<b>By</b>&nbsp;<b>NICOLAS FIERRO<br></b><i>Salina Post</i><b></b>

SALINA — On a recent morning, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) and Fort Hays State University (FHSU) demonstrated techniques that allow law enforcement officers to respond effectively during traffic stops.

During a simulated traffic stop at the KHP Training Academy in Salina, KHP Lt. Gregory Etris along with Chair &amp; Professor of the Criminal Justice Program at FHSU, Dr. Tamara Lynn conducted a mock traffic stop scenario that displayed how officers should respond to certain people, depending on their personality/behavior. The technique falls under the&nbsp;<a href="https://discinsights.com/pages/disc-theory#:~:text=DISC%20theory%20is%20a%20model,leadership%20development%2C%20and%20hiring%20practices.">DISC Esoterica® model</a>, that is used to decipher different personality/behavior styles.

DISC Esoterica® model that entitles four different personality types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness; photo courtesy of KHP and FHSU

The&nbsp;<a href="https://discinsights.com/pages/disc-theory#:~:text=DISC%20theory%20is%20a%20model,leadership%20development%2C%20and%20hiring%20practices.">DISC Esoterica® model</a>&nbsp;falls under the umbrella of the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndtccenter.com/">National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) program</a>&nbsp;that is known to be 'the most comprehensive, innovative and evidence-based experiential program available for law enforcement professionals, around the country. NDTC training teaches officers to identify personality characteristic and traits quickly, in order to adjust their approach and maximize effective communication and interaction with an individual.

According to Fort Hays State University, the NDTC model helps trainees learn to:

• Respond in a procedurally just manner.

• Recognize individuals experiencing a mental and/or physical crisis.

• Apply behavior modeling to resolve potential conflicts.

• Recognize and respond to active and passive emotional states.

According to Dr. Lynn, FHSU offers the de-escalation training through its criminal justice program. Dr. Lynn describes that skills developed through the training at FHSU, will help students before they enter law enforcement as opposed to developing those skills through experiences as a professional officer.

"The troopers are trained to recognize a personality within seconds and start making those observations, even before they start walking up to the car," said Dr. Lynn. "This is the skill set we want the new cadets to get much earlier in their career."

KHP Public Resource Officer, Todd Hileman gave his comments on what he thinks about the training.

"Lt. Etris and I were talking about how for the first part of our career we had to learn this through experience, but now this is great that they (students) can get this experience in the classroom before going out into the field," said Hileman.

Lt. Etris trains new cadets in the KHP academy to conduct these scenarios,&nbsp; before they experience it in the real world. He describes what they teach throughout these sessions.

"We teach that being patient and allowing that energy to be used up by the individual prior to us making contact, works to our advantage because now that person has had a chance to vent out that emotion and now we can be able to have a normal conversation," said Lt. Etris. "The officer is going to want to acknowledge that emotion, because that acknowledgement helps open up that communication."

The model also helps reduce the stigma of decreasing the 'fear' that may arise within an individual, when law enforcement officers approach them during a traffic stop. Lt. Etris commented on what law enforcement professionals have discussed to reduce that stigma.

"We asked ourselves, what can we do to change the mindset of society when they do encounter law enforcement," said Lt. Etris. "This skill set allows you to better understand people and the better we can do that, I think we are able to resolve things more peacefully."

"It's all about how you approach, speak and treat them," said officer Hileman.

FHSU facilitates NDTC's four training modalities, including 8-hour de-escalation fundamentals (online or in person), 16-hour de-escalation and a 32-hour 'train the trainer program.' the FHSU criminal justice program and University Police facilitate the Central Region Training Center of the National de-escalation Training Center. Dr. Lynn coordinates with regions across the U.S. to facilitate training sessions to agencies from other areas.

For more information on FHSU's criminal justice program, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/criminaljustice/">https://www.fhsu.edu/criminaljustice/</a>

NDTC training is approved by the Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

For more information about NDTC, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://ndtccenter.com/about">https://ndtccenter.com/about</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751991215890.jpeg" alt="KHP Lt. Gregory Etris conducting a traffic stop scenario with Dr. Tamara Lynn,&nbsp; chair and professor of the FHSU Criminal Justice Program and NDTC Executive Council president), at the KHP Training Academy in Salina on Tuesday, July 1.&nbsp; Photo by Nicolas Fierro/ Salina Post" />
                        <figcaption>KHP Lt. Gregory Etris conducting a traffic stop scenario with Dr. Tamara Lynn,&nbsp; chair and professor of the FHSU Criminal Justice Program and NDTC Executive Council president), at the KHP Training Academy in Salina on Tuesday, July 1.&nbsp; Photo by Nicolas Fierro/ Salina Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By</b>&nbsp;<b>NICOLAS FIERRO<br></b><i>Salina Post</i><b></b></p><p>SALINA — On a recent morning, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) and Fort Hays State University (FHSU) demonstrated techniques that allow law enforcement officers to respond effectively during traffic stops.</p><p>During a simulated traffic stop at the KHP Training Academy in Salina, KHP Lt. Gregory Etris along with Chair &amp; Professor of the Criminal Justice Program at FHSU, Dr. Tamara Lynn conducted a mock traffic stop scenario that displayed how officers should respond to certain people, depending on their personality/behavior. The technique falls under the&nbsp;<a href="https://discinsights.com/pages/disc-theory#:~:text=DISC%20theory%20is%20a%20model,leadership%20development%2C%20and%20hiring%20practices.">DISC Esoterica® model</a>, that is used to decipher different personality/behavior styles.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751393254419.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>DISC Esoterica® model that entitles four different personality types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness; photo courtesy of KHP and FHSU</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://discinsights.com/pages/disc-theory#:~:text=DISC%20theory%20is%20a%20model,leadership%20development%2C%20and%20hiring%20practices.">DISC Esoterica® model</a>&nbsp;falls under the umbrella of the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndtccenter.com/">National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) program</a>&nbsp;that is known to be 'the most comprehensive, innovative and evidence-based experiential program available for law enforcement professionals, around the country. NDTC training teaches officers to identify personality characteristic and traits quickly, in order to adjust their approach and maximize effective communication and interaction with an individual.</p><p>According to Fort Hays State University, the NDTC model helps trainees learn to:</p><p>• Respond in a procedurally just manner.</p><p>• Recognize individuals experiencing a mental and/or physical crisis.</p><p>• Apply behavior modeling to resolve potential conflicts.</p><p>• Recognize and respond to active and passive emotional states.</p><p>According to Dr. Lynn, FHSU offers the de-escalation training through its criminal justice program. Dr. Lynn describes that skills developed through the training at FHSU, will help students before they enter law enforcement as opposed to developing those skills through experiences as a professional officer.</p><p>"The troopers are trained to recognize a personality within seconds and start making those observations, even before they start walking up to the car," said Dr. Lynn. "This is the skill set we want the new cadets to get much earlier in their career."</p><p>KHP Public Resource Officer, Todd Hileman gave his comments on what he thinks about the training.</p><p>"Lt. Etris and I were talking about how for the first part of our career we had to learn this through experience, but now this is great that they (students) can get this experience in the classroom before going out into the field," said Hileman.</p><p>Lt. Etris trains new cadets in the KHP academy to conduct these scenarios,&nbsp; before they experience it in the real world. He describes what they teach throughout these sessions.</p><p>"We teach that being patient and allowing that energy to be used up by the individual prior to us making contact, works to our advantage because now that person has had a chance to vent out that emotion and now we can be able to have a normal conversation," said Lt. Etris. "The officer is going to want to acknowledge that emotion, because that acknowledgement helps open up that communication."</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751402378288.jpeg" alt="KHP Lt. Gregory Etris and Dr. Tamara Lynn conducting a mock traffic stop for the de-escalation training at the KHP Academy in Salina on July 1. Photo by Nicolas Fierro/Salina Post" />
                        <figcaption>KHP Lt. Gregory Etris and Dr. Tamara Lynn conducting a mock traffic stop for the de-escalation training at the KHP Academy in Salina on July 1. Photo by Nicolas Fierro/Salina Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The model also helps reduce the stigma of decreasing the 'fear' that may arise within an individual, when law enforcement officers approach them during a traffic stop. Lt. Etris commented on what law enforcement professionals have discussed to reduce that stigma.</p><p>"We asked ourselves, what can we do to change the mindset of society when they do encounter law enforcement," said Lt. Etris. "This skill set allows you to better understand people and the better we can do that, I think we are able to resolve things more peacefully."</p><p>"It's all about how you approach, speak and treat them," said officer Hileman.</p><p>FHSU facilitates NDTC's four training modalities, including 8-hour de-escalation fundamentals (online or in person), 16-hour de-escalation and a 32-hour 'train the trainer program.' the FHSU criminal justice program and University Police facilitate the Central Region Training Center of the National de-escalation Training Center. Dr. Lynn coordinates with regions across the U.S. to facilitate training sessions to agencies from other areas.</p><p>For more information on FHSU's criminal justice program, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/criminaljustice/">https://www.fhsu.edu/criminaljustice/</a></p><p>NDTC training is approved by the Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).</p><p>For more information about NDTC, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://ndtccenter.com/about">https://ndtccenter.com/about</a></p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinapost%2Fvideos%2F1039377141676641%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" 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>

KHP/FHSU demonstrate technique allowing officers to respond effectively during traffic stops

AUGUSTA
– Brady Kreutzer hit the go-ahead homer in the fifth, Thomas Lyssy and CJ Reid both had
three hits and the Hays Larks beat the Kansas Cannons 9-5 Tuesday evening at Augusts
High School. The Larks scored single runs in the fourth and fifth to take the
lead then added two in the seventh and one in the ninth to run their winning
streak to four while handing the Cannons their sixth straight loss.

