authorities said Thursday.

In the years since the Supreme Court’s ruling, sports betting has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-sports-betting-taxes-571a3fe28a9986ff8f4a4334f71b783f" rel="nofollow">brought revenue to state governments</a>, but it’s also prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-baseball-coach-fired-bets-bohannon-0471b144a9348caa456a22cab23b9a8b" rel="nofollow">concerns about the potential for wrongdoing</a>, as well as the impact on athletes.

Here’s what Americans think about the impact of legal sports betting, according to recent polling:

More think legal sports betting has a negative impact on sports and society than in 2022

Americans are more skeptical of legal sports betting than they were a few years ago, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/10/02/americans-increasingly-see-legal-sports-betting-as-a-bad-thing-for-society-and-sports/" target="_blank">a Pew Research Center poll</a>&nbsp;conducted over the summer. The survey found that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults say the fact that sports betting is now legal in much of the country is “a bad thing” for society and sports, up from about one-third in July 2022.

Many Americans continue to say sports betting is “neither a good nor bad” thing for sports and society, while few say it’s “a good thing” for either.

Young men are particularly likely to have soured on sports betting’s social impact. About half of men under age 30 now say legal sports betting is a bad thing for society, up from 22% in 2022.

At the same time, young men are more likely than older adults to say they’ve bet money on sports in the past year. But 34% of people who have placed a sports bet in the past year still say legal sports betting is bad for society, up from 23% three years ago.

Most say betting should be legal for professional sports but not college

Many Americans distinguish between betting on professional and college sports, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-poll-sports-gambling-40ee6db41bf5446ebc948341116b28da" rel="nofollow">an AP-NORC poll from February</a>.

That survey shows that about 6 in 10 Americans think gambling on professional sports should be legal in their state, but only about 4 in 10 U.S. adults say the same thing about legalized wagering on college sports. More than half oppose legal betting on college sports.

<a href="https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3927" target="_blank">A Quinnipiac poll from June</a>&nbsp;found, similarly, that 60% of U.S. adults think legal betting on college sports is a bad thing, while 47% say this about legal betting on professional sports.

The Pew poll shows that awareness of sports betting has grown over the past few years – 63% say they’ve heard or read “a lot” or “a little” about the fact that sports betting is now broadly legal, up from 56% in 2022. But that hasn’t led to an uptick in support for legalization. Americans are about as likely to say betting on professional or college sports should be legal as they were in 2019, according to the AP-NORC survey.

Younger adults are more likely than older adults to have bet money on sports in the past year, according to the Pew poll, with about 3 in 10 adults under age 30 saying this, compared with only 12% of adults age 65 or older.

Black and Hispanic adults are also more likely than white or Asian adults to have placed a bet, although the gap isn’t as wide.

The AP-NORC poll found that while about 14% of U.S. adults say they “frequently” or “occasionally” place bets on college or professional sports online using betting or fantasy sports websites or apps, it’s more common in casinos. About one-quarter of U.S. adults say they have bet on sports in person at casinos at least “occasionally.”

Billups and Rozier were arrested along with more than 30 other people in two criminal cases alleging sprawling schemes to rake in millions of dollars by rigging sports bets and poker games involving Mafia families, authorities said.

Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, accused the FBI of aiming for “misplaced glory” by embarrassing the professional athlete with a perp walk, rather than allowing him to self-surrender. He previously told ESPN that Rozier met with NBA and FBI officials in 2023 and was told that an initial investigation determined he did nothing wrong, the sports network reported.

