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

Bipartisan legislation reflects idea devices distract students, harm mental health

TOPEKA — Central Christian Academy and Atchison County Community Schools serve distinct K-12 populations, but superintendents of both oppose a proposed mandate by the Kansas Legislature to force private and public schools to ban personal cellphones and other electronic devices during school hours.

A House Education Committee hearing Friday generated criticism that such a state law would undermine local control of education. Supporters of reform said personal devices could be a classroom impediment to academic success and contributed to mental health challenges of students.

David Landis, superintendent of the 660-student private Christian school in Wichita, said the school’s leadership adopted several years ago nearly all the cellphone restrictions proposed in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2421/" target="_blank">House Bill 2421</a>. He objected to the Legislature mandating those policies from Topeka.

“We stand opposed to the state making financial and reporting policy decisions on behalf of any private school,” he said. “We ask that HB 2421 be rewritten to exclude all nonpublic schools.”

Andrew Gaddis, superintendent of the Atchison County district and its 500 students, said the bill was a departure from the state’s commitment to the principle of local control in public education. He said elected school boards collaborating with administrators, teachers and families were best suited to adopt policy respectful of local values and culture.

While many public school districts in Kansas previously enacted cellphone restrictions, Gaddis said, a one-size-fits-all law wouldn’t reflect diversity of thought on the in-school use of devices.

“Preserving local control allows districts to adjust practices as student needs change, technology evolves and community input is considered,” Gaddis said.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly endorsed the concept of an in-school ban on cellphones. Twenty-eight Republicans and Democrats in the Kansas Senate sponsored a bill creating a statewide ban. In the House, nine Republicans or Democrats did the same.

Under House and Senate versions of the bill, students attending accredited nonpublic and public elementary or secondary schools would be prohibited from using cellphones, smartwatches and earbuds during instructional time. The prohibition would include lunch breaks and gaps between classes.

The bills would require personal electronic communication devices owned by students and brought to school to be securely stored. The legislation wouldn’t allow storage in backpacks or lockers, but neither bill would provide state funding for schools to buy containers to sequester electronic devices. A legislative document outlining the bills say it could cost nearly $13.4 million for public schools to purchase $30 fabric pouches with locks for 446,000 students.

Exceptions to the ban would be made for students with personal medical issues. Exemptions would extend to students with an individualized education plan, or IEP, and those with a 504 plan outlining school accommodations designed to guarantee equal access to education. Students would be able to contact a parent or guardian with a school-owned telephone or device.

The legislation would forbid school district employees from communicating with students privately or directly through social media apps for official academic purposes.

The bills would direct local public school boards of education or governing bodies of accredited private schools to comply by Sept. 1, 2026. School administrators must report to the Kansas State Board of Education the average amount of time students in first through fourth grades spent on electronic devices with a screen during a typical school day.

A companion bill banning in-school use of personal communication devices was introduced as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb302/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 302</a>. The Senate Education Committee conducted a hearing on the bill in January.

Adrienne Olejnik, vice president of Kansas Action for Children, said schools implementing bell-to-bell cellphone restrictions contemplated in the legislation were beginning to see signs that children experienced better relationships, mental well-being and educational achievement.

“Digital devices interfere with so many critical aspects of children’s development and schools should thoughtfully consider how technology is integrated into a student’s day,” she said.

Olejnik said use of individual digital devices wasn’t intrinsically dangerous for children, but it was important schools step in to help young people find a healthy balance.

Kim Whitman, a Kansas leader of Smartphone Free Childhood US, said cellphones and social media platforms were designed to be addictive. A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association said students spent an average of 70 minutes per school day on their phones. That added up to loss of the equivalent of 30 instructional days per year, she said.

“When devices are stored away, students focus better and teachers can teach instead of policing phones,” Whitman said.

She said change was necessary because an estimated 11% of Kansas public school students were enrolled in districts enforcing phone-free policies covering the entire school day.

Wichita school board member Ngoc Vuong, a doctoral student at Wichita State University, endorsed the legislation. Vuong urged Kansas lawmakers to respond to unhealthy relationships many children and adolescents had with smartphones and social media.

“While I recognize and respect the local control argument, as a researcher and local school board member, I have come to the conclusion that, given the universality of problematic smartphone and social media use and its disproportionate impact on K-12 students, state-level action is necessary to mitigate its harms and promote more constructive, focused and engaging learning environments,” Vuong said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770659760548.png" alt=" Adrienne Olejnik, vice president of Kansas Action for Children, says cellphones and other personal technology interferes with ability of students to concentrate in school. She endorses a controversial bill introduced in the Kansas Legislature to impose a bell-to-bell ban on use of these devices in public schools and accredited private schools. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature video)" />
 <figcaption> Adrienne Olejnik, vice president of Kansas Action for Children, says cellphones and other personal technology interferes with ability of students to concentrate in school. She endorses a controversial bill introduced in the Kansas Legislature to impose a bell-to-bell ban on use of these devices in public schools and accredited private schools. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature video)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Bipartisan legislation reflects idea devices distract students, harm mental health</h2>TOPEKA — Central Christian Academy and Atchison County Community Schools serve distinct K-12 populations, but superintendents of both oppose a proposed mandate by the Kansas Legislature to force private and public schools to ban personal cellphones and other electronic devices during school hours.A House Education Committee hearing Friday generated criticism that such a state law would undermine local control of education. Supporters of reform said personal devices could be a classroom impediment to academic success and contributed to mental health challenges of students.David Landis, superintendent of the 660-student private Christian school in Wichita, said the school’s leadership adopted several years ago nearly all the cellphone restrictions proposed in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2421/" target="_blank">House Bill 2421</a>. He objected to the Legislature mandating those policies from Topeka.“We stand opposed to the state making financial and reporting policy decisions on behalf of any private school,” he said. “We ask that HB 2421 be rewritten to exclude all nonpublic schools.”Andrew Gaddis, superintendent of the Atchison County district and its 500 students, said the bill was a departure from the state’s commitment to the principle of local control in public education. He said elected school boards collaborating with administrators, teachers and families were best suited to adopt policy respectful of local values and culture.While many public school districts in Kansas previously enacted cellphone restrictions, Gaddis said, a one-size-fits-all law wouldn’t reflect diversity of thought on the in-school use of devices.“Preserving local control allows districts to adjust practices as student needs change, technology evolves and community input is considered,” Gaddis said.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly endorsed the concept of an in-school ban on cellphones. Twenty-eight Republicans and Democrats in the Kansas Senate sponsored a bill creating a statewide ban. In the House, nine Republicans or Democrats did the same.<h2>What will bills do?</h2>Under House and Senate versions of the bill, students attending accredited nonpublic and public elementary or secondary schools would be prohibited from using cellphones, smartwatches and earbuds during instructional time. The prohibition would include lunch breaks and gaps between classes.The bills would require personal electronic communication devices owned by students and brought to school to be securely stored. The legislation wouldn’t allow storage in backpacks or lockers, but neither bill would provide state funding for schools to buy containers to sequester electronic devices. A legislative document outlining the bills say it could cost nearly $13.4 million for public schools to purchase $30 fabric pouches with locks for 446,000 students.Exceptions to the ban would be made for students with personal medical issues. Exemptions would extend to students with an individualized education plan, or IEP, and those with a 504 plan outlining school accommodations designed to guarantee equal access to education. Students would be able to contact a parent or guardian with a school-owned telephone or device.The legislation would forbid school district employees from communicating with students privately or directly through social media apps for official academic purposes.The bills would direct local public school boards of education or governing bodies of accredited private schools to comply by Sept. 1, 2026. School administrators must report to the Kansas State Board of Education the average amount of time students in first through fourth grades spent on electronic devices with a screen during a typical school day.A companion bill banning in-school use of personal communication devices was introduced as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb302/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 302</a>. The Senate Education Committee conducted a hearing on the bill in January.<h2>Supporters of prohibition</h2>Adrienne Olejnik, vice president of Kansas Action for Children, said schools implementing bell-to-bell cellphone restrictions contemplated in the legislation were beginning to see signs that children experienced better relationships, mental well-being and educational achievement.“Digital devices interfere with so many critical aspects of children’s development and schools should thoughtfully consider how technology is integrated into a student’s day,” she said.Olejnik said use of individual digital devices wasn’t intrinsically dangerous for children, but it was important schools step in to help young people find a healthy balance.Kim Whitman, a Kansas leader of Smartphone Free Childhood US, said cellphones and social media platforms were designed to be addictive. A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association said students spent an average of 70 minutes per school day on their phones. That added up to loss of the equivalent of 30 instructional days per year, she said.“When devices are stored away, students focus better and teachers can teach instead of policing phones,” Whitman said.She said change was necessary because an estimated 11% of Kansas public school students were enrolled in districts enforcing phone-free policies covering the entire school day.Wichita school board member Ngoc Vuong, a doctoral student at Wichita State University, endorsed the legislation. Vuong urged Kansas lawmakers to respond to unhealthy relationships many children and adolescents had with smartphones and social media.“While I recognize and respect the local control argument, as a researcher and local school board member, I have come to the conclusion that, given the universality of problematic smartphone and social media use and its disproportionate impact on K-12 students, state-level action is necessary to mitigate its harms and promote more constructive, focused and engaging learning environments,” Vuong said.

Bills banning most cellphone use by Kansas students during school draws critics, champions

JACKSON COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just before 12:15 a.m. Monday in Jackson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Nadine A&nbsp;Aylesworth, 62, Whiting, was&nbsp;southbound in the northbound lanes of U.S.75 just south of 302 Road.&nbsp; The car struck a northbound 2010 Ford Fusion driven by Heather S K Browning, 18, Goff, head-on.

Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

JACKSON COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just before 12:15 a.m. Monday in Jackson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Nadine A&nbsp;Aylesworth, 62, Whiting, was&nbsp;southbound in the northbound lanes of U.S.75 just south of 302 Road.&nbsp; The car struck a northbound 2010 Ford Fusion driven by Heather S K Browning, 18, Goff, head-on.Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Two Kansas women killed in wrong-way, head-on crash

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

Just after 5:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 8200 block of Troost, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they were directed to a convenience store in the area. It was there they located a man suffering from unknown trauma to his head. Officers began performing lifesaving measures and ordered KCFD EMS to the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.&nbsp;

Investigators and crime scene personnel responded and began a death investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;They processed the scene for physical evidence, surveillance footage, and canvassed for witnesses. KCPD detectives were contacted by hospital officials at a later time revealing the victim suffered a gunshot wound. This case is now being investigated as a homicide..&nbsp;

If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouri’s Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the State’s administering agency.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.Just after 5:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 8200 block of Troost, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.As officers arrived they were directed to a convenience store in the area. It was there they located a man suffering from unknown trauma to his head. Officers began performing lifesaving measures and ordered KCFD EMS to the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.&nbsp;Investigators and crime scene personnel responded and began a death investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;They processed the scene for physical evidence, surveillance footage, and canvassed for witnesses. KCPD detectives were contacted by hospital officials at a later time revealing the victim suffered a gunshot wound. This case is now being investigated as a homicide..&nbsp;If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouri’s Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the State’s administering agency.

KCPD: Homicide victim shot in the head outside convenience store

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/dee-ann-durbin">DEE-ANN DURBIN</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mae-anderson">MAE ANDERSON</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/wyatte-grantham-philips">WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS</a> Associated Press

At a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-trump-affordability-costs-ice-44196e8814c5a8e47df26fa1d21f44fd">difficult time</a>&nbsp;for America, Super Bowl advertisers asked viewers to take care of themselves and others — and maybe even crack a smile.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OheUzrXsKrY&amp;t=30s" target="_blank">Ring</a>&nbsp;showed how neighbors can use their doorbell cameras to find lost pets. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_mh-v02-Tw" target="_blank">Budweiser</a>&nbsp;Clydesdale protected a bald eagle chick from the rain.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMTcZb48aVU" target="_blank">Novartis</a>&nbsp;touted a blood test that can detect prostate cancer.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5bJ612mUt8" target="_blank">Toyota</a>&nbsp;reminded viewers to wear their seatbelts.

Mister Rogers was invoked twice: Lady Gaga sang his classic “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” in a tearjerker for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvEFiLqsCDw" target="_blank">Rocket Companies</a>&nbsp;while the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLc8f2KbHnU" target="_blank">National Football League</a>&nbsp;used “You Are Special” to promote its work with youth sports organizations.

“A key thread running through this year’s Super Bowl ads was a desire for peace, harmony, community, and neighborliness,” said Kimberly Whitler, a marketing professor at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. “There is a general theme centered on people coming together to support one another.”

America is uneasy. U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-economy-spending-inflation-conference-board-f36b997dc46ac9c3577d05db52166846">consumer confidence</a>&nbsp;fell to its lowest level since 2014 in January. The killings of two protesters by federal officers in Minneapolis last month led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-protests-64fd52ba5283e8f56c57dddb1c3a3852">widespread outrage</a>. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/next-winter-storm-blizzard-cold-bomb-cyclone-d16eaaf409277258d7748674f4b94b0c">winter weather</a>&nbsp;has been brutal across much of the country.

“There is a collective trauma. Everybody is stressed out. It doesn’t matter who you are, it’s something that’s impacting everyone,” said Vann Graves, the executive director of the Brandcenter at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Super Bowl ads, he said, give people a much-needed respite and a rare shared moment.

“It’s been a bit of time that we can just be human and be silly and enjoy ourselves,” Graves said.

There is plenty of silliness in this year’s commercials. Sabrina Carpenter tried to build the perfect man out of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CdX8W8U7jA" target="_blank">Pringles</a>. Benson Boone and Ben Stiller played a disco duo doing flips over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instacart.com/company/pressreleases/instacart-goes-bananas-in-super-bowl-lx-ad" target="_blank">Instacart</a>. Andy Samberg, as “Meal Diamond,” squirted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TpdUBwyL4c" target="_blank">Hellmann’s</a>&nbsp;mayonnaise on the sandwiches of Elle Fanning and other deli customers. And&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjDfVdrtl48&amp;t=27s" target="_blank">Liquid I.V.</a>, with a chorus of singing toilets, told viewers to “take a look at your pee” to check for dehydration.

Polar bears — Coca-Cola’s traditional mascots — shared a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPHI2zNf_ww" target="_blank">Pepsi</a>&nbsp;in an ad that spoofs last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coldplay-kiss-cam-viral-public-event-privacy-e768214f389bc788dcc539a00bf066da">viral kiss cam</a>. Adrien Brody couldn’t stop overacting in a commercial for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp5LJNm3Jkc" target="_blank">TurboTax</a>.

Delivery services tried to outdo each other. George Clooney appeared in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUhomG3Fm5A" target="_blank">Grubhub</a>&nbsp;ad to promote free delivery on orders of $50 or more.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEQ-jR1sMYY" target="_blank">Uber Eats</a>&nbsp;enlisted Matthew McConaughey to convince Bradley Cooper and Parker Posey that football is a conspiracy to make people hungry. And Rapper 50 Cent trolled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-appeal-6dd10d2a86243e3402d1fdbbb5fabf37">Sean “Diddy” Combs</a>&nbsp;in an ad for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEjd6uFrN90&amp;t=2s" target="_blank">DoorDash</a>.

Artificial intelligence was all over the Super Bowl airwaves.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NerlyGrv7WM" target="_blank">Oakley Meta</a>&nbsp;touted its AI-enabled glasses in two action-packed spots showing Spike Lee, Marshawn Lynch and others using the glasses to film video and answer questions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRo5spaBfbo" target="_blank">Wix</a>&nbsp;debuted an ad for Wix Harmony, which uses AI tools for website design.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkeWRI2yJGM" target="_blank">Svedka Vodka</a>&nbsp;enlisted Silverside AI, an AI studio, to help create its ad, which featured its robot mascot FemBot dancing alongside her male counterpart, BroBot.

Like AI itself, AI ads aren’t without&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/grok-elon-musk-deepfake-x-social-media-2bfa06805b323b1d7e5ea7bb01c9da77">controversy</a>. AI developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmnjDLwZckA" target="_blank">Anthropic</a>&nbsp;aired a pair of commercials pointing out that Claude, its chatbot, doesn’t have ads. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took issue with that in a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/openai-anthropic-chatgpt-claude-rivalry-c19e0cca22c37190cc4e0dc08e889ef0">social media post</a>; OpenAI said last month it will start testing ads as a way to keep ChatGPT free.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha92_hfK9Po" target="_blank">Amazon</a>&nbsp;also struck a nerve with an ad starring Chris Hemsworth that pokes fun of people’s fears of AI. The ad is running just days after Amazon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-layoffs-job-cuts-tech-74387fae2313ff7b0b1e638c00863443">laid off 16,000 corporate workers</a>, some of whom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-jassy-ai-alexa-workforce-7eea6387e97b84f1f239af2538de5ee9">may be replaced</a>&nbsp;with AI.

“I suspect this is meant to be funny, but it might reinforce some people’s very real concerns about AI,” said Tim Calkins, a clinical professor of marketing at Northwestern University.

Super Bowl ads still celebrated snacks. Bowen Yang, Scarlett Johansson and Jon Hamm teamed up to pitch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWDINj9-xX8" target="_blank">Ritz</a>&nbsp;crackers. A retiring potato farmer passed the farm along to his daughter in a heartfelt ad for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC2SPHF9ggo" target="_blank">Lay’s</a>.

But there was also a focus on health. Octavia Spencer and Sofia Vergara urged people to test for kidney disease in an ad for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO6Lq8lLlVU" target="_blank">Boehringer Ingelheim</a>.

Mike Tyson talked about his sister’s death from obesity in an ad urging people to eat real, unprocessed food. The ad was paid for by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICygZXJfMpQ" target="_blank">MAHA Center Inc</a>., a nonprofit led by Tony Lyons, a publisher and key ally of U.S. Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/weightloss-drugs-nutrition-frozen-meals-glp1-5bb5dfaae3778b1968c1793326e8ba73">GLP-1 weight loss drugs</a>&nbsp;also crashed the party.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y6zH5bm2eY" target="_blank">Novo Nordisk</a>&nbsp;trumpeted its new Wegovy pills in an ad featuring Kenan Thompson, DJ Khaled, Danielle Brooks, Ana Gasteyer, John C. Reilly and Danny Trejo. Telehealth firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqXOcRtZoow" target="_blank">Ro</a>&nbsp;pitched its GLP-1s in an ad starring Serena Williams.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ7Z5LTJWHM" target="_blank">Hims &amp; Hers</a>, which recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wegovy-hims-fda-novo-nordisk-semaglutide-weight-74eb9395c44acd8bb1e12350cb32c146">scrapped plans</a>&nbsp;to offer its own GLP-1 pill, said it gives everyone access to the kind of personalized health care that the wealthy enjoy.

“There was a remarkable number of health ads on the Super Bowl this year,” Calkins said. Novartis’s ad about prostate cancer and Ro’s ad with Serena Williams were particularly effective, he said.

“Wegovy’s spot promoting its new pill form was clear, but the long list of side-effects limited its impact,” Calkins said.

One way to get Americans feeling better? Evoke warm memories of the past.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbu-hEYPyaA&amp;t=6s" target="_blank">State Farm</a>&nbsp;kicked off the game with an ad featuring the 1986 Bon Jovi hit “Livin’ on a Prayer.” At the end of the ad, Jon Bon Jovi pulled up in a red convertible to offer actress Hailee Steinfeld a ride.

