SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have two suspects in custody.

Just after 11 p.m. March 30, police were dispatched to a report of a robbery at Conoco Food Market, 2045 N. Kansas Ave in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

As a result of the investigation, police took two juveniles into custody and transported them to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery and Theft

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680282012150.png" alt="Location of the robbery -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Location of the robbery -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have two suspects in custody.Just after 11 p.m. March 30, police were dispatched to a report of a robbery at Conoco Food Market, 2045 N. Kansas Ave in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.As a result of the investigation, police took two juveniles into custody and transported them to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery and Theft

Police: 2 juveniles jailed for Kan. food market robbery

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Abuse survivors and advocates who've pushed for legislation making it easier in Kansas to prosecute abusers and file lawsuits decades later have achieved a breakthrough in the Legislature, where the proposal is advancing quickly.

The bill would remove limits on how long prosecutors have to file charges against suspects for any of a dozen violent sexual offenses against children, including indecent liberties, aggravated human trafficking and internet trading in child pornography. It also would give abuse survivors more time to file lawsuits seeking monetary damages.

Reports across the U.S. of abuse by Roman Catholic clergy have spurred interest in making it easier to pursue criminal prosecutions or lawsuits over cases of abuse dating back decades. In January,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wichita-religion-crime-kansas-salina-b9fcc288cf3707b60821e00904d68c95">the Kansas Bureau of Investigation reported</a>&nbsp;that it had identified 188 Catholic clergy suspected of crimes stretching back to the 1950s and submitted 30 affidavits to prosecutors. No criminal charges resulted, largely because of the state law limiting how long prosecutors have to pursue cases, the KBI said.

The state Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve the bill, six days after a committee hearing. The measure went to the House, which could vote on it next week.

“I am sad to say the person who sexually assaulted me is still out in the public and has never been held accountable,” Earl McIntosh, a 57-year-old Topeka resident molested by a teenage neighbor when he was 10, told a Senate committee.

McIntosh testified of his fellow abuse survivors, “They deserve justice.”

For violent sexual crimes against children other than rape and aggravated sodomy, Kansas prosecutors currently can file criminal charges until the victim turns 28 or up to a year after DNA evidence establishes a suspect, whichever is later. The bill would eliminate those time limits.

The bill would give abuse suvivors until they turn 31 or three years after the abuser is convicted of a sexually violent crime against a child. Lawsuits currently must be filed by the time a survivor turns 21 or three years after a survivor “discovered or reasonably should have discovered” that childhood abuse caused an injury or illness.

The measure does not include another proposal survivors have pursued,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mormon-clergy-abuse-reporting-utah-ca56260080476c4c99cd6359bd3742f3">requiring clergy to report</a>&nbsp;allegations of child abuse to authorities.

Eighteen states have eliminated their statute of limitations for child sex crimes, according to Child USA, a Philadelphia think tank that focuses on laws dealing with child abuse. The group says 15 states have no statute of limitations for filing at least some abuse-related lawsuits.

Survivors and advocates told legislators that survivors often wait well into adulthood — often into their 50s — to disclose abuse because of the trauma, which often comes with shame and a fear of retaliation.

Advocates for changing Kansas law had trouble in recent years even getting a hearing for their proposals.

In January, they announced bipartisan efforts seeking to change state law. Survivors set up a table in the Statehouse visitor's center each day lawmakers were in session this year, and legislators had to pass it going between their parking garage and their offices. Survivors met with Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, and he recently helped draft&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2127_01_0000.pdf">the current proposal</a>.

No one testified against the measure, though some influential players were neutral.

An association for insurance companies expressed concern about a provision eliminating a $500,000 cap on damages in lawsuits against government agencies, arguing that insurance costs would rise and drive companies out of the state. The league representing Kansas cities said the bill could result in them paying damages "simply because a bad actor chose to commit their crime on city property.”

But the Kansas Catholic Conference said in a statement that the bill appears to give survivors “more tools in seeking justice."

“There is no time limitation on when the Catholic Church will offer services and support to clergy abuse victims,” the statement said.

During the Senate's debate Wednesday, state Sen. Cindy Holscher, a Kansas City-area Democrat, speaking in favor of the bill, told colleagues that when she was 5 years old, a man who often worked on her family's farm tried to sexually assault her in a barn. She said the noise of her home's back screen door banging against a wall interrupted him and allowed her to escape. She said she avoided telling the full story for nearly 50 years, until this week's debate.

“For years, I didn’t even recognize this as an attempted assault and attempted sexual assault, not until I had my own children. Yes, I kept thinking I did something wrong,” Holscher said. “My mind keeps trying to shield me from the embarrassment, the shame, the trauma of that day.” ___

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680272388494.png" alt="The Kansas Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve the bill-image from the legislature's YouTube page" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve the bill-image from the legislature's YouTube page</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Abuse survivors and advocates who've pushed for legislation making it easier in Kansas to prosecute abusers and file lawsuits decades later have achieved a breakthrough in the Legislature, where the proposal is advancing quickly.The bill would remove limits on how long prosecutors have to file charges against suspects for any of a dozen violent sexual offenses against children, including indecent liberties, aggravated human trafficking and internet trading in child pornography. It also would give abuse survivors more time to file lawsuits seeking monetary damages.Reports across the U.S. of abuse by Roman Catholic clergy have spurred interest in making it easier to pursue criminal prosecutions or lawsuits over cases of abuse dating back decades. In January,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wichita-religion-crime-kansas-salina-b9fcc288cf3707b60821e00904d68c95">the Kansas Bureau of Investigation reported</a>&nbsp;that it had identified 188 Catholic clergy suspected of crimes stretching back to the 1950s and submitted 30 affidavits to prosecutors. No criminal charges resulted, largely because of the state law limiting how long prosecutors have to pursue cases, the KBI said.The state Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve the bill, six days after a committee hearing. The measure went to the House, which could vote on it next week.“I am sad to say the person who sexually assaulted me is still out in the public and has never been held accountable,” Earl McIntosh, a 57-year-old Topeka resident molested by a teenage neighbor when he was 10, told a Senate committee.McIntosh testified of his fellow abuse survivors, “They deserve justice.”For violent sexual crimes against children other than rape and aggravated sodomy, Kansas prosecutors currently can file criminal charges until the victim turns 28 or up to a year after DNA evidence establishes a suspect, whichever is later. The bill would eliminate those time limits.The bill would give abuse suvivors until they turn 31 or three years after the abuser is convicted of a sexually violent crime against a child. Lawsuits currently must be filed by the time a survivor turns 21 or three years after a survivor “discovered or reasonably should have discovered” that childhood abuse caused an injury or illness.The measure does not include another proposal survivors have pursued,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mormon-clergy-abuse-reporting-utah-ca56260080476c4c99cd6359bd3742f3">requiring clergy to report</a>&nbsp;allegations of child abuse to authorities.Eighteen states have eliminated their statute of limitations for child sex crimes, according to Child USA, a Philadelphia think tank that focuses on laws dealing with child abuse. The group says 15 states have no statute of limitations for filing at least some abuse-related lawsuits.Survivors and advocates told legislators that survivors often wait well into adulthood — often into their 50s — to disclose abuse because of the trauma, which often comes with shame and a fear of retaliation.Advocates for changing Kansas law had trouble in recent years even getting a hearing for their proposals.In January, they announced bipartisan efforts seeking to change state law. Survivors set up a table in the Statehouse visitor's center each day lawmakers were in session this year, and legislators had to pass it going between their parking garage and their offices. Survivors met with Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, and he recently helped draft&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2127_01_0000.pdf">the current proposal</a>.No one testified against the measure, though some influential players were neutral.An association for insurance companies expressed concern about a provision eliminating a $500,000 cap on damages in lawsuits against government agencies, arguing that insurance costs would rise and drive companies out of the state. The league representing Kansas cities said the bill could result in them paying damages "simply because a bad actor chose to commit their crime on city property.”But the Kansas Catholic Conference said in a statement that the bill appears to give survivors “more tools in seeking justice."“There is no time limitation on when the Catholic Church will offer services and support to clergy abuse victims,” the statement said.During the Senate's debate Wednesday, state Sen. Cindy Holscher, a Kansas City-area Democrat, speaking in favor of the bill, told colleagues that when she was 5 years old, a man who often worked on her family's farm tried to sexually assault her in a barn. She said the noise of her home's back screen door banging against a wall interrupted him and allowed her to escape. She said she avoided telling the full story for nearly 50 years, until this week's debate.“For years, I didn’t even recognize this as an attempted assault and attempted sexual assault, not until I had my own children. Yes, I kept thinking I did something wrong,” Holscher said. “My mind keeps trying to shield me from the embarrassment, the shame, the trauma of that day.” ___

Kansas moves to help survivors pursue child sex abuse claims

ROME (AP) — A chipper-sounding Pope Francis was discharged Saturday from the Rome hospital where he was treated for bronchitis, quipping to journalists before being driven away that he's “still alive.”

