SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused of killing his neighbor has made his first court appearance.

&nbsp;Allan Taylor Gunneson, 38, is charged with manslaughter and aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 6p.m. September 12, police responded to the 900 block of South Vassar Avenue in Wichita, according to a statement from police. First responders found  48-year-old Brian Baker in a front yard with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso. Baker was transported to a local hospital and was pronounced deceased at 6:41 p.m.

Investigators learned through multiple witnesses that the incident began as an argument and physical altercation between neighbors that led to the gunfire.

When officers arrived, the suspect identified as Gunneson came out of his home and surrendered.

He was taken to City Hall, questioned, and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail&nbsp; Gunneson remains on Unsupervised Custody; Home Incarceration, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757803004206.png" alt="GUNNESON- photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>GUNNESON- photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused of killing his neighbor has made his first court appearance.&nbsp;Allan Taylor Gunneson, 38, is charged with manslaughter and aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 6p.m. September 12, police responded to the 900 block of South Vassar Avenue in Wichita, according to a statement from police. First responders found 48-year-old Brian Baker in a front yard with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso. Baker was transported to a local hospital and was pronounced deceased at 6:41 p.m.Investigators learned through multiple witnesses that the incident began as an argument and physical altercation between neighbors that led to the gunfire.When officers arrived, the suspect identified as Gunneson came out of his home and surrendered.He was taken to City Hall, questioned, and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail&nbsp; Gunneson remains on Unsupervised Custody; Home Incarceration, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of killing his neighbor faced a judge

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-returns-suspension-charlie-kirk-a29db3adb762b9b148d56ce88c24485c">Jimmy Kimmel made an emotional return</a>&nbsp;to his late-night show Tuesday night after a nearly weeklong suspension for remarks he made after conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing.

For 16 minutes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-show-suspended-charlie-kirk-ae43c600bd0f2a4c7d3c12077e91b211">Kimmel mixed humor, pointed messages and emotion</a>&nbsp;to talk about his suspension, the support he’s received and praised Kirk’s widow.

Here are seven key moments from his opening monologue, edited for clarity and brevity.

Kimmel talks about the support he’s received

“I’m not sure who had a weirder 48 hours. Me or the CEO of Tylenol. So it’s been overwhelming. I’ve heard from a lot of people over the last six days. I’ve heard from all the people in the world over the last six days, everyone I have ever met has reached out 10 or 11 times.

Weird characters from my past are emai— the guy who fired me from my first radio job in Seattle — where we are not airing tonight by the way — Sorry, Seattle. His name is Larry. In 1989, Larry tried to force me to do a bit called jokes for donuts, where people would call in with a joke and I would give them donuts. I refused to do it. And then I made a lot of fun of Larry for suggesting it. And eventually Larry fired me and I had to move back in with my parents. But even he wrote in to cheer me up. Thank you Larry, and I want to thank everyone who checked in on the show.

Some that I do especially want to mention are my fellow late night talk show hosts, my friend Stephen Colbert. He’s found himself in this predicament. My friends Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, Conan O’Brien, James Corden, Arsenio, Kathy, Wanda, Chelsea, even Jay (Leno) reached out. I heard from late-night hosts in other countries, from Ireland and from Germany. The guy in Germany offered me a job.

This country has become so authoritarian, the Germans are like, “Come here. Cut loose.” My boyhood idols, Howard Stern and David Letterman, were very considerate and kind and I feel honored to be part of a group of people that knows what goes into doing a show like this. And I also want to thank all of you — I do — who supported our show, cared enough to do something about it, to make your voices heard so that mine could be heard. I will never forget it.”

Kimmel: “And maybe, weirdly, maybe, most of all, I want to thank the people who don’t support my show and what I believe, but support my right to share those beliefs anyway. I never would have imagined if, like Ben Shapiro, Clay Travis, Candace Owens, Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, even my old pal Ted Cruz who believe it or not, said something very beautiful on my behalf.

Ted Cruz clip: “I hate what Jimmy Kimmel said. I am thrilled that he was fired.”

Kimmel: “Oh, wait, no, not that -- the other part.”

Ted Cruz clip: “But let me tell you, if the government gets in the business of saying (crosstalk) what you can and can’t say what you the media have said, we’re going to ban you from the airwaves if you don’t say what we like, that will end up bad for conservatives.”

Kimmel: “I don’t think I’ve ever said this before, but Ted Cruz is right. He’s absolutely right. This affects all of us, including him. I mean, think about it. If Ted Cruz can’t speak freely, then he can’t cast spells on the Smurfs.

Even though I don’t agree with many of those people on most subjects, some of the things they say even make me want to throw up. It takes courage for them to speak out against this administration. They did, and they deserve credit for it. And thank for telling your followers that our government cannot be allowed to control what we do and do not say on television, and that we have to stand up to it. “

“I posted a message on Instagram on the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion. And I meant it. I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what, it was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make.

But I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both. And for those who think I did, point a finger, I get why you’re upset. If the situation was reversed, there’s a good chance I’d have felt the same way.

I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love and remain close to, even though we don’t agree on politics at all. I don’t think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution. And it isn’t ever.

And also, selfishly, I am, I am a person who gets a lot of threats. I get many ugly and scary threats against my life, my wife, my kids, my coworkers because of what I choose to say. And I know those threats don’t come from the kind of people on the right who I know and love. So that’s what I wanted to say on that subject. “

Kimmel on the FCC and chairman Brendan Carr

“I want you to think about this: Should the government be allowed to regulate which podcasts the cell phone companies and Wi-Fi providers are allowed to let you download to make sure they serve the public interest? You think that sounds crazy, but 10 years ago, this sounded crazy, Brendan Carr, the chairman of the FCC, telling an American company, we can do this the easy way or the hard way, and that these companies can find ways to change, conduct and take action on Kimmel or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.

In addition to being a direct violation of the First Amendment, is not a particularly intelligent threat to make in public. Ted Cruz said he sounded like a mafioso. Although I don’t know, if you want to hear a mob boss make a threat like that, you have to hide a microphone in a deli and park outside in a van with a tape recorder all night long. This genius said it on a podcast.

“You almost have to feel sorry for him. He tried, did his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now. ”

ABC’s ‘condition’ for Kimmel returning and the host’s gratitude

“I know a lot of people have been asking me if there are conditions for my return to the air, and there is one. Disney has asked me to read the following statement, and, I have agreed to do it.

Here we go: To reactivate your Disney+ and Hulu account, open the Disney+ app on your smart TV or TV connected device. (laughter)

I’ve been, um, fortunate to work at a company that has allowed me to do the show the way we want to do it for almost 23 years. I’ve done almost 4,000 shows on ABC. And over that time, the people who run this network have allowed me to evolve and to stretch the boundaries of what was once traditional for a late night talk show, even when it made them uncomfortable, which I do a lot.

Every night, they’ve defended my right to poke fun at our leaders and to advocate for subjects that I think are important by allowing me to use their platform. And I am very grateful for that. With that said, I was not happy when they pulled me off the air on. I did not agree with that decision and I told them that and we had many conversations. I shared my point of view. They shared theirs. We talked it through and at the end, even though they didn’t have to, they really didn’t have to. This is a giant company. We have short attention spans, and I am a tiny part of the Disney Corporation. They welcomed me back on the air and I thank them for that. But unfortunately, and I think unjustly, this puts them at risk.”

Kimmel says to follow Erika Kirk’s example of forgiveness

“There was a moment over the weekend, a very beautiful moment. I don’t know if you saw this. On Sunday, Erika Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him. That is an example we should follow.

