MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/claudia-sheinbaum">President Claudia Sheinbaum</a>&nbsp;said on Saturday that U.S. President Donald Trump proposed sending American troops into Mexico to help her administration fight drug trafficking but that she rejected it.

Her remarks to supporters in eastern Mexico came in response to a Wall Street Journal article published the day before, describing a tense phone call last month in which Trump reportedly pressured her to accept a bigger role for the U.S. military in combating drug cartels in Mexico.

“He said, ‘How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the United States military come in and help you.’ And you know what I said to him? ‘No, President Trump.'"

She added: “Sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is loved and defended."

White House National Security Council spokesman James Hewitt said in a statement later Saturday that Trump has worked closely with Mexico's president “to achieve the most secure southwest border in history.”

“Dangerous Foreign Terrorist Organizations, however, continue to threaten our shared security and the drugs and crime they spread threaten American communities across the country,” the statement said. "The President has been crystal clear that Mexico must do more do combat these gangs and cartels and the United States stands ready to assist and expand the already close cooperation between our two countries.”

The U.S. military presence has increased steadily along its southern border with Mexico in recent months, following Trump’s order in January to increase the army's role in stemming the flow of migrants.

The U.S. Northern Command has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-troops-border-trump-eb2dbf0bc15397a195033583c15df943">surged troops and equipment to the border</a>, increased manned surveillance flights to monitor fentanyl trafficking along the border and sought expanded authority for U.S. Special Forces to work closely with Mexican forces conducting operations against cartels.

Trump designated many of the gangs and cartels smuggling drugs into the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-foreign-terrorist-organizations-eb35567b69fc66f13f7f79fb90906a50">as foreign terrorist organizations on Feb. 19,</a>&nbsp;restricting their movements and lending law enforcement more resources to act against them.

But Sheinbaum’s hardline stance Saturday signaled that U.S. pressure for unilateral military intervention would put her and Trump on a collision course&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-china-sheinbaum-trudeau-017efa8c3343b8d2a9444f7e65356ae9">after months of cooperation</a>&nbsp;on immigration and trade.

“We can work together, but you in your territory and us in ours,” Sheinbaum said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741280449187.png" alt="File photo Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo" />
 <figcaption>File photo Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo</figcaption>
 </figure>MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/claudia-sheinbaum">President Claudia Sheinbaum</a>&nbsp;said on Saturday that U.S. President Donald Trump proposed sending American troops into Mexico to help her administration fight drug trafficking but that she rejected it.Her remarks to supporters in eastern Mexico came in response to a Wall Street Journal article published the day before, describing a tense phone call last month in which Trump reportedly pressured her to accept a bigger role for the U.S. military in combating drug cartels in Mexico.“He said, ‘How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the United States military come in and help you.’ And you know what I said to him? ‘No, President Trump.'"She added: “Sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is loved and defended."White House National Security Council spokesman James Hewitt said in a statement later Saturday that Trump has worked closely with Mexico's president “to achieve the most secure southwest border in history.”“Dangerous Foreign Terrorist Organizations, however, continue to threaten our shared security and the drugs and crime they spread threaten American communities across the country,” the statement said. "The President has been crystal clear that Mexico must do more do combat these gangs and cartels and the United States stands ready to assist and expand the already close cooperation between our two countries.”The U.S. military presence has increased steadily along its southern border with Mexico in recent months, following Trump’s order in January to increase the army's role in stemming the flow of migrants.The U.S. Northern Command has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-troops-border-trump-eb2dbf0bc15397a195033583c15df943">surged troops and equipment to the border</a>, increased manned surveillance flights to monitor fentanyl trafficking along the border and sought expanded authority for U.S. Special Forces to work closely with Mexican forces conducting operations against cartels.Trump designated many of the gangs and cartels smuggling drugs into the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-foreign-terrorist-organizations-eb35567b69fc66f13f7f79fb90906a50">as foreign terrorist organizations on Feb. 19,</a>&nbsp;restricting their movements and lending law enforcement more resources to act against them.But Sheinbaum’s hardline stance Saturday signaled that U.S. pressure for unilateral military intervention would put her and Trump on a collision course&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-china-sheinbaum-trudeau-017efa8c3343b8d2a9444f7e65356ae9">after months of cooperation</a>&nbsp;on immigration and trade.“We can work together, but you in your territory and us in ours,” Sheinbaum said.

Mexico's president rejects Trump's plan to send US troops across the border

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 2 p.m. April 30, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at milepost 158 on Interstate 35 for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

During the stop, the deputy found illegal narcotics.

Malaysia Brown, 31, of St. Louis, Missouri, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, Criminal possession of a weapon; felon in possession of a firearm and&nbsp;Driving while license revoked.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745974021607.png" alt="Brown-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 2 p.m. April 30, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at milepost 158 on Interstate 35 for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.During the stop, the deputy found illegal narcotics.Malaysia Brown, 31, of St. Louis, Missouri, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, Criminal possession of a weapon; felon in possession of a firearm and&nbsp;Driving while license revoked.

Missouri woman was attempting to sell cocaine in Kansas

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City area man faces charges for fatal shooting that took place earlier this year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2605/KCottonham-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Kaveon Cottonham</a>, a SAVE KC client, faces 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson. If convicted, he faces 10 years to life in prison.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2604/KCottonham-PCREDACTED">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 8700 block of East 63rd Street on Jan. 14 on a reported shooting and found the Cottonham t lying on the pavement suffering from trauma. He was transported to an area hospital. A witness said the shooting occurred at an apartment near the 6400 block of Manchester Avenue.&nbsp;

When officers arrived at the apartment, they found the victim suffering from apparent trauma in a bedroom. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Detectives determined based on surveillance footage and witness reports that Cottonham was in the apartment bedroom, striking the victim in the head, causing him to lose consciousness. 

A witness attempted to pull Cottonham off the victim but was unable to do so. Cottonham pulled a gun from the victim’s waistband and fired it into the victim’s face and then pointed the gun at the witness. The witness then fired at the Cottonham. who was struck by gunfire and left the scene as the witness attempted to render aid to the victim.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746308024297.png" alt="COTTONHAM-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>COTTONHAM-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City area man faces charges for fatal shooting that took place earlier this year.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2605/KCottonham-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Kaveon Cottonham</a>, a SAVE KC client, faces 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson. If convicted, he faces 10 years to life in prison.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2604/KCottonham-PCREDACTED">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 8700 block of East 63rd Street on Jan. 14 on a reported shooting and found the Cottonham t lying on the pavement suffering from trauma. He was transported to an area hospital. A witness said the shooting occurred at an apartment near the 6400 block of Manchester Avenue.&nbsp;When officers arrived at the apartment, they found the victim suffering from apparent trauma in a bedroom. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Detectives determined based on surveillance footage and witness reports that Cottonham was in the apartment bedroom, striking the victim in the head, causing him to lose consciousness. A witness attempted to pull Cottonham off the victim but was unable to do so. Cottonham pulled a gun from the victim’s waistband and fired it into the victim’s face and then pointed the gun at the witness. The witness then fired at the Cottonham. who was struck by gunfire and left the scene as the witness attempted to render aid to the victim.&nbsp;

KC murder suspect wounded in violent bedroom fight

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/warren-buffett">Revered investor Warren Buffett</a>&nbsp;shocked an arena full of his shareholders Saturday by announcing that he wants to retire at the end of the year.

Buffett said he will recommend to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/berkshire-hathaway-warren-buffett-shareholders-annual-meeting-c48c85fc5e1aa24f5dd64b271e57ab2e">Berkshire Hathaway’s board</a>&nbsp;on Sunday that Vice Chairman Greg Abel should replace him.

“I think the time has arrived where Greg should become the chief executive officer of the company at year end,” Buffett said.

Abel has been Buffett's designated successor for years, and he already manages all of Berkshire's noninsurance businesses. But it was always assumed that he would not take over until after Buffett's death. Previously the 94-year-old Buffett always said he had no plans to retire.

Buffett announced the news at the end of a five-hour question and answer period without taking any questions about it. He said the only board members who knew this was coming were his two children, Howard and Susie Buffett. Abel, who was sitting next to Buffett on stage, had no warning.

