STONE COUNTY —A teen drowned just after 11a.m. Thursday at Table Rock Lake.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 16-year-old from Panama was swimming between the docs at Kimberling City, Little North Indian Creek. The boy disappeared beneath the surface approximately 50-feet from the dock.&nbsp; 

Stone County Fire crews utilized an underwater drone to locate him. He was recovered by a fire department diver pronounced dead at the scene. The Patrol no longer releases names of drowning incidents.

STONE COUNTY —A teen drowned just after 11a.m. Thursday at Table Rock Lake.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 16-year-old from Panama was swimming between the docs at Kimberling City, Little North Indian Creek. The boy disappeared beneath the surface approximately 50-feet from the dock.&nbsp; Stone County Fire crews utilized an underwater drone to locate him. He was recovered by a fire department diver pronounced dead at the scene. The Patrol no longer releases names of drowning incidents.

16-year-old drowns at Table Rock Lake

FRANKLIN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Thursday in Franklin County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by Zachary Williams, 29, Liberty, Tennessee, was northbound on Interstate 35 just south of Sand CreekRoad in the outside lane.

The semi drifted through the inside lane, crossing the grass median, entered the southbound lanes and struck a southbound 2020 Freightliner semi driven by Thomas&nbsp;Romero, 52,&nbsp;Albuquerque, New Mexico. After impact the 2023 semi came to rest in the west ditch and became fully engulfed in flames.

Williams was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical. EMS transported Romero to KU Medical. Williams was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

FRANKLIN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Thursday in Franklin County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by Zachary Williams, 29, Liberty, Tennessee, was northbound on Interstate 35 just south of Sand CreekRoad in the outside lane.The semi drifted through the inside lane, crossing the grass median, entered the southbound lanes and struck a southbound 2020 Freightliner semi driven by Thomas&nbsp;Romero, 52,&nbsp;Albuquerque, New Mexico. After impact the 2023 semi came to rest in the west ditch and became fully engulfed in flames.Williams was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical. EMS transported Romero to KU Medical. Williams was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Driver dies after wrong-way semi crash, fire on Kansas highway

PAWNEE COUNTY—&nbsp; Avian Rincones, 35 of Great Bend, Kansas, appeared Wednesday afternoon in the Pawnee County District Court before District Judge Bruce Gatterman to determine whether he is competent to stand trial, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

Rincones is charged with two counts of Aggravated Criminal Oral Sodomy of a Child under the age of 14 and one count of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child under the age of 14.

After hearing the testimony of the court-assigned forensic evaluator and arguments of counsel, Judge Gatterman found Rincones not competent to stand trial. Gatterman further found that due to the nature of the defendant’s mental defect there was not a substantial probability of him attaining competency to stand trial in the foreseeable future. Based on this finding, the Court entered an order directing the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services to commence involuntary commitment proceedings against the defendant.

Under Kansas law, a person is “incompetent to stand trial” when such person is charged with a crime and, because of mental illness or defect is unable: (1) To understand the nature and purpose of the proceedings against such person; or (2) to make or assist in making such person's defense.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Larned Police Department regarding an alleged incident at the Larned City Pool on July 11, 2024. Rincones was interviewed at the scene, but no arrest was made at the time due to concerns with the suspect’s mental capacity. Agencies assisting with the investigation included the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Child Advocacy Center.

The defendant voluntarily turned himself into the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department on July 24, 2024, after his legal guardian was advised charges had been filed and a no-bond arrest warrant issued. Based on the age of the alleged victim, if convicted Rincones faces a mandatory 25 years to life sentence under the Jessica’s Law sentencing provisions. He would also be subject to registration as a sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act.

Pending the civil commitment proceedings, the defendant will remain on a supervised bond in the custody of his legal guardians subject to standard reporting and house arrest conditions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721857728987.png" alt="Rincones photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Rincones photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—&nbsp; Avian Rincones, 35 of Great Bend, Kansas, appeared Wednesday afternoon in the Pawnee County District Court before District Judge Bruce Gatterman to determine whether he is competent to stand trial, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.Rincones is charged with two counts of Aggravated Criminal Oral Sodomy of a Child under the age of 14 and one count of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child under the age of 14.After hearing the testimony of the court-assigned forensic evaluator and arguments of counsel, Judge Gatterman found Rincones not competent to stand trial. Gatterman further found that due to the nature of the defendant’s mental defect there was not a substantial probability of him attaining competency to stand trial in the foreseeable future. Based on this finding, the Court entered an order directing the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services to commence involuntary commitment proceedings against the defendant.Under Kansas law, a person is “incompetent to stand trial” when such person is charged with a crime and, because of mental illness or defect is unable: (1) To understand the nature and purpose of the proceedings against such person; or (2) to make or assist in making such person's defense.The charges stem from an investigation by the Larned Police Department regarding an alleged incident at the Larned City Pool on July 11, 2024. Rincones was interviewed at the scene, but no arrest was made at the time due to concerns with the suspect’s mental capacity. Agencies assisting with the investigation included the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Child Advocacy Center.The defendant voluntarily turned himself into the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department on July 24, 2024, after his legal guardian was advised charges had been filed and a no-bond arrest warrant issued. Based on the age of the alleged victim, if convicted Rincones faces a mandatory 25 years to life sentence under the Jessica’s Law sentencing provisions. He would also be subject to registration as a sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act.Pending the civil commitment proceedings, the defendant will remain on a supervised bond in the custody of his legal guardians subject to standard reporting and house arrest conditions.

Judge rules in case of sex assault of child at Kansas public pool

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday struck down two Trump administration actions aimed at eliminating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/diversity-equity-and-inclusion">diversity, equity and inclusion</a>&nbsp;programs at the nation’s schools and universities.

In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in Maryland found that the Education Department violated the law when it threatened to cut federal funding from educational institutions that continued with DEI initiatives.

The guidance has been on hold since April when three federal judges&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-public-schools-diversity-equality-inclusion-dei-7d7ad707d91565753263a19ebde044e0">blocked various portions</a>&nbsp;of the Education Department’s anti-DEI measures.

The ruling Thursday followed a motion for summary judgment from the American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-dei-dear-colleague-letter-lawsuit-2d3b5b5d7ce2d68a68bcb24c5744ed29">challenged</a>&nbsp;the government’s actions in a February lawsuit.

The case centers on two Education Department memos ordering schools and universities to end all “race-based decision-making” or face penalties up to a total&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-woke-education-24f864d83e2f5745d12a79ebac0d7cc4">loss of federal funding</a>. It’s part of a campaign to end practices the Trump administration frames as discrimination against white and Asian American students.

The new ruling orders the department to scrap the guidance because it runs afoul of procedural requirements, though Gallagher wrote that she took no view on whether the policies were “good or bad, prudent or foolish, fair or unfair.”

Gallagher, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, rejected the government’s argument that the memos simply served to remind schools that discrimination is illegal.

“It initiated a sea change in how the Department of Education regulates educational practices and classroom conduct, causing millions of educators to reasonably fear that their lawful, and even beneficial, speech might cause them or their schools to be punished,” Gallagher wrote.

Democracy Forward, a legal advocacy firm representing the plaintiffs, called it an important victory over the administration’s attack on DEI.

“Threatening teachers and sowing chaos in schools throughout America is part of the administration’s war on education, and today the people won,” said Skye Perryman, the group’s president and CEO.

A statement from the Education Department on Thursday said it was disappointed in the ruling but that “judicial action enjoining or setting aside this guidance has not stopped our ability to enforce Title VI protections for students at an unprecedented level.”

The conflict started with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-critical-race-theory-colleges-diversity-db8317ad37931558dd5a396cf5ab3d42">Feb. 14 memo</a>&nbsp;declaring that any consideration of race in admissions, financial aid, hiring or other aspects of academic and student life would be considered a violation of federal civil rights law.

The memo dramatically expanded the government’s interpretation of a 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-affirmative-action-college-race-f83d6318017ec9b9029b12ee2256e744">Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;barring colleges from considering race in admissions decisions. The government argued the ruling applied not only to admissions but across all of education, forbidding “race-based preferences” of any kind.

“Educational institutions have toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon ‘systemic and structural racism’ and advanced discriminatory policies and practices,” wrote Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary of the department’s Office for Civil Rights.

A further memo in April asked state education agencies to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-trump-school-discrimination-federal-funding-7d1025753b9bd924711ace4069fca399">certify</a>&nbsp;they were not using “illegal DEI practices.” Violators risked losing federal money and being prosecuted under the False Claims Act, it said.

