SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating the cause of a deadly fire in Topeka that killed 34-year-old Daron Weather have determined the fire was intentionally set.

Just before 5:30a.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;firefighters from the Topeka Fire Department responded to a house fire at 435 SE California Avenue, according to Fire Marshal&nbsp;Alan Stahl.

 Upon arrival, crews found a single story house with smoke and flames. Crews extinguished the fire and during a search of the home they found the body of Weather who was deceased.&nbsp;

The cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary&nbsp; and&nbsp;Topeka Fire is not seeking any suspects in this case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740798705939.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating the cause of a deadly fire in Topeka that killed 34-year-old Daron Weather have determined the fire was intentionally set.Just before 5:30a.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;firefighters from the Topeka Fire Department responded to a house fire at 435 SE California Avenue, according to Fire Marshal&nbsp;Alan Stahl. Upon arrival, crews found a single story house with smoke and flames. Crews extinguished the fire and during a search of the home they found the body of Weather who was deceased.&nbsp;The cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary&nbsp; and&nbsp;Topeka Fire is not seeking any suspects in this case.

Fire Marshal: Kansas man died in house fire he started

WASHINGTON (AP) — Key Republicans and Democrats in Congress have been stalwart supporters of Ukrainian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">the blowup between</a>&nbsp;the Ukrainian leader and President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is threatening to change that.

Zelenskyy had traveled to Washington to sign a deal that would give the U.S. access to its mineral riches as Trump attempts to pressure Ukraine into a deal to end the war with Russia. Although&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-trump-invasion-anniversary-38c34838d64dc9620578ac37934f8d72">support for Ukraine has waned</a>&nbsp;among GOP congressional members in the three years since Russia invaded, key Republicans hoped the deal would revive American support for Kyiv.

Instead, the fallout from a heated Oval Office exchange between Trump, Zelenskyy and Vice President JD Vance has many Republicans — even those who previously backed Ukraine — scolding Zelenskyy. For other GOP lawmakers who have long criticized U.S. support for Ukraine, the exchange was an opportunity to laud Trump for berating Ukraine's leader. And for Democrats, it was proof that Trump is playing into the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Here's what congressional lawmakers are saying as the future of Ukraine hangs in the balance:

Republicans who have supported Ukraine in the past

Graham called the meeting a “complete, utter disaster” and said he’s “never been more proud” of Trump.

“What I saw in the Oval office was disrespectful and I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again."

“Thank you @POTUS for standing up for America in a way that no President has ever had the courage to do before. Thank you for putting America First. America is with you!”

“The death and destruction of the Russian-provoked war needs to stop immediately, and only our American President can put these two countries on a path to lasting peace. President Zelenskyy needed to acknowledge that, and accept the extraordinary mineral rights partnership proposal that President Trump put on the table. What we witnessed in the Oval Office today was an American President putting America first.”

“A bad day for America’s foreign policy. Ukraine wants independence, free markets and rule of law. It wants to be part of the West. Russia hates us and our Western values. We should be clear that we stand for freedom.”

“Diplomacy is tough and often times there are serious differences of opinion and heated exchanges behind closed doors. Having this spill out into public view was a disaster — especially for Ukraine.”

“It was heartbreaking to witness the turn of events that transpired in today's meeting regarding Ukraine's future. It is time to put understandable emotions aside and come back to the negotiation table.”

Republicans who are opposed to Ukraine aid

“Remember: the U.S. Senate has repeatedly and for years voted BILLIONS of taxpayer dollars to Ukraine with no strings attached and with no true oversight. It’s time for some ACCOUNTABILITY."

“Thank you for standing up for OUR COUNTRY and putting America first, President Trump and Vice President Vance!”

"Dictator Zelensky had the audacity to disrespect President @realDonaldTrump and VP @JDVance during what should have been a friendly meeting, and @POTUS rightfully showed him the door. This is the leadership America has craved for four years."

Democrats, who as a party overwhelmingly support Ukraine

SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER CHUCK SCHUMER, New York:

“Trump and Vance are doing Putin’s dirty work. Senate Democrats will never stop fighting for freedom and democracy.”

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES, New York:

“Today’s White House meeting with the President of Ukraine was appalling and will only serve to further embolden Vladimir Putin, a brutal dictator. The United States must not reward Russian aggression and continue to appease Putin.”

“My strong and passionate hope is that the talks can be resumed or restored, and this event won’t derail continued support."

“I have very strong hopes that the coalition we have in Congress — and it is a very strong bipartisan coalition — will be persuasive to the administration and others that we have a long-term national security interest in Ukraine prevailing over Putin’s brazen aggression.”

“Answer to Vance: Zelenskyy has thanked our country over and over again both privately and publicly. And our country thanks HIM and the Ukrainian patriots who have stood up to a dictator, buried their own &amp; stopped Putin from marching right into the rest of Europe. Shame on you.”