Abel returned an hour later without Buffett to conduct the company's formal business meeting, and he responded to the news.

“I just want to say I couldn’t be more humbled and honored to be part of Berkshire as we go forward,” Abel said.

Many investors have said they believe Abel will do a good job running Berkshire, but it remains to be seen how good he will be at investing Berkshire's cash. Buffett endorsed him Saturday by pledging to keep his fortune invested in the company.

“I have no intention — zero — of selling one share of Berkshire Hathaway. I will give it away eventually,” Buffett said. “The decision to keep every share is an economic decision because I think the prospects of Berkshire will be better under Greg’s management than mine.”

Thousands of investors in the Omaha arena gave Buffett a prolonged standing ovation after his announcement in recognition of his 60 years leading the company.

CFRA research analyst Cathy Seifert said it had to be hard for Buffett to reach this decision to step down.

“This was probably a very tough decision for him, but better to leave on your own terms,” Seifert said. “I think there will be an effort at maintaining a ‘business as usual’ environment at Berkshire. That is still to be determined.”

In many respects, Abel has already been running much of the company for years. But he hasn't been managing Berkshire's insurance operations or deciding where to invest all of its cash. He will now take those tasks on, but Vice Chairman Ajit Jain will remain to help oversee the insurance companies.

Investment manager Omar Malik of Hosking Partners in London said before Buffett’s announcement that he wasn’t worried about Berkshire’s future under Abel.

“Not really (worried). He’s had such a long time alongside Warren and a chance to know the businesses,” Malik said about Abel. "The question is will he allocate capital as dynamically as Warren? And the answer is no. But I think he’ll do a fine job with the support of the others.”

Cole Smead of Smead Capital Management said he wasn't surprised Buffett is stepping down after watching him Saturday because the 94-year-old wasn't as sharp as in past years. At one point, he made a basic math mistake in one of his answers. At other points, he got off track while telling stories about Berkshire and his investing without answering the question he was asked.

Abel is well regarded by Berkshire's managers and Buffett has praised his business acumen for years. But he will have a hard time matching Buffett's legendary performance, and since he doesn't control 30% of Berkshire's stock like Buffett does, he won't have as much leeway.

“I think the challenge he’s going to have is if anyone is going to give him Buffett or (former Vice Chairman Charlie) Munger’s pass card? Not a chance in God’s name," Smead said. Buffett always enjoyed a devoted following among shareholders.

Buffett has said that Abel might even be a more hands-on manager than he is and get more out of Berkshire’s companies. Managers within the company say they have to be well prepared before talking to Abel because they know he will ask tough questions.

Steven Check, president of Check Capital Management, said he never thought he would see Buffett retire.

“I didn't think he would retire while his mind is still working so well, nor did I think it'd happen at the annual meeting,” Check said. “But overall I'm very happy for him.”

Buffett earlier warned that Trump's tariffs were harmful

Earlier Saturday, Buffett warned of dire global consequences from President Donald Trump's tariffs while telling the thousands of investors gathered at his annual meeting that “trade should not be a weapon” but "there's no question that trade can be an act of war.”

Buffett said Trump's trade policies have raised the risk of global instability by angering the rest of the world.

“It’s a big mistake in my view when you have 7.5 billion people who don’t like you very well, and you have 300 million who are crowing about how they have done,” Buffett said as he addressed the topic on everyone's mind at the start of the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting.

While Buffett said it is best for trade to be balanced between countries, he doesn't think Trump is going about it the right way with his widespread tariffs. He said the world will be safer if more countries are prosperous.

Market turmoil doesn't create big opportunities

Buffett said he just doesn't see many attractively priced investments that he understands these days, so Berkshire is sitting on $347.7 billion in cash, but he predicted that one day Berkshire will be “bombarded with opportunities that we will be glad we have the cash for.”

Buffett said the recent turmoil in the markets that generated headlines after Trump's tariff announcement last month “is really nothing.” He dismissed the recent drop as relatively small. He cited when the Dow Jones industrial average went from 240 on the day he was born in 1930 down to 41 during the Great Depression as a truly significant drop in the markets. Currently the Dow Jones Industrial Average sits at 41,317.43.

“This has not been a dramatic bear market or anything of the sort," he said.

Buffett said he hasn't bought back any of Berkshire's shares this year either because they don't seem to be a bargain either.

Investor Chris Bloomstran, who is president of Semper Augustus Investments Group, told the Gabelli investment conference Friday that a financial crisis might be the best thing for Berkshire because it would create opportunities to invest at attractive prices.

“Berkshire needs a crisis. I mean Berkshire thrives in crisis,” Bloomstran said.

The meeting attracts some 40,000 people every year who want to hear from Buffett, including some celebrities and well-known investors. This year, Hillary Rodham Clinton also attended. Clinton was the last candidate Buffett backed publicly because he has shied away from politics and any controversial topic in recent years for fear of hurting Berkshire’s businesses.

One investor even camped outside the arena overnight to be first in line.

Devan Bisher, 72, said he has faith in Berkshire's future and does not plan to sell the stock he started buying in the 1980s.

