HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The legacy of Antonio Flores Jr., founder of the Anchor Inn restaurant, continues to ripple through generations in Hutchinson, where his family and customers alike remember him not just as a restaurateur, but as a father figure to many.

Flores, who purchased and opened the Anchor Inn in 1977, poured nearly five decades of passion and purpose into the business. Even in his final years, he remained a daily fixture at the restaurant, working tirelessly until the very end.

“There’s literally thousands of people who lovingly think of him as a father,” said his son, Greg Flores. “He never turned anyone away. Whether it was someone who had wandered off the street, needed a meal, or somebody who needed a job, or even a place to stay, he’d help facilitate that.”

Antonio’s impact extended far beyond his kitchen. He was known for his warm smile, his generosity, and his deep-rooted love for serving others. His commitment to community, through both his restaurant and the church, fed not just stomachs, but souls.

Even at 87, Antonio was present every day, showing up with unwavering energy and a signature sense of humor that his family says never waned. His four daughters remember him as a jokester who worked hard and never showed the strain of difficult times.

“It’s his legacy. He is the restaurant,” said Esther Flores Acosta. “It was a joy to work with. It didn’t make it grueling. Get up in the morning to go to your job. It wasn’t like that here.”

Throughout the years, Antonio expanded the business, adding space, importing a fountain from Mexico, and launching a successful delivery and catering service called Anchor Away. Yet, through all the growth, what customers cherished most was Antonio himself—often found in his usual seat, silverware in hand, sharing laughs with anyone who walked through the door.

Greg Flores said those are big shoes to fill. “When they see me sitting in the chair, wrapping the forks, especially the older generation, they’ll say, ‘Hey, that was your dad’s job.’ I’m like, ‘Hey, I got this,’” he said with a smile.

True to Antonio’s spirit, the Anchor Inn remained open on Wednesday after his passing. His family said he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745518624321.jpeg" alt="Antonio "Tony" Flores, Jr. -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Antonio "Tony" Flores, Jr. -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The legacy of Antonio Flores Jr., founder of the Anchor Inn restaurant, continues to ripple through generations in Hutchinson, where his family and customers alike remember him not just as a restaurateur, but as a father figure to many.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745513931203.jpeg" alt="Anchor Inn, located at 128 S. Main St. in Hutchinson, Kan. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Anchor Inn, located at 128 S. Main St. in Hutchinson, Kan. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>Flores, who purchased and opened the Anchor Inn in 1977, poured nearly five decades of passion and purpose into the business. Even in his final years, he remained a daily fixture at the restaurant, working tirelessly until the very end.“There’s literally thousands of people who lovingly think of him as a father,” said his son, Greg Flores. “He never turned anyone away. Whether it was someone who had wandered off the street, needed a meal, or somebody who needed a job, or even a place to stay, he’d help facilitate that.”Antonio’s impact extended far beyond his kitchen. He was known for his warm smile, his generosity, and his deep-rooted love for serving others. His commitment to community, through both his restaurant and the church, fed not just stomachs, but souls.ADVERTISINGEven at 87, Antonio was present every day, showing up with unwavering energy and a signature sense of humor that his family says never waned. His four daughters remember him as a jokester who worked hard and never showed the strain of difficult times.“It’s his legacy. He is the restaurant,” said Esther Flores Acosta. “It was a joy to work with. It didn’t make it grueling. Get up in the morning to go to your job. It wasn’t like that here.”Throughout the years, Antonio expanded the business, adding space, importing a fountain from Mexico, and launching a successful delivery and catering service called Anchor Away. Yet, through all the growth, what customers cherished most was Antonio himself—often found in his usual seat, silverware in hand, sharing laughs with anyone who walked through the door.Greg Flores said those are big shoes to fill. “When they see me sitting in the chair, wrapping the forks, especially the older generation, they’ll say, ‘Hey, that was your dad’s job.’ I’m like, ‘Hey, I got this,’” he said with a smile.True to Antonio’s spirit, the Anchor Inn remained open on Wednesday after his passing. His family said he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Founder of the Anchor Inn leaves a legacy of love

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has ordered sharper scrutiny of America’s colleges and the accreditors that oversee them, part of his escalating campaign to end what he calls "&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-woke-education-24f864d83e2f5745d12a79ebac0d7cc4">wokeness</a>&nbsp;” and diversity efforts in education.

In a series of executive actions signed Wednesday, Trump targeted universities that he views as liberal adversaries to his political agenda. One order called for harder enforcement of a federal law requiring colleges to disclose their financial ties with foreign sources, while another called for a shakeup of the accrediting bodies that decide whether colleges can accept federal financial aid awarded to students.

Trump also ordered the Education Department to root out efforts to ensure equity in discipline in the nation’s K-12 schools. Previous guidance from Democratic administrations directed schools not to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-civil-rights-dei-dakota-a98f3f943c6e580b8044c602e5580f38">disproportionately punish</a>&nbsp;underrepresented minorities such as Black and Native American students. The administration says equity efforts amount to racial discrimination.

Foreign money is at issue in clash with Harvard

Colleges’ financial ties with foreign sources have long been a concern among Republicans, especially ties with China and other countries with adversarial relationships with the U.S. It became a priority during Trump’s first term and reemerged last week as the White House grasped for leverage in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-trump-lawsuit-grants-f098f55c6986b37e1227e7bcf8967a46">escalating battle with Harvard University</a>.

The White House said it needed to take action because Harvard and other colleges have routinely violated a federal disclosure law, which has been unevenly enforced since it was passed in the 1980s. Known as Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, the law requires colleges to disclose foreign gifts and contracts valued at $250,000 or more.

Last week, the Education Department demanded records from Harvard over foreign financial ties spanning the past decade, accusing the school of filing “incomplete and inaccurate disclosures.” Trump’s administration is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harvard-tax-exempt-status-international-students-07a10958bf078cb04b59d1fc9a3a27a8">sparring with Harvard</a>&nbsp;over the university’s refusal to accept a list of demands over its handling of pro-Palestinian protests as well as its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

In the executive order, Trump calls on the Education Department and the attorney general to step up enforcement of the law and take action against colleges that violate it, including a cutoff of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-trump-administration-federal-cuts-antisemitism-0a1fb70a2c1055bda7c4c5a5c476e18d">federal money</a>.

The Trump administration intends to “end the secrecy surrounding foreign funds in American educational institutions” and protect against “foreign exploitation,” the order said.

It was applauded by Republicans, including Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan, chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. He accused China of exploiting academic ties to steal research and “indoctrinate students.”

Another order aims at accrediting bodies that set standards colleges must meet to accept federal financial aid from students. Trump campaigned on a promise to overhaul the industry, saying it was “dominated by Marxist Maniacs and lunatics.”

Often overlooked as an obscure branch of college oversight, accreditors play an important role in shaping colleges in many aspects, with standards that apply all the way from colleges’ governing boards to classroom curriculum.

Trump’s executive order is the opening salvo in what could be a lengthy battle to overhaul the accrediting industry. Chief among his priorities is to strip accreditors of DEI requirements imposed on colleges. Some accreditors have already dropped or stopped enforcing such standards amid Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-critical-race-theory-colleges-diversity-db8317ad37931558dd5a396cf5ab3d42">DEI crackdown</a>.

Trump’s order calls on the government to suspend or terminate accreditors that discriminate in the name of DEI. Instead, it calls on accreditors to focus more squarely on the student outcomes of colleges and programs they oversee.

The president wants to make it easier for new accreditors to compete with the 19 that are now authorized to work on behalf of the federal government. As it stands, new accreditors looking to be recognized by the government must undergo an arduous process that traditionally takes years. Trump’s order said it should be “transparent, efficient, and not unduly burdensome.”

“Instead of pushing schools to adopt a divisive DEI ideology, accreditors should be focused on helping schools improve graduation rates and graduates’ performance in the labor market,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement.

De-emphasizing equity in school discipline

Trump also invoked opposition to equity efforts in his order on school discipline. The edict signed Wednesday seeks a return to “common sense school discipline,” allowing decisions to be based solely on students’ behavior and actions, McMahon said.

Another executive order instructs government agencies and departments to no longer rely on “disparate impact theories.” Under the disparate impact standard, policies and practices that disproportionately impact minorities and other protected groups could be challenged regardless of their intent.

In many schools around the country, Black students have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-discipline-takeaways-ferguson-black-lives-matter-efabdb403d4e34e9c607f039c827d72a">more likely to receive punishments</a>&nbsp;that remove them from the classroom, including suspensions, expulsions and being transferred to alternative schools. A decade ago, those differences became the target of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-ferguson-anniversary-racial-justice-06773aab70c16bbbfd4835be1bf6037c">reform movement</a>&nbsp;spurred by the same reckoning that gave rise to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-george-floyd-black-lives-matter-9b78cfb1d4e7134af2e1715f04538596">Black Lives Matter</a>. The movement elevated the concept of the “school-to-prison pipeline” — the notion that being kicked out of school, or dropping out, increases the chance of arrest and imprisonment years later.