“It was a planned ambush designed to embarrass President Zelenskyy in order to benefit Vladimir Putin. That was an embarrassment. That was an abomination. What you watched was American power being destroyed in the world as everybody watches President Trump become a lapdog for a brutal dictator in Moscow.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740765178266.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Key Republicans and Democrats in Congress have been stalwart supporters of Ukrainian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">the blowup between</a>&nbsp;the Ukrainian leader and President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is threatening to change that.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;This is going to be great television.&quot; -- Trump <a href="https://t.co/juGBNgzwSW">pic.twitter.com/juGBNgzwSW</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1895550381536731160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: Full Meeting between President Trump, Vice President Vance and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Oval Office. <a href="https://t.co/Xf6cyErem7">pic.twitter.com/Xf6cyErem7</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1895602226472550410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Zelenskyy had traveled to Washington to sign a deal that would give the U.S. access to its mineral riches as Trump attempts to pressure Ukraine into a deal to end the war with Russia. Although&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-trump-invasion-anniversary-38c34838d64dc9620578ac37934f8d72">support for Ukraine has waned</a>&nbsp;among GOP congressional members in the three years since Russia invaded, key Republicans hoped the deal would revive American support for Kyiv.Instead, the fallout from a heated Oval Office exchange between Trump, Zelenskyy and Vice President JD Vance has many Republicans — even those who previously backed Ukraine — scolding Zelenskyy. For other GOP lawmakers who have long criticized U.S. support for Ukraine, the exchange was an opportunity to laud Trump for berating Ukraine's leader. And for Democrats, it was proof that Trump is playing into the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin.Here's what congressional lawmakers are saying as the future of Ukraine hangs in the balance:<h2>Republicans who have supported Ukraine in the past</h2>SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM, South Carolina:Graham called the meeting a “complete, utter disaster” and said he’s “never been more proud” of Trump.“What I saw in the Oval office was disrespectful and I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again."SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO:“Thank you @POTUS for standing up for America in a way that no President has ever had the courage to do before. Thank you for putting America First. America is with you!”HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON, Louisiana:“The death and destruction of the Russian-provoked war needs to stop immediately, and only our American President can put these two countries on a path to lasting peace. President Zelenskyy needed to acknowledge that, and accept the extraordinary mineral rights partnership proposal that President Trump put on the table. What we witnessed in the Oval Office today was an American President putting America first.”REP. DON BACON, Nebraska:“A bad day for America’s foreign policy. Ukraine wants independence, free markets and rule of law. It wants to be part of the West. Russia hates us and our Western values. We should be clear that we stand for freedom.”REP. MIKE LAWLER, New York:“Diplomacy is tough and often times there are serious differences of opinion and heated exchanges behind closed doors. Having this spill out into public view was a disaster — especially for Ukraine.”REP. BRIAN FITZPATRICK, Pennsylvania:“It was heartbreaking to witness the turn of events that transpired in today's meeting regarding Ukraine's future. It is time to put understandable emotions aside and come back to the negotiation table.”<h2>Republicans who are opposed to Ukraine aid</h2>SEN. JOSH HAWLEY, Missouri:“Remember: the U.S. Senate has repeatedly and for years voted BILLIONS of taxpayer dollars to Ukraine with no strings attached and with no true oversight. It’s time for some ACCOUNTABILITY."SEN. MIKE LEE, Utah:“Thank you for standing up for OUR COUNTRY and putting America first, President Trump and Vice President Vance!”SEN. ROGER MARSHALL, Kansas:“Not another penny.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Not another penny. <a href="https://t.co/OCd0rebiu5">https://t.co/OCd0rebiu5</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1895530607616356657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>REP. ANDY BIGGS, Arizona:"Dictator Zelensky had the audacity to disrespect President @realDonaldTrump and VP @JDVance during what should have been a friendly meeting, and @POTUS rightfully showed him the door. This is the leadership America has craved for four years."<h2>Democrats, who as a party overwhelmingly support Ukraine</h2>SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER CHUCK SCHUMER, New York:“Trump and Vance are doing Putin’s dirty work. Senate Democrats will never stop fighting for freedom and democracy.”HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES, New York:“Today’s White House meeting with the President of Ukraine was appalling and will only serve to further embolden Vladimir Putin, a brutal dictator. The United States must not reward Russian aggression and continue to appease Putin.”SEN. RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut:“My strong and passionate hope is that the talks can be resumed or restored, and this event won’t derail continued support."“I have very strong hopes that the coalition we have in Congress — and it is a very strong bipartisan coalition — will be persuasive to the administration and others that we have a long-term national security interest in Ukraine prevailing over Putin’s brazen aggression.”SEN. AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota:“Answer to Vance: Zelenskyy has thanked our country over and over again both privately and publicly. And our country thanks HIM and the Ukrainian patriots who have stood up to a dictator, buried their own &amp; stopped Putin from marching right into the rest of Europe. Shame on you.”SEN. CHRIS MURPHY, Connecticut:“It was a planned ambush designed to embarrass President Zelenskyy in order to benefit Vladimir Putin. That was an embarrassment. That was an abomination. What you watched was American power being destroyed in the world as everybody watches President Trump become a lapdog for a brutal dictator in Moscow.”

🎥What lawmakers are saying about clash between Trump and Zelenskyy

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced U.S. Senator Jerry Moran will serve as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation.

“The subcommittee will work on legislation to advance policies that put safety first while bolstering innovation and efficiency,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Recent tragedies demonstrate that our nation’s aviation system is facing a critical inflection point, and as Chairman, I will work to make certain air travel remains the safest method of transportation. I also look forward to supporting our nation’s rapidly evolving commercial space sector by advancing policies which promote the industry’s growth and capabilities.

Kansas is home to the Air Capital of the World, and my work on this subcommittee will be informed by the global aviation and aerospace companies that call our state home and the small businesses that fill critical links in our supply chains.”The Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation has jurisdiction over the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the civil aviation and space policy functions of the Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce and National Space Council within the Executive Office of the President.Chairman Moran’s Priorities for the 119th Congress:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740755212461.jpeg" alt="File image -Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran during confirmation hearing for Sean Duffy to lead the Dept. of Transportation" />
 <figcaption>File image -Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran during confirmation hearing for Sean Duffy to lead the Dept. of Transportation</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced U.S. Senator Jerry Moran will serve as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation.“The subcommittee will work on legislation to advance policies that put safety first while bolstering innovation and efficiency,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Recent tragedies demonstrate that our nation’s aviation system is facing a critical inflection point, and as Chairman, I will work to make certain air travel remains the safest method of transportation. I also look forward to supporting our nation’s rapidly evolving commercial space sector by advancing policies which promote the industry’s growth and capabilities. Kansas is home to the Air Capital of the World, and my work on this subcommittee will be informed by the global aviation and aerospace companies that call our state home and the small businesses that fill critical links in our supply chains.”The Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation has jurisdiction over the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the civil aviation and space policy functions of the Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce and National Space Council within the Executive Office of the President.Chairman Moran’s Priorities for the 119th Congress:<ul>
 <li>Aviation Safety:&nbsp;Investigating recent aviation accidents and subsequent safety reports to make certain our nation’s aviation safety regulators are equipped and able to effectively manage our air travel equipment and systems.</li><li>Oversight:&nbsp;Ensuring the proper implementation the&nbsp;FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which Sen. Moran helped draft and unanimously pass in both chambers of Congress, to address the current and future demands of the aviation industry.</li><li>Space Exploration:&nbsp;Supporting critical NASA programs, including the Artemis campaign, and prioritizing STEM education to equip the next generation to further our nation’s space goals.</li><li>Commercial Space Growth:&nbsp;Enabling growth in the commercial space sector, which is already supporting critical national security missions and bolstering the U.S. in our space race against China and other adversaries. &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Sen. Moran to chair important Senate Commerce Subcommittee 

