SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in vehicle crash that left another man dead made his first court appearance in the case Thursday.

Christian Sheppard, 33 of Wichita, is charged with 2nd degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On Dec. 29, police responded to a collision in the 200 block of N. Charles Street in Wichita, according to a media release. First responders found the vehicle that struck a tree and fence and caught fire. A passenger, identified as 32-year-old Chekiel Wright, died, and the driver, later identified as Sheppard was seriously injured.

On May 21, police arrested Sheppard.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is scheduled back in court on June 5,&nbsp; before Judge Tyler Roush, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747917397070.png" alt="SHEPPARD Sheppard photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>SHEPPARD Sheppard photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in vehicle crash that left another man dead made his first court appearance in the case Thursday.Christian Sheppard, 33 of Wichita, is charged with 2nd degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On Dec. 29, police responded to a collision in the 200 block of N. Charles Street in Wichita, according to a media release. First responders found the vehicle that struck a tree and fence and caught fire. A passenger, identified as 32-year-old Chekiel Wright, died, and the driver, later identified as Sheppard was seriously injured.On May 21, police arrested Sheppard.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is scheduled back in court on June 5,&nbsp; before Judge Tyler Roush, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;

Kan. driver accused in deadly crash, fire faces a judge

WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) — President Donald Trump used the first military commencement address of his second term Saturday to congratulate West Point cadets on their academic and physical accomplishments while veering sharply into politics, taking credit for America's military might while boasting about the "mandate" he says he earned in the 2024 presidential election.

"In a few moments, you'll become graduates of the most elite and storied military academy in human history," Trump said at the ceremony at Michie Stadium. "And you will become officers of the greatest and most powerful army the world has ever known. And I know, because I rebuilt that army, and I rebuilt the military. And we rebuilt it like nobody has ever rebuilt it before in my first term."

Wearing a red "Make America Great Again" hat, the Republican president told the 1,002 graduating cadets that the U.S. is the "hottest country in the world," boasted of his administration's achievements and underscored a distinct America First ethos for the U.S. military, which he called "the greatest fighting force in the history of the world."

"We're getting rid of distractions and we're focusing our military on its core mission: crushing America's adversaries, killing America's enemies and defending our great American flag like it has never been defended before," Trump said. He later said that "the job of the U.S. Armed Forces is not to host drag shows or transform foreign cultures," a reference to drag shows on military bases that former President Joe Biden's administration halted after Republican criticism.

Trump said the cadets were graduating at a "defining moment" in the Army's history, as he criticized past political leaders for leading soldiers into "nation-building crusades to nations that wanted nothing to do with us." He said he was clearing the military of transgender ideas, "critical race theory" and trainings he called divisive and political.

"They subjected the armed forces to all manner of social projects and political causes while leaving our borders undefended and depleting our arsenals to fight other countries' wars," he said of past administrations.

Several points during his address at the football stadium on the military academy's campus were indistinguishable from a political speech. Trump claimed that when he left the White House in 2021, "we had no wars, we had no problems, we had nothing but success, we had the most incredible economy." He noted that he won all seven swing states in the November election, arguing that those results gave him a "great mandate" and "it gives us the right to do what we want to do."

But Trump also took several moments to acknowledge specific graduates' achievements. He summoned one cadet, Chris Verdugo, on the stage, noting that he completed an 18.5-mile march on a freezing night in January in just two hours and 30 minutes. He had the top-ranking lacrosse team stand to be recognized. Trump also brought West Point's football quarterback, Bryson Daily, to the lectern, praising his "steel"-like shoulder. He later used Daily as an example to make a case against transgender women participating in women's athletics.

In a nod to presidential tradition, Trump also pardoned about half a dozen cadets who had faced disciplinary infractions.

"You could have done anything you wanted, you could have gone anywhere," Trump told the class, later continuing: "Writing your own ticket to top jobs on Wall Street or Silicon Valley wouldn't be bad, but I think what you're doing is better."

The president also ran through several pieces of advice for the graduating cadets, urging them to do what they love, think big, work hard, hold onto their culture, keep faith in America and take risks.

"This is a time of incredible change and we do not need an officer corps of careerists and yes men," Trump said, going on to note recent advances in military technology. "We need patriots with guts and vision and backbone."

Trump closed his speech by calling on the graduating cadets to "never ever give up," then said he was leaving to deal with matters involving Russia and China.

"We're going to keep winning, this country's going to keep winning, and with you, the job is easy," he said.

Just outside campus, about three dozen demonstrators gathered before the ceremony and were waving miniature American flags. One in the crowd carried a sign that said "Support Our Veterans" and "Stop the Cuts," while others held up plastic buckets with the message: "Go Army Beat Fascism."

Trump gave the commencement address at West Point in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged the graduating cadets to "never forget" the soldiers who fought a war over slavery during his remarks, which came as the nation was reckoning with its history on race after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Trump also paid tribute to the military academy's history and its famed graduates, including Douglas MacArthur and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The ceremony five years ago drew scrutiny because the U.S. Military Academy forced the graduating cadets, who had been home because of COVID-19, to return to an area near a pandemic hot spot.

Trump traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, earlier this month to speak to the University of Alabama's graduating class. His remarks mixed standard commencement fare and advice with political attacks against his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, musings about transgender athletes and lies about the 2020 election.

On Friday, Vice President JD Vance spoke to the graduating class at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Vance said in his remarks that Trump is working to ensure U.S. soldiers are deployed with clear goals, rather than the "undefined missions" and "open-ended conflicts" of the past.

Swenson reported from Bridgewater, New Jersey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748101992053.png" alt="After his address, President Trump was given a photo of the class of 2025 -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>After his address, President Trump was given a photo of the class of 2025 -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By SEUNG MIN KIM and ALI SWENSON&nbsp;WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) — President Donald Trump used the first military commencement address of his second term Saturday to congratulate West Point cadets on their academic and physical accomplishments while veering sharply into politics, taking credit for America's military might while boasting about the "mandate" he says he earned in the 2024 presidential election.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump Addresses the Army Academy’s Class of 2025 <a href="https://t.co/fmzvdGxCUx">https://t.co/fmzvdGxCUx</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1926277258576085165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Panaromic photo of West Point Class of 2025 presented to President Trump as class gift after commencement address <a href="https://t.co/A7aYOBcsBf">pic.twitter.com/A7aYOBcsBf</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1926347848766927164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"In a few moments, you'll become graduates of the most elite and storied military academy in human history," Trump said at the ceremony at Michie Stadium. "And you will become officers of the greatest and most powerful army the world has ever known. And I know, because I rebuilt that army, and I rebuilt the military. And we rebuilt it like nobody has ever rebuilt it before in my first term."Wearing a red "Make America Great Again" hat, the Republican president told the 1,002 graduating cadets that the U.S. is the "hottest country in the world," boasted of his administration's achievements and underscored a distinct America First ethos for the U.S. military, which he called "the greatest fighting force in the history of the world."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WestPoint_USMA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WestPoint_USMA</a>🇺🇸🦅 <a href="https://t.co/17qWJjNzE2">pic.twitter.com/17qWJjNzE2</a>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1926364115561255162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"We're getting rid of distractions and we're focusing our military on its core mission: crushing America's adversaries, killing America's enemies and defending our great American flag like it has never been defended before," Trump said. He later said that "the job of the U.S. Armed Forces is not to host drag shows or transform foreign cultures," a reference to drag shows on military bases that former President Joe Biden's administration halted after Republican criticism.Trump said the cadets were graduating at a "defining moment" in the Army's history, as he criticized past political leaders for leading soldiers into "nation-building crusades to nations that wanted nothing to do with us." He said he was clearing the military of transgender ideas, "critical race theory" and trainings he called divisive and political."They subjected the armed forces to all manner of social projects and political causes while leaving our borders undefended and depleting our arsenals to fight other countries' wars," he said of past administrations.Several points during his address at the football stadium on the military academy's campus were indistinguishable from a political speech. Trump claimed that when he left the White House in 2021, "we had no wars, we had no problems, we had nothing but success, we had the most incredible economy." He noted that he won all seven swing states in the November election, arguing that those results gave him a "great mandate" and "it gives us the right to do what we want to do."But Trump also took several moments to acknowledge specific graduates' achievements. He summoned one cadet, Chris Verdugo, on the stage, noting that he completed an 18.5-mile march on a freezing night in January in just two hours and 30 minutes. He had the top-ranking lacrosse team stand to be recognized. Trump also brought West Point's football quarterback, Bryson Daily, to the lectern, praising his "steel"-like shoulder. He later used Daily as an example to make a case against transgender women participating in women's athletics.In a nod to presidential tradition, Trump also pardoned about half a dozen cadets who had faced disciplinary infractions."You could have done anything you wanted, you could have gone anywhere," Trump told the class, later continuing: "Writing your own ticket to top jobs on Wall Street or Silicon Valley wouldn't be bad, but I think what you're doing is better."The president also ran through several pieces of advice for the graduating cadets, urging them to do what they love, think big, work hard, hold onto their culture, keep faith in America and take risks."This is a time of incredible change and we do not need an officer corps of careerists and yes men," Trump said, going on to note recent advances in military technology. "We need patriots with guts and vision and backbone."Trump closed his speech by calling on the graduating cadets to "never ever give up," then said he was leaving to deal with matters involving Russia and China."We're going to keep winning, this country's going to keep winning, and with you, the job is easy," he said.Just outside campus, about three dozen demonstrators gathered before the ceremony and were waving miniature American flags. One in the crowd carried a sign that said "Support Our Veterans" and "Stop the Cuts," while others held up plastic buckets with the message: "Go Army Beat Fascism."Trump gave the commencement address at West Point in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged the graduating cadets to "never forget" the soldiers who fought a war over slavery during his remarks, which came as the nation was reckoning with its history on race after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.Trump also paid tribute to the military academy's history and its famed graduates, including Douglas MacArthur and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The ceremony five years ago drew scrutiny because the U.S. Military Academy forced the graduating cadets, who had been home because of COVID-19, to return to an area near a pandemic hot spot.Trump traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, earlier this month to speak to the University of Alabama's graduating class. His remarks mixed standard commencement fare and advice with political attacks against his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, musings about transgender athletes and lies about the 2020 election.On Friday, Vice President JD Vance spoke to the graduating class at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Vance said in his remarks that Trump is working to ensure U.S. soldiers are deployed with clear goals, rather than the "undefined missions" and "open-ended conflicts" of the past.—Swenson reported from Bridgewater, New Jersey.

