By JUAN A. LOZANO and JOHN O'CONNOR&nbsp;

BONNE TERRE, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man who long maintained his innocence was executed Tuesday for the fatal shooting of a state trooper more than 20 years ago.

<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-98b9be3f3c3c4d408f907ba61c9897d3">Lance Shockley</a>, 48, was pronounced dead at 6:13 p.m. following a lethal injection at the state prison in Bonne Terre.

Shockley was convicted of killing Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Carl Dewayne Graham Jr. in March 2005. Prosecutors said he waited for hours near Graham’s home in Van Buren, in southeast Missouri, and shot him with a rifle and shotgun after the trooper exited his patrol vehicle.

Shockley’s execution was one of two in the country Tuesday. Samuel Lee Smithers, 72,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-execution-samuel-lee-smithers-cf17079bd1228ab58f7ee61de81924a0">died by lethal injection</a>&nbsp;in Florida for the killings of two women whose bodies were found in a rural pond in 1996.

In the death chamber, Shockley’s head was elevated on a pillow, and he raised his head off the pillow and communicated with loved ones in the witness room to his left. A woman there appeared to try to carry on a detailed conversation with him from his soundproof room.

After about 90 seconds, he laid his head back on the pillow and appeared to stop talking.

There were seven witnesses present for Shockley, 12 for Graham and 13 for the state. The woman who was communicating with him dropped her head and stopped motioning after he laid his head back. At least two women wiped tears from the eyes, and other witnesses largely sat stoic and expressionless.

Shockley's final visits, meal and statement

He was visited by his daughters and a friend in the morning, according to prison officials. His last meal consisted of items from the canteen: peanut butter, three packs of oatmeal, water and two sports drinks.

In a written final statement, he said: “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”

The execution was carried out after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his final appeals earlier in the day. GOP Gov. Mike Kehoe turned down his request for clemency Monday.

“Violence against those who risk their lives every day to protect our communities will never be tolerated. Missouri stands firmly with our men and women in uniform,” Kehoe said in a statement.

Graham's family issued a statement saying the grief from his loss “has left a profound emptiness in all of us that touches every part of our daily lives.

“No court proceeding, nor what happened here today can ever bring Dewayne back, or heal the hole left in our hearts,” it continued. “But after all these years, there is some measure of peace in knowing that this part of the process is over.”

Col. Michael Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said Graham represented the very best of the force, was respected by co-workers and the community and was “unwavering in his commitment to helping others.”

Shockley’s attorneys were unsuccessful in their efforts to have state appeals courts stop his execution in order to allow DNA testing of evidence found at the scene of the killing. His lawyers argued that much of that evidence had never been tested and could have helped exonerate Shockley.

“Even a small chance of exoneration is enough to warrant testing,” his lawyers said in court documents.

They also asked the Supreme Court for a stay, arguing that his First Amendment rights were being violated since the Missouri Department of Corrections prohibited his daughter from being his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-state-government-missouri-legal-proceedings-religion-dbc253bef85af688a63a42a836e00028">spiritual adviser</a>&nbsp;during the execution. In March 2022 the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-executions-john-roberts-fcd32356dbb867063d324d7d33d6a21f">Supreme Court ruled</a>&nbsp;that states must allow spiritual advisers to accompany inmates in the death chamber.

Missouri officials argued that state prison policy prevents family members from having direct contact with inmates during an execution due to security concerns they might interfere with the process.

Authorities said Shockley shot Graham because he was investigating him for involuntary manslaughter after leaving the scene of a deadly accident in which Shockley’s best friend was killed. Prosecutors said Shockley borrowed his grandmother’s red Pontiac Grand Am, which was seen near Graham’s home the day of the killing.

Shockley first shot Graham with a rifle, severing his spinal cord and causing him to fall to the ground and fracture his skull, according to prosecutors. He then approached and shot Graham in the face and shoulder with a shotgun.

Shockley owned a .243-caliber rifle, and .243-caliber rounds were recovered from Graham’s body. Bullet fragments found on the property of Shockley’s uncle matched the rounds recovered from the trooper’s body, according to court documents filed by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

Jeremy Weis, one of Shockley’s attorneys, said prosecutors presented no direct evidence connecting him to the killing.

“The state’s case remained circumstantial,” Weis said last week while discussing the case during a forum at the University of Missouri School of Law. “The murder weapons were never found. There were disagreements between the ballistics experts hired by the prosecution.”

Shockley’s attorney also said witnesses placed him about 14 miles (23 kilometers) from Graham’s home at a time when prosecutors said he was lying in wait there.

Prosecutors said Shockley inquired about where Graham lived beforehand and tried to get rid of a box of .243-caliber ammunition around the time of the killing, according to court documents.

Favorable DNA test results, “even if obtained, would not tend to undermine Shockley’s conviction,” prosecutors said.

Shockley is the first person put to death this year in Missouri, where no other executions are scheduled for 2025. The last one in the state took place Dec. 3, 2024, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-christopher-collings-f5a027c86c53725556a5a66751abd36d">Christopher Collings</a>&nbsp;died by lethal injection for the sexual assault and killing of a 9-year-old girl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760491147364.png" alt="Shockley photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Shockley photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>By JUAN A. LOZANO and JOHN O'CONNOR&nbsp;BONNE TERRE, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man who long maintained his innocence was executed Tuesday for the fatal shooting of a state trooper more than 20 years ago.<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-98b9be3f3c3c4d408f907ba61c9897d3">Lance Shockley</a>, 48, was pronounced dead at 6:13 p.m. following a lethal injection at the state prison in Bonne Terre.Shockley was convicted of killing Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Carl Dewayne Graham Jr. in March 2005. Prosecutors said he waited for hours near Graham’s home in Van Buren, in southeast Missouri, and shot him with a rifle and shotgun after the trooper exited his patrol vehicle.Shockley’s execution was one of two in the country Tuesday. Samuel Lee Smithers, 72,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-execution-samuel-lee-smithers-cf17079bd1228ab58f7ee61de81924a0">died by lethal injection</a>&nbsp;in Florida for the killings of two women whose bodies were found in a rural pond in 1996.In the death chamber, Shockley’s head was elevated on a pillow, and he raised his head off the pillow and communicated with loved ones in the witness room to his left. A woman there appeared to try to carry on a detailed conversation with him from his soundproof room.After about 90 seconds, he laid his head back on the pillow and appeared to stop talking.There were seven witnesses present for Shockley, 12 for Graham and 13 for the state. The woman who was communicating with him dropped her head and stopped motioning after he laid his head back. At least two women wiped tears from the eyes, and other witnesses largely sat stoic and expressionless.<h2>Shockley's final visits, meal and statement</h2>He was visited by his daughters and a friend in the morning, according to prison officials. His last meal consisted of items from the canteen: peanut butter, three packs of oatmeal, water and two sports drinks.In a written final statement, he said: “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”The execution was carried out after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his final appeals earlier in the day. GOP Gov. Mike Kehoe turned down his request for clemency Monday.“Violence against those who risk their lives every day to protect our communities will never be tolerated. Missouri stands firmly with our men and women in uniform,” Kehoe said in a statement.<h2>‘A profound emptiness’</h2>Graham's family issued a statement saying the grief from his loss “has left a profound emptiness in all of us that touches every part of our daily lives.“No court proceeding, nor what happened here today can ever bring Dewayne back, or heal the hole left in our hearts,” it continued. “But after all these years, there is some measure of peace in knowing that this part of the process is over.”Col. Michael Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said Graham represented the very best of the force, was respected by co-workers and the community and was “unwavering in his commitment to helping others.”<h2>Lawyers sought DNA testing</h2>Shockley’s attorneys were unsuccessful in their efforts to have state appeals courts stop his execution in order to allow DNA testing of evidence found at the scene of the killing. His lawyers argued that much of that evidence had never been tested and could have helped exonerate Shockley.“Even a small chance of exoneration is enough to warrant testing,” his lawyers said in court documents.They also asked the Supreme Court for a stay, arguing that his First Amendment rights were being violated since the Missouri Department of Corrections prohibited his daughter from being his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-state-government-missouri-legal-proceedings-religion-dbc253bef85af688a63a42a836e00028">spiritual adviser</a>&nbsp;during the execution. In March 2022 the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-executions-john-roberts-fcd32356dbb867063d324d7d33d6a21f">Supreme Court ruled</a>&nbsp;that states must allow spiritual advisers to accompany inmates in the death chamber.Missouri officials argued that state prison policy prevents family members from having direct contact with inmates during an execution due to security concerns they might interfere with the process.<h2>Graham was investigating Shockley</h2>Authorities said Shockley shot Graham because he was investigating him for involuntary manslaughter after leaving the scene of a deadly accident in which Shockley’s best friend was killed. Prosecutors said Shockley borrowed his grandmother’s red Pontiac Grand Am, which was seen near Graham’s home the day of the killing.Shockley first shot Graham with a rifle, severing his spinal cord and causing him to fall to the ground and fracture his skull, according to prosecutors. He then approached and shot Graham in the face and shoulder with a shotgun.Shockley owned a .243-caliber rifle, and .243-caliber rounds were recovered from Graham’s body. Bullet fragments found on the property of Shockley’s uncle matched the rounds recovered from the trooper’s body, according to court documents filed by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.<h2>Defense said case was circumstantial</h2>Jeremy Weis, one of Shockley’s attorneys, said prosecutors presented no direct evidence connecting him to the killing.“The state’s case remained circumstantial,” Weis said last week while discussing the case during a forum at the University of Missouri School of Law. “The murder weapons were never found. There were disagreements between the ballistics experts hired by the prosecution.”Shockley’s attorney also said witnesses placed him about 14 miles (23 kilometers) from Graham’s home at a time when prosecutors said he was lying in wait there.Prosecutors said Shockley inquired about where Graham lived beforehand and tried to get rid of a box of .243-caliber ammunition around the time of the killing, according to court documents.Favorable DNA test results, “even if obtained, would not tend to undermine Shockley’s conviction,” prosecutors said.Shockley is the first person put to death this year in Missouri, where no other executions are scheduled for 2025. The last one in the state took place Dec. 3, 2024, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-christopher-collings-f5a027c86c53725556a5a66751abd36d">Christopher Collings</a>&nbsp;died by lethal injection for the sexual assault and killing of a 9-year-old girl.