A message seeking comment was left Thursday morning with Billups.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761414715201.png" alt="Photo Kansas Star Casino" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Star Casino</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/amelia-thomson-deveaux">AMELIA THOMSON-DEVEAUX</a> Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — As legalized&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sports-betting" rel="nofollow">sports betting</a>&nbsp;expands, recent polling suggests that Americans have become increasingly critical of its role in U.S. society and sports — although they’re more tolerant of it for professional sports.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biggest-sports-betting-scandals-0098b62195eab133d4d03f143db42445" rel="nofollow">Betting scandals</a>&nbsp;have multiplied since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f3fa1f71b8f44378a7e2c51d321b13b4" rel="nofollow">a U.S. Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;in May 2018 struck down a federal law that barred sports betting in most states. That includes a wave of incidents involving athletes and officials. Most recently, dozens of people, including Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, were arrested in connection with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-heat-terry-rozier-gambling-probe-de98ecb76bb8f13b85f4c5ac62f66221" rel="nofollow">a federal investigation into sports betting and illegal gambling</a>, authorities said Thursday.In the years since the Supreme Court’s ruling, sports betting has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-sports-betting-taxes-571a3fe28a9986ff8f4a4334f71b783f" rel="nofollow">brought revenue to state governments</a>, but it’s also prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-baseball-coach-fired-bets-bohannon-0471b144a9348caa456a22cab23b9a8b" rel="nofollow">concerns about the potential for wrongdoing</a>, as well as the impact on athletes.Here’s what Americans think about the impact of legal sports betting, according to recent polling:<h2>More think legal sports betting has a negative impact on sports and society than in 2022</h2>Americans are more skeptical of legal sports betting than they were a few years ago, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/10/02/americans-increasingly-see-legal-sports-betting-as-a-bad-thing-for-society-and-sports/" target="_blank">a Pew Research Center poll</a>&nbsp;conducted over the summer. The survey found that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults say the fact that sports betting is now legal in much of the country is “a bad thing” for society and sports, up from about one-third in July 2022.Many Americans continue to say sports betting is “neither a good nor bad” thing for sports and society, while few say it’s “a good thing” for either.Young men are particularly likely to have soured on sports betting’s social impact. About half of men under age 30 now say legal sports betting is a bad thing for society, up from 22% in 2022.At the same time, young men are more likely than older adults to say they’ve bet money on sports in the past year. But 34% of people who have placed a sports bet in the past year still say legal sports betting is bad for society, up from 23% three years ago.<h2>Most say betting should be legal for professional sports but not college</h2>Many Americans distinguish between betting on professional and college sports, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-poll-sports-gambling-40ee6db41bf5446ebc948341116b28da" rel="nofollow">an AP-NORC poll from February</a>.That survey shows that about 6 in 10 Americans think gambling on professional sports should be legal in their state, but only about 4 in 10 U.S. adults say the same thing about legalized wagering on college sports. More than half oppose legal betting on college sports.<a href="https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3927" target="_blank">A Quinnipiac poll from June</a>&nbsp;found, similarly, that 60% of U.S. adults think legal betting on college sports is a bad thing, while 47% say this about legal betting on professional sports.The Pew poll shows that awareness of sports betting has grown over the past few years – 63% say they’ve heard or read “a lot” or “a little” about the fact that sports betting is now broadly legal, up from 56% in 2022. But that hasn’t led to an uptick in support for legalization. Americans are about as likely to say betting on professional or college sports should be legal as they were in 2019, according to the AP-NORC survey.<h2>Who’s betting on sports?</h2>Younger adults are more likely than older adults to have bet money on sports in the past year, according to the Pew poll, with about 3 in 10 adults under age 30 saying this, compared with only 12% of adults age 65 or older.Black and Hispanic adults are also more likely than white or Asian adults to have placed a bet, although the gap isn’t as wide.The AP-NORC poll found that while about 14% of U.S. adults say they “frequently” or “occasionally” place bets on college or professional sports online using betting or fantasy sports websites or apps, it’s more common in casinos. About one-quarter of U.S. adults say they have bet on sports in person at casinos at least “occasionally.”<h2>The latest scandal</h2>Billups and Rozier were arrested along with more than 30 other people in two criminal cases alleging sprawling schemes to rake in millions of dollars by rigging sports bets and poker games involving Mafia families, authorities said.Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, accused the FBI of aiming for “misplaced glory” by embarrassing the professional athlete with a perp walk, rather than allowing him to self-surrender. He previously told ESPN that Rozier met with NBA and FBI officials in 2023 and was told that an initial investigation determined he did nothing wrong, the sports network reported.A message seeking comment was left Thursday morning with Billups.