🎥Trump has fun with West Point cadets at commencement

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Drivers will see an increased law enforcement presence on Kansas roads during the national Click It or Ticket campaign which runs from May 18 to June 1.

Earlier this monthg, Master Trooper C. Rials, K-164, responded to a call of a crash on eastbound Interstate 70 near the Lecompton exit on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasTurnpike?__cft__[0]=AZXJ0zDyRX0ZWEJXI3qtG4wBSb-RfWxHDnEobWWd26KBt8EXY0B2GCvo8nHyXyNNmyKDy0SJiMqy2pdAt0M5E2aNJYW3Ue7zxXMjrGtK1cHXWLen3na-M46QwITVz5ZRUzIF3w_bDtgkbUwvPiW41zjbvag596l402LrcUd8rVaFE3uc-1HWvDQJgukM3NY3cuA5duTTMuCurx8HCNPvZB0B&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Turnpike Authority</a>, according to a social media report from KHP Troop B.

The driver was wearing a seatbelt and did not have major injuries. 

"Every multi-lane highway has traffic in many lanes. It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and to know where other cars are on the road."

"When making lane changes, check your blind spots for other traffic before starting any movements to sure the lane is clear."

"These good habits could prevent a crash, and save your life or the life of someone else on the road. "

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747390473268.png" alt="Photos KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photos KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Drivers will see an increased law enforcement presence on Kansas roads during the national Click It or Ticket campaign which runs from May 18 to June 1.Earlier this monthg, Master Trooper C. Rials, K-164, responded to a call of a crash on eastbound Interstate 70 near the Lecompton exit on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasTurnpike?__cft__[0]=AZXJ0zDyRX0ZWEJXI3qtG4wBSb-RfWxHDnEobWWd26KBt8EXY0B2GCvo8nHyXyNNmyKDy0SJiMqy2pdAt0M5E2aNJYW3Ue7zxXMjrGtK1cHXWLen3na-M46QwITVz5ZRUzIF3w_bDtgkbUwvPiW41zjbvag596l402LrcUd8rVaFE3uc-1HWvDQJgukM3NY3cuA5duTTMuCurx8HCNPvZB0B&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Turnpike Authority</a>, according to a social media report from KHP Troop B.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747390450653.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The driver was wearing a seatbelt and did not have major injuries. "Every multi-lane highway has traffic in many lanes. It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and to know where other cars are on the road.""When making lane changes, check your blind spots for other traffic before starting any movements to sure the lane is clear.""These good habits could prevent a crash, and save your life or the life of someone else on the road. "

KHP: Once again seat belts saved a life

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

Home Depot doesn't expect to raise prices because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-inflation-economy-prices-eaf0b00bbdfa50c694590c70467a6cd4">tariffs</a>, saying it has spent years diversifying the sources for the goods on its shelves.

Billy Bastek, executive vice president of merchandising, said during a conference call on Tuesday that Home Depot's suppliers have shifted sourcing across several countries and that the company doesn't expect any single country outside of the U.S. will represent more than 10% of its purchases 12 months from now.

“We don’t see broad based price increases for our customers at all going forward,” he said.

Other companies, domestic and foreign, have warned customers that price hikes are on the way due to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-trump-trade-6ea513a44876c2f4dc948a25c15b0eb0">trade war kicked off by the U.S.</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-earnings-tariff-consumers-inflation-773f7de5081c40a98c98fbb293fa5f96">Walmart</a>&nbsp;said last week that it has already raised prices and will have to do so again in the near future. Late Monday, Subaru of America said it would raise prices on some of its most popular models by as much as $2,000.

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-walmart-inflation-import-taxes-e2012e0d9e242b0be0b9474aa58d41fd">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;lambasted Walmart, saying on social media over the weekend that the retail giant should “eat” the additional costs created by his tariffs.

As Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-time-china-switzerland-660aa519e9059de7d81368ec4eef4b38">jacked up import taxes</a>, he has tried to assure a skeptical public that foreign producers would pay for those taxes and that retailers and automakers would absorb the additional expenses. Most economists are deeply skeptical of those claims and have warned that the trade penalties would worsen inflation.

Tariffs on materials like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-home-improvement-housing-market-home-construction-ae55bcae89a8ad78814c3dbce69e435f">lumber</a>&nbsp;are also a concern for both homebuilders and home buyers. A homebuyer now needs to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-affordability-home-prices-real-estate-f17aa54776a04e4622d0c5afa9f09ff8">earn at least $114,000 a year</a>&nbsp;to afford a $431,250 home -- the national median listing price in April, according to data released this month by Realtor.com

Additional housing material costs would put home ownership out of reach for more potential buyers, though Home Depot is somewhat insulated as it sources the majority of its lumber in the U.S.

Early last year, the company said that about 17% of its wood is sourced from Canada. The company would not say Tuesday if those import levels have changed though after negotiations, Canadian lumber was exempted from additional 25% U.S. tariffs.

During the first quarter, Home Depot’s revenue climbed as customers spent slightly more on smaller home projects.

A number of U.S. companies have lowered or pulled financial guidance for investors as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-inflation-economy-prices-eaf0b00bbdfa50c694590c70467a6cd4">tariffs launched by the the Trump administration</a>&nbsp;scramble world trade but on Tuesday, Home Depot stuck by earlier projections of sales growth at around 2.8%.

Shares of the Atlanta company dipped slightly on Tuesday.

Revenue rose to $39.86 billion from $36.42 billion a year earlier, beating the $39.3 billion that analysts polled by FactSet expected.

Sales at stores open at least a year, a key gauge of a retailer’s health, edged down 0.3%. In the U.S., comparable store sales climbed 0.2%.

Wall Street anticipated a 0.1% decline in same-store sales.

Customer transactions rose 2.1% in the quarter. The amount shoppers spent climbed to $90.71 per average ticket from $90.68 in the prior-year period.

“Our first quarter results were in line with our expectations as we saw continued customer engagement across smaller projects and in our spring events,” Home Depot Chair and CEO Ted Decker said in a statement.

Home improvement retailers like Home Depot have been dealing with homeowners putting off bigger projects because of increased borrowing costs and lingering concerns about inflation.

The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump dating back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/home-sales-mortgage-economy-7c1570c42c41f9513602b4bee795460e">Sales of previously occupied homes have dropped</a>&nbsp;as elevated mortgage rates and rising prices discouraged home shoppers.