If you believe in the teachings of Jesus as I do, there it was. That’s, that’s it. A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply. And I hope it touches many. And if there’s anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it can be that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758149830141.png" alt="Image courtesy ABC" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy ABC</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-returns-suspension-charlie-kirk-a29db3adb762b9b148d56ce88c24485c">Jimmy Kimmel made an emotional return</a>&nbsp;to his late-night show Tuesday night after a nearly weeklong suspension for remarks he made after conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing.For 16 minutes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-show-suspended-charlie-kirk-ae43c600bd0f2a4c7d3c12077e91b211">Kimmel mixed humor, pointed messages and emotion</a>&nbsp;to talk about his suspension, the support he’s received and praised Kirk’s widow.Here are seven key moments from his opening monologue, edited for clarity and brevity.<h2>Kimmel talks about the support he’s received</h2>“I’m not sure who had a weirder 48 hours. Me or the CEO of Tylenol. So it’s been overwhelming. I’ve heard from a lot of people over the last six days. I’ve heard from all the people in the world over the last six days, everyone I have ever met has reached out 10 or 11 times.Weird characters from my past are emai— the guy who fired me from my first radio job in Seattle — where we are not airing tonight by the way — Sorry, Seattle. His name is Larry. In 1989, Larry tried to force me to do a bit called jokes for donuts, where people would call in with a joke and I would give them donuts. I refused to do it. And then I made a lot of fun of Larry for suggesting it. And eventually Larry fired me and I had to move back in with my parents. But even he wrote in to cheer me up. Thank you Larry, and I want to thank everyone who checked in on the show.Some that I do especially want to mention are my fellow late night talk show hosts, my friend Stephen Colbert. He’s found himself in this predicament. My friends Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, Conan O’Brien, James Corden, Arsenio, Kathy, Wanda, Chelsea, even Jay (Leno) reached out. I heard from late-night hosts in other countries, from Ireland and from Germany. The guy in Germany offered me a job.Can you imagine?This country has become so authoritarian, the Germans are like, “Come here. Cut loose.” My boyhood idols, Howard Stern and David Letterman, were very considerate and kind and I feel honored to be part of a group of people that knows what goes into doing a show like this. And I also want to thank all of you — I do — who supported our show, cared enough to do something about it, to make your voices heard so that mine could be heard. I will never forget it.”<h2>Kimmel on support from surprising places</h2>Kimmel: “And maybe, weirdly, maybe, most of all, I want to thank the people who don’t support my show and what I believe, but support my right to share those beliefs anyway. I never would have imagined if, like Ben Shapiro, Clay Travis, Candace Owens, Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, even my old pal Ted Cruz who believe it or not, said something very beautiful on my behalf.Ted Cruz clip: “I hate what Jimmy Kimmel said. I am thrilled that he was fired.”Kimmel: “Oh, wait, no, not that -- the other part.”Ted Cruz clip: “But let me tell you, if the government gets in the business of saying (crosstalk) what you can and can’t say what you the media have said, we’re going to ban you from the airwaves if you don’t say what we like, that will end up bad for conservatives.”Kimmel: “I don’t think I’ve ever said this before, but Ted Cruz is right. He’s absolutely right. This affects all of us, including him. I mean, think about it. If Ted Cruz can’t speak freely, then he can’t cast spells on the Smurfs.Even though I don’t agree with many of those people on most subjects, some of the things they say even make me want to throw up. It takes courage for them to speak out against this administration. They did, and they deserve credit for it. And thank for telling your followers that our government cannot be allowed to control what we do and do not say on television, and that we have to stand up to it. “<h2>Kimmel talks about Charlie Kirk</h2>“I posted a message on Instagram on the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion. And I meant it. I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what, it was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make.But I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both. And for those who think I did, point a finger, I get why you’re upset. If the situation was reversed, there’s a good chance I’d have felt the same way.I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love and remain close to, even though we don’t agree on politics at all. I don’t think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution. And it isn’t ever.And also, selfishly, I am, I am a person who gets a lot of threats. I get many ugly and scary threats against my life, my wife, my kids, my coworkers because of what I choose to say. And I know those threats don’t come from the kind of people on the right who I know and love. So that’s what I wanted to say on that subject. “<h2>Kimmel on the FCC and chairman Brendan Carr</h2>“I want you to think about this: Should the government be allowed to regulate which podcasts the cell phone companies and Wi-Fi providers are allowed to let you download to make sure they serve the public interest? You think that sounds crazy, but 10 years ago, this sounded crazy, Brendan Carr, the chairman of the FCC, telling an American company, we can do this the easy way or the hard way, and that these companies can find ways to change, conduct and take action on Kimmel or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.In addition to being a direct violation of the First Amendment, is not a particularly intelligent threat to make in public. Ted Cruz said he sounded like a mafioso. Although I don’t know, if you want to hear a mob boss make a threat like that, you have to hide a microphone in a deli and park outside in a van with a tape recorder all night long. This genius said it on a podcast.<h2>Kimmel says Trump has boosted ratings</h2>“You almost have to feel sorry for him. He tried, did his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now. ”<h2>ABC’s ‘condition’ for Kimmel returning and the host’s gratitude</h2>“I know a lot of people have been asking me if there are conditions for my return to the air, and there is one. Disney has asked me to read the following statement, and, I have agreed to do it.Here we go: To reactivate your Disney+ and Hulu account, open the Disney+ app on your smart TV or TV connected device. (laughter)I’ve been, um, fortunate to work at a company that has allowed me to do the show the way we want to do it for almost 23 years. I’ve done almost 4,000 shows on ABC. And over that time, the people who run this network have allowed me to evolve and to stretch the boundaries of what was once traditional for a late night talk show, even when it made them uncomfortable, which I do a lot.Every night, they’ve defended my right to poke fun at our leaders and to advocate for subjects that I think are important by allowing me to use their platform. And I am very grateful for that. With that said, I was not happy when they pulled me off the air on. I did not agree with that decision and I told them that and we had many conversations. I shared my point of view. They shared theirs. We talked it through and at the end, even though they didn’t have to, they really didn’t have to. This is a giant company. We have short attention spans, and I am a tiny part of the Disney Corporation. They welcomed me back on the air and I thank them for that. But unfortunately, and I think unjustly, this puts them at risk.”<h2>Kimmel says to follow Erika Kirk’s example of forgiveness</h2>“There was a moment over the weekend, a very beautiful moment. I don’t know if you saw this. On Sunday, Erika Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him. That is an example we should follow.If you believe in the teachings of Jesus as I do, there it was. That’s, that’s it. A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply. And I hope it touches many. And if there’s anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it can be that.”

In Jimmy Kimmel’s words: What the host said upon his return from suspension

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. – The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, arrested two men Sept. 17,&nbsp; in connection with a social security scam that defrauded an 84- year-old Kansas woman of more than $255,000.

The investigation began in May when the victim received a phone call from a man posing as an FBI agent, according to Sedgwick Sheriff's Department spokesman Branden Stitt.

 The caller convinced the woman her social security number had been compromised and was being used at numerous banks. Believing her savings were at risk and after being pressured by the man, she liquidated her assets into gold and handed them over in three separate transactions to individuals she thought were undercover FBI agents.

Detectives believe the gold was transferred to overseas accounts.

The victim’s family contacted the Sheriff’s Office after learning all her assets were gone. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office and agents with the FBI launched a joint investigation.

On Sept. 17, detectives and deputies with the Sheriff’s Office, agents with the FBI, and troopers with the Kansas Highway Patrol, including their Air Support Section, conducted an operation to take down the suspects. Law enforcement intercepted a fourth attempted transaction and arrested 27-year-old Krishna Bharanue Daggubati of Cummings, Georgia, and 29-year-old Sai Praveen Kommana of Frisco, Texas. Both men were booked into the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility on charges of felony theft by deception and mistreatment of a dependent adult.

Detectives believe the ringleader of the scam is not in the United States and directed the scheme by communicating with the victim and his couriers.

Sheriff Jeff Easter reminds residents to remain alert. “These criminals prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” Easter said. “I encourage family members to watch out for their loved ones, especially the elderly, who are often targeted by these scams. The Sheriff’s Office will never ask for money over the phone; not for missing jury duty, not for a warrant, and we will never offer to safeguard your assets. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758654135521.png" alt="Daggubati photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Daggubati photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. – The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, arrested two men Sept. 17,&nbsp; in connection with a social security scam that defrauded an 84- year-old Kansas woman of more than $255,000.The investigation began in May when the victim received a phone call from a man posing as an FBI agent, according to Sedgwick Sheriff's Department spokesman Branden Stitt.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758654102753.png" alt="KOMMANA photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>KOMMANA photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure> The caller convinced the woman her social security number had been compromised and was being used at numerous banks. Believing her savings were at risk and after being pressured by the man, she liquidated her assets into gold and handed them over in three separate transactions to individuals she thought were undercover FBI agents.Detectives believe the gold was transferred to overseas accounts.The victim’s family contacted the Sheriff’s Office after learning all her assets were gone. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office and agents with the FBI launched a joint investigation.On Sept. 17, detectives and deputies with the Sheriff’s Office, agents with the FBI, and troopers with the Kansas Highway Patrol, including their Air Support Section, conducted an operation to take down the suspects. Law enforcement intercepted a fourth attempted transaction and arrested 27-year-old Krishna Bharanue Daggubati of Cummings, Georgia, and 29-year-old Sai Praveen Kommana of Frisco, Texas. Both men were booked into the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility on charges of felony theft by deception and mistreatment of a dependent adult.Detectives believe the ringleader of the scam is not in the United States and directed the scheme by communicating with the victim and his couriers.Sheriff Jeff Easter reminds residents to remain alert. “These criminals prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” Easter said. “I encourage family members to watch out for their loved ones, especially the elderly, who are often targeted by these scams. The Sheriff’s Office will never ask for money over the phone; not for missing jury duty, not for a warrant, and we will never offer to safeguard your assets.

Suspects jailed in Kansas for $250K Social Security scam  

WASHINGTON —President Donald Trump on Monday promoted ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism. Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., an OB/GYN, who delivered more than 5,000 babies, according to his online bio, responded to the White House action plan.

"Autism rates in America are alarming: 1 in 31 children now, up 5x since 2000. It’s about time we launched an NIH Autism Data Science Initiative (ADSI) to dig deep into causes and solutions." Marshall wrote on social media.