Federal guidelines to address racial disparities in school discipline first came from President Barack Obama’s administration in 2014. Federal officials urged schools not to suspend, expel or refer students to law enforcement except as a last resort, and encouraged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/teaching-school-boards-district-of-columbia-newport-news-education-124a978f3f76f53f1cb90ae4da21da4a">restorative justice</a>&nbsp;practices that did not push students out of the classroom. Those rules were rolled back by Trump’s first administration, but civil rights regulations at federal and state levels still mandate the collection of data on discipline.

On Wednesday, Trump directed McMahon to issue new school discipline guidance within 60 days. The order also calls for a review of nonprofit organizations that have promoted discipline policies rooted in equity and ensure they don’t receive federal money.

Another order creates a federal task force focused on giving America’s students training on artificial intelligence as early as kindergarten. It would work to develop new online learning resources.

Trump is also establishing a White House initiative to empower Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Among other efforts, it would seek to promote private-sector partnerships with HBCUs and schools’ workforce preparation in industries like technology and finance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745455731522.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has ordered sharper scrutiny of America’s colleges and the accreditors that oversee them, part of his escalating campaign to end what he calls "&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-woke-education-24f864d83e2f5745d12a79ebac0d7cc4">wokeness</a>&nbsp;” and diversity efforts in education.In a series of executive actions signed Wednesday, Trump targeted universities that he views as liberal adversaries to his political agenda. One order called for harder enforcement of a federal law requiring colleges to disclose their financial ties with foreign sources, while another called for a shakeup of the accrediting bodies that decide whether colleges can accept federal financial aid awarded to students.Trump also ordered the Education Department to root out efforts to ensure equity in discipline in the nation’s K-12 schools. Previous guidance from Democratic administrations directed schools not to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-civil-rights-dei-dakota-a98f3f943c6e580b8044c602e5580f38">disproportionately punish</a>&nbsp;underrepresented minorities such as Black and Native American students. The administration says equity efforts amount to racial discrimination.<h2>Foreign money is at issue in clash with Harvard</h2>Colleges’ financial ties with foreign sources have long been a concern among Republicans, especially ties with China and other countries with adversarial relationships with the U.S. It became a priority during Trump’s first term and reemerged last week as the White House grasped for leverage in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-trump-lawsuit-grants-f098f55c6986b37e1227e7bcf8967a46">escalating battle with Harvard University</a>.The White House said it needed to take action because Harvard and other colleges have routinely violated a federal disclosure law, which has been unevenly enforced since it was passed in the 1980s. Known as Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, the law requires colleges to disclose foreign gifts and contracts valued at $250,000 or more.Last week, the Education Department demanded records from Harvard over foreign financial ties spanning the past decade, accusing the school of filing “incomplete and inaccurate disclosures.” Trump’s administration is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harvard-tax-exempt-status-international-students-07a10958bf078cb04b59d1fc9a3a27a8">sparring with Harvard</a>&nbsp;over the university’s refusal to accept a list of demands over its handling of pro-Palestinian protests as well as its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.In the executive order, Trump calls on the Education Department and the attorney general to step up enforcement of the law and take action against colleges that violate it, including a cutoff of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-trump-administration-federal-cuts-antisemitism-0a1fb70a2c1055bda7c4c5a5c476e18d">federal money</a>.The Trump administration intends to “end the secrecy surrounding foreign funds in American educational institutions” and protect against “foreign exploitation,” the order said.It was applauded by Republicans, including Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan, chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. He accused China of exploiting academic ties to steal research and “indoctrinate students.”<h2>Accreditors ordered to drop DEI</h2>Another order aims at accrediting bodies that set standards colleges must meet to accept federal financial aid from students. Trump campaigned on a promise to overhaul the industry, saying it was “dominated by Marxist Maniacs and lunatics.”Often overlooked as an obscure branch of college oversight, accreditors play an important role in shaping colleges in many aspects, with standards that apply all the way from colleges’ governing boards to classroom curriculum.Trump’s executive order is the opening salvo in what could be a lengthy battle to overhaul the accrediting industry. Chief among his priorities is to strip accreditors of DEI requirements imposed on colleges. Some accreditors have already dropped or stopped enforcing such standards amid Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-critical-race-theory-colleges-diversity-db8317ad37931558dd5a396cf5ab3d42">DEI crackdown</a>.Trump’s order calls on the government to suspend or terminate accreditors that discriminate in the name of DEI. Instead, it calls on accreditors to focus more squarely on the student outcomes of colleges and programs they oversee.The president wants to make it easier for new accreditors to compete with the 19 that are now authorized to work on behalf of the federal government. As it stands, new accreditors looking to be recognized by the government must undergo an arduous process that traditionally takes years. Trump’s order said it should be “transparent, efficient, and not unduly burdensome.”“Instead of pushing schools to adopt a divisive DEI ideology, accreditors should be focused on helping schools improve graduation rates and graduates’ performance in the labor market,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement.<h2>De-emphasizing equity in school discipline</h2>Trump also invoked opposition to equity efforts in his order on school discipline. The edict signed Wednesday seeks a return to “common sense school discipline,” allowing decisions to be based solely on students’ behavior and actions, McMahon said.Another executive order instructs government agencies and departments to no longer rely on “disparate impact theories.” Under the disparate impact standard, policies and practices that disproportionately impact minorities and other protected groups could be challenged regardless of their intent.In many schools around the country, Black students have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-discipline-takeaways-ferguson-black-lives-matter-efabdb403d4e34e9c607f039c827d72a">more likely to receive punishments</a>&nbsp;that remove them from the classroom, including suspensions, expulsions and being transferred to alternative schools. A decade ago, those differences became the target of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-ferguson-anniversary-racial-justice-06773aab70c16bbbfd4835be1bf6037c">reform movement</a>&nbsp;spurred by the same reckoning that gave rise to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-george-floyd-black-lives-matter-9b78cfb1d4e7134af2e1715f04538596">Black Lives Matter</a>. The movement elevated the concept of the “school-to-prison pipeline” — the notion that being kicked out of school, or dropping out, increases the chance of arrest and imprisonment years later.Federal guidelines to address racial disparities in school discipline first came from President Barack Obama’s administration in 2014. Federal officials urged schools not to suspend, expel or refer students to law enforcement except as a last resort, and encouraged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/teaching-school-boards-district-of-columbia-newport-news-education-124a978f3f76f53f1cb90ae4da21da4a">restorative justice</a>&nbsp;practices that did not push students out of the classroom. Those rules were rolled back by Trump’s first administration, but civil rights regulations at federal and state levels still mandate the collection of data on discipline.On Wednesday, Trump directed McMahon to issue new school discipline guidance within 60 days. The order also calls for a review of nonprofit organizations that have promoted discipline policies rooted in equity and ensure they don’t receive federal money.Another order creates a federal task force focused on giving America’s students training on artificial intelligence as early as kindergarten. It would work to develop new online learning resources.Trump is also establishing a White House initiative to empower Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Among other efforts, it would seek to promote private-sector partnerships with HBCUs and schools’ workforce preparation in industries like technology and finance.___

Trump signs executive orders targeting colleges, accreditation 

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

TOPEKA — A federal judge rejected a former Kansas foster care leader’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/04/federal-prosecutor-tells-court-ex-saint-francis-leader-is-a-flight-risk-if-he-travels-to-el-salvador/">request to leave the country</a>, even though a Chicago faith leader vouched for him.

Robert “Father Bobby” Smith, who led Saint Francis Ministries from 2014 to 2020, faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. He asked the court last month to travel from his home in Johnson City, Tennessee, to El Salvador so he could visit his ex-wife and attend their daughter’s high school graduation.

U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse sided with a prosecutor who warned that Smith was a flight risk, based on family connections and the federal government’s inability to apprehend him if he stayed in El Salvador.

Pastor Corey Brooks, of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcchurchchi.org/" target="_blank">New Beginnings Church of Chicago</a>, wrote a letter dated April 10 to the judge in support of Smith’s request to travel.

“I have every confidence that his intent is to attend the graduation, celebrate his daughter’s success, and return to Tennessee,” Brooks wrote.

Brooks said he believes so much in Smith that he was willing to travel with him to the graduation.

But court records show Crouse denied Smith’s request at an April 16 hearing.

The judge also set a status conference for April 30. Past court filings showed Smith and co-defendant William Whymark, the former IT director for Saint Francis, are&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/27/former-leaders-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-negotiating-plea-deal-in-federal-fraud-case/">negotiating a plea deal</a>.

The two are accused of defrauding Saint Francis, the largest foster care contractor in Kansas, of at least $4.7 million.

