By&nbsp;ZANE IRWIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-07-14/panasonic-de-soto-kansas-ev-plant-tesla-tariffs">Kansas News Service</a>

Problems with Tesla, tariffs, and tax breaks have electric vehicle investors worried, even as Panasonic unveiled a massive new battery plant in De Soto, Kansas, on Monday. Leaders at the factory say it’s just a bump in the road.

At Panasonic’s massive battery plant in De Soto on Monday, Kansas political leaders stood beside Japanese dignitaries on stage with wooden mallets in their hands.

They huddled together to perform “<a href="https://en.sake-times.com/learn/sake-101-kagami-biraki#:~:text=Kagami%20Biraki%20(%E9%8F%A1%E9%96%8B%E3%81%8D%2C%20literally%20%E2%80%9Cmirror%20opening%E2%80%9D)%20is,at%20personal%20and%20business%20events%20in%20Japan." target="_blank">kagami wari</a>,” a Japanese ceremony marking new beginnings. On the count of three, they plunged their mallets into white wooden sake casks, “Panasonic Energy” labels facing out.

The event drew lawmakers at every level, foreign media and major business leaders to celebrate the start of production. Officials said batteries started rolling down the line a week ago with 1,100 workers hired so far.

The company aims to employ 4,000 people by the end of 2026. And Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said the plant is expected to bring $2.5 billion of economic activity to the state each year.

Republican U.S. Senator Jerry Moran said the development represented the largest private investment in state history.

“This is a day of joy,” he said. “This is a major accomplishment for Panasonic and for the state of Kansas.”

That cheerful mood prevailed despite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-06-21/panasonics-4-billion-de-soto-plant-is-close-to-opening-but-trumps-policies-could-delay-hiring" target="_blank">serious headwinds in the electric vehicle industry</a>, which some fear could keep the 4.7 million-square-foot battery factory from reaching its full potential — and its hiring goals.

Republican President Donald Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/07/09/nx-s1-5460936/trump-tariffs-economy-china-policy" target="_blank">threatened tariffs</a>&nbsp;that would make it more expensive to manufacture EVs. Tesla, the nation’s largest EV maker, recently saw its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/04/22/nx-s1-5371552/tesla-earnings-april-2025-elon-musk-doge" target="_blank">profits dip</a>&nbsp;amid CEO Elon Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration’s sweeping funding cuts and federal employee layoffs.

And as part of Trump’s seismic tax and spending bill that recently passed, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/06/30/nx-s1-5451701/ev-tax-credit-megabill-senate" target="_blank">$7,500 tax credit for EV purchasers</a>&nbsp;will end in September. Those tax credits were created during Democratic President Joe Biden’s term.

Allan Swan, President of Panasonic Energy North America, told reporters that turbulence in the EV market is to be expected.

“We're in a brand new industry,” he said. “So that industry's going to ebb and flow a little bit as she grows — and she will grow.”

At full capacity, Swan said the facility will produce 70 batteries per second for Tesla, Toyota, Lucid, Hexagon Purus and Harbinger Motors.

As for concerns about tariffs on products used to manufacture batteries, especially from China, Swan said Panasonic is working on finding more options to create “a stronger supply chain.”

De Soto Mayor Rick Walker shared Swan’s optimism for the long-term health of the EV industry. To take advantage of the tax credit before it expires, Walker recently bought an EV of his own — though he went for a cheaper option than a Tesla.

“I really like the car, even if I don't like the guy that is the front for it,” he said, referring to Musk.

Lt. Gov. David Toland, a Democrat who doubles as the Kansas commerce secretary, said he’s not concerned about current economic conditions because the EV industry has grown overall.

“We think that's going to continue in North America and, long term, this facility is going to be a huge win for the people of Kansas,” he said.

In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-07-13/kansas-reportedly-landing-4-billion-factory-that-will-make-batteries-for-tesla" target="_blank">Kansas offered $829 million in tax incentives</a>&nbsp;to convince the tech giant to build its newest, largest battery plant in the state. That includes $500 million in tax credits in exchange for the company spending $4 billion to build the plant.

The city of De Soto later signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desotoks.us/417/Development-Agreement" target="_blank">separate tax incentive agreement</a>&nbsp;to help fund the construction of public infrastructure needed to operate the plant.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-06-21/panasonics-4-billion-de-soto-plant-is-close-to-opening-but-trumps-policies-could-delay-hiring" target="_blank">Skeptics say</a>&nbsp;deals like that often weigh heavily in businesses’ favor, without providing enough assurance that beneficiaries will provide high-quality jobs and investments in return.

In Kansas’ agreement with Panasonic, the company must spend a certain amount and stay in the state for 15 years to earn the full extent of the discounts on offer. Tax incentives at the local level require Panasonic to hire at least 2,500 full-time employees.

That deal was reached during a competition between Kansas and Oklahoma for the project. Toland said the incentives are a necessary burden for states looking to lure economic investment.

“Every single state in the country has incentives to attract and retain businesses,” Toland said. “So the notion that we should simply step away and put down all of our weapons while other states are fully armed, I think is not wise.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752769848584.png" alt="Officials from Kansas and Japan&nbsp;participate in a traditional ceremony, involving mallets and casks of sake, to celebrate the grand opening of Japanese tech giant Panasonic's battery plant in De Soto. Photo by Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Officials from Kansas and Japan&nbsp;participate in a traditional ceremony, involving mallets and casks of sake, to celebrate the grand opening of Japanese tech giant Panasonic's battery plant in De Soto. Photo by Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;ZANE IRWIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-07-14/panasonic-de-soto-kansas-ev-plant-tesla-tariffs">Kansas News Service</a><h2>Problems with Tesla, tariffs, and tax breaks have electric vehicle investors worried, even as Panasonic unveiled a massive new battery plant in De Soto, Kansas, on Monday. Leaders at the factory say it’s just a bump in the road.</h2>At Panasonic’s massive battery plant in De Soto on Monday, Kansas political leaders stood beside Japanese dignitaries on stage with wooden mallets in their hands.They huddled together to perform “<a href="https://en.sake-times.com/learn/sake-101-kagami-biraki#:~:text=Kagami%20Biraki%20(%E9%8F%A1%E9%96%8B%E3%81%8D%2C%20literally%20%E2%80%9Cmirror%20opening%E2%80%9D)%20is,at%20personal%20and%20business%20events%20in%20Japan." target="_blank">kagami wari</a>,” a Japanese ceremony marking new beginnings. On the count of three, they plunged their mallets into white wooden sake casks, “Panasonic Energy” labels facing out.The event drew lawmakers at every level, foreign media and major business leaders to celebrate the start of production. Officials said batteries started rolling down the line a week ago with 1,100 workers hired so far.The company aims to employ 4,000 people by the end of 2026. And Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said the plant is expected to bring $2.5 billion of economic activity to the state each year.Republican U.S. Senator Jerry Moran said the development represented the largest private investment in state history.“This is a day of joy,” he said. “This is a major accomplishment for Panasonic and for the state of Kansas.”That cheerful mood prevailed despite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-06-21/panasonics-4-billion-de-soto-plant-is-close-to-opening-but-trumps-policies-could-delay-hiring" target="_blank">serious headwinds in the electric vehicle industry</a>, which some fear could keep the 4.7 million-square-foot battery factory from reaching its full potential — and its hiring goals.<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8e3cf97/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5022x3348+0+0/resize/880x587!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa7%2Fee%2F70360a9249cdb8096afb4fea8ded%2Fdsc04553.jpg" alt="The plant will supply batteries for Tesla, Lucid, Hexagon Purus and other electric vehicle manufacturers. By&nbsp;Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>The plant will supply batteries for Tesla, Lucid, Hexagon Purus and other electric vehicle manufacturers. By&nbsp;Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Tesla, tariffs and taxes</h2>Republican President Donald Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/07/09/nx-s1-5460936/trump-tariffs-economy-china-policy" target="_blank">threatened tariffs</a>&nbsp;that would make it more expensive to manufacture EVs. Tesla, the nation’s largest EV maker, recently saw its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/04/22/nx-s1-5371552/tesla-earnings-april-2025-elon-musk-doge" target="_blank">profits dip</a>&nbsp;amid CEO Elon Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration’s sweeping funding cuts and federal employee layoffs.And as part of Trump’s seismic tax and spending bill that recently passed, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/06/30/nx-s1-5451701/ev-tax-credit-megabill-senate" target="_blank">$7,500 tax credit for EV purchasers</a>&nbsp;will end in September. Those tax credits were created during Democratic President Joe Biden’s term.Allan Swan, President of Panasonic Energy North America, told reporters that turbulence in the EV market is to be expected.“We're in a brand new industry,” he said. “So that industry's going to ebb and flow a little bit as she grows — and she will grow.”At full capacity, Swan said the facility will produce 70 batteries per second for Tesla, Toyota, Lucid, Hexagon Purus and Harbinger Motors.As for concerns about tariffs on products used to manufacture batteries, especially from China, Swan said Panasonic is working on finding more options to create “a stronger supply chain.”<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f6bb56b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5494x3663+0+0/resize/880x587!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2F6d%2Fb76094dd451488a7602b6df12e6a%2Fdsc04405.jpg" alt="Allan Swan, President of Panasonic Energy North America, speaks at the battery plant's grand opening. He has overseen the project's development from its inception. By&nbsp;Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Allan Swan, President of Panasonic Energy North America, speaks at the battery plant's grand opening. He has overseen the project's development from its inception. By&nbsp;Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>De Soto Mayor Rick Walker shared Swan’s optimism for the long-term health of the EV industry. To take advantage of the tax credit before it expires, Walker recently bought an EV of his own — though he went for a cheaper option than a Tesla.“I really like the car, even if I don't like the guy that is the front for it,” he said, referring to Musk.<h2>A good deal?&nbsp;</h2>Lt. Gov. David Toland, a Democrat who doubles as the Kansas commerce secretary, said he’s not concerned about current economic conditions because the EV industry has grown overall.“We think that's going to continue in North America and, long term, this facility is going to be a huge win for the people of Kansas,” he said.In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-07-13/kansas-reportedly-landing-4-billion-factory-that-will-make-batteries-for-tesla" target="_blank">Kansas offered $829 million in tax incentives</a>&nbsp;to convince the tech giant to build its newest, largest battery plant in the state. That includes $500 million in tax credits in exchange for the company spending $4 billion to build the plant.<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/53d3b9a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5057x3371+0+0/resize/880x587!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff1%2F20%2Fa329039748888f6e66c5a4d1c9f2%2Fdsc02722.jpg" alt="A view outside the facility in January 2025. By&nbsp;Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>A view outside the facility in January 2025. By&nbsp;Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The city of De Soto later signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desotoks.us/417/Development-Agreement" target="_blank">separate tax incentive agreement</a>&nbsp;to help fund the construction of public infrastructure needed to operate the plant.<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-06-21/panasonics-4-billion-de-soto-plant-is-close-to-opening-but-trumps-policies-could-delay-hiring" target="_blank">Skeptics say</a>&nbsp;deals like that often weigh heavily in businesses’ favor, without providing enough assurance that beneficiaries will provide high-quality jobs and investments in return.In Kansas’ agreement with Panasonic, the company must spend a certain amount and stay in the state for 15 years to earn the full extent of the discounts on offer. Tax incentives at the local level require Panasonic to hire at least 2,500 full-time employees.That deal was reached during a competition between Kansas and Oklahoma for the project. Toland said the incentives are a necessary burden for states looking to lure economic investment.“Every single state in the country has incentives to attract and retain businesses,” Toland said. “So the notion that we should simply step away and put down all of our weapons while other states are fully armed, I think is not wise.”