Existing home sales fell 5.9% in March from February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million units, the National Association of Realtors said. The March sales decline was the largest monthly drop since November 2022, and marks the slowest sales pace for the month of March going back to 2009.

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell last year to their lowest level in nearly 30 years.

“One of the central problems for Home Depot is the skittish housing market,” Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, said in a statement. “While last quarter was robust, home sales declined by 3.1% year-over-year this quarter as consumers were deterred from moving by continued high interest rates and growing economic uncertainty. This lack of recovery makes it difficult to drive home improvement spending.”

For the three months ended May 4, Home Depot Inc. earned $3.43 billion, or $3.45 per share. A year earlier the Atlanta-based company earned $3.6 billion, or $3.63 per share.

Stripping out certain items, earnings were $3.56 per share. Wall Street was calling for earnings of $3.60 per share.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747942247274.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MICHELLE%20CHAPMAN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business Writer</a>Home Depot doesn't expect to raise prices because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-inflation-economy-prices-eaf0b00bbdfa50c694590c70467a6cd4">tariffs</a>, saying it has spent years diversifying the sources for the goods on its shelves.Billy Bastek, executive vice president of merchandising, said during a conference call on Tuesday that Home Depot's suppliers have shifted sourcing across several countries and that the company doesn't expect any single country outside of the U.S. will represent more than 10% of its purchases 12 months from now.“We don’t see broad based price increases for our customers at all going forward,” he said.Other companies, domestic and foreign, have warned customers that price hikes are on the way due to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-trump-trade-6ea513a44876c2f4dc948a25c15b0eb0">trade war kicked off by the U.S.</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-earnings-tariff-consumers-inflation-773f7de5081c40a98c98fbb293fa5f96">Walmart</a>&nbsp;said last week that it has already raised prices and will have to do so again in the near future. Late Monday, Subaru of America said it would raise prices on some of its most popular models by as much as $2,000.President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-walmart-inflation-import-taxes-e2012e0d9e242b0be0b9474aa58d41fd">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;lambasted Walmart, saying on social media over the weekend that the retail giant should “eat” the additional costs created by his tariffs.As Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-time-china-switzerland-660aa519e9059de7d81368ec4eef4b38">jacked up import taxes</a>, he has tried to assure a skeptical public that foreign producers would pay for those taxes and that retailers and automakers would absorb the additional expenses. Most economists are deeply skeptical of those claims and have warned that the trade penalties would worsen inflation.Tariffs on materials like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-home-improvement-housing-market-home-construction-ae55bcae89a8ad78814c3dbce69e435f">lumber</a>&nbsp;are also a concern for both homebuilders and home buyers. A homebuyer now needs to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-affordability-home-prices-real-estate-f17aa54776a04e4622d0c5afa9f09ff8">earn at least $114,000 a year</a>&nbsp;to afford a $431,250 home -- the national median listing price in April, according to data released this month by Realtor.comAdditional housing material costs would put home ownership out of reach for more potential buyers, though Home Depot is somewhat insulated as it sources the majority of its lumber in the U.S.Early last year, the company said that about 17% of its wood is sourced from Canada. The company would not say Tuesday if those import levels have changed though after negotiations, Canadian lumber was exempted from additional 25% U.S. tariffs.During the first quarter, Home Depot’s revenue climbed as customers spent slightly more on smaller home projects.A number of U.S. companies have lowered or pulled financial guidance for investors as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-inflation-economy-prices-eaf0b00bbdfa50c694590c70467a6cd4">tariffs launched by the the Trump administration</a>&nbsp;scramble world trade but on Tuesday, Home Depot stuck by earlier projections of sales growth at around 2.8%.Shares of the Atlanta company dipped slightly on Tuesday.Revenue rose to $39.86 billion from $36.42 billion a year earlier, beating the $39.3 billion that analysts polled by FactSet expected.Sales at stores open at least a year, a key gauge of a retailer’s health, edged down 0.3%. In the U.S., comparable store sales climbed 0.2%.Wall Street anticipated a 0.1% decline in same-store sales.Customer transactions rose 2.1% in the quarter. The amount shoppers spent climbed to $90.71 per average ticket from $90.68 in the prior-year period.“Our first quarter results were in line with our expectations as we saw continued customer engagement across smaller projects and in our spring events,” Home Depot Chair and CEO Ted Decker said in a statement.Home improvement retailers like Home Depot have been dealing with homeowners putting off bigger projects because of increased borrowing costs and lingering concerns about inflation.The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump dating back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/home-sales-mortgage-economy-7c1570c42c41f9513602b4bee795460e">Sales of previously occupied homes have dropped</a>&nbsp;as elevated mortgage rates and rising prices discouraged home shoppers.Existing home sales fell 5.9% in March from February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million units, the National Association of Realtors said. The March sales decline was the largest monthly drop since November 2022, and marks the slowest sales pace for the month of March going back to 2009.Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell last year to their lowest level in nearly 30 years.“One of the central problems for Home Depot is the skittish housing market,” Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, said in a statement. “While last quarter was robust, home sales declined by 3.1% year-over-year this quarter as consumers were deterred from moving by continued high interest rates and growing economic uncertainty. This lack of recovery makes it difficult to drive home improvement spending.”For the three months ended May 4, Home Depot Inc. earned $3.43 billion, or $3.45 per share. A year earlier the Atlanta-based company earned $3.6 billion, or $3.63 per share.Stripping out certain items, earnings were $3.56 per share. Wall Street was calling for earnings of $3.60 per share.

Home Depot says it doesn't expect to boost prices because of tariffs

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

Just after 4p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to Westport and Broadway on a reported accident. The call was updated to a shooting,&nbsp; according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

First responders located a shooting victim in a vehicle near 43rd and Broadway unresponsive and suffering from gunshot trauma. EMS responded and transported the victim to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary information indicates an argument took place inside of a business. The argument continued as both the adult male victim and an adult male suspect walked outside of the business. The argument then escalated to gunfire. 

The victim left the area in a vehicle before coming to a stop near 43rd and Broadway. Initial responding officers located a man at Westport and Broadway that had been involved in an accident when the victim was driving out of the area and subsequently struck his vehicle.

&nbsp;This incident is being investigated as a homicide. Just before 9p.m. Friday police reported they had taken a suspect into custody.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748052749455.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 4p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to Westport and Broadway on a reported accident. The call was updated to a shooting,&nbsp; according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748052715240.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located a shooting victim in a vehicle near 43rd and Broadway unresponsive and suffering from gunshot trauma. EMS responded and transported the victim to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary information indicates an argument took place inside of a business. The argument continued as both the adult male victim and an adult male suspect walked outside of the business. The argument then escalated to gunfire. The victim left the area in a vehicle before coming to a stop near 43rd and Broadway. Initial responding officers located a man at Westport and Broadway that had been involved in an accident when the victim was driving out of the area and subsequently struck his vehicle.&nbsp;This incident is being investigated as a homicide. Just before 9p.m. Friday police reported they had taken a suspect into custody.&nbsp;

KCPD: Homicide victim involved in crash driving from shooting

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans early Thursday took a major step forward on President Donald Trump’s agenda, approving a legislative package that combines tax breaks, spending cuts, border security funding and other priorities.

House committees labored for months on the bill, which underwent late changes to win over holdouts in the Republican conference. It exceeds 1,000 pages and is titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a nod to Trump himself.

Republicans made one last round of revisions before the bill reached the House floor, boosting the state and local tax deduction to win over centrists and speeding up the work requirements in Medicaid to win over those who didn’t believe the bill did enough to curb spending.

Here’s a look at what’s in the legislative package, which is expected to undergo more changes when it goes to the Senate.

Republicans look to make permanent the individual income and estate tax cuts passed in Trump’s first term, in 2017, plus enact promises he made on the 2024 campaign trail to not tax tips, overtime and interest on some auto loans.

To partially offset the lost revenue, Republicans propose repealing or phasing out more quickly the clean energy tax credits passed during Joe Biden’s presidency, helping to bring down the overall cost of the tax portion to about $3.8 trillion.

The bill includes a temporary boost in the standard deduction — a $1,000 increase for individuals, bringing it to $16,000 for individual filers, and a $2,000 boost for joint filers, bringing it to $32,000. The deduction reduces the amount of income that is actually subject to income tax.

There is also a temporary $500 increase in the child tax credit, bringing it to $2,500 for 2025 through 2028. It then returns to $2,000 and will increase to account for inflation.

The estate tax exemption rises to $15 million and is adjusted for inflation going forward.

