WYANDOTTE COUNTY&nbsp; – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a vehicle pursuit that occurred Tuesday morning in Kansas City, Kansas, resulting in an officer being struck and killed.

At approximately 12:30 a.m., officers from the Kansas City, Kansas were dispatched near the 7700 block of Everett Ave, regarding shots being fired.

At approximately 12:40 a.m., officers located an unconscious man in the driver’s seat of a truck. As officers approached the driver, he woke up and fled the scene.

The driver, later identified as Dennis Mitchell III, 31, of Kansas City, was pursued by law enforcement. He abandoned the truck, entered another vehicle, and continued fleeing from officers.

During the pursuit, two Kansas City, Kansas officers exited their vehicle to stage stop sticks in the 7200 block of State Ave. 

Mitchell drove toward an officer, striking him before continuing to flee the area. The officer, identified as Hunter Simoncic, 26, was struck and transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

At approximately 12:55 a.m., Mitchell crashed the truck near the 6400 block of Kaw Driver. He was taken into custody and was transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center for examination. Mitchell was treated, released and transported to the Wyandotte County Jail. It was later learned both trucks had been reported stolen.

Mitchell was arrested on requested charges of first-degree murder, vehicular homicide, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, theft, criminal possession of a firearm, and aggravated failure to appear. Formal charges are pending.

When this investigation concludes case findings will be presented to the Wyandotte County District Attorney for determination of charges. The investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756223822488.png" alt="Mitchell photo Wyandotte County" />
                        <figcaption>Mitchell photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WYANDOTTE COUNTY&nbsp; – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a vehicle pursuit that occurred Tuesday morning in Kansas City, Kansas, resulting in an officer being struck and killed.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKCKPolice%2Fvideos%2F786148240688021%2F&show_text=true&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><p>At approximately 12:30 a.m., officers from the Kansas City, Kansas were dispatched near the 7700 block of Everett Ave, regarding shots being fired.</p><p>At approximately 12:40 a.m., officers located an unconscious man in the driver’s seat of a truck. As officers approached the driver, he woke up and fled the scene.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756227822168.png" alt="Officer Hunter Simoncic-courtesy image" />
                        <figcaption>Officer Hunter Simoncic-courtesy image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The driver, later identified as Dennis Mitchell III, 31, of Kansas City, was pursued by law enforcement. He abandoned the truck, entered another vehicle, and continued fleeing from officers.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756216912404.png" alt="Law enforcement on the scene of the investigation early Tuesday -photo courtesy KCTV" />
                        <figcaption>Law enforcement on the scene of the investigation early Tuesday -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>During the pursuit, two Kansas City, Kansas officers exited their vehicle to stage stop sticks in the 7200 block of State Ave. </p><p>Mitchell drove toward an officer, striking him before continuing to flee the area. The officer, identified as Hunter Simoncic, 26, was struck and transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.</p><p>At approximately 12:55 a.m., Mitchell crashed the truck near the 6400 block of Kaw Driver. He was taken into custody and was transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center for examination. Mitchell was treated, released and transported to the Wyandotte County Jail. It was later learned both trucks had been reported stolen.</p><p>Mitchell was arrested on requested charges of first-degree murder, vehicular homicide, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, theft, criminal possession of a firearm, and aggravated failure to appear. Formal charges are pending.</p><p>When this investigation concludes case findings will be presented to the Wyandotte County District Attorney for determination of charges. The investigation is ongoing.</p>

Police ID Kan. officer struck, killed by suspect vehicle during chase

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It's a love story and, baby, she said yes:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engaged-d585627eb98b69428ce206a2c8a9cb7d">Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;are engaged, they announced Tuesday.

In a five-photo joint post on Instagram, the superstar singer and football player revealed their engagement, the fairytale culmination of a courtship that for two years has thrilled and fascinated millions around the world, but especially Swifties, the pop star’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-eras-tour-end-06a41d7c717486f2c0e99a7304789912">enormous and ardent fan base.</a>

“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” the caption read, accompanied by an emoji of a dynamite stick.

Kelce was a famous football player when they met — a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and a Super Bowl champion — but Swift’s unique level of fame catapulted him into a different orbit entirely. Their relationship was documented in countless shots of Swift celebrating at Chiefs games and fan videos of Kelce dancing along at Swift’s Eras concert tour as it traveled the globe.

There were those who speculated, with no evidence, that the relationship was not genuine but a cynical ploy for more fame, while some even theorized it was a plot to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-endorsement-democrats-harris-trump-3a5f4827a930d5cf5439febaf014de76">influence the U.S. elections.</a>&nbsp;In the end, those voices were quieted by a happy couple who simply looked in love — now with an engagement ring rivaling the size of Kelce's three Super Bowl rings.

It’s unclear when and where the two, both 35, got engaged. Representatives for Swift and Kelce did not immediately respond to The Associated Press' request for comment on that detail, though Swift publicist Tree Paine confirmed the engagement ring was an old mine brilliant-cut diamond from Kindred Lubeck. Scarcely over an hour later, Kelce was stretching for practice in Kansas City, Missouri.

It's been just two weeks since Swift — and Kelce — last ignited a media frenzy, with the announcement of a new album,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-new-album-life-of-showgirl-c4262686b5b68ee210f7571b8716ab51">“The Life of a Showgirl.”</a>&nbsp;(It comes out Oct. 3.) Kelce and his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, assisted Swift with the rollout, hosting her on their typically football-oriented podcast, “New Heights.” During the episode, she likened her career to her now-fiance's, saying their jobs were “to entertain people for three hours in NFL stadiums.”

When Jason Kelce asked his brother and Swift, sitting side-by-side, how they handled the discourse around their relationship, Swift said they just didn't.

“We don’t, really. I don’t see a lot of things,” she said. “My name can be in the actual headline, and it’s none of my business.”

The pair started dating during Swift's landmark Eras tour — though Kelce was thwarted in his first attempt to meet Swift at her concert at Arrowhead Stadium. But by September,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-chiefs-891e7df84295f5b35cfa97a5ec427721">Swift was back at the Kansas City stadium,</a>&nbsp;cheering on Kelce next to his mother. Less than two months later, she was changing lyrics onstage: “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs, coming straight home to me,” she sang in Argentina as Kelce beamed from the audience.

It's the first engagement for both Kelce — who once had his own reality dating show, “Catching Kelce” — and Swift, whose past relationships with high-profile celebrities including Joe Alwyn, Jake Gyllenhaal and Harry Styles, have been inspiration for her music.

The news broke in the middle of the Kansas City Chiefs' media availability, though after head coach Andy Reid had departed. That left Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna to field questions about his teammate's engagement.

“Man, it’s incredible. I was caught off guard but you know, great for them,” Danna said, a few minutes after the news raced across social media. “But you know, great for them. That’s a blessing. Any time you find that type of joy, blessing, love — that’s a beautiful thing.”

Like many of the Chiefs, Danna has hung out with Swift and Kelce at a New Year’s party and after most of their home games.

“I’ll think of a good little engagement gift,” Danna said. “Maybe some Pop-Tarts back to her. It won’t be homemade.”

The NFL, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-nfl-gen-z-be42bde423a35c8f4c34bd9a18327b07">has gained untold numbers of fans</a>&nbsp;since the relationship became public, posted the news on X with their congratulations — then quickly deleted it and reposted it when they realized they tagged the wrong Swift account.

“Two of the most genuine people meet &amp; fall in love. Just so happy for these two,” Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, said on Instagram. Brittany Mahomes and Swift have frequently shared a suite for games at Arrowhead Stadium. Meanwhile the Cleveland Guardians, the baseball team&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-alcs-yankees-guardians-yankee-stadium-73182d99e0f50978b6971b521a320b35">Kelce grew up rooting for,</a>&nbsp;joked online: “Thanks a lot, Taylor Swift. Now no one cares that next year’s schedule is out.”

Kelce and Swift’s relationship featured prominently in the just-released six-part ESPN documentary “The Kingdom,” which chronicles the franchise’s ultimately foiled pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title last season. Kelce was joined by his parents, Donna and Ed Kelce, on the red carpet last Sunday for the premiere at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.