The
Larks (19-4-1) grabbed the early lead with a four-run third. A hit
batter followed by back-to-back singles from Reid and Kaleb Duncan loaded the
bases. Jackson Babcock drove in the first run with an infield single. Dylan
LaRue drove in the second run with a single to right, Lorenzo Rios walked then Brady
Kreutzer had a sacrifice fly.

The
Cannons (12-13-1) answered with five in the bottom of the inning to take a 5-4
lead, but the Larks came right back with single runs in fourth and fifth. Lane
Sparks sacrifice fly scored Duncan to tie the game 5-5 in the fourth. Brady
Kreutzer’s two-out solo home run to left gave them the lead for good.

Wilbert Espinal had an RBI double and Lyssy an RBI single in the seventh. Espinal
scored on a Duncan’s sacrifice fly in the ninth to cap the scoring.

Four
Larks pitchers combined to throw 6 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. Adrian
Najar (2-0) allowed one hit with five strikeouts and one walk over 2 2/3
innings and picked up the win. Paul Smith pitched two hitless innings with four
strikeouts, Lane Sparks and Trent Baker both pitched a hitless frame to close
out the game. 

Starter
Dylan Hill allowed five runs on three hits with five walks and no strikeouts.

The
five pitchers combined to strike out 14 Cannon batters.

The
Larks had 13 hits against the Cannons. It’s their 10th-straight game of double-digit
hits. The Larks have had 10 or more hits in 17 of their 24 games this season.

The
Larks begin a 10-game homestand to close out the regular season Thursday with the
first game of the four-game series with the Collegiate Roughriders.

<p><i>Hays Post Sports</i><i></i></p><p>AUGUSTA
– Brady Kreutzer hit the go-ahead homer in the fifth, Thomas Lyssy and CJ Reid both had
three hits and the Hays Larks beat the Kansas Cannons 9-5 Tuesday evening at Augusts
High School. The Larks scored single runs in the fourth and fifth to take the
lead then added two in the seventh and one in the ninth to run their winning
streak to four while handing the Cannons their sixth straight loss.</p><p>The
Larks (19-4-1) grabbed the early lead with a four-run third. A hit
batter followed by back-to-back singles from Reid and Kaleb Duncan loaded the
bases. Jackson Babcock drove in the first run with an infield single. Dylan
LaRue drove in the second run with a single to right, Lorenzo Rios walked then Brady
Kreutzer had a sacrifice fly.</p><p>The
Cannons (12-13-1) answered with five in the bottom of the inning to take a 5-4
lead, but the Larks came right back with single runs in fourth and fifth. Lane
Sparks sacrifice fly scored Duncan to tie the game 5-5 in the fourth. Brady
Kreutzer’s two-out solo home run to left gave them the lead for good.</p><p>Wilbert Espinal had an RBI double and Lyssy an RBI single in the seventh. Espinal
scored on a Duncan’s sacrifice fly in the ninth to cap the scoring.</p><p>Four
Larks pitchers combined to throw 6 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. Adrian
Najar (2-0) allowed one hit with five strikeouts and one walk over 2 2/3
innings and picked up the win. Paul Smith pitched two hitless innings with four
strikeouts, Lane Sparks and Trent Baker both pitched a hitless frame to close
out the game. </p><p>Starter
Dylan Hill allowed five runs on three hits with five walks and no strikeouts.</p><p>The
five pitchers combined to strike out 14 Cannon batters.</p><p>DOUBLE
DIGIT HITS</p><p>The
Larks had 13 hits against the Cannons. It’s their 10th-straight game of double-digit
hits. The Larks have had 10 or more hits in 17 of their 24 games this season.</p><p>UP
NEXT</p><p>The
Larks begin a 10-game homestand to close out the regular season Thursday with the
first game of the four-game series with the Collegiate Roughriders.</p>

⚾ Kreutzer homer, relief pitching carries Larks past Cannons

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Kansas Tourism is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Sunflower Summer program, inviting Kansas families to enjoy a season packed with unforgettable adventures across the state. Created especially for Kansas students and their families, the Sunflower Summer program offers complimentary admission to more than 230 attractions. The 2025 season opens Saturday, July 12, and runs through Sunday, August 3.

Participating attractions include museums, discovery centers, historic sites, arboretums, zoos and more. The full list of attractions participating in the 2025 Sunflower Summer program can be found on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsunflowersummer.org%2F/1/01010197eb44fb84-fa122b6c-4556-4c75-9f04-b127b7c14970-000000/Pzudf1q8DZNUSiQ8g6Y7YMNaF42-uM1VkbFclMtM5lg=412">SunflowerSummer.org</a>&nbsp;and on the mobile app.&nbsp;

Local participating tourism attractions include the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Ellis County Historical Society Museum and historic Fort Hays in Hays, Ellis Railroad Museum &amp; Doll Display and Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home and Museum in Ellis, the Trego County Historical Society Museum and Cedar Bluff Lake and State Park, WaKeeney, and the four museums in La Crosse operated by the Rush County Historical Society.

“Sunflower Summer is more than just a fun family outing – it’s an investment in our future,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By giving Kansas students the opportunity to experience the rich history, culture and natural beauty of our state, we’re helping the next generation fall in love with Kansas. At the same time, this program drives real economic impact to our communities by supporting local attractions and generating increased visitor spending.”

The Sunflower Summer program is open to all Kansas school-aged students, pre-K through 12th grade, including public, private and homeschooled. Out-of-state students and families are not eligible to participate. The program covers admission costs for eligible students and one adult guardian per attraction, per season. Tickets can be claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and redeemed at the venue upon arrival. You can download the Sunflower Summer app at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapps.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fsunflower-summer%2Fid1574268821/1/01010197eb44fb84-fa122b6c-4556-4c75-9f04-b127b7c14970-000000/tNmc9UEhWd65QiHY4fzHYa6f2-TBHWz6yY9hHAb6iIs=412">Apple App Store</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid=com.slcket.sunflower%26hl=en_US%26gl=US%26pli=1/1/01010197eb44fb84-fa122b6c-4556-4c75-9f04-b127b7c14970-000000/TEsDqoHSKdulfW0srISe2F0GkFCEDUHKVNeBay3W0Fk=412">Google Play Store</a>&nbsp;or at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsunflowersummer.org%2F/2/01010197eb44fb84-fa122b6c-4556-4c75-9f04-b127b7c14970-000000/4NE57uErpgqtV3K-et9tjg080Y8IQF57UrKbT0ec5xk=412">SunflowerSummer.org</a>.

“We are thrilled to launch another year of the growing and popular Sunflower Summer program,” said&nbsp;Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe. “This exciting lineup of attractions is designed to help Kansas families make the most of their summer—by exploring new places and creating unforgettable memories right here at home.”