Man executed for killing State Trooper wrote final statement

JOHNSON COUNTY — A man who admitted intentionally contaminating food at a Kansas steak house is going to prison.

Earlier this month, Judge Kelly Ryan sentenced Jace Christian Hanson, 22, of Kansas City, to 136 months in prison, according to Johnson County District Attorney's office.

In July, Hanson entered a plea of guilty as charged on the 33 counts of food adulteration carges. The crime occurred at the Hereford House steakhouse, 5001 Town Center Drive in Leawood, Kansas between March 26 and April 24, 2024.

On April 25, the Leawood Police Department received a tip that the restaurant may have someone intentionally contaminating food.

Police immediately began an investigation that led to the Hereford House where detectives spoke with restaurant management to identify a suspect 21-year-old&nbsp;Jace Christian Hanson of Kansas City.

Customers who ate at the steakhouse between those dates and experienced health issues were asked to contact Leawood police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714486969300.png" alt="Hanson photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Hanson photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY — A man who admitted intentionally contaminating food at a Kansas steak house is going to prison.Earlier this month, Judge Kelly Ryan sentenced Jace Christian Hanson, 22, of Kansas City, to 136 months in prison, according to Johnson County District Attorney's office.In July, Hanson entered a plea of guilty as charged on the 33 counts of food adulteration carges. The crime occurred at the Hereford House steakhouse, 5001 Town Center Drive in Leawood, Kansas between March 26 and April 24, 2024.On April 25, the Leawood Police Department received a tip that the restaurant may have someone intentionally contaminating food.Police immediately began an investigation that led to the Hereford House where detectives spoke with restaurant management to identify a suspect 21-year-old&nbsp;Jace Christian Hanson of Kansas City.Customers who ate at the steakhouse between those dates and experienced health issues were asked to contact Leawood police.

Prison time for intentionally contaminating food at Kan. steakhouse

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —On Tuesday, the Ellsworth County Sheriff reported his office continues investigating a shooting that sent a central Kansas teen to the hospital last month.

Just before 10p.m. on&nbsp;September 28, the Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call stating a shot had been fired and a man was down on the ground at 1341 Avenue F, according to Sheriff&nbsp;Kenny M. Bernard.

Responding officers arrived and found 18-year-old Holden Slaight lying on the floor in the kitchen area suffering from what appeared to be a non-self-inflicted single gunshot wound to the upper area of his right leg. 

EMS treated and transported Holden to Ellsworth County Medical Center where he was then air-lifted to Wichita.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —On Tuesday, the Ellsworth County Sheriff reported his office continues investigating a shooting that sent a central Kansas teen to the hospital last month.Just before 10p.m. on&nbsp;September 28, the Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call stating a shot had been fired and a man was down on the ground at 1341 Avenue F, according to Sheriff&nbsp;Kenny M. Bernard.Responding officers arrived and found 18-year-old Holden Slaight lying on the floor in the kitchen area suffering from what appeared to be a non-self-inflicted single gunshot wound to the upper area of his right leg. EMS treated and transported Holden to Ellsworth County Medical Center where he was then air-lifted to Wichita.

Sheriff IDs central Kansas teen air lifted to hospital after shooting

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday posthumously awarded America's highest civilian honor to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Charlie Kirk</a>, the assassinated activist who inspired a generation of young conservatives and helped push the nation's politics further to the right.

Receiving the award on Kirk's behalf was his widow, Erika. Her voice cracking and often falling to a whisper as she wiped away tears, Erika Kirk talked about her late husband's life, political beliefs and legacy.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for honoring my husband, in such a profound and meaningful way. And thank you for making this event a priority," she said. “Your support of our family and the work that Charlie devoted his life to will be something I cherish forever.”

The ceremony coincided with what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday. It came about a month after the Turning Point USA founder was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">fatally shot</a>&nbsp;while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University.

In a sign of Kirk's close ties to the administration, he was the first recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in Trump’s second term. The president also spoke at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-trump-memorial-service-b5469086954908b162f464da966cf238">Kirk’s funeral</a>&nbsp;in September, calling him a “great American hero” and “martyr” for freedom, while Vice President JD Vance accompanied his body home to Arizona on Air Force Two along with Erika Kirk.

“We’re here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, beloved leader who galvanized the next generation like nobody I’ve ever seen before, and an American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality and the highest caliber," Trump said during the medal ceremony.

Of Kirk's killing, the president said, “He was assassinated in the prime of his life for boldly speaking the truth, for living his faith and relentless fighting for a better and stronger America."

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ben-carson-presidential-medal-96c072b07289f147a14ba6805681b6fa">Presidential Medal of Freedom</a>&nbsp;was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 for individuals making exceptional contributions “to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

Trump returned to the U.S. in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-egypt-6347e7da64f6c97b95109558096c0b6c">whirlwind trip to Israel and Egypt</a>&nbsp;to celebrate a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-hostages-ceasefire-10-14-2025-665a1cbe249f08c8513ceceaa04db201">ceasefire agreement</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza</a>&nbsp;that his administration was instrumental in brokering. The president joked that he almost requested to reschedule the ceremony because of the trip.

“I raced back halfway around the globe," Trump said. “I was going to call Erika and say, ‘Erika, could you maybe move it to Friday?' And I didn’t have the courage to call. But you know why I didn’t call? Because I heard today was Charlie’s birthday.”

Argentine President Javier Milei,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/argentina-donald-trump-javier-milei-imf-c6f37a00c96f8aa321324ff443147b4e">who had been visiting with the president at the White House earlier,</a>&nbsp;stayed on to attend the ceremony.

Trump has awarded a string of presidential medals going back to his first term, including to golf legend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tiger-woods">Tiger Woods</a>, ex-football coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-college-football-donald-trump-nfl-football-982cc801d15e8a7209a0aafaedf40124">Lou Holtz</a>&nbsp;and conservative economist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-art-laffer-auto-tariff-warning-ba62f55af070e40e9d6eddf5d8433ad1">Arthur Laffer</a>&nbsp;as well as to Yankees Hall of Fame closer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/albert-pujols-mariano-rivera-baseball-alex-rodriguez-carlos-pena-812e5535ff74311f941b7b860610594a">Mariano Rivera</a>&nbsp;and conservative radio host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-talk-radio-politics-entertainment-d79a7eead68d6a304d38b665e6f89c2a">Rush Limbaugh</a>, the latter of which came during the 2020 State of the Union. He awarded posthumous medals to Babe Ruth and Elvis Presley.

This term, Trump has also announced his intentions to award the medals to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rudy-giuliani">Rudy Giuliani</a>, the former New York City mayor and a close former adviser, and to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ben-carson">Ben Carson</a>, who served as Trump's first-term secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and Trump praised him as one of the key reasons he was reelected last year.

But Kirk's politics were also often&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-trump-cf2a68e4303c5628299ffe383d09c1e9">divisive</a>. He sharply criticized gay and transgender rights while inflaming racial tensions. Kirk also repeated Trump’s false claims that former Vice President Kamala Harris was responsible for policies that encouraged immigrants to come to the U.S. illegally and called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-floyd">George Floyd</a>, a Black man whose killing by a Minneapolis police officer sparked a national debate over racial injustice, a “scumbag.”

As Tuesday's ceremony was underway, the Trump administration said it had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlie-kirk-visas-revoked-455f43467c0c50e84d3857c1e9c81458">revoked the visas</a>&nbsp;of six foreigners who U.S. officials deemed had made derisive or mocking comments about Kirk’s assassination. The six who had their visas revoked were from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Paraguay and South Africa.