“It’s been a good train to ride,” Bisher said, “and I’m going to stay with it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746305876140.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/warren-buffett">Revered investor Warren Buffett</a>&nbsp;shocked an arena full of his shareholders Saturday by announcing that he wants to retire at the end of the year.Buffett said he will recommend to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/berkshire-hathaway-warren-buffett-shareholders-annual-meeting-c48c85fc5e1aa24f5dd64b271e57ab2e">Berkshire Hathaway’s board</a>&nbsp;on Sunday that Vice Chairman Greg Abel should replace him.“I think the time has arrived where Greg should become the chief executive officer of the company at year end,” Buffett said.Abel has been Buffett's designated successor for years, and he already manages all of Berkshire's noninsurance businesses. But it was always assumed that he would not take over until after Buffett's death. Previously the 94-year-old Buffett always said he had no plans to retire.Buffett announced the news at the end of a five-hour question and answer period without taking any questions about it. He said the only board members who knew this was coming were his two children, Howard and Susie Buffett. Abel, who was sitting next to Buffett on stage, had no warning.Abel returned an hour later without Buffett to conduct the company's formal business meeting, and he responded to the news.“I just want to say I couldn’t be more humbled and honored to be part of Berkshire as we go forward,” Abel said.Many investors have said they believe Abel will do a good job running Berkshire, but it remains to be seen how good he will be at investing Berkshire's cash. Buffett endorsed him Saturday by pledging to keep his fortune invested in the company.“I have no intention — zero — of selling one share of Berkshire Hathaway. I will give it away eventually,” Buffett said. “The decision to keep every share is an economic decision because I think the prospects of Berkshire will be better under Greg’s management than mine.”Thousands of investors in the Omaha arena gave Buffett a prolonged standing ovation after his announcement in recognition of his 60 years leading the company.CFRA research analyst Cathy Seifert said it had to be hard for Buffett to reach this decision to step down.“This was probably a very tough decision for him, but better to leave on your own terms,” Seifert said. “I think there will be an effort at maintaining a ‘business as usual’ environment at Berkshire. That is still to be determined.”<h2>Abel expected to do well</h2>In many respects, Abel has already been running much of the company for years. But he hasn't been managing Berkshire's insurance operations or deciding where to invest all of its cash. He will now take those tasks on, but Vice Chairman Ajit Jain will remain to help oversee the insurance companies.Investment manager Omar Malik of Hosking Partners in London said before Buffett’s announcement that he wasn’t worried about Berkshire’s future under Abel.“Not really (worried). He’s had such a long time alongside Warren and a chance to know the businesses,” Malik said about Abel. "The question is will he allocate capital as dynamically as Warren? And the answer is no. But I think he’ll do a fine job with the support of the others.”Cole Smead of Smead Capital Management said he wasn't surprised Buffett is stepping down after watching him Saturday because the 94-year-old wasn't as sharp as in past years. At one point, he made a basic math mistake in one of his answers. At other points, he got off track while telling stories about Berkshire and his investing without answering the question he was asked.Abel is well regarded by Berkshire's managers and Buffett has praised his business acumen for years. But he will have a hard time matching Buffett's legendary performance, and since he doesn't control 30% of Berkshire's stock like Buffett does, he won't have as much leeway.“I think the challenge he’s going to have is if anyone is going to give him Buffett or (former Vice Chairman Charlie) Munger’s pass card? Not a chance in God’s name," Smead said. Buffett always enjoyed a devoted following among shareholders.Buffett has said that Abel might even be a more hands-on manager than he is and get more out of Berkshire’s companies. Managers within the company say they have to be well prepared before talking to Abel because they know he will ask tough questions.Steven Check, president of Check Capital Management, said he never thought he would see Buffett retire.“I didn't think he would retire while his mind is still working so well, nor did I think it'd happen at the annual meeting,” Check said. “But overall I'm very happy for him.”<h2>Buffett earlier warned that Trump's tariffs were harmful</h2>Earlier Saturday, Buffett warned of dire global consequences from President Donald Trump's tariffs while telling the thousands of investors gathered at his annual meeting that “trade should not be a weapon” but "there's no question that trade can be an act of war.”Buffett said Trump's trade policies have raised the risk of global instability by angering the rest of the world.“It’s a big mistake in my view when you have 7.5 billion people who don’t like you very well, and you have 300 million who are crowing about how they have done,” Buffett said as he addressed the topic on everyone's mind at the start of the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting.While Buffett said it is best for trade to be balanced between countries, he doesn't think Trump is going about it the right way with his widespread tariffs. He said the world will be safer if more countries are prosperous.<h2>Market turmoil doesn't create big opportunities</h2>Buffett said he just doesn't see many attractively priced investments that he understands these days, so Berkshire is sitting on $347.7 billion in cash, but he predicted that one day Berkshire will be “bombarded with opportunities that we will be glad we have the cash for.”Buffett said the recent turmoil in the markets that generated headlines after Trump's tariff announcement last month “is really nothing.” He dismissed the recent drop as relatively small. He cited when the Dow Jones industrial average went from 240 on the day he was born in 1930 down to 41 during the Great Depression as a truly significant drop in the markets. Currently the Dow Jones Industrial Average sits at 41,317.43.“This has not been a dramatic bear market or anything of the sort," he said.Buffett said he hasn't bought back any of Berkshire's shares this year either because they don't seem to be a bargain either.Investor Chris Bloomstran, who is president of Semper Augustus Investments Group, told the Gabelli investment conference Friday that a financial crisis might be the best thing for Berkshire because it would create opportunities to invest at attractive prices.“Berkshire needs a crisis. I mean Berkshire thrives in crisis,” Bloomstran said.<h2>Berkshire meeting attracts thousands</h2>The meeting attracts some 40,000 people every year who want to hear from Buffett, including some celebrities and well-known investors. This year, Hillary Rodham Clinton also attended. Clinton was the last candidate Buffett backed publicly because he has shied away from politics and any controversial topic in recent years for fear of hurting Berkshire’s businesses.One investor even camped outside the arena overnight to be first in line.Devan Bisher, 72, said he has faith in Berkshire's future and does not plan to sell the stock he started buying in the 1980s.“It’s been a good train to ride,” Bisher said, “and I’m going to stay with it.”

Warren Buffett shocks shareholders, announces retirement 

NEW YORK (AP) — More U.S. children have died this flu season than at any time since the swine flu pandemic 15 years ago, according to a federal report released Friday.

The 216 pediatric deaths&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-17.html">reported</a>&nbsp;by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eclipse the 207 reported last year. It's the most since the 2009-2010 H1N1 global flu pandemic.

It's a startlingly high number, given that the flu season is still going on. The final pediatric death tally for the 2023-2024 flu season wasn't counted until autumn.

“This number that we have now is almost certainly an undercount, and one that — when the season is declared over, and they compile all the data — it's almost certain to go up,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

There are likely several contributors to this season's severity, but a big one is that fewer children are getting flu shots, added O'Leary, a University of Colorado pediatric infectious diseases specialist.

The flu vaccination rate for U.S. children has plummeted from about 64% five years ago to 49% this season.

Flu vaccinations may not prevent people from coming down with symptoms, but research shows they are highly effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths, O'Leary said.

The season has not only been hard on children. CDC officials have described it as “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-flu-season-cdc-a640e8fe0bffa4a8f6bdbd7ea8e5608a">highly severe</a>,” and estimate that so far there have been at least 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations and 26,000 deaths this season.

CDC officials have information about underlying conditions on nearly 5,200 adults who were hospitalized with flu this season, and 95% had at least one existing health problem. But among 2,000 hospitalized children with more detailed health information, only about 53% had an underlying condition — including asthma and obesity.

The CDC report did not say how many of the children who died were vaccinated. The agency did not make an expert available to talk about the flu season.

The good news is that flu indicators have been waning since February, and last week all&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/usmap.html">50 states</a>&nbsp;were reporting low or minimal flu activity.

The season has seen more of a mix of flu strain circulating than in many other years, with two different Type A strains — H1N1 and H3N2 — causing a lot of infections. But CDC data released earlier this year suggested flu shots were doing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flu-vaccine-shots-kids-brain-complication-af4d9e28952f89f260fb0848ebe80626">a pretty good job</a>&nbsp;at preventing deaths and hospitalizations.

The CDC continues to recommend that everyone ages 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine.

Childhood vaccinations in general have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccinations-kindergarten-exemptions-cdc-1c0f9a196a70491fccf48b9125090de0">declining</a>, driven by online misinformation and the political schism that emerged around COVID-19 vaccines. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also echoed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-measles-vaccine-rhetoric-19552867102b19e6df3ff14ed5030263">some of the rhetoric</a>&nbsp;of antivaccine activists since taking over as the nation's health secretary.

But there may be other reasons fewer children got flu shots this year, O'Leary said.

Many pediatricians offices are understaffed and are not holding as many after-hours vaccination clinics as in the past. Also, more Americans are getting their vaccinations at pharmacies, but some drugstores don’t vaccinate children, he said.

”My hope is that this season will be a bit of wake up call for folks that we actually do need to vaccinate our kids against influenza,” O’Leary said.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746207181552.png" alt="CDC flu map in Mid February 2025" />
 <figcaption>CDC flu map in Mid February 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — More U.S. children have died this flu season than at any time since the swine flu pandemic 15 years ago, according to a federal report released Friday.The 216 pediatric deaths&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-17.html">reported</a>&nbsp;by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eclipse the 207 reported last year. It's the most since the 2009-2010 H1N1 global flu pandemic.It's a startlingly high number, given that the flu season is still going on. The final pediatric death tally for the 2023-2024 flu season wasn't counted until autumn.“This number that we have now is almost certainly an undercount, and one that — when the season is declared over, and they compile all the data — it's almost certain to go up,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, of the American Academy of Pediatrics.There are likely several contributors to this season's severity, but a big one is that fewer children are getting flu shots, added O'Leary, a University of Colorado pediatric infectious diseases specialist.The flu vaccination rate for U.S. children has plummeted from about 64% five years ago to 49% this season.Flu vaccinations may not prevent people from coming down with symptoms, but research shows they are highly effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths, O'Leary said.The season has not only been hard on children. CDC officials have described it as “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-flu-season-cdc-a640e8fe0bffa4a8f6bdbd7ea8e5608a">highly severe</a>,” and estimate that so far there have been at least 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations and 26,000 deaths this season.CDC officials have information about underlying conditions on nearly 5,200 adults who were hospitalized with flu this season, and 95% had at least one existing health problem. But among 2,000 hospitalized children with more detailed health information, only about 53% had an underlying condition — including asthma and obesity.The CDC report did not say how many of the children who died were vaccinated. The agency did not make an expert available to talk about the flu season.The good news is that flu indicators have been waning since February, and last week all&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/usmap.html">50 states</a>&nbsp;were reporting low or minimal flu activity.The season has seen more of a mix of flu strain circulating than in many other years, with two different Type A strains — H1N1 and H3N2 — causing a lot of infections. But CDC data released earlier this year suggested flu shots were doing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flu-vaccine-shots-kids-brain-complication-af4d9e28952f89f260fb0848ebe80626">a pretty good job</a>&nbsp;at preventing deaths and hospitalizations.The CDC continues to recommend that everyone ages 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine.Childhood vaccinations in general have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccinations-kindergarten-exemptions-cdc-1c0f9a196a70491fccf48b9125090de0">declining</a>, driven by online misinformation and the political schism that emerged around COVID-19 vaccines. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also echoed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-measles-vaccine-rhetoric-19552867102b19e6df3ff14ed5030263">some of the rhetoric</a>&nbsp;of antivaccine activists since taking over as the nation's health secretary.But there may be other reasons fewer children got flu shots this year, O'Leary said.Many pediatricians offices are understaffed and are not holding as many after-hours vaccination clinics as in the past. Also, more Americans are getting their vaccinations at pharmacies, but some drugstores don’t vaccinate children, he said.”My hope is that this season will be a bit of wake up call for folks that we actually do need to vaccinate our kids against influenza,” O’Leary said.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