“She’s very good for him. I don’t hesitate in saying that,” Ed Kelce said of his future daughter-in-law. “They are two people that truly deserve each other.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707736613770.png" alt="File photo Taylor Swift kisses Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game in Las Vegas.(Brynn Anderson | AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)" />
                        <figcaption>File photo Taylor Swift kisses Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game in Las Vegas.(Brynn Anderson | AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It's a love story and, baby, she said yes:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engaged-d585627eb98b69428ce206a2c8a9cb7d">Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;are engaged, they announced Tuesday.</p><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DN02niAXMM-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DN02niAXMM-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DN02niAXMM-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><p>In a five-photo joint post on Instagram, the superstar singer and football player revealed their engagement, the fairytale culmination of a courtship that for two years has thrilled and fascinated millions around the world, but especially Swifties, the pop star’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-eras-tour-end-06a41d7c717486f2c0e99a7304789912">enormous and ardent fan base.</a></p><p>“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” the caption read, accompanied by an emoji of a dynamite stick.</p><p>Kelce was a famous football player when they met — a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and a Super Bowl champion — but Swift’s unique level of fame catapulted him into a different orbit entirely. Their relationship was documented in countless shots of Swift celebrating at Chiefs games and fan videos of Kelce dancing along at Swift’s Eras concert tour as it traveled the globe.</p><p>There were those who speculated, with no evidence, that the relationship was not genuine but a cynical ploy for more fame, while some even theorized it was a plot to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-endorsement-democrats-harris-trump-3a5f4827a930d5cf5439febaf014de76">influence the U.S. elections.</a>&nbsp;In the end, those voices were quieted by a happy couple who simply looked in love — now with an engagement ring rivaling the size of Kelce's three Super Bowl rings.</p><p>It’s unclear when and where the two, both 35, got engaged. Representatives for Swift and Kelce did not immediately respond to The Associated Press' request for comment on that detail, though Swift publicist Tree Paine confirmed the engagement ring was an old mine brilliant-cut diamond from Kindred Lubeck. Scarcely over an hour later, Kelce was stretching for practice in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><h2>Throwing fans into frenzies since 2023</h2><p>It's been just two weeks since Swift — and Kelce — last ignited a media frenzy, with the announcement of a new album,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-new-album-life-of-showgirl-c4262686b5b68ee210f7571b8716ab51">“The Life of a Showgirl.”</a>&nbsp;(It comes out Oct. 3.) Kelce and his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, assisted Swift with the rollout, hosting her on their typically football-oriented podcast, “New Heights.” During the episode, she likened her career to her now-fiance's, saying their jobs were “to entertain people for three hours in NFL stadiums.”</p><p>When Jason Kelce asked his brother and Swift, sitting side-by-side, how they handled the discourse around their relationship, Swift said they just didn't.</p><p>“We don’t, really. I don’t see a lot of things,” she said. “My name can be in the actual headline, and it’s none of my business.”</p><p>The pair started dating during Swift's landmark Eras tour — though Kelce was thwarted in his first attempt to meet Swift at her concert at Arrowhead Stadium. But by September,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-chiefs-891e7df84295f5b35cfa97a5ec427721">Swift was back at the Kansas City stadium,</a>&nbsp;cheering on Kelce next to his mother. Less than two months later, she was changing lyrics onstage: “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs, coming straight home to me,” she sang in Argentina as Kelce beamed from the audience.</p><p>It's the first engagement for both Kelce — who once had his own reality dating show, “Catching Kelce” — and Swift, whose past relationships with high-profile celebrities including Joe Alwyn, Jake Gyllenhaal and Harry Styles, have been inspiration for her music.</p><h2>Congratulations pour in</h2><p>The news broke in the middle of the Kansas City Chiefs' media availability, though after head coach Andy Reid had departed. That left Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna to field questions about his teammate's engagement.</p><p>“Man, it’s incredible. I was caught off guard but you know, great for them,” Danna said, a few minutes after the news raced across social media. “But you know, great for them. That’s a blessing. Any time you find that type of joy, blessing, love — that’s a beautiful thing.”</p><p>Like many of the Chiefs, Danna has hung out with Swift and Kelce at a New Year’s party and after most of their home games.</p><p>“I’ll think of a good little engagement gift,” Danna said. “Maybe some Pop-Tarts back to her. It won’t be homemade.”</p><p>The NFL, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-nfl-gen-z-be42bde423a35c8f4c34bd9a18327b07">has gained untold numbers of fans</a>&nbsp;since the relationship became public, posted the news on X with their congratulations — then quickly deleted it and reposted it when they realized they tagged the wrong Swift account.</p><p>“Two of the most genuine people meet &amp; fall in love. Just so happy for these two,” Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, said on Instagram. Brittany Mahomes and Swift have frequently shared a suite for games at Arrowhead Stadium. Meanwhile the Cleveland Guardians, the baseball team&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-alcs-yankees-guardians-yankee-stadium-73182d99e0f50978b6971b521a320b35">Kelce grew up rooting for,</a>&nbsp;joked online: “Thanks a lot, Taylor Swift. Now no one cares that next year’s schedule is out.”</p><p>Kelce and Swift’s relationship featured prominently in the just-released six-part ESPN documentary “The Kingdom,” which chronicles the franchise’s ultimately foiled pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title last season. Kelce was joined by his parents, Donna and Ed Kelce, on the red carpet last Sunday for the premiere at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.</p><p>“She’s very good for him. I don’t hesitate in saying that,” Ed Kelce said of his future daughter-in-law. “They are two people that truly deserve each other.”</p>

See the photos: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon wounded by police following a domestic violence call to a home in Wichita will return to court Tuesday.

Daniel James Gabor, 31, will attend a preliminary hearing in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He has been charged with aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated domestic battery, one count of domestic battery, one count of interference with law enforcement, and one count of violating a protection order.

Just before 4:30 a.m., June 20, the Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call with a woman screaming in the background. The open-line call was traced to a moving location, and Wichita police officers were dispatched to what sounded like an active disturbance without a specific location.

By 4:30 a.m., the phone’s signal stopped in the 4600 block of West 37th Street South, where officers responded.

Officers found a vehicle stopped along the side of the street and saw a man later identified as 31-year-old Daniel James Gabor assaulting a woman in the front seat. During the encounter, an officer fired two rounds, striking&nbsp; Gabor in the upper arm. Gabor then drove off with the woman still inside the vehicle.

He later crashed in a construction area near K-42 highway and West Street. Officers responded, provided medical aid, and Sedgwick County EMS transported Gaabor to a Wichita hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers also assisted the woman, who sustained minor injuries but declined transport to a medical facility by EMS.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division investigated both the officer-involved shooting and the original disturbance. Investigators are treating the two incidents as separate but related cases.

Detectives confirmed that Gabor and woman were in a domestic relationship. Gabor has a 2024 conviction for two counts of domestic battery and one count of criminal restraint through Harvey County District Court.

Following his release from the hospital, detectives booked Gabor into the Sedgwick County Jail. He is being held on bonds totaling $300,000, according to online jail records.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750427350550.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
                        <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon wounded by police following a domestic violence call to a home in Wichita will return to court Tuesday.</p><p>Daniel James Gabor, 31, will attend a preliminary hearing in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He has been charged with aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated domestic battery, one count of domestic battery, one count of interference with law enforcement, and one count of violating a protection order.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750873007733.png" alt="Gabor photo Sedgwick County" />
                        <figcaption>Gabor photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Just before 4:30 a.m., June 20, the Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call with a woman screaming in the background. The open-line call was traced to a moving location, and Wichita police officers were dispatched to what sounded like an active disturbance without a specific location.</p><p>By 4:30 a.m., the phone’s signal stopped in the 4600 block of West 37th Street South, where officers responded.</p><p>Officers found a vehicle stopped along the side of the street and saw a man later identified as 31-year-old Daniel James Gabor assaulting a woman in the front seat. During the encounter, an officer fired two rounds, striking&nbsp; Gabor in the upper arm. Gabor then drove off with the woman still inside the vehicle.</p><p>He later crashed in a construction area near K-42 highway and West Street. Officers responded, provided medical aid, and Sedgwick County EMS transported Gaabor to a Wichita hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers also assisted the woman, who sustained minor injuries but declined transport to a medical facility by EMS.</p><p>Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division investigated both the officer-involved shooting and the original disturbance. Investigators are treating the two incidents as separate but related cases.</p><p>Detectives confirmed that Gabor and woman were in a domestic relationship. Gabor has a 2024 conviction for two counts of domestic battery and one count of criminal restraint through Harvey County District Court.</p><p>Following his release from the hospital, detectives booked Gabor into the Sedgwick County Jail. He is being held on bonds totaling $300,000, according to online jail records.</p>

Preliminary hearing: Kan. felon injured in officer involved shooting

NASHVILLE (AP) —Cracker Barrel is sticking with its new logo but apologizing to fans who were angered when the change was announced last week.

“If the last few days have shown us anything, it's how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel. We're truly grateful for your heartfelt voices,” the company said Monday in a statement on its website. “You've also shown us that we could have done a better job sharing who we are and who we'll always be.”

Cracker Barrel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cracker-barrel-new-logo-rebrand-efforts-67f3181a144cd639eb33d1066f85ef08">took heat last week</a>&nbsp;when it announced a simplified logo featuring only the chain's name. Gone was the picture of an older man in overalls leaning against a barrel. The words “Old Country Store” were also removed.

The change was part of a wider rebrand, which has seen Cracker Barrel update its cluttered, antique-filled restaurants with lighter paint and modern furniture.

Many on social media, including Donald Trump Jr., criticized the new logo, with some threatening to boycott unless it was changed back. Sensing an opening, the rival chain Steak n' Shake called the new logo “a cheap effort to gain the approval of trend seekers.”

“Heritage is what got Cracker Barrel this far, and now the CEO wants to just scrape it all away,” Steak n' Shake said in a statement on X.

Cracker Barrel shares have dropped more than 10% since the new logo was introduced on Aug. 18.

On Monday, the Lebanon, Tennessee-based company emphasized that many things about Cracker Barrel won't change, including the rocking chairs on its front porches and vintage Americana and antiques scattered throughout its restaurants.

Cracker Barrel also said it will continue to honor Uncle Herschel — the older man in the former logo, who represents the uncle of Cracker Barrel's founder — on its menu and on items sold in its stores.

But Cracker Barrel said it also wants to make sure that the business stays fresh and attracts a new generation of customers.

“That means showing up on new platforms and in new ways, but always with our heritage at the heart,” the company said in a statement.

The company said it will also keep testing, learning and listening to its employees and customers.