Saint Francis hired Smith, who had been ordained as an Episcopal priest by the Diocese of Chicago, as president and CEO in 2014. Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/04/kansas-agency-serving-3100-foster-children-accused-of-rampant-financial-mismanagement/">first reported</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/15/kansas-based-foster-care-providers-financial-turmoil-cubs-tickets-amplify-concerns-in-nebraska/">allegations of misconduct</a>&nbsp;by Smith and Whymark shortly after they left Saint Francis in November 2020.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">Internal</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/23/audit-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-scrutinizes-financial-controls-it-costs-ceo-travel-ppp-loan/">external</a>&nbsp;audits revealed excessive billing for IT services and charges by Smith for lavish personal expenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660235188905.png" alt="&nbsp;Saint Francis Ministries in November 2020 severed ties with CEO Robert "Father Bobby" Smith and other leaders following an investigation into financial mismanagement. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Saint Francis Ministries in November 2020 severed ties with CEO Robert "Father Bobby" Smith and other leaders following an investigation into financial mismanagement. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A federal judge rejected a former Kansas foster care leader’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/04/federal-prosecutor-tells-court-ex-saint-francis-leader-is-a-flight-risk-if-he-travels-to-el-salvador/">request to leave the country</a>, even though a Chicago faith leader vouched for him.Robert “Father Bobby” Smith, who led Saint Francis Ministries from 2014 to 2020, faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. He asked the court last month to travel from his home in Johnson City, Tennessee, to El Salvador so he could visit his ex-wife and attend their daughter’s high school graduation.U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse sided with a prosecutor who warned that Smith was a flight risk, based on family connections and the federal government’s inability to apprehend him if he stayed in El Salvador.Pastor Corey Brooks, of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcchurchchi.org/" target="_blank">New Beginnings Church of Chicago</a>, wrote a letter dated April 10 to the judge in support of Smith’s request to travel.“I have every confidence that his intent is to attend the graduation, celebrate his daughter’s success, and return to Tennessee,” Brooks wrote.Brooks said he believes so much in Smith that he was willing to travel with him to the graduation.But court records show Crouse denied Smith’s request at an April 16 hearing.The judge also set a status conference for April 30. Past court filings showed Smith and co-defendant William Whymark, the former IT director for Saint Francis, are&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/27/former-leaders-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-negotiating-plea-deal-in-federal-fraud-case/">negotiating a plea deal</a>.The two are accused of defrauding Saint Francis, the largest foster care contractor in Kansas, of at least $4.7 million.Saint Francis hired Smith, who had been ordained as an Episcopal priest by the Diocese of Chicago, as president and CEO in 2014. Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/04/kansas-agency-serving-3100-foster-children-accused-of-rampant-financial-mismanagement/">first reported</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/15/kansas-based-foster-care-providers-financial-turmoil-cubs-tickets-amplify-concerns-in-nebraska/">allegations of misconduct</a>&nbsp;by Smith and Whymark shortly after they left Saint Francis in November 2020.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">Internal</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/23/audit-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-scrutinizes-financial-controls-it-costs-ceo-travel-ppp-loan/">external</a>&nbsp;audits revealed excessive billing for IT services and charges by Smith for lavish personal expenses.

Federal judge denies former foster care leader’s request to travel to El Salvador

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an&nbsp;aggravated robbery and aggravated battery that occurred just after 11p.m. on April 12 in the 1100 block of Moro Street in Manhattan and have made additional arrests, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;A 17-year-old boy reported that multiple persons had battered him and property was stolen from him during the incident. 

Arrested in connection with the incident were Avante Cunningham, 16, of Manhattan, Nehemiah Jackson, 14, of Manhattan, and Kaeden Guerrero, 16, of Manhattan. &nbsp;

Cunningham was arrested on April 23, 2025, at approximately 3:43 p.m. in the 1400 block of Humboldt Street on requested charges of aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.

Jackson was arrested on April 23, 2025, at approximately 11:09 a.m. in the 400 block of Walters Drive on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.

Guerrero was arrested on April 23, 2025, at approximately 10:35 a.m. in the 1500 block of Pipher Lane on requested charges for aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.. Guerrero and Jackson are confined in the Reno County Juvenile Detention Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cunningham is confined in the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center.

On Wednesday, the RCPD reported the arrest of two others in connection with the alleged crime. Amarion Blanton, 15,&nbsp; and Joshua Davis Jr., 17, both of Manhattan&nbsp;are  confined in the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an&nbsp;aggravated robbery and aggravated battery that occurred just after 11p.m. on April 12 in the 1100 block of Moro Street in Manhattan and have made additional arrests, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;A 17-year-old boy reported that multiple persons had battered him and property was stolen from him during the incident. Arrested in connection with the incident were Avante Cunningham, 16, of Manhattan, Nehemiah Jackson, 14, of Manhattan, and Kaeden Guerrero, 16, of Manhattan. &nbsp;Cunningham was arrested on April 23, 2025, at approximately 3:43 p.m. in the 1400 block of Humboldt Street on requested charges of aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.Jackson was arrested on April 23, 2025, at approximately 11:09 a.m. in the 400 block of Walters Drive on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.Guerrero was arrested on April 23, 2025, at approximately 10:35 a.m. in the 1500 block of Pipher Lane on requested charges for aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.. Guerrero and Jackson are confined in the Reno County Juvenile Detention Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cunningham is confined in the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center.On Wednesday, the RCPD reported the arrest of two others in connection with the alleged crime. Amarion Blanton, 15,&nbsp; and Joshua Davis Jr., 17, both of Manhattan&nbsp;are confined in the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

Police: 5 accused in violent robbery of Kansas teen

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Thursday offered rare criticism of Vladimir Putin, urging the Russian leader to “STOP!” after a deadly barrage of attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine's capital.

“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. “Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!”

Russia struck Kyiv with an hourslong barrage of missiles and drones. At least nine people were killed and more than 70 injured in the deadliest assault on the city since last July.

Trump’s frustration is growing as a U.S.-led effort to get a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has not made progress.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-peace-talks-london-4f35dc70f521e2363218f4c40748caba">lashed out</a>&nbsp;at Ukrainian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday and accused him of prolonging the “killing field” by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/crimea">Crimea Peninsula</a>&nbsp;as part of a possible deal.

Zelenskyy has repeated many times during the war that began when Russia invaded in February 2022 that recognizing occupied territory as Russia's is a red line for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy noted Thursday that Ukraine had agreed to a U.S. ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Moscow's attacks had continued.

Trump is set to meet later Thursday with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss the war in Ukraine, U.S. tariffs and other issues.

Norway, a member of NATO and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 123-mile (198-kilometer) border with Russia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="File photo(Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)" />
 <figcaption>File photo(Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Thursday offered rare criticism of Vladimir Putin, urging the Russian leader to “STOP!” after a deadly barrage of attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine's capital.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/diLFtwSM6B">pic.twitter.com/diLFtwSM6B</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1915381642681602176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. “Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!”Russia struck Kyiv with an hourslong barrage of missiles and drones. At least nine people were killed and more than 70 injured in the deadliest assault on the city since last July.Trump’s frustration is growing as a U.S.-led effort to get a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has not made progress.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-peace-talks-london-4f35dc70f521e2363218f4c40748caba">lashed out</a>&nbsp;at Ukrainian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday and accused him of prolonging the “killing field” by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/crimea">Crimea Peninsula</a>&nbsp;as part of a possible deal.Zelenskyy has repeated many times during the war that began when Russia invaded in February 2022 that recognizing occupied territory as Russia's is a red line for Ukraine.Zelenskyy noted Thursday that Ukraine had agreed to a U.S. ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Moscow's attacks had continued.Trump is set to meet later Thursday with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss the war in Ukraine, U.S. tariffs and other issues.Norway, a member of NATO and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 123-mile (198-kilometer) border with Russia.

Trump warns Russian leader to 'STOP!' after a deadly attack on Ukraine capital

BUTLER COUNTY—Three people were injured and a teen driver arrested after&nbsp; an accident just before 9:30p.m. Tuesday in Butler County.

According to Butler County Undersheriff Daimon Cundif a 2004 Chevy Silverado driven by a 19-year-old from Towanda was westbound on SW 20th Street at&nbsp;SW Hopkins Switch Road. The pickup left the roadway to the north and rolled down the embankment almost to the KTA bridge. Several individuals were ejected from the vehicle.

EMS transported three passengers, a 28-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman from Towanda and a 38-year-old man to a Wichita area hospital. Two of those passengers were reported to have serious injuries.

Deputies arrested the driver on requestd charges of Driving Under the Influence, Aggravated Battery, Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor, Transporting an Open Container, and Felony Interference. He was booked in to the Butler County Jail

BUTLER COUNTY—Three people were injured and a teen driver arrested after&nbsp; an accident just before 9:30p.m. Tuesday in Butler County.According to Butler County Undersheriff Daimon Cundif a 2004 Chevy Silverado driven by a 19-year-old from Towanda was westbound on SW 20th Street at&nbsp;SW Hopkins Switch Road. The pickup left the roadway to the north and rolled down the embankment almost to the KTA bridge. Several individuals were ejected from the vehicle.EMS transported three passengers, a 28-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman from Towanda and a 38-year-old man to a Wichita area hospital. Two of those passengers were reported to have serious injuries.Deputies arrested the driver on requestd charges of Driving Under the Influence, Aggravated Battery, Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor, Transporting an Open Container, and Felony Interference. He was booked in to the Butler County Jail

3 injured, Kan. teen jailed after pickup rolls down embankment

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>

USDA urged reform after Kansas’ payment error rate on SNAP hit 12% in 2023

TOPEKA — The payment error rate for Kansas’ determination of eligibility for food assistance grew to more than 12% in 2023 to exceed the national average and surpass levels in four states neighboring Kansas.

The U.S. average that year was 11.6% and the border states ranged from 7% in Nebraska, 8.6% in Colorado, 10.5% in Missouri and 10.6% in Oklahoma.

Kansas’ problem with processing applications from low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, was brought to the attention of Gov. Laura Kelly in a February 2024 letter from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Kelly administration received another letter in early April from the USDA pointing to SNAP processing deficiencies in Kansas.