" I’m extremely grateful to President Trump and Secretary Kennedy for prioritizing this issue. The announcement revealed that Vitamin B9 (folate) shows promise in helping some autism cases per studies.

Some research links CHRONIC acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy to increased autism risk."&nbsp;

"While evidence is inconclusive, for all medications, use the shortest duration and minimal dose necessary. Ask your doctor."

WASHINGTON —President Donald Trump on Monday promoted ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism. Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., an OB/GYN, who delivered more than 5,000 babies, according to his online bio, responded to the White House action plan.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Donald J. Trump, <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DrOzCMS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrOzCMS</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/NIHDirector_Jay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NIHDirector_Jay</a>, &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/DrMakaryFDA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrMakaryFDA</a> announce the Autism Action Plan. Make America Healthy Again. <a href="https://t.co/1inEvIecYU">pic.twitter.com/1inEvIecYU</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1970238866394099891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Autism rates in America are alarming: 1 in 31 children now, up 5x since 2000. It’s about time we launched an NIH Autism Data Science Initiative (ADSI) to dig deep into causes and solutions." Marshall wrote on social media." I’m extremely grateful to President Trump and Secretary Kennedy for prioritizing this issue. The announcement revealed that Vitamin B9 (folate) shows promise in helping some autism cases per studies.

Some research links CHRONIC acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy to increased autism risk."&nbsp;"While evidence is inconclusive, for all medications, use the shortest duration and minimal dose necessary. Ask your doctor." <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> announces that the FDA will be notifying physicians that the use of acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, during pregnancy, can be associated with an increased risk of autism: &quot;They are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically… <a href="https://t.co/79tNwDW6Ly">pic.twitter.com/79tNwDW6Ly</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1970231115194757454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kansas U.S. Senator responds to President Trump's autism announcement

KANSAS CITY —Fire crews had to overcome a hydrant issue while fighting an apartment fire in Kansas City on Tuesday.

Just after 8:30a.m., crews&nbsp;responded to a reported apartment fire in the 3200 Block of St. John Avenue, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

Crews reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a three-story occupied apartment building.&nbsp; Heavy fire was located on both the second and third floors. Searches of the structure came back all clear. No injuries were reported during this operation. On arrival the first hydrant that was secured was found to be inoperable. A second water source was secured in front of the structure on Indiana. 

Fortunately the inoperable hydrant did not hinder operations. It will be reported to the water department for maintenance. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758655949121.png" alt="Photos KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Fire crews had to overcome a hydrant issue while fighting an apartment fire in Kansas City on Tuesday.Just after 8:30a.m., crews&nbsp;responded to a reported apartment fire in the 3200 Block of St. John Avenue, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758655930737.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Crews reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a three-story occupied apartment building.&nbsp; Heavy fire was located on both the second and third floors. Searches of the structure came back all clear. No injuries were reported during this operation. On arrival the first hydrant that was secured was found to be inoperable. A second water source was secured in front of the structure on Indiana. Fortunately the inoperable hydrant did not hinder operations. It will be reported to the water department for maintenance. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;

Hydrant did not work as crews began fight on KC apartment fire

HARVEY COUNTY – On September 19, 2025, Trevon Cole, 20, of Salina,&nbsp; entered a guilty plea in Harvey County District Court to one count of Rape, according to the Harvey County District Attorney's office.

At the time of the offense, Cole was a student at Bethel College and the crime occurred in the dorms located on the Bethel College campus.

Sentencing is scheduled to take place before Chief Judge Marilyn Wilder on December 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Cole remains out of custody on bond pending sentencing. 

He faces a potential prison sentence of 147 to 653 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, followed by lifetime post-release supervision. He will also be subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender.

The successful prosecution of this case was made possible with the dedicated assistance of the North Newton Police Department. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758646833807.png" alt="Cole photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Cole photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY – On September 19, 2025, Trevon Cole, 20, of Salina,&nbsp; entered a guilty plea in Harvey County District Court to one count of Rape, according to the Harvey County District Attorney's office.At the time of the offense, Cole was a student at Bethel College and the crime occurred in the dorms located on the Bethel College campus.Sentencing is scheduled to take place before Chief Judge Marilyn Wilder on December 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Cole remains out of custody on bond pending sentencing. He faces a potential prison sentence of 147 to 653 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, followed by lifetime post-release supervision. He will also be subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender.The successful prosecution of this case was made possible with the dedicated assistance of the North Newton Police Department.

Former student admits to sex crime in Kan. college dorm

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A Missouri woman was sentenced Tuesday to more than four years in federal prison for scheming to defraud Elvis Presley’s family by trying to auction off his Graceland home and property before a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/graceland-sale-lawsuit-elvis-presley-bd864f24ff76205ce23885c182a56a66">halted the brazen foreclosure sale</a>.

U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. sentenced Lisa Jeanine Findley in federal court in Memphis to four years and nine months behind bars, plus an additional three years of probation. Findley, 54, declined to speak on her own behalf during the hearing.

Findley&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/graceland-elvis-presley-fraud-foreclosure-sale-c1a821d32c64c06afbeef277f0a793d7">pleaded guilty in February</a>&nbsp;to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/graceland-elvis-presley-sale-fraudulent-d6431df76860570e5d31526e81974f7d">charge of mail fraud</a>&nbsp;related to the scheme. She also had been indicted on a charge of aggravated identity theft, but that charge was dropped as part of a plea agreement.

Findley, of Kimberling City, falsely claimed Presley’s daughter borrowed $3.8 million from a bogus private lender and had pledged Graceland as collateral for the loan before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-marie-presley-dies-9fc02552f6f31e270647897a2e4104e9">her death in January 2023</a>, prosecutors said when Findley was charged in August 2024. She then threatened to sell Graceland to the highest bidder if Presley’s family didn’t pay a $2.85 million settlement, according to authorities.

Findley posed as three different people allegedly involved with the fake lender, fabricated loan documents and published a fraudulent foreclosure notice in a Memphis newspaper announcing the auction of Graceland in May 2024, prosecutors said. A judge stopped the sale after Presley’s granddaughter sued.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/graceland-elvis-presley-auction-lawsuit-riley-keough-4c5d2dda1c189997319d331794e8f8d0">Experts were baffled</a>&nbsp;by the attempt to sell off one of the most storied pieces of real estate in the country using names, emails and documents that were quickly suspected to be phony.

Graceland opened as a museum and tourist attraction in 1982 and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. A large Presley-themed entertainment complex across the street from the museum is owned by Elvis Presley Enterprises. Presley died in August 1977 at the age of 42.

The public notice for the foreclosure sale of the 13-acre (5-hectare) estate said Promenade Trust, which controls the Graceland museum, owed $3.8 million after failing to repay a 2018 loan. Actor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/riley-keough">Riley Keough</a>, Presley’s granddaughter, inherited the trust and ownership of the home after the death of her mother,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/lisa-marie-presley">Lisa Marie Presley</a>.

Keough filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/graceland-auction-elvis-presley-359098fd64877f2e826b7309dba2bbb3">a lawsuit claiming fraud,</a>&nbsp;and a judge halted the proposed auction with an injunction. Naussany Investments and Private Lending — the bogus lender authorities say Findley created — said Lisa Marie Presley had used Graceland as collateral for the loan, according to the foreclosure sale notice. Keough’s lawsuit alleged that Naussany presented fraudulent documents regarding the loan in September 2023 and that Lisa Marie Presley never borrowed money from Naussany.

Kimberly Philbrick, the notary whose name is listed on Naussany’s documents, indicated she never met Lisa Marie Presley nor notarized any documents for her, according to the estate’s lawsuit. The judge said the notary’s affidavit brought into question the authenticity of the signature.

In halting the foreclosure sale, the judge said Elvis Presley’s estate could be successful in arguing that a company’s attempt to auction Graceland was fraudulent.

A statement emailed to The Associated Press after the judge stopped the sale said Naussany would not proceed with the sale because a key document in the case and the loan were recorded and obtained in a different state, meaning “legal action would have to be filed in multiple states.” The statement, sent from an email address for Naussany listed in court documents, did not specify the other state.

After the scheme fell apart, Findley, who has a criminal history that includes attempts at passing bad checks, tried to make it look like the person responsible was a Nigerian identity thief, prosecutors said. An email sent May 25, 2024, to the AP from the same email as the earlier statement said in Spanish that the foreclosure sale attempt was made by a Nigerian fraud ring that targets old and dead people in the U.S. and uses the internet to steal money.

In arguing for a three-year sentence, defense attorney Tyrone Paylor noted that Presley's estate did not suffer any loss of money and countered the prosecution's stance that the scheme was executed in a sophisticated manner.

Fowlkes, the judge, said it would have been a “travesty of justice” if the sale had been completed.