Panasonic just opened a $4 billion plant in Kansas. But it’s a tough time for the EV market

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/17/judge-again-blocks-corecivic-from-opening-leavenworth-prison-as-court-skirmishes-continue/">Kansas Reflector</a>

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/"></a>TOPEKA — A Leavenworth District Court judge reaffirmed his decision to bar CoreCivic from housing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement prisoners at its closed facility, rejecting the private prison company’s appeal to reconsider.

Judge John Bryant on Friday issued the injunction that will be in place while the two parties fight out their disagreement in court. Bryant cited potential damages to Leavenworth if CoreCivic is allowed to skip the city’s development process.&nbsp;

“The Court also believes that the balance of harms in this case favors the City,” Bryant wrote. “While CoreCivic now has the ability to increase revenue that it has lacked since 2021, it also has had other remedies available to it in order to move this process further along toward a resolution.”

Those “other remedies” refer to going through the city’s development process to get a special use permit, which is what started the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/04/leavenworth-wins-restraining-order-barring-corecivic-from-taking-ice-detainees/">disagreement between the two parties</a>. When CoreCivic announced it would reopen the facility, which closed in 2021, as the Midwest Regional Reception Center, the city in March demanded the company apply for the permit.&nbsp;

In court documents, attorneys for Leavenworth said the company needed a special use permit and indicated the city wanted to address problems with the prison management. One judge had called the former prison a “hell hole,” and the city cited numerous instances of CoreCivic prison officials refusing to cooperate with local law enforcement.&nbsp;

CoreCivic pushed back against the need for a special use permit in a new petition filed July 7, saying the city didn’t follow its own development process and maintaining its argument that a special use permit is unnecessary because the company previously operated the site as a prison.&nbsp;

The petition said CoreCivic anticipates about $50 million in annual revenue from its ICE contract to house “1,000 nondetained noncitizens” and laid out the benefits to the community from an annual payroll of $30 million, plus $10 million for local spending by the plant.&nbsp;

“Regarding last week’s hearing and any other court documents that have been filed, we do not have any updates to share beyond the fact that we are pursuing all avenues to find a successful conclusion to this matter,” said CoreCivic spokesman Brian Todd in an email. “We maintain the position that our facility, which we’ve operated for almost 30 years, does not require a Special Use Permit to care for detainees in partnership with ICE.”

A hearing has not been scheduled for CoreCivic’s latest petition.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752770338712.jpeg" alt="Leavenworth District Judge&nbsp;John Bryant again barred CoreCivic from reopening its prison facility until court hearings can determine whether the company has to go through the Leavenworth development process.&nbsp; Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Leavenworth District Judge&nbsp;John Bryant again barred CoreCivic from reopening its prison facility until court hearings can determine whether the company has to go through the Leavenworth development process.&nbsp; Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/17/judge-again-blocks-corecivic-from-opening-leavenworth-prison-as-court-skirmishes-continue/">Kansas Reflector</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/"></a>TOPEKA — A Leavenworth District Court judge reaffirmed his decision to bar CoreCivic from housing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement prisoners at its closed facility, rejecting the private prison company’s appeal to reconsider.Judge John Bryant on Friday issued the injunction that will be in place while the two parties fight out their disagreement in court. Bryant cited potential damages to Leavenworth if CoreCivic is allowed to skip the city’s development process.&nbsp;“The Court also believes that the balance of harms in this case favors the City,” Bryant wrote. “While CoreCivic now has the ability to increase revenue that it has lacked since 2021, it also has had other remedies available to it in order to move this process further along toward a resolution.”Those “other remedies” refer to going through the city’s development process to get a special use permit, which is what started the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/04/leavenworth-wins-restraining-order-barring-corecivic-from-taking-ice-detainees/">disagreement between the two parties</a>. When CoreCivic announced it would reopen the facility, which closed in 2021, as the Midwest Regional Reception Center, the city in March demanded the company apply for the permit.&nbsp;In court documents, attorneys for Leavenworth said the company needed a special use permit and indicated the city wanted to address problems with the prison management. One judge had called the former prison a “hell hole,” and the city cited numerous instances of CoreCivic prison officials refusing to cooperate with local law enforcement.&nbsp;CoreCivic pushed back against the need for a special use permit in a new petition filed July 7, saying the city didn’t follow its own development process and maintaining its argument that a special use permit is unnecessary because the company previously operated the site as a prison.&nbsp;The petition said CoreCivic anticipates about $50 million in annual revenue from its ICE contract to house “1,000 nondetained noncitizens” and laid out the benefits to the community from an annual payroll of $30 million, plus $10 million for local spending by the plant.&nbsp;“Regarding last week’s hearing and any other court documents that have been filed, we do not have any updates to share beyond the fact that we are pursuing all avenues to find a successful conclusion to this matter,” said CoreCivic spokesman Brian Todd in an email. “We maintain the position that our facility, which we’ve operated for almost 30 years, does not require a Special Use Permit to care for detainees in partnership with ICE.”A hearing has not been scheduled for CoreCivic’s latest petition.&nbsp;

Judge again blocks CoreCivic from opening Leavenworth prison as court skirmishes continue

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/julie-denesha">JULIE DeNESHA, LISA RODRIGUEZ</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-07-17/kansas-city-flooding-water-rescues-power-outages-road-closures">KCUR Radio</a>

The Kansas City Fire Department says its 18 water rescues involved cars stuck in high water. Flooding was reported in Merriam, Kansas, along Brush Creek near The Plaza and in Kansas City's West Bottoms.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

The Kansas City metro got between five and eight inches of rain overnight, according to the Kansas City Fire Department.

KCFD says it responded to 23 water rescues through 8 a.m. after many low-lying roadways became overrun and flooded with standing water.

More than 52,000 customers of energy company Evergy lost power in the Kansas City, Topeka and Lawrence metropolitan areas.

The heavy rains caused flooding in Merriam, Kansas, along Brush Creek near the Country Club Plaza and in Kansas City's Historic West Bottoms neighborhood in the early hours of Thursday morning.

KCFD said it began rescues shortly after rain started falling, all involving vehicles stuck in high water. The department says it safely removed every vehicle occupant, and there were no injuries reported.

"There are many roadway locations throughout the city that flood when we receive excessive amounts of rain in a short period of time," Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins said in a press release Thursday morning. "KCFD would like to remind citizens to never drive into high water. It only takes a few inches of moving water to sweep a vehicle downstream."

Hopkins also warned pedestrians never to walk in high water, as sewer covers can become easily dislodged in flood conditions.

As of 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Evergy was reporting nearly 16,000 customers without power.

"Crews from surrounding areas are coming into the Kansas City Metro area to assist with restoration. Continued storms and flooded roads are slowing down their work," Evergy's website said.