The move comes as the Trump administration and its supporters have zeroed in on people who made critical comments about Kirk, leading to firings and other discipline.

Trump wrote in a social media post hours before it started that he was moving the ceremony from the White House’s East Room to the Rose Garden to accommodate a crowd he said would be “so big and enthusiastic.”

Trump paved over the grass there and put in a patio area, and talked happily about the medal ceremony being one of the first major events in the new space. He noted how the weather had cleared up after it was expected to be raining, saying: “I was telling Erika, God was watching. And he didn’t want that for Charlie.”

Kirk’s widow said she asked their 3-year-old daughter what she might have given her father for his birthday, and she responded a stuffed animal and a cupcake while saying he hoped he'd get a birthday surprise. Erika Kirk said her husband was sometimes hard to buy presents for, but the medal was the perfect gift.

Erika Kirk said her husband might one day have run for president "but not out of ambition. He would only have done it if that was something that he believed that his country needed from his servant’s heart.”

She said God began a “mighty work” through her husband, and she intends to see it through. She finished her remarks by saying Charlie’s story reminds us that “to live free is the greatest gift but to die free is the greatest victory.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760477062621.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday posthumously awarded America's highest civilian honor to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Charlie Kirk</a>, the assassinated activist who inspired a generation of young conservatives and helped push the nation's politics further to the right.Receiving the award on Kirk's behalf was his widow, Erika. Her voice cracking and often falling to a whisper as she wiped away tears, Erika Kirk talked about her late husband's life, political beliefs and legacy.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump Participates in a Medal of Freedom Ceremony for Charlie Kirk <a href="https://t.co/KGAv0O6oTz">https://t.co/KGAv0O6oTz</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1978198302932742489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump and Erika Kirk arrive to the Medal of Freedom Ceremony for Charlie Kirk ❤️🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/6aRc4TOTRt">pic.twitter.com/6aRc4TOTRt</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1978200500035047809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Every single day of this administration, we will continue to carry out the mission for which he lived... In <a href="https://twitter.com/charliekirk11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@charliekirk11</a>&#39;s honor, we will continue, like we have been, to Fight, Fight, Fight—and to WIN, WIN, WIN. We&#39;re gonna win SO MUCH.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/tLUvMHgtVQ">pic.twitter.com/tLUvMHgtVQ</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1978207602958864822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;In the days since Charlie&#39;s killing, we&#39;ve seen exactly why our country so dearly needed his example. We&#39;ve watched legions of far-left radicals resort to desperate acts of violence and terror because they know that their ideas and arguments are persuading no one.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/A1IsbDrmpT">pic.twitter.com/A1IsbDrmpT</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1978205826754973917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Charlie Kirk was a martyr for truth and for freedom, and from Socrates... to Saint Peter... those who change history the most, and he really did, have always risked their lives for causes they were put on earth to defend.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/SFK1OeuxPc">pic.twitter.com/SFK1OeuxPc</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1978205271185850551?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded posthumously to the late Charlie Kirk, to his wife, Mrs. Erika Kirk 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/T28dH9Gk4S">pic.twitter.com/T28dH9Gk4S</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1978209628627370054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/MrsErikaKirk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MrsErikaKirk</a>: &quot;If the moment had come, he probably would have run for president, but not out of ambition, He would only have done if it that was something that he believed his country needed.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/9DkGIaN4Wp">pic.twitter.com/9DkGIaN4Wp</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1978213900253376643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After the Medal of Freedom ceremony honoring <a href="https://twitter.com/charliekirk11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@charliekirk11</a>, President Trump and Vice President Vance stood with Erika as Amazing Grace played ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/dWv9d4Z3WV">pic.twitter.com/dWv9d4Z3WV</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1978224055300804723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump signs a Proclamation declaring October 14 as the National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk ❤️ President Trump recalls nights on the Mar-a-Lago patio listening to music with Charlie… “Remember Charlie on the patio…he could sit there all night long!” <a href="https://t.co/pDrEBWEdmV">pic.twitter.com/pDrEBWEdmV</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1978229151346597983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Thank you, Mr. President, for honoring my husband, in such a profound and meaningful way. And thank you for making this event a priority," she said. “Your support of our family and the work that Charlie devoted his life to will be something I cherish forever.”The ceremony coincided with what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday. It came about a month after the Turning Point USA founder was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">fatally shot</a>&nbsp;while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University.In a sign of Kirk's close ties to the administration, he was the first recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in Trump’s second term. The president also spoke at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-trump-memorial-service-b5469086954908b162f464da966cf238">Kirk’s funeral</a>&nbsp;in September, calling him a “great American hero” and “martyr” for freedom, while Vice President JD Vance accompanied his body home to Arizona on Air Force Two along with Erika Kirk.“We’re here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, beloved leader who galvanized the next generation like nobody I’ve ever seen before, and an American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality and the highest caliber," Trump said during the medal ceremony.Of Kirk's killing, the president said, “He was assassinated in the prime of his life for boldly speaking the truth, for living his faith and relentless fighting for a better and stronger America."The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ben-carson-presidential-medal-96c072b07289f147a14ba6805681b6fa">Presidential Medal of Freedom</a>&nbsp;was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 for individuals making exceptional contributions “to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”Trump returned to the U.S. in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-egypt-6347e7da64f6c97b95109558096c0b6c">whirlwind trip to Israel and Egypt</a>&nbsp;to celebrate a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-hostages-ceasefire-10-14-2025-665a1cbe249f08c8513ceceaa04db201">ceasefire agreement</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza</a>&nbsp;that his administration was instrumental in brokering. The president joked that he almost requested to reschedule the ceremony because of the trip.“I raced back halfway around the globe," Trump said. “I was going to call Erika and say, ‘Erika, could you maybe move it to Friday?' And I didn’t have the courage to call. But you know why I didn’t call? Because I heard today was Charlie’s birthday.”Argentine President Javier Milei,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/argentina-donald-trump-javier-milei-imf-c6f37a00c96f8aa321324ff443147b4e">who had been visiting with the president at the White House earlier,</a>&nbsp;stayed on to attend the ceremony.Trump has awarded a string of presidential medals going back to his first term, including to golf legend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tiger-woods">Tiger Woods</a>, ex-football coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-college-football-donald-trump-nfl-football-982cc801d15e8a7209a0aafaedf40124">Lou Holtz</a>&nbsp;and conservative economist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-art-laffer-auto-tariff-warning-ba62f55af070e40e9d6eddf5d8433ad1">Arthur Laffer</a>&nbsp;as well as to Yankees Hall of Fame closer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/albert-pujols-mariano-rivera-baseball-alex-rodriguez-carlos-pena-812e5535ff74311f941b7b860610594a">Mariano Rivera</a>&nbsp;and conservative radio host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-talk-radio-politics-entertainment-d79a7eead68d6a304d38b665e6f89c2a">Rush Limbaugh</a>, the latter of which came during the 2020 State of the Union. He awarded posthumous medals to Babe Ruth and Elvis Presley.This term, Trump has also announced his intentions to award the medals to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rudy-giuliani">Rudy Giuliani</a>, the former New York City mayor and a close former adviser, and to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ben-carson">Ben Carson</a>, who served as Trump's first-term secretary of Housing and Urban Development.Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and Trump praised him as one of the key reasons he was reelected last year.But Kirk's politics were also often&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-trump-cf2a68e4303c5628299ffe383d09c1e9">divisive</a>. He sharply criticized gay and transgender rights while inflaming racial tensions. Kirk also repeated Trump’s false claims that former Vice President Kamala Harris was responsible for policies that encouraged immigrants to come to the U.S. illegally and called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-floyd">George Floyd</a>, a Black man whose killing by a Minneapolis police officer sparked a national debate over racial injustice, a “scumbag.”As Tuesday's ceremony was underway, the Trump administration said it had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlie-kirk-visas-revoked-455f43467c0c50e84d3857c1e9c81458">revoked the visas</a>&nbsp;of six foreigners who U.S. officials deemed had made derisive or mocking comments about Kirk’s assassination. The six who had their visas revoked were from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Paraguay and South Africa.The move comes as the Trump administration and its supporters have zeroed in on people who made critical comments about Kirk, leading to firings and other discipline.Trump wrote in a social media post hours before it started that he was moving the ceremony from the White House’s East Room to the Rose Garden to accommodate a crowd he said would be “so big and enthusiastic.”Trump paved over the grass there and put in a patio area, and talked happily about the medal ceremony being one of the first major events in the new space. He noted how the weather had cleared up after it was expected to be raining, saying: “I was telling Erika, God was watching. And he didn’t want that for Charlie.”Kirk’s widow said she asked their 3-year-old daughter what she might have given her father for his birthday, and she responded a stuffed animal and a cupcake while saying he hoped he'd get a birthday surprise. Erika Kirk said her husband was sometimes hard to buy presents for, but the medal was the perfect gift.Erika Kirk said her husband might one day have run for president "but not out of ambition. He would only have done it if that was something that he believed that his country needed from his servant’s heart.”She said God began a “mighty work” through her husband, and she intends to see it through. She finished her remarks by saying Charlie’s story reminds us that “to live free is the greatest gift but to die free is the greatest victory.”___

🎥Trump posthumously awards Charlie Kirk the Medal of Freedom

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement have located the woman from the doorbell video.