To share your Sunflower Summer experiences on social media, use the hashtags&nbsp;#ToTheStarsKS&nbsp;and&nbsp;#SunflowerSummer&nbsp;as you post your travels. For more travel inspiration and tips about exploring Kansas, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.travelks.com%2F/1/01010197eb44fb84-fa122b6c-4556-4c75-9f04-b127b7c14970-000000/1bKcd28Qa0ECUvoDTrnNlBWkxky5jFt9A17lC-T72WU=412">TravelKS.com</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751999154628.png" alt="Kansas Tourism" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas Tourism</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Kansas Tourism</i></p><p>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Kansas Tourism is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Sunflower Summer program, inviting Kansas families to enjoy a season packed with unforgettable adventures across the state. Created especially for Kansas students and their families, the Sunflower Summer program offers complimentary admission to more than 230 attractions. The 2025 season opens Saturday, July 12, and runs through Sunday, August 3.</p><p>Participating attractions include museums, discovery centers, historic sites, arboretums, zoos and more. The full list of attractions participating in the 2025 Sunflower Summer program can be found on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsunflowersummer.org%2F/1/01010197eb44fb84-fa122b6c-4556-4c75-9f04-b127b7c14970-000000/Pzudf1q8DZNUSiQ8g6Y7YMNaF42-uM1VkbFclMtM5lg=412">SunflowerSummer.org</a>&nbsp;and on the mobile app.&nbsp;</p><p>Local participating tourism attractions include the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Ellis County Historical Society Museum and historic Fort Hays in Hays, Ellis Railroad Museum &amp; Doll Display and Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home and Museum in Ellis, the Trego County Historical Society Museum and Cedar Bluff Lake and State Park, WaKeeney, and the four museums in La Crosse operated by the Rush County Historical Society.</p><p>“Sunflower Summer is more than just a fun family outing – it’s an investment in our future,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By giving Kansas students the opportunity to experience the rich history, culture and natural beauty of our state, we’re helping the next generation fall in love with Kansas. At the same time, this program drives real economic impact to our communities by supporting local attractions and generating increased visitor spending.”</p><p>The Sunflower Summer program is open to all Kansas school-aged students, pre-K through 12th grade, including public, private and homeschooled. Out-of-state students and families are not eligible to participate. The program covers admission costs for eligible students and one adult guardian per attraction, per season. Tickets can be claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and redeemed at the venue upon arrival. You can download the Sunflower Summer app at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapps.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fsunflower-summer%2Fid1574268821/1/01010197eb44fb84-fa122b6c-4556-4c75-9f04-b127b7c14970-000000/tNmc9UEhWd65QiHY4fzHYa6f2-TBHWz6yY9hHAb6iIs=412">Apple App Store</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid=com.slcket.sunflower%26hl=en_US%26gl=US%26pli=1/1/01010197eb44fb84-fa122b6c-4556-4c75-9f04-b127b7c14970-000000/TEsDqoHSKdulfW0srISe2F0GkFCEDUHKVNeBay3W0Fk=412">Google Play Store</a>&nbsp;or at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsunflowersummer.org%2F/2/01010197eb44fb84-fa122b6c-4556-4c75-9f04-b127b7c14970-000000/4NE57uErpgqtV3K-et9tjg080Y8IQF57UrKbT0ec5xk=412">SunflowerSummer.org</a>.</p><p>“We are thrilled to launch another year of the growing and popular Sunflower Summer program,” said&nbsp;Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe. “This exciting lineup of attractions is designed to help Kansas families make the most of their summer—by exploring new places and creating unforgettable memories right here at home.”</p><p>To share your Sunflower Summer experiences on social media, use the hashtags&nbsp;#ToTheStarsKS&nbsp;and&nbsp;#SunflowerSummer&nbsp;as you post your travels. For more travel inspiration and tips about exploring Kansas, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.travelks.com%2F/1/01010197eb44fb84-fa122b6c-4556-4c75-9f04-b127b7c14970-000000/1bKcd28Qa0ECUvoDTrnNlBWkxky5jFt9A17lC-T72WU=412">TravelKS.com</a>.</p>

2025 Sunflower Summer free program opens Saturday; area tourism sites included

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MICHELLE%20CHAPMAN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MICHELLE CHAPMAN <br>AP Business Writer</a>

For the first time in almost 20 years, travelers may no longer be required to take off their shoes during security screenings at U.S. airports.

The Transportation Security Administration is looking to abandon the additional security step that has for years bedeviled anyone passing through U.S airports, according to media reports.

If implemented, it would put an end to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-sept-11-changed-flying-1ce4dc4282fb47a34c0b61ae09a024f4">security screening mandate</a>&nbsp;put in place almost 20 years ago, several years after “shoe bomber” Richard Reid’s failed attempt to take down a flight from Paris to Miami in late 2001.

The travel newsletter Gate Access was first to report that the security screening change is coming. ABC News reported on an internal memo sent to TSA officers last week that states the new policy allows travelers keep their shoes on during standard screenings at U.S. airports, beginning this Sunday.

The plan is for the change to occur at all U.S. airports soon, the memo said.

Travelers have been able to skirt the extra security requirement if they participate in the TSA PreCheck program, which costs around $80 for five years. The program allows airline passengers to get through the screening process without removing shoes, belts or light jackets.

Travelers who are 75 years old or older and those 12 or younger do not have to remove shoes at security checkpoints.

The TSA has not officially confirmed the reported security screening change yet.

“TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance passenger experience and our strong security posture,” a TSA spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. “Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels.”

The TSA began in 2001 when President George W. Bush signed legislation for its creation two months after the 9/11 attacks. The agency included federal airport screeners that replaced the private companies airlines had used to handle security.

Over the years the TSA has continued to look for ways to enhance its security measures, including testing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/facial-recognition-airport-screening-tsa-d8b6397c02afe16602c8d34409d1451f">facial recognition technology</a>&nbsp;and implementing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/real-id-travelers-tsa-when-deadline-f0923fe95923e9675d556ee7e08df326">Real ID</a>&nbsp;requirements.

One of the most prominent friction points for travelers is the TSA at screening checkpoints. Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy asked the public in an April social media post what would make travel more seamless.

The following day, Duffy posted on X that, “It’s very clear that TSA is the #1 travel complaint. That falls under the Department of Homeland Security. I’ll discuss this with @Sec_Noem,” Duffy wrote in a post on X the following day.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will host a press conference Tuesday evening at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to announce a new TSA policy “that will make screening easier for passengers, improve traveler satisfaction, and reduce wait times,” her agency said.

Trump fired TSA Administrator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coast-guard-homeland-security-priorities-committees-trump-tsa-d3e4398c8871ada8d0590859442e092c">David Pekoske</a>&nbsp;in January in the middle of a second five-year term, though he was appointed by Trump during his first term in the White House. Pekoske was reappointed by President Joe Biden.

No reason was given for Pekoske’s departure. The administrator position remains vacant, according to the TSA website.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751991225001.png" alt="Photo TSA" />
                        <figcaption>Photo TSA</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MICHELLE%20CHAPMAN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MICHELLE CHAPMAN <br>AP Business Writer</a></p><p>For the first time in almost 20 years, travelers may no longer be required to take off their shoes during security screenings at U.S. airports.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (<a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sec_Noem</a>): &quot;TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes when they go through our security checkpoints.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/BlGmEJRcNY">pic.twitter.com/BlGmEJRcNY</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1942696991298846746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The Transportation Security Administration is looking to abandon the additional security step that has for years bedeviled anyone passing through U.S airports, according to media reports.</p><p>If implemented, it would put an end to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-sept-11-changed-flying-1ce4dc4282fb47a34c0b61ae09a024f4">security screening mandate</a>&nbsp;put in place almost 20 years ago, several years after “shoe bomber” Richard Reid’s failed attempt to take down a flight from Paris to Miami in late 2001.</p><p>The travel newsletter Gate Access was first to report that the security screening change is coming. ABC News reported on an internal memo sent to TSA officers last week that states the new policy allows travelers keep their shoes on during standard screenings at U.S. airports, beginning this Sunday.</p><p>The plan is for the change to occur at all U.S. airports soon, the memo said.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751991473798.png" alt="Photo TSA" />
                        <figcaption>Photo TSA</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Travelers have been able to skirt the extra security requirement if they participate in the TSA PreCheck program, which costs around $80 for five years. The program allows airline passengers to get through the screening process without removing shoes, belts or light jackets.</p><p>Travelers who are 75 years old or older and those 12 or younger do not have to remove shoes at security checkpoints.</p><p>The TSA has not officially confirmed the reported security screening change yet.</p><p>“TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance passenger experience and our strong security posture,” a TSA spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. “Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels.”</p><p>The TSA began in 2001 when President George W. Bush signed legislation for its creation two months after the 9/11 attacks. The agency included federal airport screeners that replaced the private companies airlines had used to handle security.</p><p>Over the years the TSA has continued to look for ways to enhance its security measures, including testing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/facial-recognition-airport-screening-tsa-d8b6397c02afe16602c8d34409d1451f">facial recognition technology</a>&nbsp;and implementing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/real-id-travelers-tsa-when-deadline-f0923fe95923e9675d556ee7e08df326">Real ID</a>&nbsp;requirements.</p><p>One of the most prominent friction points for travelers is the TSA at screening checkpoints. Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy asked the public in an April social media post what would make travel more seamless.</p><p>The following day, Duffy posted on X that, “It’s very clear that TSA is the #1 travel complaint. That falls under the Department of Homeland Security. I’ll discuss this with @Sec_Noem,” Duffy wrote in a post on X the following day.</p><p>Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will host a press conference Tuesday evening at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to announce a new TSA policy “that will make screening easier for passengers, improve traveler satisfaction, and reduce wait times,” her agency said.</p><p>Trump fired TSA Administrator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coast-guard-homeland-security-priorities-committees-trump-tsa-d3e4398c8871ada8d0590859442e092c">David Pekoske</a>&nbsp;in January in the middle of a second five-year term, though he was appointed by Trump during his first term in the White House. Pekoske was reappointed by President Joe Biden.</p><p>No reason was given for Pekoske’s departure. The administrator position remains vacant, according to the TSA website.</p>

🎥TSA explains new no shoe removal policy at airport security

HARVEY COUNTY —Police in the Harvey County community of Hesston are reminding the public not to shoot dogs and cats with a BB gun/

In a social media post on Monday, police wrote, "really shouldn’t have to post this.  But here it goes.  You shouldn’t shoot dogs or cats with BB guns, or anything for that matter."