The National Weather Service warned that more flooding was expected, especially in urban areas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752769313860.png" alt="High waters early the morning of July 17, 2025, pushed a car over a fence in Merriam, Kansas. Kansas City firefighters said they executed at least 18 water rescues. Photo by Julie Denesha/KCUR" />
 <figcaption>High waters early the morning of July 17, 2025, pushed a car over a fence in Merriam, Kansas. Kansas City firefighters said they executed at least 18 water rescues. Photo by Julie Denesha/KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/julie-denesha">JULIE DeNESHA, LISA RODRIGUEZ</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-07-17/kansas-city-flooding-water-rescues-power-outages-road-closures">KCUR Radio</a><h2>The Kansas City Fire Department says its 18 water rescues involved cars stuck in high water. Flooding was reported in Merriam, Kansas, along Brush Creek near The Plaza and in Kansas City's West Bottoms.</h2>This is a breaking news story and will be updated.The Kansas City metro got between five and eight inches of rain overnight, according to the Kansas City Fire Department.KCFD says it responded to 23 water rescues through 8 a.m. after many low-lying roadways became overrun and flooded with standing water.More than 52,000 customers of energy company Evergy lost power in the Kansas City, Topeka and Lawrence metropolitan areas.The heavy rains caused flooding in Merriam, Kansas, along Brush Creek near the Country Club Plaza and in Kansas City's Historic West Bottoms neighborhood in the early hours of Thursday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/39d454d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1019x597+0+0/resize/880x516!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9a%2F66%2Ff2d0bbef47eeb315df5dd421df22%2F23rd-street.jpg" alt="A view of flooded roadways at southbound I-435 at 23rd Street in Kansas City. Photo by KC Scout" />
 <figcaption>A view of flooded roadways at southbound I-435 at 23rd Street in Kansas City. Photo by KC Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>KCFD said it began rescues shortly after rain started falling, all involving vehicles stuck in high water. The department says it safely removed every vehicle occupant, and there were no injuries reported."There are many roadway locations throughout the city that flood when we receive excessive amounts of rain in a short period of time," Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins said in a press release Thursday morning. "KCFD would like to remind citizens to never drive into high water. It only takes a few inches of moving water to sweep a vehicle downstream."Hopkins also warned pedestrians never to walk in high water, as sewer covers can become easily dislodged in flood conditions.<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea0f0bb/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4032x3024+0+0/resize/880x660!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F4b%2Ffb484a4a431fbe44dccd18325262%2Fimg-0170.JPG" alt="Heavy rain on July 17, 2025, creates strong currents at Turkey Creek in Merriam, Kansas. Photo by&nbsp;Julie Denesha/KCUR" />
 <figcaption>Heavy rain on July 17, 2025, creates strong currents at Turkey Creek in Merriam, Kansas. Photo by&nbsp;Julie Denesha/KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure>As of 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Evergy was reporting nearly 16,000 customers without power."Crews from surrounding areas are coming into the Kansas City Metro area to assist with restoration. Continued storms and flooded roads are slowing down their work," Evergy's website said.The National Weather Service warned that more flooding was expected, especially in urban areas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752769565420.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Overnight flooding in Kansas City leads to water rescues, power outages, road closures

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating two homicides that occurred on Tuesday in Kansas City have identified the victims.

Just before noon, patrol officers responded to the 8700 block of Countryshire Lane on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived at an apartment building they were directed inside to an apartment. They located a woman, later identified as 24-year-old Jaida Perdue suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics responded and declared her deceased on scene

This is being investigated as a homicide. Preliminary investigation revealed there was an argument between two individuals that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck. On scene, a subject of interest was taken into custody pending further investigation.

About the same time, police were called to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in the 5200 block of Oak Leaf Drive, according to DiMartino.&nbsp;

Officers were directed to an apartment building within the complex. Inside of an apartment officers located a victim later identified as 36-year-Nicholas J. Carter&nbsp; suffering from gunshot wounds. KCFD medics responded to the scene and pronounced Carter deceased.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752627140858.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating two homicides that occurred on Tuesday in Kansas City have identified the victims.Just before noon, patrol officers responded to the 8700 block of Countryshire Lane on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752627065091.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>As officers arrived at an apartment building they were directed inside to an apartment. They located a woman, later identified as 24-year-old Jaida Perdue suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics responded and declared her deceased on sceneThis is being investigated as a homicide. Preliminary investigation revealed there was an argument between two individuals that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck. On scene, a subject of interest was taken into custody pending further investigation.About the same time, police were called to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in the 5200 block of Oak Leaf Drive, according to DiMartino.&nbsp;Officers were directed to an apartment building within the complex. Inside of an apartment officers located a victim later identified as 36-year-Nicholas J. Carter&nbsp; suffering from gunshot wounds. KCFD medics responded to the scene and pronounced Carter deceased.

Police ID 2 homicide victims in Kansas City

BY MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

First responders from Ellinwood and Great Bend spent more than four hours in the July heat Wednesday afternoon during a water tower rescue operation at the north water tower in Ellinwood. Ellinwood EMS Director Brittney Bailey said crews were originally dispatched to the scene at approximately 1 p.m.

"We were dispatched for a male patient who had fallen while inside the water tower," she said. "We had a water cleaning crew doing routine maintenance inside the water tower. He fell while inside the tower, and we extricated him. That was an extensive extrication just because of the height and all the technical rescue that goes into that. The patient was transported by aircraft to a Wichita hospital."

Shortly after 5 p.m., Ellinwood EMS shared via Facebook that the patient had successfully been removed from the water tower. No names have been released but Bailey said the man was approximately 40 years old.

Ellinwood Fire and EMS was assisted by Great Bend Fire and EMS, the Ellinwood Police Department, and the Barton County Sheriff's Office.

Technical rescue teams are currently working to lower the patient to the ground with the utmost care and coordination. The individual remains conscious and is being closely monitored by EMS personnel throughout the operation.

Crews from Ellinwood Fire, EMS, LEO and support from Great Bend Fire remain on scene to ensure the patient’s safe extrication and subsequent transport for medical evaluation.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752764941558.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostFirst responders from Ellinwood and Great Bend spent more than four hours in the July heat Wednesday afternoon during a water tower rescue operation at the north water tower in Ellinwood. Ellinwood EMS Director Brittney Bailey said crews were originally dispatched to the scene at approximately 1 p.m."We were dispatched for a male patient who had fallen while inside the water tower," she said. "We had a water cleaning crew doing routine maintenance inside the water tower. He fell while inside the tower, and we extricated him. That was an extensive extrication just because of the height and all the technical rescue that goes into that. The patient was transported by aircraft to a Wichita hospital."Shortly after 5 p.m., Ellinwood EMS shared via Facebook that the patient had successfully been removed from the water tower. No names have been released but Bailey said the man was approximately 40 years old.Ellinwood Fire and EMS was assisted by Great Bend Fire and EMS, the Ellinwood Police Department, and the Barton County Sheriff's Office._________Technical rescue teams are currently working to lower the patient to the ground with the utmost care and coordination. The individual remains conscious and is being closely monitored by EMS personnel throughout the operation.Crews from Ellinwood Fire, EMS, LEO and support from Great Bend Fire remain on scene to ensure the patient’s safe extrication and subsequent transport for medical evaluation.Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Update: Ellinwood water tower victim flown to Wichita hospital

WASHINGTON (AP) — Only about one-quarter of U.S. adults say that President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;policies have helped them since he took office, according to a new poll that finds underwhelming marks for him on key issues, including the economy, immigration, government spending and health care.

In fact, the Republican president fails to earn majority approval on any of the issues included in the poll from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/">The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research</a>. He's even slipped slightly since earlier this year on immigration, which has consistently been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-deportation-poll-el-salvador-81f8040599b9c585554678371e12ed5a">a strength for him</a>&nbsp;in his second term.

And while a majority of Americans do see Trump as at least “somewhat” capable of getting things done following the passage of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-republican-trump-tax-bill-f65be44e1050431a601320197322551b">his sprawling budget bill</a>, fewer believe he understands the problems facing people like them.

Most don't see positive impact from Trump's policies

Roughly half of U.S. adults report that Trump’s policies have “done more to hurt” them since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-inauguration-swearing-capitol-b3549ebe5dae74a872502aa79def7a11">his second term</a>&nbsp;began six months ago, the survey found. About 2 in 10 say his policies have “not made a difference” in their lives, with about one-quarter saying his policies have "done more to help” them.

The vast majority of Democrats and about half of independents say Trump’s policies have had a negative impact, while even many Republicans say they haven't seen positive effects.

“As it sits today, I don’t know his policies have made much of a difference in my day-to-day life,” said Landon Lindemer, a 29-year-old logistics manager from suburban Atlanta who voted for Trump three times.

Lindemer said he generally approves of Trump's job performance, even if he has concerns about the massive spending in the big bill the president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sign-tax-cut-bill-july-4-3804df732e461a626fd8c2b43413c3f0">signed into law on July 4</a>.

“I’m not sold it’s really going to help," he said.