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating an AT&amp;T employee in Salina in connection with an elaborate theft, fraud scheme.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Feb. 20, AT&amp;T corporate investigators contacted authorities in Salina regarding possible employee theft at the store, 2596 S. Ninth Street in Salina, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

 The investigation determined that 30-year-old Brandon L. Campbell, an employee, had allegedly engaged in fraudulent transactions between March 1, 2023, and Feb. 11, 2025.

According to Feldman, Campbell would purchase phones online, bring them to the store, and use another employee’s login credentials to manipulate trade-in values, inflating the amount higher than it should be. He would then allegedly take credit or cash for the price difference.

On Feb. 27, Campbell was taken into custody and booked into the Saline County Jail. He faces charges including one count of felony theft, 31 counts of making a false writing, and unlawful acts concerning computers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740756960405.png" alt="Campbell photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Campbell photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating an AT&amp;T employee in Salina in connection with an elaborate theft, fraud scheme.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Feb. 20, AT&amp;T corporate investigators contacted authorities in Salina regarding possible employee theft at the store, 2596 S. Ninth Street in Salina, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. The investigation determined that 30-year-old Brandon L. Campbell, an employee, had allegedly engaged in fraudulent transactions between March 1, 2023, and Feb. 11, 2025.According to Feldman, Campbell would purchase phones online, bring them to the store, and use another employee’s login credentials to manipulate trade-in values, inflating the amount higher than it should be. He would then allegedly take credit or cash for the price difference.On Feb. 27, Campbell was taken into custody and booked into the Saline County Jail. He faces charges including one count of felony theft, 31 counts of making a false writing, and unlawful acts concerning computers.

Kan. cell phone store employee accused in theft, fraud scheme

WICHITA—The Sedgwick County Sheriff's office is investigating an altercation that injured a detention deputy at the Sedgwick County jail.

At approximately 11:00 a.m. Friday a fight involving two inmates broke out in a pod of the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility, according to Sheriff's Dept. spokesman Branden Stitt. The altercation included the use of an improvised weapon.

Detention deputies responded to the scene and intervened to break up the fight. During the response, a third inmate struck a deputy in the head, causing the deputy to lose consciousness for a short time. The injured deputy was transported by Sedgwick County EMS to a local hospital with serious injuries but is expected to recover.

One of the involved inmates was also taken to a local hospital for the removal of a taser probe.

Detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident to ensure accountability and safety within the facility.

WICHITA—The Sedgwick County Sheriff's office is investigating an altercation that injured a detention deputy at the Sedgwick County jail.At approximately 11:00 a.m. Friday a fight involving two inmates broke out in a pod of the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility, according to Sheriff's Dept. spokesman Branden Stitt. The altercation included the use of an improvised weapon.Detention deputies responded to the scene and intervened to break up the fight. During the response, a third inmate struck a deputy in the head, causing the deputy to lose consciousness for a short time. The injured deputy was transported by Sedgwick County EMS to a local hospital with serious injuries but is expected to recover.One of the involved inmates was also taken to a local hospital for the removal of a taser probe.Detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident to ensure accountability and safety within the facility.

Kan. jail deputy injured attempting to break up inmate fight

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Preliminary autopsy results didn’t determine how Oscar-winner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gene-hackman">Gene Hackman</a>&nbsp;and his wife died at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, but did rule out that they were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning, the sheriff leading the investigation said Friday.

The condition of the bodies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-found-dead-f6c106e92987aeaaab7b35c1b956a5c8">found Wednesday</a>&nbsp;indicated the deaths occurred at least several days earlier and there was no sign of foul play.

At a news conference, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said the initial examination by the medical examiner showed no sign of carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas produced from kitchen appliances and other fuel-burning items. When it collects in poorly ventilated homes, it can be fatal.

Mendoza also said an examination of the 95-year-old Hackman’s pacemaker showed it stopped working on Feb. 17, which means he may have died nine days earlier.

Hackman’s body was found in an entryway. The body of his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/betsy-arakawa-obit-gene-hackman-f7813a04c0313f6eaf73828ec54bd298">Betsy Arakawa</a>, 65, was in a bathroom. She was on her side and a space heater was near her head. Investigators said the heater likely was pulled down when she fell. There also was an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on a countertop.

Whether the pills or other drugs were a factor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-death-things-to-know-daa7e41aca0bb85af3af5b1b358df22e">won’t be known</a>&nbsp;until toxicology tests are completed in the coming weeks.

Dr. Philip Keen, the retired chief medical examiner in Maricopa County, Arizona, said it would be unlikely for a person who tests negative for carbon monoxide initially to later be found to have been poisoned by it.

He also said the moment when a pacemaker stops working could mark the point when a person dies, but not always.