Cracker Barrel shares fell less than 1% to close at $54.26 per share Monday.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756220659164.png" alt="google image" />
                        <figcaption>google image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>NASHVILLE (AP) —Cracker Barrel is sticking with its new logo but apologizing to fans who were angered when the change was announced last week.</p><p>“If the last few days have shown us anything, it's how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel. We're truly grateful for your heartfelt voices,” the company said Monday in a statement on its website. “You've also shown us that we could have done a better job sharing who we are and who we'll always be.”</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcrackerbarrel%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0mkLsPTr7Ca9NV1mzzJowjFW5gDpbBuzhAtaMPVjqifMfR9jZnSsMEmwy42zgJrt4l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><p>Cracker Barrel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cracker-barrel-new-logo-rebrand-efforts-67f3181a144cd639eb33d1066f85ef08">took heat last week</a>&nbsp;when it announced a simplified logo featuring only the chain's name. Gone was the picture of an older man in overalls leaning against a barrel. The words “Old Country Store” were also removed.</p><p>The change was part of a wider rebrand, which has seen Cracker Barrel update its cluttered, antique-filled restaurants with lighter paint and modern furniture.</p><p>Many on social media, including Donald Trump Jr., criticized the new logo, with some threatening to boycott unless it was changed back. Sensing an opening, the rival chain Steak n' Shake called the new logo “a cheap effort to gain the approval of trend seekers.”</p><p>“Heritage is what got Cracker Barrel this far, and now the CEO wants to just scrape it all away,” Steak n' Shake said in a statement on X.</p><p>Cracker Barrel shares have dropped more than 10% since the new logo was introduced on Aug. 18.</p><p>On Monday, the Lebanon, Tennessee-based company emphasized that many things about Cracker Barrel won't change, including the rocking chairs on its front porches and vintage Americana and antiques scattered throughout its restaurants.</p><p>Cracker Barrel also said it will continue to honor Uncle Herschel — the older man in the former logo, who represents the uncle of Cracker Barrel's founder — on its menu and on items sold in its stores.</p><p>But Cracker Barrel said it also wants to make sure that the business stays fresh and attracts a new generation of customers.</p><p>“That means showing up on new platforms and in new ways, but always with our heritage at the heart,” the company said in a statement.</p><p>The company said it will also keep testing, learning and listening to its employees and customers.</p><p>Cracker Barrel shares fell less than 1% to close at $54.26 per share Monday.</p>

Read Cracker Barrel's apology to fans angered at changes

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/taking-steps-to-end-cashless-bail-to-protect-americans/" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;on Monday threatening to withhold or revoke federal funding to local and state governments that offer cashless bail, arguing that it is a threat to public safety.

“No cash. Come back in a couple of months, we’ll give you a trial. You never see the person again,” he said, moments before signing the order.

Attorney General Pam Bondi must submit a list of jurisdictions that have “substantially eliminated cash bail as a potential condition of pretrial release from custody for crimes that pose a clear threat to public safety and order” within 30 days, as stipulated in the order.

Proponents of eliminating cash bail describe it as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-michigan-detroit-76a38e8bd1c0432103068d0837aa2a0b">penalty on poverty</a>, suggesting that the wealthy can pay their way out of jail to await trial while those with fewer financial resources have to sit it out behind bars. Critics of the cashless route&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cash-bail-criminal-justice-supreme-court-pretrial-jail-poverty-55f1d3e71714151eb19cc2fbc10677d5">have argued</a>&nbsp;that bail is a time-honored way to ensure defendants released from jail show up for court proceedings. They warn that violent criminals will be released pending trial, giving them license to commit other crimes.

Cashless bail refers to policies that allow people to be released from jail without paying any money while they await trial. It is an alternative to the traditional cash bail system in which which people pay money to be released and get their money back if they return to court when they are supposed to. The&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-8/" target="_blank">Eighth Amendment</a>&nbsp;of the Constitution prohibits excessive bail.

In 2023, Illinois became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cash-bail-criminal-justice-supreme-court-pretrial-jail-poverty-55f1d3e71714151eb19cc2fbc10677d5">the first state</a>&nbsp;to eliminate cash bail when the state Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the law abolishing it. The move was part of an expansive criminal justice overhaul adopted in 2021 known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/publicacts/101/PDF/101-0652.pdf" target="_blank">SAFE-T Act</a>. Under the change, a judge decides whether to release the defendant prior to their trial, weighing factors such as their criminal charges, if they could pose any danger to others and if they are considered a flight risk.

A number of&nbsp;<a href="https://bailproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CLIENT-Bail-Project-Beyond-Bail-Report-FINAL-3.1.25.pdf" target="_blank">other jurisdictions</a>, including New Jersey, New Mexico and Washington, D.C., have nearly eliminated cash bail or limited its use. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/99166/supporting_individual_agency_in_the_pretrial_release_process.pdf" target="_blank">have used</a>&nbsp;practices&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/article/ending-cash-bail/" target="_blank">such as</a>&nbsp;court date reminders, transportation vouchers, flexible scheduling and on-site child care to increase court attendance for people who have been released without bail.

<a href="https://bailproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CLIENT-Bail-Project-Beyond-Bail-Report-FINAL-3.1.25.pdf" target="_blank">Policies vary</a>&nbsp;by jurisdiction, but many exclude the use of cashless bail for more serious crimes such as murder and other violent offenses. Cashless bail might also be denied if there is concern an individual might flee before trial. In some cases, it is granted automatically for misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies.

Studies have shown mixed results regarding the impact of cashless bail on crime. Many focus on the recidivism of individual defendants rather than overall crime rates.

Loyola University of Chicago’s Center for Criminal Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://pfa-1yr.loyolaccj.org/" target="_blank">published a 2024 report</a>&nbsp;on Illinois’ new cashless bail policy, one year after it went into effect. It acknowledges that there is not yet enough data to know what impact the law has had on crime, but that crime in Illinois did not increase after its implementation. Violent and property crime declined in some counties.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/bail-reform-and-public-safety" target="_blank">2024 report</a>&nbsp;published by the Brennan Center for Justice saw “no statistically significant relationship” between bail reform and crime rates. It looked at crime rate data from 2015 through 2021 for 33 cities across the U.S., 22 of which had instituted some type of bail reform. Researchers used a statistical method to determine if crime rates had diverged in those with reforms and those without. The report found that “put simply” there was no “significant difference in crime rates between cities that reformed their bail policies and those that did not.”

Asked last month what data Trump was using to support his claim that cashless bail leads to increase in crime, the White House pointed to a&nbsp;<a href="https://yoloda.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Emergency-Bail-Analysis.pdf" target="_blank">2022 report</a>&nbsp;from the district attorney’s office in Yolo County, California, that looked at how a temporary cashless bail system implemented across the state to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in courts and jails impacted recidivism. It found that out of 595 individuals released between April 2020 and May 2021 under this system, 70.6% were arrested again after they were released. A little more than half were rearrested more than once.

<p>WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/taking-steps-to-end-cashless-bail-to-protect-americans/" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;on Monday threatening to withhold or revoke federal funding to local and state governments that offer cashless bail, arguing that it is a threat to public safety.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> signs an Executive Order taking steps to crack down on cashless bail <a href="https://t.co/qF795onMZa">pic.twitter.com/qF795onMZa</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1959996712736452677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>“No cash. Come back in a couple of months, we’ll give you a trial. You never see the person again,” he said, moments before signing the order.</p><p>Attorney General Pam Bondi must submit a list of jurisdictions that have “substantially eliminated cash bail as a potential condition of pretrial release from custody for crimes that pose a clear threat to public safety and order” within 30 days, as stipulated in the order.</p><p>Proponents of eliminating cash bail describe it as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-michigan-detroit-76a38e8bd1c0432103068d0837aa2a0b">penalty on poverty</a>, suggesting that the wealthy can pay their way out of jail to await trial while those with fewer financial resources have to sit it out behind bars. Critics of the cashless route&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cash-bail-criminal-justice-supreme-court-pretrial-jail-poverty-55f1d3e71714151eb19cc2fbc10677d5">have argued</a>&nbsp;that bail is a time-honored way to ensure defendants released from jail show up for court proceedings. They warn that violent criminals will be released pending trial, giving them license to commit other crimes.</p><p>Here’s what to know:</p><h2>What it is</h2><p>Cashless bail refers to policies that allow people to be released from jail without paying any money while they await trial. It is an alternative to the traditional cash bail system in which which people pay money to be released and get their money back if they return to court when they are supposed to. The&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-8/" target="_blank">Eighth Amendment</a>&nbsp;of the Constitution prohibits excessive bail.</p><h2>Where it’s offered</h2><p>In 2023, Illinois became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cash-bail-criminal-justice-supreme-court-pretrial-jail-poverty-55f1d3e71714151eb19cc2fbc10677d5">the first state</a>&nbsp;to eliminate cash bail when the state Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the law abolishing it. The move was part of an expansive criminal justice overhaul adopted in 2021 known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/publicacts/101/PDF/101-0652.pdf" target="_blank">SAFE-T Act</a>. Under the change, a judge decides whether to release the defendant prior to their trial, weighing factors such as their criminal charges, if they could pose any danger to others and if they are considered a flight risk.</p><p>A number of&nbsp;<a href="https://bailproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CLIENT-Bail-Project-Beyond-Bail-Report-FINAL-3.1.25.pdf" target="_blank">other jurisdictions</a>, including New Jersey, New Mexico and Washington, D.C., have nearly eliminated cash bail or limited its use. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/99166/supporting_individual_agency_in_the_pretrial_release_process.pdf" target="_blank">have used</a>&nbsp;practices&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/article/ending-cash-bail/" target="_blank">such as</a>&nbsp;court date reminders, transportation vouchers, flexible scheduling and on-site child care to increase court attendance for people who have been released without bail.</p><h2>When it’s offered</h2><p><a href="https://bailproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CLIENT-Bail-Project-Beyond-Bail-Report-FINAL-3.1.25.pdf" target="_blank">Policies vary</a>&nbsp;by jurisdiction, but many exclude the use of cashless bail for more serious crimes such as murder and other violent offenses. Cashless bail might also be denied if there is concern an individual might flee before trial. In some cases, it is granted automatically for misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies.</p><h2>The impact on crime</h2><p>Studies have shown mixed results regarding the impact of cashless bail on crime. Many focus on the recidivism of individual defendants rather than overall crime rates.</p><p>Loyola University of Chicago’s Center for Criminal Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://pfa-1yr.loyolaccj.org/" target="_blank">published a 2024 report</a>&nbsp;on Illinois’ new cashless bail policy, one year after it went into effect. It acknowledges that there is not yet enough data to know what impact the law has had on crime, but that crime in Illinois did not increase after its implementation. Violent and property crime declined in some counties.</p><p>A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/bail-reform-and-public-safety" target="_blank">2024 report</a>&nbsp;published by the Brennan Center for Justice saw “no statistically significant relationship” between bail reform and crime rates. It looked at crime rate data from 2015 through 2021 for 33 cities across the U.S., 22 of which had instituted some type of bail reform. Researchers used a statistical method to determine if crime rates had diverged in those with reforms and those without. The report found that “put simply” there was no “significant difference in crime rates between cities that reformed their bail policies and those that did not.”</p><p>Asked last month what data Trump was using to support his claim that cashless bail leads to increase in crime, the White House pointed to a&nbsp;<a href="https://yoloda.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Emergency-Bail-Analysis.pdf" target="_blank">2022 report</a>&nbsp;from the district attorney’s office in Yolo County, California, that looked at how a temporary cashless bail system implemented across the state to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in courts and jails impacted recidivism. It found that out of 595 individuals released between April 2020 and May 2021 under this system, 70.6% were arrested again after they were released. A little more than half were rearrested more than once.</p>