CDC reports increased number of child deaths from flu  

NEW YORK (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;posted an artificial intelligence-generated image of himself dressed as pope as the mourning of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;continues and just days before the conclave to elect his successor is set to begin. Trump's action drew rebukes from a group representing Catholic bishops in New York and among Italians.

The image, shared Friday night on Trump's Truth Social site and later reposted by the White House on its official X account, raised eyebrows on social media and at the Vatican, which is still in the period of nine days of official mourning following Francis' death on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-dead-01ca7d73c3c48d25fd1504ba076e2e2a">April 21</a>. Catholic cardinals have been celebrating daily Masses in his memory and are due to open the conclave to elect his successor on Wednesday.

The death of a pope and election of another is a matter of utmost solemnity for Catholics, for whom the pope is Christ’s vicar on Earth. That is all the more true in Italy, where the papacy is held in high esteem even by nonreligious Italians.

The image featuring Trump in a white cassock and pointed miter, or bishop’s hat, was the topic of several questions during the Vatican’s daily conclave briefing Saturday. Italian and Spanish news reports lamented its poor taste and said it was offensive, given that the period of official mourning is still underway.

Left-leaning former Premier Matteo Renzi said the image was shameful. “This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around,” Renzi wrote on X. “Meanwhile, the U.S. economy risks recession and the dollar loses value. The sovereignists are doing damage, everywhere.”

The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, declined to comment.

In the United States, the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the bishops of the state in working with government, accused Trump of mockery.

“There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NYSCatholicConf/status/1918634983712772173">they wrote.</a>&nbsp;"We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us.”

Italy’s left-leaning La Repubblica also featured the image on its homepage Saturday with a commentary accusing Trump of "pathological megalomania.”

The White House did not immediately respond to questions about the backlash to the image or why the president had shared the image.

But Jack Posobiec, a prominent far-right influencer and Trump ally who recently participated in a Catholic prayer event in March at Trump's Florida resort, defended the president.

"I’m Catholic. We’ve all been making jokes about the upcoming Pope selection all week. It’s called a sense of humor,"&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/jackposobiec/status/1918643358341156894?s=46&amp;t=3i-N0FHmxEr1p3UbjXIyNg">he wrote on X</a>.

The episode comes after Trump joked last week about his interest in the vacancy. “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice," the thrice married president, who is not Catholic, told reporters.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, piled on.

“I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1917331380297478530">Graham, R-S.C., wrote on X</a>. “The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides. Watching for white smoke…. Trump MMXXVIII!”

Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic and was one of the last foreign officials to meet with Francis before the pope died, also&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JDVance/status/1918083148803453334">joked about Secretary of State Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;becoming pope, suggesting Rubio could add it to the long list of titles he holds, including national security adviser and acting archivist.

Beyond floating himself for the job, Trump also has put in a plug for Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York.

“I have no preference. I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out a place called New York who's very good. So we'll see what happens,” he said.

Dolan, 75, is one of 10 U.S. cardinals who will be voting in the conclave, but Trump’s pitch might have cost Dolan support.

The reason conclaves are held in secrecy, with cardinals sequestered for the duration, is to prevent outside secular powers from influencing their choice, as occurred in centuries past.

There is an old saying about campaigning for the job of pope or of being promoted excessively, especially by outsiders: If you “enter a conclave as pope, you leave as a cardinal.”

While Trump attended Francis’ funeral, he and Vance have clashed with U.S. bishops in general and Francis in particular over the administration’s hard line stance on immigration and its efforts to deport migrants en masse. Right before he was hospitalized in February for pneumonia, Francis issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-trump-migration-09a89091f8e7dc3270099f0947d04e90">strong rebuke</a>&nbsp;of the administration's mass deportation plans and Vance's theological justification of it.

Over 12 years as pope, Francis tried to remake the U.S. Catholic hierarchy more in his image, elevating pastors who prioritized social justice and migration issues over culture warriors who were more favored by his more doctrinaire predecessors St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI. A new pope who is more conservative could reverse that effort.

Trump has nominated as his ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch, whose&nbsp;<a href="http://catholicvote.org/">Catholicvote.org</a>&nbsp;has been aggressively covering the pre-conclave days at the Vatican. It was one of the main disseminators in English-speaking media of a report, flatly and officially denied by the Vatican, that Cardinal Pietro Parolin had had a health scare this past week that required medical attention.

Parolin was the secretary of state under Francis and is seen as a leading contender to be pope. He is also the main architect of the Vatican’s China policy and its controversial 2018 deal with Beijing over bishop nominations --&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cea788b88fd2ae4bbef77503ee0c1a85">a deal that the was sharply criticized by the first Trump administration.</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;posted an artificial intelligence-generated image of himself dressed as pope as the mourning of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;continues and just days before the conclave to elect his successor is set to begin. Trump's action drew rebukes from a group representing Catholic bishops in New York and among Italians.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/x2HrR939tn">pic.twitter.com/x2HrR939tn</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1918502592335724809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The image, shared Friday night on Trump's Truth Social site and later reposted by the White House on its official X account, raised eyebrows on social media and at the Vatican, which is still in the period of nine days of official mourning following Francis' death on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-dead-01ca7d73c3c48d25fd1504ba076e2e2a">April 21</a>. Catholic cardinals have been celebrating daily Masses in his memory and are due to open the conclave to elect his successor on Wednesday.The death of a pope and election of another is a matter of utmost solemnity for Catholics, for whom the pope is Christ’s vicar on Earth. That is all the more true in Italy, where the papacy is held in high esteem even by nonreligious Italians.The image featuring Trump in a white cassock and pointed miter, or bishop’s hat, was the topic of several questions during the Vatican’s daily conclave briefing Saturday. Italian and Spanish news reports lamented its poor taste and said it was offensive, given that the period of official mourning is still underway.Left-leaning former Premier Matteo Renzi said the image was shameful. “This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around,” Renzi wrote on X. “Meanwhile, the U.S. economy risks recession and the dollar loses value. The sovereignists are doing damage, everywhere.”The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, declined to comment.In the United States, the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the bishops of the state in working with government, accused Trump of mockery.“There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NYSCatholicConf/status/1918634983712772173">they wrote.</a>&nbsp;"We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us.”Italy’s left-leaning La Repubblica also featured the image on its homepage Saturday with a commentary accusing Trump of "pathological megalomania.”The White House did not immediately respond to questions about the backlash to the image or why the president had shared the image.But Jack Posobiec, a prominent far-right influencer and Trump ally who recently participated in a Catholic prayer event in March at Trump's Florida resort, defended the president."I’m Catholic. We’ve all been making jokes about the upcoming Pope selection all week. It’s called a sense of humor,"&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/jackposobiec/status/1918643358341156894?s=46&amp;t=3i-N0FHmxEr1p3UbjXIyNg">he wrote on X</a>.The episode comes after Trump joked last week about his interest in the vacancy. “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice," the thrice married president, who is not Catholic, told reporters.Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, piled on.“I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1917331380297478530">Graham, R-S.C., wrote on X</a>. “The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides. Watching for white smoke…. Trump MMXXVIII!”Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic and was one of the last foreign officials to meet with Francis before the pope died, also&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JDVance/status/1918083148803453334">joked about Secretary of State Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;becoming pope, suggesting Rubio could add it to the long list of titles he holds, including national security adviser and acting archivist.Beyond floating himself for the job, Trump also has put in a plug for Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York.“I have no preference. I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out a place called New York who's very good. So we'll see what happens,” he said.Dolan, 75, is one of 10 U.S. cardinals who will be voting in the conclave, but Trump’s pitch might have cost Dolan support.The reason conclaves are held in secrecy, with cardinals sequestered for the duration, is to prevent outside secular powers from influencing their choice, as occurred in centuries past.There is an old saying about campaigning for the job of pope or of being promoted excessively, especially by outsiders: If you “enter a conclave as pope, you leave as a cardinal.”While Trump attended Francis’ funeral, he and Vance have clashed with U.S. bishops in general and Francis in particular over the administration’s hard line stance on immigration and its efforts to deport migrants en masse. Right before he was hospitalized in February for pneumonia, Francis issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-trump-migration-09a89091f8e7dc3270099f0947d04e90">strong rebuke</a>&nbsp;of the administration's mass deportation plans and Vance's theological justification of it.Over 12 years as pope, Francis tried to remake the U.S. Catholic hierarchy more in his image, elevating pastors who prioritized social justice and migration issues over culture warriors who were more favored by his more doctrinaire predecessors St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI. A new pope who is more conservative could reverse that effort.Trump has nominated as his ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch, whose&nbsp;<a href="http://catholicvote.org/">Catholicvote.org</a>&nbsp;has been aggressively covering the pre-conclave days at the Vatican. It was one of the main disseminators in English-speaking media of a report, flatly and officially denied by the Vatican, that Cardinal Pietro Parolin had had a health scare this past week that required medical attention.Parolin was the secretary of state under Francis and is seen as a leading contender to be pope. He is also the main architect of the Vatican’s China policy and its controversial 2018 deal with Beijing over bishop nominations --&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cea788b88fd2ae4bbef77503ee0c1a85">a deal that the was sharply criticized by the first Trump administration.</a>___ Winfield reported from Vatican City.