“If your heart required a pacemaker, there would certainly be an interruption at that point — and it might be the hallmark of when the death occurred,” Keen said. “But it’s not necessarily because some people get a pacemaker to augment things, not necessarily replace things.”

Investigators planned to comb through the couple’s phones and monthly planners and reach out to family members, neighbors and workers from the gated community to figure out the last time anyone saw or spoke to Hackman or Arakawa.

The couple was a “very private family,” Mendoza said, making it challenging to piece together a timeline.

Authorities do not believe the home had any surveillance cameras, he said.

Authorities who later searched the home retrieved medication that treats high blood pressure and chest pain, thyroid medication, Tylenol, and records from medical diagnostics testing, court records filed Friday showed.

Detectives wrote in a search warrant affidavit that investigators thought the deaths were “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”

No gas leaks were discovered in or around the home.

A maintenance worker who showed up to do routine work at the house could not get inside and called a security worker who spotted two people on the ground, Mendoza said.

The worker called 911 and told an operator he did not know if they were breathing.

“I have no idea,” the subdivision’s caretaker said on the call. “I am not inside the house. It’s closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in. But I can see she’s laying down on the floor from the window.”

He and another worker later told authorities that they rarely saw the homeowners and that their last contact with them had been about two weeks ago.

Hackman was among the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-obituary-dies-a76fbe0cd6594393acaeea1c2710706d">most accomplished actors</a>&nbsp;of his generation, appearing as villains, heroes and antiheroes in dozens of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-notable-film-roles-1890bba6ab8e42029365f98dd5715c3a">dramas, comedies and action films</a>&nbsp;from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.

He was a five-time Oscar nominee who won best actor in a leading role for “The French Connection” in 1972 and best actor in a supporting role for “Unforgiven” two decades later. He also won praise for his role as a coach finding redemption in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-sports-hoosiers-7bcee7d0694f1daee94057ac7ec33430">sentimental favorite “Hoosiers.”</a>

He met Arakawa, a classically trained pianist, at a California gym in the mid-1980s. They moved to Santa Fe by the end of the decade. Their Pueblo revival home sits on a hill in a gated community with views of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

In his first couple of decades in New Mexico, Hackman was often seen around the state capital and served on the board of trustees for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum from 1997 to 2004.

Aside from appearances at awards shows, Hackman was rarely seen in the Hollywood social circuit in recent years.

Hackman had three children from a previous marriage. He and Arakawa had no children but were known for having German shepherds.

Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio and Billeaud reported from Phoenix. Associated Press writers Felicia Fonseca in Flagstaff, Arizona; and Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon, co

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740789743372.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Preliminary autopsy results didn’t determine how Oscar-winner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gene-hackman">Gene Hackman</a>&nbsp;and his wife died at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, but did rule out that they were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning, the sheriff leading the investigation said Friday.The condition of the bodies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-found-dead-f6c106e92987aeaaab7b35c1b956a5c8">found Wednesday</a>&nbsp;indicated the deaths occurred at least several days earlier and there was no sign of foul play.At a news conference, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said the initial examination by the medical examiner showed no sign of carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas produced from kitchen appliances and other fuel-burning items. When it collects in poorly ventilated homes, it can be fatal.Mendoza also said an examination of the 95-year-old Hackman’s pacemaker showed it stopped working on Feb. 17, which means he may have died nine days earlier.Hackman’s body was found in an entryway. The body of his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/betsy-arakawa-obit-gene-hackman-f7813a04c0313f6eaf73828ec54bd298">Betsy Arakawa</a>, 65, was in a bathroom. She was on her side and a space heater was near her head. Investigators said the heater likely was pulled down when she fell. There also was an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on a countertop.Whether the pills or other drugs were a factor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-death-things-to-know-daa7e41aca0bb85af3af5b1b358df22e">won’t be known</a>&nbsp;until toxicology tests are completed in the coming weeks.Dr. Philip Keen, the retired chief medical examiner in Maricopa County, Arizona, said it would be unlikely for a person who tests negative for carbon monoxide initially to later be found to have been poisoned by it.He also said the moment when a pacemaker stops working could mark the point when a person dies, but not always.“If your heart required a pacemaker, there would certainly be an interruption at that point — and it might be the hallmark of when the death occurred,” Keen said. “But it’s not necessarily because some people get a pacemaker to augment things, not necessarily replace things.”Investigators planned to comb through the couple’s phones and monthly planners and reach out to family members, neighbors and workers from the gated community to figure out the last time anyone saw or spoke to Hackman or Arakawa.The couple was a “very private family,” Mendoza said, making it challenging to piece together a timeline.Authorities do not believe the home had any surveillance cameras, he said.Authorities who later searched the home retrieved medication that treats high blood pressure and chest pain, thyroid medication, Tylenol, and records from medical diagnostics testing, court records filed Friday showed.Detectives wrote in a search warrant affidavit that investigators thought the deaths were “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”No gas leaks were discovered in or around the home.A maintenance worker who showed up to do routine work at the house could not get inside and called a security worker who spotted two people on the ground, Mendoza said.The worker called 911 and told an operator he did not know if they were breathing.“I have no idea,” the subdivision’s caretaker said on the call. “I am not inside the house. It’s closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in. But I can see she’s laying down on the floor from the window.”He and another worker later told authorities that they rarely saw the homeowners and that their last contact with them had been about two weeks ago.Hackman was among the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-obituary-dies-a76fbe0cd6594393acaeea1c2710706d">most accomplished actors</a>&nbsp;of his generation, appearing as villains, heroes and antiheroes in dozens of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-notable-film-roles-1890bba6ab8e42029365f98dd5715c3a">dramas, comedies and action films</a>&nbsp;from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.He was a five-time Oscar nominee who won best actor in a leading role for “The French Connection” in 1972 and best actor in a supporting role for “Unforgiven” two decades later. He also won praise for his role as a coach finding redemption in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-sports-hoosiers-7bcee7d0694f1daee94057ac7ec33430">sentimental favorite “Hoosiers.”</a>He met Arakawa, a classically trained pianist, at a California gym in the mid-1980s. They moved to Santa Fe by the end of the decade. Their Pueblo revival home sits on a hill in a gated community with views of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.In his first couple of decades in New Mexico, Hackman was often seen around the state capital and served on the board of trustees for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum from 1997 to 2004.Aside from appearances at awards shows, Hackman was rarely seen in the Hollywood social circuit in recent years.Hackman had three children from a previous marriage. He and Arakawa had no children but were known for having German shepherds.___Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio and Billeaud reported from Phoenix. Associated Press writers Felicia Fonseca in Flagstaff, Arizona; and Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon, co

Preliminary autopsy on death of Gene Hackman and his wife

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit, despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding.