Details on President Trump's order aimed at ending cashless bail nationwide

The Powerball® jackpot has soared to an estimated $815 million for the next drawing on Wednesday night, making it the seventh-largest prize in game history, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association.&nbsp; The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $367.9 million.

The Powerball jackpot rolled Monday night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 16, 19, 34, 37, 64 and red Powerball 22. The Power Play® multiplier was 3.

While the jackpot evaded players, two tickets in Georgia and Texas won $1 million prizes after matching all five white balls. There were also 26 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and five tickets that won $150,000 prizes.

In the Double Play® drawing, a ticket in Maryland won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play® is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to play their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. Double Play drawings are live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com&nbsp;</a>after the main drawing.

Wednesday’s Powerball drawing will be the 38th drawing since the jackpot was last won in California on May 31, 2025. If a player wins Wednesday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $815 million or a lump sum payment estimated at $367.9 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $36 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on Powerball.com.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689681523439.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The Powerball® jackpot has soared to an estimated $815 million for the next drawing on Wednesday night, making it the seventh-largest prize in game history, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association.&nbsp; The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $367.9 million.</p><p>The Powerball jackpot rolled Monday night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 16, 19, 34, 37, 64 and red Powerball 22. The Power Play® multiplier was 3.</p><p>While the jackpot evaded players, two tickets in Georgia and Texas won $1 million prizes after matching all five white balls. There were also 26 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and five tickets that won $150,000 prizes.</p><p>In the Double Play® drawing, a ticket in Maryland won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play® is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to play their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. Double Play drawings are live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com&nbsp;</a>after the main drawing.</p><p>Wednesday’s Powerball drawing will be the 38th drawing since the jackpot was last won in California on May 31, 2025. If a player wins Wednesday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $815 million or a lump sum payment estimated at $367.9 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.</p><p>Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $36 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.</p><p>Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on Powerball.com.</p><p>The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.</p><p>Top Ten Powerball Jackpots</p><ol>
                        <li>$2.04 Billion – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA</li><li>$1.765 Billion – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA</li><li>$1.586 Billion – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN</li><li>$1.326 Billion – April 6, 2024 - OR</li><li>$1.08 Billion – July 19, 2023 – CA</li><li>$842.4 Million – January 1, 2024 – MI</li><li>$815 Million (est) – Aug. 27, 2025</li><li>$768.4 Million – March 27, 2019 – WI</li><li>$758.7 Million – Aug. 23, 2017 – MA</li><li>$754.6 Million – Feb. 6, 2023 - WA</li>
                    </ol>

Powerball jackpot soars to seventh largest in game history

CRAWFORD COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on&nbsp;

Just before 6p.m. August 23, police were dispatched to Americas Best Value Inn, 3108 N Broadway Street, in Pittsburg, in reference to a report of a sexual assault that just occurred, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, officers met with the reporting party about the incident, which involved a juvenile victim and an adult male. While the officers were on scene, they were made aware that the suspect, identified as 50-year-old Damien Dorien Yarbrough of Pittsburg, was attempting to leave the hotel. 

Police found Yarbrough with his luggage attempting to leave, and officers detained him. Detectives with the police department’s Criminal Investigations Division were contacted and responded to assist with the investigation.

The victim and their family were interviewed about the incident, and the victim was referred to local medical providers for further attention. 

A search warrant application was prepared for Yarbrough’s hotel room to look for evidence relating to the incident. The search warrant was granted, and items of suspected evidence were collected.

Yarbrough was arrested and transported to jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking. He is in being held on a&nbsp;a $500,000 bond on requested charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy, and rape.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756166135622.png" alt="Yarbrough photo Crawford County" />
                        <figcaption>Yarbrough photo Crawford County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>CRAWFORD COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on&nbsp;</p><p>Just before 6p.m. August 23, police were dispatched to Americas Best Value Inn, 3108 N Broadway Street, in Pittsburg, in reference to a report of a sexual assault that just occurred, according to a media release.</p><p>Upon arrival, officers met with the reporting party about the incident, which involved a juvenile victim and an adult male. While the officers were on scene, they were made aware that the suspect, identified as 50-year-old Damien Dorien Yarbrough of Pittsburg, was attempting to leave the hotel. </p><p>Police found Yarbrough with his luggage attempting to leave, and officers detained him. Detectives with the police department’s Criminal Investigations Division were contacted and responded to assist with the investigation.</p><p>The victim and their family were interviewed about the incident, and the victim was referred to local medical providers for further attention. </p><p>A search warrant application was prepared for Yarbrough’s hotel room to look for evidence relating to the incident. The search warrant was granted, and items of suspected evidence were collected.</p><p>Yarbrough was arrested and transported to jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking. He is in being held on a&nbsp;a $500,000 bond on requested charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy, and rape.</p>

Kansas man accused of kidnapping, child rape at hotel

WICHITA<b>– </b>Earlier this month, the&nbsp;Democratic Caucus of the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Immediate-Demand-to-Cease-Illegal-Raids-and-Detentions-in-Kansas-.docx4_.pdf">sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall accusing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of being “bloated and reckless” and exhibiting “unprofessional behavior” while apprehending dangerous, illegal immigrants from Kansas communities. &nbsp;

Unlike Kansas Democrats, Senator Marshall’s office reached out to DHS officials to confirm details of the targeted enforcement events cited in the letter.&nbsp; Marshall's response is below

<i>“Our federal law enforcement officials have safely and legally removed dozens of illegal immigrants from our communities,”&nbsp;<b>said Senator Marshall.</b>&nbsp;“President Trump promised to make America safe again, and he is delivering on that promise. For Democrats to make unfounded and false accusations against our hardworking law enforcement officials is not only unprofessional but also against the American people's goal of closing our borders and keeping communities safe from illegal and dangerous criminals.”</i>

Contrary to the allegations leveled by the Kansas Democratic Caucus, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the targeted enforcement operations legally and judiciously.&nbsp;

During the July 30, 2025, targeted enforcement operations in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties:

<i>“Our agents were executing a&nbsp;lawful and targeted operation. When agitators spread false narratives or interfere with law enforcement, it undermines public safety and puts both the community and law enforcement personnel at risk,”&nbsp;<b>said HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito.</b>&nbsp;“Make no mistake: individuals who violate federal immigration law by being unlawfully present in the United States may be subject to detention and removal proceedings under the law. And let me be clear, assaults on officers have surged dramatically, and anyone who dares to obstruct, assault, or interfere with federal agents will face immediate consequences, including arrest and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.”</i>