Trump draws criticism with AI image of himself as pope ahead of the papal conclave

KANSAS CITY —Family and the community honored the life of Kansas City paramedic Graham Hoffman during a funeral service on Friday afternoon. Hoffman was&nbsp;killed in the line of duty last weekend.

The Kansas City Fire Department released a statement from Fire Chief Ross Grundyson on the tragic death of firefighter paramedic.

"I would like to start by giving my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Firefighter Graham Hoffman. This is a tragic loss for the family, the department, and the community. Graham was an outstanding Firefighter Paramedic, but more importantly a good person. Kind, caring, compassionate, and dedicated, Graham gave his all to this department and to the community he served."

"Graham made the ultimate sacrifice. We are eternally grateful for having known him and for having served with him."

"A line of duty death is a devastating event for a department and the mental health of our members is essential. KCFD members are encouraged to use the resources available to them. The Local 42CARES program provides invaluable resources for our members as well as having the city’s EAP program at their disposal.&nbsp; Beyond that we encourage our members to lean on one another and their chain of command during these tough times. KCFD is a family, and we are going through this together."

"This is a tragic event. Like all incidents where a KCFD member is significantly injured or killed we will review the incident and the circumstances involved to determine what, if any, changes can be made to internal policies and procedures."

"KCFD operates on three principles, Life Safety, Property Conservation, and Incident Mitigation. Life safety includes the safety of our members."

"Over the coming weeks I will work with the leadership of locals 42 and 3808, members of our department, and the Kansas City Police Department to solicit and evaluate suggestions for expanded safety measures. There is not a simple solution to this complex issue. The rights of our members to have a safe working environment relative to the nature of the work we do, and the rights of the citizens we serve, both must be considered and respected. Because it is a difficult challenge does not mean we do not face it. KCFD deals with difficult situations and challenges every day, and every day we produce successful outcomes. KCFD is full of bright, innovative, creative minds, and together we will work to make our job better and as safe as we can."

"To our elected officials, local, state, and nationally we appreciate your commitment to our safety. KCFD stands ready to work with you to provide insight into the work we do and the challenges we face."

"The Kansas City Fire Department lost an outstanding firefighter paramedic and an even better human being. Our department and our community are hurting. Let us remember him and honor the legacy he leaves behind."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746283159623.png" alt="Fire Chief Ross Grundyson during the funeral on Friday" />
 <figcaption>Fire Chief Ross Grundyson during the funeral on Friday</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Family and the community honored the life of Kansas City paramedic Graham Hoffman during a funeral service on Friday afternoon. Hoffman was&nbsp;killed in the line of duty last weekend.The Kansas City Fire Department released a statement from Fire Chief Ross Grundyson on the tragic death of firefighter paramedic."I would like to start by giving my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Firefighter Graham Hoffman. This is a tragic loss for the family, the department, and the community. Graham was an outstanding Firefighter Paramedic, but more importantly a good person. Kind, caring, compassionate, and dedicated, Graham gave his all to this department and to the community he served."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745790431024.png" alt="Graham Hoffman courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Graham Hoffman courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"Graham made the ultimate sacrifice. We are eternally grateful for having known him and for having served with him.""A line of duty death is a devastating event for a department and the mental health of our members is essential. KCFD members are encouraged to use the resources available to them. The Local 42CARES program provides invaluable resources for our members as well as having the city’s EAP program at their disposal.&nbsp; Beyond that we encourage our members to lean on one another and their chain of command during these tough times. KCFD is a family, and we are going through this together.""This is a tragic event. Like all incidents where a KCFD member is significantly injured or killed we will review the incident and the circumstances involved to determine what, if any, changes can be made to internal policies and procedures."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746287664280.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>"KCFD operates on three principles, Life Safety, Property Conservation, and Incident Mitigation. Life safety includes the safety of our members.""Over the coming weeks I will work with the leadership of locals 42 and 3808, members of our department, and the Kansas City Police Department to solicit and evaluate suggestions for expanded safety measures. There is not a simple solution to this complex issue. The rights of our members to have a safe working environment relative to the nature of the work we do, and the rights of the citizens we serve, both must be considered and respected. Because it is a difficult challenge does not mean we do not face it. KCFD deals with difficult situations and challenges every day, and every day we produce successful outcomes. KCFD is full of bright, innovative, creative minds, and together we will work to make our job better and as safe as we can.""To our elected officials, local, state, and nationally we appreciate your commitment to our safety. KCFD stands ready to work with you to provide insight into the work we do and the challenges we face.""The Kansas City Fire Department lost an outstanding firefighter paramedic and an even better human being. Our department and our community are hurting. Let us remember him and honor the legacy he leaves behind."Respectfully,Ross Grundyson, Chief KCFD

Community honors KC firefighter who died in the line of duty 

JOHNSON COUNTY —Police conducting a homicide investigation in Olathe have identified the victim as 75-year-old Karen M. Peterson of Olathe, according to Police Sergeant John Moncayo.

Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of North Persimmon Drive in Olathe to check the welfare of a woman, according to&nbsp;Officer Sean Wilkes.

At the home, first responders found Peterson deceased inside the residence.&nbsp;A suspect has been taken into custody.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Police conducting a homicide investigation in Olathe have identified the victim as 75-year-old Karen M. Peterson of Olathe, according to Police Sergeant John Moncayo.Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of North Persimmon Drive in Olathe to check the welfare of a woman, according to&nbsp;Officer Sean Wilkes.At the home, first responders found Peterson deceased inside the residence.&nbsp;A suspect has been taken into custody.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

Homicide: Police ID 75-year-old Kan. woman found dead in her home

NASHVILLE (AP) — Authorities in Tennessee have released video of a 2022 traffic stop involving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">Kilmar Abrego Garcia</a>, the Maryland construction worker who became the face of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-deportation-poll-el-salvador-81f8040599b9c585554678371e12ed5a">U.S. immigration policy</a>&nbsp;after his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-deportation-maryland-man-trump-error-818a0fa1218de714448edcb5be1f7347">erroneous deportation to El Salvador</a>.