Just after 3 p.m. Tuesday Wichita Police Investigators received a phone call, from a woman claiming to be the individual investigators were attempting to identify. Investigators immediately responded to her location, made contact, and transported her to City Hall so detectives could conduct a victim interview.

Investigators are conducting interviews and have identified the woman as a 35-year-old who lives in the area where the video was captured. At this stage of the investigation, police believe this incident is a case of domestic violence where the woman was victimized by her boyfriend. The woman does not have any significant injuries.

Police thanked the public for sharing the video and still images that generated additional attention about this incident, we do believe it led the woman to call and saying she was the person police were looking for.

Police stressed they do not have any reason to believe there is ongoing danger to the general public.

Police are continuing their investigation into the video and the case will be presented to the appropriate attorney’s office for formal charging consideration.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A $2,000 reward from Crimestoppers is now being offered for helping police identify a man and woman seen in a video of an alleged abduction that occurred in Wichita.

The Wichita Police Department continues asking for the community’s help in identifying and locating the woman in the video. She was last seen being taken by force on October 12, at approximately 2 AM., in the 1400 block of North Volutsia in Wichita.

Police worked throughout Monday on this investigation, following up on numerous leads. They also received 15 additional tips overnight Monday, according to a statement from Wichita Police during a Tuesday morning news conference.

At this time, police have not been able to identify the woman and man seen in the video. Exploring all options, police reached out to regional and federal law enforcement partners for additional assistance.

The Wichita Police team has processed the audio, reducing background noise, hoping that someone will recognize her voice. Please take a moment to review the video.

&nbsp;If you recognize her or have any information about her identity or whereabouts, please contact 911 immediately.

You may also reach out to WPD Investigations at 316-268-4407, or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement have located the woman from the doorbell video.Just after 3 p.m. Tuesday Wichita Police Investigators received a phone call, from a woman claiming to be the individual investigators were attempting to identify. Investigators immediately responded to her location, made contact, and transported her to City Hall so detectives could conduct a victim interview.Investigators are conducting interviews and have identified the woman as a 35-year-old who lives in the area where the video was captured. At this stage of the investigation, police believe this incident is a case of domestic violence where the woman was victimized by her boyfriend. The woman does not have any significant injuries.Police thanked the public for sharing the video and still images that generated additional attention about this incident, we do believe it led the woman to call and saying she was the person police were looking for.Police stressed they do not have any reason to believe there is ongoing danger to the general public.Police are continuing their investigation into the video and the case will be presented to the appropriate attorney’s office for formal charging consideration.-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A $2,000 reward from Crimestoppers is now being offered for helping police identify a man and woman seen in a video of an alleged abduction that occurred in Wichita.The Wichita Police Department continues asking for the community’s help in identifying and locating the woman in the video. She was last seen being taken by force on October 12, at approximately 2 AM., in the 1400 block of North Volutsia in Wichita.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">We’ve worked throughout the day on this investigation, following up on numerous leads, and we appreciate the public&#39;s help. At this time, we have not been able to identify the female and male seen in the video. Exploring all options, we&#39;ve reached out to our regional and… <a href="https://t.co/APj14eTdRI">pic.twitter.com/APj14eTdRI</a>&mdash; Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaPolice/status/1977848955233869931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Police worked throughout Monday on this investigation, following up on numerous leads. They also received 15 additional tips overnight Monday, according to a statement from Wichita Police during a Tuesday morning news conference.At this time, police have not been able to identify the woman and man seen in the video. Exploring all options, police reached out to regional and federal law enforcement partners for additional assistance.The Wichita Police team has processed the audio, reducing background noise, hoping that someone will recognize her voice. Please take a moment to review the video.&nbsp;If you recognize her or have any information about her identity or whereabouts, please contact 911 immediately.

You may also reach out to WPD Investigations at 316-268-4407, or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Police locate Kansas woman in abduction video

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-venezuela-drug-cartels-unlawful-combatants-1848b02febe08acacb82979d7da47dfb">struck another small boat</a>&nbsp;accused of carrying drugs in the waters off Venezuela, killing six people, President Donald Trump said Tuesday.

Those who died in the strike were aboard the vessel, and no U.S. forces were harmed, the Republican president said in a social media post. It’s the fifth deadly strike in the Caribbean as Trump's administration has asserted it's treating alleged drug traffickers as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">unlawful combatants</a>&nbsp;who must be met with military force.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the strike Tuesday morning, said Trump, who released a video of it, as he had in the past. Hegseth later shared the video in a post on X.

The black-and-white video showed a small boat that appeared stationary on the water. Seconds into the video, it is struck by a projectile from overhead and explodes. The boat is then seen floating aflame for several seconds.

Trump said the strike was conducted in international waters and “intelligence” confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, was associated with “narcoterrorist networks” and was on a known drug trafficking route.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking more information on the latest boat strike, but one defense official confirmed that the details in the social media post were accurate.

Frustration with the Trump administration has been growing on Capitol Hill among members of both major political parties. Some Republicans are seeking more information from the White House on the legal justification and details of the strikes. Democrats contend the strikes violate U.S. and international law.

The Senate last week voted on a war powers resolution that would have barred the Trump administration from conducting the strikes unless Congress specifically authorized them, but it failed to pass.

In a memo to Congress that was obtained by The Associated Press, the Trump administration said it had “determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations” and that Trump directed the Pentagon to “conduct operations against them pursuant to the law of armed conflict.”

The Trump administration has yet to provide underlying evidence to lawmakers proving that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-strike-caribbean-drug-trafficking-trump-1061debe2f983ef7bc9666d3f002b3a0">the boats</a>&nbsp;targeted by the U.S. military in a series of fatal strikes were in fact carrying narcotics, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

California Sen. Adam Schiff, a Democrat who last week pushed the vote on the Venezuela resolution, said in a post on X that the president’s authority to respond to an armed attack or the threat of one was limited and did not apply.

“These continued strikes — 27 killed to date — risk getting the U.S. into a full fledged war,” Schiff said.

He said he would push for another vote if the strikes continue.

The strikes followed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-destroyers-maduro-drug-cartels-9649e8282c061d9dad41a5dfb54431d4">a buildup of U.S. maritime forces</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean unlike any seen in recent times.

Last week, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino told military leaders that the U.S. government knows the drug-trafficking accusations used to support the recent actions in the Caribbean are false, with its true intent being to “force a regime change” in the South American country.

He added that the Venezuelan government does not see the deployment of the U.S. warships as a mere “propaganda-like action” and warned of a possible escalation.

“I want to warn the population: We have to prepare ourselves because the irrationality with which the U.S. empire operates is not normal,” Padrino said during the televised gathering. “It’s anti-political, anti-human, warmongering, rude, and vulgar.”

Associated Press writer Ben Finley contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-venezuela-drug-cartels-unlawful-combatants-1848b02febe08acacb82979d7da47dfb">struck another small boat</a>&nbsp;accused of carrying drugs in the waters off Venezuela, killing six people, President Donald Trump said Tuesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/8DMrDfoSjF">pic.twitter.com/8DMrDfoSjF</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1978155685150945357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Those who died in the strike were aboard the vessel, and no U.S. forces were harmed, the Republican president said in a social media post. It’s the fifth deadly strike in the Caribbean as Trump's administration has asserted it's treating alleged drug traffickers as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">unlawful combatants</a>&nbsp;who must be met with military force.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the strike Tuesday morning, said Trump, who released a video of it, as he had in the past. Hegseth later shared the video in a post on X.The black-and-white video showed a small boat that appeared stationary on the water. Seconds into the video, it is struck by a projectile from overhead and explodes. The boat is then seen floating aflame for several seconds.Trump said the strike was conducted in international waters and “intelligence” confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, was associated with “narcoterrorist networks” and was on a known drug trafficking route.The Pentagon did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking more information on the latest boat strike, but one defense official confirmed that the details in the social media post were accurate.Frustration with the Trump administration has been growing on Capitol Hill among members of both major political parties. Some Republicans are seeking more information from the White House on the legal justification and details of the strikes. Democrats contend the strikes violate U.S. and international law.The Senate last week voted on a war powers resolution that would have barred the Trump administration from conducting the strikes unless Congress specifically authorized them, but it failed to pass.In a memo to Congress that was obtained by The Associated Press, the Trump administration said it had “determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations” and that Trump directed the Pentagon to “conduct operations against them pursuant to the law of armed conflict.”The Trump administration has yet to provide underlying evidence to lawmakers proving that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-strike-caribbean-drug-trafficking-trump-1061debe2f983ef7bc9666d3f002b3a0">the boats</a>&nbsp;targeted by the U.S. military in a series of fatal strikes were in fact carrying narcotics, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.California Sen. Adam Schiff, a Democrat who last week pushed the vote on the Venezuela resolution, said in a post on X that the president’s authority to respond to an armed attack or the threat of one was limited and did not apply.“These continued strikes — 27 killed to date — risk getting the U.S. into a full fledged war,” Schiff said.He said he would push for another vote if the strikes continue.The strikes followed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-destroyers-maduro-drug-cartels-9649e8282c061d9dad41a5dfb54431d4">a buildup of U.S. maritime forces</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean unlike any seen in recent times.Last week, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino told military leaders that the U.S. government knows the drug-trafficking accusations used to support the recent actions in the Caribbean are false, with its true intent being to “force a regime change” in the South American country.He added that the Venezuelan government does not see the deployment of the U.S. warships as a mere “propaganda-like action” and warned of a possible escalation.“I want to warn the population: We have to prepare ourselves because the irrationality with which the U.S. empire operates is not normal,” Padrino said during the televised gathering. “It’s anti-political, anti-human, warmongering, rude, and vulgar.”___Associated Press writer Ben Finley contributed to this report.