One of the thorniest issues in negotiations had been how much to raise the state and local tax deduction, now capped at $10,000. That’s been a priority of New York lawmakers. The bill increases the “SALT” cap to $40,000 for incomes up to $500,000, with the cap phasing downward for those with higher incomes. Also, the cap and income threshold will increase 1% annually over 10 years.

Several of the provisions Trump promised in the campaign would be temporary, lasting roughly through his term in office. The tax breaks for tips, overtime and car loan interest expire at the end of 2028. That’s also the case for a $4,000 increase in the standard deduction for seniors.

Among the various business tax provisions, small businesses, including partnerships and S corporations, will be able to subtract 23% of their qualified business income from their taxes. The deduction has been 20%

Businesses will temporarily be allowed to fully expense domestic research and development costs in the year they occur and the cost of machinery, equipment and other qualifying assets. This encourages businesses to invest in ways that enhances their productivity.

Parents and older Americans face work requirements for food assistance

House Republicans would reduce spending on food aid, what is known as the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program, by about $267 billion over 10 years.

States would shoulder 5% of benefit costs, beginning in fiscal 2028, and 75% of the administrative costs. Currently, states pay none of the benefit and half of the administration costs.

Republicans also are expanding the work requirements to receive food aid. Under current law, able-bodied adults without dependents must fulfill work requirements until they are 54, and that would change under the bill to age 64.

Also, some parents are currently exempt from work requirements until their children are 18; that would change so only those caring for a dependent child under the age of 7 are exempt.

A focal point of&nbsp;<a href="https://d1dth6e84htgma.cloudfront.net/Subtitle_D_Health_ae3638d840.pdf" target="_blank">the package</a>&nbsp;is nearly $700 billion in reduced spending in the Medicaid program, according to CBO.

To be eligible for Medicaid, there would be new “community engagement requirements” of at least 80 hours per month of work, education or service for able-bodied adults without dependents. The new requirements would begin on Dec. 31, 2026. People would also have to verify their eligibility for the program twice a year, rather than just once.

Republicans are looking to generate savings with new work requirements. But Democrats warn that millions of Americans will lose coverage.

A preliminary estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the proposals would reduce the number of people with health care by 8.6 million over the decade.

No taxes on gun silencers, no money for Planned Parenthood and more

Republicans are also using the package to reward allies and disadvantage political foes.

The package would eliminate a $200 tax on gun silencers that has existed since Congress passed the National Firearms Act in 1934. The elimination of the tax is supported by the NRA.

The group Giffords, which works to reduce gun violence, said silencers make it more difficult to recognize the sound of gunfire and locate the source of gunshots, impairing the ability of law enforcement to respond to active shooters.

Republicans are also looking to prohibit Medicaid funds from going to Planned Parenthood, which provides abortion care. Democrats say defunding the organization would make it harder for millions of patients to get cancer screenings, pap tests and birth control.

The bill originally called for “MAGA” accounts, shorthand for Trump’s signature line, “Make America Great Again.” But in a last-minute revision, the bill changed the name to “Trump” accounts.

For parents or guardians who open new “Trump” accounts for their children, the federal government will contribute $1,000 for babies born between Jan. 1, 2024 and Dec. 31, 2028.

Families could add $5,000 a year, with the account holders unable to take distributions before age 18. Then, they could access up to 50% of the money to pay for higher education, training and first-time home purchases. At age 30, account holders have access to the full balance of the account for any purpose.

Funding for Trump’s mass deportation operation

The legislation would provide $46.5 billion to revive construction of Trump’s wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, and more money for the deportation agenda.

There’s $4 billion to hire an additional 3,000 new Border Patrol agents as well as 5,000 new customs officers, and $2.1 billion for signing and retention bonuses. There’s also funds for 10,000 more Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and investigators.

It includes major changes to immigration policy, imposing a $1,000 fee on migrants seeking asylum — something the nation has never done, putting it on par with few others, including Australia and Iran.

Overall, the plan is to remove 1 million immigrants annually and house 100,000 people in detention centers.

More money for the Pentagon and Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’

There’s also nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://armedservices.house.gov/uploadedfiles/bill_text.pdf" target="_blank">with $150 billion</a>&nbsp;in new money for the Defense Department and national security.

It would provide $25 billion for Trump’s “Golden Dome for America,” a long-envisioned missile defense shield, $21 billion to restock the nation’s ammunition arsenal, $34 billion to expand the naval fleet with more shipbuilding and some $5 billion for border security.

It also includes $9 billion for servicemember quality of life-related issues, including housing, health care and special pay.

Tax on university endowments and overhaul of student loans

A wholesale revamping of the student loan program is key to the legislation, providing&nbsp;<a href="https://edworkforce.house.gov/uploadedfiles/ans_el_recon_01_xml.pdf" target="_blank">$330 billion in budget cuts and savings</a>.

The proposal would replace all existing student loan repayment plans with just two: a standard option with monthly payments spread out over 10 to 25 years and a “repayment assistance” plan that is generally less generous than those it would replace.

Among other changes, the bill would repeal Biden-era regulations that made it easier for borrowers to get loans canceled if their colleges defrauded them or closed suddenly.

There would be a tax increase, up to 21%, on some university endowments.

To generate revenue,&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.house.gov/meetings/II/II00/20250506/118151/BILLS-119-CommitteePrint-W000821-Amdt-012.pdf" target="_blank">one section</a>&nbsp;would allow increased leasing of public lands for drilling, mining and logging while clearing the path for more development by speeding up government approvals.

Royalty rates paid by companies to extract oil, gas and coal would be cut, reversing Biden’s attempts to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-billings-environment-4f5213bcc57da138e4d9ae859841b74d">curb fossil fuels</a>&nbsp;to help address climate change.