In total, the guidance amounted to a full-scale reframing of the government’s approach to civil rights in education. It took aim at policies that were created to address longstanding racial disparities, saying those practices were their own form of discrimination.

The memos drew a wave of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-trump-administration-certification-letter-b79551813a611ba6301f3f48252357ac">backlash</a>&nbsp;from states and education groups that called it illegal government censorship.

In its lawsuit, the American Federation of Teachers said the government was imposing “unclear and highly subjective” limits on schools across the country. It said teachers and professors had to “choose between chilling their constitutionally protected speech and association or risk losing federal funds and being subject to prosecution.”

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/" target="_blank">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742576021615.png" alt="File photo President Trump-courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo President Trump-courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday struck down two Trump administration actions aimed at eliminating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/diversity-equity-and-inclusion">diversity, equity and inclusion</a>&nbsp;programs at the nation’s schools and universities.In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in Maryland found that the Education Department violated the law when it threatened to cut federal funding from educational institutions that continued with DEI initiatives.The guidance has been on hold since April when three federal judges&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-public-schools-diversity-equality-inclusion-dei-7d7ad707d91565753263a19ebde044e0">blocked various portions</a>&nbsp;of the Education Department’s anti-DEI measures.The ruling Thursday followed a motion for summary judgment from the American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-department-dei-dear-colleague-letter-lawsuit-2d3b5b5d7ce2d68a68bcb24c5744ed29">challenged</a>&nbsp;the government’s actions in a February lawsuit.The case centers on two Education Department memos ordering schools and universities to end all “race-based decision-making” or face penalties up to a total&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-woke-education-24f864d83e2f5745d12a79ebac0d7cc4">loss of federal funding</a>. It’s part of a campaign to end practices the Trump administration frames as discrimination against white and Asian American students.The new ruling orders the department to scrap the guidance because it runs afoul of procedural requirements, though Gallagher wrote that she took no view on whether the policies were “good or bad, prudent or foolish, fair or unfair.”Gallagher, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, rejected the government’s argument that the memos simply served to remind schools that discrimination is illegal.“It initiated a sea change in how the Department of Education regulates educational practices and classroom conduct, causing millions of educators to reasonably fear that their lawful, and even beneficial, speech might cause them or their schools to be punished,” Gallagher wrote.Democracy Forward, a legal advocacy firm representing the plaintiffs, called it an important victory over the administration’s attack on DEI.“Threatening teachers and sowing chaos in schools throughout America is part of the administration’s war on education, and today the people won,” said Skye Perryman, the group’s president and CEO.A statement from the Education Department on Thursday said it was disappointed in the ruling but that “judicial action enjoining or setting aside this guidance has not stopped our ability to enforce Title VI protections for students at an unprecedented level.”The conflict started with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-critical-race-theory-colleges-diversity-db8317ad37931558dd5a396cf5ab3d42">Feb. 14 memo</a>&nbsp;declaring that any consideration of race in admissions, financial aid, hiring or other aspects of academic and student life would be considered a violation of federal civil rights law.The memo dramatically expanded the government’s interpretation of a 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-affirmative-action-college-race-f83d6318017ec9b9029b12ee2256e744">Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;barring colleges from considering race in admissions decisions. The government argued the ruling applied not only to admissions but across all of education, forbidding “race-based preferences” of any kind.“Educational institutions have toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon ‘systemic and structural racism’ and advanced discriminatory policies and practices,” wrote Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary of the department’s Office for Civil Rights.A further memo in April asked state education agencies to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-trump-school-discrimination-federal-funding-7d1025753b9bd924711ace4069fca399">certify</a>&nbsp;they were not using “illegal DEI practices.” Violators risked losing federal money and being prosecuted under the False Claims Act, it said.In total, the guidance amounted to a full-scale reframing of the government’s approach to civil rights in education. It took aim at policies that were created to address longstanding racial disparities, saying those practices were their own form of discrimination.The memos drew a wave of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-trump-administration-certification-letter-b79551813a611ba6301f3f48252357ac">backlash</a>&nbsp;from states and education groups that called it illegal government censorship.In its lawsuit, the American Federation of Teachers said the government was imposing “unclear and highly subjective” limits on schools across the country. It said teachers and professors had to “choose between chilling their constitutionally protected speech and association or risk losing federal funds and being subject to prosecution.”___The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/" target="_blank">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Judge blocks Trump plan to curb DEI initiatives at schools

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a fatal pedestrian incident and have a suspect in custody.&nbsp;

On Wednesday afternoon, police responded to the Love's Travel Stop in the 1500 block of East 21st Street North for an injury crash, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. They found 57-year-old Abdelmuttalib Mohammed of Georgia, under a truck. Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services pronounced him dead at 5:32 p.m.

Investigators with the Wichita Police Department determined Mr. Mohammed had been in a verbal altercation with a 46-year-old suspect identified according to the county booking report as Travis Briscoe of Oklahoma.&nbsp; The two men did not know each other, according to Gupilan. During the altercation, Briscoe began backing into a parking stall with his semitractor-trailer striking Mr. Mohammed.

Brisco is being held on a $250,000 bond on a requested charge of 2nd degree murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755126893221.png" alt="Police at the scene of the fatal incident-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the fatal incident-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a fatal pedestrian incident and have a suspect in custody.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755180791856.png" alt="Briscoe photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Briscoe photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday afternoon, police responded to the Love's Travel Stop in the 1500 block of East 21st Street North for an injury crash, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. They found 57-year-old Abdelmuttalib Mohammed of Georgia, under a truck. Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services pronounced him dead at 5:32 p.m.Investigators with the Wichita Police Department determined Mr. Mohammed had been in a verbal altercation with a 46-year-old suspect identified according to the county booking report as Travis Briscoe of Oklahoma.&nbsp; The two men did not know each other, according to Gupilan. During the altercation, Briscoe began backing into a parking stall with his semitractor-trailer striking Mr. Mohammed.Brisco is being held on a $250,000 bond on a requested charge of 2nd degree murder.

Driver jailed after backing over man at Kan. truck stop

NEW YORK (AP) — Six planets are hanging out in the sky this month in what’s known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/planet-parade-june-mars-saturn-7585ba5b3d34f77d5ced0764e4adf3a4">planetary parade</a>. Catch the spectacle while you can because it’s the last one of the year.

These&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-to-see-five-planets-align-122576794b81e4f099b276c456a4bbbd">linkups happen</a>&nbsp;when several planets appear to line up in the night sky at once.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/five-planets-align-night-sky-jupiter-mars-d0170eea9fee67680cf2f1bca68a4fcf">Such parades</a>&nbsp;are fairly common, happening around every year depending on the number of planets. At least one bright planet can be spotted on most nights, weather permitting, according to NASA.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-to-view-january-planetary-parade-e4bc1550777bb93d6dbee21eb8ee23fc">Six planets were visible in January</a>&nbsp;skies and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seven-planets-parade-february-20cb0d141af5b958e46f136022104766">every planet of our solar system was visible in February</a>, but not all could be spotted with the naked eye.

Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and a faint Mercury are visible this month without any special equipment, and the best chances to spot them are over the next week. Uranus and Neptune can only be glimpsed through binoculars and telescopes.

Jupiter and Venus made a close brush earlier this week and are still near each other in the eastern sky, “close together like cat’s eyes,” said Carolyn Sumners at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Mercury will be at its farthest point from the sun on Tuesday morning, making it easier to spot before it disappears into the sun’s glare.

To catch the planets, go out in the morning shortly before sunrise and look east. Try to find Jupiter and Venus clustered together first. Saturn is off to the side and Mercury will be close to the horizon, trying to rise before the sun.

“You’re looking for little tiny pinpoints of light, but they are the brightest ones,” said Justin Bartel with the Science Museum of Virginia. “They don’t really twinkle like the stars do.”

Before heading out, make sure it is a clear, cloudless morning and try to get away from tall buildings that could block the view.