🎥6 killed after US strikes another drug boat off Venezuela 

FORD COUNTY —Three people who died in a fire Sunday in Dodge City have been identified as&nbsp;Daniel, Ruth and Ismael Marquez, according to an online fundraiser established by Rush Marquez niece.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/daniel-ruth-and-ismael-marquez">Click here to view the online fundraiser</a>

Just after 9:30a.m. Sunday, the Dodge City Fire Department received a call&nbsp; regarding a structure fire in the area between McArtor Road and Agnes Street, according to a media release from the fire department.

Firefighters found two trailer homes and three vehicles involved in the fire, with one trailer home already fully engulfed in flames.

Crews worked quickly to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing it from spreading further. Three fatalities resulted from the incident. The Dodge City Police Department interviewed family members to gather additional information to help identify those in the fire.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting a full investigation on the cause of the fire. They have not released their findings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760469617369.png" alt="Daniel, Ruth and Ismael Marquez -photo Go Fund Me" />
 <figcaption>Daniel, Ruth and Ismael Marquez -photo Go Fund Me</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —Three people who died in a fire Sunday in Dodge City have been identified as&nbsp;Daniel, Ruth and Ismael Marquez, according to an online fundraiser established by Rush Marquez niece.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/daniel-ruth-and-ismael-marquez">Click here to view the online fundraiser</a>Just after 9:30a.m. Sunday, the Dodge City Fire Department received a call&nbsp; regarding a structure fire in the area between McArtor Road and Agnes Street, according to a media release from the fire department.Firefighters found two trailer homes and three vehicles involved in the fire, with one trailer home already fully engulfed in flames.Crews worked quickly to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing it from spreading further. Three fatalities resulted from the incident. The Dodge City Police Department interviewed family members to gather additional information to help identify those in the fire.The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting a full investigation on the cause of the fire. They have not released their findings.

Niece identifies 3 who died in SW Kansas fire

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fire in Topeka took one person into custody.

Just after 9p.m. Monday, crews responded to a fire in a small business building at 2102 NW Topeka Boulevard, according to fire department spokesperson Daniel Garrett. Fire crews found smoke coming from the outside of a small business. 

Firefighters began an offensive fire attack and they were able to keep the fire confined to the building. There were no injuries.

Investigators determined the cause of the fire to be an accidental electrical fire.&nbsp; One individual was taken into custody. Authorities did not release the name of the individual or possible charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760438648441.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fire in Topeka took one person into custody.Just after 9p.m. Monday, crews responded to a fire in a small business building at 2102 NW Topeka Boulevard, according to fire department spokesperson Daniel Garrett. Fire crews found smoke coming from the outside of a small business. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack and they were able to keep the fire confined to the building. There were no injuries.Investigators determined the cause of the fire to be an accidental electrical fire.&nbsp; One individual was taken into custody. Authorities did not release the name of the individual or possible charges.

One in custody after fire at small business building in Kansas

By BARBARA ORTUTAY AP Technology Writer

Teenagers on Instagram will be restricted to seeing PG-13 content by default and won't be able to change their settings without a parent's permission, Meta announced on Tuesday.

This means kids using teen-specific accounts will see photos and videos on Instagram that are similar to what they would see in a PG-13 movie — no sex, drugs or dangerous stunts, among others.

“This includes hiding or not recommending posts with strong language, certain risky stunts, and additional content that could encourage potentially harmful behaviors, such as posts showing marijuana paraphernalia,” Meta said in a blog post Tuesday, calling the update the most significant since it introduced teen accounts last year.

Anyone under 18 who signs up for Instagram is automatically placed into restrictive teen accounts unless a parent or guardian gives them permission to opt out. The teen accounts are private by default, have usage restrictions on them and already filter out more “sensitive” content — such as those promoting cosmetic procedures.

The company is also adding an even stricter setting that parents can set up for their children.

The changes come as the social media giant faces relentless criticism over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/instagram-teens-safety-meta-bejar-13276348cde2dcc1ee94c66227ea25dc">harms to children</a>. As it seeks to add safeguards for younger users, Meta has already promised it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-facebook-instagram-teens-suicide-eating-disorders-83dce63d9beed0a3ad0c53240077099f">wouldn’t show inappropriate content</a>&nbsp;to teens, such as posts about self-harm, eating disorders or suicide.

But this does not always work. A&nbsp;<a href="https://fairplayforkids.org/instagram-teen-accounts-fail-to-protect-children-safety-tools-testing-reveals/">recent report</a>, for instance, found that teen accounts researchers created were recommended age-inappropriate sexual content, including “graphic sexual descriptions, the use of cartoons to describe demeaning sexual acts, and brief displays of nudity.”

In addition, Instagram also recommended a “range of self-harm, self-injury, and body image content” on teen accounts that the report says “would be reasonably likely to result in adverse impacts for young people, including teenagers experiencing poor mental health, or self-harm and suicidal ideation and behaviors.”

Meta says the new restrictions go further than its previous safeguards. Teens will no longer be able to follow accounts that regularly share “age-inappropriate content” or if their name or bio contains something that isn't appropriate for teens, such as a link to an OnlyFans account. If teens already follow these accounts, they’ll no longer be able to see or interact with their content, send them messages, or see their comments under anyone’s posts, the company said. The accounts also won’t be able to follow teens, send them private messages or comment on their posts.

Meta said it already blocks certain search terms related to sensitive topics such as suicide and eating disorders, but the latest update will expand this to a broader range of terms, such as “alcohol” or “gore” — even if they are misspelled.

The PG-13 update will also apply artificial intelligence chats and experiences targeted to teens, Meta said, “meaning AIs should not give age-inappropriate responses that would feel out of place in a PG-13 movie.”

For parents who want an even stricter setting for their kids, Meta is also launching a “limited content” restriction that will block more content and remove teens’ ability to see, leave, or receive comments under posts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758981317980.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>By BARBARA ORTUTAY AP Technology WriterTeenagers on Instagram will be restricted to seeing PG-13 content by default and won't be able to change their settings without a parent's permission, Meta announced on Tuesday.This means kids using teen-specific accounts will see photos and videos on Instagram that are similar to what they would see in a PG-13 movie — no sex, drugs or dangerous stunts, among others.“This includes hiding or not recommending posts with strong language, certain risky stunts, and additional content that could encourage potentially harmful behaviors, such as posts showing marijuana paraphernalia,” Meta said in a blog post Tuesday, calling the update the most significant since it introduced teen accounts last year.Anyone under 18 who signs up for Instagram is automatically placed into restrictive teen accounts unless a parent or guardian gives them permission to opt out. The teen accounts are private by default, have usage restrictions on them and already filter out more “sensitive” content — such as those promoting cosmetic procedures.The company is also adding an even stricter setting that parents can set up for their children.The changes come as the social media giant faces relentless criticism over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/instagram-teens-safety-meta-bejar-13276348cde2dcc1ee94c66227ea25dc">harms to children</a>. As it seeks to add safeguards for younger users, Meta has already promised it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-facebook-instagram-teens-suicide-eating-disorders-83dce63d9beed0a3ad0c53240077099f">wouldn’t show inappropriate content</a>&nbsp;to teens, such as posts about self-harm, eating disorders or suicide.But this does not always work. A&nbsp;<a href="https://fairplayforkids.org/instagram-teen-accounts-fail-to-protect-children-safety-tools-testing-reveals/">recent report</a>, for instance, found that teen accounts researchers created were recommended age-inappropriate sexual content, including “graphic sexual descriptions, the use of cartoons to describe demeaning sexual acts, and brief displays of nudity.”In addition, Instagram also recommended a “range of self-harm, self-injury, and body image content” on teen accounts that the report says “would be reasonably likely to result in adverse impacts for young people, including teenagers experiencing poor mental health, or self-harm and suicidal ideation and behaviors.”Meta says the new restrictions go further than its previous safeguards. Teens will no longer be able to follow accounts that regularly share “age-inappropriate content” or if their name or bio contains something that isn't appropriate for teens, such as a link to an OnlyFans account. If teens already follow these accounts, they’ll no longer be able to see or interact with their content, send them messages, or see their comments under anyone’s posts, the company said. The accounts also won’t be able to follow teens, send them private messages or comment on their posts.Meta said it already blocks certain search terms related to sensitive topics such as suicide and eating disorders, but the latest update will expand this to a broader range of terms, such as “alcohol” or “gore” — even if they are misspelled.The PG-13 update will also apply artificial intelligence chats and experiences targeted to teens, Meta said, “meaning AIs should not give age-inappropriate responses that would feel out of place in a PG-13 movie.”For parents who want an even stricter setting for their kids, Meta is also launching a “limited content” restriction that will block more content and remove teens’ ability to see, leave, or receive comments under posts.