Associated Press writers Collin Binkley and Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington and Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747962394542.png" alt="White House image" />
 <figcaption>White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans early Thursday took a major step forward on President Donald Trump’s agenda, approving a legislative package that combines tax breaks, spending cuts, border security funding and other priorities.House committees labored for months on the bill, which underwent late changes to win over holdouts in the Republican conference. It exceeds 1,000 pages and is titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a nod to Trump himself.Republicans made one last round of revisions before the bill reached the House floor, boosting the state and local tax deduction to win over centrists and speeding up the work requirements in Medicaid to win over those who didn’t believe the bill did enough to curb spending.Here’s a look at what’s in the legislative package, which is expected to undergo more changes when it goes to the Senate.<h2>Tax cuts for individuals and businesses</h2>Republicans look to make permanent the individual income and estate tax cuts passed in Trump’s first term, in 2017, plus enact promises he made on the 2024 campaign trail to not tax tips, overtime and interest on some auto loans.To partially offset the lost revenue, Republicans propose repealing or phasing out more quickly the clean energy tax credits passed during Joe Biden’s presidency, helping to bring down the overall cost of the tax portion to about $3.8 trillion.The bill includes a temporary boost in the standard deduction — a $1,000 increase for individuals, bringing it to $16,000 for individual filers, and a $2,000 boost for joint filers, bringing it to $32,000. The deduction reduces the amount of income that is actually subject to income tax.There is also a temporary $500 increase in the child tax credit, bringing it to $2,500 for 2025 through 2028. It then returns to $2,000 and will increase to account for inflation.The estate tax exemption rises to $15 million and is adjusted for inflation going forward.One of the thorniest issues in negotiations had been how much to raise the state and local tax deduction, now capped at $10,000. That’s been a priority of New York lawmakers. The bill increases the “SALT” cap to $40,000 for incomes up to $500,000, with the cap phasing downward for those with higher incomes. Also, the cap and income threshold will increase 1% annually over 10 years.Several of the provisions Trump promised in the campaign would be temporary, lasting roughly through his term in office. The tax breaks for tips, overtime and car loan interest expire at the end of 2028. That’s also the case for a $4,000 increase in the standard deduction for seniors.Among the various business tax provisions, small businesses, including partnerships and S corporations, will be able to subtract 23% of their qualified business income from their taxes. The deduction has been 20%Businesses will temporarily be allowed to fully expense domestic research and development costs in the year they occur and the cost of machinery, equipment and other qualifying assets. This encourages businesses to invest in ways that enhances their productivity.<h2>Parents and older Americans face work requirements for food assistance</h2>House Republicans would reduce spending on food aid, what is known as the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program, by about $267 billion over 10 years.States would shoulder 5% of benefit costs, beginning in fiscal 2028, and 75% of the administrative costs. Currently, states pay none of the benefit and half of the administration costs.Republicans also are expanding the work requirements to receive food aid. Under current law, able-bodied adults without dependents must fulfill work requirements until they are 54, and that would change under the bill to age 64.Also, some parents are currently exempt from work requirements until their children are 18; that would change so only those caring for a dependent child under the age of 7 are exempt.<h2>And new work requirements for Medicaid</h2>A focal point of&nbsp;<a href="https://d1dth6e84htgma.cloudfront.net/Subtitle_D_Health_ae3638d840.pdf" target="_blank">the package</a>&nbsp;is nearly $700 billion in reduced spending in the Medicaid program, according to CBO.To be eligible for Medicaid, there would be new “community engagement requirements” of at least 80 hours per month of work, education or service for able-bodied adults without dependents. The new requirements would begin on Dec. 31, 2026. People would also have to verify their eligibility for the program twice a year, rather than just once.Republicans are looking to generate savings with new work requirements. But Democrats warn that millions of Americans will lose coverage.A preliminary estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the proposals would reduce the number of people with health care by 8.6 million over the decade.<h2>No taxes on gun silencers, no money for Planned Parenthood and more</h2>Republicans are also using the package to reward allies and disadvantage political foes.The package would eliminate a $200 tax on gun silencers that has existed since Congress passed the National Firearms Act in 1934. The elimination of the tax is supported by the NRA.The group Giffords, which works to reduce gun violence, said silencers make it more difficult to recognize the sound of gunfire and locate the source of gunshots, impairing the ability of law enforcement to respond to active shooters.Republicans are also looking to prohibit Medicaid funds from going to Planned Parenthood, which provides abortion care. Democrats say defunding the organization would make it harder for millions of patients to get cancer screenings, pap tests and birth control.<h2>‘Trump’ kids $1,000 savings accounts</h2>The bill originally called for “MAGA” accounts, shorthand for Trump’s signature line, “Make America Great Again.” But in a last-minute revision, the bill changed the name to “Trump” accounts.For parents or guardians who open new “Trump” accounts for their children, the federal government will contribute $1,000 for babies born between Jan. 1, 2024 and Dec. 31, 2028.Families could add $5,000 a year, with the account holders unable to take distributions before age 18. Then, they could access up to 50% of the money to pay for higher education, training and first-time home purchases. At age 30, account holders have access to the full balance of the account for any purpose.<h2>Funding for Trump’s mass deportation operation</h2>The legislation would provide $46.5 billion to revive construction of Trump’s wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, and more money for the deportation agenda.There’s $4 billion to hire an additional 3,000 new Border Patrol agents as well as 5,000 new customs officers, and $2.1 billion for signing and retention bonuses. There’s also funds for 10,000 more Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and investigators.It includes major changes to immigration policy, imposing a $1,000 fee on migrants seeking asylum — something the nation has never done, putting it on par with few others, including Australia and Iran.Overall, the plan is to remove 1 million immigrants annually and house 100,000 people in detention centers.<h2>More money for the Pentagon and Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’</h2>There’s also nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://armedservices.house.gov/uploadedfiles/bill_text.pdf" target="_blank">with $150 billion</a>&nbsp;in new money for the Defense Department and national security.It would provide $25 billion for Trump’s “Golden Dome for America,” a long-envisioned missile defense shield, $21 billion to restock the nation’s ammunition arsenal, $34 billion to expand the naval fleet with more shipbuilding and some $5 billion for border security.It also includes $9 billion for servicemember quality of life-related issues, including housing, health care and special pay.<h2>Tax on university endowments and overhaul of student loans</h2>A wholesale revamping of the student loan program is key to the legislation, providing&nbsp;<a href="https://edworkforce.house.gov/uploadedfiles/ans_el_recon_01_xml.pdf" target="_blank">$330 billion in budget cuts and savings</a>.The proposal would replace all existing student loan repayment plans with just two: a standard option with monthly payments spread out over 10 to 25 years and a “repayment assistance” plan that is generally less generous than those it would replace.Among other changes, the bill would repeal Biden-era regulations that made it easier for borrowers to get loans canceled if their colleges defrauded them or closed suddenly.There would be a tax increase, up to 21%, on some university endowments.<h2>More drilling, mining on public lands</h2>To generate revenue,&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.house.gov/meetings/II/II00/20250506/118151/BILLS-119-CommitteePrint-W000821-Amdt-012.pdf" target="_blank">one section</a>&nbsp;would allow increased leasing of public lands for drilling, mining and logging while clearing the path for more development by speeding up government approvals.Royalty rates paid by companies to extract oil, gas and coal would be cut, reversing Biden’s attempts to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-billings-environment-4f5213bcc57da138e4d9ae859841b74d">curb fossil fuels</a>&nbsp;to help address climate change.___Associated Press writers Collin Binkley and Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington and Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana, contributed to this report.

Trump’s big tax bill has passed the House. Here’s what’s inside it

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 1p.m. Friday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Buick LaCrosse driven by Eugene Judson Theodore&nbsp;Stumblingbear, 44,&nbsp; Attica, was eastbound in the westbound lanes of Kansas 42 one quarter mile east of S 279th Street W.

The car struck a westbound 2024 Western Star semi driven by Donald David&nbsp;Piotrowski, 54,Valley Center, head-on.

Stumblingbear was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp; Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center. EMS transported&nbsp;Piotrowski to&nbsp;Ascension Via Christi St Francis. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748055276795.png" alt="First responders at the scene photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 1p.m. Friday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Buick LaCrosse driven by Eugene Judson Theodore&nbsp;Stumblingbear, 44,&nbsp; Attica, was eastbound in the westbound lanes of Kansas 42 one quarter mile east of S 279th Street W.The car struck a westbound 2024 Western Star semi driven by Donald David&nbsp;Piotrowski, 54,Valley Center, head-on.Stumblingbear was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp; Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center. EMS transported&nbsp;Piotrowski to&nbsp;Ascension Via Christi St Francis. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage details.

Kansas man dies after wrong-way, head-on crash

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple sex allegations.

Just after 1 p.m. Thursday, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Detectives arrested 22-year-old Quo-Jon Paul Tye, of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Tye was arrested on a five count Jackson County District Court warrant. The warrant was issued in reference to a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office investigation. The alleged crimes were reported to the Sheriff’s Office in November of 2024. 

The warrant consists of three counts of rape and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a minor. Tye was booked into and remains in the Jackson County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748010128802.png" alt="Tye-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Tye-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple sex allegations.Just after 1 p.m. Thursday, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Detectives arrested 22-year-old Quo-Jon Paul Tye, of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Tye was arrested on a five count Jackson County District Court warrant. The warrant was issued in reference to a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office investigation. The alleged crimes were reported to the Sheriff’s Office in November of 2024. The warrant consists of three counts of rape and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a minor. Tye was booked into and remains in the Jackson County Jail.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of child sex crimes

KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City man was sentenced to seven years in prison for an ice cream shop burglary that occurred last year, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="mailto:Media%20Contact:%20%20%20Jazzlyn%20Johnson%20%20Director%20of%20Communications%20%20%20Jackson%20County%20Prosecutor%E2%80%99s%20Office%20%20%20415%20E%2012th%20Street%20%20Kansas%20City,%20MO%20-%2064106%20%20(816)%20929-1289%20%20%20jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org%20%20%20https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com">John Heckman</a>, 78,&nbsp;received a seven-year prison sentence after pleading guilty yesterday to 2nd Degree Burglary and a concurrent four-year sentence for 1st Degree Property Damage.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2623/Heckman-John-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched on October 13, 2024, to Betty Rae’s Ice Cream on a burglary. Officers observed a broken glass door, and the reporting party said a black safe with nearly $2,000 in cash was taken.&nbsp;

Surveillance footage of the incident showed an older male, later identified as Heckman, throw a rock into the window and enter the business. He walked to the back of the store where the safe is located and carries it out of the business.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The reporting party said the glass door was $1,700 to fix and the safe was $2,000 to replace.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police, joined by Kansas City, Kan. officers, located the Heckman in a Kansas City, Kan., residence. Detectives said he told them he spent the money on dope and the casinos.