On Thursday, Kansas Highway Patrol posted a photo taken by Trooper Ely on patrol on Interstate 70 in Saline County.

The patrol did not report whether the trooper gave the driver a warning or a ticket with a significant fine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740777188831.png" alt="-Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>-Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit, despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding.On Thursday, Kansas Highway Patrol posted a photo taken by Trooper Ely on patrol on Interstate 70 in Saline County.The patrol did not report whether the trooper gave the driver a warning or a ticket with a significant fine.

Driver caught traveling 111mph on Interstate 70

WASHINGTON (AP) —President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Friday he wants an “immediate” ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and warned Ukrainian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;to make peace or lose American support.

Trump says he believes Russian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin">Vladimir Putin</a>, who launched the invasion of Ukraine three years ago, is ready for a peace deal.

The statement comes after Trump and Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;berated Zelenskyy for being “disrespectful” in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-vance-transcript-oval-office-80685f5727628c64065da81525f8f0cf">an extraordinary Oval Office meeting</a>, then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">abruptly called off the signing of a minerals deal</a>&nbsp;with the U.S.

Zelenskyy says Ukrainians distrust Putin, won’t discuss peace without security guarantees

Zelenskyy says Ukraine won’t enter peace talks with Russia until it has security guarantees against another offensive.

Responding to Trump’s claim that Zelenskyy isn’t interested in peace, the Ukrainian leader told Fox News host Brett Baier that nobody wants to finish the war more than Ukrainians. But even if he gave an order to stop fighting, Zelenskyy said, “nobody will just stop” because everyone is afraid “Putin will come back tomorrow.”

“We want just and lasting peace,” Zelenskyy said.

WASHINGTON (AP) —President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Friday he wants an “immediate” ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and warned Ukrainian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;to make peace or lose American support.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump answers questions on meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. &quot;Either we&#39;re going to end it or let him fight it out. If he fights it out, it&#39;s not going to be pretty because without us he doesn&#39;t win.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/yEiUkLpjVP">pic.twitter.com/yEiUkLpjVP</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1895607910765343121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump departs White House en route to Florida: &quot;We had a meeting today as you know with President Zelenskyy...it didn&#39;t work out exactly great from his standpoint. He very much overplayed his hand. We&#39;re looking for peace...we&#39;re not looking to go into a 10 year war.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/VH0naCJ1FZ">pic.twitter.com/VH0naCJ1FZ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1895606344733827305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump says he believes Russian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin">Vladimir Putin</a>, who launched the invasion of Ukraine three years ago, is ready for a peace deal.The statement comes after Trump and Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;berated Zelenskyy for being “disrespectful” in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-vance-transcript-oval-office-80685f5727628c64065da81525f8f0cf">an extraordinary Oval Office meeting</a>, then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">abruptly called off the signing of a minerals deal</a>&nbsp;with the U.S.<h2>Zelenskyy says Ukrainians distrust Putin, won’t discuss peace without security guarantees</h2>Zelenskyy says Ukraine won’t enter peace talks with Russia until it has security guarantees against another offensive.Responding to Trump’s claim that Zelenskyy isn’t interested in peace, the Ukrainian leader told Fox News host Brett Baier that nobody wants to finish the war more than Ukrainians. But even if he gave an order to stop fighting, Zelenskyy said, “nobody will just stop” because everyone is afraid “Putin will come back tomorrow.”“We want just and lasting peace,” Zelenskyy said.

🎥Trump calls for ‘ceasefire now’ between Russia and Ukraine

KANSAS CITY —The suspect in two Platte County, Missouri homicides that occurred late Thursday night, as well as an Amber Alert, is believed to have also committed a number of felonies overnight in Kansas City, Kansas.

Just before midnight on Thursday, Kansas City, Kansas police dispatch received a 911 call reporting a shooting inside a bar at 2724 N. 13th Street, according to a media release.&nbsp; When officers arrived, they confirmed a non-injury aggravated assault had occurred.&nbsp; Witness reported the suspect, who matched the description of George C. Manning, the suspect in two Platte County, Missouri homicides earlier Thursday evening, had fled the scene on foot.

 Minutes later, just a few blocks away, a carjacking was reported near N. 11th and Rowland Avenue.

 Again, that suspect matched the description of Platte County suspect, George C. Manning. Officers canvassing the area found that vehicle wrecked a short time later. Then at approximately 5:57a.m., a caller to 911 reported that a man had just stolen his unoccupied, light blue Hyundai Accent, outside a convenience store at 1313 Quindaro Blvd. 