Low but steady presidential approval ratings

The mixed reviews on Trump's policies come as he struggles to follow through on key campaign promises, including lowering costs for working-class Americans, preserving popular social welfare programs like Medicaid, ending foreign wars and lowering government spending.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-trump-fed-powell-prices-8842d6ebca9d1870983e678e578d2091">Inflation rose</a>&nbsp;last month to its highest level since February as Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-timeline-trade-war-trump-canada-mexico-china-a9d714eea677488ef9397547d838dbd0">sweeping tariffs</a>&nbsp;push up the cost of everything from groceries and clothes to furniture and appliances. Separately, Trump’s budget bill included Medicaid cuts that will lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gop-bill-trump-medicaid-cuts-coverage-health-bb4f090d2706ffb3d5652e70f246a10e">11.8 million more Americans becoming uninsured</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cbo-trump-tax-bill-republicans-senate-5f591bea21bd95eec45ba90c93c50687">add $3.3 trillion to the national debt</a>, the Congressional Budget Office estimated.

At the same time, violent conflicts still rage in Israel and Ukraine.

Overall, the new poll finds that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults approve of Trump's job performance, a figure that's in line with his June approval but historically weak compared with recent presidents. Closer to half of U.S. adults approved of President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama at roughly the same point in their Democratic presidencies, according to polls from AP-NORC and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/interactives/507569/presidential-job-approval-center.aspx">Gallup</a>, although Biden's approval rating declined in the second half of his first year and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-poll-survey-economy-trump-election-dca1b60f6749d5eb50bc0e7600814855">remained low</a>&nbsp;for the rest of his time in office.

Poll respondent Bailey Neill, a 42-year-old attorney from San Antonio, said he was “terrified” of Trump.

Neill, a Democrat who describes himself as a “student of history,” cast Trump as an authoritarian who has followed the controversial playbook outlined in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-project-2025-heritage-foundation-e2b1be71422f4afcfd4a397828f7cab6">Project 2025</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-conservatives-trump-heritage-857eb794e505f1c6710eb03fd5b58981">a conservative blueprint</a>&nbsp;for transformative changes across the federal government that Trump tried to distance himself from before the November election.

“In terms of my day-to-day life, I really haven’t seen a change, except for the general fear and anxiety I feel at a core level,” Neill said.

Most disapprove of Trump's handling of immigration, economy and more

Trump earned less than 50% approval on every issue included in the new AP-NORC poll, including the economy, government spending, trade, taxes, immigration, health care and his handling of the conflict in the Middle East.

Only 43% of U.S. adults said they approved of his handling of immigration, down slightly from the 49% who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-poll-immigration-tariffs-trade-b7a430909606d6b8b27cfbc5049a32b4">supported his work on the issue</a>&nbsp;back in March.

Trump also appears to have lost some support for his spending decisions. About 4 in 10 Americans approve of Trump's handling of government spending, down from 46% in March.

On the economy overall, roughly 4 in 10 adults approve of Trump's performance, which hasn't changed measurably in the last few months.

Timothy Dwyer, of Dyersburg, Tennessee, a 26-year-old self-described independent who works in retail sales and leans Republican, said Trump's work on the economy, especially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-trump-fed-powell-prices-8842d6ebca9d1870983e678e578d2091">his tariffs</a>, has “really sucked.”

“He’s turned us into a toilet and has absolutely made us the laughing stock of the world,” Dwyer said of Trump's trade policies, while also lamenting the president's work on reducing grocery prices and health care.

Most view Trump as effective, but fewer think he understands their needs

Despite such criticism, most U.S. adults think Trump is at least somewhat effective.

About 6 in 10 say “capable of getting things done” describes Trump at least “somewhat” well. And about half of U.S. adults say the same about the phrases “good negotiator” or “capable of handling a crisis."

That doesn't mean they believe Trump can see things from their perspective.

Most Americans, 56%, say “understands the problems facing people like you” is a phrase that describes Trump “not very well” or “not well at all.” His numbers on the question are relatively weak even among those in his party: Just about half of Republicans say he understands the problems facing people like them “extremely” or “very” well.

“I think he’s doing quite well. He could be doing a hell of a lot worse,” said poll respondent Levi Fischer, of Marshalltown, Iowa, who voted for Trump three times.

Still, Fischer acknowledged that he hasn't seen the economy improve as quickly as he hoped. Trump's policies, he said, “don't make much difference in my life.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752764753220.jpeg" alt="President Donald Trump poses for a photo after signing his signature bill of tax breaks and spending cuts at the White House, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington, surrounded by members of Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., left. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)" />
 <figcaption>President Donald Trump poses for a photo after signing his signature bill of tax breaks and spending cuts at the White House, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington, surrounded by members of Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., left. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Only about one-quarter of U.S. adults say that President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;policies have helped them since he took office, according to a new poll that finds underwhelming marks for him on key issues, including the economy, immigration, government spending and health care.In fact, the Republican president fails to earn majority approval on any of the issues included in the poll from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/">The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research</a>. He's even slipped slightly since earlier this year on immigration, which has consistently been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-deportation-poll-el-salvador-81f8040599b9c585554678371e12ed5a">a strength for him</a>&nbsp;in his second term.And while a majority of Americans do see Trump as at least “somewhat” capable of getting things done following the passage of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-republican-trump-tax-bill-f65be44e1050431a601320197322551b">his sprawling budget bill</a>, fewer believe he understands the problems facing people like them.<h2>Most don't see positive impact from Trump's policies</h2>Roughly half of U.S. adults report that Trump’s policies have “done more to hurt” them since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-inauguration-swearing-capitol-b3549ebe5dae74a872502aa79def7a11">his second term</a>&nbsp;began six months ago, the survey found. About 2 in 10 say his policies have “not made a difference” in their lives, with about one-quarter saying his policies have "done more to help” them.The vast majority of Democrats and about half of independents say Trump’s policies have had a negative impact, while even many Republicans say they haven't seen positive effects.“As it sits today, I don’t know his policies have made much of a difference in my day-to-day life,” said Landon Lindemer, a 29-year-old logistics manager from suburban Atlanta who voted for Trump three times.Lindemer said he generally approves of Trump's job performance, even if he has concerns about the massive spending in the big bill the president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sign-tax-cut-bill-july-4-3804df732e461a626fd8c2b43413c3f0">signed into law on July 4</a>.“I’m not sold it’s really going to help," he said.<h2>Low but steady presidential approval ratings</h2>The mixed reviews on Trump's policies come as he struggles to follow through on key campaign promises, including lowering costs for working-class Americans, preserving popular social welfare programs like Medicaid, ending foreign wars and lowering government spending.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-trump-fed-powell-prices-8842d6ebca9d1870983e678e578d2091">Inflation rose</a>&nbsp;last month to its highest level since February as Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-timeline-trade-war-trump-canada-mexico-china-a9d714eea677488ef9397547d838dbd0">sweeping tariffs</a>&nbsp;push up the cost of everything from groceries and clothes to furniture and appliances. Separately, Trump’s budget bill included Medicaid cuts that will lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gop-bill-trump-medicaid-cuts-coverage-health-bb4f090d2706ffb3d5652e70f246a10e">11.8 million more Americans becoming uninsured</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cbo-trump-tax-bill-republicans-senate-5f591bea21bd95eec45ba90c93c50687">add $3.3 trillion to the national debt</a>, the Congressional Budget Office estimated.At the same time, violent conflicts still rage in Israel and Ukraine.Overall, the new poll finds that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults approve of Trump's job performance, a figure that's in line with his June approval but historically weak compared with recent presidents. Closer to half of U.S. adults approved of President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama at roughly the same point in their Democratic presidencies, according to polls from AP-NORC and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/interactives/507569/presidential-job-approval-center.aspx">Gallup</a>, although Biden's approval rating declined in the second half of his first year and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-poll-survey-economy-trump-election-dca1b60f6749d5eb50bc0e7600814855">remained low</a>&nbsp;for the rest of his time in office.Poll respondent Bailey Neill, a 42-year-old attorney from San Antonio, said he was “terrified” of Trump.Neill, a Democrat who describes himself as a “student of history,” cast Trump as an authoritarian who has followed the controversial playbook outlined in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-project-2025-heritage-foundation-e2b1be71422f4afcfd4a397828f7cab6">Project 2025</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-conservatives-trump-heritage-857eb794e505f1c6710eb03fd5b58981">a conservative blueprint</a>&nbsp;for transformative changes across the federal government that Trump tried to distance himself from before the November election.“In terms of my day-to-day life, I really haven’t seen a change, except for the general fear and anxiety I feel at a core level,” Neill said.<h2>Most disapprove of Trump's handling of immigration, economy and more</h2>Trump earned less than 50% approval on every issue included in the new AP-NORC poll, including the economy, government spending, trade, taxes, immigration, health care and his handling of the conflict in the Middle East.Only 43% of U.S. adults said they approved of his handling of immigration, down slightly from the 49% who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-poll-immigration-tariffs-trade-b7a430909606d6b8b27cfbc5049a32b4">supported his work on the issue</a>&nbsp;back in March.Trump also appears to have lost some support for his spending decisions. About 4 in 10 Americans approve of Trump's handling of government spending, down from 46% in March.On the economy overall, roughly 4 in 10 adults approve of Trump's performance, which hasn't changed measurably in the last few months.Timothy Dwyer, of Dyersburg, Tennessee, a 26-year-old self-described independent who works in retail sales and leans Republican, said Trump's work on the economy, especially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-trump-fed-powell-prices-8842d6ebca9d1870983e678e578d2091">his tariffs</a>, has “really sucked.”“He’s turned us into a toilet and has absolutely made us the laughing stock of the world,” Dwyer said of Trump's trade policies, while also lamenting the president's work on reducing grocery prices and health care.<h2>Most view Trump as effective, but fewer think he understands their needs</h2>Despite such criticism, most U.S. adults think Trump is at least somewhat effective.About 6 in 10 say “capable of getting things done” describes Trump at least “somewhat” well. And about half of U.S. adults say the same about the phrases “good negotiator” or “capable of handling a crisis."That doesn't mean they believe Trump can see things from their perspective.Most Americans, 56%, say “understands the problems facing people like you” is a phrase that describes Trump “not very well” or “not well at all.” His numbers on the question are relatively weak even among those in his party: Just about half of Republicans say he understands the problems facing people like them “extremely” or “very” well.“I think he’s doing quite well. He could be doing a hell of a lot worse,” said poll respondent Levi Fischer, of Marshalltown, Iowa, who voted for Trump three times.Still, Fischer acknowledged that he hasn't seen the economy improve as quickly as he hoped. Trump's policies, he said, “don't make much difference in my life.”