Francis, 86, was hospitalized at Gemelli Polyclinic on Wednesday following his weekly public audience in St. Peter's Square after reportedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-health-hospital-vatican-1b743492e19762ac4a71cefb556967d0">experiencing breathing difficulties</a>. The pontiff received antibiotics administered intravenously during his stay, the Vatican said.

In a sign of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-hospital-bronchitis-holy-week-672c6c109101f6ac1aa4480909281c43">his improved health</a>, the Vatican released details of Francis' Holy Week schedule. It said he would preside at this weekend's Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square and at an outdoor Easter Mass on April 9. A Vatican cardinal will be at the altar to celebrate both Masses, a recent practice due to the pontiff having a troublesome knee issue.

But Francis is expected to celebrate Holy Thursday Mass, which this year will be held in a juvenile prison in Rome. Still unclear was whether he would attend the late-night, torch-lit Way of the Cross procession at Rome's Colosseum to mark Good Friday.

Before departing Gemelli Polyclinic late Saturday morning, Francis had an emotional moment with a Rome couple whose 5-year-old daughter died Friday night at the Catholic hospital. Outside, Serena Subania, mother of Angelica, sobbed as she pressed her head into the chest of the pope, who held her close and whispered words of comfort.

Francis seemed eager to linger with well-wishers. When a boy showed him his arm cast, the pope made a gesture as if to ask “Do you have a pen?” Three papal aides whipped out theirs. Francis took one of the pens and added his signature to the child's already well-autographed cast.

The pontiff answered in a low voice that was close to a whisper when reporters peppered him with questions, indicating he had felt unwell — “I felt sick," he said, pointing to his mid-section — a symptom that convinced his medical staff to take him to the hospital Wednesday.

Asked how he felt now, Francis joked, “Still alive, you know.” He gave a thumbs-up sign.

Francis exited the hospital from a side entrance, but his car stopped in front of the main entrance, where a gaggle of journalists waited. He opened the car door himself and got out from the front passenger seat. Francis had a cane ready to lean on.

After chatting, he got back into the white Fiat 500 car that drove him away from Gemelli Polyclinic. But instead of heading straight home, his motorcade sped right past Vatican City and went to St. Mary Major Basilica, a Rome landmark that is one of his favorites.

There, startled tourists rushed to snap photos of him as he sat in a wheelchair, which he has used often to navigate longer distances in recent years due to a chronic knee problem. When he emerged after praying, residents and tourists in the street called out repeatedly, “Long live the pope!” and clapped.

Francis spent 10 days at the same hospital in July 2021 following intestinal surgery for a bowel narrowing, After his release back then, he also stopped to offer prayers of thanksgiving at St. Mary Major Basilica, which is home to an icon depicting the Virgin Mary. He also visits the church upon returning from trips abroad.

Before leaving the hospital Saturday, Francis, while chatting with journalists, praised medical workers, saying they "show great tenderness."

“The sick are capricious. I much admire the people who work in hospitals,” he said. Francis also said he read journalists' accounts of his illness, including in a Rome daily newspaper, and pronounced them well done.

Francis stopped to talk to reporters again before he was driven into the Vatican through a gate of the tiny walled city-state, where he lives at a Holy See hotel. Speaking through an open car window, he said: “Happy Easter to all, and pray for me.''

Then, indicating he was eager to resume his routine, he said, “Forward, thanks.”

On yet another stop, he got out of his car to distribute chocolate Easter eggs to the police officers who drove the motorcycles at the head of his motorcade.

Given his low voice, it was unclear if the pope would be able to read the homily at the Palm Sunday service. He told reporters that after the Mass, he would keep his weekly appointment to greet and bless the public in St. Peter's Square.

As a young man in his native Argentina, Francis had part of a lung removed, leaving him particularly vulnerable to any respiratory illness.

ROME (AP) — A chipper-sounding Pope Francis was discharged Saturday from the Rome hospital where he was treated for bronchitis, quipping to journalists before being driven away that he's “still alive.”Francis, 86, was hospitalized at Gemelli Polyclinic on Wednesday following his weekly public audience in St. Peter's Square after reportedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-health-hospital-vatican-1b743492e19762ac4a71cefb556967d0">experiencing breathing difficulties</a>. The pontiff received antibiotics administered intravenously during his stay, the Vatican said.In a sign of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-hospital-bronchitis-holy-week-672c6c109101f6ac1aa4480909281c43">his improved health</a>, the Vatican released details of Francis' Holy Week schedule. It said he would preside at this weekend's Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square and at an outdoor Easter Mass on April 9. A Vatican cardinal will be at the altar to celebrate both Masses, a recent practice due to the pontiff having a troublesome knee issue.But Francis is expected to celebrate Holy Thursday Mass, which this year will be held in a juvenile prison in Rome. Still unclear was whether he would attend the late-night, torch-lit Way of the Cross procession at Rome's Colosseum to mark Good Friday.Before departing Gemelli Polyclinic late Saturday morning, Francis had an emotional moment with a Rome couple whose 5-year-old daughter died Friday night at the Catholic hospital. Outside, Serena Subania, mother of Angelica, sobbed as she pressed her head into the chest of the pope, who held her close and whispered words of comfort.Francis seemed eager to linger with well-wishers. When a boy showed him his arm cast, the pope made a gesture as if to ask “Do you have a pen?” Three papal aides whipped out theirs. Francis took one of the pens and added his signature to the child's already well-autographed cast.The pontiff answered in a low voice that was close to a whisper when reporters peppered him with questions, indicating he had felt unwell — “I felt sick," he said, pointing to his mid-section — a symptom that convinced his medical staff to take him to the hospital Wednesday.Asked how he felt now, Francis joked, “Still alive, you know.” He gave a thumbs-up sign.Francis exited the hospital from a side entrance, but his car stopped in front of the main entrance, where a gaggle of journalists waited. He opened the car door himself and got out from the front passenger seat. Francis had a cane ready to lean on.After chatting, he got back into the white Fiat 500 car that drove him away from Gemelli Polyclinic. But instead of heading straight home, his motorcade sped right past Vatican City and went to St. Mary Major Basilica, a Rome landmark that is one of his favorites.There, startled tourists rushed to snap photos of him as he sat in a wheelchair, which he has used often to navigate longer distances in recent years due to a chronic knee problem. When he emerged after praying, residents and tourists in the street called out repeatedly, “Long live the pope!” and clapped.Francis spent 10 days at the same hospital in July 2021 following intestinal surgery for a bowel narrowing, After his release back then, he also stopped to offer prayers of thanksgiving at St. Mary Major Basilica, which is home to an icon depicting the Virgin Mary. He also visits the church upon returning from trips abroad.Before leaving the hospital Saturday, Francis, while chatting with journalists, praised medical workers, saying they "show great tenderness."“The sick are capricious. I much admire the people who work in hospitals,” he said. Francis also said he read journalists' accounts of his illness, including in a Rome daily newspaper, and pronounced them well done.Francis stopped to talk to reporters again before he was driven into the Vatican through a gate of the tiny walled city-state, where he lives at a Holy See hotel. Speaking through an open car window, he said: “Happy Easter to all, and pray for me.''Then, indicating he was eager to resume his routine, he said, “Forward, thanks.”On yet another stop, he got out of his car to distribute chocolate Easter eggs to the police officers who drove the motorcycles at the head of his motorcade.Given his low voice, it was unclear if the pope would be able to read the homily at the Palm Sunday service. He told reporters that after the Mass, he would keep his weekly appointment to greet and bless the public in St. Peter's Square.As a young man in his native Argentina, Francis had part of a lung removed, leaving him particularly vulnerable to any respiratory illness.

 Pope Francis returns to Vatican after hospital stay

BUTLER COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation state-wide Silver Alert for a missing Kansas man continues.

&nbsp;David Sawdy, 85, was last heard from on Friday afternoon at 12:00pm on his land phone land at his home in Andover.

 He was seen on camera at 6:50p.m. headed north on Ridge Road from 13th Street in Wichita driving his 2005 Silver Chevy Tahoe with Kansas tag 14879.

Sawdy is 5 feet 10 inches tall, 150 pounds, gray hair with brown eyes. 

If you see him, please contact the Andover Police Department dispatch at 316-733-5177 ext. 0.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680364464941.png" alt="Sawdy-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Sawdy-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation state-wide Silver Alert for a missing Kansas man continues.&nbsp;David Sawdy, 85, was last heard from on Friday afternoon at 12:00pm on his land phone land at his home in Andover. He was seen on camera at 6:50p.m. headed north on Ridge Road from 13th Street in Wichita driving his 2005 Silver Chevy Tahoe with Kansas tag 14879.Sawdy is 5 feet 10 inches tall, 150 pounds, gray hair with brown eyes. If you see him, please contact the Andover Police Department dispatch at 316-733-5177 ext. 0.