The body-camera footage shows a calm and friendly exchange between officers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Abrego Garcia. He was pulled over for speeding in a vehicle with eight passengers and said they'd been working in Missouri.

Officers then discussed among themselves their suspicions of human trafficking because nine people were traveling without luggage. One of the officers said: “He's hauling these people for money.” Another said he had $1,400 in an envelope.

Abrego Garcia was never charged with a crime, while the officers allowed him to drive on with only a warning about an expired driver's license, according to a report about the stop released last month by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The report said he was traveling from Texas to Maryland, via Missouri, to bring in people to perform construction work.

The Trump administration has been publicizing Abrego Garcia’s interactions with police over the years, despite a lack of corresponding criminal charges, while it faces a federal court order and calls from some in Congress to return him to the U.S.

An attorney for Abrego Garcia, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, said in a statement Friday that he saw no evidence of a crime in the released footage.

“But the point is not the traffic stop — it’s that Mr. Abrego Garcia deserves his day in court. Bring him back to the United States,” Sandoval-Moshenberg said.

When details of the Tennessee traffic stop were first publicized, Abrego Garcia’s wife said he sometimes transported groups of fellow construction workers between job sites.

“Unfortunately, Kilmar is currently imprisoned without contact with the outside world, which means he cannot respond to the claims,” Jennifer Vasquez Sura said in mid-April.

Abergo Garcia fled his native El Salvador to the U.S. when he was 16 and lived in Maryland for roughly 14 years, court documents state. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported him in March to a Salvadoran prison over a 2019 accusation that he was in the MS-13 gang.

Police in Maryland&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">had identified</a>&nbsp;Abrego Garcia as an MS-13 gang member based on his tattoos, Chicago Bulls hoodie and the word of a criminal informant. But he was never charged. His lawyers say the informant claimed Abrego Garcia was in an MS-13 chapter in New York, where he’s never lived.

Abrego Garcia's expulsion to El Salvador also violated a U.S. immigration judge's order in 2019 that shielded him from deportation to his native country. The judge had determined that Abrego Garcia would likely face persecution there by local gangs that had terrorized him and his family.

After Abrego Garcia's family filed a lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered the Trump administration to return Abrego Garcia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-deportation-maryland-man-trump-617bfac0e54b241fa2f54783bdf08628">on April 4</a>. The Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-deportation-trump-9f46dd62890befdc321ed1ab56107470">ruled April 10</a>&nbsp;that the administration must work to bring him back.

Xinis then lambasted a government lawyer who couldn’t explain what, if anything, the Trump administration has done. She ordered officials to provide sworn testimony and other information to document their efforts.

The Trump administration appealed. But a federal appeals court backed Xinis’ order for information in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abrego-garcia-trump-maryland-el-salvador-2090f0dd508bbc3d2f60845842af27b4">a blistering ruling</a>. The case is ongoing.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump acknowledged to ABC News on Tuesday that he could call El Salvador’s president and have Abrego Garcia sent back. But Trump doubled down on his claims that Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang.

Attorney Sandoval-Moshenberg said Friday that Abrego Garcia should be able to answer the allegations himself before the U.S. immigration judge who heard his case in 2019.

“I have represented Kilmar Abrego Garcia for more than a month, and this bodycam video is the first time I’ve heard his voice,” Sandoval-Moshenberg said. “He has been denied the most basic protections of due process — no phone call to his lawyer, no call to his wife or child, and no opportunity to be heard.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744939426163.png" alt="U.S. Senator Chis Van Hollen with with Garcia in El Salvador in March" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senator Chis Van Hollen with with Garcia in El Salvador in March</figcaption>
 </figure>By BEN FINLEY and TRAVIS LOLLER&nbsp;NASHVILLE (AP) — Authorities in Tennessee have released video of a 2022 traffic stop involving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">Kilmar Abrego Garcia</a>, the Maryland construction worker who became the face of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-deportation-poll-el-salvador-81f8040599b9c585554678371e12ed5a">U.S. immigration policy</a>&nbsp;after his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-deportation-maryland-man-trump-error-818a0fa1218de714448edcb5be1f7347">erroneous deportation to El Salvador</a>.The body-camera footage shows a calm and friendly exchange between officers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Abrego Garcia. He was pulled over for speeding in a vehicle with eight passengers and said they'd been working in Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746223900563.png" alt="Kilmar Abrego Garcia as seen body cam video released by the Tennessee Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Kilmar Abrego Garcia as seen body cam video released by the Tennessee Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers then discussed among themselves their suspicions of human trafficking because nine people were traveling without luggage. One of the officers said: “He's hauling these people for money.” Another said he had $1,400 in an envelope.Abrego Garcia was never charged with a crime, while the officers allowed him to drive on with only a warning about an expired driver's license, according to a report about the stop released last month by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The report said he was traveling from Texas to Maryland, via Missouri, to bring in people to perform construction work.The Trump administration has been publicizing Abrego Garcia’s interactions with police over the years, despite a lack of corresponding criminal charges, while it faces a federal court order and calls from some in Congress to return him to the U.S.An attorney for Abrego Garcia, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, said in a statement Friday that he saw no evidence of a crime in the released footage.“But the point is not the traffic stop — it’s that Mr. Abrego Garcia deserves his day in court. Bring him back to the United States,” Sandoval-Moshenberg said.When details of the Tennessee traffic stop were first publicized, Abrego Garcia’s wife said he sometimes transported groups of fellow construction workers between job sites.“Unfortunately, Kilmar is currently imprisoned without contact with the outside world, which means he cannot respond to the claims,” Jennifer Vasquez Sura said in mid-April.Abergo Garcia fled his native El Salvador to the U.S. when he was 16 and lived in Maryland for roughly 14 years, court documents state. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported him in March to a Salvadoran prison over a 2019 accusation that he was in the MS-13 gang.Police in Maryland&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-abrego-garcia-e1b2af6528f915a1f0ec60f9a1c73cdd">had identified</a>&nbsp;Abrego Garcia as an MS-13 gang member based on his tattoos, Chicago Bulls hoodie and the word of a criminal informant. But he was never charged. His lawyers say the informant claimed Abrego Garcia was in an MS-13 chapter in New York, where he’s never lived.Abrego Garcia's expulsion to El Salvador also violated a U.S. immigration judge's order in 2019 that shielded him from deportation to his native country. The judge had determined that Abrego Garcia would likely face persecution there by local gangs that had terrorized him and his family.After Abrego Garcia's family filed a lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered the Trump administration to return Abrego Garcia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-deportation-maryland-man-trump-617bfac0e54b241fa2f54783bdf08628">on April 4</a>. The Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-maryland-deportation-trump-9f46dd62890befdc321ed1ab56107470">ruled April 10</a>&nbsp;that the administration must work to bring him back.Xinis then lambasted a government lawyer who couldn’t explain what, if anything, the Trump administration has done. She ordered officials to provide sworn testimony and other information to document their efforts.The Trump administration appealed. But a federal appeals court backed Xinis’ order for information in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abrego-garcia-trump-maryland-el-salvador-2090f0dd508bbc3d2f60845842af27b4">a blistering ruling</a>. The case is ongoing.Meanwhile, President Donald Trump acknowledged to ABC News on Tuesday that he could call El Salvador’s president and have Abrego Garcia sent back. But Trump doubled down on his claims that Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang.Attorney Sandoval-Moshenberg said Friday that Abrego Garcia should be able to answer the allegations himself before the U.S. immigration judge who heard his case in 2019.“I have represented Kilmar Abrego Garcia for more than a month, and this bodycam video is the first time I’ve heard his voice,” Sandoval-Moshenberg said. “He has been denied the most basic protections of due process — no phone call to his lawyer, no call to his wife or child, and no opportunity to be heard.”

Police release video of Kilmar Abrego Garcia traffic stop in 2022

Names of Deputy Glenn Curtiss, Detective Charles Meeks added to state’s memorial

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

TOPEKA — Sarah Meeks said she was the one expected to perish in the head-on collision during a late-evening rainstorm on US-54 in southwest Kansas.