Mercury will hide behind the sun again toward the end of the month, but a crescent moon will then join the parade. The next big planetary hangout is in February.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755206971120.jpg" alt="Image pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Six planets are hanging out in the sky this month in what’s known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/planet-parade-june-mars-saturn-7585ba5b3d34f77d5ced0764e4adf3a4">planetary parade</a>. Catch the spectacle while you can because it’s the last one of the year.These&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-to-see-five-planets-align-122576794b81e4f099b276c456a4bbbd">linkups happen</a>&nbsp;when several planets appear to line up in the night sky at once.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/five-planets-align-night-sky-jupiter-mars-d0170eea9fee67680cf2f1bca68a4fcf">Such parades</a>&nbsp;are fairly common, happening around every year depending on the number of planets. At least one bright planet can be spotted on most nights, weather permitting, according to NASA.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-to-view-january-planetary-parade-e4bc1550777bb93d6dbee21eb8ee23fc">Six planets were visible in January</a>&nbsp;skies and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seven-planets-parade-february-20cb0d141af5b958e46f136022104766">every planet of our solar system was visible in February</a>, but not all could be spotted with the naked eye.Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and a faint Mercury are visible this month without any special equipment, and the best chances to spot them are over the next week. Uranus and Neptune can only be glimpsed through binoculars and telescopes.Jupiter and Venus made a close brush earlier this week and are still near each other in the eastern sky, “close together like cat’s eyes,” said Carolyn Sumners at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.Mercury will be at its farthest point from the sun on Tuesday morning, making it easier to spot before it disappears into the sun’s glare.To catch the planets, go out in the morning shortly before sunrise and look east. Try to find Jupiter and Venus clustered together first. Saturn is off to the side and Mercury will be close to the horizon, trying to rise before the sun.“You’re looking for little tiny pinpoints of light, but they are the brightest ones,” said Justin Bartel with the Science Museum of Virginia. “They don’t really twinkle like the stars do.”Before heading out, make sure it is a clear, cloudless morning and try to get away from tall buildings that could block the view.Mercury will hide behind the sun again toward the end of the month, but a crescent moon will then join the parade. The next big planetary hangout is in February.___

How to see the 6 planets hanging out in early morning skies this month

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police are investigating a fatal crash at Harry and Rock Road in Wichita that killed 14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa.&nbsp;

Around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, a nearby Kansas Highway Patrol trooper in the area saw the aftermath of the accident and saw two men running from a black BMW that had crashed. After a short foot pursuit, both men were apprehended.

The preliminary investigation indicates the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit a power pole and then a utility box. The impact forced the power pole and utility box into Nzabonimpa, who died on scene from his injuries.&nbsp;

Witnesses at the intersection identified the 19-year-old suspect Gauge Brasher, who fled as the driver. He is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. The investigation indicated that impairment and speed were likely contributing factors in the collision. Brasher was admitted to the hospital for medical treatment and later left the hospital. The passenger is a 24-year-old man who was detained and later released with no charges.&nbsp;

Wichita police are following up on leads to locate and arrest Brasher. 

Wichita Police does not typically identify suspects who have not been formally charged. In this case, police believe the alleged recklessness of Brasher’s actions make him a danger to the&nbsp; community. Wichita Police Accident Follow-Up Unit (AFU) is continuing to investigate what led to this incident. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for charging.

“This was not an accident. It was a series of reckless choices,” Chief Joe Sullivan said. “When you mix extreme speed with suspected impairment, you turn a vehicle into a weapon. We will pursue full accountability for the death of this young man and his family, and the danger brought to our community.”&nbsp;

Anyone who has information on the location of Gauge Brasher is asked to call 911 immediately. To provide information related to this incident please call AFU investigators at 316-350-3685. To remain anonymous, you can submit a tip through Crime Stoppers at (316)-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755212957933.png" alt="View of the crash scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>View of the crash scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police are investigating a fatal crash at Harry and Rock Road in Wichita that killed 14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755212684049.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, a nearby Kansas Highway Patrol trooper in the area saw the aftermath of the accident and saw two men running from a black BMW that had crashed. After a short foot pursuit, both men were apprehended.The preliminary investigation indicates the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit a power pole and then a utility box. The impact forced the power pole and utility box into Nzabonimpa, who died on scene from his injuries.&nbsp;Witnesses at the intersection identified the 19-year-old suspect Gauge Brasher, who fled as the driver. He is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. The investigation indicated that impairment and speed were likely contributing factors in the collision. Brasher was admitted to the hospital for medical treatment and later left the hospital. The passenger is a 24-year-old man who was detained and later released with no charges.&nbsp;Wichita police are following up on leads to locate and arrest Brasher. Wichita Police does not typically identify suspects who have not been formally charged. In this case, police believe the alleged recklessness of Brasher’s actions make him a danger to the&nbsp; community. Wichita Police Accident Follow-Up Unit (AFU) is continuing to investigate what led to this incident. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for charging.“This was not an accident. It was a series of reckless choices,” Chief Joe Sullivan said. “When you mix extreme speed with suspected impairment, you turn a vehicle into a weapon. We will pursue full accountability for the death of this young man and his family, and the danger brought to our community.”&nbsp;Anyone who has information on the location of Gauge Brasher is asked to call 911 immediately. To provide information related to this incident please call AFU investigators at 316-350-3685. To remain anonymous, you can submit a tip through Crime Stoppers at (316)-267-2111.

Police: Driver in fatal Kan. hit-and-run is missing after he left hospital

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The U.S. Department of Education is investigating four Kansas school districts after a right-wing nonprofit complained about their policies allowing teachers to maintain confidentiality with transgender students.

Topeka, Shawnee Mission, Olathe and Kansas City, Kansas, public school districts are under investigation for potentially violating Title IX and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, the department said in a Thursday press release.

The education secretary, Linda McMahon, said the districts’ alleged violations are an affront to the law and educational leadership.

“School personnel should not confuse and unsettle young girls by forcing them to share sex-separated sports and intimate facilities with boys,” McMahon said, “nor should school personnel abuse their position of authority by hiding sensitive information pertaining to a child’s health and wellbeing from that child’s parents.”

She vowed a vigorous investigation into the four districts.

Those school districts allegedly allow students to participate in sports and use restrooms and locker rooms based on gender identity instead of biological sex, said the initial complaint from the Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies, a conservative nonprofit founded by two former Trump administration officials. Kansas law already prohibits transgender and cisgender girls from playing sports together and bans transgender girls from school locker rooms and bathrooms.

The district policies under investigation also allow educators to maintain confidentiality with transgender students, which in some cases means not disclosing a student’s gender identity to their parents without the student’s consent.

In a 35-page complaint detailing the districts’ gender identity practices and policies, the institute encouraged the federal department to pull funding from the districts, listing court decisions, a January presidential executive order, federal law and state law as justification.

The institute alleges Shawnee Mission, Topeka and Kansas City, Kansas, districts violated Title IX “by forcing students to share intimate facilities with members of the opposite sex as a condition of participation in their education programs and activities,” the complaint said. It argues that the districts’ gender identity policies “erase” sex.

All four schools, the complaint argues, are allegedly in violation of FERPA, which prohibits districts from preventing parental access to student educational records.

The districts “are undermining parents’ rights to access their children’s educational records and appear to be distributing the information contained therein to employees with no legitimate educational interest in these records without parental consent,” the complaint said.

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach wrote a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showdocument?id=24580&amp;t=638863684518261138" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;to McMahon in June, urging the department to investigate. He said in a Thursday announcement that Title IX was created to safeguard girls’ equal educational opportunities.

Kobach had previously sent letters to six Kansas school districts in 2023, criticizing gender identity policies and practices.

“It would be arrogant beyond belief to hide something with such weighty consequences from the very people (parents) that both law and nature vest with providing for a child’s long-term well-being,” he wrote in the December 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/10474/638460589512800000" target="_blank">letter</a>. “That a Kansas school district could so cavalierly allow&nbsp;a minor child—whom science tells us does not even have a fully formed brain until into his or her twenties—to decide whether his or her parents know about such things is shockingly irresponsible.”

Two school districts reportedly modified their policies, Kobach said, but four did not. Those four districts are the subject of the recent complaint.

Kobach also sued the Biden administration in federal court in 2024 to challenge new rules that strengthened antidiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ students and expanded the definition of sexual harassment at colleges and schools. A federal judge eventually&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/03/kansas-judge-issues-injunction-blocking-new-federal-anti-discrimination-rules-in-education/">blocked</a>&nbsp;the rules from taking effect in Kansas.

“I am grateful that we now have a federal government that takes Title IX seriously and will ensure that school districts follow the law,” Kobach said.

Title IX is enforced by the federal department’s Office of Civil Rights and FERPA is enforced by the department’s Student Privacy Policy Office.

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said in a statement the investigation and complaint illustrate “how out of touch Republicans are with reality and with what is happening in our school buildings.”

“These vague, unspecified claims are a witch hunt and a distraction from providing a world-class education,” said Sykes, whose Senate district sits within the Shawnee Mission school district.