<p>WICHITA<b>– </b>Earlier this month, the&nbsp;Democratic Caucus of the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Immediate-Demand-to-Cease-Illegal-Raids-and-Detentions-in-Kansas-.docx4_.pdf">sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall accusing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of being “bloated and reckless” and exhibiting “unprofessional behavior” while apprehending dangerous, illegal immigrants from Kansas communities. &nbsp;</p><p>Unlike Kansas Democrats, Senator Marshall’s office reached out to DHS officials to confirm details of the targeted enforcement events cited in the letter.&nbsp; Marshall's response is below</p><p><i>“Our federal law enforcement officials have safely and legally removed dozens of illegal immigrants from our communities,”&nbsp;<b>said Senator Marshall.</b>&nbsp;“President Trump promised to make America safe again, and he is delivering on that promise. For Democrats to make unfounded and false accusations against our hardworking law enforcement officials is not only unprofessional but also against the American people's goal of closing our borders and keeping communities safe from illegal and dangerous criminals.”</i></p><p>Contrary to the allegations leveled by the Kansas Democratic Caucus, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the targeted enforcement operations legally and judiciously.&nbsp;</p><p>During the July 30, 2025, targeted enforcement operations in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties:</p><ul>
                        <li>All HSI agents were clearly marked, displaying badges and other identification.</li><li>Local law enforcement was notified of HSI’s plans to conduct&nbsp;the operations.</li>
                    </ul><ul>
                        <li>HSI officials on the ground confirmed that all those arrested had committed violations of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. U.S. citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, employees possessing a valid Employment Authorization Document, and any individual already in immigration proceedings were released.</li>
                    </ul><ul>
                        <li>During the operations in Lenexa and Kansas City, all stovetop burners were safely turned off. The only flame that remained on the stoves&nbsp;was the commercial kitchen stove pilot lights.&nbsp;</li><li>Local protestors and agitators attempted to obstruct the operations by interfering with efforts to detain and arrest suspects, even breaking into the Lenexa restaurant through the back door and surrounding law enforcement vehicles to block their departure.&nbsp;</li>
                    </ul><p><i>“Our agents were executing a&nbsp;lawful and targeted operation. When agitators spread false narratives or interfere with law enforcement, it undermines public safety and puts both the community and law enforcement personnel at risk,”&nbsp;<b>said HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito.</b>&nbsp;“Make no mistake: individuals who violate federal immigration law by being unlawfully present in the United States may be subject to detention and removal proceedings under the law. And let me be clear, assaults on officers have surged dramatically, and anyone who dares to obstruct, assault, or interfere with federal agents will face immediate consequences, including arrest and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.”</i></p><p><b>Background:</b></p><ul>
                        <li>Previously, on August 6, 2025, federal agents&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks/pr/two-kansas-men-charged-drug-trafficking-related-crimes">arrested two Kansas men</a>&nbsp;on charges related to drug trafficking as part of Operation Take Back America.</li><li>Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, the number of federal immigration officials in Kansas will double, allowing for better enforcement across the entire state.</li><li>Since President Trump’s inauguration, targeting of brave federal law enforcement officers performing their duties has become more common, as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fox4kc.com/news/ice-raids-reported-at-lenexa-kck-mexican-restaurants-wednesday/">assaults against ICE agents</a>&nbsp;have increased&nbsp;1000%.</li>
                    </ul>

Kan. U.S. Senator responds to accusation levied against DHS by Democrats

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two more suspects accused in connection with the death of a 1-year-old Kansas boy were to go to trial Monday. Both trials were continued until 2026, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Roames Bonner, who was 17 at the time of the crime, was set to face a bench trial Monday afternoon in Judge Jeffery Goering's courtroom. The Judge earlier this year  ruled Bonner can be tried as an adult, according to the District Attorney's office.

Jonathan Tillery-Matthais, 21, was to face a jury trial on Monday morning in Judge Jeffery Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Bonner, 21-year-old Jonathan Tillery-Matthias and&nbsp;26-year-old K’Veion Richard all of Wichita, were charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm for the death of 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 7p.m. February 19, police responded to a shooting in the 2500 block of South Oliver, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses. Through the investigation, officers learned that two adult females were struck by gunfire and 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson was also struck by gunfire and died of his injuries.

Police identified three suspects in the case and the following day arrested&nbsp; Bonner, Richard and&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746317">Tillery-Matthias&nbsp;</a>.

At the time of the crime,&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746317">Tillery-Matthias</a>&nbsp;was on pre-trial supervision for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle stemming from a Wichita Police investigation.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=232072">&nbsp;Richard&nbsp;</a>was on Parole for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault x2, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.

Police believe that this was a targeted event which led to the death of the boy. In April, Richard was sentenced to life in prison for the boy's death.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708650238448.png" alt="Tillery-Matthias photo Sedgwick County" />
                        <figcaption>Tillery-Matthias photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two more suspects accused in connection with the death of a 1-year-old Kansas boy were to go to trial Monday. Both trials were continued until 2026, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.</p><p>Roames Bonner, who was 17 at the time of the crime, was set to face a bench trial Monday afternoon in Judge Jeffery Goering's courtroom. The Judge earlier this year  ruled Bonner can be tried as an adult, according to the District Attorney's office.</p><p>Jonathan Tillery-Matthais, 21, was to face a jury trial on Monday morning in Judge Jeffery Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756117123414.png" alt="Bonner phot Sedgwick Co." />
                        <figcaption>Bonner phot Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Bonner, 21-year-old Jonathan Tillery-Matthias and&nbsp;26-year-old K’Veion Richard all of Wichita, were charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm for the death of 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.</p><p>Just after 7p.m. February 19, police responded to a shooting in the 2500 block of South Oliver, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses. Through the investigation, officers learned that two adult females were struck by gunfire and 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson was also struck by gunfire and died of his injuries.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708452260137.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
                        <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Police identified three suspects in the case and the following day arrested&nbsp; Bonner, Richard and&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746317">Tillery-Matthias&nbsp;</a>.</p><p>At the time of the crime,&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746317">Tillery-Matthias</a>&nbsp;was on pre-trial supervision for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle stemming from a Wichita Police investigation.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=232072">&nbsp;Richard&nbsp;</a>was on Parole for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault x2, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.</p><p>Police believe that this was a targeted event which led to the death of the boy. In April, Richard was sentenced to life in prison for the boy's death.</p>

Kan. teen's trial for death of 1-year-old did not begin as planned

The Democrat National Committee opened their summer meetings on Monday in Minneapolis. Those in attendance are discussing the future of the party and criticizing President Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Vice Presidential candidate and current Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said, " If Kamala Harris had won in 2024: "We wouldn't wake up everyday to a bunch of s%X$# on TV and a bunch of nonsense. We would wake up to an adult with compassion and dignity and vision and leadership doing the work. May his fat ankles find something today."

More than 400 elected party officials from all 50 states and several territories are attending the meetings at a downtown hotel in Minneapolis.

<p>The Democrat National Committee opened their summer meetings on Monday in Minneapolis. Those in attendance are discussing the future of the party and criticizing President Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovTimWalz</a> on if Kamala Harris had won in 2024: &quot;We wouldn&#39;t wake up everyday to a bunch of shit on TV and a bunch of nonsense. We would wake up to an adult with compassion and dignity and vision and leadership doing the work...May his fat ankles find something today.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ojPkh3DOPl">pic.twitter.com/ojPkh3DOPl</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1960023391429095753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Former Vice Presidential candidate and current Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said, " If Kamala Harris had won in 2024: "We wouldn't wake up everyday to a bunch of s%X$# on TV and a bunch of nonsense. We would wake up to an adult with compassion and dignity and vision and leadership doing the work. May his fat ankles find something today."</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tim Walz is a deeply disturbed individual.<br><br>Here he is coming unglued over a &quot;stupid frickin&#39; red hat&quot; and suggesting people burn flags with President Trump&#39;s photo on them. <a href="https://t.co/QwMryOCc1c">pic.twitter.com/QwMryOCc1c</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1960043219879916008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>More than 400 elected party officials from all 50 states and several territories are attending the meetings at a downtown hotel in Minneapolis.</p>

🎥Former VP candidate insults President Trump during DNC speech

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a shooting&nbsp; in Wichita are asking the public for help to locate&nbsp;16-year-old Cesar Govea, according to a statement from Wichita Police.

Govea is wanted in connection with a shooting that injured his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend and a 17-year-old boy. The victims were inside a vehicle near Wichita and Waterwalk when Govea opened fire. 



Govea is considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach him.


 
If you know his whereabouts, do not approach him and call 911 immediately. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756165563203.png" alt="Govea photo Wichita Police" />
                        <figcaption>Govea photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a shooting&nbsp; in Wichita are asking the public for help to locate&nbsp;16-year-old Cesar Govea, according to a statement from Wichita Police.</p><p>Govea is wanted in connection with a shooting that injured his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend and a 17-year-old boy. The victims were inside a vehicle near Wichita and Waterwalk when Govea opened fire. 

</p><p>Govea is considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach him.</p><p>
 
If you know his whereabouts, do not approach him and call 911 immediately. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.</p>

Still at large: Kan. teen wanted for shooting ex-girlfriend

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump fired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-reserve-rates-354ddf9b0b2a78eabbe7ebd361bf2e05">Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook</a>&nbsp;late Monday, a sharp escalation in his battle to exert greater control over what has long been considered an institution&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fed-federal-reserve-powell-trump-63c3e35e8606b7b73455b08aa21456dd">independent from day-to-day politics</a>.

Trump said in a letter posted on his Truth Social platform that he is firing Cook because of allegations that she committed mortgage fraud. Bill Pulte, a Trump appointee to the agency that regulates mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, made the accusations last week.

Pulte alleged that Cook had claimed two primary residences -- in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Atlanta -- in 2021 to get better mortgage terms. Mortgage rates are often higher on second homes or those purchased to rent.

The announcement came days after Cook said she wouldn’t leave her post despite Trump previously calling for her to resign. The Fed’s board has seven members, meaning Trump’s move could have deep economic and political ramifications.

Trump said in announcing the move that he had the constitutional authority to remove Cook, but doing so will raise questions about control of the Fed as an independent entity.

The firing is likely to touch off a legal battle and Cook could be allowed to remain in her seat while the case plays out. Cook would have to fight the legal battle herself, as the injured party, rather than the Fed.