The notices took issue with the state’s SNAP payment error rate as well as the timeliness of application processing and procedural error rates that failed to comply with basic federal requirements.

State officials told the House Select Committee on Government Oversight the error rate in terms of eligibility and benefit determinations for SNAP ranged from 3.8% to 7.1% from 2017 to 2019. In each of those three years the state outperformed the national average.

USDA didn’t track state-by-state performance in 2020 and 2021 due to distortions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, officials with the Kansas Department for Children and Families, which administers SNAP statewide, said the payment error rate climbed to 12% in 2023 before improving to 10.1% in 2024 and slumping to 11.6% in 2025.

“I know government is different from business, but typically a payment error is pretty critical,” said Rep. Francis Awerkamp, a St. Marys Republican. “Most businesses, as far accounts payable, your error rate you kind of want it to be around zero. This is a $400 million-plus program looking at an 11% error rate. From my perspective, that is a high percentage.”

Carla Whiteside-Hicks, director of economic and employment services for DCF, said the rate was most frequently tied to DCF personnel making data entry mistakes when handling applications for SNAP. For example, she said, mistakes were made in calculation of an applicant’s income or rent. Another area in which inaccuracies surfaced was in the interpretation of self-employment income by an applicant, she said.

“Those are the three that are the most common,” said Whiteside-Hicks, who would prefer the error rate stabilized at 3%.

“As they enter this data — this is an application form where I’m asking questions and entering data — we’re making errors on some of the most basic elements of the application such as income, rent and self-employment,” Awerkamp said. “How would you approach correcting these errors?”

Whiteside-Hicks said DCF’s effort to minimize mistakes centered on improving training of staff and upgrading training materials used by about 200 state workers responsible for processing SNAP applications. She said regional offices involved in the application process had historically struggled to hire staff.

“It takes at least a year to become proficient as an eligibility worker,” Whiteside-Hicks said.

Rep. Will Carpenter, R-El Dorado, said the status report on processing SNAP applications should prompt the Legislature to examine how other states dealt with processing requests for food aid.

“Are there states that contract their eligibility out as a piece versus having in-house employees?” he said.

Tanya Keys, deputy secretary at DCF, told legislators SNAP provided a monthly benefit that averaged $189 per person or $392 per family in Kansas. As of last year, Kansas provided SNAP benefits to 97,000 households.

In terms of eligibility for SNAP, she said, Kansas had placed in law a part-time work requirement or training participation requirement for adults 18 to 54 without children. That criteria could be waived for an adult caring for children, a person with a disability or an individual at least 60 years of age.

Keys said one-third of SNAP participants in Kansas were enrolled in the program for less than six months and two-thirds were in the program less than one year.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, authorized the House Select Committee on Government Oversight to monitor the functioning, transparency and accountability of government agencies. He granted the 13-member committee subpoena power to investigate potential misconduct.

“This committee’s work will help ensure that public funds are used efficiently and that government actions align with the best interests of the citizens of Kansas,” Hawkins said.

During the first meeting of the committee on Wednesday at the Capitol, Augusta GOP Rep. Kristey Williams, chair of the bipartisan panel, said topics of inquiry weren’t set in stone.

“We are not here to create drafts of bills, but we are here to really shine a light on any issues that are of high importance,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745498061532.png" alt="Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, Rep. Kristey Williams, R-Augusta, and Rep. Bob Lewis, R-Garden City, take part in the first meeting of the House Select Committee on Government Oversight on Wednesday at the Capitol. The inaugural meeting of the 13-member committee focused on financial issues tied to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP, serving nearly 100,000 households in Kansas. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, Rep. Kristey Williams, R-Augusta, and Rep. Bob Lewis, R-Garden City, take part in the first meeting of the House Select Committee on Government Oversight on Wednesday at the Capitol. The inaugural meeting of the 13-member committee focused on financial issues tied to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP, serving nearly 100,000 households in Kansas. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>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><h2>USDA urged reform after Kansas’ payment error rate on SNAP hit 12% in 2023</h2>TOPEKA — The payment error rate for Kansas’ determination of eligibility for food assistance grew to more than 12% in 2023 to exceed the national average and surpass levels in four states neighboring Kansas.The U.S. average that year was 11.6% and the border states ranged from 7% in Nebraska, 8.6% in Colorado, 10.5% in Missouri and 10.6% in Oklahoma.Kansas’ problem with processing applications from low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, was brought to the attention of Gov. Laura Kelly in a February 2024 letter from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Kelly administration received another letter in early April from the USDA pointing to SNAP processing deficiencies in Kansas.The notices took issue with the state’s SNAP payment error rate as well as the timeliness of application processing and procedural error rates that failed to comply with basic federal requirements.State officials told the House Select Committee on Government Oversight the error rate in terms of eligibility and benefit determinations for SNAP ranged from 3.8% to 7.1% from 2017 to 2019. In each of those three years the state outperformed the national average.USDA didn’t track state-by-state performance in 2020 and 2021 due to distortions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.However, officials with the Kansas Department for Children and Families, which administers SNAP statewide, said the payment error rate climbed to 12% in 2023 before improving to 10.1% in 2024 and slumping to 11.6% in 2025.“I know government is different from business, but typically a payment error is pretty critical,” said Rep. Francis Awerkamp, a St. Marys Republican. “Most businesses, as far accounts payable, your error rate you kind of want it to be around zero. This is a $400 million-plus program looking at an 11% error rate. From my perspective, that is a high percentage.”Carla Whiteside-Hicks, director of economic and employment services for DCF, said the rate was most frequently tied to DCF personnel making data entry mistakes when handling applications for SNAP. For example, she said, mistakes were made in calculation of an applicant’s income or rent. Another area in which inaccuracies surfaced was in the interpretation of self-employment income by an applicant, she said.“Those are the three that are the most common,” said Whiteside-Hicks, who would prefer the error rate stabilized at 3%.“As they enter this data — this is an application form where I’m asking questions and entering data — we’re making errors on some of the most basic elements of the application such as income, rent and self-employment,” Awerkamp said. “How would you approach correcting these errors?”Whiteside-Hicks said DCF’s effort to minimize mistakes centered on improving training of staff and upgrading training materials used by about 200 state workers responsible for processing SNAP applications. She said regional offices involved in the application process had historically struggled to hire staff.“It takes at least a year to become proficient as an eligibility worker,” Whiteside-Hicks said.Rep. Will Carpenter, R-El Dorado, said the status report on processing SNAP applications should prompt the Legislature to examine how other states dealt with processing requests for food aid.“Are there states that contract their eligibility out as a piece versus having in-house employees?” he said.Tanya Keys, deputy secretary at DCF, told legislators SNAP provided a monthly benefit that averaged $189 per person or $392 per family in Kansas. As of last year, Kansas provided SNAP benefits to 97,000 households.In terms of eligibility for SNAP, she said, Kansas had placed in law a part-time work requirement or training participation requirement for adults 18 to 54 without children. That criteria could be waived for an adult caring for children, a person with a disability or an individual at least 60 years of age.Keys said one-third of SNAP participants in Kansas were enrolled in the program for less than six months and two-thirds were in the program less than one year.House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, authorized the House Select Committee on Government Oversight to monitor the functioning, transparency and accountability of government agencies. He granted the 13-member committee subpoena power to investigate potential misconduct.“This committee’s work will help ensure that public funds are used efficiently and that government actions align with the best interests of the citizens of Kansas,” Hawkins said.During the first meeting of the committee on Wednesday at the Capitol, Augusta GOP Rep. Kristey Williams, chair of the bipartisan panel, said topics of inquiry weren’t set in stone.“We are not here to create drafts of bills, but we are here to really shine a light on any issues that are of high importance,” she said.

Kan. House committee examines state’s elevated error rate in processing food aid applications

WASHINGTON (AP) —A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily halted her order requiring the Trump administration to provide information on its efforts so far, if any, to retrieve a man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.

Drew Ensign, a deputy assistant attorney general, filed a sealed motion requesting a seven-day stay of the judge’s directive for the U.S. to provide testimony and documents that involve plans to retrieve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">Kilmar Abrego Garcia</a>. The administration is also seeking relief from having to file daily updates on its progress.

Lawyers for Abrego Garcia filed a response in opposition to the government’s motion to halt the order. It was also under seal in the Maryland federal court.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis granted the stay until April 30, but her order did not make any changes to the required daily status updates. She didn’t explain her legal reasoning, but wrote that it was made “with the agreement of the parties.”

The administration expelled Abrego Garcia to El Salvador last month, and officials later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-deportation-maryland-man-trump-error-818a0fa1218de714448edcb5be1f7347">described the mistake</a>&nbsp;as “an administrative error” — but insisted that Abrego Garcia was in fact a member of the MS-13 gang.

The Wednesday evening order came just one day after Xinis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abrego-garcia-el-salvador-deported-mistake-trump-7d2c808f489b821135f5fccd5f01c487">castigated the administration’s lawyers</a>&nbsp;in a written filing Tuesday for ignoring her orders, obstructing the legal process and acting in “bad faith” by refusing to provide information.