“This was a highly sophisticated scheme to defraud,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740502725805.png" alt="Findley photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Findley photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A Missouri woman was sentenced Tuesday to more than four years in federal prison for scheming to defraud Elvis Presley’s family by trying to auction off his Graceland home and property before a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/graceland-sale-lawsuit-elvis-presley-bd864f24ff76205ce23885c182a56a66">halted the brazen foreclosure sale</a>.U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. sentenced Lisa Jeanine Findley in federal court in Memphis to four years and nine months behind bars, plus an additional three years of probation. Findley, 54, declined to speak on her own behalf during the hearing.Findley&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/graceland-elvis-presley-fraud-foreclosure-sale-c1a821d32c64c06afbeef277f0a793d7">pleaded guilty in February</a>&nbsp;to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/graceland-elvis-presley-sale-fraudulent-d6431df76860570e5d31526e81974f7d">charge of mail fraud</a>&nbsp;related to the scheme. She also had been indicted on a charge of aggravated identity theft, but that charge was dropped as part of a plea agreement.Findley, of Kimberling City, falsely claimed Presley’s daughter borrowed $3.8 million from a bogus private lender and had pledged Graceland as collateral for the loan before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-marie-presley-dies-9fc02552f6f31e270647897a2e4104e9">her death in January 2023</a>, prosecutors said when Findley was charged in August 2024. She then threatened to sell Graceland to the highest bidder if Presley’s family didn’t pay a $2.85 million settlement, according to authorities.Findley posed as three different people allegedly involved with the fake lender, fabricated loan documents and published a fraudulent foreclosure notice in a Memphis newspaper announcing the auction of Graceland in May 2024, prosecutors said. A judge stopped the sale after Presley’s granddaughter sued.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/graceland-elvis-presley-auction-lawsuit-riley-keough-4c5d2dda1c189997319d331794e8f8d0">Experts were baffled</a>&nbsp;by the attempt to sell off one of the most storied pieces of real estate in the country using names, emails and documents that were quickly suspected to be phony.Graceland opened as a museum and tourist attraction in 1982 and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. A large Presley-themed entertainment complex across the street from the museum is owned by Elvis Presley Enterprises. Presley died in August 1977 at the age of 42.The public notice for the foreclosure sale of the 13-acre (5-hectare) estate said Promenade Trust, which controls the Graceland museum, owed $3.8 million after failing to repay a 2018 loan. Actor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/riley-keough">Riley Keough</a>, Presley’s granddaughter, inherited the trust and ownership of the home after the death of her mother,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/lisa-marie-presley">Lisa Marie Presley</a>.Keough filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/graceland-auction-elvis-presley-359098fd64877f2e826b7309dba2bbb3">a lawsuit claiming fraud,</a>&nbsp;and a judge halted the proposed auction with an injunction. Naussany Investments and Private Lending — the bogus lender authorities say Findley created — said Lisa Marie Presley had used Graceland as collateral for the loan, according to the foreclosure sale notice. Keough’s lawsuit alleged that Naussany presented fraudulent documents regarding the loan in September 2023 and that Lisa Marie Presley never borrowed money from Naussany.Kimberly Philbrick, the notary whose name is listed on Naussany’s documents, indicated she never met Lisa Marie Presley nor notarized any documents for her, according to the estate’s lawsuit. The judge said the notary’s affidavit brought into question the authenticity of the signature.In halting the foreclosure sale, the judge said Elvis Presley’s estate could be successful in arguing that a company’s attempt to auction Graceland was fraudulent.A statement emailed to The Associated Press after the judge stopped the sale said Naussany would not proceed with the sale because a key document in the case and the loan were recorded and obtained in a different state, meaning “legal action would have to be filed in multiple states.” The statement, sent from an email address for Naussany listed in court documents, did not specify the other state.After the scheme fell apart, Findley, who has a criminal history that includes attempts at passing bad checks, tried to make it look like the person responsible was a Nigerian identity thief, prosecutors said. An email sent May 25, 2024, to the AP from the same email as the earlier statement said in Spanish that the foreclosure sale attempt was made by a Nigerian fraud ring that targets old and dead people in the U.S. and uses the internet to steal money.In arguing for a three-year sentence, defense attorney Tyrone Paylor noted that Presley's estate did not suffer any loss of money and countered the prosecution's stance that the scheme was executed in a sophisticated manner.Fowlkes, the judge, said it would have been a “travesty of justice” if the sale had been completed.“This was a highly sophisticated scheme to defraud,” he said.

Woman going to prison for trying to sell off Elvis Presley's Graceland

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;castigated the United Nations as a feckless institution in a speech to the world body on Tuesday, praising the turn America has taken under his leadership while warning Europe will be ruined if it doesn’t turn away from a “double-tailed monster” of ill-conceived migration and green energy policies.

His roughly hourlong speech before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/united-nations-general-assembly">U.N. General Assembly</a>&nbsp;was both grievance-filled and self-congratulatory as he used the platform to applaud his second-term achievements and lament that some of his fellow world leaders’ countries were “going to hell.”

The address was the latest reminder for U.S. allies and foes that the United States — after a four-year interim under the more internationalist President Joe Biden — has returned to an unapologetically “America First” posture with an antagonistic view toward the United Nations. Trump also sharply criticized the global body for inaction, saying it was filled with “empty words” that “don’t solve wars.”

“What is the purpose of the United Nations?” Trump said. “The U.N. has such tremendous potential. I’ve always said it. It has such tremendous, tremendous potential. But it’s not even coming close to living up to that potential.”

Afterward, Trump attempted to assuage fears from some diplomats by assuring the top U.N. leader that the U.S. remained “100%” supportive of the global body despite his earlier criticism.

“I may disagree with it sometimes, but I am so behind it because the potential for peace at this institution is great,” Trump told Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

It was another about-face after Trump offered a weave of jarring juxtapositions in his address to the assembly.

He trumpeted himself as a peacemaker and enumerated successes of his administration’s efforts in several hotspots around the globe. At the same time, Trump heralded his decisions to order the U.S. military to carry out strikes on Iran and more recently against alleged drug smugglers from Venezuela and argued that “globalists” are on the verge of destroying successful nations.

Warnings about ‘green scam’ and migration

Trump touted his administration’s policies allowing for expanded drilling for oil and natural gas in the United States, and aggressively cracking down on illegal immigration, implicitly suggesting more countries should follow suit.

He sharply warned that European nations that have more welcoming migration policies and commit to expensive energy projects aimed at reducing their carbon footprint were causing irreparable harm to their economies and cultures.

“I’m telling you that if you don’t get away from the ‘green energy’ scam, your country is going to fail,” Trump said. “If you don’t stop people that you’ve never seen before that you have nothing in common with, your country is going to fail.”

Trump added, “I love the people of Europe, and I hate to see it being devastated by energy and immigration. This double-tailed monster destroys everything in its wake, and they cannot let that happen any longer.”

Trump pokes at UN for escalator, teleprompter issues

Early in his speech, Trump broke from his prepared remarks to bemoan an inoperable escalator in U.N. headquarters that he happened upon as well as a defective teleprompter.

“These are the two things I got from the United Nations: a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter,” Trump poked, eliciting laughs from delegates and leaders.

A U.N. official said the United Nations understands that someone from the president’s party who ran ahead of him inadvertently triggered the stop mechanism on the escalator. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the White House was operating the teleprompter for the president.

Trump holds one-on-one talks with world leaders

Trump touted “the renewal of American strength around the world” and his efforts to help end several wars. He peppered his speech with criticism of global institutions doing too little to end war and solve the world’s biggest problems.

General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock on Tuesday said that despite all the internal and external challenges facing the organization, it is not the time to walk away.

“Sometimes we could’ve done more, but we cannot let this dishearten us. If we stop doing the right things, evil will prevail,” Baerbock said in her opening remarks.

Trump also met Tuesday with the leaders of Ukraine, Argentina and the European Union. He will also hold a group meeting with officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

He’ll return to Washington after hosting a reception Tuesday night for world leaders.

Gaza and Ukraine cast shadow over Trump speech

Trump has struggled to deliver on his 2024 campaign promises to quickly end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Some longtime American allies are using this year’s General Assembly to spotlight the growing international campaign for recognition of a Palestinian state, a move that the U.S. and Israel vehemently oppose.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-israel-palestinians-france-saudi-recognition-two-states-88f3a87f7d79df02311f09b3e45560e9">France became the latest nation to recognize Palestinian statehood</a>&nbsp;on Monday at the start of a high-profile meeting at the U.N. aimed at galvanizing support for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unga-israel-palestinians-statehood-gaza-war-11edddc147d24c73d13316330ebae1d4">a two-state solution</a>&nbsp;to the Mideast conflict.

Trump sharply criticized the statehood recognition push.

“The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists,” Trump said. “This would be a reward for these horrible atrocities, including Oct. 7.”

Trump also addressed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s war in Ukraine</a>, saying that at the time of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 2022 invasion, everyone thought it would be a “quick little skirmish,” with Russia prevailing in a matter of days. Instead, the war has stretched on for over three years and counting.