It is the latest effort by the administration to take control over one of the few remaining independent agencies in Washington. Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-powell-federal-reserve-building-renovation-2393d9ac9fdb9508f285d0faa5f4de41">repeatedly attacked</a>&nbsp;the Fed’s chair, Jerome Powell, for not cutting its short-term interest rate, and even threatened to fire him.

Forcing Cook off the Fed’s governing board would provide Trump an opportunity to appoint a loyalist. Trump has said he would only appoint officials who would support cutting rates.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756169974467.png" alt="Lisa Cook, Federal Reserve Governor during an interview in 2022-image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Lisa Cook, Federal Reserve Governor during an interview in 2022-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump fired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-reserve-rates-354ddf9b0b2a78eabbe7ebd361bf2e05">Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook</a>&nbsp;late Monday, a sharp escalation in his battle to exert greater control over what has long been considered an institution&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fed-federal-reserve-powell-trump-63c3e35e8606b7b73455b08aa21456dd">independent from day-to-day politics</a>.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 President Donald J. Trump relieves Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook of her position <a href="https://t.co/tJV8m4mlHW">pic.twitter.com/tJV8m4mlHW</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1960131068280852721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Trump said in a letter posted on his Truth Social platform that he is firing Cook because of allegations that she committed mortgage fraud. Bill Pulte, a Trump appointee to the agency that regulates mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, made the accusations last week.</p><p>Pulte alleged that Cook had claimed two primary residences -- in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Atlanta -- in 2021 to get better mortgage terms. Mortgage rates are often higher on second homes or those purchased to rent.</p><p>The announcement came days after Cook said she wouldn’t leave her post despite Trump previously calling for her to resign. The Fed’s board has seven members, meaning Trump’s move could have deep economic and political ramifications.</p><p>Trump said in announcing the move that he had the constitutional authority to remove Cook, but doing so will raise questions about control of the Fed as an independent entity.</p><p>The firing is likely to touch off a legal battle and Cook could be allowed to remain in her seat while the case plays out. Cook would have to fight the legal battle herself, as the injured party, rather than the Fed.</p><p>It is the latest effort by the administration to take control over one of the few remaining independent agencies in Washington. Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-powell-federal-reserve-building-renovation-2393d9ac9fdb9508f285d0faa5f4de41">repeatedly attacked</a>&nbsp;the Fed’s chair, Jerome Powell, for not cutting its short-term interest rate, and even threatened to fire him.</p><p>Forcing Cook off the Fed’s governing board would provide Trump an opportunity to appoint a loyalist. Trump has said he would only appoint officials who would support cutting rates.</p>

Trump fires Fed Governor Lisa Cook in fight for control over central bank

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop in Shawnee County.

Just before 3p.m. August 18, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 white Ford Econoline E150 with a license plate that did not belong on that vehicle and a defective windshield in the 700 block of NE Poplar Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, it was determined that multiple occupants had numerous warrants for their arrest. Illegal narcotics and two firearms, one reported stolen out of Missouri, were also located.

Breanna M. Meade, 30, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that included&nbsp;Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Possession of stolen property, Drivers windshield materially obstructed/obscured, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Driving while license suspended, Vehicles; display plate not assigned

Meade also had four warrants for her arrest, including a felony warrant of Pratt County and a misdemeanor warrant out of the City of Goddard. She is now in custody in Pratt County, accordin gto online jail records.

Patrick J. Arrow, 31, of Topeka, was also arrested and booked into jail on requested charges&nbsp;Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Distribute/possess with intent drug paraphernalia

Arrow also had a warrant for his arrest out of Geary County.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756154030902.png" alt="Arrow photo Shawnee County" />
                        <figcaption>Arrow photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop in Shawnee County.</p><p>Just before 3p.m. August 18, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 white Ford Econoline E150 with a license plate that did not belong on that vehicle and a defective windshield in the 700 block of NE Poplar Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756153951552.png" alt="Meade photo Shawnee Co." />
                        <figcaption>Meade photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>During the investigation, it was determined that multiple occupants had numerous warrants for their arrest. Illegal narcotics and two firearms, one reported stolen out of Missouri, were also located.</p><p>Breanna M. Meade, 30, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that included&nbsp;Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Possession of stolen property, Drivers windshield materially obstructed/obscured, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Driving while license suspended, Vehicles; display plate not assigned</p><p>Meade also had four warrants for her arrest, including a felony warrant of Pratt County and a misdemeanor warrant out of the City of Goddard. She is now in custody in Pratt County, accordin gto online jail records.</p><p>Patrick J. Arrow, 31, of Topeka, was also arrested and booked into jail on requested charges&nbsp;Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Distribute/possess with intent drug paraphernalia</p><p>Arrow also had a warrant for his arrest out of Geary County.</p>

Kan. woman caught with stolen property, illegal drugs

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man who admitted to a deadly knife attack learned his fate last Friday.

Judge William Woolley sentence William Ball, 24 of Wichita, to&nbsp;55 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections with 15 percent Good Time Credit and 36 months post-release surpervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

In June Ball pleaded guilty to charges of 2nd degree murder.

On March 10, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a report of a stabbing in the 4100 block of East Whitney Lane, according to Wichita Police Lt. Aaron Moses. The caller reported someone had been stabbed in the street.

Officers from the Wichita Police Department responded to the scene and located 51- year-old Brian Edwards from Wichita suffering from stab wound to the torso.&nbsp; EMS transported Edwards to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Officers at the scene quickly identified a suspect in this case and took William Ball into custody without incident. There were multiple individuals at the scene who were later interviewed by Wichita Police Department Homicide investigators.

&nbsp;Police booked Ball into the Sedgwick County Jail. This was the third criminal homicide in Wichita in 2025.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741706450913.png" alt="Ball photo Sedgwick Co." />
                        <figcaption>Ball photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man who admitted to a deadly knife attack learned his fate last Friday.</p><p>Judge William Woolley sentence William Ball, 24 of Wichita, to&nbsp;55 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections with 15 percent Good Time Credit and 36 months post-release surpervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;</p><p>In June Ball pleaded guilty to charges of 2nd degree murder.</p><p>On March 10, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a report of a stabbing in the 4100 block of East Whitney Lane, according to Wichita Police Lt. Aaron Moses. The caller reported someone had been stabbed in the street.</p><p>Officers from the Wichita Police Department responded to the scene and located 51- year-old Brian Edwards from Wichita suffering from stab wound to the torso.&nbsp; EMS transported Edwards to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.</p><p>Officers at the scene quickly identified a suspect in this case and took William Ball into custody without incident. There were multiple individuals at the scene who were later interviewed by Wichita Police Department Homicide investigators.</p><p>&nbsp;Police booked Ball into the Sedgwick County Jail. This was the third criminal homicide in Wichita in 2025.</p>

Prison for deadly Kansas knife attack

MANHATTAN —Kansas State University is the latest target in a series of swatting incidents nationwide.

Late Monday afternoon Kansas State University was a target of a swatting attack intended to be disruptive to our Manhattan campus, according to a&nbsp; social media report from the university.

Riley County Dispatch received a call on their administrative line of a message stating active violence at Hale Library.

Officers immediately responded and determined the call was a hoax and there was no threat or danger. The building is safe, and the Manhattan campus is under normal operations.

This appears to be similar to other swatting reports happening at universities across the country.

<p>MANHATTAN —Kansas State University is the latest target in a series of swatting incidents nationwide.</p><p>Late Monday afternoon Kansas State University was a target of a swatting attack intended to be disruptive to our Manhattan campus, according to a&nbsp; social media report from the university.</p><p>Riley County Dispatch received a call on their administrative line of a message stating active violence at Hale Library.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">UPDATE: All clear</p>&mdash; K-State (@KState) <a href="https://twitter.com/KState/status/1960108087991537790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Officers immediately responded and determined the call was a hoax and there was no threat or danger. The building is safe, and the Manhattan campus is under normal operations.</p><p>This appears to be similar to other swatting reports happening at universities across the country.</p>

K-State a target of swatting incident

GEARY COUNTY— Law enforcement across the state continue to ticket drivers for traveling far above the posted speed limit.

According to a social media report from Junction City Police, an officer recently issued a ticket to a driver on Grant Avenue who was caught traveling 93 mph in a 35 mph zone - that’s nearly three times the posted limit, resulting in a  $650 ticket. 

"Excessive speeding isn’t just reckless - it’s deadly."

According to the National Safety Council, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2023, resulting in 11,775 lives lost - that’s over 32 deaths every single day. 

"Here’s why speeding - especially at extreme levels - magnifies danger:• <br>Less reaction time. At higher speeds, drivers have significantly less time to respond to changing road conditions or unexpected hazards.• More severe crashes."<br>

"Crash energy increases exponentially with speed, meaning even a small increase in velocity can result in much more devastating outcomes.The risk doesn’t just rise, it escalates dramatically. Take this as a reminder to slow down and drive safely. Every mile per hour matters."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756157625373.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>GEARY COUNTY— Law enforcement across the state continue to ticket drivers for traveling far above the posted speed limit.</p><p>According to a social media report from Junction City Police, an officer recently issued a ticket to a driver on Grant Avenue who was caught traveling 93 mph in a 35 mph zone - that’s nearly three times the posted limit, resulting in a  $650 ticket. </p><p>"Excessive speeding isn’t just reckless - it’s deadly."</p><p>According to the National Safety Council, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2023, resulting in 11,775 lives lost - that’s over 32 deaths every single day. </p><p>"Here’s why speeding - especially at extreme levels - magnifies danger:• <br>Less reaction time. At higher speeds, drivers have significantly less time to respond to changing road conditions or unexpected hazards.• More severe crashes."<br></p><p>"Crash energy increases exponentially with speed, meaning even a small increase in velocity can result in much more devastating outcomes.The risk doesn’t just rise, it escalates dramatically. Take this as a reminder to slow down and drive safely. Every mile per hour matters."</p>

Police: Expensive ticket for 93mph in a 35 mhp zone in Kansas

TOPEKA – Adam Jay Hrabik, 45&nbsp;of Lyons, was ordered to serve life in prison for the 2020 attempted murder of Lyons Police Officer Cory Ryan and aggravated assault of Lyons High School teacher Brian Friess, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced on Monday.