Police: Silver Alert continues for missing Kansas man

SUMNER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal-officer involved shooting have identified the suspect who died as 25-year-old Rosendo Enrique Ravero, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. He was wanted in connection with allegedly shooting&nbsp; his ex-girlfriend's 70-year-old grandmother at her place of business on March 17, in&nbsp; Miami, Florida, according to Detective&nbsp;Angel Rodriguez with Miami-Dade County Police.

Just after 12:30p.m. March 24, officers responded to the robbery at Impact Bank, 206 East Harvey in Wellington.

Bank officials reported a man, later identified as Ravero, entered the bank wearing a dark jacket with light-colored pants and a surgical mask. He handed a note to a bank employee demanding money. The suspect left the bank with an undetermined amount of cash.

Bank employees were able to obtain a description of Ravero's vehicle and shared it with law enforcement. The Kansas Turnpike Authority notified the Oklahoma Highway Patrol that the suspect was southbound on Interstate 35.

A Port of Entry officer saw a vehicle enter Oklahoma that matched the description of the robbery suspect’s vehicle.

Oklahoma State Troopers began a pursuit and gunfire was exchanged. The pursuit ended when the Ravero fled his vehicle on foot in a wooded area off Interstate 35 and Highway 412. When Ravero attempted to fire at troopers again,&nbsp;he was shot and killed. No troopers were injured.

The OHP also reported the bomb squad was called to the scene because Ravero claimed to have a bomb in his vehicle.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679693670963.png" alt="Near the scene of the exchange of gunfire on March 24-photo Oklahoma Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Near the scene of the exchange of gunfire on March 24-photo Oklahoma Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal-officer involved shooting have identified the suspect who died as 25-year-old Rosendo Enrique Ravero, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. He was wanted in connection with allegedly shooting&nbsp; his ex-girlfriend's 70-year-old grandmother at her place of business on March 17, in&nbsp; Miami, Florida, according to Detective&nbsp;Angel Rodriguez with Miami-Dade County Police.Just after 12:30p.m. March 24, officers responded to the robbery at Impact Bank, 206 East Harvey in Wellington.Bank officials reported a man, later identified as Ravero, entered the bank wearing a dark jacket with light-colored pants and a surgical mask. He handed a note to a bank employee demanding money. The suspect left the bank with an undetermined amount of cash.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680028090558.png" alt="Ravero-photo Miami-Dade County Police" />
 <figcaption>Ravero-photo Miami-Dade County Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Bank employees were able to obtain a description of Ravero's vehicle and shared it with law enforcement. The Kansas Turnpike Authority notified the Oklahoma Highway Patrol that the suspect was southbound on Interstate 35.A Port of Entry officer saw a vehicle enter Oklahoma that matched the description of the robbery suspect’s vehicle. Oklahoma State Troopers began a pursuit and gunfire was exchanged. The pursuit ended when the Ravero fled his vehicle on foot in a wooded area off Interstate 35 and Highway 412. When Ravero attempted to fire at troopers again,&nbsp;he was shot and killed. No troopers were injured.The OHP also reported the bomb squad was called to the scene because Ravero claimed to have a bomb in his vehicle.&nbsp;

Kan. bank robbery suspect who died was wanted in Florida

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The nine service members who died in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-helicopters-crash-kentucky-89c9dbcd035b3cc7c637c2b1f0a037a2">crash</a>&nbsp;involving two U.S. Army&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-hawk-helicopters-crash-d8ebd81d05f0b917df61d7dbcdb1752f">Black Hawk</a>&nbsp;helicopters ranged in age from 23 to 36 and were from seven states, the military said Friday, as it released the identities of the soldiers and an investigative team continued its probe of the accident.

A military news release said the service members came from Missouri, Florida, Texas, California, North Carolina, Alabama and New Jersey.

“This is a time of great sadness for the 101st Airborne Division. The loss of these Soldiers will reverberate through our formations for years to come,” said Maj. Gen. JP McGee, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell.

Two HH-60 Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopters crashed near Fort Campbell on Wednesday night in southwest Kentucky during a training exercise, killing all nine soldiers aboard the two aircrafts. The crash occurred in Trigg County, Kentucky, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of the Army post that is home to the 101st Airborne Division.

A special military investigative team was on the scene Friday but rain and wind have slowed the early work, Army officials said.

The two Black Hawks were flying during a training exercise and the pilots were using night-vision goggles, Army officials said. The accident occurred during flying and not during the course of a medical evacuation drill, said Brig. Gen. John Lubas, the 101st Airborne deputy commander.

The helicopters carried flight data recorders, similar to the black boxes that investigators use to analyze crashes involving passengers planes. Officials are hoping the devices yield information about the cause.

The Army identified the soldiers as: Warrant Officer 1 Jeffery Barnes, 33, of Milton, Florida; Cpl. Emilie Marie Eve Bolanos, 23, of Austin, Texas; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Zachary Esparza, 36, of Jackson, Missouri; Sgt. Isaacjohn Gayo, 27, of Los Angeles, California.; Staff Sgt. Joshua C. Gore, 25, of Morehead City, North Carolina; Warrant Officer 1 Aaron Healy, 32, of Cape Coral, Florida; Staff Sgt. Taylor Mitchell, 30, of Mountain Brook, Alabama; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Smith, 32, of Rolla, Missouri; and Sgt. David Solinas Jr., 23, of Oradell, New Jersey.

The four soldiers piloting the two Black Hawks were Esparza, Smith, Barnes and Healy, according to the Army.

Dave Busby, who taught Smith in middle school, was among several of Smith’s childhood teachers and classmates who posted tributes on Facebook.

“What a great kid. What a tragedy,” Busby said by phone from his home in St. James, Missouri, the small town where Smith grew up. “I’ll be honest I wept — what a shame.”

Even as a teen, Smith was ambitious, forward-looking and perceptive, Busby said: “You could tell he was going places.”

Solinas' dedication to being a flight medic showed his character, his brother, Aidan Solinas, said in a statement.

“We are a faithful family and we are proud David was training to rescue soldiers on the battlefield,” he said. "Being a flight medic is one of the most difficult jobs that you can do, and illustrates that David was a man of compassion and faith.

Gore’s father, Tim Gore, told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsargus.com/news/local/a-real-life-captain-america-gore-1-of-9-killed-in-black-hawk-helicopter-crash/article_eaad342c-2f6b-50e6-a68c-13f5a5085d46.html">Goldsboro News-Argus</a>&nbsp;that his son leaves behind a wife who’s pregnant. Gore, a pastor in Wayne County, said that his son, who was known to family as Caleb, was an infant when the family moved to North Carolina and remained in the state until he joined the Army after graduating high school.

“His passion was search and rescue, and if you were wounded on the battlefield, Caleb coming out of that helicopter would be the most beautiful thing you would ever see,” Gore told the newspaper. “He was kind, compassionate, and a gentle giant because he was built like a tank.”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Friday ordered flags at state buildings lowered to half-staff from sunrise on Saturday until sunset Monday in honor of the soldiers.

Over the last 10 years, the Army’s Black Hawk helicopter has been involved in 40 so-called Class A mishaps, which involve either a fatality or more than $2.5 million in damage. Forty-four personnel died in those cases.

Wednesday's crash was the deadliest training incident for the Army since March 2015, when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed off the Florida coast in dense fog, said Jimmie Cummings, spokesperson for the Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker. Four soldiers from the Louisiana Army National Guard and seven Marine special operations forces were killed.

Cummings said the most deadly non-combat Black Hawk crash was in 1988 and also involved Fort Campbell aircraft. The crash killed 17 troops when two helicopters collided in mid-air. The most deadly Army aircraft training incident was a Chinook crash in Germany in 1982, that killed 46 U.S. and international forces. The second was a C-23 Sherpa fixed wing aircraft crash in Georgia in 2001 that killed 21 Army and Air Guard personnel.

Fort Campbell also had a multi-aircraft crash in 1996, when two Blackhawks clipped propellers, killing five soldiers. The last deadly aviation accident at Fort Campbell occurred in 2018, when an Apache helicopter crashed during training, killing two soldiers on board.