The U.S. president on Tuesday once again threatened to hit Russia with “a very strong round of powerful tariffs” if Putin does not come to the table to end the war. He said that would “stop the bloodshed ... very quickly” but also suggested fighting will not end as long as China and European nations continue buying Russian energy.

Trump during his one-on-one meeting on Tuesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered a more optimistic tone.

“The biggest progress is that the Russian economy is terrible right now, as you know,” Trump said. He also added that Russian forces were not looking “very distinguished” in their fight against a much smaller Ukrainian military.

The president again made clear that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-nobel-prize-peace-544b703c161c13d9e14f1529df8a2669">he wants to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize</a>, repeating his spurious claim that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-peace-wars-claim-fact-check-10128b26232e1d1eb9e68c5617320cf3">he’s “ended seven wars”</a>&nbsp;since he returned to office.

“Everyone says that I should get the Nobel Prize — but for me, the real prize will be the sons and daughters who live to grow up because millions of people are no longer being killed in endless wars,” Trump offered.

In the making, Trump regularly points to his administration’s efforts to end conflicts between Israel and Iran, India and Pakistan, Egypt and Sudan, and elsewhere.

“It’s too bad that I had to do these things instead of the United Nations doing them,” Trump said. “Sadly, in all cases, the United Nations did not even try to help in any of them.”

Although Trump helped mediate relations among many of these nations, experts say his impact isn’t as clear cut as he claims.

Associated Press writers Jamey Keaton in Geneva, Tracy Brown and Darlene Superville in Washington, Bill Barrow in Atlanta, and Edith M. Lederer contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758638236501.png" alt="Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>UNITED NATIONS (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;castigated the United Nations as a feckless institution in a speech to the world body on Tuesday, praising the turn America has taken under his leadership while warning Europe will be ruined if it doesn’t turn away from a “double-tailed monster” of ill-conceived migration and green energy policies.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch in full: President Donald J. Trump&#39;s address to the 80th session of the United Nations Generally Assembly <a href="https://t.co/sJKI6GPkyk">pic.twitter.com/sJKI6GPkyk</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1970525758855536854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His roughly hourlong speech before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/united-nations-general-assembly">U.N. General Assembly</a>&nbsp;was both grievance-filled and self-congratulatory as he used the platform to applaud his second-term achievements and lament that some of his fellow world leaders’ countries were “going to hell.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/UaxUrM2zCG">pic.twitter.com/UaxUrM2zCG</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1970513791168208929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The address was the latest reminder for U.S. allies and foes that the United States — after a four-year interim under the more internationalist President Joe Biden — has returned to an unapologetically “America First” posture with an antagonistic view toward the United Nations. Trump also sharply criticized the global body for inaction, saying it was filled with “empty words” that “don’t solve wars.”“What is the purpose of the United Nations?” Trump said. “The U.N. has such tremendous potential. I’ve always said it. It has such tremendous, tremendous potential. But it’s not even coming close to living up to that potential.”Afterward, Trump attempted to assuage fears from some diplomats by assuring the top U.N. leader that the U.S. remained “100%” supportive of the global body despite his earlier criticism.“I may disagree with it sometimes, but I am so behind it because the potential for peace at this institution is great,” Trump told Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.It was another about-face after Trump offered a weave of jarring juxtapositions in his address to the assembly.He trumpeted himself as a peacemaker and enumerated successes of his administration’s efforts in several hotspots around the globe. At the same time, Trump heralded his decisions to order the U.S. military to carry out strikes on Iran and more recently against alleged drug smugglers from Venezuela and argued that “globalists” are on the verge of destroying successful nations.<h2>Warnings about ‘green scam’ and migration</h2>Trump touted his administration’s policies allowing for expanded drilling for oil and natural gas in the United States, and aggressively cracking down on illegal immigration, implicitly suggesting more countries should follow suit.He sharply warned that European nations that have more welcoming migration policies and commit to expensive energy projects aimed at reducing their carbon footprint were causing irreparable harm to their economies and cultures.“I’m telling you that if you don’t get away from the ‘green energy’ scam, your country is going to fail,” Trump said. “If you don’t stop people that you’ve never seen before that you have nothing in common with, your country is going to fail.”Trump added, “I love the people of Europe, and I hate to see it being devastated by energy and immigration. This double-tailed monster destroys everything in its wake, and they cannot let that happen any longer.”<h2>Trump pokes at UN for escalator, teleprompter issues</h2>Early in his speech, Trump broke from his prepared remarks to bemoan an inoperable escalator in U.N. headquarters that he happened upon as well as a defective teleprompter.“These are the two things I got from the United Nations: a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter,” Trump poked, eliciting laughs from delegates and leaders.A U.N. official said the United Nations understands that someone from the president’s party who ran ahead of him inadvertently triggered the stop mechanism on the escalator. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the White House was operating the teleprompter for the president.<h2>Trump holds one-on-one talks with world leaders</h2>Trump touted “the renewal of American strength around the world” and his efforts to help end several wars. He peppered his speech with criticism of global institutions doing too little to end war and solve the world’s biggest problems.General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock on Tuesday said that despite all the internal and external challenges facing the organization, it is not the time to walk away.“Sometimes we could’ve done more, but we cannot let this dishearten us. If we stop doing the right things, evil will prevail,” Baerbock said in her opening remarks.Trump also met Tuesday with the leaders of Ukraine, Argentina and the European Union. He will also hold a group meeting with officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.He’ll return to Washington after hosting a reception Tuesday night for world leaders.<h2>Gaza and Ukraine cast shadow over Trump speech</h2>Trump has struggled to deliver on his 2024 campaign promises to quickly end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Some longtime American allies are using this year’s General Assembly to spotlight the growing international campaign for recognition of a Palestinian state, a move that the U.S. and Israel vehemently oppose.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-israel-palestinians-france-saudi-recognition-two-states-88f3a87f7d79df02311f09b3e45560e9">France became the latest nation to recognize Palestinian statehood</a>&nbsp;on Monday at the start of a high-profile meeting at the U.N. aimed at galvanizing support for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unga-israel-palestinians-statehood-gaza-war-11edddc147d24c73d13316330ebae1d4">a two-state solution</a>&nbsp;to the Mideast conflict.Trump sharply criticized the statehood recognition push.“The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists,” Trump said. “This would be a reward for these horrible atrocities, including Oct. 7.”Trump also addressed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s war in Ukraine</a>, saying that at the time of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 2022 invasion, everyone thought it would be a “quick little skirmish,” with Russia prevailing in a matter of days. Instead, the war has stretched on for over three years and counting.The U.S. president on Tuesday once again threatened to hit Russia with “a very strong round of powerful tariffs” if Putin does not come to the table to end the war. He said that would “stop the bloodshed ... very quickly” but also suggested fighting will not end as long as China and European nations continue buying Russian energy.Trump during his one-on-one meeting on Tuesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered a more optimistic tone.“The biggest progress is that the Russian economy is terrible right now, as you know,” Trump said. He also added that Russian forces were not looking “very distinguished” in their fight against a much smaller Ukrainian military.<h2>Trump has Oslo dreams</h2>The president again made clear that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-nobel-prize-peace-544b703c161c13d9e14f1529df8a2669">he wants to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize</a>, repeating his spurious claim that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-peace-wars-claim-fact-check-10128b26232e1d1eb9e68c5617320cf3">he’s “ended seven wars”</a>&nbsp;since he returned to office.“Everyone says that I should get the Nobel Prize — but for me, the real prize will be the sons and daughters who live to grow up because millions of people are no longer being killed in endless wars,” Trump offered.In the making, Trump regularly points to his administration’s efforts to end conflicts between Israel and Iran, India and Pakistan, Egypt and Sudan, and elsewhere.“It’s too bad that I had to do these things instead of the United Nations doing them,” Trump said. “Sadly, in all cases, the United Nations did not even try to help in any of them.”Although Trump helped mediate relations among many of these nations, experts say his impact isn’t as clear cut as he claims.___Associated Press writers Jamey Keaton in Geneva, Tracy Brown and Darlene Superville in Washington, Bill Barrow in Atlanta, and Edith M. Lederer contributed to this report.

🎥Trump issues warning to Europe in UN General Assembly speech

Coldwater school district mired in conflict amid suspension of superintendent

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

TOPEKA — Comanche County law enforcement officials Monday asked for the public’s help investigating an incident in which 10 bullets were fired into the unoccupied, parked vehicle of the local school board president.

President Kelly Herd, and other members of the school board in southwest Kansas, have been embroiled in controversy that led to the suspension of superintendent Ty Theurer pending an&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/02/a-kansas-student-reported-her-coach-for-harassment-and-touching-school-leaders-kept-it-quiet/">inquiry into allegations he sexually harassed and inappropriately touched a student</a>.

The student’s family filed a sexual harassment complaint and police report in the spring, but Herd worked for months to downplay substance of the allegations and to preserve Theurer’s administrative position.