Senior Judge Merlin Wheeler sentenced Hrabik on Aug. 21 in Rice County District Court. In June, a Lyon County jury found Hrabik guilty of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In addition, Hrabik was ordered to pay over $525,000 in restitution.&nbsp;

Assistant Attorneys General Nicole Southall and JD Hatcher prosecuted the case on behalf of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. Hrabik was charged with attempted capital murder nearly five years ago in connection with the October 2020 shootings of Lyons Police Officer Cory Ryan. 

Officer Ryan was shot multiple times when responding to a 911 call from Friess, who reported being threatened with a gun. Friess suffered serious injuries during the incident. Ryan spent almost two weeks in a Wichita hospital but survived.&nbsp;

“The survival of Sgt. Ryan and Mr. Friess is a testament to the bravery of everyday citizens, the swift response of law enforcement, and the skill of medical professionals,” said Nicole Southall, “We extend our sincere gratitude to our law enforcement partners for their thorough and tireless investigation, and to the victims and their families for their steadfast support throughout this process. 

Nearly five years later, justice has been served.”The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of Lyon Police Department, Rice County Sheriff’s Office, Sterling Police Department, Reno County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756152592127.png" alt="Law enforcement on the scene in Lyons in Oct. of 2020 -photo courtesy KWCH" />
                        <figcaption>Law enforcement on the scene in Lyons in Oct. of 2020 -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>TOPEKA – Adam Jay Hrabik, 45&nbsp;of Lyons, was ordered to serve life in prison for the 2020 attempted murder of Lyons Police Officer Cory Ryan and aggravated assault of Lyons High School teacher Brian Friess, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced on Monday.</p><p>Senior Judge Merlin Wheeler sentenced Hrabik on Aug. 21 in Rice County District Court. In June, a Lyon County jury found Hrabik guilty of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In addition, Hrabik was ordered to pay over $525,000 in restitution.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751056811541.png" alt="Hrabik was being held in Lyons County" />
                        <figcaption>Hrabik was being held in Lyons County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Assistant Attorneys General Nicole Southall and JD Hatcher prosecuted the case on behalf of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. Hrabik was charged with attempted capital murder nearly five years ago in connection with the October 2020 shootings of Lyons Police Officer Cory Ryan. </p><p>Officer Ryan was shot multiple times when responding to a 911 call from Friess, who reported being threatened with a gun. Friess suffered serious injuries during the incident. Ryan spent almost two weeks in a Wichita hospital but survived.&nbsp;</p><p>“The survival of Sgt. Ryan and Mr. Friess is a testament to the bravery of everyday citizens, the swift response of law enforcement, and the skill of medical professionals,” said Nicole Southall, “We extend our sincere gratitude to our law enforcement partners for their thorough and tireless investigation, and to the victims and their families for their steadfast support throughout this process. </p><p>Nearly five years later, justice has been served.”The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of Lyon Police Department, Rice County Sheriff’s Office, Sterling Police Department, Reno County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol.</p>

Man sentenced for attempt to kill Kansas officer in 2020 

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

Democrats question Speaker Dan Hawkins’ plan to lower Medicaid spending

TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins said the 2026 Legislature would strive to slash $200 million from the state government’s budget and seek to reduce expenditures on the Medicaid program delivering health care to low-income adults and children.

Hawkins, a Wichita Republican who has served 13 years in the Legislature, said during an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5otZHmokQ8" target="_blank">interview at an American Legislative Exchange Council conference</a>&nbsp;in Indianapolis that he was proud the 2025 Legislature took the lead in crafting the current state budget. Ahead of the 2025 session, a Republican-controlled committee of the House and Senate developed its own budget bill rather than wait for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s recommendation, as traditionally presented to lawmakers in January.

Despite Republicans in the House and Senate operating with partisan supermajorities since Kelly’s election in 2018, Hawkins was critical in the interview of what he calculated to be a 60% rise in spending during Kelly’s seven years as governor.

In the past legislative session, Hawkins said, the House and Senate whittled down the state budget for 2025-2026 to more than $200 million below the amount it approved for 2024-2025.

“That first $200 million is probably the easy one to cut,” Hawkins said during the ALEC interview. “It starts getting harder every year after that. I think we’ll come in next year and we’ll probably cut about $200 million out of the budget.”

He said the Legislature’s decision to consolidate its grip on the budget process at the Capitol resulted in a bill that spent less than the amount sought by Kelly.

“The governor still says that we spend too much, but we cut $43 million,” Hawkins told his ALEC audience.

In response to an inquiry, Hawkins’ staff clarified the actual year-to-year cut by the Legislature was $38 million below spending proposed by Kelly. The Legislature did vote for $43 million in deletions, but some were vetoed by the governor. The Legislature chose not to override all of Kelly’s line-item vetoes. That left the overall cut at $38 million — not $43 million.

“Governor Kelly has always prioritized responsible fiscal management, and the results speak for themselves: fully funded schools, record-breaking economic development and historic investments in the state water plan,” said Will Lawrence, the governor’s chief of staff. “Speaker Hawkins can play with the numbers all he wants, but the reality is the financial path he advocates for is eating through the state’s ending balance and threatening to undo all the progress Kansas has made in the last seven years.”

Lawrence said cutting Medicaid would strain the state’s rural health system and endanger 443,000 Kansans who participate in the health program. Kelly has spent years advocating for expansion of eligibility for Medicaid in Kansas.

“Unserious, misinformed proposals like these are not what Kansans deserve, and I suggest Speaker Hawkins talk to Kansans about their priorities, not conservative think tank staffers,” Lawrence said.

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes and House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, who lead Democrats in the Legislature, offered perspectives on Hawkins’ interview with Lars Dalseide, ALEC’s director of policy advancement and media relations.

Sykes said GOP legislative leadership’s overhaul of the budget process for the 2025 session served “to advance their priorities without regard for bipartisanship or public input.”

Democrats, for example, objected to the GOP-led Legislature’s deletion from the governor’s budget of $62 million for special education in public schools. Also cut was $10 million for the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, a program to develop reading instructional skills among licensed teachers and college students preparing to become educators.

A core objective of Republican legislators has been to advance tax cuts most beneficial to wealthy Kansans, Sykes said.

“Fiscal responsibility is just a talking point to Republicans,” Sykes said. “Time and time again, they say they want to dig deeper into the budget, but the reality is they want to give away big tax breaks to their donors on the backs of working Kansans. Senate Democrats will continue to stand for true fiscal stability and not just partisan talking points.”

The Legislature is controlled by Republican supermajorities in the 125-member House and 40-member Senate. The two-thirds partisan advantage has meant the GOP could override any veto by Kelly. In the House, Republicans hold an 88-37 edge. The margin stands at 31-9 in the Senate.

Hawkins, who is seeking the Republican Party’s 2026 nomination for state insurance commissioner, said the Legislature should strive during the upcoming session in Topeka to reduce spending on Medicaid.

He said there were opportunities for the Legislature to restrict expenditures by getting rid of inefficiencies.

“Just like we’ve seen on the federal level, Medicaid has lots of opportunity,” Hawkins said. “I think that when we really start looking, we’ll find some duplicative efforts.”

Woodard, who has urged the Legislature to broaden eligibility for Medicaid to more lower-income adults, said the House speaker’s plan to reduce health services for children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and the elderly was misguided.

“At a time when Kansans are struggling to make ends meet, Republicans are threatening to further cut Medicaid at the expense of our most vulnerable Kansans,” he said.

Sen. Patrick Schmidt, a Topeka Democrat who served on the Senate’s government efficiency committee, said attempts to undermine Medicaid in the quest for efficiencies jeopardized the well-being of thousands of adults and children in Kansas. Claims of widespread inefficiency within Medicaid have been exaggerated, he said.