But mostly, the night belonged to the 1990s.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr96AsZGFQc" target="_blank">Dunkin’</a>&nbsp;ran an ad spoofing 1997’s “Good Will Hunting” featuring Ben Affleck, Tom Brady and a host of ‘90s sitcom stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Jason Alexander and Alfonso Ribeiro.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3O4ymaZ41Q&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Pokemon</a>, which debuted in 1996, ran an ad celebrating its 30th anniversary.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_3eB7omJO4" target="_blank">T-Mobile</a>&nbsp;featured the Backstreet Boys singing a version of their 1999 hit “I Want It That Way.” The Backstreet Boys returned in a karaoke-style commercial for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox__f7ZdFyM" target="_blank">Coinbase</a>, which encouraged viewers to sing along to the 1997 hit “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).”

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyE4IZDPdBg&amp;t=7s" target="_blank">Volkswagen</a>&nbsp;went all the way back to 1992 with a commercial set to House of Pain’s “Jump Around.” And&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wpmz5X3yx0" target="_blank">Xfinity</a>&nbsp;reunited Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum in a tongue-in-cheek reimagining of 1993’s “Jurassic Park” that shows Xfinity restoring power to the island so nothing goes awry.

Whitler said nostalgia — in the form of older celebrities, music, or imagery — like a black-and-white&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHuBiLk_A04" target="_blank">Squarespace</a>&nbsp;ad starring Emma Stone — has been getting more common in Super Bowl ads. Her research has shown that 28% of the ads in 2015 had an element of nostalgia; that increased to 54% in 2025, she said.

Advertisers flock to the Super Bowl each year because so many people watch the big game.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-ratings-fox-nielsen-eagles-chiefs-e0c22b0e956e16637870110140933cea">In 2025, a record 127.7 million U.S. viewers watched the game</a>&nbsp;across television and streaming platforms.

Jura Liaukonyte, a professor of marketing in Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business, said companies that normally have to parse out ad dollars across broadcast and streaming platforms pay a premium for Super Bowl spots to reach a unified audience.

This year’s Super Bowl ads cost an average of $8 million per 30-second unit, but a handful of spots sold for $10 million-plus, a record, said Peter Lazarus, who leads advertising and partnerships for NBC Sports. He said he was calling February, with the Super Bowl,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Olympics</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/all-star-game-rosters-kawhi-leonard-55e9f15191216f1b65a8b4172a3f68ba">NBA All-Star Game</a>, “legendary February.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770650737816.png" alt="Image from Pepsi via Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Image from Pepsi via Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/dee-ann-durbin">DEE-ANN DURBIN</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mae-anderson">MAE ANDERSON</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/wyatte-grantham-philips">WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS</a> Associated PressAt a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-trump-affordability-costs-ice-44196e8814c5a8e47df26fa1d21f44fd">difficult time</a>&nbsp;for America, Super Bowl advertisers asked viewers to take care of themselves and others — and maybe even crack a smile.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OheUzrXsKrY&amp;t=30s" target="_blank">Ring</a>&nbsp;showed how neighbors can use their doorbell cameras to find lost pets. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_mh-v02-Tw" target="_blank">Budweiser</a>&nbsp;Clydesdale protected a bald eagle chick from the rain.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMTcZb48aVU" target="_blank">Novartis</a>&nbsp;touted a blood test that can detect prostate cancer.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5bJ612mUt8" target="_blank">Toyota</a>&nbsp;reminded viewers to wear their seatbelts.Mister Rogers was invoked twice: Lady Gaga sang his classic “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” in a tearjerker for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvEFiLqsCDw" target="_blank">Rocket Companies</a>&nbsp;while the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLc8f2KbHnU" target="_blank">National Football League</a>&nbsp;used “You Are Special” to promote its work with youth sports organizations.“A key thread running through this year’s Super Bowl ads was a desire for peace, harmony, community, and neighborliness,” said Kimberly Whitler, a marketing professor at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. “There is a general theme centered on people coming together to support one another.”America is uneasy. U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-economy-spending-inflation-conference-board-f36b997dc46ac9c3577d05db52166846">consumer confidence</a>&nbsp;fell to its lowest level since 2014 in January. The killings of two protesters by federal officers in Minneapolis last month led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-protests-64fd52ba5283e8f56c57dddb1c3a3852">widespread outrage</a>. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/next-winter-storm-blizzard-cold-bomb-cyclone-d16eaaf409277258d7748674f4b94b0c">winter weather</a>&nbsp;has been brutal across much of the country.“There is a collective trauma. Everybody is stressed out. It doesn’t matter who you are, it’s something that’s impacting everyone,” said Vann Graves, the executive director of the Brandcenter at Virginia Commonwealth University.Super Bowl ads, he said, give people a much-needed respite and a rare shared moment.“It’s been a bit of time that we can just be human and be silly and enjoy ourselves,” Graves said.<h2>Playing for laughs</h2>There is plenty of silliness in this year’s commercials. Sabrina Carpenter tried to build the perfect man out of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CdX8W8U7jA" target="_blank">Pringles</a>. Benson Boone and Ben Stiller played a disco duo doing flips over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instacart.com/company/pressreleases/instacart-goes-bananas-in-super-bowl-lx-ad" target="_blank">Instacart</a>. Andy Samberg, as “Meal Diamond,” squirted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TpdUBwyL4c" target="_blank">Hellmann’s</a>&nbsp;mayonnaise on the sandwiches of Elle Fanning and other deli customers. And&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjDfVdrtl48&amp;t=27s" target="_blank">Liquid I.V.</a>, with a chorus of singing toilets, told viewers to “take a look at your pee” to check for dehydration.Polar bears — Coca-Cola’s traditional mascots — shared a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPHI2zNf_ww" target="_blank">Pepsi</a>&nbsp;in an ad that spoofs last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coldplay-kiss-cam-viral-public-event-privacy-e768214f389bc788dcc539a00bf066da">viral kiss cam</a>. Adrien Brody couldn’t stop overacting in a commercial for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp5LJNm3Jkc" target="_blank">TurboTax</a>.Delivery services tried to outdo each other. George Clooney appeared in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUhomG3Fm5A" target="_blank">Grubhub</a>&nbsp;ad to promote free delivery on orders of $50 or more.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEQ-jR1sMYY" target="_blank">Uber Eats</a>&nbsp;enlisted Matthew McConaughey to convince Bradley Cooper and Parker Posey that football is a conspiracy to make people hungry. And Rapper 50 Cent trolled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-diddy-combs-appeal-6dd10d2a86243e3402d1fdbbb5fabf37">Sean “Diddy” Combs</a>&nbsp;in an ad for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEjd6uFrN90&amp;t=2s" target="_blank">DoorDash</a>.<h2>AI Bowl</h2>Artificial intelligence was all over the Super Bowl airwaves.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NerlyGrv7WM" target="_blank">Oakley Meta</a>&nbsp;touted its AI-enabled glasses in two action-packed spots showing Spike Lee, Marshawn Lynch and others using the glasses to film video and answer questions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRo5spaBfbo" target="_blank">Wix</a>&nbsp;debuted an ad for Wix Harmony, which uses AI tools for website design.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkeWRI2yJGM" target="_blank">Svedka Vodka</a>&nbsp;enlisted Silverside AI, an AI studio, to help create its ad, which featured its robot mascot FemBot dancing alongside her male counterpart, BroBot.Like AI itself, AI ads aren’t without&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/grok-elon-musk-deepfake-x-social-media-2bfa06805b323b1d7e5ea7bb01c9da77">controversy</a>. AI developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmnjDLwZckA" target="_blank">Anthropic</a>&nbsp;aired a pair of commercials pointing out that Claude, its chatbot, doesn’t have ads. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took issue with that in a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/openai-anthropic-chatgpt-claude-rivalry-c19e0cca22c37190cc4e0dc08e889ef0">social media post</a>; OpenAI said last month it will start testing ads as a way to keep ChatGPT free.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha92_hfK9Po" target="_blank">Amazon</a>&nbsp;also struck a nerve with an ad starring Chris Hemsworth that pokes fun of people’s fears of AI. The ad is running just days after Amazon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-layoffs-job-cuts-tech-74387fae2313ff7b0b1e638c00863443">laid off 16,000 corporate workers</a>, some of whom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-jassy-ai-alexa-workforce-7eea6387e97b84f1f239af2538de5ee9">may be replaced</a>&nbsp;with AI.“I suspect this is meant to be funny, but it might reinforce some people’s very real concerns about AI,” said Tim Calkins, a clinical professor of marketing at Northwestern University.<h2>Health Frenzy</h2>Super Bowl ads still celebrated snacks. Bowen Yang, Scarlett Johansson and Jon Hamm teamed up to pitch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWDINj9-xX8" target="_blank">Ritz</a>&nbsp;crackers. A retiring potato farmer passed the farm along to his daughter in a heartfelt ad for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC2SPHF9ggo" target="_blank">Lay’s</a>.But there was also a focus on health. Octavia Spencer and Sofia Vergara urged people to test for kidney disease in an ad for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO6Lq8lLlVU" target="_blank">Boehringer Ingelheim</a>.Mike Tyson talked about his sister’s death from obesity in an ad urging people to eat real, unprocessed food. The ad was paid for by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICygZXJfMpQ" target="_blank">MAHA Center Inc</a>., a nonprofit led by Tony Lyons, a publisher and key ally of U.S. Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/weightloss-drugs-nutrition-frozen-meals-glp1-5bb5dfaae3778b1968c1793326e8ba73">GLP-1 weight loss drugs</a>&nbsp;also crashed the party.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y6zH5bm2eY" target="_blank">Novo Nordisk</a>&nbsp;trumpeted its new Wegovy pills in an ad featuring Kenan Thompson, DJ Khaled, Danielle Brooks, Ana Gasteyer, John C. Reilly and Danny Trejo. Telehealth firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqXOcRtZoow" target="_blank">Ro</a>&nbsp;pitched its GLP-1s in an ad starring Serena Williams.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ7Z5LTJWHM" target="_blank">Hims &amp; Hers</a>, which recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wegovy-hims-fda-novo-nordisk-semaglutide-weight-74eb9395c44acd8bb1e12350cb32c146">scrapped plans</a>&nbsp;to offer its own GLP-1 pill, said it gives everyone access to the kind of personalized health care that the wealthy enjoy.“There was a remarkable number of health ads on the Super Bowl this year,” Calkins said. Novartis’s ad about prostate cancer and Ro’s ad with Serena Williams were particularly effective, he said.“Wegovy’s spot promoting its new pill form was clear, but the long list of side-effects limited its impact,” Calkins said.<h2>Nostalgia</h2>One way to get Americans feeling better? Evoke warm memories of the past.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbu-hEYPyaA&amp;t=6s" target="_blank">State Farm</a>&nbsp;kicked off the game with an ad featuring the 1986 Bon Jovi hit “Livin’ on a Prayer.” At the end of the ad, Jon Bon Jovi pulled up in a red convertible to offer actress Hailee Steinfeld a ride.But mostly, the night belonged to the 1990s.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr96AsZGFQc" target="_blank">Dunkin’</a>&nbsp;ran an ad spoofing 1997’s “Good Will Hunting” featuring Ben Affleck, Tom Brady and a host of ‘90s sitcom stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Jason Alexander and Alfonso Ribeiro.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3O4ymaZ41Q&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Pokemon</a>, which debuted in 1996, ran an ad celebrating its 30th anniversary.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_3eB7omJO4" target="_blank">T-Mobile</a>&nbsp;featured the Backstreet Boys singing a version of their 1999 hit “I Want It That Way.” The Backstreet Boys returned in a karaoke-style commercial for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox__f7ZdFyM" target="_blank">Coinbase</a>, which encouraged viewers to sing along to the 1997 hit “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).”<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyE4IZDPdBg&amp;t=7s" target="_blank">Volkswagen</a>&nbsp;went all the way back to 1992 with a commercial set to House of Pain’s “Jump Around.” And&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wpmz5X3yx0" target="_blank">Xfinity</a>&nbsp;reunited Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum in a tongue-in-cheek reimagining of 1993’s “Jurassic Park” that shows Xfinity restoring power to the island so nothing goes awry.Whitler said nostalgia — in the form of older celebrities, music, or imagery — like a black-and-white&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHuBiLk_A04" target="_blank">Squarespace</a>&nbsp;ad starring Emma Stone — has been getting more common in Super Bowl ads. Her research has shown that 28% of the ads in 2015 had an element of nostalgia; that increased to 54% in 2025, she said.<h2>Record-breaking prices</h2>Advertisers flock to the Super Bowl each year because so many people watch the big game.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-ratings-fox-nielsen-eagles-chiefs-e0c22b0e956e16637870110140933cea">In 2025, a record 127.7 million U.S. viewers watched the game</a>&nbsp;across television and streaming platforms.Jura Liaukonyte, a professor of marketing in Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business, said companies that normally have to parse out ad dollars across broadcast and streaming platforms pay a premium for Super Bowl spots to reach a unified audience.This year’s Super Bowl ads cost an average of $8 million per 30-second unit, but a handful of spots sold for $10 million-plus, a record, said Peter Lazarus, who leads advertising and partnerships for NBC Sports. He said he was calling February, with the Super Bowl,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Olympics</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/all-star-game-rosters-kawhi-leonard-55e9f15191216f1b65a8b4172a3f68ba">NBA All-Star Game</a>, “legendary February.”