She said the investigations are a distraction “from the real issues that are impacting our students right now,” including access to mental and physical health care, food access for families and school funding threats.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755204689376.png" alt="U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon-courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon-courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The U.S. Department of Education is investigating four Kansas school districts after a right-wing nonprofit complained about their policies allowing teachers to maintain confidentiality with transgender students.Topeka, Shawnee Mission, Olathe and Kansas City, Kansas, public school districts are under investigation for potentially violating Title IX and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, the department said in a Thursday press release.The education secretary, Linda McMahon, said the districts’ alleged violations are an affront to the law and educational leadership.“School personnel should not confuse and unsettle young girls by forcing them to share sex-separated sports and intimate facilities with boys,” McMahon said, “nor should school personnel abuse their position of authority by hiding sensitive information pertaining to a child’s health and wellbeing from that child’s parents.”She vowed a vigorous investigation into the four districts.Those school districts allegedly allow students to participate in sports and use restrooms and locker rooms based on gender identity instead of biological sex, said the initial complaint from the Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies, a conservative nonprofit founded by two former Trump administration officials. Kansas law already prohibits transgender and cisgender girls from playing sports together and bans transgender girls from school locker rooms and bathrooms.The district policies under investigation also allow educators to maintain confidentiality with transgender students, which in some cases means not disclosing a student’s gender identity to their parents without the student’s consent.In a 35-page complaint detailing the districts’ gender identity practices and policies, the institute encouraged the federal department to pull funding from the districts, listing court decisions, a January presidential executive order, federal law and state law as justification.The institute alleges Shawnee Mission, Topeka and Kansas City, Kansas, districts violated Title IX “by forcing students to share intimate facilities with members of the opposite sex as a condition of participation in their education programs and activities,” the complaint said. It argues that the districts’ gender identity policies “erase” sex.All four schools, the complaint argues, are allegedly in violation of FERPA, which prohibits districts from preventing parental access to student educational records.The districts “are undermining parents’ rights to access their children’s educational records and appear to be distributing the information contained therein to employees with no legitimate educational interest in these records without parental consent,” the complaint said.Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach wrote a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showdocument?id=24580&amp;t=638863684518261138" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;to McMahon in June, urging the department to investigate. He said in a Thursday announcement that Title IX was created to safeguard girls’ equal educational opportunities.Kobach had previously sent letters to six Kansas school districts in 2023, criticizing gender identity policies and practices.“It would be arrogant beyond belief to hide something with such weighty consequences from the very people (parents) that both law and nature vest with providing for a child’s long-term well-being,” he wrote in the December 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/10474/638460589512800000" target="_blank">letter</a>. “That a Kansas school district could so cavalierly allow&nbsp;a minor child—whom science tells us does not even have a fully formed brain until into his or her twenties—to decide whether his or her parents know about such things is shockingly irresponsible.”Two school districts reportedly modified their policies, Kobach said, but four did not. Those four districts are the subject of the recent complaint.Kobach also sued the Biden administration in federal court in 2024 to challenge new rules that strengthened antidiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ students and expanded the definition of sexual harassment at colleges and schools. A federal judge eventually&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/03/kansas-judge-issues-injunction-blocking-new-federal-anti-discrimination-rules-in-education/">blocked</a>&nbsp;the rules from taking effect in Kansas.“I am grateful that we now have a federal government that takes Title IX seriously and will ensure that school districts follow the law,” Kobach said.Title IX is enforced by the federal department’s Office of Civil Rights and FERPA is enforced by the department’s Student Privacy Policy Office.Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said in a statement the investigation and complaint illustrate “how out of touch Republicans are with reality and with what is happening in our school buildings.”“These vague, unspecified claims are a witch hunt and a distraction from providing a world-class education,” said Sykes, whose Senate district sits within the Shawnee Mission school district.She said the investigations are a distraction “from the real issues that are impacting our students right now,” including access to mental and physical health care, food access for families and school funding threats.

U.S. education dept. launches investigation into Kansas schools’ gender identity policies

KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement are investigating a fatal crash following an attempted traffic stop that occurred&nbsp; just after midnight Wednesday.

A police sergeant attempted to initiate a car check of a stolen white Hyundai Tucson in the area of Independence Avenue and Brooklyn in Kansas City, Missouri, according to.Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

The Hyundai refused to stop for the Sergeant and the Sergeant ended his attempt to stop the Hyundai in the area of Independence and Wabash. 

The Hyundai was last seen traveling northbound on Wabash at a high rate of speed with no patrol units pursuing it. In the area of Lexington and Wabash, the Hyundai driver failed to stop for the posted stop sign, entered the intersection and struck a westbound silver Jeep Grand Cherokee.

 The driver, front seat passenger, left rear seat passenger, and middle seat juvenile passenger of the Jeep were all transported to local hospitals with critical injuries. 

The right rear passenger of the Jeep was ejected from the vehicle and was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries and later was&nbsp; pronounced deceased by hospital staff, according to Gonzalez.

The driver and rear seat passenger of the Hyundai were both transported to local hospitals with serious injuries. The front seat passenger of the Hyundai was uninjured in the collision. The surviving driver and the surviving passengers of the Jeep are all currently in critical condition. The driver and passenger of the Hyundai are both currently in stable condition This is fatality #46 compared to #59 at this time last year according to&nbsp; Gonzalez.

KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement are investigating a fatal crash following an attempted traffic stop that occurred&nbsp; just after midnight Wednesday.A police sergeant attempted to initiate a car check of a stolen white Hyundai Tucson in the area of Independence Avenue and Brooklyn in Kansas City, Missouri, according to.Officer Alayna Gonzalez.The Hyundai refused to stop for the Sergeant and the Sergeant ended his attempt to stop the Hyundai in the area of Independence and Wabash. The Hyundai was last seen traveling northbound on Wabash at a high rate of speed with no patrol units pursuing it. In the area of Lexington and Wabash, the Hyundai driver failed to stop for the posted stop sign, entered the intersection and struck a westbound silver Jeep Grand Cherokee. The driver, front seat passenger, left rear seat passenger, and middle seat juvenile passenger of the Jeep were all transported to local hospitals with critical injuries. The right rear passenger of the Jeep was ejected from the vehicle and was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries and later was&nbsp; pronounced deceased by hospital staff, according to Gonzalez.The driver and rear seat passenger of the Hyundai were both transported to local hospitals with serious injuries. The front seat passenger of the Hyundai was uninjured in the collision. The surviving driver and the surviving passengers of the Jeep are all currently in critical condition. The driver and passenger of the Hyundai are both currently in stable condition This is fatality #46 compared to #59 at this time last year according to&nbsp; Gonzalez.

KCPD: 1 dead after driver of SUV fled traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) — In an ironic twist, President Donald Trump is set to discuss&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">the war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at a military base in Alaska that was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alaska-trump-putin-summit-ee0adee35b72a1d06d4e50557a0cd718">crucial to countering the Soviet Union</a>&nbsp;during the height of Cold War and still plays a role today.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-trump-alaska-summit-foreign-trips-ad552c9b56d9b37bf0f29fd9841c256d">meeting is scheduled</a>&nbsp;to take place Friday at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jber.jb.mil/" target="_blank">Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson</a>&nbsp;in Anchorage, according to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal planning.

The base created by merging Elmendorf Air Force Base and Army Fort Richardson in 2010 has played a key strategic role in monitoring and deterring the Soviet Union during much of the Cold War.

Throughout its long history, the base hosted large numbers of aircraft and oversaw operations of a variety of early warning radar sites that were aimed at detecting Soviet military activity and any possible nuclear launches. It earned the motto “Top Cover for North America” at this time, according to the base website.

While much of the military hardware has since been deactivated, the base still hosts key aircraft squadrons, including the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jet. Planes from the base also still intercept Russian aircraft that regularly fly into U.S. airspace.

The leaders’ meeting at an American military base allows them to avoid any protests and provides an important level of security, said Benjamin Jensen, senior fellow for defense and security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank.

“For President Trump, it’s a great way for him to show American military strength while also isolating the ability of the public or others to intervene with what he probably hopes is a productive dialogue,” Jensen said.

He said the location means Trump can cultivate ties with Putin while “signaling military power to try to gain that bargaining advantage to make a second meeting possible.”

The irony of Putin visiting an American military base that long has — and still does — aimed to counter Russian threats comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-trump-zelenskyy-putin-war-088f37d5f4f301cb0a0472c84ffb7513">Trump works to reach a ceasefire deal</a>&nbsp;in a war that he promised during the 2024 campaign to end quickly.