 As a reminder discharge of a BB Gun in the City Limits is a Class C Misdemeanor, section 10.6 of the UPOC.  Cruelty to Animals is either a Class A misdemeanor , Section 11.1 or a Felony K.S.A. 21-6412."

"If you have a problem with an animal in town, especially cats or dogs, the Police Department has live traps that you can catch the offenders with and take them to the Vet at no cost to you."

"The Hesston Police Department contracts with the Hesston Vet to act as our kennel for animals picked up.  Also allowing your pet to run at large off of your property is also in violation of City of Hesston code 2-117. This includes cats and dogs."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751975827032.png" alt="Post photo" />
                        <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HARVEY COUNTY —Police in the Harvey County community of Hesston are reminding the public not to shoot dogs and cats with a BB gun/</p><p>In a social media post on Monday, police wrote, "really shouldn’t have to post this.  But here it goes.  You shouldn’t shoot dogs or cats with BB guns, or anything for that matter."</p><p> As a reminder discharge of a BB Gun in the City Limits is a Class C Misdemeanor, section 10.6 of the UPOC.  Cruelty to Animals is either a Class A misdemeanor , Section 11.1 or a Felony K.S.A. 21-6412."</p><p>"If you have a problem with an animal in town, especially cats or dogs, the Police Department has live traps that you can catch the offenders with and take them to the Vet at no cost to you."</p><p>"The Hesston Police Department contracts with the Hesston Vet to act as our kennel for animals picked up.  Also allowing your pet to run at large off of your property is also in violation of City of Hesston code 2-117. This includes cats and dogs."</p>

Police remind residents not to shoot dogs, cats with BB gun

<b>By TONY GUERRERO<br></b><i>Hays Post</i>

Ride through history Saturday with the Tour Die Kapellen, a cycling tour showcasing the rich Volga-German heritage of Ellis County.

The sixth-annual Tour of Chapels features stops at St. Catherine Church in Catherine, the Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria, Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer and St. Francis Church in Munjor.

Kay Werth, president of the Hays Area Bicyclists, said the tour began in 2019 as a partnership between the rural communities, the Hays Symphony and the Hays CVB.

"It's interesting this year that the demographics of our tour are almost 50% of the people that are doing the bike ride are over 65 years," Werth said. "People think that it's just for young and active people but it is a very doable sport to keep their wellness regimen going."

The event offers several route options from 15 to 100 miles, all starting at Hays Municipal Park, 100 Main St., along with a bus tour, live music and homemade meals. New this year are optional church stops and the ability to create custom routes.

The 15-mile beginner route begins at 8:45 a.m. and will be guided by three experienced cyclists, with a stop in Munjor to hear violinist Rigo Murillo perform at the chapel.

All routes from 30 to 100 miles will depart from the downtown park at 7 a.m., except for the 54-mile mixed surface route, which starts at 7 a.m.

The Ellis County Sheriff's Department will provide an escort out of Hays for those cycling 30 miles or more at 7 a.m.

Werth said new optional stops along the routes include St. Ann Catholic Church in Walker, Our Lady Help of Christians in Antonino and St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen.

The bus tour, starting at the park at 8 a.m., will visit the same churches featured on the bike routes and pass by landmarks such as George Grant’s Villa, the Old Walker Air Base and the ruins of Emmeram Church.

Jerry Braun, a descendant of Volga Germans and Ellis County Historian, will guide the bus tour. Werth advises against drivers following cyclists in their own vehicles for safety.

Werth said around 200 participants have signed up across all routes. Bike ride registration is still open until the day of the event, from 6 to 6:45 a.m., for a $60 fee that includes a post-ride German meal, a T-shirt, and a swag bag.

Announcements, National Anthem and Invocation are at 6:45 a.m.

The bus is currently full, but Werth said those interested can check for cancellations or last-minute openings. You can learn more by reaching out at&nbsp;haysareabicyclists@gmail.com.

The afterparty runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes piggies in a blanket, bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes, dumplings, and Kuchen and Spitzbuben for dessert. The Hot Shots of Pfeifer will play polka music.

Drinks will be available from Defiance Local Brewery Co., Budweiser and Coors, with non-alcoholic options also offered. Boxed lunches will be provided for participants who miss the scheduled meal time.

Saturday’s forecast predicts partly sunny skies with a high around 86 degrees and a 20% chance of showers.

Werth gave thanks to Auto World Inc., The University of Kansas Health System, Werth Wealth Management, Ellis County Abstract &amp; Title Co. and&nbsp;Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.

You can follow the Hays Area Bicyclists on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/haysareabicyclists">Facebook&nbsp;</a>and visit the Tour Die Kapellen's&nbsp;<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/">website</a>&nbsp;for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751904575709.jpeg" alt="Start and finish line for the 2025 Tour Die Kapellen. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Start and finish line for the 2025 Tour Die Kapellen. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By TONY GUERRERO<br></b><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Ride through history Saturday with the Tour Die Kapellen, a cycling tour showcasing the rich Volga-German heritage of Ellis County.</p><p>The sixth-annual Tour of Chapels features stops at St. Catherine Church in Catherine, the Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria, Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer and St. Francis Church in Munjor.</p><p>Kay Werth, president of the Hays Area Bicyclists, said the tour began in 2019 as a partnership between the rural communities, the Hays Symphony and the Hays CVB.</p><p>"It's interesting this year that the demographics of our tour are almost 50% of the people that are doing the bike ride are over 65 years," Werth said. "People think that it's just for young and active people but it is a very doable sport to keep their wellness regimen going."</p><p>The event offers several route options from 15 to 100 miles, all starting at Hays Municipal Park, 100 Main St., along with a bus tour, live music and homemade meals. New this year are optional church stops and the ability to create custom routes.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751904220668.png" alt="30 to 100-mile bike routes for the 2025&nbsp;Tour Die Kapellen. Courtesy images" />
                        <figcaption>30 to 100-mile bike routes for the 2025&nbsp;Tour Die Kapellen. Courtesy images</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The 15-mile beginner route begins at 8:45 a.m. and will be guided by three experienced cyclists, with a stop in Munjor to hear violinist Rigo Murillo perform at the chapel.</p><p>All routes from 30 to 100 miles will depart from the downtown park at 7 a.m., except for the 54-mile mixed surface route, which starts at 7 a.m.</p><p>The Ellis County Sheriff's Department will provide an escort out of Hays for those cycling 30 miles or more at 7 a.m.</p><p>Werth said new optional stops along the routes include St. Ann Catholic Church in Walker, Our Lady Help of Christians in Antonino and St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751904466208.png" alt="The 54-mile gravel route for the 2025&nbsp;Tour Die Kapellen. Courtesy image" />
                        <figcaption>The 54-mile gravel route for the 2025&nbsp;Tour Die Kapellen. Courtesy image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The bus tour, starting at the park at 8 a.m., will visit the same churches featured on the bike routes and pass by landmarks such as George Grant’s Villa, the Old Walker Air Base and the ruins of Emmeram Church.</p><p>Jerry Braun, a descendant of Volga Germans and Ellis County Historian, will guide the bus tour. Werth advises against drivers following cyclists in their own vehicles for safety.</p><p>Werth said around 200 participants have signed up across all routes. Bike ride registration is still open until the day of the event, from 6 to 6:45 a.m., for a $60 fee that includes a post-ride German meal, a T-shirt, and a swag bag.</p><p>Announcements, National Anthem and Invocation are at 6:45 a.m.</p><p>The bus is currently full, but Werth said those interested can check for cancellations or last-minute openings. You can learn more by reaching out at&nbsp;haysareabicyclists@gmail.com.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751904631684.jpeg" alt="St. Catherine Church at Catharine. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>St. Catherine Church at Catharine. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751904725776.jpeg" alt="St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The afterparty runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes piggies in a blanket, bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes, dumplings, and Kuchen and Spitzbuben for dessert. The Hot Shots of Pfeifer will play polka music.</p><p>Drinks will be available from Defiance Local Brewery Co., Budweiser and Coors, with non-alcoholic options also offered. Boxed lunches will be provided for participants who miss the scheduled meal time.</p><p>Saturday’s forecast predicts partly sunny skies with a high around 86 degrees and a 20% chance of showers.</p><p>Werth gave thanks to Auto World Inc., The University of Kansas Health System, Werth Wealth Management, Ellis County Abstract &amp; Title Co. and&nbsp;Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.</p><p>You can follow the Hays Area Bicyclists on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/haysareabicyclists">Facebook&nbsp;</a>and visit the Tour Die Kapellen's&nbsp;<a href="https://tourdiekapellen.com/">website</a>&nbsp;for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751904775980.jpeg" alt="Attendees dance as The Joe Dolezal Polka Band plays at the 2025 Tour Die Kapellen. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
                        <figcaption>Attendees dance as The Joe Dolezal Polka Band plays at the 2025 Tour Die Kapellen. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
                    </figure>

Tour Die Kapellen set to ride through Ellis County Saturday

<b>By TONY GUERRERO</b><br><i>Hays Post</i>

The Ellis County Commission will hear 2026 funding recommendations from the Ellis County Care Council during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday.