Heckman's criminal record includes multiple prior convictions for burglary and stealing across the Kansas City metro.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729717963316.png" alt="Heckman from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Heckman from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City man was sentenced to seven years in prison for an ice cream shop burglary that occurred last year, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="mailto:Media%20Contact:%20%20%20Jazzlyn%20Johnson%20%20Director%20of%20Communications%20%20%20Jackson%20County%20Prosecutor%E2%80%99s%20Office%20%20%20415%20E%2012th%20Street%20%20Kansas%20City,%20MO%20-%2064106%20%20(816)%20929-1289%20%20%20jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org%20%20%20https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com">John Heckman</a>, 78,&nbsp;received a seven-year prison sentence after pleading guilty yesterday to 2nd Degree Burglary and a concurrent four-year sentence for 1st Degree Property Damage.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2623/Heckman-John-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched on October 13, 2024, to Betty Rae’s Ice Cream on a burglary. Officers observed a broken glass door, and the reporting party said a black safe with nearly $2,000 in cash was taken.&nbsp;Surveillance footage of the incident showed an older male, later identified as Heckman, throw a rock into the window and enter the business. He walked to the back of the store where the safe is located and carries it out of the business.&nbsp;&nbsp;The reporting party said the glass door was $1,700 to fix and the safe was $2,000 to replace.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police, joined by Kansas City, Kan. officers, located the Heckman in a Kansas City, Kan., residence. Detectives said he told them he spent the money on dope and the casinos.Heckman's criminal record includes multiple prior convictions for burglary and stealing across the Kansas City metro.

Suspect arrested in Kan. for ice cream shop burglary is going to prison

PAWNEE COUNTY– Rhonda Hudson-McNutt, 47, appeared in the Pawnee County District Court in custody Thursday afternoon for sentencing on two separate felony cases, according to Pawnee&nbsp; County Attorney Doug McNett.

In July of 2024, Hudson-McNutt was arrested on probable cause without incident following an investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department. 

She was charged with Blackmail, Breach of Privacy, to wit: disseminating nude images, Identity Theft,&nbsp; Interference with Law Enforcement, to wit: falsely reporting a felony crime,&nbsp; Interference with Law Enforcement, to wit: falsely reporting information in a felony investigation, and Criminal False Communication. She was also charged in a separate criminal complaint with misdemeanor Trespass.

Hudson-McNutt subsequently posted bond and was released. However, on August 9, 2024, the defendant was arrested for violating the no contact conditions of her bond. Incident to that arrest, she was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine.

On November 19, 2024, the she entered no contest pleas in the first case to&nbsp; Breach of Privacy, to wit: disseminating nude images, Identity Theft, and&nbsp; Interference with Law Enforcement, to wit: falsely reporting a felony crime. She also entered a no contest plea to Possession of Methamphetamine. In exchange for the pleas, the State dismiss remain charges. Following the plea hearing, the defendant was release on bond but was re-arrested the following day for violating the no contact condition.

In support of the plea, Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett advised the Court that in July of 2024 Hudson-McNutt threatened an individual that she would contact law enforcement to falsely claim he sexually assaulted her if that individual didn’t disclose the whereabouts of her estranged husband. The investigation revealed that she also distributed without permission nude images of the individual that she’d gained access to. During this same timeframe Hudson-McNutt also accessed her estranged husband’s email account and sent an email to the Kansas Department of Children and Families claiming to confess to child sex crimes.

Following an extended sentencing hearing which included testimony from the victims, District Judge Bruce Gatterman denied her request for probation citing her behavior on bond and sentenced Hudson-McNutt to an aggregated sentence of 47 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722530095728.png" alt="Hudson-McNutt photo P awnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hudson-McNutt photo P awnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY– Rhonda Hudson-McNutt, 47, appeared in the Pawnee County District Court in custody Thursday afternoon for sentencing on two separate felony cases, according to Pawnee&nbsp; County Attorney Doug McNett.In July of 2024, Hudson-McNutt was arrested on probable cause without incident following an investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department. She was charged with Blackmail, Breach of Privacy, to wit: disseminating nude images, Identity Theft,&nbsp; Interference with Law Enforcement, to wit: falsely reporting a felony crime,&nbsp; Interference with Law Enforcement, to wit: falsely reporting information in a felony investigation, and Criminal False Communication. She was also charged in a separate criminal complaint with misdemeanor Trespass.Hudson-McNutt subsequently posted bond and was released. However, on August 9, 2024, the defendant was arrested for violating the no contact conditions of her bond. Incident to that arrest, she was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine.On November 19, 2024, the she entered no contest pleas in the first case to&nbsp; Breach of Privacy, to wit: disseminating nude images, Identity Theft, and&nbsp; Interference with Law Enforcement, to wit: falsely reporting a felony crime. She also entered a no contest plea to Possession of Methamphetamine. In exchange for the pleas, the State dismiss remain charges. Following the plea hearing, the defendant was release on bond but was re-arrested the following day for violating the no contact condition.In support of the plea, Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett advised the Court that in July of 2024 Hudson-McNutt threatened an individual that she would contact law enforcement to falsely claim he sexually assaulted her if that individual didn’t disclose the whereabouts of her estranged husband. The investigation revealed that she also distributed without permission nude images of the individual that she’d gained access to. During this same timeframe Hudson-McNutt also accessed her estranged husband’s email account and sent an email to the Kansas Department of Children and Families claiming to confess to child sex crimes.Following an extended sentencing hearing which included testimony from the victims, District Judge Bruce Gatterman denied her request for probation citing her behavior on bond and sentenced Hudson-McNutt to an aggregated sentence of 47 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas woman gets plea deal for blackmail, ID theft

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has reached a deal with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/boeing-co">Boeing</a>&nbsp;that will allow the airplane giant to avoid criminal prosecution for allegedly misleading U.S. regulators about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-plea-737-max-crashes-b34daa014406657e720bec4a990dccf6">737 Max jetliner</a>&nbsp;before two of the planes crashed and killed 346 people, according to court papers filed Friday.

Under the “agreement in principle,” which still needs to be finalized, Boeing would pay or invest more than $1.1 billion, including an additional $445 million for the crash victims’ families, the Justice Department said.

In return, the department has agreed to dismiss the fraud charge against Boeing, allowing the manufacturer to avoid a possible criminal conviction that could have jeopardized the company's status as a federal contractor, according to experts.

“Ultimately, in applying the facts, the law, and Department policy, we are confident that this resolution is the most just outcome with practical benefits,” a Justice Department spokesperson said in a statement.

“Nothing will diminish the victims’ losses, but this resolution holds Boeing financially accountable, provides finality and compensation for the families and makes an impact for the safety of future air travelers.”

Some relatives of the passengers who died in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transportation-b5ea783d264186697388c599176cb9bd">the crashes</a>, which took place off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia less than five months apart in 2018 and 2019, have been pushing for a public trial, the prosecution of former company officials, and more severe financial punishment for Boeing. The Justice Department noted that the victims' families had mixed views on the proposed deal.

“This kind of non-prosecution deal is unprecedented and obviously wrong for the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history," said Paul Cassell, an attorney for many of the families in the long-running case. “My families will object and hope to convince the court to reject it.”

Javier de Luis, whose sister, Graziella, died in the Ethiopia crash, said the Justice Department is walking away “from any pretense to seek justice for the victims of the 737Max crashes.”

“The message sent by this action to companies around the country is, don’t worry about making your products safe for your customers,” he said in a statement. “Even if you kill them, just pay a small fine and move on.”

Boeing was accused of misleading the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/faa-safety-culture-change-boeing-c2a0af4bfbe26a53d5bb1b11868a1d89">Federal Aviation Administration</a>&nbsp;about aspects of the Max before the agency certified the plane for flight. Boeing did not tell airlines and pilots about a new software system, called MCAS, that could turn the plane’s nose down without input from pilots if a sensor detected that the plane might go into an aerodynamic stall.

The Max planes crashed after a faulty reading from the sensor pushed the nose down and pilots were unable to regain control. After the second crash, Max jets were grounded worldwide until the company redesigned MCAS to make it less powerful and to use signals from two sensors, not just one.

The Justice Department charged Boeing in 2021 with deceiving FAA regulators about the software, which did not exist in older 737s, and about how much training pilots would need to fly the plane safely. The department agreed not to prosecute Boeing at the time, however, if the company paid a $2.5 billion settlement, including the $243.6 million fine, and took steps to comply with anti-fraud laws for three years.

Federal prosecutors, however, last year said Boeing violated the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-justice-department-737-max-82145b25ed988cd8cae0bce3de79ce9d">terms of the 2021 agreement</a>&nbsp;by failing to make promised changes to detect and prevent violations of federal anti-fraud laws. Boeing agreed last July&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-plea-justice-department-max-crashes-511dfda0a2c65ee470eb0531d6cddf89">to plead guilty</a>&nbsp;to the felony fraud charge instead of enduring a potentially lengthy public trial.