Officials from Ukraine and Europe fear that the one-on-one meeting they will not take part in could lead to an outcome that favors Russian goals.

French President Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-berlin-talks-trump-zelenskyy-merz-9f613b905f81af71920f754da503657a">said Trump was “very clear”</a>&nbsp;that the United States wants to achieve a ceasefire at the summit. Macron spoke after a virtual meeting between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders.

Trump has said any major agreement could involve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-land-swap-trump-summit-e8e869d5d5ec672fee3e86022b20d11a">land swaps</a>&nbsp;and that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-drone-strike-575aa4ce590256d50a9d73911f681269">Zelenskyy and Putin could meet next</a>&nbsp;or he could meet with both leaders.

“There’s a very good chance that we’re going to have a second meeting, which will be more productive than the first, because the first is I’m going to find out where we are and what we’re doing,” Trump told reporters Wednesday. “It’s going to be a very important meeting, but it’s setting the table for the second meeting.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755135557887.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — In an ironic twist, President Donald Trump is set to discuss&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">the war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at a military base in Alaska that was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alaska-trump-putin-summit-ee0adee35b72a1d06d4e50557a0cd718">crucial to countering the Soviet Union</a>&nbsp;during the height of Cold War and still plays a role today.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-trump-alaska-summit-foreign-trips-ad552c9b56d9b37bf0f29fd9841c256d">meeting is scheduled</a>&nbsp;to take place Friday at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jber.jb.mil/" target="_blank">Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson</a>&nbsp;in Anchorage, according to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal planning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755138823360.png" alt="Traditional Russian wooden dolls called Matryoshka depicting Soviet Leader Josef Stalin, left, Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, and U.S. President Donald Trump are displayed for sale at a souvenir shop in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)" />
 <figcaption>Traditional Russian wooden dolls called Matryoshka depicting Soviet Leader Josef Stalin, left, Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, and U.S. President Donald Trump are displayed for sale at a souvenir shop in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)</figcaption>
 </figure>The base created by merging Elmendorf Air Force Base and Army Fort Richardson in 2010 has played a key strategic role in monitoring and deterring the Soviet Union during much of the Cold War.Throughout its long history, the base hosted large numbers of aircraft and oversaw operations of a variety of early warning radar sites that were aimed at detecting Soviet military activity and any possible nuclear launches. It earned the motto “Top Cover for North America” at this time, according to the base website.While much of the military hardware has since been deactivated, the base still hosts key aircraft squadrons, including the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jet. Planes from the base also still intercept Russian aircraft that regularly fly into U.S. airspace.The leaders’ meeting at an American military base allows them to avoid any protests and provides an important level of security, said Benjamin Jensen, senior fellow for defense and security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank.“For President Trump, it’s a great way for him to show American military strength while also isolating the ability of the public or others to intervene with what he probably hopes is a productive dialogue,” Jensen said.He said the location means Trump can cultivate ties with Putin while “signaling military power to try to gain that bargaining advantage to make a second meeting possible.”The irony of Putin visiting an American military base that long has — and still does — aimed to counter Russian threats comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-trump-zelenskyy-putin-war-088f37d5f4f301cb0a0472c84ffb7513">Trump works to reach a ceasefire deal</a>&nbsp;in a war that he promised during the 2024 campaign to end quickly.Officials from Ukraine and Europe fear that the one-on-one meeting they will not take part in could lead to an outcome that favors Russian goals.French President Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-berlin-talks-trump-zelenskyy-merz-9f613b905f81af71920f754da503657a">said Trump was “very clear”</a>&nbsp;that the United States wants to achieve a ceasefire at the summit. Macron spoke after a virtual meeting between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders.Trump has said any major agreement could involve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-land-swap-trump-summit-e8e869d5d5ec672fee3e86022b20d11a">land swaps</a>&nbsp;and that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-drone-strike-575aa4ce590256d50a9d73911f681269">Zelenskyy and Putin could meet next</a>&nbsp;or he could meet with both leaders.“There’s a very good chance that we’re going to have a second meeting, which will be more productive than the first, because the first is I’m going to find out where we are and what we’re doing,” Trump told reporters Wednesday. “It’s going to be a very important meeting, but it’s setting the table for the second meeting.”

Trump and Putin will meet at military base long used to counter Russia

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A suspect accused in a home invasion robbery will return to court Thursday.

Andrew Denning, 33, will appear before Judge William Woolley on Thursday afternoon for a preliminary hearing.

He is being held on charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, kidnapping, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, ID theft, theft of property or services, probation violation and numerous drug crimes.

Two accomplices in the case are also still in custody. Trinity Cook, 19, is jailed on charges of forgery, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and kidnapping. George Bos, 62, is charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and kidnapping.

In January, two victims reported that suspects entered their home in the 1000 block of Ellis Street in Wichita armed with shotguns and handguns, forcing them into a bedroom at gunpoint, according to Wichita Police Department spokesperson Andrew Ford.

The victims were then restrained with zip ties while the suspects stole several electronic devices and three handguns. The victims, who were familiar with the suspects, began searching for their stolen property after the incident. One victim discovered that his phone and vehicle keys were missing and tracked their location to the 13600 block of West Nantucket in Wichita, a residence believed to be associated with one of the suspects.

Wichita Police responded to the Nantucket address, established a perimeter, and attempted to communicate with the occupants. Officers engaged with individuals inside the residence through a Ring doorbell camera, during which an occupant inadvertently activated the speaker. This revealed a conversation indicating the occupants were aware of law enforcement’s presence.

Despite repeated attempts to negotiate, the individuals refused to exit, prompting the activation of the SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiations Team.

While waiting for the search warrant, one suspect exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident. During the subsequent search of the home, two additional suspects were found hiding in the attic and were also taken into custody..&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736723276240.png" alt="Photo near the crime scene investigation - Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo near the crime scene investigation - Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A suspect accused in a home invasion robbery will return to court Thursday.Andrew Denning, 33, will appear before Judge William Woolley on Thursday afternoon for a preliminary hearing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736767770109.png" alt="Denning photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Denning photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>He is being held on charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, kidnapping, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, ID theft, theft of property or services, probation violation and numerous drug crimes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736767350735.png" alt="Cook photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Cook photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Two accomplices in the case are also still in custody. Trinity Cook, 19, is jailed on charges of forgery, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and kidnapping. George Bos, 62, is charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and kidnapping.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736767403069.png" alt="Bos photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Bos photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In January, two victims reported that suspects entered their home in the 1000 block of Ellis Street in Wichita armed with shotguns and handguns, forcing them into a bedroom at gunpoint, according to Wichita Police Department spokesperson Andrew Ford.The victims were then restrained with zip ties while the suspects stole several electronic devices and three handguns. The victims, who were familiar with the suspects, began searching for their stolen property after the incident. One victim discovered that his phone and vehicle keys were missing and tracked their location to the 13600 block of West Nantucket in Wichita, a residence believed to be associated with one of the suspects.Wichita Police responded to the Nantucket address, established a perimeter, and attempted to communicate with the occupants. Officers engaged with individuals inside the residence through a Ring doorbell camera, during which an occupant inadvertently activated the speaker. This revealed a conversation indicating the occupants were aware of law enforcement’s presence.Despite repeated attempts to negotiate, the individuals refused to exit, prompting the activation of the SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiations Team.While waiting for the search warrant, one suspect exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident. During the subsequent search of the home, two additional suspects were found hiding in the attic and were also taken into custody..&nbsp;&nbsp;

Suspect in violent home invasion robbery is due back in court

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating what police now believe is accidental shooting in Lawrence.

Just before 7p.m. Wednesday police found several people in and around the apartment&nbsp; near 19th and Naismith, according to a media release.&nbsp; One man had been shot in the abdomen. Officers worked to slow the bleeding and provide other lifesaving measures until medics from Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical arrived. 

Crime Scene Investigators processed the scene and detectives brought several witnesses in for questioning. The victim was transported to a trauma center by ambulance.&nbsp;The man who fired the gun is cooperating with police.&nbsp; Police released no additional details late Wednesday.

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating what police now believe is accidental shooting in Lawrence.Just before 7p.m. Wednesday police found several people in and around the apartment&nbsp; near 19th and Naismith, according to a media release.&nbsp; One man had been shot in the abdomen. Officers worked to slow the bleeding and provide other lifesaving measures until medics from Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical arrived. Crime Scene Investigators processed the scene and detectives brought several witnesses in for questioning. The victim was transported to a trauma center by ambulance.&nbsp;The man who fired the gun is cooperating with police.&nbsp; Police released no additional details late Wednesday.