“When they say those words, they’re just lying,” he said. “Medicaid helps people get back to work.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756145143284.png" alt=" Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, says in an interview with ALEC that one of his objectives will be to reduce overall state spending by $200 million and target Medicaid for spending cuts during the 2026 legislative session. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, says in an interview with ALEC that one of his objectives will be to reduce overall state spending by $200 million and target Medicaid for spending cuts during the 2026 legislative session. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a><br></b><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a></p><h2>Democrats question Speaker Dan Hawkins’ plan to lower Medicaid spending</h2><p>TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins said the 2026 Legislature would strive to slash $200 million from the state government’s budget and seek to reduce expenditures on the Medicaid program delivering health care to low-income adults and children.</p><p>Hawkins, a Wichita Republican who has served 13 years in the Legislature, said during an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5otZHmokQ8" target="_blank">interview at an American Legislative Exchange Council conference</a>&nbsp;in Indianapolis that he was proud the 2025 Legislature took the lead in crafting the current state budget. Ahead of the 2025 session, a Republican-controlled committee of the House and Senate developed its own budget bill rather than wait for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s recommendation, as traditionally presented to lawmakers in January.</p><p>Despite Republicans in the House and Senate operating with partisan supermajorities since Kelly’s election in 2018, Hawkins was critical in the interview of what he calculated to be a 60% rise in spending during Kelly’s seven years as governor.</p><p>In the past legislative session, Hawkins said, the House and Senate whittled down the state budget for 2025-2026 to more than $200 million below the amount it approved for 2024-2025.</p><p>“That first $200 million is probably the easy one to cut,” Hawkins said during the ALEC interview. “It starts getting harder every year after that. I think we’ll come in next year and we’ll probably cut about $200 million out of the budget.”</p><p>He said the Legislature’s decision to consolidate its grip on the budget process at the Capitol resulted in a bill that spent less than the amount sought by Kelly.</p><p>“The governor still says that we spend too much, but we cut $43 million,” Hawkins told his ALEC audience.</p><p>In response to an inquiry, Hawkins’ staff clarified the actual year-to-year cut by the Legislature was $38 million below spending proposed by Kelly. The Legislature did vote for $43 million in deletions, but some were vetoed by the governor. The Legislature chose not to override all of Kelly’s line-item vetoes. That left the overall cut at $38 million — not $43 million.</p><p>“Governor Kelly has always prioritized responsible fiscal management, and the results speak for themselves: fully funded schools, record-breaking economic development and historic investments in the state water plan,” said Will Lawrence, the governor’s chief of staff. “Speaker Hawkins can play with the numbers all he wants, but the reality is the financial path he advocates for is eating through the state’s ending balance and threatening to undo all the progress Kansas has made in the last seven years.”</p><p>Lawrence said cutting Medicaid would strain the state’s rural health system and endanger 443,000 Kansans who participate in the health program. Kelly has spent years advocating for expansion of eligibility for Medicaid in Kansas.</p><p>“Unserious, misinformed proposals like these are not what Kansans deserve, and I suggest Speaker Hawkins talk to Kansans about their priorities, not conservative think tank staffers,” Lawrence said.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756145094119.png" alt=" Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, says Republicans are more interested in giving tax breaks to their donors than they are in fiscal responsibility. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, says Republicans are more interested in giving tax breaks to their donors than they are in fiscal responsibility. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Other perspectives</h2><p>Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes and House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, who lead Democrats in the Legislature, offered perspectives on Hawkins’ interview with Lars Dalseide, ALEC’s director of policy advancement and media relations.</p><p>Sykes said GOP legislative leadership’s overhaul of the budget process for the 2025 session served “to advance their priorities without regard for bipartisanship or public input.”</p><p>Democrats, for example, objected to the GOP-led Legislature’s deletion from the governor’s budget of $62 million for special education in public schools. Also cut was $10 million for the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, a program to develop reading instructional skills among licensed teachers and college students preparing to become educators.</p><p>A core objective of Republican legislators has been to advance tax cuts most beneficial to wealthy Kansans, Sykes said.</p><p>“Fiscal responsibility is just a talking point to Republicans,” Sykes said. “Time and time again, they say they want to dig deeper into the budget, but the reality is they want to give away big tax breaks to their donors on the backs of working Kansans. Senate Democrats will continue to stand for true fiscal stability and not just partisan talking points.”</p><p>The Legislature is controlled by Republican supermajorities in the 125-member House and 40-member Senate. The two-thirds partisan advantage has meant the GOP could override any veto by Kelly. In the House, Republicans hold an 88-37 edge. The margin stands at 31-9 in the Senate.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756145045519.png" alt=" Sen. Patrick Schmidt, D-Topeka, says Republicans are lying when they make claims of widespread inefficiency in the state Medicaid program. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> Sen. Patrick Schmidt, D-Topeka, says Republicans are lying when they make claims of widespread inefficiency in the state Medicaid program. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>The Medicaid issue</h2><p>Hawkins, who is seeking the Republican Party’s 2026 nomination for state insurance commissioner, said the Legislature should strive during the upcoming session in Topeka to reduce spending on Medicaid.</p><p>He said there were opportunities for the Legislature to restrict expenditures by getting rid of inefficiencies.</p><p>“Just like we’ve seen on the federal level, Medicaid has lots of opportunity,” Hawkins said. “I think that when we really start looking, we’ll find some duplicative efforts.”</p><p>Woodard, who has urged the Legislature to broaden eligibility for Medicaid to more lower-income adults, said the House speaker’s plan to reduce health services for children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and the elderly was misguided.</p><p>“At a time when Kansans are struggling to make ends meet, Republicans are threatening to further cut Medicaid at the expense of our most vulnerable Kansans,” he said.</p><p>Sen. Patrick Schmidt, a Topeka Democrat who served on the Senate’s government efficiency committee, said attempts to undermine Medicaid in the quest for efficiencies jeopardized the well-being of thousands of adults and children in Kansas. Claims of widespread inefficiency within Medicaid have been exaggerated, he said.</p><p>“When they say those words, they’re just lying,” he said. “Medicaid helps people get back to work.”</p>

Kansas House speaker wants to slash $200 million from state budget, target Medicaid for cuts

The number of people in the United States illegally surged to an all-time high of 14 million in 2023, a research group said Thursday, a major increase that still falls well short of estimates from President Donald Trump and some critics of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">immigration</a>.

The Pew Research Center's closely watched gauge rose from 11.8 million a year earlier and surpassed the previous high of 12.2 million in 2007. The increase was driven by some 6 million who were in the country with some form of legal protection. Trump has stripped many of those protections since taking office in January.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671577993523.png" alt="photo courtesy Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
                        <figcaption>photo courtesy Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By MIKE SCHNEIDER <br>Associated Press</p><p>The number of people in the United States illegally surged to an all-time high of 14 million in 2023, a research group said Thursday, a major increase that still falls well short of estimates from President Donald Trump and some critics of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">immigration</a>.</p><p>The Pew Research Center's closely watched gauge rose from 11.8 million a year earlier and surpassed the previous high of 12.2 million in 2007. The increase was driven by some 6 million who were in the country with some form of legal protection. Trump has stripped many of those protections since taking office in January.</p><p>Pew, whose estimates date back to 1990, said that, while 2023 is its latest full analysis, preliminary findings show the number rose in 2024, though at a slower rate after then-President Joe Biden severely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-border-asylum-mexico-immigration-deportations-43468ec3b154f478f726a62d07204a53">restricted asylum</a>&nbsp;at the border in June of that year. The number dropped this year under Trump, but is still likely above 14 million.</p><p>The overall U.S. immigrant population, regardless of legal status, reached an all-time high of more than 53 million in January 2025, accounting for a record 15.8% of the U.S. population. The number has since dropped, which Pew said would be the first time it has shrunk since the 1960s.</p><p>While the findings are unlikely to settle debate, Pew's report is one of the most complete attempts to measure illegal immigration. Nearly all the increase came from countries other than Mexico. Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and India accounted for the largest numbers after Mexico. Totals from Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Ukraine and Peru each more than doubled in two years.</p><p>Trump said in an address to Congress in March that 21 million people “poured into the United States” during the previous four years, far exceeding estimates from Pew and what figures on border arrests suggest. The Federation for American Immigration Reform, a group largely aligned with his policies, estimated 18.6 million in March.</p><p>The Center for Immigration Studies, a group that favors immigration restrictions, reported that there were 14.2 million people in the U.S. illegally last month, down from a peak of 15.8 million in January. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem touted the reported drop of 1.6 million in six months. “This is massive,” she said in a press release last week.</p><p>Noem's own department, through its Office of Homeland Security Statistics, estimates there were 11 million people in the U.S. illegally in 2022, its most recent count. The Center for Migration Studies, author of another closely watched survey, most recently pegged the number at 12.2 million in 2022, topping its previous high of 12 million in 2008.</p><p>Pew's findings, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau survey and Department of Homeland Security, reflect an increase in people crossing the border illegally to exercise&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-asylum-lawsuit-courts-d325740dd73f425309c66f89e670fd8f">rights to seek asylum</a>&nbsp;and Biden-era policies to grant temporary legal status. Those policies included a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-cbp-one-border-app-652854b5f2a4e6ccd6ee2ccc729cbb55">border appointment system</a>&nbsp;called CBP One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-supreme-court-immigration-deportation-8bc46820c6444fbb3540c09764e32905">and permits</a>&nbsp;for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans.</p><p>Trump has ended those policies and also sought to reverse Biden's expansion of Temporary Protected Status for people already in the United States whose countries are deemed unsafe to return to.</p><p>Mexicans were the largest nationality among people in the country illegally, a number that grew slightly to 4.3 million in 2023. The increase came almost entirely from other countries, totaling 9.7 million, up from 6.4 million two years earlier.</p><p>States with the largest numbers of people in the country illegally were, in order, California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey and Illinois, though Texas sharply narrowed its gap with California. Even with the increases in recent years, six states had smaller numbers in 2023 than in the previous peak in 2007: Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Oregon.</p><p>Pew estimated that a record 9.7 million people without legal status were in the workforce, or about 5.6% of the U.S. labor force in 2023, with Nevada, Florida, New Jersey and Texas having the largest shares.</p><p>___</p><p>Associated Press writer Elliot Spagat contributed. Follow Schneider on the social platform Bluesky:&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mikeysid.bsky.social">@mikeysid.bsky.social</a></p>