Super Bowl ads try to overcome tough times with health, caring and laughs

NEW YORK (AP) — The FBI pored over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein’s</a>&nbsp;bank records and emails. It searched his homes. It spent years interviewing his victims and examining his connections to some of the world’s most influential people.

But while investigators collected ample proof that Epstein sexually abused underage girls, they found scant evidence the well-connected financier led a sex trafficking ring serving powerful men, an Associated Press review of internal Justice Department records shows.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein/doj-disclosures">Click here to view the</a> Epstein files

Videos and photos seized from Epstein’s homes in New York, Florida and the Virgin Islands didn’t depict victims being abused or implicate anyone else in his crimes, a prosecutor wrote in one 2025 memo.

An examination of Epstein’s financial records, including payments he made to entities linked to influential figures in academia, finance and global diplomacy, found no connection to criminal activity, said another internal memo in 2019.

While one Epstein victim made highly public claims that he “lent her” to his rich friends, agents couldn’t confirm that and found no other victims telling a similar story, the records said.

Summarizing the investigation in an email last July, agents said “four or five” Epstein accusers claimed other men or women had sexually abused them. But, the agents said, there “was not enough evidence to federally charge these individuals, so the cases were referred to local law enforcement.”

The AP and other media organizations are still reviewing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-justice-department-trump-musk-andrew-tisch-d5dfbb26b93c46a4d6ab9ecf4eb3d3b1">millions of pages of documents</a>, many of them previously confidential, that the Justice Department released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act and it is possible those records contain evidence overlooked by investigators.

But the documents, which include police reports, FBI interview notes and prosecutor emails, provide the clearest picture to date of the investigation — and why U.S. authorities ultimately decided to close it without additional charges.

The Epstein investigation began in 2005, when the parents of a 14-year-old girl reported she had been molested at the millionaire’s home in Palm Beach, Florida.

Police would identify at least 35 girls with similar stories: Epstein was paying high school age students $200 or $300 to give him sexualized massages.

After the FBI joined the probe, federal prosecutors drafted indictments to charge Epstein and some personal assistants who had arranged the girls’ visits and payments. But instead, then-Miami U.S. attorney Alexander Acosta&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-florida-e2a4431f7319afd037023d9a586aa291">struck a deal</a>&nbsp;letting Epstein plead guilty to state charges of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. Sentenced to 18 months in jail, Epstein was free by mid-2009.

In 2018, a series of Miami Herald stories about the plea deal prompted New York federal prosecutors to take a fresh look at the accusations.

Epstein was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bb41822a39a147ccb03501acf049b58c">arrested in July 2019</a>. One month later, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b76666895e674991a6782d77b726d085">killed himself</a>&nbsp;in his jail cell.

A year later, prosecutors charged Epstein’s longtime confidant,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/89212f72a6ca436f038e88ffd0250a40">Ghislaine Maxwell</a>, saying she’d recruited several of his victims and sometimes joined the sexual abuse. Convicted in 2021, Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison term.

Prosecutors fail to find evidence backing most sensational claims

Prosecution memos, case summaries and other documents made public in the department’s latest release of Epstein-related records show that FBI agents and federal prosecutors diligently pursued potential coconspirators. Even seemingly outlandish and incomprehensible claims, called in to tip lines, were examined.

Some allegations couldn’t be verified, investigators wrote.

In 2011 and again in 2019, investigators interviewed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-roberts-giuffre-obit-778c4fdd6fac2522133ca3d79244bccd">Virginia Roberts Giuffre</a>, who in lawsuits and news interviews had accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters with numerous men, including Britain’s former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-prince-andrew-strips-royal-titles-7fad76a46a211ae24b605cbd24e80748">Prince Andrew</a>.

Investigators said they confirmed that Giuffre had been sexually abused by Epstein. But other parts of her story were problematic.

Two other Epstein victims who Giuffre had claimed were also “lent out” to powerful men told investigators they had no such experience, prosecutors wrote in a 2019 internal memo.

“No other victim has described being expressly directed by either Maxwell or Epstein to engage in sexual activity with other men,” the memo said.

Giuffre acknowledged writing a partly fictionalized memoir of her time with Epstein containing descriptions of things that didn't take place. She had also offered shifting accounts in interviews with investigators, they wrote, and had "engaged in a continuous stream of public interviews about her allegations, many of which have included sensationalized if not demonstrably inaccurate characterizations of her experiences." Those inaccuracies included false accounts of her interactions with the FBI, they said.

Still, U.S. prosecutors attempted to arrange an interview with Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He refused to make himself available. Giuffre&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-arts-and-entertainment-lawsuits-royalty-prince-andrew-4abc060592c70dd26e3ec9ce99395e6c">settled a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;with Mountbatten-Windsor in which she had accused him of sexual misconduct.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-giuffre-memoir-jeffrey-epstein-prince-andrew-0adb8b983ac18a45fc7ec035dc789d08">a memoir</a>&nbsp;published after she killed herself last year, Giuffre wrote that prosecutors told her they didn't include her in the case against Maxwell because they didn't want her allegations to distract the jury. She insisted her accounts of being trafficked to elite men were true.

Prosecutors say photos and videos don't implicate others

Investigators seized a multitude of videos and photos from Epstein’s electronic devices and homes in New York, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They found CDs, hard copy photographs and at least one videotape containing nude images of females, some of whom seemed as if they might be minors. One device contained 15 to 20 images depicting commercial child sex abuse material — pictures investigators said Epstein obtained on the internet.

No videos or photos showed Epstein victims being sexually abused, none showed any males with any of the nude females, and none contained evidence implicating anyone other than Epstein and Maxwell, then-Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey wrote in an email for FBI officials last year.

Had they existed, the government “would have pursued any leads they generated,” Comey wrote. “We did not, however, locate any such videos.”

Investigators who scoured Epstein’s bank records found payments to more than 25 women who appeared to be models — but no evidence that he was engaged in prostituting women to other men, prosecutors wrote.

In 2019, prosecutors weighed the possibility of charging one of Epstein’s longtime assistants but decided against it.

Prosecutors concluded that while the assistant was involved in helping Epstein pay girls for sex and may have been aware that some were underage, she herself was a victim of his sexual abuse and manipulation.