Big changes coming to Instagram to safeguard teens

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jonathan-landrum-jr">JONATHAN LANDRUM JR.</a>

LOS ANGELES (AP) — D’Angelo, the Grammy-winning R&amp;B singer recognized by his raspy yet smooth voice and for garnering mainstream attention with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dangelo-voodoo--00000199a196d3e5a399f7bf1c190000">shirtless “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” music video,</a>&nbsp;has died. He was 51.

The singer, whose real name was Michael Eugene Archer, died Tuesday, according to a statement from the family.

The singer’s family confirmed in a statement Tuesday that he died after a prolonged battle with cancer. They called him “a shining star of our family and has dimmed his light for us in this life,” adding that they are “eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind.”

In his music, D’Angelo blended hip-hop grit, emphatic soul and gospel-rooted emotion into a sound that helped spearhead&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/neosoul-singers-gender-00000199a18dd2d7aff9f7ed0a110000">the neo-soul movement</a>&nbsp;of the 1990s. Earlier this year, the Virginia native celebrated the 30th anniversary of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dangelo-brown-sugar-00000199a192dce9abdfe9b63dab0000">his debut studio album “Brown Sugar,”</a>&nbsp;a platinum-selling offering that produced signature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tony-toni-tone-reunion-fa510a0f03b219377b865f20b55e41ed">hits like “Lady”</a>&nbsp;and the title track. The 1995 album earned him multiple Grammy nominations and cemented him as one of R&amp;B’s most original new voices.

D’Angelo’s sultry vocal style — a mix of raspy texture and church-bred fluidity — set him apart from his peers. That voice became inseparable from the striking visuals of his 2000 single “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” The minimalist, shirtless music video became a cultural touchstone, igniting conversations around artistry, sexuality and vulnerability in Black male representation. The song earned him a Grammy for best male R&amp;B vocal performance and propelled his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dangelo-voodoo-music-review--00000199a19cdce9abdfe9bcb6210000">sophomore album “Voodoo.”</a>&nbsp;topping the Billboard 200 chart and winning the Grammy for best R&amp;B album.

Beyond his own catalog, D’Angelo’s artistry shined in collaborations. He memorably duetted with Lauryn Hill on the soulful ballad “Nothing Even Matters,” a highlight of her landmark&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lauryn-hill-apple-music-best-albums-cc143b9c93a8ec5dd451b8a990b12564">1998 album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”</a>&nbsp;He also contributed to The Roots’ 1996 album “Illadelph Halflife” and was part of the supergroup Black Men United, which yielded one song: “U Will Know,” which D’Angelo wrote and co-produced, for the film “Jason’s Lyric” in 1994.

D’Angelo was partnered to Grammy-nominated R&amp;B singer Angie Stone in the ’90s. The pair met while he was finishing “Brown Sugar” and bonded over their similar backgrounds: Both are from the South and both grew up in the church. Stone worked on the album with D’Angelo and the pair co-wrote the song “Everyday” for her 1999 debut album, “Black Diamond.”

Stone described D’Angelo as her “musical soul mate,” to The Associated Press in 1999, adding that their working relationship was “’like milk and cereal …. Musically, it was magic. It’s something that I have not been able to do with any other producer or musician.”

They had a son together, the artist Swayvo Twain, born Michael Archer Jr.

Stone&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/angie-stone-car-crash-singer-41a7094f6d3aaa224902497f17e0204d">died earlier this year</a>&nbsp;in a car crash. She was 63.

D’Angelo also has a daughter, Imani Archer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760460845642.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jonathan-landrum-jr">JONATHAN LANDRUM JR.</a>LOS ANGELES (AP) — D’Angelo, the Grammy-winning R&amp;B singer recognized by his raspy yet smooth voice and for garnering mainstream attention with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dangelo-voodoo--00000199a196d3e5a399f7bf1c190000">shirtless “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” music video,</a>&nbsp;has died. He was 51.The singer, whose real name was Michael Eugene Archer, died Tuesday, according to a statement from the family.The singer’s family confirmed in a statement Tuesday that he died after a prolonged battle with cancer. They called him “a shining star of our family and has dimmed his light for us in this life,” adding that they are “eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind.”In his music, D’Angelo blended hip-hop grit, emphatic soul and gospel-rooted emotion into a sound that helped spearhead&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/neosoul-singers-gender-00000199a18dd2d7aff9f7ed0a110000">the neo-soul movement</a>&nbsp;of the 1990s. Earlier this year, the Virginia native celebrated the 30th anniversary of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dangelo-brown-sugar-00000199a192dce9abdfe9b63dab0000">his debut studio album “Brown Sugar,”</a>&nbsp;a platinum-selling offering that produced signature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tony-toni-tone-reunion-fa510a0f03b219377b865f20b55e41ed">hits like “Lady”</a>&nbsp;and the title track. The 1995 album earned him multiple Grammy nominations and cemented him as one of R&amp;B’s most original new voices.D’Angelo’s sultry vocal style — a mix of raspy texture and church-bred fluidity — set him apart from his peers. That voice became inseparable from the striking visuals of his 2000 single “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” The minimalist, shirtless music video became a cultural touchstone, igniting conversations around artistry, sexuality and vulnerability in Black male representation. The song earned him a Grammy for best male R&amp;B vocal performance and propelled his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dangelo-voodoo-music-review--00000199a19cdce9abdfe9bcb6210000">sophomore album “Voodoo.”</a>&nbsp;topping the Billboard 200 chart and winning the Grammy for best R&amp;B album.Beyond his own catalog, D’Angelo’s artistry shined in collaborations. He memorably duetted with Lauryn Hill on the soulful ballad “Nothing Even Matters,” a highlight of her landmark&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lauryn-hill-apple-music-best-albums-cc143b9c93a8ec5dd451b8a990b12564">1998 album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”</a>&nbsp;He also contributed to The Roots’ 1996 album “Illadelph Halflife” and was part of the supergroup Black Men United, which yielded one song: “U Will Know,” which D’Angelo wrote and co-produced, for the film “Jason’s Lyric” in 1994.D’Angelo was partnered to Grammy-nominated R&amp;B singer Angie Stone in the ’90s. The pair met while he was finishing “Brown Sugar” and bonded over their similar backgrounds: Both are from the South and both grew up in the church. Stone worked on the album with D’Angelo and the pair co-wrote the song “Everyday” for her 1999 debut album, “Black Diamond.”Stone described D’Angelo as her “musical soul mate,” to The Associated Press in 1999, adding that their working relationship was “’like milk and cereal …. Musically, it was magic. It’s something that I have not been able to do with any other producer or musician.”They had a son together, the artist Swayvo Twain, born Michael Archer Jr.Stone&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/angie-stone-car-crash-singer-41a7094f6d3aaa224902497f17e0204d">died earlier this year</a>&nbsp;in a car crash. She was 63.D’Angelo also has a daughter, Imani Archer.

 D’Angelo, who became an icon with ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel),’ dies

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump complains that the photo of him on the current Time Magazine is 'the worst of all time.'&nbsp;

 The president posted a lament on social media early Tuesday morning about a signature subject: his hair.

Trump has long been known for his swoopy blonde hair, but on the latest issue of Time recognizing his ceasefire deal in Gaza, he feels his locks are lacking.

“They ‘disappeared’ my hair, and then had something floating on top of my head that looked like a floating crown, but an extremely small one. Really weird!” the president wrote.