The school board voted Sept. 3 to suspend Theurer with pay after&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/04/outraged-parents-demand-action-as-kansas-school-board-places-superintendent-on-administrative-leave/">more than 100 community members packed a school board meeting to demand disciplinary action</a>. Many in the audience loudly criticized the board’s handling of the students’ complaint. There was a law enforcement presence at that meeting, but outrage was confined to a series of outbursts by people in the crowd and by Herd.

At 8:30 p.m. Sunday night, the sheriff’s department said, a vehicle parked at a residence in the 500 block of East Cottonwood in Coldwater was struck by gunfire approximately 10 times. Herd has resided at a house in that block for decades.

Sheriff Jacob Bruckner confirmed the vehicle was owned by a USD 300 school board member. He said the Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to help process the crime scene and assist with the investigation.

“The vehicle was unoccupied at the time and no injuries were reported,” Bruckner said. “The investigation is ongoing.”

In a social media post, the sheriff urged Coldwater residents to check home security systems for video of vehicles or people in the neighborhood around the time of the shooting.

Steve Prusa, a member of Comanche County’s school board, said he was notified of the incident at the board president’s home shortly after it occurred.

The reality of someone turning to firearms to make a point about leadership of a public school district was alarming, he said.

“It’s not just a vandalism,” Prusa said. “It’s definitely to a different level.”

He said members of the school board, who don’t receive a salary, had stepped forward to serve because they sought to be of benefit to the community and assume a role in the education of students. The Comanche County district enrolls about 300 students.

“I am devastated and heartbroken for our community. Violence cannot be an answer to anything,” Prusa said.

Comanche County school board member Dean Yoder said it was wrong to interject violence into debate about education.

“So glad her and her family are OK,” Yoder said. “There is never a need for violence. Ever.”

The Comanche County district serves a rural population that includes the communities of Protection, Wilmore, Buttermilk and Coldwater. The district’s South Center High School is located in Coldwater. The district’s middle school and elementary school are in Protection.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758650204627.png" alt="Comanche County law enforcement officials Monday confirmed the unoccupied vehicle of a local school board member in Coldwater was peppered with gunshots on Sunday evening. The vehicle owner is Comanche County school board president Kelly Herd, a member of the board since 2016. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Comanche County law enforcement officials Monday confirmed the unoccupied vehicle of a local school board member in Coldwater was peppered with gunshots on Sunday evening. The vehicle owner is Comanche County school board president Kelly Herd, a member of the board since 2016. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Coldwater school district mired in conflict amid suspension of superintendent</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Comanche County law enforcement officials Monday asked for the public’s help investigating an incident in which 10 bullets were fired into the unoccupied, parked vehicle of the local school board president.President Kelly Herd, and other members of the school board in southwest Kansas, have been embroiled in controversy that led to the suspension of superintendent Ty Theurer pending an&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/02/a-kansas-student-reported-her-coach-for-harassment-and-touching-school-leaders-kept-it-quiet/">inquiry into allegations he sexually harassed and inappropriately touched a student</a>.The student’s family filed a sexual harassment complaint and police report in the spring, but Herd worked for months to downplay substance of the allegations and to preserve Theurer’s administrative position.The school board voted Sept. 3 to suspend Theurer with pay after&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/04/outraged-parents-demand-action-as-kansas-school-board-places-superintendent-on-administrative-leave/">more than 100 community members packed a school board meeting to demand disciplinary action</a>. Many in the audience loudly criticized the board’s handling of the students’ complaint. There was a law enforcement presence at that meeting, but outrage was confined to a series of outbursts by people in the crowd and by Herd.At 8:30 p.m. Sunday night, the sheriff’s department said, a vehicle parked at a residence in the 500 block of East Cottonwood in Coldwater was struck by gunfire approximately 10 times. Herd has resided at a house in that block for decades.Sheriff Jacob Bruckner confirmed the vehicle was owned by a USD 300 school board member. He said the Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to help process the crime scene and assist with the investigation.“The vehicle was unoccupied at the time and no injuries were reported,” Bruckner said. “The investigation is ongoing.”In a social media post, the sheriff urged Coldwater residents to check home security systems for video of vehicles or people in the neighborhood around the time of the shooting.Steve Prusa, a member of Comanche County’s school board, said he was notified of the incident at the board president’s home shortly after it occurred.The reality of someone turning to firearms to make a point about leadership of a public school district was alarming, he said.“It’s not just a vandalism,” Prusa said. “It’s definitely to a different level.”He said members of the school board, who don’t receive a salary, had stepped forward to serve because they sought to be of benefit to the community and assume a role in the education of students. The Comanche County district enrolls about 300 students.“I am devastated and heartbroken for our community. Violence cannot be an answer to anything,” Prusa said.Comanche County school board member Dean Yoder said it was wrong to interject violence into debate about education.“So glad her and her family are OK,” Yoder said. “There is never a need for violence. Ever.”Herd declined to comment.The Comanche County district serves a rural population that includes the communities of Protection, Wilmore, Buttermilk and Coldwater. The district’s South Center High School is located in Coldwater. The district’s middle school and elementary school are in Protection.

SW Kan. school board president’s unoccupied vehicle struck by 10 gunshots

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — The man who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump at a Florida golf course last year tried to stab himself in the neck with a pen shortly after being found guilty of all counts on Tuesday.

Officers quickly swarmed him and dragged him out of the courtroom.

The jury of five men and seven women found Ryan Routh guilty on all counts that he was facing after about two hours of deliberation.

The jurors were on their way out of the courtroom after the verdict was announced when Routh grabbed a pen off a desk and tried to stab himself in the neck.

As marshals were dragging him from the courtroom, Routh's daughter Sara Routh began screaming, “Dad I love you, don’t do anything. I’ll get you out. He didn’t hurt anybody.”

She continued screaming as her father was taken from the courtroom, saying the case against him was rigged. She went outside the courthouse, where she waited by a guard gate for her father to be driven away.

Back inside the courtroom, Routh was brought back before the judge. He was no longer wearing a jacket and tie, and was shackled. There were no signs of blood on his shirt. The judge announced Routh will be sentenced on Dec. 18 at 9:30 a.m. He faces life in prison.

The standby defense attorneys for Routh did not have a comment following the verdict.

Routh had been charged with attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and defended himself in court.

Prosecutors said Routh spent weeks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-gunshots-florida-f62f8378d3a8ce7b2e99d6a8fb40aba9">plotting to kill Trump</a>&nbsp;before aiming a rifle through shrubbery as the Republican played golf on Sept. 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach country club.

Routh told jurors in his closing argument that he didn’t intend to kill anyone that day.

“It’s hard for me to believe that a crime occurred if the trigger was never pulled,” Routh said. He pointed out that he could see Trump as he was on the path toward the sixth-hole green at the golf course and noted that he also could have shot a Secret Service agent who confronted him if he had intended to harm anyone.

Routh, 59, exercised his constitutional right not to testify in his own defense. He rested his case Monday morning after questioning just three witnesses — a firearms expert and two characters witnesses — for a total of about three hours. In contrast, prosecutors spent seven days questioning 38 witnesses.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post on X that the guilty verdict “illustrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to punishing those who engage in political violence.”

“This attempted assassination was not only an attack on our President, but an affront to our very nation,” Bondi said.

“This verdict sends a clear message. An attempt to assassinate a presidential candidate is an attack on our Republic and on the rights of every citizen,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. “The Department of Justice will relentlessly pursue those who try to silence political voices, and no enemy, foreign or domestic, will ever silence the will of the American people.”

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon signed off on Routh’s request to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-attempt-florida-644c71bc607e4ebad5115f2a490b314c">represent himself</a>&nbsp;following two hearings in July. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that criminal defendants have a right to represent themselves in court proceedings, as long as they can show a judge they are competent to waive their right to be defended by an attorney. Routh’s former defense attorneys have served as standby counsel since he took over his own defense and have been present during trial the past two weeks.

Recounting what happened at the golf course, a Secret Service agent testified earlier in the trial that he spotted Routh before Trump came into view. Routh aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot, the agent said.

Law enforcement obtained help from a witness who testified that he saw a person fleeing the area after hearing gunshots. The witness was then flown in a police helicopter to a nearby interstate where Routh was arrested, and the witness said he confirmed it was the person he had seen.

Just nine weeks earlier, Trump had survived&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-butler-assassination-attempt-anniversary-crooks-d18804b0e1382003bbb91449638c721c">an attempt</a>&nbsp;on his life while campaigning in Butler, Pennsylvania. That gunman had fired eight shots, with one bullet grazing Trump’s ear. The gunman was then fatally shot by a Secret Service counter sniper.

Routh was a North Carolina construction worker who in recent years had moved to Hawaii. A self-styled mercenary leader, Routh spoke out to anyone who would listen about his dangerous and sometimes violent plans to insert himself into conflicts around the world, witnesses have told The Associated Press.