But in December,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.txnd.uscourts.gov/judge/district-judge-reed-oconnor">U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor</a>&nbsp;in Fort Worth rejected the plea deal. The judge said the diversity, inclusion and equity, or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-dei-inclusion-diversity-f2fc1ab086186ec6600c38950d8d2c74">DEI</a>, policies in the government and at Boeing could result in race being a factor in picking a monitor to oversee Boeing’s compliance with the agreement.

The plea deal had called for an independent monitor to be named to oversee Boeing’s safety and quality procedures for three years. Under the agreement announced Friday, Boeing must retain an “independent compliance consultant” who will make recommendations for “further improvement” and report back to the government, according to court papers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580497975886.jpeg" alt="File photo production of Boeing's 737 Max. Elaine Thompson/AP/NPR" />
 <figcaption>File photo production of Boeing's 737 Max. Elaine Thompson/AP/NPR</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has reached a deal with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/boeing-co">Boeing</a>&nbsp;that will allow the airplane giant to avoid criminal prosecution for allegedly misleading U.S. regulators about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-plea-737-max-crashes-b34daa014406657e720bec4a990dccf6">737 Max jetliner</a>&nbsp;before two of the planes crashed and killed 346 people, according to court papers filed Friday.Under the “agreement in principle,” which still needs to be finalized, Boeing would pay or invest more than $1.1 billion, including an additional $445 million for the crash victims’ families, the Justice Department said.In return, the department has agreed to dismiss the fraud charge against Boeing, allowing the manufacturer to avoid a possible criminal conviction that could have jeopardized the company's status as a federal contractor, according to experts.“Ultimately, in applying the facts, the law, and Department policy, we are confident that this resolution is the most just outcome with practical benefits,” a Justice Department spokesperson said in a statement.“Nothing will diminish the victims’ losses, but this resolution holds Boeing financially accountable, provides finality and compensation for the families and makes an impact for the safety of future air travelers.”Boeing on Friday declined to comment.Some relatives of the passengers who died in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transportation-b5ea783d264186697388c599176cb9bd">the crashes</a>, which took place off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia less than five months apart in 2018 and 2019, have been pushing for a public trial, the prosecution of former company officials, and more severe financial punishment for Boeing. The Justice Department noted that the victims' families had mixed views on the proposed deal.“This kind of non-prosecution deal is unprecedented and obviously wrong for the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history," said Paul Cassell, an attorney for many of the families in the long-running case. “My families will object and hope to convince the court to reject it.”Javier de Luis, whose sister, Graziella, died in the Ethiopia crash, said the Justice Department is walking away “from any pretense to seek justice for the victims of the 737Max crashes.”“The message sent by this action to companies around the country is, don’t worry about making your products safe for your customers,” he said in a statement. “Even if you kill them, just pay a small fine and move on.”Boeing was accused of misleading the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/faa-safety-culture-change-boeing-c2a0af4bfbe26a53d5bb1b11868a1d89">Federal Aviation Administration</a>&nbsp;about aspects of the Max before the agency certified the plane for flight. Boeing did not tell airlines and pilots about a new software system, called MCAS, that could turn the plane’s nose down without input from pilots if a sensor detected that the plane might go into an aerodynamic stall.The Max planes crashed after a faulty reading from the sensor pushed the nose down and pilots were unable to regain control. After the second crash, Max jets were grounded worldwide until the company redesigned MCAS to make it less powerful and to use signals from two sensors, not just one.The Justice Department charged Boeing in 2021 with deceiving FAA regulators about the software, which did not exist in older 737s, and about how much training pilots would need to fly the plane safely. The department agreed not to prosecute Boeing at the time, however, if the company paid a $2.5 billion settlement, including the $243.6 million fine, and took steps to comply with anti-fraud laws for three years.Federal prosecutors, however, last year said Boeing violated the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-justice-department-737-max-82145b25ed988cd8cae0bce3de79ce9d">terms of the 2021 agreement</a>&nbsp;by failing to make promised changes to detect and prevent violations of federal anti-fraud laws. Boeing agreed last July&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-plea-justice-department-max-crashes-511dfda0a2c65ee470eb0531d6cddf89">to plead guilty</a>&nbsp;to the felony fraud charge instead of enduring a potentially lengthy public trial.But in December,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.txnd.uscourts.gov/judge/district-judge-reed-oconnor">U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor</a>&nbsp;in Fort Worth rejected the plea deal. The judge said the diversity, inclusion and equity, or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-dei-inclusion-diversity-f2fc1ab086186ec6600c38950d8d2c74">DEI</a>, policies in the government and at Boeing could result in race being a factor in picking a monitor to oversee Boeing’s compliance with the agreement.The plea deal had called for an independent monitor to be named to oversee Boeing’s safety and quality procedures for three years. Under the agreement announced Friday, Boeing must retain an “independent compliance consultant” who will make recommendations for “further improvement” and report back to the government, according to court papers.

Boeing to avoid criminal prosecution over 737 Max crashes

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/billy-joel">Billy Joel</a>&nbsp;has canceled all his upcoming concerts across North America and England after being diagnosed with fluid buildup in his brain that has affected his “hearing, vision and balance.”

Joel&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKAHmiERETO/?img_index=1">revealed on Instagram</a>&nbsp;that he has Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, “a brain disorder that can affect brain-related abilities, including thinking and concentrating, memory, movement and more,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15849-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-nph">Cleveland Clinic says.</a>

“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” according to a statement from Joel’s team. “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”

In an accompanying statement, Joel said, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”

In March, “The Piano Man” and “Uptown Girl” singer announced that he underwent surgery and had to undergo physical therapy. A statement at the time said doctors expected him to make a full recovery. It is unclear if his medical issues at the time were related to Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

The condition can cause problems with walking, bladder control and thinking, with symptoms worsening if left untreated. It’s relatively rare and can be hard to diagnose. It can be treated successfully with surgery to install a tube to drain excess fluid. Patients may need physical therapy in addition to surgery.

Joel, 76,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/billy-joel-madison-square-garden-residency-ending-53c05c88fedc151ec4efb850ec7d4031">wrapped up his decadelong residency at Madison Square Garden</a>&nbsp;in July 2024 and continued to tour. His planned summer stops included shows at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field in New York, and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Tickets for all the shows will be refunded.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748028612987.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/billy-joel">Billy Joel</a>&nbsp;has canceled all his upcoming concerts across North America and England after being diagnosed with fluid buildup in his brain that has affected his “hearing, vision and balance.”Joel&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKAHmiERETO/?img_index=1">revealed on Instagram</a>&nbsp;that he has Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, “a brain disorder that can affect brain-related abilities, including thinking and concentrating, memory, movement and more,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15849-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-nph">Cleveland Clinic says.</a>“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” according to a statement from Joel’s team. “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”In an accompanying statement, Joel said, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”In March, “The Piano Man” and “Uptown Girl” singer announced that he underwent surgery and had to undergo physical therapy. A statement at the time said doctors expected him to make a full recovery. It is unclear if his medical issues at the time were related to Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.The condition can cause problems with walking, bladder control and thinking, with symptoms worsening if left untreated. It’s relatively rare and can be hard to diagnose. It can be treated successfully with surgery to install a tube to drain excess fluid. Patients may need physical therapy in addition to surgery.Joel, 76,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/billy-joel-madison-square-garden-residency-ending-53c05c88fedc151ec4efb850ec7d4031">wrapped up his decadelong residency at Madison Square Garden</a>&nbsp;in July 2024 and continued to tour. His planned summer stops included shows at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field in New York, and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Tickets for all the shows will be refunded.

Billy Joel cancels touring after diagnosed with a brain disorder

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA —&nbsp;A federal judge cleared the way Thursday for CoreCivic to reopen its Leavenworth prison as an immigration detention center, saying he lacks jurisdiction to hear the case.

The city has not yet decided whether it will appeal the decision to the Tenth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Denver.&nbsp;

“We need to confer with our attorneys,” said Scott Peterson, Leavenworth city manager. “We will probably discuss it with the city commission sometime next week.”

Peterson said he didn’t know whether further court action could occur before June 1, when CoreCivic officials had indicated they may begin receiving detainees.

“We may have further negotiations with CoreCivic themselves about this,” Peterson said.&nbsp;

U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse dismissed the case, saying the city failed to establish subject-matter jurisdiction. During a Tuesday hearing, Crouse repeatedly questioned whether he had any basis to act, saying the city had not adequately outlined that issue.