The U.S. has claimed that much of the information is protected because it involves state secrets, government deliberations and attorney client privilege. But Xinis has rejected the argument and demanded that the Trump administration provide specific justifications for each claim of privileged information by 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Here’s what the judge wants — and what the administration wants

Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s border czar, did not directly address the judge’s comments from Tuesday when asked by reporters at the White House on Wednesday. But he reiterated the administration’s position that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">Abrego Garcia</a>&nbsp;will be detained and deported again if he were to be returned to the U.S.

The U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-deportation-trump-9f46dd62890befdc321ed1ab56107470">ordered the Trump administration</a>&nbsp;nearly two weeks ago to facilitate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">Abrego Garcia’s</a>&nbsp;return to the U.S., rejecting the White House’s claim that it couldn’t retrieve him after mistakenly deporting him.

Trump administration officials have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-white-house-el-salvador-kilmar-abrego-garcia-ad338d6b4558a6aba80e8290fd3eece9">pushed back</a>, arguing that it is up to El Salvador — though the president of El Salvador has also said he lacks the power to return Abrego Garcia. The administration has also argued that information about any steps it has taken or could take to return Abrego Garcia is protected by attorney-client privilege laws, state secret laws, general “government privilege” or other secrecy rules.

But Xinis said those claims, without any facts to back them up, reflected a “willful and bad faith refusal to comply with discovery obligations.”

“For weeks, Defendants have sought refuge behind vague and unsubstantiated assertions of privilege, using them as a shield to obstruct discovery and evade compliance with this Court’s orders,” Xinis wrote in the order Tuesday. “Defendants have known, at least since last week, that this Court requires specific legal and factual showings to support any claim of privilege. Yet they have continued to rely on boilerplate assertions. That ends now.”

Abrego Garcia was expelled after living in the US for about 14 years

Abrego Garcia, 29,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-deportation-maryland-man-trump-c21e54f77c1e6716e2998c2463f6650b">lived in the United States</a>&nbsp;for roughly 14 years, during which he worked in construction, got married and was raising three children with disabilities, according to court records.

A U.S. immigration judge had shielded Abrego Garcia from deportation to El Salvador in 2019, ruling that he would likely face persecution there by local gangs that had terrorized his family. He also was given a federal permit to work in the United States, where he was a metal worker and union member, according to Abrego Garcia’s lawyers.

But the Trump administration expelled Abrego Garcia to El Salvador last month anyway.

Abrego Garcia was never charged with a crime and has denied the allegations. His attorneys have pointed out that the criminal informant claimed he was a member of MS-13 in Long Island, New York, where he has never lived.

It’s not the first time the Trump administration has faced a scathing order from a federal judge over its approach to deportation cases.

A three-judge panel on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abrego-garcia-trump-maryland-el-salvador-2090f0dd508bbc3d2f60845842af27b4">scolded the administration</a>&nbsp;last week, saying its claim that it can’t do anything to free Abrego Garcia “should be shocking.” That ruling came one day after a federal judge in Washington, D.C., found probable cause to hold the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportees-el-salvador-contempt-boasberg-da282511ac6f5c8dd19af620995ca440">Trump administration in criminal contempt</a>&nbsp;for violating his orders to turn around planes carrying deportees to El Salvador. That was a different legal case.

Democrats and legal scholars say Trump is provoking a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-presidential-power-executive-congress-grants-freeze-60fa3a9fabf6328f9aa3c45ed34e2cc3">constitutional crisis</a>&nbsp;in part by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judges-rulings-constitutional-crisis-presidential-power-a9c593cf3f9faec23a03f4a5123fefdb">ignoring court rulings</a>; the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judges-rulings-constitutional-crisis-presidential-power-a9c593cf3f9faec23a03f4a5123fefdb">White House has said</a>&nbsp;it’s the judges who are the problem.

Associated Press writers Darlene Superville in Washington and Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744939426163.png" alt="U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen met with Garcia in El Salvador last week-image from the Senator's social media account" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen met with Garcia in El Salvador last week-image from the Senator's social media account</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily halted her order requiring the Trump administration to provide information on its efforts so far, if any, to retrieve a man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.Drew Ensign, a deputy assistant attorney general, filed a sealed motion requesting a seven-day stay of the judge’s directive for the U.S. to provide testimony and documents that involve plans to retrieve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">Kilmar Abrego Garcia</a>. The administration is also seeking relief from having to file daily updates on its progress.Lawyers for Abrego Garcia filed a response in opposition to the government’s motion to halt the order. It was also under seal in the Maryland federal court.U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis granted the stay until April 30, but her order did not make any changes to the required daily status updates. She didn’t explain her legal reasoning, but wrote that it was made “with the agreement of the parties.”The administration expelled Abrego Garcia to El Salvador last month, and officials later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-deportation-maryland-man-trump-error-818a0fa1218de714448edcb5be1f7347">described the mistake</a>&nbsp;as “an administrative error” — but insisted that Abrego Garcia was in fact a member of the MS-13 gang.The Wednesday evening order came just one day after Xinis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abrego-garcia-el-salvador-deported-mistake-trump-7d2c808f489b821135f5fccd5f01c487">castigated the administration’s lawyers</a>&nbsp;in a written filing Tuesday for ignoring her orders, obstructing the legal process and acting in “bad faith” by refusing to provide information.The U.S. has claimed that much of the information is protected because it involves state secrets, government deliberations and attorney client privilege. But Xinis has rejected the argument and demanded that the Trump administration provide specific justifications for each claim of privileged information by 6 p.m. Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745499007975.png" alt="Senator Van Hollen and Garcia during their visit in El Salvador April 17-image from Senator's social media account" />
 <figcaption>Senator Van Hollen and Garcia during their visit in El Salvador April 17-image from Senator's social media account</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Here’s what the judge wants — and what the administration wants</h2>Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s border czar, did not directly address the judge’s comments from Tuesday when asked by reporters at the White House on Wednesday. But he reiterated the administration’s position that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">Abrego Garcia</a>&nbsp;will be detained and deported again if he were to be returned to the U.S.The U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-deportation-trump-9f46dd62890befdc321ed1ab56107470">ordered the Trump administration</a>&nbsp;nearly two weeks ago to facilitate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">Abrego Garcia’s</a>&nbsp;return to the U.S., rejecting the White House’s claim that it couldn’t retrieve him after mistakenly deporting him.Trump administration officials have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-white-house-el-salvador-kilmar-abrego-garcia-ad338d6b4558a6aba80e8290fd3eece9">pushed back</a>, arguing that it is up to El Salvador — though the president of El Salvador has also said he lacks the power to return Abrego Garcia. The administration has also argued that information about any steps it has taken or could take to return Abrego Garcia is protected by attorney-client privilege laws, state secret laws, general “government privilege” or other secrecy rules.But Xinis said those claims, without any facts to back them up, reflected a “willful and bad faith refusal to comply with discovery obligations.”“For weeks, Defendants have sought refuge behind vague and unsubstantiated assertions of privilege, using them as a shield to obstruct discovery and evade compliance with this Court’s orders,” Xinis wrote in the order Tuesday. “Defendants have known, at least since last week, that this Court requires specific legal and factual showings to support any claim of privilege. Yet they have continued to rely on boilerplate assertions. That ends now.”<h2>Abrego Garcia was expelled after living in the US for about 14 years</h2>Abrego Garcia, 29,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-deportation-maryland-man-trump-c21e54f77c1e6716e2998c2463f6650b">lived in the United States</a>&nbsp;for roughly 14 years, during which he worked in construction, got married and was raising three children with disabilities, according to court records.A U.S. immigration judge had shielded Abrego Garcia from deportation to El Salvador in 2019, ruling that he would likely face persecution there by local gangs that had terrorized his family. He also was given a federal permit to work in the United States, where he was a metal worker and union member, according to Abrego Garcia’s lawyers.But the Trump administration expelled Abrego Garcia to El Salvador last month anyway.Abrego Garcia was never charged with a crime and has denied the allegations. His attorneys have pointed out that the criminal informant claimed he was a member of MS-13 in Long Island, New York, where he has never lived.It’s not the first time the Trump administration has faced a scathing order from a federal judge over its approach to deportation cases.A three-judge panel on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abrego-garcia-trump-maryland-el-salvador-2090f0dd508bbc3d2f60845842af27b4">scolded the administration</a>&nbsp;last week, saying its claim that it can’t do anything to free Abrego Garcia “should be shocking.” That ruling came one day after a federal judge in Washington, D.C., found probable cause to hold the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-deportees-el-salvador-contempt-boasberg-da282511ac6f5c8dd19af620995ca440">Trump administration in criminal contempt</a>&nbsp;for violating his orders to turn around planes carrying deportees to El Salvador. That was a different legal case.Democrats and legal scholars say Trump is provoking a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-presidential-power-executive-congress-grants-freeze-60fa3a9fabf6328f9aa3c45ed34e2cc3">constitutional crisis</a>&nbsp;in part by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judges-rulings-constitutional-crisis-presidential-power-a9c593cf3f9faec23a03f4a5123fefdb">ignoring court rulings</a>; the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judges-rulings-constitutional-crisis-presidential-power-a9c593cf3f9faec23a03f4a5123fefdb">White House has said</a>&nbsp;it’s the judges who are the problem.___Associated Press writers Darlene Superville in Washington and Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho, contributed to this report.