The recommendations are for outside agencies requesting county support in the 2026 budget. The proposed total funding amount is $160,955 based on 3/10ths of a mill from the 2024 mill levy.

If approved in the final budget, the funding would be available for disbursement in January 2026.

Ellis County is rolling out a new mass notification system from Everbridge to improve emergency communications.

The commission will hear an overview of the system’s deployment and features. It is intended to replace the previous CivicPlus system, which has low public participation.

The commission will discuss the 2026 mill levy and long-term financial planning for the county. Commissioner Michael Berges suggested adding one to two mills to the levy to help fund future projects and maintain current services in the case of state legislation restricting the county’s financial flexibility.

No decision is needed at this meeting. As the budget continues to move forward, the increase can be removed if the commission decides to do so before finalizing the budget.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07082025-683">here</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
                        <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By TONY GUERRERO</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The Ellis County Commission will hear 2026 funding recommendations from the Ellis County Care Council during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday.</p><p>The recommendations are for outside agencies requesting county support in the 2026 budget. The proposed total funding amount is $160,955 based on 3/10ths of a mill from the 2024 mill levy.</p><p>If approved in the final budget, the funding would be available for disbursement in January 2026.</p><h2>Everbridge mass notification system</h2><p>Ellis County is rolling out a new mass notification system from Everbridge to improve emergency communications.</p><p>The commission will hear an overview of the system’s deployment and features. It is intended to replace the previous CivicPlus system, which has low public participation.</p><h2>2026 mill levy discussion</h2><p>The commission will discuss the 2026 mill levy and long-term financial planning for the county. Commissioner Michael Berges suggested adding one to two mills to the levy to help fund future projects and maintain current services in the case of state legislation restricting the county’s financial flexibility.</p><p>No decision is needed at this meeting. As the budget continues to move forward, the increase can be removed if the commission decides to do so before finalizing the budget.</p><p>You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07082025-683">here</a>.</p>

Ellis County Commission to hear CARE Council recommendations

HAYS – Paul Smith had three hits and Thomas Lyssy drove in three runs to lead the Hays Larks to an 8-3 win over the Newton Rebels in a non-league game Monday night at Larks Park.

Lyssy’s two-run single highlighted a three-run third which gave the Larks a 3-1 lead. Hays (18-4-1) scored four in the fourth to blow the game open. Lane Sparks opened the inning with a walk then eventually stole home. Smith added a two-run single and Lyssy an RBI single to push the lead to 7-1.

Newton (6-20) scored two on a home run and sacrifice fly in the fifth to cut the lead to 7-3. The Larks tacked on a run on an RBI double from Jackson Babcock in the seventh.

Starter Jordan Stribling (1-1) allowed one run on one hit with four strikeouts and two walks over three innings and was awarded the win. Ryan Hanks gave up two runs on two hits over two innings of relief. Nolan Wilson and Dalton Campbell both pitched a scoreless inning then Julio Romas allowed one hit with a couple of strikeouts in the final two frames.

The Larks had 13 hits on the night and drew seven walks. Meanwhile their pitching staff struck out 13 Rebel batters while walking only two.

The Larks play their final road game of the season Tuesday in Augusta against the Kansas Cannons. They then return home Thursday to begin a 10-game homestand to close out the regular season.

There was only one league game Monday. The Denver Cougars defeated the Collegiate Roughriders 18-10. The Larks now have a four-game lead over the Roughriders in the RMBL standings.

<p><i>Hays Post Sports</i></p><p>HAYS – Paul Smith had three hits and Thomas Lyssy drove in three runs to lead the Hays Larks to an 8-3 win over the Newton Rebels in a non-league game Monday night at Larks Park.</p><p>Lyssy’s two-run single highlighted a three-run third which gave the Larks a 3-1 lead. Hays (18-4-1) scored four in the fourth to blow the game open. Lane Sparks opened the inning with a walk then eventually stole home. Smith added a two-run single and Lyssy an RBI single to push the lead to 7-1.</p><p>Newton (6-20) scored two on a home run and sacrifice fly in the fifth to cut the lead to 7-3. The Larks tacked on a run on an RBI double from Jackson Babcock in the seventh.</p><p>Starter Jordan Stribling (1-1) allowed one run on one hit with four strikeouts and two walks over three innings and was awarded the win. Ryan Hanks gave up two runs on two hits over two innings of relief. Nolan Wilson and Dalton Campbell both pitched a scoreless inning then Julio Romas allowed one hit with a couple of strikeouts in the final two frames.</p><p>The Larks had 13 hits on the night and drew seven walks. Meanwhile their pitching staff struck out 13 Rebel batters while walking only two.</p><p>UP NEXT</p><p>The Larks play their final road game of the season Tuesday in Augusta against the Kansas Cannons. They then return home Thursday to begin a 10-game homestand to close out the regular season.</p><p>AROUND THE RMBL</p><p>There was only one league game Monday. The Denver Cougars defeated the Collegiate Roughriders 18-10. The Larks now have a four-game lead over the Roughriders in the RMBL standings.</p>

⚾ Larks pound out 13 hits in win over Rebels

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;did not maintain a “client list,” the Justice Department acknowledged Monday as it said no more files related to the wealthy financier's sex trafficking investigation would be made public&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-pam-bondi-trump-1a6af3e9fa1cfb6d267985a971a4929a">despite promises from Attorney General Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;that had raised the expectations of conservative influencers and conspiracy theorists.

The acknowledgment that the well-connected Epstein did not have a list of clients to whom underage girls were trafficked represents a public walk-back of a theory that the Trump administration had helped promote, with Bondi suggesting in a Fox News interview earlier this year that such a document was “sitting on my desk” for review.

Even as it released video from inside a New York jail&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">meant to definitively prove that Epstein killed himself</a>, the department also said in a memo that it was refusing to disclose other evidence investigators had collected. Bondi for weeks had suggested more material was going to be revealed — "It’s a new administration and everything is going to come out to the public,” she said at one point — after a first document dump she had hyped angered President Donald Trump's base by failing to deliver revelations.

That episode, in which far-right influencers were invited to the White House in February and provided with binders marked “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” and “Declassified" that contained documents that had largely already been in the public domain, has spurred conservative internet personalities to sharply criticize Bondi.

After the first release fell flat, Bondi said officials were poring over a “truckload” of previously withheld evidence she said had been handed over by the FBI. In a March TV interview, she claimed the Biden administration “sat on these documents, no one did anything with them,” adding: “Sadly these people don’t believe in transparency, but I think more unfortunately, I think a lot of them don’t believe in honesty.”

But after a months-long review of evidence in the government's possession, the Justice Department determined that no “further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted,” the memo says. The department noted that much of the material was placed under seal by a court to protect victims and “only a fraction" of it “would have been aired publicly had Epstein gone to trial.”

“One of our highest priorities is combatting child exploitation and bringing justice to victims," the memo says. "Perpetuating unfounded theories about Epstein serves neither of those ends."

The two-page memo bore the logos of the Justice Department and the FBI but was not signed by any individual official.

Conservatives who have sought proof of a government coverup of Epstein’s activities and death expressed outrage Monday over the department's position. Far-right influencer Jack Posobiec posted: “We were all told more was coming. That answers were out there and would be provided. Incredible how utterly mismanaged this Epstein mess has been. And it didn’t have to be.”

Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones wrote that “next the DOJ will say ‘Actually, Jeffrey Epstein never even existed,'” calling it “over the top sickening.” Elon Musk shared a series of photos of a clown applying makeup appearing to mock Bondi for saying the client list doesn't exist after suggesting months ago that it was on her desk.

The client list hubbub began when Bondi was asked in a Fox News interview whether the department would release such a document.

She replied: “It's sitting on my desk right now to review.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Justice Department spokesperson Chad Gilmartin said Monday that Bondi was referring to the overall Epstein case files.

Among the evidence that the Justice Department said Monday it has in its possession, and will not be releasing, are images of Epstein, “images and videos of victims who are either minors or appear to be minors,” and more than 10,000 "downloaded videos and images of illegal child sex abuse material and other pornography.”

The memo does not explain when or the videos were located, who and what they depict and whether they were newly found as investigators scoured their collection of evidence or were known for some time to have been in the government’s possession.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-jeffrey-epstein-pam-bondi-trump-fa39193d5b5ff91970428bf077a5ce44">The Associated Press published a story last week</a>&nbsp;about unanswered questions surrounding possible video evidence after Bondi cited the existence of “tens of thousands” of videos that she said showed Epstein “with children or child porn.”

Multiple people who participated in the criminal cases of Epstein and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-sex-trafficking-conviction-2e090610b579c8313bea7c31174ae0c4">socialite former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell</a>&nbsp;told AP that they had not seen and did not know of a trove of recordings along the lines of what Bondi had referenced. Indictments and detention memos also don’t allege the existence of video recordings and neither Epstein nor Maxwell were charged with possession of child sex abuse material even though that would have been easier for prosecutors to prove than the sex trafficking counts they faced.