Crouse, appointed to the bench in 2020 by President Donald Trump, highlighted two pending motions before him, including Leavenworth’s request for an injunction that would have stopped CoreCivic from reopening until it could be determined whether the company had to go through the city’s development process. CoreCivic had asked for a dismissal of the case.

Joseph Hatley, attorney for Leavenworth,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/20/federal-judge-questions-leavenworths-attempt-to-block-corecivic-immigration-detention-center/">said in court Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that CoreCivic had agreed not to take detainees until June 1 while the case was decided.

After the hearing, Hatley said in an interview there were concerns that if detainees were housed in the prison before the legal disputes were resolved, the federal government could refuse to move the detainees regardless of the outcome of the case.

“The City asserts that Core Civic should be enjoined from operating its detention facility without the proper permit,” Crouse wrote in his ruling Thursday. “But it has not pled facts to establish that subject-matter jurisdiction exists in federal court to consider that claim. Accordingly, this action is dismissed, and the parties’ motions are denied as moot.”

CoreCivic spokesman Ryan Gustin said the company was pleased with the decision.&nbsp;

“We remain focused on ensuring the Midwest Regional Reception Center is prepared to meet the needs of our federal partner,” he said.

Gustin did not answer questions about whether CoreCivic intended to begin housing ICE detainees in June.&nbsp;

Activists who have spoken out against reopening the facility are hopeful the city will appeal.&nbsp;

“We hope the city will explore all of its options as the concerns of the lawsuit since its filing in February — CoreCivic’s disregard for the city’s governance and its rush to fill the facility without accountability — have only grown more urgent,” Esmie Tseng, spokeswoman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, said in an email.

Tseng also said the judge’s decision held hope with regard to whether CoreCivic would have to follow Leavenworth development codes requiring the company to apply for a special use permit.&nbsp;

“It’s also worth noting that in the dismissal, the court agreed that when CoreCivic ceased operation for 12 months, it lost its non-conforming status and that its initial application for the special use permit appeared to be a recognition of this fact,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CoreCivic was grandfathered into the city’s development codes when it was open and operating as the Leavenworth Detention Facility from 1992 to 2021. The codes were passed in 2012.&nbsp;

City officials, as laid out in the lawsuit, have told CoreCivic it must apply for a special use permit.

CoreCivic’s reopening of the Leavenworth facility, which closed in 2021 at the end of its federal contract and under numerous accusations of inhuman treatment at the facility, is part of the company’s plan to reopen nine idle facilities.

In its May earnings report, CoreCivic announced total revenue of $488.6 million, with net income of $25.1 million.

“2025 is off to a strong start for CoreCivic. First quarter occupancy in CoreCivic facilities reached 77% of available capacity, an increase from 75.2% in the first quarter of last year,” said CEO Damon T. Hininger in a press release. “Based on cost management and increased bed utilization, particularly from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), we exceeded our internal expectations for the first quarter. Additionally, we have begun to re-activate three previously idle facilities under multiple agreements with ICE.”

In Security and Exchange Commission filings, CoreCivic said it had nine idle facilities, including the Leavenworth facility, renamed the Midwest Regional Reception Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748014998232.png" alt=" Members of Kansas Interfaith action protest the reopening of the Leavenworth CoreCivic prison outside a Tuesday hearing at the U.S. District Court in Topeka. The case was dismissed on Thursday. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Members of Kansas Interfaith action protest the reopening of the Leavenworth CoreCivic prison outside a Tuesday hearing at the U.S. District Court in Topeka. The case was dismissed on Thursday. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA —&nbsp;A federal judge cleared the way Thursday for CoreCivic to reopen its Leavenworth prison as an immigration detention center, saying he lacks jurisdiction to hear the case.The city has not yet decided whether it will appeal the decision to the Tenth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Denver.&nbsp;“We need to confer with our attorneys,” said Scott Peterson, Leavenworth city manager. “We will probably discuss it with the city commission sometime next week.”Peterson said he didn’t know whether further court action could occur before June 1, when CoreCivic officials had indicated they may begin receiving detainees.“We may have further negotiations with CoreCivic themselves about this,” Peterson said.&nbsp;U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse dismissed the case, saying the city failed to establish subject-matter jurisdiction. During a Tuesday hearing, Crouse repeatedly questioned whether he had any basis to act, saying the city had not adequately outlined that issue.Crouse, appointed to the bench in 2020 by President Donald Trump, highlighted two pending motions before him, including Leavenworth’s request for an injunction that would have stopped CoreCivic from reopening until it could be determined whether the company had to go through the city’s development process. CoreCivic had asked for a dismissal of the case.Joseph Hatley, attorney for Leavenworth,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/20/federal-judge-questions-leavenworths-attempt-to-block-corecivic-immigration-detention-center/">said in court Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that CoreCivic had agreed not to take detainees until June 1 while the case was decided.After the hearing, Hatley said in an interview there were concerns that if detainees were housed in the prison before the legal disputes were resolved, the federal government could refuse to move the detainees regardless of the outcome of the case.“The City asserts that Core Civic should be enjoined from operating its detention facility without the proper permit,” Crouse wrote in his ruling Thursday. “But it has not pled facts to establish that subject-matter jurisdiction exists in federal court to consider that claim. Accordingly, this action is dismissed, and the parties’ motions are denied as moot.”CoreCivic spokesman Ryan Gustin said the company was pleased with the decision.&nbsp;“We remain focused on ensuring the Midwest Regional Reception Center is prepared to meet the needs of our federal partner,” he said.Gustin did not answer questions about whether CoreCivic intended to begin housing ICE detainees in June.&nbsp;<h2>Move forward</h2>Activists who have spoken out against reopening the facility are hopeful the city will appeal.&nbsp;“We hope the city will explore all of its options as the concerns of the lawsuit since its filing in February — CoreCivic’s disregard for the city’s governance and its rush to fill the facility without accountability — have only grown more urgent,” Esmie Tseng, spokeswoman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, said in an email.Tseng also said the judge’s decision held hope with regard to whether CoreCivic would have to follow Leavenworth development codes requiring the company to apply for a special use permit.&nbsp;“It’s also worth noting that in the dismissal, the court agreed that when CoreCivic ceased operation for 12 months, it lost its non-conforming status and that its initial application for the special use permit appeared to be a recognition of this fact,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;CoreCivic was grandfathered into the city’s development codes when it was open and operating as the Leavenworth Detention Facility from 1992 to 2021. The codes were passed in 2012.&nbsp;City officials, as laid out in the lawsuit, have told CoreCivic it must apply for a special use permit.<h2>‘Great start’</h2>CoreCivic’s reopening of the Leavenworth facility, which closed in 2021 at the end of its federal contract and under numerous accusations of inhuman treatment at the facility, is part of the company’s plan to reopen nine idle facilities.In its May earnings report, CoreCivic announced total revenue of $488.6 million, with net income of $25.1 million.“2025 is off to a strong start for CoreCivic. First quarter occupancy in CoreCivic facilities reached 77% of available capacity, an increase from 75.2% in the first quarter of last year,” said CEO Damon T. Hininger in a press release. “Based on cost management and increased bed utilization, particularly from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), we exceeded our internal expectations for the first quarter. Additionally, we have begun to re-activate three previously idle facilities under multiple agreements with ICE.”In Security and Exchange Commission filings, CoreCivic said it had nine idle facilities, including the Leavenworth facility, renamed the Midwest Regional Reception Center.“CoreCivic anticipates additional contracting activity as 2025 progresses,” Hininger said. “In addition to the facilities we are currently activating, we are making preparatory investments in many of our other idle facilities so that they will be available quickly, as our partners’ needs require and as their budgets allow.”<h2>Leavenworth contract</h2>CoreCivic SEC filings and a press release said they signed a letter of agreement with ICE at the beginning of March to reopen the Leavenworth facility, which would house 1,033 detainees. As a result, ICE paid CoreCivic $5 million with a maximum of $22.6 million set over a six-month period to cover start-up expenses while the two hash out a long-term contract.&nbsp;In its quarterly report, filed May 8 with the SEC, CoreCivic noted that Leavenworth filed a lawsuit.“CoreCivic plans to vigorously defend this matter on the basis that the (special use permit) is not applicable under existing statute,” the filing said. “CoreCivic has agreed with the City of Leavenworth to not accept detainees prior to June 1, 2025 while this matter is deliberated. The Company can provide no assurance that it will obtain a favorable ruling in this matter or that ICE and the Company will ultimately enter into a long-term contract for the utilization of the Company’s Midwest Regional Reception Center.”