Once again, that suspect matched the description of George C. Manning.• That vehicle then left Kansas City, Kansas at 6:07a.m.The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that at approximately 7:30 AM, Manning was killed in Riverside, Missouri, in a police-involved shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740778477775.png" alt="Manning -photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Manning -photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The suspect in two Platte County, Missouri homicides that occurred late Thursday night, as well as an Amber Alert, is believed to have also committed a number of felonies overnight in Kansas City, Kansas.Just before midnight on Thursday, Kansas City, Kansas police dispatch received a 911 call reporting a shooting inside a bar at 2724 N. 13th Street, according to a media release.&nbsp; When officers arrived, they confirmed a non-injury aggravated assault had occurred.&nbsp; Witness reported the suspect, who matched the description of George C. Manning, the suspect in two Platte County, Missouri homicides earlier Thursday evening, had fled the scene on foot. Minutes later, just a few blocks away, a carjacking was reported near N. 11th and Rowland Avenue. Again, that suspect matched the description of Platte County suspect, George C. Manning. Officers canvassing the area found that vehicle wrecked a short time later. Then at approximately 5:57a.m., a caller to 911 reported that a man had just stolen his unoccupied, light blue Hyundai Accent, outside a convenience store at 1313 Quindaro Blvd. Once again, that suspect matched the description of George C. Manning.• That vehicle then left Kansas City, Kansas at 6:07a.m.The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that at approximately 7:30 AM, Manning was killed in Riverside, Missouri, in a police-involved shooting.

Police kill suspect wanted for KC double-murder, Amber Alert

DALLAS (AP) — The number of people with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles</a>&nbsp;in Texas increased to 146 in an outbreak that led this week to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">death of an unvaccinated school-aged child</a>, health officials said Friday.

The number of cases — Texas’ largest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mmr-vaccine-homeschooling-b29d08d53cf26704968e8c00dfa712ba">nearly 30 years</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">increased by 22</a>&nbsp;since Tuesday. The Texas Department of State Health Services said cases span over nine counties in Texas, including almost 100 in Gaines County, and 20 patients have been hospitalized.

The child who died Tuesday night in the outbreak is the first U.S. death from the highly contagious but preventable respiratory disease since 2015, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The child was treated at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, though the facility said the patient didn’t live in Lubbock County.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s top health official and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccine-trump-science-autism-9b99621b01f11b7f0bdc81e5a0b82d2b">a vaccine critic,</a>&nbsp;said this week that the U.S. Department of the Health and Human Services was watching cases but dismissed the outbreak as “not unusual.”

The virus has largely spread through rural, oil rig-dotted West Texas, with cases concentrated in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-vaccinations-mennonites-4880035d6fd53cc029b531f5adda95ad">“close-knit, undervaccinated” Mennonite community</a>, state health department spokesperson Lara Anton has said.

Gaines County has a strong homeschooling and private school community. It is also home to one of the highest rates of school-aged children in Texas who have opted out of at least one required vaccine, with nearly 14% skipping a required dose last school year.

Texas law allows children to get an exemption from school vaccines for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs. Anton has said the number of unvaccinated kids in Gaines County is likely significantly higher because homeschooled children's data would not be reported.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing infection and severe cases. The first shot is recommended for children ages 12 to 15 months, and the second for ages 4 to 6 years. Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.

Vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic, and most states are below the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccinations-kindergarten-exemptions-cdc-1c0f9a196a70491fccf48b9125090de0">95% vaccination threshold for kindergartners</a>&nbsp;— the level needed to protect communities against measles outbreaks.

The U.S. had considered measles, a respiratory virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours, eliminated in 2000, which meant there had been a halt in continuous spread of the disease for at least a year. Measles cases rose in 2024, including a Chicago outbreak that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-chicago-migrant-shelter-cdc-e58517c830f73e42266d45d45983c12b">sickened more than 60</a>.

Eastern New Mexico has nine cases of measles currently, but the state health department said there is no connection to the outbreak in West Texas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740774393942.png" alt="Image Texas Dept. of Health" />
 <figcaption>Image Texas Dept. of Health</figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) — The number of people with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles</a>&nbsp;in Texas increased to 146 in an outbreak that led this week to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">death of an unvaccinated school-aged child</a>, health officials said Friday.The number of cases — Texas’ largest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mmr-vaccine-homeschooling-b29d08d53cf26704968e8c00dfa712ba">nearly 30 years</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">increased by 22</a>&nbsp;since Tuesday. The Texas Department of State Health Services said cases span over nine counties in Texas, including almost 100 in Gaines County, and 20 patients have been hospitalized.The child who died Tuesday night in the outbreak is the first U.S. death from the highly contagious but preventable respiratory disease since 2015, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The child was treated at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, though the facility said the patient didn’t live in Lubbock County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740584009532.png" alt="A sign warning of measles is posted on a glass door as a patient checks in for an appointment in the family medicine wing of at the Texas Tech Physicians of the Permian Basin Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Odessa, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)" />
 <figcaption>A sign warning of measles is posted on a glass door as a patient checks in for an appointment in the family medicine wing of at the Texas Tech Physicians of the Permian Basin Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Odessa, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s top health official and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccine-trump-science-autism-9b99621b01f11b7f0bdc81e5a0b82d2b">a vaccine critic,</a>&nbsp;said this week that the U.S. Department of the Health and Human Services was watching cases but dismissed the outbreak as “not unusual.”The virus has largely spread through rural, oil rig-dotted West Texas, with cases concentrated in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-vaccinations-mennonites-4880035d6fd53cc029b531f5adda95ad">“close-knit, undervaccinated” Mennonite community</a>, state health department spokesperson Lara Anton has said.Gaines County has a strong homeschooling and private school community. It is also home to one of the highest rates of school-aged children in Texas who have opted out of at least one required vaccine, with nearly 14% skipping a required dose last school year.Texas law allows children to get an exemption from school vaccines for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs. Anton has said the number of unvaccinated kids in Gaines County is likely significantly higher because homeschooled children's data would not be reported.The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing infection and severe cases. The first shot is recommended for children ages 12 to 15 months, and the second for ages 4 to 6 years. Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.Vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic, and most states are below the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccinations-kindergarten-exemptions-cdc-1c0f9a196a70491fccf48b9125090de0">95% vaccination threshold for kindergartners</a>&nbsp;— the level needed to protect communities against measles outbreaks.The U.S. had considered measles, a respiratory virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours, eliminated in 2000, which meant there had been a halt in continuous spread of the disease for at least a year. Measles cases rose in 2024, including a Chicago outbreak that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-chicago-migrant-shelter-cdc-e58517c830f73e42266d45d45983c12b">sickened more than 60</a>.Eastern New Mexico has nine cases of measles currently, but the state health department said there is no connection to the outbreak in West Texas.