The Black Hawk helicopter is a critical workhorse for the U.S. Army and is used in security, transport, medical evacuations, search and rescue and other missions. The helicopters are known to many people from the 2001 movie “Black Hawk Down,” which is about a 1993 battle in Somalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680307522503.png" alt="Chief Warrant Officer 2 Zachary Esparza of Jackson, Missouri-photo courtesy 101st Airborne Division Office of Public Affairs" />
 <figcaption>Chief Warrant Officer 2 Zachary Esparza of Jackson, Missouri-photo courtesy 101st Airborne Division Office of Public Affairs</figcaption>
 </figure>LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The nine service members who died in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-helicopters-crash-kentucky-89c9dbcd035b3cc7c637c2b1f0a037a2">crash</a>&nbsp;involving two U.S. Army&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-hawk-helicopters-crash-d8ebd81d05f0b917df61d7dbcdb1752f">Black Hawk</a>&nbsp;helicopters ranged in age from 23 to 36 and were from seven states, the military said Friday, as it released the identities of the soldiers and an investigative team continued its probe of the accident.A military news release said the service members came from Missouri, Florida, Texas, California, North Carolina, Alabama and New Jersey.“This is a time of great sadness for the 101st Airborne Division. The loss of these Soldiers will reverberate through our formations for years to come,” said Maj. Gen. JP McGee, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell.Two HH-60 Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopters crashed near Fort Campbell on Wednesday night in southwest Kentucky during a training exercise, killing all nine soldiers aboard the two aircrafts. The crash occurred in Trigg County, Kentucky, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of the Army post that is home to the 101st Airborne Division.A special military investigative team was on the scene Friday but rain and wind have slowed the early work, Army officials said.The two Black Hawks were flying during a training exercise and the pilots were using night-vision goggles, Army officials said. The accident occurred during flying and not during the course of a medical evacuation drill, said Brig. Gen. John Lubas, the 101st Airborne deputy commander.The helicopters carried flight data recorders, similar to the black boxes that investigators use to analyze crashes involving passengers planes. Officials are hoping the devices yield information about the cause.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680307643617.png" alt="Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Smith, 32, of Rolla, Missouri-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Smith, 32, of Rolla, Missouri-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Army identified the soldiers as: Warrant Officer 1 Jeffery Barnes, 33, of Milton, Florida; Cpl. Emilie Marie Eve Bolanos, 23, of Austin, Texas; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Zachary Esparza, 36, of Jackson, Missouri; Sgt. Isaacjohn Gayo, 27, of Los Angeles, California.; Staff Sgt. Joshua C. Gore, 25, of Morehead City, North Carolina; Warrant Officer 1 Aaron Healy, 32, of Cape Coral, Florida; Staff Sgt. Taylor Mitchell, 30, of Mountain Brook, Alabama; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Smith, 32, of Rolla, Missouri; and Sgt. David Solinas Jr., 23, of Oradell, New Jersey.The four soldiers piloting the two Black Hawks were Esparza, Smith, Barnes and Healy, according to the Army.Dave Busby, who taught Smith in middle school, was among several of Smith’s childhood teachers and classmates who posted tributes on Facebook.“What a great kid. What a tragedy,” Busby said by phone from his home in St. James, Missouri, the small town where Smith grew up. “I’ll be honest I wept — what a shame.”Even as a teen, Smith was ambitious, forward-looking and perceptive, Busby said: “You could tell he was going places.”Solinas' dedication to being a flight medic showed his character, his brother, Aidan Solinas, said in a statement.“We are a faithful family and we are proud David was training to rescue soldiers on the battlefield,” he said. "Being a flight medic is one of the most difficult jobs that you can do, and illustrates that David was a man of compassion and faith.Gore’s father, Tim Gore, told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsargus.com/news/local/a-real-life-captain-america-gore-1-of-9-killed-in-black-hawk-helicopter-crash/article_eaad342c-2f6b-50e6-a68c-13f5a5085d46.html">Goldsboro News-Argus</a>&nbsp;that his son leaves behind a wife who’s pregnant. Gore, a pastor in Wayne County, said that his son, who was known to family as Caleb, was an infant when the family moved to North Carolina and remained in the state until he joined the Army after graduating high school.“His passion was search and rescue, and if you were wounded on the battlefield, Caleb coming out of that helicopter would be the most beautiful thing you would ever see,” Gore told the newspaper. “He was kind, compassionate, and a gentle giant because he was built like a tank.”Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Friday ordered flags at state buildings lowered to half-staff from sunrise on Saturday until sunset Monday in honor of the soldiers.Over the last 10 years, the Army’s Black Hawk helicopter has been involved in 40 so-called Class A mishaps, which involve either a fatality or more than $2.5 million in damage. Forty-four personnel died in those cases.Wednesday's crash was the deadliest training incident for the Army since March 2015, when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed off the Florida coast in dense fog, said Jimmie Cummings, spokesperson for the Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker. Four soldiers from the Louisiana Army National Guard and seven Marine special operations forces were killed.Cummings said the most deadly non-combat Black Hawk crash was in 1988 and also involved Fort Campbell aircraft. The crash killed 17 troops when two helicopters collided in mid-air. The most deadly Army aircraft training incident was a Chinook crash in Germany in 1982, that killed 46 U.S. and international forces. The second was a C-23 Sherpa fixed wing aircraft crash in Georgia in 2001 that killed 21 Army and Air Guard personnel.Fort Campbell also had a multi-aircraft crash in 1996, when two Blackhawks clipped propellers, killing five soldiers. The last deadly aviation accident at Fort Campbell occurred in 2018, when an Apache helicopter crashed during training, killing two soldiers on board.The Black Hawk helicopter is a critical workhorse for the U.S. Army and is used in security, transport, medical evacuations, search and rescue and other missions. The helicopters are known to many people from the 2001 movie “Black Hawk Down,” which is about a 1993 battle in Somalia.___

2 from Missouri among 9 killed in Army Black Hawk helicopter crash 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—An off-duty sheriff's deputy is under investigation.

On Thursday night, the Derby Police Department arrested off-duty Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy Aaron Burr on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to Colonel Jared Schechter.

 Burr was operating his personally owned vehicle and was not acting in any official capacity at the time of the arrest.

&nbsp;Burr has been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since January of 2022. Burr will remain fulfilling his job duties while he goes through the legal process. At the conclusion of the legal process an internal investigation with the Professional Standards Unit will be conducted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680282415388.png" alt="Burr-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Burr-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—An off-duty sheriff's deputy is under investigation.On Thursday night, the Derby Police Department arrested off-duty Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy Aaron Burr on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to Colonel Jared Schechter. Burr was operating his personally owned vehicle and was not acting in any official capacity at the time of the arrest.&nbsp;Burr has been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since January of 2022. Burr will remain fulfilling his job duties while he goes through the legal process. At the conclusion of the legal process an internal investigation with the Professional Standards Unit will be conducted.

Off-duty Kansas sheriff's deputy accused of DUI

Update 5p.m. —Officials lifted the evacuation order in Butler County, according to El Dorado Fire Department.&nbsp; There is still some fire in the area, but the all clear has been given. Residents can return home.

Cause of the fire and a damage estimates are still to be deterined.

BUTLER COUNTY —Firefighters were fighting a large grass fire north of Central and west of Haverhill, according to a statement from the El Dorado Fire Department.

The county dispatch is using Reverse 911 notifications as necessary to residents impacted by the fire.

&nbsp;Those who live west of Haverhill and north of Central were asked to evacuate to safety, according to Butler County Emergency Communications.&nbsp; Earlier, Oil Hill Elementary School students, 2700 West 6th in El Dorado, were moved to safety at the Circle High School gymnasium, 905 Main Street in Towanda.

The American Red Cross is setting up a shelter at the Community (4-H) Building on North Griffith, according to Butler County Emergency Communications.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680300704803.png" alt="Kansas Forest Service staff in cooperation with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasEmergency?__cft__[0]=AZVZQwk2o0-jcBtzRUAOfqiTrbVJRGOUQ0gFs-Fz3HOLQPVcmv8JCQbDidaKjQZnA_6J9qf5bsxwprJ51wOdsnVzgGaeikqhCXaitkXtVu5MzvtTHESRi5XAvoSWSeOEgCj_JqXD1e5q44Ch8S_z4eJc&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Division of Emergency Management</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ksfiremarshal?__cft__[0]=AZVZQwk2o0-jcBtzRUAOfqiTrbVJRGOUQ0gFs-Fz3HOLQPVcmv8JCQbDidaKjQZnA_6J9qf5bsxwprJ51wOdsnVzgGaeikqhCXaitkXtVu5MzvtTHESRi5XAvoSWSeOEgCj_JqXD1e5q44Ch8S_z4eJc&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas State Fire Marshal Office</a>&nbsp; assisted with fires in Chautauqua and Butler counties on Friday, Tanker 95 was able to make multiple water drops in Butler County before being grounded. At this time, all aircraft are grounded due to the wind conditions.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Forest Service staff in cooperation with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasEmergency?__cft__[0]=AZVZQwk2o0-jcBtzRUAOfqiTrbVJRGOUQ0gFs-Fz3HOLQPVcmv8JCQbDidaKjQZnA_6J9qf5bsxwprJ51wOdsnVzgGaeikqhCXaitkXtVu5MzvtTHESRi5XAvoSWSeOEgCj_JqXD1e5q44Ch8S_z4eJc&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Division of Emergency Management</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ksfiremarshal?__cft__[0]=AZVZQwk2o0-jcBtzRUAOfqiTrbVJRGOUQ0gFs-Fz3HOLQPVcmv8JCQbDidaKjQZnA_6J9qf5bsxwprJ51wOdsnVzgGaeikqhCXaitkXtVu5MzvtTHESRi5XAvoSWSeOEgCj_JqXD1e5q44Ch8S_z4eJc&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas State Fire Marshal Office</a>&nbsp; assisted with fires in Chautauqua and Butler counties on Friday, Tanker 95 was able to make multiple water drops in Butler County before being grounded. At this time, all aircraft are grounded due to the wind conditions.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Update 5p.m. —Officials lifted the evacuation order in Butler County, according to El Dorado Fire Department.&nbsp; There is still some fire in the area, but the all clear has been given. Residents can return home.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Back open after wildfire: K-196 between K-254 and Ohio St., in Butler County. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BuckleUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BuckleUp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SlowDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SlowDown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DriveAlert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DriveAlert</a> <a href="https://t.co/V40qrrMyuV">pic.twitter.com/V40qrrMyuV</a>&mdash; SC Kansas KDOT (@SCKansasKDOT) <a href="https://twitter.com/SCKansasKDOT/status/1641921023573360640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Cause of the fire and a damage estimates are still to be deterined.----------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680293402392.png" alt="The American Red Cross is setting up a shelter at the Community (4-H) Building on North Griffith, according to Butler County Emergency Communications.- photo&nbsp; courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>The American Red Cross is setting up a shelter at the Community (4-H) Building on North Griffith, according to Butler County Emergency Communications.- photo&nbsp; courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —Firefighters were fighting a large grass fire north of Central and west of Haverhill, according to a statement from the El Dorado Fire Department.The county dispatch is using Reverse 911 notifications as necessary to residents impacted by the fire.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wildfire has closed K-196 in Butler County from K-254 north to 10th St. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BuckleUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BuckleUp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SlowDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SlowDown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DriveAlert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DriveAlert</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wt01nG088b">pic.twitter.com/Wt01nG088b</a>&mdash; SC Kansas KDOT (@SCKansasKDOT) <a href="https://twitter.com/SCKansasKDOT/status/1641887223300628480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;Those who live west of Haverhill and north of Central were asked to evacuate to safety, according to Butler County Emergency Communications.&nbsp; Earlier, Oil Hill Elementary School students, 2700 West 6th in El Dorado, were moved to safety at the Circle High School gymnasium, 905 Main Street in Towanda.The American Red Cross is setting up a shelter at the Community (4-H) Building on North Griffith, according to Butler County Emergency Communications.