What Americans think about legal sports betting, according to recent polls

A Hutchinson firefighter’s vacation to Florida turned into a lifesaving moment when he jumped into action at Epcot after seeing a woman collapse in line for a ride.

Engineer Jacob Younger, assigned to Hutchinson Fire Department Station 3, was on a long-planned trip with high school friends when he noticed an older woman suddenly grab her chest, her mouth drop open, and her eyes go blank before falling to the ground.

“There were a lot of people around her, so it was hard to tell what was happening,” Younger said. “I told one of the Disney workers, and they said help was on the way. But the more I watched, it didn’t look like she was breathing. Nothing was getting better, so I went back to see if I could help.”

Trained as both a firefighter and EMT, Younger quickly realized the woman had no pulse. “That’s when I jumped in to start CPR,” he said. “I did compressions until the paramedics arrived and kept helping until the fire crew took over.”

Just this past week, Younger’s battalion chief told him that the woman had survived and walked out of the hospital — a rare outcome for an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer said, "I proud of the men and women of our department still doing what they do even when they are not on duty."&nbsp;

“The type of guy you want on your team”

Captain Calen Dunn, who works alongside Younger at Station 3, said he wasn’t surprised by his engineer’s quick response — even while off duty.

“I’ve had him since July, when we both got promoted at the same time,” Dunn said. “He’s one of those guys who’ll do anything for you — the type you always want on your team.”

Station 3, located in south Hutchinson, is one of the city’s busiest stations, handling a steady stream of medical and emergency calls. As an engineer, Younger is responsible for safely navigating the fire engine through city streets, positioning it correctly at scenes, and managing water flow during structure fires.

“It takes a lot of skill and attention to detail,” Dunn said. “He’s the one doing the math, making sure everything flows right. That same mindset carries over to medical calls — it’s all about precision and staying calm under pressure.”

Hutchinson firefighters respond to far more medical calls than fires, and all are EMT-certified. Their training allows them to provide life-saving care within minutes — often arriving before EMS.

“The fire department has more stations across town, so we’re often first on scene,” Dunn said. “Everyone on the truck can assess and start treatment. When EMS arrives, we already have vital information and can help speed things along.”

He added that most cardiac arrests aren’t witnessed and that survival rates are low. “To have someone survive like that — it’s incredible. And Jacob didn’t do it for recognition. He just did what was right.”

Younger performed three to four full rounds of compressions without stopping — a physically demanding effort that Dunn said demonstrated both training and endurance. “It’s exhausting work,” Dunn said. “But that’s what we train for. When the department later sent him a challenge coin and told him the person survived, that meant a lot. Challenge coins really mean something in the fire service.”

Both Dunn and Younger said the profession is built on service and integrity, not accolades.

“We’re here because it’s what we’re called to do,” Dunn said. “The pat on the back is nice, but that’s not why we’re here. If someone’s in it for that, they’re probably in the wrong profession.”