The president also complained that the shot is taken facing up, showing more neck and chin than he seemed to prefer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760438669056.png" alt="President Trump speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on the way home from Egypt- White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Trump speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on the way home from Egypt- White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump complains that the photo of him on the current Time Magazine is 'the worst of all time.'&nbsp; The president posted a lament on social media early Tuesday morning about a signature subject: his hair.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The living Israeli hostages held in Gaza have been freed under the first phase of Donald Trump&#39;s peace plan, alongside a Palestinian prisoner release. The deal may become a signature achievement of Trump&#39;s second term, and it could mark a strategic turning point for the Middle… <a href="https://t.co/0bZDABIDGj">pic.twitter.com/0bZDABIDGj</a>&mdash; TIME (@TIME) <a href="https://twitter.com/TIME/status/1977784098929385818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump has long been known for his swoopy blonde hair, but on the latest issue of Time recognizing his ceasefire deal in Gaza, he feels his locks are lacking.“They ‘disappeared’ my hair, and then had something floating on top of my head that looked like a floating crown, but an extremely small one. Really weird!” the president wrote.The president also complained that the shot is taken facing up, showing more neck and chin than he seemed to prefer.

See the Time magazine cover photo of Trump he calls ‘worst of all time’ 

WASHINGTON—On Tuesday afternoon, President Trump will posthumously award the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "we honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk on his heavenly birthday. With unanimous support, the U.S. Senate has declared October 14 the National Day of Remembrance — a tribute to his bold faith and love for our country. His impact continues to shape the next generation of leaders."

The Presidential Medial of Freedom presentation is scheduled for 3p.m., according to the White House.

In September, Turning Point USA’s founder, Charlie Kirk was assassinated while holding an event at Utah Valley University’s campus.

The U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate passed resolutions to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.

The resolution supports the designation of a “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk” on Oct. 14 and recognizes Charlie Kirk for his contributions to civic education and public service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760450116249.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON—On Tuesday afternoon, President Trump will posthumously award the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "we honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk on his heavenly birthday. With unanimous support, the U.S. Senate has declared October 14 the National Day of Remembrance — a tribute to his bold faith and love for our country. His impact continues to shape the next generation of leaders."The Presidential Medial of Freedom presentation is scheduled for 3p.m., according to the White House.In September, Turning Point USA’s founder, Charlie Kirk was assassinated while holding an event at Utah Valley University’s campus.The U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate passed resolutions to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.The resolution supports the designation of a “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk” on Oct. 14 and recognizes Charlie Kirk for his contributions to civic education and public service.

Kan. U.S. Senator honors Charlie Kirk on his birthday

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused of shooting a woman, later identified as the mother of his children, will face a jury trial on Tuesday. in Judge William Wooley's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Vincent Solomon, 46, is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery, domestic battery, criminal restraint, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal use of weapons and interference with law enforcement, according to online jail records.

Just after 9a.m. September 23, 2024, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications began to receive reports of a shooting outside Cessna Elementary School, 2101 West 45th Street South in Wichita, according to a statement from Police Chief Joe Sullivan during a news conference.

The call was broadcast on all law enforcement radio channels. A Sedgwick County Deputy heard the call and responded. When the deputy arrived, he located a 46-year-old man from Wichita who was armed with a handgun. The man made statements that the deputy would kill him while pointing the gun at the deputy, according to Sullivan.

The suspect than ran to and laid on top of a 30-year-old woman. The deputy gave commands for the man to drop his gun and observed the suspect place the gun to the woman's head.

In defense of the woman, the deputy fired his gun twice. The suspect would not let go of the woman. The deputy then attempted to disarm the man physically. It took two Wichita Police officers and the deputy to disarm the suspect.

Investigators have learned that the man and woman live together and have children together. The couple had an argument in a vehicle on the way to the school which led to the suspect shooting the woman multiple times. The woman ran toward the school and the suspect chased her. A Wichita Public School staff member saw the suspect with the gun approaching the school and pulled the door of the school shut and locked it so the suspect could not get inside.

EMS transported the suspect and the woman to an area hospital.&nbsp;The Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) was activated to conduct an investigation. Solomon met the requirement of a $750,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727347323043.png" alt="Solomon -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Solomon -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused of shooting a woman, later identified as the mother of his children, will face a jury trial on Tuesday. in Judge William Wooley's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Vincent Solomon, 46, is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery, domestic battery, criminal restraint, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal use of weapons and interference with law enforcement, according to online jail records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727210527551.png" alt="Image from security camera shows Solomon chasing the woman, after she had been shot, as they approach the entrance to the school.- image from Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image from security camera shows Solomon chasing the woman, after she had been shot, as they approach the entrance to the school.- image from Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 9a.m. September 23, 2024, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications began to receive reports of a shooting outside Cessna Elementary School, 2101 West 45th Street South in Wichita, according to a statement from Police Chief Joe Sullivan during a news conference.The call was broadcast on all law enforcement radio channels. A Sedgwick County Deputy heard the call and responded. When the deputy arrived, he located a 46-year-old man from Wichita who was armed with a handgun. The man made statements that the deputy would kill him while pointing the gun at the deputy, according to Sullivan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727106753444.png" alt="Police on the scene near the school-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene near the school-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect than ran to and laid on top of a 30-year-old woman. The deputy gave commands for the man to drop his gun and observed the suspect place the gun to the woman's head.In defense of the woman, the deputy fired his gun twice. The suspect would not let go of the woman. The deputy then attempted to disarm the man physically. It took two Wichita Police officers and the deputy to disarm the suspect.Investigators have learned that the man and woman live together and have children together. The couple had an argument in a vehicle on the way to the school which led to the suspect shooting the woman multiple times. The woman ran toward the school and the suspect chased her. A Wichita Public School staff member saw the suspect with the gun approaching the school and pulled the door of the school shut and locked it so the suspect could not get inside.EMS transported the suspect and the woman to an area hospital.&nbsp;The Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) was activated to conduct an investigation. Solomon met the requirement of a $750,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

Trial begins for suspect who shot woman near Kan. elementary school 

TOPEKA—On Monday, the GOP Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council approved $460,000 to fund a four-day special legislative session focused on redistricting the state of Kansas, without holding any public forum, according to a media release from Kansas House Democrats.

Missouri and Texas have already approved new maps.

Republicans already hold three of the state’s four congressional districts. A revised map would target the suburban Kansas City district held by Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids.

"Without any public input, the GOP-led Legislature Coordinating Council just approved spending Kansas taxpayers' money to call a special session to redistrict Kansas at the whim of Donald Trump," according to a statement from House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard.&nbsp;

"This is a slap in the face to Kansans who are struggling with rising costs of living and out-of-control property taxes, issues the Legislature should be addressing instead," according to Woodard.

The cost of the special session would cost less than the approved $460,000 if the session lasts less than four days. The session could begin as early as November 7.&nbsp;Republican lawmakers who hold a supermajority in the Kansas Legislature have been gathering petition signatures from colleagues in an attempt to call a special session on congressional redistricting.&nbsp; They are taking that route because Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is unlikely to call a special session.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643147273216.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—On Monday, the GOP Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council approved $460,000 to fund a four-day special legislative session focused on redistricting the state of Kansas, without holding any public forum, according to a media release from Kansas House Democrats.Missouri and Texas have already approved new maps.Republicans already hold three of the state’s four congressional districts. A revised map would target the suburban Kansas City district held by Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids."Without any public input, the GOP-led Legislature Coordinating Council just approved spending Kansas taxpayers' money to call a special session to redistrict Kansas at the whim of Donald Trump," according to a statement from House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard.&nbsp;"This is a slap in the face to Kansans who are struggling with rising costs of living and out-of-control property taxes, issues the Legislature should be addressing instead," according to Woodard.The cost of the special session would cost less than the approved $460,000 if the session lasts less than four days. The session could begin as early as November 7.&nbsp;Republican lawmakers who hold a supermajority in the Kansas Legislature have been gathering petition signatures from colleagues in an attempt to call a special session on congressional redistricting.&nbsp; They are taking that route because Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is unlikely to call a special session.-The AP contributed to this report.

Kansas lawmakers approve funding for redistricting session

KANSAS CITY —A Missouri man is set to be executed on Tuesday for fatally shooting a state trooper more than 20 years ago.

<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-98b9be3f3c3c4d408f907ba61c9897d3">Lance Shockley</a>&nbsp;was condemned for killing Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Carl Dewayne Graham Jr. in March 2005. Prosecutors say Shockley waited for hours near the trooper’s Van Buren home in southeast Missouri before shooting him with a rifle and shotgun after Graham exited his patrol vehicle.

Shockley, 48, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection after 6 p.m. local time at the state prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri.

His is one of two executions scheduled for Tuesday evening in the U.S. In Florida, Samuel Lee Smithers, 72,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-execution-samuel-lee-smithers-cf17079bd1228ab58f7ee61de81924a0">is set to receive a lethal injection</a>&nbsp;for killing two women whose bodies were found in a rural pond in 1996.

GOP Gov. Mike Kehoe on Monday turned down Shockley’s request for clemency.