Butler Co. wildfire: Evacuation order lifted, roads re-open

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Local law enforcement and the FBI are investigating a pair of ATM burglaries in Topeka.

Just after 4a.m. Thursday, police responded to Community National Bank, 5431 SW 29th Street and just after 3a.m. Friday, police responded to Core First Bank and Trust, 2021 SE 29th Street both in Topeka after reports of ATM burglaries, according to police spokesperson Rachel Nichols.

Investigators believe the burglaries are connected and are working to find two vehicles involved. Police released security camera images of the suspect vehicles.

 Anyone with information on the crimes is asked to contact police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680295603072.png" alt="One of the ATMs involved in the burglaries -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>One of the ATMs involved in the burglaries -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Local law enforcement and the FBI are investigating a pair of ATM burglaries in Topeka.Just after 4a.m. Thursday, police responded to Community National Bank, 5431 SW 29th Street and just after 3a.m. Friday, police responded to Core First Bank and Trust, 2021 SE 29th Street both in Topeka after reports of ATM burglaries, according to police spokesperson Rachel Nichols.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680295630388.png" alt="Security camera images Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera images Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680295953834.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators believe the burglaries are connected and are working to find two vehicles involved. Police released security camera images of the suspect vehicles. Anyone with information on the crimes is asked to contact police.

FBI working to ID suspects in pair of Kan. ATM burglaries

People gathered at Salina's City-County Building at noon Friday in support of transgender people on Trans Visibility Day.

The Die at City Hall event from noon to 1 p.m. Friday included people who acted as though they were dead to represent those who have died because of anti-transgender bias.

Following are some additional photos from the event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680297024156.jpeg" alt="Some of the people demonstrating peacefully at Salina's City-County Building Friday afternoon. Photos courtesy Bryan Dennett" />
 <figcaption>Some of the people demonstrating peacefully at Salina's City-County Building Friday afternoon. Photos courtesy Bryan Dennett</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTPeople gathered at Salina's City-County Building at noon Friday in support of transgender people on Trans Visibility Day.The Die at City Hall event from noon to 1 p.m. Friday included people who acted as though they were dead to represent those who have died because of anti-transgender bias.Following are some additional photos from the event.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680297137522.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680297163212.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680297200713.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680297232209.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680297264061.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680297293477.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680297321769.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680297367932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680297405278.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Demonstrators in Salina march in support of transgender

Editors note: This story has been updated to include a statement issued just after 10a.m. Friday from&nbsp; Senator Roger Marshall.

Donald Trump has become the first former U.S. president to be charged with a crime.&nbsp; 

One former member of the Kansas congressional delegation who also served as Secretary of State in the Trump administration and both United States Senators from Missouri expressed opinion about the indictment.&nbsp; Senator Jerry Moran has yet to comment on the historic indictment.

As of 8a.m. Friday, Marshall had not posted anything to social media since early Thursday. In January of 2021, he was quick to defend Trump who was facing an impeachment trial.&nbsp;

 Moran was also silent on the impeachment. The former President endorsed Moran for reelection in 2022. Trump's effort helped Moran avoid a challenge in the GOP primary.

Trump now faces threats to his freedom after decades of legal investigations that have never resulted in serious consequences, and he will have to contend with a court case while seeking the White House again.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578405572483.png" alt="Former Kansas Congressman Mike Pompeo served as Secretary of State for Trump-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas Congressman Mike Pompeo served as Secretary of State for Trump-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Editors note: This story has been updated to include a statement issued just after 10a.m. Friday from&nbsp; Senator Roger Marshall.Donald Trump has become the first former U.S. president to be charged with a crime.&nbsp; One former member of the Kansas congressional delegation who also served as Secretary of State in the Trump administration and both United States Senators from Missouri expressed opinion about the indictment.&nbsp; Senator Jerry Moran has yet to comment on the historic indictment.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Americans are exhausted with the radical Left’s never-ending obsession with President Trump. NYC is ridden with violent crime, undeterred homelessness, and record-breaking larceny. Yet, their incompetent DA relentlessly pursues a misdemeanor charge against a Floridian.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1641818753624076290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Manhattan DA is undermining America’s confidence in our legal system. Bragg is the same Soros-funded prosecutor who refuses to prosecute violent crimes and who has downgraded more than half of all felonies to misdemeanors. (1/2)&mdash; Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikepompeo/status/1641560624470663170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tonight’s indictment of Donald Trump isn’t about the law. It’s about power. Raw power. It’s the Democrat Party telling the nation they will stop at nothing to control the outcome of the next presidential election. It is an assault on our democracy, pure and simple&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1641570056743124993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is purely a partisan case against President Trump Soros DA Bragg campaigned on prosecuting President Trump, while violent crime in NYC rages on &amp; violent criminals walk free This is a political prosecution in search of a crime &amp; sets an dangerous precedent going forward&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1641582854835433473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>As of 8a.m. Friday, Marshall had not posted anything to social media since early Thursday. In January of 2021, he was quick to defend Trump who was facing an impeachment trial.&nbsp; Moran was also silent on the impeachment. The former President endorsed Moran for reelection in 2022. Trump's effort helped Moran avoid a challenge in the GOP primary.Trump now faces threats to his freedom after decades of legal investigations that have never resulted in serious consequences, and he will have to contend with a court case while seeking the White House again.

Kan. Republicans angry about Trump's indictment

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.

On March 29, deputies with the Osage County Sheriff’s Office conducted a narcotic search warrant in the 700 block of Market Street in Osage City, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

Deputies took 63-year-old Tanny L.Kendall into custody on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680172471131.png" alt="Kendall-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Kendall-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.On March 29, deputies with the Osage County Sheriff’s Office conducted a narcotic search warrant in the 700 block of Market Street in Osage City, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.Deputies took 63-year-old Tanny L.Kendall into custody on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia

Deputies accuse 63-year-old Kan. woman of selling meth

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a fire that damaged two homes in Topeka.

Just after 2:30 a.m. Friday, crews responded to a house fire at 1805 SW Lincoln Street in Topeka, according to department spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Upon arrival, crew immediately began a defensive fire attack as the blaze&nbsp; spread to home next door, 1801 SW Lincoln Street which sustained significant damage.

No occupants were located in either house, and no injuries were reported. A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as intentionally set.

The property at 1805 SW Lincoln Street is believed to be a total loss. 1801 SW Lincoln Street also sustained significant damage. The incident remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680289726672.png" alt="Crews on the scene of the Friday morning fire in Topeka -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Crews on the scene of the Friday morning fire in Topeka -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a fire that damaged two homes in Topeka.Just after 2:30 a.m. Friday, crews responded to a house fire at 1805 SW Lincoln Street in Topeka, according to department spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Upon arrival, crew immediately began a defensive fire attack as the blaze&nbsp; spread to home next door, 1801 SW Lincoln Street which sustained significant damage.No occupants were located in either house, and no injuries were reported. A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as intentionally set.The property at 1805 SW Lincoln Street is believed to be a total loss. 1801 SW Lincoln Street also sustained significant damage. The incident remains under investigation.