For Younger, the reward is simple: “You’re showing up on a stranger’s worst day and making a difference,” he said. “That’s what makes this job so rewarding.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761444656708.jpeg" alt="Enigneer Jacob Younger (Photo courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Enigneer Jacob Younger (Photo courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostA Hutchinson firefighter’s vacation to Florida turned into a lifesaving moment when he jumped into action at Epcot after seeing a woman collapse in line for a ride.Engineer Jacob Younger, assigned to Hutchinson Fire Department Station 3, was on a long-planned trip with high school friends when he noticed an older woman suddenly grab her chest, her mouth drop open, and her eyes go blank before falling to the ground.“There were a lot of people around her, so it was hard to tell what was happening,” Younger said. “I told one of the Disney workers, and they said help was on the way. But the more I watched, it didn’t look like she was breathing. Nothing was getting better, so I went back to see if I could help.”Trained as both a firefighter and EMT, Younger quickly realized the woman had no pulse. “That’s when I jumped in to start CPR,” he said. “I did compressions until the paramedics arrived and kept helping until the fire crew took over.”Just this past week, Younger’s battalion chief told him that the woman had survived and walked out of the hospital — a rare outcome for an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer said, "I proud of the men and women of our department still doing what they do even when they are not on duty."&nbsp;<h2>“The type of guy you want on your team”</h2>Captain Calen Dunn, who works alongside Younger at Station 3, said he wasn’t surprised by his engineer’s quick response — even while off duty.“I’ve had him since July, when we both got promoted at the same time,” Dunn said. “He’s one of those guys who’ll do anything for you — the type you always want on your team.”Station 3, located in south Hutchinson, is one of the city’s busiest stations, handling a steady stream of medical and emergency calls. As an engineer, Younger is responsible for safely navigating the fire engine through city streets, positioning it correctly at scenes, and managing water flow during structure fires.“It takes a lot of skill and attention to detail,” Dunn said. “He’s the one doing the math, making sure everything flows right. That same mindset carries over to medical calls — it’s all about precision and staying calm under pressure.”<h2>Training, Dedication, and Heart</h2>Hutchinson firefighters respond to far more medical calls than fires, and all are EMT-certified. Their training allows them to provide life-saving care within minutes — often arriving before EMS.“The fire department has more stations across town, so we’re often first on scene,” Dunn said. “Everyone on the truck can assess and start treatment. When EMS arrives, we already have vital information and can help speed things along.”He added that most cardiac arrests aren’t witnessed and that survival rates are low. “To have someone survive like that — it’s incredible. And Jacob didn’t do it for recognition. He just did what was right.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761445247520.jpeg" alt="Challenge coin presented to Engineer Jacob Younger-Hutch Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Challenge coin presented to Engineer Jacob Younger-Hutch Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Younger performed three to four full rounds of compressions without stopping — a physically demanding effort that Dunn said demonstrated both training and endurance. “It’s exhausting work,” Dunn said. “But that’s what we train for. When the department later sent him a challenge coin and told him the person survived, that meant a lot. Challenge coins really mean something in the fire service.”<h2>“We’re Called to Do It”</h2>Both Dunn and Younger said the profession is built on service and integrity, not accolades.“We’re here because it’s what we’re called to do,” Dunn said. “The pat on the back is nice, but that’s not why we’re here. If someone’s in it for that, they’re probably in the wrong profession.”For Younger, the reward is simple: “You’re showing up on a stranger’s worst day and making a difference,” he said. “That’s what makes this job so rewarding.”

Kansas firefighter on vacation saves woman's life

By ISABELLA VOLMERT and JOHN HANNA Associated Press

For most of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;second term, Republicans have bent to his will. But in two Midwestern states, Trump's plan to maintain control of the U.S. House in next year’s election by having Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-know-redistricting-states-voting-maps-congress-d3a30328bec161d50a7ab52ac48f23d5">redraw congressional districts</a>&nbsp;has hit a roadblock.

Despite weeks of campaigning by the White House, Republicans in Indiana and Kansas say their party doesn't have enough votes to pass new, more GOP-friendly maps. It's made the two states outliers in the rush to redistrict — places where Republican-majority legislatures are unwilling or unable to heed Trump's call and help preserve the party’s control on Capitol Hill.

Lawmakers in the two states still may be persuaded, and the White House push, which has included an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-redistricting-trump-white-house-eb176b036043caafb923fa30b8ef856d">Oval Office meeting</a>&nbsp;for Indiana lawmakers and two trips to Indianapolis by Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>, is expected to continue. But for now, it's a rare setback for the president and his efforts to maintain a compliant GOP-held Congress after the 2026 midterms.