Number of Texas measles cases grows in outbreak that led to a child's death

WASHINGTON (AP) —President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">cut short talks</a>&nbsp;with Ukrainian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;after he and and Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;berated the Ukraine’s leader in the Oval Office on Friday.

The breakdown of negotiations come at a pivotal and precarious moment for Ukraine as Zelenskyy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">sought security guarantees</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. and Trump’s administration seeks to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.

President Trump and Vice President Vance berated Zelenskyy as Ukraine’s leader sought security guarantees as the U.S. tries to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. 

Trump told Zelenskyy he was being disrespectful as Zelenskky was pushing for U.S. security commitments to keep his country safe from further Russian aggression.

Zelenskyy told Trump that promises of peace from Vladimir Putin can’t be trusted, noting the Russian leader’s history of broken promises. Trump said Putin hasn’t broken agreements with him.

“You’ve got to be more thankful,” Trump told Zelenskyy. He said the Ukrainian leader is “gambling with World War III.”

Trump chided Zelenskyy after Vice President JD Vance, one of the administration’s most skeptical voices on Ukraine, said Zelenskyy was being disrespectful for debating Trump in the Oval Office in front of the American media.

“Have you said ‘thank you’ once?” Vance asked Zelenskyy.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump repeated that Zelenskyy was “disrespectful.”

“I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations,” Trump wrote. “I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE.”

“He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” he added.

Zelenskyy had been scheduled to have lunch with Trump and both leaders were going to sign a minerals deal during a joint news conference. Instead, Zelenskyy’s armored SUV abruptly pulled up to the door of the West Wing moments after Trump’s post.

Zelenskyy walked briskly to his armored vehicle and quickly climbed in, escorted by a protocol officer who saw him off.

A planned news conference and ceremony to sign a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal were canceled.

Meanwhile, the White House says it mistakenly let a reporter from the Russian news agency Tass into the Oval Office as Trump was meeting with Zelenskyy.

TASS was not on the approved media list, according to the White House, and when the press office learned the reporter was in the Oval Office, he was escorted out by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Regional officials in Ukraine express support for Zelenskyy

Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv region which borders Russia, praised President Zelenskyy after his tense exchange with Trump and Vance in the Oval Office.

“Our leader, despite the pressure, stands firm in defending the interests of Ukraine and Ukrainians,” Syniehubov said.

From the Donetsk region, which has seen the most intense fighting, regional head Vadym Filashkin said victory for Ukraine was “victory for all democracies and the entire civilized world.”

And regional head Oleksandr Prokudin from the the southern Kherson region, which was mostly occupied in 2022 and then partially liberated by Ukrainian forces, acknowledged the support from other European nations, adding that three years of war had hardened Ukrainians.

“We know what pressure is—on the front lines, in politics, in daily struggle,” Prokudin said. “It has made us stronger. It has made the President stronger. Determination is the force that drives us forward. And I am confident that we will endure this time as well.”

Italy’s premier proposes ‘immediate summit’ between the US and Europe

Giorgia Meloni says he wants leaders to be able “to speak frankly about how we intend to face today’s great challenges, starting with Ukraine.”

In a statement following the open clash between Trump and Zelenskyy, Meloni urged the West to stay united.

“Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favors those who would like to see the decline of our civilization,” she said. “A division would not benefit anyone.”

Zelenskyy says ‘thank you’ to European leaders on X

European leaders across the continent echoed their loyalty to Ukraine in posts on X, prompting Zelenskyy to reply “thank you for your support” to each — likely a dig at the Trump administration.

During the extraordinary meeting Friday in Washington, Trump chided Zelenskyy after Vance, one of the administration’s most skeptical voices on Ukraine, said Zelenskyy was being disrespectful for debating Trump in the Oval Office in front of the American media.

Canadian foreign minister addresses ‘unpredictability’ and ‘chaos’

“We believe in supporting Ukraine,” Mélanie Joly said. “Clearly the Russians are noting the interaction that happened today. Our goal is to make sure we can continue to support Ukrainians and keep strong G-7 unity amidst all this unpredictability and sometimes even chaos.”

Hungarian prime minister praises Trump for his conduct in the Oval Office

Viktor Orbán also cast Zelenskyy as working against peace in his own country.

“Strong men make peace, weak men make war,” Orbán wrote on X. “Today President Donald Trump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!”

Orbán is a consistent backer of the Kremlin and has been outspokenly antagonistic against neighboring Ukraine. After winning the last Hungarian elections in 2022, less than six weeks after Russia’s full-scale invasion, he cited Zelenskyy as one of the opponents he had defeated in the campaign.

Zelenskyy cancels think tank appearance after tumultuous meeting with Trump

Zelenskyy canceled a planned appearance at a Washington think tank after his tumultuous meeting with Trump.

An audience of diplomats, journalists and others already had filed in at the Hudson Institute when the research center’s executive vice president, Joel Scanlon, announced that Ukrainian officials were cancelling. Scanlon soon after took a call on speaker saying the Ukrainians were “wavering” about appearing after all, but announced a half-hour later Zelenskyy’s appearance was definitely off.

Placards on the seats indicated Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, was among those expected to attend.

US treasury secretary criticizes Zelenskyy after heated meeting

Speaking to Bloomberg, Scott Bessent, who took a lead role in negotiating the critical minerals deal the two leaders were set to sign on Friday before Trump directed Zelenskyy to be shown the door early, claimed Zelenskyy showed “disrespect of the American people.”