Trump's approval rating on immigration and government spending has slipped, poll finds

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rebecca-santana">REBECCA SANTANA</a> The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Travelers giddy about being able to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tsa-shoes-security-precheck-bush-real-id-1b9fda716f7a24eddf2e706857f2b788">keep their shoes on</a>&nbsp;while walking through TSA checkpoints at the airport again may have something else to look forward to: changes to how much liquid they can carry.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Wednesday during a conference hosted by “The Hill” that she is questioning “everything TSA does” and spoke of possible changes to the amount of liquids travelers can tote in their carry-on baggage.

“The liquids, I’m questioning. So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be,” Noem said. “We have put in place in TSA a multilayered screening process that allows us to change some of how we do security and screening so it’s still as safe.”

She gave no details about precisely what those changes might be or how quickly travelers could expect to see them.

Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/transportation-security-administration">Transportation and Security Administration’s</a>&nbsp;current guidance, travelers can carry liquids in travel-sized containers 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item in their carry-on bag. Those containers must be placed in a one-quart resealable plastic bag. Bigger containers must go in checked baggage, though there are exceptions for medications and baby formula.

Noem announced on July 8 that travelers were no longer required to take their shoes off while going through screening after a pilot program showed TSA had the equipment needed to keep airports and aircraft safe while allowing people to keep their shoes on.

That policy had been in place since 2006, several years after “shoe bomber” Richard Reid’s failed attempt to take down a flight from Paris to Miami in late 2001.

The limits on liquids were triggered by a 2006 incident where authorities foiled a plot to used liquid explosives smuggled aboard carry-on luggage to blow up planes.

Ever since the guidelines were put in place TSA checkpoints have been the scene of travelers quickly guzzling water, digging through luggage to find and discard a too-large tube of hair gel and chucking jars of everything from jam to bottles of coffee that didn’t meet the size requirement.

The guidance also triggered discussions — sometimes arguments — over what constitutes a liquid. Yogurt? Peanut butter? Jam and jelly? All are currently restricted to containers no bigger than 3.4 ounces as detailed on an extensive list that TSA maintains on its website titled “What can I bring?”

Noem also laid out her vision for the future of airport travel during the talk Wednesday.

“Hopefully, the future of an airport, where I’m looking to go is that you walk in the door with your carry-on suitcase, you walk through a scanner and go right to your plane,” Noem said. “It takes you one minute.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752764393164.png" alt="Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrives for a news conference where she announced that most airline passengers will no longer have to remove their shoes at security checkpoints on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Reagan National Airport in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)" />
 <figcaption>Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrives for a news conference where she announced that most airline passengers will no longer have to remove their shoes at security checkpoints on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Reagan National Airport in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rebecca-santana">REBECCA SANTANA</a> The Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — Travelers giddy about being able to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tsa-shoes-security-precheck-bush-real-id-1b9fda716f7a24eddf2e706857f2b788">keep their shoes on</a>&nbsp;while walking through TSA checkpoints at the airport again may have something else to look forward to: changes to how much liquid they can carry.Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Wednesday during a conference hosted by “The Hill” that she is questioning “everything TSA does” and spoke of possible changes to the amount of liquids travelers can tote in their carry-on baggage.“The liquids, I’m questioning. So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be,” Noem said. “We have put in place in TSA a multilayered screening process that allows us to change some of how we do security and screening so it’s still as safe.”She gave no details about precisely what those changes might be or how quickly travelers could expect to see them.Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/transportation-security-administration">Transportation and Security Administration’s</a>&nbsp;current guidance, travelers can carry liquids in travel-sized containers 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item in their carry-on bag. Those containers must be placed in a one-quart resealable plastic bag. Bigger containers must go in checked baggage, though there are exceptions for medications and baby formula.Noem announced on July 8 that travelers were no longer required to take their shoes off while going through screening after a pilot program showed TSA had the equipment needed to keep airports and aircraft safe while allowing people to keep their shoes on.That policy had been in place since 2006, several years after “shoe bomber” Richard Reid’s failed attempt to take down a flight from Paris to Miami in late 2001.The limits on liquids were triggered by a 2006 incident where authorities foiled a plot to used liquid explosives smuggled aboard carry-on luggage to blow up planes.Ever since the guidelines were put in place TSA checkpoints have been the scene of travelers quickly guzzling water, digging through luggage to find and discard a too-large tube of hair gel and chucking jars of everything from jam to bottles of coffee that didn’t meet the size requirement.The guidance also triggered discussions — sometimes arguments — over what constitutes a liquid. Yogurt? Peanut butter? Jam and jelly? All are currently restricted to containers no bigger than 3.4 ounces as detailed on an extensive list that TSA maintains on its website titled “What can I bring?”Noem also laid out her vision for the future of airport travel during the talk Wednesday.“Hopefully, the future of an airport, where I’m looking to go is that you walk in the door with your carry-on suitcase, you walk through a scanner and go right to your plane,” Noem said. “It takes you one minute.”<figure>
 <img src="https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/d01ed8b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3336x3336+0+559/resize/100x100!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8a%2Ff5%2F373c84af443e9ff208dafedb88a5%2Frebecca-santana-headshot-low-quality-version-rebecca-santana.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

First shoes went on. Now, more liquid in carry-ons may be at hand

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/kevin-freking">KEVIN FREKING</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mary-clare-jalonick">MARY CLARE JALONICK</a> The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has passed about $9 billion in federal spending cuts requested by President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, including deep reductions to public broadcasting and foreign aid, moving forward on one of the president’s top priorities despite concerns from several Republican senators.

The legislation, which now moves to the House, would have a tiny impact on the nation’s rising debt but could have major ramifications for the targeted spending, from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to U.S. food aid programs abroad.

It also could complicate efforts to pass additional spending bills this year, as Democrats and even some Republicans have argued they are ceding congressional spending powers to Trump with little idea of how the White House Office of Management and Budget would apply the cuts.

The 51-48 vote came after 2 a.m. Thursday after Democrats sought to remove many of the proposed rescissions during 12 hours of amendment votes. None of the Democratic amendments were adopted.

At a news conference, House Speaker Mike Johnson says Congress has until the end of the week to pass a bill that fulfills President Trump’s request to cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved spending.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Republicans were using the president’s rescissions request to target wasteful spending. He said it is a “small but important step for fiscal sanity that we all should be able to agree is long overdue.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752764049029.png" alt="President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)" />
 <figcaption>President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/kevin-freking">KEVIN FREKING</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mary-clare-jalonick">MARY CLARE JALONICK</a> The Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has passed about $9 billion in federal spending cuts requested by President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, including deep reductions to public broadcasting and foreign aid, moving forward on one of the president’s top priorities despite concerns from several Republican senators.The legislation, which now moves to the House, would have a tiny impact on the nation’s rising debt but could have major ramifications for the targeted spending, from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to U.S. food aid programs abroad.It also could complicate efforts to pass additional spending bills this year, as Democrats and even some Republicans have argued they are ceding congressional spending powers to Trump with little idea of how the White House Office of Management and Budget would apply the cuts.The 51-48 vote came after 2 a.m. Thursday after Democrats sought to remove many of the proposed rescissions during 12 hours of amendment votes. None of the Democratic amendments were adopted.At a news conference, House Speaker Mike Johnson says Congress has until the end of the week to pass a bill that fulfills President Trump’s request to cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved spending.Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Republicans were using the president’s rescissions request to target wasteful spending. He said it is a “small but important step for fiscal sanity that we all should be able to agree is long overdue.”

Senate passes $9 billion in spending cuts to public broadcasting, foreign aid

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/devi-shastri">DEVI SHASTRI</a> Associated Press

The 988 National Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline will stop providing tailored support options to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trans-rights-dei-6367d501717f1388677e128af277fe26">LGBTQ+ youth</a>&nbsp;and young adults on July 17, according to a statement on a federal agency’s website.

The decision preempts the Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal to cut funding for 988’s LGBTQ+ youth and young adult services, and is raising alarm bells among LGBTQ+ advocates.

Federal data shows the LGBTQ+ youth program has served nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988/performance-metrics" target="_blank">1.3 million callers</a>&nbsp;since it started in September 2022. The services were accessible under the “Press 3” option on the phone or by replying “PRIDE” via text.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.