Police: Kansas man hospitalized after accidental shooting

NEW YORK (AP) — Look what you made her do —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;has announced her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

It will arrive October 3, she revealed Wednesday. Swift, Max Martin and Shellback are the credited producers, which includes a notable absence of her longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff. The final track, “The Life of a Showgirl,” will feature Sabrina Carpenter. A full tracklist is below.

Swift announced the album on her website shortly after a countdown timer expired at 12:12 a.m. Tuesday. No release date was announced, but her site said vinyl editions of the album would ship before Oct. 13.

Fans have long theorized that Swift's 12th album would soon arrive. On Monday, Taylor Nation — an official branch of the pop superstar’s marketing team — posted a TikTok slideshow of 12 images with the caption “Thinking about when she said 'See you next era…'” Swift is seen wearing orange in every image.

She also revealed the album artwork, which features the singer submerged in water and continues her color scheme of orange and mint green.

A special limited vinyl edition of the album will be released in “Portofino orange glitter,” according to a preorder page on her site. A special cassette edition is also available for preorder.

Sensing a pattern, eagle-eyed fans noticed that 12 minutes before Monday's Taylor Nation post, the popular&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kelce-chiefs-eagles-jason-travis-new-heights-92761f6968b12ee06603d66e7ce9c5b7">“New Heights” podcast</a>&nbsp;posted a tease for Wednesday. The show, hosted by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-bills-nfl-playoffs-d978fa0be8100cc145cb6a63ffc656cf">Swift's boyfriend</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-kelce">Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;alongside his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, posted an orange image on social media with a mysterious silhouette that many believed to be Swift.

The podcast later announced that Swift would indeed appear on “New Heights” and a teaser video posted about her appearance showed her pulling the album from a briefcase.

12. The Life of a Showgirl (featuring Sabrina Carpenter)

How to watch Taylor Swift on the ‘New Heights’ podcast

Swift's episode of the “New Heights” podcast premiered at 7 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday. It is available to stream in full on YouTube. Fans who'd prefer to listen to the show, instead, can do so via most podcast streaming platforms: Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify and Wondery.

“The Life of a Showgirl” follows last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-tortured-poets-department-review-b24d2275df5cf78ffa9069c61b9825ec">“The Tortured Poets Department,”</a>&nbsp;announced during the 2024 Grammys and released during her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-eras-tour-billion-dollar-record-52945111233438b1f2166aa19eee365f">record-breaking tour</a>, which raked in over $2.2 billion across two years and five continents, making it the highest-grossing tour of all time.

The album is also Swift's first release since she regained control over her entire body of work. In May, the pop star said she purchased her catalog of recordings — originally released through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5725558c87b14859b6a8d4760b7f0232">Big Machine Records —</a>&nbsp;from their most recent owner, the private equity firm Shamrock Capital. She did not disclose the amount paid.

In recent years, Swift had been re-recording and releasing her first six albums in an attempt to regain control of her music. The project was instigated by music executive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scooter-braun-what-to-know-d5669e8b0fe641dd268c2e2cf88b0e24">Scooter Braun’s</a>&nbsp;purchase and sale of her early catalog. Previous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5725558c87b14859b6a8d4760b7f0232">“Taylor’s Version” releases</a>&nbsp;have been more than conventional re-recordings, arriving with new “from the vault” music, Easter eggs and visuals that deepen understanding of her work.

So far, there have been four re-recorded albums, beginning with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-redoing-fearless-album-127eefa2a3ef3373e65507495f50145c">“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-super-bowl-6fe895e1691f6cd85216e520cc3b8ce1">“Red (Taylor’s Version)”</a>&nbsp;in 2021. All four have been massive commercial and cultural successes, each debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Swift’s last re-recording,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-1989-taylors-version-a4002b50f70b5899a846baf3e20de5ab">“1989 (Taylor’s Version),”</a>&nbsp;arrived in October 2023, just four months after the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-speak-now-taylors-version-a41998c4d1f08af9d89c6d314ed4c2bd">“Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).”</a>&nbsp;That was the same year Swift claimed the record for the woman with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-number-one-albums-speak-now-5dfb913b75ee6628d8804d5a02f9333f">most No. 1 albums in history.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728352544471.png" alt="Taylor Swift file photo (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Taylor Swift file photo (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Look what you made her do —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;has announced her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”It will arrive October 3, she revealed Wednesday. Swift, Max Martin and Shellback are the credited producers, which includes a notable absence of her longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff. The final track, “The Life of a Showgirl,” will feature Sabrina Carpenter. A full tracklist is below.Swift announced the album on her website shortly after a countdown timer expired at 12:12 a.m. Tuesday. No release date was announced, but her site said vinyl editions of the album would ship before Oct. 13.Fans have long theorized that Swift's 12th album would soon arrive. On Monday, Taylor Nation — an official branch of the pop superstar’s marketing team — posted a TikTok slideshow of 12 images with the caption “Thinking about when she said 'See you next era…'” Swift is seen wearing orange in every image.She also revealed the album artwork, which features the singer submerged in water and continues her color scheme of orange and mint green.A special limited vinyl edition of the album will be released in “Portofino orange glitter,” according to a preorder page on her site. A special cassette edition is also available for preorder.Sensing a pattern, eagle-eyed fans noticed that 12 minutes before Monday's Taylor Nation post, the popular&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kelce-chiefs-eagles-jason-travis-new-heights-92761f6968b12ee06603d66e7ce9c5b7">“New Heights” podcast</a>&nbsp;posted a tease for Wednesday. The show, hosted by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-bills-nfl-playoffs-d978fa0be8100cc145cb6a63ffc656cf">Swift's boyfriend</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-kelce">Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;alongside his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, posted an orange image on social media with a mysterious silhouette that many believed to be Swift.The podcast later announced that Swift would indeed appear on “New Heights” and a teaser video posted about her appearance showed her pulling the album from a briefcase.Here's the full tracklist:<h2>“The Life of a Showgirl”</h2>1. The Fate of Ophelia2. Elizabeth Taylor3. Opalite4. Father Figure5. Eldest Daughter6. Ruin the Friendship7. Actually Romantic8. Wi$h Li$t9. Wood10. Cancelled!11. Honey12. The Life of a Showgirl (featuring Sabrina Carpenter)<h2>How to watch Taylor Swift on the ‘New Heights’ podcast</h2>Swift's episode of the “New Heights” podcast premiered at 7 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday. It is available to stream in full on YouTube. Fans who'd prefer to listen to the show, instead, can do so via most podcast streaming platforms: Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify and Wondery.<h2>The road to ‘The Life of a Showgirl’</h2>“The Life of a Showgirl” follows last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-tortured-poets-department-review-b24d2275df5cf78ffa9069c61b9825ec">“The Tortured Poets Department,”</a>&nbsp;announced during the 2024 Grammys and released during her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-eras-tour-billion-dollar-record-52945111233438b1f2166aa19eee365f">record-breaking tour</a>, which raked in over $2.2 billion across two years and five continents, making it the highest-grossing tour of all time.The album is also Swift's first release since she regained control over her entire body of work. In May, the pop star said she purchased her catalog of recordings — originally released through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5725558c87b14859b6a8d4760b7f0232">Big Machine Records —</a>&nbsp;from their most recent owner, the private equity firm Shamrock Capital. She did not disclose the amount paid.In recent years, Swift had been re-recording and releasing her first six albums in an attempt to regain control of her music. The project was instigated by music executive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scooter-braun-what-to-know-d5669e8b0fe641dd268c2e2cf88b0e24">Scooter Braun’s</a>&nbsp;purchase and sale of her early catalog. Previous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5725558c87b14859b6a8d4760b7f0232">“Taylor’s Version” releases</a>&nbsp;have been more than conventional re-recordings, arriving with new “from the vault” music, Easter eggs and visuals that deepen understanding of her work.So far, there have been four re-recorded albums, beginning with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-redoing-fearless-album-127eefa2a3ef3373e65507495f50145c">“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-super-bowl-6fe895e1691f6cd85216e520cc3b8ce1">“Red (Taylor’s Version)”</a>&nbsp;in 2021. All four have been massive commercial and cultural successes, each debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.Swift’s last re-recording,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-1989-taylors-version-a4002b50f70b5899a846baf3e20de5ab">“1989 (Taylor’s Version),”</a>&nbsp;arrived in October 2023, just four months after the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-speak-now-taylors-version-a41998c4d1f08af9d89c6d314ed4c2bd">“Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).”</a>&nbsp;That was the same year Swift claimed the record for the woman with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-number-one-albums-speak-now-5dfb913b75ee6628d8804d5a02f9333f">most No. 1 albums in history.</a>

Taylor Swift reveals much more about her 12th studio album

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a fatal motel shooting will return to court Thursday.