When an elderly motorist drifted across the yellow line at 9 p.m. May 5, 1976, about 2 miles east of Bucklin, Sarah Meeks woke up just in time to see blur of the oncoming car’s rapidly approaching headlights. Force of the impact threw her into the windshield and caused extensive head trauma. Her husband, Derby Police Department Detective Charles Meeks, initially was treated for a broken arm and shattered leg. But, tragically, Charles Meeks passed away four days later. His wife survived.

“I was the one who was supposed to be dead,” Sarah Meeks said. “When they did the autopsy, they found it was a brain bleed that did him in.”

Sarah Meeks recounted those harrowing moments Friday after the annual service in Topeka honoring men and women who had their names carved into the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial on the Capitol grounds.

The 307th and 308th names etched into the circular memorial were that of Meeks, who died at age 34 while driving to a firearms competition as a representative of the police department, and Leavenworth County Deputy Sheriff Glenn Curtiss, who was shot and killed at age 26 during a scuffle with the suspect in an Oct. 29, 1924, bank robbery in Linwood.

Gov. Laura Kelly and Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, spoke of the state’s good fortune that no names would be added to pay tribute to law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice during 2024.

“Today, we’re fortunate that for the first time in several years we’re not mourning new line-of-duty deaths in Kansas. That is a blessing,” she said. “But it does not change the solemn responsibility we have to remember those that did give their lives. To all families of fallen officers, you carry a burden few can understand.”

Kelly said the service acknowledged courage demonstrated by law enforcement officers who responded to crimes, of course, but also intervened when people were stricken by mental illness, addiction, homelessness and other challenges evident in society.

The death of Meeks and Curtiss were memorialized in speech, prayer and song. A pipe and drum corps’ offered a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” A line of officers delivered the traditional 21-volley salute. More than 100 uniformed law enforcement officers from Kansas stood at attention on the memorial’s perimeter.

Mattivi, representing the KBI, said Kansans had a duty to recognize women and men who lost their lives while engaged in work to protect communities.

“We mourn the officers whose lives were cut short. We remember their sacrifices in the name of justice.” Mattivi said. “We promise to stand together as brothers and sisters in blue and do everything possible to avoid other senseless tragedies. To each of you, who stand in the same line of fire and risk your lives every single day, thank you.”

Sarah Meeks and her son, Charles, who was 9 years old when the detective died, joined other families in placing flowers on the memorial wall where names of the deceased reside. Both wife and son appreciated the opportunity, after nearly half a century, to take part in the commemoration of lives lost.

“We’ve been to Washington, D.C., and seen the name on the monument there,” Sarah Meeks said. “This is great. He always wanted to be in law enforcement.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746230488562.png" alt=" Family members of Kansas law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty are led to the annual memorial service Friday at the Capitol by Kansas Highway Patrol Col. Erik Smith, Gov. Laura Kelly and Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Tony Mattivi, standing left to right. Sarah Meeks, left in red, was wife of the late Derby Police Department Detective Charles Meeks, who died in a traffic accident in 1976. His name was added this year to the state monument. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Family members of Kansas law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty are led to the annual memorial service Friday at the Capitol by Kansas Highway Patrol Col. Erik Smith, Gov. Laura Kelly and Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Tony Mattivi, standing left to right. Sarah Meeks, left in red, was wife of the late Derby Police Department Detective Charles Meeks, who died in a traffic accident in 1976. His name was added this year to the state monument. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Names of Deputy Glenn Curtiss, Detective Charles Meeks added to state’s memorial</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Sarah Meeks said she was the one expected to perish in the head-on collision during a late-evening rainstorm on US-54 in southwest Kansas.When an elderly motorist drifted across the yellow line at 9 p.m. May 5, 1976, about 2 miles east of Bucklin, Sarah Meeks woke up just in time to see blur of the oncoming car’s rapidly approaching headlights. Force of the impact threw her into the windshield and caused extensive head trauma. Her husband, Derby Police Department Detective Charles Meeks, initially was treated for a broken arm and shattered leg. But, tragically, Charles Meeks passed away four days later. His wife survived.“I was the one who was supposed to be dead,” Sarah Meeks said. “When they did the autopsy, they found it was a brain bleed that did him in.”Sarah Meeks recounted those harrowing moments Friday after the annual service in Topeka honoring men and women who had their names carved into the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial on the Capitol grounds.The 307th and 308th names etched into the circular memorial were that of Meeks, who died at age 34 while driving to a firearms competition as a representative of the police department, and Leavenworth County Deputy Sheriff Glenn Curtiss, who was shot and killed at age 26 during a scuffle with the suspect in an Oct. 29, 1924, bank robbery in Linwood.Gov. Laura Kelly and Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, spoke of the state’s good fortune that no names would be added to pay tribute to law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice during 2024.“Today, we’re fortunate that for the first time in several years we’re not mourning new line-of-duty deaths in Kansas. That is a blessing,” she said. “But it does not change the solemn responsibility we have to remember those that did give their lives. To all families of fallen officers, you carry a burden few can understand.”Kelly said the service acknowledged courage demonstrated by law enforcement officers who responded to crimes, of course, but also intervened when people were stricken by mental illness, addiction, homelessness and other challenges evident in society.The death of Meeks and Curtiss were memorialized in speech, prayer and song. A pipe and drum corps’ offered a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” A line of officers delivered the traditional 21-volley salute. More than 100 uniformed law enforcement officers from Kansas stood at attention on the memorial’s perimeter.Mattivi, representing the KBI, said Kansans had a duty to recognize women and men who lost their lives while engaged in work to protect communities.“We mourn the officers whose lives were cut short. We remember their sacrifices in the name of justice.” Mattivi said. “We promise to stand together as brothers and sisters in blue and do everything possible to avoid other senseless tragedies. To each of you, who stand in the same line of fire and risk your lives every single day, thank you.”Sarah Meeks and her son, Charles, who was 9 years old when the detective died, joined other families in placing flowers on the memorial wall where names of the deceased reside. Both wife and son appreciated the opportunity, after nearly half a century, to take part in the commemoration of lives lost.“We’ve been to Washington, D.C., and seen the name on the monument there,” Sarah Meeks said. “This is great. He always wanted to be in law enforcement.”

Kansas honors pair of law enforcement officers killed decades ago, but not to be forgotten

BROWN COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 5p.m. Friday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by David A. Koch, 63, Sabetha, was traveling on U.S. 36 one half mile east of Goldfinch Road. The motorcycle crossed the center line and struck a 2011 GMC Sierra driven by Timothy J.&nbsp;Rottinghaus, 61, Baileyville.

Koch and a passenger Odetta L. Koch, 62, Sabetha, were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Popkess Funeral Home.

&nbsp;Rottinghaus and a passenger in the pickup were properly restrained not injured. The KHP released no additional details.

BROWN COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 5p.m. Friday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by David A. Koch, 63, Sabetha, was traveling on U.S. 36 one half mile east of Goldfinch Road. The motorcycle crossed the center line and struck a 2011 GMC Sierra driven by Timothy J.&nbsp;Rottinghaus, 61, Baileyville.Koch and a passenger Odetta L. Koch, 62, Sabetha, were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Popkess Funeral Home.&nbsp;Rottinghaus and a passenger in the pickup were properly restrained not injured. The KHP released no additional details.

Kansas couple dead after motorcycle, pickup crash

Viewers in Kansas know Aisa Cymone Smith as the dynamic weekend sports anchor and sport reporter for KSN News 3. Most often found on the sidelines of football fields or courtside at basketball games, Smith is now making headlines herself, this time, as Miss Kansas USA 2025.

Born and raised in San Diego, Smith has called Wichita home for over two years. Since joining KSN, she’s transitioned from general news into full-time sports, a field where she’s building both her career and a legacy.

“Being on the sidelines has been a dream, but now I have the opportunity to stand on a different kind of stage,” Smith said during a recent interview on the BW Morning Show. “Competing for Miss Kansas USA was a way for me to return to my roots in pageantry and amplify my platform for women in sports broadcasting.”

Smith has been involved in pageantry since age 12, a pursuit she says built her confidence and prepared her for a life in front of the camera. Although she took a break during college, her recent return led to a state crown and a new mission.