In the early days of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ukraine">Russia's war in Ukraine</a>, Routh tried to recruit soldiers from Afghanistan, Moldova and Taiwan to fight the Russians. In his native Greensboro, North Carolina, he was arrested in 2002 for eluding a traffic stop and barricading himself from officers with a fully automatic machine gun and a “weapon of mass destruction,” which turned out to be an explosive with a 10-inch (25-centimeter) fuse, police said.

In 2010, police searched a warehouse Routh owned and found more than 100 stolen items, from power tools and building supplies to kayaks and spa tubs. In both felony cases, judges gave Routh either probation or a suspended sentence.

Besides the federal charges, Routh also has pleaded not guilty to state charges of terrorism and attempted murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726536262473.png" alt="-Routh photo Palm Beach County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>-Routh photo Palm Beach County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — The man who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump at a Florida golf course last year tried to stab himself in the neck with a pen shortly after being found guilty of all counts on Tuesday.Officers quickly swarmed him and dragged him out of the courtroom.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741357051491.png" alt="-Routh photo Palm Beach County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>-Routh photo Palm Beach County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The jury of five men and seven women found Ryan Routh guilty on all counts that he was facing after about two hours of deliberation.The jurors were on their way out of the courtroom after the verdict was announced when Routh grabbed a pen off a desk and tried to stab himself in the neck.As marshals were dragging him from the courtroom, Routh's daughter Sara Routh began screaming, “Dad I love you, don’t do anything. I’ll get you out. He didn’t hurt anybody.”She continued screaming as her father was taken from the courtroom, saying the case against him was rigged. She went outside the courthouse, where she waited by a guard gate for her father to be driven away.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/etEVWek7gr">pic.twitter.com/etEVWek7gr</a>&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1970562014419317049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Back inside the courtroom, Routh was brought back before the judge. He was no longer wearing a jacket and tie, and was shackled. There were no signs of blood on his shirt. The judge announced Routh will be sentenced on Dec. 18 at 9:30 a.m. He faces life in prison.The standby defense attorneys for Routh did not have a comment following the verdict.Routh had been charged with attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and defended himself in court.Prosecutors said Routh spent weeks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-gunshots-florida-f62f8378d3a8ce7b2e99d6a8fb40aba9">plotting to kill Trump</a>&nbsp;before aiming a rifle through shrubbery as the Republican played golf on Sept. 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach country club.Routh told jurors in his closing argument that he didn’t intend to kill anyone that day.“It’s hard for me to believe that a crime occurred if the trigger was never pulled,” Routh said. He pointed out that he could see Trump as he was on the path toward the sixth-hole green at the golf course and noted that he also could have shot a Secret Service agent who confronted him if he had intended to harm anyone.Routh, 59, exercised his constitutional right not to testify in his own defense. He rested his case Monday morning after questioning just three witnesses — a firearms expert and two characters witnesses — for a total of about three hours. In contrast, prosecutors spent seven days questioning 38 witnesses.Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post on X that the guilty verdict “illustrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to punishing those who engage in political violence.”“This attempted assassination was not only an attack on our President, but an affront to our very nation,” Bondi said.“This verdict sends a clear message. An attempt to assassinate a presidential candidate is an attack on our Republic and on the rights of every citizen,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. “The Department of Justice will relentlessly pursue those who try to silence political voices, and no enemy, foreign or domestic, will ever silence the will of the American people.”U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon signed off on Routh’s request to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-attempt-florida-644c71bc607e4ebad5115f2a490b314c">represent himself</a>&nbsp;following two hearings in July. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that criminal defendants have a right to represent themselves in court proceedings, as long as they can show a judge they are competent to waive their right to be defended by an attorney. Routh’s former defense attorneys have served as standby counsel since he took over his own defense and have been present during trial the past two weeks.Recounting what happened at the golf course, a Secret Service agent testified earlier in the trial that he spotted Routh before Trump came into view. Routh aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot, the agent said.Law enforcement obtained help from a witness who testified that he saw a person fleeing the area after hearing gunshots. The witness was then flown in a police helicopter to a nearby interstate where Routh was arrested, and the witness said he confirmed it was the person he had seen.Just nine weeks earlier, Trump had survived&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-butler-assassination-attempt-anniversary-crooks-d18804b0e1382003bbb91449638c721c">an attempt</a>&nbsp;on his life while campaigning in Butler, Pennsylvania. That gunman had fired eight shots, with one bullet grazing Trump’s ear. The gunman was then fatally shot by a Secret Service counter sniper.Routh was a North Carolina construction worker who in recent years had moved to Hawaii. A self-styled mercenary leader, Routh spoke out to anyone who would listen about his dangerous and sometimes violent plans to insert himself into conflicts around the world, witnesses have told The Associated Press.In the early days of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ukraine">Russia's war in Ukraine</a>, Routh tried to recruit soldiers from Afghanistan, Moldova and Taiwan to fight the Russians. In his native Greensboro, North Carolina, he was arrested in 2002 for eluding a traffic stop and barricading himself from officers with a fully automatic machine gun and a “weapon of mass destruction,” which turned out to be an explosive with a 10-inch (25-centimeter) fuse, police said.In 2010, police searched a warehouse Routh owned and found more than 100 stolen items, from power tools and building supplies to kayaks and spa tubs. In both felony cases, judges gave Routh either probation or a suspended sentence.Besides the federal charges, Routh also has pleaded not guilty to state charges of terrorism and attempted murder.___

Trump would-be assassin tried to kill himself after guilty verdict 

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of an apartment fire in in Overland Park.

Early Tuesday, crews quickly extinguished a fire in a first floor apartment at the Aspen Lodge Apartments at 81st Terrace and Switzer in Overland Park, according to a social media report from Overland Park Fire.

No injuries are reported. 6 adults &amp; 2 dogs from 4 units are being assisted by the Red Cross. Lenexa Fire, Overland Park Police and Johnson County Med-Act assisted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758630178944.png" alt="Image from Overland Park Fire video" />
 <figcaption>Image from Overland Park Fire video</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of an apartment fire in in Overland Park. Early Tuesday, crews quickly extinguished a fire in a first floor apartment at the Aspen Lodge Apartments at 81st Terrace and Switzer in Overland Park, according to a social media report from Overland Park Fire.No injuries are reported. 6 adults &amp; 2 dogs from 4 units are being assisted by the Red Cross. Lenexa Fire, Overland Park Police and Johnson County Med-Act assisted.

6 adults, 2 dogs displaced after Kansas apartment fire

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-23-2025">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has abruptly canceled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-congress-democrats-health-care-ce86b9021837ad2a6b32f7f484207714">this week's planned meeting</a>&nbsp;with congressional Democratic leaders, refusing to negotiate over their demands to shore up health care funds as part of a deal to prevent a potential looming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">federal government shutdown</a>.

In a lengthy Tuesday social media post, Trump rejected the sit-down the White House had agreed to the day before. It would have been the first time the Republican president met with the Democratic Party's leaders,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Sen. Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Rep. Hakeem Jeffries</a>, since his return to the White House.

“I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive,” Trump wrote in the post.

The president complained the Democrats “are threatening to shut down the Government of the United States" unless the Republicans agree to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-government-shutdown-trump-schumer-health-care-55d72ec2cdfd6b0c9f6dcc61696dbbc6">more funding on health care</a>&nbsp;for various groups of people he has criticized. Trump did not close the door on a future sit-down with the Democratic leaders, but he warned of a “long and brutal slog” ahead unless Democrats dropped their demands to salvage health care funds.

Earlier Tuesday, Schumer and Jeffries had issued a joint statement saying that after “weeks of Republican stonewalling” the president had agreed to meet in the Oval Office. But after the Republican president canceled the meeting, the Democratic leaders accused him of throwing a tantrum and running away. Jeffries posted on X that “Trump Always Chickens Out.”

“Donald Trump just cancelled a high stakes meeting in the Oval Office with myself and Leader Schumer,” Jeffries wrote on X. “The extremists want to shut down the government because they are unwilling to address the Republican healthcare crisis that is devastating America.”

In a post on X directed at Trump, Schumer said Democrats will sit down and discuss health care “when you’re finished ranting.”

Schumer said Trump “is running away from the negotiating table before he even gets there” and would “rather throw a tantrum than do his job.”

With Congress at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-republicans-funding-schumer-congress-trump-0c1973b2d0aad76aa5a3ec3749965edd">a stalemate</a>, the government is headed toward a federal shutdown next week, Oct. 1, if the House and the Senate are unable to approve the legislation needed to fund offices and services into the new fiscal year. Lawmakers left town amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-trump-funding-bill-republicans-shutdown-1fea0f79c85ec69b91d9789fbda00834">the logjam</a>, and they are not due back until Sept. 29.

Trump has been unafraid of shutting down the government and, during his first term, was president over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">the nation's longest federal closure</a>, during the 2018-19 holiday season, when he was pushing Congress to provide funds for his long-promised U.S.-Mexico border wall.

The president insisted over the weekend that essential services, including for veterans, would remain open.