“You don’t do a negotiation with the President of the United States in public like this,” Bessent said, saying Zelenskyy could have raised issues of disagreement in private with Trump over a planned lunch. “He chose to let things go into a downward spiral on worldwide television.”

“We’ll see if there’s any coming back” for Zelenskyy, Bessent added.

Cheney: Trump and Vance ‘abandoned all we stand for’

“Today, Donald Trump and JD Vance attacked Zelenskyy and pressured him to surrender the freedom of his people to the KGB war criminal who invaded Ukraine,” former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Liz_Cheney/status/1895543534377152668">wrote on X</a>, referencing Putin’s early career as a Soviet intelligence officer. “History will remember this day— when an American President and Vice President abandoned all we stand for.”

Cheney famously lost her seat in Congress to a Trump-backed challenger after she was fiercely critical of his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Top Democrat on House Foreign Affairs Committee calls Trump a ‘laughingstock’

Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York also said the president was “an existential danger” following his testy exchange with Zelenskyy in the White House.

“He is both a petulant child that demands displays of loyalty in court, and a tyrant with sympathies for autocrats and dictators, so long as they stroke his ego or enrich him and his family,” Meeks said in a statement.

“Trump’s actions today undermined U.S. leadership, emboldened our adversaries, humiliated both himself and his Republican Party, and insulted the generations of Americans who fought and died to build America’s standing in the world,” he said.

Russian lawmaker calls outcome of meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy ‘brilliant’

Longtime Russian lawmaker Andrei Klishas hailed the outcome of the contentious Oval Office meeting as “a brilliant result” in a social media post on Friday.

Klishas called Zelenskyy a “clown” in the post on the messaging app Telegram, a derogatory term Russian officials often use in regards to Ukraine’s president, and said he “played his role of a ‘president’ poorly in the White House and was thrown out for bad behavior and disrespect towards the U.S.”

Another lawmaker, Alexei Zhuravlev, told Russian state news agency RIA Novosti that while Zelenskyy “may have lost the trust of the United States completely, ... this doesn’t mean that the war will end.”

‘Without real security guarantees, war will return,’ Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff says

Ukraine’s head of the President’s Office who is part of the Ukrainian delegation in the U.S. said that “security is more than just a word — without real guarantees, war will return.”

“Security is not just a word. It means life, a future without sirens, without losses, without fear for our loved ones,” Andriy Yermak wrote on Telegram.

He added that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to fight for those defending a just and lasting peace. Yermak also thanked those who recognize that Ukraine is more than just a point on the map.

“We are deeply grateful to the American people for their support. It brings us closer to the day when war will be just a memory,” he wrote.

Russian drone attacks target multiple regions across Ukraine

Russian strikes continue across Ukraine, with multiple regions affected.

Ukraine’s Air Force has warned of a Russian strike drone operating over the country’s northern, eastern, and southern regions. In Mykolaiv, local officials reported explosions in the city, while in Odesa, the mayor urged residents to take shelter.

Russian drones attack Ukrainian cities every night, hitting areas across the country.

European leaders pledge to stand by Ukraine in the wake of the contentious Oval Office meeting

Prime ministers, presidents and foreign ministers across the continent issued statements or took to social platform X to express their support for Zelenskyy and Ukraine.

The strongest comments so far have come from French President Emmanuel Macron, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and the foreign minister from Estonia, which borders Russia.

“The only obstacle to peace is the decision by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to continue his war of aggression,” Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said in a statement. “If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine. Estonia’s support for Ukraine remains unwavering. It is time for Europe to step up. We do not need to wait for something else to happen; Europe has enough resources, including Russia’s frozen assets, to enable Ukraine to continue fighting.”

Officials from Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany and Poland also offered their support to Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister: ‘Zelenskyy has the bravery and strength to stand up for what Is right’

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted on X that “President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has the bravery and strength to stand up for what is right.”

“He stands up for Ukraine and the goal of a just and lasting peace. We have always been and will continue to be grateful to America for its support,” he wrote.

Sen. Lindsay Graham questions whether the US can continue to work with Zelenskyy

“What I saw in the Oval office was disrespectful and I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again,” Graham told reporters outside the West Wing.

He said Zelenskyy has “made it almost impossible to sell to the American people that he’s a good investment.”

Asked whether Zelenskyy should step aside, Graham responded: “He either needs to resign or send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change.”

Senator insists ‘strong bipartisan coalition’ in Congress stands with Ukraine

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who was among about 10 senators meeting with Zelenskyy earlier Friday morning, remained hopeful the situation at the White House wouldn’t derail U.S. support for the ally as it battles the Russian invasion.

“My strong and passionate hope is that the talks can be resumed or restored, and this event won’t derail continued support,” the senator told The Associated Press.

The morning meeting with Republican and Democratic senators, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, was “enthusiastically positive and upbeat,” he said. They even spoke about a potential U.S. treaty or memorandum of understanding of U.S. support for Ukraine, he said.

After Oval Office meeting, an attempt was made to get things back on track, official says

After the contentious meeting, Zelenskyy and his delegation moved to a different room and the Ukrainian leader made an effort to try to reset and get the visit back on track, according to a White House official.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private conversations, said National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio communicated to the Ukrainians that Trump wanted Zelenskyy to leave the White House immediately.

Some Republican supporters of Ukraine lamented his meeting with Trump descending into open debate

In a statement, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said it was “A bad day for America’s foreign policy.”

“Ukraine wants independence, free markets and rule of law. It wants to be part of the West. Russia hates us and our Western values. We should be clear that we stand for freedom,” Bacon said.

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., called the meeting “a missed opportunity for both the United States and Ukraine” on X and added that “Having this spill out into public view was a disaster — especially for Ukraine.”

Zelenskyy had met with a bipartisan group of senators before his White House meeting, including GOP Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. Neither immediately commented on the Oval Office meeting.