Fire that damaged 2 Kansas homes intentionally set

TOPEKA&nbsp;– A Kansas man admits to defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture ((USDA) Rural Development Program of approximately $1 million intended to help elderly and low income residents with rental housing expenses, according to the United State's Attorney.

Perry Johnson, 55, of Ozawkie pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement on loan or credit applications.

Rural Development works with rental property owners to subsize rent and maintenance repair expenses on behalf of low income and elderly tenants. Rural Development has a policy requiring all properties to submit Identity of Interest (IOI) disclosures concerning any personal relationships with vendors performing work on properties.

According to court documents, between 2014 and 2017, Johnson worked as the regional manager of a company that managed 47 properties in Kansas. He was responsible for each property’s budget and approval of contracts. Johnson ignored the IOI policy and created approximately $1 million in vendor maintenance and repair invoices in the names of relatives and friends from which he financially benefited. Johnson also created false worksheets claiming his son resided at three different rural housing apartments although his son was never a tenant at any of those properties.

Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 21, 2023. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The USDA – Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– A Kansas man admits to defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture ((USDA) Rural Development Program of approximately $1 million intended to help elderly and low income residents with rental housing expenses, according to the United State's Attorney.Perry Johnson, 55, of Ozawkie pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement on loan or credit applications.Rural Development works with rental property owners to subsize rent and maintenance repair expenses on behalf of low income and elderly tenants. Rural Development has a policy requiring all properties to submit Identity of Interest (IOI) disclosures concerning any personal relationships with vendors performing work on properties.According to court documents, between 2014 and 2017, Johnson worked as the regional manager of a company that managed 47 properties in Kansas. He was responsible for each property’s budget and approval of contracts. Johnson ignored the IOI policy and created approximately $1 million in vendor maintenance and repair invoices in the names of relatives and friends from which he financially benefited. Johnson also created false worksheets claiming his son resided at three different rural housing apartments although his son was never a tenant at any of those properties.Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 21, 2023. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.The USDA – Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

Kan. man admits defrauding USDA program of $1 million 

TROY, Mo. (AP) — After nearly four decades, a cold case killing in eastern Missouri has been solved, thanks to DNA evidence.

Authorities in Lincoln County announced Wednesday that a DNA match identified the victim as Jack Langeneckert, 50, a real estate agent from the St. Louis County town of Florissant.

Langeneckert was reported missing in 1982. The body was found dressed in a pinstripe suit and tie in 1984. The victim had been shot in the back of the head.

Officials with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said during a news conference Wednesday that forensic genetic geneaology led to the identity of the victim. The technology identifies DNA through comparision to genetic profiles in genealogy databases.

Capt. David Hill said detectives are working to determine who killed Langeneckert, whose body was found on a farm on June 11, 1984.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680194582689.png" alt="Jack Langeneckert-photo Lincoln Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Jack Langeneckert-photo Lincoln Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>TROY, Mo. (AP) — After nearly four decades, a cold case killing in eastern Missouri has been solved, thanks to DNA evidence.Authorities in Lincoln County announced Wednesday that a DNA match identified the victim as Jack Langeneckert, 50, a real estate agent from the St. Louis County town of Florissant.Langeneckert was reported missing in 1982. The body was found dressed in a pinstripe suit and tie in 1984. The victim had been shot in the back of the head.Officials with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said during a news conference Wednesday that forensic genetic geneaology led to the identity of the victim. The technology identifies DNA through comparision to genetic profiles in genealogy databases.Capt. David Hill said detectives are working to determine who killed Langeneckert, whose body was found on a farm on June 11, 1984.

DNA evidence IDs body in 1984 rural Missouri homicide 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide at a Kansas home are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as&nbsp;Jeffrey D. Arnold, 52, of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Arnold also commonly goes by the nickname, “Cheese.”

Just after 10 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a shooting at a home in the&nbsp; 1500 Block of SE Quincy in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks

Police found 38-year-old Deaundreya D. Caraway suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680199641904.png" alt="Jeffrey Arnold -photo Topeka PD" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Arnold -photo Topeka PD</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide at a Kansas home are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as&nbsp;Jeffrey D. Arnold, 52, of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Arnold also commonly goes by the nickname, “Cheese.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680199619912.png" alt="Arnold-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Arnold-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 10 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a shooting at a home in the&nbsp; 1500 Block of SE Quincy in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679948290709.png" alt="-Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>-Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Police found 38-year-old Deaundreya D. Caraway suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Search continues for suspect in murder of Kan. woman

WASHINGTON —Each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people.

President Biden issued an official proclamation to honor the day.

"Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates the joy, strength, and absolute courage of some of the bravest people I know — people who have too often had to put their jobs, relationships, and lives on the line just to be their true selves. &nbsp;Today, we show millions of transgender and nonbinary Americans that we see them, they belong, and they should be treated with dignity and respect. &nbsp;Their courage has given countless others strength, but&nbsp;no one should have to be brave just to be themselves. &nbsp;Every&nbsp;American deserves that freedom."

" Transgender Americans shape our Nation’s soul — proudly serving in the military, curing deadly diseases, holding elected office, running thriving businesses, fighting for justice, raising families, and much more. &nbsp;As kids, they deserve what every child deserves: &nbsp;the chance to learn in safe and supportive schools, to develop meaningful friendships, and to live openly and honestly.&nbsp; As adults, they deserve the same rights enjoyed by every American, including equal access to health care, housing, and jobs and the chance to age with grace as senior citizens.&nbsp; But today, too many transgender Americans are still denied those rights and freedoms.&nbsp; A wave of discriminatory State laws is targeting transgender youth, terrifying families and hurting kids who are not hurting anyone. &nbsp;An epidemic of violence against transgender women and girls, in&nbsp;particular women and girls of color, has taken lives far too soon. &nbsp;Last year’s Club Q shooting in Colorado was another painful example of this kind of violence — a stain on the conscience of our Nation."

"My Administration has fought to end these injustices from day one, working to ensure that transgender people and the entire LGBTQI+ community can live openly and safely.&nbsp; On my first day as President, I issued an Executive Order directing the Federal Government to root out discrimination against LGBTQI+ people and their families.&nbsp; We have appointed a record number of openly LGBTQI+ leaders, and I was proud to rescind the ban on openly transgender people serving in the military.&nbsp; We&nbsp;are also working to make public spaces and travel more accessible, including with more inclusive gender markers on United States passports. &nbsp;We are improving access to public services and entitlements like Social Security. &nbsp;We are cracking down on discrimination in housing and education. &nbsp;And last December, I signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law, ensuring that every American can marry the person they love and have that marriage accepted, period."

"Meanwhile, we are also working to ease the tremendous strain that discrimination, bullying, and harassment can put on&nbsp;transgender children — more than half of whom seriously considered suicide in the last year.&nbsp; The Department of Education is, for example, helping ensure that transgender students have equal opportunities to learn and thrive at school, and the Department of Justice is pushing back against extreme laws that seek to ban evidence-based gender-affirming health care."

"There is much more to do. &nbsp;I continue to call on the Congress to finally pass the Equality Act and extend long-overdue civil rights protections to all LGBTQI+ Americans to ensure they can live with safety and dignity. &nbsp;Together, we also have to keep challenging the hundreds of hateful State laws that have been introduced across the country, making sure every child knows that they are made in the image of God, that they are loved, and that we are standing up for them."

"America is founded on the idea that all people are created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout their lives. &nbsp;We have never fully lived up to that, but we have never walked away from it either. &nbsp;Today, as we celebrate transgender people, we also celebrate every American’s fundamental right to be themselves, bringing us closer to realizing America’s full promise."

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2023, as Transgender Day of Visibility.&nbsp; I call upon all Americans to join us in lifting up the lives and voices of transgender people throughout our Nation and to work toward eliminating violence and discrimination against all transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people."

"IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord two&nbsp;thousand&nbsp;twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United&nbsp;States of&nbsp;America the two&nbsp;hundred and forty-seventh."