Investigators examined Epstein's relationship with the French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who once was involved in an agency with Epstein in the U.S., and who was accused in a separate case of sexually assaulting women in Europe. Brunel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-arts-and-entertainment-paris-jeffrey-epstein-edfbdb84c6cdd5f736ac7e1c2bac657b">killed himself in jail</a>&nbsp;while awaiting trial on a rape charge in France.

Prosecutors also weighed whether to charge one of Epstein's girlfriends who had participated in sexual acts with some of his victims. Investigators interviewed the girlfriend, who was 18 to 20 years old at the time, “but it was determined there was not enough evidence,” according to a summary given to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-patel-fbi-justice-department-518329110ea230e2989095bfcbe34c59">FBI Director Kash Patel</a>&nbsp;last July.

Days before Epstein’s July 2019 arrest, the FBI strategized about sending agents to serve grand jury subpoenas on people close to Epstein, including his pilots and longtime business client, retail mogul Les Wexner.

Wexner’s lawyers told investigators that neither he nor his wife had knowledge of Epstein’s sexual misconduct. Epstein had managed Wexner's finances, but the couple's lawyers said they cut him off in 2007 after learning he'd stolen from them.

“There is limited evidence regarding his involvement,” an FBI agent wrote of Wexner in an Aug. 16, 2019, email.

In a statement to the AP, a legal representative for Wexner said prosecutors had informed him that he was “neither a coconspirator nor target in any respect," and that Wexner had cooperated with investigators.

Prosecutors also examined accounts from women who said they'd given massages at Epstein's home to guests who'd tried to make the encounters sexual. One woman accused private equity investor Leon Black of initiating sexual contact during a massage in 2011 or 2012, causing her to flee the room.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office subsequently investigated, but no charges were filed.

Black's lawyer, Susan Estrich, said he had paid Epstein for estate planning and tax advice. She said in a statement that Black didn't engage in misconduct and had no awareness of Epstein's criminal activities. Lawsuits by two women who accused Black of sexual misconduct were dismissed or withdrawn. One is pending.

Attorney General Pam Bondi told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bondi-says-epstein-client-list-sitting-my-desk-right-now-reviewing-jfk-mlk-files">Fox News in February 2025</a>&nbsp;that Epstein’s never-before-seen “client list” was “sitting on my desk right now.” A few months later, she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-jeffrey-epstein-pam-bondi-trump-fa39193d5b5ff91970428bf077a5ce44">claimed the FBI was reviewing</a>&nbsp;“tens of thousands of videos” of Epstein “with children or child porn.”

But FBI agents wrote superiors saying the client list didn't exist.

On Dec. 30, 2024, about three weeks before President Joe Biden left office, then-FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate reached out through subordinates to ask "whether our investigation to date indicates the ‘client list,’ often referred to in the media, does or does not exist,” according to an email summarizing his query.

A day later, an FBI official replied that the case agent had confirmed no client list existed.

On Feb. 19, 2025, two days before Bondi’s Fox News appearance, an FBI supervisory special agent wrote: “While media coverage of the Jeffrey Epstein case references a ’client list,' investigators did not locate such a list during the course of the investigation.”

Aaron Kessler in Washington contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Epstein photo New York Sex offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Epstein photo New York Sex offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The FBI pored over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein’s</a>&nbsp;bank records and emails. It searched his homes. It spent years interviewing his victims and examining his connections to some of the world’s most influential people.But while investigators collected ample proof that Epstein sexually abused underage girls, they found scant evidence the well-connected financier led a sex trafficking ring serving powerful men, an Associated Press review of internal Justice Department records shows.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein/doj-disclosures">Click here to view the</a> Epstein filesVideos and photos seized from Epstein’s homes in New York, Florida and the Virgin Islands didn’t depict victims being abused or implicate anyone else in his crimes, a prosecutor wrote in one 2025 memo.An examination of Epstein’s financial records, including payments he made to entities linked to influential figures in academia, finance and global diplomacy, found no connection to criminal activity, said another internal memo in 2019.While one Epstein victim made highly public claims that he “lent her” to his rich friends, agents couldn’t confirm that and found no other victims telling a similar story, the records said.Summarizing the investigation in an email last July, agents said “four or five” Epstein accusers claimed other men or women had sexually abused them. But, the agents said, there “was not enough evidence to federally charge these individuals, so the cases were referred to local law enforcement.”The AP and other media organizations are still reviewing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-justice-department-trump-musk-andrew-tisch-d5dfbb26b93c46a4d6ab9ecf4eb3d3b1">millions of pages of documents</a>, many of them previously confidential, that the Justice Department released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act and it is possible those records contain evidence overlooked by investigators.But the documents, which include police reports, FBI interview notes and prosecutor emails, provide the clearest picture to date of the investigation — and why U.S. authorities ultimately decided to close it without additional charges.<h2>Dozens of victims come forward</h2>The Epstein investigation began in 2005, when the parents of a 14-year-old girl reported she had been molested at the millionaire’s home in Palm Beach, Florida.Police would identify at least 35 girls with similar stories: Epstein was paying high school age students $200 or $300 to give him sexualized massages.After the FBI joined the probe, federal prosecutors drafted indictments to charge Epstein and some personal assistants who had arranged the girls’ visits and payments. But instead, then-Miami U.S. attorney Alexander Acosta&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-florida-e2a4431f7319afd037023d9a586aa291">struck a deal</a>&nbsp;letting Epstein plead guilty to state charges of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. Sentenced to 18 months in jail, Epstein was free by mid-2009.In 2018, a series of Miami Herald stories about the plea deal prompted New York federal prosecutors to take a fresh look at the accusations.Epstein was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bb41822a39a147ccb03501acf049b58c">arrested in July 2019</a>. One month later, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b76666895e674991a6782d77b726d085">killed himself</a>&nbsp;in his jail cell.A year later, prosecutors charged Epstein’s longtime confidant,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/89212f72a6ca436f038e88ffd0250a40">Ghislaine Maxwell</a>, saying she’d recruited several of his victims and sometimes joined the sexual abuse. Convicted in 2021, Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison term.<h2>Prosecutors fail to find evidence backing most sensational claims</h2>Prosecution memos, case summaries and other documents made public in the department’s latest release of Epstein-related records show that FBI agents and federal prosecutors diligently pursued potential coconspirators. Even seemingly outlandish and incomprehensible claims, called in to tip lines, were examined.Some allegations couldn’t be verified, investigators wrote.In 2011 and again in 2019, investigators interviewed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-roberts-giuffre-obit-778c4fdd6fac2522133ca3d79244bccd">Virginia Roberts Giuffre</a>, who in lawsuits and news interviews had accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters with numerous men, including Britain’s former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-prince-andrew-strips-royal-titles-7fad76a46a211ae24b605cbd24e80748">Prince Andrew</a>.Investigators said they confirmed that Giuffre had been sexually abused by Epstein. But other parts of her story were problematic.Two other Epstein victims who Giuffre had claimed were also “lent out” to powerful men told investigators they had no such experience, prosecutors wrote in a 2019 internal memo.“No other victim has described being expressly directed by either Maxwell or Epstein to engage in sexual activity with other men,” the memo said.Giuffre acknowledged writing a partly fictionalized memoir of her time with Epstein containing descriptions of things that didn't take place. She had also offered shifting accounts in interviews with investigators, they wrote, and had "engaged in a continuous stream of public interviews about her allegations, many of which have included sensationalized if not demonstrably inaccurate characterizations of her experiences." Those inaccuracies included false accounts of her interactions with the FBI, they said.Still, U.S. prosecutors attempted to arrange an interview with Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He refused to make himself available. Giuffre&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-arts-and-entertainment-lawsuits-royalty-prince-andrew-4abc060592c70dd26e3ec9ce99395e6c">settled a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;with Mountbatten-Windsor in which she had accused him of sexual misconduct.In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-giuffre-memoir-jeffrey-epstein-prince-andrew-0adb8b983ac18a45fc7ec035dc789d08">a memoir</a>&nbsp;published after she killed herself last year, Giuffre wrote that prosecutors told her they didn't include her in the case against Maxwell because they didn't want her allegations to distract the jury. She insisted her accounts of being trafficked to elite men were true.<h2>Prosecutors say photos and videos don't implicate others</h2>Investigators seized a multitude of videos and photos from Epstein’s electronic devices and homes in New York, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They found CDs, hard copy photographs and at least one videotape containing nude images of females, some of whom seemed as if they might be minors. One device contained 15 to 20 images depicting commercial child sex abuse material — pictures investigators said Epstein obtained on the internet.No videos or photos showed Epstein victims being sexually abused, none showed any males with any of the nude females, and none contained evidence implicating anyone other than Epstein and Maxwell, then-Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey wrote in an email for FBI officials last year.Had they existed, the government “would have pursued any leads they generated,” Comey wrote. “We did not, however, locate any such videos.”Investigators who scoured Epstein’s bank records found payments to more than 25 women who appeared to be models — but no evidence that he was engaged in prostituting women to other men, prosecutors wrote.<h2>Epstein's close associates go uncharged</h2>In 2019, prosecutors weighed the possibility of charging one of Epstein’s longtime assistants but decided against it.Prosecutors concluded that while the assistant was involved in helping Epstein pay girls for sex and may have been aware that some were underage, she herself was a victim of his sexual abuse and manipulation.Investigators examined Epstein's relationship with the French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who once was involved in an agency with Epstein in the U.S., and who was accused in a separate case of sexually assaulting women in Europe. Brunel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-arts-and-entertainment-paris-jeffrey-epstein-edfbdb84c6cdd5f736ac7e1c2bac657b">killed himself in jail</a>&nbsp;while awaiting trial on a rape charge in France.Prosecutors also weighed whether to charge one of Epstein's girlfriends who had participated in sexual acts with some of his victims. Investigators interviewed the girlfriend, who was 18 to 20 years old at the time, “but it was determined there was not enough evidence,” according to a summary given to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-patel-fbi-justice-department-518329110ea230e2989095bfcbe34c59">FBI Director Kash Patel</a>&nbsp;last July.Days before Epstein’s July 2019 arrest, the FBI strategized about sending agents to serve grand jury subpoenas on people close to Epstein, including his pilots and longtime business client, retail mogul Les Wexner.Wexner’s lawyers told investigators that neither he nor his wife had knowledge of Epstein’s sexual misconduct. Epstein had managed Wexner's finances, but the couple's lawyers said they cut him off in 2007 after learning he'd stolen from them.“There is limited evidence regarding his involvement,” an FBI agent wrote of Wexner in an Aug. 16, 2019, email.In a statement to the AP, a legal representative for Wexner said prosecutors had informed him that he was “neither a coconspirator nor target in any respect," and that Wexner had cooperated with investigators.Prosecutors also examined accounts from women who said they'd given massages at Epstein's home to guests who'd tried to make the encounters sexual. One woman accused private equity investor Leon Black of initiating sexual contact during a massage in 2011 or 2012, causing her to flee the room.The Manhattan district attorney’s office subsequently investigated, but no charges were filed.Black's lawyer, Susan Estrich, said he had paid Epstein for estate planning and tax advice. She said in a statement that Black didn't engage in misconduct and had no awareness of Epstein's criminal activities. Lawsuits by two women who accused Black of sexual misconduct were dismissed or withdrawn. One is pending.<h2>No client list</h2>Attorney General Pam Bondi told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bondi-says-epstein-client-list-sitting-my-desk-right-now-reviewing-jfk-mlk-files">Fox News in February 2025</a>&nbsp;that Epstein’s never-before-seen “client list” was “sitting on my desk right now.” A few months later, she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-jeffrey-epstein-pam-bondi-trump-fa39193d5b5ff91970428bf077a5ce44">claimed the FBI was reviewing</a>&nbsp;“tens of thousands of videos” of Epstein “with children or child porn.”But FBI agents wrote superiors saying the client list didn't exist.On Dec. 30, 2024, about three weeks before President Joe Biden left office, then-FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate reached out through subordinates to ask "whether our investigation to date indicates the ‘client list,’ often referred to in the media, does or does not exist,” according to an email summarizing his query.A day later, an FBI official replied that the case agent had confirmed no client list existed.On Feb. 19, 2025, two days before Bondi’s Fox News appearance, an FBI supervisory special agent wrote: “While media coverage of the Jeffrey Epstein case references a ’client list,' investigators did not locate such a list during the course of the investigation.”___Aaron Kessler in Washington contributed to this report.