“I didn’t compete in a local pageant. I went at-large and chose to represent East Wichita,” she said. “Now, I’ll compete for Miss USA later this year — and if I win that, it’s on to Miss Universe.”

The date and location for Miss USA have yet to be announced, but Smith said preparation is already in full swing. In the meantime, she’s focused on deepening her community engagement through mentorship and service.

Her mentorship initiative, Girls Talk Game, supports women pursuing careers in sports media — a field where women remain underrepresented, particularly in leadership roles. Smith hopes to change that.

“I want to be the mentor I didn’t always have,” she said. “A lot of girls don’t know where to start. I want to give them that starting point — to show them they belong.”

Smith brings more than encouragement — she brings experience. A former competitive cheerleader and track athlete, she ran collegiately at San Diego State and the University of Florida, where she earned her master’s degree and was part of an NCAA championship-winning team.

Beyond broadcasting, Smith is currently writing a children’s book titled There’s No One Like Me, inspired by her mother, who developed vitiligo more than a decade ago. The story aims to teach kids about diversity, acceptance, and the beauty in being different.

“She struggled with how people looked at her,” Smith said. “I wanted to create something that helps children understand skin differences and learn not to judge people by appearance.”

In addition to her work at KSN and with Girls Talk Game, Smith also volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas, serves as a mentor and "big," and is involved with the Miracle League of Wichita, supporting adaptive sports for youth with disabilities.

“Being Miss Kansas USA isn’t just about the crown,” she said. “It’s about using the platform to serve, to uplift, and to represent the people of this state with pride.”

As she prepares for Miss USA and juggles her roles in sports, service, and storytelling, Smith is focused on one mission: making space for others — particularly women — to follow in her footsteps.

“Pageants and sports might seem like opposites,” she said. “But I’m proof you can love both — and succeed in both.”

If you are interested in Girls Talk Game you can find more information <a href="https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkgame?igsh=MXFqeW5maHQ5cGJwNw%3D%3D&amp;utm_source=qr">here.</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746200742312.jpeg" alt="Asia Cymone Smith - Photo courtesy Will Patterson&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Asia Cymone Smith - Photo courtesy Will Patterson&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;Viewers in Kansas know Aisa Cymone Smith as the dynamic weekend sports anchor and sport reporter for KSN News 3. Most often found on the sidelines of football fields or courtside at basketball games, Smith is now making headlines herself, this time, as Miss Kansas USA 2025.Born and raised in San Diego, Smith has called Wichita home for over two years. Since joining KSN, she’s transitioned from general news into full-time sports, a field where she’s building both her career and a legacy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746200618081.jpeg" alt="Asia Cymone Smith - Photo Courtesy Will Patterson&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Asia Cymone Smith - Photo Courtesy Will Patterson&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“Being on the sidelines has been a dream, but now I have the opportunity to stand on a different kind of stage,” Smith said during a recent interview on the BW Morning Show. “Competing for Miss Kansas USA was a way for me to return to my roots in pageantry and amplify my platform for women in sports broadcasting.”Smith has been involved in pageantry since age 12, a pursuit she says built her confidence and prepared her for a life in front of the camera. Although she took a break during college, her recent return led to a state crown and a new mission.“I didn’t compete in a local pageant. I went at-large and chose to represent East Wichita,” she said. “Now, I’ll compete for Miss USA later this year — and if I win that, it’s on to Miss Universe.”The date and location for Miss USA have yet to be announced, but Smith said preparation is already in full swing. In the meantime, she’s focused on deepening her community engagement through mentorship and service.Her mentorship initiative, Girls Talk Game, supports women pursuing careers in sports media — a field where women remain underrepresented, particularly in leadership roles. Smith hopes to change that.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746200567604.png" alt="Girls Talk Game" />
 <figcaption>Girls Talk Game</figcaption>
 </figure>“I want to be the mentor I didn’t always have,” she said. “A lot of girls don’t know where to start. I want to give them that starting point — to show them they belong.”Smith brings more than encouragement — she brings experience. A former competitive cheerleader and track athlete, she ran collegiately at San Diego State and the University of Florida, where she earned her master’s degree and was part of an NCAA championship-winning team.Beyond broadcasting, Smith is currently writing a children’s book titled There’s No One Like Me, inspired by her mother, who developed vitiligo more than a decade ago. The story aims to teach kids about diversity, acceptance, and the beauty in being different.“She struggled with how people looked at her,” Smith said. “I wanted to create something that helps children understand skin differences and learn not to judge people by appearance.”In addition to her work at KSN and with Girls Talk Game, Smith also volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas, serves as a mentor and "big," and is involved with the Miracle League of Wichita, supporting adaptive sports for youth with disabilities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746200707128.jpeg" alt="Asia Cymone Smith - Photo courtesy Will Patterson&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Asia Cymone Smith - Photo courtesy Will Patterson&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“Being Miss Kansas USA isn’t just about the crown,” she said. “It’s about using the platform to serve, to uplift, and to represent the people of this state with pride.”As she prepares for Miss USA and juggles her roles in sports, service, and storytelling, Smith is focused on one mission: making space for others — particularly women — to follow in her footsteps.“Pageants and sports might seem like opposites,” she said. “But I’m proof you can love both — and succeed in both.”If you are interested in Girls Talk Game you can find more information <a href="https://www.instagram.com/girlstalkgame?igsh=MXFqeW5maHQ5cGJwNw%3D%3D&amp;utm_source=qr">here.</a>&nbsp;

Aisa Cymone Smith takes on new title as Miss Kansas USA 2025

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a encounter at a Kansas residence.

On May 1,&nbsp;members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Shawnee County Drug Task Force, served a search warrant in 200 Block of SE Swygart Street in Topeka related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police&nbsp;LT Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located cocaine,&nbsp;marijuana,  firearms and drug paraphernalia. As part of the investigation, it was discovered there were signs of animal cruelty, cockfight occurring. Officers seized a total of 28 animals.

As a result, Israel Hernandez-Zavala, 40 years of age, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Unlawful conduct of cockfighting, Unlawful possession of cockfighting paraphernalia, Cruelty to animals, Unlawful discharge of firearms in the city limits, Distribution of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Distribute or possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transaction, Possession of cocaine, Kansas drug tax Arrest warrants (4)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746223211611.png" alt="Hernandez-Zavala photo Shawnee&nbsp; County" />
 <figcaption>Hernandez-Zavala photo Shawnee&nbsp; County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a encounter at a Kansas residence.On May 1,&nbsp;members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Shawnee County Drug Task Force, served a search warrant in 200 Block of SE Swygart Street in Topeka related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police&nbsp;LT Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrant, officers located cocaine,&nbsp;marijuana, firearms and drug paraphernalia. As part of the investigation, it was discovered there were signs of animal cruelty, cockfight occurring. Officers seized a total of 28 animals.As a result, Israel Hernandez-Zavala, 40 years of age, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Unlawful conduct of cockfighting, Unlawful possession of cockfighting paraphernalia, Cruelty to animals, Unlawful discharge of firearms in the city limits, Distribution of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Distribute or possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transaction, Possession of cocaine, Kansas drug tax Arrest warrants (4)

Police discover cockfighting operation at Kansas home

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A 7-year-old boy remains in critical condition after an incident at a hotel pool in Wichita.

Just after 9:30p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a hotel in the 7300 block of E. Kellogg in Wichita, in response to a reported drowning, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Sedgwick County EMS and the Wichita Fire Department arrived and began life-saving measures on the boy. 

EMS&nbsp; transported him to a local hospital in critical condition. Preliminary investigation indicates the child was playing in the pool when he went underwater and became unresponsive. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746220803574.png" alt="First responders at the hotel on Thursday photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the hotel on Thursday photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A 7-year-old boy remains in critical condition after an incident at a hotel pool in Wichita.Just after 9:30p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a hotel in the 7300 block of E. Kellogg in Wichita, in response to a reported drowning, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.Sedgwick County EMS and the Wichita Fire Department arrived and began life-saving measures on the boy. EMS&nbsp; transported him to a local hospital in critical condition. Preliminary investigation indicates the child was playing in the pool when he went underwater and became unresponsive. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.