Judge halts order for details on any efforts to return Abrego Garcia to US

KANSAS CITY —The ATV driver who struck a Kansas City Police Department officer earlier this month is in custody and faces multiple charges.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2598/Coleman-Complaint-Redacted">Kendall S. Coleman</a>&nbsp;faces 1st Degree Assault, Armed Criminal Action, and Aggravated Fleeing a Stop or Detention, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2599/ColemanKendall---PC_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were conducting a traffic violation stop of a group of ATVs and motorcycles at Truman Road and Main Street on April 12.&nbsp; During the stop, an officer attempted to remove the ATV driver, later identified as Coleman, from his ATV to place him into custody.

Coleman reversed the ATV, causing the officer to fall to the ground. While the officer was crouched down, the defendant lifted his ATV into a wheelie and then dropped the front wheels of the vehicle onto the officer, running him over with all four tires. The defendant fled the scene.&nbsp;

Officers later located the defendant near 31st Street and Southwest Boulevard, but he fled again, eventually ending up on Highway I-35 where he was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of traffic, weaving between lanes. Officers eventually lost sight of him.

An anonymous Crime Stoppers TIP led to the identification and apprehension of the defendant.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744640895858.png" alt="Photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The ATV driver who struck a Kansas City Police Department officer earlier this month is in custody and faces multiple charges.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2598/Coleman-Complaint-Redacted">Kendall S. Coleman</a>&nbsp;faces 1st Degree Assault, Armed Criminal Action, and Aggravated Fleeing a Stop or Detention, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2599/ColemanKendall---PC_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were conducting a traffic violation stop of a group of ATVs and motorcycles at Truman Road and Main Street on April 12.&nbsp; During the stop, an officer attempted to remove the ATV driver, later identified as Coleman, from his ATV to place him into custody. Coleman reversed the ATV, causing the officer to fall to the ground. While the officer was crouched down, the defendant lifted his ATV into a wheelie and then dropped the front wheels of the vehicle onto the officer, running him over with all four tires. The defendant fled the scene.&nbsp;Officers later located the defendant near 31st Street and Southwest Boulevard, but he fled again, eventually ending up on Highway I-35 where he was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of traffic, weaving between lanes. Officers eventually lost sight of him.An anonymous Crime Stoppers TIP led to the identification and apprehension of the defendant.&nbsp;

ATV rider who ran over KCPD officer is in custody

WICHITA —On Wednesday, Governor Laura Kelly joined Kansas aircraft parts maker&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TextronAviation">TextronAviation</a> to celebrate the opening of its new Career and Learning Center in Wichita.

 This facility will prepare over 2,000 Kansans for long-term aviation careers, strengthening our aviation workforce while supporting the next generation of Kansas workers.

The Center is complete and fully operational serving prospective, current and future Textron Aviation employees. Strategically located on the company’s East Wichita Campus, this state-of-the-art facility expands the training footprint to more than 75,000 square feet and provides a world-class employee experience during the application, hiring, onboarding and training processes.&nbsp;

“The Textron Aviation Career and Learning Center is an important investment in building the next generation of aviation manufacturing, support and professional talent,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO in a media release. “Recruiting, hiring and training a world-class workforce is vital to our ability to provide the best aviation experience for our customers.”&nbsp;

WICHITA —On Wednesday, Governor Laura Kelly joined Kansas aircraft parts maker&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TextronAviation">TextronAviation</a> to celebrate the opening of its new Career and Learning Center in Wichita.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, I joined <a href="https://twitter.com/TextronAviation?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TextronAviation</a> to celebrate the opening of its new Career &amp; Learning Center in Wichita. This facility will prepare over 2,000 Kansans for long-term aviation careers, strengthening our aviation workforce while supporting the next generation of Kansas workers. <a href="https://t.co/5oG5vYnzsJ">pic.twitter.com/5oG5vYnzsJ</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1915169322130968843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> This facility will prepare over 2,000 Kansans for long-term aviation careers, strengthening our aviation workforce while supporting the next generation of Kansas workers.The Center is complete and fully operational serving prospective, current and future Textron Aviation employees. Strategically located on the company’s East Wichita Campus, this state-of-the-art facility expands the training footprint to more than 75,000 square feet and provides a world-class employee experience during the application, hiring, onboarding and training processes.&nbsp;“The Textron Aviation Career and Learning Center is an important investment in building the next generation of aviation manufacturing, support and professional talent,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO in a media release. “Recruiting, hiring and training a world-class workforce is vital to our ability to provide the best aviation experience for our customers.”&nbsp;

Kansas aircraft parts maker unveils $40 million career center 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, police were called to report of a shooting in the 7800 block of NE 75th Court, according to Offier Jake Becchina. 

First responders found a male shooting victim unresponsive in the front yard of a residence there. Officers summoned EMS to the scene who transported the victim to the hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. A short time later the victim was declared deceased by medical personnel.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene and took over this investigation. Preliminary information indicates that the victim had an interaction at that location with one or more suspects that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck. The victim appears to be a teen but his identification is not yet confirmed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745490700410.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, police were called to report of a shooting in the 7800 block of NE 75th Court, according to Offier Jake Becchina. First responders found a male shooting victim unresponsive in the front yard of a residence there. Officers summoned EMS to the scene who transported the victim to the hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. A short time later the victim was declared deceased by medical personnel.Homicide detectives responded to the scene and took over this investigation. Preliminary information indicates that the victim had an interaction at that location with one or more suspects that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck. The victim appears to be a teen but his identification is not yet confirmed.

Homicide: Police found victim in front yard of Kansas City home

VATICAN CITY (AP) — So many mourners lined up to see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;lying in state in a simple wooden coffin inside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-photos-public-viewing-f12ab2d196b3b0b9470257efdea86a2c">St. Peter’s Basilica</a>&nbsp;that the Vatican kept the doors open all night due to higher-than-expected turnout, closing the basilica for just an hour Thursday morning for cleaning.

The basilica is bathed in a hushed silence as mourners from across the globe make a slow, shuffling procession up the main aisle to pay their last respects to Francis, who died Monday after a stroke.

The hours spent on line up the stately via della Conciliazione through St. Peter's Square and through the Holy Door into the basilica has allowed mourners to find community around the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-argentina-visit-politics-1a0f4ed32521901cd0c2486a3adf1b29">Argentine pontiff's</a>&nbsp;legacy of inclusion and humble persona.

Emiliano Fernandez, a Catholic from Mexico, was waiting in line around midnight, and after two hours still had not reached the basilica.

“I don't even care how much time I wait here. It's just the opportunity to (show) how I admired Francisco in his life,'' said Fernandez, whose admiration for the pope grew during his 2016 visit to Mexico. "I think because of the respect that I have for him and the great person he was, it’s worth the wait.”

The last numbers released by the Vatican said more than 50,000 people had paid their respects during the first 12 hours of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-public-viewing-st-peters-732d413b0eba7695d8a931af393097f4">the public viewing , starting at 11 a.m.</a>&nbsp;Wednesday. The basilica closed for just one hour Thursday morning, from 6 a.m. until 7 a.m., the planned opening time.

Among the first-day mourners was a church group of 14-year-olds from near Milan who arrived for the now-suspended canonization of the first millennial saint, as well as a woman who prayed to the pope for a successful operation and an Italian family who brought their small children to see the pope’s body.

“We came because we didn’t bring them when he was alive, so we thought we would bring them for a final farewell,’’ said Rosa Scorpati, who was exiting the basilica Wednesday with her three children in strollers. “They were good, but I don’t think they really understood because they haven’t yet had to deal with death.”

Like many others, the Scorpati family from Calabria was in Rome on an Easter vacation, only to be met with the news of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-dead-01ca7d73c3c48d25fd1504ba076e2e2a">Francis’ death</a>&nbsp;on Easter Monday.

Out of devotion to the pope and his message of inclusion, the grieving faithful joined the procession of mourners that wended from St. Peter’s Square through the basilica's Holy Door, with the repentant among them winning an indulgence, a form of atonement granted during the Jubilee Holy Year. From there, the line extended down the basilica’s central aisle to the pope’s simple wooden casket.

By late Wednesday, the wait appeared to be three or four hours and growing. A person doing crowd management estimated that the wait was closer to five hours. The mourners stretched down the center of Via della Conciliazione, in a lane set aside for Jubilee pilgrims.

After three days of public viewing, a funeral Mass including heads of state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/pope-francis-funeral-catholic-church-updates-4-22-2025">will be held Saturday</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-death-funeral-conclave-e9688b14b9d9e19bbdd6a868d57a4699">St. Peter's Square</a>. The pope will then be buried in a niche within the St. Mary Major Basilica, near his favorite Madonna icon.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-dead-01ca7d73c3c48d25fd1504ba076e2e2a">The death of Francis</a>, who was 88, capped a 12-year pontificate characterized by his concern for the poor and his message of inclusion, but he was also criticized by some conservatives who felt alienated by his progressive outlook.

A procession of priests, bishops and cardinals accompanied Francis’ body Wednesday on its journey from a private viewing inside the Vatican to St. Peter’s Square.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/francis-election-conclave-pope-vatican-catholics-87fcd94f759575b8744a4d2899371275">The pageantry</a>&nbsp;contrasted with the human interactions of rank-and-file mourners at the public viewing.