What the Epstein files show about FBI investigation of sex trafficking

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City.

Just before 2:30a.m., Kansas City police officers responded to reports of a burglary at 9500 Blue Ridge Boulevard, according to a media release.&nbsp; The report was of multiple suspects breaking into a building and storage container.

At the scene, KCPD officers found three people who ran.&nbsp; Two tried to get into a vehicle where an altercation occurred as officers attempted to take the two suspects into custody.&nbsp; During the altercation, one officer fired their duty weapon.

The gunfire struck the 35-year-old female in the driver's seat of the car. She was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp; Another male suspect at the vehicle was arrested.

Officers took the third suspect into custody several blocks away.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control is in charge of investigating the officer involved shooting. KCPD is investigating the burglary.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City.Just before 2:30a.m., Kansas City police officers responded to reports of a burglary at 9500 Blue Ridge Boulevard, according to a media release.&nbsp; The report was of multiple suspects breaking into a building and storage container.At the scene, KCPD officers found three people who ran.&nbsp; Two tried to get into a vehicle where an altercation occurred as officers attempted to take the two suspects into custody.&nbsp; During the altercation, one officer fired their duty weapon.The gunfire struck the 35-year-old female in the driver's seat of the car. She was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp; Another male suspect at the vehicle was arrested.Officers took the third suspect into custody several blocks away.The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control is in charge of investigating the officer involved shooting. KCPD is investigating the burglary.

Woman burglary suspect wounded in KC officer shooting 

JOHNSON COUNTY—Eight families were displaced after a weekend fire in Overland Park.

Just after 8:30p.m. Saturday, crews&nbsp;were dispatched to the Colonial Gardens Apartments at 87th and Broadmoor, according to a media release.

First units found heavy smoke and fire showing from the building, prompting crews to immediately call a second alarm and bring reinforcements to help control the blaze.

Firefighters attacked the fire in the attic while additional crews searched the building to ensure all residents were evacuated safely. One cat was rescued and returned to its owner.

The fire was knocked down in approximately 20 minutes, with crews spending about an hour putting out hot spots before declaring the blaze under control. There were no injuries reported.

Apartment management and the American Red Cross are assisting the displaced residents. The cause&nbsp; of the fire remains under investigation.

The Consolidated Fire District #2, Lenexa Fire, Shawnee Fire, Johnson County Med-ACT, and Overland Park Police assisted at the scene.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Eight families were displaced after a weekend fire in Overland Park.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Firefighters made a quick knockdown on an attic fire at the Colonial Gardens Apts. at 87th and Broadmoor just after 8:30 p.m. No injures are reported. Residents from 8 apartments are displaced. Red Cross is assisting. Cause of the Fire is under investigation. <a href="https://t.co/tS6xDzObMo">pic.twitter.com/tS6xDzObMo</a>&mdash; Overland Park Fire Department (@OverlandParkFD) <a href="https://twitter.com/OverlandParkFD/status/2020363418738278774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Just after 8:30p.m. Saturday, crews&nbsp;were dispatched to the Colonial Gardens Apartments at 87th and Broadmoor, according to a media release.First units found heavy smoke and fire showing from the building, prompting crews to immediately call a second alarm and bring reinforcements to help control the blaze.Firefighters attacked the fire in the attic while additional crews searched the building to ensure all residents were evacuated safely. One cat was rescued and returned to its owner.The fire was knocked down in approximately 20 minutes, with crews spending about an hour putting out hot spots before declaring the blaze under control. There were no injuries reported.Apartment management and the American Red Cross are assisting the displaced residents. The cause&nbsp; of the fire remains under investigation.The Consolidated Fire District #2, Lenexa Fire, Shawnee Fire, Johnson County Med-ACT, and Overland Park Police assisted at the scene.

8 residents displaced after 2-alarm Kan. apartment building  fire

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The urgent investigation into the apparent kidnapping of 84-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-nancy-042abd04a6d87e14eecb22f0bc2893d1">Nancy Guthrie</a>&nbsp;continued Sunday, a week after the mother of “Today” show host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Savannah Guthrie</a>&nbsp;was reported missing in Arizona.

Savannah&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Guthrie</a>&nbsp;solemnly told the potential kidnappers in a social media video released Saturday that the family was prepared to pay for her safe return. Flanked by her siblings, Guthrie said “we received your message” and that: “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

An FBI spokesman said Savannah Guthrie was referring to a message that was sent to the Tucson-based television station KOLD on Friday. The station declined to share details about the message’s contents as the FBI conducted its review.

Detectives and agents continued to perform follow-up work at multiple locations as part of the investigation, according to an email Sunday from the Pima County Sheriff's Department. The agency said in the email to media that it would not yet provide details about that work.

“Investigators have not identified any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to this case,” read the email.

Two marked sheriff’s cars and another vehicle arrived at Nancy Guthrie’s house around midday Sunday and at least two people went to the back of the home for more than 20 minutes before leaving without comment.

Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-6c7b78d17d7b647c64f71f64ecaecf8b">taken against her will</a>&nbsp;last weekend from her home just outside Tucson. DNA tests showed blood on Guthrie’s front porch was a match to her, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said.

Multiple press outlets have received alleged ransom letters during the past week. At least one letter made monetary demands and established Thursday evening and Monday evening as deadlines. Law enforcement officials declined to affirm that the letters were credible but said all tips were being investigated seriously.

The disappearance of the well-known TV host's mother has fixated Americans over the past week. Candles remained lit early Sunday near Nancy Guthrie's home, next to a sign expressing support for the family.

The White House said President Donald Trump called and spoke with Savannah Guthrie last week. The president told reporters on Friday that there are clues in the case "that I think are very strong.”

Authorities say they have growing concerns about Nancy Guthrie’s health because she needs daily medication. She is said to have a pacemaker and has dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.

The video released Saturday was the third this week that pleaded with potential kidnappers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770317643367.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The urgent investigation into the apparent kidnapping of 84-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-nancy-042abd04a6d87e14eecb22f0bc2893d1">Nancy Guthrie</a>&nbsp;continued Sunday, a week after the mother of “Today” show host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Savannah Guthrie</a>&nbsp;was reported missing in Arizona.Savannah&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Guthrie</a>&nbsp;solemnly told the potential kidnappers in a social media video released Saturday that the family was prepared to pay for her safe return. Flanked by her siblings, Guthrie said “we received your message” and that: “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At the request of the Guthrie family, PCSD will maintain a presence at Nancy Guthrie’s residence for security. Media &amp; the public are reminded to follow all traffic &amp; private property laws. No trespassing is allowed on the Guthrie property. Violations are subject to enforcement.&mdash; Pima County Sheriff&#39;s Department (@PimaSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PimaSheriff/status/2020622606194643157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>An FBI spokesman said Savannah Guthrie was referring to a message that was sent to the Tucson-based television station KOLD on Friday. The station declined to share details about the message’s contents as the FBI conducted its review.Detectives and agents continued to perform follow-up work at multiple locations as part of the investigation, according to an email Sunday from the Pima County Sheriff's Department. The agency said in the email to media that it would not yet provide details about that work.“Investigators have not identified any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to this case,” read the email.Two marked sheriff’s cars and another vehicle arrived at Nancy Guthrie’s house around midday Sunday and at least two people went to the back of the home for more than 20 minutes before leaving without comment.Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-6c7b78d17d7b647c64f71f64ecaecf8b">taken against her will</a>&nbsp;last weekend from her home just outside Tucson. DNA tests showed blood on Guthrie’s front porch was a match to her, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said.Multiple press outlets have received alleged ransom letters during the past week. At least one letter made monetary demands and established Thursday evening and Monday evening as deadlines. Law enforcement officials declined to affirm that the letters were credible but said all tips were being investigated seriously.The disappearance of the well-known TV host's mother has fixated Americans over the past week. Candles remained lit early Sunday near Nancy Guthrie's home, next to a sign expressing support for the family.The White House said President Donald Trump called and spoke with Savannah Guthrie last week. The president told reporters on Friday that there are clues in the case "that I think are very strong.”Authorities say they have growing concerns about Nancy Guthrie’s health because she needs daily medication. She is said to have a pacemaker and has dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.The video released Saturday was the third this week that pleaded with potential kidnappers.