The AP did find reference in a filing in a civil lawsuit to the discovery by the Epstein estate of videos and pictures that could constitute child sex abuse material, but lawyers involved in that case said a protective order prevents them from discovering the specifics of that evidence and the Justice Department did not respond to a detailed list of questions from AP about the videos Bondi was referencing.

Epstein was found dead in his jail cell in August 2019, weeks after his arrest on sex trafficking charges, in a suicide that foreclosed the possibility of a trial.

The department’s disclosure that Epstein took his own life is hardly a revelation even though conspiracy theorists have continued to challenge that conclusion.

In November 2019, for instance,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-politics-new-york-business-suicides-4ff27f28f32d446795b65ac7dd8cc4ac">then-Attorney General William Barr told the AP</a>&nbsp;that he had reviewed security footage that revealed that no one entered the area where Epstein was housed on the night he died, and expressed confidence that Epstein's death was a suicide.

More recently,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-assassination-trump-fbi-conspiracies-aaeb07814bb8b6b3fe595f5b68e4163a">FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino</a>&nbsp;have insisted in television and podcast interviews that the evidence was clear that Epstein had killed himself.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740682539079.png" alt="Jack Posobiec hold up a binder with a cover titled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1" at the White House, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)" />
                        <figcaption>Jack Posobiec hold up a binder with a cover titled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1" at the White House, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;did not maintain a “client list,” the Justice Department acknowledged Monday as it said no more files related to the wealthy financier's sex trafficking investigation would be made public&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-pam-bondi-trump-1a6af3e9fa1cfb6d267985a971a4929a">despite promises from Attorney General Pam Bondi</a>&nbsp;that had raised the expectations of conservative influencers and conspiracy theorists.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/pdoocy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pdoocy</a>: What happened to the Epstein client list that the Attorney General said she had on her desk?<br><br>.<a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a>: She was saying the entirety of all of the paper work all of the paper in relation to Jeffrey Epstein&#39;s crimes, that&#39;s what the Attorney General was referring to. <a href="https://t.co/tarThtKDCX">pic.twitter.com/tarThtKDCX</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1942280181890023756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The acknowledgment that the well-connected Epstein did not have a list of clients to whom underage girls were trafficked represents a public walk-back of a theory that the Trump administration had helped promote, with Bondi suggesting in a Fox News interview earlier this year that such a document was “sitting on my desk” for review.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry" />
                        <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Even as it released video from inside a New York jail&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">meant to definitively prove that Epstein killed himself</a>, the department also said in a memo that it was refusing to disclose other evidence investigators had collected. Bondi for weeks had suggested more material was going to be revealed — "It’s a new administration and everything is going to come out to the public,” she said at one point — after a first document dump she had hyped angered President Donald Trump's base by failing to deliver revelations.</p><p>That episode, in which far-right influencers were invited to the White House in February and provided with binders marked “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” and “Declassified" that contained documents that had largely already been in the public domain, has spurred conservative internet personalities to sharply criticize Bondi.</p><p>After the first release fell flat, Bondi said officials were poring over a “truckload” of previously withheld evidence she said had been handed over by the FBI. In a March TV interview, she claimed the Biden administration “sat on these documents, no one did anything with them,” adding: “Sadly these people don’t believe in transparency, but I think more unfortunately, I think a lot of them don’t believe in honesty.”</p><p>But after a months-long review of evidence in the government's possession, the Justice Department determined that no “further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted,” the memo says. The department noted that much of the material was placed under seal by a court to protect victims and “only a fraction" of it “would have been aired publicly had Epstein gone to trial.”</p><p>“One of our highest priorities is combatting child exploitation and bringing justice to victims," the memo says. "Perpetuating unfounded theories about Epstein serves neither of those ends."</p><p>The two-page memo bore the logos of the Justice Department and the FBI but was not signed by any individual official.</p><p>Conservatives who have sought proof of a government coverup of Epstein’s activities and death expressed outrage Monday over the department's position. Far-right influencer Jack Posobiec posted: “We were all told more was coming. That answers were out there and would be provided. Incredible how utterly mismanaged this Epstein mess has been. And it didn’t have to be.”</p><p>Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones wrote that “next the DOJ will say ‘Actually, Jeffrey Epstein never even existed,'” calling it “over the top sickening.” Elon Musk shared a series of photos of a clown applying makeup appearing to mock Bondi for saying the client list doesn't exist after suggesting months ago that it was on her desk.</p><p>The client list hubbub began when Bondi was asked in a Fox News interview whether the department would release such a document.</p><p>She replied: “It's sitting on my desk right now to review.”</p><p>White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Justice Department spokesperson Chad Gilmartin said Monday that Bondi was referring to the overall Epstein case files.</p><p>Among the evidence that the Justice Department said Monday it has in its possession, and will not be releasing, are images of Epstein, “images and videos of victims who are either minors or appear to be minors,” and more than 10,000 "downloaded videos and images of illegal child sex abuse material and other pornography.”</p><p>The memo does not explain when or the videos were located, who and what they depict and whether they were newly found as investigators scoured their collection of evidence or were known for some time to have been in the government’s possession.</p><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-jeffrey-epstein-pam-bondi-trump-fa39193d5b5ff91970428bf077a5ce44">The Associated Press published a story last week</a>&nbsp;about unanswered questions surrounding possible video evidence after Bondi cited the existence of “tens of thousands” of videos that she said showed Epstein “with children or child porn.”</p><p>Multiple people who participated in the criminal cases of Epstein and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-sex-trafficking-conviction-2e090610b579c8313bea7c31174ae0c4">socialite former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell</a>&nbsp;told AP that they had not seen and did not know of a trove of recordings along the lines of what Bondi had referenced. Indictments and detention memos also don’t allege the existence of video recordings and neither Epstein nor Maxwell were charged with possession of child sex abuse material even though that would have been easier for prosecutors to prove than the sex trafficking counts they faced.</p><p>The AP did find reference in a filing in a civil lawsuit to the discovery by the Epstein estate of videos and pictures that could constitute child sex abuse material, but lawyers involved in that case said a protective order prevents them from discovering the specifics of that evidence and the Justice Department did not respond to a detailed list of questions from AP about the videos Bondi was referencing.</p><p>Epstein was found dead in his jail cell in August 2019, weeks after his arrest on sex trafficking charges, in a suicide that foreclosed the possibility of a trial.</p><p>The department’s disclosure that Epstein took his own life is hardly a revelation even though conspiracy theorists have continued to challenge that conclusion.</p><p>In November 2019, for instance,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-politics-new-york-business-suicides-4ff27f28f32d446795b65ac7dd8cc4ac">then-Attorney General William Barr told the AP</a>&nbsp;that he had reviewed security footage that revealed that no one entered the area where Epstein was housed on the night he died, and expressed confidence that Epstein's death was a suicide.</p><p>More recently,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-assassination-trump-fbi-conspiracies-aaeb07814bb8b6b3fe595f5b68e4163a">FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino</a>&nbsp;have insisted in television and podcast interviews that the evidence was clear that Epstein had killed himself.</p>

🎥White House responds to DOJ report Epstein 'client list' doesn't exist

KERR COUNTY, Texas (AP)—A July Fourth weekend deluge in Texas caused&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flash-flood-texas-camp-mystic-aec9181a07d3ce8ff85197922e108b13">catastrophic flash flooding</a>&nbsp;that has killed at least 89 people.

Camp Mystic in Kerr County says Monday morning that it is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-flash-flood-severe-weather-camp-mystic-ef8e596833b145fef61451db92f32609">“grieving the loss”</a>&nbsp;of 27 campers and counselors as the search continues for victims of the disaster. The flooding sent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thunderstorms-texas-deaths-camp-mystic-trees-hail-e8a4c85c77f714c9a974e50f3cd1fca1">a wall of water</a>&nbsp;through the century-old summer camp Friday.

The risk of life-threatening flooding was still high in central Texas with more rain on the way.

The Texas Hill Country is home to several summer camps. Searchers there have found the bodies of 75 people, including 27 children. Fourteen other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-floods-missing-hill-country-victims-camp-68b25cdb4d72f7eddff576af4ef7d400">deaths have been reported</a>&nbsp;in other parts of Texas.

Tavia Hunt, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, is mourning the loss of lives.

In a post on Instagram, Hunt mourned the loss of so many lives, “including a precious little Hunt cousin, along with several friend’s little girls.” She did not provide the victims’ names.

Twin sisters, 8, were among those killed at Camp Mystic

Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence of Dallas had just finished second grade, their parents said.

“Hanna and Rebecca brought so much joy to us, to their big sister Harper, and to so many others,” John and Lacy Lawrence said in a statement. “We will find ways to keep that joy, and to continue to spread it for them. But we are devastated that the bond we shared with them, and that they shared with each other, is now frozen in time. “

David Lawrence, the girls’ grandfather and former publisher of the Miami Herald, said “it has been an unimaginable time for all of us.” He said the girls gave their family, including their sister, joy.

“They and that joy can never be forgotten,” he said in a statement.