WASHINGTON —Each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people.President Biden issued an official proclamation to honor the day."Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates the joy, strength, and absolute courage of some of the bravest people I know — people who have too often had to put their jobs, relationships, and lives on the line just to be their true selves. &nbsp;Today, we show millions of transgender and nonbinary Americans that we see them, they belong, and they should be treated with dignity and respect. &nbsp;Their courage has given countless others strength, but&nbsp;no one should have to be brave just to be themselves. &nbsp;Every&nbsp;American deserves that freedom."" Transgender Americans shape our Nation’s soul — proudly serving in the military, curing deadly diseases, holding elected office, running thriving businesses, fighting for justice, raising families, and much more. &nbsp;As kids, they deserve what every child deserves: &nbsp;the chance to learn in safe and supportive schools, to develop meaningful friendships, and to live openly and honestly.&nbsp; As adults, they deserve the same rights enjoyed by every American, including equal access to health care, housing, and jobs and the chance to age with grace as senior citizens.&nbsp; But today, too many transgender Americans are still denied those rights and freedoms.&nbsp; A wave of discriminatory State laws is targeting transgender youth, terrifying families and hurting kids who are not hurting anyone. &nbsp;An epidemic of violence against transgender women and girls, in&nbsp;particular women and girls of color, has taken lives far too soon. &nbsp;Last year’s Club Q shooting in Colorado was another painful example of this kind of violence — a stain on the conscience of our Nation.""My Administration has fought to end these injustices from day one, working to ensure that transgender people and the entire LGBTQI+ community can live openly and safely.&nbsp; On my first day as President, I issued an Executive Order directing the Federal Government to root out discrimination against LGBTQI+ people and their families.&nbsp; We have appointed a record number of openly LGBTQI+ leaders, and I was proud to rescind the ban on openly transgender people serving in the military.&nbsp; We&nbsp;are also working to make public spaces and travel more accessible, including with more inclusive gender markers on United States passports. &nbsp;We are improving access to public services and entitlements like Social Security. &nbsp;We are cracking down on discrimination in housing and education. &nbsp;And last December, I signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law, ensuring that every American can marry the person they love and have that marriage accepted, period.""Meanwhile, we are also working to ease the tremendous strain that discrimination, bullying, and harassment can put on&nbsp;transgender children — more than half of whom seriously considered suicide in the last year.&nbsp; The Department of Education is, for example, helping ensure that transgender students have equal opportunities to learn and thrive at school, and the Department of Justice is pushing back against extreme laws that seek to ban evidence-based gender-affirming health care.""There is much more to do. &nbsp;I continue to call on the Congress to finally pass the Equality Act and extend long-overdue civil rights protections to all LGBTQI+ Americans to ensure they can live with safety and dignity. &nbsp;Together, we also have to keep challenging the hundreds of hateful State laws that have been introduced across the country, making sure every child knows that they are made in the image of God, that they are loved, and that we are standing up for them.""America is founded on the idea that all people are created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout their lives. &nbsp;We have never fully lived up to that, but we have never walked away from it either. &nbsp;Today, as we celebrate transgender people, we also celebrate every American’s fundamental right to be themselves, bringing us closer to realizing America’s full promise.""NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2023, as Transgender Day of Visibility.&nbsp; I call upon all Americans to join us in lifting up the lives and voices of transgender people throughout our Nation and to work toward eliminating violence and discrimination against all transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people.""IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord two&nbsp;thousand&nbsp;twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United&nbsp;States of&nbsp;America the two&nbsp;hundred and forty-seventh."

President Biden honors Transgender Day of Visibility

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a bank robbery and asking the public for help to identify a suspect.

Just after 4p.m. Thursday, a suspect robbed the UMB at&nbsp;8442 Wornall in Kansas City, according to a statement from the FBI.

The suspect was described as a light-skinned male, approx. 50-years-old, 6-foot-2 or 6-foot-3, slender to medium build/approximately 230 pounds.&nbsp;The suspect was wearing a black covid style mask, blue baseball cap, rust colored plaid button down and jeans.  He was also wearing a black wig.&nbsp;

The suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of currency on foot in an east bound direction on 85th street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680219059741.png" alt="photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a bank robbery and asking the public for help to identify a suspect.Just after 4p.m. Thursday, a suspect robbed the UMB at&nbsp;8442 Wornall in Kansas City, according to a statement from the FBI.The suspect was described as a light-skinned male, approx. 50-years-old, 6-foot-2 or 6-foot-3, slender to medium build/approximately 230 pounds.&nbsp;The suspect was wearing a black covid style mask, blue baseball cap, rust colored plaid button down and jeans. He was also wearing a black wig.&nbsp;The suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of currency on foot in an east bound direction on 85th street.

FBI: Suspect wearing a wig robbed Kansas City bank

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman's death.

Just after 7p.m. Thursday police were dispatched to the&nbsp;2000 block of Orville Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.&nbsp; First responders found a woman dead inside the home.

Police released no additional details early Friday.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman's death.Just after 7p.m. Thursday police were dispatched to the&nbsp;2000 block of Orville Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.&nbsp; First responders found a woman dead inside the home.Police released no additional details early Friday.

Police: Woman found dead in Kansas home

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged school threat at a Kansas middle school.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant reported he received calls expressing concern about the alleged threat involving&nbsp; a student at the Everest Middle School,&nbsp;221 South 7th, Everest, Kansas, that occurred Wednesday. 

When the potential threat was discovered, school personnel immediately&nbsp; acted and involved law enforcement who were on scene very quickly.&nbsp; An investigation was launched, and the juvenile involved was taken into custody swiftly and without incident.

&nbsp;The Brown County investigators forwarded a report to the Brown County Attorney, who was actively involved with the sheriff's office in this matter and was consulted during the investigation and detention of the suspect, according to Merchant.

Formal charges have been filed in Brown County Juvenile Court against the suspect involved. "Rumors about the incident have reportedly spread through the community," according to Merchant.&nbsp; They are simply not true.

The sheriff also commended USD 430 on their commitment to keeping students and staff safe.&nbsp;

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged school threat at a Kansas middle school.Brown County Sheriff John Merchant reported he received calls expressing concern about the alleged threat involving&nbsp; a student at the Everest Middle School,&nbsp;221 South 7th, Everest, Kansas, that occurred Wednesday. When the potential threat was discovered, school personnel immediately&nbsp; acted and involved law enforcement who were on scene very quickly.&nbsp; An investigation was launched, and the juvenile involved was taken into custody swiftly and without incident. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680212224847.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The Brown County investigators forwarded a report to the Brown County Attorney, who was actively involved with the sheriff's office in this matter and was consulted during the investigation and detention of the suspect, according to Merchant.Formal charges have been filed in Brown County Juvenile Court against the suspect involved. "Rumors about the incident have reportedly spread through the community," according to Merchant.&nbsp; They are simply not true. The sheriff also commended USD 430 on their commitment to keeping students and staff safe.&nbsp;

Sheriff: 1 in custody after alleged threat at Kan. middle school

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump has been indicted by a Manhattan grand jury, prosecutors and defense lawyers say, making him the first former U.S. president to face a criminal charge and jolting his bid to retake the White House next year.

The former president responded to the indictment on his social media account and through his campaign.

The charges remained under seal late Thursday, but the investigation centered on payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to silence claims of an extramarital sexual encounter. Prosecutors said they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-arrest-process-what-to-know-02a2ce34e03e25ab2fdd0e81dbcc62c7">working to coordinate Trump's surrender</a>, which could happen early next week, but they did not say whether they intended to seek prison time in the event of a conviction.

The indictment, an extraordinary development after years of investigations into Trump’s business, political and personal dealings, injects a local district attorney’s office into the heart of a national presidential race and ushers in criminal proceedings in a city that the ex-president for decades called home. Arriving at a time of deep political divisions, the charges are likely to reinforce rather than reshape dueling perspectives of those who see accountability as long overdue and those who, like Trump, feel the Republican is being targeted for political purposes by a Democratic prosecutor.

Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing and has repeatedly assailed the investigation, called the indictment “political persecution” and predicted it would damage Democrats in 2024. In a statement confirming the charges, defense lawyers Susan Necheles and Joseph Tacopina said Trump "did not commit any crime. We will vigorously fight this political prosecution in court.”

A spokesman for the Manhattan district attorney's office confirmed the indictment and said prosecutors had reached out to Trump's defense team to coordinate a surrender. A person familiar with the matter, who was not authorized to discuss sealed proceedings, said the surrender was expected to happen next week.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-alvin-bragg-trump-manhattan-da-d77a4ec8df9a2b2b35f6e8bb9a52a5a7?utm_source=hubpage&amp;utm_medium=RelatedStories&amp;utm_campaign=position_03">District Attorney Alvin Bragg</a>&nbsp;left his office Thursday evening without commenting.

The case centers on well-chronicled allegations from a period in 2016 when Trump’s celebrity past collided with his political ambitions. Prosecutors for months scrutinized money paid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-stormy-daniels-karen-mcdougal-26f0b7e7cf464f5fc0681e04efe5fe9b">porn actor Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal</a>, whom he feared would go public with claims that they had extramarital sexual encounters with him.

The timing of the indictment appeared to come as a surprise to Trump campaign officials following news reports that criminal charges were likely weeks away. The former president was at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate, on Thursday and had filmed an interview with a conservative commentator earlier in the day.

For a man whose presidency was defined by one obliterated norm after another, the indictment sets up yet another never-before-seen spectacle — a former president having his fingerprints and mug shot taken, and then facing arraignment. For security reasons, his booking is expected to be carefully choreographed to avoid crowds inside or outside the courthouse.

The prosecution also means that Trump will have to simultaneously fight for his freedom and political future, while also fending off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-else-is-trump-being-investigated-for-bbc926171b5bdf91eabd76db93411b8b">potentially more perilous legal threats</a>, including investigations into attempts by him and his allies to undo the 2020 election as well into as the hoarding of hundreds of classified documents.