Last week, the Missouri Supreme Court denied a request to stay Shockley’s execution until a lower state appeals court issues a ruling on a petition by Shockley’s attorneys asking for DNA testing of evidence found at the scene. Jeremy Weis, one of Shockley’s attorneys, said Monday it’s unlikely the lower appeals court will issue a ruling on the DNA testing request before Tuesday’s execution. Shockley’s lawyers say much of this evidence has never been tested and could help exonerate Shockley.

“Even a small chance of exoneration is enough to warrant testing,” Shockley’s lawyers said in court documents.

Shockley’s attorneys have also argued his First Amendment rights are being violated since the Missouri Department of Corrections prohibited his daughter from being his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-state-government-missouri-legal-proceedings-religion-dbc253bef85af688a63a42a836e00028">spiritual adviser</a>&nbsp;during the execution. His attorneys also referenced this claim when asking a federal appeals court to stay his execution. In March 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-executions-john-roberts-fcd32356dbb867063d324d7d33d6a21f">U.S. Supreme Court ruled</a>&nbsp;states must allow spiritual advisers to join condemned inmates in the death chamber.

Missouri officials have argued state prison policy prevents family members from having direct contact with inmates during an execution due to security concerns they might interfere with the process.

Authorities said Shockley shot Graham because the state trooper was investigating him for involuntary manslaughter after leaving the scene of a deadly accident in which Shockley’s best friend was killed. Prosecutors said Shockley borrowed his grandmother’s red Pontiac Grand Am, which was seen near Graham’s home on the day of the killing.

Shockley first shot Graham with a rifle, severing his spinal cord and causing him to fall to the ground and fracture his skull, according to prosecutors. Shockley then approached Graham and shot him in the face and shoulder with a shotgun. Shockley owned a .243-caliber rifle and .243-caliber rounds were recovered from Graham’s body. Bullet fragments found on the property of Shockley’s uncle matched the rounds recovered from the trooper’s body, according to court documents filed by the Missouri attorney general’s office.

Prosecutors presented no direct evidence connecting Shockley to the killing, Weis said.

“The state’s case remained circumstantial,” Weis said last week during a forum at the University of Missouri School of Law discussing the case. “The murder weapons were never found. There were disagreements between the ballistics experts hired by the prosecution.”

Shockley’s attorneys also say other witnesses placed his client about 14 miles (23 kilometers) away from Graham’s home at the time the prosecutors maintained he was lying in wait near the trooper’s house.

Prosecutors say Shockley had inquired about where Graham lived before the murder and tried to get rid of a box of .243-caliber ammunition around the time of the murder, according to court documents.

Prosecutors said that favorable DNA test results, “even if obtained, would not tend to undermine Shockley’s conviction.”

If the execution is carried out, Shockley would be the first person put to death this year in Missouri. The last execution in the state was on Dec. 3, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-christopher-collings-f5a027c86c53725556a5a66751abd36d">Christopher Collings</a>&nbsp;received a lethal injection for sexually assaulting and killing a 9-year-old girl.

If both of Tuesday’s executions take place, that would bring this year’s total to 37&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-executions-2025-upcoming-florida-bf95609117487f4295d0b41e1b268c4a">death sentences</a>&nbsp;carried out nationwide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750874127475.png" alt="Shockley photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Shockley photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Missouri man is set to be executed on Tuesday for fatally shooting a state trooper more than 20 years ago.<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-98b9be3f3c3c4d408f907ba61c9897d3">Lance Shockley</a>&nbsp;was condemned for killing Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Carl Dewayne Graham Jr. in March 2005. Prosecutors say Shockley waited for hours near the trooper’s Van Buren home in southeast Missouri before shooting him with a rifle and shotgun after Graham exited his patrol vehicle.Shockley, 48, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection after 6 p.m. local time at the state prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri.His is one of two executions scheduled for Tuesday evening in the U.S. In Florida, Samuel Lee Smithers, 72,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-execution-samuel-lee-smithers-cf17079bd1228ab58f7ee61de81924a0">is set to receive a lethal injection</a>&nbsp;for killing two women whose bodies were found in a rural pond in 1996.GOP Gov. Mike Kehoe on Monday turned down Shockley’s request for clemency.“Violence against those who risk their lives every day to protect our communities will never be tolerated. Missouri stands firmly with our men and women in uniform,” Kehoe said in a statement.Last week, the Missouri Supreme Court denied a request to stay Shockley’s execution until a lower state appeals court issues a ruling on a petition by Shockley’s attorneys asking for DNA testing of evidence found at the scene. Jeremy Weis, one of Shockley’s attorneys, said Monday it’s unlikely the lower appeals court will issue a ruling on the DNA testing request before Tuesday’s execution. Shockley’s lawyers say much of this evidence has never been tested and could help exonerate Shockley.“Even a small chance of exoneration is enough to warrant testing,” Shockley’s lawyers said in court documents.Shockley’s attorneys have also argued his First Amendment rights are being violated since the Missouri Department of Corrections prohibited his daughter from being his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-state-government-missouri-legal-proceedings-religion-dbc253bef85af688a63a42a836e00028">spiritual adviser</a>&nbsp;during the execution. His attorneys also referenced this claim when asking a federal appeals court to stay his execution. In March 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-executions-john-roberts-fcd32356dbb867063d324d7d33d6a21f">U.S. Supreme Court ruled</a>&nbsp;states must allow spiritual advisers to join condemned inmates in the death chamber.Missouri officials have argued state prison policy prevents family members from having direct contact with inmates during an execution due to security concerns they might interfere with the process.Authorities said Shockley shot Graham because the state trooper was investigating him for involuntary manslaughter after leaving the scene of a deadly accident in which Shockley’s best friend was killed. Prosecutors said Shockley borrowed his grandmother’s red Pontiac Grand Am, which was seen near Graham’s home on the day of the killing.Shockley first shot Graham with a rifle, severing his spinal cord and causing him to fall to the ground and fracture his skull, according to prosecutors. Shockley then approached Graham and shot him in the face and shoulder with a shotgun. Shockley owned a .243-caliber rifle and .243-caliber rounds were recovered from Graham’s body. Bullet fragments found on the property of Shockley’s uncle matched the rounds recovered from the trooper’s body, according to court documents filed by the Missouri attorney general’s office.Prosecutors presented no direct evidence connecting Shockley to the killing, Weis said.“The state’s case remained circumstantial,” Weis said last week during a forum at the University of Missouri School of Law discussing the case. “The murder weapons were never found. There were disagreements between the ballistics experts hired by the prosecution.”Shockley’s attorneys also say other witnesses placed his client about 14 miles (23 kilometers) away from Graham’s home at the time the prosecutors maintained he was lying in wait near the trooper’s house.Prosecutors say Shockley had inquired about where Graham lived before the murder and tried to get rid of a box of .243-caliber ammunition around the time of the murder, according to court documents.Prosecutors said that favorable DNA test results, “even if obtained, would not tend to undermine Shockley’s conviction.”If the execution is carried out, Shockley would be the first person put to death this year in Missouri. The last execution in the state was on Dec. 3, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-christopher-collings-f5a027c86c53725556a5a66751abd36d">Christopher Collings</a>&nbsp;received a lethal injection for sexually assaulting and killing a 9-year-old girl.If both of Tuesday’s executions take place, that would bring this year’s total to 37&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-executions-2025-upcoming-florida-bf95609117487f4295d0b41e1b268c4a">death sentences</a>&nbsp;carried out nationwide.___

Man who maintains innocence set to be executed for killing state trooper

HARVEY COUNTY — A Kansas felon with over a dozen previous convictions is going back to prison.

Earlier this month, Senior Judge Nancy Parrish sentenced a Matthew Ratzlaff, 38, of Burrton, Kansas to 301 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; In August he pled guilty to Kidnapping and two counts of Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child involving sexual crimes against a child under the age of 10, according to a media release from the Harvey County Attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760381195475.png" alt="Ratzlaff-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Ratzlaff-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY — A Kansas felon with over a dozen previous convictions is going back to prison.Earlier this month, Senior Judge Nancy Parrish sentenced a Matthew Ratzlaff, 38, of Burrton, Kansas to 301 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; In August he pled guilty to Kidnapping and two counts of Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child involving sexual crimes against a child under the age of 10, according to a media release from the Harvey County Attorney.In addition to the time served in the Kansas Department of Corrections, Ratzlaff will be subject to lifetime post-release supervision and lifetime registration as a sexual offender.&nbsp; He has 17 previous convictions for burglary, aggravated burglary, theft, giving worthless checks, forgery and criminal use of a financial card, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Sex crimes committed against children in our community are some of the most terrible crimes we see committed and my office is dedicated to holding the offenders accountable while achieving justice for the most vulnerable members of our community.The successful prosecution of this case was made possible with the dedicated assistance of the Halstead Police Department, USD 440, and the Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center.