Investigation continues a week after 'Today' host's mother reported missing

KEARNY—One person died in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Sunday in Kearny County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Hummer H3 driven by Dylan C. Knoll, 31, Holcomb, was eastbound on Road 250 approximately six miles north of U.S. 50.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield at the stop sign at Road AA. The SUV collided with a northbound 2004 F150 pickup driven by Dakota J.&nbsp;Mcinnis, 32, Deerfield. The impact caused both vehicles to roll and Mcinnis was ejected from the pickup.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mcinnis was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Garnand Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported Knoll to Wesley Medical and a teen passenger in the SUV to Kearny County Hospital. Mcinnis was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

KEARNY—One person died in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Sunday in Kearny County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Hummer H3 driven by Dylan C. Knoll, 31, Holcomb, was eastbound on Road 250 approximately six miles north of U.S. 50.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield at the stop sign at Road AA. The SUV collided with a northbound 2004 F150 pickup driven by Dakota J.&nbsp;Mcinnis, 32, Deerfield. The impact caused both vehicles to roll and Mcinnis was ejected from the pickup.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mcinnis was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Garnand Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported Knoll to Wesley Medical and a teen passenger in the SUV to Kearny County Hospital. Mcinnis was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after ejected in SUV, pickup crash

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/maria-sherman">MARIA SHERMAN</a> Associated Press

The sun hung low when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bad-bunny">Bad Bunny</a>&nbsp;emerged in Puerto Rico’s sugar cane fields during his halftime show, surrounded by jíbaros in pavas (rural farmers in traditional straw hats), viejitos playing dominos (an affectionate term for older men) and a piragua stand (shaved ice) — undeniable symbols of Puerto Rico.

From a small Caribbean island with a complicated colonial history, to the world: The artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio brought Puerto Rican culture to the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, for his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nfl">2026 Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;halftime show in what was always going to be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/why-bad-bunnys-super-bowl-show-will-be-a-landmark-moment-for-puerto-rico/" target="_blank">a landmark moment for Latinos.</a>

He started with his huge reggaeton-and-then-some hits, “Tití Me Preguntó” moving into “Yo Perreo Sola,” as he remerged on top of the casita (“little house”) from his Puerto Rican residency —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/cardi-b">Cardi B</a>&nbsp;was a guest at his pari de marquesina (“house party.”)

Then he crashed through the roof — Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina” played for a moment, clearly an acknowledgement and celebration of the Puerto Rican artists who laid the path for his career to go global.

“Mi nombre es Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio,” he introduced himself to the crowd in Spanish. “Y si hoy estoy aquí en el Super Bowl 60, es porque nunca, nunca dejé de creer en mí y tú también deberías de creer en ti, vales más de lo que piensas.”

In English: “My name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, and if I’m here today at Super Bowl 60 it’s because I never, ever stopped believing in myself and you should also believe in yourself, you’re worth more than you think.”

The strings of his song “Monaco” played — then, a surprise Lady Gaga emerged at a wedding scene, singing her portion of “Die with a Smile,” her collaboration with Bruno Mars, joined by a salsa band. Her dress featured a maga, Puerto Rico’s national flower.

It gave Benito time for a fashion change — rocking a white suit like a classic salsero — for “Baile Inolvidable” and “NuevaYol,” with a block party set where he took a shot with Tonita, owner of one of the last Puerto Rican social clubs in New York City, Brooklyn’s Caribbean Social Club.

Ricky Martin, one of Puerto Rico’s greatest crossover artists, performed “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii,” (“What Happened to Hawaii”), a rallying cry for Puerto Rico’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/best-songs-2025-6a4712aa815b7554790ff28fbdff220b">cultural autonomy</a>&nbsp;in an era of neocolonialization. He sat in a plastic chair in front of a plantain tree; a scene that mirrored the cover of Bad Bunny’s 2025 album&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-debi-tirar-mas-fotos-review-856f8e4f89e48e6ab104a491ae3dbcde">“Debí Tirar Más Fotos.”</a>

Behind Martin, jíbaros in pavas climbed power poles that exploded, symbolic of Puerto Rico’s frequent blackouts and failing power grid. It queued up a moving performance of Bad Bunny’s 2022 song “El Apagón” (“The Blackout”), in reference to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hurricane-maria">Hurricane Maria,</a>&nbsp;its aftermath and the continued anger and frustration over persistent,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/puerto-rico-blackout-power-outage-causes-6b1f71e33136a3f97b8238568cd664ea">chronic power outages</a>.

He held a Puerto Rico flag in red, white and baby blue — reflective of the Puerto Rican independence movement.

For around 13 minutes during the halftime show sponsored by Apple Music and Roc Nation, all eyes on the field — and around the world — were on Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.

Bad Bunny performed entirely in Spanish — as all of his music is recorded in the language, though he has collaborated with English-language artists. The only English singing came from Gaga. That changed at the end of the set, when he said, “God Bless America,” and then named countries in the Caribbean, Central and South America. “And my motherland, mi patria, Puerto Rico, seguimos aquí.” In English, “My homeland, Puerto Rico, we are still here.”

Behind him, a screen read “The only thing more powerful than hate is love” in English text, a direct reference to one of his recent speeches at the 2026 Grammys.

He ended with “DtMF” as he walked out of the stadium, joined by musicians with güiros (a percussive instrument made of a hollow gourd) and panderetas (tambourines, a symbol of plena.)

For years, Bad Bunny has been one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spotify-wrapped-2025-bad-bunny-taylor-swift-fb021e2387d6aff7e4d8353a067f1664">most-streamed artists on the planet.</a>&nbsp;And on Sunday, he made it clear that his global popularity translates seamlessly to the biggest stage in the U.S. (Though he is no stranger to it. He previously appeared during the halftime show at Super Bowl LIV in 2020 alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jennifer-lopez">Jennifer Lopez</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/shakira">Shakira.</a>&nbsp;He sang in Spanish alongside two artists whose bilingual hits helped usher in a crossover era for Latin music in the ’00s.)

Consider Bad Bunny’s 2026 halftime performance the cherry on top of a huge moment for the 31-year-old global superstar, who just 10 years ago was working at an Econo supermarket in Puerto Rico.

Last week, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-grammys-2026-a20c758dd63542bd665d24e61269aa72">took home album of the year</a>&nbsp;at the 2026 Grammys for his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-debi-tirar-mas-fotos-review-856f8e4f89e48e6ab104a491ae3dbcde">“Debí Tirar Más Fotos,”</a>&nbsp;an album that marries folkloric tradition in local Borinquen genres like bomba, plena, salsa and música jíbara with contemporary styles like reggaeton, trap and pop. It marked the first time an all-Spanish language album won the top prize.

Like most headliners, Bad Bunny kept details of his halftime performance under wraps ahead of time,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show-preview-f3b3f090beb4b74e958dfbe77c96222f">though many theorized</a>&nbsp;there would be some kind of political performance. He’s been critical of President Donald Trump in the past and at the Grammys last Sunday, said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2026-grammy-awards-4d631de5d968b51276a8f06b76580e20">“ICE out”</a>&nbsp;while accepting a televised award. Bad Bunny’s latest tour skipped the continental U.S.; in an interview he said it was at least partially inspired by concerns that his fans could be targeted by immigration agents.

At a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show-f441549a00166a39309233f689163105">press conference on Thursday,</a>&nbsp;Bad Bunny told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden viewers could expect a huge party — and joked that while viewers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-super-bowl-spanish-halftime-show-7d0c6576f832f371409bdd9e43fc3184">didn’t need to learn Spanish</a>&nbsp;to enjoy his set; they should learn to dance.

“I want to bring to the stage, of course, a lot of my culture,” he said at the time. “I don’t want to give any spoilers. It’s going to be fun.”

Of course, he delivered on just that — with a message of hope and a reminder of Puerto Rico’s resiliency.