Trump to tour flood-devasted Texas later this week

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says the president will be visiting the devastating flooding “later this week.”

She called what happened a “once in a generation national disaster” and urged “everyone in the area to remain vigilant, listen to all warnings and respond accordingly.”

Leavitt said the visit would likely come Friday, but that no final decision had been made.

She also bristled at suggestions that deep Trump administration cuts to federal services may have affected authorities’ response to the flooding.

She blamed Democrats and said that faulting “President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie” and insisted that the National Weather Service “did its job” in spreading warnings about possible catastrophic funding.

Volunteers start their own search after being turned away

After being turned away from rescue efforts near Kerriville, the volunteers launched their own search in Center Point about 10 miles (16 kilometers) away from the most severe flooding.

“This morning, we showed up and basically the government has taken our site and the civilians working in there,” said Cord Shiflet, one of the civilian volunteers spearheading the effort.

About 150 people are hacking through flattened and muddy brush and combing through debris near the Guadalupe River, according to Shiflet.

Louisiana has sent 14 rescue workers to Texas to help

“Louisiana stands with Texas, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to assist in their recovery,” Gov. Jeff Landry said.

Rep. August Pfluger says 2 of his daughters were evacuated from Camp Mystic

“The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors,” the Texas Republican wrote over the weekend.

A staffer in his office didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Donations and volunteers are being directed to local groups

Those wanting to support relief and recovery efforts should donate to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, officials said during a news conference.

The nonprofit’s website says it will “direct funds to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief and recovery efforts.”

Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice and Mayor Joe Herring said that while there was a continued need for volunteers, those looking to help should first register with the Kerrville Salvation Army.

“We need focused and coordinated volunteers, not random people showing up and doing what they do,” said Herring.

Moisture powered the storm from many directions

The warm water of the Gulf&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-flash-flood-hill-country-climate-change-6f16e4c4413c3795094553269f059120">fueled the moist atmosphere</a>, and even more moisture came from areas over the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Remnants of moisture from Tropical Storm Barry also lingered over Texas because the jet stream, a current of air that moves weather patterns, wasn’t there to push it away.

The combination gave the storm plenty of fuel once it got started.

Meteorologists said that an atmosphere warmed by human-caused&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/climate-change">climate change</a>&nbsp;can hold more moisture and allow bad storms to dump more rain, though it’s hard to connect specific storms to a warming planet so soon after they occur.

A Camp Mystic nurse captured the escape in a series of TikTok videos

A video posted by Devon Paige shows girls on a bus singing the lyrics to “Pass It On,” a Christian hymn written by Kurt Kaiser.

“I wish for you, my friend,” they chant, their bus rolling past toppled trees, and a rescue vehicle, flashers on. “This happiness that I’ve found.”

As the bus passes a National Guard Jeep, the terrified chorus sings, “I’ll shout it from the mountaintop.” In unison, they shout, “Praise God.”

The Mexican consulate in San Antonio is helping 30 Mexican people affected by the floods

Most of those requesting assistance needed help replacing their passports, President Claudia Sheinbaum said. Nine people asked for help to return to Mexico.

Sheinbaum said proudly that two Mexican girls helped to rescue other girls.

She said that the consulate is “in constant communication with the families, and when weather conditions permit, they will visit the shelters.”

Cruz says recent cuts to FEMA and the National Weather Service didn’t impact late warnings

“This is not a time for partisan finger-pointing and attacks,” the Republican senator said. “There will be a time to find out what could have been done differently. My hope is, in time, we learn some lessons to implement the next time there is a flood.”

<p>KERR COUNTY, Texas (AP)—A July Fourth weekend deluge in Texas caused&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flash-flood-texas-camp-mystic-aec9181a07d3ce8ff85197922e108b13">catastrophic flash flooding</a>&nbsp;that has killed at least 89 people.</p><p>Camp Mystic in Kerr County says Monday morning that it is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-flash-flood-severe-weather-camp-mystic-ef8e596833b145fef61451db92f32609">“grieving the loss”</a>&nbsp;of 27 campers and counselors as the search continues for victims of the disaster. The flooding sent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thunderstorms-texas-deaths-camp-mystic-trees-hail-e8a4c85c77f714c9a974e50f3cd1fca1">a wall of water</a>&nbsp;through the century-old summer camp Friday.</p><p>The risk of life-threatening flooding was still high in central Texas with more rain on the way.</p><p>The Texas Hill Country is home to several summer camps. Searchers there have found the bodies of 75 people, including 27 children. Fourteen other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-floods-missing-hill-country-victims-camp-68b25cdb4d72f7eddff576af4ef7d400">deaths have been reported</a>&nbsp;in other parts of Texas.</p><p>Tavia Hunt, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, is mourning the loss of lives.</p><p>In a post on Instagram, Hunt mourned the loss of so many lives, “including a precious little Hunt cousin, along with several friend’s little girls.” She did not provide the victims’ names.</p><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLvT-cIxSIx/?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/DLvT-cIxSIx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; 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<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><h2>Twin sisters, 8, were among those killed at Camp Mystic</h2><p>Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence of Dallas had just finished second grade, their parents said.</p><p>“Hanna and Rebecca brought so much joy to us, to their big sister Harper, and to so many others,” John and Lacy Lawrence said in a statement. “We will find ways to keep that joy, and to continue to spread it for them. But we are devastated that the bond we shared with them, and that they shared with each other, is now frozen in time. “</p><p>David Lawrence, the girls’ grandfather and former publisher of the Miami Herald, said “it has been an unimaginable time for all of us.” He said the girls gave their family, including their sister, joy.</p><p>“They and that joy can never be forgotten,” he said in a statement.</p><h2>Trump to tour flood-devasted Texas later this week</h2><p>White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says the president will be visiting the devastating flooding “later this week.”</p><p>She called what happened a “once in a generation national disaster” and urged “everyone in the area to remain vigilant, listen to all warnings and respond accordingly.”</p><p>Leavitt said the visit would likely come Friday, but that no final decision had been made.</p><p>She also bristled at suggestions that deep Trump administration cuts to federal services may have affected authorities’ response to the flooding.</p><p>She blamed Democrats and said that faulting “President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie” and insisted that the National Weather Service “did its job” in spreading warnings about possible catastrophic funding.</p><h2>Volunteers start their own search after being turned away</h2><p>After being turned away from rescue efforts near Kerriville, the volunteers launched their own search in Center Point about 10 miles (16 kilometers) away from the most severe flooding.</p><p>“This morning, we showed up and basically the government has taken our site and the civilians working in there,” said Cord Shiflet, one of the civilian volunteers spearheading the effort.</p><p>About 150 people are hacking through flattened and muddy brush and combing through debris near the Guadalupe River, according to Shiflet.</p><h2>Louisiana has sent 14 rescue workers to Texas to help</h2><p>“Louisiana stands with Texas, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to assist in their recovery,” Gov. Jeff Landry said.</p><h2>Rep. August Pfluger says 2 of his daughters were evacuated from Camp Mystic</h2><p>“The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors,” the Texas Republican wrote over the weekend.</p><p>A staffer in his office didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.</p><h2>Donations and volunteers are being directed to local groups</h2><p>Those wanting to support relief and recovery efforts should donate to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, officials said during a news conference.</p><p>The nonprofit’s website says it will “direct funds to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief and recovery efforts.”</p><p>Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice and Mayor Joe Herring said that while there was a continued need for volunteers, those looking to help should first register with the Kerrville Salvation Army.</p><p>“We need focused and coordinated volunteers, not random people showing up and doing what they do,” said Herring.</p><h2>Moisture powered the storm from many directions</h2><p>The warm water of the Gulf&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-flash-flood-hill-country-climate-change-6f16e4c4413c3795094553269f059120">fueled the moist atmosphere</a>, and even more moisture came from areas over the Pacific Ocean to the west.</p><p>Remnants of moisture from Tropical Storm Barry also lingered over Texas because the jet stream, a current of air that moves weather patterns, wasn’t there to push it away.</p><p>The combination gave the storm plenty of fuel once it got started.</p><p>Meteorologists said that an atmosphere warmed by human-caused&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/climate-change">climate change</a>&nbsp;can hold more moisture and allow bad storms to dump more rain, though it’s hard to connect specific storms to a warming planet so soon after they occur.</p><h2>A Camp Mystic nurse captured the escape in a series of TikTok videos</h2><p>A video posted by Devon Paige shows girls on a bus singing the lyrics to “Pass It On,” a Christian hymn written by Kurt Kaiser.</p><p>“I wish for you, my friend,” they chant, their bus rolling past toppled trees, and a rescue vehicle, flashers on. “This happiness that I’ve found.”</p><p>As the bus passes a National Guard Jeep, the terrified chorus sings, “I’ll shout it from the mountaintop.” In unison, they shout, “Praise God.”</p><h2>The Mexican consulate in San Antonio is helping 30 Mexican people affected by the floods</h2><p>Most of those requesting assistance needed help replacing their passports, President Claudia Sheinbaum said. Nine people asked for help to return to Mexico.</p><p>Sheinbaum said proudly that two Mexican girls helped to rescue other girls.</p><p>She said that the consulate is “in constant communication with the families, and when weather conditions permit, they will visit the shelters.”</p><h2>Cruz says recent cuts to FEMA and the National Weather Service didn’t impact late warnings</h2><p>“This is not a time for partisan finger-pointing and attacks,” the Republican senator said. “There will be a time to find out what could have been done differently. My hope is, in time, we learn some lessons to implement the next time there is a flood.”</p>

Wife of KC Chiefs owner mourns the loss of lives in Texas flood

The Hays Fire Department responded to multiple fire incidents in the lead-up to and on Independence Day.

Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston said the department handled six fire-related calls from July 2 to July 4, including dumpster fires, grass fires and a vehicle fire sparked by spent fireworks in a truck bed.<br>

The grass fires in Hays occurred at 17th and General Custer Road, the north end of Van Buren Drive, and 22nd and Wheatland Avenue. The vehicle fire occurred on the 1500 block of General Custer Road, according to Preston.

Preston said this year had fewer reports than previous years. He said favorable weather and increased public safety awareness may have contributed to limiting more serious incidents.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751902451563.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
                        <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By TONY GUERRERO</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>The Hays Fire Department responded to multiple fire incidents in the lead-up to and on Independence Day.</p><p>Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston said the department handled six fire-related calls from July 2 to July 4, including dumpster fires, grass fires and a vehicle fire sparked by spent fireworks in a truck bed.<br></p><p>The grass fires in Hays occurred at 17th and General Custer Road, the north end of Van Buren Drive, and 22nd and Wheatland Avenue. The vehicle fire occurred on the 1500 block of General Custer Road, according to Preston.</p><p>Preston said this year had fewer reports than previous years. He said favorable weather and increased public safety awareness may have contributed to limiting more serious incidents.</p>

Fourth of July fireworks spark small fires in Hays

Satanic Grotto claims religious discrimination while administration secretary cites safety concerns

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The group behind the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/28/loud-boisterous-rival-protests-of-religious-freedom-among-catholics-and-satanists-turn-violent/">black mass in March</a>&nbsp;at the Kansas Statehouse — which drew thousands of counter-protesters and ended in multiple arrests — was denied a permit to hold another protest this summer.

Michael Stewart, the Satanic Grotto leader, says the denial is religious discrimination. Adam Proffitt, the Kansas secretary of administration, says the permit was denied because of safety concerns and violence at the last protest.

Stewart was planning a “witching hour protest” from 9 p.m. to midnight on Aug. 2 with the same sentiment as the black mass: “to end Christian favoritism within our state government,” as the group’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSatanicGrotto/posts/731538195904812/" target="_blank">Facebook post</a>&nbsp;reads.

“This isn’t just a permit denial; it’s an outright cancellation of our right to protest, fueled by what appears to be a deeply biased agenda,” Stewart said in a news release. “The State of Kansas is actively working to silence voices that challenge the status quo, especially those from minority faiths and marginalized communities.”

Stewart told Kansas Reflector that his permit request was “flat out ignored” for a few weeks, and he only got a response after he showed up in person.

In response to a Kansas Reflector request for comment, Department of Administration spokesman Samir Arif pointed to a response Proffitt had given to Stewart.

“The State has increased safety concerns regarding any event occurring on the south steps after sundown, including whether adequate Kansas Highway Patrol resources are available to address these safety concerns after dark,” Proffitt wrote.

In the new release, Stewart said Capitol Police Chief Brandon Bichsel told him he had “no reservations” about the police’s ability to maintain security. Bichsel did not respond to a Kansas Reflector request for comment.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751902703997.png" alt=" Satanic Grotto president Michael Stewart punches counter-protester Marcus Schroeder after Schroeder attempted to take Stewart’s prayer materials during a black mass inside the Kansas Capitol. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> Satanic Grotto president Michael Stewart punches counter-protester Marcus Schroeder after Schroeder attempted to take Stewart’s prayer materials during a black mass inside the Kansas Capitol. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Satanic Grotto claims religious discrimination while administration secretary cites safety concerns</h2><p>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a></p><p>TOPEKA — The group behind the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/28/loud-boisterous-rival-protests-of-religious-freedom-among-catholics-and-satanists-turn-violent/">black mass in March</a>&nbsp;at the Kansas Statehouse — which drew thousands of counter-protesters and ended in multiple arrests — was denied a permit to hold another protest this summer.</p><p>Michael Stewart, the Satanic Grotto leader, says the denial is religious discrimination. Adam Proffitt, the Kansas secretary of administration, says the permit was denied because of safety concerns and violence at the last protest.</p><p>Stewart was planning a “witching hour protest” from 9 p.m. to midnight on Aug. 2 with the same sentiment as the black mass: “to end Christian favoritism within our state government,” as the group’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSatanicGrotto/posts/731538195904812/" target="_blank">Facebook post</a>&nbsp;reads.</p><p>“This isn’t just a permit denial; it’s an outright cancellation of our right to protest, fueled by what appears to be a deeply biased agenda,” Stewart said in a news release. “The State of Kansas is actively working to silence voices that challenge the status quo, especially those from minority faiths and marginalized communities.”</p><p>Stewart told Kansas Reflector that his permit request was “flat out ignored” for a few weeks, and he only got a response after he showed up in person.</p><p>In response to a Kansas Reflector request for comment, Department of Administration spokesman Samir Arif pointed to a response Proffitt had given to Stewart.</p><p>“The State has increased safety concerns regarding any event occurring on the south steps after sundown, including whether adequate Kansas Highway Patrol resources are available to address these safety concerns after dark,” Proffitt wrote.</p><p>In the new release, Stewart said Capitol Police Chief Brandon Bichsel told him he had “no reservations” about the police’s ability to maintain security. Bichsel did not respond to a Kansas Reflector request for comment.</p><p>“Additionally, I decline to grant a permission to you, on behalf of the organization, due to improper acts that occurred when a previous permit space on the Statehouse grounds was granted to you for an event that occurred in March 2025,” Proffitt wrote, referencing the black mass.</p><p>The permit Stewart obtained for the black mass allowed the Satanic Grotto to protest outside of the Statehouse — but not inside — after Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/573/56" target="_blank">banned any protests inside the building</a>&nbsp;on the planned day. Before the black mass, Stewart told&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/12/kansas-satanists-plan-to-defy-governor-with-therapeutic-blasphemy-in-black-mass-at-statehouse/">Kansas Reflector</a>&nbsp;he planned to defy Kelly’s directive.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751902665131.png" alt=" Satanic Grotto president Michael Stewart begins praying during a black mass ceremony that Statehouse officials had forbidden inside the building. Christians opposing presence of the Satanic Grotto tried to physically stop Stewart, which led to punches being thrown and Stewart’s arrest. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> Satanic Grotto president Michael Stewart begins praying during a black mass ceremony that Statehouse officials had forbidden inside the building. Christians opposing presence of the Satanic Grotto tried to physically stop Stewart, which led to punches being thrown and Stewart’s arrest. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>On the day of the black mass, Stewart entered the Statehouse and began a dedication to Satan. Counter-protesters physically intervened, including Marcus Schroeder — a 21-year-old from Wisconsin&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wdtimes.com/news/local/man-who-pleaded-guilty-to-bomb-threat-in-watertown-arrested-again-in-kansas/article_c7f78cf5-f5df-4c6a-b98c-25d093e0bc6e.html" target="_blank">who had been charged with making a false bomb threat on a Pride parade</a>. After Schroeder attempted to grab Stewart’s copy of “The Satanic Bible” two times, Stewart punched Schroeder in the face twice, which resulted in both of their arrests.</p><p>“Your conduct created a risk to public safety, violated the terms of your permit, and caused injury to another person,” Proffitt wrote.</p><p>Shawnee County prosecutors decided&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/29/kansas-satanists-plan-new-protest-wont-face-charges-in-catholic-clash-at-statehouse/">not to pursue charges against Stewart</a>.</p><p>Restrictions didn’t stop Stewart at the last protest. But after his arrest, Stewart said he is hesitant to go forward with his planned “witching hour” event.</p><p>“We are going to do everything in our power to ensure the event can take place,” Stewart told Kansas Reflector. “However, after consultation with my criminal lawyer, I’m concerned the state is setting the ground for heavy consequences if we proceed.”</p><p>Stewart said he could face 18 months of incarceration if the prosecutors decide to pursue the charges from his black mass arrest. He said that being incarcerated would prevent him from serving the community.</p><p>“We aren’t done fighting,” he said. “We stepped up to the plate last time when it came to making a point with our safety and freedom. This time we will find other routes that hopefully illustrate the same points.”</p><p>The Department of Administration on July 1 denied Stewart’s request to reconsider its decision.</p><p>“Should your organization wish to reserve a space for its event, the ending time cannot go past sundown, and someone other than you must take responsibility for the application and event,” said Pat Doran, chief counsel for the Department of Administration, in an email to Stewart.</p>