Typically, states redraw the boundaries of their congressional districts every 10 years, based on census data. But because midterm elections typically tend to favor the party not in power, Trump is pressuring Republicans to devise new maps that favor the GOP.

Democrats only need to gain three seats to flip House control, and the fight has become a bruising back-and-forth.

With new maps of their own, multiple Democratic states are moving to counter any gains made by Republicans. The latest, Virginia, is expected to take up the issue in a special session starting Monday.

Indiana, whose House delegation has seven Republicans and two Democrats, was one of the first states on which the Trump administration focused its redistricting efforts this summer.

But a spokesperson for state Senate Leader Rodric Bray’s office said Thursday that the chamber lacks the votes to redistrict. With only 10 Democrats in the 50-member Senate, that means more than a dozen of the 40 Republicans oppose the idea.

Bray's office did not respond to multiple requests for an interview.

The holdouts may come from a few schools of thought. New political lines, if&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-gerrymandering-dummymandering-885d3af597621322b10d889fb9a81f96">poorly executed</a>, could make solidly Republican districts more competitive. Others believe it is simply wrong to stack the deck.

“We are being asked to create a new culture in which it would be normal for a political party to select new voters, not once a decade — but any time it fears the consequences of an approaching election,” state Sen. Spencer Deery, a Republican, said in a statement in August.

Deery’s office did not respond to a request for an interview and said the statement stands.

A common argument in favor of new maps is that Democratic-run states such as Massachusetts have no Republican representatives while Illinois has used redistricting for partisan advantage — a process known as gerrymandering.

“For decades, Democrat states have gerrymandered in the dark of the night,” Republican state Sen. Chris Garten said on social media. “We can no longer sit idly by as our country is stolen from us.”

Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, who would vote to break a tie in the state Senate if needed, recently called on lawmakers to forge ahead with redistricting and criticized then for not being sufficiently conservative.