Craig Steele, 34, will appear before Judge Roger Woods for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In April, police asked the public for help to locate Steele in connection with death of Eric Lopez-Morales, which occurred on April 17, in the 1600 block of S. Broadway in Wichita.&nbsp; A few hours later, police reported they had Steele in custody for questioning regarding this case.&nbsp;

On the night of the shooting, police were in the area of Harry and Broadway on an unrelated call when they heard gunshots nearby, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford. Officers immediately responded to the area and located&nbsp;Lopez-Morale with a gunshot wound. He was in front of the Frontier Motel at 1623 S. Broadway.

Despite the life-saving efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:04 p.m.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Lopez-Morales was involved in a physical altercation with unknown males in the parking lot of the motel before the shooting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745333641854.png" alt="Steele-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Steele-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a fatal motel shooting will return to court Thursday.Craig Steele, 34, will appear before Judge Roger Woods for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In April, police asked the public for help to locate Steele in connection with death of Eric Lopez-Morales, which occurred on April 17, in the 1600 block of S. Broadway in Wichita.&nbsp; A few hours later, police reported they had Steele in custody for questioning regarding this case.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745003725186.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>On the night of the shooting, police were in the area of Harry and Broadway on an unrelated call when they heard gunshots nearby, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford. Officers immediately responded to the area and located&nbsp;Lopez-Morale with a gunshot wound. He was in front of the Frontier Motel at 1623 S. Broadway.Despite the life-saving efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:04 p.m.Preliminary investigations indicate that Lopez-Morales was involved in a physical altercation with unknown males in the parking lot of the motel before the shooting.&nbsp;

Preliminary hearing for suspect in deadly Kan. motel killing

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jim-gomez">JIM GOMEZ</a>

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The U.S. deployed two warships Wednesday in a disputed South China Sea shoal where two Chinese ships collided earlier in the week while trying to drive away a smaller Philippine ship in a high-seas accident that raised alarms about maritime safety.

Both China and the Philippines claim Scarborough Shoal and other outcroppings in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/south-china-sea">the South China Sea.</a>&nbsp;Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also lay overlapping claims in the contested waters.

The USS Higgins, a guided missile destroyer, and USS Cincinnati, a littoral combat ship, were shadowed by a Chinese navy ship while sailing about 30 nautical miles from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-philippines-sea-scarborough-shoal-063d817379f1a5268e2061b9c2764afe">Scarborough Shoal</a>. There were no reports of any untoward incident, Philippine coast guard Commodore Jay Tarriela said, citing information from U.S. officials and a Philippine surveillance flight.

The U.S. Navy has staged what it calls freedom-of-navigation voyages and overflights in the South China Sea for years to challenge China’s restrictions and its demand for entry notifications in virtually the entire stretch of the disputed waters that it claims. That has angered China and its forces have had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-south-china-sea-military-jet-bomber-0af848de95db435276e7642a4a401939">close runs-in</a>&nbsp;with U.S. warships and aircraft on such patrols in international waters and airspace.

The deployment happened after Washington’s ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, on Tuesday condemned “the latest reckless action by China directed against a Philippine vessel” in Scarborough. The rich fishing atoll off the northwestern Philippines has been the scene of increasingly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philippines-disputed-shoal-south-china-sea-scarborough-27a2ef0bda953cb6bda4f42057fb7e39">tense confrontations between</a>&nbsp;the Chinese and Philippine coast guard, fishing and other ships in recent years.

The Philippines is the oldest treaty ally of the U.S. in Asia. Washington has repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-china-sea-philippines-collision-67aa7e2ca5df4f4e3a7c3bceff46c26f">warned</a>&nbsp;that it’s obligated to defend the Philippines if Filipino forces come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.

On Monday, a Chinese navy destroyer and a Chinese coast guard ship accidentally collided while trying to block and drive away a smaller Philippine coast guard ship, the BRP Suluan, about 10.5 nautical miles (19 kilometers) from Scarborough. Video footages made public by the Philippine coast guard show the Chinese coast guard ship blasting its powerful water cannon and a number of Chinese personnel standing at the bow shortly before that section was hit by the fast-turning Chinese navy ship.

Shortly after the collision, the video shows the heavily shattered bow of the Chinese coast guard ship without the Chinese personnel, who were standing on deck before the crash. The Chinese navy ship sustained deep dents and what appeared to be linear gushes on its hull.

Japan, Australia and New Zealand expressed alarm on Wednesday over the dangerous maneuvers that led to the collision in the busy waters, a key global trade route.

“Japan upholds the rule of law and opposes any actions which increase tensions. Our concern goes to the repeated actions in the South China Sea,” Japanese Ambassador to Manila Endo Kazuya said in a post on X.

The Australian Embassy in Manila expressed concern “by the dangerous and unprofessional conduct of Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal involving the Philippine Coast Guard,” saying in a statement the incident “highlights the need for de-escalation, restraint and respect for international law.”

“This is a learning experience for the People’s Republic of China,” Tarriela, the Philippine coast guard commodore, told a news conference in Manila. “For so many years, we have been reminding them to stop dangerous maneuvers, to stop risky blockings, to adhere to the (anti-)collision regulations because if there is a very high chance of miscalculation, this kind of collision incident would happen.”

Tarriela spoke a few hours after a Chinese fighter jet flew as close as 500 feet (150 meters) to try to drive away a Philippine coast guard plane on a surveillance flight on Wednesday over the Scarborough with invited journalists on board. The Chinese jet carried out dangerous maneuvers for about 20 minutes, including flying about 200 feet (60 meters) above the small Philippine aircraft, Tarriela said.

Associated Press writers Joeal Calupitan and Aaron Favila in Manila, Philippines, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755136646024.png" alt="Google Map" />
 <figcaption>Google Map</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jim-gomez">JIM GOMEZ</a>MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The U.S. deployed two warships Wednesday in a disputed South China Sea shoal where two Chinese ships collided earlier in the week while trying to drive away a smaller Philippine ship in a high-seas accident that raised alarms about maritime safety.Both China and the Philippines claim Scarborough Shoal and other outcroppings in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/south-china-sea">the South China Sea.</a>&nbsp;Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also lay overlapping claims in the contested waters.The USS Higgins, a guided missile destroyer, and USS Cincinnati, a littoral combat ship, were shadowed by a Chinese navy ship while sailing about 30 nautical miles from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-philippines-sea-scarborough-shoal-063d817379f1a5268e2061b9c2764afe">Scarborough Shoal</a>. There were no reports of any untoward incident, Philippine coast guard Commodore Jay Tarriela said, citing information from U.S. officials and a Philippine surveillance flight.The U.S. Navy has staged what it calls freedom-of-navigation voyages and overflights in the South China Sea for years to challenge China’s restrictions and its demand for entry notifications in virtually the entire stretch of the disputed waters that it claims. That has angered China and its forces have had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-south-china-sea-military-jet-bomber-0af848de95db435276e7642a4a401939">close runs-in</a>&nbsp;with U.S. warships and aircraft on such patrols in international waters and airspace.The deployment happened after Washington’s ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, on Tuesday condemned “the latest reckless action by China directed against a Philippine vessel” in Scarborough. The rich fishing atoll off the northwestern Philippines has been the scene of increasingly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philippines-disputed-shoal-south-china-sea-scarborough-27a2ef0bda953cb6bda4f42057fb7e39">tense confrontations between</a>&nbsp;the Chinese and Philippine coast guard, fishing and other ships in recent years.The Philippines is the oldest treaty ally of the U.S. in Asia. Washington has repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-china-sea-philippines-collision-67aa7e2ca5df4f4e3a7c3bceff46c26f">warned</a>&nbsp;that it’s obligated to defend the Philippines if Filipino forces come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.On Monday, a Chinese navy destroyer and a Chinese coast guard ship accidentally collided while trying to block and drive away a smaller Philippine coast guard ship, the BRP Suluan, about 10.5 nautical miles (19 kilometers) from Scarborough. Video footages made public by the Philippine coast guard show the Chinese coast guard ship blasting its powerful water cannon and a number of Chinese personnel standing at the bow shortly before that section was hit by the fast-turning Chinese navy ship.Shortly after the collision, the video shows the heavily shattered bow of the Chinese coast guard ship without the Chinese personnel, who were standing on deck before the crash. The Chinese navy ship sustained deep dents and what appeared to be linear gushes on its hull.Japan, Australia and New Zealand expressed alarm on Wednesday over the dangerous maneuvers that led to the collision in the busy waters, a key global trade route.“Japan upholds the rule of law and opposes any actions which increase tensions. Our concern goes to the repeated actions in the South China Sea,” Japanese Ambassador to Manila Endo Kazuya said in a post on X.The Australian Embassy in Manila expressed concern “by the dangerous and unprofessional conduct of Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal involving the Philippine Coast Guard,” saying in a statement the incident “highlights the need for de-escalation, restraint and respect for international law.”“This is a learning experience for the People’s Republic of China,” Tarriela, the Philippine coast guard commodore, told a news conference in Manila. “For so many years, we have been reminding them to stop dangerous maneuvers, to stop risky blockings, to adhere to the (anti-)collision regulations because if there is a very high chance of miscalculation, this kind of collision incident would happen.”Tarriela spoke a few hours after a Chinese fighter jet flew as close as 500 feet (150 meters) to try to drive away a Philippine coast guard plane on a surveillance flight on Wednesday over the Scarborough with invited journalists on board. The Chinese jet carried out dangerous maneuvers for about 20 minutes, including flying about 200 feet (60 meters) above the small Philippine aircraft, Tarriela said.___Associated Press writers Joeal Calupitan and Aaron Favila in Manila, Philippines, contributed to this report.