The decision was was made to “no longer silo” the services and “to focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option,” the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hhs-addiction-mental-health-rfk-samsha-e83db20b4ef801971cd25d07eb41bcf9">Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)</a>&nbsp;said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/about/news-announcements/statements/2025/samhsa-statement-988-press-3-option" target="_blank">in a statement dated Tuesday</a>&nbsp;on its website.

News of the LGBTQ+ service shutting down comes as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-transgender-health-care-trump-79fc6f3bbdab2e92d6f0184201a468a9">U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday.

The Trevor Project said it received official notice Tuesday that the program was ending. The nonprofit is one of seven centers that provides 988 crisis support services for LGBTQ+ people — and serves nearly half of the people who contact the lifeline.

“&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/suicide-prevention-mental-health-23b0282c56074625fa1be182afd860bd">Suicide prevention</a>&nbsp;is about people, not politics,” Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black said in a statement Wednesday. “The administration’s decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible.”

In its statement on the 988 decision, SAMHSA referred to the “LGB+ youth services.”

Black called the omission of the “T” representing transgender people “callous.” “Transgender people can never, and will never, be erased,” he said.

The Trevor Project will continue to run its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/Get-Help/" target="_blank">24/7 mental health support services</a>, as will other organizations, and leaders of 988 say the hotline will serve anyone who calls with compassion.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-suicide-rate-cdc-c57bb0852adfb4d85b3670d465a8b890">there were 49,300 suicides in 2023</a>&nbsp;— about the highest level in the nation’s history, based on preliminary data.

Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk of suicide, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/su/su7304a6.htm#:~:text=An%20estimated%2040%25%20of%20transgender,marker%20for%20experiencing%20depressive%20symptoms." target="_blank">2024 analysis by the CDC</a>&nbsp;that found 26% transgender and gender-questioning students attempted suicide in the past year. That’s compared with 5% of cisgender male and 11% of cisgender female students.

Young transgender people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-trump-title-ix-1b9d3a1d928ea78c21372da63600c6d1">flooded crisis hotlines</a>&nbsp;with calls after President Donald Trump was re-elected. Trump made anti-transgender themes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-transgender-politics-61cff97a64fac581ffc5f762be4c57d3">central to his campaign</a>&nbsp;and has since rolled back many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-passports-nonbinary-trump-policy-e5d13b6064c06619c654896fc0305983">civil rights protections</a>&nbsp;and access to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hhs-rfk-transgender-therapy-53c20e8ba65b2d9e4750d5c3314492cc">gender-affirming care</a>.

Trump signed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/2661" target="_blank">National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020</a>&nbsp;into law in October 2020.

The specific 988 subprogram for LGBTQ+ youth cost $33 million in fiscal year 2024, according to SAMHSA, and as of June 2025, more than $33 million has been spent on the services. The Trump administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/fy-2026-budget-in-brief.pdf" target="_blank">2026 budget proposal</a>&nbsp;called for keeping 988’s total budget at $520 million even while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/fy-2026-aha-cj.pdf" target="_blank">eliminating the LGBTQ+ services</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-robert-kennedy-vaccines-measles-steak-shake-9c970a1f6bdfd6ac4b4160480e996ac0">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;wants to wrap SAMHSA and other agencies into a new HHS office called Administration for a Healthy America, where it would coexist with employees from other agencies responsible for chemical exposures and work-related injuries.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731521445068.png" alt="Photo (Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline)" />
 <figcaption>Photo (Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/devi-shastri">DEVI SHASTRI</a> Associated PressThe 988 National Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline will stop providing tailored support options to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trans-rights-dei-6367d501717f1388677e128af277fe26">LGBTQ+ youth</a>&nbsp;and young adults on July 17, according to a statement on a federal agency’s website.The decision preempts the Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal to cut funding for 988’s LGBTQ+ youth and young adult services, and is raising alarm bells among LGBTQ+ advocates.Federal data shows the LGBTQ+ youth program has served nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988/performance-metrics" target="_blank">1.3 million callers</a>&nbsp;since it started in September 2022. The services were accessible under the “Press 3” option on the phone or by replying “PRIDE” via text.___EDITOR’S NOTE: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.___The decision was was made to “no longer silo” the services and “to focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option,” the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hhs-addiction-mental-health-rfk-samsha-e83db20b4ef801971cd25d07eb41bcf9">Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)</a>&nbsp;said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/about/news-announcements/statements/2025/samhsa-statement-988-press-3-option" target="_blank">in a statement dated Tuesday</a>&nbsp;on its website.News of the LGBTQ+ service shutting down comes as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-transgender-health-care-trump-79fc6f3bbdab2e92d6f0184201a468a9">U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday.The Trevor Project said it received official notice Tuesday that the program was ending. The nonprofit is one of seven centers that provides 988 crisis support services for LGBTQ+ people — and serves nearly half of the people who contact the lifeline.“&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/suicide-prevention-mental-health-23b0282c56074625fa1be182afd860bd">Suicide prevention</a>&nbsp;is about people, not politics,” Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black said in a statement Wednesday. “The administration’s decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible.”In its statement on the 988 decision, SAMHSA referred to the “LGB+ youth services.”Black called the omission of the “T” representing transgender people “callous.” “Transgender people can never, and will never, be erased,” he said.The Trevor Project will continue to run its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/Get-Help/" target="_blank">24/7 mental health support services</a>, as will other organizations, and leaders of 988 say the hotline will serve anyone who calls with compassion.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-suicide-rate-cdc-c57bb0852adfb4d85b3670d465a8b890">there were 49,300 suicides in 2023</a>&nbsp;— about the highest level in the nation’s history, based on preliminary data.Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk of suicide, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/su/su7304a6.htm#:~:text=An%20estimated%2040%25%20of%20transgender,marker%20for%20experiencing%20depressive%20symptoms." target="_blank">2024 analysis by the CDC</a>&nbsp;that found 26% transgender and gender-questioning students attempted suicide in the past year. That’s compared with 5% of cisgender male and 11% of cisgender female students.Young transgender people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-trump-title-ix-1b9d3a1d928ea78c21372da63600c6d1">flooded crisis hotlines</a>&nbsp;with calls after President Donald Trump was re-elected. Trump made anti-transgender themes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-transgender-politics-61cff97a64fac581ffc5f762be4c57d3">central to his campaign</a>&nbsp;and has since rolled back many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-passports-nonbinary-trump-policy-e5d13b6064c06619c654896fc0305983">civil rights protections</a>&nbsp;and access to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hhs-rfk-transgender-therapy-53c20e8ba65b2d9e4750d5c3314492cc">gender-affirming care</a>.Trump signed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/2661" target="_blank">National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020</a>&nbsp;into law in October 2020.The specific 988 subprogram for LGBTQ+ youth cost $33 million in fiscal year 2024, according to SAMHSA, and as of June 2025, more than $33 million has been spent on the services. The Trump administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/fy-2026-budget-in-brief.pdf" target="_blank">2026 budget proposal</a>&nbsp;called for keeping 988’s total budget at $520 million even while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/fy-2026-aha-cj.pdf" target="_blank">eliminating the LGBTQ+ services</a>.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-robert-kennedy-vaccines-measles-steak-shake-9c970a1f6bdfd6ac4b4160480e996ac0">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;wants to wrap SAMHSA and other agencies into a new HHS office called Administration for a Healthy America, where it would coexist with employees from other agencies responsible for chemical exposures and work-related injuries.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

988 hotline service tailored to LGBTQ+ youth ends this weekend

KANSAS CITY —Two Kansas City men are facing charges for allegedly shooting guns into a downtown Kansas City apartment building last weekend.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2670/Miller-REDACT-COMP">Sincere D. Miller</a>, 24,&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2672/Williams-REDACT-COMP">Kimoni Williams</a>, 23,&nbsp;each face one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and one count of Armed Criminal Action, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2671/millersincere---pc-statementredacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to the sound of shots on 13th and Grand Boulevard on July 11 and located Miller and Williams holding firearms. Multiple witnesses heard sounds of shots and observed the defendants shooting their firearms toward a nearby apartment building while standing outside a vehicle.&nbsp;

City camera footage showed the defendants entering their vehicle and a green laser beam pointed at them prior to the shooting.&nbsp;

Both defendants told police they heard gunshots from nearby blocks and observed the green laser beam on themselves and on one defendant’s daughter, who was in the backseat. Feeling threatened, they began firing into the building, striking multiple occupied apartments.&nbsp;

No one was injured during this shooting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752694090697.png" alt="Williams photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Williams photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Two Kansas City men are facing charges for allegedly shooting guns into a downtown Kansas City apartment building last weekend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752694035715.png" alt="Miller photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Miller photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2670/Miller-REDACT-COMP">Sincere D. Miller</a>, 24,&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2672/Williams-REDACT-COMP">Kimoni Williams</a>, 23,&nbsp;each face one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and one count of Armed Criminal Action, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2671/millersincere---pc-statementredacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to the sound of shots on 13th and Grand Boulevard on July 11 and located Miller and Williams holding firearms. Multiple witnesses heard sounds of shots and observed the defendants shooting their firearms toward a nearby apartment building while standing outside a vehicle.&nbsp;City camera footage showed the defendants entering their vehicle and a green laser beam pointed at them prior to the shooting.&nbsp;Both defendants told police they heard gunshots from nearby blocks and observed the green laser beam on themselves and on one defendant’s daughter, who was in the backseat. Feeling threatened, they began firing into the building, striking multiple occupied apartments.&nbsp;No one was injured during this shooting.&nbsp;

KC suspects told police they were shooting at green laser beam

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is lashing out at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-bondi-904822e788fa02fd6bd5c8181d0c9c08">his own supporters</a>, accusing them of being duped by Democrats, as he tries to clamp down on criticism over his administration's handling of much-hyped records in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;sex trafficking investigation, which Trump now calls a “Hoax.”

“Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this “bull——,” hook, line, and sinker,” Trump wrote Wednesday on his Truth Social site, using an expletive in his post. “They haven’t learned their lesson, and probably never will, even after being conned by the Lunatic Left for 8 long years.”

“Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work, don’t even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I don’t want their support anymore! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he went on.

The rhetoric marks a dramatic escalation for the Republican president, who has broken with some of his most loyal backers in the past, but never with such fervor.

The schism centers on his administration's handling of documents surrounding Epstein, who was found dead in his New York jail cell in August 2019, weeks after his arrest on sex trafficking charges. Last week, the Justice Department and the FBI&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">acknowledged that Epstein</a>&nbsp;did not maintain a “client list" to whom underage girls were trafficked, and they said no more files related to the investigation would be made public,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-pam-bondi-trump-1a6af3e9fa1cfb6d267985a971a4929a">despite past promises from Attorney General Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;that had raised the expectations of conservative influencers and conspiracy theorists.

Bondi had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-bondi-904822e788fa02fd6bd5c8181d0c9c08">suggested in February</a>&nbsp;such a document was sitting on her desk waiting for review. Last week, however, she said she had been referring generally to the Epstein case file, not a client list.

“It’s a new administration and everything is going to come out to the public,” she had said at one point.

Trump has since defended Bondi and chided a reporter for asking about the documents.

“I don’t understand what the interest or what the fascination is,” he said Tuesday.

In an Oval Office appearance Wednesday, Trump made clear that he was done with the story, regardless of what his supporters think.

“It’s all been a big hoax,” he told reporters. “It’s perpetrated by the Democrats, and some stupid Republicans and foolish Republicans fall into the net.”

He complained that Bondi has been “waylaid” over her handling of the case and has given out all “credible information” about the wealthy financier. “If she finds anymore credible information she’ll give that, too,” Trump said. ”What more can she do than that?”

Bondi has “bigger problems” to work on, the president said, citing the administration’s work to remove criminals who are living in the United States illegally.

The blowup comes after Trump and many figures in his administration, including FBI Director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patel-fbi-trump-maralago-january-6-2db2b3a27adb295df30a9ffa72208688">Kash Patel</a>&nbsp;and his deputy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dan-bongino-podcasts-fbi-kash-patel-trump-6d47f60b59edb3dba45615104ed41a67">Dan Bongino</a>, have spent years stoking dark and disproved conspiracy theories, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-donald-trump-conspiracy-theories-government-and-politics-db50c6f709b1706886a876ae6ac298e2">embracing QAnon-tinged propaganda</a>&nbsp;that casts Trump as a savior sent to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-assassination-trump-fbi-conspiracies-aaeb07814bb8b6b3fe595f5b68e4163a">demolish the “deep state.”</a>

Trump's comments so far have not been enough to quell those who are still demanding answers.

Some of the podcasters and pro-Trump influencers who helped rally support for Trump in the 2024 campaign said Wednesday they were disappointed or puzzled by his comments on the issue.

Benny Johnson, a conservative podcaster who has called for the Epstein records to be released, said on his show that he is a fan of Trump’s movement but is trying to “give tough love and speak on behalf of the base.”

“Maybe it hasn’t been framed correctly for the president,” Johnson said. “I don’t know.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in an interview on Benny Johnson's show Tuesday, had called for the Justice Department to “put everything out there and let the people decide.”

Far-right conspiracy theorist and podcaster Alex Jones called Trump’s handling of the Epstein situation “the biggest train wreck I’ve ever seen.”

“It’s not in character for you to be acting like this,” he said in a video reacting to Trump on Tuesday evening calling the case boring. “I support you, but we built the movement you rode in on. You’re not the movement. You just surfed in on it.”

Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on his podcast on Wednesday attempted some damage control on Trump’s behalf.

“Don’t take too seriously this whole Truth Social here,” Kirk told his audience. “I know some people are getting fired up about this. I don’t believe he was trying to insult anybody personally.”

Kirk said he thinks Trump’s supporters are “talking past each other a little bit” on the Epstein matter but are actually aligned in wanting to expose the “deep state.”

“The grassroots is not trying to make you look bad,” he said. “We want to try and make sure the bad people that have done such terrible things to you can finally be held accountable.”

Other Trump allies have stuck by his side, suggesting he does not need the influencers who have capitalized on Epstein conspiracy theories to make money and earn viewers.

“He lent you his clout and voters,” Brenden Dilley, the head of a group of meme makers who have lent their support to Trump, wrote on X on Wednesday. “They don’t belong to you.”

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is lashing out at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-bondi-904822e788fa02fd6bd5c8181d0c9c08">his own supporters</a>, accusing them of being duped by Democrats, as he tries to clamp down on criticism over his administration's handling of much-hyped records in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;sex trafficking investigation, which Trump now calls a “Hoax.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump on Jeffrey Epstein: &quot;He&#39;s dead. He&#39;s gone. And all it is is certain Republicans got duped by the Democrats and they&#39;re following a Democrat playbook.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/qdSnFacAbH">pic.twitter.com/qdSnFacAbH</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1945521873485279616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this “bull——,” hook, line, and sinker,” Trump wrote Wednesday on his Truth Social site, using an expletive in his post. “They haven’t learned their lesson, and probably never will, even after being conned by the Lunatic Left for 8 long years.”“Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work, don’t even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I don’t want their support anymore! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he went on.The rhetoric marks a dramatic escalation for the Republican president, who has broken with some of his most loyal backers in the past, but never with such fervor.The schism centers on his administration's handling of documents surrounding Epstein, who was found dead in his New York jail cell in August 2019, weeks after his arrest on sex trafficking charges. Last week, the Justice Department and the FBI&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">acknowledged that Epstein</a>&nbsp;did not maintain a “client list" to whom underage girls were trafficked, and they said no more files related to the investigation would be made public,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-pam-bondi-trump-1a6af3e9fa1cfb6d267985a971a4929a">despite past promises from Attorney General Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;that had raised the expectations of conservative influencers and conspiracy theorists.Bondi had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-bondi-904822e788fa02fd6bd5c8181d0c9c08">suggested in February</a>&nbsp;such a document was sitting on her desk waiting for review. Last week, however, she said she had been referring generally to the Epstein case file, not a client list.“It’s a new administration and everything is going to come out to the public,” she had said at one point.Trump has since defended Bondi and chided a reporter for asking about the documents.“I don’t understand what the interest or what the fascination is,” he said Tuesday.In an Oval Office appearance Wednesday, Trump made clear that he was done with the story, regardless of what his supporters think.“It’s all been a big hoax,” he told reporters. “It’s perpetrated by the Democrats, and some stupid Republicans and foolish Republicans fall into the net.”He complained that Bondi has been “waylaid” over her handling of the case and has given out all “credible information” about the wealthy financier. “If she finds anymore credible information she’ll give that, too,” Trump said. ”What more can she do than that?”Bondi has “bigger problems” to work on, the president said, citing the administration’s work to remove criminals who are living in the United States illegally.The blowup comes after Trump and many figures in his administration, including FBI Director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patel-fbi-trump-maralago-january-6-2db2b3a27adb295df30a9ffa72208688">Kash Patel</a>&nbsp;and his deputy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dan-bongino-podcasts-fbi-kash-patel-trump-6d47f60b59edb3dba45615104ed41a67">Dan Bongino</a>, have spent years stoking dark and disproved conspiracy theories, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-donald-trump-conspiracy-theories-government-and-politics-db50c6f709b1706886a876ae6ac298e2">embracing QAnon-tinged propaganda</a>&nbsp;that casts Trump as a savior sent to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-assassination-trump-fbi-conspiracies-aaeb07814bb8b6b3fe595f5b68e4163a">demolish the “deep state.”</a>Trump's comments so far have not been enough to quell those who are still demanding answers.Some of the podcasters and pro-Trump influencers who helped rally support for Trump in the 2024 campaign said Wednesday they were disappointed or puzzled by his comments on the issue.Benny Johnson, a conservative podcaster who has called for the Epstein records to be released, said on his show that he is a fan of Trump’s movement but is trying to “give tough love and speak on behalf of the base.”“Maybe it hasn’t been framed correctly for the president,” Johnson said. “I don’t know.”House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in an interview on Benny Johnson's show Tuesday, had called for the Justice Department to “put everything out there and let the people decide.”Far-right conspiracy theorist and podcaster Alex Jones called Trump’s handling of the Epstein situation “the biggest train wreck I’ve ever seen.”“It’s not in character for you to be acting like this,” he said in a video reacting to Trump on Tuesday evening calling the case boring. “I support you, but we built the movement you rode in on. You’re not the movement. You just surfed in on it.”Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on his podcast on Wednesday attempted some damage control on Trump’s behalf.“Don’t take too seriously this whole Truth Social here,” Kirk told his audience. “I know some people are getting fired up about this. I don’t believe he was trying to insult anybody personally.”Kirk said he thinks Trump’s supporters are “talking past each other a little bit” on the Epstein matter but are actually aligned in wanting to expose the “deep state.”He also offered a message to Trump.“The grassroots is not trying to make you look bad,” he said. “We want to try and make sure the bad people that have done such terrible things to you can finally be held accountable.”Other Trump allies have stuck by his side, suggesting he does not need the influencers who have capitalized on Epstein conspiracy theories to make money and earn viewers.“He lent you his clout and voters,” Brenden Dilley, the head of a group of meme makers who have lent their support to Trump, wrote on X on Wednesday. “They don’t belong to you.”___

🎥Trump slams supporters, calls the Epstein case a 'hoax'

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in southwest Kansas that sent three victims to the hospital.