In fact, New York until recently had been seen as an unlikely contender to be the first place to prosecute Trump, who continues to face long-running investigations in Atlanta and Washington that could also result in charges. Unlike those inquiries, the Manhattan case concerns conduct by Trump that occurred before he became president and is unrelated to his much-publicized efforts to overturn a presidential election.

The indictment comes as Trump is seeking to reassert control of the Republican Party and stave off a slew of one-time allies who are seeking or are likely to oppose him for the presidential nomination. An expected leading rival in the race, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, called the indictment “un-American” in a statement Thursday night that pointedly did not mention Trump's name.

In bringing the charges, Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, is embracing an unusual case that had been investigated by two previous sets of prosecutors, both of which declined to take the politically explosive step of seeking Trump’s indictment. The case may also turn in part on the testimony of a key witness, Trump's former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, who pleaded guilty to federal charges arising from the hush money payments.

The fate of the investigation seemed uncertain until word got out in early March that Bragg had invited Trump to testify before a grand jury, a signal that prosecutors were close to bringing charges.

Trump’s attorneys declined the invitation, but a lawyer closely allied with the former president briefly testified in an effort to undercut Cohen's credibility.

Trump himself had raised anticipation that he would be indicted soon, issuing a statement earlier this month in which he predicted an imminent arrest and called for protests. He did not repeat that call in a fresh statement Thursday, but the New York Police Department told its 36,000 officers to be fully mobilized and ready to respond to any potential protests or unrest.

Late in the 2016 presidential campaign, Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 to keep her silent about what she says was a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier after they met at a celebrity golf tournament.

Cohen was then reimbursed by Trump’s company, the Trump Organization, which also rewarded the lawyer with bonuses and extra payments logged internally as legal expenses. Over several months, Cohen said, the company paid him $420,000.

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump has been indicted by a Manhattan grand jury, prosecutors and defense lawyers say, making him the first former U.S. president to face a criminal charge and jolting his bid to retake the White House next year.The former president responded to the indictment on his social media account and through his campaign.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680220494039.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680223200656.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The charges remained under seal late Thursday, but the investigation centered on payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to silence claims of an extramarital sexual encounter. Prosecutors said they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-arrest-process-what-to-know-02a2ce34e03e25ab2fdd0e81dbcc62c7">working to coordinate Trump's surrender</a>, which could happen early next week, but they did not say whether they intended to seek prison time in the event of a conviction.The indictment, an extraordinary development after years of investigations into Trump’s business, political and personal dealings, injects a local district attorney’s office into the heart of a national presidential race and ushers in criminal proceedings in a city that the ex-president for decades called home. Arriving at a time of deep political divisions, the charges are likely to reinforce rather than reshape dueling perspectives of those who see accountability as long overdue and those who, like Trump, feel the Republican is being targeted for political purposes by a Democratic prosecutor.Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing and has repeatedly assailed the investigation, called the indictment “political persecution” and predicted it would damage Democrats in 2024. In a statement confirming the charges, defense lawyers Susan Necheles and Joseph Tacopina said Trump "did not commit any crime. We will vigorously fight this political prosecution in court.”A spokesman for the Manhattan district attorney's office confirmed the indictment and said prosecutors had reached out to Trump's defense team to coordinate a surrender. A person familiar with the matter, who was not authorized to discuss sealed proceedings, said the surrender was expected to happen next week.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-alvin-bragg-trump-manhattan-da-d77a4ec8df9a2b2b35f6e8bb9a52a5a7?utm_source=hubpage&amp;utm_medium=RelatedStories&amp;utm_campaign=position_03">District Attorney Alvin Bragg</a>&nbsp;left his office Thursday evening without commenting.The case centers on well-chronicled allegations from a period in 2016 when Trump’s celebrity past collided with his political ambitions. Prosecutors for months scrutinized money paid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-stormy-daniels-karen-mcdougal-26f0b7e7cf464f5fc0681e04efe5fe9b">porn actor Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal</a>, whom he feared would go public with claims that they had extramarital sexual encounters with him.The timing of the indictment appeared to come as a surprise to Trump campaign officials following news reports that criminal charges were likely weeks away. The former president was at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate, on Thursday and had filmed an interview with a conservative commentator earlier in the day.For a man whose presidency was defined by one obliterated norm after another, the indictment sets up yet another never-before-seen spectacle — a former president having his fingerprints and mug shot taken, and then facing arraignment. For security reasons, his booking is expected to be carefully choreographed to avoid crowds inside or outside the courthouse.The prosecution also means that Trump will have to simultaneously fight for his freedom and political future, while also fending off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-else-is-trump-being-investigated-for-bbc926171b5bdf91eabd76db93411b8b">potentially more perilous legal threats</a>, including investigations into attempts by him and his allies to undo the 2020 election as well into as the hoarding of hundreds of classified documents.In fact, New York until recently had been seen as an unlikely contender to be the first place to prosecute Trump, who continues to face long-running investigations in Atlanta and Washington that could also result in charges. Unlike those inquiries, the Manhattan case concerns conduct by Trump that occurred before he became president and is unrelated to his much-publicized efforts to overturn a presidential election.The indictment comes as Trump is seeking to reassert control of the Republican Party and stave off a slew of one-time allies who are seeking or are likely to oppose him for the presidential nomination. An expected leading rival in the race, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, called the indictment “un-American” in a statement Thursday night that pointedly did not mention Trump's name.In bringing the charges, Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, is embracing an unusual case that had been investigated by two previous sets of prosecutors, both of which declined to take the politically explosive step of seeking Trump’s indictment. The case may also turn in part on the testimony of a key witness, Trump's former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, who pleaded guilty to federal charges arising from the hush money payments.The fate of the investigation seemed uncertain until word got out in early March that Bragg had invited Trump to testify before a grand jury, a signal that prosecutors were close to bringing charges.Trump’s attorneys declined the invitation, but a lawyer closely allied with the former president briefly testified in an effort to undercut Cohen's credibility.Trump himself had raised anticipation that he would be indicted soon, issuing a statement earlier this month in which he predicted an imminent arrest and called for protests. He did not repeat that call in a fresh statement Thursday, but the New York Police Department told its 36,000 officers to be fully mobilized and ready to respond to any potential protests or unrest.Late in the 2016 presidential campaign, Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 to keep her silent about what she says was a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier after they met at a celebrity golf tournament.Cohen was then reimbursed by Trump’s company, the Trump Organization, which also rewarded the lawyer with bonuses and extra payments logged internally as legal expenses. Over several months, Cohen said, the company paid him $420,000.Earlier in 2016, Cohen had also arranged for the publisher of the supermarket tabloid the National Enquirer to pay Playboy model Karen McDougal $150,000 to squelch her story of a Trump affair in a journalistically dubious practice known as “catch-and-kill.”The payments to the women were intended to buy secrecy, but they backfired almost immediately as details of the arrangements leaked to the news media.Federal prosecutors in New York ultimately charged Cohen in 2018 with violating federal campaign finance laws, arguing that the payments amounted to impermissible help to Trump’s presidential campaign. Cohen pleaded guilty to those charges and unrelated tax evasion counts and served time in federal prison.Trump was implicated in court filings as having knowledge of the arrangements — obliquely referred to in charging documents as “Individual 1” — but U.S. prosecutors at the time balked at bringing charges against him. The Justice Department has a longtime policy that it is likely unconstitutional to prosecute a sitting president in federal court.Bragg’s predecessor as district attorney, Cyrus Vance Jr., then took up the investigation in 2019. While that probe initially focused on the hush money payments, Vance’s prosecutors moved on to other matters, including an examination of Trump’s business dealings and tax strategies.Vance ultimately charged the Trump Organization and its chief financial officer with tax fraud related to fringe benefits paid to some of the company’s top executives.The hush money matter became known around the D.A.’s office as the “zombie case,” with prosecutors revisiting it periodically but never opting to bring charges.Bragg saw it differently. After the Trump Organization was convicted on the tax fraud charges in December, he brought fresh eyes to the well-worn case, hiring longtime white-collar prosecutor Matthew Colangelo to oversee the probe and convening a new grand jury.Cohen became a key witness, meeting with prosecutors nearly two-dozen times, turning over emails, recordings and other evidence and testifying before the grand jury.Trump has long decried the Manhattan investigation as “the greatest witch hunt in history.” He has also lashed out at Bragg, calling the prosecutor, who is Black, racist against white people.The criminal charges in New York are the latest salvo in a profound schism between Trump and his hometown — a reckoning for a one-time favorite son who grew rich and famous building skyscrapers, hobnobbing with celebrities and gracing the pages of the city’s gossip press.Trump, who famously riffed in 2016 that he “could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody” and “wouldn’t lose voters,” now faces a threat to his liberty in a borough where more than 75% of voters — many of them potential jurors — went against him in the last election.