US deployed warships to disputed South China Sea shoal after Chinese collision

RUSH COUNTY— A Kansas man is going to prison for child sex crimes.

Earlier this month, 31-year-old Tyler Whitten was sentenced to serve 27.5 years in prison, according to the Kansas Attorney General's office. In December he pleaded guilty to two counts of rape of a child under the age of 14.

The alleged acts in Pawnee County occurred at a private residence in Larned sometime between September 16, 2021, and March 1, 2023, and were discovered during an investigation by the Rush County Sheriff regarding similar allegations.

“We appreciate the hard work of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Rush County Sheriff’s Office, whose thorough investigation provided the evidence necessary for justice in this case,” said Assistant Attorney General Nicole Southall. “We are especially grateful for the bravery of these young girls in coming forward and to their mother for her quick actions in getting her children to safety.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755136017700.png" alt="Whitten photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Whitten photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSH COUNTY— A Kansas man is going to prison for child sex crimes.Earlier this month, 31-year-old Tyler Whitten was sentenced to serve 27.5 years in prison, according to the Kansas Attorney General's office. In December he pleaded guilty to two counts of rape of a child under the age of 14.The alleged acts in Pawnee County occurred at a private residence in Larned sometime between September 16, 2021, and March 1, 2023, and were discovered during an investigation by the Rush County Sheriff regarding similar allegations.“We appreciate the hard work of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Rush County Sheriff’s Office, whose thorough investigation provided the evidence necessary for justice in this case,” said Assistant Attorney General Nicole Southall. “We are especially grateful for the bravery of these young girls in coming forward and to their mother for her quick actions in getting her children to safety.”

Western Kan. man sentenced for sex crimes with young children

MORGAN COUNTY —A 2-year-old girl drowned just after 10:30a.m. Wednesday at Lake of the Ozarks.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the child wandered away from home located at 10.2 of the Gravois Arm of the lake. She was discovered face-up in the lake and transported by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital. 

She was pronounced deceased just after 12:30p.m. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

MORGAN COUNTY —A 2-year-old girl drowned just after 10:30a.m. Wednesday at Lake of the Ozarks.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the child wandered away from home located at 10.2 of the Gravois Arm of the lake. She was discovered face-up in the lake and transported by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital. She was pronounced deceased just after 12:30p.m. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2-year-old wandered from home, drowns at Lake of the Ozarks

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jonathan-j-cooper">JONATHAN J. COOPER</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-kennedy-center-honorees-6c553c800ba334ad1ea47858b3dc271c">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;demanded that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;retract comments linking her to sex trafficker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;and threatened to sue if he does not.

Trump takes issue with two comments Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, made in an interview this month with British journalist Andrew Callaghan. He alleged that Epstein introduced the first lady to now-President Donald Trump.

The statements are false, defamatory and “extremely salacious,” Melania Trump’s lawyer, Alejandro Brito, wrote in a letter to Biden. Biden’s remarks were widely disseminated on social media and reported by media outlets around the world, causing the first lady “to suffer overwhelming financial and reputational harm,” he wrote.

Biden made the Epstein comments during a sprawling interview in which he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-joe-biden-clooney-election-interview-fde14797b7808053d2e5fa9c3ad5d71b">lashed out</a>&nbsp;at “elites” and others in the Democratic Party he says undermined his father before he dropped out of last year’s presidential campaign.

“Epstein introduced Melania to Trump. The connections are, like, so wide and deep,” Biden said in one of the comments Trump disputes. Biden attributed the claim to author Michael Wolff, whom Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114616348045430286" target="_blank">disparaged</a>&nbsp;in June as a “Third Rate Reporter.” He has accused Wolff of making up stories to sell books.

The first lady’s threats echo a favored strategy of her husband, who has aggressively used litigation to go after critics. Public figures like the Trumps face a high bar to succeed in a defamation lawsuit.

The president and first lady have long said they were introduced by Paolo Zampolli, a modeling agent, at a New York Fashion Week party in 1998.

The letter is dated Aug. 6 and was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/first-lady-melania-trump-puts-hunter-biden-1b-notice-over-false-defamatory-epstein-comments" target="_blank">first reported</a>&nbsp;Wednesday by Fox News Digital.

Abbe Lowell, a lawyer who has represented Biden in his criminal cases and to whom Brito’s letter is addressed, did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741036833111.png" alt="File photo First lady Melania Trump- courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo First lady Melania Trump- courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jonathan-j-cooper">JONATHAN J. COOPER</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-kennedy-center-honorees-6c553c800ba334ad1ea47858b3dc271c">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;demanded that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;retract comments linking her to sex trafficker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;and threatened to sue if he does not.Trump takes issue with two comments Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, made in an interview this month with British journalist Andrew Callaghan. He alleged that Epstein introduced the first lady to now-President Donald Trump.The statements are false, defamatory and “extremely salacious,” Melania Trump’s lawyer, Alejandro Brito, wrote in a letter to Biden. Biden’s remarks were widely disseminated on social media and reported by media outlets around the world, causing the first lady “to suffer overwhelming financial and reputational harm,” he wrote.Biden made the Epstein comments during a sprawling interview in which he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-joe-biden-clooney-election-interview-fde14797b7808053d2e5fa9c3ad5d71b">lashed out</a>&nbsp;at “elites” and others in the Democratic Party he says undermined his father before he dropped out of last year’s presidential campaign.“Epstein introduced Melania to Trump. The connections are, like, so wide and deep,” Biden said in one of the comments Trump disputes. Biden attributed the claim to author Michael Wolff, whom Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114616348045430286" target="_blank">disparaged</a>&nbsp;in June as a “Third Rate Reporter.” He has accused Wolff of making up stories to sell books.The first lady’s threats echo a favored strategy of her husband, who has aggressively used litigation to go after critics. Public figures like the Trumps face a high bar to succeed in a defamation lawsuit.The president and first lady have long said they were introduced by Paolo Zampolli, a modeling agent, at a New York Fashion Week party in 1998.The letter is dated Aug. 6 and was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/first-lady-melania-trump-puts-hunter-biden-1b-notice-over-false-defamatory-epstein-comments" target="_blank">first reported</a>&nbsp;Wednesday by Fox News Digital.Abbe Lowell, a lawyer who has represented Biden in his criminal cases and to whom Brito’s letter is addressed, did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Wednesday.

First lady demands Hunter Biden retract 'salacious' Epstein comments

KANSAS CITY —Three people were rescued from apartment building fire in Kansas City on Wednesday.

Just before 6a.m. Wednesday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported building fire in the 4100 block of Pennsylvania in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755113249137.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Three people were rescued from apartment building fire in Kansas City on Wednesday.Just before 6a.m. Wednesday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported building fire in the 4100 block of Pennsylvania in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First responders reported heavy fire from the second floor of a three-story multi-use building. The building contained commercial space on the first floor and apartments on the second and third. Crews initiated interior operations and conducted three successful rescue operations. Additional searches of the structure came back all clear. All three patients were transported in stable condition to be evaluated for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.