Just after 5:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of a shooting&nbsp; at&nbsp;the Continental Apartments, 1408 W. Buffalo Jones Avenue, in Garden City, according to Garden City police spokesperson Erinn Reyes. 

Officers arrived to find a victim had been shot, and the victim was transported to St. Catherine Hospital by Finney County EMS in serious condition. 

After the victim was taken to the hospital, Officers were notified by hospital staff that before they arrived, two additional gunshot victims were dropped off at the emergency room by personal vehicle. The three victims were later transported to Wichita for further treatment.

To ensure the safety of staff and patients, St. Catherine Hospital was placed on lockdown following the arrival of the gunshot victims. The&nbsp;social media rumors regarding an active shooter at the hospital due to the lockdown were false, according to Reyes.&nbsp; "At no point was there an active shooter incident at the hospital."&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in southwest Kansas that sent three victims to the hospital.Just after 5:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of a shooting&nbsp; at&nbsp;the Continental Apartments, 1408 W. Buffalo Jones Avenue, in Garden City, according to Garden City police spokesperson Erinn Reyes. Officers arrived to find a victim had been shot, and the victim was transported to St. Catherine Hospital by Finney County EMS in serious condition. After the victim was taken to the hospital, Officers were notified by hospital staff that before they arrived, two additional gunshot victims were dropped off at the emergency room by personal vehicle. The three victims were later transported to Wichita for further treatment.To ensure the safety of staff and patients, St. Catherine Hospital was placed on lockdown following the arrival of the gunshot victims. The&nbsp;social media rumors regarding an active shooter at the hospital due to the lockdown were false, according to Reyes.&nbsp; "At no point was there an active shooter incident at the hospital."&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

Hospital locked down after gun fight in southwest Kansas

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matt-brown">MATT BROWN</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — A former senior aide to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-gifts-foreign-leaders-diamond-45517bc782000329a1ae75e181f9c2ce">Jill Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday became the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-doctor-kevin-oconnor-testimony-5c2a75c6bec319bb4ff8a417993e3d6c">second person</a>&nbsp;to invoke the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-does-pleading-the-fifth-mean-0d24abd45972cd80f82f95e4a8eec225">Fifth Amendment</a>&nbsp;and decline to answer questions from House Republicans who are investigating President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-investigation-autopen-james-comer-ae7013baea1f3da5417d02a6e83811ec">Joe Biden’s</a>&nbsp;mental state and use of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-pardons-autopen-capitol-riot-1956c5dcb44ecba10cd9b01171ca9efa">autopen</a>&nbsp;while in office.

Anthony Bernal, who previously served as chief of staff to former first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cancer-prostate-be18c98abe341cd91277e1d3b75d5cd5">Jill Biden</a>, was subpoenaed for his testimony by the House Oversight Committee. He declined to answer questions, invoking the protections that prevent people from being forced to testify against themselves in government proceedings.

“Well, unfortunately, that was quick,” said Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-doctor-oversight-testimony-1c749850ceab4f14d4239e623501854e">James Comer</a>, chair of the House Oversight Committee, after the deposition ended. “I believe the American people are concerned. They’re concerned that there were people making decisions in the White House that were not only unelected but no one to this day knows who they were.”

Bernal ignored questions from reporters as he entered and exited the House Oversight Committee’s hearing room on Capitol Hill. He was accompanied by his lawyer, Jonathan Su, who was a deputy White House counsel to the former president. Su in a statement provided to the committee noted that pleading the Fifth is not evidence of wrongdoing.

The former president has dismissed the inquiries as legally spurious. In a recent interview with the New York Times, Biden said that he delegated responsibilities when necessary as president but was actively involved and knowledgeable of all of his administration’s actions, including on granting clemency.

“I consciously made all those decisions,” Biden said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721869081473.png" alt="Former first lady Jill Biden-White House image" />
 <figcaption>Former first lady Jill Biden-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matt-brown">MATT BROWN</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — A former senior aide to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-gifts-foreign-leaders-diamond-45517bc782000329a1ae75e181f9c2ce">Jill Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday became the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-doctor-kevin-oconnor-testimony-5c2a75c6bec319bb4ff8a417993e3d6c">second person</a>&nbsp;to invoke the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-does-pleading-the-fifth-mean-0d24abd45972cd80f82f95e4a8eec225">Fifth Amendment</a>&nbsp;and decline to answer questions from House Republicans who are investigating President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-investigation-autopen-james-comer-ae7013baea1f3da5417d02a6e83811ec">Joe Biden’s</a>&nbsp;mental state and use of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-pardons-autopen-capitol-riot-1956c5dcb44ecba10cd9b01171ca9efa">autopen</a>&nbsp;while in office.Anthony Bernal, who previously served as chief of staff to former first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cancer-prostate-be18c98abe341cd91277e1d3b75d5cd5">Jill Biden</a>, was subpoenaed for his testimony by the House Oversight Committee. He declined to answer questions, invoking the protections that prevent people from being forced to testify against themselves in government proceedings.“Well, unfortunately, that was quick,” said Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-doctor-oversight-testimony-1c749850ceab4f14d4239e623501854e">James Comer</a>, chair of the House Oversight Committee, after the deposition ended. “I believe the American people are concerned. They’re concerned that there were people making decisions in the White House that were not only unelected but no one to this day knows who they were.”Bernal ignored questions from reporters as he entered and exited the House Oversight Committee’s hearing room on Capitol Hill. He was accompanied by his lawyer, Jonathan Su, who was a deputy White House counsel to the former president. Su in a statement provided to the committee noted that pleading the Fifth is not evidence of wrongdoing.The former president has dismissed the inquiries as legally spurious. In a recent interview with the New York Times, Biden said that he delegated responsibilities when necessary as president but was actively involved and knowledgeable of all of his administration’s actions, including on granting clemency.“I consciously made all those decisions,” Biden said.Comer has has sought testimony from nearly a dozen former Biden aides as he conducts his investigation, including former White House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/susie-wiles-phone-impersonation-bc6ac99e5db06ac70307ca031ab8d647">chiefs of staff</a>&nbsp;Ron Klain and Jeff Zients; former senior advisers Mike Donilon and Anita Dunn; former deputy chief of staff Bruce Reed, former counselor to the president Steve Ricchetti, former deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini and a former assistant to the president, Ashley Williams.On Tuesday, Comer also subpoenaed Annie Tomasini, a former White House deputy chief of staff, to appear before the committee on July 18. She is the third former official to be subpoenaed by the committee.Democrats have been dismissive of the Republican probe as mere political theater.“They still look like losers,” said Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crockett-abbott-wheelchair-a38d50b41e35cc6e05f5d72ad74ff54f">Jasmine Crockett</a>, D-Texas, who sat in on Bernal’s committee deposition.But many Republicans see the investigation as a top priority for their caucus and a politically salient issue for voters ahead of the midterm election. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-investigation-autopen-james-comer-ae7013baea1f3da5417d02a6e83811ec">Trump White House has launched its own probe</a>&nbsp;into Biden’s age while Senate Republicans have also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-senate-investigation-fitness-republicans-a39d86a556f0ffd862ae47e35dc5fb74">held hearings on the topic</a>.“This is corruption at the highest level, because if you cannot answer a simple question about Joe Biden’s capabilities, then that further demonstrates that he was not in charge of his administration,” said Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/byron-donalds-donald-trump-florida-governor-desantis-7cf12bdb0899d0165c4cbd98e5b3abe3">Byron Donalds</a>, R-Fla., who sat in on Bernal’s deposition.Donalds said “every member of the Biden administration, at this point, needs to be subpoenaed,” including Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-view-president-trump-abc-interview-kamala-harris-0e7c4aba0b021e40540dcc68872ff0d1">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;and Jill Biden.Comer did not rule out seeking testimony from Harris or members of Biden’s family.“We’re going to bring in everyone. We’re moving up the line,” Comer said. “We’ve started with the lower level staffers that we think were the ones that actually put the documents in the autopen and pressed power. Now we’re moving up to the people that we think told the staffers to use the autopen.”“So we’ll we’ll see where that takes us,” Comer said. “But I think the possibility is very good that we’ll be asking members of the family to come in.”___Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price contributed reporting.