“For years, it has been said accurately that the Indiana Senate is where conservative ideas from the House go to die,” Beckwith said in a social media post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643147273216.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By ISABELLA VOLMERT and JOHN HANNA Associated PressFor most of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;second term, Republicans have bent to his will. But in two Midwestern states, Trump's plan to maintain control of the U.S. House in next year’s election by having Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-know-redistricting-states-voting-maps-congress-d3a30328bec161d50a7ab52ac48f23d5">redraw congressional districts</a>&nbsp;has hit a roadblock.Despite weeks of campaigning by the White House, Republicans in Indiana and Kansas say their party doesn't have enough votes to pass new, more GOP-friendly maps. It's made the two states outliers in the rush to redistrict — places where Republican-majority legislatures are unwilling or unable to heed Trump's call and help preserve the party’s control on Capitol Hill.Lawmakers in the two states still may be persuaded, and the White House push, which has included an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-redistricting-trump-white-house-eb176b036043caafb923fa30b8ef856d">Oval Office meeting</a>&nbsp;for Indiana lawmakers and two trips to Indianapolis by Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>, is expected to continue. But for now, it's a rare setback for the president and his efforts to maintain a compliant GOP-held Congress after the 2026 midterms.Typically, states redraw the boundaries of their congressional districts every 10 years, based on census data. But because midterm elections typically tend to favor the party not in power, Trump is pressuring Republicans to devise new maps that favor the GOP.Democrats only need to gain three seats to flip House control, and the fight has become a bruising back-and-forth.With new maps of their own, multiple Democratic states are moving to counter any gains made by Republicans. The latest, Virginia, is expected to take up the issue in a special session starting Monday.<h2>Hoosier state hesitates</h2>Indiana, whose House delegation has seven Republicans and two Democrats, was one of the first states on which the Trump administration focused its redistricting efforts this summer.But a spokesperson for state Senate Leader Rodric Bray’s office said Thursday that the chamber lacks the votes to redistrict. With only 10 Democrats in the 50-member Senate, that means more than a dozen of the 40 Republicans oppose the idea.Bray's office did not respond to multiple requests for an interview.The holdouts may come from a few schools of thought. New political lines, if&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-gerrymandering-dummymandering-885d3af597621322b10d889fb9a81f96">poorly executed</a>, could make solidly Republican districts more competitive. Others believe it is simply wrong to stack the deck.“We are being asked to create a new culture in which it would be normal for a political party to select new voters, not once a decade — but any time it fears the consequences of an approaching election,” state Sen. Spencer Deery, a Republican, said in a statement in August.Deery’s office did not respond to a request for an interview and said the statement stands.A common argument in favor of new maps is that Democratic-run states such as Massachusetts have no Republican representatives while Illinois has used redistricting for partisan advantage — a process known as gerrymandering.“For decades, Democrat states have gerrymandered in the dark of the night,” Republican state Sen. Chris Garten said on social media. “We can no longer sit idly by as our country is stolen from us.”Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, who would vote to break a tie in the state Senate if needed, recently called on lawmakers to forge ahead with redistricting and criticized then for not being sufficiently conservative.“For years, it has been said accurately that the Indiana Senate is where conservative ideas from the House go to die,” Beckwith said in a social media post.Indiana is staunchly conservative, but its Republicans tend to foster a deliberate temperance.“Hoosiers, it’s very tough to to predict us, other than to say we’re very cautious," former GOP state lawmaker Mike Murphy said. “We’re not into trends.”The squeamishness reflects a certain independent streak held by voters in both states and a willingness by some to push back.Writing in The Washington Post last week, former Gov. Mitch Daniels, a Republican, urged Indiana lawmakers to resist the push to redistrict. "Someone has to lead in climbing out of the mudhole,” he said.“Hoosiers, like most Americans, place a high value on fairness and react badly to its naked violation,” he wrote.<h2>In Kansas, Republicans also struggle to find votes</h2>In Kansas, Republican legislative leaders are trying to bypass the Democratic governor and force a special session for only the second time in the state’s 164-year history. Gov. Laura Kelly opposes mid-decade redistricting and has suggested it could be unconstitutional.The Kansas Constitution allows GOP lawmakers to force a special session with a petition signed by two-thirds of both chambers — also the supermajorities needed to override Kelly's expected veto of a new map. Republicans hold four more seats than the two-thirds majority in both the state Senate and House. In either, a defection of five Republicans would sink the effort.Weeks after state Senate President Ty Masterson announced the push for a special session, GOP leaders were struggling to get the last few signatures needed.Among the holdouts is Rep. Mark Schreiber, who represents a district southwest of Topeka,. He told The Associated Press that "did not sign a petition to call a special session, and I have no plans to sign one.” Schreiber said he believes redistricting should be used only to reflect shifts in population after the once-every-10-year census.“Redistricting by either party in midcycle should not be done,” he said.Republicans would likely target U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, the Democrat representing the mostly Kansas City area 3rd Congressional District, which includes Johnson County, the state’s most populous. The suburban county accounts for more than 85% of the vote and has trended to the left since 2016.Kansas has a sizable number of moderate Republicans, and 29% of the state's 2 million voters are registered as politically unaffiliated. Both groups are prominent in Johnson County.Republican legislators previously tried to hurt Davids’ chances of reelection when redrawing the district, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-biden-legislature-c33d92d6b33fc33c524f6b78024f3700">she won</a>&nbsp;in 2022 and 2024 by more than 10 percentage points.“They tried it once and couldn’t get it done,” said Jack Shearer, an 82-year-old registered Republican from suburban Kansas City.But a mid-decade redistricting has support among some Republicans in the county. State Sen. Doug Shane, whose district includes part of the county, said he believes his constituents would be amenable to splitting it.“Splitting counties is not unprecedented and occurs in a number of congressional districts around the country,” he said in an email.__Volmert reported from Lansing, Mich., and Hanna from Topeka, Kan. Associated Press writer Heather Hollingsworth in Lenexa, Kan., contributed to this report.