Republicans, who have the majority in both the House and the Senate, have been trying to avoid a shutdown.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;led passage late last week of a temporary funding measure, which would have kept government offices running into November while talks get underway.

That's the typical way to buy time during funding fights, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-trump-funding-bill-republicans-shutdown-1fea0f79c85ec69b91d9789fbda00834">the measure failed</a>&nbsp;in the Senate. Democrats refused to support the stopgap bill because it did not include their priorities of health care funds. A Democratic proposal, with the health care money restored, was defeated by Senate Republicans.

Schumer and Jeffries have demanded a meeting with Trump to work out a compromise, but the Republican president has been reluctant to enter talks and instructed GOP leaders on Capitol Hill not to negotiate with the Democrats.

Thursday's scheduled meeting would have potentially set up a showdown at the White House, reminiscent of the 2018 funding fight when Trump led&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaIX_SI7sgw">an explosive public session</a>&nbsp;with Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi.

Democrats are working to protect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-republicans-funding-schumer-congress-trump-0c1973b2d0aad76aa5a3ec3749965edd">health care programs</a>. The Democratic proposal would extend enhanced health insurance subsidies set to expire at the end of the year, plus reverse Medicaid cuts that were included in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-republican-trump-tax-bill-f65be44e1050431a601320197322551b">Republicans’ big tax breaks and spending cuts bill</a>&nbsp;enacted earlier this year.

Republicans have said the Democrats’ demands to reverse the Medicaid changes are a nonstarter, but they have also said there is time to address the health insurance subsidy issue in the months ahead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758638266766.png" alt="President Trump and the First Lady arrive at the UN on Tuesday-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and the First Lady arrive at the UN on Tuesday-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-23-2025">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has abruptly canceled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-congress-democrats-health-care-ce86b9021837ad2a6b32f7f484207714">this week's planned meeting</a>&nbsp;with congressional Democratic leaders, refusing to negotiate over their demands to shore up health care funds as part of a deal to prevent a potential looming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">federal government shutdown</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump Always Chickens Out. Donald Trump just cancelled a high stakes meeting in the Oval Office with myself and Leader Schumer. The extremists want to shut down the government because they are unwilling to address the Republican healthcare crisis that is devastating America.&mdash; Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJeffries/status/1970496724260028910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/f7uLA1c7tC">pic.twitter.com/f7uLA1c7tC</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1970484487625547886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a lengthy Tuesday social media post, Trump rejected the sit-down the White House had agreed to the day before. It would have been the first time the Republican president met with the Democratic Party's leaders,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Sen. Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Rep. Hakeem Jeffries</a>, since his return to the White House.“I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive,” Trump wrote in the post.The president complained the Democrats “are threatening to shut down the Government of the United States" unless the Republicans agree to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-government-shutdown-trump-schumer-health-care-55d72ec2cdfd6b0c9f6dcc61696dbbc6">more funding on health care</a>&nbsp;for various groups of people he has criticized. Trump did not close the door on a future sit-down with the Democratic leaders, but he warned of a “long and brutal slog” ahead unless Democrats dropped their demands to salvage health care funds.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donald Trump has never used my name during his presidency. Now he is afraid to meet to discuss the Republican healthcare crisis and pending government shutdown. Why is that? Sincerely, Hakeem Sekou Jeffries&mdash; Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJeffries/status/1970521433794023490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Earlier Tuesday, Schumer and Jeffries had issued a joint statement saying that after “weeks of Republican stonewalling” the president had agreed to meet in the Oval Office. But after the Republican president canceled the meeting, the Democratic leaders accused him of throwing a tantrum and running away. Jeffries posted on X that “Trump Always Chickens Out.”“Donald Trump just cancelled a high stakes meeting in the Oval Office with myself and Leader Schumer,” Jeffries wrote on X. “The extremists want to shut down the government because they are unwilling to address the Republican healthcare crisis that is devastating America.”In a post on X directed at Trump, Schumer said Democrats will sit down and discuss health care “when you’re finished ranting.”Schumer said Trump “is running away from the negotiating table before he even gets there” and would “rather throw a tantrum than do his job.”With Congress at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-republicans-funding-schumer-congress-trump-0c1973b2d0aad76aa5a3ec3749965edd">a stalemate</a>, the government is headed toward a federal shutdown next week, Oct. 1, if the House and the Senate are unable to approve the legislation needed to fund offices and services into the new fiscal year. Lawmakers left town amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-trump-funding-bill-republicans-shutdown-1fea0f79c85ec69b91d9789fbda00834">the logjam</a>, and they are not due back until Sept. 29.Trump has been unafraid of shutting down the government and, during his first term, was president over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">the nation's longest federal closure</a>, during the 2018-19 holiday season, when he was pushing Congress to provide funds for his long-promised U.S.-Mexico border wall.The president insisted over the weekend that essential services, including for veterans, would remain open.Republicans, who have the majority in both the House and the Senate, have been trying to avoid a shutdown.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;led passage late last week of a temporary funding measure, which would have kept government offices running into November while talks get underway.That's the typical way to buy time during funding fights, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-trump-funding-bill-republicans-shutdown-1fea0f79c85ec69b91d9789fbda00834">the measure failed</a>&nbsp;in the Senate. Democrats refused to support the stopgap bill because it did not include their priorities of health care funds. A Democratic proposal, with the health care money restored, was defeated by Senate Republicans.Schumer and Jeffries have demanded a meeting with Trump to work out a compromise, but the Republican president has been reluctant to enter talks and instructed GOP leaders on Capitol Hill not to negotiate with the Democrats.Thursday's scheduled meeting would have potentially set up a showdown at the White House, reminiscent of the 2018 funding fight when Trump led&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaIX_SI7sgw">an explosive public session</a>&nbsp;with Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi.Democrats are working to protect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-republicans-funding-schumer-congress-trump-0c1973b2d0aad76aa5a3ec3749965edd">health care programs</a>. The Democratic proposal would extend enhanced health insurance subsidies set to expire at the end of the year, plus reverse Medicaid cuts that were included in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-republican-trump-tax-bill-f65be44e1050431a601320197322551b">Republicans’ big tax breaks and spending cuts bill</a>&nbsp;enacted earlier this year.Republicans have said the Democrats’ demands to reverse the Medicaid changes are a nonstarter, but they have also said there is time to address the health insurance subsidy issue in the months ahead.

House Democrat leader: Trump always chickens out

PAWNEE COUNTY– Shane Paul Wagoner, 37, appeared in the custody of Larned State Hospital September 18, in the Pawnee County District Court before District Judge Bruce Gatterman to determine whether he is competent to stand trial.

Wagoner is charged with a single count of Aggravated Escape from Custody, a severity level 8 non-person felony, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.&nbsp; He has been listed as a Kansas Sex Offender since 2014 and a Sexually Violent Predator since 2023, according to the KBI Offender Registry.

After hearing the testimony of the court-assigned forensic evaluator and arguments of counsel, Judge Gatterman found Wagoner not competent to stand trial. Based on this finding, the Court then entered an order directing Wagoner to be committed to the State Security Hospital for up to ninety days for an evaluation to determine if there is a substantial probability of the defendant attaining competency to stand trial in the foreseeable future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758569804590.png" alt="Wagoner photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Wagoner photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY– Shane Paul Wagoner, 37, appeared in the custody of Larned State Hospital September 18, in the Pawnee County District Court before District Judge Bruce Gatterman to determine whether he is competent to stand trial.Wagoner is charged with a single count of Aggravated Escape from Custody, a severity level 8 non-person felony, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.&nbsp; He has been listed as a Kansas Sex Offender since 2014 and a Sexually Violent Predator since 2023, according to the KBI Offender Registry.After hearing the testimony of the court-assigned forensic evaluator and arguments of counsel, Judge Gatterman found Wagoner not competent to stand trial. Based on this finding, the Court then entered an order directing Wagoner to be committed to the State Security Hospital for up to ninety days for an evaluation to determine if there is a substantial probability of the defendant attaining competency to stand trial in the foreseeable future.Under Kansas law, a person is “incompetent to stand trial” when such person is charged with a crime and, because of mental illness or defect is unable: (1) To understand the nature and purpose of the proceedings against such person; or (2) to make or assist in making such person's defense.The charge stems from an incident on the night of February 8, 2025, at the Jung North building on the campus of Larned State Hospital (LSH) where at the time the defendant was civilly committed to the Sexual Predator Treatment Program (SPTP). Review of security footage determined Wagoner exited the building through the security checkpoint without being properly identified but then voluntarily returned to the building less than two minutes later asking for assistance to call a taxi. Upon reentering the building, LSH staff identified him as a patient and redirected the defendant to his housing unit without incident. The matter was investigated by the LSH special investigator with assistance from LSH Safety and Security staff. No outside law enforcement assistance was required.Pending the court ordered evaluation, the defendant will remain subject to his civil commitment to the Sexual Predator Treatment program located on the campus of Larned State Hospital.&nbsp; Wagoner has previous convictions for aggravated sexual battery, burglary, aggravated burglary and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.