Francis lay in state in an open casket, perched on a ramp facing mourners, with four Swiss Guards standing at attention. As the crowd reached the casket, many lifted their smartphones to snap a photo.

One nun accompanying an elderly woman with a cane walked away sobbing, “My pope is gone.’’

Such despair was rare. The mood was more one of gratitude for a pope who had, by example, taught many people to open their minds.

“I am very devoted to the pope,'' said Ivenes Bianco, who was in Rome from Brindisi, Italy, for an operation. ”He was important to me because he brought many people together by encouraging coexistence.'' She cited Francis' acceptance of the gay community and his insistence on helping the poor.

Humbeline Coroy came to Rome from Perpignan, France, for the planned canonization Sunday of 15-year-old Carlo Acutis, which was suspended after the pope’s death. She stayed to pay respects to Francis, enjoying exchanges with Japanese mourners they met as they waited under the sun in St. Peter’s Square.

“For me, it is a lot of things. In my job, I work with disabled children, and I traveled to Madagascar to work with poor people. Being here, and close to the pope, is a way of integrating these experiences, and make them concrete,’’ she said. Coroy also brought prayers for her father, who is sick with cancer.

For Alessandra Nardi, the pope’s death brought back memories of the death three years ago of her beloved uncle Luigi, who used to call her from St. Peter’s Square when he came to see Pope Francis say Mass. He “let me hear the bells toll. It was a beautiful thing."

Riccardo Ojedea from Colombia said his experience waiting in line for two hours to pay respects to the pope had shown him how much “humanity loves the pope.’’

“He left a very important legacy for everyone,'' he said, "to make this world happier.’’

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745403561941.jpeg" alt="Image from Associated Press video" />
 <figcaption>Image from Associated Press video</figcaption>
 </figure>VATICAN CITY (AP) — So many mourners lined up to see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;lying in state in a simple wooden coffin inside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-photos-public-viewing-f12ab2d196b3b0b9470257efdea86a2c">St. Peter’s Basilica</a>&nbsp;that the Vatican kept the doors open all night due to higher-than-expected turnout, closing the basilica for just an hour Thursday morning for cleaning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745488710043.jpeg" alt="Image from Associated Press video" />
 <figcaption>Image from Associated Press video</figcaption>
 </figure>The basilica is bathed in a hushed silence as mourners from across the globe make a slow, shuffling procession up the main aisle to pay their last respects to Francis, who died Monday after a stroke.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/flatl5buzbs?si=HZQ1MKV4JfDr9jTB" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The hours spent on line up the stately via della Conciliazione through St. Peter's Square and through the Holy Door into the basilica has allowed mourners to find community around the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-argentina-visit-politics-1a0f4ed32521901cd0c2486a3adf1b29">Argentine pontiff's</a>&nbsp;legacy of inclusion and humble persona.Emiliano Fernandez, a Catholic from Mexico, was waiting in line around midnight, and after two hours still had not reached the basilica.“I don't even care how much time I wait here. It's just the opportunity to (show) how I admired Francisco in his life,'' said Fernandez, whose admiration for the pope grew during his 2016 visit to Mexico. "I think because of the respect that I have for him and the great person he was, it’s worth the wait.”The last numbers released by the Vatican said more than 50,000 people had paid their respects during the first 12 hours of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-public-viewing-st-peters-732d413b0eba7695d8a931af393097f4">the public viewing , starting at 11 a.m.</a>&nbsp;Wednesday. The basilica closed for just one hour Thursday morning, from 6 a.m. until 7 a.m., the planned opening time.Among the first-day mourners was a church group of 14-year-olds from near Milan who arrived for the now-suspended canonization of the first millennial saint, as well as a woman who prayed to the pope for a successful operation and an Italian family who brought their small children to see the pope’s body.“We came because we didn’t bring them when he was alive, so we thought we would bring them for a final farewell,’’ said Rosa Scorpati, who was exiting the basilica Wednesday with her three children in strollers. “They were good, but I don’t think they really understood because they haven’t yet had to deal with death.”Like many others, the Scorpati family from Calabria was in Rome on an Easter vacation, only to be met with the news of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-dead-01ca7d73c3c48d25fd1504ba076e2e2a">Francis’ death</a>&nbsp;on Easter Monday.Out of devotion to the pope and his message of inclusion, the grieving faithful joined the procession of mourners that wended from St. Peter’s Square through the basilica's Holy Door, with the repentant among them winning an indulgence, a form of atonement granted during the Jubilee Holy Year. From there, the line extended down the basilica’s central aisle to the pope’s simple wooden casket.By late Wednesday, the wait appeared to be three or four hours and growing. A person doing crowd management estimated that the wait was closer to five hours. The mourners stretched down the center of Via della Conciliazione, in a lane set aside for Jubilee pilgrims.After three days of public viewing, a funeral Mass including heads of state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/pope-francis-funeral-catholic-church-updates-4-22-2025">will be held Saturday</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-death-funeral-conclave-e9688b14b9d9e19bbdd6a868d57a4699">St. Peter's Square</a>. The pope will then be buried in a niche within the St. Mary Major Basilica, near his favorite Madonna icon.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-dead-01ca7d73c3c48d25fd1504ba076e2e2a">The death of Francis</a>, who was 88, capped a 12-year pontificate characterized by his concern for the poor and his message of inclusion, but he was also criticized by some conservatives who felt alienated by his progressive outlook.A procession of priests, bishops and cardinals accompanied Francis’ body Wednesday on its journey from a private viewing inside the Vatican to St. Peter’s Square.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/francis-election-conclave-pope-vatican-catholics-87fcd94f759575b8744a4d2899371275">The pageantry</a>&nbsp;contrasted with the human interactions of rank-and-file mourners at the public viewing.Francis lay in state in an open casket, perched on a ramp facing mourners, with four Swiss Guards standing at attention. As the crowd reached the casket, many lifted their smartphones to snap a photo.One nun accompanying an elderly woman with a cane walked away sobbing, “My pope is gone.’’Such despair was rare. The mood was more one of gratitude for a pope who had, by example, taught many people to open their minds.“I am very devoted to the pope,'' said Ivenes Bianco, who was in Rome from Brindisi, Italy, for an operation. ”He was important to me because he brought many people together by encouraging coexistence.'' She cited Francis' acceptance of the gay community and his insistence on helping the poor.Humbeline Coroy came to Rome from Perpignan, France, for the planned canonization Sunday of 15-year-old Carlo Acutis, which was suspended after the pope’s death. She stayed to pay respects to Francis, enjoying exchanges with Japanese mourners they met as they waited under the sun in St. Peter’s Square.“For me, it is a lot of things. In my job, I work with disabled children, and I traveled to Madagascar to work with poor people. Being here, and close to the pope, is a way of integrating these experiences, and make them concrete,’’ she said. Coroy also brought prayers for her father, who is sick with cancer.For Alessandra Nardi, the pope’s death brought back memories of the death three years ago of her beloved uncle Luigi, who used to call her from St. Peter’s Square when he came to see Pope Francis say Mass. He “let me hear the bells toll. It was a beautiful thing."Riccardo Ojedea from Colombia said his experience waiting in line for two hours to pay respects to the pope had shown him how much “humanity loves the pope.’’“He left a very important legacy for everyone,'' he said, "to make this world happier.’’

Vatican kept St. Peter’s open all night for public viewing of Pope Francis

KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City area man faces charges after his toddler son shot and killed himself with the father's loaded firearm.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2595/Ronald-Lewis-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Ronald L. Lewis, Grandview, Mo., faces</a>&nbsp;1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, a class C felony, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

If convicted, Lewis could face three to ten years in prison.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2594/Ronald-Lewis-PCREDACTED">According to court records</a>, On November 2, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence on a reported shooting and were told that the two-year-old victim suffered a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was later declared deceased at the local hospital.&nbsp;

Lewis told detectives he was sitting on the couch in the residence with the victim when he heard a single gunshot next to him and noticed the boy was shot in the head. Lewis told detectives he previously placed his loaded handgun under a pillow on the couch he and the boy were seated on.&nbsp;

The defendant is in custody on a $30,000 bond.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City area man faces charges after his toddler son shot and killed himself with the father's loaded firearm.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2595/Ronald-Lewis-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Ronald L. Lewis, Grandview, Mo., faces</a>&nbsp;1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, a class C felony, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.If convicted, Lewis could face three to ten years in prison.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2594/Ronald-Lewis-PCREDACTED">According to court records</a>, On November 2, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence on a reported shooting and were told that the two-year-old victim suffered a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was later declared deceased at the local hospital.&nbsp;Lewis told detectives he was sitting on the couch in the residence with the victim when he heard a single gunshot next to him and noticed the boy was shot in the head. Lewis told detectives he previously placed his loaded handgun under a pillow on the couch he and the boy were seated on.&nbsp;The defendant is in custody on a $30,000 bond.&nbsp;

KC toddler found his father's loaded handgun under a pillow

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating three suspect on multiple allegations after&nbsp;

Just after 2a.m.&nbsp; April 19, 2025, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received notification regarding multiple individuals in a gray for F-150 pickup truck breaking into a clothing donation bin in the 6800 block of SW 29th Street, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.