For more on the Super Bowl, visit&nbsp;https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770643652248.png" alt="Bad Bunny performs at the Super Bowl-image from Associated Press video" />
 <figcaption>Bad Bunny performs at the Super Bowl-image from Associated Press video</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/maria-sherman">MARIA SHERMAN</a> Associated PressThe sun hung low when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bad-bunny">Bad Bunny</a>&nbsp;emerged in Puerto Rico’s sugar cane fields during his halftime show, surrounded by jíbaros in pavas (rural farmers in traditional straw hats), viejitos playing dominos (an affectionate term for older men) and a piragua stand (shaved ice) — undeniable symbols of Puerto Rico.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: Bad Bunny performs at the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show <a href="https://t.co/yp7J45ekY6">pic.twitter.com/yp7J45ekY6</a>&mdash; The Associated Press (@AP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AP/status/2020694895162528055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/oU1sLFUhGd">pic.twitter.com/oU1sLFUhGd</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2020679333765878130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>From a small Caribbean island with a complicated colonial history, to the world: The artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio brought Puerto Rican culture to the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, for his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nfl">2026 Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;halftime show in what was always going to be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/why-bad-bunnys-super-bowl-show-will-be-a-landmark-moment-for-puerto-rico/" target="_blank">a landmark moment for Latinos.</a>He started with his huge reggaeton-and-then-some hits, “Tití Me Preguntó” moving into “Yo Perreo Sola,” as he remerged on top of the casita (“little house”) from his Puerto Rican residency —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/cardi-b">Cardi B</a>&nbsp;was a guest at his pari de marquesina (“house party.”)Then he crashed through the roof — Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina” played for a moment, clearly an acknowledgement and celebration of the Puerto Rican artists who laid the path for his career to go global.“Mi nombre es Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio,” he introduced himself to the crowd in Spanish. “Y si hoy estoy aquí en el Super Bowl 60, es porque nunca, nunca dejé de creer en mí y tú también deberías de creer en ti, vales más de lo que piensas.”In English: “My name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, and if I’m here today at Super Bowl 60 it’s because I never, ever stopped believing in myself and you should also believe in yourself, you’re worth more than you think.”The strings of his song “Monaco” played — then, a surprise Lady Gaga emerged at a wedding scene, singing her portion of “Die with a Smile,” her collaboration with Bruno Mars, joined by a salsa band. Her dress featured a maga, Puerto Rico’s national flower.It gave Benito time for a fashion change — rocking a white suit like a classic salsero — for “Baile Inolvidable” and “NuevaYol,” with a block party set where he took a shot with Tonita, owner of one of the last Puerto Rican social clubs in New York City, Brooklyn’s Caribbean Social Club.Ricky Martin, one of Puerto Rico’s greatest crossover artists, performed “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii,” (“What Happened to Hawaii”), a rallying cry for Puerto Rico’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/best-songs-2025-6a4712aa815b7554790ff28fbdff220b">cultural autonomy</a>&nbsp;in an era of neocolonialization. He sat in a plastic chair in front of a plantain tree; a scene that mirrored the cover of Bad Bunny’s 2025 album&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-debi-tirar-mas-fotos-review-856f8e4f89e48e6ab104a491ae3dbcde">“Debí Tirar Más Fotos.”</a>Behind Martin, jíbaros in pavas climbed power poles that exploded, symbolic of Puerto Rico’s frequent blackouts and failing power grid. It queued up a moving performance of Bad Bunny’s 2022 song “El Apagón” (“The Blackout”), in reference to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hurricane-maria">Hurricane Maria,</a>&nbsp;its aftermath and the continued anger and frustration over persistent,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/puerto-rico-blackout-power-outage-causes-6b1f71e33136a3f97b8238568cd664ea">chronic power outages</a>.He held a Puerto Rico flag in red, white and baby blue — reflective of the Puerto Rican independence movement.For around 13 minutes during the halftime show sponsored by Apple Music and Roc Nation, all eyes on the field — and around the world — were on Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.Bad Bunny performed entirely in Spanish — as all of his music is recorded in the language, though he has collaborated with English-language artists. The only English singing came from Gaga. That changed at the end of the set, when he said, “God Bless America,” and then named countries in the Caribbean, Central and South America. “And my motherland, mi patria, Puerto Rico, seguimos aquí.” In English, “My homeland, Puerto Rico, we are still here.”Behind him, a screen read “The only thing more powerful than hate is love” in English text, a direct reference to one of his recent speeches at the 2026 Grammys.He ended with “DtMF” as he walked out of the stadium, joined by musicians with güiros (a percussive instrument made of a hollow gourd) and panderetas (tambourines, a symbol of plena.)For years, Bad Bunny has been one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spotify-wrapped-2025-bad-bunny-taylor-swift-fb021e2387d6aff7e4d8353a067f1664">most-streamed artists on the planet.</a>&nbsp;And on Sunday, he made it clear that his global popularity translates seamlessly to the biggest stage in the U.S. (Though he is no stranger to it. He previously appeared during the halftime show at Super Bowl LIV in 2020 alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jennifer-lopez">Jennifer Lopez</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/shakira">Shakira.</a>&nbsp;He sang in Spanish alongside two artists whose bilingual hits helped usher in a crossover era for Latin music in the ’00s.)Consider Bad Bunny’s 2026 halftime performance the cherry on top of a huge moment for the 31-year-old global superstar, who just 10 years ago was working at an Econo supermarket in Puerto Rico.Last week, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-grammys-2026-a20c758dd63542bd665d24e61269aa72">took home album of the year</a>&nbsp;at the 2026 Grammys for his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-debi-tirar-mas-fotos-review-856f8e4f89e48e6ab104a491ae3dbcde">“Debí Tirar Más Fotos,”</a>&nbsp;an album that marries folkloric tradition in local Borinquen genres like bomba, plena, salsa and música jíbara with contemporary styles like reggaeton, trap and pop. It marked the first time an all-Spanish language album won the top prize.Like most headliners, Bad Bunny kept details of his halftime performance under wraps ahead of time,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show-preview-f3b3f090beb4b74e958dfbe77c96222f">though many theorized</a>&nbsp;there would be some kind of political performance. He’s been critical of President Donald Trump in the past and at the Grammys last Sunday, said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2026-grammy-awards-4d631de5d968b51276a8f06b76580e20">“ICE out”</a>&nbsp;while accepting a televised award. Bad Bunny’s latest tour skipped the continental U.S.; in an interview he said it was at least partially inspired by concerns that his fans could be targeted by immigration agents.At a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show-f441549a00166a39309233f689163105">press conference on Thursday,</a>&nbsp;Bad Bunny told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden viewers could expect a huge party — and joked that while viewers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-super-bowl-spanish-halftime-show-7d0c6576f832f371409bdd9e43fc3184">didn’t need to learn Spanish</a>&nbsp;to enjoy his set; they should learn to dance.“I want to bring to the stage, of course, a lot of my culture,” he said at the time. “I don’t want to give any spoilers. It’s going to be fun.”Of course, he delivered on just that — with a message of hope and a reminder of Puerto Rico’s resiliency.___For more on the Super Bowl, visit&nbsp;https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl

Review: Bad Bunny Super Bowl show; President Trump weighs in 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man arrested in Missouri for a&nbsp;deadly shooting in Wichita is now in a Kansas Jail.

On Thursday, 27-year-old Donny J. Harris of Springfield, Missouri was booked into the Sedgwick County jail, according to online jail records. He made his first court appearance and is charged with first degree murder.

Just after 8a.m. Jan. 26., police were dispatched to the&nbsp;the 900 block of East Indianapolis in Wichita&nbsp;for a reported welfare check after receiving information about a man down, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Upon arrival, officers located a man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Wichita police officers and detectives conducted a thorough and comprehensive investigation, working through challenging weather conditions and utilizing multiple departmental resources.

Officers from multiple WPD sections, Crime Scene Investigators,&nbsp;K-9 Mantra, and&nbsp;Flock technology&nbsp;were utilized to canvass the area, locate evidence, and develop investigative leads.&nbsp;K-9 Mantra located multiple shell casings in the snow during the search.

As a result of this coordinated effort, detectives were able to quickly identify a suspect identified as Harris and establish probable cause. An arrest warrant was issued for first-degree murder.

Working in close coordination with the Springfield Police Department, Harris was located and arrested on the evening of Jan. 26, in Springfield, Missouri.&nbsp;

Harris is being held on a $500,000 bond. Police have not released the name of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769461383611.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man arrested in Missouri for a&nbsp;deadly shooting in Wichita is now in a Kansas Jail.On Thursday, 27-year-old Donny J. Harris of Springfield, Missouri was booked into the Sedgwick County jail, according to online jail records. He made his first court appearance and is charged with first degree murder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770477271747.png" alt="Harris photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Harris photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 8a.m. Jan. 26., police were dispatched to the&nbsp;the 900 block of East Indianapolis in Wichita&nbsp;for a reported welfare check after receiving information about a man down, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.Upon arrival, officers located a man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.Wichita police officers and detectives conducted a thorough and comprehensive investigation, working through challenging weather conditions and utilizing multiple departmental resources.Officers from multiple WPD sections, Crime Scene Investigators,&nbsp;K-9 Mantra, and&nbsp;Flock technology&nbsp;were utilized to canvass the area, locate evidence, and develop investigative leads.&nbsp;K-9 Mantra located multiple shell casings in the snow during the search.As a result of this coordinated effort, detectives were able to quickly identify a suspect identified as Harris and establish probable cause. An arrest warrant was issued for first-degree murder.Working in close coordination with the Springfield Police Department, Harris was located and arrested on the evening of Jan. 26, in Springfield, Missouri.&nbsp;Harris is being held on a $500,000 bond. Police have not released the name of the victim.

Missouri man accused of murder is now in a Kansas jail

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State men's basketball team overcame a stellar performance by freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa to beat 16th-ranked BYU 99-92 on Wednesday night. Now the Oklahoma State University is facing a reprimand from the Big 12 Conference.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the conference announce on their social media account, "in accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued Oklahoma State University a $50,000 fine following its investigation into inappropriate chants which referenced the Mormon religion that occurred during Wednesday’s men’s basketball game."

"The Big 12 Conference will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others."

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State men's basketball team overcame a stellar performance by freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa to beat 16th-ranked BYU 99-92 on Wednesday night. Now the Oklahoma State University is facing a reprimand from the Big 12 Conference.&nbsp;On Sunday, the conference announce on their social media account, "in accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued Oklahoma State University a $50,000 fine following its investigation into inappropriate chants which referenced the Mormon religion that occurred during Wednesday’s men’s basketball game."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Statement from Oklahoma State University <a href="https://t.co/QZcY0Zpxzw">pic.twitter.com/QZcY0Zpxzw</a>&mdash; Oklahoma State Athletics (@OSUAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/OSUAthletics/status/2020575712839663820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"The Big 12 Conference will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others."