A deputy located the vehicle in the 5200 block of SW 37th Street and conducted a traffic stop.

During the investigation, it was determined that the driver was wanted by the Topeka Police Department and illegal narcotics were located.

Ronald A. Weiland, 62, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; Aggravated domestic battery;&nbsp;Aggravated assault, Domestic battery and Criminal restraint

Carl E. Smith, 61, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human bod and Possession of marijuana

Paulette K. Weiland, 57, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into jail on a Topeka bench

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745422219371.png" alt="Weiland photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Weiland photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating three suspect on multiple allegations after&nbsp;Just after 2a.m.&nbsp; April 19, 2025, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received notification regarding multiple individuals in a gray for F-150 pickup truck breaking into a clothing donation bin in the 6800 block of SW 29th Street, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.A deputy located the vehicle in the 5200 block of SW 37th Street and conducted a traffic stop.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745422242751.png" alt="Weiland photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Weiland photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the investigation, it was determined that the driver was wanted by the Topeka Police Department and illegal narcotics were located.Ronald A. Weiland, 62, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; Aggravated domestic battery;&nbsp;Aggravated assault, Domestic battery and Criminal restraint<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745422150385.png" alt="Smith photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Carl E. Smith, 61, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human bod and Possession of marijuanaPaulette K. Weiland, 57, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into jail on a Topeka bench

3 jailed after report of break-in to Kan. clothing donation bin

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday lashed out at Ukraine's president, saying Volodymyr Zelenskyy is prolonging the “killing field” after pushing back on ceding Crimea to Russia as part of a potential peace plan.

Zelenskyy on Tuesday ruled out ceding territory to Russia in any deal before talks set for Wednesday in London among U.S., European and Ukrainian officials. “There is nothing to talk about. It is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people,” Zelenskyy said.

During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-rubio-witkoff-coalition-paris-74e93e2943687a7d8c7b23608919459a">similar talks last week in Paris</a>, U.S. officials presented a proposal that included allowing Russia to keep control of occupied Ukrainian territory as part of a deal, according to a European official familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Trump called Zelenkyy's pushback “very harmful” to talks.

“Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?” he wrote on social media.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-ukraine-crimea-seizure-8245aec572fb71236febfa8735c42879">Russia annexed Crimea in 2014</a>&nbsp;after sending troops to overrun it. Weeks later, Moscow-backed separatists launched an uprising in eastern Ukraine, battling Kyiv’s forces.

Trump also asserted they were close to a deal and that Ukraine's leader can have peace or "he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country," adding that Zelenskyy's statement “will do nothing but prolong the ‘killing field,’ and nobody wants that!"

Wednesday's meeting was pared back at the last minute, while Vice President JD Vance said negotiations are reaching a moment of truth.

“We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it’s time for them to either say ‘yes’ or for the United States to walk away from this process," Vance told reporters during a visit to India.

He said it was “a very fair proposal” that would “freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today,” with both sides having to give up some territory they currently hold. He did not provide details.

A senior European official familiar with the ongoing talks involving the American team said a proposal the United States calls “final” was initially presented last week in Paris, where it was described as “just ideas” — and that they could be changed.

When those “ideas” surfaced in media reports, Ukrainian officials were surprised to find that Washington portrayed them as final, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745447430183.png" alt="File image from CSPAN video&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>File image from CSPAN video&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday lashed out at Ukraine's president, saying Volodymyr Zelenskyy is prolonging the “killing field” after pushing back on ceding Crimea to Russia as part of a potential peace plan.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://t.co/w0XheL98kP">pic.twitter.com/w0XheL98kP</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1915074200731103424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Zelenskyy on Tuesday ruled out ceding territory to Russia in any deal before talks set for Wednesday in London among U.S., European and Ukrainian officials. “There is nothing to talk about. It is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people,” Zelenskyy said.During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-rubio-witkoff-coalition-paris-74e93e2943687a7d8c7b23608919459a">similar talks last week in Paris</a>, U.S. officials presented a proposal that included allowing Russia to keep control of occupied Ukrainian territory as part of a deal, according to a European official familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.Trump called Zelenkyy's pushback “very harmful” to talks.“Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?” he wrote on social media.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-ukraine-crimea-seizure-8245aec572fb71236febfa8735c42879">Russia annexed Crimea in 2014</a>&nbsp;after sending troops to overrun it. Weeks later, Moscow-backed separatists launched an uprising in eastern Ukraine, battling Kyiv’s forces.Trump also asserted they were close to a deal and that Ukraine's leader can have peace or "he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country," adding that Zelenskyy's statement “will do nothing but prolong the ‘killing field,’ and nobody wants that!"<h2>‘A very fair proposal’</h2>Wednesday's meeting was pared back at the last minute, while Vice President JD Vance said negotiations are reaching a moment of truth.“We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it’s time for them to either say ‘yes’ or for the United States to walk away from this process," Vance told reporters during a visit to India.He said it was “a very fair proposal” that would “freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today,” with both sides having to give up some territory they currently hold. He did not provide details.A senior European official familiar with the ongoing talks involving the American team said a proposal the United States calls “final” was initially presented last week in Paris, where it was described as “just ideas” — and that they could be changed.When those “ideas” surfaced in media reports, Ukrainian officials were surprised to find that Washington portrayed them as final, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.Zelenskyy said Wednesday that Ukraine is ready for any format of negotiations that might bring a ceasefire and open the door to full peace negotiations, as he mourned nine civilians killed when a Russian drone struck a bus earlier in the day.“We insist on an immediate, complete and unconditional ceasefire,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media, in accordance with a proposal he said the U.S. tabled six weeks ago.Ukraine and some Western European governments have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dragging his feet on that proposal as his army tries to capture more Ukrainian land. Western analysts say Moscow is in no rush to conclude peace talks because it has battlefield momentum.<h2>Doubts over negotiations</h2>U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the talks in London to find an end to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">more than three-year war</a>&nbsp;would involve only lower-ranking officials, after the U.S. State Department said Tuesday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-department-rubio-reorganization-trump-usaid-3fc186fefddaaa72c3040db9fb380af4">Secretary of State Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;was unable to attend because of a scheduling issue.Rubio's abrupt cancellation raised doubts about the direction of negotiations. He had indicated that Wednesday’s meeting could be decisive in determining whether the Trump administration remains engaged.Commenting on those attending the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “as far as we understand, they so far have failed to bring their positions closer on some issues.” He said the Kremlin was still in consultations with American officials but wouldn’t publicly discuss details.U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Moscow again later this week, according to Russian officials.Even achieving a limited,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-riyadh-talks-saudi-arabia-330342dae25c139fc047275964d97757">30-day ceasefire has been beyond the reach of negotiators</a>, as both sides continue to attack each other along the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line and launch long-range strikes.A Russian drone struck a bus carrying workers in Marganets, in eastern Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region on Wednesday morning, killing eight women and one man, regional head Serhii Lysak wrote on social media. More than 40 people were injured, he said.Lysak published photos of a bus with windows blown out and shards of glass mixed with blood spattered on its floor.<h2>A Ukrainian delegation in London</h2>Trump has pushed for an end to the war and said last week that negotiations were “coming to a head.” That comment came after Rubio suggested the U.S. might soon back away from negotiations if they don’t progress.Those still attending Wednesday's meeting include retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia.Andrii Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, said on social media that a delegation including him, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had arrived in London for the talks despite the alterations.“The path to peace is not easy, but Ukraine has been and remains committed to peaceful efforts,” Yermak said. Officials would “discuss ways to achieve a full and unconditional ceasefire as the first step toward a comprehensive settlement and the achievement of a just and lasting peace."Several hours later, Yermak said that he, Sybiha and Umerov met with national security and foreign policy advisors from the countries “participating in the coalition of the willing” and “emphasized our commitment” to the U.S. president's peace efforts.He asserted on social media that “Russia continues to reject an unconditional ceasefire, dragging out the process and trying to manipulate negotiations.”<h2>Trump frustrated with both sides</h2>Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-ukraine-war-633a216d0506c82353fc7745b69c0fe0">said repeatedly</a>&nbsp;during his election campaign last year that he would be able to end the war “in 24 hours” upon taking office. But he has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-drones-kharkiv-offensive-1d2f793cc99798b0e491b9dde8e0cee0">expressed frustration</a>&nbsp;with Zelenskyy and Putin. Russia has effectively rejected a U.S. proposal for an immediate and full 30-day halt in the fighting by imposing far-reaching conditions.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters later on Thursday that Trump’s “frustration is growing and he needs to see this thing come to an end.”“What he is asking is for people to come to the negotiating table, recognizing that this has been a brutal war for far too long,” Leavitt said. “And in order to make a good deal, both sides have to walk away a little bit unhappy, and unfortunately, President Zelenskyy has been trying to litigate this peace negotiation in the press, and that’s unacceptable to the president.”Some European allies are wary of the American proposal for Ukraine to exchange land for peace. But an official said there’s also acknowledgment by some allies that Russia is firmly entrenched wholly or partially in five regions of Ukraine: Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.If the goal is to obtain a ceasefire immediately, “it should be based on the line of contact as it is,” said the senior French official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with French presidential policy.___Novikov reported from Kyiv and Madhani from Washington. Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv, Ukraine and Angela Charlton in Paris contributed.___